Post Grad

Life after graduation is kind of like being trapped in a monologue.  A one woman show in response to the inevitable "So what are you going to do now?" There is a feeling of dread that goes along with delivering that stale speech based on uncertainty. The more people ask, the more I want to jump out of my skin.  Truth is, I have no idea what my plan is.  I wish I could pause life and enjoy this moment of freedom, or skip to the part where my life is figured out. The worrying and wondering is no fun at all.  For now, I'll avoid those thoughts and stick to what I do best: Netflix marathons and cooking. With wine. Lots of wine.

xxx

Oh Resolutions...

It has been quite a few years since I have made any New Year's Resolution.  Mainly, because the moment I give myself a restriction of any kind I feel compelled to break it. I used to beat myself up too much, and then think I could never change.  Goodbye resolution. Trust me, I've been there.  This year my finals week has been a nutritional nightmare, but I've taken a "focus on progress and forget the rest" attitude.

So this year I want to share a different approach that I learned from the film Hungry for Change: 

"The best way to change your eating is to add in things. By adding more and more healthy food, eventually you won't want the bad stuff. This way you don't feel deprived." 

I love the idea of a resolution to add healthier choices or activities to your life, as opposed to trying to place impossible goals for yourself.  Do what you can, when you can. The film is a great place to start if you want to gain a better understanding of what food you should avoid. Plenty of surprising insights and tips. If I haven't quite sold you on it, then please check out the trailer below!

Recently, inspiration has also come to me from Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.  The overall message of getting back to real food, as opposed to food-like substances resonates strongly with me.  Less and less children learning to cook and suffering from obesity is a cause near and dear to my own heart. Providing wholesome options for children is a challenge when they are targeted with chemical junk engineered to be appealing.  So many adults are unaware of the risks they are enabling by giving in to the frozen food, processed sugar options. The fact that ingredient lists have become completely unrecognizable is horrifying. 

The movie above and this series have been around for awhile, so they should be easy enough to find (YouTube, iTunes, Netflix, etc).

If you want to dive in and try some Super Food recipes check out British nutritionist Madeleine Shaw. Her nutrition plans will help get your skin glowing and body energized.  It is not about cutting out fat, she wants you to trade out your sugar-laden refined options for some all natural additions.  Her recipes are definitely worth a shot if you are looking to cut down on sugar and get the glow! I recently made her cinnamon and chocolate raw Christmas balls which have absolutely no added sugar- they were AMAZING. There are definitely plenty of protein packed meat dishes too if you are looking for simple ways to make a healthier hearty dinner.  Enjoy! 

Best of luck to you in surviving the holidays xox

Something New

There's this horrible trap that happens to people who live near big cities- they never look at it with new eyes so it seems boring and familiar.  One of my favorite aspects of being by Chicago however, is that if I wanted to I could go some place different every time.  Caught up in work and school, I haven't had time for an adventure exploring the unfamiliar in so long! During my time in London each day involved trying a unique little restaurant or visiting some cultural event happening in the streets with my wonderful roommate, so I knew for my little day trip I would want her to be my partner in crime.  It was lovely to reminiscence! Below are the details of our discoveries...

Lovely
This absolutely precious bakery/cafe had the most tempting pastries and the kind of giant hot drink mugs you want to hold with two hands.  I tried their Sicilian Orange Green Tea which was a loose leaf brought out in a little brewing pot (I adore how the insides look with all the colorful leaves!).  Feeling only just the slightest bit decadent I ordered their chocolate ginger chew which was absolutely AMAZING dipped in the tea because the dark chocolate bits completely melted. I visited the location 1130 N. Milwaukee Ave. decorated with giant wooden tables, vintage Americana memorabilia and chalkboard menus.  Check out their website.

Mana
I had visited this cozy chic restaurant before, but never tasted their famous sliders! Mana is a vegetarian restaurant so the mini burgers are made with brown rice and mushroom. The bun might look white castle, but the burger and its spicy mayo are to die for. They also offer a great range of dishes with many international flavors worth a taste. Read the full menu here.

Roots and Culture
We also went to this tiny gallery to look at the new collection: Rusty Shackleford "Dream Feeder" + Katie Torn "Dream House"  There were definitely some intriguing pieces worth a look if you are in the area. Find out more about the artworks. 

All in all, a very successful downtown trip!

New Beginnings

People always wait for a momentous occasion to start changing their life, which usually doesn't work.  The true revolution is an everyday battle of constantly striving for better even when there is a set back.  So today I wanted to share some simple ways to add some health tools to your life.

Some of my major body & lifestyle philosophies (and how I keep up with them!):

Eat the Rainbow: I have always been a health foodie, hence my Jamie Oliver obsession. Combine that with the fact that I am a vegetarian and well let's just say it gets pretty creative in my kitchen.  There's no wrong way to do fruits and veggies, its not like meat where heaven forbid something is cooked too long or not long enough! Play around with textures and combinations.  One simple way to do this if you don't want a veggie only meal is to pick a base- so oatmeal, yogurt, noodles etc- and top it with at least 2-3 different plant based items. Cooking in big batches at the start of the week or meals the night before is the only way I can make sure to grab healthy options. Flavors are your friend, add seasonings and spices to your heart's content!

