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Appetites and Adventures

Sneaky Monday

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Can you believe it’s already Monday?

 

I’m so tired I almost can’t stand it.  Why?  Because I woke up at 2:30am.

Apparently I fell asleep with my phone in my room.  My sheets were still in the dryer, so I crashed on the couch… and when my mom called I didn’t hear the phone.  This worried her and when I hadn’t gotten back to her by 2am she decided to drive 30 minutes to make sure I was ok pay me a visit.  No joke.

 

Here’s the Top 5 from the weekend:

 

1. Zucchini Bread Oats

 

 

I stayed at my mom’s one night and made these again after a brief hiatus.  She hadn’t had them and was skeptical… turns out she loved Zucchini Bread Oats!

 

2. Sticky Toffee Pudding

 

 

I went to a dinner party at my friends Katherine and Giles’ house.  Joined by Heather and her husband Kirk, we had a fantastic vegan fest.  My contribution was this Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Recipe to come soon… I need to take some better pics. 🙂

 

3. Foodie Penpal

 

 

The revel isn’t until the end of the month… but my foodie penpal package arrived!  The box she shipped it in got me excited. 

 

4. PB&J Yogurt

 

 

This was is my new love.  How can you go wrong with anything PB&J-esque?  In my yogurt was:

  • 1 C Greek yogurt
  • 1 T peanut flour
  • 5-6 drops vanilla Stevia
  • 1/2 C strawberries

 

5. Softball Sunday

It was another softball Sunday!   We won one game and lost one.  No split this week though. 🙂

 

 

One of my teammates rides a unicycle.  I love this time of year. 

 

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I thought my knee was cured this weekend when I ran a mile pain-free.  Then I tried for 1.5 the next day and was back in pain… *sigh*

It’s more P90X for me.

 

Workout Recap (4/2 – 4/8):

  • Monday – This Pinned workout, P90X Chest/Back, Ab Ripper X
  • Tuesday – This Pinned workout, P90X Yoga
  • Wednesday – P90X Shoulders/Arms, Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – This Pinned workout, P90X Kenpo, 100 push-ups
  • Friday – P90X Legs/Back, 100 push-ups
  • Saturday – This Pinned workout, 4 mile walk, 1 mile run, Ab Ripper X
  • Sunday –  1.5 mile run, 2 softball games

 

***

I’m looking forward to a low-key week.  Knock on wood.

Has your mom ever driven to your house to check on you?

What was the best part about your weekend?

 

Catering, Cupcakes, and Chillaxing

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This was the sort of weekend where you stay so busy you aren’t really sure it ever happened.

Not that I’m complaining – catering and cupcakes iced with a little chillaxing is a good time.

This week I am looking forward to sharing some fun new recipes with you, but for today I’ll stick to the highlights.  Here is the Top 5 from a weekend so crazy that I was in bed by 11p last night (that’s unheard of for me).

1. Say Cheese

Though I spent a lot of time prepping Saturday’s catering gig, I took a little break to make a hummus, veggie, and cheese board.

A wandering afternoon in the cheese department while was supposed to be catering-shopping lead to the discovery of a new favorite cheese.  Mitica Quadrello di Bufala (buffalo’s milk cheese).

I’m not ashamed to admit… I couldn’t stay vegan for the love of cheese.

2. Wedding Shower Catering

This was my second “official” catering job and it went really well.  The event was a was a joint wedding shower for a bride and groom.  I was asked to come up with a “Southern” menu for ~30 people.

On the Menu:

  • Chipotle Roasted Corn Hummus (remember this from last summer?) with veggies and chips
  • Spring Endive Boats
  • Caper and Chive Deviled Eggs
  • Mac ‘n Cheese Minis
  • Whiskey BBQ Turkey Sliders
  • Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting

If it’s any indication of success, there was hardly any food leftover. 🙂

Recipes coming throughout the week!

3. Easter Bunny

Sunday I woke up still exhausted from the previous day’s catering; however, I was energized by the fact that the Easter Bunny had come!

I will always spend the night at my mom’s on holidays.  Shameless.

4. Poolside Mimosas

A girl’s day by the pool with my mom and baby sister was just what I needed.  That and a tasty mimosa.

We laid out, talked, and ate a poolside Easter lunch of watermelon salad, endive salad, pretzel bread, carrot soufflé, and mac ‘n cheese.  I was too busy chillaxing to take pics of any of it. #fail

5. More Cupcakes

4 dozen Chocolate-Nutella cupcakes in one weekend clearly wasn’t enough.  We came in from the pool and wanted something sweet.  Being a good kid, I whipped up some vanilla bean cupcakes to go with the last but of Nutella icing.

