Yes, I am well aware of this. Thank you very much. The holidays turn me into this extremely lazy cow and I just want to be on the couch or sleeping. My poor bike has been neglected for two weeks and I can't even remember when I was in the pool last. It's been two weeks since I've been to the gym too. I was doing so good during the beginning of my off-season too.
I have got to do something before our trip to England on Sunday. There will be very little chance for exercising over there.
OH JESUS! As I type this, my evil hubby brought cookies into the living room! Damn it all to hell...Waaahhh:((((
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Homemade Pasta Sauce
You have to admit that this is much better than last night's meal, right? Oh, yes it is. I like my pasta sauce to be a bit spicy and salty. I had a hard time getting it right tonight. Something was just not right. Les liked it a lot though.
Lean ground beef, onions, LOTS of garlic, salt, oregano, dried chile flakes, flat leaf parsley, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. I also added a tiny bit of brown sugar and a splash of white balsamic vinegar too.
To me, this is the perfect consistency, but I would have liked it just a bit saltier. I think I would have overdone it though...not everyone loves salt the way I do. I would marry it if I weren't already happily married to my Englishman that is also a genius:)
Lean ground beef, onions, LOTS of garlic, salt, oregano, dried chile flakes, flat leaf parsley, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. I also added a tiny bit of brown sugar and a splash of white balsamic vinegar too.
To me, this is the perfect consistency, but I would have liked it just a bit saltier. I think I would have overdone it though...not everyone loves salt the way I do. I would marry it if I weren't already happily married to my Englishman that is also a genius:)
Monday, December 26, 2005
BBQ Spare Ribs
Soooooooooooooooooooooo unhealthy, I know people! But, but, but...we really wanted them! And when I saw Les reaching for a BOXED appetizer of spare ribs from the grocery store freezer section the other day. "Oh, no!" I said, "Honey, let me make you some yummy ribs and leave these here:)"
I bought de-boned pork spare ribs and started them marinading in my proprietary marinade. They soaked in this spicy and citrus-y mix overnight. Due to the citrus, the meat cooks a little bit...which is okay;) I put them into the oven for 1.5 hours covered with foil at 350 degrees. Turn them over one time in the middle of cooking. The trick to good ribs is "low and slow" braising. Kinda like Long Slow Distance running is to a triathlete;)
While they are in the oven I'll make my proprietary bbq sauce. After the first 1.5 hrs of cooking, I'll remove the foil and drain all juice from the pan. Then you brush half of the bbq sauce on them and put them back into the oven for a half hour. At the end of this half hour, turn them again and brush the other half of the sauce on.
Serve with a salad...it's the only way to reduce the guilt. Notice I said 'reduce', not 'remove':D
I bought de-boned pork spare ribs and started them marinading in my proprietary marinade. They soaked in this spicy and citrus-y mix overnight. Due to the citrus, the meat cooks a little bit...which is okay;) I put them into the oven for 1.5 hours covered with foil at 350 degrees. Turn them over one time in the middle of cooking. The trick to good ribs is "low and slow" braising. Kinda like Long Slow Distance running is to a triathlete;)
While they are in the oven I'll make my proprietary bbq sauce. After the first 1.5 hrs of cooking, I'll remove the foil and drain all juice from the pan. Then you brush half of the bbq sauce on them and put them back into the oven for a half hour. At the end of this half hour, turn them again and brush the other half of the sauce on.
Serve with a salad...it's the only way to reduce the guilt. Notice I said 'reduce', not 'remove':D
Christmas Dinner 2005
Keith, Mom and my neice Raquel spent Christmas evening with us. Les made dinner and it was scrumdidliumptious! He made us a spicy mustard crusted roast beast, roast potatoes and bacon-wrapped sausages, parnips and yams. I made the obligatory green bean casserole only because I was craving it.
I am so happy when the family is here and the hubby cooks, so I got a double bonus for Christmas:)
Here is a blurry photo of us at the table, still trying to figure out the settings on the new digital camera!
Mom made pumpking tartlets and I made a fruit tart with citrus cream cheese filling.
I am so happy when the family is here and the hubby cooks, so I got a double bonus for Christmas:)
Here is a blurry photo of us at the table, still trying to figure out the settings on the new digital camera!
Mom made pumpking tartlets and I made a fruit tart with citrus cream cheese filling.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Healthy (er) Turkey Reuben
It's funny how cravings work...I couldn't decide whether I wanted a grilled cheese sammy, a bowl of saurkraut ora piece of turkey. So, I brought it all together and made a turkey reuben with homemade thousand island dressing.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Trying on clothes = pain
Okay, I know I'm not a fatty boom-batty, but still...when it comes to trying on new clothes...it's seriously hurts me. The small dressing rooms that make you look like a giant, the horrible lighting that falls right into every crevice on your thighs, the mirrors that *seem* to distort your shape and turn you into a smooshed version of your real self....and let's not forget about the size and fit of the clothes themselves.
I feel like I'm getting bigger each time I shop, but that just can't be the case. It seems like all the cute clothes are catering to size 2 women with eating disorders. Booooo to the clothing manufacturers for making me feel aweful about myself >:-( Boo.
I feel like I'm getting bigger each time I shop, but that just can't be the case. It seems like all the cute clothes are catering to size 2 women with eating disorders. Booooo to the clothing manufacturers for making me feel aweful about myself >:-( Boo.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Have you seen this?!!!
OH MY GOD, I'm dying of Cute Overload!. You must see for yourself..go...go now!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
weird KT
Nytro tagged everyone to do this and I laughed my ass off when I read hers. She is, by far, the quirkiest virtual person I know;) What is most peculiar, though, is that we have some of the same weirness going on and I just didn't think there were people out there like me!
So, I like to catalog what sets me apart just as much as the next person, so here you go...I'm not sure how many you'll get because I'm a bit tired...but at least I'm making an effort:P
1) I eat half of my sandwich the normal way and pick the other half apart and eat each ingredient separately.
2) I only eat Doritos that have A LOT of flavor dust on them.
3) The clothes in my closet have to face left otherwise it will keep me up at night- but at least I don't color code them.
4) I must be in the middle of multiple projects at once and not finish one before moving on to the next...I do them all at the same time in little spurts...this drives me CRAZY...but I can't stop it.
5) I do not dust anything in my house and I only scrub things every other month. Everyday the house gets a wipedown with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Hey....we rarely get sick in this house, so I must be doing something right!
6) I kill every indoor plant that comes to live with me. But all of my outdoor plants do just fine.
7) I like to lie....well...not lie...but disagree with people even when I know they are right! It's sick, I know.
8) If I had a phaser like Captain Kirk in Star Trek did, I would shoot every single person I come in contact with.
9) I like and respect my animals more than most people.
10) I cannot put my makeup on if my husband is watching me.
11) I do not like talking on the phone...as a matter of fact I hate it very much.
12) I eat all the chocolate off of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup first, then eat the peanut butter.
13) My hubby and I have our own language that only we understand. Currently our favorite catch-phrase is "shnarfy parps". It's most likely used when we're bored, tired or ready for bed. Instead of saying, "let's go to bed", we say "shnarfy parps!" When hubby is reeeealllyy tired, he yawns and says, "shnarfyparparama" at the same time:D
14) I am addicted to chapstick. I have around 15 tubes of it at the moment. I re-apply often but have only once been able to finish a whole tube. I either get tired of the flavor, wash them in the machine, or lose them.
15) I can't EVER seem to find anything to wear. No matter how many clothes are in my closet, I never like any of it.
16) I have three tattoos: purple four-leaf clover on my lower back, purple and blue yin/yan symbol on my toe, sun-moon-stars on my left ankle. I tried to remove the one on my toe with "magic tatto removal cream" but it was a load of crap and didn't work.
17) I love to nap. Napping is good.
18) I have no patience at all. And don't anger me when I'm being impatient...that just turns a bad situation to worse in zero seconds!
19) I love Halloween and the Fall because it's spooky.
20) I have always wanted a unicorn, but not even my hubby will get me one.
21) My guiltiest pleasure is sneaking into the freezer at night and eating ice cream right out of the container! Okay, maybe not my *guiltiest* pleasure...but this is not an X-rated site and I don't know you that well...so bugger off!
22) I am a certified equine sports massage therapist:)
23) I once knocked a (female) bartender out cold for laughing at me while singing karaoke. I was only slightly intoxicated!
24) If I could, I would live in these shorts, this hoodie and these socks.
25) I have guilt. Mostly about the free greeting cards or address stickers that the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund send you. If I get these things, I have no choice but to send them money. I also have guilt about eating too much. If I eat too much, I must immediately go to the gym or I'll do an extra half hour the next days' workout. Sick.
That's all I can think of for now. Maybe I'll update it if I dig deep into the scary recesses of my soul to admit to having more weirdness.
So, I like to catalog what sets me apart just as much as the next person, so here you go...I'm not sure how many you'll get because I'm a bit tired...but at least I'm making an effort:P
1) I eat half of my sandwich the normal way and pick the other half apart and eat each ingredient separately.
2) I only eat Doritos that have A LOT of flavor dust on them.
3) The clothes in my closet have to face left otherwise it will keep me up at night- but at least I don't color code them.
4) I must be in the middle of multiple projects at once and not finish one before moving on to the next...I do them all at the same time in little spurts...this drives me CRAZY...but I can't stop it.
5) I do not dust anything in my house and I only scrub things every other month. Everyday the house gets a wipedown with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Hey....we rarely get sick in this house, so I must be doing something right!
6) I kill every indoor plant that comes to live with me. But all of my outdoor plants do just fine.
7) I like to lie....well...not lie...but disagree with people even when I know they are right! It's sick, I know.
8) If I had a phaser like Captain Kirk in Star Trek did, I would shoot every single person I come in contact with.
9) I like and respect my animals more than most people.
10) I cannot put my makeup on if my husband is watching me.
11) I do not like talking on the phone...as a matter of fact I hate it very much.
12) I eat all the chocolate off of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup first, then eat the peanut butter.
13) My hubby and I have our own language that only we understand. Currently our favorite catch-phrase is "shnarfy parps". It's most likely used when we're bored, tired or ready for bed. Instead of saying, "let's go to bed", we say "shnarfy parps!" When hubby is reeeealllyy tired, he yawns and says, "shnarfyparparama" at the same time:D
14) I am addicted to chapstick. I have around 15 tubes of it at the moment. I re-apply often but have only once been able to finish a whole tube. I either get tired of the flavor, wash them in the machine, or lose them.
