Yep, I Made It: Ch-Ch-Chicken Meatballs!

Hello!

I always find myself wracking my brain when trying to come up with a versatile meal idea, where I have the option of freezing so it can be just as good if used within a week.  Then…meatballs came to mind!

Meatballs are super easy to make – just mix, shape and cook.  They’re also pretty simple to adjust just so they are a wee bit healthier.

In the recipe below, I’ve replaced beef with chicken, italian bread crumbs with whole wheat, and opted to bake instead of fry:

What You’ll Need

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, minced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese* (optional)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (increase to 1 cup if eliminating parm cheese)
• 2 tsp. fresh** oregano (You can go with dried, but fresh herbs make a huge difference in this recipe!)
• 2 tsp. fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

What You’ll Do

1. Pre-heat oven to 400ºF.
2. Place chicken, egg, yellow onion and garlic in a medium bowl.  Knead until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix parm cheese, bread crumbs, thyme, parsley, sea salt and black pepper.  Add to meat mixture.  Knead until combined.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce and olive oil.  Guess what?  Knead until combined. =)
5. Line a 9 x 12 cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
6. Form meatballs to desired size and place on cookie sheet.  Keep them about 1/2 inch apart so that they can cook evenly.
7. Place in oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. And….

Voila!  Meatballs that you can use in spaghetti sauce tonight, then freeze and use next week in meatball parm heroes!  (Make sure they’re cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag or container…)

Meatballs in spaghetti sauce with thin spaghetti and a just a little mozzarella cheese =)

(all photos by a. singh)

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

If You Don’t Know…

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“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

– Michael Jordan

My whirlwind weekend has left me very, very exhausted!  But not without this week’s crop of fave Internet finds!

Enjoy!

•  Above, in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics, a some fantastic inspirational quotes from past Olympic champs

•  So fun!  Advice about love via The Golden Girls (the original Sex and the City!)

• I’m on a cooking kick!  This week I think I’ll try this Eggplant Panini with Pesto

• Three daily habits that help you to stay optimistic

•  Learn the art of breaking your sedentary lifestyle

• Finally, I never thought that this humor piece about embarrassing moments would take me through such a rollercoaster of emotions!  (a worthwhile read for sure!)

Have a great week!

xoxo andrea

The Happy List

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Wow!  I can’t believe it’s Friday already!  It’s a busy weekend ahead for yours truly!

To kick it off:  a look-see at a few items that made me smile this week!  =)

• Above, watching Elvis with my mom.  Man, was he dreamy!  (and talented!)

• Comic-inspired home accessories!  (The pillow cases are my fave!)

• Having a great, great time at my future sister-in-law’s bridal shower!  (WOAH. A sister-in-law?!? =)

• A fellow blogger’s beautiful tribute to a teacher who changed her life – by giving her a “D”

•  Laughing at Office Space with the bf (never realized how many celebs in this flick!)

•  Lastly, choosing home-cooked over take-out.  Somebody’s growin’ up!  =)

Happy Weekend!!!

xoxo andrea

Note To Self…

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“…I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Happy people are beautiful…”

– Drew Barrymore

The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Over a Grudge

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Oh, I know it’s not easy.  Someone has made you really angry by saying/doing something offensive, and/or worse, violated your trust.  Depending on how severe the circumstances, a grudge can last for days, months, years, and in some cases, you feel like you can never forgive the other person or people involved.

In my experience, getting over a grudge can be a painful process, especially when you care about the relationship, but feel like you shouldn’t bury the hatchet.  I mean, why?  He cheated, she is the “friend” that never calls, they are the ones that didn’t care to invite you.  You may not realize it during the angry stage, but the energy that you are wasting worrying or avoiding these people in your life can be plain ol’ draining – both physically and mentally.  Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts of getting over a grudge that I’ve learned (and I’m still learning!) the hard way:

• DO know that it’s okay to distance yourself from the person/people involved:  I am known to want closure in every disagreement, but I’ve realized that sometimes it’s best to avoid contact for a day or two – longer for serious conflicts.  Depending on the situation, you may want to briefly tell all involved that you are upset and the reason why.  Let them know that you’ll contact them when you’re ready to talk. If they’re not ready when you are, work on accepting that and move on – real relationships heal.

