::CALLING ALL BLOGGERS CALLING ALL BLOGGERS!!!!::

AHHH!!!!

So I am attending a party this weekend.. (A surprise... I dont think she reads my blog but just incase I will keep it a secret!)

And I have been chosen to bring a vegan dish to the Pot luck!!! I'm pretty super pumped... Ive never made anything for multiple people...and I want to bring something amazing... I also want to make a dessert (As well). Im not sure how many people will be there... but I'm assuming maybe 15/20???

THIS IS WHERE YOU ALL COME IN!!!

I need some suggestions!!! (NUT FREE OF COURSE)

((On a side note...I made an amazing Trader Joe's/ Whole Foods Run with the boy this weekend. I will post pictures later (Im sitting at his house.. on his computer.. while he plays video games... oh well. boys will be boys!) I got so many NEW fruits and veggies (Many fruits ive never even tried! HORRAY!

So... HELPPPPPP

CRAZZYYYY for COCONUT!

Well... right now as I am writing this, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the temp. is rising to 60 degrees...didnt we just have a blizzard last week??? GLOBAL WARMING PEOPLE!!! its really scary.

Well these past few days have been great! My hip is feeling a little bit better...And even though I probably shouldnt have... I went running (i took a day off) and I felt pretty good! Probably because of these bad boys:

I was the LUCKY winner of an Onlineshoes.com gift certificate from the lovely Lisa from Vegan Snorkeler! I never win anything so I was superrrrr excited! I chose these running sneakers because I liked the colors, but WOW are they supportive!!! I've never had a sneaker with shock absorbers and I dont think I will ever go back. I felt extremely supported and strong! I LOVE THEM <3...>

So as I said, I am trying to incorporate more raw foods into my diet. I think by not depriving myself completely of my favorite cooked foods, this will be easier for me. I dont want to make it a diet, I want to make it a lifestyle change, therefore I don think that limiting myself is a wise decision.

Wednesdays breakfast was Groat cereal! I had never had groats but danm was it delish!!! Groats are a raw "grain" which I actually learned are considered to be a fruit!!

Here is:

Apple Banana Groats:

1 whole apple (cut around the core)

1 entire banana (sliced)

1/4 cup soaked groats (over night)

Blend them all up...you may need to add some water for consistency, and VUALA!

I topped my breakfast cereal off with some goji berries dried cranberries, and shredded coconut, and some cinnamon... (add agave for sweetness)

SO SATISFYING!!!

I made the entire thing and couldnt even eat half.. it was so filling!!! so I saved the rest for the next morning!

These I topped with Apricot Kernels!!! They are considered the "poor mans almonds". I find them to be really tasty! I topped these groats with chopped apricot kernels and raisins. 

For yesterdays lunch I had my FAVORITE Choconana smoothie

Yesterday consisted of laying around and getting some important things done... a swim and a run.

After my swim, I wasnt hungry for solid food so I made an amazing smoothie.

I bought this young coconut at whole foods the other day and was completely confused by it. I asked my moms trusty trainer and she said they are amazing in smoothies...

HOLY GOD SHE WASNT WRONG!!

I blended a banana, mango (both frozen) and young coconut meat and all of the coconut water and PRESTO... probably one of the most satisfying smoothies ive ever had!

It was creamy and coconutty and amazing

So one of my best friends works for ZICO coconut water... and was amazing enough to give me some free... FOUR BOXES OF THE STUFF!!! I really love coconut water because its  so high in potassium and electrolytes... its an amazing alternative to those yucky sports drinks (like gatorade) and is perfect after a hard work out (I used to drink one after every show!)

I decided to use one in a GREEN smoothie today! I have never had a green smoothie.. probably because every time my mom makes green JUICE i think its gross and smells like dirt haha.

This little green guy has a frozen banana and mango (i use them a lot I know) 3 kale leaves, some mango flavored coconut water and about a teaspoon vanilla extract!

