Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I'm Moving...

Not me per se, but Talk Less, Say More is moving!  

This has been a long time coming and I've warned you a few times, but now it's official.  I will no longer be keeping both sites updated but only updating talkless-saymore.com!

Won't you join me?

Foodie for a Day // Starbucks Nation


As someone who is working to become even more financially stable (I’m kind of there I guess but it’s far from comfortable), I choose to bring my lunch to work nearly every day and watch how often I eat out.  And eating well is something that’s extremely important to me as I do feel that what we put into our bodies plays a big role in our overall well-being.  But times come up where we have to (or want to) eat out and it doesn’t have to mean we eat unhealthy or expensive.
I bring this up because I was working at a different store a couple weeks ago and not knowing how the day would go and if I would be spending my lunch break with others, I chose not to pack a lunch and prepared myself for buying my meal that day.  It turned out that I was on my own for lunch (which was fine), but not really knowing what was around to eat, though I knew there were plenty of options, I went walking through the Farmer’s Market on the hunt for something to eat.  ...nothing stood out.  Obviously, there were plenty of options, but nothing stood out as anything I wanted to eat for lunch and I really wasn’t in the mood for fried and unhealthy foods, so I made my way into Starbucks.  I wasn’t really sure what I was going to get, but figured that worse case scenario I get a cup of oatmeal, yogurt or a protein plate.
In no way, was I expecting to walk away with this: The Sesame Noodle Bistro Box


Sesame noodle salad tossed with broccoli florets, carrots, red peppers, sugar snap peas and a creamy peanut dressing is served with a cucumber carrot salad, crunchy sesame peanuts and baked tofu with lightly spiced glaze.  For dessert, a premium Starbucks chocolate. (Source)
It actually surprised me by how good it was and how it satisfied my hunger until mid afternoon when I had my usual snack.  For a pre-packaged lunch, everything felt and tasted relatively fresh and surprisingly was also relatively healthy.
Of course I had to have a drink alongside and while I had already had enough coffee for the day, an iced green tea hit the spot.  It was a great little lunch.  
I love to see companies expand their healthy and vegetarian options, without making food be a pile of flavorless mush.  I’m impressed, Starbucks, I’m impressed.
(Now, we do need to address my current addiction to a daily Soy Misto before it makes me broke...)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I Just Want to Write


I’m staring at a wall of lockers but all that I really want to do is write.  You may not really believe it but this is a realization for me.
Not the locker staring; that’s just the reality of writing while on my break at work.  But that I really just want to write.
I started this blog just over a year ago and you may or may not remember why:
I start this blog for many reasons, but most important of them all, is the release that putting words to a page can have on a person.  I often choose to release myself through music and exercise, but words are powerful - they make you laugh, they make you cry, they make you speechless, uncomfortable, happy, excited.  I could go on but I won’t.
Now here I am one year later, still growing, developing and pushing forward through those harder days but with an escape ready and waiting for me when I get home: a place for me to put my words.
Despite the fact that I don’t divulge each and every intricate detail of my life (and let me just tell you, you really don’t want to know all that information!), sometimes the best release is just sitting down and sharing a new recipe or my current favorite song or band of the week.  It’s those little things.
So why does this matter right now?  Why do I bring it up?
Because just under a year ago, I lost the band I put my whole self into and it completely broke my heart.  This has lead to a year of soul searching, healing and acceptance.  That last one is key.  But either way, when I stop and think about what I enjoy doing and would like to do more of (that doesn’t require me going back to school and thus becoming even more broke), it’s writing.  
Now before anyone goes off on me, this isn’t me settling.  This is me saying that I thoroughly love writing.  There’s something freeing about putting words to a page.  
I want to figure out how to do more of it.  No really, I want to write.
I’ll take any suggestions any of you have on how I can do more of it.  And maybe where I can make a career out of it.  Because that would be fun and it would make me happy.  Taking ideas...and...GO!

Source


Monday, January 16, 2012

Music Monday // Somebody That I Used to Know


So I’ve been listening to this song for a few weeks now.  I didn’t mean to hold it hostage from you, but I didn’t realize just how much I liked it until I found myself craving it.  I knew it was good, but it took me a bit to realize just how good it was.
That’s not normal behavior for me.
One thing that has allowed me success in the music industry (even if I’m currently out of it), is that I have a pretty good ear for good music or music with potential.  Therefore, it’s not common that a song has to brew a bit for me to realize just how much I love it.  But that’s not to say it doesn’t happen and this song is proof of that.
Have you heard “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye?  If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky because you just found out and can fill your ears with pure happiness.


