Thursday, July 5, 2012

Fun Forgotten Words

Sometimes Facebook connects you with old friends.  Sometimes it helps you connect with new ones.  Other times it helps you promote a business, open up your prospect base, or even just share fun information/pictures/facts.

Other times, still, it's good for finding random fun information.  A girl I used to know also writes a blog.  This, her latest post, was recently re-posted by her to Facebook.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Thank you, Marielle. :-)

Thursday, June 21, 2012

City by Bike

Last night a friend and I went on a Bobby's Bike Hike tour of Chicago.  SO FUN!!!  I had to be coerced a bit to go at first, but now that I went, I 100% recommend them!  Family fun?  Yes, but only if the family does not include small children.  There is some street biking, and I don't know how well small children would do in that situation.

However, we saw so much of the city!  We started near Navy Pier and headed north, our tour starting at 7pm.  The night ride was perfect, just cool enough to not feel like you sweat through your clothes but still light enough to enjoy the views of the city and the lake.  In case you're worried, 90% of the path is smooth and even, no hills.  The other 10% is just minor inclines, although they are good jolts of a workout!

Our first stops?  Oak street beach and just south of North beach.  The stops along the way included historical information and fun sights to see.  Like, for example, did you know that Streeterville is called Streeterville because the man who owned that land, just east of the John Hancock, was Mr. Streeter, and he had declared himself mayor of the little island?  When he died he left it to his 3rd wife, but since he forgot to divorce his first 2 wives, the city of Chicago annexed the land.  Therefore, today, we have Streeterville!

We went through the Gold Coast afterwards and rode down Wabash!  How fun!  We saw the original Playboy mansion, the "Viagra Triangle", the river near Trump Tower and we heard that Derrick Rose and Jay Cutler live there!  After that we went to Millenium Park where we happened to see a band and a charity chef cook-off!  I was waiting to see the Top Chef cameras come around the corner, but alas I did not. The band was good, though!

If that wasn't good enough yet, we still have more to go!  Later was a Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus.  Then it was the fireworks of Navy Pier.  What an awesome 3-hour tour!  Nex time, we're off to Gilligan's Island!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

A Little Thing Called "Parabens"

I'd love to give credit to those who put this picture together, but alas, I cannot as I found it on Facebook and have no idea who owns it.  Therefore, my instant apologies for not acknowledging the owner.  I'm happy to do so if the company/person claims it!


That being said.  What's a paraben and why should you care?  Parabens, as mentioned above, are chemicals believed to be linked to breast and other cancers.  Scary!  And what's even scarier?  You have 100% control on if you allow them to be part of your body or not.  They are in lotions, food, things you ingest and topically apply.  They are endocrine interruptors, (see the breast cancer fund organization)  They mimic estrogen, and estrogen causes cells to grow (hence why we girls experience puberty with body changes the way we do).  You don't want cells to grow indefinitely, and things that create more estrogen in our body is just not a good thing.


Do yourself a favor.  CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS.  Methylparaben.  Ethylparaben. ANY paraben needs to go!  Find a company that does not use them.  Arbonne is a great place to start.  Otherwise, just take care of yourself.  You have 1 body.  Don't knowingly harm it.

Ah, freedom

How wonderful it is to be in summer.  After a sadly forced hiatus, I am happy to announce that I am back!  And what better time to reconnect and share all the wonderful "doings" of the year than summertime!


It's official.  School's out.  The sun is warm (well, on most days), and the smell of barbeque fills the air.  Here are a few things that I've discovered grill beautifully:


Portebello Mushrooms
Eggplant
Tofu (be sure to season thoroughly!)
Corn (if you haven't tried it in the husk, that's a must!)
Pizza!


Yes, that's right.  I said pizza!  If you have dough, you will want to cook the dough first.  However, if you have pre made dough, and it's sturdy enough, place it directly on the grill.  If you're not sure it'll be sturdy enough to not fall apart or stick to the grill, place it on reynolds wrap first!


Might I also recommend a great evening hike or bike ride with friends?  Stop over at a bar or take the dog with you.  It'll make for a nice evening out and an easy workout too.


