tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182659222024-03-13T08:02:50.545-07:00Elementary School GeekSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-16890478953135429642013-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:002013-01-03T14:51:10.669-08:00Back to the Grind<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bring it on, <strong>2013</strong>! I am ready for <u><em>YOU</em></u>! </div>
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For some reason, I feel like odd years are good years for me. Maybe it's because I was born in an odd year? I'm not sure. But I'm just gonna go right ahead and go with it. Why not? Maybe just thinking that it's going to be an awesome year will make it so! </div>
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I'm not very good about making resolutions for myself, but on my walk at lunch today, I thought of a few that might be nice to try this year:</div>
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<strong>1.</strong> <strong><em>Drink more water.</em></strong> Then, drink 1 more glass. </div>
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I am TERRIBLE about drinking water, even though I don't drink much else. It's not that I am drinking sodas or juice all day long, I just don't drink very much liquid. I haven't decided how to implement this yet. I already make sure and have water or tea with me at all times, but that doesn't seem to do much. I may need to set some sort of alarm or appointment reminder in Outlook to tell myself to finish a glass of water every 2 hours or something. </div>
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<strong>2.</strong> <strong><em>Reduce the amount of dairy in my diet.</em></strong></div>
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I have been quite successful in removing meat from my diet, but this is going to be a bit harder. I've read that people are actually <em>addicted</em> to cheese, so it's hard to remove from a diet. I can attest to that; it's by far my favorite part of a meal! Especially if there's pasta involved. So, maybe I should reduce the amount of pasta in my diet, thus reducing the cheese by proxy. I've already almost completely switched to dairy free milk, but since Ryan hasn't, I haven't removed it from my cooking yet. I don't think he would actually mind if I did, it's been more out of convenience than anything else, really. I generally am using soy/almond milk in my oatmeal or coffee, so I tend to keep Unsweetened Vanilla varieties around and not the plain stuff. And if I only need a cup or two of milk, it's hard for me to open a new carton and then have it sit in the fridge until I need it again. I suppose I can switch to plain and add my own vanilla, something to consider.</div>
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<strong>3. <em>Walk 10,000+ steps per day most days.</em></strong></div>
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I got a fancy pedometer/calorie counter watch for the holidays from my boyfriend. Since I've only just been back to work yesterday after having 11 days off, I got to really see how sedentary I really am during the week. It's a lot of sitting that I do here at this desk. I was in a pretty good habit of walking every day before eating my lunch for about 20 minutes... until I had hives for 7 weeks. The hives would show up on the bottom of my feet, making it super difficult to walk or exercise. So I just stopped. Even when there wasn't a hive, I pretty much cut everything but pilates and zumba out of the equation. Now I feel like I'm back to square one, but I've come to terms with that. Yesterday, by the time I reached the gym after work, I had barely clocked in 3,000 steps. Luckily, after walking on the treadmill for 15 minutes, 10 minutes of strength training, and an hour long Zumba class, I made it to 10,000 steps. Barely. What a reality check! So, to be more accountable, I'm going to add back in my lunchtime walk and also make sure I hit the gym or go for another walk-something, anything-to reach my goal. I've also returned to my calorie counting and daily weigh ins on the scale, but that's more for my accountability than as a resolution. </div>
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I think I like my resolutions, they basically scream, "Get Healthier!" which is all I can ask for. Do I want to lose 20 lbs? Sure. Am I going to? Who knows. I feel better about myself at my current weight than I did when I was this weight before... because I know I am stronger and eating cleaner and healthier than ever (only true if you don't count the last month of holiday binging).</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-4857391716709994742012-10-02T12:55:00.000-07:002012-10-02T12:55:05.697-07:00Remembering To Post<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I post my blog as my website on other people's blogs. And it's then that I remember just.how.long.it's.been... since I stopped in to say, "hello!"</div>
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So I'm stopping in. To say, "hello!"</div>
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"Hello!" </div>
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I'm not Vegan anymore (boy was that rough!), but I am now back from Burning Man and meat-free. I wanted to be part of the meal groups at Burning Man in our camp, so I decided that in an effort to actually eat better than 3 servings of top ramen a day, I'd eat meat at dinner. But now? No more meat. Seafood, yes. Dairy, yes. But no chicken, beef, or pork. And that has really not been very hard, at all. I feel great, really. I've switched over from soy milk to almond milk, which I like better. I don't want to eat too much soy and the soy milk wasn't really necessary, so easy to let go of. Now my overnight oats are made with honey (the agave nectar was freaking me out, actually - too close to high fructose corn syrup and too many mixed reviews on the healthfulness of the product, even if I was only ingesting 1 tsp per day) and almond milk (and oats and chia seeds and fruit). I like all the veggies we're eating. I like that my boy eats all these veggies with me! He hasn't added meat to our dinner in a realllly long time! Not to say he doesn't miss it, but he's embraced my eating style. It helps to have fish and shrimp and scallops back in the mix, but he has OFFERED to make me vegetarian meals on a few occasions! He's made me this <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/eatingwells_eggplant_parmesan.html" target="_blank">healthy baked eggplant parmesan</a> (from Eating Well) twice (nomnom) and has requested the following recipe a few times, which I finally made him again last night (Real Simple's <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chickpea-spinach-curry-00100000066526/index.html" target="_blank">Chickpea-spinach curry with cucumber yogurt sauce</a>, 277 Cal per serving? yes, please!). If it's indian food, he's all in for the win, no meat necessary. Yay! Now the question is what we're going to do now that our local Farmer's Market is over?!? Safeway veggies just aren't the same and we're hardly ever close enough to home on the weekend to hit up one of our neighboring city's Farmer's Markets. *sigh* We'll just have to try harder! That said, at least I get my tuesday evenings back for gym-time. It's too easy to slack off when I don't go on Tuesdays! Back today, you better believe it!</div>
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On a side note, my friend has started a sci-fi/fantasy book club. First up for October is <u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/313982.Neuromancer" target="_blank">Neuromancer</a></u>, by William Gibson. It was on NPR's <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books" target="_blank">Your Picks: Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books</a> and sounds pretty good. I'll post a review when I'm done! Any recommendations for future books?</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-54795558887815882702012-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:002012-12-10T10:40:22.873-08:00Vegan Challenge - Day Eight<ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Weight:</strong> N/A</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Meals:</strong></div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Breakfast: Overnight Oatmeal (1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk, 1 tsp agave nectar, and 1 Tbsp chia seeds; 235 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Lunch: Seaweed Salad and 2 Thai style spring rolls (~250 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Dinner: Vegan Alfredo with Asparagus (see recipe below; ~475 Cal, depending on how much sauce you use, we ended up only using about 2/3 of the sauce)</div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Snacks:</strong></div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Cherries (4 oz, yields, 65 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Peanut Butter (1 Tbsp, 95 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://vegetarian.about.com/od/desertrecipes/r/oatcrancookies.htm" target="_blank">Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Dough</a> with walnuts and craisins (165 Cal, assuming 20 cookies make the whole batch)</div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Drinks:</strong></div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Coffee with Stevia and few Tbsp of unsweetened vanilla soy (~10 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">16 oz Tazo Zen Green Tea (0 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">1 can of Diet Dr. Pepper (0 Cal)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">24 oz water + Peach Mango Mio (0 Cal)</div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Multivitamin:</strong> Yes (bought more, finally)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Exercise(s):</strong></div></li>
<ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Pilates (50 min)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Zumba (60 min)</div></li>
</ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Thoughts:</strong></div></li>
<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The weekend was harder than I anticipated, although I was able to keep to a vegetarian diet. I just couldn't justify paying $25 for the buffet to only eat a salad... but I was at least still good about not eating any chicken, pork, or beef! I also was good about only eating one meal with dairy, not all three meals. Thank goodness I already prefer my Mexican food without meat! I can easily go without cheese and/or sour cream on my burrito, especially when there's guacamole in there! Anyhow, that's just a side note since I didn't post all weekend. The Vegan Alfredo was good. I didn't care for the smoked paprika in there, I would just do regular next time (it had an overwhelming hot dog flavor which I attribute to the smoked paprika but may have been the nutritional yeast, not sure yet). For lunch, I had saved a nice can of Progresso Vegetarian Vegetable soup at work in case of an emergency, but on second inspection of the ingredients, the noodles had eggs in them! So I ran to the store and got a few things from the sushi-deli. The seaweed salad was yummy and so were the rolls. I would have liked avocado in them, though! They had lettuce, cellophane noodles, and tofu wrapped inside rice paper and were served with a peanut dipping sauce. Pretty delish, for a last minute decision! I'll be making my next lunch salad series after the farmer's market tomorrow. I bought myself a can of (acceptable) soup for tomorrow. When we got back from Reno, we wanted cookies, so made a batch of Vegan Oatmeal Cookies. They were good baked, but better raw. And since there's no eggs in the mix, we decided to just plop a cookie sized lump of batter on a tiny plate for dessert! Yum!</li>
</ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gh6peq7fmjOJNPJV2wlwHPHS4_FIIKr989Yq5aeITrQMRvXq3jiCw1GFKvzLlgewzTjdJipCrKeqkqTGIEbcoS-bLYzUU86R6zpZGelFY9ecG3QaKJ6UK4N8OzjbXBewX8VpAg/s1600/DSC02114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gh6peq7fmjOJNPJV2wlwHPHS4_FIIKr989Yq5aeITrQMRvXq3jiCw1GFKvzLlgewzTjdJipCrKeqkqTGIEbcoS-bLYzUU86R6zpZGelFY9ecG3QaKJ6UK4N8OzjbXBewX8VpAg/s320/DSC02114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span lang="EN">Vegan Alfredo with Asparagus</span></strong></div><a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=&media=&description=Vegan%20Alfredo%20with%20Asparagus"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><em>Makes 2 Servings (560 Cal per serving)</em><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"></span><br />
