::update:&:chunky:knits::

So I think I have been doing pretty good on my diet so far...other then the wine consumption. Tonight I don't plan on having any and just subbing it with some pumpkin chai tea from David's Tea. 

I have yet to try any of them - remember a little while ago I posted about the Fall collection? Once I do try some of them I will definitely fill you in on what I think. 

Tonight I will be going to the gym the first time in like...a year! It's craziness...I will go right after work {brought my trusty gym bag and clothes} and will probably hit up the elliptical first. 

Of course I can't find my sports bra's anywhere after renovating the apartment and I will have to be a teensy bit more careful with my workouts. Lol. 

I'll probably just have to go and buy another one if I can't find them anywhere...which is quite possible. I threw out so many clothes I don't even remember what I kept or did throw out. Whoops!

So I am a bit excited but nervous at the same time. I always used to go to the gym with my boyfriend so I got that extra support from him when I wasn't feelin' it. I just hope he's proud of the work that I am going to put into myself getting healthier. 

I have already lost 2 pounds since Sunday so that is a bonus! I just gotta remember that it is 70% nutrition and 30% exercise. So I can't eat $hite and work out - it doesn't work that way. 

I will probably end up doing the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels on Thursday so that my bf and I don't miss the Leaf game. :P So this is my update on my fitness/health/weight loss goals. I'll keep posting from time to time with more information. 

Hope everyone is having a lovely Tuesday so far - new magazine day! And here we have another editorial for you. :)

Terese Pagh by Eric Guillemain for L’Officiel Paris November 2011.

-S.*

::omega:love::

Ouch. 

We are watching the Leaf game and Chris Pronger of the Philidelphia Flyers just got hit in the face with a hockey stick by Mikhail Grabovski {one of my favorite Leafs}. Now no one wants to get hit in the face with a hockey stick...especially when it's one of the best players on the opposing team {do you see how fast those pucks go, btw??} BUT...Chris Pronger was SCREAMING as he got off the ice. This was disconcerting...it was worrying...it was just plain scary. The arena was so quiet...no one knew what was going on. Especially since you have to figure it out by watching the replay. 

I just hope Pronger is okay. I know Grabovski didn't do it on purpose {obviously} but it was just a tad heart-wrenching...

I am sitting here with my kittycat, boyfriend, glass of wine and Leaf game...window open, cold air coming in, brand new bedroom set just calling my name. 

Which I should probably post a picture of...to show you all how gorgeous our place is having cleaning all the crap out from it. Lol. 

I had a great weekend, it just went by so fast...it was hilarious too...lots of laughing. I love laughter-filled days...there was a boyfriend's fambam get together where I did an amazing impression of Drita from Mob Wives that had everyone in completely stitches...or so I thought, there were ample amounts of alcohol involved.

Saturday was super freakin' lazy. In bed for most of the day, watching Mob Wives and other shows, boyfriend & chichi napped, then there was some PS3 and Leaf game...where we won...against the Habs. ;) Sister won't like that one. Lol.

Sunday was even more laziness...lots of PS3...lots of eating...lots of cat and boyfriend cuddling together {even though he won't admit it, lol!}. 

I just want to keep you all posted that the kitty is doing so much better. I stopped his medicine and he is eating on his own which is amazing! He is still super skinny but he seems to be so much better. 

Anyways - I shall post a recipe right now. 

Soon I shall be going to bed. ;) 

Bon Appetit!

Roasted Salmon with White-Wine Sauce

Salmon is versatile, ultra heart-healthy superfood, and its preparation possibilities are endless. Here, a skinless roasted fillet creates a simple but swanky dinner when paired with steamed potatoes with thyme and sauteed mixed mushrooms. 

Everyday Food, January/February 2008

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large skinless salmon fillet {1-1/2 pounds}

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions

Preheat over to 450 degrees. Place salmon on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Roast until opaque throughout, about 15 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add flour, and cook, whisking, 1 minute. Add wine, and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook until liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in chives; season with salt and pepper. With a form, gently break salmon into large chunks, and serve topped with white-wine sauce. 

Simple and delicious. 

Not to mention healthy. 

Hope everyone is having a great Monday night. I am ready to hit the hay and forget about this nauseous filled Monday too and have a fabulous Tuesday. :) 

-S.*

::fae::

 Vlada Roslyakova by Lina Scheynius for Numéro Tokyo.

-S.*

::saucy::

In the city where I live we have a dozen hidden gems scattered throughout town that offer some amazing food. Some restaurants that were even featured on shows such as Restaurant Makeover on Food Network. 

There is a great place though that my parents found when I was growing up. 

They have some of the best Greek food ever. And I'm not even kidding. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. 

I haven't gone there in a long time but would love to go sometime this weekend. 

They also have some of the best tzatziki sauce I have ever tasted.

This next recipe isn't from the restaurant but wanted to share with you anyway. I am going to try this recipe and see how it turns out. Hopefully it tastes exactly like the one I am so used to. Can't be that hard. ;)

Bon Appetit!

Tzatziki Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Serena Palumbo {Next FoodNetwork Star}

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Level: Easy

Ingredients

1 small cucumber, grated

Bunch fresh mint, leaves finely chopped

Bunch fresh dill, leaves finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

Kosher salt

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the cucumber, mint, dill, lemon zest, and yogurt. Season with salt, to taste, and serve.

I think that was one of the shortest recipes I've ever posted! Lol. 

Let's hope it's a good one as well.

-S.*

::photo:of:the:day::

Elsa Sednaoui by Ali Mahdavi for Vogue Russia October 2011.

-S.*

{Source: Stereo_Flo @ TFS}

::a:healthy:comfort::

Found this recipe on the My Recipes website. It looks delicious! I think I might tweak it a little bit here and there. Omit some of the stuff I don't like. But all in all it sounds like a fantastic idea! As well as super simple to make! 

I read the reviews as well and some say that it was a tad bland so adjust your soup accordingly. :)

Bon Appetit!

Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup with Chicken

Add sliced whole wheat French bread and mixed salad greens to complete the menu. 

Yield: 4 servings {serving size: 1-1/2 cups}
Calories: 281 per serving

Ingredients

4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 {2.75-ounce} package quick-cooking wild rice {such as Gourmet House}
1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup prechopped onion

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/3 cup matchstick-cut carrots

1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon butter

2 {4-ounce} packages presliced exotic mushroom blend {such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster}

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. Bring 1-1/3 cups broth to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice to pan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Set aside. 

2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and next 4 ingredients {through thyme} to pan; saute 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in butter and mushrooms; saute 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add remaining 2-2/3 cups broth, rice, chicken, salt, and pepper to pan; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. 

Definitely a recipe that I will be making whilst on my diet journey starting next week. It's quick, easy and very healthy. 

I would probably use more fresh ingredients even though it may take a little more time. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday so far. 

-S.*

{Source: Martha Condra, Cooking Light, November 2008}