Day 30: Shopping Sales
A couple of weeks ago I was at my local A&P Grocery Store and noticed the lady in front of me saved $30!
If you’re like my groceries add up, especially when trying to eat healthy. Most weeks I save about five dollars using coupons or my A&P card. This week I wanted to see if I could save more.
On Friday I went to http://www.apfreshonline.com/default.asp and looked thru the circular listing sale items. I made my list and planned out my weekly recipes around these items. I found it hard to weed thru the items and only pick the ones I knew we would eat. As Chip says “don’t buy it if we don’t need it”.
My weekly menu is as follows:
Monday – Steak with Asparagus. Both items were on sale and I wouldn’t normally cook steak. I found a Weight Watchers recipe for the steak and it’s only 6 points per serving
Tuesday – Salad topped with Chicken. The pre-made salad in a bag was 2 for 5 and the chicken was on sale. I did splurge on some additional items like tomato and avocado.
Wednesday – Crab Cakes with salad. The pre-made crab cakes were on sale for $3.99 each and I’ll use the second bag of salad.
Thursday – Eggs. These weren’t on sale.
I was so proud of myself. Then we checked out. I only saved $5!
I have to admit that I was disappointed my planning didn’t yield more cash-back but in the end I realized that by shopping the sale items I was able to branch out what I would eat for dinner. Normally I would never buy steak or crab cakes but by reading the weekly circular I was given new ideas.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mixin' It Up!
Mixin’ It Up!
When it comes to food I can act like a 6-year-old. I don’t like things to touch. I like to eat foods in a certain order. The strangest part is that this only applies to food I cook. There are no rules when dining out aside from “I don’t care for mushrooms”.
My morning breakfast usually consists of fruit and a ½ cup of original Fiber 1 Cereal. I eat the fruit first (around 8:45am) and hold out until around 9:15 to eat the dry Fiber 1. I’ve done this same routine for the last two to three years. Needless to say it’s getting old.
I felt inspired this morning. I mixed together cut-up strawberries, ½ cup Fiber 1 and ½ cup of skim milk and ate it all togetherskim milk and ate it all together.
When it comes to food I can act like a 6-year-old. I don’t like things to touch. I like to eat foods in a certain order. The strangest part is that this only applies to food I cook. There are no rules when dining out aside from “I don’t care for mushrooms”.
My morning breakfast usually consists of fruit and a ½ cup of original Fiber 1 Cereal. I eat the fruit first (around 8:45am) and hold out until around 9:15 to eat the dry Fiber 1. I’ve done this same routine for the last two to three years. Needless to say it’s getting old.
I felt inspired this morning. I mixed together cut-up strawberries, ½ cup Fiber 1 and ½ cup of skim milk and ate it all togetherskim milk and ate it all together.
It was a delicious party in my mouth! So many flavors and textures, for once I was excited about breakfast! And the icing on the cake was that it only cost me 2 Weight Watchers points!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dry Feet, Happy Mer
People keep asking me what I’ll do with this blog once my “30 new things” are completed. After pondering this for quite sometime I’ve decided I will keep blogging. I will share with you recipes, fun finds, things that make me happy, weight loss tips and anything others might like to read.
Yes, I still have “Day 30” to complete but in the mean time here’s a brief post.
This will be my 6th winter in NYC. I have worn regular Uggs every winter and thus they have a huge hole in the toe. Snowy, salty streets + soft Uggs = wet feet. I’ve wanted a pair of snow boots for a while but always find some sparkly outfit that I buy instead. (Very responsible I know.)
Last week I took the plunge and found these awesome boots (they look just like a version from Ugg) at Target for around $40!
This winter my feet will stay dry and my spirit will stay happy and healthy.
Yes, I still have “Day 30” to complete but in the mean time here’s a brief post.
This will be my 6th winter in NYC. I have worn regular Uggs every winter and thus they have a huge hole in the toe. Snowy, salty streets + soft Uggs = wet feet. I’ve wanted a pair of snow boots for a while but always find some sparkly outfit that I buy instead. (Very responsible I know.)
Last week I took the plunge and found these awesome boots (they look just like a version from Ugg) at Target for around $40!
This winter my feet will stay dry and my spirit will stay happy and healthy.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bind This!~
Organization makes me happy.
I love lists. Color-coding is my best friend. Checking things off the list is second best to my wedding day.
When I am organized I am happy, less stressed out and thus eat less. This past weekend I started the massive project of organization the dreaded “paper pile”.
Like most New Yorkers I have an apartment with limited space. Much of that space is taken up by stacks of magazines: on the side table, on the coffee table, in the magazine stand, on the floor. I save them because I think I will read them again or they have an interesting article I want to save but most nights I just stare at the mess they cause.
(Side note on what motivated me to be get organized. On Friday I stumbled upon an old college friends blog. http://lifeisdancingintherain.blogspot.com/
Christi is one of those people I look at and think “you have it all together”. I want to be that person. I took about three hours and read thru her blog. She has wonderful recipes, DIY tips, decorating ideas and lists for days. This inspired me! There are so many projects I’ve wanted to do but somehow each weekend I end up on my couch doing nothing. With a little push I am going to seize control of my life one list at a time, one project at time.)
