Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.
~Chinese Proverb
lake lure
Wednesdays are usually rough days for me. Middle of the week, my to-do list is usually not even CLOSE to being done…in fact, most cases, it has grown exponentially in just 3 days.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about stress and how it effects and infiltrates every area of your life. I am usually good about compartmentalizing my life…leaving work at work and drawing boundaries…but stress is one of those things that you can’t keep in a box. Or at least I can’t.
Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.
~Richard Carlson
I thought for today, I would share some ways that I try to DeStress (and it usually begins on Wednesdays)
don't lose yourself to stress!
1: Be Present in the Now
Ground yourself in the day-to-day. Be present in work, in play, in conversation. The worst feeling is when you are driving home from work and you can barely remember what you did or the people you talked to that day…most of the time, it’s because your thinking over, worrying over, stressing over the future…even if it’s the next day. I find that I feel more fulfilled when I am intentional in the moment.
2: Don’t Worry About the Things You Can’t Fix or Change
I know this seems like a no-brainer, but often times, we find ourselves consumed by worry and stress over big deal things that even in our strongest moment we would be unable to change. For instance…personal example…I could try to force the issue of getting pregnant, but even if we tried IVF or adoption or any other method there is STILL a chance it won’t work out…there is absolutely NOTHING I can do to MAKE it happen.
3: Weigh the Fear Factor
I don’t know at what point my outlook on life and people changed, but I have discovered that I have become more and more afraid. Blame it on too many Law & Order or CSI episodes, but in college, I would walk all over Downtown Columbia without the slightest fear and now, even in my own suburbia home, I find myself locking doors, shutting blinds and setting the alarm ALL the time. This one is a daily struggle and major area of stress for me, but like the thought above, I can’t know what is going to happen in the future, so even on my most cautious day, I still may not be able to prevent tragedy. I try to think of probability. To differentiate between fears and reality will help set your mind right and hopefully quench the stress that may consume you.
summer grillin' is a perfect DeStresser
4: Eat and Eat Right
Most of the time, when I find myself stressed, I do one of two things. I either bing eat where you would pull back a nub trying to stop me from buying a whole pack of oreos and eating them OR I forget to eat all together. I really love food. I have a deep appreciation for all things culinary and truly love to eat all kinds of food. So, a way I help myself DeStress is to eat something really good and really healthy. I almost instantly feel better in my mind and in my body. For the love of Pete, do not forget to eat…adding hunger to stress is a BAD combination.
5: Surround Yourself with People You Love…and LAUGH a lot
A tried and true way to DeStress is to surround yourself with your loved ones…sometimes it’s just my husband with his unconditional love for me, sometimes it’s my family who would take a bullet for me and sometimes it requires some major “girl time”. My favorite “girl time” is with my closest friends…meeting at Starbucks, playing hooky for an all-day movie marathon or for an excursion to the Flying Biscuit on an early Saturday morning. When I am most stressed, I just want to be around my friends who make me laugh, challenge my thinking and encourage my heart.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday…in the time it has taken me to write this blog post, I am already DeStressed and ready for the day! Hope you are too:)
One of my favorite things to do in the Spring and Summertime is to head to the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. Charlotte, NC actually has a couple GREAT Farmers’ Markets. It’s always a bummer when you go to a market and there’s a guy selling Chiquita Bananas…”you KNOW you didn’t grow those, my friend.” 
Some of the markets I’ve been to in Charlotte have a few vendors like that, but for the most part, you’ve got sweet old men and women who own farms in and around the area. One of my new favorite farmers’ market items are RADISHES.
check out that iPhone photography:)
The only time I’ve ever really eaten radishes are on a salad, but they are beautiful vegetables, so I thought…they MUST have more culinary clout than just salad toppings.
A couple weeks ago when I traveled to NYC for a girls’ weekend (which was AMAZING btw) Marie took us to Le Pain Quotidien…a super cute bakery and communal table. This place really was beautiful and the food was so delicious. Marie and I split a Tuscan Platter with Shaved Parmesan, tapenade, basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, ricotta, RADISHES & prosciutto. We dipped the radishes into the ricotta cheese and VOILA!…straight perfection.
As soon as I got home, I rushed to the market to pick up these beautiful red veggies and stop by the store to get ricotta cheese. Seriously…think mid-day snack or light lunch addition, you will NOT be disappointed.
Radishes are typically in season year-round, but their peak is RIGHT NOW…April to July. When at the market or store, look for radishes that are plump, firm, smooth, and free of cracks and bruises. Buy them with the leaves still attached if you plan on eating them raw.
Once you buy them store radishes in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper. Radishes with leaves on should be used within a day or so because the leaves don’t stay fresh very long…those without the tops can be kept for up to a week.
