adventure

Some Favorite Summer Salads

June 21, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Over the years I have been looking for healthier recipes to enjoy as either a side or entree. Here are a few recipes that I have enjoyed, especially during the summer months.

Deconstructed Guacamole Salad

I found this recipe when I was looking for something to make with ripe avocados. I didn’t want to do my usual quick-prep of cutting them up and adding to my basic salad. I love guacamole so when I found this recipe I was thrilled and gave it a try.

I loved how refreshing and satisfying it was by itself. I baked some pita chips and used them for some crunch with the salad.

For an alternative recipe I would add some red onion to kick it up a bit.

Click here for the original recipe.

Strawberry, Almond and Spinach Salad

I found this fabulous recipe on the Taste of Home website. Since strawberries aren’t always in season, I used dried strawberries and pre-sliced almonds over my spinach. I used the oil and vinegar but I didn’t add any of the sugar. I thought the strawberries were sweet enough.

Click here for the original recipe.

Balela Salad

I found this recipe as I was looking for vegetarian options to decrease my meat consumption. I figured the chickpeas and black beans would be a great substitute. The first time that I tired this I fell in love with it. It is so great that I have never needed to change or alter it. I felt very satisfied after eating it.

Click here for the original recipe.

Filed Under: Adventures, Culinary Tagged With: adventure, choices, Culinary, Green, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, salad

2016 – A Year That Didn’t Go As Planned

December 24, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

In the beginning of 2016 I was hopeful. I was working at UPS temporarily as a pre-loader but 2016 was going to be the year I found my dream job and got married.

At the end of January I had caught a cold that was making its way around the hub. That last week I struggled to keep up with loading the trucks properly. Those weeks taught me to appreciate UPS workers and how they bust their butts. The first week of February is when I fainted on Dave and my world turned upside down. All my plans for the year went out the window. It was severely anemic from uterine blood loss.

I no longer could dance, run around the neighborhood or hit the gym (which I joined to stay fit for the wedding…lol). I discovered that I had fibroids in my uterine wall and it had to be removed. Since our wedding date was set for April, it was discussed and determined by my fabulous Doctor that we would have to wait until after the wedding for surgery. There simply wasn’t enough time between to get me on the schedule and have enough time to recover.

Not wanting to push the wedding off yet again, Dave and I agreed with the plan. I quietly waited at home while my body fought me every step of the way. I can’t tell you how many times Doc had to change my medication just to get it to stop bleeding.

On April 24^th surrounded by a small group of family and friends, Dave and I finally got married. As planned, we kept it simple and it was a beautiful day.

Our wedding bliss was short lived when I fainted yet again a few days later. That is when Doc’s team and Dave’s HR manager worked overtime to get me on Dave’s insurance. The effort it took to push the paperwork thru and then schedule my operation was amazing. I am forever grateful for everyone who helped out.

June 7^th I entered the Newton Medical Center for my hysterectomy. The procedure went smooth and I spent three days in the maternity ward. What a fabulous group of women. I was blessed to have the team that I had to help me while I was there. I was given a lot of pointers and a Giggle Pillow to help with minimizing the pain.

By the end of August I was back up and running. A little slow but I was moving again. I was back to dancing and hiking. I wasn’t winded just walking into the grocery store. It was amazing.

Now you may be wondering about the dream job? I did join a fabulous team (North Porch – Women and Infants’ Centers) as their Program Director.

I have reflected on this past year and what I learned. First, all the best plans in life can change in a moment so enjoy everything whether it’s planned or not.

Second, to be gentle with myself. Over the past year I wondered if I had done this, would I have caught this sooner and not have to hit the critical stage I hit. I also gained weight as I went from active to sitting all the time. I am looking to loose some of it but have to realize that my body changed in a big way and things I did in the past might not work as well.

Third, kind of goes with number two, eat better. Since I wasn’t feeling good I relied on crackers and bread for many meals. I need to cut back all of that so I can become a healthier me. I won’t give up everything but I will be looking to eat cleaner, less processed foods. I have a lot I want to do next year and I want to run circles around 2017.

Here’s to the next adventures in life!

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures, Be True To You! Tagged With: 2016, 2017, adventure, choices, Determination, dream, dreams, Emergency, employment, Goals, grateful, Health, healthy, Husband, Job, Jobs, journey, Love, Love Yourself, Loving You, Medical, Planned, Sidelined, Unhealthy, Unplanned, Wife, Woman, Women

The Joys and Lessons of Hiking

October 5, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

When I was 12 years old, I joined a Girl Scout Backpack Interest Group. I was an awkward child with little self confidence. Naturally I was unsure how I was going to fit all that I needed for a weekend on my back as well as fit in with the other girls. Under the guidance of several leaders, Barbara, Dave and my Mom, I learned how to properly pack a backpack for a two day trip. I figured out what was necessity verses a nice to have. As for fitting in with the girls, I had no problem making friends since we were there for the love of the outdoors.

