The Muppets are Back!

Today I am bringing you a sneak peak of the new "The Muppets" movie! I am so excited to see this! I used to wait all week to watch "The Muppets Show" and I can't wait for the new one to come out. Anyone else with me?

P.S. Happy 11/11/11! :)

My New Yoga Journey

I’ve been interested in yoga for a while. You can read on and on about the benefits: increased flexibility and strength, better balance, a calm mind, less anxiety and worry, and much more. I always found it interesting that a workout could seemingly be so good for you in both body and mind. Being someone who suffers from anxiety and worry, I thought yoga had to be worth a try. I started going a few years ago and never really stuck with it. There are always a million reasons to stop doing something and I found if I couldn’t get any friends to go with me, I simply found reasons to stop going. Always in the back of my mind, I felt guilty that I had paid for classes and never used them, so I would go to the occasional class. 

A few months ago, I was finally motivated to go. I enlisted a few friends to go with me at least once a week so I could finish up my paid classes at my local yoga studio. Not long after, a fantastic Living Social deal dropped into my inbox. 10 yoga classes for $20! Looking at prices of local studios, this was an amazing deal. The yoga studio wasn’t one I’d ever heard of, but it was only about 20 minutes away from my house. One of my friends, coincidentally also named Lauren, wanted to join me and was just as excited about the deal.

Now about halfway through my 10 classes, I find myself getting hooked. At times, waking up at 8 am so I can eat and get ready before heading to a 10 am yoga class just makes me sleepy and dread going. Once I am there, it isn’t always easy either. I can’t even count how many times I’m standing there in a pose I deemed impossible before she finished explaining it, swearing in my head words I’d never say out loud, just wishing we could move on. As I stand in the warrior pose, my bent leg shaking like I’m having some sort of seizure, sometimes I feel like I don’t belong here.

But that is the best part of yoga: knowing you will always belong no matter what. You do what you can. It is a practice where you push yourself, yet you may rest if you’re not able to do something just yet, and you can even close your eyes if you feel that you are comparing yourself to the seasoned yogi next to you. In yoga, there is room for improvement always. No one is perfect at it. At times I feel silly and punish myself. Why aren’t you more flexible? Why are you sweating in this beginner class? Why, why, why! I have to force myself to stop asking “why” and just enjoy my practice. Who cares if I can’t do certain yoga poses perfectly yet? At least I am there, trying and learning and doing something positive for myself. Just getting myself to go to yoga is already a win in my book.

One of the reasons I love yoga is that it is a workout, but it is also a way to relax. I love hearing the poems or saying that teachers often talk about during class. One of my favorites is one I heard last week:

Be mindful of your thoughts because they become your words. Be mindful of your words because they become your actions. Be mindful of your actions because they become your character. Be mindful of your character because that becomes your destiny.


This quote really resonated with me. Would I have ever heard it if I hadn’t gone to that yoga class? Perhaps yes, perhaps no.


Yoga is teaching me to be strong and not give up. There are times when I give up when a yoga pose hurts too much, but each time I do it, I know it will get easier. One day, if I keep at it, I will do the poses I now deem impossible with ease. Getting there takes time and effort, but I think it will be worth it.


Until next time…Namaste,


Lauren

See the original post on ASKinyourface.com!

How to Deal with Difficult People

I've found in my 22 years, that even if you're the nicest person in the world, you won't get along with everyone. Conflicts arise and people are stubborn. Sometimes arguments happen where both people think they're right and the other person is wrong and no one ever wins. I've had to deal with people who won't see my point of view and just ignore me when the friendship gets tough.

So how do you deal with these difficult people?

1. When I find myself getting in an argument with someone, I try to slow down and see things from their point of view. Even if I don't agree with the point of view, I can usually somewhat understand where they are coming from.

2. Be nice. When someone is rude to you, simply be nice back to them. This is definitely easier said than done. When a friend or even a stranger spouts a rude comment back at you, your first reaction is to react and be rude right back. Next time you find yourself in this situation, try something like: "I'm sorry you feel that way" or "What can I do to help?". Basically try to say something that won't make a bad situation worse.

3. Know when to give up. Sometimes you can be as nice as you can be, try to understand their point of view, offer solutions or explanations and the person is just going to be plain mean or stubborn. At this point, it may be time to walk away from the person. Sometimes it happens at work and you can't stop talking to the person forever, but you can excuse yourself to take a breather and get away from a bad situation at the time.

How do you deal with difficult people at work or just simply in life?

