Irish Cream Overboard

Everyone has their drink of choice.

Mine is really simple.

Almost too simple.

Vodka and soda.

Always.

For any occasion.

And it doesn't matter what kind of vodka it is.

Who am I?

During my late teen years (you know you started early too) it was all about the white russians, midori sours and pretty much anything with pineapple or a blended drink.

Those fun fruity blended drinks are now reserved for holidays only.

The last few weeks I've been craving some irish cream.

Yep, I didn't know I could actually crave a drink.

I decided to forego the Black Friday madness (really who am I??) in favor of having some irish cream in my coffee this morning.

And...

a few on the rocks this afternoon.

Trader Joe's Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage

I'm pretty comfortable shopping at Trader Joe's for the same things every week.

It's easy, I don't have to make a list and I know where everything is. I can be in and out in 20 minutes for a week's worth of food.

I had some more time last week and decided to wander around.

This is very dangerous for me since my eyes seem to wander at every little item that contains sky high amounts of sugar and fat aka the chocolate aisle.

And then crazy things happen. These random little sweet things end up in my cart.

I always buy chicken breast, ground turkey and chicken sausage. I stick to familiar flavors and brands, but my dinner menu needed some spice - literally.

I picked up a new flavor of the spicy jalapeno chicken sausage and I have to say that it was absolutely amazing. I had it grilled, which I think is probably the best way to do it since I think it brings out the flavor.

They are only 3.99 for 5 links and they are minimally processed.

They don't contain gluten or MSG and are only a hundred calories each, so you can eat more than one. Or two.

These are now going to become a weekly staple.

...Until next time I have some extra time to wander.

Pumpkin Problem

There are two groups of people around this time of year.

People who love anything and everything pumpkin and people who just don't understand..

Every single year I have quite the pumpkin addiction.

I want everything pumpkin.

From oatmeal, smoothies, lattes, to pies, cookies, breads and cream cheese - did I miss anything?

I have something pumpkin pretty much every day. A little overboard perhaps?

Here's my favorite pumpkin smoothie recipe ~

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 frozen banana (I don't always have it)

1/4 cup of rolled oats (eliminate this option if you want it low-carb)

I scoop of vanilla protein powder

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (you can use pumpkin pie spice instead)

2 or 3 handfuls of ice cubes

The trick for extra creaminess is making sure you blend it for about a minute and start with 2 handfuls of ice cubes and add more if you'd like. Protein powders that have xantham gum also make it more creamy.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Bianca Pouchette' Crossbody Bag

That is quite the lengthy title for a little bag, but nonetheless, a great bag it is.

Cross-body bags have been around for many years, but I didn't start getting into them until a couple of years ago.

I have always favored totes and hobo style bags that fit on the shoulder.

As my style (slowly) evolved, I now really love these bags.

They come in so many styles, colors, and fabrics that is so hard to choose just one! And it's great that you can be hands-free with them for any occasion.

As some of you may have noticed, I am very much into neutrals and STILL cannot move away from this. I love the way that color looks...just not on me.

I think this bag can be taken from day to night and this grey isn't as strong as a black bag would be. The strap is adjustable, it comes in several colors and retails for $328. It is available at Nordstrom and Zappos.com.

Did you know that Zappos now carries more high-end brands and shipping is free on purchases and returns? They also have great customer service just incase you are reluctant to shop online.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion

Donna Karan's deodorant, which I posted on my blog, has been getting rave reviews for years and I hadn't realized there's a lotion in the same scent as well.

I've read some reviews that people have been using this for decades and won't use anything else!

It's always difficult for me to find a lotion that is perfect and something I wouldn't mind putting on every single day.

I honestly think this one is the best I have ever tried. It feels amazing, never sticky, and a little goes a long way.

It also smells great, not too over powering, and the moisture lasts all day.

I wear perfume very sparingly, if ever, and I feel like the cost is (a bit) justified since perfume is always pricey.

This retails at Sephora, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus- 6.7 oz. for $42, 32 oz. for $98.

30 Is The New 20

Or at least I am going to keep telling myself that.

I had a milestone birthday this year and it was hard.

