The Bare Bones

I was introduced to a simple, yet effective web tutorial on building a web start-up: www.youtube.com/carsonified

This was only Part 1 and yet it gave me the motivation to start the process of a site build. I have to admit, I was more than ready to just jump right in (as I usually do) without the proper research. After this informative post from Carsonified though, I realized that it was going to take some time to get it right and that means tweaks, tweaks and yes... more tweaks.

As of right now, I have created the back bones to the site using WordPress. Although WordPress is not as unique as I would like it to be, it is a start for something that needs to get up and running before money can be too heavily invested. I am working through the mechanics of WordPress and trying to find the best way to organize all of the information that I would like the site to hold.

The main purpose of the site will not only be a more informative and intense blog about staying healthy on a budget and treating yourself good on the inside and outside but also a way to take all of the information from countless health magazines and websites and combining it all in one easy to navigate site.

I would like it to be truly interactive with readers being able to post their organic recipes, local store information and even exercises and tips that have worked for them. We hold so much information to ourselves because there is not a forum available to house it all (from the initial research that I have done). This is a way to share everything from clean eating to a green lifestyle. What I hope to achieve is just a better place for people to gain information instead of spending money on magazines that all say the same thing or in some cases, contradict one another. It can honestly be very confusing which is what led me to create my little brain child.

As this site continues to fill in, I will keep blogging and tweeting and soon an official introduction will be made! I hope everyone who has checked into this blog, even just once by accident, will visit my upcoming location and provide feedback to help the site grow.

Make the Choice

I was doing a little research for my upcoming project and during that time found this amazing blog on one of my favorite websites: Gaiam.com. It is about proclaiming happiness and feeling it rather than letting the muck and the matter of the day take over instead.

http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/the-single-best-way-to-be-happy-choose-to/

New Adventures

It has been some time since I have last posted anything and in order for me to write again, I wanted to actually have a plan and have something worth writing about. It just so happens that I have something to write about and this blog may just be the starting point to something bigger.

Since my last post I have graduated college and got married. I found myself on my honeymoon, relaxing and really just appreciating life. When we returned home, I had a lot of time on my hands, which was both expected and enjoyed. With this time though, I have realized that I can actually do something that I have wanted to do for some time now and to start that process, I needed to rebrand my blog. After a minor rebranding, I can now use this blog to catalog the process of this new adventure and build blogging/tweeting/loopting into the ultimate goal.

I will be working with the help of my best friend and sister, Erica, on this since we both share the same passion with regard to what the mission of the project will ultimately be. I consider this project a way in which to find a ton of information to live a greener/cleaner lifestyle both inside and out.

Stay tuned as this very exciting project gears up and begins to take form!

What's in a Movie

Whoops has inspired me to put together a little post that outlines some of the best movies to watch when you are feeling like watching a movie. You may want to watch a movie because of a boy, girl or both. Maybe there is work blah or home blah or money blah. Whatever the reason, the following movies are my top ones to watch.

Now before I get into the meat of it, some background as to how this all came about. When ever, and I mean WHEN EVER, I am watching one of my cure-all whatever movies, Whoops will say without fail 'how many times does this make?'. Keep in mind I do not utter this phase to him when he is watching Star Wars or Batman Begins for the umpteenth time. So, this is a little tribute to the movies that will remain on my forever favorites list.

(in no particular order)

1. Pretty in Pink

2. Just Married

3. Just Friends

4. Breakfast at Tiffany's (Crucial for those 'I am utterly devastated for no particular reason' days)

5. The Money Pit (and your thought your house was bad)

6. Tommy Boy

7. Super Troopers

8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (This movie has gotten me through some pretty crappy holiday seasons)

9. A lot Like Love (you all know you have that friend that you think 'what if' about)

10. Office Space (Do I even need to notate what this movie is perfect for?)

11. Say Anything (Best 'I have to follow my heart' movie ever!)

12. Swingers (To remember how 'money' you are!)

13. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Because you know there is a small part of you who wishes you could live that double life)

14. Waitress

15. Puccini for Beginners

16. True Romance (I don't wish my life was this dramatic, but it is fun to pretend)

17. Zoolander

18. Premonition (Because I still cannot understand it)

19. Far and Away

20. Sex and The City (The new classic for women)

I could keep going, but I feel like the above rounds out my all time topsys. If you have not seen any of the above, I recommend them and if you have seen all of the above, I recommend watching them over and over again!

