A serious talk & a serious recipe.

The first topic I want to discuss is of a very serious nature. As you know this blog is here to help inspire you, help you find delicious/healthy recipes, safe work out routines, and, most importantly: to make you feel like you have a companion.

I was recently e-mailing back and forth with a reader and she (remaining anonymous of course) revealed to me her past/present struggles with an eating disorder. She is plagued with Bulimia (the act of gorging on food and then purging-vomit or with the use of laxatives), I've also had friends who suffered from Anorexia (the act of starving oneself) and also Excessive working out (burning over 3,000 calories a day, spending all day at the gym, etc..) Whether you've had an eating disorder in the past, or are struggling with one now, please know that there are plenty of places to go for help. Please do not hesitate to contact a professional, or contact me, and hand in hand we will seek the help you need.

We need to amp up the self love, and amp it up I will. I want all you beautiful ladies (and men this applies to you to) to write down 5 things you absolutely love about yourself, and please don't tell me there's "nothing to love" because, baby, I'm sure if you asked anyone you know they could knock out 100 things they love about you, probably even 1000! I'm going to do this with you because we all need a little reminder of our first love: ourselves. Because at night, you have yourself, in the morning, and all throughout your day-you have yourself. Please, please, learn to love. I am doing this with you, I will always stand by you. You just have to wake up every morning and say "I'm ______ and I better work, bitch!" And bitch, you better.

5 Things I Love About Myself:

My verbal swagger (thanks H)
My endurance
My mouth
My morals-though they may be loose, they're good
The fact that I may not be the skinniest bitch you know, but fuck, I'm the finest.

It's as simple as that, and if you are REALLY struggling with it, sit down with a best friend, a parent, a grandparent, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a sibling, anyone who knows you... and have them help you. You can do this, I know you can, and for your heart and mental health, please do this. You can save yourself by just realizing 5 things that you love. Because I love you, just the way you are.


On a lighter note (both emotionally and calorically) I made Penne Alla Vodka a couple weeks ago for Andrew and besides almost burning his house down (I've never cooked with vodka before-shit's scary), it was a delicious meal!

First:
1 pound of whole wheat pasta
1.5 cups of half and half
1.5 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup vodka (it can be cheap-who cares)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 tbs red pepper flakes
1/4 cup shredded parmesan
1 tbs olive oil

Bring the water to a boil. While you wait, in a large skillet (must have a cover) put heat on low. Add your olive oil/garlic to the pan, then add vodka and cover until vodka has halved in size. Slowly add the tomato sauce and the half and half, stirring slowly constantly. Then add your red pepper flakes. When pasta is done, drain and add right into the skillet where your delicious sauce awaits. When you plate it add your parmesan on top. Eat with red wine.

Serving size (this serves about 5 people)
is approx. 300 calories, as opposed to the regular penne vodka with proscuitto and heavy cream, which comes to a whopping 650 calories a serving.

Eat, Drink, Make love, Be merry.