Posts tagged ‘Summer’

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August 16, 2012

A 143 Reunion

I was nervous to head back to the city after a few months of being home. I had gotten quite comfortable being back in the same house I had lived in since I was six-years-old, enjoyed the company of my parents and sister and even grew to love the whole “broke and bored” thing. It had been a while since I figured out train times or caught a cab, had to pay attention to streets/avenues or was truly concerned about the cost of city living but here I am, back in the Big Apple and it feels like I never left.

The last time my college roomies were altogether was before graduation. Let’s just say reuniting with my 143 girlies (143 was our condo number…pretty cute, right?) was long overdue so when Allie texted us all that she received four Yankees tickets and special access to fancy, schmancy lounges courtesy of work, we unanimously marked the date on our calendars. As you can see by all of our Yankee garb, we’re huge fans…

After enjoying the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar and hiding out from the weather during the rain delay, we headed to our royal treatment seats so we could discuss what players were good looking and continue to catch up. Um, I mean cheer the home team on to their victory. Right behind home plate. No biggie.

Summer stories were swapped, employment matters were discussed, some reminiscing took place and, of course, all our chatter was accompanied by too many laughs. We had a blast.

A few beers later (red wine for me…yep, I’m THAT gluten-free girl who doesn’t get a brewski at a sporting event), we headed out. G made the trip back to Connecticut while Al, Tay and I ventured back to Mike’s apartment for a slumber party. Oh, come on…we’re not too old just yet for pillow talk, popcorn and a little Chelsea Lately.

Well, I bet we’ll never grow out of that…and I give that a big, thumbs up “like.”

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

PS: Thanks again, Al!

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August 14, 2012

Empire State of Mind

Holy real life! I’m moving into NYC tomorrow and start work in less than a week. Luckily the Olympics are officially over so I haven’t had that many distractions keeping me from packing and figuring out what I’m going to need living with two guys for a month. (Yep, you read that right. The boyf and his roomie have been kind enough to let me crash at their apartment until their lease is up at the end of September. Fo’ free.) Oh wait, Shark Week started yesterday. Good thing I’m a great multitasker, as well as a total nerd! Know what else made for a nice diversion? Seeing Mike for the first time in a month.

The man has been busy working behind-the-scenes for the Olympics, “in house” from Manhattan, but that has meant a crazy schedule. Ahem, starting at 3 a.m. So what’s a guy to do when trying to get back on track? Caffeine. We got all cute the other night making an early dinner and then went to watch the sunset while sipping on some Starbucks. I couldn’t get over how gorgeous the view was, which of course included my hunk. Nights like these make me question if I’m cracked up to being a city girl. I do miss New York but there is something about the smell of salt water and honey suckles, the warm breeze and sound of rolling tides that just fits. Sweatastic long distance runs by the water will also be greatly missed. I’ve been soaking up every last one of them.

Ugh, I’m getting all “end of summer” on you. So back to packing. It’s pretty funny what items are on my priority list. Workout clothes and sneakers were the first things to hit the suitcase, followed by my Sparkly Soul headbands (hey, nothing pairs as well with sweat than a little bit of sparkle!) and Spibelt. Then went my blender, protein powder, favorite spices and popcorn. Hey, the city is pricy and I gotta have my essentials! That’s how far I’ve gotten and let’s just say my big, hot pink with white polka dot luggage is already half stuffed. So now it’s time for me to make room for the professional attire. Oops! I’m going to need that. It will be funny trading in my pinny/Norts (Nike shorts) ensembles for a more presentable appearance, that’s for sure. Well I better get back to the task at hand. Wish me luck!

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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July 6, 2012

Summer Quinoa Salad with Jicama and Black Eyed Peas

Happy belated 4th of July! I had all intentions of posting this last night, however Mike and I decided to go see Ted instead. Oops! If it’s any consolation, the movie was hilarious. Anyway, I hope you stuffed yourself with borderline too much grilled cuisine, sported lots of red, white and blue and, of course, enjoyed some good fireworks to celebrate our great country’s birthday. I certainly did, with the exception that I wore pink instead of red (I can honestly day I do not own a single article of clothing that is red…not a fan) and my town firework show was nothing to write home about. Regardless, it was still a relaxing cheat day for me—the annual parade took priority over gym time—and I lent a hand with some of the tasty, healthy cuisine at my family party. Shrimp kabobs, guacamole and a summer quinoa salad to name a few. 

