Week 1

My first week of training went extremely well, especially considering my circumstances. I was up at school Monday through Wednesday, had my first two days at my internship Thursday and Friday then headed home Friday evening to head up to Vermont for a weekend on the slopes.

Although I was a little sore from pushing myself to the limit, I felt energized and empowered to keep up the good work. Until Sunday night. Somewhere along the line I must have caught some kind of bug because shortly after my 5 mile run, the stomach pain set in. Today is day two of flu-like symptoms and, of course, rest.

I feel pretty awful but what makes matters worse is the fact that my new Mizuno running sneaks been staring at me from across the room, begging me to take them for a spin. Aren’t they gorgeous? I can’t wait to break them in, once I regain my strength and appetite…

Until then, I’ll be plopped on the couch, alternating between the t.v. and The Hunger Games. Yup, I gave in…and don’t regret it one bit. Hopefully I’ll recover from the plague soon. I can’t deal with this much downtime!
What makes you feel better when you’re sick? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

When I asked Mike what he wanted to do for his birthday dinner last weekend, he texted me back a one word response: “Chili.” Instead of making this recipe, which has been receiving some rave reviews lately, I decided to switch it up a bit. Enter my new favorite food. Sweet potatoes. Chili lovers, brace yourself.

Ingredients
(Inspired by Cookie + Kate’s Vegetarian recipe)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
3 carrots, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 12-oz. can crushed tomatoes
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 package ground turkey
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it hot!)
2 teaspoons ground coffee
Dash of cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil 

Start by cooking up the turkey with a little garlic and olive oil. Set aside.

In a large pot or dutch oven, sautée the red onions and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the onions are translucent, throw in the rest of the veggies. Stir occasionally so everyone gets fair share at the heat! 

Add in the canned goods (strain and rinse the beans first!), spices and turkey after the vegetables are lightly browned. Stir, reduce the heat and cover. Now it’s a waiting game…the more patient you are, the better it will be! Give it at least an hour to thicken up and for the sweet potatoes to soak up all the yummy flavors.

Once the chili is all hearty and ready, it’s time to serve! Top with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a healthy swap!), cheese, sliced avocado, green onions, etc. I spooned mine into hefty mug for easy indulging, curled up on the couch in front of the Giants game. Who’s ready for the Super Bowl? ME! Boyfriend will be working on the sidelines. SO JEALOUS. My plans are still up in the air.
What’s your favorite game grub? How do you put a health spin on it? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Inspired

Some of my earliest memories running were with my father. I used to ride my bike alongside him as he jogged a 3-mile loop around our neighborhood. After gaining strength and working to increase my distance, I began joining him in my early teens. We’ve been running partners ever since, pushing one another regardless of the weather or terrain. The roads around the place I’ve called home since I was six are curvy, the miles of wooded area gets to be monotonous and the hills are, well they’re hills! Although dreadful to endure, the most important running (and arguably life) lessons I have learned are from my experience with these steep obstacles.

I must have been around 13. It was early in our run and we were half-way through the daunting hill that I always try to avoid. I studied my dad with my peripheral vision as I listened to him guide me with each stride. “Lift your knees. Let your legs and butt do the work,” he said. “Relax your upper body and breathe.” When we got to the top and caught our breath, he told me the story of his brother, the uncle I never got the chance to meet but the family member I most resemble. “When I hit a wall or think I can’t go any further, I think of Bo and how he never gave up. It gives me strength to keep going.” Those words resonated with me at a young age and still find their ways into my head when I least expect it. Whether it’s a word you implant in your head (like my yogi suggested during last week’s practice), a saying or even someone, inspiration like this helps you power through anything life throws your way. It’s that “little guy on your shoulder,” as my high school field hockey coach used to say, that pushes you to overcome whatever stands between you and your goal. Emily recently tweeted the inspiring “Runner’s Creed” to me and after starting my training yesterday, I figured I would share it with all of you. The clip made me really think about my newest endeavor and how devoted I am to succeed. “Cardarelli’s never give up,” was a mantra my dad used to say when my sister and I were kids whenever we threatened to quit and the one I have chosen to keep in the back of my mind for whenever that “hill” decides to stand in my way.
What inspires you? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Here Goes Nothing!

Drum roll please…last night I signed up for my first half-marathon, The More/Fitness Magazine race through Central Park, to be exact. Let the 12 week training begin! Luckily, to keep me going and on track for the upcoming event, I have three amazing running buddies who will be competing with me: Emily, Brynne and Amanda. Now, this was not a spur of the moment decision whatsoever. Completing a half-marathon has been a goal of mine for quite some time now, but one of those things that I have let fall by the wayside with the chaos of school, work and internships. By signing up and forking out the $85, though, there will be not backing out this time. Plus, now that I have announced the news on the blog, I have YOU to cheer me on every step of the way.

