Yoga Newbie

 

am i the only one who finds yoga intimidating? 

 

my friend b has really inspired me to finally give this yoga thing a try (also every time i get a massage they remind me how tight i am and that i need to incorporate some yoga into my routine).  living social also inspired me with this incredible deal for a month unlimited for only $30 at yogaworks (actually only $20 using the promo code FREEDOM at checkout)! 

 

and so, i have my month unlimited, my inspiration and my fingers and toes crossed that this yoga thing works for me.  i am nervous as a beginner and also nervous that i will look like a fool in front of everyone, but i am going to give it my all. 

 

any tips for this novice? 

Make This - Skinny Lettuce Wraps

(from my @lyndsylee instagram)

 

now that it is officially summer, i decided it was a good idea to lighten up our usual "casserole monday" with some absolutely delicious skinny lettuce wraps!

 

last night i took a chance and tried out this recipe from makeshift margaritas and let me just say the results were outstanding and a great success!  best part, they were so incredible easy to make! 

 

skinny lettuce wraps

 

ingredients:

 

*1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken

*2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter (i used regular)

*3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

*2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce (i used trader joe's soyaki)

*1 can water chestnuts, drained

*1/2 chopped onion (i used the entire container of trader joe's onions, garlic & shallots pre-cut)

*1 head of lettuce washed & divided into large pieces for wrapping

*i added some freshly chopped mushrooms

 

directions:

 

1. Brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.

2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, teriyaki, onions,*mushrooms* and water chestnuts. Mix until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes (i let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes).

3. Spoon meat into lettuce and wrap.

 

enjoy!

Make This - Chicken & Black Bean Green Enchilada Rice Bake

(photo from my @lyndsylee instagram)

 

in keeping up with casserole monday as b and i have coined it, i pinned this delicious recipe and it was a major hit!  the casserole is easy to prepare and leaves you with loads of leftovers (which totally taste better the next day)!  best part, it's relatively healthy and gluten free!

 

chicken & black bean green enchilada rice bake

 

ingredients:

 

*2 cups white long grain rice

*2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (i cheated and used a rotisserie chicken)

*One 15-ounce can mild green enchilada sauce (i used a spicy green salsa)

*One 4-ounce can sliced black olives (i used two cans)

*One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (i used the flavored ones and i would use 2 cans next time)

*1/2 cup sour cream (i used greek yogurt)

*1 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Roasted Ground Cumin

*One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (i used 2 cans)

*2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (i used less)

*i also added 2 corns of can, 1/2 cup of extra spicy salsa, 2 cans of green chiles, pinch of cayenne*

 

directions:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Cook rice according to package directions.

3. Place chicken, enchilada sauce, olives, tomatoes, sour cream, salt, pepper and cumin into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Pour cooked rice into prepared baking dish and layer beans on top of rice. Pour chicken mixture over rice and top evenly with cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is melted and rice is hot.

 

enjoy!

Make These - Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

(my muffins via instagram @lyndsylee)

 

i absolutely adore our new kitchen (i can't believe it has already been a month), and have been trying to utilize it as often as possible.  trying to eat healthy and deliciously has never been easier thanks to pintrest (not sure why i was so late to joining)! 

 

i saw this picture in my feed a few weeks back... 

 

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i immediately told b to keep his mitts off the bananas as i needed them to get good and brown to bake these banana oatmeal breakfast muffins! 

 

added bonus besides looking so tasty...they are gluten-free and perfect healthy morning treats to grab and go.  and did i mention they were oh so moist (yeah, i realize that is a disgusting word, but it is the best way to describe them - please accept my apologies)? 

 

they were a hit with b, me and the gals at work (always good about testing out my goods).  do yourself a favor and make them.  don't even second guess my recommendation, just do it!  your tummy will thank you!

 

ingredients:

*2.5 cups old fashioned oats (i used trader joes gluten free rolled oats)
*1 cup plain low fat greek yogurt
*2 eggs
*1/2 cup honey
*2 tsp baking powder (totally forgot to add this to mine)
*1 tsp baking soda
*2 TBSP ground flax seed (bought seeds from trader joes & ground them myself)
*1 tsp vanilla
*2 ripe bananas (i used 3 - mine were on the smaller side)

*chocolate chips (optional)

 

directions:

 

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees. spray tin with non-stick cooking spray or line 12 muffin tins with silicone or foil liners.

2. place the oats in the food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds. add remaining ingredients to the food processor (i used my blender - worked great).
3. process until everything is mixed together and oats are smooth.
4. divide batter among cupcake liners, and bake for 18-20 minutes (i only cooked mine for 16 minutes), or until toothpick comes out clean.

enjoy!

