Goodbye Comfort Zone!

March 6, 2017March 6, 2017Leave a comment

I am entering this week in full gear but so ready to tackle new opportunities! About 2 weeks ago I decided to walk away from my job that was no longer serving purpose in my life. It was exactly that, a job. I am so not one to just drop everything and have the “fuck it” mentality but this had been weighing on me for some time. Pretty much since I started but continued to get progressively worse every month. Then it came for a year to hit and I realized I was not happy nor was I getting smarter going to work everyday. Every WORST possibility went through my head- what if I don’t find a job? What are people going to think? How can I just quit? CAN I just quit?! Needless to say, after weeks of deliberating I made the decision that I was going to get out of this crazy environment that I was surrounded by daily.

You never really realize how toxic something can be until you either take a slight break or come to your senses and say you’re not dealing with this crazy shit any longer. Long story long (that’s a joke) there was someone in particular that did not have my best intention from day one. Silly me, I am so the type to see all the signs and still try to give people the benefit of the doubt. This ranged from talking down to me constantly to just really not liking me and making it apparent for everyone to see. Luckily, I read so much and am a sucker for positive living- that I am literally trained on this which leads to spotting insecurity a mile away. I always encouraged and tried to make things seem better than they were but finally my inner self was like, SARAH!!!! It’s time to get OUT! There is no reason for anyone to let negativity be a part of your daily life. This is not to say that it is never going to exist or you won’t ever engage with people who have a problem with you from time to time but when you know that you gave it your best shot there is no reason to feel bad for making a decision to move forward. I have never felt more relieved that I don’t have to see this person ever again (hopefully) haha and if I do I will know that I made the right choice. It’s not always easy to walk away or demand better for yourself but I think we at some point we ALL reach that wit’s end and are then forced to make a decision.

So now, 2 weeks later, I have enjoyed every minute of having time to myself. I have worked out everyday, sometimes twice and I am really trying to focus on what it is that I want. After this situation I surely know what I don’t want. The lesson in itself is don’t be rude and don’t be an asshole to people. Your behavior everyday is a direct reflection of how you feel inside. I couldn’t be happier……like SO FREAKING happy!!!! Life always works out. I am in control and will continue to honor myself while growing and realizing more about who I am and what I want. Things don’t always have to be perfect. In fact, when they are not is when you end up learning the most. I hope if any of you are in a trying situation you really focus on finding the strength (and diving into the strengths you already possess) to realize YOU ARE BETTER!!!! Set an intention and then tackle it! Learn that failure is only a step in the right direction.

Goodbye comfort zone. Hello New Opportunity that awaits! xo Sarah

Leek + Potato Soup.

February 20, 2017February 20, 2017Leave a comment

Potato + Leek Soup

What you’ll need:

1 lb leeks (I used 4 since it’s just me)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
heavy pinch kosher sale, plus additional for seasoning
3 Potatoes (yukon gold or russet work – I used 2)
1 quart vegetable broth (Or chicken)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (I used 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 table spoon snipped chives

Directions:

Chop the leeks into small pieces. Both ends off. Cut in half and then slice.
In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the leeks and a heavy pinch of salt and let them sweat for 5 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium-low and cook until the leeks are tender, approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes and the veggie broth, increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and gently simmer until potatoes are soft, approximately 45 min.
Turn off the heat and puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately, or chill and serve cold.

Side note: I didn’t need to add anything aside from the recipe. I added half the cream because I am usually not a cream fan but I LOVE potato leek soup. If you find that you don’t prefer dairy this soup will be just as good without.

Recipe found here.

Please let me know how it goes if you make it!

xo Sarah

Lemon Orzo Soup.

January 26, 2017January 25, 2017Leave a comment

This last 3 weeks has kicked my butt! As soon as I got back from NYC for the New Year celebrations I ended up with the flu and then just when I thought I was better I am sick again! Sometimes when your tastebuds disappear the only thing that sounds good is lemon and salt (at least for me). You can only go so many days with food tasting like nothing. This soup is SO so easy and if you want a quick meal I suggest you give it a try!

What you’ll need:

1 tsp Basil (dried)
Carrots (chopped)
3 cloves Garlic
1/2 lemon and zest + juice
Chicken or Veggie Broth
1/2 cup orzo
salt + pepper
zucchini (optional)
chicken (optional)

Directions:

In a large pot heat olive oil, carrots, celery and onion.
Add garlic and saute for just a few minutes.
Pour in broth – season with salt + pepper + dried basil.
Squeeze in juice of half lemon and add lemon zest.
If adding zucchini or chicken add now and let soup simmer. (I like to bring the soup to a boil firs and then let simmer).
Lastly, cook orzo separate for about 8 minutes and add at the very last. I don’t like overcooked pasta so right before serving you can add in.

Let me know if you try it!

xo Sarah

3 Cheese Stuffed Shells

January 18, 2017January 18, 2017Leave a comment

Hi Friends! While this recipe is not exactly on the healthy spectrum of most people’s January goals, it is still delicious if you are in the mood for some pasta. I have made them about 3 times and the third time around was the best. It’s important to remember just because a recipe says A,B, C doesn’t meant you can’t add to the mix!