Very hard.

Am I a little wiser? Probably not.

Am I a little stronger? Maybe.

Am I more comfortable in my skin? Yes.

Most of my twenties felt like I was still trying to find my ground. From the things I believed in, to the things I wore, ate and did - I just didn't quite know exactly where I stood and what I stood for. The influence of teachers, friends, parents, and relationships are quite strong and can leave quite the impression on how you move through the world. I know that I've made countless mistakes, learned from my relationships and friendships, and was terrified of failure.

While I recognize that I have been pretty comfortable with who I was for most of my life; whether it was countless hours of acting classes, performing in front of others at a young age, or learning to be confident from my mother; there was just this new heightened feeling, my sense of self, that happened this past year that I've never experienced. It's how you feel about yourself, what you need in your life and accepting of all the things (mind & body) that make you- you.

I can tell you what I believe in spiritually and politically.

I can tell you how I feel about marriage and marriage equality.

I can tell you that the people in my life right now are here because I love them all.

I can tell you that even though I have disliked some of my career choices, they've made me realize how grateful I am to have experienced them and the friendships I've made along the way.

I can tell you that having a dog has made me a more compassionate person.

I can tell you that I have made poor decisions and won't make them again.

I can tell you that friends are more important as you get older.

I can tell you that sometimes I am too set in my ways- like when I get up in the morning I need a glass of water first, then 2 cups of coffee..wait 30 minutes and then have breakfast.

I can tell you that even though I love my routine, I thrive on challenges and new experiences.

I can tell you that living in a city with cultural diversity, good weather and good food is very important.

I can tell you that I am willing to help anyone at anytime.

I can tell you that I should have studied journalism or communications in college.

I can tell you that I want children. Soon.

I can tell you that I am looking forward to next year.

I can tell you that three of my favorite things are dessert, sparkly dresses and Paris.

I can tell you that if you want something in life you need passion and hard work.

I can tell you that taking pictures is important - you never know when that might be the last time you are with that person or in that place.

I can tell you that life can be hard, but a good attitude and good people around will help.

And lastly I can tell you that I have never been one to celebrate my birthday.

I can't even recall the last time there was a party in my honor because I was one year older.

And I don't like gifts, even though I like giving them very much.

And there's no pity party of one here. I promise.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life...don't let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice, and most importantly - have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow truly know what you want to become." - Steve Jobs

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Going on Now

Why is it that most of the things I like never go on sale?

Do they somehow know I will eventually cave if I want it bad enough and pay full price?!

Whatever the reason, all of the items I have bookmarked on my laptop DID NOT go on sale.

Not. a. single. one.

So I will keep on watching them...

I am a Shark

Did you know that if a shark stops moving they die?

I feel like when I stay stagnant, a part of me dies. I want to keep moving, learning, growing and existing in a way that leads to a fulfilled life.

Those sharks, aside from being terrifying, have the right idea.

But why is it that the things I love to do the most can't actually be a profession?

Well, maybe some of the things can be, but realistically making a career out of my favorite things do is very very challenging.

I like to talk, write, eat, shop, look for bargains on everything, travel and help others in any way that I can.

I got it!

I belong on the travel channel hosting some kind of show so I can reach as many people as I can and visit as many places as I can, while I eat more than my body will know what do to with.

Why did it take so long for me to discover all these things things about myself?!?

Do we have to actually go through several occupations and life experiences before it really hits us? Is it age? Maybe, but some people just know.

I have friends who are successful lawyers, doctors, teachers, producers and entrepreneurs who all started on their career paths during college or right after. They just knew what their calling was and went for it. Of course there's some people I know who thought they knew, but changed their minds after some years.

I really should have went to school for journalism. I didn't really start tapping into my 'talents' so-to-speak until last year while going through a transition.

So what am I going to do about it now?

Do all the things I love.

One day it will generate income and the hard work will pay off.

Move forward, be focused, be a SHARK.

Wallet Waster

Between moving, two weddings, family in town and feeling under the weather, it has been really hard to write the last couple of months. Things are finally slowing down and I hope to get back to writing. I am actually thinking about doing video posts in the future!