Style Outside The Box: Amazing New Shopping Experience

I love hearing stories of people my age, especially women, going out of the box and on their own and trying to make it for themselves. Especially in a creative setting! Recently I found out about Style Outside the Box, started by Penn State grad Laura Adamson, a website that allows you to buy clothes, home goods, accessories, and much more from first exclusive independent designers! How cool is that?

Style Outside The Box is a new shopping website that unites independent designers around the blog who are chosen through a juried selection process, and shoppers who desire unique and one-off creations that offer quality, value, and exceptional style.  

They have unique pieces for everyone: women, men, children, and babies! A perfect place to find gifts for just about everyone that you can guarantee they won't get from anyone else. Good timing with the holidays right around the corner...

They graciously offered my readers a coupon code to use for 15% off your order! Just put "lauren2011" (without quotes) in the area for coupon codes when checking out. 

Read more about the start of Style Outside the Box and check out the cool and fun things they sell! Let me know what you find on there! Here are some of the things I am drooling over:

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Lauren (as Katy Perry) and Hannah (Banana)! What are you dressing up as?

A Reminder to be Mindful...

Be mindful of your thoughts because they become your words, be mindful of your words because they become your actions, be mindful of your actions because they become your character, and be mindful of your character because that becomes your destiny.

Do You Wear Glasses? Coupon Codes for you to buy them!

Since the summer before third grade, I've been wearing glasses. The summer before tenth grade, my parents finally let me get contacts. When I tell you my vision is bad, it is really bad. Without prescription eyeglasses or contacts, I am basically blind.

I remember struggling a lot before I was able to get contacts while doing normal kid things, like swimming or playing sports. When swimming in gym for school, I couldn't see a thing the teacher was trying to explain and it was all I could do not to bump into the other kids! I wasn't exactly a fantastic sports player either and I can count on both hands the times I had to get my glasses adjusted because I got hit in the face with a ball (ha!).


Lately, since I'm a "big kid" now, I have to pay for my own eye exam, glasses, and contacts. That's a lot of money, especially for someone with a high prescription! Luckily there are sites out there that offer lower prices on glasses.


Today I want to hear from all of my eyeglasses wearers! I have some great discount coupon codes for you from GlassesUSA.com!


Fall Sale:
Buy any 2 pairs of glasses and get all 3 protective lens coatings AND U.S. shipping for FREE. Code: PERFECTPAIR

Buy one pair of glasses and get any other pair for FREE! Use code: BOGOUSA
Take 10% off any order. Code: Blog10


I really hope I can help some of you order glasses without breaking the bank! Simply go to GlassesUSA.com, find some frames or lenses you love and use the coupon codes (above) when you check out. Then share with me the cool glasses you got if you'd like! You can also share your experience on their Facebook or Twitter.

Healthy Tailgating Snacks

It is that time of the year: football season. With football season, comes the best part...tailgating! This of course brings yummy snacks. What do you do when you volunteer to bring food and have no clue? Here are some recipes for delicious tailgating treats that are also healthy!

Homemade Hummus

Makes approximately 2 cups

1 can chick peas

2 garlic cloves

1/4 plain greek yogurt*

2 tbsp preserved lemon juice **

1/4 cup chopped parsley

2 tbsp olive oil

1. Drain the chick peas from the can and add to a pot with just enough water to cover them. Boil for ten minutes. Drain and add to food processor with the garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice. Puree until smooth.

2. Fold in the parsley, and transfer to a serving bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with the olive oil and garnish with pickled peppers (optional.) Serve with pieces of pita bread or whole grain crackers.

* Here I used low fat greek yogurt for a lower calorie hummus but for the traditional version, simply use the same amount of tahini instead.

** If you can't find preserved lemon juice, use the juice of fresh lemons. 

Courtesy of Healthy & Gourmet. 

Shaker-Style Smoked Chicken Thighs

4 servings

Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup chopped shallot, (about 2 medium)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
• 1 cup wood chips, such as apple or hickory, in a foil pouch

Preparation

1. Whisk vinegar, oil and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in shallots and garlic. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 3 hours.
2. Meanwhile, soak wood chips in a bowl of water for 20 minutes.
3. Fold a 12-by-20-inch piece of heavy-duty foil in half to create a 12-by-10-inch double-thick piece. Transfer wet wood chips to the center of the foil, allowing as much water as possible to drip back into the bowl. Create a packet by folding the short ends of the foil over the wood chips and folding the open ends to seal them.
4. Place the packet of wood chips, pierced-side up, under the grill rack and on top of the burners. Close the lid. Turn the heat to high and allow the grill and packet to heat until the chips smell smoky and smoke begins to billow from under the lid, about 15 minutes (don’t worry if the packet temporarily catches on fire). Make 6 holes in the top of the foil packet using a skewer or the tip of a knife.
5. Transfer the chicken to the grill, allowing excess marinade to drip back into the bowl (discard marinade). Grill the chicken, turning once, until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve hot or chilled.