So enjoy the sun.  Enjoy the fresh air.  Drive with the windows down and hang out with those you love most!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

The Oreo

I found myself at a buffet the other day.  I don't frequent buffets, but dinner happened to be at this one, so it was what it was.  Let me tell you, buffets are not a vegan or gluten-free friendly zone.  It's more like a flambéd / char-grilled haven.  


Still, I found myself a nice salad, some Asian seaweed salad, curried rice noodles, and freshly cut fruit.  Yum.  I wasn't sated but I was at least comfortable enough until I could eat a few hours later.


And that was when I saw them: The Oreo Cookies.  They sat in the dessert line alongside the ice cream dispenser.  They were crumbled in a white bowl behind glass, a large white spoon resting eagerly against the bowl just waiting to dive into the cup of chocolate.  Aaah.  Heaven.  A chocolate lover's dream.


It's official.  The Oreo is my favorite cookie.  I might be decidedly vegan and dietarily gluten-free, but when an Oreo makes a cameo, you better believe all bets are off.  That Oreo is mine.  Step aside veganism, I'm sorry stomach now full of gluten, but the Oreo wins.  Simple as that.  It might be milk's favorite cookie, but it's my favorite indulgence.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

What Men Think

I had an extremely interesting 30 second conversation yesterday with my trainer. ...okay, so it wasn't JUST a 30 second conversation, but this particular part was.  I don't remember how we got on the topic originally, which could be because I was in pain doing lunges, and he was talking to keep my mind off the ouch-factor.  Pretty standard.  Ergo, however, why it's not surprising I don't remember the conversation.


Somehow, though, we got on the topic of engagements.  He goes, "there are 4 things a guy thinks about when they're with a girl, whether it's a month or a year +.  They wonder: How will she look when she gets older, what will she look like pregnant, what will she look like in a wedding dress, and how long before she expects that last one to happen."  


HA!  Love it.  I love understanding the male psyche sometimes, because it is hysterical.  I literally almost fell over mid-lunge I laughed so hard.  It wasn't even that the comment was funny.  It was actually rather enlightening.  It was that I wasn't expecting the last part of the statement.  That was the funny part, because you could just hear the stereotypical pain of "oh boy, when is that coming..." whenever wedding conversations come up before the guy's ready.  Love it.  This, is actually probably why those Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus books are so popular.  


Anyways, fun moment of yesterday, and commentary to make you smile.  Now, when will the next funny moment happen?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Viral Videos

Like many of you who've discovered the age of the internet is a commodity you've come to take for granted as just "another part of daily life", I've found it's many uses intriguing.  It's been excellent for researching during my high school and college days.  It's helped me navigate cities I've never visited or routes I've just forgotten how to navigate in their own rites.  It's connected me to friends, co-workers, those "acquaintances" who still "Like" my Facebook status like they actually know or care enough about my life to like it in the first place.  And....it's also produced endless hours of entertainment throughout the years, especially where Viral Videos are concerned.


You all know what viral videos are:  they are the ones you watch over, and over, and over, and...wait...yes, over again.  You send them to your friends, talk about them with people you randomly run into on the street, and hit the "play" button a bazillion times in one sitting.  Some of the ones I remember most include: The 6th grader turned famous Lady Gaga singer, a Christmas Fast Food singing video, the new Epic Meal Time, Rick Rolling, the Surprised Kitty video, anything on Ebaums World, the Lonely Island video songs, etc.  You get the picture.


Some of my personal favorites are ones that involve singing, music, anything that's comical, or something that just makes you laugh and smile a little more than you did before.  The most recent?  Obama "singing" Born This Way by Lady Gaga  "Singing" is in quotes because he doesn't actually sing anything.  It's a compilation video montage of different speech clips put together to make it appear as though he's singing the lyrics.  And it's great.  Even if you're not a fan of either person, the cutting capabilities of the group who put up the video is awesome.  If you are a fan of either person, or maybe both, it will just be that much more enjoyable.  However, it's definitely worth taking a look.  Any future graphic artists or movie makers?  Some low-budget editing going on here.  Enjoy! Maybe even sing a little.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Movie Goer's Haven

If you have not yet been to Hollywood Boulevard on 75th near Lemont Rd, then you have sorely missed out on movie-going life.  They are THE place to go for movies in the suburbs.  You can always venture to the sister location (Hollywood Palms) in Naperville, but this is a treat every adult should allow themselves at least once a quarter.  (Business quarters or school quarters, if you'd like a reference).

