Florida was really nice. The best part was getting to just hang out and relax. The kids were disappointed that I never did go swimming with them, but when the air temp is 75 and there was a torrential downpour the day before, I know that the water is not going to be where I like it. I'll do lots of swimming this summer.
I did go out walking three mornings. The first day was too hot by the time we got there, and the last day, I had some blisters that hurt too much to walk on. Yesterday, though, I put on my old shoes and had no problems. I do need to get real walking shoes, though. My wintry boots are fine for now, when it's still (STILL!) cold and wet out, but by the time I can wear shorts to walk, I'll need something else.
The other item on my agenda is grocery shopping. I discovered Chobani Greek yogurt in Florida, and can't believe how amazing it is. I know I won't be able to get it just anywhere, but it's worth hunting down. Vegetables are what are really lacking in the kitchen right now, though. I don't know that I'll bother making up any big new recipes, since the kids won't be back for a while, but I definitely want to have all my healthy choices around.
In fact, I'm trying to take this kid-free time to really be focused on being healthy, making sure I eat right and get lots of exercise. Cleaning up the accumulated junk from the bedroom & basement would be a nice bonus.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Dance to the Music
More like walk to the music, but you get the point.
I put some songs on the Wii, and it really does help. During my first walk with it, I finally broke the 3/mph mark, which has taken me surprisingly long to do. I didn't put a million songs on, because I'm trying to do this on a budget. I was very selective, only choosing songs that I thought would help keep me moving. This meant that some songs that I really love will never reach my MP3.
Sting's Fields of Gold? Not a chance. We'll be Together? Definitely. In addition to being pretty peppy, it was my go-to song when I was getting ready to go out when I was at Idaho State, so nostalgia puts it over the top. Disappointingly, it didn't really kick me into overdrive the way I expected. The two superstars in that area are Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation and Gloria Estefan's Everlasting Love. Apparently, I have a heart of glittery disco (shudder).
I also wanted to make sure I kept it as mixed up as possible, so no more than one song per artist (exception made for the Blues Brothers, because I already had those on the computer and didn't have to pay extra). So it was Revolution from the Beatles, but not Back in the USSR. Not yet, anyway.
I only have fewer than two dozen songs on so far, and that's a good start, but it isn't much variety. (and I still can't figure out how to set the thing to "random"--it's a Shuffle, so why does it keep playing everything in order?) I've decided that if I hit my walking goals every month, I'll reward myself with some new songs. This month's goal is 50 miles; I've done 19 so far.
I found an interesting web site that will certainly help me come up with ideas: jog.fm It lists a bunch of songs, including the beats per minute. For example, Queen's We Will Rock You has 90 bpm, but Hammer to Fall has 137. Guess which one goes in the "want" category? Again, it isn't because I think it's a better song; it's because it will keep me moving.
If I had more time, I'd go through all the CDs we have--I'm pretty sure I paid to download something we already own, and anyone who knows me knows that I can't stand the thought of that. But we're in a bit of a time crunch right now, so maybe next week I'll have some more time and make that happen.
I put some songs on the Wii, and it really does help. During my first walk with it, I finally broke the 3/mph mark, which has taken me surprisingly long to do. I didn't put a million songs on, because I'm trying to do this on a budget. I was very selective, only choosing songs that I thought would help keep me moving. This meant that some songs that I really love will never reach my MP3.
Sting's Fields of Gold? Not a chance. We'll be Together? Definitely. In addition to being pretty peppy, it was my go-to song when I was getting ready to go out when I was at Idaho State, so nostalgia puts it over the top. Disappointingly, it didn't really kick me into overdrive the way I expected. The two superstars in that area are Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation and Gloria Estefan's Everlasting Love. Apparently, I have a heart of glittery disco (shudder).
I also wanted to make sure I kept it as mixed up as possible, so no more than one song per artist (exception made for the Blues Brothers, because I already had those on the computer and didn't have to pay extra). So it was Revolution from the Beatles, but not Back in the USSR. Not yet, anyway.