Make This - Quinoa Black Bean Casserole

(instagram @lyndsylee)

 

brandon and i take turns making dinner for our date nights and last monday it was my turn.  b's only request was something healthy.  thank god for pintrest!

 

off to my trusty recipes to try board i went, and came across this recipe for quinoa black bean casserole.  healthy, gluten-free and with a touch of cheese sounded too good to be true.  turns out it really does exist! 

 

the recipe is so easy (minus the grating of the sweet potato which was awful) to make and turns out an amazing smelling, delightful tasting casserole that leaves enough leftovers for a few additional lunches. 

 

i served it up with some aidells pinapple bacon chicken sausage and a cranberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing and both of our plates were empty in no time at all. 

 

bon appétit!

 

ingredients:

*1 cup cooked quinoa
*3 cups cooked black beans (or two
15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
*2 large sweet potatoes, shredded
*1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
*1 tbsp ground cumin
*liberal pinches salt and pepper
*2 eggs
*1 cup salsa (i used trader joes serrano salsa - gave it a nice bite)
*2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

directions:

 

1. preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare a 9” x 9” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. in a large bowl, mix together the quinoa, black beans, sweet potato, 1⁄2 cup of the cheese, and the cumin, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the eggs and the salsa. Pour the salsa mixture over the quinoa-bean mixture, then pour everything into the prepared casserole dish.
3. sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Garnish with the cilantro.

Make This - Four Ingredient Cookies {psst...they're healthy}

(i pinned the recipe over on my pintrest page - lyndsylee)

 

scrolling through my instagram feed (@lyndsylee) a few weeks ago, i came across this recipe from my girl natalie moser for four ingredient cookies, and those ingredients did not include sugar or flour! 

 

oh so intrigued, i decided to attempt them at home, and must say that these cookies did NOT disappoint.  the hardest part was allowing my bananas (that i was ever so tempted to eat) to ripen to the point of grossness.  once they were there, this recipe is easy as a, b, c!

 

four ingredient cookies

2 overripe bananas

1 cup of rolled oats (i used the gluten free trader joe's brand)

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 cup of chocolate chips

*honey if the consistency is a little too think and needs a little help

 

*preheat over to 350 degrees*

step 1: mix bananas with kitchenaid mixer or hand held mixer

step 2: add cinnamon (or honey if needed)

step 3: mix in oats and chocolate chips

step 4: using a tablespoon, scoop and form into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

step 5: bake for 13-15 minutes

 

that's it!  so easy, so delicious and they were quite the hit at the office.  they make a great snack, morning, noon or night! 

 

healthy sweet treats never tasted this good!

 

 

Make This - Sausage Spaghetti Squash Bake

 

i have had my eye on this recipe for quite some time and actually go around to making it this past monday.  the results...

 

so good, so good, so good!

 

this sausage spaghetti squash bake is not only healthy, but it is also so easy to make and gluten free! 

 

i follow paleOMG on instagram and honestly have saved so many pictures of items that look delicious and healthy to make at home.  based on my experience from this recipe, i have a feeling just about any of her recipes are sure to be a success! 

 

i added a smidge of parmesan cheese to the top, but have to admit that it was not required and going forward i will not add it again.  the dish is flavorful and makes great leftovers. 

 

enjoy!

I'm Lovin' It ~ Summer Lovin'

happy may gray day!  even though the gray skies continue to rule over los angeles, my recent spray tan appointment and vacation in 15 days has me in a summer lovin' kind of mood. 

even though my vacation isn't to anywhere tropical, i am dreaming of blue skies, warm sun on my shoulders and all the fun that summer brings today. 

the items that currently haunt my summer dreams include:

jo malone vanilla & anise cologne - smells just like a root beer float.  yum!

every summer my flip flops take a beating and need to be replaced and every year i almost cave and buy those $50+ capri ones and every year i am saved by a cheaper pair.  this year gap nailed it with their leather flip flops available in a variety of colors and even come with a little extra cushion for your footsies.  awesome.

like the ray of light  kissing my shoulders, my toes will be sporting deborah lippmann's version of ray of light.  perhaps i will even listen to madonna's take on "ray of light".  that's cray, cray.

fringe benefits this summer - yes please!

in order to fully get the most benefits from my fringe, i plan to snack on these tasty little that's it. bars that give you two servings of fruit in one bar.  two fruits, one bar - much better than that other two girls one cup business (do not google it).

lastly a sweet little tumbler to enjoy a variety of light beverages from - although i am heavily leaning towards a calimocho or sangria - yum. 

what are you craving for summer?

