Stuff Me Baby

mmmm just look at that melty cheesy goodness!!

Originally I had found a recipe for feta and spinach turkey burgers that I was dying to try... apparently that wasn't the only thing dying. My bag of spinach didn't make it during the move!

But, when you have lemons... make lemonade! So rather than pouting or running out to the store I rummaged through my packed fridge to see what I had on hand. 97% organic beef, lite mozzarella, grape tomatoes and garlic herb feta were found... and that my friends is when I came up with this mouth watering recipe! You are definitely going to want to make this!

What you need:
Ground beef of your choice - I used lean ground beef but ground chicken or turkey works!
1/2 cup diced grape tomatoes
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup feta - I used garlic herb flavored!
pepper for seasoning!

Grab a handful of your ground meat (I know raw meat is gross but this is topped with deliciousness!). Flatten it out and place about a spoonful of each the feta, mozzarella and tomatoes. 

 Roll into a ball so that the cheese and tomatoes are covered! Repeat until all your burgers are prepared and season them with the pepper.

Don't mind the other burgers in that photo... I know that the grill comes out about once a week so I made sure to utilize it tonight! Grill your burgers until they are the temperature you like and enjoy!

Top with whatever you want! I went simple and just used some lettuce from my grandmothers garden. Grilled onions would be bangin (yes I just used that word) on this burger!

When you cut it in half you get all of its melty goodness!

Friday at 10pm is the cut off for my Food Should Taste Good giveaway! So make sure you click this link or scroll down to the post to enter!

Old and New {WIAW}

I love summer for many reasons. I get a nice tan, natural highlights pop up in my hair, the beach, jet skiing, popsicles, pedicures, fresh garden veggies and sun dresses.

BUT

I sure do love the fall. I love skinny jeans in boots, I love oversized sweaters with belts, I love layering my clothes, I love the first weekend the leaves are all changing colors, pumpkin flavored everything and of course how the city lights up in purple for Ravens football.

Don't get me started on picking apples, wine tastings, carving pumpkins, bon fires and hay rides. There is nothing better than the fall to me. It is just so warm and inviting and when I do get to walk down the isle one day you better believe it will be in the fall.

Is it just me that daydreams about fall clothes and boots? Just me? Okay. Back to what i was originally going to write about.





I'll share some new photos of what I have been eating lately...

Lots of Food Should Taste Good Chips and Salsa

I clearly do not deck myself out in makeup at work. And I have been on a no hair dryer kick lately, braids = waves my friends!

 Todays breakfast. Cherries, a few golden raspberries and granola on top of a cup of peach yogurt.

 Sunday's Brunch. Sick Cara = Can actually sleep past 8! 2 eggs, half a nanner and a TJ sandwich thin with apricot preserves and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
 

Frozen Yogurt! Peanut Butter, Cappuccino, Cake Batter and Cheesecake with yogurt dots, heath bar and a few sour worms. I can never just choose one flavor!

Sorry for all of the iPhone pics... we just moved (more on that later) and my camera is somewhere in a box! I'll rescue it tommorow!

Now onto the old. I always am racking my brain on what to make for dinner. It is the one meal that me and Chris eat together and that I actually get to take my time making. Mornings I am always throwing things together before work, hence my yogurt breakfasts.

Looking back through my recipes I haven't made curry chicken in awhile! The good thing about blogging is whenever I am in a stump about what to make I can look back to old recipes or find new ones from other blogs! This recipe is simple, healthy and a crowd winner...

Curry Chicken:

Serves 4

1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoon curry

1 tablespoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

1.5 containers non-fat greek yogurt

1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions:

Add all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Cook on medium high until chicken is fully cooked. Serve over rice.

 This recipe is great with shrimp as well! I love serving it one top of grilled onions!

Zucchini and Squash!

Indian feast! Whole wheat naan, homemade hummus, roasted cauliflower :-)

 So there you have it! Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips are going to send one of you 5 of your favorite flavor chips! Enter here!!

Food Should Taste Good GIVEAWAY

First, my melons are almost readddyyy! Fresh cantaloupe scream summer to me. Next year I would love to grow some watermelon too!