On Sunday I decided to dive into my first project – the magazines had to go!
Chip gave me a three-ring binder that he wasn’t using and I separated it into tabs: clothing, DIY, make-up, organization, decorating, parties, work-outs, random. I went thru every magazine and tore out pages I wanted to save. (Some issues date back over a year and with a fashion magazine that means the styles are way out of date!) I put each page into the appropriate section and now I have all my ideas saved into one place!
I did this same projects with my Weight Watchers recipes. This will save so much time when I think "what should we have for dinner"?
No, my apartment doesn’t feel like the space of a two-story house but if does feel less cluttered and so does my life.
I love lists. Color-coding is my best friend. Checking things off the list is second best to my wedding day.
When I am organized I am happy, less stressed out and thus eat less. This past weekend I started the massive project of organization the dreaded “paper pile”.
Like most New Yorkers I have an apartment with limited space. Much of that space is taken up by stacks of magazines: on the side table, on the coffee table, in the magazine stand, on the floor. I save them because I think I will read them again or they have an interesting article I want to save but most nights I just stare at the mess they cause.
(Side note on what motivated me to be get organized. On Friday I stumbled upon an old college friends blog. http://lifeisdancingintherain.blogspot.com/
Christi is one of those people I look at and think “you have it all together”. I want to be that person. I took about three hours and read thru her blog. She has wonderful recipes, DIY tips, decorating ideas and lists for days. This inspired me! There are so many projects I’ve wanted to do but somehow each weekend I end up on my couch doing nothing. With a little push I am going to seize control of my life one list at a time, one project at time.)
On Sunday I decided to dive into my first project – the magazines had to go!
Chip gave me a three-ring binder that he wasn’t using and I separated it into tabs: clothing, DIY, make-up, organization, decorating, parties, work-outs, random. I went thru every magazine and tore out pages I wanted to save. (Some issues date back over a year and with a fashion magazine that means the styles are way out of date!) I put each page into the appropriate section and now I have all my ideas saved into one place!
I did this same projects with my Weight Watchers recipes. This will save so much time when I think "what should we have for dinner"?
No, my apartment doesn’t feel like the space of a two-story house but if does feel less cluttered and so does my life.
Day 28: Clowning Around
So it’s been about a month since I’ve posted. I fell of the “new things” wagon and I feel shame. Hopefully you don’t judge me too much.
Just because I haven’t posted doesn’t mean I haven’t done new things!
On October 13th I went to “Clown School”. It was my good friend Sam’s birthday and for her party we all got lessons on how to be funny. Now yours truly is already funny so this all came pretty easy to me. In high school I was voted “funniest girl senior”. There was also a “wittiest girl senior”. I asked a friend the difference and was told “someone who’s witty says something humorous that people laugh at, where as someone funny does something humorous that people laugh at.” We’re talking physical comedy.
My brand of physical comedy is accidental. I trip, people laugh. My skirt gets blown over my head in rush-hour traffic, people laugh.
Clown School taught us to hone our physical comedy. We did an hours worth of activities all of which we were on our feet, moving around. (I knew you were asking how this promoted weight loss.) Our final project was to do a short clown skit. I paired up with Blaine (who is a comedy genius) and we did “smart clown, dumb clown” and nailed it!
Just because I haven’t posted doesn’t mean I haven’t done new things!
On October 13th I went to “Clown School”. It was my good friend Sam’s birthday and for her party we all got lessons on how to be funny. Now yours truly is already funny so this all came pretty easy to me. In high school I was voted “funniest girl senior”. There was also a “wittiest girl senior”. I asked a friend the difference and was told “someone who’s witty says something humorous that people laugh at, where as someone funny does something humorous that people laugh at.” We’re talking physical comedy.
My brand of physical comedy is accidental. I trip, people laugh. My skirt gets blown over my head in rush-hour traffic, people laugh.
Clown School taught us to hone our physical comedy. We did an hours worth of activities all of which we were on our feet, moving around. (I knew you were asking how this promoted weight loss.) Our final project was to do a short clown skit. I paired up with Blaine (who is a comedy genius) and we did “smart clown, dumb clown” and nailed it!
Below are photos of us clowning around.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 27: Go To The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Day 27: Go To The Metropolitan Museum of Art
I thought I had never been to The Met but my mom reminded me I had when I was young. I don’t remember so this counts as new.
I didn’t realize how massive The Met was. You could spend multiple days in there and not see everything, meaning you could probably walk multiple miles and not see everything.
Chip and I only had a few hours so we went to the 19th and 20th Century wing – we both really like impressionism. We also went to the Egyptian and American wings.
We were both very sore from the party the day before. I mean VERY sore. Just walking thru the museum hurt and going out and down all the stairs was brutal. In high school there was a sign in the gym that read “Pain is weakness leaving your body”. Is this is true my body couldn’t be weaker.