And because it’s everyone’s lucky day, I ran across this cover by Walk off the Earth which is pretty freaking impressive.  Enjoy.

...we don’t need to talk about how the lyrics of this song kind of fit into my life, right?

Sunday, January 15, 2012

It's All About the Give and Take


Last night didn’t go how I planned...
-My health took a dive so I gave my body rest (and almost a trip to the ER)
Tonight I found myself having a hard time resisting my urge for Yogurtland....
-I took myself for frozen yogurt and in return, I’ll give my body 20 minutes of yoga before bed



It’s really all about the give and take.  Give a little, take a little.  It all evens out.  And don’t try to convince me otherwise because this is how I move through my day; move through my week; move through life.
I just wish the people in line ahead of me at Yogurtland would think the same way and stop taking all of the plain tart before I get there...

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Cool on a Saturday night


I swear my days off always come when I need them the most.  That’s a good thing, obviously.  I love to spend my days off doing absolutely nothing.  Like seriously, what did I do today?


-Made breakfast: banana oatmeal pancakes with peanut butter (holy yum!) and coffee
-Gym
-Library
-Watched Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
-Took a nap
-Showered at 4:30
-Listened to a LOT of Foo Fighters
It really doesn’t get much better.
I do have a few things planned for my evening that require “work” but they shouldn’t take me long and then I can go back to relaxing in my pajamas and pretending that it’s cool to stay in on a Saturday night.  (I mean it is, right?)

Friday, January 13, 2012

Fitness Friday


So I had all intentions of going to the gym today.  Needless to say, it didn’t happen.  When my alarm went off at 4:30a, I wasn’t not having it, so I packed a bag and prepared to go after work.  But since I left work about 15 minutes late and had already been in my car driving for awhile, and my legs are super sore (I don’t think I stretched enough the other day...) I decided going home and dancing to some Foo Fighters was the best idea ever.  :)


Sat 1/7/12
30 mins arms, abs and stretching
Sun 1/8/12
55 mins stationary bike
15 mins abs and stretching
Mon 1/9/12
Rest
Tues 1/10/12
40 mins legs, abs and stretching
35 mins stationary bike
Wed 1/11/12
90 mins yoga (it felt SO good to be back in practice)
Thurs 1/12/12
Rest
Fri 1/13/12
Rest - unless you want to count dancing around my room...(+ stretching out my poor hamstrings)

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Do you know what today is?


Do you know what day it is today?
No?
Maybe this will jog your memory...
It’s my 1 year of blogging anniversary!
Source
It’s okay, you can make fun of me for being excited about this but it’s pretty much the only thing getting me through this rough day.  Well, that and the fact that I finished Harry Potter last night this morning.  (I’m sure the lack of sleep I got last night isn’t really helping my cranky mood for the day but I had to finish!)
Anyway, it’s so crazy to think that a year ago today, I decided to put myself out there and begin sharing my journey that is growing up.  It was a crazy year but it was also a good year and I can’t wait to see what this year will bring.
I talked about my goals for the year and did a recap of this past year just a couple weeks ago at the start of 2012, so it seems silly to go over that again, but Happy 1st Birthday to my blog!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Foodie for a Day // More Oatmeal!


Ever since going home and having the oatmeal bar at our “Christmas morning” brunch, I’ve been craving oatmeal more mornings for breakfast than usual.  Oatmeal has always been one of those breakfasts that I love but for whatever reason, I don’t generally have unless I’m on vacation and having a packet of instant I stashed as a “just-in-case.”
This sudden craving for oatmeal is a welcomed surprise as it is super delicious, healthy, and easy to make.  I prefer (Quaker) Old Fashioned oats so it does take a bit longer to cook, but I’ll make two servings at a time and stash that extra serving for tomorrow.
Another great thing about oatmeal is that it’s so easily adaptable, anyone kind find a flavor combination they enjoy and you can change it up to avoid it getting too boring or repetitive.
And with that, I bring you two new combinations for oatmeal that I call delicious
Chocolate Caribbean Oatmeal

