Turn The Beat Around...Don't Stop Till You Get Enough...obviously this post is about music

I recently decided among my many accidental roles to happen upon the part time position as spin instructor...you know, because I have copious amounts of free time (HA!)

One thing that is essential to me when I teach, and workout is music.  It can either get me going, help me zone out and not focus on how hard I'm pushing or exhausted I feel.  If a bad song comes on my iPod I have a horrible visceral reaction...believe me it is not pretty, and probably freaks out the people on the treadmill next to me.

So I figured I would share two playlists I have recently used in my classes, and maybe they can get you going too.

Playlist 1
1) Mercy feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, etc. (it really doesn't say that on iTunes but I didn't feel like writing all the names)
2) No Church in the Wild feat. Frank Ocean
3) Scream by Usher
4) Bangarang feat Sirah
5) Let's Go from the Step Up Revolution Soundtrack
6) Paris (Ooh La La) by Grace Porter and the Nocturnals
7) Hot Tottie feat Jay-Z
8) Party Rock Anthem (If I need to tell you who this is by I'm going to assume you live under a rock)
9) Moves Like Jagger/Jumpin' Jack Flash (an awesome Glee mashup, don't judge until you hear it)
10) Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars (loooooove this song)
11) Run This Town/Posthumus Zone (if this doesn't get you going and feel like you can go through a brick wall I don't know what to say)
12) Turandot: "Nessun dorma"
13) Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker, Op. 71 No 14a: Pas de Deux: Intrada

Playlist 2:
1) Out of My Head feat. Trey Songs
2) Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes
3) Bad Girl feat. Missy Elliot
4) I'm So Hood by DJ Khaled
5) Brokenhearted by Karmin
6) Part of Me by Katy Perry
7) E.T. from The Sing Off Season 3
8) E.T. feat. Kanye West
9) Otis feat. Otis Redding (If I don't include Jay-Z at least once in a workout, it feels incomplete)
10) Shake It Out (When times get rough, this song helps me keep my head up)
11) Runaway Baby (Did I mention that I looooooooove this song)
12) Rimsky-Korsakov The Firebird (L'oiseau de feu): 6
13) Rimsky-Korsakov The Firebird (L'oiseau de feu): 7

As you can see I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, and every influence in my life creeps in to my music choices.  I like to cool down with classical music at the end of a workout, and some of the songs I like I know how to play on bassoon (yep I just got a bassoon brag in).  Also, anytime I can listen to Nessun dorma, it's a good day.

I hope as you're on your fitness goal these two playlists can add some variety to your workout.  Or maybe you just need a new update to your commute playlist...either way, enjoy the music.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Naptown's Taste-y Flight

If you're like me you frequently find yourself in the bustling metropolis that is Indianapolis, Indiana.

And before you try to tell me about the joys or sorrows of Midwest living, I should tell you first that my mother is from Indianapolis so I have spend much of my life heading over the liver and through the woods to grandmother's house in Naptown.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do for my blog post, but I knew I wanted it to be about one of my favorite places (and it's high on my list solely because it is the home of the people I love the most, just had to put that disclaimer out there).  So I toyed with the idea of another style blog, or even my travel workouts, but I thought I'd go with something food related.

For two big reasons I went with food.  One, because I just love food.  I enjoy everything about the process...the growing of it, creating it, cooking, enjoying it, and sharing it with others.  And secondly because Indianapolis has a very unique food scene.  Not as structured and high brow as Chicago, nor as "farm to table" chic as Portland, but it has elements of those things.

I wanted to share two lovely places I like to go to when I'm in town.

The Flying Cupcake

One is a fun bakery called "The Flying Cupcake." It's the original cupcake bakery of Indy, or so the website says, along with being the top cupcake bakery.  I can tell you in all honesty, that in the city of Indianapolis, it has the best cupcakes.  My family indulged in some of the more adventurous flavors, while I opted for the gluten free chocolate this time around.  But their red velvet, which I have had before, is divine.

