Upcycled Outfit

Sometimes you just need a little change. 

I frequently become tired of certain pieces or find that they haven't reached their full potential in their current form, and that is when I turn to scissors.  I discovered this when I was about two, chopping off my own hair (bad idea), but quickly translated into fragmenting my clothes when I wanted a new look (mediocre to wonderful idea, depending on the circumstance).  So, with this look, I went to my closet and decided to upcycle one of my own pieces, a summer dress, into a breezy skirt for spring.  Paired with my lovely neutral flats and a chiffon blouse, my "new" skirt was a perfect piece for today (and basically free!).

skirt Jacob (upcycled), blouse Poetry, belt thrifted, flats Franco Sarto, crossbody Steve Madden

50 Days, 50 Salads + "Fed Up" Film

[Vronsky] did not need to maintain himself too strictly, because his weight was exactly the regulation hundred and sixty pounds; but he also had not to gain any weight, and so he avoided starches and sweets.

- Tolstoy

I've given myself a challenge: eating 50 salads in 50 days.

My father-in-law eats a salad every day for lunch as part of his own directive for healthy eating.  He and my mother-in-law have both completely changed their eating habits, eliminating gluten and sugar, seriously lowering carbs and, at least for now, steering clear of dairy.  A whole blog could be dedicated to their food journey, but suffice it to say that they both feel much better, have naturally lost weight without that being their goal, and have basically eradicated daily headaches!

I have also been working to improve my eating choices and what I am cooking for dinner, but on a smaller scale.  I have lowered my intake of gluten and starches, and while I'm not bent on erasing all gluten in my diet, I am aware of how much better my body feels on lower carbs.  As much as I would like to deny it- I mean I used to LOVE cereal for breakfast absolutely every morning- physically, I can't.  I also know I'm not the strongest when it comes to food changes, so I need something more specific than "Sure, I'll lower my carbs...." while sneaking into the kitchen to grab a cookie.  I need concrete.  I will eat 50 salads in 50 days.

Salads eaten at restaurants are always delicious, but I am forever moaning about my own homemade ones.  And, try not to judge me, I usually don't want to eat a salad.  Yeah, whatever, the stereotype of a vegetarian is that they love salads all the time, but I don't.  I truly love veggies, but salad sometimes feels... too earthy or something.  Hopefully as part of this journey, I will discover to really like salads and to find out what I enjoy most in them, which veggies to add, and how to make salad dressing at home since I can control all the ingredients.  I won't force feed myself any vegetables that I don't enjoy eating as part of a salad, even though I might like it on its own.  My rules for myself are pretty open: it doesn't have to be for lunch, but will most likely be; I can put whatever I want in it, as long as it is not a starchy carbohydrate; I won't beat myself up if I don't reach 50.   

Now, no worries, I won't be posting 50 times about salad.  If I don't want to eat 50 salads, I certainly wouldn't want to read about 50 salads.  But I'll do a few updates through the time frame and challenge you to up your veggies by doing your own competition!  I'll be updating my Instagram account with some of my favorite salads (follow me @theculturethrift) and check out #50salads50days.  Use the hash-tag if you come across any awesome salads as well!

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And just a quick word- check out the documentary "Fed Up" which is currently on Netflix.  I had been interested in it and finally clicked on it after one of my best friends recommended it to me.  It's a film showing how our government, public schools, and processed food industry have conveniently supported sugar as an addition to processed foods and the ill effects it has created for our health and the health of children (especially Diabetes).  I loved how it touched on the fact that eating healthy (i.e. real, whole foods) is cheaper than eating junk food and how ultimately we are the ones who must change.  I honestly don't believe in governmental control of foods, but control in schools and advertising aimed at children, who are not yet able to make healthy eating decisions, is a worthy cause.  There is also power in the awareness of how the food industry controls our government and media (it's $$$ of course!).  Though, to keep balance and not make absolute claims (which I have to remind myself to not do!) here is a fact checking review of it: Science Based Medicine.  If nothing else, hopefully this will lead to our decrease in processed food consumption and increase in cooking at home, using whole, non-processed foods.

