Feelin' Good!

Noah and I had such a wonderful weekend with our friends. We had a dinner party on Friday and a Wedding on Saturday. Our friend, Anne, got married and it was such a wonderful event! It does, however, make me sad that our wedding is over :( I can't believe we've already been married 3 months! I feel like we just got married yesterday! When I'm at the grocery store or pharmacy, I want to pick up the latest issue of InStyle Weddings (my favorite wedding magazine) but I resist. I can't wait until my sister gets engaged just so I have an excuse to buy wedding magazines (that is so sad). But how you can you not be in a good mood when you're reading about favors, honeymoon destinations, bridesmaids dresses, and the perfect groom's gift!

After a weekend of fun, Noah and I woke up to a Sunday of being tired and a little hungover. No worries because I have a cure. And while I'm talking about the ultimate hangover cure, I might as well share with you some of my other favorite things that make us feel good!

1. Propel Fitness Packets: These little packets are easy to keep in your pantry and all you need is a glass of water! We like the Strawberry-Kiwi flavor. They are especially good after a long night of celebrating!

2. VitaCraves: Let's face it....we probably aren't getting enough vitamins through our diet. I wish I could say I eat a ton of vitamin-rich veggies but I'm lucky to eat one or two vegetables/fruit daily. I try to be good about taking vitamins; however, with my sensitive stomach, they always make me nauseous. My friend told me about VitaCraves by One A Day and they are delicious! This gummy vitamin is yummy and doesn't upset my stomach. I feel like a kid again. Before the VitaCraves came out, I tried the Women's02 by One A Day. This powdered drink mix is a complete multivitamin. As I poured the powder into my water bottle, it turned blood red and started fizzing. GROSS. I smelled it and immediately gagged. I didn't have the guts to even try it. My friend, Lizzie, was the only one willing to be the guinea pig. She said, "it tastes worse than it smells." No thank you.

3. Meal Protein Bar: I have tried a ton of different meal bars. The Chocolate Peanut Butter meal bar by Special K is by far my favorite. I love the convenience of being able to throw one in my bag as I'm running out the door. Not only is the bar tasty, you feel full and you stay full for a few hours. It has 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber with only 180 calories.

4. New Running Shoes: I am embarrassed to say that Noah has not gotten new running shoes in years. I finally convinced him to purchase new ones. It wasn't about the fact that they looked gross and smelled even worse, they didn't provide him any support. If you are an avid runner, new shoes every 6 months are a must! "Running in old or worn-out shoes is one of the most common causes of running injuries. Your running shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning and stability over time. Continuing to run in worn-out running shoes increases the stress and impact on your legs and joints" (about.com). If you run on on concrete, this is especially important. One of the most common injuries due to worn out shoes?? Shin splints (ouch). To increase the life of your shoes, make sure they have a cool, dry place to air out.

5. Green Works by Clorox: When Noah and I moved in together, I purchased all new cleaning products. I bought the entire line of Green Works by Clorox from window cleaner to toilet cleaner. I love them all! Not only are they eco-friendly, they clean really well! "Each product uses plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. Green Works cleaners are not tested on animals and use recyclable packaging... a natural line of cleaners that clean without harsh chemical residue. They’re made with plant-based materials that clean with the power you’d expect from Clorox" (clorox.com).

6. Fish: It took me 22 years to eat fish (I know I know). But now that I love fish, I can't get enough!!! A Harvard study shows that eating oily fish (like salmon) twice a week decreased the risk of death from heart disease by 36%. Fish is also known to decrease symptoms of depression, bad skin, arthritis, prostatitis and cystitis and prevent prostate cancer (CNN.com). Not only is it good for you, it's yummy too!

Here is an EASY salmon marinade:
- Basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, soy sauce. YUM

Only Time Will Tell....

