I didn't grow up with Ziplocs. They were considered 'designer'. We only had the grocery store brand, which meant I'd have juice from my orange wedges seeping into my PB&J and soaking my paper bag by lunchtime. It was a fact of life that led to my mistrust of no-name plastic bags!
When I entered college, I worked in the kitchen for a caterer, Louise. My trust issues with zippered plastic bags were confronted head on. She employed these Ziplocs for everything--kasha varinishkas, roasted asparagus, tabouleh--with the dressing!!! This was outrageous! Oil was involved and NOT easy to clean up. I was amazed at her courage to trust something that'd always failed me. Was it the name brand?
She'd pack Ziplocs with banana bread for freezing, fill them with soup--liquidy soup(!) left over from parties not wanting to leave her plastic quarts at a client’s house. She used Ziplocs filled with soapy water and sponges for off-site events with no sink access. Louise had two answers for everything, "Needs salt!" and "Get me a Ziploc!" I slowly began to change my opinion of zippered plastic bags. (And salt. But that's another blog entry.)
It wasn't until seven years after college, when I opened my own catering business, that I began to fully understand the beauty, joy, freedom and confidence these bags offer. I started using them because "that's what Louise did," and soon learned that one of the best feelings in the world was right under my fingertips when that 'meaty plastic zipper' zipped. I knew that that bag was sealed with a lip-locked, zip-locked kiss and wasn’t gonna break or leak. I could sleep easy knowing my PB&J was safe, my marinated mushrooms (with the dressing on!) were contained, my crudites were separated and fresh, and my crostini were airtight and crisp. As an off premise caterer who has to pack up her kitchen for events big and small, Ziplocs not only transport food, they safeguard against oozing dishwashing liquid I travel with, they protect my business cards, license and insurance documents from the inevitable food schmutz that collects out of thin air, they maximize packing space replacing cardboard boxes of kitchen work gloves and most of all, they conserve, protect and defend my peace of mind.
So enamored of these bags, so enmeshed am I, that they show up in my bathroom, my suitcase, my purse, my closet, my office, my garage and even the entertainment cabinet just in case orphaned CD's need a home. They store, collect, organize and protect my toiletries, lipsticks, shoes, pens, various keys from long ago places that I might need again one day, my nuts-and-bolts of life and my precious memories.
I am nothing without Ziplocs! Thank you and goodnight :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Where do I go from zero?
Went into retailer J. Jill today searching for some work pants. Yes, i work. The salesperson brought me a size 0. Not a size O (as in L, M, N, O, P), but a ZERO, as in nada, zilch, nothing--a big fat doughnut!! Which is exactly what I may eat to celebrate this "Oh-zero-wow!" moment.
Now, I'm not a big girl, but I'm not a skinny minny either. And I am most assuredly NOT a size zero! Honestly, J. Jill, if I'm a zero, then my good friend Andi, whose teneey tiny, must be a size (-)4. Are they making pants in minus sizes now? Or is there a new category coming out, like junior adult? Can Andi shop at J. Jill? I mean, it's been a long time since I shopped, but as I slid into my size 0's, I wondered, "Where do I go from zero?" Could be sticky..........like sticky bun sticky! Dark (chocolate) territory for sure.
I propose retailers, or Congress, or someone make some efforts for size reform--kinda like the credit card companies are having to spell out the consequences of holding $10,000 debt and paying only the minimum each month. You end up paying like, $37,000 by the time your said and done. Ok fine! I'll do it. I propose this blog entry as the beginning of size reform.
This size ZERO thing is ridiculous. I understand marketing, and most of it, I'm guilty of buying into. Dove isn't soap--its a beauty bar. I get it! No harm done. Cheetos are made with "all natural oil." Well, that's pushing the limit, but its relatively harmless. We're not really gonna ever believe that neon orange crap is healthy. BUT SIZE ZERO?! I've always been a size 6 and leading me to believe I'm a size zero could potentially lead me down a very narrow dwindling path that ironically has me celebrating with hot Krispy Kreme O's every week! And then what? I become a 2? Where does it end? Will the retailers make another size-mic shift into negative digits just to make me feel better when I'm asking the flight attendant for a seat belt extender? "But stewardess! I'm only a size 4!" (Sorry, I don't know the pc term for those people on the plane. Actually I do, but it doesn't sound as good.)
When I was 7 years old, or 10, I used to buy clothes to grow into. Now I'm just praying not to grow out of them! J. Jill isn't helping. And they're not the only ones. J. Crew does it, too. Is it something to do with stores starting with the letter "J."