15) I can't EVER seem to find anything to wear. No matter how many clothes are in my closet, I never like any of it.
16) I have three tattoos: purple four-leaf clover on my lower back, purple and blue yin/yan symbol on my toe, sun-moon-stars on my left ankle. I tried to remove the one on my toe with "magic tatto removal cream" but it was a load of crap and didn't work.
17) I love to nap. Napping is good.
18) I have no patience at all. And don't anger me when I'm being impatient...that just turns a bad situation to worse in zero seconds!
19) I love Halloween and the Fall because it's spooky.
20) I have always wanted a unicorn, but not even my hubby will get me one.
21) My guiltiest pleasure is sneaking into the freezer at night and eating ice cream right out of the container! Okay, maybe not my *guiltiest* pleasure...but this is not an X-rated site and I don't know you that well...so bugger off!
22) I am a certified equine sports massage therapist:)
23) I once knocked a (female) bartender out cold for laughing at me while singing karaoke. I was only slightly intoxicated!
24) If I could, I would live in these shorts, this hoodie and these socks.
25) I have guilt. Mostly about the free greeting cards or address stickers that the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund send you. If I get these things, I have no choice but to send them money. I also have guilt about eating too much. If I eat too much, I must immediately go to the gym or I'll do an extra half hour the next days' workout. Sick.
That's all I can think of for now. Maybe I'll update it if I dig deep into the scary recesses of my soul to admit to having more weirdness.
Kitty Spoons for WCB#28
Stella and Butterscotch love each other very much. Stella, the slasher kitten, must always be touching Butterscotch in some way or another. If Stella is in her kitty condo and Buddy is on the platform below, she has to stick her little paw out as far as she can and touch his head. If he's sitting in the middle of the living room, she has to run up to him and stick her butt right in his face and then sit on him. This is what usually ends up happening though....it doesn't matter where Buddy is sleeping, she must sprawl out on him like she is below with her long back leg. It's just too cute!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Anniversary Dinner
Today marks the third year of the hubby and me being married blissfully. I am so incredibly lucky to have him to share my life with. He truly is my life, my love, my everything and I know that I will love him with all I am forever and a day and even longer than that.
I want to tell you how thoughful my hubby is and why he is such a stud. 1) He actually takes the time to figure out what each year's anniversary gifts are and 2) he acts upon them. The first anniversary gift is paper so he bought me a book of Oragami! The second anniversary is cotton so he bought me a yellow cotton t-shirt with the very first note he ever wrote me ironed on the front! The third year is leather so he bought me a pair of leather gloves for our trip to England in January. See, told you he's a total stallion! I can't wait for our 60th...that's when I get diamonds:D Hey...he's set the presidence already...can't change the rules now:D
I wanted to make him a yummy dinner because he has been working so hard and he takes such good care of me and our furry children. I greeted him when he came home with a kiss and a Guiness Draft and set to cooking our anniversary feast:D
Hors d'Oeuvres -
Shrimp and fresh cocktail sauce - the easiest thing to make ever! Ketchup and horseradish sauce...lots of horseradish:)
Salad -
Spinach salad with grape tomatoes, hearts of palm and citrus ginger dressing (from "Fast Entrees" by Hugh Carpenter book that Sheri bought me for xmas, thanks Sheri!). I tasted the dressing each step of the way with my new tasting spoons that I took out of my new tasting spoon bowl...that Sheri also got me for xmas:D
Main Course -
Grilled New York Strip topped with marinated mushrooms. Broccoli with Fontana and Havarti cheeses topped with crisp crackers and a twice baked yam.
Dessert -
Rich Chocolate Mousse...half semi-sweet and half bittersweet chocolate...all Ghirardelli. This was my second ever attempt at mousse and I am proud to say that this was nice...nice...nice.
Les couldn't bring himself to eat the heart, so he ate everything he possibly could and made the structure unsafe for future building. His mousse has been condemned!
I want to tell you how thoughful my hubby is and why he is such a stud. 1) He actually takes the time to figure out what each year's anniversary gifts are and 2) he acts upon them. The first anniversary gift is paper so he bought me a book of Oragami! The second anniversary is cotton so he bought me a yellow cotton t-shirt with the very first note he ever wrote me ironed on the front! The third year is leather so he bought me a pair of leather gloves for our trip to England in January. See, told you he's a total stallion! I can't wait for our 60th...that's when I get diamonds:D Hey...he's set the presidence already...can't change the rules now:D
I wanted to make him a yummy dinner because he has been working so hard and he takes such good care of me and our furry children. I greeted him when he came home with a kiss and a Guiness Draft and set to cooking our anniversary feast:D
Hors d'Oeuvres -
Shrimp and fresh cocktail sauce - the easiest thing to make ever! Ketchup and horseradish sauce...lots of horseradish:)
Salad -
Spinach salad with grape tomatoes, hearts of palm and citrus ginger dressing (from "Fast Entrees" by Hugh Carpenter book that Sheri bought me for xmas, thanks Sheri!). I tasted the dressing each step of the way with my new tasting spoons that I took out of my new tasting spoon bowl...that Sheri also got me for xmas:D
Main Course -
Grilled New York Strip topped with marinated mushrooms. Broccoli with Fontana and Havarti cheeses topped with crisp crackers and a twice baked yam.
Dessert -
Rich Chocolate Mousse...half semi-sweet and half bittersweet chocolate...all Ghirardelli. This was my second ever attempt at mousse and I am proud to say that this was nice...nice...nice.
Les couldn't bring himself to eat the heart, so he ate everything he possibly could and made the structure unsafe for future building. His mousse has been condemned!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Find the Kitty and Weekend Cat Blogging #27
Stella loves to burrow and find little hidey-hole places. This is how she and I play, I try to make the bed and she gets in all the blankets prohibiting any kind of straightening up at all:D
Today is another lazy day, I am really feeling off my game. Perhaps some cookie-making might make me feel better...yeah...cookies...that's going to make me feel great!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Today is another lazy day, I am really feeling off my game. Perhaps some cookie-making might make me feel better...yeah...cookies...that's going to make me feel great!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Sleeping All Day
That's what today was all about. For some reason I just had to do it. I woke up at 7:30am like normal and then fell right back asleep until 11am. Then the hubby and I lazed on the couch all day watching Food Network and National Geographic Channels.
I managed to get off of the couch around 2pm to make an incredible lunch. It's amazing what you can put together when you don't have much in the fridge. I made a carrot risotto figole. Carrots, white beans, risotto rice and some butter and olive oil and broth. I had some canadian back bacon in the freezer so I threw that in as well. I topped it all with the last of the cumin gouda and a sweet chile pepper sauce. Yum. It's all gone, I've never seen Les get up for seconds with last bite from the first serving still in his mouth!
After lunch, I watched a little more tv and then went back to bed until just before 6pm. Now I finally feel rested! I think my body needs more recovery time from all the gym work I've been doing the past couple of weeks. I've really been hitting it hard, lots of weights and cardio combined. I can feel my body becoming stronger, now I've just gotta start my base training to get the fat off. Long Steady (not necessarily slow) Distance...I'm calling for you buddy....get out of bed!
I managed to get off of the couch around 2pm to make an incredible lunch. It's amazing what you can put together when you don't have much in the fridge. I made a carrot risotto figole. Carrots, white beans, risotto rice and some butter and olive oil and broth. I had some canadian back bacon in the freezer so I threw that in as well. I topped it all with the last of the cumin gouda and a sweet chile pepper sauce. Yum. It's all gone, I've never seen Les get up for seconds with last bite from the first serving still in his mouth!
After lunch, I watched a little more tv and then went back to bed until just before 6pm. Now I finally feel rested! I think my body needs more recovery time from all the gym work I've been doing the past couple of weeks. I've really been hitting it hard, lots of weights and cardio combined. I can feel my body becoming stronger, now I've just gotta start my base training to get the fat off. Long Steady (not necessarily slow) Distance...I'm calling for you buddy....get out of bed!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Cumin Cheese Covered Chicken
Sunday at the Santana Row Farmer's Market Les and I sampled some cheese from the Oakdale Cheese Company. We liked the Cumin Gouda the best so I had two plans for it. The first was to smother chicken breasts with it and carmelized onions....and the second to be revealed in a couple of days.
I made Oma's red cabbage recipe except this time added some chili pepper flakes...whooooooooo sweet and spicy! I roasted the broccoli because it's just my favorite way to eat it. I had a huge salad for lunch and am still full from it, so I only munched on a couple of broccoli florets. Les got the full plate because I'm a good wifey and I take very well care of him:D
I made Oma's red cabbage recipe except this time added some chili pepper flakes...whooooooooo sweet and spicy! I roasted the broccoli because it's just my favorite way to eat it. I had a huge salad for lunch and am still full from it, so I only munched on a couple of broccoli florets. Les got the full plate because I'm a good wifey and I take very well care of him:D
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Best Birthday Surprise
Last night, Les told me that he was taking me out for dinner on my birthday...no different than any other birthday, right? Wrong! Sneaky hubby gathered about 20 of our closest friends and family to surprise me on the anniversary of my 30th year on this planet. In a previous life, I came from another planet...but that's a different story to be saved for a time when I can make something up that sounds really clever;)
We went to Gordon Biersch and I walked up and saw all of my favorite people there with big smiles on their faces because they pulled one over on the old K-to-the-T! This is a case of turn about is fair play for the surprise parties I threw for the hubby the last two years in a row.
So we ate dinner and drank and were merry and all that. Then I got PRESENTS! Goddam I love pressies. I love the entire process...the shaking of the package, the tearing off of ribbons and bows, the unwrapping sounds of crinkling paper...and most of all the wonder and amazement of the item itself. It's something that is all mine..nobody elses...MINE! It turns me into a two year old, I swear. See....cheesy smile and the excited hand-clap of getting pressies!
After dinner, we hit Blue Monkey bar for another drink and that's where I snapped this photo of Marz "Elvis Monkey" Faram, Les "Smiles Nice" Carter and Joe "I usually have my eyes shut in photos but not this time" DiFalco:D
Also got this one of me and my Mommy
And to end the night off right, we walked over to the Hookah Lounge and chilled with some passionfruit and apple-mint tobacco smoked out of the hookahs. I am not a smoker, but have become hopelessly smitten with the hookah and the yummy (not wholesome or healthy, mind you...) goodness of tobacco filtered through water...yes..I know what you're thinking...but this is different from the typical bong you may - or may not have if you're Pres Clinton - smoked when you were a stoned twenty-something living in San Diego:P You need not be a smoker to appreciate the hookah. And my last gift of the night was from Marz when he bought me my very own hookah! It's white and came with a silver carrying case and he also sprung for some mango flavored tobacco and a box of charcoal. Thanks Marz...sweetie..you rock! Here is a pic of us with the hookah:)
The hubby did real good about bringing the friends together and I love them all very much...awwww...:) It felt so special and it definitely softened the blow about that whole turning 30 issue....even though I wasn't all that stressed out about it in the first place. My friend Misha said, "welcome to the dirty thirties"...I'm not sure what that means...but I'm excited to find out!