</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1 Cup Unsweetened Soymilk</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1/3 Cup Raw, Unsalted Cashews</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">3 Tbsp Bragg’s Liquid Aminos</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">2 Tbsp Earth Balance Margarine</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1 Tbsp Tahini</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">2 tsp Dijon Mustard</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1/2 tsp Paprika (smoked is awesome)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1 Pinch Nutmeg</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">4 Cloves of Garlic, rough chopped or pressed</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Black pepper, to taste</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">10 Leaves Fresh Basil, torn</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Cooking Spray</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1 Bunch Asparagus, cut on a diagonal into 1 inch pieces</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">1/2 Onion, diced</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">3 oz Whole Wheat Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettuccine)</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39X3Ttgyjn1pEUxo3zhumUtSFpLBJ7Q6i2wuE_6-cS_QL6ybVvIBF-RQ2oow728M6sMqn2o31Nf52WdFgkDX6JGa1c_iTOF4mSvOcs_85borswAJKw7oKYxa3WkSBtrmSemWKJA/s1600/DSC02115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39X3Ttgyjn1pEUxo3zhumUtSFpLBJ7Q6i2wuE_6-cS_QL6ybVvIBF-RQ2oow728M6sMqn2o31Nf52WdFgkDX6JGa1c_iTOF4mSvOcs_85borswAJKw7oKYxa3WkSBtrmSemWKJA/s320/DSC02115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ol><li style="text-align: justify;">Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">While the pasta is cooking, add the first 12 ingredients (up to the Basil) to a blender and blend until smooth.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Sauté the onion in a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add asparagus and sauté for another 7 minutes. Throw the garlic in for the last 30 seconds to 1 minute.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Drain the pasta and return it to the hot empty panalong with the asparagus mixture. Pour the sauce over, place on medium heat, and stir until heated through. Serve with lots of fresh cracked black pepper and the torn basil.</span></li>
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<ul><ul></ul></ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-26506577941465255412012-06-26T20:30:00.000-07:002012-06-26T20:30:03.760-07:00Vegan Challenge - Day Four<ul>
<li><strong>Weight:</strong> 148.0 lbs (-4.4 lbs total, probably still equalizing)</li>
<li><strong>Meals:</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Breakfast: Overnight Oatmeal with blueberries (1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk, 1 tsp agave nectar, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, and 2.5 oz fresh blueberries; 275 Cal)</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXc3e25BEaI/T-Odm1-LkII/AAAAAAAAA4U/M2AqNX-XuQY/s1600/oats.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXc3e25BEaI/T-Odm1-LkII/AAAAAAAAA4U/M2AqNX-XuQY/s320/oats.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram Brekkie</td></tr>
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<li>Lunch: Sushi Roll Edamame Salad (using 1/4 cup dry quinoa instead of brown rice again today, 400 Cal)</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRwta1YxSTw/T-p34U7cfVI/AAAAAAAAA4g/xtpymUok5oY/s1600/DSC02093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRwta1YxSTw/T-p34U7cfVI/AAAAAAAAA4g/xtpymUok5oY/s320/DSC02093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, there isn't any cookie butter in this salad... it just never has time to make it back to the cupboard</td></tr>
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<li>Dinner: <a href="http://www.e2challengenorcal.com/28-DayLow-CostMealPlan.pdf" target="_blank">E2 Shepherd's Pie</a> (see page 8-9; 275 Cal)</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXRnXnBpDjQ/T-p43BnrppI/AAAAAAAAA4o/5b9ZesHoVzc/s1600/DSC02096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXRnXnBpDjQ/T-p43BnrppI/AAAAAAAAA4o/5b9ZesHoVzc/s320/DSC02096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crusty potato topping</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4gawfG56lU/T-p45ak5GcI/AAAAAAAAA4w/yaZ1e2--Ni4/s1600/DSC02098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4gawfG56lU/T-p45ak5GcI/AAAAAAAAA4w/yaZ1e2--Ni4/s320/DSC02098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Shepherd's Pie</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IF-uoyXU2lA/T-p48L8ke3I/AAAAAAAAA44/a-g9JBfoyF4/s1600/DSC02100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IF-uoyXU2lA/T-p48L8ke3I/AAAAAAAAA44/a-g9JBfoyF4/s320/DSC02100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So good! And now I have leftovers in the freezer!</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Snacks:</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Cherries (4.5 oz, yields, 75 Cal)</li>
<li>Peanut Butter (1 Tbsp, 95 Cal)</li>
<li>Mango Sorbet (1/2 cup; 120 Cal)</li>
</ul>
<li><strong>Drinks:</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Coffee with Stevia and few Tbsp of unsweetened vanilla soy (~10 Cal)</li>
<li>16 oz Tazo Zen Green Tea (0 Cal)</li>
<li>24 oz water + fruit punch Mio (0 Cal) </li>
<li>16 oz water (0 Cal)</li>
</ul>
<li><strong>Multivitamin:</strong> Yes (need to buy more! Last one today)</li>
<li><strong>Exercise(s):</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Walk around the block at lunch (25 min)</li>
</ul>
<li><strong>Thoughts:</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Closer to 1200 Cal today, I'm surprised! I actually thought the Shepherd's Pie would account for more calories than it did - hooray! The best part is that it was still super filling, for being the smallest caloric meal today. I sort of like that it's a smaller meal, especially since I did not go to the gym today! Exclamation points all over! It's an exclamation party!</li>
</ul>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-45432017087002633902012-06-21T15:03:00.001-07:002012-06-21T15:05:17.108-07:00Vegan Challenge - Day Three<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Weight</strong>: 148.6 lbs (-3.8 lbs total, probably still equalizing from weekend eating)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Meals</strong>:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Breakfast: <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2012/04/18/oatmeal-cookie-dough-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Overnight Oatmeal</a> (1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk, 1 tsp agave nectar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1 Tbsp chia seeds; 240 Cal-now, that's more like it!)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Lunch: <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/sushi-roll-edamame-salad/" target="_blank">Sushi Roll Edamame Salad</a> (using 1/4 cup dry quinoa instead of brown rice today, 402 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Dinner: <a href="http://engine2diet.com/the-daily-beet/simple-guide-to-plant-strong-burgers/" target="_blank">E2 Veggie Burger</a> on Multi-Grain Sandwich Thin with Sweet Potato Fries (500 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3F8ZbO1vDk/T-OZ806CJ_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/vgKRnFLgOVU/s1600/beanburgers.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3F8ZbO1vDk/T-OZ806CJ_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/vgKRnFLgOVU/s320/beanburgers.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Snacks</strong>:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Blueberries (2.5 oz, 40 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Cherries (4 oz, yields, 65 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter (95 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 cup Mango Sorbet (120 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Drinks</strong>:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Coffee with Stevia and few Tbsp of unsweetened vanilla soy (~10 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
16 oz Tazo Passion Tea (0 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
24 oz water + mango-peach Mio (0 Cal) </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
16 oz water (0 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Multivitamin:</strong> Yes </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Exercise(s):</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Walk around the block at lunch (25 min)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Zumba (50 min)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Zumba cool-down (abs+stretching, 10 min)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Thoughts:</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="justify" style="text-align: justify;">
I feel great. I'm liking the scale numbers, but I'm sure it was just some extra water weight I put on by not paying attention to my diet for a few weeks... ah, summer. The oats this morning were just the right amount! I might omit the cinnamon tomorrow and top it off with blueberries instead, more like my yogurt habit but with oats! Made it to Zumba today, took it easy on my ankle, still pretty purple. Since that wasn't over until 7, dinner was late - too late for my liking. Next Wednesday will have to be planned better. Sweet potato fries were surprisingly delicious! Especially for having nothing on them! The veggie burger turned out HUGE, way bigger than that tiny sandwich thin I put it on. Smeared some avocado and some horseradish mustard on the toasted bun and was very satisfied. Now I have 4 in the freezer ready to eat, so that's nice. Maybe I'll have that next Wednesday, afterall. I still need to work on getting my calorie count down to 1200 on this eating plan. As long as I'm going to the gym, I don't so much mind the 1500 Cal/day. It's hard, with all the carbs... so it's less fat, for sure, but it's more carbs too. So far, no weird cravings. I'm expecting those to hit this weekend when I suddenly want CHEESE! Gotta stay positive! Until then... </div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-34077993540092236272012-06-20T12:23:00.003-07:002012-06-20T12:23:37.981-07:00Vegan Challenge - Day Two<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Weight:</strong> 149.6 lbs (-2.8 lbs, yesterday's weight was likely due to crazy weekend eating?)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Meals:</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Breakfast: <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2012/01/09/how-to-make-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Overnight Oatmeal</a> (using mixed berry soy yogurt and unsweetened vanilla soy milk - <u>not</u> the same recipe as yesterday's, 530 Cal-hmmm, might need to change that for tomorrow, that's too many calories for one meal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Lunch: <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/sushi-roll-edamame-salad/" target="_blank">Sushi Roll Edamame Salad</a> (including the edamame this time, 375 Cal)</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Dinner: Thai Basil Tofu Stir-fry (no oyster sauce) with Red Rice from the Farmer's Market (wild guess based on online search ~400 Cal, hopefully that's an overestimate)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Snacks:</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Coconut Milk Cookies & Cream Ice Cream (140 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Popsicle (45 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Drinks:</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Coffee with Stevia and few Tbsp of unsweetened vanilla soy (~10 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
24 oz water + black cherry Mio (0 Cal) </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Diet Dr. Pepper (0 Cal)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
