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MY LIFE AS A ROCKETTE

(im the third from the left)

Well food is always exciting... but the main reason I took a break form this blog for such a long time was becuase I (as most of you know) am a Radio City Rockette.

This season was especially exciting for me because it was my fi

rst time performing on the great stage at Ra

dio City Music Hall. (in past years I did the national tour of the show)

So... I wanted to share some of the exciting events that I experienced during my season

Well this year I was lucky enough to be chosen to promote the show on what we call a media tour. I got to travel to Baltimore, Washington DC, and Virginia to spread the word about the show (the tour was going to hit all three of these places) by doing television, radio, and print interviews.. as well as making appearences and meeting as many people as we could.

Here we are at the Washington Monument with a war veteran...(there were hundreds of them there and they all had fabulous stories to share)

Im the second girl in from the right :)

Here I am at our nations capital!We caused quite a comotion here heheh but its a cute picture

 Here we are in Baltimore at an adorable old fashioned ice cream parlor

Here we are in DC at an underprivelaged childrens school.. they were so excited to have us there and they asked the most hillarious questions :)Here I am (im the one in all black) teaching a class to a bunch of kids on Long Island (where im from!)

I know these are a lot of pictuers.. but here are some of my favs from rehearsal to stage!

This is our ragdoll number... its fun because we get to be silly... it ends with a jump split... and yes.. jump splits hurt haha

This number is called "Shine" the costumes are covored in Swarovski crystals... absolutely beautiful... you cant really see my face.. but our kicks look real good :)

rehearsing the "bus" part of new york at christmas.. im on the bottom.. third from the rightSome of my friends and I during a rehearsal at the music hallthis is the beginning of "Shine" think its hard to find me huh... ok look at the top.. no the VERY TOP.. ya thats me... and let me tell you its REALLY HIGH!!here we are practicing our famous fall of the wooden soldiers.... its hard to spot me.. but im the one thats mid fall... if you count from the beginning of the picture, im the 8th one in!

OKKKK i know that was a million pictures!!!

So anyway today at the gym was fantastic... i took an interval class..

average heart rate: 147

High heart rate: 201

Calories burned:700

Time lapsed: 1 hour

ok back to food tomorrow!!!!

(so glad to hear from you all)

Syn xox*

HELLO OUT THERE!!!

HELLO OUT THERE!!!! Remember me? I hope you do!

I've decided, after a long hiatus, to start up Vegan

on Stage once again.

Ive really missed connecting with you all. Not only is it nice to be able to post my feelings and thoughts about my food choices, but it also keeps me focused on my goals.

During my recent Rockette season, I reintroduced some dairy products into my diet... Mostly just greek yogurt, and cheese here and there. I found it really difficult to find foods that would fill me, without making me feel full right before a show (if that makes sense) I was eating a lot of greek yogurt, and although it is ridiculously yummy, I

have decided that it isnt right for my body.

So once again, I am going to use my blog to get myself back on track!

For Christmas, my mom got me a Polar Heart rate monitor!

Im absolutely obsessed with it. Not only is it cute and green, but it really helps me keep track of what I'm burning and what my heart rate is.

Today I took a spin class with my mom, and then did an upper body lift.

Average Heart Rate:147

High Heart Rate: 170

Calories burned:750

Time lapsed: 2 hrs

Ok with all of that working out... it was time for dinner...and what better way to celebrate my re-entry into the blogosphere than:

The Best Black Bean Burgers Youll Ever Have

1 small onion peeled and quartered

1 LARGE clove of garlic (or two small)

1 can of black beans

1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1 teaspoon Chilie powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 tspn salt

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/8 cup whole wheat flour.

preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Put onion and garlic into my boyfriend (foodprocessor) and chop.

rinse beans and put them into a medium sized bowl and mash.(le

ave slightly chunky.. a little chunkier than refried beans)

add onion mixture and stirr.

add the remaining ingredients and Stir well.

Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with pam or lightly oil

make about 6 patties and spread accordingly on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes (or until crispy and brown). take out and turn

...cook for another 15 minutes.

ok friends!!!! thats all for now :)

xoxo Syn*

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)

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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 :)