This recipe will be coming soon!

This week I was all about the P90X.  I’m still not following the prescribed program, but I did a workout with Tony Horton just about every day this week.  Good thing because my diet was abysmal.

#PROOF

Workout Recap (4/2 – 4/8):

  • Monday – P90X Shoulders/Arms, Ab Ripper X
  • Tuesday – This Tuesday Trainer Tabata workout from Lindsay (50 sec work, 10 secs rest, 2x), 6 min plank rotation, 100 push-ups
  • Wednesday – P90X Tris/Chest, Ab Ripper X
  • Thursday – P90X Cardio X, 100 push-ups
  • Friday – P90X Biceps/Back, Ab Ripper X
  • Saturday – 100 push-ups, 90 squats, rest/cater
  • Sunday –  P90X Plyo, 100 push-ups

***

And now the reveal you’ve all been waiting for.  What was the “lie” from Friday’s post?  #9 “Monday night I ate octopus for the first time.”  

Many of you guessed the right answer, but for the wrong reason.  I have NEVER eaten octopus.  The tentacles creep me out.

Did the Easter Bunny come visit you?

What food prevents you from ever going vegan/vegetarian, or – if you are vegan/vegetarian – what food was hardest for you to stop eating?

Being Serene

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Sunny weekends seem shorter.

 

I never want them to end!  

Before diving head first into a crazy week, here are the top 5 highlights that I remembered to take a picture of:

 

1. Serenbe Cooking Demo

While at my team’s retreat we were treated to a cooking demo by the founder of Serenbe, Marie Nygren.  Serenbe (“be serene” spelled backwards) is a small sustainable community just outside of Atlanta.  It reminds me of Seaside (where The Truman Show was filmed), but without the ocean.

 

Marie led us though a short cooking demo in her home.  She prepared collard greens two ways, kale, and cabbage.  It was all delicious… and her house was GORGEOUS!

 

 

2. *Almost* Justin Timberlake Sighting

Justin Timberlake is in Atlanta shooting “Trouble With the Curve,” with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams.  Below is the camera crew.  No Justin… but I swear I saw Jessica Biel walking down the street the other day.

 

 

3. Softball Sunday

My team won!!!  The second game.  

Our problem is that we aren’t morning people.  We don’t wake up until half way through the first game.

 

My groin woke up too early thanks to play at first base.  I did a full split and caught the ball for the out.  And pulled my groin.  Ouch.

 

 

4. Powdered Hummus?

On my weekly trip to Whole Paycheck Foods I came across hummus powder in the bulk bins.  The instructions say all you need to do is add is water and olive oil.

Does this sound awesome or weird?

I haven’t tried it yet, but will report back soon!  They also had a powdered black bean dip.

 

 

5. Green Thumb

I’ve mentioned before that I have killed every plant I have owned.  I even killed mint.  Yesterday I helped my mom plant flowers.

 

They are so pretty, right?!  I hope my black thumb doesn’t affect them.


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I miiiiight be allowed to try running again tomorrow.  I go back to the doc and he’s going to give me the green light.  Or not.  I’m a little nervous since by the end of softball today it was a little sore from running bases, but nothing like before.

This week was a little light on workout intensity… and the clean eating… but I’m not going to kick myself too hard over it.  Sometimes you just need to take it easy.

 

Workout Recap (3/26 – 4/1):

  • Monday – This BodyRock, stationary bike, 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – This workout by Lori, 100 push-ups, 20 mins of P90X Cardio… then quit in favor of playing tennis. 🙂
  • Wednesday – P90X Tris/Chest, Ab Ripper X
  • Thursday – This Pinned Workout (3x), 100 push-ups
  • Friday – Rest
  • Saturday – This BodyRock, Back/Bis, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday –  Softball 2x, P90X Plyo, 100 push-ups

 

***

I totally forgot it was April Fool’s yesterday.  We should have the whole month to mess with people!

Did you play any April Fool’s Pranks?

Have you seen powdered hummus before? Is it good?

 

Foodie Penpals + I’m a Joiner

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Remember having pen pals in elementary school?

They were the best!  I looked forward to getting a handwritten (*gasp*) note in the mail from my penal in Oklahoma.  The adult version of the tradition dreamed up by Lindsay is even better – it involves food!

