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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Posted in: Breakfast

Things I Forgot on the Island of Manhattan

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It’s fair to say NYC is worlds away from NE – not just in distance, but in the lifestyle. For example, when my best friend, Becca, was lamenting to me about having to get gas before work on a Monday, I equated it to having to wait in line to fill up my Metrocard pass on a Monday morning before getting on the subway (The line’s always extra long on Monday because everyone seems to have missed the boat on getting their s*** together to fill the pass over the weekend when the crowd is much lighter).

I forgot all about "the good life"

Anyway, I usually try to get back to The Big O at least every 6 months, but this time around, it’s been almost 8. Thus, I am out-of-practice with living the Nebraska life aka “the good life.”

Here’s a couple of things I completely forgot about: Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast, Mornings, Nebraska, NYC \ Tagged: , , ,

Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats in Jar

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PB & J Oats in a Jar....mmmmmm!

Oh yeah…I went there. I guess you could say it’s kind of like “his” and “her” Oats in a Jar (OIAJ.) The purple Smuckers jelly jar for the girl and the brown PB jar for the boy. I know what you’re thinking…”But Sometimes Healthy Girl, you don’t HAVE a man, so why would you create his and her OIAJ?” And no, the extra OIAJ is not for my imaginary boyfriend.

In fact, my best friend Emily, from Nebraska, is in town for a work trip, and we had a sleepover! Even though her work would have paid for a hotel room one more night, we decided we’d pretend we were in grade school again and stay up late gossiping while watching episodes of 90210. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast \ Tagged: , ,

Mini Me Invades My Kitchen

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Mini Me, You Complete Me

It’s a rainy Sunday here in NYC, and I’m not complaining. Sometimes I love rainy days because I feel less guilty for succumbing to the Couch Monster and watching reality tv and Food Network, while catching up on blogs. Plus I had some leftovers to chow down on from yesterday’s “mini me” kitchen invasion….

Fun with Muffin Pans!

Ever since I saw Holly’s post about Mini Pancake Muffins, I just couldn’t get them off my mind. Considering how much I love egg muffins, I just knew these adorable little things were right up my alley. So I figured, I might as well just make them both: a little Mini Me Extravaganza in the Sometimes Healthy Kitchen. (Some magazines call Egg Muffins “mini omelets,” so that’s why I figured Mini Me was appropriate for this post. Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to headline a post with Mini Me.)

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Posted in: Breakfast, Recipes \ Tagged: ,

My First Experience with Overnight Oats in a Jar AND PB Fingers

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Ever since I started reading healthy living blogs, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: Oatmeal. Lots and lots and LOTS of Oatmeal. Healthy people love oatmeal – This is not a subjective statement: it is a fact that has been proven by countless healthy living blogs and magazines. Luckily, I too am a fan of this magical grain. And always have been (although it was generally in instant packet form). I am always so impressed with the oatmeal creations that you people come up with. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast \ Tagged: , ,

Turn that Monday Frown Upside Down: The Resolution Edition

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Confession: Just over one month ago, I completed 26.2 miles in less than four hours at a pace of 8:59 per mile.

This morning, I struggled to complete 3 miles at a pace of 9:20 per mile. Uh oh. Someone’s slipping! I promised myself I’d stay in tip-top shape after the marathon, but it seems I’ve lost that running mojo. I cannot remember the last time I’ve had a good run, and even though I’m still running at least four times a week, I’m not challenging myself during my runs and most of the time it’s a battle to complete my goal mileage until the very last second. My oh my, how the mighty have fallen!

Confession: I didn’t blog all weekend, not because I was busy, but because I just didn’t do much that was worthy of writing about! If you’d like to catch up on my life over this weekend, read about my Soul Food craving. That’s all I’ve got for ya after a weekend of beautiful weather in the Big Apple. The line was too long at Sixteen Handles, due to the amazing weather, so I had to settle for some old school Tasti D-Lite. When you’ve experienced all-you-can eat yogurt and unlimited cereal toppings, Tasti-D just loses it’s luster…

Confession: I use Mint.com to budget my groceries every month and every month around the 20th, I receive an alert telling me that I’ve surpassed my previously established budget. BAD Sometimes Healthy Girl.

Lots of reasons to turn that Monday Frown Upside Down this morning, but for me it’s the chance to start fresh after a lazy weekend, some budget slip-ups and some less-than stellar runs.

