Engaging Views

In October my dear friend made what has become her annual trip to New York City. She's an incredibly talented photographer, and while she was here she had the great idea to do a little couple's photo shoot with my boyfriend and I in Central Park. We started out the day with Latin brunch at Calle Ocho including unlimited and complimentary sangria from a menu of 8 different types. So, needless to say it made for an interesting photoshoot! These are my favorite shots from that day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central park has become a constant throughout my relationship with my boyfriend. Whenever we wanted to spend time together but were unsure of what to do, we generally went to central park. Whether it be an afternoon jog together, a spontaneous trader joe's picnic (tea light candle included), breaking away for lunches while his mother was in the hospital, an evening stroll the first time he met my dad, or yes, maybe even a fight (hopefully he's not reading this, sorry Bryan!) central park had become a very special place to us. So it only seemed fitting (and a gorgeous backdrop, obviously) to take a few photos there.

Conveniently enough, I returned here a few weeks later thinking my boyfriend and I were "grabbing a bite to eat at the boathouse" before meeting up with a couple friends. After admittedly getting aggravated because it appeared that Bryan had no idea where we were going, he promised me it was just over the bridge. When we approached the bridge I had to stop to take photos-it had rained that morning which had, along with the sunset, cast a soft fog over the water and the New York skyline. I then received a call with the caller I.D. reading "Your Fiance", and when I turned around a very nervous Bryan got down on one knee and proposed to me.

So, yeah, I feel it's safe to say that Central Park holds a very dear place in my heart.

-A

Skinny Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

I've discovered a new found love of baking-but I don't necessarily love what baked goods do to my belly. I also really enjoy sharing food (especially something I've made) with my loved ones, but what I consider a lovely meal or dessert, my boyfriend considers bird food. Que these Skinny Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins! They're so decadent that you'll be bewildered at how on earth they are healthy, and they'll leave your family asking for seconds or thirds (even the individuals who, and I quote, "hate healthy food"). At about 83 calories a pop, you might as well go ahead and have that second, third... or fourth (I won't mention it).

1/2 cup protein powder (I used a vanilla whey, but you can use any of your own preference)

3/4 cups whole wheat flour (you can use any flour of your choice to make this gluten free. I'd like to try it using almond flour)

1/4 cup and 1 tbs Truvia (or other stevia sweetener, or 3/4 cup raw sugar)

3/4 tsp baking soda

1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

2 tbsp virgin coconut oil 

2 large egg whites

2 tsp vanilla extract

baking spray

2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350°F, place liners in muffin tins, and lightly spray with a baking oil spray (I like the coconut cooking oil spray from Trader Joe's, but any cooking spray will work). Add all dry ingrediants together. In a seperate bowl add all of the wet ingrediants together (tip: melt the coconut oil a little in the microwave before combining, as most coconut oils are solid and hard to mix). Then add all ingrediants together and fold in chocolate chips. Pour into muffin tins (makes roughly 15 muffins). Place on center rack and bake 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick can be inserted and comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before eating.

They're about 83 calories, have 3.5 grams of fat, 9 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein. So you (and your family-just don't tell them) can enjoy with out the guilt!

-A

Full Fall Mode

 In the past, I would have easily said my favorite season is summer. But as of late, without a doubt, fall has become my favorite season. Besides the fact that I have sentimental ties to fall (it reminds me of spending time with my family and friends, the beautiful mountains in utah, and the season that I moved to New York) it's just a beautiful season. Sure it means the impending doom that is Winter, but it also means no humid subway rides, crisp and cool morning runs, sunny days, and leaves changing colors and falling. I've become (admittedly) obsessed with all things pumpkin-flavored, broken out my coats, scarves, and boots, and downloaded several new ibooks. Yes, I am in full fall mode.