Clearly, my blog lacks a certain level of seriousness/importance. You won't find posts about health care reform, terrorism, or war crimes. This is my opportunity to relax and share useless information haha. We hear about politics, crime, and disease enough through TV, newspapers and satellite radio. However, I feel obliged to talk about Michael Vick. For those of you who live under a rock, Vick is an ex-quarterback of the Falcons, and recently served an 18 month sentence for illegal dog fighting. On May 21, 2009, Michael Vick was released from prison. Not even three months had passed when Vick signed a $1.6 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in August.

Noah and I have been following this story since Vick was first accused in 2007. A few nights ago, we watched the 60 Minutes interview with Michael Vick. Before I decided whether I think Vick feels guilt and remorse for his actions, I wanted to hear what he had to say.

FACTS:
- Michael Vick was 8 years old when he was first introduced to dog fighting. He thought it was "cool" and "exciting."
- (2007) In a farm in rural Virginia, police uncovered an illegal dog fighting operation at Vick's home called "Bad News Kennels." They removed 66 dogs, exhumed the bodies of 7 dogs, and found dog fighting paraphernalia.
- Vick was ordered to pay over $1 million dollars in attempt to rehabilitate the saved dogs in an effort to adopt them out.
- He pleaded guilty to barbarous treatment of the dogs including, "beating them, shooting them, electrocuting them, and drowning them."
- He says, "it was wrong... I feel so bad about that now. I didn't step up. I wasn't the leader."
- He ran "Bad News Kennels" with a friend for 6 years
- Lost $135 million contract. "I deserved to lose the $135 million." He had a reputation for being lazy. The "last one to practice and the first one out of the locker room."
- When Vick was first accused, he lied about it. Why? "I knew my career was in jeopardy...I knew it was going to be a tremendous letdown."

The interview also included the president of the Humane Society:
- He remains "skeptical" but enlisted Vick to become an ambassador for the Humane Society
- There are 40,000 professional dog fighters in the country and 100,000 street fighters.
- Dogs die from blood loss, injury and shock
- Michael Vick visits schools in his community and encourages the children to "love your animals."
PHOTO

"I am going to let my actions speak louder than my words...I can be a living example of what not to do." - Michael Vick

Post-interview reactions:

- He served 18 months in jail for a crime he LIED about. How long would he have served if he had told the truth? 3 days???
- I am not one to hold grudges and I feel that everyone deserves a 2nd chance; however, do I think Vick served a sentence equal to the crime? NO
- What does it say about our society when a man who has beaten and killed dogs for 6 years is now making $1.6 million a year??? NFL football players (especially quarterbacks) are treated like gods. Does he deserve that? I don't think so...
- If someone is able to treat harmless animals in a barbaric manner, would they do the same to humans?

Do I think Vick feels genuine sorrow for his horrific actions? Jury's still out...

Runner's Etiquette

I am not a morning person. How do I change this? I literally DO NOT want to get out of bed in the morning. I'm ALWAYS late because I think of every excuse not to get out of bed. As a result, I've had to run after work at 6 PM. You would think that by this time of night, it would be less hot/humid. WRONG...actually, this is the hottest time of the day. I don't understand why I can't get my butt out of the bed and run before work. Once I actually get up, I have a lot of energy and have no desire to go back to bed. HELP!

As far as the running goes, I'm really enjoying getting back into a exercise routine (it's a slow process but I'm working hard). I have found a route in our neighborhood that I really enjoy. It has one hard hill that I do close to the beginning of my run (it's a killer). I run for thirty minutes and do a 10-15 minute walk with Jeter :). I figured out the mileage in my car the other day...I'm running a little more than 3 miles (which is about a 9 minute mile....pretty good).

On my runs, I've discovered something....my fellow walkers/runners are not very friendly. And most of them are just rude. I've never run in a neighborhood so I don't know the proper protocol when I pass someone. Growing up in a rural area, I ran past corn fields and cows (not humans). When I pass someone, I like to give a little wave, maybe even say "hello," or at least smile. I am alone in acting this way. When I pass people, they don't wave, say "hello" or smile. In fact, they turn their heads so they don't even have to look at me! Am I that grotesquely ugly or are people just that unfriendly? I know you are exercising and don't want to be bothered. But come on people, being nice never hurt anyone! The only person who has actually returned the gesture was this cute old man walking his dog.

