Eggs-ellent Idea!

I love eggs, from my head down to my legs... ;) m

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Hello has Heart

"Hello" is probably the quickest way to establish a positive connection with another human being... and sometimes animals! It takes 1-2 seconds to smile and politely greet someone when you walk into a store, join a stranger in an elevator or pick up your morning coffee. This simple act acknowledges that you see the person and not just a means to an end. Since many folks do not live by this rule, it is sure to help you to stand out in a positive light. For instance, I have made a point to always be kind and courteous to the gentleman that runs a gas station I go to on occasion. We always say hello and if it isn't busy we will briefly chat while I am purchasing an iced tea. One day, at the pump, I was washing my windshield and my wiper went wonky. The attendant came running out to help me. I was not in dire need of help, but because he knew who I was, he didn't hesitate. I have been getting gas at his station periodically for a number of years now. I still do not know his name, which I regret, but it is always a pleasure to see him. 

I have had a number of experiences like this and it makes life a little brighter. When I was a student in Boston, I took the 55 bus to work and became friendly with the bus driver, Michael. One rainy summer day, it was quiet in my neighborhood and I was the only one on the bus. Instead of stopping at the usual bus stop two blocks away from my building, Michael took me right to the doorstep, not a stop on the route. It was completely unexpected and to this day I can remember it quite vividly. Being polite and friendly to a stranger will better the both of you and just might cause a butterfly effect. Even without the little lucky perks that may blossom from a kind acquaintance, sharing a smile with someone can revitalize you. Check out more about how smiling can improve your health in this TED talk. xx....m

If not what than how....

Like many people, driving has the ability to clear my mind. I can quiet my overactive thoughts by whole-heartedly singing along with the radio or I can find myself in sporadic moments of clarity. Something about being encapsulated in a relatively safe environment, passing changing scenery, unseen and unheard by others creates a freeing mindset. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Nick Carraway would describe this as "within and without, simultaneously". While on a quest for dish soap and cat food, I took the scenic route and although the melodies of John Legend were seeping through my speakers, I found myself in a clear state. 

If not what than how.

I have been on a lifelong quest for purpose, despite myself. I am admittedly lacking any real religious faith, a specific passion or a unique talent - unless you consider recalling names upon request with few clues or a half-way decent memory a special talent. I've pretty much mastered the name game which I fully attribute to genes as well as years of practice. 

I am inspired by those who do for others. In general, the types of people I have considered role models have a deep sense of purpose or passion. The last decade of my life was spent in the company of brilliant, passionate people that give themselves over to their pursuit completely; an educational and influential experience, without a doubt. I thought that this lifestyle was also my trajectory. I have this inherent need to help others, so of course that should lead me toward a distinct path... right? I expected that I would miraculously become intensely zealous about a particular cause and succumb to this new world. I was part of that type of world. I joined in with others in their passions, but always felt there should be something more. Personally, I tend to thrive when I have a combination of selflessness and productivity, however, I have learned (perhaps the hard way) that you must save part of yourself for you.

During recent road musings, I have pondered if the problem is that I have been looking for some thing and not some how. Instead of focusing the last several years on finding what I am "meant" to do with my life; searching for a field that I feel ardent about, maybe I should have spent more time considering how I would like to live my life and how I can apply that in other areas. I would imagine that if I was destined for a certain vocation, the light would have dawned by now. With this revelation I also realize that I actually have done quite a bit of homework in the how category. My mind seems to be aligning with my heart. Almost all at once the persistent spinning of my internal compass has slowed and I am cruising in the right direction, wind blowing through my hair, doing my best to harmonize with the very talented John Legend. xx....m

What are Super Foods?

Happy Friday! Plan a weekend picnic and fill up on some super foods! xx....m 

by gryffin.
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Gaming for Good

What would you do if you had more time in this world? Isn't that the one thing everyone is looking for these days? The search for the fountain of youth is never ending. People are buying anything with acai berries on the label, eating Super Foods and drinking green chunky beverages with the hopes that these things will help them live a longer and healthier life. Why? What are we all hoping to do with that extra time?

Consider this question as you watch the video below. On my quest for a better quality of life, I came across this TED talk by video game designer Jane McGonigal. Don't be dismayed - this is not a video suggesting that you play Call of Duty all day. I wouldn't call myself a "gamer", but I do enjoy video games. I have a couple that I am mildly addicted to on my iPad and have enjoyed playing games pretty much as far back as I can remember. When I was very young, I would play Frogger on Atari at my grandparents' house, Super Mario with my cousin and my dad even had an old IBM that we had 2 games on actual 3 1/2" floppy discs. I can still picture the very square Vanna White clapping on Wheel of Fortune. I hope my time gaming has helped me cultivate the positive attributes Ms. McGonigal discusses. Give this video a try and you might be surprised! xx....m



    

Happy Mother's Day!