• DON’T vent to mutual people in your life: You may think that since a mutual person knows the both of you (and probably the situation), they can help.  In some cases, this is very far from the truth!  Telling someone that you both know can put them in an awkward situation, and you risk a re-hashing of a misinterpreted version of your side.  Try talking to a trusted someone that can truly listen objectively.

•  DO get some clarity:  Ask yourself about the real reason behind your frustrations.  Is it the situation at hand or is it a build-up of other issues that you let slide in the past?  Either way, you need to clarify that reason for both yourself and the person involved.  I happen to find clarity when journaling, walking, cooking/baking or listening to music.  If you haven’t already, try to find a hobby that helps you relax.

• DON’T put anything on social media:  When you’re angry, avoid social media outlets at all costs.  Do not take this as an opportunity to send a hurtful e-mail/text, or post a passive message on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Remember: the Internet is a public forum that tends to make messy situations even messier. Not only are you are inviting the world (and their opinions) to invest in your problems, but it will come back to haunt you when it’s resolved sooner or later.

• DO have a one-on-one talk – when you’re ready: Relationships that matter deserve a sit-down, face-to-face conversation.  Talking about how you feel via e-mail, instant message or text leaves the door open for delayed/unreceived messages, inconvenient contact times, etc., which can lead to misinterpretation and additional frustration.  When you are both ready, schedule some real time on a day when you have no prior commitments, in a public area where you can speak honestly – in a mature, rational manner.

• DON’T be quick to point the finger:  Conflict usually occurs when one person doesn’t understand the other person’s behavior.  Be open to the possibility that you may also be at fault here.  Find out how you could have approached the situation differently and prepare to apologize.

• DO listen – I repeat:  LISTEN.  It’s pretty easy to dismiss what the other person is saying when you feel like you’ve been slighted in some way or if it’s problem that seems to be on repeat.  Avoid sarcasm, derisive laughter, cursing, eye rolls, etc. – it doesn’t help the situation.  Really listen as if you were the one trying to explain your side of things.

• DON’T interrupt:  Before you get into the conversation, make a pact that you will both speak without interruption (this means taking off and putting away your cell phone…)  It’s only fair to hear each other out.

• DO know when it’s time to throw in the towel:  Some situations are fixable, some are not.  Realize that people are different, and issues that are important to you may not be as important to someone else.  Also, forgiveness and/or seeing one’s point of view can be a lifelong journey and you may never see eye-to-eye.  Understand when this is the case and try to let go in your own way.

When conflict arises, you may be a person who is constantly in your own head (like I am) or find it very easy to either hold onto or get over a grudge.  Whatever the case may be, one important realization in this process is knowing when to move on.  It isn’t a simple task, but dwelling in negative situations only reaps negative energy.  To me, it’s very necessary to release your demons, surround yourself with positivity and spend your energy with people that add value to your life…

xoxo andrea

Yep, I Made It: Salmon ‘n Veggie Couscous

Here’s a quick ‘n easy recipe I whipped up for my mama last week…it took just about 15 minutes to make!  No joke!

FYI:  Couscous is coarsely ground pasta made from wheat.  Its consistency is similar to rice, as seen here:

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It’s also affordable, cooks super duper fast and is deliciouso!

For the recipe below, I used canned salmon to ease the process, but you can also wash, marinate and bake/grill fresh salmon separately.  Ditto for fresh veggies!  (Keep in mind that it’ll be a bit longer in terms of cooking time…) 

You’ll probably notice that the salt content is drastically reduced here – I don’t think there’s a need to add extra when bouillon and salmon is involved…feel free to adjust to your liking!