YUMMMM I LOVED IT! the vanilla really came through and I couldnt even taste the Kale.

Horray for trying new things!!!

Ok that was a long post.. have a great day everyone!

It was bound to happen

It was bound to happen. I have been running every day... well 5/6 days a week. I was doing three miles and last week I pumped it up to four miles per run... and I felt great! I have been seeing changes in my body, my stamina has increased considerably, and I just feel great....

Well yesterday while I was completing my last mile, my hip started to hurt. Im not really sure why... its a weird pain... I feel like its on the side of my hip.. which is strange because any pain ive ever had is in the joint/flexor... im nervous that its a stress related bone issue. Ok ok i know im being crazy and jumping to conclusions... but using my body is my means of income... without it IM SCREWED... so im nervous.

Today I started to run again.. got through two miles and had to stop... it was really painful. I am just so frustrated because I hate when I am unable to do something (physically) 

I went for a long swim tonight to vent my frustrations (70 laps...one lap is one way there)...which made me feel great! but im still annoyed.. 

I guess this was bound to happen... my body has been taking to running so smoothly.. which has never happened... bahh.. (im a ball full of negativity right now clearly)

CHANGE OF SUBJECT!!!

So I have decided to up my raw food intake. When I did my raw week I felt amazing.. I had more energy, and I saw a difference in my body in only one week! I think that if I up my raw intake I can get back to a place where I want to be.

ON AN EXCITING NOTE:

Every season of Rockettes there is a LIST. This list contains names of girls who DO NOT have to audition for the next season and get offered a job again automatically..(I wont go into it too much) BUT.....

I MADE THE LIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOWEE!!!!! This means that I will DEFINITELY be going back on tour... or possibly New York? I dunno but I will be a Rockette again for the 2009-2010 season :) Im super proud of myself. Its a huge honor and shows that I worked hard and did a good job :) yay for me!!!

OK so now that I've gotten through my rants for the day... heres some FOOD!!!

My wonderful, beautiful, amazing mother whipped this tasty veggie soup for me. I had been craving something warm and lights and thats exactly what I needed. 

Here are some chocolaty SUNBUTTER cups!!! I lined some SMALL cupcake pans with wax paper, filled them half with melted vegan chocolate chips, added a Dollop of SUNBUTTER and then topped it with more chocolate. Let them refrigerate overnight and BAM... amazing

So this is a salad of salads.. literally!!! I topped a bed of mixed greens with vegan coleslaw, bean salad, dolmas salad, avocado and crunchy sprout salad. I ended up eating half and giving the rest to my mom... we love the exact same foods so it works well :)

Today I had this... a vanilla hemp shake. I blended a banana, frozen peaches, 2 tbs hemp powder, vanilla extract and some rice milk.

OMG IM OBSESSED!!!!

(Im not sure if hemp protein powder is raw.. but im going to keep having it... along with rice milk)

and this was my dinner tonight... just a green salad with random veggies, sprouts, and sun flower seeds...

YUM YUM :)

Dont you love avocado..?? I cant live without it!

Ok.. tomorrow I'm going into the city for a voice lesson, a swim, and dinner with a friend I havent seen in forever!!!...and were going to a vegan restaurant!!! HORRAYYYY

<3

a vegan ON STAGE

Veganism is not only a way of eating, it has become a way of life. For some reason, I identify with these choices and I truly love calling myself a passionate vegan. Although this blog is dedicated to my daily eats and food choices, I feel like I want to get back to the root of myself with this post... and that is THE STAGE.

As most of you know, I have been passionate about "The stage" and performing for my whole life. I truly feel as though the space in which we perform is a sacred space, and until you are completely sure of yourself, and you respect the work that you are doing...only then can you reap the benefits of it. 

I have recently received some questions about what it is like to do what I do... such as "What is an audition like" "What is it like being a Rockette" "How do go into an audition with confidence"...etc etc etc...I know your not all performers (Thank god for that or I would have some stiff competition with all of you talented bloggers out there!!!) But I've decided to give you all a bit of a sneak peek into my world!!!

