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Hamptons Bachelorette Weekend

Posted on May 19, 2013 by StephSnacks | Leave a comment

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? I had a particularly fun Friday and Saturday because I went out to the Hamptons to celebrate my friend Ashley’s Bachelorette weekend. I took the day off from work on Friday and we arrived at our home for the weekend in the early afternoon. We had a lot of fun activities on the agenda! Bachelorette games, food, wine, a dinner at Little Red, and last but not least, a day of wine tasting complete with a hummer limo! I’d say the weekend was a success and a great kick-off to Summer.

Here are a bunch of pictures I took throughout the weekend — enjoy!

The bachelorette!

We made bachelorette wine glasses!

No shortage of Bridal movies

My dinner outfit!

Limo fun!

HEAVEN!!

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Posted in Alcohol, Beach, Dinner, Drinks, Eating Out, Food, Friends, Hamptons, Summer, Weekend, Wine

WIAW

Posted on May 15, 2013 by StephSnacks | 1 Comment

Well here we are for another WIAW! I’m pretty excited because tomorrow (Thursday) is the last day of my work week. I have a bachelorette party this weekend and leave Thursday night. But anyway, onto what I ate on Tuesddaaayyyyy..

Around 8:30 I had 2/3 cups of Trader Joes Bran Cereal with some berries, skim milk, and a drizzle of honey. I know this sounds like a pretty filling breakfast – but it wasn’t! Not for me, at least. I think from now on I will stick to my greek yogurt or egg white omelettes. Much more filling.

This was also one of the rare days that I had a snack between breakfast and lunch. I’m tellin’ ya, that cereal did nothing for me! So around 11:00, I had an un-pictured fat free greek yogurt.

For lunch, I packed a light and healthy salad. Baby spinach, some roasted turkey, pomegranate seeds, and avocado. It was really yummy! I think I will pack some crackers on the side next time, though.

Around 4:00, since I knew I would be working out at 6:00, I had a 110 calorie protein shake. I really like these shakes (I buy them at Trader Joes) because they’re low in calories and packed with protein–21 grams! However, I think I like the chocolate flavor better and will stick with it from now on.

Then, after a workout at the gym and some errands/running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I finally sat down around 8:30 for dinner.

Dinner included some roasted brussel sprouts, diced avocado, grape leaves, and some crackers.

So there you have it! Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

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Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Exercise, Food, Greek Yogurt, Lunch, Trader Joes, WIAW, Workout

Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture

Posted on May 12, 2013 by StephSnacks | 1 Comment

About a month ago, I received an invitation from the Museum of Natural History to check out one of their new exhibits, ‘Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture’. I was able to take advantage today, and am so glad that I took the time to meander around this exhibit. ‘Our Global Kitchen’ explored all aspects of food and the history of food; everything from ancient agriculture, to how food has evolved from the 1800′s to present day, to the different types of cuisines that are enjoyed around the world.

The Museum of Natural History’s website states that the exhibit answers the following questions:
-How does food reflect and influence culture and identity?
-What’s the role of human ingenuity in shaping food – past, present, and future?
-How does what we eat affect the planet?
-Why is the diversity of food important?
-What’s the role of food in human health?
-How does our sense of taste affect our food choices?

The entire exhibit included some amazing facts about food, agriculture, and how food will grow and be attainable in the future:

I also enjoyed the little displays that showed different farmland space and how the space differs from country to country:

There were a few great displays scattered throughout the exhibit – one which included an Aztec market and what it would have looked like.

And chocolate as money? Um, yum??

‘Our Global Kitchen’ also included a Whole Foods test kitchen which passed around different foods to test taste.

Oh, and have you ever wondered what Michael Phelps eats for breakfast?

Damn.

I am so grateful that the Museum of Natural History invited me to go see this exhibit – it was very eye-opening because living in New York City, I have access to basically any and every food; sushi, apples, salad, water, yogurt, you name it. But there are so many people out there who go hungry each day (which the exhibit also touched on), and so many areas in poverty. If you live in NYC or are planning a visit to the city, I would definitely recommend checking out ‘Our Global Kitchen’.

Thank you so very much to the Museum of Natural History!

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Posted in Food, Museum, Weekend

What I’m Loving Lately

Posted on May 10, 2013 by StephSnacks | 6 Comments

It’s been quite some time since I’ve typed up a ‘What I’m Loving Lately’ post, so here it goes!