Salmon ‘n Veggie Couscous

What You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups plain couscous  (I used a brand called Near East)

• 2 3/4 cups water*

• 1 chicken bouillon cube*

• 1/2 tsp. butter or margarine**

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 2 cloves of garlic, diced

• 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced

• 1+ cup of veggies (fresh or frozen!  I like a snowpea- various peppers-broccoli-zucchini-type mix)

• 1  5 oz. can of skinless, boneless pink salmon, drained

• 1 tbsp. dried parsley 

• Salt and pepper to taste

*you can replace the water/bouillon with 2 3/4 cups chicken broth.
** an optional ingredient

What You’ll Do:

1.  In a small pot, boil water and add bouillon cube.

2.  When the cube dissipates, add couscous and reduce to a simmer.

3.  Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.  (It’s done once the water is absorbed and/or the  couscous is dry and fluffy…) Optional:   Add butter and stir for a bit more flavor

4.  In a separate frying pan, heat oil (at medium heat) and add garlic and onion.

5.  When the onion is translucent, add your veggies.  Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes.

6.  Add salmon and cook until both the salmon and veggies are hot. 

7.  Add the couscous and parsley. Mix all ingredients for about 5 minutes.

8.  Salt and pepper to taste.

All done!  You can use this as a side or serve as an entire meal if you add lots of veggies and salmon.  Feel free to substitute salmon with cooked, seasoned and diced boneless chicken. 

Enjoy!

If You Don’t Know…

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“…This one’s a fighter…” 

 – Gym Class Heroes 

Another week has begun and so here comes another list of favorito ‘net finds!  Enjoy!

• Above:  Love this song by Gym Class Heroes (ft. Ryan Tedder) – The Fighter.

• I must, must, must get back into yoga.  Read about “off-the-mat” practices here.

• In a happiness rut?  Make the most out of your life right at home.

• Aghhh!  I’m guilty of 4 out of 5 of these bad habits!  (I can’t deal with bland food…hahaha)

• It’s the perfect time o’ year for popsicles!  I’d probably nix the sugar and use a spot of agave.

• This DIY braided rug reminds me of my very creative (and practical) grandfather.

• Last, but definitely not least, wise words from Gabourey Sidibe about self-confidence.

Have a fantastic week, all!

xoxo andrea

The Happy List

(photo by a. singh)

Take a deep breath. Exhale. It’s Friday!  =)

A few things that made my week extra, extra amazing:

• Above, an evening view from Kissena Park, the destination of a little “family walk” as dubbed by the bf.  Along with his trusty sidekick, Edgar (his dog) we kicked off the week by walking for about two hours!  Tired.  Hot.  Happy.  =)

• Can’t say it enough.  No Doubt’s Settle Down is on constant rotation on my playlist.

• Dinner with my family. I made really great sloppy joes!  =)

• Finally figured out how to use Pinterest.

• Alternative music is back in NYC – 101.9FM is now New Rock!  Super psyched to hear Green Day, Third Eye Blind, Fun., and MGMT on the radio again!

• Re-discovering the deliciousness found in frozen grapes.

•  Getting a pedi in Essie’s Mob Square (also known as Mod Square)

• Lastly, who says that ridiculous, over-the top, can’t-live-without, true love doesn’t exist?!?  Here’s the evidence… (check out the YouTube link here and the Bruno Mars song here)

Hip Happenin’ weekend, folks!

xoxo andrea

Incredibly Rad 80’s Trends: Then and Now

In case you haven’t noticed, the 80’s are back!  The fashion bravery (Madonna’s rubber bracelets?  MJ’s red leather jacket?  Boy George’s black bowler hat?  You can’t getmore courageous!),  fun music, and its overall creativity are definitely just a few reasons why it is my favorite decade by far!Now, I’m no fashion expert, but here are a few trends (in my humble opinion) that have reincarnated into improved versions of their former selves.  They might be on their way out, but I loved them all nonetheless… *(Click on images for sources…)

1.   Neon (Then):

  
Neon  (Now):

Wear it!  Brights are in, in, in!   Adding one piece of color is seemingly just right for the millennium.

2.    Makeup (Then):

       Makeup (Now):

Wear it!  Oh, I love Joan Cusack in Working Girl, but how (and why) did she match her makeup with her earrings?  Haha!  Nowadays, bright lips = neutral/subtle eyes and vice versa.  (By the way, I love the bright red/hot pink lip trend!)