16 oz water (0 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Multivitamin:</strong> Yes </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Exercise(s):</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Walk around the block at lunch (25 min)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Walk to/from Old Navy Project in SF (20 min)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Thoughts:</strong></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Too much food today. That breakfast might be better used before or after a weekend workout, but I'm still learning. I really had my Greek Yogurt breakfast down pat! Now that I've made it a few times, I can pretty much make my own conconction now, with a more appropriate amount of Calories. We had an ice cream party at work. I sat there with my salad while everyone made sundaes that looked nice and cool and refreshing. Luckily, there were fruit popsicles - a healthier (and lactose free) alternative, so it was ok, really. Probably saved myself 100 Cal, minimum! Didn't make it to the gym, my ankle is still a little too purple for my liking. Zumba is tomorrow, not going to miss that! Farmer's Market today will also help load me up on some fruit to have as snacks... since we polished off that coconut milk ice cream (and I don't intend to replace it). Had to go to SF for an Old Navy survey I did where I had to buy some t-shirts and wear and wash them a few times and then blog about any quality issues I found. Today was the last part of the project, where we came and actually wore the shirts and talked about them with an outside company. Kinda interesting. I like Old Navy, so it was a fun project. PLUS, they gave me $200 for finishing the project (plus an Old Navy gift card, not sure how much is on there). Reno, here I come! Anyhow, Ryan went to the Market, since I was in SF. He brought me home the oyster-sauceless and bell-pepperless Thai food (which was still quite yummy, they doubled up on the green beans YAY!) for my dinner, which I scarfed immediately down over an episode of Game of Thrones (season one, from Netflix-no spoliers please!). I'm feeling pretty good, overall, but I do feel like I am overloaded with carbs... but I guess that's all you can eat when you're vegan, eh? I just need to keep track of my portions and it should be fine. My upcoming Reno trip will be the true test! I'm thinking veggie sushi and pho and corn on the cob galore! I will make it work :)</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-20389988943584189862012-06-18T20:27:00.000-07:002012-06-18T20:30:25.257-07:00Vegan Challenge - Day One<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Weight: 152.4 lbs (yikes! when did that happen?!?)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Meals:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Breakfast: <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2012/04/18/oatmeal-cookie-dough-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Overnight Oatmeal</a> (agave nectar in place of honey, 345 Cal)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnGQC4qZOyE/T9_s1cn7ILI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/kalsuOGiqcc/s1600/DSC02087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnGQC4qZOyE/T9_s1cn7ILI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/kalsuOGiqcc/s320/DSC02087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before putting it in the fridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Th8bI6iQs/T9_s3wk_h3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/nWaOdsUCFD0/s1600/DSC02088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Th8bI6iQs/T9_s3wk_h3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/nWaOdsUCFD0/s320/DSC02088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next day; all milk soaked up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Lunch: <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/sushi-roll-edamame-salad/" target="_blank">Sushi Roll Edamame Salad</a> (edamame omitted for today only, forgot to buy it! 325 Cal)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLX1HFiE2Js/T9_uE5DrnUI/AAAAAAAAA2s/G6zxP6vwS4w/s1600/DSC02080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLX1HFiE2Js/T9_uE5DrnUI/AAAAAAAAA2s/G6zxP6vwS4w/s320/DSC02080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad Dressing, Green Onion-Miso Vinaigrette ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECWGvzHnwtM/T9_uM43dN4I/AAAAAAAAA28/mNJAoP2Jz7I/s1600/DSC02083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECWGvzHnwtM/T9_uM43dN4I/AAAAAAAAA28/mNJAoP2Jz7I/s320/DSC02083.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blend well and voila! Yummy dressing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Dinner: <a href="http://www.managercomplete.com/engine2/recipe.aspx?category=Dinner&id=43" target="_blank">E2 Rice & Beans</a> (bell peppers omitted, 485 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Snacks:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Coconut Milk Cookies & Cream Ice Cream (140 Cal)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Water: </div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
32 oz tea (Green + Mint, unsweetened/plain)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
16 oz water</div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Multivitamin: Yes</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Exercise(s): </div>
</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Walk at lunch (25 min)</li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Thoughts:</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe how filling the meals were, I was definitely not left wanting more! In fact, the rice & beans were almost too hard to finish-even Ryan thought so (although he did add a gruyere cheese and garlic chicken sausage to his bowl). The oatmeal was better than I thought it would be, I ate it cold and didn't need to add extra milk or anything. Tonight, I think I will make it with some of the fruit-flavored soy yogurt I picked up instead of the soy milk. I didn't make it to pilates tonight, I forgot to account for the fact that I was out of gas and had to stop on the way. It's probably better, I think my ankle was sprained when I twisted it the other day in those crazy shoes. Hopefully I can make it to the gym in the morning to make up for it. The swelling has gone down a bit from yesterday and I made sure to wear an ankle brace for most of the day (until it eventually cut my circulation off too much to bear). The prep time for the meals took longer than I expected, so I'm glad I made the full batch and now have lunch for the next three days. The oatmeal is quick and painless, so that's easy. Tomorrow is Farmer's Market day, so new fruits and veggies are on their way! We'll likely eat there, I need to make sure to ask if what I want is vegan. I liked the Thai Basil Tofu Stir-fry I had last week, but I am not sure whether it had fish sauce in it. If not, I'll probably order that again. They also had some really tasty Thai Spring Rolls, if not. I feel pretty good - full, but not weighted down. It is going to be hard to not overdo it on the carbs, even though brown rice & beans are possibly the healthiest of carbs I could choose - better than bread, for example. Got to make sure I keep the protein up, the chia seeds can help with that a little bit. Beans are the next best thing. Off to finish watching the Falling Skies premiere, so glad it came back!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFUrxlTmHBM/T9_xKYjj0nI/AAAAAAAAA3M/UroWEd5cRAA/s1600/DSC02077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFUrxlTmHBM/T9_xKYjj0nI/AAAAAAAAA3M/UroWEd5cRAA/s400/DSC02077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">What going vegan looked like after my (~$60) trip to Whole Foods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-25319234736150208452012-06-18T15:18:00.003-07:002012-06-18T15:28:18.614-07:00Notes on Things (and Things of Note)<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://ilovemetric.com/" target="_blank">new Metric album</a>? Rocking my world, just like their last album. Can't quite seem to listen to anything else, no matter how hard I try!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://tahoesouth.com/" target="_blank">South Lake Tahoe</a> in the summertime is kinda magical. Especially when you get to stay in a big, beautiful house on a small lake with a hot tub! I'm usually there in the winter, so it was a nice (and hot) change of pace.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
I seriously can't believe how booked up my summer has become - and summer isn't even starting until Wed! Phew! I'm certainly not complaining, but a little down time might be nice. From Tahoe to Reno to Montana, oh my! Camping and gambling and volunteering and birthday-ing, when will I have time to <a href="http://www.preparefortheplaya.com/PftP/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Prepare for the Playa</a>?</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking of <a href="http://www.burningman.com/" target="_blank">Burning Man</a>, Ryan and I went to Joann's on our way back from Tahoe to pick up some project-like things. Needless to say, I have a few yards of toule and an elastic band just waiting for that non-existent down time I mentioned above. Tutu, anyone?</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
My 30-day Vegan Challenge started today, it was sorta inspired by the <a href="http://engine2diet.com/" target="_blank">E2 Diet</a> I read about last week via Whole Foods. I'm curious what changes will come from this - I'm hoping for clearer skin, a happier belly and digestive tract, a little bit of weight loss, a lot more energy, and a decrease in my insomnia-related ailments. After 30 days, I'm not sure what will happen. I have to make it to day 30 first, people! I'm hoping to move to a pescatarian diet, if nothing else. But honestly, we'll have to see. A follow up blog on how my Day 1 went to come later. Got a favorite vegan food or recipe? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">
Remember how I said I was in Tahoe this weekend? It was for a wedding and I wore these little devils:</div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJjTIx0CUUU/T9-qnk7K0rI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8E953tt-fuQ/s1600/shoes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJjTIx0CUUU/T9-qnk7K0rI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8E953tt-fuQ/s320/shoes.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As cute as they are, wearing them to an outdoorsy wedding got me a golfball sized ankle. *Sigh* </div>
</li>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-83318024565719908132012-06-14T12:59:00.000-07:002012-06-14T13:06:24.118-07:00Workouts and Food Challenges<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello friends! I have a few things to share with you, I know it's been awhile and I apologize! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have decided to give a plant-based diet a go for 1 month. I am hoping to keep it strictly vegan (it is only a month, afterall), but may opt for a pescatarian diet if need be (where I will incorporate dairy, eggs, and fish). I've been pinning all sorts of yummy looking recipes and can't wait to give it a go, starting on Monday! I'll be weening myself off of the Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit for breakfast by trying an oatmeal dish I keep seeing on a new blog I've subscribed to, <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Fingers</a>. The author has really been motivating me to amp up my strength training and try some new, simple recipes. She rotates between a few breakfasts, and one of them is called Overnight Oats. Instead of cooking them overnight in a slow cooker (as you may have already imagined it would be), she prepares old fashioned oats with a few other ingredients and lets it sit overnight in the fridge, eating it cold the next morning. Sounds a bit different, but it's been WARM up here in NorCal and cold oatmeal actually sounds kind of good! Most of the time, she adds a flavored greek yogurt to her overnight oats. I've decided to try her <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2012/04/18/oatmeal-cookie-dough-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Oatmeal Cookie Dough Overnight Oats</a> for my first go at it. It's already vegan, since it uses soy or almond milk as the liquid base. Besides, it sounds delish! Hopefully I'll have all sorts of veggie-dishes to share with you over the next month! I think the experience will inspire me to blog more, too.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another thing I've started adding to my routine is <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html" target="_blank">Jamie Eason's LiveFit workouts</a>. I'm not really following her program, but am adding her strength training workouts to my normal cardio routine. I like having something to follow instead of doing the same moves over and over again. It helps to have it broken up by muscle groups, too. Yesterday, before my Zumba class, I tried out her Day 1 routine (I realized after I changed the cable flyes to bent over flyes that I was actually working my back instead of chest by doing so-oops! I couldn't move the bench to do the real exercise, maybe next time I'll ask for help!):</div>
<br />
<strong><strike>Wide</strike> Pushup (<strike>standard or</strike> on knees): 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: x10<br />
Set #2: x9<br />
Set #3: x0<br />
<br />
<strong>Dumbbell <strike>or Barbell</strike> Bench Press: 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: 10 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
Set #2: 10 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
Set #3: 10 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
<br />
<strong><strike>Flat Bench Cable</strike> (Bent Over) Flyes: 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: 5 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
Set #2: 5 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