Who doesn't love a giveaway? Especially when it is something that is healthy AND delicious!

Food Should Taste Good recently contacted me and offered to send me FIVE (totally spoiled) bags of their chips AND I got to pick the flavors. Double Score. 

In case you aren’t familiar with their product... their all natural tortilla chips are made from real, simple ingredients. All of the chip varieties are free of cholesterol, preservatives and trans fat, and do not use genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). They are also certified Kosher and Gluten Free, lower in sodium, and are a good source of dietary fiber. 

They have 11 flavors: Multigrain, Sweet Potato, Olive, Jalapeño, The Works!, Chocolate, Lime, Blue Corn, Cheddar, Toasted Sesame, and White Cheddar. 

I chose sweet potato, olive, lime, blue corn and multigrain. I bet all of you are wondering about the chocolate flavor... I bet that would be great dipping into a bowl of chili. Rachel Ray is always adding cocoa powder to her chili recipes!

I have already gotten my hands into the sweet potato and it is amazing! After opening the bag you get the smell of sweet potato right away! Plus, the sodium is only 3% of your daily value and the fiber is 11%. Awesome. 

Looks like I will be making some summer salsa with these guys!

Here is the best part about it... the amazing people at Food Should Taste Good are sponsoring a giveaway so one of you can pick 5 of your favorite flavors to be sent to your house! Don't worry, if you don't win they have a $1 off coupon on their site so you can grab your hands on some of this goodness.

What flavor are you most interested in trying? Have you had Food Should Taste Good chips before?

How to Enter:
1. Like Food Should Taste Good's Facebook Page - click here.
2. Like Chic Meets Healthy on Facebook - click here.
3. Follow Chic Meets Healthy on Blogger (to the right)
4. Tweet about this giveaway - @caramundy is giving away FIVE Food Should Taste Good Chips - Enter Now! http://tinyurl.com/3bddrnv

** This contest is open until Friday at 10 pm where I will randomly select a number so leave a comment for each separate entry!! The winner will be announced through twitter, facebook and my blog where you will have a week to provide your name, address and which 5 flavors you want Food Should Taste Good to send you!  

Open to Us Residents Only

Picnic Menu

hello lovers!

In all honesty, this week has not been going very fast at all, but i can't believe tomorrow is friday! I have been waiting for this weekend for months! why??

It is one of the busiest weekends of the spring/summer season for me - packed with fun and exciting things!

My little sister graduates from University of Maryland tomorrow! I can't explain how amazing she is ... she is graduating with honors from UMD in three years and is on to Ohio State Vet School later this summer.

When you are little you wish and hope and pray to the moon and back that you were born an only child.

I couldn't imagine my life without her though. Living an hour away we only see each other once or twice a month, but her moving away is going to be hard!

She was the first person I called crying to when Princeton passed away. We are so different, but I couldn't ask for a better sissy ... even when she is grumpy!

Us on my graduation day from college last year!

okay, okay... enough sappiness. you want picnic menu ideas!

This Saturday we are heading over to Wine in the Woods, a huge wine festival that I have been wanting to go to for years - but college and working stopped me. {Not this year!}

For five hours I will be picnicking with friends, sipping on 385374 different types of wines, laying out on a blanket soaking up the sun {it's been raining all week} and listening to live music.

perfect day. but what should i bring?

I have been searching and thinking of healthy things I could pack for lunch. We are headed out to Kent Island Saturday night for dinner and dancing and have an "adventure" 5k on Sunday so I don't want to be uncomfortable at all. I want something light, filling and delicious!

Here is what I am thinking along with the links to the recipes:

Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Spinach and Feta
Pulled Pork Sandwiches {not so light, but a summer staple}
Cranberry, Almond Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt instead of Mayo
Fruit Salad
Mint Lemonade
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake {low fat}

What I love to wear to outdoor picnics:

I love maxi dresses for spring outdoor events. It takes less time putting together an outfit that might look cute, but isn't designed for sitting in the grass all day. Maxi dresses are flattering on everyone and thankfully they are still in style this Spring!

