You Can Do No Wrong...

I mentioned in my bio that I LOVE to cook.   It's something that I grew up doing with my grandparents and even to this day when I  cook just for myself, certain smells remind of so many great memories.  One smell that always comforts me is garlic and onions simmering in olive oil.  I'll probably post recipes on here pretty often but tonight, it's my go-to easy meal: Herbes de Provence crusted chicken with carmelized onions and garlic.

Rough chop half an onion and a clove of garlic.  Throw the onions in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil and saute until translucent.  Throw in the garlic and mix everything together.  Pat the herbs into a butterflied chicken breast and place in the middle of the pan to get a great seer on the chicken.  Cook about 5-7 minutes on each side and Voila!  Steam some broccoli or asparagus and you have a perfect, easy, comforting meal in about 20 minutes! 

I'm going apple and pumpkin picking with friends tomorrow so stay tuned for some yummy fall recipes coming soon!

Happy eating :)

It's Never Too Early to Start Setting Goals

My brilliant eldest sister, Danielle, gave me a genius piece of advice recently: start your new years resolutions early so that by the time the new year arrives, your resolutions are already habits.

Absolutely awesome!  So here are the resolutions for 2011...

1. Drop 2 more sizes
2. Start my MBA (this is either for 2011 or 2012 - both work)
3. Train for and run the Marine Corps Marathon
4. Read at least one book per month - can be for work or pleasure
5. Have fun and enjoy my life :)

How It Started

It all started this past January after I graduated from college in Ohio and moved out to the big city to start a new life.  I moved with the intention of starting a new life with a flame from back home, but a few months into the move, realized I would be starting my life over alone.

I realized I was the type of person who molds their likes and interests to those around them, and that needed to change.  So after months of soul searching, the beauties of the internet (best way to find new friends in a new city!),  and lots of working out, I've finally made it to my 'happy place'.  I'm not afraid to be whatever I want to be and I do what makes me happy. 

So here I am, 10 months in, 30 pounds down, and I am officially happy to be me.