I'm not going to stop being friendly even if I do get a reputation in the neighborhood for being that "weird blond girl who waves at people when she runs."

Sportsaholic

"In my world, nothing is certain but death, taxes, and sports." (Me changing Ben Franklin's famous phrase). My upbringing consisted of horseback riding, piano and ballet. So when I met Noah, my world changed drastically as he introduced me to his world of football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, soccer, lacrosse, etc. etc. etc... All of a sudden I went from learning things like "balancé," "assemblé," and "battemont en cloche" to "designated hitter," "mulligan," and "fumblerooski." (I didn't make this word up...it's a real play) I'm still working on all my sports lingo. I love going to sporting events. When I get tired of actually watching the football/baseball/basketball/whatever sport game, there is TONS of people watching. I love watching the little kids, the cheerleaders, and the players sitting on the sidelines. Watching them on TV, however, is another story.

We should just have an "ESPN" button on our remote control...it would make our lives a lot easier. As soon as a sporting event comes onto the television, my eyes glaze over. Some of my best naps are during golf games on Sundays...like this past Sunday when Tiger lost :( I woke up to catch the last hole. In college, I watched UVA play football live and then go back to Noah's apartment and watch the game again on TIVO. And it wasn't just Noah and me. There we would be...Noah, me, his 3 other roommates, their parents, siblings and other football fans. His apartment would be packed with those wanting to re-watch the game. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Don't get me wrong, football is my favorite sport. It's always exciting and fun to watch. But come on boys, they probably watched it a dozen more times in practice the next week.

I try very hard to be a supportive wife of a sportsaholic. And I have finally found a sports program I don't have to pretend to watch! (It only took 8 years) Ladies, turn to HBO every Wednesday at 10 pm to impress your husband. Hard Knocks follows head coach Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals through training camp as veterans, rookies and free agents alike compete for space on a team with everything to prove (http://www.hbo.com/). My love for this series started last year when HBO followed the Dallas Cowboys (oh, Tony). You become so attached to the rookies who are fighting to stay on the team. I know how hard these boys work to even get to this point in their football careers. After hundreds of games, thousands of practices, blood, sweat, and injury, it only takes one minute for the coach to tell you that you won't be a part of the team. It breaks my heart. It gets us excited for football season to begin (we put up our UVA flag in preparation).

Couples Night

We had a relaxing Saturday night with some of our friends. We tried a new (new to us) restaurant, Helen's, and made our first visit to Bow-Tie Cinemas (the new movie theater on the Blvd).

Helen's

I should have fasted for 3 days before eating at this restaurant. It was soooo good but they feed you like you haven't eaten in days! Noah and I both had the shrimp and grits as our main course; however, by the time it arrived, we were already stuffed from the appetizers! One of our friends knows the chef and he kept bringing us yummy appetizers (like a white gazpacho and crab cakes with mashed potatoes). On top of that, we ordered three appetizers: fried green tomatoes, pig belly (gross), and wings. I didn't eat any of those appetizers but Noah said the wings were the best he's ever had (which really means something coming from him haha).

After we engorged ourselves at Helen's, we decided to see The Hangover at Bow-Tie Cinemas. We had an hour before the movie started so we got a few drinks at a restaurant across the street from the theater. I can't remember the name; however, it is relatively new to Richmond with a mountain lodge atmosphere. We want to try it out for dinner (if we can ever remember the name). So after a few drinks, we finally made it to our movie. IT WAS HILARIOUS. Girls, you have to like "guy humor" to think this one is funny. The movie exceeded my expectations! Bow-Tie Cinemas, however, did not. It is supposed to be known for "bringing style and elegance back to the movie going experience." Besides the fact that it is new and clean, there was nothing more stylish or elegant about this movie theater than any other movie theater I've visited. One of the "perks" of the theater is it's bar. No thank you. Unless you want to spend $8 on a glass of wine or beer, drink it out of a plastic cup, and sit on metal seats, go across the street if you want to have a pre-movie cocktail. You can't bring your drink into the movie either. You have to drink it in their designated "bar" area. Nonetheless, it's new, clean and close to our house so we will go back!

