Impossibilities

"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities."

Did you know that when I was in elementary school and took my career aptitude test it told me I would grow up to be a librarian? True story. The creators of that test must have been on crack. I was always getting in trouble for talking too much or playing hair dresser in class. Major FAIL on their part.

Although I think I fit quite well in Advertising, I am always thinking about where I would like it to take me. I would love to be able to have the ability to travel in my job. I am at a secure place in my life and relationship that I could be away a few days, no sweat. The only responsibilities I have at home are my pups and making Chris meals. He could manage a few days without me.

I would love to move to a new city (Boston, Chicago, San Diego, NY), but I don't think it's fair to make that decision solo when you are in a committed relationship. A part of me has always wanted to do events - maybe down the road I will be able to branch into the PR side of marketing or start my own event company (weddings, children's birthday parties, you name it i'll plan it).

I think it is a nice skill to be able wear multiple hats in your life. That's what makes life interesting. Plus, I could always become a life coach. I love that so many people in my life ask me for advice - and usually it isn't on their relationships but things like date or gift ideas, places to see while they are traveling, what to name their pet. Honestly, sometimes I wish I were a guy just so I could be the modern day "Hitch".

 Guys, here are a few thoughtful suggestions.
1. Show up at her work one day and surprise her by taking her out to lunch (or bringing it).
2. Leave a note for her by the coffee pot in the morning wishing her a good day.
3. Send her flowers just because you think she is wonderful.
4. Hand make her a Valentine's Day card. Instant tears.

Honestly if I were a guy I would be riding the lucky train every day. It is so simple to show someone you appreciate them, but most of the time we let our busy lives catch up to us and forget to remind each other how much they mean to you.

Today Katie from our PR department (who btw has the cutest name for a dog - Oxford) sent out an e-mail of Kate Spade's Valentine's Day e-cards. Too cute. Here are a few of my favorite, send one to a friend by clicking here.

I'm going to use some of these to make a homemade card for Chris this year, I'm feeling crafty. How cute would the top flower be as a canvas for your kitchen? So many ideas! While I was in the Valentine's Day mood I also looked up some flower arrangements that I wouldn't mind getting. Boys, this is the time you take notes.

Uh, I am going to pull a Rachel Zoe and say I die for those flowers. Personally, I think red roses are a cop out. They have been done over and over. {hahaha} Don't get me wrong, I got them for my Anniversary and they were a lovely surprise but I am loving these arrangements. Peonies are so gorgeous and romantic. Try a low flower arrangement, it would make a great statement on your bedside table.

As far as gifts go - check out groupon. You never know what you will find. Today's Baltimore deal is 20 dollars for 5 hot yoga sessions. Get it here. That would be a wonderful gift any girl would love. Or go to snapfish and order her a mug with photos of you on it or make a calendar of the two of you. Chris and I are planning a snowboarding getaway for Valentine's Day. Day trips make great gifts too. If you are low on money check out the museums in DC (all are free) and go to lunch at a small cafe. Be a tourist in your own town!

Alright, enough of my rambling. I just love romance and believe everyone can have a fairytale love - they just might have to be the one who makes the first move. It does take two to tango.

Breakfast was a cup of non-fat yogurt and 1/4 cup no sugar added granola. Lunch was leftover chili on a bed of salad with 1/2 an apple and 1/2 an orange. It was delicious. Total calories of breakfast and lunch combined was 480. I am loving how you can calculate calories online, I miss my iPhone. I used to have an app that kept track for me!

Tonight I am going to make chicken, asparagus and mushroom whole wheat penne pasta and a side salad.

Cara's Chicken, Asparagus and Mushroom Whole Wheat Pasta
2 cups dried whole wheat penne pasta 172 per serving
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 119 per serving
1 large chicken breast, or 2 thin cut chicken breasts 95 per serving
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 cloves minced garlic 6 per serving
1/2 lemon juiced 3 per serving
1/2 bunch asparagus spears, cut into diagonal pieces 15 per serving
1 teaspoon garlic powder 0 per serving
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 4 per serving
1/4 cup reduced fat Parmesan cheese 34 per serving 

Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Spray pan with cooking spray and add in chicken with pepper and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to paper towels. Spray pan with cooking spray or use 1 tablespoon olive oil to cook asparagus and mushrooms. When fully cooked add lemon juice, garlic, pasta and chicken to pan. Top with parmesan cheese. Calories per serving (2) is 448.