10 Reasons My Mom Is Awesome

1. My mom is a little bit rock and roll. Not only is she rockin' Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Pearl Jam, but she can bounce to some Dirty Money and Snoop Dogg. Respect!

2. She knows a thing or two about cars. One of my favorite memories is riding around in her red IROC-Z with the T-tops off blasting music in the summer heat. My old mechanic even asked if she was looking for a job after she correctly diagnosed my car trouble over the phone. 

3. When I was a kid, she owned a Janet Jackson-esque Rhythm Nation outfit that was THE BEST! We are a part of the rhythm nation - oh!

4. Somehow, I thought we were mildly wealthy until I was old enough to truly understand money and realized that she probably went without more often than not at certain times. 

5. She is one of the most caring people I know. She has always taken special interest in the well being of others. 

6. She is smart and does math problems because they are fun. That's right... I know. 

7.  If she is feeling the mood, she may break out in song; sometimes by singing what she is doing. If I am around, it may turn into a chorus and we annoy my poor stepdad. The sillier the better! 

8. She is beautiful and I have always hoped to grow into her looks. Still hoping! ;)

9. She is a hard worker and will master anything she puts her mind to. 

10. Including being a mother. She is the best mother a girl could ask for. That may sound cliche, but beyond all of the awesome things listed above, she has always been a loving, strong force in my life and I cannot thank her enough for being the amazing woman she is. 

Love you, Mom! xx....m

Hoodwinked Hubby #2

I have been quite successful recently in my quest. Hubby recently ate the ever infamous brussels sprouts!! How, you ask? Well, let me share with you a very quick and easy recipe I found on Trader Joe's website: Gnocchi with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts 

On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to confess my love for Trader Joe's. It's just hubby & I, so it is nice to find smaller packages of quick and easy meals at a reasonable price. I have also found that if you take a little extra time to look around their cheese section, you can get some great deals on fabulous choices. One of my particular favorites is the Trader Joe's Spanish Tapas Sampler:

CC Image courtesy of wynlok on Flickr

This sampler works great if you are in a rush and need to put together a dinner party quickly. Each type of cheese has four generous slices. Pair it with some olives, crackers, marmalade or honey and you have a nice cheese plate! 

Pour some wine and enjoy! xx....m

Tuesdays with Mellie

For some reason, I have never really liked Tuesdays. I would gladly take a hectic Monday over an average Tuesday. In trying to keep the glass half full, I am attempting to redefine how I feel about this most cumbersome day of the week. Hopefully, if I start the day with a particularly positive thought or enjoying some lighthearted reading, I can retrain my brain. I took a little time this morning to try and find some quick reads and came across a few rather amusing blogs that I thought you might enjoy:

Faces In Places: http://facesinplaces.blogspot.com

Things We Forget: http://thingsweforget.blogspot.com

Pleated Jeans: http://www.pleated-jeans.com

xx....m

Bask in the Sunshine

Spring is in full swing and the sun is shining! Step outside of your comfort zone and try a new pair of sunglasses you might normally overlook. Afraid to invest in a nice pair? Play it safe and pick up a low-priced pair at Charming Charlie or your local department store. You might be surprised by the compliments you receive! 

Styles I'm digging right now: Black cat eyes & Wayfarer in funky colors.

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Choosing Cheerful

Over the last couple of years, there have been a number of eye-opening experiences that have greatly influenced my life choices. It seems as though each has brought me to the same general theme: happiness. What does it mean to be happy? How does one achieve a greater happiness or at least better enjoy the present? I believe that, although it is not easy, you must choose the cup that is half full. It is so easy to fall into a negative pattern and focus on short comings, failures, fears and regrets. Dare I say, it can often feel like a snowball effect or addiction. Once you begin down the dark path, it can take great effort to see the light. To quote the inspiring Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, "The days are long, but the years are short." It is so easy to get caught up in the hum drum of daily life and lose weeks, months or years that flash by in a blur. It is also within these little moments that we share together that something special can occur and resonate over time. How are we to balance between both when they can be happening simultaneously?

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful life. I have an incredibly caring husband, a tight-knit family and friends who are smart and funny. My closet is full, my home is warm and I have plenty. I am acutely aware that any or all of that could be gone in a blink, which is why I want to learn from others and find pleasures in the now. I have been reading about the quest for happiness and have been guiltlessly watching one TED talk after another. I will share more with you about my own "happiness project" as time goes on and the way I am choosing to live better now. Below you will find a TED talk from Shawn Achor, psychologist and CEO of Good Think, Inc. His speech is enlightening and entertaining. Enjoy and please share your thoughts! xx....m

Breaking News: Chocolate is a Miracle Drug

I'm not sure that is true, but I will pretend this is scripture and enjoy some dark chocolate in my pancakes! Join me. :)  xx....m

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Are we living the glass slipper complex?