Other interesting books about America's food industry: "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "Fast Food Nation."

Weekend Getaway: Cabin Trip + Packing Essentials

Hurray- Friday is almost here!  And... so is my road trip with my husband and Mr. Bear to Southern Indiana!  YES!!  We are staying in a sweet cabin with a bunch of our friends for the weekend: time for hanging out, hiking, hot tubing, relaxing on the porch with hot cocoa, enjoying the fireplace....  We're each making a meal for everyone which will be fun and I plan on making a new cookie recipe.  

One of my favorite getaways is going to a cabin.  I used to really romanticize being bundled up in a cabin, with the snow swirling outside, but now that I live in Chicago, thank God this trip will be in May and in even warmer weather!

Packing Essentials: Cabin Trip

I've finally found an adorable weekender bag that will finally get me through the weekend!  My other, well-traveled gold bag is fantastic for flying and whatnot, but is sadly too small to cover an entire weekend.  This bag, which is half music festival/half Mary Poppins carpetbag, is light and roomy, without being overly large, in a gorgeous print (I got it at Forever 21!).  

I settled on one fur collar sweater for chilly nights out on the porch, but my other clothing is well-suited for the seventy degree daytime.  I have one hiking outfit and a bikini for the hot tub, along with some old turquoise jewelry from my gramma.  I thought my Dooney would be perfect for our forested natural setting, and the tortoiseshell sunnies have no rational reasoning; they are simply cute.  Of course, no road trip would be complete without an ipod for tunes on the way.  And even if the chance of me reading is astronomically slim... I must still bring a novel (I've been on a little bit of a Russian kick since The Brothers Karamazov).  

Now, before I go crazy, I better get back to giving Mr. Bear a bath, finishing up packing, hopefully working a little more today, making cookies (yay!), gathering up all the ingredients for our meal, transferring music to the ipod....

Check out @theculturethrift on Instagram to keep up with my trip!

Staying Active... All Over the Place

Though it may not feel like spring yet in Chicago, it looks like it.

I've taken an obvious break for Pascha (for those of you who don't know, it is Orthodox Easter) and the following week, Bright Week, but my break lengthened somewhat unexpectedly since I am doing a seasonal job, working from home.  Even part time, a job can really cut into the important things in life... blogging, working out, eating cupcakes non-stop.  ;)

To keep myself active, first of all, I have continued running.  Prioritizing my winter running has made such a positive impact now that the snow is gone and spring is starting to flourish.  (Minor complaint about the temperatures not being spring worthy, in my opinion, but I shouldn't complain too much.)  I feel like I can literally hit the ground running, instead of making up for lost training time.  I have made some important gains like finally being able to run a 5K (have done it twice so far) and starting to think about improving my running times, which before would have been unthinkable.  I've also had some new running experiences like running with a little friend- Mr. Bear!  My husband and I started thinking that he looked a little too much like a fluff, so I have started running twice a week with him, no more than a mile to start.  Even with the short distance, the increase in individual runs per week has been a challenge for me, and he is having the time of his life!

I have also been working on staying active while working.  First off, I use an exercise ball instead of a chair when I am working on the computer.  Even if I approach full-time hours in one day, I still use the Swiss ball.  Secondly, I have given myself a little challenge to do every hour.  This might not be the most appropriate way to act if you work in a busy office, ha ha, but I absolutely encourage you to find ways to move that would be more inconspicuous or follow along with my same challenge if you work at home- or if you just happen to be home.  The challenge for last week was not easy, but I felt better throughout the day and noticed a daily increase in strength as I continued.  And the main idea here?  IT TAKES ONE MINUTE!  ONE MINUTE!!!  Isn't your well being worth it?!  (My internal dialogue sounds a lot like this when I don't want to finish the exercises.)  Improve your day so much, by a single minute taken out of every hour.  