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 red bell pepper
1 large tomato
1/2 of a jicama
1 can of black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 loosely packed cup of basil
Juice of one lemon
Drizzle of olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegarCayenne pepper, black pepper and sea salt to taste

I love making different renditions of a light, cold quinoa dish for summer parties (remember my grad party?). It’s a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with burgers, grilled veggies and the like, but also tastes great on top of a bed of greens as leftovers. After snagging a jicama the other day at Whole Foods, I wanted to let the sweet crispness shine and think this salad allowed just that. Start by cooking the quinoa, following the directions on the box. Typically you bring two cups of water to a boil, add in the cup of quinoa, reduce the heat and cover until the water is fully absorbed. While that is cooking, get started on chopping the tomato, bell pepper, jicama and basil. Combine in a large bowl. Open a can of black eyed peas, thoroughly rinse and drain before adding them to the veggies. Once the quinoa is done and cooled, add that to the mix.

Now for the dressing. Squeeze the juice from one lemon (add a little zest, too, while you’re at it), drizzle a little olive oil, alongside the red wine vinegar, over the salad. Mix thoroughly. Season with salt, cayenne and cracked black pepper. Cover and chill before serving. Clean, light and refreshing, yet filling. Perfect for a hot summer day! This may be my new go-to beach food.
What was your favorite 4th of July dish? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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June 25, 2012

As of Late…

Whenever I go a week or so without blogging, it’s hard to start back up or know where to even begin, regardless of the circumstances. Today is one of those days, however a little out of the ordinary. All weekend, as I’ve had some time to mull over recent events, I’ve tried to come up with an eloquent way to deliver some kind of inspirational message regarding counting your blessings or seeking the good out of every situation but I’ve struggled. As I mentioned a little while ago, two members of my family have been battling cancer. Unfortunately, my grandmother succumbed to her illness earlier this month, her service was on Tuesday, and then Friday (which ironically would have been my grandmother’s birthday…) my uncle passed away. I hate to ever be dismal or depressing on my upbeat platform here but it was an elephant in the room I needed to quickly address.

 
 
 

While things have been a bit rough, especially on my father who lost his mother and remaining brother in just a matter of weeks, I have never experienced the love and support our close friends and family have enveloped us in. From poolside and barbecue distractions to heartfelt, handwritten cards, words cannot begin to explain my gratitude for simple but monumental gestures. I’ve also never felt more committed to leading the clean, healthy lifestyle I strive to live. So to make light of such a not-so-fun post, I wanted to share some pictures of recent positives or “the good” in all of this. Sailing with the boyf and his father has been a treat, as was trying my first raw oyster — a daunting and slimy but beneficial experience, nonetheless. Watching my dad bring a brie burger to life (brie inside two thin patties, grilled for ooze-tastic results) after seeing them on the Food Network recently was also pretty fun. “Grill B!tch,” as we jokingly refer to him as, succeeds again! I’ve also been Instagramming lots of green smoothies, filled with superfoods like chia, bee pollen, spirulina, flaxseed meal, goji berries and cacao powder. Yes, it tastes a lot better than it looks. I swear. Perfect for all the heat we’ve been experiencing. So yeah, that’s what’s been going on. If it’s any consolation, I received some amazing news in terms of my professional life so that is one thing that calls for a bit of a celebration! I’m itching to get started, although my start date isn’t until late August. I guess I’ll just have to kick back and enjoy the summer while I have the chance, right? Well, thanks for listening today. I hope to finally post my homemade Larabars and cauliflower pizza crust adventure this week.

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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June 14, 2012

Salmon Black Bean Burger

Canned salmon has become one of my favorite protein sources. I often add it to a big bed of greens, make cold salmon salad with a spoonful of hummus, chopped celery and green onion (perfect on top of crackers and cucumber boats!) or sometimes even eat it as is with a drizzle of apple cider vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. It may seem strange but all I could think about after making pesto the other day was a burger of some sort (i.e. veggie or turkey), envisioning a generous dollop of the herb-aliciousness on top. So that’s precisely what I decided to make, naturally experimenting with a new creation. A black bean burger has been something I’ve wanted to tackle for some time now, however after a successful  weight training and ab sesh at the gym in the morning, I wanted more of a protein boost so turned to the last can of salmon in my pantry. What happened from there was tremendous. Let’s just say I gave myself a huge pat on the back after eating every last bite.