Set #3: 5 lbs per dumbbell x12<br />
<br />
<strong><strike>Narrow</strike> Pushup (<strike>standard or </strike>on knees): 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: x10<br />
Set #2: x10<br />
Set #3: x0<br />
<br />
<strong>Overhead Triceps Dumbbell Extension: 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: 15 lbs x12<br />
Set #2: 15 lbs x12<br />
Set #3: 15 lbs x12<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Triceps Pushdowns: 3 sets of 12 reps</strong><br />
Set #1: 30 lbs x12<br />
Set #2: 30 lbs x12<br />
Set #3: 30 lbs x12<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't wait to see how today's workout goes! I should be able to do each of the exercises without modification at my gym, but I may only do 2 sets of each so it doesn't take as long. 1 min between sets makes for a long workout! I think she says it should take roughly an hour to complete, depending on gym traffic. Doing only 2 sets of each of today's seven exercises should bring that down to 45 min or so, which is much more do-able if I plan on also including cardio before-hand. Spin starts at 5, so I have to be on the road by 4:15 in order to make it in time! If I don't make it in time, I'll likely do 10 min on the stair-master followed by 30 min on the elliptical. Having a plan - and a new one, at that - makes me much ore excited and motivated to make it to the gym! What motivates you to work out? Do you have a routine? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
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<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-45041622772728331772012-05-09T21:42:00.000-07:002012-05-09T21:42:34.290-07:00Where I've Been For a Month<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've had a busy spring! I had 3 weekends of birthdays (can't complain about that, seriously!), my boyfriend and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary together (not pictured), and I've been sneaking in longer and longer hikes, trying to test my calf to see how far I can go without it complaining to me. Made it 4 miles last weekend, and it was fine! A little sore, but that was to be expected since I avoid exercising my calves at the gym to all extents. I'm just so glad to be out and about in this glorious Cali weather! I can't wait to sneak in more hikes, but that may have to wait a few weekends. More busy-times for the next few weekends: Zumba Flash Mob this Saturday (see my instructor dance our routine <a href="http://vimeo.com/40843861" target="_blank">here)</a> followed by my best friend from elementary/middle school's daughter's 6th birthday, Mommy's Day Sunday (we'll be walking/hiking at <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake_chabot" target="_blank">Lake Chabot</a>, so yay!), <a href="http://www.chabotspace.org/nightschool.htm" target="_blank">Night School: Prom</a> at Chabot Space & Science Center (where I volunteer now - but I'll be attending this event, not working it!), volunteering for the <a href="http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2012/" target="_blank">Maker's Faire</a> next Saturday followed by a friend's birthday bbq, a Bridal Shower on Sunday,... then the following weekend is Memorial Day (aka my boyfriend's b-day weekend-he has yet to make plans)! Wowzers! </div>
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Birthday #1 (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with my friends):</div>
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Easter Hike (Lime Kilns in Henry Cowell State Park):</div>
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Birthday #2 (Angel Island with my family):</div>
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Birthday #3 (Golden Gate Park with my Chico bestie):</div>
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Hiking to the Novato Waterfall with my Mommy/Daddy friends:</div>
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First Friday/Art Murmur funtimes in Oakland with my late night friends:</div>
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Hiking at Mt. Tamalpais near Stinson Beach with my bestie, boyfriend, and new friend:</div>
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Don't worry, I've still been cooking, recipes to come soon (for those without links):</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6s_16vQpjQ/T6s8ZtGBOWI/AAAAAAAAAzY/m5ahnmLzlZ4/s1600/DSC01236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6s_16vQpjQ/T6s8ZtGBOWI/AAAAAAAAAzY/m5ahnmLzlZ4/s320/DSC01236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Basil Chicken - 248 Cal per serving (pictured with roasted broccoli)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOuJkzK9r8/T6s8jVviA6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/pk9MTCFf3nk/s1600/DSC01116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOuJkzK9r8/T6s8jVviA6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/pk9MTCFf3nk/s320/DSC01116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://raevynmystique.blogspot.com/2011/06/current-weight-148.html" target="_blank">Saag Tofu</a> - 225 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeXAur2Y8ik/T6s8o1y1TbI/AAAAAAAAAzw/wA6Dvgd-VrQ/s1600/DSC00885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeXAur2Y8ik/T6s8o1y1TbI/AAAAAAAAAzw/wA6Dvgd-VrQ/s320/DSC00885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops with Pea Pods and Corn - 296 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU-2F2qzGaA/T6s9Exx7iqI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/D1RhDZIKOYc/s1600/DSC00926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU-2F2qzGaA/T6s9Exx7iqI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/D1RhDZIKOYc/s320/DSC00926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauliflower Crust Pizza - Calories vary depending on sauce and toppings used<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kl_K_UhDHyU/T6s8sSbSDWI/AAAAAAAAAz4/VGYILTyfido/s1600/DSC01284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kl_K_UhDHyU/T6s8sSbSDWI/AAAAAAAAAz4/VGYILTyfido/s320/DSC01284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seared Scallops with Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Basil - 331 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZB-dtMYVYQ/T6s8vcdkZPI/AAAAAAAAA0A/riYJiFqnv6c/s1600/DSC01034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZB-dtMYVYQ/T6s8vcdkZPI/AAAAAAAAA0A/riYJiFqnv6c/s320/DSC01034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://raevynmystique.blogspot.com/2011/06/pilates-tabatas-and-shrimp-oh-my.html" target="_blank">Salt and Pepper Shrimp</a> - 458 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XMgYkWY9o/T6s9SiTX7pI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/z_1_Hn0kv6I/s1600/DSC00875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XMgYkWY9o/T6s9SiTX7pI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/z_1_Hn0kv6I/s320/DSC00875.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Sesame Brown Rice with Edamame - 573 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMWYb5K6SE/T6s8zyVQ-OI/AAAAAAAAA0I/fy9lC-De8wc/s1600/DSC01326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMWYb5K6SE/T6s8zyVQ-OI/AAAAAAAAA0I/fy9lC-De8wc/s320/DSC01326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stovetop Avocado Macaroni & Cheese - 555 Cal per serving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwdNeihF32c/T6s9Wwb6SpI/AAAAAAAAA0g/qJ3rRkn-5pQ/s1600/DSC00876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwdNeihF32c/T6s9Wwb6SpI/AAAAAAAAA0g/qJ3rRkn-5pQ/s320/DSC00876.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Tomato-Avocado Salsa - 409 Cal per serving (cheese not included)</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-59743115977594394712012-04-11T12:09:00.002-07:002012-04-11T12:09:54.842-07:00Notes on Things (and Things of Note)<ul>
<li>31 doesn't feel any different than 30, I'm not even sure that 30 was all that special to begin with!</li>
<li>The Giant Dipper is, hands down, my favorite roller coaster. Always has been, always will be.</li>
<li>Roller coasters have a machine smell that nothing else smells like (and I love that smell)</li>
<li>Home-made carrot cake should ALWAYS follow hikes through redwoods. They go together extremely well.</li>
<li>Carrot Cake should always be home made. Never again will I buy a slice from Safeway.</li>
<li>I'm not as good at laser tag as I remember being... although I'm not sure I was ever good in an arena. Puzzle Fighter is still one of my fortes.</li>
<li>Being able to drive 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean into a Redwood Forest is something that I take for granted too often. This should be remedied (by more beach days followed by camping trips). California is truly a magical place, I need to spend more time in her beauty.</li>
<li>California adventures I plan on doing this spring/summer:</li>
<ul>
<li>Take the ferry to, and explore, Angel Island (this is actually happening next weekend)</li>
<li>Tour Alcatraz (I've only ever boated by, never stepped foot on)</li>
<li>Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge (it's free, so really? why not)</li>
<li>Watch the sun set from the top of Mt. Tamalpais</li>
<li>Hike through Muir Woods (I think the last time I was in there was 6th grade)</li>
<li>Eat clam chowder at Bodega Bay</li>
<li>Take Ryan to Panther Rock Beach</li>
<li>Attend an Art Murmur in Oakland</li>
</ul>
<li>I should really knit more things. Or at least finish something that I start.</li>
<li>I got a new iPod for my birfdae! 32 GB, bring it! Also got this super cutesy owl case (which I lurve <3):<img height="400" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31R4SgUidaL._SS500_.jpg" width="400" /></li>
<li>Got some awesome schwag for Burning Man from my friends as well... some home-made (yay for crocheted arm warm warmers and a bike seat cover!), some store bought (feather hair extenders and purple make up), all equally thoughtful <3</li>
<li>Hmmm... maybe it's time to start thinking more about Burning Man? Meh, not yet.</li>
<li>It is time to start planning this year's river float! Weeee! Hopefully it doesn't randomly snow over Memorial Day making the water fuh-reezing this year! Yikes! </li>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-30916714777058883762012-04-11T12:05:00.001-07:002012-04-11T12:05:51.028-07:00Lemon Bars - B-Day Girl Request<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, I know I promised these a few weeks ago... and I have no excuses as to why it took so long for me to get back in here to post the recipe! I didn't make any changes, so don't expect these to be healthy in any way. Some birthdays are just meant to be celebrated without having to think about calories! And anyways, we were dancing - so they sort of just cancel each other out (right?). That said, I went right ahead and decided on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/lemon-bars-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Paula Deen's version of Lemon Bars</a> because honestly? It's Paula Deen. They had to come out delicious. And delicous, they certainly were! Yum!</div>
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<strong>Lemon Bars</strong> (makes 16 bars) <br />
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316 Cal; 13g fat (7.7g sat, 0.7g poly, 3.5g mono); 48g Carbs (0.5g fiber); 3.7g protein; 83.4mg Cholesterol</div>
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
• Crust: <br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups all-purpose flour </li>
<li>1 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar), plus more for dusting </li>
<li>Pinch salt </li>
<li>2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing </li>
</ul>
• Filling: <br />
<ul>
<li>4 eggs </li>
<li>2 cups granulated sugar </li>
<li>6 tablespoons all-purpose flour </li>
<li>6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</li>
</ul>
<u>Directions</u><br />
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan with a small pad of butter. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You may need to dip your fingers into a little flour or confectioners' sugar to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired, when the bars are done. </div>
</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-UMMfjZan8/T2-FOAYSmTI/AAAAAAAAAtA/R8zt4VllbmY/s1600/DSC01051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-UMMfjZan8/T2-FOAYSmTI/AAAAAAAAAtA/R8zt4VllbmY/s320/DSC01051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday, Jessa!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-24950896262647312942012-03-29T11:03:00.000-07:002012-04-11T12:11:06.895-07:00Notes On Things (and things of note)<ul>
<li><div align="justify">
Listening to my iPod in alphabetical order by song has proven to be a better song shuffler than the "shuffle" option itself.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Upon listening to my iPod in this way has also proven to me that many artists have blocks of songs starting with the same letter.... here's me: "Hm, I haven't heard any Muse in awhile." Here's my iPod, on the letter "S": 8 Muse songs (I'm only up to "G", *sigh*)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
For some reason, 8GB of music is not enough and I struggle every time I want to put new music onto my iPod with the decision of what songs to leave behind, as if I will never hear them again.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Discovering Pinterest has made my days at work far less boring. Follow me <a href="http://pinterest.com/raevynmystique/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
With my current obsession with Cookie Butter (and the unfortunate discovery of it being sold at my local Whole Foods store), it's a terrible thing to have found this (don't worry, I'll make it soon.):<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4344" height="212" src="http://bunsinmyoven.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/oreo-cookie-spread-biscoff.jpg" title="oreo cookie spread biscoff" width="320" /></div>
</li>
<li>I have a friend crush on my Zumba instructor. We should totally be bffs, if only because we live in the same town (and all my other friends live 25-50 minutes away). Found out that her b-day is the day before mine! We should hang out. All.The.Time.</li>
<li><div align="justify">
I have too many places I want to go before the <strike>world ends</strike> end of the year, how to decide?!?</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
One of those places is North Carolina. I miss my old bestie.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Another place is Montana. I miss my physics friend.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Neither of those states were ever on my bucket list until I had friends move there (p.s. please come "home").</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
For some strange reason, I like planning things. Camping trips, Costa Rica vacations, birthday parties, dinner... Am I a closet control freak? Maybe.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Currently planning my birthday (which happens to be the day before Easter this year, blah) here:<img alt="Pinned Image" height="130" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/46513808621528793_RqkOxB7x_c.jpg" width="400" /></div>
</li>
<div>
</div>
<li><div align="justify">
When did volunteering become so tiring? When my telescope operator training last night lasted until 11 pm, when it was scheduled to end at 9:30 pm. And really? How is learning the History of Telescopes (again) going to help me operate one?!? Ok, I may just be super tired. I was probably the only schmuck there who decided to start volunteering somewhere that takes 45 minutes to get to from their house. But who's counting? (That's actually less than my commute time to work, believe it or not)</div>
</li>
<li><div align="justify">
Thinking about buying a house-soonishly. Any idea how much I need at contract signing? 20% isn't looking very feesible in Marin County, even with house prices on the low side. Also, any idea how much additional monthly costs can range (for insurance, etc... anything that isn't the mortgage payment)? Trying to create a budget is hard.</div>
</li>
</ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-30998169056942147972012-03-27T10:25:00.002-07:002012-04-11T12:11:29.821-07:00Cream Puffs - B-Day Girl Request #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, so I've never even considered making a cream puff before. Although, admittedly, I find them absolutely delicious! So, when one of my besties requested them as her special birthday dessert last weekend, I decided to take on the challenge (with a back-up plan, of course... Lemon Bar recipe to come). I was a little hesitant, mostly because we were going out salsa dancing and I was nervous they would completely melt before anyone could have a chance to try one! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpn_tbPQK0w/T2-F08XsqGI/AAAAAAAAAtI/V0AIYp8GF9w/s1600/DSC01043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpn_tbPQK0w/T2-F08XsqGI/AAAAAAAAAtI/V0AIYp8GF9w/s320/DSC01043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I waited as long as I could to assemble them and once assembled, I threw them in the freezer (while my boyfriend and I went out for dinner). As we were heading out the door to make it to the salsa lesson before the party, I put them in a carrier with an ice pack, topped a few with toothpicks so the foil wasn't smooshing the chocolate glaze too terribly, and hoped for the best! The chocolate got a little smooshed, but not too bad and no one seemed to mind anyhow!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuqcX9wAIk/T2-F5Si3iGI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_AS9Es8Xxys/s1600/DSC01044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuqcX9wAIk/T2-F5Si3iGI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_AS9Es8Xxys/s320/DSC01044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't have a recipe on hand (I don't have many dessert or baking recipes in my big binder of recipes at home), so I took to the internet. I found the basic recipe on <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/CreamPuffs.html">Joy of Baking's website</a> and used the <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1913,144181-225202,00.html" target="_blank">chocolate glaze from a different recipe I found on Cooks.com</a>. Yummy in the tummy!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMwn9LMglWg/T2-F82LkcOI/AAAAAAAAAtY/FVEMcQFXUOg/s1600/DSC01045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMwn9LMglWg/T2-F82LkcOI/AAAAAAAAAtY/FVEMcQFXUOg/s320/DSC01045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Cream Puffs with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Glaze</strong></div>
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Makes 12 small puffs</div>
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194 Cal, 14 g fat, 16 g carbs, 2.4 g protein, 68 mg sodium, 77 mg chol, 19% Vit A, 2% Calcium, 4% Iron</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ9iq25Szto/T2-GCG2SAoI/AAAAAAAAAtg/aYfxAuLBYdc/s1600/DSC01047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ9iq25Szto/T2-GCG2SAoI/AAAAAAAAAtg/aYfxAuLBYdc/s320/DSC01047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong></div>
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</div>
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<u>Choux Pastry:</u></div>
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1/2 cup all purpose flour</div>
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1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Glaze:</u></div>
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1 large egg, lightly beaten</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Whipped Cream: </u></div>
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1 cup heavy whipping cream</div>
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1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
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1 1/2 tablespoons granulated white sugar, or to taste</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Chocolate Glaze:</u></div>
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1/2 cup granulated white sugar</div>
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4 teaspoons cornstarch</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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1 (1 oz) square unsweetened chocolate</div>
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Dash salt</div>
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1 tablespoon butter</div>
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1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong>Directions:</strong></div>
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<u>Choux Pastry:</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Preheat oven to 400° F and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter or spray the pan with a non-stick vegetable spray.</div>
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2. In a small bowl, sift (or whisk) together the flour, sugar and salt. </div>
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3. Place the butter and water in a heavy saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil. (Make sure that the butter melts before the water boils to reduce the amount of evaporation.) Remove from heat and add the flour mixture, all at once, and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Return saucepan to the heat and stir constantly until the dough comes away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick smooth ball (about 1-2 minutes). </div>
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4. Transfer the dough to your electric mixer (or hand mixer) and beat on low speed to release the steam from the dough (about a minute). Once the dough is lukewarm start adding the lightly beaten eggs (dough will separate and then come together) and continue to mix until you have a smooth thick paste (dough will fall from a spoon in a thick ribbon, this will take several minutes). </div>
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5. Spoon or pipe 12 small mounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. </div>
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6. With a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the dough with a lightly beaten egg (you can probably skip this step if you're planning on using the chocolate glaze, the glaze will cover up the nice shiny shell top anyhow - but it made for nice pictures). </div>
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7. Bake for 15 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 350° F. Continue to bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until the shells are a nice amber color. </div>
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8. Turn the oven off, poke a couple of holes in each puff and, with the oven door slightly ajar, let the shells completely cool (and dry out). </div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Whipped Cream: </u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. In a large mixing bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar and stir to combine. </div>
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2. Cover and chill the bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. </div>
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3. When chilled, whip the cream just until stiff peaks form (this took several minutes). </div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Chocolate Glaze:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add water, chocolate, and a dash of salt. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, several minutes. </div>
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2. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to warm. </div>
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<u>To Assemble: </u></div>
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1. Split the pastry shells in half with a sharp knife (should be completely dry inside).</div>
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2. Place the tops of the shells on a rack and spoon chocolate glaze over the top (I did this as a separate step to avoid melting the whipped cream by spooning over the top of the assembled shells).</div>
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3. Fill (or pipe) the shell bottoms with the prepared whipped cream. </div>
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4. Place the top half of the pastry shell on the whipped cream and refrigerate to keep cool. Enjoy cream puffs the same day you assemble (they become soggy on standing).</div>
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</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-51006764355981218492012-03-26T20:56:00.002-07:002012-03-26T20:56:52.198-07:00A Day In The Life... (Monday)Hi, friends! I decided to give you a little sneak peek into what a day in the life of me looks like on a Monday! Don't worry, there will be plenty of food posts to come, I promise! <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>5:00 am:</strong> Wake up, find clean gym clothes and get dressed (brr!), brush teeth, pull up hair and fasten bangs out of the face, locate book/ipod/gym towel/water bottle, wonder why this takes so long...</li>
<li><strong>5:25 am:</strong> Warm up the car and drive to the gym</li>
<li><strong>5:35-6:10 am:</strong> Read <u>Clash of Kings</u> while doing intervals on the elliptical, level 7 (-388 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>6:10 am:</strong> Stretch and head back home</li>
<li><strong>6:20 am: </strong>Hop in shower and quick rinse (washed hair last night), find something nice-ish to wear to work, pack breakfast/lunch/snacks, make coffee (thank you, Keurig!), pack gym bag and walking shoes, and head out</li>