I quickly learned to leave the fashionable attire at home and take the comfy cloths and boots. It may have had something to do with all the toenails lost to the “pretty grey boots” I wore that first year or the cold head and hands because I was too cool to wear a proper winter hat and mittens. I gained the knowledge of layering cloths for the seasons as well as bringing extra socks to change into if my feet got wet.

After the first few years, I began planning menus and making requests for when Mom went to the grocery store. Instant soups, my favorite was creamy chicken, and sandwiches became my go-to lunches. For dinner Mom and I would share a freeze dried dinner we had purchased from Campmor. Peanut M&Ms became my main staple in my group until they introduced Peanut Butter M&Ms. I would add honey roasted peanuts or Raisinets but I usually munched on just M&Ms while hiking.

As a group we hiked mainly around northern NJ or NY and I loved almost every minute of it. I hated when my path crossed with snakes. It’s the reason I fell in love with cold weather hiking. I knew during the winter months the little suckers wouldn’t be slithering about.

When I first started hiking I would hurry up to get to the end of point. I rarely wanted to stop for lunch or look around to see the beautiful sights that trail offered. I thought the point was to get to the campsite or the end of the trail as quickly as possible.

It took a many years but I started listening to Barbara’s educational stories about the plants and wildlife in the area. I learned to appreciate and explore old quarry mines and building ruins. I sat with my friends underneath Tripod Rock and scaled the great Bear Rock. I would have never had these experiences if I just kept walking or rushed thru lunch. I finally learned to slow down and take in the beauty that was all around me.

I sometimes have to remind myself to cherish all the various views in the world and the journey it took to get there. I love finding the beauty in a babbling brook or seeing sunshine falling peacefully thru the trees. No matter what, I will always love the view from the top.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures Tagged With: adventure, backpacking, food, Girl, Girl Scouts, Girls, Gorp, hiking, journey, Outdoors, Woman, Women

My Favorite Water Bottles

August 27, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

We have always been told to drink plenty of water as children. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-thirties when I actually started to take that advice. At first I started buying liter water bottles at the grocery store for its ease and convenience. About a year and a half after I started, I added up the money I was loosing for the ease and convenience and immediately started looking for alternatives.

I found an aluminum water bottle. It became my new best friend, I would fill it up and home and take with me everywhere. It was light weight and fit in my car holder. I liked this option however due to taking iron pills, the metal had a metallic taste to it.

I then switched to BPA-Free plastic water bottles with an infusers in the center which I found at Shop Rite. I was excited as these allowed me to add fruit or veggies to flavor my water. The downside was the time I felt I had to wait before drinking them so that the flavor would disperse throughout the water. Also, The plastic water bottles didn’t last as long as I was constantly using then as well as dropping them as they were a uniform cylindrical style and not easy for me to grip…lol.

As I continued on this journey I discovered discovered my first favorite water bottle, made by Life Factory and sold at my local health food store. I have to admit I first noticed it because the plastic coating and top was purple, my favorite color. I like the idea of a glass bottle because it wouldn’t have a metallic aftertaste. Its shape was easy for me to grip in addition to having a small handle on the lid. I liked the top which was easy to drink from. The one con was the base was slightly too big for my cup holders in my car. It sat three-quarters of the way into the large holder. It was not very sturdy but it was a concession I could learn to live with. I did drop it once but I was lucky that it didn’t break.

My next favorite water bottle came when Ball Jars created drinking lids for their narrow and wide mouth jars. The option for the narrow jars was a lid insert with a straw which was secured with the metal band. The wide mouth jars had a two-in-one option. The lid insert was designed so that you can sip directly or use a straw. Over the past few months I have preferred a 32 oz wide mouth jar with the insert. Depending on my mood I will use the straw.

The wide mouth doesn’t fit into my car’s drink holder however, traveling with the wide mouth Ball Jar is possible. I simply removed the drinking insert and used the steel canning for a secure fit until I get to my destination. In my car I use the 12 oz narrow jars as it fits nicely in my car’s drink holder.

Filed Under: A Little of This Tagged With: adventure, aluminum, bottle, BPA Free, glass, Health, healthy, journey, Juice, Juicing, plastic, water, water bottle

My Hair Care Journey

January 17, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Day 1 after I dyed my hair red

The OMG Dye Job

In March of 2010 I decided that I was going to head to the salon and dye my hair red. With naturally dark brown hair, this was going to be a several step process including stripping the color from my hair and applying the final hair color. I choose a deep burgundy color from the swatches and my stylist sprang into action.