Of course a spring floral dress with a brown belt would work perfectly fine too!

have any good picnic menu ideas? send them my way!!

today at 10 is the last time you can enter my giveaway! if you are a runner/athlete this is a great thing to use! it works wonders on my sore muscles after running! enter here!

Calling all athletes: TheraPearl GIVEAWAY!

Whether you are a runner, lifter, mom or just need something to help you relax I have the perfect giveaway for you!

TheraPearl ice packs come in 11 different shapes and sizes and have many benefits including:

• The packs can be either hot or cold
• They conform to your body, unlike other frozen packs that keep their odd frozen shape
• They don't drip in use
• They are re-useable (major points here!)
• Upscale, unclinical packaging
• Gel bead technology 
• Pack can be disinfected and cleaned after each use
• They are non-toxic
• AND they hold their healing temp for 20-30 minutes!

Terri at TheraPearl (who just got married to her High School sweetheart - who doesn't love a good love story) was amazing enough to send me products to review and to share with you!

So....What's in it for you?? A spa/relaxing kit!!

Pearl the TheraPearl Pal

She reduces fevers, helps cool/soothe minor scrapes and burns, gives bee sting relief, reduces swelling and helps your bruises! Super cute, and a perfect thing to pack in your kid's first-aid kit!

TheraPearl Neck Wrap

The neck wrap is great for using post surgery, post workout, in the bath tub or laying down in bed relaxing! It is thin enough that it doesn't push your neck forward and just like the rest - it can be frozen or warm! Wrap it around your sore leg after running or turn into the U position for a soothing back relief while sitting at work or after a hard workout!

 TheraPearl Eye Mask

Put this in the freezer overnight and when you wake up in the morning with puffy or tired eyes, you have your cure! Hello morning workouts! The gel beads and liquid inside remains at the perfect "just-below freezing temp" – so it won't poke you in the eyes or lay on your face awkwardly. It also stays cool for 20-30 minutes! Mini vacay! The eye mask molds to whatever shape, so you could also use it on the back of your neck, forehead, ankles, wrists or shoulders.

Want to win this giveaway? It's simple and I'll give you SIX ways to win! Make sure you post a separate comment for every entry so you have more chances to win! Contest ends Thursday (5/19) night at 10 p.m.

1. MANDATORY: Go to the TheraPearl website and tell me which product you are most interested in trying!
2. Follow TheraPearl on twitter {http://twitter.com/#!/TheraPearl}
3. Follow TheraPearl on facebook {Follow on Facebook}
4. Tweet about this giveaway: sore muscles? need to de-stress? @caramundy is having a @TheraPearl giveaway! Enter here {http://tinyurl.com/4yubvn2}
5. Blog about this giveaway
6. Follow Chic Meets Healthy on Facebook {https://www.facebook.com/ChicMeetsHealthy}

*Only US residents are eligible to enter the giveaway. If the winner doesn't contact me within 3 business days a new winner will be drawn

Weekend To-Do List!

Hello Rainy Weekend! I won't let you get me down!

Actually, I am a little thankful for the rain because it has convinced the spinach seeds I planted on Tuesday to sprout out of the ground this morning! This calls for a celebration so of course I am headed to Home Depot today to see what other kinds of messes I can get myself into!

Thursday I went running with my girl Stacey at the B&A trail and she must have thought we had a 5k scheduled for next weekend {warrior dash} because she whipped my booty! The thing I love best about running with her is we both motivate one another to go the extra mile, we let each other run at their own pace {running with CL I've improved my mile time} and we have a blast getting together and talking {huffing and puffing} that I don't have to update my iPod as often.

If you want to semi-die this weekend you can copy-cat our routine below!

1 mile brisk walk to warm up {how far the trail is from the parking lot}
.5 mile run
lounges
.5 mile run
4 sets of 25 sit ups (regular, left side, right side, lower abs)
.5 mile run
3 sets of 10 push ups
Repeat steps 2-6
Brisk walk back while stretching to cool off

So all in all it is about 6 miles walk/run/toning. Not bad for a Thursday after work workout sesh.