Daily Active Challenge

(each exercise after 1 hour of work, repeated until finished)

12 pushups

20 crunches on exercise ball

12 pushups

20 crunches on exercise ball 

The second week, I increased to 15 pushups each time and 25 crunches.  I'm considering changing up the exercises, but we'll see.  One easy tips for doing this is to write down the exercise after you have done it or check it off a pre-made list.  Seeing the effort on paper is oddly encouraging. 

And yes, I did make a whole batch of Funfetti, cream cheese frosted cupcakes.  Yes, there were sprinkles.  Yes... I ate at least half of them, perhaps more.  

Sometimes it's the cheap thrills in life that are the best.

Written without any cupcakes (because I ate them all),

Sarah, The Culture Thrift

Vegan Tacos

I may have just finished the fixings for a Mediterranean meal for tonight, but I'm here to share a recipe for a different cuisine- tacos!  These vegan tacos are super easy to make, fast, and a great base to add any variety of toppings.  This is another Smart Ground recipe, but any type of vegan mock meat could be substituted.  My husband, who is not normally a vegan, also loves these tacos and they do not last very long in our house!

This particular taco combination is also rather beautiful, don't you think?

Vegan Tacos

servings: 10 tacos

Ingredients:

12 oz. Smart Ground (original or Mexican)

1 mild or hot taco spice packet (1.25 oz)

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

3/4 cup water

1/2 sweet or white onion, diced

2 roasted jalapenos, diced (with or without seeds)

1 cup cooked corn

1 avocado, cubed

flour or corn tortillas

Directions:

1. In skillet on medium, heat vegetable oil and Smart Ground until hot.

2. Add water and contents of spice packet, stir, and let simmer for 5-6 minutes or until water is absorbed and mixture thickened.

3. Put tacos together!

 The options on toppings for these tacos are endless.  I chose corn, avocado, roasted jalapenos, and onions for heat, a hint of sweet, and the creamy richness that avocado always adds.  You could go basic and use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese (if non-vegan), and salsa.  For a protein punch, add in black beans and rice (or quinoa!).  These would be awesome for breakfast tacos as well: eggs, potatoes, cheese... the list goes on!  Enjoy!

fitness: How HIP are You? (Part 2)

Happy Saturday!  Here are the intermediate and advanced levels for "the HIP workout," which was posted a few weeks ago in the Part 1.1 entry.  Levels 2 & 3 take the hip exercises from the first level and combine them with either stabilizing movements to put your core into overdrive or combination exercises (e.g. pairing bridge with hip flexion to the front).  Enjoy and take some time this weekend to sweat!  If you don't have time for the entire workout, just try one or two of the exercises or add them into your already established workout!

the "HIP" workout

5 min warm-up: jog in place, jumping jacks, jump rope, bike, whatever you want

Level 2 exercises are 10 reps X 1 set

Level 3 exercises are 15 reps X 2 sets

1) Bridges 

Two versions using either one large Swiss exercise ball or two small balls to stabilize

2) Bent Hip Extensions (right and left)

One small ball is used to activate the hamstrings while also working the glutes (a free weight could also be used in the same way)

3) Fire Hydrants (right and left)

Same use of the small ball (or weight)

4) Side Plank Raises (right and left)

Not the easiest upgrade to this exercise, but a serious workout as your entire body must stabilize to balance

5) Hip Hikes (right and left)

In this version, I am standing on a huge textbook (my husband's very sizable physical chemistry book) to increase the range of motion in the exercise.  A step could also be used.