So it’s not necessarily Caribbean but it seems kind of Caribbean after the toppings. :)
1 cup oats
1 cup milk (I use soy)
1 cup water
1-2 tsps cocoa powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
Let all of the above cook until thick and creamy.  Then top with 1/2 chopped banana, spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of coconut.  
(If it seems like you put in too much cocoa powder, stir in a bit of brown sugar to balance it out.)
Gingerbread Protein Oatmeal


1 cup oats
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 TBSP vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
Let the above cook until thick and creamy.  Top with 1/2 chopped banana, spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of raisins.
(I’m sure you can add more protein powder but this was my first time adding it to oatmeal and I didn’t want to add too much.)
Have a great breakfast!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Unplug


That’s exactly what I’m going to do tonight.  Unplug.  
It’s also what I did last night.  And apparently, it’s one of the greatest things to do when you’re feeling cranky.
I’m in the middle of Harry Potter 7 right now and it’s really good so I really don’t mind telling myself that that’s how I’m going to spend my evening.  Plus it’s a lot better than crazy emotional Katie allowing her mind to run wild and free.  So as soon as I finish dinner and hit “publish,” I’ll be in bed with my cup of tea and Harry Potter 7 until I fall asleep.
Source
If you have a problem with it, you’ll have to take it up with me tomorrow when I’ll be reachable again.  ...maybe.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Music Monday


When I was talking about my goals for the year, I mentioned I wanted to work on opening myself up for the chance of being hurt.  We’ve all felt what it’s like to lose someone we love, whether that be through their passing or life taking us in two separate directions.  While those two forms of loss are very different from each other and the hurt will be different, the heartache is still existing.
I’ve experience both.
I know what it’s like to lose a member of your family.  I know what it’s like to lose friends you thought would always stay in touch.  I know what it’s like to have your heart completely broken and shattered by someone you love.  And I know how hard it is to get back on your feet.  And I’m sure you do too. 
Every time I hear “These Days” by the Foo Fighters I’m reminded of the heartache we all feel at some point in our lives.  And I love the song; I just love it.



Saturday, January 7, 2012

It's Not Your Average Saturday


Well for you it actually might be.  But for my family it’s not...
Happy Birthday Dad!


Besides for it being my dad’s birthday, it is a fairly ordinary Saturday around these parts.  I started my day by reading Harry Potter with a big mug of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal before heading off to the gym.  Unfortunately, while I’d like to be cleaning my apartment right now, I’m choosing to rest instead because I’m in pretty severe pain.  Let’s hope it goes away (or at least lessens) and I can clean this mess of a place I pretend to call my home.
Well at least resting means I have a good excuse to just keep pushing my way through Harry Potter 7!!! :)

Friday, January 6, 2012

Fitness Friday


I had all intentions to return to yoga this week.  In fact, I had the intention to return to yoga today but life has this way of laughing at you when you make plans, so needless to say there’s no yoga this week.
But what there was this week was strength training.  And can I just say it felt amazing?
It was the first time I’ve been able to lift in at least two months due to pain, hospitalization and surgery + recovery.  I got in two days of strength that left my arms and legs shaking but feeling strong.  Man, I missed that!
I’m hoping yoga can return next week as I’m itching to stretch out my body and ease my mind again.
With that, here’s what I was able to accomplish this week and I’m pretty happy to say I’m starting off my new year right!


SAT 12/31/11
35 minutes elliptical
25 minutes stationary bike
15 minutes abdominals and stretching
SUN 1/1/12
Rest
MON 1/2/12
15-20 minutes abdominals and stretching
30 minutes stationary bike
TUES 1/3/12
25 minutes elliptical
30 minutes arms and stretching
WED 1/4/12
40 minutes abdominals, legs and stretching
25 minutes stationary bike
THURS 1/5/12
20 minutes abdominals and stretching
30 minutes stationary bike
FRIDAY 1/6/12
Rest

Did you make any fitness goals this year?
If so, what are they and how did your first week go?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Fingers Crossed

I’m spending my night preparing.  Not really for anything but more for the potential of something.  And because who wouldn’t want to be on their A game when it counts the most?  And because who wouldn’t want to make their boss proud?
But it all comes at a potential cost.
Things go well and there’s a loss.  Things don’t go well and there’s a loss.  But either way there’s also a win.
And I know I’m being vague but I don’t want to jinx myself and I don’t want to put more pressure on myself than needs to be there.  And I can’t think of anything else tonight.
So, with that, let’s go fingers crossed.

