Dreams really do come true

once again.. i know its been a while...and this isnt about food.. or being vegan.. this is about dreams coming true.

Most of you know that I have been a Rockette for the last 2 years...My first year I performed in Phoenix arizona and Costa Mesa California.... last year I was on the First National Arena tour...

I found out today that a dream came true...I am going to be performing in New York City this christmas season in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!!!!

Ive wanted to dance on that stage for as long as I can remember... and I honestly cant think of anything more exciting than being a Rockette in New York during Christmas. Im especially excited because my friends and family will get to see the show.. and I will be able to spend the holidays with the people i love!!!!

just goes to show that you can never give up your dreams. because sometimes they really do come true!!!!

Gluten Free Gourmet

a couple of weeks ago I received a package from a girl named Julia. Julia is the creator of "Gluten Free Gourmet", a completely gluten free, vegan independent business venture! She sent me a cute little package of samples from her line of products. Since I have a severe nut allergy she sent me some nut free samples to try! Super exciting (especially when the package came when I was having a SERIOUS chocolate craving)

Raspberry Corn Muffins:

SO YUMMY!!! the taste of corn wasn't too over powering, but the sweetness of the raspberries were delightful. I also loved the texture. They were soft and fluffy.. not over cooked... perfection :)

Molasses Maple Cookies with Date Glaze:

These cookies were sweet with a delightful texture. My favorite part was the date glaze. It reminded me of that terrible for you sugary icing, (haha cant help it I used to love the stuff) but this glaze was super healthy and super sweet!!!

Cocoa Carob Cookies:

HOLY GOOD GOD. Julia sent me the other pictures but didn't send me a pic of this delightful decadence. So here is my terrible photo that does it NO justice. All I can say is WOW. This cookie was amazing. I am all about texture (i mentioned it a lot) And it reminded me of a fresh out of the oven cookie (soft and wonderfully fresh) It is wonderfully chocolaty, but not too rich. I hate overly sweet things and this cookie was definitely not that. Ah wonderful!

Ok guys.. so let be real, we all spend way too much money on our gluten free/nut free/ soy free/ vegan etc. products. Here is a girl who is trying to start up a company who need our support! If you are love baked goods that are healthy and made of mostly organic products check out her site... Gluten Free Gourmet.

*Lets help out a fellow vegan who is trying to provide a wonderful product!!!*

<3>

Pure

As Vegans and Vegetarians we have made a noted choice to keep our bodies healthy and clean. We nourish our bodies with wonderful foods, vitamins, minerals, and exercise daily. 

After we exercise we....

Take a shower.

Well duh.. doesn't everyone. Sure we have learned since we were infants that it is important to bathe ourselves.... but what are you cleaning yourself with? Store bought products with chemicals, alcohol, parabans, artificial dyes and animal cruelty??? Why would we health nuts do such a thing?! We take sure pride in our bodies and work so hard to keep the bad stuff out... well its a shame to be putting those gross nasty things on your skin, hair and teeth.

Through out the past few months I have been trying to purge my stock of chemical rich products (shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, deodorant, tooth paste etc.) and replace it with organic, nutrient rich, cruelty free products. 

I admit it is really difficult when money is tight and you have a full bottle of shampoo to use, but perhaps consider, once that bottle has run out, to go out to a store and purchase an organic product.

Today I purchased a new shampoo and conditioner from Pure Life Soap Co... They have tons of different fragrances.. I especially loved the Wild Indigo..smells beautiful!!! (price range around 10.00)

I also love Desert Essence Organics. These products can be found at whole foods.

 I have the coconut body lotion. Love it because it reminds me of summer :) (Price range about 8.99)

I think my favorite product is my facial cleanser from Eminence Organic Skin Care. 

These products have seriously changed my skin. I never had bad bad break outs, but once in a while, after dancing or working out, and especially sweating in my show make up, I would get a terrible painful break out. These products are amazinggg.

In the mornings I use the Citrus Exfoliate, and at night I use the Stone Crop Gel Wash.

(Price range about 11.00)

These are just some of the products that are out there. There are truly a number of amazing options.  I am still in the process of completely switching over. Next move is my deodorant and tooth paste!

Now, once you have changed over to an organic life, why not treat yourself to an organic facial or body scrub. I know i know This is PRICEY. But your worth it. I do it twice a year (mom gets me one for Christmas, and I treat myself to one after the summer. It is amazing to get all of those dirty dead skin cells off your skin. It detoxifies you,  and leaves your skin glowing and revitalized. Not to mention you feel completely energized (and your boyfriend will notice that you are glowing too he he)

<3>

Dancing with a Star!!!!

Well as I've made it quite obvious with my lack of posting, I havent been very inspired... and then I figured out why.I havent been making anything exciting!!!

