When You Just HAVE To Eat Regular Pasta

Eating healthy during every meal and snack each day can be hard. As much as I try to stay on track, there are always days where I have to squeeze something in that I don't usually eat. Most recently that item of food was pasta. I'm Italian so Christmas was full of penne and it's also a quick easy meal when I get home from work. Usually carbs are whole wheat but the past 2 weeks had me eating regular white pasta. So how does one make macaroni healthy? Here are some variations that I use so I don't feel so bad when I skip the whole wheat. 

When in doubt, add veggies. All different kinds. I really like chick peas, kidney beans, spinach, and broccoli. I usually toss in some mushrooms as well. 

Use homemade sauce. I make a mean white sauce (by no means is that healthy) but sometimes I also mix up some spices with olive oil and bread crumbs. It saves calories and still has a nice flavor kick. 

Include protein. Chicken is the obvious way to go but get creative with sausage, steak, pork or turkey. 

If you enjoy cheese (like me!) be sure to put it on at the end and use a small portion. 

Portion control with any type of carb is important. I use a small circle portion controller for spaghetti and a measuring cup for other pastas. Although sometimes it doesn't seem like a lot of food when you start cooking, trust me when I say it is a larger serving than you think!

What different variations do you use to make regular pasta healthy? Favorite veggie?

Xo,

Lynette

A Personal Post!

I hope everyone had a great holiday and ate lots of yummy food. I know I did! I'm sure you've noticed by now that I haven't posted anything new the past couple of days. However, if you follow me on Twitter than you know why!

First I'm going to recap my trip to Montauk. I was so excited to spend the weekend with one of my best friends in one of my favorite places. Our usual hotel was closed for the winter so we stayed in a queen suite at the Royal Atlantic. It included (for a very very reasonable price) a bedroom, bathroom, living room, balcony and full kitchen. If I could live there forever I would. On Saturday as she headed to work at 5 AM (she  is in the Coast Guard and comes to LI to do drills) I slept a bit longer and went to John's Pancake House to grab some breakfast. I have not eaten a diner breakfast in a long time, it was great! After, I headed out to East Hampton to see if I could find any additional holiday gifts (I found nothing) and walk around for a bit. The weather was perfect! I headed back to Montauk and Amanda got off of work and we mapped out our plan for the night. Eventually we decided to take a cab to Amagansett, eat at the tavern, then party it up at the Talkhouse since there would be a band. Simple enough right? Not quite. A chapter title in my book will be: The Iron Fiasco. It took me 40 minutes to borrow an iron that was 5 minutes away. 

[Yummy breakfast]

[Our maturity level is over the top]

[The lead singer in the band! For the record, I have no memory of taking this]

This post already getting long and we're still on 2 weekends ago! We split dinner to A. save money and B. we weren't very hungry. We walked down to the Talkhouse and had one of the greatest nights ever. Lots of beer, vodka, laughs, jokes, dancing, old people and boys. Time flew and before we knew it, it was 2 AM and we were calling a friend to come pick us up. The next day was rough. To make this days story short, with both of my friends standing next to me I may add, we got breakfast at Goldberg's Bagels and the cashier was asking me what I wanted in my coffee. My response: My name is Lynette. Yup, that happened. We ended our trip at The Point with some dinner, brews and Sunday Night Football.

The work week was slow since many people had already left for vacation. On Monday night I gave my twirling kids a holiday party and on Tuesday we had our office party at Carmines. I went out to dinner with my dad and even got to catch up with some friends this week. On Friday we had an early train so I was home by 5, a rare thing in the past year! Then my week goes downhill.