Here's the take away. Save those jeans from college, (unless you fell victim to the freshman 15.) Use them as a barometer, or thermometer, or some-mometer to measure reality. Crazy times call for crazy measures. And size Zero is crazy.
Now, I'm not a big girl, but I'm not a skinny minny either. And I am most assuredly NOT a size zero! Honestly, J. Jill, if I'm a zero, then my good friend Andi, whose teneey tiny, must be a size (-)4. Are they making pants in minus sizes now? Or is there a new category coming out, like junior adult? Can Andi shop at J. Jill? I mean, it's been a long time since I shopped, but as I slid into my size 0's, I wondered, "Where do I go from zero?" Could be sticky..........like sticky bun sticky! Dark (chocolate) territory for sure.
I propose retailers, or Congress, or someone make some efforts for size reform--kinda like the credit card companies are having to spell out the consequences of holding $10,000 debt and paying only the minimum each month. You end up paying like, $37,000 by the time your said and done. Ok fine! I'll do it. I propose this blog entry as the beginning of size reform.
This size ZERO thing is ridiculous. I understand marketing, and most of it, I'm guilty of buying into. Dove isn't soap--its a beauty bar. I get it! No harm done. Cheetos are made with "all natural oil." Well, that's pushing the limit, but its relatively harmless. We're not really gonna ever believe that neon orange crap is healthy. BUT SIZE ZERO?! I've always been a size 6 and leading me to believe I'm a size zero could potentially lead me down a very narrow dwindling path that ironically has me celebrating with hot Krispy Kreme O's every week! And then what? I become a 2? Where does it end? Will the retailers make another size-mic shift into negative digits just to make me feel better when I'm asking the flight attendant for a seat belt extender? "But stewardess! I'm only a size 4!" (Sorry, I don't know the pc term for those people on the plane. Actually I do, but it doesn't sound as good.)
When I was 7 years old, or 10, I used to buy clothes to grow into. Now I'm just praying not to grow out of them! J. Jill isn't helping. And they're not the only ones. J. Crew does it, too. Is it something to do with stores starting with the letter "J."
Here's the take away. Save those jeans from college, (unless you fell victim to the freshman 15.) Use them as a barometer, or thermometer, or some-mometer to measure reality. Crazy times call for crazy measures. And size Zero is crazy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oh no you di'int!
This blog entry is dedicated to all the Foot Reflexologists out there. And so the story begins...
I went for a manicure today and while drying, I caved to the brilliant marketing of Susie (not her real name) when asked, "Miss, 30 minute foot reflexology?"
As soon as I stretched out on the table and handed the woman my feet, I knew I had known better. Why didn't they just call it what it was? A FOOT RUB. I'd have been more than happy to tack on 30 minutes of a foot rub, and was happy, by the way. Who doesn't love a good foot massage? Just don't call it reflexology, please.
You see, I studied foot reflexology in NYC with Laura Norman and Associates. SHE is a foot reflexologist. It was with her that I learned such techniques as thumb walking and hooking. It was in her school that I learned how to pinpoint the gallbladder and pituitary reflex points with accuracy. Laura Norman taught me the zones of the feet, the systematic way to give a reflexology session, and a lot more that could make up a separate blog. You get the point, pun intended. Today, I got a foot rub. Was it nice? Yes. Was it even close to reflexology? No.
My reasoning is this--we don't allow drug addicts using needles to call themselves acupuncturists, do we? No.
Reason numero two--calling yourself something you're NOT is a becoming an epidemic. (If the swine flu = pandemic, this = epidemic!) Nothing erks me more than someone selling something they're not giving you.
Exhibit A: Those neon signs in the front windows of deli's all across America reading "Catering For All Occasions." Buyer beware! You are NOT going to find a caterer inside. But what you will get is a big to-go order. And that's fine with me! Big to-go orders have their place in the world. But as a caterer who would never put disposable aluminum serving bins on the table, I beg of all the deli owners, hang a sign that says, "Big To-Go Orders Available."
Exhibit B: I'm a Licensed Physical Therapist. And I would run as fast as I could from a certified personal trainer who says they "do" physical therapy. Physical therapy isn't done. It's "practiced" by licensed physical therapists, period.