Now the other place that I go to every single time I'm in town without fail is Taste Cafe in Broad Ripple.  It is just the most heavenly place.  It has everything I love...amazing breakfast food, local and fresh ingredients, amazing specials that keep you excited no matter how many times you frequent them.  I can't even manage to  full give this place its just dues for how AMAZING it is.  All I can do is tell you that at some point, before you die or at least when you want to eat amazing food, to try this restaurant.
Just to give you an example, this past trip I had sweet potato fries with garlic aioli, a delicious salmon salad with red pepper pesto.  I also had breakfast there, but I was so focused on eating I couldn't pry myself away fast enough to take a picture :-)

If you follow my twitter (@MacKenzieAGreen) you know I am very strict about my diet, so I am not kidding when I say these are the kind of meals that are worth the splurge.  Always remember everything in moderation, don't go HAM on splurges.

Maybe this blog wasn't completely a restaurant review, but I was an honest personal endorsement for delicious food in a city that is wonderful...if you know where to go.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Spreading my roots a.k.a musings on tribal prints a.k.a....I don't know but these boots are fierce

Juicy Couture tall gladiator sandals, Tracy Reese dress, Gap vest, fringed bag, tortoise  shell earrings, tortoise shell See Eyewear sunglasses

I woke up this morning with visions of tribal prints dancing in my head.  Whether tribal prints are on trend, I'm not quite sure...because fashion is so cyclical I feel like next season they'll be out, and the season after that, they'll come back as "Back To Africa Chic," and we'll all be forced to re-buy what we donated to Good Will to stay in vogue.

My favorite part of the outfit is a necklace my father recently got me in South Africa.  He was on a humanitarian trip with President Clinton, and they stopped at a place called "The Junkyard."  It's the kind of unique and lovely piece that has conversation value.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Something's Coming...

Tony had the right idea in "West Side Story."  When you feel like something exciting is coming you can't quite hold it in, and sometimes you get so excited about it you break in to song.

Now I can't say you will find a YouTube video on this post of me singing, but you can expect things to change.

I have been 24 for a little over a week now.  Every day since my birthday I have woken up with the most exciting butterfly feeling in my tummy.  Now when I get this feeling it's because I can feel great things coming around the corner.  If you follow my twitter (@MacKenzieAGreen) or facebook page you know that I am a spiritual and faith grounded person.  And with that being said I truly do believe my steps are ordered, and I just have this feeling that this year is moving me toward who and what I am meant to be.

I hate to get mushy or all preachy on here, but it felt like it needed to be said.  When I originally started this blog it was to just chronicle my life in pageantland.  Now I'm still an accidental beauty queen, but that's just one facet of the story.  I'm a soon to be accidental spin intructor, accidental financier, accidental health and wellness guru (my family has labeled me this haha), accidental fashionista, and the happy accidents go on and on.

I hope my evolution and growth are as inspiring as this blog was when it began, and I hope that you all enjoy the ride this year as much as I have enjoyed taking you all with me.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

P.s. Here are a few overdue photos from the Miss DC MAO pageant (If you're wondering I placed 2RU, but don't worry I'm still Miss DC USA 2010)...a post will come down the road about my experience in pageantry

Martha would be proud a.k.a. I'm clearly no food stylist a.k.a. I'm soooo not a photographer

It has been a while since I posted anything on my blog.

In an attempt to get back on my blogging, and to take the easy way out, I figured I'd post a few photos of some wonderful meals I've cooked and enjoyed.
 The nom-ilicious banana bread quinoa from Rabbit Food for My Bunny Teeth.  If you know me you now about my ever growing love of breakfast, quinoa, and bananas! So when I ran across this website yesterday and this recipe...it was love at first sight.  If you've never had quinoa you are missing out and I feel sorry for you.  Come on try something new!

Also you may notice the giant starbucks in the photo.  I love to start my mornings (at least during the summer) with a venti unsweetened coffee.  And if you like your coffee a little sweet, do like I do and add some stevia...leave that artificial sweetener crap alone.

This picture is further proof of my lack of food styling ability...but its absolutely delicious so that makes up for what the photograph lacks.