I'm having an internal conflict about the gym tonight. I don't know how to say no once I am on a roll. We shall see!

Day 14: A picture of you last year – how have you changed?

This was from Feb 11, 2010. I was a LOT tanner, bartending and still studying for my bachelors degree.  Now, I have longer hair, am a WHOLE LOT paler and have graduated and am working in Advertising. Honestly though, I still have the same goofy boyfriend, the same amazing girlfriends and same hard work ethic as I did back then. I was also eating healthy and working out like a maniac because Spring Break to Panama City was fastly approaching - but I wasn't blogging ;-) Man. I miss that tan!

Hope you start thinking about your Valentine!
xoxo,
Cara

Sore

 Aerobics:  a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps.

Coming back from kickboxing class I can honestly say I am whooped. My body was saying "please don't go", but my heart was saying "it's kickboxing night!!" All in all, I am so glad I went - especially since I am making tomorrow my day of rest after working out 4 days in a row.

I made it to cycle class 30 minutes early, signed up (#3 on the list of 35) and of course there were empty bikes in the class yesterday. Typical. I loved the class though! It definitely does give you a good wedgie - I picked mine a couple times. No shame. It is now my second favorite class and I will be returning.

 
I bet you guys are wondering how my black bean burgers turned out. Umm... amazing! Not only was it my first time making a black bean burger, but also my first time eating one. I had to convince Chris that it is okay to have a vegetarian meal every now and then and he ended up finishing his way before me! Sorry the photo quality stinks, I was trying to make it quick since we were starving!

uncooked

finished product!

Just an FYI - I sprayed my hand with cooking spray, the mixture was mega sticky! I had a side of guac and the burger was ginormous. I went out and bought two more cans of black beans just so I can always have a meal even if the fridge is empty!

If I had 100 extra dollars laying around I would totally buy these cute workout pants! Until then I'll stick to marshalls.

Today I had a yummy protein breakfast smoothie and a tuna sandwich and guac for lunch. I added some Old Bay to my tuna and it was amazing. I could eat that stuff on anything. I love putting it on my eggs in the morning. Sooo good!

Walking out of the gym it was snowing! I wish Spring would hurry up and get here fast. Since it is cold and wet outside I decided I needed to warm up with some chicken chili. You can find the recipe on my Recipe tab ;-)

That is one good looking pot!

I love corn in my chili! and extra onions please!

I am going to top my lunch salad with some of this good stuff tomorrow! I'm looking for some good homemade granola bar recipes - so if you know of a good one leave the link in my comments section!

Day 13: Goals

There are so many goals I have in life - short term and long term. A couple that come to mind (without mentioning I want a fabulous wedding and amazing kids in the long long term future). oops!

Short: 

1. Continue to expand my workout class selection. I would love to wake up one Sunday at 8:30 and make it to bootcamp class.
2. Be able to run for longer than 30 minutes.
3. Continue to find new healthy recipes and continue my healthy eating habits.
4. Make plans for a girls dinner party at my place.
5. Go snowboarding.
6. Make homemade granola bars.

Long:

1. Lose 15 pounds.
2. Travel somewhere new.
3. Grow in my career.
4. Win the HGTV Dream House (hey, a girl can wish)
5. Continue to grow in myself and my relationship.
6. Travel abroad. Greece? Rome? France? Australia? 

What are your goals? Alyssa made an inspiration board and I think that is an amazing idea! No goals/dreams are out of reach as long as you keep working towards them.

xoxo,
Cara

Healthy Heart

To get a woman's heart a man must first use his own.

February 4, 2011 is National Wear Red Day to promote Heart Health for Women. Did you know that it is the number one killer of woman over 25? Treat your heart like it is truly on your sleeve. Eat healthy, workout and watch your stress levels. 1 in 3 women will die from heart disease. If you would like to learn more or make a donation you can by clicking here.