Pics of the night can be viewed here on Marz's SmugMug and here on KT's SmugMug
We went to Gordon Biersch and I walked up and saw all of my favorite people there with big smiles on their faces because they pulled one over on the old K-to-the-T! This is a case of turn about is fair play for the surprise parties I threw for the hubby the last two years in a row.
So we ate dinner and drank and were merry and all that. Then I got PRESENTS! Goddam I love pressies. I love the entire process...the shaking of the package, the tearing off of ribbons and bows, the unwrapping sounds of crinkling paper...and most of all the wonder and amazement of the item itself. It's something that is all mine..nobody elses...MINE! It turns me into a two year old, I swear. See....cheesy smile and the excited hand-clap of getting pressies!
After dinner, we hit Blue Monkey bar for another drink and that's where I snapped this photo of Marz "Elvis Monkey" Faram, Les "Smiles Nice" Carter and Joe "I usually have my eyes shut in photos but not this time" DiFalco:D
Also got this one of me and my Mommy
And to end the night off right, we walked over to the Hookah Lounge and chilled with some passionfruit and apple-mint tobacco smoked out of the hookahs. I am not a smoker, but have become hopelessly smitten with the hookah and the yummy (not wholesome or healthy, mind you...) goodness of tobacco filtered through water...yes..I know what you're thinking...but this is different from the typical bong you may - or may not have if you're Pres Clinton - smoked when you were a stoned twenty-something living in San Diego:P You need not be a smoker to appreciate the hookah. And my last gift of the night was from Marz when he bought me my very own hookah! It's white and came with a silver carrying case and he also sprung for some mango flavored tobacco and a box of charcoal. Thanks Marz...sweetie..you rock! Here is a pic of us with the hookah:)
The hubby did real good about bringing the friends together and I love them all very much...awwww...:) It felt so special and it definitely softened the blow about that whole turning 30 issue....even though I wasn't all that stressed out about it in the first place. My friend Misha said, "welcome to the dirty thirties"...I'm not sure what that means...but I'm excited to find out!
Pics of the night can be viewed here on Marz's SmugMug and here on KT's SmugMug
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Potato Leek Soup
Last week, I made some scrumptious potato leek soup with inspiration from Sara at I like to cook. Les and I picked some big leeks up from the Santana Row Farmer's Market along with little red potatoes. This soup was so easy to make I can't believe it's taken me so long to decide to try it.
Although I do appreciate this potato soup recipe, I will NOT EVER attempt the Penis Stew recipe that she has posted (for fun)...for the love of god some folks come up with some crazy shit to eat! Anything that calls for penis and the need to scald it is just plain wrong.
Sautee the leeks with olive oil, shallot, garlic, salt and pepper. Add potatoes and about 4 cups of broth to the saute and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Then puree in a blender or food processor with heavy cream. I served this with more cream and a sprig of parsley. Yum.
Although I do appreciate this potato soup recipe, I will NOT EVER attempt the Penis Stew recipe that she has posted (for fun)...for the love of god some folks come up with some crazy shit to eat! Anything that calls for penis and the need to scald it is just plain wrong.
Sautee the leeks with olive oil, shallot, garlic, salt and pepper. Add potatoes and about 4 cups of broth to the saute and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Then puree in a blender or food processor with heavy cream. I served this with more cream and a sprig of parsley. Yum.
Birthday Flowers and perfect opportunity for WCB #26
Les' folks just sent me some amazingly beautiful birthday flowers. Stella is intrigued by their beauty and wants to know what they taste like....bad kitty! Here she is admiring the gorgeous scent they are infusing throughout the house.
Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Those of you that would like to join in the kitty blogging fun, visit Clare at Eatstuff and provide your permalink. If you'd rather post your doggie pics, head on over to Sweetnicks and do that too!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Liking the gym...yes you heard it right
Now I am not telling you that I love it, but I am liking it. I've gotten into my gym groove and nothing can stop me...not even that evil mirror in the cardio room that forces me to look at myself bouncing up and down in all my blobluous glory. Goddam I have gained some pounds since starting triathlon. I thought it was supposed to work the other way around.
Before I got into triathlon I was a gym rat. Five days a week religiously for two hours a day. I felt good, but I wanted more of a challenge. So I heard of triathlon and saw a few hard triathlete bodies and decided to be one. Well, I think that I read too many books that told me to make sure I eat enough to cover my training. And I got into the mentality that I could eat whatever I want because I was working it off. Obviously I was wrong and could have used a LOT less calories.
So, now that I still have a couple more weeks of off-season before I start my base training, I'm going to use this as my chance to get my caloric intake and pacing under control. More veggies and less simple carbs like pasta and rice.
Tonight I stuck some saba under the broiler and sauteed mushrooms, asparagus and bean sprouts for dinner. It was perfect and I don't feel guilty for eating any of it.
Before I got into triathlon I was a gym rat. Five days a week religiously for two hours a day. I felt good, but I wanted more of a challenge. So I heard of triathlon and saw a few hard triathlete bodies and decided to be one. Well, I think that I read too many books that told me to make sure I eat enough to cover my training. And I got into the mentality that I could eat whatever I want because I was working it off. Obviously I was wrong and could have used a LOT less calories.
So, now that I still have a couple more weeks of off-season before I start my base training, I'm going to use this as my chance to get my caloric intake and pacing under control. More veggies and less simple carbs like pasta and rice.
Tonight I stuck some saba under the broiler and sauteed mushrooms, asparagus and bean sprouts for dinner. It was perfect and I don't feel guilty for eating any of it.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Picchetti Vineyards
Les and I belong to their wine club and our wine offerings were ready for us to pick up. We drove up Montebella road and the only thing I could think of while driving up the constant climb is how much fun it would be to make Sheri ride it with me on our bikes:D Methinks I'll lead a Velo Girls Sunny South Bay Ride here one day. Hahahaha...I'm evil >:-)
Picchetti didn't have any new wines on the tasting menu and nothing was really impressing me. I just stuck with the Mission Angelica (nice yummy sweet white wine with brandy undertones) because the reds just had too much mouth smacking tannins in them. I remembered that Ridge is right up the road and they have a Zinfandel that Sheri served us that I really liked. But we got there right at 4pm and they were closing. Bastards! I wanted to tast a super delish fruity zinfandel today. I guess I'll just have to wait...I hate waiting. Argh and dammit all to hell! That is all.
Picchetti didn't have any new wines on the tasting menu and nothing was really impressing me. I just stuck with the Mission Angelica (nice yummy sweet white wine with brandy undertones) because the reds just had too much mouth smacking tannins in them. I remembered that Ridge is right up the road and they have a Zinfandel that Sheri served us that I really liked. But we got there right at 4pm and they were closing. Bastards! I wanted to tast a super delish fruity zinfandel today. I guess I'll just have to wait...I hate waiting. Argh and dammit all to hell! That is all.
Turkey Soup
Ever since I saw this post from Sheri, I've been craving turkey soup. I'm not even a turkey soup kind of gal, but it just looked incredibly yummy and I knew I had to have some.
Good thing it's turkey season because leftover turkey was not hard to come by since my mom made a 21 pound bird this year!
I like my soup a little bit thicker than what you'd really consider soup. I like it more like stew. So I added some star shaped pasta noodles and the starch from them thickened my broth up quite nicely. Yum.
Good thing it's turkey season because leftover turkey was not hard to come by since my mom made a 21 pound bird this year!
I like my soup a little bit thicker than what you'd really consider soup. I like it more like stew. So I added some star shaped pasta noodles and the starch from them thickened my broth up quite nicely. Yum.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Sunny South Bay Ride with the Velo Girls
The Velo Girls that made it to the inaugural Sunny South Bay Ride were Sheri, Leisa, me and Deb (pictured from left above). I tell ya, we had a good ride.
The day started out very cold...very...cold. Once we got going and in the sun on Santa Teresa, it started to become bearable. We made it to our first climb - Bernal - and rode all the way up to the Upper Gate. On the way, we noticed the trees along the bike lane were trimmed back and met the man that actually volunteers to do it. You heard right, nobody asks him to do this, he just does it because he's a good samaritan. His name is John and this is what he looks like ---->
He's been doing it for the last 5 years and as we rode off we thanked him for keeping our bike lane clear. while we were screaming downhill. I topped out at 37 mph and sure that the other girls were around there too. Leisa cross-chained at the top of the hill, but got it sorted out and also had a very satisfying downhill.
We then rode out to Bailey Ave and went up and over while Sheri had to take a phone call from work. Work has a way of getting in the middle of fun sometimes. We re-grouped and headed out towards Buffalo Hill.....up and over that one too...do you see a trend here? We rode out to Oak Glen for the turnaround, at which point we were at 20 miles.
Once on Uvas Road, we climbed back over Buffalo Hill into some fierce headwinds. They are really strong in that area of the south bay. But a challenging course is what makes you a better rider, right? That's what I am telling myself anyway:)
At the Los Alamitos Creek Trail, we parted ways with Deb because she wanted to stay on road and get back to the starting point to get some things done for the day. As for the rest of us, we continued on the bike path for a perfect nice-and-easy end to a really great ride. 32 miles of sunshine, hills, new friends and fun. What could be better?
Be on the lookout for future Sunny South Bay Rides. The plan is to get a bi-weekly schedule going, but it may be a bit sketchy until after the holidays. I know how important it is to work off all of the holiday food we'll be stuffing in our faces. So if you're up for it, so am I! We'll change up the course for each ride as there are plenty of routes to choose from down here in the Sunny South Bay;)
Friday, November 18, 2005
Off-season is good
When I got my coach earlier this year I was absolutely stoked. I could not wait to have a routine set in place for me so I'd never have to think about anything but sweating. I devoted so much time to my training and actually neglected other parts of my life....like time with my hubby. I know he felt the effects of my being out all the time, but for the most part, just do my thing because he knows it makes me happy. I mean...hey...at least I'm not out at the bars whoring around, right? Right:D
Now that my season is over, though, I am so incredibly happy to be able to just be free to do what I want and not have to worry about how far, how long, how much or how hard. Now I get to do fun things like hiking and playing with my horses. And I can't wait for the snow to fall so we can dust off the snowboards (that are still in the snowboard bag from when we went to Whistler last year.....ahhhh....Whisssttlllleeerrr....God we loved that place!). We bought the Tahoe for the sole reason of our snow trekking this year, so we better get a lot of use out of it!