I enjoyed the museum but would recommend going on a day or time where it wasn’t crowded. A rainy, Sunday afternoon was probably not the best time to go.
Walking around The Met was good physical and mental exercise. I can’t believe I’ve lived in NYC over five years and it’s taken me so long to go.
I thought I had never been to The Met but my mom reminded me I had when I was young. I don’t remember so this counts as new.
I didn’t realize how massive The Met was. You could spend multiple days in there and not see everything, meaning you could probably walk multiple miles and not see everything.
Chip and I only had a few hours so we went to the 19th and 20th Century wing – we both really like impressionism. We also went to the Egyptian and American wings.
We were both very sore from the party the day before. I mean VERY sore. Just walking thru the museum hurt and going out and down all the stairs was brutal. In high school there was a sign in the gym that read “Pain is weakness leaving your body”. Is this is true my body couldn’t be weaker.
I enjoyed the museum but would recommend going on a day or time where it wasn’t crowded. A rainy, Sunday afternoon was probably not the best time to go.
Walking around The Met was good physical and mental exercise. I can’t believe I’ve lived in NYC over five years and it’s taken me so long to go.
Day 26: Act Like A Kid
Day 26: Act Like A Kid
Today is my 29th birthday (9/26) and what better way to celebrate than act like a kid!
For our birthdays Chip and I had a party at Chelsea Piers which included; pedestal jousting, dodge ball, gymnastics, rock climbing and an obstacle course!
We had 22 people in attendance and I think everyone had a blast although no one realized how hard it would all be.
The games were fun and reminiscent of a middle school field day. The jousting let us beat the crap out of each other while laughing at the same time.
For our birthdays Chip and I had a party at Chelsea Piers which included; pedestal jousting, dodge ball, gymnastics, rock climbing and an obstacle course!
We had 22 people in attendance and I think everyone had a blast although no one realized how hard it would all be.
The games were fun and reminiscent of a middle school field day. The jousting let us beat the crap out of each other while laughing at the same time.
I was shocked to find out that dodge ball is no longer played with those red rubber balls but nerf balls instead. After one round of dodge ball most people were winded. The gymnastic was swinging on a rope and landing into a pit and I don’t think I need to explain rock climbing.
The obstacle course of was harder than it appeared.
The next day I was SO sore it was hard to walk, sleep and even eat. Every part of my body hurt – even places I didn’t know existed.
I can’t believe I got such a great work out playing kids games. The two hours went by really fast and I had a great time!
I can’t believe I got such a great work out playing kids games. The two hours went by really fast and I had a great time!
Day 25: Score TWO goals at soccer
Day 25: Score TWO goals at soccer
Obviously this wasn’t planned but it’s a new thing for me and I’m super excited about it.
I’ve been playing on a coed soccer team on and off for the last 3+ years. In that time I can count on one hand the number of goals I’ve scored total (and I play forward).
I continue playing because it’s a fun way to hang out with friends and a good work out. Last season I started walking from my office (42nd and 2nd) to the field (23rd and West Side Highway) which adds to the “activity points”.
Friday night I was on fire. I played as if my body was possessed by Beckham. I had moves I’ve never seen – headers, two goals, two almost goals. I’m still sore from all the fantasticness.
It felt good to play well. Eating well and working out help me with my stamina which makes me a better player. I hope I can play this well next game.
Obviously this wasn’t planned but it’s a new thing for me and I’m super excited about it.
I’ve been playing on a coed soccer team on and off for the last 3+ years. In that time I can count on one hand the number of goals I’ve scored total (and I play forward).
I continue playing because it’s a fun way to hang out with friends and a good work out. Last season I started walking from my office (42nd and 2nd) to the field (23rd and West Side Highway) which adds to the “activity points”.
Friday night I was on fire. I played as if my body was possessed by Beckham. I had moves I’ve never seen – headers, two goals, two almost goals. I’m still sore from all the fantasticness.
It felt good to play well. Eating well and working out help me with my stamina which makes me a better player. I hope I can play this well next game.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 22 (Make-Up): Make a new work-out playlist
Day 22 (Make-Up): Make a new work-out playlist
I like to work out to angry music. Think Metallica, Guns ‘N Roses, Drowning Pool – you get the points. It makes me run harder and feel tough.
But there are some days when I just want a light work-out – a walk, the bike, etc . . . on these days I want to feel good about working out and feel happy. So I’ve decided to put together a Pop-Tunes Work-Out Mix.
Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Party In the U.S.A by Miley Cyrus
Circus by Britney Spears
I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry
Poker Face by Lady GaGa
Just A Girl by No Doubt
Womanizer by Britney Spears
Not only do I have the start of an awesome play-list but I love the fact it’s all female artists!
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
I like to work out to angry music. Think Metallica, Guns ‘N Roses, Drowning Pool – you get the points. It makes me run harder and feel tough.
But there are some days when I just want a light work-out – a walk, the bike, etc . . . on these days I want to feel good about working out and feel happy. So I’ve decided to put together a Pop-Tunes Work-Out Mix.
Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Party In the U.S.A by Miley Cyrus
Circus by Britney Spears
I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry
Poker Face by Lady GaGa
Just A Girl by No Doubt
Womanizer by Britney Spears
Not only do I have the start of an awesome play-list but I love the fact it’s all female artists!
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Day 24: Bake WW Dessert For Co-Workers
Day 24: Bake WW Dessert For Co-Workers
I LOVE to bake. Usually I bake a tasty treat made with at least two sticks of butter and a good deal of flour and sugar. Decoded – not good for you.
To try and save my waistline I attempt to eat one or two and bring the rest to work.
My office is full constantly broke, starving twenty-somethings who are more than happy to eat anything free. Needless to say baked goods don’t last long. The one catch to this is that things that are good for you are never taken. I once witness a peach sit on the communal counter for 4 days. It started out beautifully peachy and ended up brown and rotted. Bottom line healthy is not popular.
Today I brought in Weight Watchers Caramel cookies that I made last night. I didn’t tell anyone they were Weight Watchers knowing they would be turned off.
I put the bag down at 8:30 am and immediately three people grabbed cookies. Everyone thought they were good and asked about the recipe – I dodged giving an answer I didn’t want to spoil their sugary treat.
By 10:10 am two-thirds of the bag was gone.
By 1:55 there was one cookie left.
Looks like everyone loved the cookies – “healthy” or not. I thought they were tasty and felt a little bit better about myself knowing they weren’t as calorie-packed as your average baked good!
I LOVE to bake. Usually I bake a tasty treat made with at least two sticks of butter and a good deal of flour and sugar. Decoded – not good for you.
To try and save my waistline I attempt to eat one or two and bring the rest to work.
My office is full constantly broke, starving twenty-somethings who are more than happy to eat anything free. Needless to say baked goods don’t last long. The one catch to this is that things that are good for you are never taken. I once witness a peach sit on the communal counter for 4 days. It started out beautifully peachy and ended up brown and rotted. Bottom line healthy is not popular.
Today I brought in Weight Watchers Caramel cookies that I made last night. I didn’t tell anyone they were Weight Watchers knowing they would be turned off.
I put the bag down at 8:30 am and immediately three people grabbed cookies. Everyone thought they were good and asked about the recipe – I dodged giving an answer I didn’t want to spoil their sugary treat.
By 10:10 am two-thirds of the bag was gone.
By 1:55 there was one cookie left.
Looks like everyone loved the cookies – “healthy” or not. I thought they were tasty and felt a little bit better about myself knowing they weren’t as calorie-packed as your average baked good!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Another Ooooppps: Day 23 (make up Day 21)
Day 23: Cook an All WW Meal
In the first week of this adventure I set out to cook an all Weight Watchers Meal for my friends with out their knowing. Due to bad weather and a day-long trip to the bar this “new thing” never got done.
Today I cooked for Jenn, Sam and Chip. I could tell you I did it all by myself but that would be a lie. I have wonderful friends who like to pitch in and help. As we didn’t eat until 9pm I’m glad I took the help.
I made Au Gratin potatoes, Tilapia with a cherry almond topping, and asparagus. The meal was time consuming and delicious.
Sam and Chip couldn’t believe the potatoes were a Weight Watchers recipe. They were creamy, cheesy and flavorful. If that wasn’t good enough an entire serving was only 3 points!
The fish was also 3 points.
I cooked the asparagus by steaming it (no olive oil) so that was 0 points.
In total the meal was 6 points.
Overall last night was a success. It shows that cooking healthy doesn’t have to taste like dirt. Most times people don’t know when you substitute light cheese or butter for the full-fat real thing. A tip from Jenn was to add in spices of herbs to recipes as they are 0 points as well. We added some rosemary to the potatoes and it made them extra delicious!
Most people will love the fact that you took the time to cook a homemade meal and the fact that it's good for you is the icing on the cake!
In the first week of this adventure I set out to cook an all Weight Watchers Meal for my friends with out their knowing. Due to bad weather and a day-long trip to the bar this “new thing” never got done.
Today I cooked for Jenn, Sam and Chip. I could tell you I did it all by myself but that would be a lie. I have wonderful friends who like to pitch in and help. As we didn’t eat until 9pm I’m glad I took the help.
I made Au Gratin potatoes, Tilapia with a cherry almond topping, and asparagus. The meal was time consuming and delicious.
Sam and Chip couldn’t believe the potatoes were a Weight Watchers recipe. They were creamy, cheesy and flavorful. If that wasn’t good enough an entire serving was only 3 points!
The fish was also 3 points.
I cooked the asparagus by steaming it (no olive oil) so that was 0 points.
In total the meal was 6 points.
Overall last night was a success. It shows that cooking healthy doesn’t have to taste like dirt. Most times people don’t know when you substitute light cheese or butter for the full-fat real thing. A tip from Jenn was to add in spices of herbs to recipes as they are 0 points as well. We added some rosemary to the potatoes and it made them extra delicious!