This lovely meal comes courtesy of the ladies at Tone It Up.  It's a quick and simple recipe that utilizes frozen veggies.  I'm not going to post the recipe, because I want to create my own spin on it...and that's the recipe I want to post down the road.

 Last but not least a delicious Glowing Green Smoothie.  Another recipe that I want to tailor differently so that y'all who read this can have an original MacKenzie Spin on a delicious classic.  I think my favorite thing about blended greens in a smoothie is the pulp, it makes the smoothies taste so filling and satisfying.

Hopefully y'all enjoy this post, and maybe it'll inspire you to take some risks in the kitchen and try something new, delicious, and good for you :-)

XOXO,
MacKenzie

The Gym Is My Sanctuary

I live at the gym regardless of whether I'm doing a pageant or not.  I swam at a national level for years, and horseback rode in competitions around the country.  Every fiber of my being is that of an athlete.  Nothing settles my mind or makes me feel more empowered than a good workout.  And when I saw workout I mean full on, Gatorade ad, pouring sweat, feeling like you'll pass out kind of workout.

So today is dedicated to my sanctuary...

I loved these Nike ads, and they are forever my mantra and dedication to my own body...I'm proud of every inch of muscle...there's nothing to hide

 I urge you today to take pride in your own body, to be proud enough to stand tall with your strong powerful shoulders, or to take pride in the gift of the one body you have and take care of it.  Push yourself and don't be afraid to go past your limits.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Leggo my Eggo...a.k.a. my not so decadent recipe to make you feel you're being bad

I have always been a picky eater so it may come as a shock to people that I learned about the magic of pancakes in high school and the joy of waffles in college.

(This beautiful shining temple was where I had my first waffle...obviously not this exact one though)

So obviously when you are preparing for a pageant, just trying to stay healthy, or want to look good come swimsuit season, I've got a great recipe that you will love, or maybe you won't...if that's the case you should probably just turn away now.

I introduce the incomparable, filling, and deceptively delicious *trumpet blare* PROTEIN PANCAKES!!!! (imagine me doing awesome Kermit the Frog waving celebration arms)

1 egg white
1 Tbsp psyllium husk or ground flax-seeds (it doesn't matter which, but I personally love psyllium husk)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (or use chocolate, it doesn't matter...I use Promasil's vanilla whey)
1/3 cup of water

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and wisk together like regular pancake batter.
Spray a pan with PAM, or any other type of cooking spray.
Keep your pan at medium heat.
And get to making your pancakes.
Oh and then chow down on the delicious protein meal that makes you feel like you're being so bad.

(This is not a picture of my own pancakes, its courtesy of Blogilates, because my food styling is awful)
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories 125
Total Fat 1.1g
Saturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 10mg
Total Carbs 4.2g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 0.2g
Protein 24

I promise you this is a total diet rut buster, it can be made gluten free, it's low carb, it's high protein, high fiber, low sugar...it's basically perfect.

Feel free to add fresh berries to the top if you want, maple syrup if you want to be indulgent and use the calories there, or maybe you want to go with a sugar free option.  Top with greek yogurt with a little truvia, or even add 2 tablespoons of sweet potato puree to the batter...whatever floats your boat.  Just have fun with your food, it's not that serious.

And let me leave you with one final thought if you are wondering if you want to eat this recipe...

LOOK AT THOSE ABS!!! HOLY SIX PACK BATMAN!!!
If the only thing standing between me and killer abs are cutting out my favorite recipes and replacing them with some smarter alternatives, I'm all for it.

If you try the recipe leave a post and tell me how it goes, or send a picture of your creation.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Major Noms

So I promised myself (and the people I presume read my blog) that I would be more consistent with my blogging...
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, on to today's post...

(I used a ton of ellipses in just the two first lines, this is clearly going to be one heck of a post)
I am absolutely in love with the blog pure2raw. It's written by two women, twins, health gurus, general all around amazing women with an inspiring blog.  They recently did a post dedicated to their "diet," and what they're personal philosophy on food is. And I was super inspired by that particular post and thought I would do my own version:

People often want to know what a beauty queen, marathon runner, triathlete, gym rat, and just busy person eats to stay healthy and fit, or maybe people don't want to know and I'm just addressing my own personal musings, but who really knows.