Now before all the personal trainers start in, I want to say, I have worked and taught in some of the best gyms in NYC. I have worked with numerous, highly qualified, AMAZING personal trainers who could whoop my behind at training someone. I don't do what trainers do. I couldn't. Furthermore, I wouldn't refer one of my physical therapy patients recovering from disc surgery to a personal trainer because he wanted to train for the NYC marathon. (This is a true story, btw.) I would, however, work in conjunction with the trainer, as a team, to meet the patients fitness goals, safely and pain free. I have enormous respect for personal trainers and believe it is in the best interest of everyone--client, trainer, patient, physical therapist and/or otherwise, to do the job they are licensed or certified to do. (And that patient? He did meet his goals and run his first NYC marathon in 5:35)
I knew I knew better, and now you do, too.
I went for a manicure today and while drying, I caved to the brilliant marketing of Susie (not her real name) when asked, "Miss, 30 minute foot reflexology?"
As soon as I stretched out on the table and handed the woman my feet, I knew I had known better. Why didn't they just call it what it was? A FOOT RUB. I'd have been more than happy to tack on 30 minutes of a foot rub, and was happy, by the way. Who doesn't love a good foot massage? Just don't call it reflexology, please.
You see, I studied foot reflexology in NYC with Laura Norman and Associates. SHE is a foot reflexologist. It was with her that I learned such techniques as thumb walking and hooking. It was in her school that I learned how to pinpoint the gallbladder and pituitary reflex points with accuracy. Laura Norman taught me the zones of the feet, the systematic way to give a reflexology session, and a lot more that could make up a separate blog. You get the point, pun intended. Today, I got a foot rub. Was it nice? Yes. Was it even close to reflexology? No.
My reasoning is this--we don't allow drug addicts using needles to call themselves acupuncturists, do we? No.
Reason numero two--calling yourself something you're NOT is a becoming an epidemic. (If the swine flu = pandemic, this = epidemic!) Nothing erks me more than someone selling something they're not giving you.
Exhibit A: Those neon signs in the front windows of deli's all across America reading "Catering For All Occasions." Buyer beware! You are NOT going to find a caterer inside. But what you will get is a big to-go order. And that's fine with me! Big to-go orders have their place in the world. But as a caterer who would never put disposable aluminum serving bins on the table, I beg of all the deli owners, hang a sign that says, "Big To-Go Orders Available."
Exhibit B: I'm a Licensed Physical Therapist. And I would run as fast as I could from a certified personal trainer who says they "do" physical therapy. Physical therapy isn't done. It's "practiced" by licensed physical therapists, period.
Now before all the personal trainers start in, I want to say, I have worked and taught in some of the best gyms in NYC. I have worked with numerous, highly qualified, AMAZING personal trainers who could whoop my behind at training someone. I don't do what trainers do. I couldn't. Furthermore, I wouldn't refer one of my physical therapy patients recovering from disc surgery to a personal trainer because he wanted to train for the NYC marathon. (This is a true story, btw.) I would, however, work in conjunction with the trainer, as a team, to meet the patients fitness goals, safely and pain free. I have enormous respect for personal trainers and believe it is in the best interest of everyone--client, trainer, patient, physical therapist and/or otherwise, to do the job they are licensed or certified to do. (And that patient? He did meet his goals and run his first NYC marathon in 5:35)
I knew I knew better, and now you do, too.
Friday, September 4, 2009
A calorie is a calorie is a calorie
This is to all of you who love to eat, like I do, and feel as fit as a fiddle. Here's a little secret!
A calorie is a calorie is a calorie.
It makes no difference whether it comes from spinach or lard. For sure the spinach is nutritionally wiser, but the calorie is merely a measuring system. And counting calories as so many people do, can be a good idea, depending on your weight goals. But judging them is pointless. So my point is … you could gain weight eating apples if you eat too many because taking in more calories than you're expending results in weight gain. It's basic math!
Instead of counting calories, start getting some satisfaction. What I mean is, consider the idea of satisfying something more than just your physical hunger. Here’s how this plays out for me.
It’s three o’clock on a Sunday afternoon and I’m hungry. I contemplate what will take the edge off and choose a healthy snack of carrot sticks. Five minutes later I’m thinking, "That’s not what I wanted." So I go back to the kitchen, stand in front of the open refrigerator door, again, searching for something more. I choose an apple—healthy, yes, but still not doing the job. A few minutes later I’m mindlessly munching on some almonds, a couple pretzels, and then a yogurt, only to end up having that slice of pizza I really wanted in the first place. Sound familiar?
Cultivating this kind of awareness to know what will bring you satisfaction is something we've lost in our all too busy, instant, just-add-water lives. Please don't misunderstand me. I’m not advocating pizza everyday or suggesting that there’s anything wrong with apples and oranges. But if you’re going to graze for thirty minutes on ‘healthy’ foods like carrot sticks and almonds only to end up having that slice of pizza you wanted in the first place, then from a mathematical point of view, you’ve got some excess calories on your hands (or hips)! Striking a balance between satisfaction and healthy eating habits is the goal.