Ingredients
(Yields 2 patties)
5 oz. can of skinless & boneless pink salmon
1/3 cup black beans, slightly mashed
1 tablespoon chia/3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon onion, chopped
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
Juice from 1/4 lemon
Cayenne pepper (I used 1/2 teaspoon for a kick!) and salt to taste 

Start by combining the chia and water. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to form into a gel. In the meantime, chop up the onion and open/drain the cans of salmon and black beans. Be sure to rinse the beans before using a fork to mash them into a chunky consistency.

Once the chia is ready, mix together all the ingredients and form into two patties. Place the burgers in a olive oil-coated skillet or pan over medium heat. Cook until each side is lightly browned. I kept mine more cake-like but if you like it crispy, smoosh ‘em down so they are thin and keep on cookin’!

So there you have it! Eggless, gluten and guilt-free burgers! Not your traditional recipe but healthy and divine. Like most things I create, this “salmon cake” concept can be altered easily. No flaxseed meal? Breadcrumbs or ground oats can be used. An egg can substitute the chia gel, too. Want more veggies in there? I bet chopped spinach or grated carrot would be fabulous, alongside fresh herbs. I might even try using a variety of beans and some portobello mushrooms next time. GO WILD! With a generous slather of pesto and a few slices creamy avocado, this burger was a great addition to my barbecue repertoire. That’s for sure!
Any fun, untraditional burger recipes to share? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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June 12, 2012

Budget-Friendly, Dairy-Free Pesto

When my sister and I came across lush basil plants last Friday at our town’s farmers’ market, we couldn’t help ourselves and brought one home as a “gift” to my mom. A gift that we certainly will be reaping the benefits of. Basil, in my opinion, is the flavor of summer. My family always has one planted in a big ceramic pot on our sun-soaking deck so I can enjoy it finely chopped on top of watermelon, in my water with freshly squeezed lemon and, most importantly, in pesto. Pesto is a staple in my house this time of year and the taste of family barbecues, pool parties and beach picnics. This summer will be a bit different, however, as I have taken such huge strides in cleaning up my diet. Being gluten-free and cutting back on all dairy (except Chobani…it surprisingly doesn’t have an affect on my stomach like cheese or other milk products), the typical pesto pasta salads I used to indulge in will no longer be much of an option. So that’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands yesterday. Since my wallet hates pine nuts, as does my friend Amy, I embraced the lower price tag, texture and health benefits of walnuts.

Ingredients
(Inspired by Gluten-Free Goddess)
2 cups loosely packed basil
1/2 cup walnuts
2 cloves fresh garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice, sea salt and pepper to taste

Ready? This is easy. Like really easy. Start by washing and removing any stems from the basil. In a food processor, combine basil with the walnuts and garlic, pulsing until fully chopped. Slowly add in the extra virgin olive oil and process. I left mine kind of chunky but for more of a thin, spreadable paste, add more extra virgin olive oil and continue to process. Season with sea salt, a little pepper and hint of lemon, if desired. Cover and chill before serving.

Pesto is simple and extremely versatile. You can throw in virtually any herbs to put your own twist on the recipe and serve it over grains, greens, legumes, burgers, fish, baked potatoes, etc. for a fresh, seasonal dish in just seconds.  Now that I have figured out that pesto can taste great without the cheese and pine nuts, I cannot wait to start experimenting more! Maybe a coconut oil version? Or how about throwing some cannelli beans in there for a hummus-like consistency? Hm…glad my creative chef hat is back on!
What is your summer staple? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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May 29, 2012

Peach Cobbler Protein Smoothie

I love smoothies. Add in warm weather and long jogs along the shoreline and you’ve got yourself the perfect summer combination, in my opinion. I was fighting some kind of cold (on top of allergies…) last week so sipping one or two smoothies a day  was necessary to sooth my sore throat, however my typical berry/banana concoction got old fast. Insert frozen peaches.

Ingredients
1 cup frozen peaches
1/2 frozen banana
1 serving of protein powder
8 oz. soy or almond milk
2 tablespoons chia seeds
Dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract
Ice and more milk (or water) depending on desired consistency
Toppings: flaxseed meal, rolled oats, chopped frozen fruit, nut butter, Greek yogurt, etc. 