I only have fewer than two dozen songs on so far, and that's a good start, but it isn't much variety. (and I still can't figure out how to set the thing to "random"--it's a Shuffle, so why does it keep playing everything in order?) I've decided that if I hit my walking goals every month, I'll reward myself with some new songs. This month's goal is 50 miles; I've done 19 so far.
I found an interesting web site that will certainly help me come up with ideas: jog.fm It lists a bunch of songs, including the beats per minute. For example, Queen's We Will Rock You has 90 bpm, but Hammer to Fall has 137. Guess which one goes in the "want" category? Again, it isn't because I think it's a better song; it's because it will keep me moving.
If I had more time, I'd go through all the CDs we have--I'm pretty sure I paid to download something we already own, and anyone who knows me knows that I can't stand the thought of that. But we're in a bit of a time crunch right now, so maybe next week I'll have some more time and make that happen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Surreal
I had quite the "Hello, Dali" moment yesterday. All of us got new glasses, and when I put mine on in the store, I had that period of adjustment where things are suddenly MUCH clearer than before. My previous glasses were old, out of prescription, and badly scratched. The new ones are amazing. At first, everything seemed too close, but then I got the standard "everything is farther away" feeling that comes with new glasses for a severely nearsighted person. (By the way, America's Best is a great place!)
When I was driving in the car, I felt much higher up--like I was driving a pickup or minivan. When I got out of the car, it was even more dramatic. "I'm tall!" I thought. Yes, I am tall; I know that, but seldom give it more than a passing thought. Yesterday, I felt like a giant! Not only did the ground seem farther away, I actually felt like my head was closer to the trees. So I guess more of an Alice in Wonderland moment instead of Dali.
A small part of me is actually tempted to put the old glasses back on, because I think it would make it easier to get things done today if I was just back to "normal." I won't do it, of course. This is normal now and I need to get used to it.
When I was driving in the car, I felt much higher up--like I was driving a pickup or minivan. When I got out of the car, it was even more dramatic. "I'm tall!" I thought. Yes, I am tall; I know that, but seldom give it more than a passing thought. Yesterday, I felt like a giant! Not only did the ground seem farther away, I actually felt like my head was closer to the trees. So I guess more of an Alice in Wonderland moment instead of Dali.
A small part of me is actually tempted to put the old glasses back on, because I think it would make it easier to get things done today if I was just back to "normal." I won't do it, of course. This is normal now and I need to get used to it.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Not Happening
I told Jeff that I'd like to take over a lot of the lawn mowing duties now that it's warmed up. Good exercise, right? We have both a push mower and a gas mower. I greatly prefer the push mower--no fumes, no noise, and I don't have to kill myself to get it started. Unfortunately, the blades aren't very sharp, and it's as likely to bend the grass as to cut it. Also unfortunately, the drive belt on the gas mower is broken, so when using that, it has to be substantially manhandled across the grass.
Since neither mower is exactly optimal, we've really let the lawn go. Jeff powered through the front over the weekend, and I told him I'd have a go at the back today. First, I got out the gas mower, but couldn't get it started. I got out the push mower, and started across the lawn. I was pleased at how it was going at first, even though it was tough going. Then (of course) I stepped into a hole and fell (the ground is very uneven in that part of the yard). Oddly, the fall wasn't the most painful part; that was when I hit the ground, and some blades of grass apparently went right into my ear canal. For a second, I was checking my ear for blood, because it did hurt that much and that's the kind of weird injury I tend to get.
At that point, I knew I wasn't going to get the whole lawn done. I was about to pack it in altogether, but ended up doing a small patch up by the garage. In order to get the rest of it done, Jeff will have to help me get the mower started, or do it himself (looking better and better!)