Here is what you need:

1 garlic clove (minced)
Italian Parsley
1 1/2 cup spinach (fresh)
1 egg, large
12 pasta shells
black pepper
sea salt
Italian seasoning
Mozzarella
15 oz whole-milk ricotta
1/2-3/4 cup cottage cheese

Pasta Sauce: (you can always use a jar but I like to make everything from scratch)

1 can crushed tomatoes
minced garlic (2 cloves)
salt/pepper/ Italian parsley
olive oil
(SIDENOTE: You can always add meat to the sauce for more flavor)

To make:

You need a pan w/ olive oil and garlic. Cook garlic until almost brown (low-med heat)
Add can crushed tomatoes
Season salt/pepper to taste
Add Parsley
You can always add more salt/pepper after it simmers for a bit- remember a little goes a long way

For the shells:

Cook the pasta shells according to instructions on the package. Drain, keep warm.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread pasta sauce on bottom of backing dish- set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper and chopped spinach.
Fill each pasta shell with cheese filling and arrange in the sauce.
Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over each shell.
Back for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling on the edges.
Let sit for 10 minutes in room temperature before serving.

This recipe is pretty easy and delicious.

Brown Butter Carrots…Yum!

January 11, 2017January 11, 2017Leave a comment

Produce

1 lb Carrots (or however much you want there is no rule 🙂 )
4 cloves Minced Garlic
1 tsp Thyme or parsley

Condiments

1/2 tbsp Honey

Baking & Spices

3 dashes Black pepper, ground
1/4 tsp Salt

Dairy

4 tbsp Butter, unsalted

This recipe is so easy!!!

Directions:

Warm the butter up in a pan with the garlic on med-high until butter starts to brown. Once brown mix carrots in with the butter, garlic, add parsley and honey +pinch salt and dash of pepper. Spread out on baking pan- Cook on 400 degrees for 15-20 min. (Every oven is different- mine cooked quickly and carrots were soft after 12 minutes so keep an eye!!

Enjoy and Tell me how you like them! 🙂

xo Sarah

Evolve.

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017Leave a comment

Some things I learned in 2016. It’s not always perfect or the way you want things to be. Sad fact of life, this is how we learn and this more importantly how we grow.

Work hard and success will follow. It’s no surprise that the more work and dedication you put into anything the better you will master your craft and reap the rewards.
Life goes on when you fall in love and then fall out of love. It all seems so devastating when it’s happening – like we are never going to love again. But I actually believe that the more you love the better you are able to love the next person. Trust your heart and be as rational as possible. Not everything we think we want we are meant to have.
If you want to fly you have to give up the things that weigh you down. Friends, Relationships, Job, Habits and most importantly FEAR!!! If it is not making you a better person and causing joy in your life it’s time to let it go.
Surround yourself with people who awaken the best in you. When you have a good tribe you become smarter, like minded, and stronger instantly.
Trust the timing of your life. If it is happening to you it’s because you need to learn from it. If it’s happening to you again- it’s because you HAVEN’T learned from it.
RESPECT YOUR HEALTH. Respect your body. Stop treating it like shit. You’re not getting any younger and your body will not get any healthier unless you take care of it. Everyone wants to live the invisible life until illness happens to them.
Practice the attitude of gratitude. The more time you spend on the good you find less time to focus on the negative.
Have a plan. It’s easy to say we want something but doing it is another. If you want to travel book a trip. If you want to fall in love- let the old love go. Execution is what we focus on in 2017. DO IT!
Love yourself more. Instead of wishing for someone else’s body, or someone else’s job or someone else’s life- respect and love yours more. After all, it’s your choice and your choice only to make better.

The most important one: I read this today.

10. Give up your need to control everything. Detach from the things that you cannot change and focus on the ones you can & know sometimes the only thing you are going to be able to control is your attitude towards something or someone.

“Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.”

Happy 4th day of 2017 ya’ll!

xo,

Sarah

6 Months in and Killinnn it!

June 14, 2016June 14, 2016Leave a comment

squad

I am happy to report that it is now June 14 and I am beyond pleased with my fitness routine the last 6 months. It’s amazing the changes that happen to your body when you put the time and effort it. It’s hard…..like really hard. Sometimes I am really tired from work, and other times I would rather just go home and cook dinner instead of get home at 8 and try and manage a few hours before bed. But guess what? I love it. If I didn’t I would’t do it. Fact. I think the most important key component to a successful everyday life is to simply GET MOVING! Don’t think of it as an extravagant workout but rather you are just getting out of the house or work for a bit.

CHANGE it up!

walk
play basketball
spin class
circuit training
go for a run/hike

2. Meditate

Take 5 minutes of your day to separate from all the chaos we go through daily. Between work, school, kids, bosses and heck at this point world news, we can all be a little stressed out here and there. Acknowledge your distractions and pay attention to your breathing. It helps.

