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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The Best Cooking Compliment I’ve Ever Received (New Recipe!)

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I’ve reached the stage of my life where the number of friends with kids outweighs the number of friends without kids. There are many reasons that I enjoy this new reality, including being able to play with my friends’ children, load them up with sugar and then give the children back to them and get a good night’s sleep. However, the best part is having a new audience for my baked goods.Since my palate is closer to a 5 year old than a 30 year old, Sometimes Healthy baking is generally quite popular with this crowd.

A couple weeks ago, the BF, me and the dog met up with some of his college friends and their children for a day of kid-friendly fun and reminiscing about the good ‘ol days. Of course, I was quick to raise my hand to volunteer for dessert!

And, come Saturday morning, I was up at 7 am to begin a baking extravaganza. The end result garnered the highest cooking praise I’ve ever received: “This cupcake was really nostalgic!

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Get ready to travel back to 5th grade]

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Posted in: cupcakes, ice cream, Uncategorized

The Post That Talks About Big Changes (Part 2)

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And, we’re back! Are you on the edge of your seats yet? Here’s the continuation of my story about big life changes…

After nearly two months of interviewing, I received a job offer to work at a trade publication upstate that matched up perfectly with my previous writing and public relations experience. But, believe it or not, once I received the offer, the hard part wasn’t over.

I still wasn’t sure if it was the right job and place for me. My current job was exciting, relatively stable and an extremely ideal working environment. Could I leave all of that for a somewhat unpredictable job at a small trade publication? I thought long and hard and actually flip-flopped with my decision a couple of times. Through it all, my friends and family gave invaluable advice and promised to support me either way. And in the end, I knew that I couldn’t let this opportunity to write full-time and live upstate pass me by.

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Posted in: Hudson Valley, Life Changes, Uncategorized

Wish Upon a Star and Love What you Do

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“It’s ok to think about what you want to do…until it’s time to start doing what you were meant to do.”

Let's do a little introspective thinking, friends!

Recognize this quote? It’s from another one of my all-time favorite cheesy sports flicks, The Rookie. In case you haven’t seen the movie (which you should), it’s based on a true story where high school baseball coach Jimmy Morrison, rediscovers his fastball at the age of 40. After being recruited by a minor league team, he contemplates whether or not to make a drastic career change to the sport he loves or continue on the current path with a stable career as a teacher that allows him to provide for his family.

When he asks his father for advice, he gives him the statement above, and these words of wisdom don’t resonate too well with ol’ Jimmy. You see, he wanted his father to say, “Go for it – chase your dream!” But, instead, his father hit him with a bit of a reality check.

This quote has been in the back of my head for quite some time, in particular when I started The Sometimes Healthy Living Blog…

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A Big Announcement…

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Oh hey everyone – just dropping by to share with you some news about a big decision I’ve recently made. I know I haven’t been the best at communicating lately, but I’m going to do my best to share these important milestones with you…on the off chance that you still care.

This news is sooooo big!

Anyway, as you know, my foot has been a source of quite a lot of drama pain since April. However, after some physical therapy, a few doctor’s appointments and some orthotics, my little foot is almost back to normal. Slowly but surely, I’ve been making my way back to the treadmill more and more (you can even track me on DailyMile!). I’m nowhere near the rock-star marathon-woman I was in March of last year, but I’m at least headed on the path to being some sort of runner again.

So, I’ve decided to do something that I’ve never done before. To be honest, It’s something I’ve never even considered…but I think with a bit of a training, I can make it happen.

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New Years Cakepops and Winter Wonderlands

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Oh hello there and Happy New Year! Remember me? I’m going to pretend we spoke just yesterday so I don’t have to get into a lengthy explanation about my why I’ve been absent from the Sometimes Healthy Living blog.

Would you like a beer with your cake pop?

I’ve had men play that card on me before, and I’ve let them get away with it…so if you could just do the same, that would be great. Thanks loyal readers – you’re the best ;-)!

In other news, I had the entire week off  from work in between Christmas and New Year’s. Now you’re really pissed at me for not writing right? But then again, here I am at work today, and the rest of the world, including the postman is not. Sigh.