If your not interested in this stuff...i totally understand and im sorry!!!!! I promise to come back tomorrow with a post about food working out and vegan goodies...:)

Here are the four questions I am going to be answering

1) What is it like going into an audition

2)What is it like being a Rockette

3)Do you deal with body image issues as a dancer?

4)What sort of work out do you do to keep in dancer shape?

Q: What is it like going into an audition?

A: SCARY AS HELL! There are usually a ton of people there...and half of them are trying to intimidate you. You just have to remember that your there to get a job...not to impress any of your fellow auditioners. I also like to remember that the people behind the table (Producers, directors, musical directors choreographers etc) WANT YOU TO BE THE ONE! They want you to go in there and wow them.. it just makes their lives easier!!

Q: What is it like being a Rockette?

A: Honestly.. its a dream come true. Its easily the coolest job in the world. I completely love being a part of the tradition, and I KNOW that I am really lucky to be able to be...but I also have to remember that as fun as it is... ITS MY JOB (during the season at least)...and it has to be taken very seriously. Actually...every performing job has to be taken seriously. Its a lot of work, and it requires a great deal of dedication... but once ya got all that down its pretty amazing!

Q: Do you deal with body image issues as a dancer?

A: Well I want to start off with this... as a dancer, you are constantly scrutinizing your body. I have... like many of you... and many other dancers...been in a constant battle with my image and accepting it for what it is. It is so important to be able to get past that.. and then you will be able to accomplish great things.

Being a dancer is hard because : 

**We walk into class..and BAM Mirrors are right in front of us.

**Not only are we looking at our bodies and picking ourselves apart, but we are forced to look at those around us..inevitably comparing ourselves.

For a long time, I had trouble concentrating in classes because all I could think about it "Wow I look like crap" or "This part of my body is...."....now.. i say SCREW IT!!!

I would rather dance beautifully, gracefully, and with confidence....once you get that down, the body and its image follows :)

Q: What sorts of activities do you do to keep in dancers shape? 

A: I think that everyone is different...and that everyone needs to nourish their bodies with THEIR correct foods. I also dont think that an exercise method that works for me may work for everyone... but here are my personal activities

-RUNNING---I have recently gotten very into running. I try to run 3 or 4 miles atleast 5 days a week. I have notice that it increases my stamina so that if I am doing an incredibly long number, I am not as winded. I also find that it is a FULL body work out!( DUH haha). It has also increased my balance (core) and strength (ex: extension... which means i can hold my leg out and up for longer)

-SWIMMING--- Before my Last Rockette season, I went swimming EVERY SINGLE day. I would do about 60 laps. I found this to be AMAZING. I love swimming because it is also a full body work out, but you dont ever get over heated. I am one of those people who gets REALLY SUPER HOT. I sweat like a man (gross I know) and I dont just get hot.. but I feel like I Burn sometimes. (weird?) Swimming helped me be able to completely concentrate on the activity without those little voices in my head saying "HOLY #*&% I am going to explode!"

-STRETCHING---I know that stretching isnt a work out...but it is so important to keep your body stretched before and after performing ANY sort of activity. This prevents injury, and keeps your muscles from becoming over stressed. 

If you have any questions about stretches that I do for certain muscles feel free to ask :)

***I really want to say that I HOPE THAT DIDNT SOUND ARROGANT! The last thing i want this to sound like is ME ME ME ME...***

If you guys have any questions about ANYTHING I would love to answer them :)

On that note... Enjoy your Sunday :) :)

What have you done today??

Sorry its been so long since I've posted!!

...its probably because my eats havent been all that exciting...

accept this weekend :)

Anthony and I went to this great market called "John's Market". The

y have tons of fresh produce... at a really great price!!!