This smoothie is savory, sweet but oh so healthy! The reason behind the “1 serving of protein powder” is simply because the schtuff I recently purchased at my local health food store (Naturade’s Soy-Free Veg Protein Booster) calls for 1/3 cup as a serving. More than I usually use but the nutrition facts are pretty great with 110 calories (20 from fat), 2g total carbohydrates, 0g sugar and 21g protein. It’s natural flavor blends in well without any chalkiness! Because my immune system has been down, I took a few days off last week with a few light workouts and yoga sessions sprinkled in. I got right back on track this weekend, though, with 6 miles on Saturday and 8 yesterday (I ran down to my town’s Memorial Day parade…phew it was hot!). Time to start kicking my mileage up a notch…I’m hoping to do another half in a few weeks but we’ll see. In other news,  I attended a spa-inspired bachelorette party, tried a new restaurant (post to come), ate a lot of grilled foods and soaked up quite a few rays, taking my first pool dip of the season!
How was your long weekend?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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May 21, 2012

Chamard Vineyards

I had no idea that a vineyard could even exist on the shoreline of Connecticut, let alone be found basically in my backyard. Chamard Vineyards, a mere minute or two away from my Clinton Crossing stomping grounds, is a gorgeous 20 acre winery that produces about 6,000 cases annually. Yesterday I had the opportunity to not only indulge in their variety of whites and reds, but also lend a hand in the bottling process after learning a great deal about the bev’s arduous production ordeal. So much chemistry and wine jargon to sift through!

A few months ago my dad was invited to his cousin’s custom wine crush and this was the follow-up soiree, in a nutshell, the bottling of his cabernet sauvignon. It was delicious and way too much fun…well, what’s not a blast with a few glasses of crisp wine, sunshine and BBQ fare?

The yummy red grapes had been fermenting, pressed, settling and aged in oak for months now so yesterday was the final step. Everyone formed an assembly line, carefully making sure the wine was bottled without coming into contact with air. 

Mike and my dad were in charge of corking, a task requiring speed and upper body strength to say the least!

I, on the other hand, meticulously placed labels. Try doing that after a few glasses, yeesh…

It was such a wonderful afternoon and a great way to end my weekend. I’m so excited to have discovered this Wine Country-esque Shoreline gem and cannot wait for their restaurant to open this summer! Their Singer-Songwriter & Food Truck Series every Friday and Saturday sounds divine.
Are you a wine connoisseur? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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May 21, 2012

Things I Learned This Weekend

Sometimes you can’t plan fun. Spur-of-the-moment decisions and adventures trump all. As Germaine Greer once said, “The essence of pleasure is spontaneity.” After a weekend getaway with friends fell through somewhat last minute, I had little expectation for the last 48 hours or so. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, however, because this weekend ended up being just as perfect as the summer weather that went along with it. Thanks to my newfound appreciation for simply “going with the flow,” I had a few eye-opening experiences… 

 

1. Fresh coconut is da bomb dot com as a happier hour drink and, after the refreshing beverage is all slurped up, an even better dessert.

 

2. Being unemployed isn’t too shabby if you’re surrounded by friends, family and sunshine. I mean, who could complain about an impromptu casino excursion (where Taylor, of course, ordered a hot dog…) or soaking up rays poolside with that ab-tastic stud?

 

3. Making wine is tedious and involves a lot of hard work! More on that tomorrow…too much was consumed at this afternoon’s bottling/tasting party. So sleepy!
What did you learn this weekend?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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August 25, 2011

In Summer-y

So summer is really over. The days are growing shorter, the air is significantly cooler and I’m back at school, in the same room I’ve slept in for the past two years. It hasn’t hit me just yet that this is my last year as a college student, but I’m sure come Tuesday (school starts Monday but I’m a lucky duck and scheduled my classes only Tuesday/Thursday’s) it will finally sink in. Before kissing sweet summer goodbye, I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to the past few, amazing months by sharing some pictures that didn’t quite make the cut in previous posts. Click on some for a fun surprise!

From interviewing Claire Robinson and Curtis Stone to eating an incredible Food Cures lunch with Joy Bauer herself, I’d say that I have had one hell of a summer break.
What is your fondest summer 2011 moment? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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