3. NEWTRITION!

Think 80/20. Start with the basics. Don’t eat processed foods. Fruits, veggies and grains are okay but make sure they are good quality. Nourish your body so that you can in fact maintain a healthy/active lifestyle. On the flip side- don’t ever not enjoy yourself. It’s ok to splurge ONCE-IN-A-WHILE. Don’t get crazy and ruin every single workout but know it’s ok to have a great dinner and glass of wine here and there. We are all about moderation here.

4.Workout Partners

This is so important! Find that person that will motivate you and kick your butt. If you’re like me you aren’t exactly a fan of partner workouts. I know, it’s just who I am….and mostly because I am the least competitive person (in terms of working out). Although I would rather workout by myself I know that if I do go to the gym by myself I am not going to get even half the workout I should be doing. Accountability is necessary. I am sure of it. The picture above is this last Sunday of our “Run Club”. We tackled an interval workout. 5 minutes run hard- 1 minute rest. 4 minutes run hard- 1 minute rest and so on until 1 minute and then on the way back it was the same- 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I encourage you to try this….it’s a burner!

Parmesan. Broccoli. Potatoes.

June 13, 2016Leave a comment

broccoli 1.jpg

broccoli 2 broccoli 3 broccoli 4

You’re going to love this one.

What you’ll need:

16 oz Baby potatoes
24 oz Broccoli florets
3 cloves Garlic
1/4 tsp Onion powder
2 tbsp Parsley, fresh leaves
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Sea Salt/Black Pepper
Olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan

Directions:

This recipe is so easy. If you’re in a pinch and don’t know what to make I recommend this along with a chicken breast or whatever protein you like. Cut the veggies, dress them, wrap in foil and bake.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and onion powder; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut four sheets of foil, about 12-inches long. Divide broccoli and potatoes into 4 equal portions and add to the center of each foil in a single layer.
Fold up all 4 sides of each foil packet. Spoon the garlic mixture over the broccoli and potatoes. Fold the sides of the foil over the vegetables, covering completely and sealing the packets closed.
Place foil packets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until tender, about 12-14 minutes.*
Serve immediately, sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley, if desired.

I found this recipe here.

Feel the Rythym.

May 6, 2016May 6, 20161 Comment

Sarah Sunset

“Yoga is like music: the rythm of the the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” – B.K.S. Lyengar

Ladies and Gentleman I present to you a new chapter of my life. It seems like we are constantly growing, moving forward in life (most of us) with the next best adventure or even the next challenge we could never imagine would arise.Let’s face it, time passes by whether we go with the flow or try to resist. I have learned a lot about myself in 2016. I made the decision (for myself) in the beginning of the year that I was going to simply COMMIT. There were some goals I set and I was not going to give up when things don’t “go my way.” Does this sound familiar? It’s so easy to set a goal and then when you don’t see results talk yourself down and eventually just give up. Well…not this year, this is not the case. I dialed into my workouts and promised myself I would find a new job. I was going to work everyday not loving it, not loving the people or the energy the brought into my life. Little did I know this was draining my personal life and limiting my expectation for myself. You always hear the saying, “Surround yourself with greatness and you will be great.”….Well, in this case it was the total opposite! The majority of my day was spent with people who also hated their jobs, and weren’t satisfied with their life- so I literally woke up one day, and I made a choice to change it. I spent a few months searching for a new career (waaaay harder than I thought), going on a couple interviews only to be rejected but low and behold a great opportunity came up. Literally, overnight. Phone interview Thursday, in person Friday, Offer on Monday. I thought to myself, “Is this real?!” haha, yes it was REAL! I am naturally a busy person, but I can’t tell you how much a change of everyday environment has not only made me feel lighter in regards to stress, less emotionally drained and just happier to go to work everyday. How is this possible that I lasted so long in this negative situation. If this is you, wake up! There is better out there.

The moral of the story: Believe in yourself. Talk yourself up instead of down and really create a vision for what it is exactly that you want. If you want a new career, decide what it is that you want and what it is that you’re willing to put forth in honor of obtaining this change. Use your resources and know that it is possible to have a job that doesn’t feel like work! Out with the old, in with the new. Life is too short to not wake up and be happy everyday!

Happy Friday!

Bare Bowls.

April 21, 2016April 20, 2016Leave a comment

My friends! If you have never been to Bare Bowls in Palo Alto is a MUST. I have had the last week off of work in between changing jobs which means I have worked out more than usual (double days). Usually I head to Soul Cycle on Sundays and make it a once a week treat, but when you have lots of time on your hands why not pick up a few extra classes in between. Bare Bowls is 5 minutes away from the Soul Cycle in Palo, so needless to say it’s a great snack or lunch after your class. This one pictured above is called the Trailblazer. This includes: handmade almond butter, Acai base, strawberry, banana, and dates. Seriously, it was so good I went two days in a row!!!! There is a also a location in Burlingame if you are closer to San Francisco! Get in there….SO delish!