Most people will love the fact that you took the time to cook a homemade meal and the fact that it's good for you is the icing on the cake!
As I was a slacker this week I did two new things today so this is the make-up post for Day 21.
In my Tuesday Weight Watchers meeting a lovely woman told us about how she write five daily affirmations/positive thoughts a day before bed. She said it makes a huge difference going to bed optimistic.
So starting today I’m going to accept this challenge.
Wednesday 9/23:
My outfit looked awesome today!
I fit into a skirt I haven’t been able to wear in months!
I have wonderful, supportive, amazing friends!
It’s my birthday week and I actually like getting older!
I am getting better at cooking!
When I look at this list I realize I have a kick-butt life! It’s so simple to get bogged down in the day-to-day drama. When the work is piling up, you’re binging on chocolate and you have a zit anyone would want to crawl into a cave and hibernate. However, when you lay out the GOOD in life you tend to see that the bad will pass.
Dear Blog,
I haven't forgotten about you, life just got in the way.
I swear I'll make this up to you! How about I do TWO new things today and TWO new things tomorrow?
Would that make you happy? Yes? It's a deal!
Love,
Meredith
Look for a new post today which details TWO new adventures.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 20: Revamp a Recipe
Day 20: Revamp a Recipe
I love Macaroni and Cheese. It’s creamy cheesy deliciousness!
It’s also awful for you.
My challenge today was to take a Mac & Cheese recipe and swap out ingredients to make it healthier.
I chose Ina Garten’s (aka Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa) recipe.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/grown-up-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
The first thing I did was to point this out using Weight Watcher’s etools recipe builder. It came out to 38 points per serving – OUCH!
The next step was to start substituting ingredients. I halfed the portion of bacon and used turkey bacon instead. I choose a 75% fat free cheddar and used Laughing Cow Swiss instead of the Gruyere. I did use regular Blue Cheese. I also subbed low-fat milk and light butter. Finally I didn’t use bread, I used already made bread crumbs.
Ina’s recipe makes two servings. I turned mine casserole dish into eight servings. It was the perfect side to veal and broccoli and came out to only five points!
Was it as good as I expected? No.
But it wasn’t bad.
That being said it was my first attempt at basically making up a recipe. I can’t wait to experiment with this again. Next time I will eliminate the bacon and use either a few drops of truffle oil or a low fat cream cheese instead. I found the dish a bit dry so I want to give it some moisture.
This was a great way to improve my confidence in the kitchen. I was also able to see how point-filled some recipes can be but how easy it is to make a few changes to make healthy alternatives.
I love Macaroni and Cheese. It’s creamy cheesy deliciousness!
It’s also awful for you.
My challenge today was to take a Mac & Cheese recipe and swap out ingredients to make it healthier.
I chose Ina Garten’s (aka Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa) recipe.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/grown-up-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
The first thing I did was to point this out using Weight Watcher’s etools recipe builder. It came out to 38 points per serving – OUCH!
The next step was to start substituting ingredients. I halfed the portion of bacon and used turkey bacon instead. I choose a 75% fat free cheddar and used Laughing Cow Swiss instead of the Gruyere. I did use regular Blue Cheese. I also subbed low-fat milk and light butter. Finally I didn’t use bread, I used already made bread crumbs.
Ina’s recipe makes two servings. I turned mine casserole dish into eight servings. It was the perfect side to veal and broccoli and came out to only five points!
Was it as good as I expected? No.
But it wasn’t bad.
That being said it was my first attempt at basically making up a recipe. I can’t wait to experiment with this again. Next time I will eliminate the bacon and use either a few drops of truffle oil or a low fat cream cheese instead. I found the dish a bit dry so I want to give it some moisture.
This was a great way to improve my confidence in the kitchen. I was also able to see how point-filled some recipes can be but how easy it is to make a few changes to make healthy alternatives.
Day 19: Take a Walking Tour of NYC
Day 19: Take a Walking Tour of NYC
This started out as my friends and I were to sign up for a guided walking out of The Five Points, Chinatown and The Lower East Side. Due to the tour guide being unavailable I ended up buying her book “Inside The Apple” which features 14 self-guided walking tours.
http://www.insidetheapple.net/
Seven of us went, and being that six out of seven were tour guides, we decided that we could give ourselves the tour!
It took about three and a half hours (a bit too long but I must have gotten a lot of steps in so it was good for the waist line) and we saw so many things I never knew about in NYC. Did you know that the term “Slumming” originated from wealthy people in Manhattan hire Irish police offers to take them on tours of The Five Points?
It was a great activity to do with friends as we could chat between stops. Between the history and my friends I barely noticed all the exercise I was getting (until the walk was over and my feet hurt). I would recommend the book and the walk to anyone who wants to learn the history of New York while getting to see it.
This started out as my friends and I were to sign up for a guided walking out of The Five Points, Chinatown and The Lower East Side. Due to the tour guide being unavailable I ended up buying her book “Inside The Apple” which features 14 self-guided walking tours.
http://www.insidetheapple.net/
Seven of us went, and being that six out of seven were tour guides, we decided that we could give ourselves the tour!