The best part of all this is that I didn't dislocate or break anything, or even do enough damage to cause a limp, which is unusual enough to be notable. :)
Since neither mower is exactly optimal, we've really let the lawn go. Jeff powered through the front over the weekend, and I told him I'd have a go at the back today. First, I got out the gas mower, but couldn't get it started. I got out the push mower, and started across the lawn. I was pleased at how it was going at first, even though it was tough going. Then (of course) I stepped into a hole and fell (the ground is very uneven in that part of the yard). Oddly, the fall wasn't the most painful part; that was when I hit the ground, and some blades of grass apparently went right into my ear canal. For a second, I was checking my ear for blood, because it did hurt that much and that's the kind of weird injury I tend to get.
At that point, I knew I wasn't going to get the whole lawn done. I was about to pack it in altogether, but ended up doing a small patch up by the garage. In order to get the rest of it done, Jeff will have to help me get the mower started, or do it himself (looking better and better!)
The best part of all this is that I didn't dislocate or break anything, or even do enough damage to cause a limp, which is unusual enough to be notable. :)
Sunday, May 08, 2011
It's A Bore!
Apologies to Lerner & Lowe.
It's charging up right now, and I have to put a few songs on it before I head out, but I've already got a whole list of music I want that is strictly to get me moving and enjoying my walks more. More on that later. Right now it's time to get my playlist started!
It's a bore!
Just a chore!
Walking on the street
Thinking of what to eat
Trying not to trip
Sure that my feet will slip
It's a bore!
To my core!
See the flowers
Hear the birds
Same as I saw
Sam as I heard
Every single other day
Long before the month of May
It's a bore!
And a snore!
I could go on and on, because that's the tune that was running through my head when I went out walking yesterday, and it's been my attitude for a while now. I had an MP3 player from a long time ago, but it slowly died on me, to my severe frustration. I hinted to Jeff that I'd like a new one (read: "I really want a Shuffle for Mother's Day."), and of course he came through.Just a chore!
Walking on the street
Thinking of what to eat
Trying not to trip
Sure that my feet will slip
It's a bore!
To my core!
See the flowers
Hear the birds
Same as I saw
Sam as I heard
Every single other day
Long before the month of May
It's a bore!
And a snore!
It's charging up right now, and I have to put a few songs on it before I head out, but I've already got a whole list of music I want that is strictly to get me moving and enjoying my walks more. More on that later. Right now it's time to get my playlist started!
Friday, May 06, 2011
Jimmy John's
Beach Club Unwich is very tasty. For less than $6 and under 400 calories, it's great. When you missed lunch, it's unbeatable!!!
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Biscuit Results
I made the biscuits from CI Best Light Recipe last night, and was pretty satisfied with how they turned out. They were considerably more work than my mom's biscuits, and somewhat smaller, but still light, fluffy and tasty. And for 150 calories each, I ended up having two.
When I asked what everyone thought, Jeff said that the true test of a biscuit was putting sausage gravy over the top. I laughed, because ANY biscuit is tasty when it's slathered in yummy sausage gravy!
End result? I'll continue to make them. That's another one to put in the "win" column for this cookbook.
When I asked what everyone thought, Jeff said that the true test of a biscuit was putting sausage gravy over the top. I laughed, because ANY biscuit is tasty when it's slathered in yummy sausage gravy!
End result? I'll continue to make them. That's another one to put in the "win" column for this cookbook.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Story Problem Results
- I went to all three stores.
- I think I got hit on.
- Razor blades are too expensive--I've decided I prefer Jeff scruffy. I don't think he shares this preference.
- Tonight will be Breakfast for Dinner, a perennial favorite. Specifically, bacon, scrambled eggs & biscuits.
- I'll be trying the biscuit recipe from CI Best Light Recipe instead of making the classic via my mom's recipe. We'll see how they turn out.
- Last night I made an Apricot/Orange glaze from CIBLR and poured it over leftover pork chops, red peppers, and steamed broccoli, and it was good but not great.
- Of the four recipes I've made from CIBLR, one has been spectacular (Cinnamon Rolls), two have been ok but not amazing, and one was not good (oil & vinegar dressing--too watery).