1. New workout music — there is nothing like a great, motivating song to get you to actually want to go to the gym. Here’s a few of a my brand new favorites:
-Murder to Excellence; Jay z and Kanye West
-Hands Up in the Air; Timbaland ft. Neyo
-I Need Your Love; Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding
-The Other Side; Jason Derulo

2. All of the bridal showers/weddings/my sisters graduation coming up in the next few months! I have a lot to participate in and celebrate. I’m excited for my friends who are becoming new wives and my sister for completing her college education!

3. Purchasing new clothing for Spring and Summer. I’m still on the hunt for a few skirts and tops but I’m pretty much done!

4. Iced blueberry coffee from Dunkin Donuts

5. Walks and runs by the water before and/or after work.

6. Dying my hair soon! Thinking of this shade; what do you think?

7. Froyo <--but is that really lately or all the time?

8. Lavender mist on my pillow at night smells so light and pretty and helps me fall asleep!

9. The most recent book I read, 'The Glass Castle', amazing story based on real occurrences.

10. Sushi <-- please refer to comment from statement #7.

Have a great Friday, everyone!

Question of the Night: What are some things you are loving lately?

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Posted in coffee, Dunkin Donuts, Exercise, Family, Fashion, Favorite Things, Friends, Frozen Yogurt, Playlist, Shopping, Spring, Wedding, Workout Music

WIAW

Posted on May 8, 2013 by StephSnacks | Leave a comment

Hello, hello and welcome to another WIAW post! We are now half way through the week (thank God) and I couldn’t be more happy about it. I have a few things on the agenda for this weekend and I am anxiously awaiting to get there. Thank you as always to Jenn for hosting this shin-dig. Let’s get into my ‘Tuesday’ eats!

My picture of breakfast was quite shitty, but it tasted really good! So instead of showing you, I’ll tell you! I had egg whites scrambled with a little bit of fat free cream cheese and smoked salmon. On the side I had three grape leaves — I generally always have my egg whites with spinach and soy cheese, so I really enjoyed switching it up a bit. I ate this around 8:00 AM and was full until almost 1:00 when it was lunch time!

On Sunday night, I decided to cook up some 99% fat free ground turkey and add some peppers and onions into the mix. To top it off, I added a sprinkle of soy cheese and some Trader Joes Greek Yogurt Guacamole. Whoever lives near a Trader Joes must try this guac! Amazeballs!

I had a meeting at 4:00 so by 5:00 I was a bit hungry and craving a snack. I hardly ever do this, but I went to one of the ‘fruit shake’ stands on the street and got a ‘smoothie’ which simply consisted of banana, strawberries, and orange all blended up with ice. It sucked.

Dinner, which I ate around 7:30, included a frozen Trader Joes meal and half of an avocado sprinkled with sea salt and paprika. I’m a big fan of Trader Joes frozen meals — especially the Indian ones — but this dish in particular (something along the lines of chicken and veggies) wasn’t so great. Eh, ya win some ya lose some!

So nothing too exciting, but all relatively healthy

Question of the Day: Are you a guacamole fan? I could eat it every day!

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Posted in Dinner, Food, Health, Smoothie, Snack, Trader Joes, Weekend, WIAW

Two Years

Posted on May 5, 2013 by StephSnacks | 8 Comments

Guys! I completely forgot but as of last Thursday, I have officially been blogging for two years. TWO YEARS. I legitimately remember the first post I published, where I was, and how I was feeling prior to publishing that post. Truth be told, when I published that first post, I was definitely in a much better place prior to having started up StephSnacks, but I wasn’t where I am NOW. I have changed so much in two years, that I don’t even feel like the same person. Innately, I have the same sort of silly personality and dare I say charm — but there is so much about me physically and mentally that has changed over two years that has evolved into a place of content and acceptance.

I have changed the style of StephSnacks, the content of the blog, and have found my voice over the past two years. It’s not so easy to find your ‘writing voice’ and sometimes when I look back on those posts from two years ago, I laugh. I don’t laugh because of grammatical errors or anything like that, but it’s funny to see how much more truthful, blunt, and opinionated I am now versus when I was blogging in the Spring of 2011. A lot has happened that you have witnessed on this blog — moving to NYC, traveling to Milan for work, going to Aruba and Mexico, being very honest and very open about the eating disorder I went through, going out in NYC, and celebrating bridal showers, weddings, and the like. You’ve all been there every step of the way. And I am more appreciative than you probably know.

