Hydrate.

Another obsession of mine lately: SASSY WATER.



I got the original idea from pinterest of course. It is part of the Prevention magazine's Flat belly diet. The original recipe is here.


Health Benefits:
"Proponents of the diet maintain that ginger in sassy water helps your digestion and can reduce your risk of constipation, while lemon works as a natural diuretic and promotes a healthy pH balance. Cucumbers contain erepsin, an enzyme that helps your body digest protein and also supports the health of your kidneys due to their diuretic properties. Chemicals in mint leaves also support digestion." Along with many other nutritional perks.
You can find more information here.

I make it for my mom and I every night. I put about 5-6 slices of cukes, around half of a lemon, a few mint leaves, and peal some ginger (I like a lot, my mom likes less). I bought a ginger root from Harmon's, pealed it and keep it in the freezer. When I need some I just use my potato peeler. Also, the mint needs to be twisted and broke apart a little bit to better release the herb's oil. Without fail, it always tastes great. I just fill it up with ice (and sometimes water) all day long.

The biggest reason I love it tho, it tastes AWESOME. I usually drink a lot of water, but I feel I have increased my H2O intake by quite a bit. So cheers to this amazing, refreshing summer beverage. Isn't it pretty?

#blessings.

A cheesy little post is better than no post at all right?
Three things I am extra thankful for today:
Pinterest.
Pinterest.
Pinterest.

Twenty-five.

So I stumbled on this little draft today. It was named "25 things I am going to do before I turn 25." and here is draft post:
" I am turning a quarter of a century, in a little over 8 months, and here is my list I plan to do before that milestone comes:
[in no particular order]
I am going to run a marathon, ok a half marathon.
I am going to get my boobs done. [don't judge, don't argue.]
I am going to graduate with my associates. [better late than never;]
Climb Mt. Oly! [Who's with me?]


Well, I wish I would have at least finished writing the list, let alone get everything crossed off. I am [kind of] happy to report that I am signed up for my first half marathon. I did indeed get my breast augmentation [best purchase of my life]. I will graduate THIS SUMMER with my associates-- with intentions to get my BS in nursing. I plan on climbing Mt. Oly this summer, at least once [and you are still invited if you want to come].

Anyway, I did just turn 25 last week. It was the worst birthday yet, and it wasn't even bad. It just kind of hit me: I have to grow up and get my ish together here pretty quick... but then someone said I had until 30 (they are my new BFF;). Seriously tho, it made me realize that I wont be forever young--quite motivating if you ask me.

I always say this, but I fully intend to blog more. Stay tuned ;).

Celery Soup

Let me introduce you to my new obsession:

CELERY SOUP

I actually happened to stumble upon this recipe a few years ago in a People magazine. I have made it here and there, but lately it is a weekly staple to my diet.
Did I mention it is also supposedly Jennifer Aniston's favorite. [But I don't take any magazine too seriously]

Recipe:

* 4 cups celery, chopped in 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 to 1 head cauliflower, cut into 2-inch pieces (or 1 potato, peeled/cut)
* 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tbsp. heavy cream (optional- I usually opt out to make it healthier)


1. Put all ingredients,(except the cream) in a large stockpot.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and skim off any impurities off the top. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Mix with a hand blender [I blend it in my Ninja] and stir in cream, if desired. Return the soup to the pot and gently reheat if necessary. Taste with salt and pepper.
I have found I like it a little chunkier vs. more runny
Also, I put it in mason jars for perfect lunch servings all week. (makes 5-6 jars)

Eat within a week, or freeze.

*UPDATE: I plugged this recipe into "My Fitness Pal" and for one mason jar sized serving it has about:
75 calories
12g carbs
0g fat
6g protein
and 856g sodium
Not too shabby..

#blessings

Three things I am thankful for today:

1. Being able to love, and be loved
2. Gentlemen! The ones who still open doors, and actually respect us ladies.
3. My positive outlook on life. It takes work, but it's worth it. Just be happy!

Until next time. . .

#blessings

Three things I'm thankful for right now:
 
1. Brushing my teeth, +having good teeth.

2. Reality checks. Both good and bad.

3. Mirrors. [Judge away, if I could do everything in front of a mirror; I would.• I bet I would judge myself worse than you do]

just another week in the life..

WOW, what a week.

I guess I will start from the beginning:
MONDAY:
Woke up early for a quick 5 mile run with my mom
then
Worked 12 hours for time and a half.

TUESDAY:
Class, a quick cardio at the gym, an amazing homemade lunch, and the best part? A DAY OFF

WEDNESDAY: An ass kicking at body pump.
Hiked Timpanogos and toured the caves with Liz.

and went on a spur of the moment midnight hike with Jeremy to Fifth Springs hot pots.
It was so cool, I can't wait to see it in the day!
[Sorry none of my pictures turned out]

THURSDAY:
I kind of slept through class.. (Don't tell my mom)
Another awesome lunch.

The usual, staff meeting, guitar lessons.. and one of my [SILLIEST] highlights:
FINALLY DRINKING OUT OF MY OWN MUG AT MY FAVORITE BAR. kind of lame, but I have been excited about it for weeks, and it finally came!

FRIDAY:
Another long 12 hour work day.
A beautiful wedding.
Finally getting to see my BFF [another serious highlight]


SATURDAY:
A short and sweet 6 hour shift.
Seeing my best friend [two nights in a row!!] annnnnnnd the #1 highlight: I met a boy
[Side note: he has a pet jelly fish
he drinks the most rare and expensive coffee in the world: Kopi Luwak
he wants to fly me down to San Fransisco and take me sailing
he is freaking sexy.
he made me feel like the "most gorgeous girl" he's ever met..
and he somehow tricked a kiss out of me, and I loved it.
basically he is too good to be true, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and see what happens.
Basically I have been professionally schmoozed.]

Update: He was nothing but a professional schmoozer, cheater, and loser haha. Fun times for sure tho, and no regrets haha.