Yes, they do allow kids and people under 21 during most of the movie times and throughout the week, however, for those adults who may want that little extra "something" during their movie experience, they definitely cater to you as well.  May I recommend the Sweet Potato Fries as well?  Wonderfully huge portion and a sweet treat alternative to the box of candy you find at AMC.  It's a tasteful treat away from home that allows you to feel like you're lounging on your own couch.  And, all that without having to leave town.

If you want something a little more "adult", you can always head into the city for the 21 and over theater off Roosevelt Road where the theater spoils you with plush seating and an expansive, albeit expensive, menu.  The meat and cheese platter?  AMAZING!!!  However, if you're looking to stay a little more "suburban", Hollywood Boulevard is definitely the way to go.


Our Attempted Detox

So, after watching that movie, my boyfriend and I decided to attempt the Vegan diet.  We want to be healthier.  We felt this was a good way to go.  the movie was excellent, it made sense, and we were totally excited.


Let me tell you, detoxing is not easy.  Woah.  Cutting out all meat, cheese, dairy, and eggs from your diet at the same time is like putting a salt water fish into a fresh water tank:  they go into shock.  My boyfriend seems to be doing fine (would figure wouldn't it?) but my body is throwing a 2-year old fit.  It's been throwing migraines, dizzy spells, fuzziness, and light headedness my way.  The only cure (No! Not more cowbell!) is some of the meat, dairy, cheese, and eggs I had thrown to the wayside.  


Lesson of the weekend:  Cold-turkey veganism may not be for me.  We'lll try this the 12 step way:  one at a time.  First:  adios meat.  We'll try for dairy a different day.  


Excitement of the weekend?  Definitely noted I felt healthier and generally less sluggish.  Light headed? Yes.  Sluggish?  Nope.  This is at least a step in the right direction.  ....  hopefully.  

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Forks Over Knives

The post holiday bloat started to hit the other night as I sat on the couch with my boyfriend.  All the yummy roasts, cookies, bread, dips, and other holiday delights started taking up residence in my body.  It's as thought I could feel the richness ooze through my veins.  Do I regret a moment of it?  Not in the least.  However, with the indulgences comes the consequential need to reevaluate your diet.


The day before Christmas Eve, a bunch of us had gone to Houlihans to catch up for a few hours.  While there, one of our friends mentioned that she had recently decided to go vegan after watching Forks Over Knives, a movie highlighting the absolute correlation between the food we eat and our health.


Now, having read the book, Skinny Bitch, I was already well acquainted with the nuances of the Vegan diet and one approach to trying to convert people.  Actually, after reading that book I bought their cookbook and went Vegan for six weeks.  I instantly felt healthier, more energized, and lost weight.  However, the lack of meat gave me headaches, so I readjusted slightly and went back to eating meat and cheese.


However, after having gorged myself on said meat and cheese over the holidays, watching Forks Over Knives was an excellent reminder about the effects of being conscious eaters.  What you eat truly matters.  It has extreme effects on health, on energy, on cancer, and just on your overall quality of life.  And, having been reminded, I found that my newfound plant appreciation has helped me instantly regain control over the holiday bloat.  Thank you, Forks Over Knives.


So, if you have not seen the movie, I highly recommend it.  It has wonderful research, incredible doctors and stories, and excellent insight on the importance of health.  I might even go so far as to say maybe health classes should start showing it.  


Happy New Year and healthy eating to all!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Movie Classics

Every year around the holidays, I love watching a slew of different Christmas movies to really get me into the spirit of things.  It's an old tradition back to when I was a kid, and one that also usually involved making chocolate chip cookies (happily, I'll admit to eating more cookie dough than actual cookies, but, alas, that was just part of the experience).


Some of the movies I love watching are old favorites from our family's tradition, and some are newfound favorites I've come to love over the years.  If you're looking for a few good movies to watch either on your own or with your family, here are the list of my favorites:


Old Traditions:
White Christmas
A Charlie Brown's Christmas
Garfield's Christmas
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
The Santa Clause
All the Claymation Movies


New Favorites:
Elf
The Holiday
Love Actually
A Muppet's Christmas Carol (no, this is not a new movie, but I was only recently introduced to it!)