I absolutely love wallets. All kinds of them. I love them almost as much as I love handbags. I must own 20.

I know...it's RIDICULOUS.

I've become somewhat of a 'wallet collector' unbenounced to me. I swear I didn't know how bad it was until I moved a couple months ago. Actually there are A LOT things I need to get rid of, but for now I am focusing on getting rid of those wallets that might get some better use in other purses.

I use my Tory Burch Vintage Rose Gold Metallic Wristlet ALL THE TIME. I like to take it out and put my phone and car key in there when I don't want to lug my handbag around. It looks even more vintage than it should because I can't seem to switch it up to anything else. Plus I love rose gold.

They still have them available at select department stores and ToryBurch.com, but only in silver and gold.

I know I shouldn't be looking for more, but I REALLY like this black patent one shown above.

You can also use it as a clutch, though I don't think a phone would fit in there..

This one retails for $195.

Waaay more then I would actually have in there.

Processed Foods and Luna Minis

I really love Zone Bars, specifically the chocolate mint flavor.

It's the only bar that doesn't taste like a "bar" if you know what I mean and almost like a treat for me. I've tried hundreds...okay dozens of brands and flavors and I haven't found anything that has a decent balance of calories, protein, carbs and fats like my Zone Bar.

But the major problem with my favorite bar is that it is highly chemically processed and now I can't eat them as much as I would like to.

I have been more conscious recently of the foods I have been eating and trying to eliminate processed foods (almost) completely. This has proven to be quite the challenge for me.

When I first started paying attention to food labels back in 2002 after taking a nutrition class in college, I started cutting down on foods with high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. If you start looking at the foods in your pantry more you'll notice that almost everything has those two ingredients in there. That is why it is so hard to eliminate everything.

Unfortunately there are just some foods that I cannot quit, but overall I am doing better and have really been filling up my fridge with veggies and foods that need to be cooked within 3 days.

So with that said, my pantry is almost empty! Aside from protein powders, some spices, sauces and Luna Minis (more on that in a minute), that is all I have in there. Even my beloved peanut butter has to be refrigerated.

I was at Trader Joe's yesterday and wanted to raid the snack aisle like I've never eaten! But instead of going down the aisle like I normally do and feel sad, I decided not to even go down that road. It helped a little, but I still felt sad.

Why is it that the foods you know you shouldn't be eating you crave even more when you can't have them?!?

And honestly it's not really actual food I am missing, it's desserts. I love cookies, cakes, ice cream, chocolate by the ton, and milk shakes. Luckily I have never been one to indulge in fried foods or pasta, just the occasional pizza, but I sure make up for it in sweets!

I just want to make it clear that I am not eliminating processed foods to lose weight. I am doing it to feel better and treat my body well. There are so many weight loss plans that include frozen meals and I am shocked that so many people buy into these meals thinking they are going to be healthy if they eat pre-packaged foods. They may lose weight since they are taking in less calories and monitoring their food intake, but they are not healthy by any means.

I do believe in moderation and not depriving yourself. If I could just eat fruit, vegetables, fish and lean meats all the day long that would be fantastic, but a total fantasy.

I remember my mom telling me that when she moved to the US she was sick all the time. She went from eating all of her meals made from scratch to eating packaged foods since it was easy and very new to her. She suffered from headaches, stomach-aches, nausea and some weight gain. As she became more familiar with the stores and products (she couldn't read English), she started cooking again and started feeling better.

Well, I can't seem to give up protein bars completely since they are great on the run and great as a quick snack to hold you over, so I have started eating Luna Minis instead. They are 70% organic and I can pronounce almost all of the ingredients.

As for the Zone Bar, I think I can pronounce like 3 out of the 25 things listed. I really like the Luna Minis since they contain a lot less sugar than the regular size and are half the calories; not to mention pretty cute looking. The regular size is great for an actual meal replacement, but the sugar content is too high for me.

Here's a great article I found that breaks down what you shouldn't be eating. It looks like a lot and it is. This article does not in any way portray my way of eating, but I included it because it's good to use as a general guideline.

http://www.natural-health-restored.com/unhealthy-foods.html