It took about three and a half hours (a bit too long but I must have gotten a lot of steps in so it was good for the waist line) and we saw so many things I never knew about in NYC. Did you know that the term “Slumming” originated from wealthy people in Manhattan hire Irish police offers to take them on tours of The Five Points?
It was a great activity to do with friends as we could chat between stops. Between the history and my friends I barely noticed all the exercise I was getting (until the walk was over and my feet hurt). I would recommend the book and the walk to anyone who wants to learn the history of New York while getting to see it.
Lisa stopping to buy candy in Chinatown.
The First Tenement Building
Sam and Jenn on "The Bloody Angle".
"Doyers Street in Chinatown, New York is called The Bloody Angle for its violent history. Doyers is a street with a sharp corner (hence the name) and departs from Bowery just below Canal Street. The street witnessed a remarkable number of shootings among the Tong Gangs of Chinatown between 1870 and 1930. The street was ideal for street battles not just because of its angle but also because of the tunnels that connected the buildings." According the Wikipedia
Meredith in front of The First Cemetry of The Spanish and Portugese Synagoge Sherith Israel 1656-1833
Sam, Jenn, Christie and Gillian in front of St Augustines.
Day 18: Write a “Bucket List” for Turning 30
Day 18: Write a “Bucket List” for Turning 30
(Friday)
It seems I got a little behind in posting although I have been doing my one new thing a day, so all you lucky readers get three posts today.
I’m turning 29 this week. I don’t think I’m old at all but I have noticed that I’m suddenly an adult and I have no idea when this happened! When did all night parties and eating 5-pizzas after finishing a term paper turn into paying bills and watching my weight? It just happened – Life just happens.
I want to set up some defined goals to meet before I turn 30 because as Ferris Buller says “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could just miss it.”
How does this have to do with weight loss? Having clear purposes allows you to set goals and baby steps to reach those goals. Knowing what you want and don’t want out of life helps define these goals.
Writing this list proved harder than I thought but here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
Be able to run a mile in under 10 minutes with out stopping. (This is something I could do in middle school and I know I could do again with some dedication and training.)
Maintain my goal weight. (I’ve been told over and over it’s not all about the numbers. At this point I don’t have an exact weight I want to be but I know I want to be able to maintain that weight.)
Cook a nice meal with no help and no meltdowns – I don’t think an explanation is needed.
Learn how to apply make- up. (I know how to wear makeup and I can put it on. But I would like to learn how to do “smoky eyes and dewy cheeks”.)
Keep a plan alive. (Yes, I killed the herbs. They weren’t 100% dead and I watered them every other day! One was turning all brown and the other had mold in the soil. Damn you brown thumb!)
Love my hair! (Anyone who knows me knows I don’t love my hair but here’s the thing – it’s the only hair I’ve got. So I want to embrace it and love it!)
I’ve got a little over a year to start working – here it goes!
(Friday)
It seems I got a little behind in posting although I have been doing my one new thing a day, so all you lucky readers get three posts today.
I’m turning 29 this week. I don’t think I’m old at all but I have noticed that I’m suddenly an adult and I have no idea when this happened! When did all night parties and eating 5-pizzas after finishing a term paper turn into paying bills and watching my weight? It just happened – Life just happens.
I want to set up some defined goals to meet before I turn 30 because as Ferris Buller says “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could just miss it.”
How does this have to do with weight loss? Having clear purposes allows you to set goals and baby steps to reach those goals. Knowing what you want and don’t want out of life helps define these goals.
Writing this list proved harder than I thought but here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
Be able to run a mile in under 10 minutes with out stopping. (This is something I could do in middle school and I know I could do again with some dedication and training.)
Maintain my goal weight. (I’ve been told over and over it’s not all about the numbers. At this point I don’t have an exact weight I want to be but I know I want to be able to maintain that weight.)
Cook a nice meal with no help and no meltdowns – I don’t think an explanation is needed.
Learn how to apply make- up. (I know how to wear makeup and I can put it on. But I would like to learn how to do “smoky eyes and dewy cheeks”.)
Keep a plan alive. (Yes, I killed the herbs. They weren’t 100% dead and I watered them every other day! One was turning all brown and the other had mold in the soil. Damn you brown thumb!)
Love my hair! (Anyone who knows me knows I don’t love my hair but here’s the thing – it’s the only hair I’ve got. So I want to embrace it and love it!)
I’ve got a little over a year to start working – here it goes!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 17: Write on the Weight Watchers Message Boards
Day 17: Write on the Weight Watchers Message Boards
Can you believe the month is half over? Where does the time go?
Today my challenge was to explore and write on the Weight Watchers online message board.
Weight Watchers has an amazing online application with recipes, advice, articles and message boards. Anyone who subscribes to "E-Tools" can write on the message board that there are posts on all different topics - weight loss strategy, fitness tips, favorite foods, etc . . .