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
A Story Problem
If gas is $4.20/gallon, is it cheaper to go to Aldi for flour, sugar, eggs & other staples, Randazzo's for fruits & vegetables, and Meijer for meat, Old Bay seasoning, and other miscellaneous things that I can't get at the other two, or should I make one trip to Meijer and grumble about how things are cheaper elsewhere?
My preference would be to hit Aldi & Randazzo's--less than a mile apart--and leave Meijer out of it altogether, but that might not be an option. There's also a smaller grocery store that frequently has good deals on meat, but it's about as far away as Meijer, so the gas issue remains.
This story problem obviously doesn't give us enough information. I need to plan our week's meals and make a grocery list first.
My preference would be to hit Aldi & Randazzo's--less than a mile apart--and leave Meijer out of it altogether, but that might not be an option. There's also a smaller grocery store that frequently has good deals on meat, but it's about as far away as Meijer, so the gas issue remains.
This story problem obviously doesn't give us enough information. I need to plan our week's meals and make a grocery list first.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
April Stats, May Goals
Unfortunately, I'm still down off the wagon. Trying again tomorrow. Interestingly, looking at my exercise stats has told quite a tale. All this exercise, and yet I got almost none this past week. Maybe setting new exercise goals will be the kick in the pants I need. (I did get two miles today for the Farmington Crop Walk, but I can only guess how long it took.)
Total exercise time
April goal: 15 hours
April results: 23.9 hours
May goal: 27 hours
Average daily time
April goal: 30 minutes
April results: 49.4 minutes
May goal: 60 minutes
Number of days exercising
(some days were walking, some were Wii, some were both)
April goal: 25
April results: 26
May goal: 27
Number of days walking
April goal: 20
April results: 17
May goal: 23
Total distance walked
April goal: 30 miles
April results: 31.23 miles
May goal: 50 miles
These are considerably more ambitious goals than I had last month. The thing is, when I'm in the groove, it's easy to get 60 minutes of exercise. That's a 45 minute walk and 15 minutes on the Wii. And the weather should finally warm up a bit and maybe stop raining for a second or two, so that would help.
I've noticed something about my walks, though. Last time I was in the healthy groove, walking was a pleasure. I really looked forward to it. Now, walking is more of a chore. It's just another thing to check off of my to do list. I do it because I'm supposed to, not because I want to. I've got something in mind that will hopefully change that, but that's another blog post.
Total exercise time
April goal: 15 hours
April results: 23.9 hours
May goal: 27 hours
Average daily time
April goal: 30 minutes
April results: 49.4 minutes
May goal: 60 minutes
Number of days exercising
(some days were walking, some were Wii, some were both)
April goal: 25
April results: 26
May goal: 27
Number of days walking
April goal: 20
April results: 17
May goal: 23
Total distance walked
April goal: 30 miles
April results: 31.23 miles
May goal: 50 miles
These are considerably more ambitious goals than I had last month. The thing is, when I'm in the groove, it's easy to get 60 minutes of exercise. That's a 45 minute walk and 15 minutes on the Wii. And the weather should finally warm up a bit and maybe stop raining for a second or two, so that would help.
I've noticed something about my walks, though. Last time I was in the healthy groove, walking was a pleasure. I really looked forward to it. Now, walking is more of a chore. It's just another thing to check off of my to do list. I do it because I'm supposed to, not because I want to. I've got something in mind that will hopefully change that, but that's another blog post.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Getting Back Up
This past week, I've kind of fallen off the Healthy Wagon. Well, "fallen off" isn't really the most accurate term. "Swan Dive" is probably closer to it.
So now it's time to get back up, put down the Easter candy, and go for a walk. Today, all day, I will make good choices.
So now it's time to get back up, put down the Easter candy, and go for a walk. Today, all day, I will make good choices.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Still no head
Skirts got finished (though I want to tweak Lauren's), tops were found, walking was done (though not nearly enough to balance out the yumminess of Easter dinners), and now it's a new week.
