The Simple Things: A to Z

The Simple Things: A to Z

A – Achievement because it’s important

B – Beer. Gotta love different flavors

C – Cheers to a great future

D – Dogs because they’re awesome

E – Exercise because it’s great

F – Freedom in America

G – God (Enough stated)

H – House because mine is fun

I – I love you, three huge words!

J – Joking because it’s what I like

K – Kittens because they are so cool!

L – Lauren, my sister who is 27 years old

M – My mother who raised me well

N – Nature, which is awesome

O – Orange because it’s bright and cheerful

P – Pillows that are fluffy

Q – Quit never because that’s what it is

R – Roller Coasters which are great

S – Simple because sometimes that’s how it works

T – Travel, which is such a great time

U – Universe because it’s where we are

V – Vitamins because they’re healthy

W – Wonderful

X – X-rays, which suck

Y – You

Z – Zebra print which is awesome

Here’s a photo from my sister’s wedding- I’m the third person beginning from the left. It was a great time 🙂

 

Have a great rest of your weekend!!!

 

Paul Revere Museum, Eggplant Parmesean, and Vodka Cupcakes

Hey there!!

So far my move has been fine. It’s been a little over two months and I’m settled in and am planning on purchasing a desk, posters, and more outfits. I’d like more sport outfits, shoes, tank tops, jeans, and long sleeve tops eventually.

Last weekend, my parents visited and we went to the Paul Revere museum in Boston.

Paul Revere’s Kitchen Table

Paul Revere’s House

After the Paul Revere museum, we had an early dinner at Billy Tso’s Restaurant. I ordered Vegetable Tempora for the first time. Upon returning to my new house, we had an early birthday celebration with cake and presents:

Birthday Cake

From Dream Cakes Bakery and it was delicious. This weekend I decided to make Eggplant Parmesan.

Eggplant Parmesan (Serves 2)

Homemade Eggplant Parm

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• spices: oregano and basil, to taste
• olive oil, to taste

Directions:

1. Place olive oil on a baking sheet. Slice eggplant and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping each piece over
2. While the eggplant is baking, mix the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with the spices
3. Top the eggplant with the cheese mixture
4. Top the eggplant and cheese mixture with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and bake for another 10 minutes. Other options include to add breadcrumbs to the Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil.

I made Vodka Cupcakes as well, adapted from Cosmopolitan Magazine (for my upcoming birthday).

Vodka Cupcakes

Have a great week!

-Michelle

“I’m All Yours” by Jay Sean and Pitbull plus Healthy Triple Chocolate-Chip Pumpkin Brownies!

There is so much good music out there! I love listening to One Direction, Carrie Underwood, David Guetta, Eminem, Linkin Park, Usher, B.o.B, and more.

Song of the Day: Here’s a new music video that’s pretty good:

Check out these:

 

Healthy Triple Chocolate-Chip Pumpkin Brownies!

Ingredients:

Liquid:

• 1 cup pumpkin
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola, coconut, etc.)
• 1 T vanilla extract
• ¼ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup milk

Dry:

• 1 cup flour (spelt, whole wheat, etc.)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1.5 cups chocolate chips- including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate

Note: other options for the chocolate chips include peanut-butter chocolate chips or any flavor of choice!

Directions:

1. Mix wet ingredients
2. Mix dry ingredients
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients together
4. Place brownie batter in a pan
5. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked

Top with marshmellow or whatever your heart desires!

Have a good great one

Rove the Cove 5k

My day began with my alarm going off approximately 8:00 a.m. I quickly got ready for the race and drove to the race park with my new roommate, Eden.

Our pre-race morning included registering, getting t-shirts, having performance power bars, and warming up.

The race was supposed to begin at 9:30 a.m., however it didn’t start until 9:45 am. I ran the 5k course in 23:12 and was the 23 overall runner out of 137 runners. I placed 5^th among all female runners at the race.

Afterwards, we enjoyed participating in a raffle and I won a 50 dollar gift certificate to a dentist office while my roommate won free pizza!

The weather was beautiful and was glad that I decided to participate in Rove the Cove 5k.

Afterwards, we enjoyed Tropical smoothies.

Tropical Smoothie for Two

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed fruit such as pineapple, mango, and oranges
• 1 scoop protein powder or 8 oz greek yogurt
• ¾ cup milk
• sweetener such as agave
• 2 refrigerated bananas
• optional: whipped topping and a cherry

Directions: Blend everything and then top with whipped topping

Have an excellent week

Sunday and a Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

It’s been almost a year since I’ve updated my main page and have officially decided to start blogging again! I’ve been updating my daily update log, however stay in tune for an update on About me and some terrific recipes!

This morning I am returning to school by Boston, with my mom. Today is the last day of Spring break.

Early this morning after packing, I made us both Strawberry-banana smoothies

These smoothies takes five minutes to make and are an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal, which are my three favorite adjectives to create a quick, satisfying to-go meal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Serves 2.

