Cancun Restaurant, Biddeford, Maine

Hi all and Happy New Year!


Last night for dinner, I met my family at Cancun restaurant in Biddeford on Adams Street. Cancun is a Mexican restaurant, duh.

As soon as we got there, we were given two baskets of chips with salsa. I was pretty proud of myself that I didnt eat any chips :) However, I did hear they were delicious- crispy & warm.

OMG she looks crazy in this picture. HAHA

For a drink, I opted for a refreshing glass of water :) I also drank some of my sisters HUGE (22 oz) Miller Light)

Her boyfriend Kevin got a margarita that was bigger than my head! I guess thats not saying much though- I do have a huge head. The margarita was just okay, everyone agreed with this.

We all also agreed that the atmosphere at Cancun was a little awkward- the lighting was off and the seating was cafeteria style. For my entree, I ordered the fish tacos. This is my favorite thing to order at Mexican restaurants.

I have had fish tacos several times and I would rate these a 6 out of 10. The fish was pretty unflavorful but everything else tasted fresh and delicious. The sour cream sauce on the side was delicious- as well as the fresh pico de gallo on top.

Anyway, I would reccomend Cancun if you live in Biddeford/Saco but it definitely isn't worth the drive for me.

I do have to say one of my FAVORITE fish taco recipe is by Rachael Ray. It is not your traditional recipe but it is delicious- make it :)

Tea Time

Since Thanksgiving, every trip to the grocery store/Wal-Mart/Target has ended in the tea aisle with me dissapointed, distraught and just down right confused.

I have been trying to hunt down the most delicious, inexpensive teas. I finally found them today and must have looked like a fool leaving the grocery store with a big smile on my face.

I had a pretty embarrassing conversation with the pre-pubescent (a.k.a awkward) cashier as well. It went something like this:

Me: "OMG, I have been looking for these teas everywhere! I finally found them and they were on sale! Isn't that sweet?!"

Him (avoiding eye contact at all costs): Oh. Cool.

Anyway, I didnt let that bother me. These teas are made by Celestial Seasonings and they make my heart warm.

Candy Cane Lane: Peppermint, decaf green, orange peel, natural vanilla
Sugar Plum Spice: My Favorite! Hibiscus, roasted chicory, rose hips, chamomile
Nutcracker Sweet: Black tea, natural cinnamon and vanilla

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Also, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two of the best guys I know! Thank you for all the laughs, advice (school loans ;) heh) and good memories!

Andrew's Dad!

My dad!

Recap of 2010 Continued

In June, Andrew and I started our own "deck Garden"!! Andrew surprised me one day on a trip to Risbara's Greenhouse in Portland. The owners were SUPER helpful and definitely didnt make us feel stupid for not knowing what we should plant.

In July, we celebrated the 4th of July with friends and homemade Sangria!

In August, I was a bridesmaid in Andrew's sister Mckenzie's wedding!! It was such a beautiful wedding- I don't think things could have gone any better for them!

Don't knock it 'til you try it..

This is seriously the best thing since sliced bread. 

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The spinach smoothie. As disgusting and weird as this sounds, you can't knock it 'til you try it. The spinach smoothie can be as simple or complicated as you wish. You can add blueberries, cinnamon, a dash of cocoa powder, etc.

However, you must know...
 if you truly want to mask the intense flavor of this healthy green machine leafy green, you need to add a 1/2 or whole banana! The banana's strong flavor covers up the spinach taste of spinachy spinach.

I chose a simple spinach smoothie today since I really just wanted to get some veggies in with my lunch and was too lazy to make a salad.

Spinach Smoothie
Serves 1

2 Cups Spinach
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Banana
Lemon Juice (Optional)
Ice

Blend spinach and milk until thoroughly blended. Add banana and ice until thoroughly blended. Serve immediately.

An easy way to get some spinach (loaded with antioxidants, low calories, multiple nutrients) into your diet with minimal effort. Cheers to your health!

Treadmill Work Out 1

45 Minute TreadMill Workout

MINUTES        INCLINE          SPEED
0-5                       3.0                         3.6             < Your Warm-Up

5-10                     1.0                          5.8

10-12                   1.0                          6.5

12-14                   1.0                         5.9

14-16                   1.0                          6.6

16-18                  1.0                           6.0

18-20                 1.0                          6.7

20-25                3.0                         5.6

25-27                1.0                         5.8

29-31                3.0                        5.8

31-33                1.0                         5.9

33-35               3.0                        5.8

35-37               1.0                         6.0

37-40              1.0                          5.0

40-45 (Cool-down Walk)

The only way I can get myself to stay on the Dreadmill Treadmill for any amount of time is if:

1. INTERVALS Mix it up baby! Play with the SPEED & the INCLINE the entire time. Challenge yourself to pick it up during...
2. FAST MUSIC/BUMPIN' BEATS I LOVE listening to Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Ke$ha, Black Eyed Peas, etc. Find what works for you and gets you to move your booty a little faster. It's fun to feel like your really staying on beat with the music while your running in your..
3. COMFY SNEAKERS AND CLOTHES- Treat yourself to some fancy running sneakers or a nice pair of running shorts that don't ride up. If your adjusting your clothes the whole time, you won't be able to concentrate on having a challenging and awesome work out!