Tip

• Make Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken for up to 3 hours.

Nutrition

Per serving: 255 calories; 15 g fat ( 4 g sat , 7 g mono ); 98 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein; 0 g fiber; 215 mg sodium; 266 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Selenium (42% daily value), Zinc (20% dv).
Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat

Courtesy of Eating Well.

Ultimate Snack Mix

Yield: 6 cups View Nutrition Facts

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups toasted rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex)
• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat cereal squares (such as Wheat Chex)
• 1 cup pretzel sticks, squares or circles
• 1 cup coarsely broken sesame rice crackers
• 1 cup coarsely broken whole-wheat sesame crackers (such as Ak-Mak)
• 1/4 cup lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 1/4 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup golden raisins

Directions

1. Heat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereal squares, pretzels, rice crackers, whole-wheat crackers and peanuts.
3. In a smaller bowl, combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garam masala and salt; pour over cereal mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Coat a roasting pan with cooking spray. Spread snack mixture in a single layer and bake 30 minutes, stirring twice. Cool on a wire rack and stir in raisins.

Courtesy of Fitness Magazine. 

White Bean and Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cups diced yellow onion (about 2 medium)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 (15.8-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups chopped cooked turkey
• 1/2 cup diced seeded plum tomato (about 1)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 lime wedges (optional)

Preparation

• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 10 minutes or until tender and golden. Add chili powder, garlic, and cumin; sauté for 2 minutes. Add oregano and beans; cook for 30 seconds. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes.
• Place 2 cups of bean mixture in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan. Add turkey, and cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Add diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Courtesy of My Recipes.

White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 3 1/3 ounces)
• 1 cup regular oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped dried strawberries
• 1/3 cup premium white chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
• Cooking spray

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; stir with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer; beat at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add vanilla and egg; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until blended. Add strawberries and chips; beat at low speed just until blended.
• Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven; cool on pan 1 minute. Remove cookies from pan; cool completely on wire racks.

Courtesy of My Recipes.

A Delicate Balance

We all know the people that care so deeply for others they drown in responsibilities and Hallmark cards and get stressed out because they don't take time for themselves. There are also people in the other extreme of being selfish and not really caring about anyone but themselves. But how do you strike the delicate balance of being a kind and caring individual but never forgetting to love and care for yourself?

Spoil yourself after a long day. Spent the day working extra hard, attending parties or events for others, etc? Once your long day is over, take time to do what you want to do. It could be simply vegging out with your favorite show and some ice cream, taking a long bath, get a mani/pedi, whatever chills you out and makes you feel relaxed!

Choose friends wisely and make them feel loved! Having tons and tons of friends can be fun, but it would be exhausting to keep up with all of them. Find some positive and amazing people to share your free time with and take the time to maintain your friendships. Call, text, make plans, give homemade gifts, and make sure your friends know you care!

Schedule your time. It can be hard to balance work, relationships, friendships, family, obligations, and not to mention time for yourself! Organize your life to keep track of work deadlines, appointments, coffee dates with friends, and even schedule things like a shopping trip to treat yourself.

Don't forget about your family. It can be easy to find time to spend with friends and forget how important seeing your family is. With everyone's busy schedules, often families get together only on holidays. Make a surprise visit to see relatives - it might just make their day!

What do you do to strike the delicate balance between caring for yourself and others?

RIP Buddy the Rat

Lately, my rat, Buddy has been pretty sick. I found out that rats from pet stores only live about 2 years and I realized I have had him for 2 years, so I wasn't completely sure how much older he was. All of a sudden, his playful self just seemed very old and we knew there wasn't much time left.

Many people thought I was crazy for wanting, much less owning a pet rat but they are amazing pets. Unfortunately I don't think I will get another one because they give me hives. Buddy was smart (I wish I had the time to teach him more tricks!), very loving (he would lick my fingers up and down with his cute little tongue), really cute, funny, and all around a great pet.

I am happy now that he can run and play in rat heaven and meet some new friends. I'll miss you Buddy. <3

More on Buddy the rat:

New Friend

I love pets!

Pet Update: Buddy the Rat

Rat Video

Pros of a Pet Rat