I've had a cyst in my neck forever and when I was in Montauk, maybe it was the vodka, it became infected. Luckily I caught it on Monday when I went to the doctor for my also newly diagnosed IT Band Syndrome. I was put on antibiotics for my cyst however by Saturday felt it got worse. I made the decision to head to the hospital alone (I'm petrified of hospitals so I'm not sure why I thought this was a good idea) and little did I know they admitted me right in. I honestly thought they were going to laugh and send me home to finish my meds. I got a bed right away, ahead of all of the children,  in the middle of a hallway with people who looked dead. My dream. The doctor decided that the cyst was coming out and I started acting like a 5 year old. They also refused to knock me out even though I told them I was willing to take the risk. I settled for a Xanax instead. I'll skip the details of what they did but 4.5 hours after I initially arrived I finally got to go home.

[The day after, you can kind of see the bandage]

Still not out of the water. The next day I had to go back and get the packing removed. This is where I traumatized a child mainly because the doctor chose to do this while I was sitting in triage with the kid staring at me. Oops. We celebrated Hannukah later that day with my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. I received some great stuff, like yoga blocks, ear warmers and a Dunkin Donuts gift card! Christmas Eve I worked during the day then headed over to my dads side of the family after. I have the most adorable baby cousin ever, he was just too funny and had the time of his life. The "kids" had their own secret Santa this year and I got a cute little wallet that I can put my train ticket in and a necklace. 

[DC here I come!]

[My Christmas cat]

Christmas was spent at home during the day and after dinner went to a friends to watch a movie. It's always nice to just hang out and talk! So as for my posts? Things should be returning to normal Sunday. I have a follow up appointment on Friday for the hole in my neck as well as off so I shall be writing! I apologize for the delay but appreciate everyone who has been reading!

Xo,

Lynette

Uh-Oh, I Missed Thursday Three

Unfortunately, a long holiday break means working hard the week before. Which is the reason I missed yesterdays Thursday Three post. However, here is the post intended for yesterday, we'll call if Friday Favorites. Here are my all-time favorite-must-watch-every-year holiday movies!

[The Holiday]

[Elf]

[National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation]

What are your go-to holiday movies?

Xo,

Lynette

Samples Galore!

The same day I found out I was accepted into the Nike Women's Half in DC is the same day I got my intro Birchbox! What is Birchbox you ask? It is a small box of beauty samples that are personalized each month based on a profile you fill out. From what I know, the introduction box is a set of basics with a cute little note. Next month, however, everything that gets sent is supposed to be a perfect fit for me! I had planned to list each item I recieved but silly me lost the card that was included :x (I promise this is the first thing I do when I have my January box). You can still take a look at what I got though!

[MOX lip gloss, nail polish, shampoo, perfume, hair tie and pouch]

Are you a Birchbox subscriber? Which box was your favorite? Any product recommendations? 

Xo,

Lynette

Life's Better In Yoga Pants Editor...On TV!

I just received a tweet from the fabulous style and beauty editor over at Galtime, Kerri Winick, that included a link of a segment I taped back in October. So check out your super nervous editor's first time taping a segment!

See the full article here. 

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Still looking for one last thing to make this holiday special for someone? It's the last week to go out and grab those last minute gifts! Today I wanted to share with you some great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Best of all? They can all be delivered directly to your home, so you don't need to brave the swarms of people shopping for the last of their presents.

For the one who loves unique fun items:

[Holiday Specs, $4.00, http://www.holidayspecs.com/]

For the one who's into organic skincare and keeping their skin soft in the winter:

[SeabuckWonders Himalayan Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion,  $14.97, http://www.seabuckwonders.com/]

For the jet-setter:

[HICKIES, $19.99, http://hickies.com/]

For the workout fiend:

[Hydraform Thermal-Lite, $21.95, http://www.amphipod.com/]

For the chef:

[Chef’n® Emulstir™ Dressing Mixer, $15.00, http://www.surlatable.com/]

What last minute gifts are you grabbing this week?

Xo,

Lynette

New To Fitness?

If you haven't noticed, your local gym or fitness studio may have gotten a  little extra crowded and will continue to throughout January. The holiday season makes us a all a little ambitious, but those who are new to fitness and exercising must remember not to over do it. Below are some tips for beginners to get the most out of their workouts while avoiding burnout and injury. 