Afterwards I had to try out the TheraPearl products Terri sent me to review on my blog! I was sore, and dirty from the sit ups and push ups {the grocery store check out lady even asked me if I fell on the way in}.

If you have never heard of TheraPearl before it is amazing and I highly suggest it to all athletes out there because it really helped my sore leg muscles after running. Don't run? Spas nationwide carry this product too! Want to hear some cool facts?

1. It's doctor-designed (she actually practices out of Columbia, MD and just designed the product for her own practice before it went to retail)
2. Their "Pearl Technology" is based on the concept of frozen peas... so they mold wayyyy better than a gel pack and aren't messy like a bag of actual ice
3. They can be microwaved or frozen {I microwaved mine}
4. Non-toxic, re-usable

See the steam inside of the bag? Felt so good!! I definitely recommend and it stayed warm for an hour after only microwaving it for 40 seconds. I hate when ice packs loose their temps quickly! I wanna relax!

Check back Monday because I may or may not be giving away some free products!! {hint, i totally am} I asked my boss to give a sports pack to her Husband to review over the weekend to get a guys perspective!

CL has been getting pretty serious about his workouts and eating habits again since it's "beach season" so last night instead of our usual burrito bowl we settled on a salad from chipotle. No carbs late at night I am told! That's okay with me as long as I can eat this every single night. ;-)

 

 

Yup, that's CLs body building mag and my weights for when I do ToneItUp or Jillian Michaels. Next weekend is going to be crazy! Wine festival, sister's graduation, CL's grandmother's 60th birthday night out, warrior dash and couples massages to end it on a high note.

So this weekend I am preparing! Today I have to...
1. Get a dress for the 60th birthday bash and wine festival, as well as a birthday present
2. Work out
3. Stop by home-depot {I'm obsessed with growing veggies I think!}
4. Grocery Shopping
5. Clean the house
6. Get ready for a night out with college friends!

What are your plans for the weekend??

Bootylicious WINNER

 Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.

Hi Guys! First and foremost thank you to everyone who participated in my first giveaway! Hopefully I can continue the trend and gather some of my favorite things to giveaway next! I'll be like the next Oprah... only younger, louder and without millions haha!

My giveaway winner is .... ALYSSA! from Fashion Fitness Foodie! I've known Alyssa for a long time now! Almost 6 years?? She definitely was a motivation and inspiration for me to start my own blog and if you haven't checked hers out, you definitely should! Congrats girl! I'll give you your granola this weekend on our running date!

Last night I participated in my first #fitblog chat on twitter! I had so much fun hearing other bloggers personal opinions about health and "diets". I definitely don't agree with the word diet. Diet to me means short lived. It takes a strong mindset and lifestyle change in order to truly make a difference in your health. It has taken me years not to be consumed with the number on my scale... and some days I still am.

I have learned that being healthy and fit is different for every individual. For me, it's how I feel in my own skin (and clothes). It's how good I feel after I work out, even if some days it takes me sitting in my workout clothes for 30 minutes before I drag myself to the gym. Get excited about healthy eating and learn what works for you. Not everyone should cut out carbs or fats (well I definitely agree with lowering your saturated and trans fats intake). Find recipes that are healthy and taste good - that way you aren't denying your mind what it really wants without denying your body of the good nutrients it needs.

There are so many resources out there. I love browsing the whole foods website for recipes. Go to your local bookstore and pick up a few cookbooks. Make Fishy Fridays or Meatless Mondays to help spice up your week! Don't be afraid to try new things. I used to hate avocados and now incorporate them into my diet at least once a week! And brussel sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic are soooo good!

If google kept track of everything I have searched and I showed you guys you would think I am nuts! "Are lean pockets actually healthy?" "What do beets taste like?" "Is real bacon better for you than turkey bacon?" Knowledge is empowering and can help you truly make a decision to figure out what is best for you and your lifestyle.