Liquids are magical: I rarely drink sodas or store-bought juices.  Our bodies crave water, and after you incorporate more water into your diet you will see how odd they feel after a sugar loaded drink.  This is a slow transition for most people, so don't beat yourself up to much just try to cut down on the bad stuff.

Other good fluids are homemade vegetable soups, pretty much any combination of broth and veggies heated for about an hour, pureed if desired, makes a super low calorie filling options.  

Juices/smoothies are another absolute favorite.  Fruit ones are good, but keep in mind sugar.  It always helps to incorporate vibrant veggies like spinach, beets, and kale.  I usually add ginger and cinnamon to mine for their awesome health properties, as well as for flavor.  

Every step counts: Whether it means taking the stairs or walking rather than driving- every extra bit of activity is a good thing.  I recently downloaded Map My Fitness because it keeps track of pace, calories, distance, etc during my daily walks to and from school.  I highly recommend it for runners too. 

Inspiration/Tools

Other tools I use beside Map My Fitness include the Blogilates App and MyFitnessPal.  

• Blogilates features workout videos from Cassey Ho whose motto "Train like a beast, look like a beauty" explains it all.  There are also instagram-like forums for sharing meals, motivation, and recipes.  I adore seeing other people's ideas for super simple healthy options with minimal ingredients.  
• MyFitnessPal remains my absolute favorite database for logging meals because it has such comprehensive lists and gives me nutrient breakdowns for the day.  I always need to make sure I get enough protein and iron so this really helps. 

Heartfelt and Homemade

 Menu from Jamie's Italian in Covent Garden

Delicious baked mushroom antipasti

After hearing about Jamie Oliver's mega win against McDonald's (no more pink slime burgers!), I couldn't help reminiscing on the absolutely delicious dinner I had at Jamie's Italian while I was in London.  This led to my memories of watching Jamie's 15 minute meals in anticipation the summer before my travels.  Basically, I ended up taking a lengthy trip down memory lane.  Feeling incredibly homesick for my flat across the ocean I have been looking for ways to incorporate some of my fondest British memories into my life here in Chicago- especially anything Jamie Oliver.

Found a super simple recipe for my very first drink in London: Pimm's Cup

Made a big batch of Jamie's Leek & Potato Soup

Excited to try this Jamie recipe next! Ricotta Fritters with Tomato Sauce and Courgette Salad

I know what you're thinking... these are not quintessentially British dishes.  No, they are not.  In London, me and my roommates had so much fun experimenting with food since we were fending for ourselves over there.  We learned from each other and from the cultures around us.  Self-proclaimed foodies we were constantly trying new restaurants and foods- that is something that I very much want to continue here in the U.S.  Starting with these spectacular recipes! 

P.S. (Images 1 & 2 are from my friend's Instagram. 3- Honestly Yum. 4 & 5- Jamie Oliver's website).

Lost & Found 3: British Cathedrals

 The incredibly intimidating outside of Canterbury Cathedral. (Kent, England)

 After visiting way too many cathedrals, I've learned that the ceilings are one of my favorite parts. 

(Kent, England).

 Modern stained glass window, that most people think looks like a Disney drawing. ;) (Kent, England)

Collateral by Deborah Van Der Beek. Created as a memorial using actual bullets and warheads, many of which from battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Bath, England).

Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton. (London, England)

 Absolutely beautiful. (London, England)

 Oh hey. (London, England)

 Photograph from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation displayed in honor of her jubilee. (London, England)

(London, England).

It only seems fitting that the quote come from her royal majesty Queen Elizabeth II: "Discrimination still exists.  Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened.  Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures.  They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat." 

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul. 

-William Ernest Henley

As you probably could have guessed, I finally made the time to watch Invictus.  It seems impossible to not be inspired by the story and the poem.  I admire Mandela's fighting spirit.  Admittedly, all things worth having are worth fighting for.  He proves that not all battles are won with weapons, whether personally or politically.  We must lead with our heads and not our hatred.  I say head, not heart because so often the heart can be conflicted by the pain that we are dealt in life.  Always remember not to yield to fear or anger, but navigate the waters of this mysterious world with courage and conviction.

We Are What We Choose

"When the sky turns gray

And everything is screaming

I will reach inside

Just to find my heart is beating"

Today will surely be a day that will be spoken of for many years to come.  George Zimmerman's verdict from the Trayvon Martin trial definitely raised questions for me and others.  I would rather not speak on the case or the verdict. Regardless of what happened, all this resulting support for gun violence and racist remarks is disheartening to me.  The responses generated by the case have painted a pretty negative picture of our society.  For one, apparently all Hispanics are considered Mexican.  Zimmerman's mother is from Peru- it is actually not part of Mexico if you were wondering.  Not to mention, the up-in-arms rally by whites to prove this was not a display of racism and subsequent attacks on blacks for always feeling as though they are experiencing injustice has actually come off pretty racist.

