New Glasses

I've been wanting new glasses for a couple years now, but since my insurance only covers either contacts or glasses once a year, I've just been opting for contacts. I've considered splurging on glasses but of course I lust over all the expensive designer frames, so after you add prescription lenses I'm easily looking at a $300+ dent in my pocket. Enter SpexClub.com. They have tons of super cute options to choose from, a virtual mirror that allows you to try out your choices, and each pair is only $88 including your prescription! My glasses were on my doorstep in about 2 weeks and I'm really happy with them!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Last night it occurred to me that we are almost halfway through October and I haven't consumed anything with pumpkin yet! I wanted to feel festive with a yummy smelling apartment and treats to share with co-workers but I didn't want to spend hours in a hot kitchen since the fall weather hasn't exactly found it's way to LA yet. Enter the easiest muffin recipe ever:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 15oz can of pumpkin
• Mix well, drop in lined muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 (yields 12)

That's it! They were a hit at work and I was impressed with how moist they were, but next time I definitely think I'll experiment with adding chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a bit of a crumb topping. The best part is that these are pretty healthy since there is no need to add oil, butter, or eggs. I'll definitely be making these again before the season is over. What are your favorite sweets for Fall?

TX

I'm heading to Texas again this weekend and I guess my Mom figured it would be a good time to hand down these babies. She had the red and turquoise pairs made years ago and they fit like a glove! The middle pair are extra special to me because my Grandma (who was a feisty Texan herself) wanted me to have them when she passed away. I'm not exactly sure why, but I have a feeling it's because she always said I was the 'sassiest' of the 3 grand daughters, and she knew I'd make her proud in her boots.

I'm really looking forward to a quick weekend away and the Texas State Fair which of course means tons of yummy food, beer, and live music.

Fitness

It occurred to me recently that here on my blog I rarely ever discuss something that I consider a significant element of my lifestyle. Fitness. I've been pretty active since I ran track in high school, but after college I found that I had a lot more time to make exercise more of a priority. The last few months I've been doing a combination of kickboxing and yoga 4-5 times a week and I've been feeling amazing. The intensity of the kickboxing has also motivated me to clean up my diet a bit because I notice a huge difference in my energy level and ability to keep up with the fast paced, high impact classes when I have better fuel in my system.

The yoga is of course a slower paced routine that provides flexibility, strength, and a number of other physical benefits, but it also gives me mental clarity. At the beginning of every class we set an intention; either something we want to work to improve and motivate us through the class, or something we want to let go of that is effecting our lives. Another huge benefit of the classes is the fact that they are heated 95-105 degrees so we sweat out all kinds of toxins that do damage to our bodies over time.

I'm going to try to incorporate fitness and exercise into more of my posts because most people who know me well know that when I have free time, exercising is something I really enjoy. What are your favorite/most beneficial forms of exercise?

photos via

Homemade Pesto

Last Friday I bought a basil plant at Trader Joes and decided there was obviously no better way to utilize my new purchase than with homemade pesto. This delicious recipe yielded plenty of pesto for paninis with friends, and a creamy pesto shrimp pasta dish with leftovers that I'm still working on finishing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese

Directions

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor (I used the magic bullet)  and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.

Fall Lust List

Fall is on it's way and although it rarely gets much below 70 dgrees here in LA, I'm looking forward to chunky sweaters, boots, maxis, and fun fall shades of denim. Here are some items on my lust list. Click on the set for more details. What are your must haves for Fall?

Spicy Sausage and Peppers Over Rice

Last week I made this  hearty (but healthy) recipe and dined out on the patio to enjoy one of the last few nights of summer. I used a whole package of turkey kielbasa, added red bell pepper, skipped the pimento, and used white onion instead of red, but I think this recipe is a hit with or without my adjustments!

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water (I used chicken broth as usual)
• 2 turkey sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic*, or to taste
• 3/4 red onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons diced pimento
• crushed red pepper flakes to taste
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Pour brown rice and water into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 40 minutes.
2. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey sausage, and cook until well browned on the outside, and no longer pink on the inside. Remove cooked sausage, then stir in garlic and onion. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and begins to turn translucent. Add green pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in half of the vegetable stock along with the tomatoes and pimiento. Season to taste with red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, and pepper. Cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. Stir in sausage with remaining vegetable broth, and simmer until all is hot. Serve sausage mixture over brown rice.               

* By the way, have you seen this ?? I just think these are the coolest little contraptions (since I despise mincing garlic.)