Crisp

Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

I want to start this blog with a BIG thank you. Thank you to everyone who visits and reads my posts. Thank you for telling me you have made some of my recipes and LOVED them. Thank you for keeping me motivated to continue writing and living a healthy lifestyle! I really appreciate all of the support and love seeing the numbers go up with each new post!

Friday I was reunited with all my favorites where I was informed my blog's background looked like a grandma's wall paper combined with toilet paper design. HA! So, lucky for all of you guys I won't put you through that misery anymore. I am in marketing and can fully appreciate how a package looks. If you don't like the look of the package what is going to make you buy it (or in this case read it)? I also shared my love of vodka, water and lemon. Most girls order vodka and diet or vodka and soda water to cut calories. Well, in my opinion I hate drinking soda and carbonation makes me feel bloated and who wants a tummy when they are out on the town? Try ordering vodka, water and lemon. Add one packet of splenda (4 calories) and you will never go back! Trust me.

Is it just me or do cloudy, dark and dreary days make you lazy? Saturday was so miserable outside I couldn't even get motivated to go to the gym. I would rather shut all the curtains in the house and crank up some Bob Marley and pretend I am on an island somewhere... But, I was able to make a delicious brunch that didn't involve the word oatmeal. I made a veggie egg white omlette and whole wheat protein pancake (was supposed to be a waffle but the batter turned out too thin). Just another morning where I was re-informed that I stink at making pancakes (i photoed the best looking one).

Nom nom nom! Lately I have been thinking a lot about how eating healthier and working out makes you feel better. Better about your habits, better about your body and maybe even better in your relationship. But have you ever given thought to how being supportive and less critical helps you feel better as a whole? I am a huge fan of women supporting women. Some might call it "womance". Try going out of your way this week to call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile, send a card to one of your friends who just moved or got engaged, or make a dinner date on Friday rather than hitting the town. Maybe it's just me or maybe it's the sex and the city marathon I am watching, but I don't know one girl who doesn't want a closer relationship with at least one girl in her life.

I also learned this while watching SATC... Flirtini - one part pineapple juice, one part vodka, one part champagne. Try serving this at your next dinner party, I definitely will.

Today at the gym I ran 2.5 miles. I like to use the word "run" loosely...I only go 5.4-6 mph. I walked for 5, ran at a 5.4 pace for 10, amped it up to 6 for the last 10 and walked for another 5. Breakfast was a banana protein shake and lunch some hummus and pretzel thins. Dinner and dessert was on my to-do list!

Lemon Pepper Tilapia:
2 tilapia filets
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
4 slices lemon
cooking spray

Directions:
Spray pan with cooking spray. Add tilapia and top with seasoning and 2 slices of lemon per fish. Cook on medium until your liking. Done!

Now, on to my favorite new side dish!

Garlic Parm Cauliflower Mash:
1/2 head of cauliflower
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 6 tablespoons of the cooking liquid and then drain well and transfer cauliflower, garlic and parmesan to a food processor. Add oil and reserved water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and puree until smooth. (I used my blender). Season with salt and pepper and serve. Seriously, soooo good! Your serving size is enormous and it is only 110 calories per serving (2).

Next, dessert!

Apple Crisp for One:
1 apple sliced
1 tablespoon melted butter (i used i can't believe its not butter light)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon oats
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon honey
sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:
Place sliced apples in a small cooking dish. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon and top apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 mintues. Drizzle with honey. This dessert is around 160 calories.

pre-oven

post-oven

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend

I don't have just one best friend. Honestly. I consider myself lucky to have so many close girlfriends. Although, I do think I attract Rachels and Brittanys in my life. Here are a couple photos of some close girl-friends.

Day 10: Something you’re afraid of

My biggest fear in life is dying. I know it is silly and inevitable but it is something I truly am afraid of. That and heights, but I am working on getting over that one.

This upcoming week is vegan week. Although I don't think I will be able to keep up with it all week I am going to go vegan for at least 3 days. Maybe you will see things you like and make the change!

Time to eat my dessert!
xoxo,
Cara