Healthy Goal for June

I realize this post is three days late, but better late than never, right? In my defense, I did tweet about it on time! 


Mr. Boyfriend and I have decided to give up all red meat and pop for 30 days. 


Ok, so a little history: I used to be (lacto-ovo) vegetarian for a year and a half but really missed Deli turkey sandwiches.  Eventually, Mr. Boyfriend influenced me with his carnivorous ways to join the world of enjoying bacon and pepperoni again.  Because lets face it, they are delicious! I influenced him to eat healthier but we still eat more red meat than I would like.  It is easy to grill and more convenient since I don't like chicken (unless it is fried)! But we realize we need to cut back and focus on being healthy again.  With all these summer festivals coming up, I know it will be difficult but we can do it! And our bodies will thank us later. 


We are calling it our Jewish-Lent. 


Already, we were face to face with the decision to stay strong! Yesterday, the only place around was a cute little hot dog stand. While the Vienna hot dog was calling my name, I opted for a turkey burger and tea instead. 

Caryn_Levy Caryn Levy 

The boyfriend & are selecting to give up red meat and pop for 30 days. Good luck to us! #healthygoals

1 Jun Favorite Reply Delete

At the end of the 30 days, I will recap and see how we did and how we feel. How are you trying to stay healthy? What have you cut out or incorporated into your daily life?


Oh and P.S. and I would also like to go back to working out (it has been a while!) and resume practicing Yoga at least once a week.


Love, Caryn

Chicken Noodle Soup Minus The Chicken

I was originally going to write a different post, but Mr. Boyfriend had to swoop in and be the amazing boyfriend that he is, so change of plans.

I have been coughing for nearly two weeks now.  In the mornings, I either sound like I swallowed a frog, have no voice, or the opposite, I sound like a man. None of which, believe me, are sexy sounds. My cough is guttural and resembles a choking goose. During the day, I feel better, but it often gets worse after 9PM.  Sometimes it is so bad I think I might vomit from the intensity. Being that is two weeks and an empty bottle of Robitussin later, I thought if I went to the Dr. she would tell me nothing was wrong and that whatever it was, allergies or a cold, was already on its way out.  However, Mr. Boyfriend said, "This is not like you. You have a strong immune system, go to the Dr." So I made an appointment. (Major side points, he wanted to come with me to the Dr. to make sure I was okay.)

Turns out I have Bronchitis. Now, this is not a sympathy post, I just want to share what was waiting for me when I came home from work!

He left work early, went to Whole Foods to pick up dinner for me, and surprised me when I got home! He got sushi (my favorite!) and chicken noodle soup with a bread roll to help me feel better.  He knows I hate chicken so the soup intentionally had very little chicken. We are Lactards so for dessert he bought diary free cookie dough ice cream, "because my throat is probably sore from all the coughing."  And of course a peanut butter Carol's Cookie, just because he couldn't resist it in the checkout line.  How thoughtful and sweet!! How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend!?  I will surely feel better with him around!  This may be one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me.

Now lets hope these antibiotics kick in. I have to be in tip top shape for the busy weekends ahead!

Everyone likes to be taken care of sometimes.  What is the sweetest thing someone has done for you?




Love, Caryn

Just Call Me Betty Crocker

When I heard that Borders filed for bankruptcy, I immediately went online to use my gift cards before they officially closed all their doors. While I got a personal reading book or two, I also got four cookbooks, and Today they arrived in the mail!

I think I covered just about all topics and bases.

• The Best of Baking (Better Crocker) 
• Baking sweets, breads and more- Check
• Hungry Girl 300 Under 300 (Lisa Lillien) 
• Healthy meals under 300 Calories- Check
• The Best of 30 Minute Dinners (Better Homes and Gardens) 
• Meals that can be whipped up in a hurry - Check
• New Cookbook (Better Homes and Gardens) *came with a free magazine subscription too! 
• It should be called the Plaid Cooking Bible as it is a staple in nearly every mothers' cupboard because it has been passed on through the generations.  It literally has EVERYTHING- between covering cooking basics, how to formally set the table, techniques and tips, refrigerator/freezer storage pointers, nutrition, and every recipe category you could possibly need and more- Check.

I enjoy cooking or baking but usually I stick to baking while Mr. Boyfriend does the the cooking. I am lucky, because he knows his way around the kitchen!  We compliment each other very well.  However, I want to be able to be a good girlfriend, one who can cook for her boyfriend.  I would love to sporadically surprise him with a delicious dinner ready on the table when he gets home from work. I want to be able to host a cocktail party and serve my own food, bring homemade delicious platters to pot luck parties, or help cook for family gatherings.


So many choices now, I don't know where to start! Have you tried any recipes that are in these books? Any suggestions I should try first?  The recipes in these books look absolutely divine!

 I am really excited to fire up the grill, turn on the burners and get my hands dirty!

Do you have any recipes that you absolutely love?!  If you would like to guest post and share your recipes please let me know!  








Love, Caryn