Shorts are Gap brand and were 12 bucks! My sneakers are Brookes.. may have cost just tad bit more ;)

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Oh yea, wanted to show you guys my SWEET winter boots. If you don't live in the tropics, you NEED to find these. I've had them for 5 years and they don't disapoint this Mainer girl evahh.

Their North Face and they are my babies.

Ho ho ho Holidays



My dad with the maple whiskey I gave him :)

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday weekend :)

My goofy sister

This weekend was great- good family, good friends and good food.

Babes.

I definitely enjoyed a couple of these beers this weekend. Smuttynose Brewery is located in New Hampshire. All of their beers I have tried I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am not even a huge beer drinker. Try them out. I think this was my favorite label for sure.

Also, make this. It is a Poached pear trifle. It is to die for.

I'll get you the recipe. Made by my momma.



I got plenty of great presents this Christmas including: jewelry, work out shorts, sports bras, Celphalon pans :) (fancy I know!) and some other goodies. Two of my favorites:

This morning, I woke up and all I was craving was something a little more nutrionally sound than all the goodies I had this weekend. I wanted oats, but not the regular peanut butter oats I make. Something a little lighter.

1/2 Cup Oats
3 Dried Apricots, chopped
1/2 Cup Almond Milk

I microwaved the oats for 3 minutes. They were yummy. I felt great after eating them and not weighed down at all.  Instead of adding any honey or maple syrup, the dried apricots plumped up and sweetened the oats. I definitely don't think I need more sugar :)

The almond milk made the oats really creamy without adding many calories or added sugar. Have you tried it? 

Andrew made himself a breakfast that I must say needs documentation. Here is his plate piled high with an onion and cheese omelet, whole-grain quaker oat pancakes, and turkey bacon.

That boy can eat- but I must say he only ate one of the pancakes.

This week, I am going to focus on eating healthy, whole, natural foods and avoid sugar a wee bit. My body just seems off when I don't eat healthy - especially after this holiday weekend.

Also, I havnt really decided yet, but I might try to be vegetarian for a while. Since I have the food processor now, I know it won't be as hard to make protein filled vegetarian dishes. Veggie burgers and hummus come to mind as things I can make with the food processor.

Your thoughts?

I have the day off today so I am going to go to the gym. Have a great day!

Confession Time

I am one of those people who struggles with an "all or nothing" mentality. This mentality exists in many different aspects of my life- including my diet.

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I know I am not the only one. I've seen my friends do it too. Its so stupid.

The other day, I was having lunch at a restaurant with a friend. We both ordered big salads for lunch and drank water. At the end of the meal, the waiter came around with the dessert menu and my friend grabbed one and ordered something.

The dessert came. She ate it all.

Once we left, we were at the gas station and my friend bought some M & M's and proceeded to say "Well, I already ruined my day with the dessert. Might as well make it a bad eating day"

..Does this make any sense?
No, darn it. That's not how it should be. Eat one cookie, enjoy it and be mindful while eating it and move on with your day.

Somedays when I am upset about eating somethimg unhealthy, my boyfriend will say "get over it". Although, this may sound harsh- he is completely right. I need to not dwell on the fact that I enjoyed food.

The voice of Reason/HUGE goofball..love him :)

Over the past few months, I have been trying to rid my mind of this silly behavior. Although, sometimes I do slip back I have truly noticed a difference when I realize that one treat or one glass of wine doesnt mean I have to "blow it" and go all out.

"Alter the cycle by eating like a healthy human being instead of a sanitarium patient on a prescribed and monitored diet. Start with the resolve that you are finished with diets but you are willing to exercise some restraint. This is the middle path. It is not sexy and exciting, nor is it agonizing and dramatic. For this reason, it has never been widely popular in the "Hey, have we got something that works for you!" world of weight control. Nevertheless, it works."
-Victoria Moran, Author of "Fit from Within"

An Eggcellent Breakfast

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today started off with makin' some moolah. On Monday (or Tuesday) every week I have a cleaning job at a local restaurant. It pays well and its nice to feel like I accomplished something. I don't mind it.

Before work, I had a startling revelation in the breakfast world of my life.

I have always thought there was no breakfast more perfect than oats with a "whipped" banana and peanut butter. It keeps me full for hours, has your fruit/protein/healthy fat/healthy carbs, and of course, it taste like a little bit of heaven.

But, today those sweet oats have met their savory match.

I went out on a limb today with breakfast. I think you should do the same.

Savory Egg Oats
1/4 Cup Quaker Oats
1 Egg
Shredded Cheese
1 Slice turkey bacon, chopped

1. Cooks Oats for 2 minutes in microwave
2. Make egg over easy
3. Put over easy egg on top of oats
4. Sprinkle cheese and bacon
5. Squirt of ketchup and syrup optional

Has anyone ever tried a recipe like this before? Andrew wouldnt try it. He did have an egg sandwich though- I think this picture came out really well.

With my breakfast, I enjoyed some Trader Joe's Coffee.