Almost 4 hours later and a first botched color attempt along with a second color attempt, my hair was red and had been through the ringer. Although the products used were suppose to be good for my hair, I was left with dry, lifeless hair. It was then that I decided to take better care of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Growing out the dye job was going to be first priority. My thick, curly hair this took several years. By the time the last of it had grown out, the ends were a very faded to almost strawberry blonde.

My Hair Care Product Quest

My next step was to research natural and organic hair products looking for something that would help my hair be healthy again.I looked a many products and read their reviews. Some people had success with them but for those with my hair type, I saw many negative reviews.

The first product I found was at my salon was Davines hair products. I used Love Smoothing Shampoo an Conditioner. These products were made with natural ingredients for a sustainable beauty. From the moment I used it, I noticed a difference in my hair. I was ecstatic with the little progress I made to getting back to healthier hair. It was short lived because the salon created their own version of this and stopped carrying Davines products. I tried the salon shampoo once, it didn’t live up to its Davines counterpart.

For a while I purchased my hair care products online, but the shipping was starting to get a bit much.

So I started up my research for a locally carried hair care line that was naturally made. I discovered John Masters was sold at at a few local salons and health food stores in the area. The more reviews I read, the more I wanted to try it. I also noticed that celebrities whose hair I loved were using his products too – Added bonus.

I purchased the evening primrose shampoo for dry hair and lavender & avocado intensive conditioner. I loved the way they smelled but more importantly, I loved the way my hair felt after using them. Over the years, I have also changed up to Organic Miracles Tough Enough shampoo and conditioner.

Changing the Hair Styling Routine

A change to my regular routine was to incorporated the citrus & neroli detangler into my hair care routine. I would apply it and use a wide tooth comb to gently work out any knots I created while washing and conditioning my hair.

I stopped using the blow dryer. I allow my hair to dry naturally, however I still use my flatiron so that I have long straight hair. I typically keep the temperature down and keep it in motion while on the hair. Once the initial straightening occurs, I will only use the straightener for touch ups.

I added one more step for night time, I gently roll my hair into a bun on top of my head using a scrunchy. This serves two purposes: one, I don’t roll over on it and two it protects the hair from tangling up as I toss and turn.

My New Salon

A lesson that I learned in this craziness for healthier hair was I needed a salon and stylist who shared the same vision for my hair as I did. My search lead me to Salon Fig in Newton. When I first went, they were a small store tucked away but what a gem. From the first moment I stepped in, I felt like I had found somewhere that wanted the best for me and my hair. I know it sound silly but I loved the place. They helped pick the best hair care products to assist me achieve my end goal.

Unlike my expectations, I didn’t pay more for fabulous service and a great style. They are reasonably priced. I also learned that if I ever wanted to venture into the world of hair color, they have a natural product that won’t damage the hair.

My End Game

New Year’s Eve 2015 – five years after starting my hair care journey

Today, I have beautiful, long, healthy hair that I am very proud of. Since starting this journey, my routine hasn’t changed much.

My advice for those looking to do the same is:

Research hair care products that will bring out the best in your hair
Find a salon and hair stylist who gets your goal and will work with you to achieve it
Learn everything you can about how to best style your hair to reduce the amount of damage you cause

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: adventure, Girl, Girls, Hair, Hair Care, Hair Products, healthy, Heathly Hair, journey, Long Hair, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women

Forgotten Boardwalk – Craft Brewery

January 3, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

One evening in 2015 Dave came home with a new craft beer called Funnel Cake by Forgotten Boardwalk. Its’ style is a cream ale. It was smooth and creamy with a hint of vanilla. I liked the light, sweet beer because it was so different from what I was drinking. It was the first cream ale I had tasted in a long time.

During a trip to South Jersey, Dave and I stopped by the tap room with another beer connoisseur friend. It was delightfully decorated with nuances from the Jersey Shore Boardwalk including a skeet ball game and distortion mirrors. After taking a tour of the facilities, we stepped up to the bar and took a sampling of several different beers. My samples included:

My List of Beers I tried at Forgotten Boardwalk Tap Room

Funnel Cake
What the Butler Saw
Round Trip
#19

Since I had already tried Funnel Cake I knew that I would love it as it had become one of my favorite go-to-beers. The tap room had two versions, CO2 and Nitro. There is only a subtle difference between the two. Cans come in CO2 version and kegs come in both CO2 and Nitro. The Nitro is a bit creamier and blends the flavors together, however, I still love Funnel Cake in a can. (Click here to learn more about the difference.)