So, as I start to think about next year's races, I want to remember this feeling. The just have fun feeling. I don't want to put any pressure on myself like I did this year. It proved nothing to me, all it got me was a lot of disappointment. I just want to have fun at some really cool races with my friends. I think I want to do more bike riding next year, more bike tours. I'll have to look into that.
Now that my season is over, though, I am so incredibly happy to be able to just be free to do what I want and not have to worry about how far, how long, how much or how hard. Now I get to do fun things like hiking and playing with my horses. And I can't wait for the snow to fall so we can dust off the snowboards (that are still in the snowboard bag from when we went to Whistler last year.....ahhhh....Whisssttlllleeerrr....God we loved that place!). We bought the Tahoe for the sole reason of our snow trekking this year, so we better get a lot of use out of it!
So, as I start to think about next year's races, I want to remember this feeling. The just have fun feeling. I don't want to put any pressure on myself like I did this year. It proved nothing to me, all it got me was a lot of disappointment. I just want to have fun at some really cool races with my friends. I think I want to do more bike riding next year, more bike tours. I'll have to look into that.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Back in the Gym
At last night's tri club meeting our guest speaker, Coach Muddy Waters, reminded all of us of two things - a) it's okay to drink beer in our off-season and b) get back to weight training for the winter to build us up for next season. So tonight, that's what I did:)
I did 1.5 hrs in a combination of free weights and machines and lots of lunges. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill afterwards to get the lactic acid moving on out. I cannot believe exactly how much FATTY FAT I have on my body right now! There will be no slacking off for me this off-season. Full length mirrors at the gym are evil, man!
What I really can't wait for is the snow. I want to snowboard at least twice a month this winter. We bought the Tahoe for that specific reason anyway;)
Food tonight was okay. I marinated some chicken in my proprietary marinade and served with white beans, spinach and red chard. Good, not great.
I did 1.5 hrs in a combination of free weights and machines and lots of lunges. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill afterwards to get the lactic acid moving on out. I cannot believe exactly how much FATTY FAT I have on my body right now! There will be no slacking off for me this off-season. Full length mirrors at the gym are evil, man!
What I really can't wait for is the snow. I want to snowboard at least twice a month this winter. We bought the Tahoe for that specific reason anyway;)
Food tonight was okay. I marinated some chicken in my proprietary marinade and served with white beans, spinach and red chard. Good, not great.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
My very first half marathon!
Okay...I have got to be the LAMEST person on this entire planet...and I'm not even joking.
Yesterday was planned to be my first half marathon...ever. I was going to do the S. F. Coastline Trail Run put on by Redwood Trails. They are famous for gorgeous and challenging course venues. I couldn't wait to run along the San Francisco Bay. Me and 200 other crazies running in the coastal woods.....what more could you want on a brisk and sunny morning?
I woke up early, showered (yes, I shower before races...it wakes me up and makes me feel good okay?!), ate breakfast, drank water and got my battered tri bag filled with my running gear into the Tahoe. I felt really really really good. I drove to San Francisco with my Mom, niece and doggie in tow ready for this race...completely ready I tell ya. I've been completely trained for this by my very own Coach Pete. I aimed to do him proud today.
I get there 1/2 hr before the race is supposed to start so I can check in and get a quick warm-up run done beforehand. I go to the place where we're
supposed to start and NOBODY is around. I mean, nobody. You know this is completely wrong because it's just not the way at races. There are always
people milling around with race numbers on. People talking, people with coffee, people warming up...but this time, there were no people. I start to doubt myself and the map I printed, so I go back to the car and get the directions from the race's website. I'm in the right place, but there's nobody here...what gives? My mom calls the number on the directions and it goes straight to voicemail and the race director says he will not be back in town until 11/26! My mom left a message, but nobody called back. At this point, we think that the race has been cancelled, I must not have gotten the notification. Fine...I can deal with that.
I drove up there to do a half marathon and that's what I was going to do. So, I set off on the course. Which, by the way, I had zero idea where I was going. I had a general direction in mind from the maps on the harbor that outlined a coastal trail...but for the most part, I was just gonna run until there was no more running to do.
It was brutal. It was definitely not an easy course. It was up and down and more up and down and over and back again and then...there were stairs! Every so often I would get lost and have to backtrack to the trail I was just on to find my way to another trail. It certainly felt like more than 13 miles after all the big and little rolling hills, stairs (Yes! Big, tall and numerous steps to climb up in the middle of this thing!), tree roots tripping me and slipping on rocks. It was crazy and comical at the same time, all I could do was laugh! I was having a blast running downhill as fast as I could and just keeping it nice and steady (read=slow) on the uphills. I ran out of water with about 3 miles to go so when I got close to a house, I borrowed their hose and filled up my fuel belt (thank you angelic stranger who was not home, I was definitely in need of your nice cold water!). I dug deep and just wanted to finish this business. I ran it in 2:22:44
When I got to the starting point where my mom was waiting for me...she had this big smile on her face and I laid down on the picnic table bench to catch my breath. She started to chuckle and told me that while I was running, she called a friend with internet access and had him check the race website to see what was going on. What we found out was.....this race is NEXT MONTH!!
There was a race today, but it was in a different city 40 miles away! I felt like a complete idiot!
This happened because I was contemplating two races for my first half mary. One was in November and one in December. I thought the November race was in San Francisco, but it was actually in Pt. Reyes. So, my neurons got thier wires crossed when remembering which race I was going to do. Yes, I'm blaming it on my neurons. A memory is the sum of a neuron’s connections.....and they obviously failed to connect!
All encompassing idiocy aside, I am glad I did it. There are two major positives that came from this snafu though - a) This run is similar to Wildflower...so I can train to kill that course in 2006 and b) I know I can do this....so I've raised the bar. I set a goal for myself and I just f*%^ing did it! This was my last planned event for the season. I had a great time with my training this year and have seen improvement by leaps and bounds from what I once considered athletic. Now I just need to chill and be a normal person for a few weeks;)
Thanks for reading, I hope you've learned your lesson to read the details of your races....like the date and location....those are kind of important!
Yesterday was planned to be my first half marathon...ever. I was going to do the S. F. Coastline Trail Run put on by Redwood Trails. They are famous for gorgeous and challenging course venues. I couldn't wait to run along the San Francisco Bay. Me and 200 other crazies running in the coastal woods.....what more could you want on a brisk and sunny morning?
I woke up early, showered (yes, I shower before races...it wakes me up and makes me feel good okay?!), ate breakfast, drank water and got my battered tri bag filled with my running gear into the Tahoe. I felt really really really good. I drove to San Francisco with my Mom, niece and doggie in tow ready for this race...completely ready I tell ya. I've been completely trained for this by my very own Coach Pete. I aimed to do him proud today.
I get there 1/2 hr before the race is supposed to start so I can check in and get a quick warm-up run done beforehand. I go to the place where we're
supposed to start and NOBODY is around. I mean, nobody. You know this is completely wrong because it's just not the way at races. There are always
people milling around with race numbers on. People talking, people with coffee, people warming up...but this time, there were no people. I start to doubt myself and the map I printed, so I go back to the car and get the directions from the race's website. I'm in the right place, but there's nobody here...what gives? My mom calls the number on the directions and it goes straight to voicemail and the race director says he will not be back in town until 11/26! My mom left a message, but nobody called back. At this point, we think that the race has been cancelled, I must not have gotten the notification. Fine...I can deal with that.
I drove up there to do a half marathon and that's what I was going to do. So, I set off on the course. Which, by the way, I had zero idea where I was going. I had a general direction in mind from the maps on the harbor that outlined a coastal trail...but for the most part, I was just gonna run until there was no more running to do.
It was brutal. It was definitely not an easy course. It was up and down and more up and down and over and back again and then...there were stairs! Every so often I would get lost and have to backtrack to the trail I was just on to find my way to another trail. It certainly felt like more than 13 miles after all the big and little rolling hills, stairs (Yes! Big, tall and numerous steps to climb up in the middle of this thing!), tree roots tripping me and slipping on rocks. It was crazy and comical at the same time, all I could do was laugh! I was having a blast running downhill as fast as I could and just keeping it nice and steady (read=slow) on the uphills. I ran out of water with about 3 miles to go so when I got close to a house, I borrowed their hose and filled up my fuel belt (thank you angelic stranger who was not home, I was definitely in need of your nice cold water!). I dug deep and just wanted to finish this business. I ran it in 2:22:44
When I got to the starting point where my mom was waiting for me...she had this big smile on her face and I laid down on the picnic table bench to catch my breath. She started to chuckle and told me that while I was running, she called a friend with internet access and had him check the race website to see what was going on. What we found out was.....this race is NEXT MONTH!!
There was a race today, but it was in a different city 40 miles away! I felt like a complete idiot!
This happened because I was contemplating two races for my first half mary. One was in November and one in December. I thought the November race was in San Francisco, but it was actually in Pt. Reyes. So, my neurons got thier wires crossed when remembering which race I was going to do. Yes, I'm blaming it on my neurons. A memory is the sum of a neuron’s connections.....and they obviously failed to connect!
All encompassing idiocy aside, I am glad I did it. There are two major positives that came from this snafu though - a) This run is similar to Wildflower...so I can train to kill that course in 2006 and b) I know I can do this....so I've raised the bar. I set a goal for myself and I just f*%^ing did it! This was my last planned event for the season. I had a great time with my training this year and have seen improvement by leaps and bounds from what I once considered athletic. Now I just need to chill and be a normal person for a few weeks;)
Thanks for reading, I hope you've learned your lesson to read the details of your races....like the date and location....those are kind of important!
Beef Pot Roast
Tonight's dinner was a lot of labor for not enough payoff. I decided to follow a recipe from this month's Fine Cooking, "Making a Succulent Beef Pot Roast. It took 3.5 hours and a lot of checking, turning and bothering with.
When I usually make pot roast I *very simply* gather these ingredients: veggies, meat, crushed tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Throw them in the oven for 2.5 hrs. That's it...it's done...and it's always tasty.