We got

3 Artichokes- 1 dollar!

1 Butternut squash- 50 cents!

1 Huge container of Shitaki mushrooms- 2 Dollars!

and that funny little guy in the back is a Yucca root!!- 50 cents!!

We ended up making Broiled Artichokes, and sauteed Mushrooms

 (anthony made himself fish) 

..and I made this great Israili Cous Cous from Vegan Express (of course with my own twist)

A yummy home made meal :)

For lunch today 

Today for lunch I made a sort of sandwich. I melted some rice cheese on a half of a gluten free wrap...it was super crunchy and yummy... and I topped it with avocado spread, sprouts, tomato, artichoke, and lettuce...

I LOVED IT!!!

Ok so now onto my title...

Ask yourself... What have you done today?

Ok clearly Im obsessed with THE BIGGEST LOSER! I swear to god that this show inspires me to work hard during my work outs...

These people are severely over weight. There are women on the show that are 5'4 and weigh over 300 lbs. That is a serious problem. Over time,... and with the help of their trainers the drop an amazing amount of weight. So when I work out... I ask myself... if someone more than twice my size can run three miles... why shouldn't I... and then I do.

Today I really pushed myself at the gym and I was happy. I have been running 3 miles at least 5 days a week... and today I pushed it to 4. I know it doesnt sound like all that much.. but to me it was an accomplishment. I also spent an hour on my arms...and 15 minutes on my abs and gave myself a great 10 minute stretch. 

It is so easy to say.. "oh I'm tired"... "i just commuted from the city for an hour and a half and I want to relax.".."I spent my whole day at work...i deserve to take a nap"..."I have so much work to do"... "I have to.. I have to... I have to.." How many times have you said these exact things to yourself...Next time.. say "I deserve to spend some time on myself... to better the person I am.. and to help myself stay healthy." 

...So... "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY... TO MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD?"

A little bit of this... a Little bit of that...

Well I am going to start this post by saying THAT IM A WINNER!!!

Ok ok... dont get upset... we're all winners!.. but seriously I won something!

Vegan Snorkeler's Lisa was having an Online shoe contest. All you had to do was leave a comment on her blog and you entered to win a 50$ gift certificate to Onlineshoes.com.

Shoes... YES PLEASE... and guess who's name got chosen! WAHOO!

Thank you so much Lisa!!!! ( i cant tell you how pumped I am for this!)

Second order of business... I had a wonderful audition today!!! I felt like I did really well and they seemed genuinely Impressed. I went in to sing for Val in A Chorus Line.... Chorus Line=One of my DREAM SHOWS!!!! "GOD I HOPE I GET IT... I HOPE I GET IT!!!!!!!"

Ok Ok Ill spare your the cheesy Musical Theatre stuff 

:)

As For EATS... Nothing too exciting lately. I whipped this together the other day. Homemade vegan Coleslaw, fresh greens, sprouts and avocado... definitely yummy :)

Here are some leftovers that I had for lunch this week (from Valentines day) Marsala Seitan over Israeli cous cous and broccoli raab. :)

This morning I was craving oatmeal for some reason. I topped it with fresh strawberries, blueberries, dried cranberries, coconut and some vegan chocolate chi

ps (god i love them!!!)

It def lasted me all day... but I think Im more of a fan of my smoothies in the morning... but hey it was cold and a warm bowl of oatmeal always does the trick :)

Here is a new product that I am a HUGE fan of.. Glutino Pretzels.. they are AWESOMEEEE theyre light and  crunchy... just salted enough and gluten free! Def recommend them :)

I like eating them with sunbutter or Mustard.

I dont know about you all.. but sometimes i just crave SAUCE. Not pasta... not ravioli.. but plain old good eatin sauce!!!

Tonight was one of those nights!!! I cooked myself up some spaghetti Squash, steamed some veggies...and topped it with some rice cheese and you guessed it.. a but load of sauce!!!