• 2 cups non-dairy milk
• 2 frozen banana
• 1-2 scoops protein powder
• vanilla extract
• sweeter  to taste such as agave, honey, nunaturals, or sugar

Some optional food to add to this recipe includes coconut butter or shreds, another fruit such as mangos and peaches, and fruit-juice such as orange juice

I would definitely recommend adding some delicious toppings to the smoothie such as a scoop of non-dairy (or regular) ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite sprinkles, all topped with Marcello cherries!

Directions: Blend everything, then add toppings.

Enjoy at work, in car rides, and watching TV!

Have a great day

-Michelle AKA Chocolate-Coated Runner

5k Race and Summer time!

Today I received first place for my age group in a local 5k race. 

The race included:

• An award ceremony
• Bagels, fruit, and drinks
• T-shirts
• Massages
• Tables with raffles to enter

I received a metal and a gift certificate to a sports store.

Thursday I came home from my third year college! I am so excited because I am moving into an apartment near my hometown for the first time in my ! 

I’ve never lived on my own before, so this is going to be quite an experience. I can’t wait, and I am going to learn so much about myself and life in general. I live on my own at school, so I have some experience with living without family, but there aren’t going to be other college students around me like they are at school.

While I was packing to come home from school the other day, I was listening to Rascal Flatts and really enjoyed their song, “Bless The Broken Road.” Here are the lyrics that really got to me in a good way, “But now I’m just rolling home into my lover’s arms, This much I know is true, That God blessed the broken road, That led me straight to you,” I love this quote!

My workout Thursday included a 3 mile tempo run, 20 minutes on the tread-climber, 15 minutes weight-machines, and 10 minutes ab-exercises. It was a great workout and I finished up the last few hours of my Junior year with this workout. The next time that I go to this particular gym will be at the end of this summer!

This summer I am going to:

• keep up with my daily workouts
• work a lot
• take summer university courses including ‘American Politics’ and ‘Law and Society’
• hang out with my boyfriend, friends, and family
• tan by the poolside
• cook up some meals
• continue to blog

What are your plans for this summer?

College is almost over

Today’s workout included a tempo run in the morning of 2 miles (with a 1 minute walk in between the miles) followed by 20 minutes weight-training. After classes, I decided to complete my morning workout with a 30 minute tread-climber workout and complete some more weight-training. I like working out twice a day, and I especially like running twice a day or completing my workout it all at once. In any case, these all work for me.

Yesterday’s workout included between a 3 to 4 mile run (at the track) followed up by 20 minutes on the elliptical and then 20 minutes Pilates. I incorporated calf raises, butterfly crunches, planks (front & side), and certain yoga poses as well. My run felt great, especially since it was after a rest day.

My Junior year of college is almost over. Time is flying by and I don’t want it to end!  It’s just a great experience and I’m learning so much, but there are some benefits of living at home:

-I like running outside much more at home

-I can play with my cat, Athena or Kitty (Athena is her nickname)

-Cooking and baking is possible (enough said)

-I can also use a blender (protein shakes!) and the toaster oven

-Rob lives close by so I can see him everyday

-My car is available for transportation (I don’t keep it on-campus)

-Laundry is easier to complete and less money

-I will be able to read magazines and newspapers when they arrive (instead of at a later time)

That pretty much sums it up.

Breakfast

Serves 1. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Dried Fruit, Nuts, and Yogurt bowl

Yogurt with Dried Fruits and Nuts!

Ingredients:

1 cup greek yogurt

a handful of dry fruit, about 1/3 cup

a handful or 1/4 cup salted nuts, any kind (unsalted is fine too, I used mixed cinnamin-sugar nuts)

2 T honey or agave

optional: freeze-dried fruit and/or nut butter

Directions: Mix it all up and enjoy!

What movies have you watched lately?

Some movies and shows that me and Rob watched included A Walk to Remember starring Mandy Moore and Paranormal Activity 2 (freaky!). We also enjoyed Sex and the City episodes and part of Iron Man.

Post-Workout Snack: Lettuce with peppers, cucumbers, and salad dressing

Have an awesome Wednesday everyone!

This week

Easter Sunday: do you celebrate Easter? What did you do?

I hung out with no one my boyfriend Rob. We watched movies, went to a few destinations, and relaxed together.

What have you learned about yourself this week? I learn something new everyday.

This week I learned quite a few things about myself-

1) I love focusing and concentrating on something that I enjoy, such as running or paying attention to a particular subject in class, such as technology and how it affects us deeply

2) I enjoy running in the mornings and then a short one in the evening. My boyfriend gave me this idea as it was a beautiful day outside and he insisted that I should go on another run

3) I love working. The best part is that you are making money while it can be fun at times and therefore feel great

4) I’ve come to the decision that I definitely want to be a lawyer and attend law school after I graduate undergraduate school

5) I like peppers in salads

6) I like mixed-nuts in oatmeal and yogurt

As you can see, some of these points are WAY more important than others, such as becoming a lawyer v.s. peppers in salads! However, each one serves an importance in my life because it is something new that I learned that I like which leads to a better life!