I work today, morning and evening, tomorrow is Scouts & potluck for Lauren, Wednesday is Scouts for Sarah (she needs to bring mulled cider & custard) and I work that evening, Thursday is an open house/pictures/potluck and then I scramble right to work, and I work Friday morning. It's supposed to rain most of the week, again.
I'm glad the oven is fixed, but I can't imagine having the time to bake much of anything.
I work today, morning and evening, tomorrow is Scouts & potluck for Lauren, Wednesday is Scouts for Sarah (she needs to bring mulled cider & custard) and I work that evening, Thursday is an open house/pictures/potluck and then I scramble right to work, and I work Friday morning. It's supposed to rain most of the week, again.
I'm glad the oven is fixed, but I can't imagine having the time to bake much of anything.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Chicken, sans Head
Gonna be busy the next few days.
Tasks include:
Soooo . . . think I should get off the computer? Uh . . . yeah.
Tasks include:
- make Sarah's Easter skirt--so easy, I'll probably let her do it herself (tomorrow)
- Lauren's skirt is more complicated, so it's all on me (today)
- find Easter tops to go with the skirts (today or tomorrow)
- get the oven fixed, finally! (tomorrow)
- buy myself some Easter clothes (today)
- work (tonight)
- check out cyber-school information with a friend (today or tomorrow--there is a deadline for this, so it can't wait)
- haircuts for girls (tomorrow)
- new glasses (was hoping to do it last weekend, but we're waiting to hear back about a deal at America's Best, so it's on hold)
- WALK (today, tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday)
- dinner with Jeff's family (Saturday)
- dinner with my family (Sunday)
Soooo . . . think I should get off the computer? Uh . . . yeah.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Dragon Fruit
I've heard of Dragon Fruit before, and even seen them used in cooking shows. But I'd never seen one live and in the flesh, so to speak. So when we saw them at the produce market last week, the kids begged to get one. Hmmm . . . $4 for one piece of fruit. That's kind of a lot, especially when you don't know if anyone will even like it.
But I do try to get new foods, so we took a chance. It's an unusual-looking thing, pink on the outside, white on the inside with little black seeds. I knew to take off the skin and only eat the inside.
The taste was pretty mild. Sweet, but not overly so. The seeds were a nice crunch (as opposed to pomegranate seeds, which I dislike). Actually, I had expected more flavor. So it was nice to buy, but it won't go into standard rotation in our fruit bowl, even if it is regularly available.
But I do try to get new foods, so we took a chance. It's an unusual-looking thing, pink on the outside, white on the inside with little black seeds. I knew to take off the skin and only eat the inside.
The taste was pretty mild. Sweet, but not overly so. The seeds were a nice crunch (as opposed to pomegranate seeds, which I dislike). Actually, I had expected more flavor. So it was nice to buy, but it won't go into standard rotation in our fruit bowl, even if it is regularly available.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cold
It's spring, which means that sometimes it's nice out, and sometimes it's cold. Bitterly, miserably cold. Too cold to do anything except stay in the house and get the warm socks back on your feet.
It's also too cold to go out for a walk, at least for me. This presents a problem. Yes, I can still do the Wii Fit Plus. I did it yesterday for 90 minutes over the course of the day. Sixty of those minutes were spent doing Basic Step, which is just stepping on and off the platform for 10 or 20 minutes. Having loud, energetic music helps make the time pass faster. But for whatever reason, it is not the same as walking.
I've already walked 14 days this month, out of my goal of 20. That's great, but I'd really rather walk outdoors as frequently as I can.
We have some errands to do today, and I'm working tonight, so if I am going to walk, I need to do it soon. I should suck it up and go do it right now, but I'm pretty certain that I'm going to spend as little time as possible outside today.
It's also too cold to go out for a walk, at least for me. This presents a problem. Yes, I can still do the Wii Fit Plus. I did it yesterday for 90 minutes over the course of the day. Sixty of those minutes were spent doing Basic Step, which is just stepping on and off the platform for 10 or 20 minutes. Having loud, energetic music helps make the time pass faster. But for whatever reason, it is not the same as walking.
