Who Said Ugly Sweaters Had To Be Ugly? - Day 5

Friday was my team's holiday outing and to keep with the festive spirit, our theme was Ugly Sweater! I attended my first Ugly Sweater Party last year and so, the below creation was born. Buying an "ugly sweater" is easy, but making one is a great way to add a unique and creative flavor.

Sweater: Saver's Thrift Store
Appliques: Jo'Anns Craft Store
Shoes: Big Buddha

Happy Holidays Readers!!

My Reno Finds - Day 4

Last week during my Reno trip, I stumbled on a closeout sale and walked away with a few finds. Here's the look I put together!

For a recap check out blog post: Did That Just Say, "Everything Must Go?"

Boots: JustFab.com
Necklace: Claire's
Coat: H&M

A Cold Winter Day - Day 3

With temperatures that felt like below freezing today, I bundled up for warmth without sacrificing style!

Jacket & Scarf: Forever 21
Shoes: Zappos.com
Shirt: Target
Cardigan: H & M

Day 2 - Skirts and Sneakers

Tuesday was more of a casual look!

Skirt and Scarf: Airport Boutique on a trip to Philly (I find time to shop EVERYWHERE!)

Tank: Forever 21
Button-Up: Target

Sneakers: $10.88 and Less Shoe Store (yes that is actually the name, lol.)

For The Love of Fall

A New Yorker at heart, I love everything about Fall fashion.  Boots.....scarves.....jackets, I want it all!

Boots: Bakers
Top & Jewelry:  Forever 21
Jacket: Savers Thrift Store
Jeans: Target
Watch: Zappos.com

 

 

Day 1 of My Love Affair

 

Sharp as a Knife

In addition to being healthy and feeling well physically, one of my primary areas of interest is maintaining mental acuity.  Over the years, I have read several studies that indicate different ways to boost your brain's sharpness and most of which are no-brainers.  Of course we've all heard that reading, learning something new and playing strategic games helps but I was just introduced to a new tip that I've been trying for myself! 

In reading last month's issue of Vitality for Life, I stumbled on an article that provided tips for how to keep your brain in tip-top condition.  The one suggestion that I had never been introduced to was the notion of using your non-dominant so that you can shake your brain out of the routine that it is used to.  I've been trying this for the last two weeks and I have to say, it definitely shakes my mind out of the cruise control state that I can normally operate in.  

Initially, I started with easy tasks as suggested in the article like brushing my teeth with my left hand and crossing my left leg over my right.  I've worked up to being able to text at a decent rate left-handed and even operate a lighter! 

If you want to try this out, you will be amazed at how more thought is required to work with your non-dominant hand.  I would suggest starting with tasks that require gross motor movements like carrying your bag with the opposite hand or drinking out of a water bottle.  Then, build your way up to the big league! You will be surprised at the difference a hand can make. 

Queen of Greens

Kale is one of the forgotten superfoods that I've been making a conscious effort to add more of to my diet. It's is packed with iron and calcium which is great if you're trying a vegan diet.  On top of that, it has antioxidant properties which helps fight cancers and is anti-inflammatory which is great for people who have joint or autoimmune disorders. It also has tons of vitamins that include A, K and C and it's low in calories.  Needless to say, kale has rightfully earned the title of Queen of Greens because of the amazing benefits.

And as much as I like eating healthy, I also love flavor.  I decided to incorporate kale in my diet by making Curried Kale.  I totally winged this meal but I want you all to be able to check it out and possibly get some inspiration for how you can eat more kale.

If you want to try this out, I've included the ingredients below.  You can add the seasonings to your liking.  I've been enjoying the taste of curry so I added more because it gives the dish a more Caribbean flavor.

Curried Kale

Kale
1/2 white onion
2 Jamaican hot peppers
Fresh Garlic
Curry powder
Chili flakes
Sea salt
Old Bay Seasoning
Olive Oil

Put olive oil in a heated pan.  Add the onion, garlic and Jamaican hot peppers.  Sautee and then add remaining ingredients and cook.

If you haven't tried kale, you're definitely missing out.  Now that you see how easy it is to prepare, hopefully you'll be getting your dose of the Queen of Greens sooner rather than later.