This recipe told me to add all kinds of extra things that didn't really matter in the long run because their flavor gets all cooked out. For example: orange zest, vinegar and cinanmon stick. With the exception of the cinnmon stick, all of the other tastes were gone. And why in the heck did it suggest to saute carrots and onions in the beginning when I would just add more later? It added nothing but a soggy mess in the end. Why would I brown the beef first when it's just going to braise in hot liquid and get all flaky anyway? Why? Why?! Why take so many steps when it's not absolutely necessary? Inefficiency is a pet peeve of mine, perhaps this is why I don't follow recipes and just do my own thing.
Les agreed there wasn't much difference aside from the fact that tonight's pot roast was less salty. Well, we all know how much I love salt, so I'll take that with...well...a grain of it!
When I usually make pot roast I *very simply* gather these ingredients: veggies, meat, crushed tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Throw them in the oven for 2.5 hrs. That's it...it's done...and it's always tasty.
This recipe told me to add all kinds of extra things that didn't really matter in the long run because their flavor gets all cooked out. For example: orange zest, vinegar and cinanmon stick. With the exception of the cinnmon stick, all of the other tastes were gone. And why in the heck did it suggest to saute carrots and onions in the beginning when I would just add more later? It added nothing but a soggy mess in the end. Why would I brown the beef first when it's just going to braise in hot liquid and get all flaky anyway? Why? Why?! Why take so many steps when it's not absolutely necessary? Inefficiency is a pet peeve of mine, perhaps this is why I don't follow recipes and just do my own thing.
Les agreed there wasn't much difference aside from the fact that tonight's pot roast was less salty. Well, we all know how much I love salt, so I'll take that with...well...a grain of it!
WCB Get better Clare
Huggy and Buddy wanted to get up close to the camera to give you some love. They heard about what happened with Kiri and both send you lots of well wishes. And besides, they know that up-close shots of animals are super cute!
For those that would like to know what happened to Clare, you may read it here. For those that want to see all the feline adorablification of Weekend Cat Blogging, have a wander over to Boo-licious.
For those that would like to know what happened to Clare, you may read it here. For those that want to see all the feline adorablification of Weekend Cat Blogging, have a wander over to Boo-licious.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
First half mary is almost here!
My first half marathon is coming up on Saturday. I'm doing the Crissy Field run in San Francisco. I am excited, nervous, nauseated, hungry, thirsty and everything else that comes with pre-race jitters.
I had all of my races planned for 2005 since June of 2004! I have basically been training all damn year for my tri season and when that ended in September with a DNF at Pac Grove, I kinda lost a little steam. I started thinking that I would just cut my losses and get back to the normal life of an early off-season. But then that made me feel like a big fat loser for not finishing what I started. And once something is written down...like my race schedule is, I laid a guilt trip on myself and kept on working.
I got derailed when that nail visciously attacked my foot and caused me to have stiches and a tetanus shot. So for 10 days I had no workouts...I could barely hobble around and get myself to work. Well, that's all over with and I've been doing some running, but mostly I'm enjoying my taper. I have two run workouts scheduled for the rest of the week and then it's go-time.
My mom and niece will be there to cheer me on. I think my husband has gotten pretty bored of the whole "waiting around for hours for me to finish racing" thing. He's still supportive of my daily training, but likes to sleep in now and let me do my races on my own. It was bound to happen sooner or later. It is nice to get a hug from him at the finish line, but I understand. I get completely bored at his DJ gigs sitting there for hours - not drinking - and being up way too late waiting for him to finish. So, it's okay that we each do our own thing, just as long as we get to tell each other all about it afterwards:)
My goal for this race is only to finish. It's my first half and I have absolutely nothing to gauge against in regards to a finishing time. I have been contemplating not even wearing my watch so it won't ruin it for me when I realize how long I've been running. However, the data geek in me will need to know what my splits are so that's probably not an option.
I need to just chill. This is not going to defeat me. I'm going to do an awesome job on a beautiful course and that's all I have to say about that;)
I had all of my races planned for 2005 since June of 2004! I have basically been training all damn year for my tri season and when that ended in September with a DNF at Pac Grove, I kinda lost a little steam. I started thinking that I would just cut my losses and get back to the normal life of an early off-season. But then that made me feel like a big fat loser for not finishing what I started. And once something is written down...like my race schedule is, I laid a guilt trip on myself and kept on working.
I got derailed when that nail visciously attacked my foot and caused me to have stiches and a tetanus shot. So for 10 days I had no workouts...I could barely hobble around and get myself to work. Well, that's all over with and I've been doing some running, but mostly I'm enjoying my taper. I have two run workouts scheduled for the rest of the week and then it's go-time.
My mom and niece will be there to cheer me on. I think my husband has gotten pretty bored of the whole "waiting around for hours for me to finish racing" thing. He's still supportive of my daily training, but likes to sleep in now and let me do my races on my own. It was bound to happen sooner or later. It is nice to get a hug from him at the finish line, but I understand. I get completely bored at his DJ gigs sitting there for hours - not drinking - and being up way too late waiting for him to finish. So, it's okay that we each do our own thing, just as long as we get to tell each other all about it afterwards:)
My goal for this race is only to finish. It's my first half and I have absolutely nothing to gauge against in regards to a finishing time. I have been contemplating not even wearing my watch so it won't ruin it for me when I realize how long I've been running. However, the data geek in me will need to know what my splits are so that's probably not an option.
I need to just chill. This is not going to defeat me. I'm going to do an awesome job on a beautiful course and that's all I have to say about that;)
Saturday, November 05, 2005
I love my f*^%ing bike!
I know I've said it before, but I seriously mean that my bike is the best bike ever! I woke up this morning all warm and snuggly at 7am. I tried so hard to go back to sleep, but I felt that my bike was calling out to me from the dining room where she sleeps. I heard her loud in my ears...almost as loud as Stella's purring in my ear as she sleeps on my neck.
I jumped out of bed, got my faithful and got totally trashed tri bag all filled up with gear: Bike shoes, socks, Chamois Butt'r, sunblock, Zeal Optics Zoonies Sunglasses, Arm Warmers, Woolen Leg Warmers, Full Gloves, Half Gloves, Cash, Road ID, eGel, and Glaceau Smart Water. I see you rolling your eyes about the Smart Water....it just tastes crisp and clean okay? I'm not buying into the whole "it will turn you into a superhuman and give you the best performance ever" hype, I just happen to love the way it tastes. There's something about the ionization process that makes it better than other bottled water.
I rode a new-ish route today. I added two climbs onto my normal Bailey Road loop. I rode straight up Bernal all the way to the upper gate. It was work, believe me. But it produced the most satisfying downhill since Wildflower's Nasty Grade climb. I hit 42 MPH and could have gone faster but there is one sketchy section where they've put a STOP sign. There is no cross traffic on top of this hill, they just put it there for the trail runners and mountain bikers that want to cross the road. I didn't stop though, I just crossed my fingers and hoped nobody wanted to cross because I was totally high on endorphins and adrenaline and didn't want it to stop. I'm such a speed junkie on the bike.
The second climb I added was what I found to be named "Buffalo Hill". You'll not find any signs naming it that, but it's just the climb that you start after you hit McKean Road and turn left after the Bailey Road downhill. This hill is not really considered a climb to me though because the downhill is fairly weak. It's good for your last climb of the ride though.
Total mileage today was around 30 miles and it was a good day. I just love my bike. Thank you for a great ride GB! (Good Bike)
I jumped out of bed, got my faithful and got totally trashed tri bag all filled up with gear: Bike shoes, socks, Chamois Butt'r, sunblock, Zeal Optics Zoonies Sunglasses, Arm Warmers, Woolen Leg Warmers, Full Gloves, Half Gloves, Cash, Road ID, eGel, and Glaceau Smart Water. I see you rolling your eyes about the Smart Water....it just tastes crisp and clean okay? I'm not buying into the whole "it will turn you into a superhuman and give you the best performance ever" hype, I just happen to love the way it tastes. There's something about the ionization process that makes it better than other bottled water.
I rode a new-ish route today. I added two climbs onto my normal Bailey Road loop. I rode straight up Bernal all the way to the upper gate. It was work, believe me. But it produced the most satisfying downhill since Wildflower's Nasty Grade climb. I hit 42 MPH and could have gone faster but there is one sketchy section where they've put a STOP sign. There is no cross traffic on top of this hill, they just put it there for the trail runners and mountain bikers that want to cross the road. I didn't stop though, I just crossed my fingers and hoped nobody wanted to cross because I was totally high on endorphins and adrenaline and didn't want it to stop. I'm such a speed junkie on the bike.
The second climb I added was what I found to be named "Buffalo Hill". You'll not find any signs naming it that, but it's just the climb that you start after you hit McKean Road and turn left after the Bailey Road downhill. This hill is not really considered a climb to me though because the downhill is fairly weak. It's good for your last climb of the ride though.
Total mileage today was around 30 miles and it was a good day. I just love my bike. Thank you for a great ride GB! (Good Bike)
Treacle Toffee
The hubby sent me an email asking if I could make him some treacle toffee. Apparently for Brits, every November 5th is Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night. This year it's the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. His "mum" used to make the family treacle tofee each year and they'd go to a huge bonfire to celebrate. Yeah.
Without even knowing what treacle is, I said "I'd love to!". I went straight to work and found all I needed to know about treacle and the toffee that it makes. Very easy. Very yummy. Very dangerous for dental work!
It's a severely addicting taste and even though it freaks you out when it gets soft and sticks to every tooth you have, you can't stop eating it! I've never been a fan of hard candy...but hard candy that turns soft and gooey...now that's the stuff!
Les saw me making it and was a bit worried because his mum's recipe was different from what I found. We expedited the setting process by putting it in the freezer. Some time during the night of our Father Ted marathon on BBC America, he got off the couch and pulled the treacle from the freezer. It was wrapped in wax paper and he broke it up against the kitchen counter. He was happy and so was I. My first candy adventure was a success:)
*--->click here for Treacle Toffee recipe<---*
Without even knowing what treacle is, I said "I'd love to!". I went straight to work and found all I needed to know about treacle and the toffee that it makes. Very easy. Very yummy. Very dangerous for dental work!
It's a severely addicting taste and even though it freaks you out when it gets soft and sticks to every tooth you have, you can't stop eating it! I've never been a fan of hard candy...but hard candy that turns soft and gooey...now that's the stuff!