But I swear was extremely busy (ish) during my week off – thus completely validating my radio silence. Here’s a quick rundown, in pictures and minimal words, a clear departure from my normal novel-length posts. Continue Reading →

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Mini Cinnamon Pumpkin Donuts in a Box and Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

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Oh, hello there. Remember me?

Apologies the lack of posts, but the holiday season is a busy time, and a girl only has so many hours in the day. If it makes you feel better, I haven’t even had time to watch the crappy quality television that I discuss every now and then on the blog. I’m also writing a lot for the day job, and my little brain can only handle so many brilliant(ish) thoughts. In the spirit of “absence makes the heart grow fonder” can you forgive me?

I’m busy…but I’m not complaining…

As long as I have time to make adorable treats like this.

Little boxed donuts? From the donut shop? I think not!

I made these delectable little donuts for my family’s Thanksgiving a couple weeks ago, and before I baked them, my mother was both perplexed and annoyed that I would want to serve donuts at our fancy holiday dinner.

After she saw the finished product, she was literally eating her words…and drooling over my donuts. If you’re thinking, I’m a little over-due for a Thanksgiving post, I’ve got great news: they make a lovely last-minutes Christmas/Hanukkah gift. You’re welcome. Now let’s talk donuts… Continue Reading →

Posted in: Uncategorized

Leftover Thanksgiving Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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I’m sure you’re still on Thanksgiving leftovers overload and completely out of ideas on what to do with them. Never fear, I’ve got a unique little idea for you.

A Thanksgiving Leftovers Spaghetti Squash Delight! Thanksgiving - it just keeps on "giving."

Here’s a preview, but to get to the recipe, in typical Sometimes Healthy fashion, you’ll have to endure a bit of the backstory. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Recipes, Uncategorized \ Tagged: , , , , ,

How to be a Bad Influence on Your Parents

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My parents read Sometimes Healthy Living blog religiously. In fact, they are probably my most loyal readers (shocker). Whenever I don’t put a post up, my mother calls to make sure I’m not stressed or overwhelmed with some minor issue. She knows how much I love to write about my adventures in Sometimes Healthy Living, so when I don’t, she becomes concerned.

Bless her worried little heart.

Anyway, since they read it so often, they’re well-aware of my love for 16 Handles. Always willing to go the extra mile to please their daughter, they agreed to have frozen yogurt for lunch with me on Sunday.

What a bad influence I am!

I know you never let me have ice cream for dinner...but what about fro yo for lunch?

If you’ll notice, there are only two cups. My father agreed to go along with us for the ride, but insisted on eating a normal lunch. He is on a diet and has already lost over 30 pounds. Please congratulate him in the comments section, because he may be mad at me for sharing this ;-). Nevertheless, it’s an achievement to celebrate! Continue Reading →

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Force-Feeding my Coworkers Chia Seeds (New Recipe!)

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Chia Seeds = Magic. Like Fairy Dust.

Have I mentioned how much I L-U-V my coworkers?

Well, last night was our annual office summer party, and it reminded me of exactly why I love these unique little souls. I knew from the minute I walked into the joint that it fit like a glove, and the place hasn’t let me down ever since.

I’m certainly not wise enough to dispense career advice, but since I’m in Stage 4 of the Sometimes Healthy Hangover post-office Summer Party, I’m going to throw caution to the wind and do it anyway: Finding the right place to work is JUST as important as finding the right kind of job for you.

Yes, it’s important to love what you do, but remember, my friends, you will be spending a majority of your day with your coworkers, so you might as well like them. Better yet, you could be like me and think your coworkers are the sh***. Yes, I actually enjoy coming into the office every single day, because even if I’m not excited about a certain project, I know I’ll always be thoroughly entertained and that I have quality people to complain to about said boring project.

So, I bet you’re a bit curious as to how this lovefest post will result in me sharing a recipe with you about Carrot Apple Chi Chi Chi Chia Muffins. Well, guess you’ll just have to keep reading…

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Posted in: Recipes, Uncategorized \ Tagged: , , ,