My Foodie PenPal this month, Jennifer @ Peanut Butter & Peppers, sent me a big box of awesome:

From my pal Jennifer:

  • TJs Seaweed Snacks
  • Lucy’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (so flippin’ good)
  • SDT & Basil Quinoa
  • Sesame Wasa Crackers (my new fav work snack)
  • Roasted Almonds
  • Lara Bars
  • A cute mat to take pics on (such a cool blogger-gift idea!)
  • A hand-written note

To sign up for a Foodie PenPals in April, send an email to the brilliant Lindsay at theleangreenbean@gmail.com with the following info:

-Your full name
-Your email address
-Your blog name/address (if you’ve got one)
-Your twitter handle (if applicable)
-Whether you are a US resident or Canadian

Join in by April 4th as pairings will be emailed on April 5th!

I’m at a work retreat for the latter part of this week, so I’m a bit light on the post today.  Translation: perfect time for a survey post!

You may have seen this “ABCs” survey circling the blog world… I’m about 2+ weeks behind the times, but thought I’d finally be a joiner. 🙂

A is for age: 28.  When did I get so close to 30?!

B is for breakfast today: Nothing yet, but it will be conference food (which is 100x better than average, I must say).

C is for currently craving: Kombucha!  Since I’ve been travelling, it’s been 3 days without!!!

D is for dinner tonight: I’m going to a mother-daughter dinner with my mom, my BFF, and her mom.  Atlanta, beware!

E is for favorite type of exercise: Weight lifting!  Although not being able to run has really made me appreciate/crave running.

F is for an irrational fear: Roaches.  I can’t handle them.

G is for gross food: I know this is weird, but I cannot STAND white potatoes.

H is for hometown: Atlanta.  Where that playas play.

I is for something important: Being the best you possible.  Why bother doing anything half way?

J is for current favorite jam: Tough choice!!!  Anything by Mumford & Sons.

K is for kids: I know what causes that… nothankyou.

L is for current location: In my cute cottage at my work retreat.

M is for the most recent way you spent money: I bit the bullet and bought the VitaMix.  Best purchasing decision EVER.

N is for something you need:  A good sweat.  If I don’t get moving for at least for 15 mins every day, I start pacing like a caged animal.

O is for occupation:  Consulting in the area of Sales Effectiveness.

P is for pet peeve: When servers start clearing plates before everyone is done.  In the words of Stephanie Tanner, “How rude!”

Q is for a quote:  “You can do anything you want to if you want to badly enough.” – My Dad

R is for random fact about you: I would love to do a tri, but I can’t swim.  Actually, I downright hate swimming.

S is for favorite healthy snack: I legit LOVE healthy snacks – protein shakes or chia pudding are my go-tos.  Loved this Roasted Beet and Orange. 

Unhealthy Snack: Hmmm… my snacks really aren’t bad.  Desserts are my weakness. Warm chocolate chip cookies, anyone?

T is for favorite treat: Really, really good wine (Amarone, anyone?) and chocolate cake.  Preferably together.

U is for something that makes you unique: I’m special just like everyone else!  Maybe having played roller derby? That’s a pretty cool adventure.

This is me breaking my jaw.

V is for favorite vegetable: Spinach!  Every smoothie I make is a peculiar shade of green. 🙂

W is for today’s workout: A quick HIIT thing in my room this morning.

X is for X-rays you’ve had: Jaw (see letter U), teeth, knee (fractured)… I think that’s it (surprisingly).

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Meeting my new colleagues AND doing a “Cooking Experience” activity with the founder of Serenbe.

Z is for your time zone: East Coast, represent!

***

I always say this… but I really mean it this week… TGIF!!!

What are you up to this weekend?  Any races?

Time for your quiz!  Pick a few letters and tell me a little more about YOU.  Please. 🙂

Narcissism + WIAW

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Facebook is an indicator of narcissism.

Raise your hand if you’re in trouble…

According to a recent study, there is a link between the number of “friends” you have and narcissism.  The participants were assessed on the based on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI).  Who knew that even existed?!

The study wasn’t fully representative, but the theory is that a high friend count indicates you need excessive attention.

Clearly these people never played in a ~100 person roller derby league or went to grad school.  That’s like 50% of my friend count!

 

But I digress.  Today is the last  green themed What I Ate Wednesday!  Give my day of eats some attention, and then give Jenn’s blog some attention by clicking here to see what everyone chowed down on.