I've NEVER used the message boards which is crazy because I pay for the online services so today I posted a thread. I have about 10 lbs to lose and just don't seem to be motivated. All my clothes fit which is part of the problem. Granted this is a good thing but the reason I first joined Weight Watchers is because my clothes didn't fit and it was a great kick in the pants to shed some pounds. Now that they fit I'm in limbo - not losing, not gaining. I’ve tried to jump start by going to the gym, starting a blog but I'm still at a bit of a loss.
Hopefully the good members of Weight Watchers can help me and I would love any advice from you as well! It's very personal to throw a problem out to the world but I'm hoping that the advice I receive will be worth it!
**Remember to send me your healthy recipes!
Can you believe the month is half over? Where does the time go?
Today my challenge was to explore and write on the Weight Watchers online message board.
Weight Watchers has an amazing online application with recipes, advice, articles and message boards. Anyone who subscribes to "E-Tools" can write on the message board that there are posts on all different topics - weight loss strategy, fitness tips, favorite foods, etc . . .
I've NEVER used the message boards which is crazy because I pay for the online services so today I posted a thread. I have about 10 lbs to lose and just don't seem to be motivated. All my clothes fit which is part of the problem. Granted this is a good thing but the reason I first joined Weight Watchers is because my clothes didn't fit and it was a great kick in the pants to shed some pounds. Now that they fit I'm in limbo - not losing, not gaining. I’ve tried to jump start by going to the gym, starting a blog but I'm still at a bit of a loss.
Hopefully the good members of Weight Watchers can help me and I would love any advice from you as well! It's very personal to throw a problem out to the world but I'm hoping that the advice I receive will be worth it!
**Remember to send me your healthy recipes!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 16: Meditate
Day 16: Meditate
Breath in . . . what am I going to eat for dinner? Breath out . . . I can’t believe my DVR erased all by shows! Breath in . . . did I send that email before I left work? Breath out . . . I really want a new purse!
That was me trying to meditate.
I looked up how to do it online and it all seemed so simple. Find a quite place – check! Sit on the ground – check! Breath in and out from your abdomen – check! Clear your mind of all thoughts – WHAT?!
I found the whole “letting your mind go blank” thing really hard and something that most likely takes practice. Who knew this blog would be so hard? Making yourself a healthier, positive person takes work and dedication.
I might not ever be able to master meditation but setting aside 15 minutes at the end of the day to relax, let go, and center on what’s important in life is very beneficial.
Looks like this is turning into one knew things a day – changes for a lifetime.
Day 15: Gather New Recipes
Day 15:
Yesterday was crazy. I was tired, irritable and slammed at work so I’m going to come out and say it – I didn’t do something new. Damn you life for getting in the way again!
So today I’m going to do two new things.
Most of you probably received an email about my recipe exchange. If you didn’t read below:
Good afternoon!
As I'm sure most of you know I am mid-way thru my amazing blog - (you know because you're reading it) and today my new thing is to gather recipes from friends and family.
Here's what I'm looking for:
Any recipe you have that's healthy and some what easy to make.
I'm going to combine them all into a book (complete with the Weight Watcher points for each recipe). Please make sure to give credit if it's not your original recipe.
If you would like a copy of the recipes once I'm done please let me know in your email.
Please forward this to anyone who might like to participate.
If I could get all recipes by 9/25 (next Friday) that would be awesome! Thanks for your help!Meredith
For me, staying with a healthy life style requires change. I think added some new recipes to my collection will be a great way to stay satisfied while eating healthy. It will also help improve my cooking skills.
I’m really excited to see what everyone emails me.
Stay tunred later today for my 2nd new thing – meditation!
Yesterday was crazy. I was tired, irritable and slammed at work so I’m going to come out and say it – I didn’t do something new. Damn you life for getting in the way again!
So today I’m going to do two new things.
Most of you probably received an email about my recipe exchange. If you didn’t read below:
Good afternoon!
As I'm sure most of you know I am mid-way thru my amazing blog - (you know because you're reading it) and today my new thing is to gather recipes from friends and family.
Here's what I'm looking for:
Any recipe you have that's healthy and some what easy to make.
I'm going to combine them all into a book (complete with the Weight Watcher points for each recipe). Please make sure to give credit if it's not your original recipe.
If you would like a copy of the recipes once I'm done please let me know in your email.
Please forward this to anyone who might like to participate.
If I could get all recipes by 9/25 (next Friday) that would be awesome! Thanks for your help!Meredith
For me, staying with a healthy life style requires change. I think added some new recipes to my collection will be a great way to stay satisfied while eating healthy. It will also help improve my cooking skills.
I’m really excited to see what everyone emails me.
Stay tunred later today for my 2nd new thing – meditation!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Day 14: No Cursing
Day 14: No Cursing
I curse like a sailor.
It's not cool, it's not lady like, it's just plain vulgar!
I don't know when I turned into such a potty mouth but it's something I would like to work on.
Are you thinking - what does this have to do with weight loss? Well I'm trying pretty hard to live a positive life. Good thoughts and intentions will lead to good results. When I scream profanities I'm just throwing out negative energy into the world.
This might be a bunch of baloney but it's worth a shot.