I usually leave my house at 11:00 am and dont get home until 11:45 pm.. (two show days and a long ass break in between). That leaves no time for fun cooking!!!! (thes

e crazy hours arent every day.. but atleast 3)... On days that I have time I have been enjoying the weather, reading going to the gym, spending time with friends etc.

WELL... Although this isnt a food post, I have some cool fun news to tell you all.

On Tuesday I was asked to take part in a PR event for Radio City.. celebrating The Indie 500 Winner Helio. He won Dancing with the stars two seasons ago.. I LOVE the show.. so I was a tad star struck. He was as nice/sweet/funny as he seems on TV too. :)

Heres some shots I found on a website...

(I'm the middle girl on the right side)

(Right on the end)

(Right on the end... kickin for ET! )

Well other than that nothin too crazy is going on. I cant believe its summer!!!! HORRAY FINALLY!!!

<3>

ps.. i like posting again.. i think ill do it again real soon :)

im the worst

Hi guys... i know Ive said this time and time again. But Im so sorry I havent been around.. i cant believe its been over 2 weeks since i've posted!!! I cant blame it on being too busy...I have just been uninspired. 

I even considered shutting down VOS for a short while. But... my mom talked me out of it. I have such a strong network of people in the blog world.. its silly to give it up. 

I plan on posting something asap.. !!! Ill be back!!

food for thought: Who is as obsessed with the Biggest Loser as I am?!?!?

-Syn

Smoothie Queen..

Well first I'll start with some cute new clothes that I've bought myself (For my birthday)... This isnt all of them.. but its all good

Halter Dress from Urban Outfitters (sale for 20$!) <3>

Vintage high wasted skirt from American Apparel (vintage collection)

High wasted linen Pants (H+M)

70's Vintage dress... i auctioned for it online.. I <3>

New Tank top the I got for my birthday from the gym... how cool is the back :)

and in other news.....

On April 24.. I turned 23.... Yuck

Now I know this isnt old.. but this is definitely the first year Im not PUMPED about getting another year older... oh well...Not much I can do about it. I did wake up to a beautiful little treat. Mom bought me a rice dream carob covored ice cream (rice dream of course) there was graham cracker in it too...YUMMY.. and 100% vegan (so said the label)

I got lots of fun things for my birthday... A new yoga mat, a new tank top, a new GPS!!! (my dad is amazing.. i need it to get to the theatre this summer)

But the best of all......

A VITA MIX!!!!!!!!!

My amazing mother got it for me and I am SOSOSO excited. I havent used it yet ( I want to wait so me and mom can try it together) But I'm so excited.. Now my smoothies are going to be incredible!!!!!

So i find many bloggers have a "thing". CCV has her chocolate, Ruby Red Vegan has her amazing breakfasts, and Vegan Crunk is the queen of all things southern... I think I may have found my "Thing"...

SMOOTHIES!!!

I make a smoothie EVERY morning

And I usually make a different flavor every morning as well :)

Here are some recent ones:

Here is a tropical green smoothie. I enjoyed this bad boy when it was about 80 degrees out and sweltering!

-frozen mango

-frozen pineapple

-frozen papaya

-spinach

-Raw Honey (or agave)

-Mango ZICO coconut water

This Ruby Beauty is a Chocolate Covored Cherry Smoothie

-1 Banana

-Frozen Cherries

-3 tsp Cacao powder

-Cacao nibs

-1 tsp artisan Cacao bliss (Optional)

-Rice Milk

-Agave

Creamy Papaya

-One Frozen Banana

-Artisan Coconut Butter (AMAZING) (Optional)

-Frozen papaya

-Young thai coconut (Meat and water)

-quarter of an avocado

-Raw honey

-Khale

THIS NEXT ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE NEW OBSESSION... 

PB+J smoothie

-2 frozen bananas

-frozen Blueberries

-2 and a half TBS Sunbutter (or for everyone else peanutbutter)

-tsp vanilla

-Rice Milk

Im going to make a link with all of my smoothies soon... To Be continued...

sorry I havent been posting or commenting as much... I try to read everyones blogs during intermissions and it doesnt leave me much time to leave comments.. but know that im reading and loving them!!!!!

IM SO SORRY!!

HEY GUYS!! sorry I have been so MIA lately.. i actually lost my comp charger for a while so I was down a lap top! Thankfully I found it..

I do have an amazing post coming up.. full of Spring/summer fashion... and AMAZING birthday presents...

lets just say its a vegans dream gift.. hehehehe

till then!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Nope its not my REAL Birthday... (although that is next week!!...April 24.. save the date hehe)

ITS MY 1 year VEGAN ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

I first decided to go vegan because of weight issues. Being  a dancer is hard when you are constantly struggling with weight. Since going vegan, I have lost 15 lbs (in about a year) and feel better and healthier than I ever have! I know its not for everyone.. but anyone who is even considering becomming vegan should serisouly go for it. It has changed my life for the better. 