I stay in pretty good shape with a mix of weight training, cardio and my new found love of yoga (Power Vinyasa is my favorite!), but I needed a concrete training guide to help track my progress. After a lot of research, I decided to create my own plan, based on what I personally have seen results from alongside what fits within my unusual spring schedule. I basically used a combination of Shape Magazine’s Half-Marathon training with Women’s Health cross training and P90x moves. I know things will change and there will be lots of rest days sprinkled in but I wanted to aim high. I plan to keep a fitness journal of reps/weight. Get ready for a lot more fitness-related posts over here on SWL! Anywho, after a tough week of workouts, I decided to take rest day today and celebrate Mike’s 24th birthday the best way we know how: lots of football and a new chili recipe (post coming soon!), which is currently simmering on the stove. I hope you had an incredible weekend!
Half/full marathon completers: any training advice? How do you stay inspired and on track? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Happy National Popcorn Day!

I’m celebrating my favorite snack the best way I know how…

thanks to my newest kitchen gadget.
Are you a popcorn lover? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Pretty in Pink

I blame Pinterest for fueling my pretzel/chocolate obsession. Everywhere I look, I find something pretty and pretty delicious with the winning combination. That’s why, as I brainstormed what to make the editors at FITNESS last week as a thank you, I settled on these Valentine’s Day-themed treats.

All you need are mini pretzels, a bag of Hershey’s Kisses and M&Ms. Lay the pretzels out on a baking sheet and top each with a kiss. Place in a 200°F oven for 4-5 minutes.

In a small bowl, pour sprinkles or nonpareils. Once the Hershey Kisses are melted, remove them from the oven and smoosh into the topping. Add a M&M to the middle and place onto a plate in the freezer.

That’s it! Although I hate Valentine’s Day more than anything (long story…), these kiss-topped treat are a tasty way to tell someone you love them.
Are you a fan of Valentine’s Day?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren 

Food Porn and Shoe Shots

I hate goodbyes. I mean, I guess I don’t know anyone who particularly likes them, but I realized how strongly I dislike them this week as I left my winter internship and job. I had such an amazing experience and enjoyed my time off from school. My only complaint: it flew by way too fast! I cannot believe in a matter of days I’m starting the spring semester of my senior year. The good news: I don’t have to say goodbye to Manhattan anytime soon. I’ll be there twice a week until May, interning at another magazine! Yay! I can’t wait to get started.

Anyway, here’s a look at my week through Instagram. Random but pretty. One of the most important lessons I learned about living in New York is the importance of comfortable chic. Slouchy sweater, skinny jeans and oxford slip-ons make for a cute, but practical-for-walking work outfit!

Daily lunch: spinach salad with avocado, grilled chicken, veggies and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. 

Tuesday morning I had the privilege of attending an Activia event on FITNESS’ behalf to learn about the importance of probiotics in your diet. The three course breakfast was divine and absolutely gorgeous, thanks to pastry chef and Bravo’s Top Chef Just Dessert judge, Johnny Iuzzini.

Check out the almond encrusted french toast. Simply out of this world! The crunchy coating had a gooey inside and a cut out middle filled with yogurt, berries and fresh herbs. Can it get much better than that?

Panna Cotta at 10 a.m.? Why not? You only live once.

I’m on a pretzel/chocolate kick, especially when it comes to gifts. Post to come on the Valentine’s Day-themed treats I made for everyone at my internship! Aren’t they pretty? 

Last but certainly not least, my newest purchase: Michael Kors booties. I’m obsessed. Warm, comfortable and oh so cute! Sorry for slacking on recipe posts. I haven’t been too creative in the kitchen lately… 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Pretzel Cookies

I can’t believe this is my first post of 2012. We’re only a week (well 11 days but who’s counting…) into the new year and I’m already slacking. Uh oh. I have a lot of updating to do and fun things to share but they can wait. I need to hit the sack early tonight. I’m fighting a head cold and could use a full night’s rest. Before I let NyQuil do its job, I want to share a recipe I tried out this weekend while I was home.

Warning: this may wreak havoc on some of your 2012 resolutions. Sorry in advance!

When I came across Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chips on Pinterest my jaw dropped. I may have also drooled. And made loud gasping noises. Salty but sweet. Chewy with a crunch. PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE! Seriously, could this recipe be any more perfect?

Yum. We were all out of granulated sugar after all of the holiday baking so I used 1/4 cup stevia instead. So it WAS healthy. Well, healthier…

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren 

PS – Here’s a taste of what I’ve been up to the last two weeks:

 Music Monday: Ringin’ in the New Year
Get Fit Like the Stars of the Scorpion King Movies