Here are some other ways to eat this sassy RED veggie:
Radish Butter on Toast
Cabbage & Radish Slaw w/Peanut Dressing
Roasted Radishes from Kalyn's Kitchen
Hope you have a great Tuesday!
Happy Monday!
I am truly sorry for taking a week hiatus from the blog, but I think (I hope) you will like some of the changes and the new direction this blog will go. I’ve got a couple ideas in the works and I will explain those more in detail later as I finish them….BUT in an effort to whet your whistle and give you a little glimpse into what’s to come…here are some things I am working on:
>> Travel Tips <<
One of my most FAVORITE things to do is travel. When Jay and I plan on taking a trip, I am a MAD woman when it comes to picking restaurants, finding fun places off the beaten path and scoring major $$ deals along the way. I think either on a weekly basis or bi-weekly basis, I’ll feature a different destination, give basic travel tips, highlight sweet food spots and more. My hope from these posts is that you get inspired, get on the ROAD and take a vacation from the hum-drum of normal life.
>> Cooking Challenge 2.0…Recipes on a WHOLE New Level<<
any excuse to wear a fun apron:)
I really have had a great time trying new recipes for Foodie Fridays. I think for the summer, I am going to up the ante (if you will) and challenge myself (and YOU) a little more. If you’re anything like me, you have a collection…quite a LARGE collection of cookbooks. In the digital age that we live in today, it’s just SO easy to go to GOOGLE to find recipes to make…it actually has become quite a challenge to bring myself to crack open one of those books that I actually PAID for.
So…(I really like elipses obviously) I am going to pick a cookbook (or two) and make ALL the recipes in the book. I have yet to decide which one but it’s looking like either my newest cookbook, “Super Natural Living Every Day” by Heidi Swanson OR the one I’ve been dying to actually use “I Like You. Hospitality Under the Influence” by Amy Sedaris. Either way…I’ve got approximately 60 days or so in my “summer”, so I will try to choose a book that has close to that many recipes.
Whether you feel inspired to do the same thing OR are perfectly happy watching me drive myself a little recipe crazy, please stick around and maybe join me by making some of the recipes I end up featuring.
SHAMEFUL PLEA: And for the love, please leave a comment for goodness sake. It always helps to know folks are “in it to win it” when it comes to reading your blog:)
>> A Book Club <<
I'd do a book club with this hottie...anyday!
Confession: I hate to read.
Okay, maybe “hate” is a little too strong…but for me, I can’t just crack open a random book and get lost…or get anything for that matter. I do read, occasionally, and by occasionally I mean average about 1-2 books A YEAR. (don’t laugh!) Now, I have been known to get sucked into certain book series (which may or may not have dealt with vampires and werewolves) that I manage to read in a matter of DAYS.
All this to say, I want to read more. When I do read a book and I LOVE it, I can get lost in it. I like that feeling. I want to read more, so I am putting together a summer reading list. I don’t want to aim too high, so I might pick 2-3 books for right now to put on said list. “Bossypants” by Tina Fey is definitely on the top of my list so far.
I’ve never actually participated in a book club before, but I would love to try it. So if you want to join me, let’s pick a book and read/review/discuss here on the blog. {again, this would require you to leave a comment…just sayin:) }
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So those are the three areas of focus this summer for Uglyspots. I really hope you will join me by participating in one or all three areas. I’m no “mommy blog” so I don’t have a “top this” or “top that” community to get votes or meet new web-friends, but I would definitely appreciate you passing Uglyspots along and recommending to your friends…or if you want to be super nice, even linking to Uglyspots or putting our button on your blog. Thanks again and stay tuned for fun times ahead…
Happy Saturday!! I am taking a wee break from my hiatus (got some really cool ideas brewing…so please stay tuned!!) to try to win this iPad 2 from Design For Mankind and I get 10…yes 1-0 more entries for posting this:
I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by MeridaHome at Design For Mankind! I want to win the iPad 2! (and I love Erin’s shoes!)
I mean, duh!! Gimme ‘dat iPad 2:)
Happy Monday to you! I am currently recovering from my NYC trip…always cramming so much fun and WALKING into one weekend leaves your body sore and achy, but I really had an amazing time with my friends. One of the highlights was getting to see the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met…so stunning!