3.  Hair (Then):

     Hair (Now): 

Wear it!  I adore Madonna in the 80’s if only because for the fact that she paired a bright red lip with super high hair!  Today, it seems as though a pop of color is definitely the way to go.  I’m in love with the ombre style, as seen on Drew Barrymore, above.

4.  Jewelry (Then):

     Jewelry (Now):

Wear it!  Numerous chunky, plastic and rubber bracelets on one’s arm in the 80’s have been replaced with….numerous chunky, plastic, rubber, gold, silver, sparkley bracelets (AKA an “arm party” – I kid you not!) Personally, I don’t want this one to go away.  Costume or real, you can always count on jewelry to add personality to any outfit…

5.  Footwear (Then): 

     Footwear (Now):

Wear it!   I have to admit, when I saw a pair of jellies a few years ago, I grabbed them – just because they reminded me of how much I lived in mine back in the mid-80’s!  Gladiators, flats, Converse and even socks with sandals have all made their way back on to our feet – this time, with way more height and again, color!

In conclusion…

Every decade seems to recycle itself some way or another.   I’m 33, and I’ve seen flapper trends of the 20’s all the way to today’s revamping of color blocking from the 90’s.  The important thing is to HAVE FUN with fashion, be comfortable with yourself and love the body you’re in.  Remember:  No matter what age, race, or size, self-confidence and a great attitude will always, always be in style…

xoxo andrea

Yep, I Made It: Easy Chicken Tortillas

For me, summer means many things, one of which is easy-peasy cooking!  It’s way too hot to spend hours in the kitchen (plus summer = fun ‘n relaxation!), so I like to cut my cooking time in half by making light, simple meals. (Bonus if it’s healthy – super bonus if there’s leftovers!)

Here’s a quick dinner that I’ve recently made for the bf and it was a hit!  Think open-faced tacos!  =)  I’ve also added a small salad…  (Keep in mind that this is my first recipe post, so feel free to send suggestions!  I’d like to make this a regular installment, if only to keep me cooking!  Har-har!)

Easy Chicken Tortillas

Yield:  4 tortillas

What You’ll Need

Tortillas:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. of boneless chicken breast, cut into very thin strips
• Salt, pepper, dried parsley (to taste)
• 1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 16 oz. bottle of salsa
• Cheddar and/or Monteray Jack cheese, grated (to taste)
• Garnish:  1 avocado, sliced and/or sour cream (optional)
• 4 small corn tortillas

Salad:

• 8-11 ounces of spring mix or romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped
• Endive and radicchio, rinsed and sliced
• 1  8 oz. canned corn, drained and rinsed
• 8-10 grape tomatoes, rinsed and halved
• 2 tbsp. feta cheese

What You’ll Do

1. In a medium bowl, prepare the salad by combining greens, endive, radicchio, corn and tomatoes.  Cover and place in refrigerator.
2. Using a saute pan, heat oil and add chicken breast.
3. Sprinkle salt, pepper and dried parsley* and cook chicken until browned (feel free to omit the parsley – it’s just a personal fave!)
4. Add black beans. Cook until soft.
5. Add salsa. I use the entire bottle for veggie overload, but use to your discretion!
6. Heat through then simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, on a slightly greased baking sheet, warm the tortillas in a preheated 350-degree oven.  Be sure to keep an eye on them – they can burn pretty quickly!  1-2 minutes on each side should be perfect.
8. Remove chicken/bean/salsa mixture from heat and spoon on each of the tortillas.  Top with grated cheese.
9. Return to oven until cheese melts.
10. Optional:  Garnish with avocado and/or sour cream.
11. Serve with salad, topped with feta cheese.

 Final result?

(photo by a. singh)

Ta-da!

Not only was this one really tasty meal, but it was healthy and filling to boot!  We were stuffed after one tortilla each.  Tip:  Use the leftovers in a burrito or spoon over wild or brown rice.  You can also replace the chicken with steak, shrimp, grilled tofu or fresh veggies like peppers, yellow onions, zucchini,etc.

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea