A Perfect 10

December 22, 2014 By Laura

I am not-so-secretly a teensy bit Type A.

In my head, I hide it well… but no.

1 more day until Vegas gets here for the holidays. I Can’t Focus. So I make lists (you’re not the only one Meghan). Lists of things to cook, places to take Vegas, items to remember to bring to mom’s for Christmas, errands to run, random tasks to complete before Vegas gets here… it’s all fun to me though.

So today I bring you a list of fun things I’m focusing on to pass the time while waiting for Tuesday. It’s a perfect 10. Because I like lists of prime numbers or 10.

1. House Plant’s Mate

Flowers arrive from Vegas on the regular. Last week’s delivery was a friend for House Plant – Christmas Cactus. Now we both have mates from the desert.

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Thai Peanut Baked Tofu + WIAW

December 17, 2014 By Laura

Don’t fight the festive.

My former Grinch-self is kicking me in the shins.

As advertised, Vegas and I got a tree. Vegas did the lights (after a debate over whether wrapping or running lights up and down is better). We hung ornaments. There was Christmas music and champagne.

This, after being opposed to Christmas decor of years. My former self thought it was a waste of time and money, not to mention messy.

My new smiley-self loved every minute of it.

(And that’s not just the wine talking.)…

Ahnu Hiking Boots + WIAW

November 26, 2014 By Laura

The only reason I like winter is the fact that I get to wear boots.

And snow, but we don’t get much of that in Georgia.

But, it does get cold! When I wanted to get outdoors during our first cold snap, I was really happy to have my Sugar Bowl boots from Ahnu! Unbelievably, my feet stayed toasty – that never happens. In fact, I have Raynaud’s Disease; usually my toes and fingers are so cold they turn white and go numb! While my fingers did turn white, my feet were actually warm!

I was also pleased with the look. Black and blue are my favorite colors. The laces in the front are stylin’, but not at the expense of function. These boots have side zips so you don’t need to spend 20 minutes tugging them on and readjusting them. I’ll be taking these to Lake Tahoe in a few weeks!

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Flowers, Strawberries, and Pumpkin + WIAW

November 19, 2014 By Laura

I got nothin’.

Actually, I feel like I have everything.

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Cryofreeze: My Real-Life Frozen + WIAW

November 5, 2014 By Laura

Who’s singing the Frozen song?

I refuse to see that movie.

you’d think I’d rather see a movie than actually be frozen. But no. I got frozen. My friend, Tori, heard me complaining about all my injuries (shit falls apart when you get older, y’all!), and offered to hook me up with a trial for Icebox Cryotherapy. Basically, they freeze you with gasified liquid nitrogen. It looked like I was standing in a cylinder of dry ice – but it’s not as dangerous.

In Tori’s words: “You know how when you bang your thumb, blood rushes to it and it gets really hot because your body is trying to fix it? Basically same body response when you do cryo. Your body thinks you’re freezing to death, so it sends signals all over and sees what’s ‘broken’ or hurt and focuses on it.” Sounds great, right?! It really is great for recovery; in fact, many professional athletes have been using if for years!

Recovery aside, Cryotherapy has multiple other benefits:

Increased circulation
Reduction in pain & inflammation
Assists in a quicker surgical recovery
Aids in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis
Boost immune system
Decreased fatigue
Tighter skin (cellulite, say what?!)
Increased libido (woot!)
Weight loss assistance

So was it that bad? It was 3 minutes at negative 130 degrees Celsius (-266 Fahrenheit). It wasn’t a cake walk… but honestly, I didn’t ever think I’d never make it out alive. I had gloves and booties on (I have Raynaud’s, which the owner made sure she looked out for). The parts that hurt the worst were my legs (which are sore and injured) and my nipples (apparently common), but I recovered right after. Your core temp doesn’t actually change, so you don’t freeze to death.

After wards, my body felt SO relaxed, I slept like a little baby that night, and hit a couple PRs in the gym the next day. I’d like to do it a few more times for my injuries, but it definitely helped with the general soreness and recovery! If you’re in Atlanta or have a facility in your city, I definitely recommend it!

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Halloween Wednesday

October 29, 2014 By Laura

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.

It’s the only holiday not masquerading as a religious or national holiday.

There’s something in the air this time of year. It’s exciting – they weather is nice, people are energetic (it’s a massive relief from the Southern summer heat and humidity)… and who doesn’t like to pretend to be someone else?

The “yard art” along the Beltline is even dressed up for Halloween!

The family dog, Honey, is also festive. My little sister brought her by my office for a visit yesterday. My socks matched her candy corn handkerchief.

Can you believe she’s 13?! Cutest Corgi-Golden “puppy” ever.

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Roasted Brussels, Butternut, & Beets (Recipe)

October 17, 2014 By Laura

Fall gets me excited for new produce.

It’s the little things… am I right?!

While I’ve seen a lot of strange in Vegas (some good, some BAD), this strange but good meal was done in advance of the trip.

Side note: I planned ahead?! Who AM I?

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Flavor Overload + WIAW

September 3, 2014 By Laura

Flavor overload.

A line needs to be drawn.

Lays flavors have gotten out of control. I mean… I can see a Wasabi Ginger chip. I can even stretch it to Mango Salsa. But Cappuccino?! No. One review I read described them this way: “They smell like a tomb, and taste like stale crackers dusted with International Delight-brand instant coffee.”

I’m all for #strangebutgood… but really?!

BUT… this is even worse than anything Lays could ever come up with.

Chicken Wing ICE CREAM?!

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