 

Breakfast:

I was in a rush, so I did a quick 15 min HIIT workout before breakfast… which left me starving.  I scarfed another Raspberry Barked Oatmeal To-Go (perfect in-a-hurry-meal), along with slices of the best grapefruit I’ve ever eaten.

This fruit was so sweet I couldn’t believe it wasn’t an orange or maybe an Ugli fruit.

Lunch:

Again with the busy theme, I ate lunch on the road.  Literally – I was driving with my knees with a cell phone in one hand and my burrito bowl in the other.

Safe, I know… at least is didn’t try to take a picture!

I wish I had gotten a pic because Willy’s is the only Mexi-rito chain I have seen that offers tofu.  Vegan tofu burrito bowl, FTW.

Snacks:

Random, but yummy:

  • Cashews
  • Squash sticks dipped in marinara
  • TJ’s Sweet Potato Chips + Eggplant Garlic Dip (sooooo good!)
  • Grapes
  • Beer… it was a pre-tennis snack! 🙂
  • Rick’s Picks Mean Beans – spicy pickle green beans

Dinner:

A quick post-tennis veggie stir-fry served with apple slices, and seed bread over a bed of mixed greens.

In my quickie stir-fry:

  • Yellow cauliflower
  • Squash and zucchini
  • Collard greens
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Liquid aminos
  • Thyme
  • S+P

Dessert:

One of these Chewy Granola Cookies from the freezer.  I love a low-sugar quickie dessert.  I may have had 2.

***

In the theme of narcissism…. it’s the last time I’ll post my weekly vote plea.  A nomination as a “Best Healthy Eating Blog” for the 2012 Fitterati Blog Awards on FitnessMagazine.com blew me away.  I know I’m never going to reach the 1000+ vote mark, but I’d be honored if you felt inclined to click here and vote for me. 🙂

What is your favorite burrito-chain order?

Let’s talk Facebook… do you believe the theory?  How narcissistic are you?

Manic Monday

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I wish it was Sunday…

‘Cause that’s my fun day.

There was not an inch of free space on any Atlanta patio yesterday.  The weather was perfect – 70 degrees and clear blue skies.

My softball team, Laid Back, had our first games of the season.  We lost both by 1 run… but we had a great time!  I got to do my signature split off of 1st base.  I think I pulled my hip.

Super-old pic!

Here are a few more things that made this weekend fabulous:

1. My Sister, the Rockstar

Have a listen to Goose & Fox’s (my sister’s band) new song, “Fearless.”

 

2. iHerb Delivery

This was my first time ordering from iHerb.com and I was really pleased!  I ordered Sun Warrior vegan protein powder (my favorite) and more peanut flour.  They even threw in a sample bag of tea!  Orders over $40 receive FREE 1-3 day shipping.  I had my goods the NEXT DAY.  Perfect for someone who expects instant gratification.

Additionally, I got $10 off my order because it was my first time.  If you are interested, here’s the code: USO924.

3. Monday Night Brewing

Just when I thought I knew ever beer in Atlanta, I found this local craft brew from Monday Night Brewing at a local pub called Augustine’s.

The glass reads: “Weekends are Overrated.”

I should have stolen this glass.

It is called “Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale.”  A little smoky with notes of chocolate, I instantly loved this cleverly-named  Scottish-style brew.  Tasty beer and the company was even better. 😉

4. Tattoo Consultation

I have been planning this tattoo forever.  After procrastinating on the design, I finally asked my best friend’s husband, Greg, to sketch it out for me.  He did a great job on the sketches, and I had a clear vision to bring to the talented Danielle at Only You Tattoo.  It’s really special to me that Greg drew it; he and my bestie mean the world to me.

Danielle is a talented woman – April 28th was her first available appointment.  I’m 1 month away from new ink!

5. Whole Foods Hot Mess Bar

A little Sunday evening dinner treat.  The bar was LOADED with vegan options tonight – BBQ seitan, tofu cacciatore, vegan mac & cheese, vegan spaghetti with “meat” sauce… and raw kale salads galore!

I also ran into one of my favorite singers in the produce sections… I didn’t say hi…. but it was cool!

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Last week I mentioned that I may have found the root of the problem with my knee.  I was told to take it easy this week… I kind of did.  Against advice, I did run in the softball game.  It was just short sprints between bases… but I didn’t feel pain!  *crossing fingers*

 

Running makes me feel more sane.  It’s my release.  Saturday morning 5Ks give me something fun and athletic to look forward to every weekend.  If Dr. Justin fixed it… I’ll set up a shrine to him in my room.  LOL!