Perfecto.

How to Save a Little Dough..

Instead of buying a tree, I have my Nutcracker Tree

Wrapping Paper is such a waste! Trader Joe's gives me free Wrapping Paper once a week.

Deals deal deals..$30 dollars total for these 2 Festive fashion DO'S!

I received free coffee at my work Christmas party..Delicious and local coffee too! Three bags of these babies :)

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How do you save a little cash during the holiday season?

Thai ME to Love ME- Bidd-fid, ME

Watch out Portland.

There's another Maine city with some culinary talent.

And that city is Biddeford, ME.

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Not really though- Portland obviously has nothin' to worry 'bout. But Biddeford really does have some great restaurants popping up. I ventured down to Thai Me on Saturday afternoon around 2.

We were seated immediately. I started my meal off with a big mug of ginger tea. As an unsweetened tea drinker gal, this tea was definitely sweetened up a bit - but I didnt mind. It was nice to sip on on a cold winter's day.

haha, he wasnt ready :)

For an appetizer, Andrew and I split the Godzilla roll (spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado, eel)- which definitely isnt the healthiest sushi but is fabulous and one of our favorites. The roll at Thai Me didnt dissapoint.

For my entree, I went with an old favorite-

 Vegetable Curry
Assorted vegetables and steamed tofu in red curry sauce. Sprinkled with basil leaves
Yum! So good. I could only finish about half- the portion was big. I was in curry heaven. I think this is the only thing I ever order at Thai restaurants..

Andrew went with
Chicken Pineapple
Sautéed chicken,with pineapple chunks, mushroom, snow peas, onions, scallions, and cashew nuts in brown sauce.

One of the hosts cleared Andrews plate and said "Wow, you eat rice FAST". It made me laugh. I am pretty sure that means Andrew liked his food too ;)
Thai Me was decorated really cute for the space. They had a splendid looking Christmas Tree for the Holidays and the staff was super friendly and nice.

I will definitely be back.

They also have a deal M-F 4:30-6 where sushi is 30% off! Woo Hooo!

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Have a great day!

Paying it Forward

Truth: I have been going to the gym consistently for the past 7-8 years.

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Fact: I still find myself baffled and overwhelmed sometimes when I go in there. What in the world should I do?! With so many options I have finally found a little rhythm to the rhyme in the past years.

Thanks to these two ladies:

Fitness Sista

Carrots N Cake

Both fitness/healthy living blogs have inspired me and have given me ideas for great work outs and recipes. Gina from Fitness Sista is a hard-core personal trainer with months and months of free personal training advice and routines. I suggest you check it out!

Tina from Carrots N Cake is an avid exerciser who really knows how to keep your workouts from getting boring at the gym!

Recap of 2010 for Me

Ringing in the New Year with Andrew at Sugarloaf on January 1.

Celebrating Andrew's 24th Birthday on January 14th

I made a steak and mashed potatoes Ellie Krieger style for my boo in February on Valentines :)

Traveling to St. John, U.S.V.I with my best friend in the world Greta in March! We got paid to lay on the beach (and watch 2 adorable kids) all day!

April was REGGAE FEST up at Sugarloaf. Day one started off with Bloody Mary's :)

May was GRADUATION for my undergrad! Yee haw- such a great day!

In May, I also moved back down to Southern, Maine where I share an apartment with my boyfriend :)

Day 3, I think! It was hard to unpack in 90 degree weather!

Thank God my parents gave us this cast iron pan! We literally had no kitchen ware :)




*Rest of the recap later..

The Case of the Missing Skittles

Blogging's one of those things that you think will come easily all the time- but some of the time it doesnt. Kind of like one of my "friends". She seems to have an issue of being too lazy to shave her legs every day. Blogging is kind of like that. You should do it, but sometimes it takes a little too much effort.. that you cant seem to find.

Anyway, Andrew and I made an amazingly magical and spectacular Gingerbread house. It was actually a graham cracker house- same thing right?

So, the next morning, we're both in the kitchen and we realize that every single skittle is gone off of our humble abode. I look at Andrew--did he wake up in the middle of the night and eat all the skittles?

Very likely.
He insists it was a mouse.

 Obviously, we are gona keep the gingerbread house- we invested about $30 bucks into it! There's just some cute little mouse traps that have been added to it. See?

Haha. Anyway, don't buy this salsa from Trader Joe's. So disapointing. Tasted like a burnt tomato mixed with rat poisin. Or something.
What you should try is this:

This coffee tastes like Christmas Day. It's a great way to wake up.

Another FAIL by Trader Joe's:

You might like these if you like mushy carrot filled veggie burgers.

Also, Trader Joe and I are fighting anyway. They overcharged me almost 10 dollah! I called though, and they were super nice. So we might be ok..
 Check your receipts people! I was overcharged at Trader Joe's and then at Old Navy just yesterday.

Oh yes! Portland, Maine: Go to Bayside Bowl. It is my favorite place ever!! AND last night they had free BEER for the first 100 people!! Clearly, I had to have a beer (or 3) if they were free.

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Anyway, have a great day!