<li><strong>6:48 am:</strong> <em>Walk</em> down to the mailbox to throw in the Netflix we watched yesterday (Apollo 18, only 2 stars for that bad-boy) while the car re-warms up (yeah, it's that cold in the mornings still)</li>
<li><strong>6:50-7:30 am:</strong> Commute to work, finish coffee (+5 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>7:30 am:</strong> Catch up on work emails; fill up on mint tea</li>
<li><strong>9:00-9:30 am:</strong> Morning meeting</li>
<li><strong>9:30 am:</strong> Breakfast - 1 large organic banana (+105 Cal) and 1 hard-boiled egg (+78 Cal); I know I'm supposed to eat within an hour of waking up, I just never really have been a breakfast person</li>
<li><strong>10:00 am:</strong> Workie workie; refill mint tea (sneak in a fun sized Twix bar, shh +80 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>12:30 pm:</strong> Take a brisk walk around the block (-90 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>1:00 pm:</strong> Read <u>Tao of Physics</u> while eating lunch - 3.5 oz chicken breast leftovers (+194 Cal), 3.5 oz sliced cucumber (+12 Cal), 2 oz sliced organic carrot (+26 Cal), 1 green onion (+5 Cal), 1/3 small organic avocado (+91 Cal), 1 tsp olive oil (+40 Cal), 1 Tbsp chopped dillweed (+0 Cal), juice of 1/2 lemon (+3 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>3:00 pm:</strong> Snack - 6 oz cantaloupe (+58 Cal), 1 low-fat string cheese (+65 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>4:00-4:15 pm:</strong> Tidy up desk, change into gym clothes</li>
<li><strong>4:15-5:00 pm:</strong> Commute back to the gym</li>
<li><strong>5:00-5:55 pm:</strong> Pilates (-200 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>6:00 pm:</strong> Drive home, drink lots of water, shower</li>
<li><strong>6:30-7:30 pm:</strong> Prepare and eat dinner - 1/2 large chicken breast (+147 Cal) marinated and grilled in 2 Tbsp Chaka's Zesty Sauce (+17 Cal) with a side of 1/2 head cauliflower (+72 Cal) smashed with 1/4 cup lactose free 2% milk (+30 Cal), 2 Tbsp romano cheese (+27 Cal), and 1/2 head of roasted garlic (+60 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>7:30 pm:</strong> Take muscle relaxer for twitchy calf so I can sleep later, catch up on DVR'd shows (tonight it's the new show, Missing), enjoy dessert - Tofutti Cutie (+130 Cal)</li>
<li><strong>8:30 pm:</strong> Take other pills for cramping calf so I can sleep later, do 15 minute hand weight routine (-43 Cal), wash dishes/clean kitchen from dinner, get lunch ready for tomorrow, catch up on Frozen Planet (Summer episode)</li>
<li><strong>9:30 pm:</strong> Brush teeth, floss, face primping routine, crawl under the covers</li>
<li><strong>9:45-10:00 pm:</strong> Try and fall asleep!</li>
</ul>
Total calories in: +1,241 Cal<br />
Total calories out (exercise): -724 Cal<br />
Total calories out (mostly seated lifestyle): -1,782 Cal<br />
Difference (Cal in-Cal out): -1,265 Cal<br />
<br />
I wish I could say every day was this successful! But I don't usually hit the gym 2x in one day... so there is that. But today was pretty much a success, which is all I can count on! Only 11 more lbs to meet my ultimate weight loss goal, then I get to start in on maintenance mode... we'll see how that goes!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-89972237710523724172012-03-14T11:50:00.001-07:002012-03-14T13:00:06.170-07:00Herbed Scallops with Couscous and Steamed Carrots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Hey, look at me! I added a Print Friendly button to my posts so you can print out recipes with ease! I also added an email widget so you can sign up to receive emails when I post. If any of you like that sort of thing (as much as I do).</div>
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Now on to more important matters... food! We made this gorgeous scallop dish a few Fridays ago with much success! Look at that crazy nice sear down there - yum! The secret was, of course, butter. So from this point forth, I will most certainly be adding a smidge of butter to the oil I sear my scallops in. In my house, we eat scallops about once a week. We buy them in a huge bag from Costco (wild caught, of course). A serving is really probably 3 scallops, but we up it to 4 per person since they don't have that many calories anyhow. The recipe below is for the scallops alone, I have them pictured over a bed of Whole Wheat Couscous (cooked in chicken stock instead of water) topped with 10 steamed baby carrots (steamed in our rice cooker which came with a steam rack) and a sprinkle of the parsley that I've somehow kept alive in a pot on my patio all year round!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gR2ZWk8n6s/T1bgRdn8wsI/AAAAAAAAAbc/K0Caz89gvuk/s1600/DSC00932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gR2ZWk8n6s/T1bgRdn8wsI/AAAAAAAAAbc/K0Caz89gvuk/s320/DSC00932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Herbed Scallops with Couscous</strong> (adapted from <a href="http://www.recipe.com/herbed-scallops-with-couscous/">Family Circle's recipe</a>)</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
4 servings </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
338 Calories, 14 g Fat (5 g sat, 2 g poly, 7 g mono), 78 mg Cholesterol, 311 mg Sodium, 17 g Carbs, 3 g Fiber, 35 g Protein </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
• 1/4 cup wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• 1-1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• ½ teaspoon paprika</div>
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• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme</div>
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• 8 large sea scallops (approximately 13 oz.)</div>
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• 1 tablespoon olive oil</div>
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• 1 tablespoon butter</div>
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• 1 tablespoons chopped parsley</div>
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• ½ lemon, cut into wedges </div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. In a shallow dish or pie plate, mix flour, lemon pepper, oregano, paprika and thyme. Coat both sides of scallops in the flour mixture, shake off excess and set aside.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil and the butter over medium-high heat. Saute the scallops for about 3 minutes per side or until nicely browned and cooked through. Set scallops aside on a plate and keep warm. (when doubling this recipe, cook your scallops in 2 batches so as not to overcrowd the pan)</div>
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3. Garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, couscous, and cooked baby carrots on the side, if desired.</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-15254880871106710792012-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:002012-03-13T12:28:01.548-07:00Sausage, Basil, and Mustard Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's been so long since we made this, I almost forgot how yummy it was! Yummy enough to warrant a picture with a big, fat glare on it - oops! That's what happens when it gets dark before dinnertime so I have to use a flash. That's Trader's Joe's garlic bread taking up half the plate over there. Yeah, I know. It totally cancels out all the calories I saved up all day, but man is it good! (Check the freezer aisle and eat it ASAP. Maybe try and split amongst 4 people instead of 2 like we do) We might just have to make this again soon, it's so easy on a weeknight after Zumba, for example. Plus, mustard? Love it! I always put it in my mac and cheese, but it really pairs well with the white wine in the sauce for this recipe. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYIQjuLbBMM/T1bemejHiiI/AAAAAAAAAac/qf0rRZ44wvM/s1600/DSC00890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYIQjuLbBMM/T1bemejHiiI/AAAAAAAAAac/qf0rRZ44wvM/s320/DSC00890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong>Pasta with Sausage, Basil and Mustard</strong> (adapted from <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pasta-with-sausage-basil-and-mustard">Food and Wine</a>) </div><div>2 servings</div>410 Cal, 9.8 g fat (1.7 g sat, 0.8 g poly, 2.9 g mono), 90 mg chol, 277 mg potassium, 940 mg sodium, 48 g carbs (2.5 g fiber), 30 g protein, 5% Vit A, 7% Calcium, 3% Vit C, 14% Iron<br />
<br />
<div> </div><strong>Ingredients </strong><br />
<ul><li>4 ounces macaroni </li>
<li>1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil </li>
<li>8 ounces chicken or turkey sausage, crumbled (such as Isernio’s Hot Italian Chicken Sausage)</li>
<li>1/4 cup dry white wine </li>
<li>1/4 cup fat free half and half </li>
<li>1 tablespoon grainy mustard </li>
<li>Pinch of crushed red pepper (may omit if using hot sausage)</li>
<li>1/2 cup thinly sliced basil </li>
</ul><br />
<div><strong>Directions</strong></div><br />
<div>1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente; drain. </div><div>2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet. Add the sausage meat and brown over moderately high heat, about 5-8 minutes. </div><div>3. Add the wine and simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. </div><div>4. Add the cream, mustard and crushed red pepper (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes. </div><div>5. Remove the skillet from the heat, add the pasta and basil and toss to coat. Serve.</div><br />
<div> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-57281065469509232402012-03-07T12:28:00.000-08:002012-03-07T12:28:20.096-08:00Avocado Pasta with Chicken and Bacon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know, I know... it's been awhile since I've posted anything. It is certainly not due to lack of cooking on my part (just lack of motivation to upload pictures haha). The past 2 weeks, I've been waking up at 5 am and hitting the gym early instead of after work to see if that helps my calf cramping/twitching issue. It was maybe helping a little bit, but I'm keeping at it! As hard as it is to wake up over an hour earlier than usual, I do feel better after my workout and I think it might be helping boost my metabolism too. I saw a neurologist last week, to see if there were other options for my cramping calf. She put me on a dopamine supplement, used for people with Restless Leg. It's only been just under a week, but it might be working. I have seen a pretty good reduction in twitching and cramping so far. Not sure if that's from my exercise time change or the meds, but I also don't really care so long as I can sleep at night! I'll keep you posted. Since I am not going to the gym after work as often (still going to Pilates and one Zumba class after work twice a week), that gives me more time to cook! I have five recipes to share with you, all with pictures! Here is by far my favorite of the lot, it will surely enter our "what should we cook tonight?" rotation when we run out of steam. It's easy and pretty quick. You can cook the chicken and the bacon and the noodles at the same time, they all finish together. Next time, we might add a side of roasted mushrooms and broccoli, it did need a little something to go on the side (or you could just eat more of the pasta, of course!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am so excited to share this recipe! When I found it a few weeks ago, I immediately pinned it onto my new-ish <a href="http://pinterest.com/raevynmystique/">Pinterest account</a>. I seriously cannot believe I never thought to do this myself, I love avocados so much! This recipe was all the more perfect, because we usually have all the ingredients on hand. I made a few tweaks, mostly to the cooking of the chicken. My crock pot is 7 qt, and it seemed awfully silly to cook 1 chicken breast in there. Maybe someday I will try, but I simply poach the chicken in my version. See the original post <a href="http://nutritionfor.us/2012/02/like-that-try-this-creamy-avocado-pasta-w-chicken-recipe/">here</a>, as posted by <a href="http://nutritionfor.us/">The Realistic Nutritionist</a>. I kept it at 4 servings because I really wanted to have leftovers for lunch. Ate it cold the next day and it was just as good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong>Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken and Bacon</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 servings total </div><div style="text-align: justify;">350 Cal, 11 g fat, 41 g Carbs, 9 g Fiber, 21 g Protein, 311 mg Sodium</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwurENInr2o/T1bf9boZzxI/AAAAAAAAAbU/GzVIIKBrETk/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwurENInr2o/T1bf9boZzxI/AAAAAAAAAbU/GzVIIKBrETk/s320/DSC00927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 1 large 8 ounce chicken breast</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 1 can low fat, low sodium chicken broth </div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 8 ounces dry spaghetti noodles, cooked</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 1 avocado, pitted and scooped out of skin</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 4 tablespoons fat free half and half</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 1 teaspoon sea salt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 3 tablespoons lime juice</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• 2 pieces of crispy cooked bacon</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Directions: </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Poach the chicken: Place the chicken breast in a small saucepan and cover with the stock, about ½” above the chicken (you can use just water or a combo of chicken stock and water, if you'd like. We save the poaching liquid after, skimming any fat or scum off the top, to reuse for making rice or couscous, etc). Bring to a boil and then partially cover with a lid, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes (it should barely have bubbles). Remove from heat and let sit for 10 more minutes with the lid still partially on. Once done, shred using two forks and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, place avocados, half and half, lime juice, salt and pepper. Blend until soft and creamy. If mixture is too chunky, add additional cream. Add additional lime juice to taste.