Lost and Found

For a few weeks now I have been battling with some sort of denial that the warm months are on their way out, and although I adore fall and the cooler mornings and nights, I dread winter. When I get in these moods, there is not much that can bring me out of them. Dare I say, not even a good run or yoga session can break me. The only exercise I get is perhaps getting up to eat more of Whoops' Smart Puffs or what ever sugary cereal he has brought home, but even that might take too much effort.

BUT.... I have some good news. I might be getting back on track and it only took dragging myself to my boot camp class. I hurt so bad today that it made it all worth it. Then, I was invited to a yoga session and that was absolutely insane! You have no idea how bad your body needs to be stretched out until you have a 75 minute yoga class. The instructor did this one intense move that was a modified chair pose and then had us moving up and down in a very precise motion (OUCH!!). I have topped my night out with a hot cup of Tazo Teas. My absolute favorite is the 'Joy' tea, which comes around during the holidays, and it a mixture of green and black tea. And finally I am back to blogging a little bit, which I also took a little break from.


I am not alone in these weird little 'slumps of the blahs', I am sure. Sometimes it might even be good to succomb a little bit and let the body and the mind unwind. However, the inner athlete is always there! And if a good run or kick butt yoga or cardio session does not help, well there is always the comfort of The Hills (one of my many guilty pleasures), Gossip Girl (yet another guilty pleasure).

Yale Bowl

Every single year, well almost, Whoops and I make it a point to go to Yale Bowl. But this post is not all about the game, it is actually about the second family we have inherited and how important having that family has been. Our secondary family was born from a friendship between Whoops and his best friend. In reality, Whoop's best friend's family actually became his family. Whoops would go to Thanksgivings, birthday parties and spend Christmas Eve with his secondary family. When Whoops and I started to date, I was lucky enough to be introduced to this family and all of their amazing traditions. One of those traditions being Yale Bowl.

I believe this was the 14th annual Yale Bowl and tailgating begins early. Drinking commences at 9AM, eating commences as soon as the Monkey Bread is brought out. For any of those reading this blog who are unfamiliar with the spectacular invention of monkey bread, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_bread (On a side bar, Williams-Sonoma has a Monkey bread pan: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku8062408/index.cfm) but I digress. The bread is just the beginning followed by mimosas, music, chili, cigars and of course beer. Sometimes we even make it to the game, but let's admit, it is all about the tailgating!

I came home last night after a very entertaining day and just thought about the fact that my family has relocated to Florida and Whoops' family is spread out from East to West. It is incredible to have this second family, whom I love dearly, include is in their gatherings. I have met many people in my life thus far, but never have I met a family that is so true to one another and to those around them. I can only hope that I learn and grow from them being in my life and vice versa.

The Smell of Leaves

At least 1 out of every 5 people will say that they have a love/hate relationship with Autumn because it means that summer is over in some parts of the country and winter (a harsh winter for some) is just around the corner. I live in one of those areas that has a not so mellow winter and yet, when the leaves begin to change and the air begins to smell like leaves and wood stoves burning, I just get a sense of calm.

This also my favorite time of year to run. I take advantage of the short time that I have with Autumn and I try to be outside as much as possible to take it all in. I usually go at night, when it is just about to get dark because that is when it is not too cold but not warm out either. The air does not chill my lungs when I breath in but I still need my long sleeve thermal when I head out the door. Now, even though I adore being outside during this time of year, I need to gush about the most incredible smell when I walk in my house.

No, it is not the smell of wet dogs or the smell of an almost gone plant that I forgot to water (readers, take note that I do not do well with plants, but I should get credit for trying.... all the time... although I should just give up and let the poor plants go to a better home). I digress, my absolute favorite smell when I walk in my door and up my stairs (I am taking a deep breath in right now)... is...

Pumpkin Pie from Yankee Candle

Ohh this smell just makes my home a home even when I do not feel like my home could ever come close to feeling cozy. This candle is a miracle worker! I do not have a fireplace, but I do not even care, because with this candle, I curl up on the couch with Whoops (AKA my fiance) and just snuggle. If you have not gotten this candle yet, now is the time to do it!! I also recommend burning 'Autumn Wreath' in a nearby room and then 'Harvest' in another. All of the scents melt together to form the ultimate fall smell right in your own home! Not to mention some of the candles can also be bought with 100% soy wax! Just a bonus for the eco-conscious.

So go ahead! Run baby run and then light up... a candle!