First and foremost, I am in no way a nutritional guru like the P2R girls, but I do know what I'm doing.  Like Malcolm Gladwell  says you need 10,000 hours to be an expert at something, and after years of swim coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionists, sports nutritionists, and research of my own, I know a lot.

About a year and a half ago, or maybe two years, when I was the reigning Miss DC USA I was a vegan.  Being a vegan was fantastic and I learned so much about nutrition and farm to table eating.  Then around the time I was preparing for my 2nd marathon (which was after my reign and my college graduation), I noticed I was craving eggs.  It was at that moment I realized what the ideal diet was for me.

I LISTEN TO WHAT MY BODY WANTS.

So I don't know whether I'm a vegan, pesceterian, vegetarian, locally grown eater, or whatever.  All I know is that I listen to the signals my body gives me on what it's craving.
Now does that mean that I chow down on a large deep dish pizza because my soul tells me that's the nurturing it needs... ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Are you insane, of course part of me wants that, but I know better.  Besides diabetes runs in my family, and I am battling PCOS, so something like that can shoot my blood sugar through the roof, instantly turn to fat, and have my stomach in knots.
What I mean by listening to my body is that I just go with it.  There are days I wake up and all I want are raw vegan foods, there are moments where my day naturally pans out to be more plant based.  Then there are other days where all I want are green smoothies, or salmon as every meal.
As I prepare for Miss DC I will be sharing recipes, typical eating days, and everything else related to my preparation (never fear a style post will come soon), but I wanted to get this post out of the way so you will know where I stand nutritionally.

So I urge you dear reader (I use the singular because I just assume I'm the only person that reads this, for my own narcissistic cathartic experience [I felt instantly smarter typing that sentence, I mean look at all those SAT words]), that you find your own ideal eating.  Go with what's right for your body, lifestyle, goals, whatever.  You do not have to follow one particular plan or another.  Your body is unique, and the fuel it needs is going to be very specific to your needs.

Hopefully I offered some help like the Pure2Raw girls did for me...if not, bear with me, there's a lot more in store on this blog.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Back Down The Rabbit Hole

When I first start this blog it was to chronicle what I felt was my unlikely journey to Miss USA as Miss District of Columbia USA 2010 (it's still weird that I can attach that title to my name, I keep thinking that year was a dream haha).
In the months leading up to passing on my crown and for a few months afterward I swore to anyone that would listen, and I mean anyone including the barista at Starbucks, that I would not do another pageant.  And believe me that lie worked for a while until my heart finally caught up with my misinformed brain.
I loved every nano second as my job as Miss DC USA.  I loved meeting all of the new people, touching people in the city and beyond, and acting as an ambassador to the city that made me the woman I am.  The perfect storm of wanting to pursue an MBA (which is expensive), falling back in love with playing bassoon (more on that later), and wanting to make my city proud, led to me submitting a form to compete for a finalist spot at Miss District of Columbia 2012.
I performed The Toreadors' Song from Bizet's Carmen on bassoon, which is difficult when you are turning an aria in to a bassoon piece, and had to do a short interview.  Long story short (my favorite obnoxious phrase of all time...thanks South Park), I am a finalist for Miss District of Columbia 2012.
So let's recap quickly...
My first pageant EVER was Miss DC USA,
My second pageant EVER was Miss USA,
Now my third pageant ever in life is going to be for a state title to potentially make my fourth pageant ever Miss America. (I just laughed at myself for how insane and awesome that sounds)
I apologize for abandoning this blog, but I promise that I will take you with me on this wacky sequel of preparation in the weeks leading up to Miss DC 2012.
So now I ask you to picture some awesome kind of Lethal Weapon explosion happening behind me as I walk down a desolate street with Vin Diesel and The Rock on either side.  I pass a glance to each, put sunglasses on, and say  in my best Horatio Cane voice...
Here We Go Again...