Saying Sunday

 

Preferably at once.

Tatted

 

Put it this way, running the marathon hurt a hell of a lot worse and took a lot longer!

After a lot of thought, I decided to get a tattoo. The thought wasn't the what (26.2) but the where and how. I searched for the perfect script and then decided on the placement. I wanted a place where I could hide....tattoos don't always go in the workplace or at formal events. I can wear a bikini or run in a sports bra and show it off and can cover just as easily.

 

I went to Greg at Bear's Den...did a great job!

 

I'm running my second full, next month in DC!

 

Valentine's Day 2014

 

 

If you hate Valentine's Day, you are either:

 

A. Single

 B. Unhappy

C. All of the above

 

I love love love Valentine's Day. Sure you should tell your significant other you love them everyday, but it's great to have a holiday devoted to love <3

 

We celebrated on Saturday this year (the day after Vday). It fit better with out work schedules and restaurants always seem less crowded after the holiday.

 

This year I surprised my hubs with a day trip to NYC! He's been, but never saw Times Square, Empire State Building, and all the other amazing things the Big Apple has to offer!

 

 

 

He gave me a little blue box, with some adorable silver heart earrings....he knows me all too well.

 

 

 

During the day I checked out Blow Dry Bar, "Hot Air" in Pikesville. They boast a blowout in 45 minutes, however I already knew I was in for an hour and a half appt. with my thick long hair. The staff is super friendly and did a fantastic job (shout-out to Bert!)

I used a Groupon...only $19 compared to the regular price of $35.

Go here for the deal!

 

 

BCBG Evert Rouched V-Neck Dress

 

 

I found this gem in my closet, which admitting this probably indicates I have a problem with shopping! A brand new BCBG dress, I purchased a year ago on sale and forgot all about!

It fit like a glove, very flattering, and perfect for a cold winter night out!

I paired with a pair of Louboutins and an awesome black chain necklace I purchased 8 years ago at a boardwalk jewelry store in Ocean City Maryland.

 

 

 

We checked out a restaurant neither of us have been to before, The Tasting Room in Frederick Maryland. Food, drinks, and service were all top notch.

We loved floor to ceiling windows and people watching on Market Street!

 

Fritz chardonnay

The hubs with some vino and butter!

Lovers

 

Saying Sunday

and for the record I didn't ask for your opinion of me nor do I give a fuck what your opinion is of me.

How to look better in the clothes you already have.....

You can look better in the clothes you already have by following these 5 simple tricks!

This blogger shows how simple alterations make the difference!

1. FIT! Make sure your clothes fit the way they are supposed to fit you. Pants that are too long and clothes that are too baggy are easy fixes with a trip to the dry cleaners. I take anything ill fitting in for tailoring. Within a few days and usually $5-20 per garment charge....it's well worth the time and the money. inexpensive clothes tailored to you, instantly look more expensive!

Buttons shouldn't gap! Either wear open or use fashion tape!

Make sure your clothes aren't too small either. Nothing worse looks than clothes that are toooooo small! For more on fit, visit this bloggers tips!

Really Bradley?!

2. CLEAN! This seems simple, but you would be surprised how many people overlook this! Make sure your clothes are free of loose strings (especially around buttons). This is an easy fix with a few snips from some scissors (don't pull!)

Lint roll items to remove dust, hair, or lint. Remove pills on sweaters with a pill remover, razor, or a hair curler (go here for how to).

Don't wear clothes with stains, makeup or other spots (especially the often overlooked: COATS!)

Dry cleaning clothes will also keep your clothes looking better for longer, especially cheap items from stores like H&M and Forever 21.

Don't forget to clean your shoes and handbags. Don't let your footwear get scuffed up and worn out, covered in mud or in salt. You can wipe with a damp cloth, magic eraser (especially on athletic shoes) and use restorer (for leather). Soles can be repaired at a shoe cobbler.

3. LOOK! Make sure your clothes look the way they are supposed to! If wrinkled, iron or steam. A crisp white button up oxford will look terrible if wrinkled and not properly starched. Store sweaters and shirts properly to avoid them from being stretched out in the shoulders or sleeves.

4. PAIR! Pair your outfit with the right accessories: jewelry (always earrings), belt, handbag, scarf. These items can make an inexpensive or plan outfit look high end and amazing.

5. BEAUTY! If your hair and makeup is a mess, it doesn't matter if you are wearing a top designer runway dress! Amazing hair and makeup can make a jeans and t-shirt outfit look like a million bucks. It doesn't have to be a ton of makeup (overdone can be trashy). Hair just needs to be maintained with no roots and trimmed free of frizzy ends, basically clean, and styled. Groomed eye brows and manicured nails are a must!

Healthy Side: Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli? It will surprise you!

I never heard of roasted broccoli (or ever thought to do it) until coming across this recipe. It's amazing how baking the broccoli totally changes the consistency of the vegetable. It's crispy and delicious.

The original recipe (found here) tops the broccoli with parm cheese and uses kosher salt. Since we are following paleo, I skipped the cheese and used sea salt and it was still great!!

Here's what you need:

• broccoli florets
• 3-4 Tbsp olive oil
• Juice from half a lemon, about 1 Tbsp.
• Sea salt
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

 

1 Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl toss broccoli florets and fresh chopped garlic with olive oil and fresh lemon juice until lightly coated. Sprinkle salt over the broccoli and toss to coat.

2 Arrange the broccoli florets on foil sheet. Roast for 16-20 minutes, until cooked through and nicely browned.

Serve immediately. I refrigerated leftovers and still thought it tasted great the next day!



My new favorite side!

 

Healthy Sides: Fun with the white stuff!!

Let me start by saying....I used to hate cauliflower. It looks weird and never liked the taste, especially raw on veggie trays.

 

After beginning paleo, I decided to give this vegetable another try. I was amazed of how when cooked the taste, not just consistency, is changed dramatically. Below are two of my new favorite ways to cook cauliflower as a delish and healthy side or snack.

Cauliflower "Mock" Mash Potatoes

My mock mash: topped with baked chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper.

 

 On the paleo diet, potatoes are a big no-no (exception: sweet potatoes). So when I came across this cauliflower mash potato recipe, I was excited to try. I was blown away by how much they really tasted like mash potatoes. They are spot on and GUILT free, as they are low carb and high in nutrients. This is such a healthy alternative to those fatty mash potatoes.

1. Steam florettes until soft.
2. Put in food processor with fresh garlic. Process until mash potato consistency.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. (If you are not on a paleo diet or following strictly, add butter or margarine for better flavor).

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

My buffalo bites!

Okay so this recipe is not really paleo. This recipe I used Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce, which contains a gum and preservative, both not allowed on paleo. Honestly will it wreck your diet? Probably not. This is just a relatively healthy recipe, with the sauce and cauliflower being the only 2 ingredients, especially compared to fried buffalo wings from a carryout. Overall this particular sauce contains no sugar, fat, or carbs.

 

I found a recipe for cauliflower with hot sauce, boasting it as an alternative to buffalo chicken bites. I was hesitant when making this recipe for the first time, but gave it a try and was glad I did! Full of flavor and with a great consistency (I wasn't honestly expecting) these are a great as a snack or as a side. There are some homemade paleo "ranch dressings recipes" out there. I'm sure pared together it would be great!

1. Toss florettes in hot sauce.
2. Bake at 450 degrees on foil lined baking sheet for about 10 mins. Flip. Bake another 10 mins.

Be careful to not over cook, or they will be soggy.

Saying Sunday