5Ks, Cupcakes and and Country Music

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Ever since I almost won a medal in the Soldier’s Field 10 Miler (circa 2007), I have always had the secret goal of placing in a race. Year after year, I’ve finished close to the top of smaller races…but never have I won a spot on the winner’s stand. A couple years ago, I decided I needed to win a medal before my 30th birthday, because the next age bracket tends to be more competitive.

Well, I finally reached that elusive goal this on Saturday at the Gardiner 5K Cupcake Classic!

Finally, I'm a winner!!

Finally, I’m a winner!!

After a speedy race through the fields and country roads of Wrights Farm, I was awarded second place overall for females.

Leave it to me to medal in a race that is centered around cupcakes. However, when I decided to ride in another 5K on Sunday, I never expected to have a repeat performance…

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You’re Never to Old…

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Happy Friday! Today we’re going to talk about quirks.

One of the “exciting” things about new relationships is discovering the little quirks about a person that make he or she special. (Ok, let’s be honest, sometimes these “quirks” are just strange and not as endearing as one would hope). Well, I happen to be a very unique individual, so I know my BF has had a wonderful time discovering all of my quirks. He’s still not done yet…there’s plenty more.

I shall make you do many weird things...like take pictures of us and our food everywhere we go...

I shall make you do many weird things…like take pictures of us and our food everywhere we go…

For example, he is “fascinated”by my propensity to eat foods that a five-year-old consumes. Each time he looks at me in pure shock, I say to him, “Hey, you’re never too old!” Plus, when I become a mother, I can save on groceries by just eating whatever my toddler eats.

Anyway, I thought it might be fun to do some semi-regular posts on these foods and why I enjoy them. Call it nostalgia, call it Peter Pan Syndrome, call it whatever you want. All I know is that it is fun to let loose and enjoy a Dunkaroo every now and then! Continue reading →

WIAW: A First time for Everything!

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I have been a healthy living blogger for two years now (with a brief 1 year hiatus), but I’ve never actually participated in the ever-popular What I Ate Wednesday Party (WIAW). Maybe it’s because I wasn’t sure that anyone would find what I eat on Wednesdays (or Mondays and Tuesdays for that matter) very interesting.

However, since my life has changed tremendously from my NYC blogging days, I thought I could use WIAW as a platform to detail a day in the life! Back when I first started blogging, I wrote about a day in the life of an NYC career woman, which discussed the everyday triumphs and trials that often accompany living in NYC.  The post detailed my morning run in central park, crowded subways, farmers markets and a typical late night at the office.

A day in the crazy city life of a Sometimes Healthy girl.

A day in the crazy city life of a Sometimes Healthy girl.

So, how has that changed since I moved to the “country” of the Hudson Valley? Read on for WIAW (What I Ate Tuesday actually) and a day in the life of a Sometimes Healthy Country Bumpkin.

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A Winery Kind of Weekend

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Another reality of nearing the age of 30 is wedding mania! I’ve always enjoyed weddings, so this stage has been fun for me. What’s better then drinking, dancing and watching people who are truly in love? Sounds cheesy, but nothing makes me happier than watching the most important people in my life start a life with someone as equally amazing as them. At each wedding, I’ve learned to appreciate the little details and how much the day is representative of the special couple, from the venue choice to the music and the food and drinks.

Emily's wedding circa 2009!

Emily’s wedding circa 2009!

Sadly, another reality of this stage is that at some point, you are bound to be double-booked. Certain weekends are very popular for weddings, and when all of your friends are getting married at once, you may even be triple-booked! (Remember the movie 27 Dresses..that can actually happen).

One of my closest friends in the world, Michelle, is getting married in a couple weeks on Memorial Day Weekend. I’m very excited and honored to be in her wedding party, and I can’t wait to watch her say “I Do” to her fiance, a true gentleman (born and raised in Ireland!), who complements her in every way possible.

Unfortunately, my college roommate, Sarah, has also chosen that weekend to get married, and since there is no way to be in Illinois and Rhode Island at the same time, I have to miss what looks to be an amazing wedding!

So, this weekend, I headed to New York, Washington D.C AND Virginia to attend Sarah’s bachelorette party. The weekend was very memorable, and I’m so glad I had the chance to celebrate Sarah’s wedding.

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8 Minutes Arms and Back in the City!

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I’ve got a little secret to tell you. I can’t do ONE push up…at least not without doing the girlie kind, and even then, I can only do about 15. As someone who loves to run and work out, this shortcoming has always bothered me, especially when I read about all those crazy Crossfit people.

However, even without push-ups, whenever I wear a sleeveless shirt, I usually receive a compliment on my toned arms. (This is much appreciated, as my hair is usually a mess or there is some sort of food stain on my clothing.)

Hot Sweaty Mess. But, my arms don't mess around.

Hot Sweaty Mess. But, my arms don’t mess around.

As you know, I’m not one to brag. I am certainly no Cameron Diaz. However, over the years, I’ve managed to maintain the tonality in my arms with daily cardio and a very short weight-lifting routine about three to four times a week. Continue reading →

The Time I Studied Abroad in Mexico City (New Recipe!)

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Once upon a time (back in 2004) in a utopian bubble known as college, two native Nebraskans decided to seek a bit of adventure before they entered into their senior year. Both students at Northwestern University (though not friends before they went to college – Nebraska roots bond everybody), they stumbled upon a study abroad program in Mexico City that looked to be just the thrill that they were looking for.

“Mexico City!?” Some people would ask. “Why on earth would you pick Mexico City!?”

“Because…it’s…different.” Jamie would say.

When I tell people that I studied abroad in Mexico City, they always look at me a little strangely. After all, it seems the only time we hear about Mexico is in reference to all of the crime and government corruption. However, when I think of Mexico, I think of a country full of welcoming people, breath-taking scenery, and, of course, delicious food.

We climbed pyramids. No big deal...And apparently, pig tails was very "in" at the time.

We climbed pyramids. No big deal…And apparently, pig tails was very “in” at the time.

I spent 3 months in Mexico during the summer of 2004, and though I didn’t know what was pulling me the country when I chose the program, I knew when I left that it was the place I was meant to be…

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Huevos Rancheros with a Side of Cupcakes and Romance

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This weekend was exactly what I hoped for and pictured when I decided to move here. It had everything: good friends, great food, beautiful scenery, even a little romance…oh, and of course, cupcakes! Most importantly, we spent the weekend enjoying each other and all of the fun activities that my new area has to offer.

Just another spring weekend in the Hudson Valley!

Just another spring weekend in the Hudson Valley!

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