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, pasta and avocado sauce together. Crumble bacon on top and enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-83705590332083612032012-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:002012-02-11T15:11:16.814-08:00Costa Rican Breakfast... At Home<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been awhile since I've posted. I have to be honest, I have been feeling overwhelmed with my promise to post pictures with my recipes more often! While I generally take plenty of pics, I am reallllly lazy about uploading them, for some reason. Anyhoo, what better way to start off than with a recipe that I will be making until I run out of <a href="http://www.lizanosite.com/">Lizano sauce</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the beginning of January, Ryan and I whisked ourselves off for our long overdue Costa Rican adventure. I'd been promising myself a trip sine I first graduated with my Bachelor's way back in 2005. At the time, I was single (and much more financially unstable). The thought of traveling alone royally freaked me out! When I received my Master's in 2010, I was in a long term relationship and made the decision (for us both) to take that trip! Look how pretty:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmVA8q6ysHU/TzbesERquWI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ekBb5JaPK9c/s1600/DSC00276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmVA8q6ysHU/TzbesERquWI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ekBb5JaPK9c/s320/DSC00276.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDCdVh7qyOM/TzbewmXuX3I/AAAAAAAAAZA/3dbpm2bPTKA/s1600/DSC00317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDCdVh7qyOM/TzbewmXuX3I/AAAAAAAAAZA/3dbpm2bPTKA/s320/DSC00317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the boy climbing around the lava rocks at the Arenal Volcano</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJB-P-z8IZw/Tzbe1rX4zRI/AAAAAAAAAZI/zcI70wK1hBM/s1600/DSC00494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJB-P-z8IZw/Tzbe1rX4zRI/AAAAAAAAAZI/zcI70wK1hBM/s320/DSC00494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall near Monteverde Cloud Reserve</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ-4O81ijoA/Tzbe5SBdPaI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/2Ci7L6TB_q4/s1600/DSC00701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ-4O81ijoA/Tzbe5SBdPaI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/2Ci7L6TB_q4/s320/DSC00701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Manuel Antonio</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">See? I told you! Anyhow... about 2 weeks after we got back, I decided to make Gallo Pinto from scratch. Gallo Pinto is what Costa Ricans typically eat for breakfast, often with eggs, and it is really simply beans & rice sauteed together with onions, cilantro, and spices/sauce. I bought a bag of black beans and made a whole batch of it in my new 7 qt crock pot:<br />
<br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hcer-I4McgM/TzbsUZeWxlI/AAAAAAAAAZw/13T8Dq0Sqzg/s200/DSC00878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new crock pot in action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjM_FYcoyS0/TzbsKKjjQ3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/ccWu6M81Soc/s1600/DSC00881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjM_FYcoyS0/TzbsKKjjQ3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/ccWu6M81Soc/s200/DSC00881.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamy black beans, finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hcer-I4McgM/TzbsUZeWxlI/AAAAAAAAAZw/13T8Dq0Sqzg/s1600/DSC00878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now I have a few ziplocs full of plain black beans just waiting for me in the freezer! No salt added! Anyways, here's the recipe I used, from a <a href="http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2005/12/02/yum-gallo-pinto/">random website</a> I found by searching google... I think you could potentially use worcestershire sauce in place of the <a href="http://www.lizanosite.com/">Lizano</a>, though their flavors are a bit different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><br />
<b><u>Gallo Pinto</u></b> (4 servings, 165 Cal per serving)<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 cup of rice, cooked in chicken stock instead of water (we stuck with good ol' white, since that's what they used in CR)<br />
1 cup of cooked beans with a bit of the bean liquid for color and flavor (it was ALWAYS black beans in CR)<br />
1 chopped onion (small)<br />
2 cloves of garlic chopped<br />
1 Tbsp canola oil<br />
1 bunch chopped cilantro<br />
4 Tbsp Salsa Lizano (can useWorcestershire sauce but don’t expect the same taste!)<br />
Pinch of black pepper<br />
<br />
How to prepare<br />
1. Fry onion, garlic, and cilantro in the oil for about 3 minutes.<br />
2. Pour in the beans and add the Lizano sauce and black pepper. Let it cook for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry out.<br />
3. Pour in the cooked rice and mix it with the beans.<br />
<br />
We served ours alongside scrambled eggs and a sliced papaya (I know, I know... it was from Chile, but it really added to the Costa Rican ambiance!):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7itaFwNkj7M/TzbsOKTKCmI/AAAAAAAAAZo/yyAHmpaDP6I/s1600/DSC00883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7itaFwNkj7M/TzbsOKTKCmI/AAAAAAAAAZo/yyAHmpaDP6I/s320/DSC00883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version at home in Cali</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTbjubXTv2A/TzbwUxlKokI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/XKD1REUBJ8Q/s1600/DSC00434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-KGsjhhj4U/TzbwZMtnCJI/AAAAAAAAAaA/AxgR_C6tojM/s1600/DSC00435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-KGsjhhj4U/TzbwZMtnCJI/AAAAAAAAAaA/AxgR_C6tojM/s200/DSC00435.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gallo Pinto and scrambled egg breakfast in Monteverde</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTbjubXTv2A/TzbwUxlKokI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/XKD1REUBJ8Q/s200/DSC00434.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was served with coffee, juice, pineapple, watermelon, and papaya</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTbjubXTv2A/TzbwUxlKokI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/XKD1REUBJ8Q/s1600/DSC00434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><br />
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</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-25879931471768307432012-01-10T11:44:00.000-08:002012-01-10T12:44:04.548-08:00Easy Chicken Dinner<div style="text-align: justify;">The time for our Costa Rica trip is finally upon us! Weee! I'm so excited! We leave tonight and fly overnight. I can't wait! I feel like I'm only half-way present at my job today, but it doesn't seem as though anyone minds. I got most of my work done yesterday, anyhow. I spent a little time (finally) compiling my blogged recipes into an easy list. The link is up on the main page (<a href="http://raevynmystique.blogspot.com/p/master-recipe-list.html">Master Recipe List</a>) and I will try and remember to keep it updated! I'm also hoping to start adding photos of my recipes more often. I'm giving you this recipe sans photo since I'll be whipping it up tonight before we head out to SFO and thus won't have time for uploading any pics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I received <a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/five-ingredient-recipes/coconut-curry-chicken">this Rachael Ray recipe</a> in an email awhile back and we have made it a bunch of times. We recently acquired Spicy Curry Powder (thank you, 50% off bin at Safeway!), which I love in this recipe. Admittedly, it was a little bland before that. If you like a little bit of heat and only have regular Curry Powder, we have also thrown in a minced jalapeno with half of the seeds removed. This is so easy, and we tend to have all the items needed in our pantry (or freezer, since chicken in the pantry just sounds yucky), making it an easy go-to dinner. It definitely makes plenty of sauce, so plan on eating this with whole wheat couscous, brown basmati rice, or some sort of veggie (we've had it over roasted cauliflower as well as some simple sauteed green beans with much success - I highly recommend trying it with roasted cauliflower, try <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/262898/roasted-curried-cauliflower">this recipe</a> if you need a starting point).</div><br />
<strong><u>Coconut Curry Chicken</u></strong> (2 svgs: 317 Cal; 17 g fat; 3 g Carbs; 33.5 g protein)<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
3 teaspoons canola oil, separated<br />
1 teaspoon curry powder (I use spicy curry powder)<br />
1/2 can lite coconut milk (6.25 oz; I freeze the other half until needed)<br />
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (~2 breasts), cut into strips<br />
1 teaspoon five-spice powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add the coconut milk and cook until reduced by half, about 7 minutes. <br />
2. Toss together the chicken, five-spice powder, and salt and pepper. <br />
3. In a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry the chicken until just cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the coconut curry sauce.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-46685378410446710782011-12-22T13:23:00.000-08:002011-12-22T13:51:06.893-08:00How To Make That Sausage Potato Soup<div align="justify">...you know, that one from the Italian Restaurant chain that you love? I've tried a few different recipes and have sort of combined them to make this version. When we made it last night, I used <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/kale-and-potato-soup-with-turkey-sausage">Food & Wine's version</a> as a guide for how much potato and kale to use, but my version is actually a bit different and includes bacon and cream (which I learned from a different recipe that I can no longer find). Anyhow, I cut <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/kale-and-potato-soup-with-turkey-sausage">Food & Wine's recipe</a> in half to make 2 servings for dinner last night. It turned out to be 3 servings, and I had a nice, hearty lunch leftover for today! Calorie count is based on using real (full fat) whipping cream, which is what I had on hand and figured since it's only a little bit, it's no big deal. I have made this with fat free half and half with excellent results, there will be -18 Cal and -2.6 g fat per serving if you make this substitution.<br /><br /><strong>Kale and Potato Soup with Turkey Sausage</strong> (SERVINGS: 3)<br />328 Cal; 14.4g fat (4.5g sat, 2.6g mono, 1.4g poly); 32.6g carbs; 4.9g fiber; 19.7g protein<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients</strong><br />1 teaspoon canola oil<br />2 links turkey sausage, casings removed (I used Jennie-O Hot Turkey Sausage)<br />½ medium onion, chopped<br />4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed<br />2 cups water<br />1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth<br />¾ pound boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices<br />Dried red-pepper flakes, to taste<br />½ pound kale, stems removed, leaves shredded<br />1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper<br />1/3 cup heavy cream<br />2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled into pieces<br /><br /><strong>Directions</strong><br />1. In a soup pot or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onion and cook until the sausage is browned and all liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes.<br />2. Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.<br />3. Add the water and broth and bring the soup to a boil. Add the potatoes and red-pepper flakes and bring back to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, for 2 minutes. Add the kale and bring the soup back to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, until the potatoes and kale are tender, about 6-8 minutes longer.<br />4. Add the black pepper, bacon crumbles and cream and remove from heat. Stir to combine and serve. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-52864289686219306202011-12-21T10:12:00.000-08:002011-12-21T10:47:43.198-08:00Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry<div align="justify">In an effort to not gain every last pound that I lost before my calf started twitching, we are trying to eat healthy, low-cal dinners again. I am also trying to keep my evening carb-count to a minimum, since I'm not so active after dinner these days (this stupid cold is hindering my activity level even more than my calf twitching). Enter this recipe! Ryan made some rice to go along with his dinner, but I found the extra broccoli really filled me up! This was quick and easy and we have most of the sauce ingredients on hand, so this would work really well with whatever veggie is still in the fridge and whatever protein you want (shrimp & green beans, perhaps?). Original (4-serving) recipe was from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-and-broccoli-stir-fry-recipe/index.html">FoodNetwork.com</a>. Here's my "healthified" version for two servings:</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry<br /></strong>SERVES 2; Calories: 294; Total Fat 13.7 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 27 grams; Total carbohydrates: 18 grams; Fiber 4 grams; Cholesterol: 61 milligrams; Sodium: 865 milligrams<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Ingredients<br /></strong>Game Plan: Marinate the chicken while you prepare the rest of the ingredients<br />1/2 pound chicken breast (about 1 breast), cubed<br />2 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle, whites and greens separate<br />4 cloves garlic, minced<br />1/2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, minced<br />1-1/2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce<br />2 teaspoons Stevia-In-The-Raw<br />1-1/2 teaspoons, plus 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1-1/2 teaspoons dry sherry<br />1-1/2 teaspoons dark sesame oil<br />About 8 teaspoons water<br />1 tablespoon canola oil<br />3-4 cups broccoli (2 heads), trimmed sliced stalks and medium florets (keep the 2 cuts separate)<br />1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes<br />1-1/2 teaspoons hoisin sauce<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Directions<br /></strong>In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the scallion whites, about half the garlic and ginger, the soy sauce, Stevia, 1/2 teaspoon of the cornstarch, half of the salt, the sherry, and the sesame oil. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Mix the remaining cornstarch with the water.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the oil and heat. Add the broccoli stems, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the florets and the remaining garlic, ginger, 1 tablespoon of water, and season with the rest of the salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Get the skillet good and hot again, and then heat 2 more teaspoons oil. Add the chicken and chili flakes. Stir-fry until the chicken loses its raw color and gets a little brown, about 2 minutes. Add the hoisin sauce, return the broccoli to the pan and toss to heat through. Stir in the reserved cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil to thicken. Add more water if need to thin the sauce, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, if you like. Divide among 2 plates and garnish with the rest of the sliced green onion greens.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-48267015390352786432011-12-09T11:25:00.000-08:002011-12-09T12:03:07.226-08:00My Default Oatmeal Cookie Recipe<div align="justify">We made cookies! Yes, again. Is is December afterall, and that huge bag of Reese's Miniature Cups we bought after Halloween is officially gone. One of our go-to cookie recipes is Oatmeal cookies. 1-because they're the boy's fave and 2-because we almost always have all the ingredients on hand. Most cookie recipes contain the same basic ingredients anyhow. I start with the recipe on the lid or box of Quaker Oats, cut the recipe in half, and make a few alterations in order to make them a little healthier (mostly so that I don't feel as bad when we want to add toffee or chocolate chips to the mix haha). I use Stevia-In-The-Raw in place of the granulated sugar and I replace half of the butter for applesauce for a lower fat cookie (also adding in 1/4 tsp baking powder per 1/4 cup applesauce is supposed to help when baking things). Then I use my trusty Conventional Toaster Oven and only bake as many as we plan to eat - that way, they're always fresh and hot out of the oven YUM! The rest go into the fridge for tomorrow. Sadly, this batch actually used up all the cinnamon we had on hand (probably all of those Snickerdoodles we made last month teehee), and I'm getting awfuly low on brown sugar and white flour now... but this batch should last us through the weekend, at least! Here's my version (we use things other than raisins in ours):</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Vanishing Oatmeal (Raisin) Cookies</strong> (72 Cal & 2.5 g fat per cookie, not including *)<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients<br /></strong>1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened<br />1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />¼ teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br />1/4 cup Stevia-In-The-Raw<br />1 egg<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1-1/2 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)<br />*1/2 cup toffee bits, chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, etc.<br /><br /><strong>Preparation<br /></strong>Heat oven to 350°F.<br />In large bowl, beat margarine and sugars (and applesauce and baking powder) until creamy.<br />Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.<br />Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.<br />Add oats and raisins; mix well.<br />Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.<br />Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown.<br />Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-77065894991278762002011-12-07T11:44:00.000-08:002011-12-22T13:52:26.271-08:00One Pot Curry Shrimp Dinner<div align="justify">I don't know about any of you, but I am still working on getting leftover staples from Thanksgiving out of my pantry and fridge! We still have way too many potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots. The turkey's all gone, but I have a freezer full of containers of the turkey stock I made Thanksgiving night after everyone had gone. So when we decided to make shrimp for dinner last night, I wanted to find a recipe that used a bunch of the stuff we had on hand! This was perfect for just that, and it only dirtied 1 skillet to boot! Here's my 2-serving version, adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/curried-rice-with-shrimp-10000001940254/">My Recipes/Oxmoor House</a>:<br /><br /><strong>Curried Rice with Shrimp</strong><br />(585 Cal per serving; 2 servings total)<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients</strong><br />1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil<br />1 small onion, finely chopped<br />1 carrot, thinly sliced<br />2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces<br />1-1/2 cups broth/stock (we used turkey stock but any will do)<br />4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced<br />1 teaspoon curry powder (we used Spicy Curry Powder)<br />1/2 cup long-grain brown rice (Brown Basmati rice)<br />Kosher salt and pepper<br />10 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined<br />1 teaspoon dried basil (fresh is better but all my Basil has gone too seed now)<br /><br /><strong>Preparation</strong><br />1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion, carrots, and potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. If vegetables begin to stick, add a little slosh of broth to skillet.<br />2. Add garlic and curry powder; cook, stirring until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add rice, broth, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes.<br />3. Add shrimp; stir, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and rice is tender, another 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and serve. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18265922.post-88748455068336336922011-11-23T12:35:00.001-08:002011-11-23T13:08:52.754-08:00Enchiladas Done Light<div align="justify">Gobble Gobble! As Turkey Day nears, we at home have been trying to eat a variety of different foods this week. On Monday, we made <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/five_spice_scallops.html">Five Spice Scallops </a>with <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/asparagus_with_anchovies_garlic.html">Anchovy & Garlic Asparagus </a>on the side. I think the scallop recipe is technically meant to be used as an appetizer and not a main dish, so we basically each had 2 of what they refer to as a "serving" in the recipe (we cut both of the total recipes in half to come up with 2 servings total). Nice and easy recipes for a quick week-night meal and definitely not anything we plan on eating for Thanksgiving. And the whole meal was only 215 calories (= cookies for dessert, yesssss!)<br /><br />For last night's dinner, Ryan wanted enchiladas. We've made this recipe from <a href="http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2011/07/skinny-chicken-enchiladas.html">Eat Yourself Skinny</a> a couple of times now and it's a big hit! It's hard to believe each enchilada is only 160 calories, but it's true! And the sauce is the perfect flavor and so easy - no more canned sauce for us! Now if only I could find tomato sauce in something other than a can, I've been hearing little birdies talk about how the acid in the tomatoes breaks down the tin, releasing BPAs in the process... yuck! I even just <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57330301-10391704/bpa-levels-soar-after-eating-canned-soup-study/">read</a> that BPA levels tested on humans right after eating a can of soup spiked by over 1000%! Yikes! Moral: avoid canned stuff. Guess I'll need to make my own tomato sauce now! Here's the recipe. Try these soon! You'll want them in your meal-rotation, I promise! If you don't have any leftover chicken, we usually poach ours in chicken stock for about 17 minutes (add chicken to a saucepan and cover with chicken stock or water or a combo of both and let it simmer away for 17 minutes). Top these off with some diced up fresh tomatoes, extra cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of fat-free plain greek yogurt - YUM!<br /><br /><strong>Skinny Chicken Enchiladas</strong> (159.5 calories per enchilada)<br /><br />For the sauce:<br />4 cloves of garlic, minced<br />1 can diced green chilis (we use Hot Fire-Roasted Green Chilis)<br />3/4 cup tomato sauce<br />1/2 tsp. southwest chipotle seasoning (Mrs. Dash)<br />1/2 tsp. ground cumin<br />1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth<br />Salt and fresh pepper to taste<br /><br /><br /><br />For the chicken:<br />1/2 tsp. vegetable oil<br />1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded<br />1/2 cup diced onion<br />2 cloves of garlic, minced<br />2 Tbsp fresh cilantro<br />Salt<br />1/2 tsp. cumin<br />1/4 tsp. dried oregano<br />1/2 tsp. southwest chipotle seasoning (Mrs. Dash)<br />8 tsp. chicken broth<br />1/4 cup tomato sauce<br />4 (6-inch) reduced carb whole wheat flour tortillas<br />1/2 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese<br />Nonstick cooking spray<br /><br />In a medium saucepan, spray oil and saute garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add green chilis, chipotle seasoning, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.<br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onions and garlic on low until soft, about 2 minutes. Add chicken, salt, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chipotle seasoning, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.<br />Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it. Place in baking dish seam side down. Top with sauce and cheese. Cover with foil and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes. Top with extra cilantro if desired and enjoy! </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01854240071855699662noreply@blogger.com0