Music and Health

Music therapy...something we have all heard mentioned at some point. Being a self-proclaimed "music connoisseur," I can't even begin to imagine a day without my music. Whether I'm in the car cranking the radio, working out with ear buds, or at my desk blasting the Pandora or Spotify, I am pretty much constantly listening to my favorite tunes.

For those of you who follow me on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc, it's no secret that I spend my Saturday night rocking it out with AC/DC! Not long ago, I came across this article about ways in which certain songs of AC/DC are actually aiding in treating cancer...no joke, ya'll, this article ROCKS in so many ways:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/146868/20160404/scientists-use-ac-dcs-thunderstruck-to-speed-up-cancer-drug-delivery.htm

As a researcher, this is certainly some science I can really appreciate! While this article is talking about the music's affects on a certain cancer medication, I think we can all agree that music has positive affects of our moods and emotions...whether you're trying to make it through a workout, going on a long road trip, or going through tough times, music always has it's place. Who else can agree with the sharks in that article that certain songs make them calmer?! (hah!)

Next time you hear that "feel good" song, don't be afraid to turn it up for the world to hear!

I may have been a little snap happy at AC/DC, but when you're at such a high energy show, you get so pumped that you want to document the entire experience (especially when every song is a classic)! Below are some of my concert picks and videos...wishing I was listening live again!

My excitement was far too real :)

 

For more on how music improves our health, check out this Huffington Post article.

Rock on, friends!

Taste of Rio

In honor of the Rio Olympics, I went out to a Brazilian steak house, Brasa, in Brier Creek. Dining at one of these places is quite an experience. It's not every day that you have access to an all you can eat "cold bar" while being waited on by servers with swords of different meats. From chicken to beef to pork to lamb, I had access to 14 different cuts...a vegetarian's nightmare but a meat lover's dream!

Also since I was there, I had to try a Caipirinha...Brazil's national cocktail. Simple and refreshing with a nice taste of lime. 

Since I can't actually be in Rio to cheer on Team USA, spending a little time at this restaurant gave me a little taste of Brazilian culture here in NC. 

For a cool history lesson on the Caipirinha, check out "The Origin of Caipirinha," here!

Restaurant Round-up

It is safe to say that I successfully eat my way through the triangle. Below is a review and a few pictures of some of my favorite recent dining experiences. I also included some pictures from my trip to NYC...which if you have been, you know how many amazing restaurants are around each corner.

Geer Street Garden in Durham, NC...these Fish Tacos were amazing!

Elaine's on Franklin in Chapel Hill! I was lucky enough to get the LAST of this shrimp dish.

I think this photo speaks for itself! Le Bernadin...a 3 Michelin Star Restaurant...If you think I was giddy the entire time I was eating...you nailed it.

Seared Tuna with Waygu Beef and a Strawberry "Bomb" for dessert...and yes...that is GOLD on the top of my dessert. Also not to mention...world famous sommelier Aldo Sohm reviewed my menu and paired me with that amazing wine!

Huevos Rancheros from Mojito Cafe and Lounge in Astoria, NY.

One of my new favorites in Durham! Guglhuph...German cuisine at it's finest.

German Beer at a German restaurant.

Pork Loin with a nice chilled Riesling from Guglhuph...heavenly!

I don't usually have brunch...but Buku in Raleigh will not disappoint. They had the best variety of any brunch I have ever been to! 

Unfortunately one of my favorite restaurants, Four Square, has shut down :( this was my final meal from here. What's better than a steak and Pinot Noir?? NOTHING!

Media Training in Jackson, Mississippi

It has a been a while since my last post, but I have good reasons for being MIA! The last few months have been PACKED with new and exciting things for me. One of those things includes a on-camera media training...something I have always wanted to incorporate into my career. The training took place in Jackson, Mississippi. I felt so honored to have been invited to this hands-on crash course on how to present yourself on camera. Leading the training was Joan Horbiak (a dietitian who has completed over 500 media interviews, including ones with CNN, CNBC, USA Today, The New York Times and The Daily News). It was information overload, but in the best way possible. I'm ready for the camera now :)

Also on the trip, I was able to dine and talk with Chef John Folse at this very own restaurant, Seafood Revolution! This in itself would have been enough to make me a happy camper. Chef Folse is a master mind when it comes to designing his restaurants. Every little detail from the furniture to the wall decor to the food each has it's own special meaning. The restaurant itself seemed to be a cultural mecca of Mississippi. AFter touring the building and seeing the kitchen, Chef Folse took us to our group to our own reserved private room and presented us the special menu he had created for us. As you can imagine, it was nothing short of amazing! My entree for the evening was a delicious lobster gnocchi! During dinner Chef Folse shared his amazing stories as a chef and left us all with the message "Our stories are more important than our message, our stories are what makes us unique."

Iconic Gin Fizz...I'm not usually a fan of gin, but this drink was one of the best I've had

BEAUTIFUL wine cellar in Seafood Revolution

The beautifully presented Lobster Gnocchi

Chef Folse and me! I couldn't resist snagging a picture

Fanciest ham and cheese sandwich I've ever seen 

I am honored to have been part of such a cool experience and hope I can continue to work in media! Until next time!