Along with that, I've also been changing my wardrobe because (obviously) there are cooler temps, and your wardrobe color palette should also probably reflect that (no mint shorts here). I randomly ran accross this leather skirt and I feel in love-it was exactly what I had been looking for. I love the idea of leather in a piece that can be transitional and worn in day-to-day life. I love that it's form fitting with a slight flare at the bottom and I also like that the cut and shape of it is conventional enough to where pretty much anywhere you would wear a typical black pencil skirt. It can be dressed up or down, with a pair of flats, heels, or even a basic heeled bootie. I fully plan on playing up the dressier cut of it and pairing it with a simple worn-in graphic tee.

So, now that i've checked one clothing item off of my "Fall Wardrobe Wish List", I can get back to more important things, like making some peanut butter pumpkin spice pancakes.

-A
 

A Delicious Superfood Breakfast

First of all I want to express my extreme guilt for not keeping up with this blog nearly as much as I would have liked and intended to. Almost three months (GASP!) between posts is not cool, and won't be happening again! Secondly, I also want to apologize for not using this blog as it's initial intended purpose (outfit posts, duh). You see, I've been cheating. I've been cheating on fashion for food and fitness. Now that we have that established, I'm going to promise you an outfit post very soon (within the week) and also share with you a current recipe I am OBSESSED with. You're welcome.

After most definitely the worst commute in the year that i've been in New York (yes, it's now been a FULL year- I can't believe it either!) that included a packed train station, 30 minute delays in trains, trains running express when they should be local and (the icing on the cake), a woman accross from me puking several times, the only thing I could think about was how much I wanted to get to work and eat my breakfast. So, I present to you my Chia Seed Pudding! (guaranteed to make you feel slightly better about your crappy morning commute)

I realize this is not by any means a "new" or "unique" recipe, but it is new to me so I thought I'd share it. I kept seeing posts about it, and I assumed it would be difficult but it's quite possibly the easiest breakfast ever.

1/4 cup chia seeds (I purchased mine at Trader Joe's)
2/3 cup milk (I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk, you can use whatever milk or milk substitute you like)
1 tbs agave nectar (I use the raw organic one from Trader Joe's, you can also use pure maple syrup or honey if you prefer, and also adjust the amount to your desired amount of sweetness)

Throw that in a bowl and just stir the crap out of it, until all the seeds are soaked. Pop that in the fridge and leave it overnight. The chia seeds puff up and turn into somewhat of a tapioca consistancy while still maintaining a slight crunch-it's delicious. In the morning top with whatever toppings you like. I kept it fairly simple for my first time- blueberries, strawberries and hemp seeds. However, I'm looking forward to making a chocolate version and using different fruit, nuts, or nut butter toppings as well.

Let me know how you guys like it, and I'll be back posting very soon!

-A

Summer Bucket List

After viewing on a couple of other blogs doing a  "Summer Bucket List", I wanted to compile my own blog post of things I want to experience or accomplish this summer. So here goes!

1. First and foremost: Eat a Cronut! For those of you wonder what a 'Cronut' is, it is a cross between a doughnut and a croissant and you can read about it here. Although there are knock-offs of the pastry, it's made famous by Dominique Ansel and his self named bakery located in Soho. There's generally a line by the time they open at 8 am, and the Cronuts sell out before noon, but I am determined to get my hands on one by the end of summer!

2. Become a bookworm. This won't be a hard task for me, seeing as I love to read. But as of lately, I really haven't made the time to research good reads and take the time to delve into one. But with a morning and evening commute of an hour (usually spent sleeping or doing my makeup) I've decided it's time for a leisurely Barnes and Nobles trip to stock up! If you have any good summer reads to suggest I'd love to hear about them!

3. Run a half marathon. If you were to ever mention a marathon of any sorts to my awkward 16 year old self I would have laughed in your face. In the past two years as i've progressed on my fitness journey i've really developed a surprising passion for running, and living in New York has really spurred that passion on. I love the feeling of running through my neighborhood, discovering different routes and even new places to shop or eat along the way, and before I know it i've completed that mileage. I've been able to push myself in my workouts these past few weeks and i'd love to have a goal in mind to keep progressing. I found both a half marathon and a training schedule that I like, which I will be starting next week!