Source

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Foodie for a Day


I love oatmeal.  I mean really, how could you not?
I grew up on Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple and Brown Sugar.  Delicious.  And to this day, that is my go-to instant oatmeal when I want to take something with me while I travel.  (I always recommend the “just-in-case” foods.)
But as I grew up, I learned just how much more oatmeal can be - cooked on the store with milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and topped with peanut butter, bananas, and other fruits and nuts.  You may laugh, but it did open up a new world of breakfast possibilities (even for the girl who eats the same piece of toast with peanut butter and banana every morning).
So while I was home, we had our annual Christmas morning brunch (only a few days late) with my mom’s side of the family.  This year we had an even wider array of foods, including the new addition: the oatmeal bar.
I prepared two pots of oatmeal simply with equal parts oats, milk and water, and then added a bit of vanilla and cinnamon to each.  One pot was made with soy milk (for me and those feeling “brave”) and one with regular milk (for everyone else).  We had toppings of peanut butter, banana, coconut, nuts, and dried fruit.  It was a hit!

As I was driving home from the gym this morning, debating today’s post and what I felt like eating for breakfast, I was reminded of last week’s oatmeal bar and nothing sounded better this morning that a big bowl of oats.  And while I was at it, I made an extra serving for another day.

Today’s oatmeal was the simple recipe from Christmas, topped with peanut butter and sliced banana served in this adorable bowl + spoon my sister got me.
What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Why We Should Drink More Coffee


While I was home in IL I got a free 3 day (trial) pass to my family’s gym so I could get in a bit of exercise while I was home.  It was nice to spend some time at the gym, now that my energy is returning and my body is feeling up to more regular workouts.  (Speaking of more regular workouts - I lifted for the first time since November today and left with my arms shaking.  It felt amazing!)
Anyway, I generally spent a good chunk of my cardio reading Harry Potter 6 but after forgetting my book one afternoon, I just picked up a magazine from the gym’s shelf and happened to see this:
I forget which magazine I was reading, but one of those "women's ones"
While this may say “older women,” I’m choosing this to mean it’s affective for younger women as well.  And if you’re a gentleman out there, if I were you, I’d take it to include you too.  Because you know, we just can’t get enough coffee! ;)


Are you addicted to coffee too? 



Monday, January 2, 2012

Music Monday


I grew up on Country music.  This was before it was “popular.”  Country is all that my dad listens to so going home means that anytime we are in the car together, we’re listening to country.  I listen to a bit of country so it’s never bothered me, but there’s just something about hearing it when I’m in Illinois that just takes me back.  And I can’t help but feel a bit country if I’m driving in my dad’s pickup truck while listening to it...
Anyway, while I was home “I’m In a Hurry” by Alabama came on and I made a comment to my parents about how this song had been on country radio for years!  I remember listening to it as a kid, so talk about nostalgia.  It may not be new music; it may not even be the best music, but country music, especially this song, takes me back.

Do you have any music that takes you back to your childhood?

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Goals for 2012


Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's Eve and that 2012 brings you health and happiness!

Source
I don’t need a complicated crazy party to end the year and begin the next.  I didn’t do it last year and I didn’t miss it.  And I didn’t do it again this year and I’m still okay with it.
I’m a girl who is easy to please.  Last year all it took was a good night’s sleep and this year, I was happy with dinner and a movie.  Would I have loved to have been surrounded by my close friends when the clock stroke midnight?  Of course but sometimes simple just works.
I’m sure I’ve said numerous times but I’m not one to make resolutions but I will set goals for myself and for my next year.  They can be anywhere from something small and easy to something larger that will require more effort.  My goals for 2012 are no different.

GOALS for 2012:
-Complete an additional 30 days of yoga
-Complete Jamie Eason’s Live Fit 12-Week Trainer
-Complete a 10k (and with that complete my first race)
-Begin training for a 1/2 marathon (?)
-Read more (at least 1 book every 2 months)
-Learn to rest, especially when my body is begging for it
-Plan my next move (literally)
-Continue to build this blog and write as often as I can
-Continue to find my financial stability
-Continue to find and maintain a new level of happiness
-Work on not allowing certain people to bring me down
-Open up to the possibility of being hurt