Today I wore my red in support. Did you?!

Does it look like I have a lopsided boob here? haha! Anywho, this morning I woke up to find the tilapia I made for Chris untouched (he worked past midnight). Looks like I got lucky and didn't have to prepare a lunch for today! What did I do with my time???? 

Took more pictures of myself! Duh.

I also made a smoothie for breakfast since I knew I was eating a hearty lunch. You guessed it... I used my magic bullet again! It's so handy and since we don't have a dishwasher (other than my own two hands) I like how easy it is to clean!

Cara's Banana, Mango and Peach Smoothie:

1/2 banana

1/2 cup mango

1/2 cup frozen peaches

3 oz. vanilla fat free greek yogurt

2 tablespoons OJ

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in your bullet/blender. Pulse until smooth and go!

Looks good huh? It was. Did I ever mention to you guys that my gym offers kickboxing on Fridays too? I don't know many people who work out on Fridays, but this girl is! I'm a little sore today but I can't pass up my favorite class being offered twice a week now!

heading out to the gym!

Before I go into dinner and my workout I thought I would share some fun Friday facts. I do a lot of researching and reading on the elliptical and always find interesting or fun things!   

Avoid traveling abroad in the summer, prices are higher. Your dollar will go a lot further in South American countries like Argentina and Uruguay. I'm down for Argentina. A nice tan, sandals and a dress is all i need!

Kids who live with dogs are calmer, easily adjust to new surrounding, have 50% less allergies, and are more likely to fight weight gain. No wonder I love my pups so much!

There are a lot of explanations as to why women tend to put on a few pounds during the winter. Comfort food cravings. The chilly weather, which makes it hard to get out of bed and to the gym. And of course the fact that there's no motivation in the form of shorts and bikinis to stay svelte. Trying to break the winter lbs spell!

Spinning, cardio kickboxing, and boot-camp workouts. Half an hour of each torches 200 to 300 calories while toning up your arms, legs, and core so everything appears sleeker and tighter. Thank goodness I had a kickboxing date at 7!

Back from the gym to cook up some dinner and finish my post. There was NO kickboxing class tonight. Have you ever looked forward to something and it be completely not what you were expecting? That was me in the class... Hip Hop class. The teacher was an older woman in jeans and sneakers. I left after 5 minutes because lets be honest. I'm a white girl who can only "grind" on a man after a few drinks...not in a class with older women. So I did 30 on the elliptical and abs.

If you must stay home to watch the next episode of Jersey Shore I found a good at home workout here. Just day dreaming about a trip abroad or a cruise to an island makes going to the gym easier. Recently I have been searching and following other health blogs looking for inspiration and new ideas. Stephanie @ the new healthy has a great blog, amazing story and is going vegan next week... maybe I'll try going all fish one week soon!

Tonight's dinner was a shrimp, spinach, corn and black bean quesadilla.  I dipped it in some fat free sour cream.

Cara's Shrimp Quesadilla:

1 wrap
1/2 cup uncooked shrimp (probably 1/3 cup cooked)
1 large handful spinach
2 heaping spoonfuls corn
2 heaping spoonfuls black beans
1/4 cup reduced fat cheese
2 tablespoons fat free sour cream

Directions:

Cook shrimp in a pan drizzled with olive oil. Season with garlic/oldbay/s&p. Cook fully. Next, cook your spinach in a drizzle of olive oil with garlic powder and pepper. Layer 1/2 of your cheese on 1/2 of  your wrap. Layer the sprimp, corn, black beans and spinach. Layer the remainder of your cheese. Press wrap (i use a george foreman). DONE!

Tonight I am going out with these pretty girls! Hard to believe this picture was taken 3+ years ago!

Day 8 of my 30 day blog challenge: Places you have been

1. San Francisco
2. Boston
3. Maine
4. Florida
5. Jamaica
6. DC
7. lots more but I can't think because I am so hunnggrryy!

So while I go eat my delicious quesadilla enjoy these pics of places I have been.

xoxo,
Cara

PS- I updated my recipe page and it is 34953049742 times better/easier to use! Check it out if you have a minute!