Les saw me making it and was a bit worried because his mum's recipe was different from what I found. We expedited the setting process by putting it in the freezer. Some time during the night of our Father Ted marathon on BBC America, he got off the couch and pulled the treacle from the freezer. It was wrapped in wax paper and he broke it up against the kitchen counter. He was happy and so was I. My first candy adventure was a success:)
*--->click here for Treacle Toffee recipe<---*
What Leader Are You?
Stumbled across this over at Life is Nuts!. I thought compelled to take it because a) I'm stalling.... I just woke up to a very warm house and can't get motivated for my 30 mile bike ride in the cold...good thing I bought those arm and leg warmers the other day, and b) I am geeky like that...I love tests! Really I do. I'm a freak.
So, the first time I tried it, I chose to answer only 18 of the 45 questions and I found out that I was Saddam Houssein!
That just wouldn't do, so I took the test again. Instead this time I answered all of the 45 questions and came out with Abe Lincoln. Now that's more like it:) Apparently the more questions you answer the more accurate your test results will be because they have more information to gauge from. Works for me!
So, the first time I tried it, I chose to answer only 18 of the 45 questions and I found out that I was Saddam Houssein!
That just wouldn't do, so I took the test again. Instead this time I answered all of the 45 questions and came out with Abe Lincoln. Now that's more like it:) Apparently the more questions you answer the more accurate your test results will be because they have more information to gauge from. Works for me!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Key Lime Pie
Thanks to the very clever writings of Hi! Monkey! I was able to follow this very simple recipe for a truly fantastic key lime pie. I've never attempted before because to tell the truth...it always seemed a bit intimidating for some reason. Not anymore:)
I would post the recipe, but it will be much more fun for you if you visit the link and follow monkey's instructions! Trust me, it's classic:)
Just one word before you start....it takes a LOT of teeny little key limes to make 3/4 cup of key lime juice....33 to be exact! So, happy juicing!
Since my oven is temperamental about low temperatures, I had to cook it longer than stated in the recipe and the crust got a bit manky on the bottom. It does not stop me from scraping the crust from the bottom and eating it on it's own after the pie filling has lifted off of it though! I'm sure this will not happen to you because you probably have a really nice oven;)
I'm afraid to ask our landlady to fix it because she just spent $2500 to fix our heater, $300 to fix our dishwasher, and $3.00 to glue the frame back onto our front window. This is what happens when you don't take care of your rental properties with regular maintenance. It's not your renters' responsibility to fix things when they break from regular use and when things wear out because they are old. The carpet needs replacing as well...but that's so far out of the question, it's not even a statement yet.
I would post the recipe, but it will be much more fun for you if you visit the link and follow monkey's instructions! Trust me, it's classic:)
Just one word before you start....it takes a LOT of teeny little key limes to make 3/4 cup of key lime juice....33 to be exact! So, happy juicing!
Since my oven is temperamental about low temperatures, I had to cook it longer than stated in the recipe and the crust got a bit manky on the bottom. It does not stop me from scraping the crust from the bottom and eating it on it's own after the pie filling has lifted off of it though! I'm sure this will not happen to you because you probably have a really nice oven;)
I'm afraid to ask our landlady to fix it because she just spent $2500 to fix our heater, $300 to fix our dishwasher, and $3.00 to glue the frame back onto our front window. This is what happens when you don't take care of your rental properties with regular maintenance. It's not your renters' responsibility to fix things when they break from regular use and when things wear out because they are old. The carpet needs replacing as well...but that's so far out of the question, it's not even a statement yet.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
What fruit is this?
A friend of mine received it from his boss and has no idea what it is. I've searched google image for it and can't find anything like it. I've come close with a cherimoya...but it's not quite there. What do you think it is?
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Running is Good
Last week, when my foot stiches were ruining my life, I made a promise to myself not to slack off of any of my training anymore. It's amazing how much you take for granted when there's nothing wrong with you...but when you're injured and stalled, you get a completely new outlook.
I have been on target with my running for the past week. I'm preparing for my upcoming half marathon - Crissy Field in San Francisco that goes along the coastal edge in an out-and-back course. I've not lost any fitness while laid up, but I did lose speed. So, my goal is 2:15. I'm going to resist the urge to type "but it's probably going to be more like 2:30" because that would be negative thinking and I'm not about that!
Tonight's run was 8 miles. My longest run ever was 10 miles. Had you told me three years ago before I started this triathlon craziness that I would be running 10 mile training runs, I would have said something like, "you must be high". But it's my life now, it's just what I do. It's good stuff...and I'll never stop...I'm like a freight train:)
I have been on target with my running for the past week. I'm preparing for my upcoming half marathon - Crissy Field in San Francisco that goes along the coastal edge in an out-and-back course. I've not lost any fitness while laid up, but I did lose speed. So, my goal is 2:15. I'm going to resist the urge to type "but it's probably going to be more like 2:30" because that would be negative thinking and I'm not about that!
Tonight's run was 8 miles. My longest run ever was 10 miles. Had you told me three years ago before I started this triathlon craziness that I would be running 10 mile training runs, I would have said something like, "you must be high". But it's my life now, it's just what I do. It's good stuff...and I'll never stop...I'm like a freight train:)
Pizza!
I pride myself in making a super delicioso pizza but tonight was only slightly above par. I wanted to do something different, and I think it was good, it just wasn't what the Carter's are used to.
I usually do a Boboli pizza crust with their included sauce package, meat, cheese, and a secret combination of spices on top. Tonight, I used a Pillsbury pizza crust and baked it as the package directed. Instead of using pre-made sauce, I simply sliced some red tomatoes (got rid of juice and seeds) and laid them atop the crust, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and oregano. Did you know that Oregano means 'joy of the mountain'? I thought you did, I was just checking.
For tonight's pizza, I topped it with mozz chz (sorry, my second job ever was at Round Table Pizza and that's a standard abbreviation for mozzerella cheese:P), canadian bacon, pineapple, red onion and BACON! Yes, bacon. Bacon makes the world a happy place. It makes the hubby's nose perk right up when I'm in the kitchen preparing our nightly feast.
I thought it was tasty...I had two slices and a huge pile of spinach with olive oil and salt. Les finished off the rest of the pie, but I think he likes the Boboli better.
I usually do a Boboli pizza crust with their included sauce package, meat, cheese, and a secret combination of spices on top. Tonight, I used a Pillsbury pizza crust and baked it as the package directed. Instead of using pre-made sauce, I simply sliced some red tomatoes (got rid of juice and seeds) and laid them atop the crust, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and oregano. Did you know that Oregano means 'joy of the mountain'? I thought you did, I was just checking.
For tonight's pizza, I topped it with mozz chz (sorry, my second job ever was at Round Table Pizza and that's a standard abbreviation for mozzerella cheese:P), canadian bacon, pineapple, red onion and BACON! Yes, bacon. Bacon makes the world a happy place. It makes the hubby's nose perk right up when I'm in the kitchen preparing our nightly feast.
I thought it was tasty...I had two slices and a huge pile of spinach with olive oil and salt. Les finished off the rest of the pie, but I think he likes the Boboli better.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Marin Headlands Rules all Bike Routes
Today Sheri and I went on a huge adventure in San Francisco. It was her inaugural bike ride on her new custom-made Seven bike...so we had to do it right. We started the morning very early and went to VeloSwap which turned out to be just a lot of gear heads peddling their old crap to other gear heads. So we took off and had breakfast at Whole Foods to prepare us for the day's journey that was ahead of us.
We ended up spending a lot of time at Sports Basement which is very dangerous because both of us have zero control of our shopping addiction for fitness items. As the San Francisco skies turned gray and cold we decided to buy arm and leg warmers. Check this out, this is what we were faced with!
We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and climbed up Marin Headlands, our favorite ride. This is such a special ride for us because it's always an excellent day when we're there. It's not like the other routes local to us in the South Bay....that's always just work for the purpose of training. Marin Headlands, on the other hand, is a special treat and an excuse to completely slack off....AFTER we climb the big freakin' hill! Anyway, the weather cleared halfway across the bridge.
I was so proud of Sheri for getting up the Headlands without stopping. Her new bicycle absolutely loves her! This is us at the top of the Headlands.
As soon as we started our descend over the other side of the Headlands into Fort Cronkhite, it got freezing cold again. We were so thankful for our arm and leg warmers, it was a very smart purchase. The simple fact that you can just roll them up when you're cold and roll them back down when you get warm is sheer genius. Thank you Mister or Miss Arm and Leg Warmer Inventor Person!
So, 25 miles later, we end up in Tiburon at 4:00PM! What the heck did we do all day long?! We can really waste some time when we're together. It must have been all the breaks to enjoy little places along the way and snack. We were so hungry by this time but none of the restaurants were serving food! Why close a kitchen in the middle of the day? Service me! We eventually found a burger joint and had ourselves some very healthy fried food;) Hamburger and Fries after a 3 hr ride....heaven! While here, we met a fellow cyclist named Andrew and he informed us he had taken the wussy way to Tiburon (no Headlands climb) from the City and that he was taking the ferry back! Sheri and I looked at each other and immediately thought that was a brilliant idea because it was going to go very dark on us in a very little while. It wouldn't have been smart to ride back 20 miles in those conditions. So we finished our food and boarded the ferry.
When the ferry got back to the City, we rode our bikes back out to Sports Basement and loaded up our stuff to head home. It's always an excellent trek and I love the time I get to spend with my faithful training partner and most wonderful friend:) Now it's time for a shower and then a snack and then a well deserved sleep!
We ended up spending a lot of time at Sports Basement which is very dangerous because both of us have zero control of our shopping addiction for fitness items. As the San Francisco skies turned gray and cold we decided to buy arm and leg warmers. Check this out, this is what we were faced with!
We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and climbed up Marin Headlands, our favorite ride. This is such a special ride for us because it's always an excellent day when we're there. It's not like the other routes local to us in the South Bay....that's always just work for the purpose of training. Marin Headlands, on the other hand, is a special treat and an excuse to completely slack off....AFTER we climb the big freakin' hill! Anyway, the weather cleared halfway across the bridge.
I was so proud of Sheri for getting up the Headlands without stopping. Her new bicycle absolutely loves her! This is us at the top of the Headlands.
As soon as we started our descend over the other side of the Headlands into Fort Cronkhite, it got freezing cold again. We were so thankful for our arm and leg warmers, it was a very smart purchase. The simple fact that you can just roll them up when you're cold and roll them back down when you get warm is sheer genius. Thank you Mister or Miss Arm and Leg Warmer Inventor Person!