4. I'm going to set a goal of at LEAST one beach day per week. Growing up in a land locked state going to the beach was a yearly excursion. But now that I live 30 minutes from the beach I want to take full advantage of it! There's just something to be said about grabbing your morning coffee and a wrap throwing on a swimsuit and sipping sangria with sand beneath your toes. It also helps that my boyfriend is big into surfing, there's not a whole lot of convincing I have to do to go, hopping up on a surfboard myself is on my bucket list as well.

5. Take advantage of all the free summer activities in New York City. I never want to be that person that lives in New York but doesn't live in New York. Yes, I work full time but I'm not about to deprieve myself of some of the amazing events that take place in New York. That is why I moved here after all.

6. Document more. I've always lived with the philosophy of enjoying the moment rather than playing the part of the tourist and constantly trying to capture it. However, as I've gotten a little older, I look back on some memories and think "I really wish I would've gotten more photos of that". I've come to appreciate the memories that I do have photographic aid of, and I would really like to get into a better habit of taking more photos, and striking that balance between capturing a moment while still enjoying it.

These are just a few of my most pertinent summer 2013 bucket list items, and I'm looking forward to taking number 6 and applying it to numbers 1-5 for future posts!

Do you have any summer bucket list items? I'd love some ideas to add to my personal list!

-A

Overnight Oats

 

Breakfast that makes it's self?! Don't mind if I do! I've been experimenting with the "overnight oats" phenomenon, and I love it! It's perfect to take with you on the go and eat at work or school. I know there are several variations of the ratio of milk to oats, but i've discovered how I personally enjoy it: simply, equal parts oats to milk. I like the consistancy of the oats when I make it this way, it's thicker, but of course if you'd like the consistancy to be thinner you can simply add more milk. This is what I whipped up for this morning:

1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp fresh ground almond butter (from whole foods)
1/2 tbsp honey

In the morning, I also topped it off with a handful of fresh blueberries, a half of a banana sliced, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. I've also added fresh strawberries and raspberries in the past. I've seen other variations for toppings, such as;

• granola (adds a little crunch)
• sliced almonds
• dried berries and raisins
• agave nectar or all natural maple syrup (as opposed to honey)
• differing nut butters (such as cashew and peanut)
• a scoop of protein powder
• any choice of fresh fruit (I want to try diced apples)
• differing milk substitues such as: coconut, soy, and chocolate almond.
• your favorite fruit and nut bar or protein bar chopped up.

The best part about it is being able to grab your breakfast and dash out the door in the moring! A great time saver but you aren't skimping on eating one of the most essential meals of the day. I'm looking forward to trying some of these ideas and experimenting with this easy, healthy and delicious breakfast!

-A

PR Bound

So in order to escape the frosty New York temps, me and 4 other friends have planned a week-long trip to Puerto Rico! We leave Sunday morning and I could not possibly be anymore excited! I just got done being sick as a dog, and I need this vacation more than ever! I'm so looking forward to the beach, exploring PR, meeting new friends, eating good food (and refreshing drinks!), and just some straight up R&R!

On the fashion front, I'm looking forward to ditching the coats and scarves for shorts and sandals! The warm temperatures and spanish influences of Puerto Rico are definitely going to serve as the inspiration for my wardrobe choices. Something I've seen a huge reprise of, and also am personally obsessed with, is bold color! I'm going to take this vacation as an opportunity to break from drab winter colors, but also pull out pieces from last summer and see what new items I can encorporate into my wardrobe for this upcoming spring.

 

Some of my favorite colors to work with are; coral, true red, hot pink, neon orange, bright and mustard yellow, mint green, teal, kelly green, and cobalt blue. I've also noticed a surge in various aztec, ikat and tribal prints in bold colors which is also something that I am looking forward to adding into my wardrobe and also feels very Puerto Rican appropriate.

-A