Archive for October, 2009

Eat. Sweat. Blog. DONE!

October 30, 2009

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Today I finished Social Workout‘s October Challenge; Eat. Sweat.Blog. I am happy to report that I achieved 21 workouts and 11 food feats, with a goal of 20 workouts and 10 food feats! (see our post on 9/30/09)

When I began the challenge October 1, I was overly confident. Workout 5 times a week? Piece of cake! Accomplish 10 food feats? Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy! Many of the feats were things I have incorporated into my life already. I can’t remember the last time I ate fast food, or drank soda. I cook dinner almost every night, and usually make healthy choices. I blog (duh). This seemed so simple. Four feats, checked off before I even began.

But then a little thing called life came along. Suddenly, there was work where none had been (yippee!!). We had a series of out of town guests. My mother-in-law passed away. My routine of going to the gym every morning at 9 a.m. and staying there as long as I wanted to was shattered. Getting to the green market or the fish market everyday was getting difficult. While I maintained all of the good eating habits that I had committed to for the “food feats”, there are some things that are better not discussed on the food front. But somehow I succeeded despite all of this.

The moral of the story? Sometimes even the best intentions go by the wayside. It is important to give yourself a little slack. Having said that, it is even more crucial to prioritize. Somehow, I found my way to the gym most days, even if it was only for 30 or 40 minutes. One day I literally spent 22 minutes on the treadmill, and 40 minutes in the locker room getting ready for a busy day. But it was better than nothing, and I made up for it on days when I had the time. I also walked everywhere, easily logging 5 miles or more per day. The exercise worked my body and calmed my mind, making it a “must do” to get through the stress of the month. Having a goal and being held accountable for it, via the Social Workout site, was a big reason to keep going.

I am eager to see what they will cook up next. Whatever it is,  I say”bring it”!

You can check indigojones’ stats on the Social Workout site.

photo: Glasshouse Images

Not So Smart Choices

October 26, 2009

13-2Under pressure from state and federal authorities who feared that consumers were being misled, the food industry is suspending its major labeling program called “Smart Choices”. The program, which was discussed on this blog on September 13, featured a green checkmark on the boxes of foods that were deemed “healthy choices.”

Pepsico announced this week that they were cutting ties with the program, and Kellogg’s said that it would begin phasing out the packaging bearing the program’s logo on its foods which included Froot Loops and other sugary cereals.

The Smart Choices logo was met with criticism from nutritionists who felt the criteria was too lax.

The decision to suspend the program, pending revisions is a remarkable about face for an initiative that was developed by many of the country’s biggest food manufacturers, during a two year period. Isn’t it ironic that it only took 6 weeks for them to realize that this program was “not so smart” after all?

We hope that this is the first of many steps in the right direction for the American food industry.

photo: adapted from Glasshouse Images

I didn’t forget about you!

October 24, 2009

I suppose some of you are wondering where we have been lately. Well, the fact of the matter is that we have been right here where we always are, just a little overwhelmed by a flurry of work related activity (yippee!!) family related stuff, some good ( out of town visitors) and some not so much…we lost my mother- in- law yesterday after a long and productive life and a mercifully short period of suffering. We will be going to North Carolina at some point  this week to honor her in a series of memorial services.

The Eat, Sweat, Blog challenge that started out sooooo easy, is coming to an end, and I still have 6 workouts and 2 food feats to accomplish in the next 7 days.  If anyone else is participating, please let us know how you are doing with it. Can I count a day where I stay in the gym and kill it: spin for 45 minutes, do an hour of pilates and walk 5-7 miles more than one workout? Yeah, I didn’t think so…..

I have a few posts to work on and plan to get at least one out today and follow it up with posts throughout the week. Please check back and see what’s up as the days progress. We missed you too!!

❤ indigo jones

Family Matters

October 15, 2009

Did you know that the Museum of Modern Art offers great family programs for children of all ages?
The programs at MOMA are designed to introduce kids and adults to the world of modern and contemporary art through gallery conversations, art workshops, artist talks, and activity guides.

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The “Closer Look” series, for children 5-10 years old and their adult companions is interactive and educational, while being a fun hands-on experience for all. This series allows the group to look closely at modern masterpieces and explore the artist’s motivation through discussions and activities that allow the participants a chance to work in the style of the featured artist.