So, 25 miles later, we end up in Tiburon at 4:00PM! What the heck did we do all day long?! We can really waste some time when we're together. It must have been all the breaks to enjoy little places along the way and snack. We were so hungry by this time but none of the restaurants were serving food! Why close a kitchen in the middle of the day? Service me! We eventually found a burger joint and had ourselves some very healthy fried food;) Hamburger and Fries after a 3 hr ride....heaven! While here, we met a fellow cyclist named Andrew and he informed us he had taken the wussy way to Tiburon (no Headlands climb) from the City and that he was taking the ferry back! Sheri and I looked at each other and immediately thought that was a brilliant idea because it was going to go very dark on us in a very little while. It wouldn't have been smart to ride back 20 miles in those conditions. So we finished our food and boarded the ferry.
When the ferry got back to the City, we rode our bikes back out to Sports Basement and loaded up our stuff to head home. It's always an excellent trek and I love the time I get to spend with my faithful training partner and most wonderful friend:) Now it's time for a shower and then a snack and then a well deserved sleep!
Weekend Cat Blogging #21
WCB 21 PARTY TIME!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Send Clare at Eatstuff a comment with your permalink! and add a "weekend cat blogging" tag to your post!
Happy birthday Kiri! You look very handsome all dressed up:)
While Sheri and I were on our bike ride to Marin Headlands and Tiburon, the hubby snapped this shot of our Butterscotch and Stella catching some snuggles together on the dog's bed. Cute.....Super Cute!
Cat food bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of your gorgeous kitties with us! Send Clare at Eatstuff a comment with your permalink! and add a "weekend cat blogging" tag to your post!
Happy birthday Kiri! You look very handsome all dressed up:)
While Sheri and I were on our bike ride to Marin Headlands and Tiburon, the hubby snapped this shot of our Butterscotch and Stella catching some snuggles together on the dog's bed. Cute.....Super Cute!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Chicken Roulades and Pumpkin Cloise
I had a meeting AFTER work tonight...what the hell is that all about? Well, my department hosted a Diversity Roundtable panel discussion on women in business. It's a great concept...but DAMN...why not during work hours.
So I was grateful for the foresight I had last night when I roasted a pumpkin for use later....today!
I learned how to make Chicken Roulades from Sheri when she made them for me and the hubby a while back. They were completely delicious and yummy and scrummy and felt good in the tummy! I executed them perfectly if I do say so myself.
The pumpkin cloise was supposed to be pumpkin gnocci, but I changed my mind at the last moment....not that there is much difference, but cloise sounds better to me since I'm of German descent:) I mashed the pumpkin and then added some pumpkin pie spice and a touch of turbinado sugar. Then I added flour and egg whites until it all came together in a firm but spongy ball. I split it into three sections and rolled it into long logs 1" in diameter. I cut the log into 1" pieces and then popped them into boiling water. They're done when they float easily. As if that weren't enough cooking, I threw them into a large saucepan with butter and sage leaves....made them nice and crispy and yum yum yum!
For dessert, I made something 100% from a Fine Cooking recipe!!! Jumbo Cranberry Oatmeal Jumbles Fine Cooking, November 2005. The recipe doesn't yield that many. But what the hell do I need with more cookies anyway?! Sheri...if you're a good girl, I might send some with Les to work tomorrow:)
So I was grateful for the foresight I had last night when I roasted a pumpkin for use later....today!
I learned how to make Chicken Roulades from Sheri when she made them for me and the hubby a while back. They were completely delicious and yummy and scrummy and felt good in the tummy! I executed them perfectly if I do say so myself.
The pumpkin cloise was supposed to be pumpkin gnocci, but I changed my mind at the last moment....not that there is much difference, but cloise sounds better to me since I'm of German descent:) I mashed the pumpkin and then added some pumpkin pie spice and a touch of turbinado sugar. Then I added flour and egg whites until it all came together in a firm but spongy ball. I split it into three sections and rolled it into long logs 1" in diameter. I cut the log into 1" pieces and then popped them into boiling water. They're done when they float easily. As if that weren't enough cooking, I threw them into a large saucepan with butter and sage leaves....made them nice and crispy and yum yum yum!
For dessert, I made something 100% from a Fine Cooking recipe!!! Jumbo Cranberry Oatmeal Jumbles Fine Cooking, November 2005. The recipe doesn't yield that many. But what the hell do I need with more cookies anyway?! Sheri...if you're a good girl, I might send some with Les to work tomorrow:)
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Sloppy Polenta
I was seriously craving sloppy joes tonight, but didn't want to put it on the usual bun. I made my own sweet and spicy sauce (proprietary blend...I will not tell you what it consists of...mostly because I don't remember what's in it:P). I sauteed onions and garlic and browned the turkey meat then added the sauce.
I cooked the polenta and added a couple of tablespoons of molassis (I LOVE molassis) to tie it in with flavors in the sauce. I transferred the polenta from the stove into the oven so it would get nice and firm.
I topped the polenta with the sloppy turkey and served it with spinach tossed in sesame oil and kosher salt.
I have a guilty confession to make about dessert: I actually bought one of those Betty Crocker Warm Delights - Molten Chocolate Cake. I tried splitting it with Les but he didn't like it. I didn't mind it....even though it was pretty bad...I was just totally into the chocolate fudge action. I had to force myself to stop eating it and threw half of it away. Good for me for not eating the entire 370 calorie dessert:D
I cooked the polenta and added a couple of tablespoons of molassis (I LOVE molassis) to tie it in with flavors in the sauce. I transferred the polenta from the stove into the oven so it would get nice and firm.
I topped the polenta with the sloppy turkey and served it with spinach tossed in sesame oil and kosher salt.
I have a guilty confession to make about dessert: I actually bought one of those Betty Crocker Warm Delights - Molten Chocolate Cake. I tried splitting it with Les but he didn't like it. I didn't mind it....even though it was pretty bad...I was just totally into the chocolate fudge action. I had to force myself to stop eating it and threw half of it away. Good for me for not eating the entire 370 calorie dessert:D
Monday, October 24, 2005
Stiches OUT!
Okay, I've been waiting 10 damn days for these things to be out of my feet and finally it's done with. So after the doctor gave me the OK for doing my half maraton in a couple of weeks I decided I had to get some training done.
I went to the gym and did an hour of weights, 10 minutes on the StairMaster, 3 miles on the dreadmill, and then came home and walked Huggy for 2.5 miles when I got home! I had soooo much pent up energy in my body from this lay-up and it just had to get out.
I feel wonderful...completely back to normal....whatever that is;)
I went to the gym and did an hour of weights, 10 minutes on the StairMaster, 3 miles on the dreadmill, and then came home and walked Huggy for 2.5 miles when I got home! I had soooo much pent up energy in my body from this lay-up and it just had to get out.
I feel wonderful...completely back to normal....whatever that is;)
Braised Lamb
Tonight we went to Gene's Fine Foods in Saratoga. The reason we went aaaaaaaaaaaalllll the way over there is because I have coupons for free Tofutti ice cream and they are the closest retailer. Welp....when we got there, there was no Tofutti! Such is the way of things with me, nothing can ever be easy. So we picked up some food for dinner and Les liked the look of the lamb so we brought it home.
I braised the lamb in Pichetti Cab Sauv from our wine club booty this month. I am not a fan of Cab. I know, that's considered a sin to some Californians since Cab is our wine...but I just don't like it.
Anyway, braised the lamb and roasted some carrots and parsnips. Mmmmmmmmm parsnips! Damn those things are tasty. I think we also had some spinach, but that's not news in this house, we always have spinach with din din.
I braised the lamb in Pichetti Cab Sauv from our wine club booty this month. I am not a fan of Cab. I know, that's considered a sin to some Californians since Cab is our wine...but I just don't like it.
Anyway, braised the lamb and roasted some carrots and parsnips. Mmmmmmmmm parsnips! Damn those things are tasty. I think we also had some spinach, but that's not news in this house, we always have spinach with din din.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Fast Appetizers into Dinner
Les and I went to Barnes & Noble bookstore tonight. He was looking for computer books and I went straight to the food section. What else is new? It's an obsession now. I even buy Fine Cooking now:P I've yet to make any of the recipes 100% to the letter, but at least I'm trying to understand the way the foodies eat.
Digress! So, I had so much fun making appetizers for Les' birthday party with Sheri that I had to pick up Hugh Carpenter's "Fast Appetizers" book. I flipped straight to the Lamb Meatballs on page 71:) Rather than having them on thier own, I did this:
Sauteed red chard with onions and garlic until tender. While this was going on I made the meatballs and boiled pasta. Over the pasta went the red chard as well as some peeled tomatoes...and topped with the meatballs. Les loves these meatballs....I do too. They totally rock:)
Digress! So, I had so much fun making appetizers for Les' birthday party with Sheri that I had to pick up Hugh Carpenter's "Fast Appetizers" book. I flipped straight to the Lamb Meatballs on page 71:) Rather than having them on thier own, I did this:
Sauteed red chard with onions and garlic until tender. While this was going on I made the meatballs and boiled pasta. Over the pasta went the red chard as well as some peeled tomatoes...and topped with the meatballs. Les loves these meatballs....I do too. They totally rock:)
BLT and RRP!
I made Les a BLT, it was beautiful.but felt it needed something else...Roasted Red Peppers! I toasted whole grain wheat bread and put a thin layer of mayo on them. Then in my typical sandwich fashion, I piled the bread high on both sides with equal amounts of bacon, lettuce (romaine), tomato (beefsteak) and red peppers. I also made him a cup of miso soup. He was happy.
I, on the other hand, had a giant salad with many many veggies and nothing bad. After reading Jillian Michaels' "Winning by Losing - Drop the Weight, Change Your Life" last night I am completely motivated to stop the binge eating, bad eating, emotional and bored eating and just get back into my damn self! The way she wrote this book was amazingly clever. It was like she was having a personal appointment with you and kept you interested the entire time. I read it in three hours. Anyway, after all the books on nutrition I've read and the nutrition seminars and the consultation at SMI...I know what to do, I just have a problem putting it all into focus. Thanks to Jillian, I've got clarity and can concentrate on the fact that a calorie is a calorie and no matter what they look like, more have to leave my body rather than enter. I can do this! I also got an idea as to why with all the training I do, I'm not dropping any weight. Now I know and now it stops!