Last night after fitblog I was starving for dinner. I only ran 2 miles since my shoes have officially given out on me. I made roasted cauliflower and a burger that sorta went like this...

Minus the bun - I used an arnolds thin and reduced fat cheese. And I may or may not have added a slice of bacon... :-) Moderation! Eating lean meat with lean bacon and toppings in my opinion doesn't hurt once a week. Plus it was the best tasting burger I have ever made!

Here are a few of my eats for the day - I finally am linking up to join WIAW for Jenn at Peas and Crayons!

Oatmeal with Berries for Breakfast

Apple Slices for a Mid-Morning Snack

One of these for lunch!

Carrot Sticks and Ranch for a Mid-Afternoon Snack

and I'm planning on re-creating this Salmon for dinner!

Hope you guys get out there and enjoy the 80 degree weather today! Hopefully cardio kickboxing with kick my butt tonight! Sophia at Raven Waves awarded me the bootylicious award! haha PERFECT!

Here are the rules:
1. Post this award with the picture and name whoever tagged you in it
2. Do the STUFF
3. Award to 7 others and tell them you did so!

THE STUFF:
1. Name 3 things that are lying right next to you –My cell phone which is prehistoric and doesn't even have a camera. No joke. Someone stole my iphone while I was boot shopping one day and I am waiting for the iphone5 to come out! Some Love Grown granola (Sweet Cranberry Pecan - yum) and two (yes 2) cups of water. Just in case I get lazy and don't feel like walking to the kitchen for a refill. I'm truly that smart ;-)

2. Name 2 foods you cannot live without -STRAWBERRIES! I am addicted to them like you guys are to chocolate. Thank god they were buy one get one free this week! Avocados - I just can't get enough guac! Does mexican food count? My fav!

3. Name 1 thing you did today – Packed my lunch, drove to work, and made some oatmeal. Yup, it's still early.

 You ladies are next! I could only think of 4 off the top of my head!

Bess

Alyssa

Cait

Jenn

What are some foods you can't live without?

Painkillers and Nachos

“Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

I am officially almost half-way done my week. I have off the next two Fridays and I am so looking forward to a nice 3-day weekend! I can hardly wait!

Luckily CL (yup, that's the bf) had off this entire weekend so we were able to go out for a date night Friday and spend family time on Saturday with both his and my parents. I almost forgot what it was like to have the whole weekend uninterrupted to spend together!

Sunday rolled around and my friend Stacey and I met up at the Baltimore-Annapolis trail for our weekly run. Personally, I can run longer distances on a treadmill than I can outside so I am thankful to have someone to push and motivate me out on the trail. But I think it is about time I invest in new running apparel since my pants are starting to become see through (whoops!) from all the wear and my shoes are about to die out on me. Yup, I got a blister on the top of my big toe - I have never even heard of that happening from a 3 year old sneaker. Hint taken.

Most of you know that after running you become extremely hungry... almost unbearably hungry. Apparently I thought it was a good idea to wait 4.5 hours later to eat... which resulted in the most amazing plate of nachos ever. period. game over. this one is a winner.

 

Even the ducks flew out of the water onto the dock to join us...

How could you have this view at lunch and not instantly be in a great mood (not good, but great)...

And of course nobody goes to lunch on a Sunday without a drink...

It was a perfect weekend. Sun, date night, drinks, fish tacos (mmmm) and CL. That's all I need to make me happy.

On a foodie note - if you have never tried store-made organic guacamole... go buy some right now!! Seriously, I love making my own but not when avacados are 2 dollars a pop. This was cheaper and convenient and tasted soooo good on top of my Faux Chipotle Burrito Bowl that I made for dinner last night. I don't know how guac makes everything taste delicious, but it does it's job well!!

If you visit their website they have a $1 off coupon when you sign up for their updates! I have an email address just for when I sign up for promotions! Best decision ever - especially since I just printed out a free app coupon for my girls lunch on Saturday.

Have you liked Chic Meets Healthy on Facebook yet? You can by clicking here.
Also! Don't forget tonight at 10pm is when I am pulling a winner for my Love Grown Granola giveaway! Enter here!