I couldnt finish it all... common i mean thats a huge portion.. but damn was it yummy

well friends... thats about all.. sorry i dont have anything more exciting to share!!! 

till next time :)

Horray Horrah!

Hi Friends!!!

First thanks for all of the congrats!!! It makes me feel so great :)

Raw food week went well I think.

The verdict??

I crave smoothies in the morning... by lunch time I am pretty hungry, but really am not in the mood for solid food yet. On friday I tried to have a salad... got full after a few bites.. and then whipped myself up another smoothie! My raw food week was cut short by a "We have to go out and celebrate!" From the boyfriend. But its all good I suppose :)

We went to a sushi place where I ordered 4 different veggie sushi rolls :) YUM YUM YUM!

All in all, by the end of my week I feel great. My weight keeps fluctuating.. but it does every day so watever.. Does anyone elses weight fluctuate like crazy???

So the sad news is I had to drop my personal training course. The even worse news was that I still had to finish the anatomy portion of it... so I sat in a class room from 930-330 on valentines day!!!

For lunch I rode over to Chipotle for my favorite salad! Usually I can eat the whole thing.. today?? couldnt even eat half... verdict.. did my raw food affect my eating habbits???

Ok OK...so last night anthony and I went out to one of my favorite restaurants Tuals Kitchen. If you live on LI you have to go there!!!! I had Seitan Marsala over Israeli cous cous and brocclarabe. (I cant spell).... :)---(no picture because It was crowded and I was sort of embarrassed!)

WELL In other news I was given an award from the beautiful Lauren at Ginger is the

 New Pink!!! I'm so honored :)!!! So in Honor of this award I have to post 7 things that I love

HERE GOES

1) I love my parents:

I know this is kind of cliche... but I am lucky to have the most supportive parents out there.

 They are my biggest supporters. They love me unconditionally and push me to be my very best.

2)I Love my boyfriend:

Ok another cliche. He is just so wonderful. I know I talk about him all the time on my blog, but he really is my best friend in the whole wide world. He knows me better than anyone, and is always the first person to say..."suck it up and go for it"

3)I love performing:

Ok ok i know..."vegan on stage" you all could figure

this out. But it really is my true passion. There is truly no feeling like getting on stage and giving your all.  my other favorite part of it is during Rockettes.. when a little girl comes up to me after the show and says "I want to be just like you when I grow up." ....its humbling.

(Thats me in the middle of the pic)

4)I Love my friends:

Duh... doesnt everyone? But me and my friends are more like family. We really do everything together.. we have been friends since freshman year of high school.. which is crazy to think its almost 9 years....! Im really lucky to have them

(These are two of my best friends...Cristy and Kate)

5) I love the beach:

I grew up on the water. I live around the corner from the bay, and we always had a boat when I was growing up. There is nothing quite as calming as sitting on the beach... at say 4:00... when its still warm out, but theres a strong breeze.. and the sun is lower in the sky...it really is my sanctuary

6) I Love my dog:

My dog Cody is the closest thing I have to a br

other. Seriously, my dad treats him like he is human..(heck we all do) hes 10.. but hes got the personality of a puppy and I just love love love him.

i mean common how could you not love that cute face!!!

7)I Love living a healthy life:

Health is such a huge part of my life. I thrive on the endorphins I get from exercising or dancing. I look foward to creating healthy meals... and there really is nothing that makes me feel much better than passing on the knowledge I have gained to others. If I can influence someone else to be vegan then it was a good day!!!

So Now I have to nominate 7 people! sheesh this is tough!

I nominate:

Erin from Vegan and the City

Evey from Vegan Nurse

Natalie from Talieworld

Lauren from Vegan Gal

Kristie from Lighter Portions

Julz from Simple and Devine

Katie from Chocolate Covered Vegan

Honestly I just went through my google reader and was like WOW I really do have connections with most if not all of the people on here...

I think we're all really lucky to have this network of people :)

Happy valentines day!!!!