A safe house is not always appropriate for a baby…

CarrieLeave a comment

Yesterday I went to a matinee with my parents after a stop to Famous Dave’s for lunch of course (the St. Louis style ribs are the best you can find in south jersey). We went to the 1:20 showing of Safe House.  Usually when I go to a matinee, I find that there are usually only about 15 other people in the theater with us.  Today was a bit different.  The movie theater was moderately filled this time.  I guess Denzel Washington is a big draw for some people.  I take into account that it was the first day it was released as well.

I never thought I would ever be sitting next to a 18-month year old in a booster seat in a rated R movie.  Well yesterday I was proven wrong.  I now realize why our county is as regulated as it is.  It’s because there are ridiculous people like these parents that think it is appropriate to take a tiny tot to the movies because you can’t find a babysitter.  Every time the gunshots went off in the plotless movie, all i could think about was the child’s eardrums bursting in the seat next to me.  After viewing this movie, I am not only worried about Denzel’s reputation, but I worry about people’s parenting decisions.  So when you are trying to decide wether or not to see Safe House, I’d say just stay home and watch Man on Fire instead (now on Demand through Cinemax).  But if you do decide to go, please leave the children behind at home with a responsible adult.

Five Things

Sadie1 Comment

I’m doing to improve my diet.

1.  Drink more water.  This is a goal I always have in mind, but I’m not always good about it.  I want to keep a water bottle with me at all times so I always have the option.  It will keep me hydrated and make me less hungry throughout the day.

2.  Minimize sugar.  I used to be a salty rather than sweet girl, but for some reason when I went on a serious (and effective) diet a few years ago, my cravings switched from salty to sweet.  But I know that sugar is addictive, and it’s not doing much for me in terms of nutrition.  My goal is to eat things to fuel my body, and too much sugar slows me down.  I’m cutting back on baking in my house to minimize temptation, and keeping an eye on the grams of sugar in the packaged foods I eat like yogurt, snack bars, and cereal.

3. Focus on protein.  I work out every day, so I need protein to help build and maintain my muscles.  Plus protein is supposed to keep your stomach satisfied for longer than carbs.  As I build and tone muscle, my hope is that the fat will burn off.  I want to be a lean mean fitness machine again!

4. Fill up on vegetables.  I love vegetables and we all know they’re healthy, but sometimes they’re problematic for me because they aren’t always as quick and easy as a packaged snack, or they go bad in my fridge before I can enjoy them.  The great thing about veggies is that they’re so low in calories, so there’s minimal guilt.  I just need to remember to put in the extra effort to keep them available and ready to eat in my house, and grab them first before I move onto other less nutritional options.

5.  Stop rationalizing bad choices!  This is probably my biggest challenge when it comes to my diet. I need to be able to eat a correct portion rather than always cleaning my plate.  If I go out to eat with my brothers I can’t go course for course with them, we do not have the same metabolism or nutritional needs.  If I have a good day or a bad day, I don’t need a cookie!

I’m no expert but these are just some of my goals based on the large array of reading I’ve done about nutrition.  Last year was a bad year for me when it came to my weight.  I rapidly gained back the large amount of weight I was previously so proud of losing.  I am not happy to be back to the drawing board, but my recent mantra is: progress, not perfection.  I loved the confidence boost of losing weight and getting in shape when I did it the first time, so hopefully I will experience that again, and maintain it!

I wish Miss Shirley was my neighbor…

CarrieLeave a comment

This weekend I visited Kylie, a sorority sister from college.  Kylie and I have many things in common but the most important thing is that we both have a great appreciation for food.  When I make the trip down to her residence in Bowie, Kylie and her husband always take me out to the best “foodie” places.  Once on a trip into DC they took me to Marvin’s Bistro and Bar (I had the most delicious shrimp and grits) and the Gibson (where they served the most delicious fizzy drinks).  This time Kylie and her husband took me into Annapolis for the most amazing brunch ever!

Let me tell you about Miss Shirley’s.  It looks like a regular restaurant on the inside.  Nothing in the decor really sticks out but right away you can tell that there is something different in the air.  When you look around the room, there are only smiling faces.  The customers waiting for a table look happy and even the staff look happy to be at work.  Well no wonder!  I’m sure they love reaping the benefit of being around comfort food.  Everything on the menu sounded scrumptious.  And believe me it just wasn’t the well-thought out description.  There was proof in the pudding when I tasted my meal.  I had a southern classic of chicken and waffles.  If you’re ever in the Baltimore/Annapolis area you have to check it out!

Benne Seed Fried Boneless Breast of Chicken Pieces & a Honey-Mustard Aioli Drizzle on White Cheddar-Green Onion Waffles with Peppadew-Jalapeno Butter