Just one of those days...

My mom always said, "It's not what life deals you, it's how you deal with life." Thanks mom.

You know those days when it probably would have been best if you just never got out of bed? Today was just one of those days. From the moment I woke up (at 4am), I was doomed.

I text my friend Margaret after my long day...

Me: "What should I make for dinner tonight?"

Margaret: "Taco Dip?"

Ah yes... this is what best friends are for. Tomorrow is a new day but tonight I'm going to feel sorry for myself (even though I know I have sooo much to be thankful for). HOW?

4 Simple Things: Taco Dip, Chardonnay, Ice Cream, and Noah :)

Taco Dip: This is my grandmother's famous recipe that we make EVERY year when we are at the beach for Thanksgiving. It's soo easy!

- Brown 1lb of ground beef (as lean as possible)

- Add a packet of taco seasoning according to directions

- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350

- Spread one can of refried beans into bottom of medium sized glass baking dish

- Layer next with the cooked meat, then 1 16 oz. jar of salsa (I like Newman's Own)

- And finish it off with 1 bag of shredded Mexican cheese

- Bake for 20 minutes and bon appetit!

- Serve with tortilla chips

Add wine (I love Yellow Tail Chardonnay. It's nice and dry yet has a refreshing taste and it's cheap) and ice cream...
And if all that fails, Noah can always put a smile on my face. And he will most likely make me go out with our friends and I will thank him for it later :)

So much for eating healthy today...

Glamorous

Remember when your Vogue weighed more than your Biology textbook from high school? Those were the days...Sadly, with the worsening economy, Vogue had to go on a serious diet. I was very upset when I picked up my copy the other day. It lacked a certain amount of glamour, style, and chicness that it usually delivers. My Glamour, however, inspired me to write this post...

1. It had a magnificent cover...Jessica Simpson (who I feel is still fabulous). To all you Jess haters, I don't care what you say about her. I know she's not a Harvard grad (or even a college grad for that matter) but she's got something special. In the world of grotesquely skinny fashion icons, it's nice to see a girl with some killer curves!

2. Don't we all love the Glamour "Dos and Don'ts"?

It inspired me to share with you my "Dos." These are some of my favorite things: (clockwise)

Sunglasses: Throw on a huge pair of sunglasses to make any outfit more chic (or when you don't have time to put on makeup....when they cover your whole face, who needs it anyway???)

Turquoise: Turquoise is a symbol of generosity, sincerity and affection. It is also been known to ward of evil!

Cowboy Boots: Bought my first pair of cowboy boots last year from Nashville, TN. The real deal. These durable duds are extremely versatile. From jeans to dresses, make sure you have a pair of these in your closet.

Cardigans and Belts: and not necessarily together! Long cardigans are "in" again this fall and so are big belts. Belt anything and everything! (Like costume designer of Sex and the City does!)

Chanel: Gabrielle or "Coco" Chanel is one of the most iconic designers of the 20th century. As the inventor of the "little black dress" and hater of corsets, you have to love her always!

Super High Heels: Wear them to dinner...you'll be sitting the whole anyways! High heels always make you look 10 pounds lighter! I swear!

Gold Watch: If I could buy anything right now, I would buy an over sized gold watch (ok really I would buy a sofa but if I was being selfish...)

Bright Nails: Always sexy! Your outfit looks a little more complete with a pretty manicure. (NO CHIPS PLEASE! If you see a chip, touch it up or take it off!)

Designer Look-A-Like: These $190 Badgley Mischka pumps look almost IDENTICAL to the $700 Mui Mui ones! Don't you love that?

Skinny Jeans: With pumps, flats or boots, everyone needs a pair of skinny jeans! Just trust me on this one! And you don't have to be skinny to wear skinny jeans.

This was fun! Hope you enjoyed my list of "Dos." Maybe I'll do a list of "Don'ts" too!