I, on the other hand, had a giant salad with many many veggies and nothing bad. After reading Jillian Michaels' "Winning by Losing - Drop the Weight, Change Your Life" last night I am completely motivated to stop the binge eating, bad eating, emotional and bored eating and just get back into my damn self! The way she wrote this book was amazingly clever. It was like she was having a personal appointment with you and kept you interested the entire time. I read it in three hours. Anyway, after all the books on nutrition I've read and the nutrition seminars and the consultation at SMI...I know what to do, I just have a problem putting it all into focus. Thanks to Jillian, I've got clarity and can concentrate on the fact that a calorie is a calorie and no matter what they look like, more have to leave my body rather than enter. I can do this! I also got an idea as to why with all the training I do, I'm not dropping any weight. Now I know and now it stops!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Fritatta or Omelette?
This morning's breakfast was completed in record time. Bacon fried while the Rosemary and Garlic Potato Express potatoes were cooking. Mushrooms sauteeing while coffee was brewing. Eggs being whipped into a frenzy by my new silicon whisk. I dropped the eggs into the skillet and topped them with the mushrooms and bacon and topped that with some shredded cheddar...under the broiler it went for some quick melty action and voila!
I served with a side of Indian cilantro salsa in my new baby silicone cups. Cute...super cute!
I made coffee. I don't usually make coffee. It never turns out paletable...but this time I could actually drink it...it was quite okay:)
I served with a side of Indian cilantro salsa in my new baby silicone cups. Cute...super cute!
I made coffee. I don't usually make coffee. It never turns out paletable...but this time I could actually drink it...it was quite okay:)
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Cauliflower Thai Soup
Oh yes, this was good! I always wanted to make something with coconut milk....had no idea when or how that was going to happen. I was fearful. I didn't know what to expect. Then I remembered a recipe from my friend Dave that has coconut milk in it and I just went for it.
I didn't follow the recipe exactly because that just goes against my every grain. Following the rules is never any fun:D AND...the recipe is vegetarian...and I need meat. Need meat!
Into the pot went garlic, ginger, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and parsnips and cooked until tender. Then I added some broth, coconut milk, lemon juice and fish sauce. As if that weren't enough, I threw in some chicken I had leftover from last night. Yum:)
This recipe is posted on iamkt.com.
I didn't follow the recipe exactly because that just goes against my every grain. Following the rules is never any fun:D AND...the recipe is vegetarian...and I need meat. Need meat!
Into the pot went garlic, ginger, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and parsnips and cooked until tender. Then I added some broth, coconut milk, lemon juice and fish sauce. As if that weren't enough, I threw in some chicken I had leftover from last night. Yum:)
This recipe is posted on iamkt.com.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Oktoberfest
I have been inspired by all the Oktoberfest festivals going on lately. I don't really need an excuse to cook German food (as I'm of German descent...Oma and Opa straight from the Motherland), so I put it all together tonight with my own usual flare added for good measure.
Instead of 21-fat-gram bratwurst I made chicken and artichoke sausages. Red cabbage and mashed red potatoes (and one sweet potato because it's been around the house too long) served alongside. Les was happy and full for an early dinner around 4ish....got hungry again at 9pm and ate all the leftovers:)
I attempted a pumpkin pie. I even made my own damn crust...but the oven crapped out on me as usual. It doesn't like to be under 400 degrees anymore, so I thought by cooking it just a little bit longer at 350, it would be okay. Well, the crust over cooked and the filling didn't cook enough. It was almost there, but not enough. Lame.
Instead of 21-fat-gram bratwurst I made chicken and artichoke sausages. Red cabbage and mashed red potatoes (and one sweet potato because it's been around the house too long) served alongside. Les was happy and full for an early dinner around 4ish....got hungry again at 9pm and ate all the leftovers:)
I attempted a pumpkin pie. I even made my own damn crust...but the oven crapped out on me as usual. It doesn't like to be under 400 degrees anymore, so I thought by cooking it just a little bit longer at 350, it would be okay. Well, the crust over cooked and the filling didn't cook enough. It was almost there, but not enough. Lame.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Weekend Cat Blogging
Okay, been trolling all the food blogs lately and found some really great sites. I've found a lot of great foodie info...but most of all...found they have cats! and dogs! So, I thought I would share some pictures of my furry children as well:) All is right in the world when the Carter house is full of animals:D
You can see what I'm on about here at Eatstuff and Sweetnicks
How much is that Buddy in the window?
Huggy is All Smiles All the Time
Stella the Psycho Kitten
You can see what I'm on about here at Eatstuff and Sweetnicks
How much is that Buddy in the window?
Huggy is All Smiles All the Time
Stella the Psycho Kitten
Camera is on the fritz
I won't post any more pictures until I have a new one....I've put the bug in hubby's ear....so he knows what I want:)
Huevos Rancheros
They weren't truly rancheros because I used enchilada sauce, which was a fine substitute. I made sure to use lots of onions and garlic (when don't I?!) and smothered my over-easy eggs with the sauce and onions. Served with yellow corn tortillas and love in the morning:)
Friday, October 14, 2005
My damn foot hurts
For those of you that missed the news, here's a recap. Yesterday morning I was walking around the house barefoot (normal) and stepped onto a carpet nail which proceeded to rip a hole in the bottom of my foot!
Local anesthetic (ouch!!!), four stiches and a tetanus shot later this is what I've been reduced to: hobbling. Not even limping. I've been hobbling around for the past two days and I'm getting a little sick of it. I can't do any walking, running, swimming, biking or anything else that I love to do and I can feel myself getting wider as I sit here on the couch.
Local anesthetic (ouch!!!), four stiches and a tetanus shot later this is what I've been reduced to: hobbling. Not even limping. I've been hobbling around for the past two days and I'm getting a little sick of it. I can't do any walking, running, swimming, biking or anything else that I love to do and I can feel myself getting wider as I sit here on the couch.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Identity Crisis
This dinner really does not know what it is. It could be white-girl enchiladas or mexican lasagna...either way...it was delish.
I roasted a turkey breast the other day and shredded the meat. I sauteed some red onion and garlic and then added the turkey. I used this pattern for layering in a baking dish:
corn tortilla
enchilada sauce
baby spinach
turkey - onions - garlic
cheese
repeat
Les ate it all, there is nothing for leftovers at lunch tomorrow!
I roasted a turkey breast the other day and shredded the meat. I sauteed some red onion and garlic and then added the turkey. I used this pattern for layering in a baking dish:
corn tortilla
enchilada sauce
baby spinach
turkey - onions - garlic
cheese
repeat
Les ate it all, there is nothing for leftovers at lunch tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Roasted Things
Mom was here for the day and we went on her first bike ride in clipless pedals. She did great!
We worked up an appetite and decided on lots of veggies and a pork tenderloin. Mom cut the potatoes and sliced garlic and tossed them in olive oil. I threw the rest of the veggies in the roasting pan and voila.
Mom made our dessert out of the Chocoholics Chocolate Sauce she bought Les as a Muddy Buddy finishers gift. Yes, that's ice cream in those glasses!
We worked up an appetite and decided on lots of veggies and a pork tenderloin. Mom cut the potatoes and sliced garlic and tossed them in olive oil. I threw the rest of the veggies in the roasting pan and voila.
Mom made our dessert out of the Chocoholics Chocolate Sauce she bought Les as a Muddy Buddy finishers gift. Yes, that's ice cream in those glasses!
Monday, October 10, 2005
Baked Penne
Yep, another 30 minute meal:P
I browned the ground turkey and added bottled sauce (was going to make my own but was defficient in tomato sauce). Tossed it in with almost al-dente penne into a baking dish and sprinkled moz cheese on top. Good.
I browned the ground turkey and added bottled sauce (was going to make my own but was defficient in tomato sauce). Tossed it in with almost al-dente penne into a baking dish and sprinkled moz cheese on top. Good.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
My turn...Kitchen Photos:)
Okay, it's finally clean enough to post photos up! And a little more organized than before.
I keep my fruit and veggies (that don't require refrigeration) in a big platter on the jutty part of my countertop - above the dishwaher. It's sparse right now becaues I've not been shopping in a week. The cabinets in this area house my dishes, bowls, cups and mugs.
I have a two part sink and a high faucet that I love. It's handle comes out and it also has a spray feature as well as the regular stream.
The corner cubby area where my microwave resides is where I do all of my prep work and is usually where my recipes, cookbook or laptop are while I'm cooking. There is a cutting board hidden above the top drawer. I don't really like this wooden cutting board, but using the counter space for other cutting boards is not efficient at all.
These cabinets have all the canned goods, rice, beans, cereal etc.
My oven and stovetop are electric. When we finally buy our own house, this will be changed to gas. The oven is not reliable under 325 degrees. The hotter the better around here. That's why I end up roasting a lot of veggies. The cabinet on the right is where I keep all the spices.
My fridge is covered with magnets that my husband and I collect when we visit new places. These magnets range from Whistler, BC to the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot to Dallas, TX. It's a fun habit we got into together.
All-in-all, I like my kitchen. Mostly because it's white and roomy. I dream of granite countertops, double ovens and a kitchen island...but until home prices in the Bay Area subside dramatically...this is all I have:)
Our cats really do conspire against Huggy...but it serves her right because she breaks into their room and tries to starve them to death by eating all of their food!
If you have kitchen pitures, you can tag them here:
kitchen photos
I keep my fruit and veggies (that don't require refrigeration) in a big platter on the jutty part of my countertop - above the dishwaher. It's sparse right now becaues I've not been shopping in a week. The cabinets in this area house my dishes, bowls, cups and mugs.
I have a two part sink and a high faucet that I love. It's handle comes out and it also has a spray feature as well as the regular stream.
The corner cubby area where my microwave resides is where I do all of my prep work and is usually where my recipes, cookbook or laptop are while I'm cooking. There is a cutting board hidden above the top drawer. I don't really like this wooden cutting board, but using the counter space for other cutting boards is not efficient at all.
These cabinets have all the canned goods, rice, beans, cereal etc.
My oven and stovetop are electric. When we finally buy our own house, this will be changed to gas. The oven is not reliable under 325 degrees. The hotter the better around here. That's why I end up roasting a lot of veggies. The cabinet on the right is where I keep all the spices.
My fridge is covered with magnets that my husband and I collect when we visit new places. These magnets range from Whistler, BC to the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot to Dallas, TX. It's a fun habit we got into together.
All-in-all, I like my kitchen. Mostly because it's white and roomy. I dream of granite countertops, double ovens and a kitchen island...but until home prices in the Bay Area subside dramatically...this is all I have:)
Our cats really do conspire against Huggy...but it serves her right because she breaks into their room and tries to starve them to death by eating all of their food!
If you have kitchen pitures, you can tag them here:
kitchen photos
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