There has been the occasional thought that has crossed my mind of whether I want to keep the blog going anymore, if anyone is really even interested in my life (because it’s like everyone elses’ — boring sometimes, exciting at others), am I really helping anyone, am I really making a difference, an impact? Truth be told, I have made a difference in MY life with this blog — whether I realize or not.
I had the intentions of going into this blog trying to make it as big as possible – make it into something where everyone knew ‘StephSnacks’. My intentions were maybe wrong, and the reality of what the blog is is probably right. StephSnacks is a blog where I can show you the day to day realities of my life — the good and the bad, the fun I have in NYC, and the ways in which I grab bits and pieces of health into my every day chaotic, funny, and challenging lifestyle. We all struggle — I’m just not afraid to show you when I am or why I am.

Most importantly, my most favorite posts are those where I basically pour my heart out to you guys about what I went through during my ED. I felt like I owed these explanations and answers first and foremost to those around me. Like I said, when you have an ED, you think you’re fooling the world. You think no one knows that you only eat a certain amount a day, that you exercise to the point of exhaustion, and that your life is falling apart. I was so jaded and clouded during that time, that I literally thought I was fooling people — even when I had friends and family coming at me from every angle to see if I was okay. I basically didn’t give a shit and didn’t want to accept help from anyone.

I think, for this reason, is why I can never let go of StephSnacks — at least not right now. I feel like the honesty and truth I bring to the table is sometimes better than the honesty and truth you see out there (not to toot my own horn). I’m honest about the little nuances of what I went through, the dramatics of how it changed my life in terms of friends and family, how I feel present day, and how I had to let all of that go in order to move forward. It’s very difficult for people who haven’t been through an eating disorder to understand how it takes place and how it ferments and keeps going. I really wanted to make people understand how it can happen, why it happens, how it feels, and how it can get better. I felt and feel like maybe I can help.

The whole eating disorder was incredibly painful for my family – both immediate and extended – but I think that maybe it was the most difficult for my dad, I’m not sure. Maybe I’m assuming. But I think because he was a guy who loves to eat Doritos and drink martini’s, he couldn’t understand what the hell was happening. What did they do wrong? How did I get to such a low point? It is difficult for men to understand how much a woman scrutinizes herself and her body — so much so that she doesn’t even want to be who she is anymore. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t want to be me; I hated me.

The main outlets of confessions of eating disorders I have seen are basically those of celebrities. I do think what these people go through are real and the situation is traumatic — but they’re not the general public. They don’t have to face the day to day scrutiny from classmates or best friends, and they are able to afford to go to a clinic where they can get help 24/7. This wasn’t how it was for me because financially, I couldn’t go to an in-patient program. It must be harder on celebrities being that they are in the spotlight, but I wanted to tell my story from my point of view — from a girl who grew up in the suburbs, surrounded by a loving family and fabulous friends and had the whole world going for her. My eating disorder caught everyone, including myself, by surprise. How does the girl who seemingly has it all wind up with nothing? How does that happen?

I feel very far removed from my eating disorder past. I have no symptoms, no re-occurring insecurities, and I don’t fall into the trap of depriving myself. The years of getting better were long, exhausting, frustrating, and down right depressing. But I feel there has been a light at the end of that tunnel – which I think I have kind of found. It’s basically right now. I’m living my life, documenting it in true ways, experiencing happiness and triumphs, the pitfalls and how to deal with them — just living a ‘normal’ life of a girl in the city. I wasn’t sure that I would ever get back to this place – even when I started StephSnacks. I knew I’d move to the city, try to achieve my career
dreams, hope to meet an amazing guy, and lead the life I imagined. I’ve started doing all of that in the past year – and it’s a very nice, refreshing feeling.

So, when all is said and done, thank you for listening, reading, and participating with me throughout this journey. I have been humbled and astounded at the responses I have received. Here’s to another two years

-Steph

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Posted in Eating Out, Self-Esteem

Springin’ Around

Posted on May 2, 2013 by StephSnacks | 6 Comments

Spring has finally joined us here in New York City and I am absolutely loving this weather. Walking around with no jacket, running by the water before the work day begins, iced coffee, happy hours taking place outside – it’s amazing! Here are some pictures I took on my run this morning:

How gorgeous? And then this afternoon, I spotted these:

…On my way to purchasing this (um, yeah my head is chopped off):

I can’t be the only girl out there who sends pictures to friends/moms/sisters for approvals prior to purchasing any clothing. Please say you do, too?