SO ANYWAY....

When I was reading a great post over at the Broccoli Hut the other day, I stumbled upon an amazing looking product!!!!

SO-DELICIOUS coconut milk yogurt!! HORRAY!!! I havent had yogurt in over a year! I used to love it with fiber one, bananas, or other fruit in it.. so I am super excited to have my very first one during intermission at our next show (right now writing this between shows.. we already had one this morning!)

The other day at our local health food store I found these bad boys..RICE PROTEIN veggie burgers!! SOY AND GLUTEN FREE (my stupid finger is covering that it says Soy, gluten and nut free!!)!!! HORRAY!!! (the vegan gods have been thinking of me lately i swear) I have yet to try them, but the girl at the store said they were amazing so I took her word for it.

And now... for my new favorite smoothie....

PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE!!!!!

OMG ITS AMAZING!! I found the recipe on Goneraw.com

2 Carrots

4 mejool dates

1/2 tspn ground Cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg

1 frozen banana

1 tbs agave

ice and water

I swear it tastes like pumpkin pie.. its really delish... It will definitely be a reoccurring theme in my daily eats!

Well thats all for today...

thanks for stopping by :)

Intermission!

ITS INTERMISSION!!!

and since I havent posted lately I thought it was time!!!

The show is going really well... my cast is amazing.. and Im really learning a lot. The majority has been on Broadway.. (more than once)...they are all so humble... yea i guess you can say im sort of star struck by it all :)

Ive been eating really well lately actually. I have found that eating tons of small meals a day really helps. I seriously eat every 2 hours..  Nothing too big... usually fruit vegetables etc. 

I dont really know wat to say about my food lately.. but here are tons of pics of my past week and a half!

First I wanna start with :

My new favorite Smoothie!!!!!!...Young coconut, mango and spinach... so simple and so delish...thinking of which im gunna make this tomorrow morning for breakfast!!!

One day when I got home from the show I found these leftoovers... roasted root veggies and white beans.... SOOOO freakin good!

Babaganoush with sliced veggies

A BUNCH of synless bars!!! (starting with the chocolate one going clockwise) Cacao Nib, Apple Pie, Coconut cream pie, Pistachio, Banana bread... I just went to the lara bar site and used the ingredients... and of course modified them.

Champaign Mango, and unripe papaya (ive learned that I dont like it ripe... way better green :)

Fresh Squeezed OJ! thanks mom :)

This green guy was delish!!! He had Raspberries, spinach, ice, coconut water, and raw honey...YUMMM!!!!

MY VERY FIRST BLOOD ORANGE!!!! it was pretty yummy!

Three bean salad with  field greens,pickles (i love them!) and vegan coleslaw... Butternut squash soup...and blue corn chips with salsa

Blended Buckwheat Groats...i threw an apple in there (blended that too) chopped apricot kernels, sliced banana, shredded coconut and raisins!!! YUMMMM

Sliced apple, flax seed crackers (i dehydrated) and 2 tbs of sunbutter... for some reason it always spreads and looks like so much!

Butternut squash soup... its low sodium... dairy free...and soy free.!!! its so yummy... i think its pacific brand but ill check when I get home :)

well friends... there we have it.. my eats.. I dont have much exciting news... accept I have been shopping up a storm..its really a problem!!! ill post all of my new purchases tomorrow!!!!

think: two pairs of adorable sandals, a pair of shorts, linnen pants, a skirt... and and and AHHH!H!!!!!!

isnt this a recession?!?!

Spinning spinning!!!

Hi friends!!!!

Wanted to post this picture.. i havent shown you guys my short hair :)

well I cant find my camera.. eek... hopefully it turns up because my parents might kill me for losing it (it was a gift!)

the show is going really well.. I love performing so much...its truly the light of my life and brings me so much joy :)

I wanted to thank everyone for their wonderful posts! I love all of the support I get from my bloggies and all of your kind words really make me feel at ease when I take a couple of weeks off from blogging myself! so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

Usually I dont have shows until 1:00 so I have been getting up early to go spinning! I really miss running...It stinks that my hips are acting up, but spinning definitely is an amazing work out and I know that I am doing a good thing for my body by not pounding...like my mom always says:

"Your body is your career...and your paycheck!!!" gotta take care of it at all costs :)

Well I have been drinking lots of smoothies lately (of course.. what else is new I know)

I took a couple of pics with my computer...

(excuse the frightening hair...just got home from the gym in this one!)

This bad boy was amazing!!