Anyway, let us go on a date with:

PB-Banana-Date Oatmeal

So simple yet delicious.

Delicious Oats 'n Fruit 'n Nuts!

Ingredients

1 or 2 servings oatmeal

1 banana, sliced

A handful of dates or 1/4 cup

1 T agave nectar or maple syrup (I used maple syrup)

2 tablespoons peanut butter (you can try subbing almond or sunflower butter)

Yummy!!!

Directions: Prepare oatmeal, add mix-ins, enjoy!

Nutritional Information about this healthy dish:

-Banana and dates add potassium which keeps the organs healthy and is associated with sodium

-Peanut butter has omega-3 which are great for your skin tone

-Oatmeal has fiber which aids in digestion

-Dates contain iron and are even nourishment for muscle development

Some great benefits of potassium found in this dish include:

• “Heart and Kidney Disorders: The health benefits of potassium ensure good health for heart as well as kidneys. It plays an irreplaceable role in regulating the functions of potassium. Apart from this, this mineral assists kidneys to remove waste by the process of excretion. However, it is strictly advisable to consult your doctor to get recommendations about dosage.
• Water Balance: Potassium has another significant role to play in maintaining the desirable water balance in human body. There are different types of cells, which require having proper water balance for proper functioning and potassium aids these cells in regulating this balance.
• Electrolyte: Potassium plays the significant role as an electrolyte in human body. It helps in regulating the level of fluids in human body and thus performs a number of critical body functions.Nervous System: Potassium helps in boosting the spirit of nerve reflexes to transmit message from one body part to another. This in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform various activities every day.”

(source)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (starting today!)

Sincerely,

Chocolate-Coated Runner aka Michelle Alexandra

Almost the Weekend!

Hope everyone had a great week! Mine is busy, as usual. My week included working, going to class, running/working out, completing homework assignments, getting together for group projects & presentations, washing/drying/folding & putting away laundry, talking on the phone, etc.

What did you do this week so far? 

Chocolatey creamy yumminess

Chocolate-Coated-Smoothie Bowl (vegan)

Ingredients:

-1 cup vanilla (or chocolate) almond milk

-1 scoop vanilla protein powder

-2 tsp cocoa powder

-1 to 1.5 frozen or refridgerated bananas

-1 T agave nectar

-a few baby spinach leaves

-5 or 6 ice cubes

-optional: chocolate chips and/or peanut butter

possible substitutions:

• coconut milk instead of almond milk
• soymilk instead of almond milk
• chocolate protein powder intead of the vanilla protein/cocoa powder
• coconut butter/ almond butter instead of peanut butter

chocolate bowl

Directions: Blend everything together and enjoy 🙂

What i your favorite smoothie recipe?

This recipe that I made (based off others) is one of my favs!

Have an awesome Friday,

Michelle Alexandra

Weekend.

Today’s Sunday.

(Post written on Friday evening day)

Does anyone know someone who’s running the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18 (Patriot’s day)? Some folks that I know enjoy watching it, and I am going to try to run it one day! Last year, I completed the NYC half marathon at a reasonable time.

This week for me included class, loads of homework assignments, work, and just being very busy with school and other things.

My work-job (outside of class and homework) for this semester includes making professional phone calls to Alumni people from my school who would like to participate in the University’s Annual Fund. The money that they donate goes forwards scholarships, grants, and it contributes to the University’s overall academics. I’ve had some people contribute pledges for the school during the Phonation and met some new people.

Tonight includes taking the bus back to my hometown to see my family and boyfriend. There was some bus-trouble as the bus that I was taking did not show up, so now I am taking different buses and it is going to take twice as long. The things I do for love! lol

What things have you done for love?

Along with the bus change, the person next to me was snoring (pet peeve!) and another person that I sat next to was rude as she had her belongings in front of my legs, declined to move them, and her feet on the seat. Luckily, there was another seat open that I could move to!

Kiwi-Peach Yogurt Bowl

Serves 1.

Colorful Fruits n yogurt bowl

Ingredients

-Kiwi, sliced

-Sliced Peaches, 1 serving

-Yogurt, 1 cup  (I used Greek)

-Agave or maple syrup, to taste

-Dried Bananas chips, 1/2 cup

-Optional: Freeze-dried strawberries, coconut butter or shreds, peanut butter, and any other fruit.

Directions: 

Place everything in a desired bowl of choice. Enjoy!

As a runner, I tend to get hungry, yet I like to eat healthy so I thought ‘d share some of the healthy stuff that I eat with you guys!

HEALTHY SNACK CHOICES

-Fruit and yogurt (granola can be added as well)

-Protein bars, served with nut-butter and milk

-Bagels with nutbutter

-Oatmeal with maple-syrup/nutbutter

-Healthy baked goods such as a chocolate cupcake

I’ll update soon!

-Michelle Alexandra