6) Straight Leg Raises (4 Directions)

a) Flex Front (right and left)

Combination exercise pairing the front hip flexion with a bridge

b) Abduction Side (right and left)

Another combination exercise using the side abduction with a side plank- intense!

c) Adduction Side (right and left)

While keeping the top leg up the whole time, bring the bottom leg to meet it (for some reason, the most hilarious looking pose)

d) Extension Back (right and left)

Maintaining plank while also performing an extension to the back

And what kind of trainer would I be if I didn't remind you to stretch afterwards?  

Take time to S T R E T C H. :)

Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Vegan Chili

We've had one, yes... what about Second Winter?

This little guy has been my spring inspiration for the past month, and good thing too, as you can tell from his background, it is snowy white.  And that means it is still winter, despite the passage of March 20th (at least in my book).  It is "Second Winter" since a little over a week ago the temperature soared to 72, bringing my first tank top run of 2015, then on Monday it was back to winter wonderland. Though,  I must admit that the average temperatures are at least thirty degrees warmer than the actual winter, but it is still frustrating to have postponed the upsurge in weather, at least for a little while.  Even if only for a week; I am that impatient.

Along with Freddie- the succulent- there are other additions to life outdoors that have been a welcome change.  Until recently, I hadn't noticed the absence of birdsong until about two weeks ago, when all the birds simultaneously joined in chorus together.  As all the people around Chicago suddenly seemed to brighten up with the weather change, the birds were here to also offer their soundtrack.  The call of seagulls, the chirp of robins, all the birds were rejoicing.  

I also discovered that I did not know what a robin looked like, when I asked my husband what the cute little birds with the orange bellies were called.  He chuckled and answered.  I felt sheepish and may have even blushed as 1) I grew up reading The First Robin by Robert Kraus with my mom and 2) one of my best friends is named Robin.  You'd think I would know what the bird actually looked like!

I have much to learn obviously.

With the still chilly weather, something I "learned" yesterday was the final culmination of amazing chili (I've been working on it for a few years now) and thought I would share it!  This chili is super filling, hearty, and thick.  You'd never know it was vegan (quote by husband).  Now it is spiiiiiiiiicy, but if you can't handle the heat- or if your stomach can't, with my apologies- leave the jalapenos out and you will still have an amazingly delicious chili to fill in all those corners (I'm getting a little carried away with the LOTR references). 

Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Vegan Chili

Serves: 5-6

Cook time: 30 min

Ingredients:

12 oz. Smart Ground original meat crumbles

4 Tbsp. canola oil (or try coconut!), divided

1 white onion, diced

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. cumin

3 and 1/2 Tbsp. chile powder

salt to taste

28 oz. can tomato sauce

15 oz. can kidney beans

15 oz. can black beans

1 cup water

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 jalapenos

Directions:

1. In skillet on medium low heat, crumble and brown Smart Ground in 2 Tbsp. canola oil for 4-6 minutes, transfer to large pot.

2. Using same skillet, heat another 2 Tbsp. canola oil over medium heat and add onions to saute for 4 minutes.  When translucent, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.  Add all spices and stir until mixed.

3. Transfer onion mixture to large pot with Smart Ground, then add tomato sauce, water, kidney beans and black beans (not drained).  Bring to boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

4. While chili is simmering, cut tops off two jalapenos, then slice into fourths leaving pith and seeds (see note at bottom) and place on greased, foil covered baking sheet.  Broil in oven for 8 minutes or until slightly charred.

5. Dice jalapenos and add to pot to cook an additional 5 minutes.

6. Serve with crushed tortilla chips (or cheese and sour cream if not vegan!) and enjoy!

* Note- For the spiciest chili, leave the pith and seeds in the jalapenos.  For a slightly cooler version, remove both before broiling.  Another step down would be to use only one jalapeno, and finally to not use any.  Adjust the spice level to suit your fancy!

This chili was exactly what I needed last night to take away the "l" from my chill and gave me a huge boost of protein.  I used one of our wedding gifts for this meal, the medium chili powder from Savory Spice Shop, which was delectable and made me reminisce of Austin and our time there.