Since I’m someone who get’s easily overwhelmed, my plan is to attack one slip-up at a time. Starting with the grocery budget. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast, Budget Diet, Lunch

Word Up Wednesday: Couch Monster and the Great Greek Yogurt Debate

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Couch Monster [kouch mon-ster]

-noun

A legendary, persuasive piece of soft and comfy furniture that tempts otherwise Type A individuals to stray from their normal routine to watch television, steal some extra sleep or simply engage in excessive bouts of laziness; Note: Said monster is not the same as the infamous Cookie Monster – however, the two sometimes work together to really throw a Sometimes Healthy Girl off her routine 😉

The Couch Monsta!

I’ve decided that every Wednesday will now be “Word Up Wednesday” where I’ll devote a post to a “new” word of the day. I’m borrowing the concept from Steven Colbert’s “The Word” segment. I’m sure he’s okay with it, provided I’m giving him credit. In an ideal word, one of my word creations will catch on in the same way Truthiness captured the nation. Here’s to hopin’ 😉

So, today’s word is “Couch Monster.” Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast, Exercise Motivation \ Tagged: , , , ,

Living in a Texan Paradise

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So much grass for this NYC girl!

I’ve heard the phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas,” and I certainly won’t. Because, I HEART TEXAS :-). Since I arrived here, everyone, from the people at the airport to the cab driver (who put a movie on for me!), to the people in the hotel have been beyond nice. Must be that Southern Hospitality. A girl could get used to this ;-).

Ah, but the star of the show thus far is the hotel. Here is how a hotel makes a Sometimes Healthy Girl extremely happy:

  • A beautiful fully equipped 24 hour gym (CHECK!)
  • A delicious FREE breakfast buffet (CHECK CHECK!)
  • A giant pool, waterfall is always a nice touch (CHECK CHECK CHECK!)
  • Sprawling hotel grounds perfect for jogging and walking outside (CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK!)
Yep, this hotel has it all! I’m having the greatest time, and I haven’t even participated in the celebration  yet!

Here’s a recap of my heavenly day so far in a Texan paradise. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast

Around the World in 20 Eggs! Breakfast for Dinna

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Do you ever read something in a magazine while you’re working out, remind yourself to remember it and completely forget it the minute you walk out of the gym? When I saw these beauties in this month’s SELF mag, I just HAD to make them….

Straight from the magazine pages. The printed word lives on! 🙂

Then I forgot….

Then these oh so trendy Egg Muffins popped up again on Lisa and Jamie‘s blog…and I knew it was meant to be. So I went out and bought a random mix of ingredients to make my egg sensations…because I have no idea how to focus on a list in grocery stores…

How could anyone possibly make all of these ingredients work together?

Then I had a busy Sunday which left me with no time to devote to cooking, cleaning or even writing (almost). I intended to make the Egg Muffins on Monday but alas, I was too tired, and as you know, resorted back to the Kitchen Sink Salad.

FINALLY, today, inspiration came to me around 5:30 right before I left work. Not only would I make my Egg Muffins, but I’d make a variety of them, each dedicated to different countries! Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast, Quick Dinners, Recipes, Wacky Food Combos \ Tagged: , ,

Sleeping More than Ryan Reynolds…

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It is normal to play with Shake Weights in the office...

This just in: Heidi Klum gets an average of 10 hours of sleep per night, according to People mag. I had two questions when I read this story: 1) Is that her secret; 2) HOW does she find the time to sleep 10 hours?

Well, if that’s what it takes to be a supermodel,  guess I’ll have to rethink my career aspirations 😉 Maybe I should be a model for Shake Weights instead?

But in all seriousness, how does a woman with four children, a modeling career, a tv show and countless other ventures, have time to sleep 10 hours a night? The article, in this week’s issue, was actually about the amount of “beauty sleep” stars get. I felt better when I saw that Drew Barrymore only gets 3 hours and the beautiful Jessica Biel claims she’s nearly an insomniac (maybe she’s missing Justin?). Best of all, Ryan Reyonds said, “I think about all the blinking I’ve done during the day and try to add it up in my mind.” Well, Ryan, for someone who lacks in the sleep department, you sure look pretty good 😉

Do all non-sleepers look this good? Is there a club I can join? Source

Sleepwalking through My Morning Routine…

And speaking of sleep, I have gotten a lot less of it lately!

As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve had a few late nights these past few weeks. Last night was another night of burning the midnight oil, so let’s just say I didn’t exactly wake up all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Breakfast, Lunch, Mornings \ Tagged: , , ,