I hope to post a trip recap soon, but in the meantime, I working on a couple new things for the blog and will take a little hiatus. I don’t think I’ll be gone longer than a week, but I will try to work fast and get back to regularly posting. I’ll be back soon, hopefully you will be too:)
Seriously…It’s all I can think about this week! Tomorrow morning I will be en route, with my Kristin, to NYC to visit Marie!!
sweet (and gorgeous!) marie, our host:)
Like I mentioned yesterday, I have managed to make this trip to New York an annual tradition and Lord willing, I can keep it up for years and years to come. Each time I go to NY, I meet Marie with a laundry list of things to do, places to visit and must-eat restaurant spots. This time will be a little different, I’ve seen all the touristy stuff…this time, I really just want to go and enjoy the city for the not-so-touristy things it has to offer!
shepard fairey on Houston
I really am leaving a lot of the trip up to what my friends want to do and see and I know Marie has a couple placees she wants us to eat at, so I am looking forward to relaxing and really taking in some sweet time with my old friends. Girl time really is one of my favorite things in this entire world and these two ladies are super special to me. These are those kind of friends that you don’t see or talk to “too” often but when you do get together, it’s like you just saw them yesterday – ya know?!
love babycakes cupcake tops!
SIDE NOTE/shoutout: These ladies and I have traveled together before…to LONDON and PARIS back in college. My cousin, Allison, and he wonderful husband, Lee, hosted us…and by hosted I mean, rented a car and drove us all over the country…booked our hotels and so much more…they were PERFECT hosts and it was an amazing trip. We will HAVE to do that again one day:)
fully expect to have NY feet again...
Okay…back to NYC and my non-list of things to do, etc…well if you know me, you know that I CAN’T go without some kind of list…I know, I’m ridiculous…but come on…so I am off to make my list and get ready for the trip – if you have any suggestions to add to my list – leave a comment…
Until then, I leave you until Monday:) Have a great weekend and if you’re in NYC, maybe I’ll bump into you!! Cross your fingers I can find a way to get to NSS 2011 before I head back home!
In two days, I board a plane – with my dear friend Kristin – headed to one of my favorite cities, NYC! We’ve planned a super fun trip to visit our college roomie and one of my best friends, Marie. I am super stoked for our girls’ weekend and have already started making a list of things to do and places to eat (FYI…my favorite thing to do in NY is EAT!).
Here is a picture of Marie and I last year (I’ve made this NYC trip an annual event that I plan to continue for YEARS and YEARS):
with that said, I will also be the CLOSEST I’ve ever been to one of my Bucket List items…
see the awesomeness
Due to a work conflict every year, I have yet to attend this amazing event…until now…
I am trying to figure out a way to stop by on Sunday before I head out to the airport to fly home…some of my most favorite designers will be there and I would LOVE to see their booths! Not sure how it’s all going to work out or if it will even happen, but I will be within a couple blocks of the Javits Center and that is the closest I’ve ever been…mark my words though, I WILL go someday.
Hopefully that someday is this weekend, but we will see.
For today, I’ll leave you with some sneak peeks at my favorite vendors…I would love to meet some of these folks. Between Twitter and their blogs, I already love these folks and I’ve never even met them:)
Click Here to View the Wholesale Catalogue
Dingbat Press
via
I Can’t Tell Which Ones Are Weeds
via
Bella Figura
via
Chewing the Cud – SOOOOO obsessed with their stuff:)
via
Cross your fingers for me!! Happy Wednesday:)
Spring cleaning is in full swing in the Masanotti household. Since putting our home on the MARKET in October, our house has been the cleanest it’s ever been…you never know when you’ll get a call for a showing and it’s really hard to drop everything at work to go home and clean. {side note: Someone PLEASE buy our home…it’s the best home in Rock Hill, S.C.}
Having to clean everyday means going through cleaners like nobody’s business…and that can get quite expensive. Also, have you ever read the back of those cleaners…the numbers of chemicals is kind of scary…so for today’s Make it Monday, I am going to feature natural home cleaners that are gentler for you and your loved ones:
- source
Baking Soda
Such a versatile, non-toxic, non-poisonous cleaner, baking soda not only cleans and deodorizes, it does SO much more! Baking Soda removes can be used to clean countertops, remove stains from food containers, clean silver, remove scuffs or grease from any surface, clear out clogged drains, remove “doggie” odors, remove burnt food from your oven or grill and more. Seriously, this is always good to have around to use in the kitchen, the bathroom, etc. etc.
source
Distilled White Vinegar
Between this and baking soda, you can pretty much clean your ENITRE house! Known to many as the miracle cleaner, Vinegar is a weak form of acetic acid that forms through the fermentation of sugars or starches. Pour it in a spray bottle too to use on countertops and more. Vinegar can be used to remove stickers, stains and more…to clean windows (wipe with a newspaper! not kidding, it’s amazing!), to clean metals, to remove clogs and buildup on shower drains and heads, to clean shower curtains and walls. Seriously, you can pretty much use this for everything.