I've already walked 14 days this month, out of my goal of 20. That's great, but I'd really rather walk outdoors as frequently as I can.
We have some errands to do today, and I'm working tonight, so if I am going to walk, I need to do it soon. I should suck it up and go do it right now, but I'm pretty certain that I'm going to spend as little time as possible outside today.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Shot Down Again
Another new recipe, down in flames. Oh, well--I fully plan to make it again, with a few tweaks.
Whole Wheat Pasta + Cauliflower+ Red Pepper+ Shallot + Mushrooms + Broccoli + Carrot + Yellow Squash + Evaporated Milk + Cornstarch + Parmesan = Pasta Primavera, light style.
I blanched or sauteed the vegetables, boiled the pasta, and added the milk (some of it mixed with the cornstarch to make a slurry) and combined everything in a big serving bowl. It was not overly saucy, but there was definitely too much pasta. I also think I could have skipped the cheese, or rather left it on the table to sprinkle on top.
I thought it was good, but could have been better. Jeff thought it was OK. Lauren wouldn't stop talking about how she hated it until I added some salt & pepper (it really did need it, for all of us) and reminded her that there was garlic bread. Then she loved it. Sarah didn't much care for it, until I started talking about adding protein. Shrimp didn't interest her (I'm really trying to find a shrimp recipe we love, without a lot of success so far), ham is not a popular option with her, but bacon made her eyes light up. So, maybe I'll try a little bacon next time.
Bacon--is there anything it can't do?
Whole Wheat Pasta + Cauliflower+ Red Pepper+ Shallot + Mushrooms + Broccoli + Carrot + Yellow Squash + Evaporated Milk + Cornstarch + Parmesan = Pasta Primavera, light style.
I blanched or sauteed the vegetables, boiled the pasta, and added the milk (some of it mixed with the cornstarch to make a slurry) and combined everything in a big serving bowl. It was not overly saucy, but there was definitely too much pasta. I also think I could have skipped the cheese, or rather left it on the table to sprinkle on top.
I thought it was good, but could have been better. Jeff thought it was OK. Lauren wouldn't stop talking about how she hated it until I added some salt & pepper (it really did need it, for all of us) and reminded her that there was garlic bread. Then she loved it. Sarah didn't much care for it, until I started talking about adding protein. Shrimp didn't interest her (I'm really trying to find a shrimp recipe we love, without a lot of success so far), ham is not a popular option with her, but bacon made her eyes light up. So, maybe I'll try a little bacon next time.
Bacon--is there anything it can't do?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
March Stats, April Goals
I didn't start exercising until March 7, so these aren't for a complete month.
Total exercise time
March: 8.8 hours
April goal: 15 hours
Average daily time
March: 21 minutes
April goal: 30 minutes
Number of days exercising
(some days were walking, some were Wii, some were both)
March: 19
April goal: 25
Number of days walking
March: 9
April goal: 20
Total distance walked
March: 10.93 miles
April goal: 30
Total exercise time
March: 8.8 hours
April goal: 15 hours
Average daily time
March: 21 minutes
April goal: 30 minutes
Number of days exercising
(some days were walking, some were Wii, some were both)
March: 19
April goal: 25
Number of days walking
March: 9
April goal: 20
Total distance walked
March: 10.93 miles
April goal: 30
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Exercise
I read a really interesting article yesterday, Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin. The premise is that 1) bursts of intense energy aren't enough to burn lots of calories, 2) you're more likely to indulge in high calorie foods after an intense workout, and 3) you're less likely to be active outside the gym. Aerobic exercise is great for your heart and even your mind, but it doesn't necessarily help you lose weight. What seems to be more effective is frequent activity throughout the day.