I'm Lovin' It

{via}

just finished breaking bad season two on friday...eagerly awaiting the arrival of disc one of season three.  i love that walt. 

oh yeah, and don draper's back...what's not to love about that? 

zou bisou bisou

i had a little time to wander around third street before easter brunch, and happened upon these amazing steve madden studlyy flats that i just cannot stop thinking about.  in fact, just typing that sentence out reminds me of how sad i am not that i do not own them...just may have to fix that problem...

um, anyone been in the gap recently?  i want every single item they are currently carrying.  if the third street store wasn't out of my size in this dot sateen dress you can guarantee i would be the proud owner of it. 

seriously people.  get into the gap.  every single thing is awesome and lustworthy. 

{via}

in an effort to stay paleo, healthy and energized i stumbled upon these bars by go raw and am smitten.  i have not tried the live granola bar, but all of the other four and while some are better than others, they are truly all tasty and fulfilling.  my faves are the banana bread flax bar and the spirulina energy bar. 

l.a. residents...they are currently on sale for $0.99 at ralphs...go stock up!

i have been on the hunt for the more affordable version of this look for a few weeks now and surprisingly have had zero luck.  i love these two simple pieces together really leave an elegant and yet casual look.  i also just may have to splurge on the pieces to get my dream look.

a few years back i bought the h&m version of these tuleste market rosette earrings for less than $5 and wore the shit out of them.  i received compliments almost every time i wore them and was sad to retire them after b told me they were looking very tarnished and not so nice. 

i miss them so very much and would have bought every single pair in the store if h&m carried them still, but alas they do not.  instead, i may just need to hunker down and buy the original inspiration for my knockoffs which are way prettier and actually very affordable. 

what are you currently lovin'???

Resolution Time!

I just realized that we are almost halfway through January and I still haven't shared my resolutions! I am pretty pleased with my selections this year and think that they are all attainable if I put my mind to it, go for it...

1 ~ workout 75% of each month 

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75% percent may not sound like a lot, but if you do the math that means I need to exercise a minimum of 23 days in a 30 month calendar.  While it will be a challenge, I am ready to make the commitment and plan to share my percentage rate with all of you to help hold me accountable.  I have committed to a year long membership to Circuit Works in Venice and I have to say that those trainers kick my ass every session and I love it! 

2 ~ stick to a pure, healthy, clean diet

{via}

Over Thanksgiving I was introduced to the Paleo Diet by B's mom and was intrigued (and a little scared, let's be honest) at the idea of it.  No cheese?!  No sugar?!  No bread?!  Sounded a bit terrible to me.  But when I really looked at what I was eating, I quickly realized that it was not so much of a diet, as it was establishing a healthy eating plan.  And while I am not following the diet 100%, I am following about 80% and feel great!

3 ~ save, save, save! 

{via}

I will be the first to admit it.  I live from paycheck to paycheck and I hate it!  I am TERRIBLE at saving and REALLY want to improve on this.  I have a 401K that I invest in and don't touch so I have some savings, but as far as outside of my 401K...nothing.  My purse strings need to be tightened again after the holidays so that I can save up for a fabulous vacation or treat on a rainy day...

4 ~ travel

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I don't care whether it is via an airplane, a boat or a car but this girl needs to get out an explore.  New places, old places, whatever!  Resolution #3 and #4 are directly connected to one another and I am hoping that I get out and explore all that is out there.  2011 was a great year for traveling and I hope to continue on with new sights and cities in 2012.

5 ~ take more pictures

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I used to be so good about capturing and sharing pictures, and then I just sort of stopped pulling out my camera or uploading my photos that I did take.  Pictures are so important to me in remembering all the fun nights out with friends, time spent with loved ones and memories that just don't always click with your "mental picture" (ala Alec Baldwin from Friends - click!).  I vow to take, share and print more photos in 2012.

6 ~ read a book a month

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I read a lot of books last year and loved the feeling of heading to sbux at my lunch break and losing an hour to my book.  This year I am really striving to read one book per month.  No particular book is included in this resolution (but would love any recommendations) but would like to read a few classics, some non-fiction, and chick lit books to name a few. 

And that my friends are my goals and resolutions for 2012!  I think they are all very achievable goals and may require some discipline on my part but I am excited to get started and reflect back in a year on what all was met.  So far, I have stuck pretty close to #1, #2 and #6. Still working on them all!

What were your resolutions?  How are they going so far?  Do you have people you shared them with that will help hold you accountable?  I am leaning on friends, coworkers, B and y'all of course to keep me to mine! 