So next time you find yourself mindlessly munching, consider what will really satisfy your hunger. Sometimes it’s a healthy salad; sometimes it’s a cheeseburger. The point is, a calorie is a calorie is a calorie.
A calorie is a calorie is a calorie.
It makes no difference whether it comes from spinach or lard. For sure the spinach is nutritionally wiser, but the calorie is merely a measuring system. And counting calories as so many people do, can be a good idea, depending on your weight goals. But judging them is pointless. So my point is … you could gain weight eating apples if you eat too many because taking in more calories than you're expending results in weight gain. It's basic math!
Instead of counting calories, start getting some satisfaction. What I mean is, consider the idea of satisfying something more than just your physical hunger. Here’s how this plays out for me.
It’s three o’clock on a Sunday afternoon and I’m hungry. I contemplate what will take the edge off and choose a healthy snack of carrot sticks. Five minutes later I’m thinking, "That’s not what I wanted." So I go back to the kitchen, stand in front of the open refrigerator door, again, searching for something more. I choose an apple—healthy, yes, but still not doing the job. A few minutes later I’m mindlessly munching on some almonds, a couple pretzels, and then a yogurt, only to end up having that slice of pizza I really wanted in the first place. Sound familiar?
Cultivating this kind of awareness to know what will bring you satisfaction is something we've lost in our all too busy, instant, just-add-water lives. Please don't misunderstand me. I’m not advocating pizza everyday or suggesting that there’s anything wrong with apples and oranges. But if you’re going to graze for thirty minutes on ‘healthy’ foods like carrot sticks and almonds only to end up having that slice of pizza you wanted in the first place, then from a mathematical point of view, you’ve got some excess calories on your hands (or hips)! Striking a balance between satisfaction and healthy eating habits is the goal.
So next time you find yourself mindlessly munching, consider what will really satisfy your hunger. Sometimes it’s a healthy salad; sometimes it’s a cheeseburger. The point is, a calorie is a calorie is a calorie.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
How's your New Year's Resolution going?
I was in the gym the other day and ran into a friend of mine who had made it her New Year's resolution to lose 25lbs. I must say, she was looking very trendy in her Ed Hardy outfit, holding that infamous green and white coffee cup outfitted with the requisite recycled cardboard sleeve, and talking to her fellow gym rats. After saying hello, I kept a distant eye on her for the next twenty minutes--and came up with this blog entry.
I imagine, like many of you out there, you made it your New Year's resolution to lose weight. And if so, I raise my glass of green tea to you! However, to those who've made this ever popular 'lose weight' resolution and have been going to the gym all year long and are still carrying that reason for your resolution, like my well accessorized friend, I'm here to 'gym-rat' you out!
If you go to the gym almost daily, and can't figure out why the pounds aren't leaving you or your behind, consider this. You can't go to the gym with a Grande Caramel MachiaVendiLatte-ccino from Fourbucks (as i like to call it), stand next to your friend, sport your fabulous looking exercise outfit, sip and gossip for fifteen minutes while she's pounding it out on the treadmill, and exclaim with glee, "I went to the gym today!" Standing inside the gym does not constitute going to the gym. I don't care if you were drinking the "skim" version of your coffee concoction or a protein shake. You must move, push, lift, breathe, shimmy, shake and sweat to earn the right to say, "I went to gym today."
Now, we've all done this on occasion--but if this behavior is a habit, you might as well save your gas--and your four bucks! A workout means some calories have been expended, and that is what gets you closer to your resolution.
Now lets say you're reading this and thinking to yourself, "But Blair, I'm not a social butterfly. I do move, shimmy and shake. And I can't seem to shake these stubborn pounds."
OK, the good news, which is also the not-so-good news, is...you might just have trained yourself into being a 'creature of habit', instead of the 'fit woman with Madonna-like arms' you were hoping for. If you're bored, I'm guessing your body is bored, too. You've become accustomed to your workouts and aren't working out as effectively as you could. Two suggestions...
First, consider wearing a heart rate monitor . This will ensure optimal training when taking, say, your ump'teenth spinning class. Exercising in your target heart rate range really does help you to know if your aerobic, anaerobic or amoeba (which is NOT a category--and if you don't know that, call me immediately). Depending on your training goals, you'll maximize your precious time in the gym and achieve those goals sooner. Consult an exercise physiologist or certified personal trainer to help you set your training goals and determine your target heart rate. Then watch and see how effective this little device is at keeping you on target.