12:01 am and so far so good. Like thinking positive and standing up straight I have to be very conscious of what I say but I think I can do it.
I curse like a sailor.
It's not cool, it's not lady like, it's just plain vulgar!
I don't know when I turned into such a potty mouth but it's something I would like to work on.
Are you thinking - what does this have to do with weight loss? Well I'm trying pretty hard to live a positive life. Good thoughts and intentions will lead to good results. When I scream profanities I'm just throwing out negative energy into the world.
This might be a bunch of baloney but it's worth a shot.
12:01 am and so far so good. Like thinking positive and standing up straight I have to be very conscious of what I say but I think I can do it.
Day 13: Go To The Cloisters
Day 13: Go To The Cloisters (Sunday)
I have lived in the New York City area for over five years and there are so many things I haven’t explored.
I have lived in the New York City area for over five years and there are so many things I haven’t explored.
This weekend my mom came in town from Texas and she has always wanted to go to The Cloisters. Likewise, my mother-in-law has being telling Chip that he needs to go to The Cloisters.
This Sunday was a gorgeous, sunny day so we woke up and went to The Cloisters.
According to Wikipedia, “The Cloisters is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of the European Middle Ages. The Cloisters is located in New York City specifically Fort Tyron Park near the northern tip of Manhattan island on a hill overlooking the Hudson River. The Cloisters include the museum building and the adjacent four acres.”
We had a fantastic time. I found it amazing that such beautiful and intricate works of art were produced such a long time ago. The buildings that house the art were created to look like those of the Middle Ages and in fact some of the artifacts (stones, arches, etc) were worked into the construction of The Cloisters.
Weaving in and out of different rooms we spent about two hours covering the entire museum and thus getting lots of steps in. A key part to Weight Watchers is to “Move More”. This doesn’t have to be running a marathon or spending five hours at the gym. Taking a couple of hours to walk thru a museum is sure better than sitting on your couch watching TV. By going to The Cloisters I experienced something new while getting a low-impact work out.
This Sunday was a gorgeous, sunny day so we woke up and went to The Cloisters.
According to Wikipedia, “The Cloisters is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of the European Middle Ages. The Cloisters is located in New York City specifically Fort Tyron Park near the northern tip of Manhattan island on a hill overlooking the Hudson River. The Cloisters include the museum building and the adjacent four acres.”
We had a fantastic time. I found it amazing that such beautiful and intricate works of art were produced such a long time ago. The buildings that house the art were created to look like those of the Middle Ages and in fact some of the artifacts (stones, arches, etc) were worked into the construction of The Cloisters.
Weaving in and out of different rooms we spent about two hours covering the entire museum and thus getting lots of steps in. A key part to Weight Watchers is to “Move More”. This doesn’t have to be running a marathon or spending five hours at the gym. Taking a couple of hours to walk thru a museum is sure better than sitting on your couch watching TV. By going to The Cloisters I experienced something new while getting a low-impact work out.
The museum is located in a large park. Although we didn’t walk around the park (we had to get home to watch The US Open) it looked very beautiful. For those wanting to visit The Cloisters I recommend setting aside enough time to visit both the museum and the park.
Day 12: Work On My Posture
Day 12: Work On My Posture (Saturday)
I have AWFUL posture. I think I would be a good two inches taller if I just didn’t slouch but for some reason this has always been really hard for me. I don’t want to look like The Hunch Back of Notre Dame so I thought I should work on standing up straight.
If you google “Good Posture” you will find numerous links stating that good posture will help reduce back pain. There are how to’s on standing up straight and exercise you can do to improve your posture.
If you then google “Good Posture Thin” guess what . . . standing up straight makes you look thinner! This comes as no surprise to me – celebrities and models have amazing posture and look thin. Not only does good posture make you look leaner and longer but confident as well. It’s a small adjustment that can help so much.
For me slouching is the norm. I noticed that I really have to be conscious of standing up straight or even sitting up straight. We were in the car and I noticed I was hunched over so I made the effort to sit up. Five minutes later I noticed I was hunched over again. I don’t think this is a behavior I can change over night. I think it’s something I will have to work on every day.
I have AWFUL posture. I think I would be a good two inches taller if I just didn’t slouch but for some reason this has always been really hard for me. I don’t want to look like The Hunch Back of Notre Dame so I thought I should work on standing up straight.
If you google “Good Posture” you will find numerous links stating that good posture will help reduce back pain. There are how to’s on standing up straight and exercise you can do to improve your posture.
If you then google “Good Posture Thin” guess what . . . standing up straight makes you look thinner! This comes as no surprise to me – celebrities and models have amazing posture and look thin. Not only does good posture make you look leaner and longer but confident as well. It’s a small adjustment that can help so much.
For me slouching is the norm. I noticed that I really have to be conscious of standing up straight or even sitting up straight. We were in the car and I noticed I was hunched over so I made the effort to sit up. Five minutes later I noticed I was hunched over again. I don’t think this is a behavior I can change over night. I think it’s something I will have to work on every day.
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