Cheers to success in twenty twelve!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Miss B & Hustle

Hallo from Amsterdam!  While I help get things situated with our new Euro office I am happy to continue to share some great summe essentials, this time from the marvelous gals over at Miss B & Hustle.  These girls are always sharing magnificent travels, wonderful music and fashions to drool over on their blog and it is a site not to miss! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

image via pintrest

We both live on green smoothies, especially in the summer, our favorite recipes can be found here...

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

Lots of sunshine, bonfires at the beach, seeing good bands play and making sure we laugh so hard, we cry on a regular basis!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

We both LOVE Gaga and this is the perfect summer song!

I am just loving this list and in complete agreeance for all of these summer must haves!  I have always LOVED "Summerboy" since I first heard it and it just puts me in the best of moods!  I would like to thank Taryn and Krissy for sharing their selections and always have a fantastic blog to read daily!  Be sure to head over to Miss B & Hustle and get your daily fix of fabulous!

Tomorrow the glamorous and fabulous Danielle over at Sweet Nothings shares her picks!

Sometimes you feel like a Nut-Hellcat...

Warning...random ass post below!

Ya'll already know that I am a huge fan of Starbucks from my posts here, here, here and here.  Well now you can add another reason to my growing list...introducing me to the delicioso goods by Sahale Snacks.

I have had the pleasure to taste the Southwest Cashews (Whole cashews are topped with a dusting of grated Cheddar-Jack cheese and blended with Poblano and Guajillo peppers) and the Barbeque Almonds (Our Barbeque Almonds are seasoned with a proprietary “Dry Rub” spice blend and accented with tangy buttermilk ranch) and let me just tell you that the flavors are bold and do not disappoint.  They are perfect for an afternoon snack, full of flavor and healthy too! 

Coffee + Healthy Snack = Happy Lyndsy

I am currently working hard to jump back on the "healthy train" and watch what I eat, drink and incorporate more workouts into my week.  These snacks will help me get there, but after watching CW's new show Hellcats, my desire to get my butt to the gym was increased mucho!

Everyday on my way into work I saw this ad and was intrigued about this new show.  Last night I DVR'ed it and while it isn't Emmy winning stuff it was rather entertaining and also inspiring.  The main character Marti Perkins had me on the ground, doing sit ups while I watched.  Aly Michalka had me lusting for toned abs and cut arms. 

I mean seriously!  While watching I was reminded of the days back in college when we taped up pictures of Gisele or Britney (I'm A Slave 4 U anyone?) for much needed gym inspiration.  Well my friends, I think Aly may just have me singing You're The Inspiration [Remastered Version] (2007) while I walk on the treadmill (maybe even *gasp* run).

The show is fun and totally cheesy but I think I will be tuning in again next week to see some fun dance routines and what kind of drama is going to unfold. 

Sorry for the randomness, but I just had to share my current likes and inspirations!  Did you watch Hellcats?  Is there different guilty pleasure show that you watch but hate to admit liking?  Anyone have a good fitness DVD or technique they would like to share so that I can get my abs looking like the picture above?  Is anyone else as excited tomorrow is Friday? 

It's All Greek To Me!

In an effort to eat healthier, I have taken up eating Greek Yogurt instead of normal yogurt. It has taken a little while to get used to the flavor but I can honestly say after a few cups I quite enjoy it now. Seeing as I am new to this healthy treat (when you buy 0% fat that is), here is my breakdown of the three ones I have tried.

My favorite one so far is the Chobani Strawberry (they have lots of other flavors as well). With 0% fat and chunks of fresh fruit it is sweet without being overbearing and it has just the right amount of bite to it to make it refreshing. It is also fairly reasonably priced at about $1.59 a cup (on sale this week at Gelson's for $1.25).

My 2nd favorite is the Fage Strawberry at 2% fat. It is very flavorful but on the pricier side and it has more fat than the Chobani, so this one makes it into my cart when I want a little more of a treat, or they are out of the Chobani.

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I was super excited to see that Yoplait had jumped on the Greek yogurt bandwagon and created their own line which was on sale for $1.29 at my local grocers. What I was not excited about was the flavor. I tried the strawberry (to keep it consistent of course) and it did not taste good. Bland, not the right consistency, just a big FAIL in my eyes. So if you are trying Green Yogurt for the first time, I would avoid this one at all costs.

What do you all think of Greek Yogurt? Do you have a favorite brand or flavor I should try? My girl Jackie had a great love for this product and has some great tips to make your favorite treats a little better for you.

Opah!