Secondly, if you are the 'creature of habit', changing your routine will challenge your muscles, mind and cardiovascular system in a new way to meet new physical demands. Instead of taking that ump'teenth spinning class that you could probably teach by now, try a vinyassa or power yoga class. If you're stuck on the step (do they still have step classes?) take a Zumba class that will have you dancing like a mambo queen (or king) and see how fun fitness can be.
Cheers to effective training!
(note to self: discuss green tea vs. Fourbucks coffee concoctions next entry)
I imagine, like many of you out there, you made it your New Year's resolution to lose weight. And if so, I raise my glass of green tea to you! However, to those who've made this ever popular 'lose weight' resolution and have been going to the gym all year long and are still carrying that reason for your resolution, like my well accessorized friend, I'm here to 'gym-rat' you out!
If you go to the gym almost daily, and can't figure out why the pounds aren't leaving you or your behind, consider this. You can't go to the gym with a Grande Caramel MachiaVendiLatte-ccino from Fourbucks (as i like to call it), stand next to your friend, sport your fabulous looking exercise outfit, sip and gossip for fifteen minutes while she's pounding it out on the treadmill, and exclaim with glee, "I went to the gym today!" Standing inside the gym does not constitute going to the gym. I don't care if you were drinking the "skim" version of your coffee concoction or a protein shake. You must move, push, lift, breathe, shimmy, shake and sweat to earn the right to say, "I went to gym today."
Now, we've all done this on occasion--but if this behavior is a habit, you might as well save your gas--and your four bucks! A workout means some calories have been expended, and that is what gets you closer to your resolution.
Now lets say you're reading this and thinking to yourself, "But Blair, I'm not a social butterfly. I do move, shimmy and shake. And I can't seem to shake these stubborn pounds."
OK, the good news, which is also the not-so-good news, is...you might just have trained yourself into being a 'creature of habit', instead of the 'fit woman with Madonna-like arms' you were hoping for. If you're bored, I'm guessing your body is bored, too. You've become accustomed to your workouts and aren't working out as effectively as you could. Two suggestions...
First, consider wearing a heart rate monitor . This will ensure optimal training when taking, say, your ump'teenth spinning class. Exercising in your target heart rate range really does help you to know if your aerobic, anaerobic or amoeba (which is NOT a category--and if you don't know that, call me immediately). Depending on your training goals, you'll maximize your precious time in the gym and achieve those goals sooner. Consult an exercise physiologist or certified personal trainer to help you set your training goals and determine your target heart rate. Then watch and see how effective this little device is at keeping you on target.
Secondly, if you are the 'creature of habit', changing your routine will challenge your muscles, mind and cardiovascular system in a new way to meet new physical demands. Instead of taking that ump'teenth spinning class that you could probably teach by now, try a vinyassa or power yoga class. If you're stuck on the step (do they still have step classes?) take a Zumba class that will have you dancing like a mambo queen (or king) and see how fun fitness can be.
Cheers to effective training!
(note to self: discuss green tea vs. Fourbucks coffee concoctions next entry)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lifestylist™ Group and Individual Instruction
There have been many inquiries recently regarding what it is I do? So here goes.....
In a nutshell, I'm a life consultant providing education, motivation, resources, products and advice to help you live your best lifestyle. I provide content and concepts about all things "lifestyle" for various media outlets such as magazines and television, as well as on a private basis. I am uniquely qualified, possessing the education, degrees and work experience in several areas of lifestyle ranging from entertaining, to decorating, to health and fitness.
Whether I'm instucting how to make homemade tortillas and salsa in a TV cooking segment , serving as the creative director for a charity's fundraiser or leading a workshop on the benefits of exercise or proper form when stretching, I impart my knowledge, experience, and motivation to help you get more out of your life.
For more information about my services, seminars, programming ideas, or hosting availability, contact me at blair@blairfrench.com
In a nutshell, I'm a life consultant providing education, motivation, resources, products and advice to help you live your best lifestyle. I provide content and concepts about all things "lifestyle" for various media outlets such as magazines and television, as well as on a private basis. I am uniquely qualified, possessing the education, degrees and work experience in several areas of lifestyle ranging from entertaining, to decorating, to health and fitness.
Whether I'm instucting how to make homemade tortillas and salsa in a TV cooking segment , serving as the creative director for a charity's fundraiser or leading a workshop on the benefits of exercise or proper form when stretching, I impart my knowledge, experience, and motivation to help you get more out of your life.
For more information about my services, seminars, programming ideas, or hosting availability, contact me at blair@blairfrench.com
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