An Indulgence That's Worth Every Calorie...

Each week, I give myself a small but mighty window of opportunity to indulge in what we former fatties call "the cheat meal." My poison picked comes housed inside an aluminum container (if you're the to-go type) and is quite literally the closest thing to heaven on earth. Yes, I'm referencing the infamous "Burrito Bowl." At this point in my Chipotle chocked life, I would venture to consider myself a seasoned veteran of the ordering process - but for those of you who are virgins to this (and for that I feel sorry for you,) I will break it down step-by-step!

Step 1: Burrito, Salad Bowl or Burrito Bowl ?

Step 2: Would you like black or pinto beans?

Step 3: Would you like chicken, steak or barbacoa (strange meat I've never tried) ?

Step 4: Mild, medium or hot sauce?

Step 5: What types of toppings? (cheese, lettuce, corn, sour cream, guacamole, etc)

*** Warning: Guacamole is extra, but SO worth the difference in price ***

Step 6: PAY UP. (Word of advice, when asked for a drink choice - I always say a cup for "water" - the soda machine is self-serve (I'm going to hell, aren't I?)

By the way --> if you take my advice and indulge, you're welcome is all I have to say.

Coffee Wars: Starbucks or Dunkin?

The age old question for coffee aficionados generally begins and ends in a battle of which major brand provides the best java: Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. While many could agree that Starbucks coffee is a sophisticated, strong flavor, others might say that Dunkin Donuts takes the cake. Whether you fall under the left or the right of this caffeine driven political spectrum, each side will always trash the other. In my personal experience, I've heard that "Dunkin Donuts is too watery" or "Starbucks tastes like burning toast." Many opt for Dunkin Donuts because of the price break they get (Starbucks is known to be higher in price). What do you go for? Do you dunk your donuts or do you buck in the stars? I am an equal opportunity consumer of coffee - If I am near a Starbucks, I'll go there (especially in Manhattan) but when I am home in New Jersey, it is often out of the way to drive the extra ten minutes to get to one, so I'll stop by Dunkin. I was inspired to write this post because I was told how extremely odd I was for never drinking hot coffee (I only drink iced, even in the dead of Winter) - this morning I went against my better judgment and went for the heat, and I am sorry I did. I was sweating just sipping the beverage! Maybe I'm just traumatized from the McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit incident? Either way - Never again, never again. 

Fun Fact: Starbucks now offers a scanning mechanism if you download their app on your smartphone! I went ahead and downloaded it and connected it to my bank account so that it automatically refills after $25.00 spent - it also accrues points for you per drink purchased so that you'll be able to get free beverages and other rewards! (Now I don't feel so bad spending the extra few dollars on the snobby beverage...)

Appeals to the "Average Joe" demographic

"High Snobiety"

"A Healthier Guzzlet To Get A Nice Buzzlet"

"Real Housewife" turned business mogul, Bethenny Frankel, re-vamped the world of alcoholic beverages when she went public with her line of "Skinnygirl" cocktails back in 2010 with the frontrunner being the Skinnygirl Margarita. With her ability to sell the franchise to Jim Beam (a reputable beverage corporation) for the rumored amount of $120 million, the brand had a lot of potential to go even further than it already had. This past year, Skinnygirl came out with an even more exciting low-calorie alternative to America's favorite buzz boost -- VODKA! Below you'll find my drink of choice when I'm out at a bar (pending they carry the spirit) or enjoying a nice pre-event cocktail hour with friends (pre-gaming for lack of a better phrase). I opt for Skinnygirl Vodka (island coconut flavor) with Diet Coke/Diet Pepsi. My guilty conscience is at a record low while drinking it whereas with a beer or mixed drink in hand I'd be mentally kicking myself the next day. An even bigger selling point is that the vodka does not fall short on the alcohol content, which means that a little bit goes a LONG way. Please guzzle responsibly.

Tastes like a vacation in a glass!

The Skinnygirl brand has gone from one pre-mixed offering to a dynamic lineup of 11 and counting! As the slogan goes: "meet some of the new ladies..."

Four different vodkas, four different "ready to serve" cocktails & three different wines (a blush, a red and a white).

A Case of The Blues - Workwear A La Kyle

As promised, I have been documenting my noteworthy looks that are equally appropriate for work and for play. I bring this vital point of combining looks together because we all live in a city where things move very fast (and so do the people who inhabit it!) Instead of worrying about going home (which could be all the way up or downtown) to change for a different gathering or event, it is often to one's benefit to dress in a way that your outfit can be "multi-faceted." This look expresses current trends that utilize vibrant colors in pants and socks, and simultaneously introduces a left breast pocket patch to a normally average oxford button-down shirt. It is toned down with neutral colored driving loafers by J Crew, a basic braided brown belt, with brown and rose gold statement sunglasses by Tom Ford and a timepiece that brings all of the vibrant hues together by Toy Watch. While it is work appropriate, it also plays on the elements of trend setting/trend following, which allows for the look to be played out in different settings (work, happy-hour, dinner etc.) Below the picture, I've broken down how I keep to a "sale only" type of budget when purchasing such trendy items.