• Start out slow. When I first started running, I could barely make it 5 minutes. Now I'm training for my first half. First time on the elliptical? Don't push the resistance too hard. Do an easy 20 minutes and see how you feel. Add on the next day.

• Alternate strength training and cardio. I'm not the best example of that but those who don't work out regularly will feel the effects of yesterdays workout. Opt for a deep stretching yoga class or Pilates. If you choose to do weights, make sure they are not too heavy or too light. I usually use 5 to 8 pounders  so I see results but don't strain my back.

• Don't get discouraged, results take time. One of the reasons I started this blog was to promote a healthy way of living, not a quick fix for weight loss  I lost a significant amount of weight over the past year naturally. If I missed a workout I didn't cry and if the scale didn't budge, I added some more greens to my diet that week. I firmly believe in doing what I can sustain for the rest of my life. It's not logical for me to workout 3 hours a day forever, so why do it now? No quick fixes for this girl!

• Make sure you hydrate. When I run, I'm guilty of never drinking water and end up gulping some down like a fish when I get home. Try and incorporate water into your workout routine. Hand-held water bottles are great for running and on gym equipment, keep an eye on the clock and take a sip every 10 minutes. 

• Grab a buddy! Having a workout or running buddy can increase productiveness, and you get to gossip which definitely make the workout go a little faster. All of the ladies I am running my half with I met through Twitter! Check out local running stores to see if they have run clubs, it's a great way to meet people with the same interests as you.

What are your tips for beginners? Any first-time workout horror stories?

Be sure to follow Life's Better In Yoga Pants on Twitter and Pinterest!

Xo,

Lynette

Inspirational Quote to Kick of Your Weekend

This is probably the most vulgar thing I will post on here ever. But seriously people, only YOU can make YOU happy. It's your life. 

I will be in Montauk until Monday visiting a friend. Have a fabulous weekend and look for a new post Sunday and a last minute stocking stuffer guide on Monday!

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three: Favorite Holiday Songs

Apparently Christmas is in less than 2 weeks now. This is the first year I have been so preoccupied blasting holiday music on repeat was not a priority. It also might have to do with how warm it is and the lack of snow. Today's Thursday three is my favorite holiday songs. Take a listen!

[It's Not Christmas Without You, Katherine McPhee]

[Dominick the Donkey]

[Home This Christmas, Justin Beiber]

All videos courtesy of YouTube. 

What are your favorite holiday songs? Albums? 

Xo,

Lynette

A Different Kind of Pizza

I'm Italian, so loving pizza is kind of in my genes. However while it is known as being one of the healthiest fast foods, pizza does not skimp on carbs and is not always healthy-lifestyle friendly. When I was browsing (read: procrastinating) Pinterest the other day I came across a recipe for "chicken pizza." All it consisted of was your favorite pizza toppings on a piece of chicken! And I will tell you, it was pretty tasty. In fact, I've already made it twice in a week and a half. You can make the toppings as healthy or unhealthy as you please (thank god the chicken replaces the bread), load with veggies or meat! 

(recipe courtesy of genaw.com)

Ingredients Needed:

1 boneless chicken breast (pound flat if too thick, the first time I didn't, second time I did)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon pizza sauce 
4 slices pepperoni (I did not have pepperoni either times, second time I used breakfast sausage, resourceful!)
1 teaspoon butter or oil 
2 fresh mushrooms, sliced (I used pre-packaged)
2 thin green pepper rings 
1 ounce mozzarella cheese, shredded (I chopped some up from a block and mixed it in too)

First, after pre-heating the oven to 350 degrees, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Grill.

While the chicken is cooking, sauté the mushrooms and pepper rings in butter or oil until slightly tender, but not mushy. When they're done, set aside.

Next, spread the sauce over the chicken. I used about 2 spoonfuls. It's really your preference as to how much sauce you like. 