Workout Recap (3/18 – 3/25):

***

I’m speaking to a bunch of MBAs at my alma mater today about post-careers… nervous!!

Have you tried peanut flour yet?  What are you waiting for?!

What do you do to keep your mind healthy?

Double Feature

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Remember double features at the movie theater?

 

You could pay for one ticket and see 2 movies.  Some of you just snuck in, I know. 😉

I haven’t seen them do that in so long!  We should start a petition to bring it back in time for Oscar season next year.  This year I spent too much money going to see the nominees.  And I did NOT like Shame.

 

While this post has nothing to do with movies, it does contain some features!

First up, I was THRILLED (and shocked) when Fitness Magazine reached out to me and asked if I’d be willing to do an interview and submit a recipe for a spot in their “Fit Blogger We Love” series.

 

 

Click here for the full interview and to find out what my fitness mantra is.

 

Feature #2 is a guest post.  I’m guesting Kimberly @ Badger Girl Learns to Cook (not to be confused with Honey Badger).

 

 

Click here to check out my reasons for seasonal eating, and for one of my favorite spring recipes: Meyer Lemon Ricotta Penne with Asparagus.

Note to my plant-based peeps: You can use the “cheese” from the recipe in the Fitness Mag feature to make the penne dish vegan.

 

Annnnd a Bonus Feature:

My Raspberry Baked Oatmeal To-Go made the Food Buzz Top 9 today!

 

 

Thank you SO MUCH for the Buzz, and welcome new readers!

***

My mantra right now is “one more day until Friday!”

What was your favorite Oscar-nominated move this year?

Do you have a fitness mantra?  What is it?

 

Raspberry Baked Oatmeal To-Go

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I am not a morning person.

After hitting snooze too many a few times, I’m forced to race through my morning routine.  I squeeze in a quick workout, shower, try to make my face look presentable for work, and inhale breakfast.  This means I NEVER have time for something a decadent as baked oatmeal.

That is until now.

In honor of National Nutrition Month I was contacted by a representative from Driscoll’s Berries to share a recipe I use to fuel up.  I was not compensated in any way; the only stipulation was that the recipe must use fresh raspberries as an ingredient.

Berries are one of the seasonal spring items I most look forward to.  Aside from the deliciously sweet taste they add to dishes, they also pack a ton of nutrients.  Raspberries have a high fiber content and are rich in antioxidants, which can fight inflammation and degenerative disease processes in the body.

Baked oatmeal is a favorite breakfast in my house.  Until recently it was also a rare breakfast.  Who has time to bake in the morning?!

Then light bulb went off.  Pre-Baked Oatmeal.

These baked oatmeal bites were made in advance to be frozen.  All you have to do is grab one or two from the freezer and pop it in the microwave to defrost.

Baking these in muffin liners is especially convenient for shoveling delicately eating your oatmeal on the run.

Bananas help to bind these together; and those bananas with the pieces of raspberry provide pleasant bites of sweetness.  Depending on your berries and bananas, you may not need to add any sweetener!  It’s still early in the season, so I added a bit of liquid Stevia.

These also make for a great snack while cheerleading. 🙂

Not in the mood for berries?  Check out the Sweet Potato version!

These baked oatmeal bites can be made in advance and frozen for a quick breakfast or snack. All you have to do is grab one or two from the freezer and pop it in the microwave to defrost!

Raspberry Baked Oatmeal To-Go

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 C raspberries, lightly mashed
  • 1 egg (I used a flax egg – 1T ground flax + 3T water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract
  • 2 C rolled oats
  • 1 T cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 drops liquid stevia
  • 3/4 C unsweetened almond milk (or other liquid)
  • Topping ideas: Walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, shredded coconut

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, or grease with cooking spray

Mix together banana, raspberries, flax egg, and extracts.  Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and sweetener.  Mix in milk and stir until combined.

Pour batter evenly into tins.  Sprinkle with desired toppings, pressing lightly into batter.

Bake 20-25 mins, or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Enjoy a few fresh, and allow the remaining to cool completely before placing in a freezer bag for storage.  For a quick breakfast, remove muffin from the freezer and microwave ~30 seconds (until warmed through).

Note: Depending on the size and ripeness of bananas, you may need to adjust amount of liquid used.  Don’t worry if you don’t have maple extract; you can also use maple syrup (be sure to adjust sweeteners) or omit.

Makes 12 muffins.

***

Warning: these muffins won’t last very long. 

What is your favorite spring produce?

Do you take time of a nice breakfast, or eat on the go?

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