Other Good Ones, but not necessarily favorites:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (both cartoon and Jim Carrey versions)
Miracle on 34th Street
It's a Wonderful Life
Four Christmases
Polar Express


So, happy watching, and maybe even family time...and may your chocolate chip cookies actually make it into the oven!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Class Above the Rest

I attended an event last night at the Drake, Chicago.  It's a world-famous hotel located at the corner of North Michigan Ave and Lake Shore Drive, or 1000 N Michigan Ave.  (That's the corner with Chanel & Louis Vuitton, as well as the corner next to 900 N with Michael Kors, Gucci, etc)  So, we can safely say this is the "It places" of Michigan Avenue.


For those who may not understand the prestige following the Drake, it can look a little underwhelming from the outsides, at least by today's sky-scraper, modern everything standards.  It's a modest 10 floors (guest floors) or so, the outside is of the 1920s style, but the inside demands reverence.  It's stunning.  It's like the Chicago version of the Waldorf in New York.  It's gorgeous.  In fact, on of its banquet rooms is famous: the Gold Coast Room.  Yes, the "Gold Coast Room".  The ceiling and pillars are painted in gold flakes, and it's on the gold coast.  Gorgeous!  Breathtaking.  Hi, I want to be married there.


The night ended at the Coq d'Or, a dining room on the ground floor.  It's dark wooded, heavily paneled, smoke room lounge chairs, and it just gives you the feeling of being in a 1920s speakeasy.  The menu is unique but pricey, however, it affords the price as the company and atmosphere are great.  As are the french fries.  Wow.  They're also known for their bookbinder soup.  I haven't had it yet, but it's supposed to be yummy.


In all, this is a place you need to add to your list of Chicago attractions, even if it's just for a quick walk-through.  The Christmas decorations were impeccably done.  I'm just sorry I forgot to take pictures.  Next time, maybe even soon, I'll be sure to right that.  'Til then, it's just a fond memory.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Lulu.com Holiday Deal

For all you wonderful readers, Lulu.com is having a Free Ground Shipping event from now until December 6th!  Just enter:  "SLEIGHRIDES" and you'll get free ground shipping on your order!  How awesome!  Now all those books you wanted for Christmas can come right to your door.  How convenient.  :-)  Or you can even pick up my book, Living with B: A College Girl's Struggle with Bulimia and Everyday Life, because, hey, I know it's been your "books to read" list for quite some time now.


So go for it.  Treat yourself, and enjoy some free shipping!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A Clothing Craving

I've determined that women have the same relationship with clothes shopping that they do with sweets:  A love / hate.  We love to do it, but hate when we either can't find what we're looking for or things just don't fit right.


Here's what I mean.  Tonight I went to return an item I had purchased on-line on Black Friday.  (and this is yet another reason why I don't like clothes shopping online.  Things always fit differently than you pictured.)  So, I was taking my clothes back to simply exchange them for new ones.  New whats exactly?  Sweaters.  I need more sweaters for the winter.  So, I was on a hunt for sweaters.


Tried on sweaters.  Nope.  Tried on more sweaters.  Nope.  Tried on even more sweaters.  Still nope.


Stupid sweaters.


So, I simply returned my item, pocketed some moolah and went to a different store hoping to try my luck.  This is the "love" part of the shopping.  We love to do it.  The "hate" part?  Still didn't find any sweaters.  They either fit funny, weren't flattering, or just looked plain God-awful once on.  You all know what I'm talking about.  It's the item that makes you make that atrocious face in the mirror and take the clothes off faster than you put them on.  That's the "God awful" one.  And yup, there were a few of those tonight.


In all, I ended up with a few extra $$ in my pocket, a defeated sense of accomplishment and style (because, let's face it, when nothing fits you feel defeated), and the question of when I might be able to go back and find something that fits.  And the circle begins.  Love it, hate it, love it, hate it.  But we keep going back.  


....now if only there were some chocolate cake...

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Debate Anyone?

Up for a good little debate with some people?  Take a look at THIS ARTICLE and see if it doesn't make you want to debate the points in it with a few people.  Food for thought?  I think so.  Choose whichever side you like, but I'm certain it will get your wheels turning.