Lavendar, Lemon or Tea Tree Oil
These essential oils and more can be added to water in a spray bottle and used on most surfaces as an all-purpose cleaner…not to mention leaving your house smelling yummy. I have a friend that uses a dab or two of tea tree oil instead of deodorant everyday! You can add a drop or two of these oils in laundry, in your dishwasher, in your bath…practically anywhere.
If you’re thinking..”Sounds great, but I DO not have time to make my own…” My next suggestion is my new favorite “purchased” cleaner…Mrs. Meyers!
Seriously…this stuff smells AMAZING and works like a charm! Mrs. Meyers knows her stuff and this all-purpose cleaner should last a LONG time. For more thoughts and uses on homemade household cleaners, check out a couple of these websites:
www.realsimple.com (especially their fun “New Uses for Old Things” section…super awesome ideas!)
Do you have any??
It is officially the end of what I’ve dubbed “The MOST Busiest of my Entire Year and It’s Only MAY” week! I have two major events at school, Girls on the Run Awards and my GOTR team’s season culminating party AND the 5k race this morning. To top it all off, it is Mother’s Day weekend! What a sweet way to end this crazy week. Jay and I will head down to the wonderful town of Blythewood, SC to visit and celebrate my mother and grandmothers.
I apologize for missing yesterday’s Foodie Friday and for being a little MIA this week, I’ll do better next week…hopefully:) Today I wanted to dedicate this post to my mother. My mom and dad have the sweetest marriage. They just happen to be two of my most favorite people in the world and they are HILARIOUS. I wish you all could meet them because they will make you smile and most likely have you rolling with the greatest “pee-your-pants” laughter you’ve ever experienced.
My mom is the most beautiful woman I know. She is firm and sensitive, funny and sweet…she is loving and fiercely loyal. She had me at a young age and was and is one of the MOST servant-hearted women I’ve ever met. She ALWAYS put others before herself. She is hilarious when it comes to shopping. She’s getting better, but she is one of those…”well it’s on sale, so I must buy 5 of them” kind of shoppers. She is secretly creative and has so many skills…of which gardening is NOT one:) She is a wonderful cook and loves to play games, watch (or fall asleep during) movies, loves to dance (my mom LOVES some hip hop) and is seriously the most generous person I know. I love her for all her good, all her bad and for every freckle on her face. I take a huge, huge amount of pride when family and friends tell me how much I am like her, because if I had my choice of mentors and influences, she would be my pick.
I can only hope that some day soon I can be a mother so that my mom can be the AMAZING grandmother I know she will and wants to be. She is super special and today, tomorrow and everyday I am thankful that she is mine.
My mother…Myra Branham Boulware
told you she's got mad skills
thank God for freckles
my family...this is what we do
she dyed my hair pink...looks pretty proud about it too...
I can’t leave you hanging with NO Foodie Friday recipe…so I’ll leave you with a quick, simple recipe that my MOM made me all through high school:
Myra’s Breakfast Burrito
2 Eggs
1 Tortilla (I used whole wheat tortillas)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper
Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Mayonnaise (DUKE’s…DUH!)
1. Scramble the eggs in a skillet over med-high heat.
2. When cooked through, sprinkle cheese and bacon on top.
3. Heat tortilla (covered) in microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it up.
4. Spread mayo down the middle of tortilla (about a tablespoon worth)
4. Place egg mixture on mayo and roll tortilla like a burrito
Delicious! So if you hate mayo, you can use your favorite salsa…and if you’re feeling really sassy, throw some onions and green peppers into the egg mixture with the cheese and bacon. That’s the way we do in the COUNTRY…:)
Have a great mother’s day weekend!!
to my friend Jessi’s blog, Naptime Diaries, to read a special guest post from my friend, Kara!
Letter for Those Longing to Be Mothers
Kara has a blog as well where she writes beautiful things about her journey through the “I” word and her family’s journey through the adoption process.
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Also on a COMPLETELY different note, this week has been crazy beginning with the announcement of Osama Bin Laden’s capture and death. It’s been a struggle as I just got back into Facebook after giving it up for Lent…I struggled because folks were flocking to the web to pour out some CRAZY…I mean, CRAZY, statements and judgements and just really EXTREME opinions about the whole thing.
I got into it a little on my own “wall” and then just gave up b/c I’m just not quite sure what kind of meaningful dialogue can truly happen over Facebook wall posts…so, the pastor of my church, Renovatus, wrote a blog titled “Osamagate” and beautifully described what the Christian response should be in a situation like this…then followed with another “Osamagate, pt. 2″ post in response to the comments he received regarding his first post.
If you were wondering if a church like this actually existed…I’m here to tell you it does. Right here in Charlotte, NC. I love it!
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