-2 frozen bananas

-3 persimmons (I bought some not so great ones at the asian market, but figured they would be perfect for a smoothie!)

-1 young coconut (meat and water)

-3 kale leaves

-agave

-ice

and presto!!

Believe it or not this bad boy is a green smoothie!!!

-2 frozen bananas

-3 kale leaves

-Frozen Blueberries

-3 scoups of Manitoba harvest hemp protein powder

-dash of vanilla extract

-Ice

SO YUMMY... its like blueberry vanilla goodness :)

So on another note.. I am putting together a week long food plan for one of the girls in my cast.. i figure Ill post it here as well... still a work in progress.. but it will be up tonight :)

Hope all is well!!! <3>

FUNNY GIRL :)

Hey guys!!! I miss you all so much!!!

Nicole from Bites of the day friended me on Facebook and I realized how much I miss you all!!

I have been working for 15 days non stop... I was also SUPER 

DUPER sick all last week...some sort of cough/resp. infection... pretty much hell.. but thank god im feeling better now!!!

The show is going wonderfully!!! Considering the economy we are selling pretty well... we're still in previews though so once we officially open we will see how it all goes....

I have just been enjoying my usual salads, smoothies, dried fruits and fresh fruit lately.. nothing too crazy... im not sure if its because I was sick or I just havent been snacking as much... but I dropped some weight which Im pretty happy about...nothing too crazy but I feel good.. and thats what is important. 

Since I have no fun food pics to show you Ill share some pics from the show :)

enjoy!

PLEASE DONT FORGET ABOUT ME... Ill be back regularly soon!!!

HORRAY!!!!

HEY GUYS!!!!

This is  a quick post.. but Im so excited I could burst!!!

THIS SUMMER I WILL BE PLAYING "Maggie" in A CHORUS LINE at the merry go round play house...!!! Its such a great role and I am super pumped!!!

I will also be performing in No No Nanette!

rehearsals are going well right now...just lots of stress.... we open in a week and only get ten rehearsal days.. AHHH!!!!!

<3>

REHEARSAL!!!!

Hey friends!

Im so sorry I've been MIA lately... I started rehearsal and Im completely wiped.. once my crazy ten days is up ill be back as normal.

Westchester Broadway Theatre heres the website.. come check it out if you are in the area :)

till later..

ps im still reading all of your blogs I promise!!!

<3>

DEHYDRATED!

No guys... im drinking plenty of water... but tonight I did have my first experience with a dehydrator!!! 

My next door neighbor happened to have an extra one (he is one of those people who just happens to have EVERYTHING) and he happily gave it to me! Im not sure how great it works but I guess we'll find out.

I have been craving crackers/chips lately... but whenever I reach for some of the baked ones in the closet I dont like them... maybe its because of all of the fresh clean foods I've been eating??

3 seed crakers

1/3 cup Flax seeds (WHOLE... i used the golden kind)

1/3 cup sesame seeds

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

soak overnight (its pretty crazy.. but the next day the s

eeds take up the entire jar.. they really do absorb the water!)

Spread the mixture on teflaxx paper or Parchment paper (thats what i used)... and dehydrate till dry!

Im gunna let these bad boys go overnight.. hopefully I dont ruin them!

So like My friend CCV (Katie!) I LOVE CHOCOLATE!! Since I have been trying to eat a little more Raw lately, I decided to order this off of Raw Food World. 

Seriously... even if you dont do a high raw diet... THIS IS AMAZING! I find myself taking little spoon fulls of it.. and being totally chocolate satisfied. A serving is 2 tbs... but I never need that much.. its just so freaking good.

I've also been making lots of green smoothies.. .every morning in fact!

Green Smoothie (Syn Style!)

3 large kale leaves

frozen mango or frozen peaches (or both why not)

3 tbs Manatoba harvest Vanilla Hemp Protein Powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large bananas (or two small.. usually frozen)

Blend up and VUALA.. you cant even taste the kale.. and this is so danm good for you.. keeps me full for hours!

*I dunno why I have been making them in jars... but hey why not... theyre bigger than glasses!*

Here was dinner tonight... I was having a chocolate fix (as per usual)

Its got:

2 bananas

1 mejool date

3 tsp cacao powder

1 tbs Cacao Bliss Butter

Agave

Vanilla extract

Coconut sprinkled on top!

YUMMM.. I love my smoothies but this definitely is my favorite!!!

Here are some of my snacks the past few days:

*Mandalin Orange (never had one of these... it was amazing!)

*Fresh fruit plate: Organic pears, strawberries and orange (all organic!)

*sliced apple and carrot sticks with 2tbs Sunbutter*

Well friends.. thats all for now... Ill let ya know what I decided on making for my friends party tomorrow :)

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE SUGGESTIONS!!!!! <3>