Shirt: ASOS brand (asos.com)

ASOS price? $75.00

ASOS sale price? $28.00

Pants: JustACheapShirt brand (hautelook.com)

JACS price? $98.00

HauteLook price? $25.00

Socks: Happy Socks brand (Nordstrom)

Nordstrom price? $12.00

Nordstrom sale price? $6.00

Belt: Perry Ellis brand (TJ Maxx)

Perry Ellis price? $34.00

TJ Maxx price? $14.00

Shoes: J Crew Camel Colored Driving Loafers (J Crew Outlet)

J Crew price? $110.00

J Crew sale price? $48.00

Sunglasses: Tom Ford brand (hautelook.com)

Tom Ford price? $425.00

HauteLook sale price? $175.00

Watch: Toy Watch brand (Neiman Marcus) *This item was a gift; it was not purchased on sale*

Neiman Marcus Price? $325.00

^ The elevated price of this watch was due in part to the fact that the cobalt blue color was a Neiman Marcus exclusive; no other store carrying Toy Watch had this item. 

End Note - Shopping for items on sale can be tiring, but the above shows that you can have what some consider "the nicer things" in college and still be on a budget!

  

Calorically-Conscious Japanese Food - "My Umai!"

Everybody knows that going away to college comes with a few "hiccups," one of which being the loathsome "freshman fifteen." I don't know about any of you, but I wouldn't specifically sort weight fluctuation into one collegiate year. Some people don't experience a change until their junior or senior years! Either way, my goal in this sub-section of my blog is to share some tips based on local Fordham "hot spots" to eat with friends. Your social life doesn't cease to exist just because you are watching your food consumption! <-- That was something that took me a long time to learn on the "yo-yo" roller coaster of coming into new eating habits. Your friends will still love you even when you're no longer ordering the same things that they do.

Today's Eatery For Fordham Scholars:

Umai Fusion, Japanese Cuisine (Arthur Avenue)

Here is a selection of some of the healthier items in place of your typical order of "tempura anything" (Because let's be honest people; we love it fried!)

Entrees:
 
Fantasy Island
Mixed raw seafood on half an avocado with special sauce.

Sushi Rolls
Substitute the standard white rice with brown rice - While it is an up-charge to your bill, it will not break the bank on your scale!

*Note - Always beware of sauces: do your homework first, but don't write them off completely. Indulge a little! 

Rice People - Pay Attention! This one's for you!
If you're in the mood for rice, try and order steamed brown rice - you can always doctor it up with some ginger dressing (sounds gross, tastes awesome) OR some low-sodium soy sauce.

Side Dishes/Soups/Salads: The most filling with the least guilt

--> Steamed Broccoli (Warning: Order it without garlic sauce if you plan to go out to the bars that night - you never know who you'll see, and the last thing you want to be remembered for is your stank breath!)

--> Soups - Most Japanese soups are made with minimal ingredients. This, however, should not take away from the amount of sodium contained. Beware of water retention - the scale will frighten you, but only for a day or two.

--> Salads - Go to town but bring your brain with you! Dressing on the side is a key success factor. A little bit goes a long way.

A very fancy Tuna-Avocado Salad - Do not expect THIS presentation at Umai, though!

Your typical Miso Soup - Simple yet satisfying.

 

 

A different way of eating is not that serious! Take it lightly, or you'll end up like this lady...

Enjoy!

The Reality Behind My Internship

This semester, I accepted an internship at a luxury real estate firm called Nest Seekers. I work directly for the Executive Vice President and the Senior Vice President, one of which was featured on a popular Bravo TV reality show "Million Dollar Listing: NYC." Upon accepting the internship, I also found out that the notoriety from the show allowed them to open an additional office (where I now work) and also allowed them to be picked up for a second season. The show is shooting three agents for the next five months, my boss included. The camera crew films at the office and on location for listings; look out for the upcoming season to air in the Spring and you just might see me ;)

While one would think that these types of people would be difficult to work with, I have had a complete opposite experience (in a good way.) My duties are typical to that of any average intern: coffee runs, office organization, administrative tasks etc. I am happy to attempt and tackle any task thrown my way because every request, every need and every whim is always followed up with gratitude. I respect the business and look forward to gaining more of an understanding of real estate in general. I'm really excited to see how this internship pans out; there are a lot of opportunities that can come from working at Nest Seekers and I'm excited to find out what they are!

In the coming weeks, I will also be documenting on how I am keeping current with trends and my personal style of dressing for work. Stay tuned!

A Long Time Coming

Since I could remember, I've always been on the wrong side of "the battle of the bulge." Indulging was something I did on a daily basis to the point where I was on the brink of what the doctors considered "morbid obsesity." I tried everything from the Healthy Choice diet to Atkins to Weight Watchers; My saving grace, believe it or not, was Jenny Craig. Yes -- I actually "called Jenny." My 81 pound journey was completed over a period of about 2 years. Was it hard? Definitely. Worth the struggle? Without a doubt.

That Was Then... & This is My Now...