"A woman carries her clothes, but the shoe carries a woman."

- Christian Louboutin

There is a running joke with my in-laws that I have more shoes than Foot Locker. My father-in-law finds it particularly ridiculous and has be known to burst into loud fits of laughter at the sight of my collection. In their eyes, I imagine they consider me to be a fuller brunette Carrie Bradshaw hailing taxis in stilettos, holding a croissant shaped minaudière. Along the fashion spectrum I would estimate that I fall somewhere between Ms. Bradshaw and the Drop Dead Diva. They have kindly given me shoe shaped jewelry boxes, an apron that says "Will Cook For Shoes" and a fabulous pink and black coffee mug with a lipstick design and an actual mirror embedded into the ceramic - I love that mug. It is one of my favorites. ;) 

All that being said, I do love accessories... most particularly shoes. I appreciate all types and would never turn a stray pair of size 8s away if they came knocking at my door. No matter how lovely or hideous... Shoes can change an outfit and your attitude. 

After suffering monstrous blisters, pain so deep in my feet my bones were sizzling and a rather unfortunate ingrown toenail (not fun or pretty!) I have learned that you really can find comfort and style. It does still happen on occasion that a shoe will feel OK at the store and then the next morning as if my foot grew 2 sizes overnight. I haven't quite figured out that mystery. Always keep your receipts! If it doesn't feel great at the store, it never will. One alternative to fixing the mistakes that are already taking up valuable real estate in your closet is to invest in a pair of shoe stretchers. They work if the shoe is just a little snug in a friction zone or if your feet are slightly different widths or shapes - most are!

This spring is all about ankle straps. They are sexy, sophisticated and will help keep your shoe in the right place! 

Here are 4 ankle strap shoes I'm loving right now:

1. New Look Wide Fit Savour Barely There from ASOS.com for under $40. I absolutely cannot get enough of the nude/blush color, which you can pair with almost any outfit.

2. Nine West Bezel from 6pm.com for $55. Pair with straight or skinny jeans and a white peplum top or a flirty dress for date night. 

3. Jessica Simpson Valleyy on Zappos.com for $98. What else can I say.... I am in love! :) My ideal outfit would be a white circle or chiffon pleated skirt and a blush, lilac or mint colored blouse. Top it off with a gold statement necklace and a Kate Spade Idiom Bangle. 

4. Anne Klein Elane on Zappos.com for $79. Spice up a skirt suit or get into a librarian get-up with a pencil skirt and blouse. Also, with a lower and thicker heel, they should stay comfy throughout the day. 





Two tips for the vertically challenged:

• Avoid flats with ankle straps. They will cut you down to size. Keep a slight lift, even if it is only 1". You will appear to have longer and leaner gams.
• If you choose a higher heel, check that the sole under the ball of your foot has a platform. This will keep your foot more level allowing comfort and ease maintaining a regular walking pace. A very high heel without this will leave you teetering on your tip toes and eventually you will walk like a stick person. Uncomfortable and not sexy. 

Happy Friday! xx....m

Hoodwinked Hubby

I believe that one of the many challenges in life includes regularly eating healthfully. With so many options for every meal it can be difficult to choose wisely, even when you are the wiser. Yes, you can choose to eat a whole bowl of pan-seared kale, only isn't it so much easier and more enticing to have pizza and beer? 

I am an equal opportunities nibbler and can easily chow down steamed cauliflower, sushi with edamame and practically any type of cheese. My husband on the other hand is a bit more selective. I am often trying to come up with or find new ways to trick my husband into eating fruits and veggies. I am not necessarily cutting out the calorie rich foods; he would rather starve than eat plain broccoli-!!!-(or tiny shrubs as he prefers to call them). I am enriching our meals by including real nutrients. As time goes on, I will be sharing helpful tips I am able to conjure up. 

Tip #1: Doll it up! 
Like many other aspects of life, presentation can be inviting. As the weather gets warmer, I often like to make big salads for dinner. On a regular dinner plate, this is not terribly exciting. 

CC Image courtesy of Robin Corps on Flickr

Make some edible art or separate each item into sections. This can look particularly posh and allow you to enjoy each ingredient before mixing it up. 

You don't have to be a 4-star chef, to do something like:

CC Image courtesy of Kurman Communications, Inc. on Flickr

It only takes a few extra minutes and honestly adds some fun to dinner. We picked up some oversized square bowls at Target, and it has made a huge difference. Hubby loves it when I put a nice salad together, usually with some type of bread treat tucked in one of the corners. He always praises the presentation and can't wait to dig in. Here are some more inspirations with larger bowls and regular plates:

CC Image courtesy of Eunice on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Jules on Flickr

 

CC Image courtesy of David Pursehouse

If you have any suggestions, please share! The more the merrier.

Be well! xx....m