I’ve also been enjoying playing kickball with my room mate – we have such a fun team and love going out after the games with everyone!

Me showing everyone what ‘getting that dirt off your shoulder’ really looks like

So, thus far, Spring has been treating me pretty well!

Question of the Night: What are some of your favorite things to do when the weather gets warmer? Mine would definitely be nights after work at the Bryant Park Bar, walking/running alongside the water, and going out at night without a jacket!

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Posted in Spring

WIAW

Posted on May 1, 2013 by StephSnacks | 6 Comments

Hello there and happy What I Ate Wednesday! I have definitely been slacking in the ‘let me show you what my meals have been’ department as of late – so this is the perfect opportunity to show you a few snapshots of what I have been eating over the past couple of days. It’s been the same type of cycle lately — cheats on the weekends and more vigilant during the week. It works for me and I never get bored. Thanks as always to Jenn for putting this party together each and every week!

Fresh pineapple – cleansing and delicious!

A sushi dinner with my dad – two simple rolls with brown rice and a piece of eel.

When I get lazy, I’ve discovered that Trader Joes Reduced Guilt Frozen meals are the shit. This one happened to be salmon with some sort of orzo. I think it clocked in at under 300 calories.

Two 45 calorie low carb wraps; one with low fat cream cheese and jam and the other with a bit of sunflower butter and a drizzle of honey. Fresh strawberries on the side!

My lunches have consisted of fresh spinach, ‘faux’ chicken (aka tofu strips from Trader Joes) and mixed peppers and onions. Really good and filling!

Nothing too exciting – but satisfying and healthy. Let’s see what happens when we get to the weekend though ;P hey, at least I am being honest!

Question of the Day: What do you usually have for dinner when you are being lazy? Or do you order out? Sushi is always my go-to.

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Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Eating Out, Food, Lunch, Nut Butter, Nutrition, Trader Joes, Weekend, WIAW

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

Posted on April 28, 2013 by StephSnacks | 2 Comments

Hey there! So it feels like it’s been quite a little while since I’ve been able to sit down and chat with you all, but to be frank, I’ve just been livin’! I’m the type of person whose go, go, go (which can be good and bad) so I have not had that much time to blog. My weekend was also non-stop and it all started on Friday night with a celebration for our friend Kristin’s 25th birthday. Welcome to the mid-twenties club, Kristin.

I was out until about 1:00 AM and then up at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning to get ready and take the train to New Jersey for my friend Ashley’s Bridal Shower. It was a very surreal and amazing experience to say the least. I have been to a couple bridal showers before, and it’s just a very crazy feeling to see how much we are all growing up and creating our lives. I was so happy for Ashley and her sister (who is also my friend) Jenn for pulling off such an elegant and beautiful party. Everything was so perfect.

Straight from the bridal shower, I hopped on another train to get to a different part of New Jersey to celebrate my friend Eva’s birthday. We went out for dinner where I had scallops (they were so good!) and out for ~~quite a few~~ some drinks afterwards.

Today was filled with some shopping, food shopping, gettin mah nails did, and then getting some stuff ready for the week. I’m pretty freaking exhausted, so my bed is calling me. My weekend consisted of zero exercise, so I want to get to the gym tomorrow morning bright and early!

Have a great night everyone!

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Posted in Alcohol, Birthday, Drinks, Eating Out, Exercise, Food, Friends, Memories, Night Life, Wedding, Weekend, Workout

Compliment Yourself

Posted on April 24, 2013 by StephSnacks | 3 Comments

Hey there, everyone – we are more than halfway through the week! It sure does feel good to be able to say goodbye to Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I am so glad that my last post was able to touch some of you. It can take a long time to finally accept the person you are and the person you have always been meant to be, but once you do, it’s almost as if a weight is lifted. A challenge for you; each time you say something negative about yourself, say something positive, too. Get into the habit of complimenting yourself once you’ve criticized yourself. I figure since we talk down to ourselves way too often, we should try to reverse it and undo the damage if possible.

And now, because I had a docotors appointment at 7:00 AM, had a full day of work, went to the gym, and just got back from kickball with my friends, I am too tired to write a full post. So of course, this is where Pinterest comes in and does the talking for me. Enjoy your night! ALSO – in the comment section, please tell me one thing that you like about yourself! Don’t be shy.