I'm baaaccckk!!!

After a not-so-brief hiatus, I'm happy to be back in the blog-o-sphere. I hope you all have been happy and healthy in the meantime. I'd all but given up on being healthy after some highs, some lows, a few too many cocktails, and a not so small obsession with perfecting my fried chicken recipe.

Personal high: turning my passion for making trash into treasure on HGTV's Flea Market Flip.
Personal low: quitting the gym while eating a bag of Cheetos. Yes, I really did that.

After my mom dropped major lbs by nixing sugar and cutting way back on carbs, I followed suit, and can't be more pleased by the results. People have said taking such drastic measures is crazy, but sometimes that's what a girl's gotta do... as long as you keep it in perspective. Yes, it is totally hard to remember that I didn't drink all those dirty martinis in one day and can't expect to lose their aftermath super fast, but then I remember that I feel amazing, and my energy is through the roof!

So, what have you guys been up to? Any juicy deets on your health trials/ tribulations lately?

Brie with Truffles

I love cheese. The only thing better than cheese? Cheese plates.

I love picking out cheeses, fruits, nuts, honey, jams, chocolates. And it doesn't hurt that wine and cheese go together like... well, wine and cheese.

Going to the market and picking out cheeses is also fun. The farmer's market at the Grove has a great cheese counter, and they're more than happy to give out samples and suggest pairings. But my most recent discovery came from Whole Foods. Brie is delicious. It's arguable that everything is better with truffles. So brie with truffles seemed like a no brainer.

Rouzaire is the company that makes this little wonder. They also have brie with Grand Marnier, cumin, and mustard. Talk about wonderful combos- I can barely wait to try them all!

Check out their site to see all of their cheeses, try some recipes, and learn about this family's tradition. http://www.fromagerierouzaire.com/

I'm obsessed...

With the Bar Method.
What is it?
A workout that uses dance inspired moves and isometrics to give you long, lean muscles. I got into it because some of my girlfriends got so toned and really slimmed down very shortly after starting the program.
During the workout, you're shaking and it takes concentration and body awareness, but you're not jumping around and sweating (which I like to avoid!)
You can go into the studio to work out, but they also have DVDs for everyone that isn't near one. Now there's no excuse!
Check out the Bar Method Here!

This is why I’m “The Model Who Eats”

The other day, I made this delicious breakfast, complete with homemade biscuits. Realizing I was late for my class at the gym, I ate fast, and ran out the door. Well, I usually walk to the gym, but was so late, running seemed to be the only option… with no time to stretch.

The next morning, I woke up and my hamstring hurt. Yep, I pulled something because I ran without stretching… because I was too busy eating to leave on time for the gym.

Malibu Waterfalls

Checked out this beautiful hike with my girlfriend Shea the other day. It’s called Escondido falls, and is up Winding Way in Malibu.

I suggest wearing good hiking shoes, and maybe some pants… especially after I totally fell down a hill! All was okay, though, save a couple scrapes and scratches. But right after I got up, someone fell right behind me, so, yeah, be careful!

A Southern Lunch

Fried green tomato salad at Food Glorious Food in Tallahassee.

My brother graduated from medical school, so I got to go on a culinary trek through the south. This was the crowning moment… and, yes, they even put fried stuff on salads there!

Coffee Chipotle Crusted Filets

The trick to this cast iron skillet cooked steak is to get the pan smoky hot, sear the steak, then finish it off in the oven. I served this with sautéed spinach, twice baked potatoes, and a mixed berry reduction (to cut the bitterness of the coffee.) Yum!