Then add toppings such as the green peppers and mushrooms. If you used sausage, pepperoni, or other veggies and meats add those too. 

Last but not least, add your mozzarella cheese. Use your discretion as to how much you put on. 

Sprinkle additional Italian season on then bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. I like to wait until the cheese is nice and gooey. 

And now you've got a healthy little makeshift pizza. Each time I made this the kitchen really did smell like I was cooking up a homemade pie!

Have you ever made pizza chicken? What were your thoughts? Any other foods you swap ingredients to make then healthier?

Xo,

Lynette

I Commit To...

...Maintain a healthy lifestyle and complete my first half marathon. That is what I wrote for my promise on the Commitment Day website. I apologize for my lack of fitness posts, it's not something a health and fitness blog should be missing but being injured has left me with very little options of workouts. I walk on my treadmill and do Yoga With a View sessions. But you already know that. So back to Commitment Day.

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On January 1st, instead of nursing your hangover, get out there and run a 5K! No, I'm not crazy. In 30 different cities across the US, Life Time is hosting a New Years Day race. I personally think this is a great way to start out the year fresh (in reality I will be taking care of my hangover, I would love to start the year fresh on the 2nd though!) and get a head start on your goals. Thankfully for most of you the race starts at 11 AM. The mission of Commitment Day is not to disturb your first day of 2013 but to encourage Americans to maintain a healthy way of life. 

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Did you know? 2 in 3 Americans are considered overweight or obese. As someone who has always been overweight these statistics are quite alarming. Committing to a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to happen with a snap of your fingers or by making drastic changes. Start out small, like walking around your neighborhood for 20 minutes or eating a chocolate granola bar instead of a cookie. Small changes = big results.

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So on January 1, 2013, get out there and run that 5K. Show everyone what your're made of. You may even surprise yourself! For my New Yorkers, your race is at 11 AM at Pier 84 and includes a post-event party with food, drinks, music and more. Registration is $39 but with this code (RDCD1) a $5 discount will be applied.

What are you're goals for 2013? Would you run a 5K on New Years Day? Any fitness topics you would like to see covered while I'm injured?

Xo,
Lynette

What In The World is Sea Buckthorn?

I usually don't stray away from my usual skincare routine because I've diagnosed myself with bad skin. My face breaks out over every little thing which let me tell you, is not that fun. I was approached by SeabuckWonders to test out their new personal care line with a high concentration of sea buckthorn. What is that? Sea Buckthorn is deciduous shrubs in the genus Hippophae, family Elaeagnaceae. All products contain the unique oil and are USDA certified organic and high in Omega 7. To test out, I was sent the facial cream, body lotion, exfoliating facial cleanser and deep hydrating face serum. Each product that was sent to me is perfect for all skin types. 

I used the serum the least, not really sure why. When my face got really dry I used it as a quick fix to hydrate it. If used properly (aka more than I used it) benefits include supporting collagen production, maintain skin's moisture balance and rejuvenate. 

I tossed the Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser in the shower for morning use. The first couple of times it really dried by skin out, most likely from switching from my usual cleanser. I loved that this product had the little exfoliating beads in it. Whenever something has those I really feel like it's working, plus it makes my skin super soft. I used the cleanser every morning and it made my skin wake up and felt so smooth. After I used this I topped it off with...

...the Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream. This lotion definitely hydrated my skin without leaving a cakey feeling. It also dried pretty quickly so my face wasn't white like when applying sunscreen. Benefits of this cream include supporting skin cell functions, enhancing skin tone, and protecting again visible signs of UV-induced stress. 

The body lotion was wonderful as well. I used it on my arms and legs, especially after I shaved them (my legs that is). It hydrated very nicely and once again did not leave any residue or feeling that I had put layers of it on. The advantages of the body lotion are similar to the facial cream; moisturize, support skin call function and protect against visible signs of UC-induced stress.