The current workshop, entitled “Line, Shape and Color: Abstract Art “ explores the artist’s use of these components to create abstract art.

The program changes monthly, and is offered every Saturday and Sunday morning through December 20. It is free of charge, and includes museum admission for the family. There are also programs geared to tweens and 4 year olds as well.

It is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of modern art, and a wallet friendly way to spend the day.

For more information, call the MOMA at (212) 708-9805, or visit the website.

Unrecipe of the Week

October 13, 2009

Chinese BBQ Sauce

1211500380-1.JPGThis is a delicous sauce that can be used on chicken, meat or even tofu.  It’s got an Asian flair, and lot of flavor. I love to use it on chicken wings, and it’s also great on spareribs. No matter what you put it on, it’s finger licking good!!

Mince a couple of garlic cloves and a nice sized chunk of peeled  fresh ginger ( a similiar amount of each).

Add about a 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Mix in a small jar of prepared hoisin sauce, and a couple of tablespoons of honey.

Whisk all the ingrediants together by hand, or in a blender.

Pour over the protien and let it marinate in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it. The sauce is flavorful enough, that you can cook the meat/ chicken /tofu right away if you are short on time.

Enjoy!

Photo: Glasshouse Images

Food, Wine and Fun

October 10, 2009

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The second annual Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival is in full swing this weekend, in various locations around the city.

This event brings together both legendary culinary icons from around the world, and America’s most beloved television chefs.  The festival is hosted by, and benefits hunger relief organizations The Food Bank of New York, and Share Our Strength.

Centered primarily in the Meatpacking District of New York, and the famed Chelsea Market, there are workshops for adults and kids, as well as guest chef appearances, restaurant events, and an outdoor farmer’s market.

Come out and taste great food and wine, meet celebrity chefs such as Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Paula Deen and Tom Colicchio, take a kid’s cooking class, and help end hunger.  It’s a foodie paradise!!

The event runs from October 8-11.

For more information and a listing of events, visit their website:  http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2009/

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Photos: Spencer Jones

Chaos Restored

October 10, 2009

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We rented our loft out for a photoshoot today. After spending all day yesterday scrubbing and making the house pristine, all was for naught by about 8:01 am! With a crew of 20, (including 7 models) it didn’t take long to turn this place into a studio.

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Hair dressers in the master bathroom, makeup in my closet/dressing room…Bailey’s room and the den a wardrobe room, and everywhere else, chaos!

Some shots were fun and some were quintessential sexy Cosmo!

Check out some of the out takes from our crazy day…..

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Brooklyn Skillshare

October 9, 2009

8259600479.JPGJoin the Brooklyn Skillshare on Saturday, October 10, for a day of food and learning.

The day will consist of 5 blocks of 90 minute classes, with 3 classes taking place at a time. Classes include a wide variety of things, from henna body art, homemade ginger ale and kombacha brewing,Fiber Arts and balloon animal making.  There is a suggested donation of $10, which includes free breakfast and lunch, and as many classes as you wish to take.

Brooklyn Skillshare is a communal hands-on learning experience that aims to serve as a jumping off point in the construction of an autonomous, non-exclusive, reciprical learning community.

For more information and directions: http://brooklynskillshare.tumblr.com/

Photo: Glasshouse Images

Cosmo at My Place

October 9, 2009

We rented our Loft to Cosmopolitan Magazine for a photoshoot tomorrow. Check back for behind the scenes location shots. Let the chaos begin!!

Unrecipe of the Week

October 6, 2009

Apple Sauce

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Everywhere I look, there are piles of fall apples waiting to be turned into pies,crisps and delicous apple sauce.

My daughter loves apple sauce, and it is so easy make, that is almost not worth buying the commercial variety. The aroma, permeating the house is reason alone to give this a try!

Peel and core a dozen apples,(give or take) and cut them in quarters.

Put them in a pan with a little water and a cinnamon stick, broken.

Cook at low heat, covered ,until the apples completely soften, and the water evaporates. You can’t really over cook it, but make sure that the water does not evaporate out before the apples are done. Depending on the amount of apples, this could take 30 minutes, or more.

Remove the cinnamon stick, mash the apples up with a fork, and ENJOY!

photo: Glasshouse Images


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