In light of our horrible track record with guns, it is unbelievable to think that concealed carry has been passed recently as well.  Terrifyingly enough, guns and shootings have become so desensitized. They are completely common in our country.  If only we realized how insane we looked to the rest of the developed world.  Trust me, the UK is not too jealous of our murder and prison rates.  Too many freedoms for our own good in all honesty.

The point to this rant? Sometimes the world is just a bit too much for me to handle.  A bit too upsetting. A bit too sad.  Those are the times when I choose hope.  No one has the giant band-aid solution, but we can all choose to stay sane, to love, and to hope.  Shut out everything else and just remember we are living now, so do it with purpose.  Spread love, not hate.

Quote above is part from Bleeding Out by Imagine Dragons. Enjoy below.

Lost & Found 2

Forest Adventures in Germany

Turns out, I'm not a big fan of wobbly bridges

Vegetarian hot dog from Goji in York, England. One of two innovative vegetarian places there.

Some very naughty faces hidden around the York Minster Cathedral.

The view behind the church, taken from one of the medieval walls lining the city.

Can't really refute that logic.

Loved the bright colors. Can't remember the name of the mansion this belonged to.

Although the point of this series of posts is to share the many pictures I have hiding around my laptop, I also want to use it to put up some of my favorite quotes.  I collect quotes- to me they are little reminders of the important things in life. I have them in countless notebooks, word documents, and post-it notes. So expect them regularly.  Below is a new one that I find to be quite true. 

“When you're different, sometimes you don't see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn't.”

-Jodi Picoult, Change of Heart

Lost & Found

Let's be honest... there is no way I am ever going to get caught up with all of my travel posts.  So I've come up with this idea: Lost & Found posts.  A glimpse of the best bits of my adventures without having to worry about order or anything else.  A random collection of hidden gems on my laptop that I never got around to sharing with the rest of the world.  Check out the first set below! And for more consistent updates follow me on instagram: sugarsprout.

 Climbed way too many stairs for this view of the Cathedral of Salamanca. (Spain)

 Dressed up for Carnival, far off to my left I could see the border of Portugal. (Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain)

 The only car I've ever wanted. (Ciudad Rodrigo)

 London street performer aka busker.  

You've got to be made of gold to set up in front of Michael Kors. (London)

Yup, I'm cool. Rocking the Gryffindor scarf.

And since I'm feeling in a Harry Potter kind of mood... A little wizard wisdom: "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." 

Segovia 2: Details & Daydreams

The pictures above illustrate the personal details of the imaginative landscape that was Segovia.  It seemed like a never ending maze of hidden gods and goddesses.  A larger than life landscape dedicated to beauty with an undeniable touch of otherworldly mystique.  Perhaps, it has something to do with seeing the park during off season when the plants aren't quite alive yet and the fountains remain inactive.  Surely, in the full bloom of summer it is stunning, but there was a desolate slightly eerie quality to it in April.

Fall Fashion & Farewells

Gareth Pugh's Fall Collection. Images via style.com 

 The dominantly black structured shapes of this collection made it one of my favorites.  There exists an undeniable sophistication to the pieces.  Above are some of my favorites, especially the coat in the second image. 

In other news: It's hard to believe I only have 8 days left in Spain.  Home seems so close, yet unbelievably far away.  All that remains to be done here feels like formalities, despite the fact that these are supposed to be the days for emotional farewells.  The goodbye I dreaded the most was perhaps to my closest friend from Spain.  I'm happy that I got to meet such an amazing person, but that made the goodbye so much harder. Tonight is the group dinner, followed by a weekend of insane partying, then a week of finals.  After that lovely "officially friend-zone" conversation making me feel rather foolish, I am more concerned with finding a few strong drinks than reviewing my study guides. Hahaha. Bring on Thirsty Thursday!! 

Sparkle

Oscars 2013

 Custom Giorgio Armani 

 Dior Haute Couture

Zuhair Murad Couture

Whenever I need a little inspiration I always turn to the red carpet.  These 3 dresses have that undeniable glamour and elegance that I love about the Oscars. The first two have a lovably sweet aspect, while Catherine Zeta Jones definitely works the bombshell angle. So jealous of them all!

Segovia

 The famous aqueduct 

 Segovia's beautiful cathedral, similar to Salamanca's and the last of its style to be built. 

 Alcázar Castle 

 Fountain detail up close at Segovia's mini version of Versailles

 Why don't my baths look this cool?

 Baby angels riding giant fish? Adorable. 

 Fountain a bit further away. 

 Reindeer? Crazy animals. 

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." -Paul Theroux

I chose the quote above because I find it comforting.  The fact that there is a little less than three weeks left in my adventurous year makes it impossible not to wonder where I'll go next.  All the options and uncertainties get overwhelming.  The future is an open question.  This quote reminds me that I don't need to know exactly where my next step will lead, as long as I never stop exploring. 

xxx