If you are looking for organic skincare products then I highly recommend the SeabuckWonders collection. I never got an allergic reaction or reddness of any kind. My skin and face felt clean and refreshed. And a major bonus: It didn't smell weird! Other organic skincare products I have tried in the past had a funky little smell to them, this one did not! For those very serious about going organic, most products are also vegan and gluten/wheat free. Seabuck Wonders also has various gift sets available so if you need an extra present for someone, this would be perfect. 

Xo,
Lynette

Lucky Shops NYC

*Warning: Pictures are not of great quality

Yesterday I met a friend in the city for a late lunch and to walk around while catching up. We chose to explore SOHO and had a delicious lunch at The Cupping Room. The cafe was super cozy and decorated for the holidays. I got a mimosa (that was nice and strong!) and a grilled chicken pesto sandwich with fries (I'm injured, I deserve them haha) and Jaclyn got the eggs Benedict with a cappuccino from the brunch menu. 

Afterwards we headed out to browse some stores. Topshop had an awesome deal where with any purchase you made you could get a mini make-over, Lululemon had some fun patterns I was in love with and I could have went to town in Burton. I had read about the Lucky Shops on Twitter but wasn't really sure what they were. We stumbled upon them and although we did not have tickets, were allowed to go in since we arrived 15 minutes before they were shutting down. It was like an indoor Super Saturday! Each designer had their own little booth with a serious discount. Unfortunately I cannot just going around buying things at the moment but it was fun to look! This was also my friends first time at an event like this.

[Purple Carpet]

[View from the entrance]

There was a bar which served up free cocktails. Jaclyn had gotten mine so I'm not sure what it was called, but it was yummy! The shops were divided into 3 rooms; the middle had clothing and the bars, another had shoes, a Clarisonic station and a Maybelline makeover booth and the last had lingerie, handbags and jewlelry. I signed up for the Alex Woo e-mail list so I'm excited about that. Among the designers were Yumi Kim, Milly NY, Cut25 and many others. 

[Flash sales and drink menu, sorry it's impossible to read!]

[My yummy drink]

[The accessories section]

[The Maybelline booth]

After we checked out each booth and finished our drinks we headed out to check out a couple more stores and head back to our respective trains. I feel very lucky (no pun intended) to have been able to attend 2 major designer shopping events this year! 

Did you make it to the Lucky Shops? Who were your favorite designers? What did you get?

Xo,
Lynette

Cosmic Smile Toothbrush

When I went to the dentist a couple months ago the assistant told me I had great teeth which kind of shocked me because I use a $3 toothbrush, hate flossing and never brush long enough. Luckily with my new Cosmic Smile toothbrush I will be able to impress my dentist again next year.

Not only did I get to upgrade from my grocery store brush, it's also pink! The Cosmic Smile came in a nice little box with 3 different sized brushes (slimsonic, professional and interdental), a rechargeable toothbrush handle, and a docking station. A nice thing about this set is how compact it is. The toothbrush handle is very slim, an upgrade from the electric brush I had gotten years ago when they first came out.

I've been using this brush for about a week or so and love it. When I first brought it home I had to charge it over night so it would actually work (yes I learned that after it went dead after 2 seconds of use). There are 3 levels of vibration (normal, soft, and pulse) that are on a 30 second interval alarm for 2 minutes to ensure you brush for the recommended time. In all honesty, my teeth have felt cleaner than ever and stay cleaner longer. This is something I would definitely put on a holiday or birthday list if I were you!

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Outfits

Unlike some of my lucky Twitter friends I had to wait until Tuesday night to watch the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I already knew the theme but boy did these outfits wow. I can't imagine walking down a runway in 5 inch heels with all the extra accessories. I predict I'd be on the floor. Here is my roundup of my favorite outfits I saw on the runway:

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I'd like to say, it was quite difficult to pick JUST 3! What were your favorites?

Xo,

Lynette