What the Butler Saw was equally enjoyable. It is classified as an undressed wit brewed with spices. As a wit lover, I was thrilled to find another one great option.

Round Trip is a hoppy saison. If you like a hoppier beer, this is definitely a good choice. Along my craft beer journey I have started to appreciate beers along this line but I realized during the tasting how far I still have to go.

#19 is saison farm ale that I can’t remember that much about except it was very hoppy. I am not sure if it was a one off beer or if they have released by another name. All I know was it was way to hoppy for me to get through the sample.

UPDATE: Since our adventure to the tap room, Dave and I have discovered Morro Castle. It a great smokey porter which successfully balanced out the various flavors in the beer. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good porter.

I am also thrilled that I have been able to find my favorites distributed on a more regular basis as it was difficult to find them in Northern NJ in the summer of 2015.

Filed Under: Adventures, Culinary Tagged With: adventure, Beer, Bucket List, Craft Beer, Forgotten Boardwalk, NJ Beer, Woman, Women

Oven Roasted Chickpea Snack

February 2, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

My Homemade Oven Roasted Chickpea Snack

So this year I made a promise to eat cleaner. No crazy diets or fads, just make more stuff from scratch at home. That has been an adventure when it comes to snacks.

This past weekend I was given a recipe for homemade Oven Roast Chickpeas. I have loved using them in my salads but never thought about roasting them.

This morning I heated the oven and made them. For me the recipe had the right mix of spices to make them flavorful but not spicy. There are other versions where I could kick up the heat and I will try those, but I wanted to share the recipe that has started my latest snack obsession.

Here is the link for the recipe I used. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Roasted-Chickpea-Snack/

Filed Under: A Little of This, Culinary, Food Tagged With: adventure, Culinary, food, healthy, snack

Start of a New Year – 2015

January 1, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

~ Oprah Winfrey

It is the start of 2015. So what is in store for this year?

Walking in the woods, belly dancing at various events, improving my health and wellness, visit histroical locations and the list goes on. I'll be sharing my 2015 adventures with you.

I'll record stories of my adventures and childhood memeries. I'll share my favorite artists, photos and inspirational quotes. I'll write about hisorical locations and people of interest.

I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2015. Let the Adventures Begin!

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures, Be True To You!, Bucket List, Culinary, Drinks, Food, Historical, Leisure, People, Places, Travel, Uncategorized, Various Tagged With: adventure, Bucket List, dream, historic, journey, places

My Bucket List

April 6, 2013 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

According to the Urban Dictionary, a Bucket List is a list of things to do before you die. It comes from the term “kicked the bucket”.

In 2007 I saw a movie called the Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It told the story of two terminally-ill patients, one a blue-collar family man and one a shrewd business man, who went on an adventure fulfilling a bucket list. This list was about doing, seeing and experiencing life before they died. Their list contained witnessing a miracle, skydiving, seeing the Great Wall of China and driving a sports car.

Shortly after seeing the movie I started creating my own bucket list of things I wanted to accomplish, see, do or experience before I die. On the list are items like:

See the Taj Mahal, Aurora Borealis and Grand Canyon (there are many more locations on the list)

Stand in my family’s town of origin (at least the one attached to our name sake)

Swim with dolphins

Watch wild horses run

Get over my fear of snakes

Inspire and motivate others

Since then I have added a few other such as learn to bell dance, become a public speaker, and write a book (or two). It seems that my list grows everyday as I continue to learn about new things and places.

I have also started to realize that even as my list grows so does the number of amazing and breath-taking things I have already done. These include:

Walking on Henry VIII grave (During my trip to Europe with Granny, my dad’s mom, after I graduated college)

Standing in Stonehenge (During my trip to Europe with Granny after I graduated college)

Watching a North Atlantic Right Whale breach out of the water (During a family trip to Cape Cod/Provincetown)

Learning where my family’s surname, Moricz de Tecso, came from (Meeting my Hungarian family and hearing the historical stories.)

These are a few items I have already crossed off. My goal with this blog site is to share my adventures in hopes of inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest.

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.” ~ Les Brown

Have you wanted to start a bucket list but needed help getting started, check out http://bucketlist.org/ or google for ways to start dreaming.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Culinary, Leisure, Travel Tagged With: adventure, Bucket List, dream, dreams, historic, journey, places

Join Me on My Journey

Some Favorite Summer Salads

2016 – A Year That Didn’t Go As Planned

The Joys and Lessons of Hiking

My Favorite Water Bottles