Here's where the forehead slap comes in. How many times have I said that I was at my healthiest/skinniest after I came back from Switzerland, because while I was there, I never stopped moving? Walking everywhere, chasing the kids, running up & down stairs, hanging up & taking down laundry--I rarely sat down during the day except for meals, and maybe to polish shoes or silver.
I know this stuff, intellectually. But it hasn't changed how I'm living now. I am very sedentary. I spend most of my time on the computer, reading, or watching TV at night. So now I'm trying to be more active even while I'm at home. I did three loads of laundry yesterday, and instead of having the kids take the clothes from the washer to the dryer (they're on opposite sides of the basement--don't ask) and bring the dry laundry upstairs, I did it solo. Instead of not going downstairs for days on end, I'm going to make it a goal to go up and down the stairs at least three times a day (and actually work down there on those trips--bonus!). It's still too cold for outside walks, so I'll try to do 15 - 20 minutes on the Wii twice each day, instead of just once. I'm not as concerned with intensity as I am with frequency and total time.
Here's where the forehead slap comes in. How many times have I said that I was at my healthiest/skinniest after I came back from Switzerland, because while I was there, I never stopped moving? Walking everywhere, chasing the kids, running up & down stairs, hanging up & taking down laundry--I rarely sat down during the day except for meals, and maybe to polish shoes or silver.
I know this stuff, intellectually. But it hasn't changed how I'm living now. I am very sedentary. I spend most of my time on the computer, reading, or watching TV at night. So now I'm trying to be more active even while I'm at home. I did three loads of laundry yesterday, and instead of having the kids take the clothes from the washer to the dryer (they're on opposite sides of the basement--don't ask) and bring the dry laundry upstairs, I did it solo. Instead of not going downstairs for days on end, I'm going to make it a goal to go up and down the stairs at least three times a day (and actually work down there on those trips--bonus!). It's still too cold for outside walks, so I'll try to do 15 - 20 minutes on the Wii twice each day, instead of just once. I'm not as concerned with intensity as I am with frequency and total time.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spaghetti Dinner
Every year, our church's youth group hosts a spaghetti dinner as their big mission trip fundraiser. Ever year is a different theme; this year was "International Night." Sarah took India--no surprise there!
The servers are all the teens in the youth group, and they work really hard. Sarah got there at 8AM and didn't leave until after 8PM. The spaghetti sauce is all made from scratch, with fresh parsley, basil and oregano. Stripping all those herbs took a while, even with six of us doing it!
Most of the kids did black pants and a t-shirt for their country--one of the girls at the "France" table wore a very cute beret. Luckily, we have some Hindi friends who let us have some clothes and borrow a few table decorations and jewelry. Sarah got a lot of compliments on her outfit.
There is also a paper bag raffle, where people donate items. Each item has a paper bag in front of it, and you put however many tickets in each bag. Tickets were $1 each, or 25 for $20. People brought in English Muffin Bread, puzzles, books, pies, tote bags, handmade pillowcases, a gift certificate for a massage, framed art, a tv, and several movie night baskets. Since I am thoroughly behind the eight ball this year, Sarah made a batch of fudge on Friday night, and we threw a cookbook in with it in a cute Easter basket. We ended up winning it ourselves! But when some friends of ours at our table had said that they'd put in for it as well, I happily passed it on, because more fudge in this house is NOT what I need right now. Some other friends of ours won both of the homemade Polish sausages, so they let us have one. It's in the freezer now, waiting for me to figure out what to do with it.
So after a salad with Ceasar dressing, a plate of spaghetti I couldn't begin to finish, and some truly decadent desserts (Sarah made Halava, which was good, but had enough leftovers for her to have for breakfast) , my weight is up a little this morning. Which is fine by me--unlike my McDonald's breakfast of a few weeks ago, it was all totally worth it. My motto is, "everything in moderation, including moderation!"
Oh, and the youth group raised about $2200! W00t!
The servers are all the teens in the youth group, and they work really hard. Sarah got there at 8AM and didn't leave until after 8PM. The spaghetti sauce is all made from scratch, with fresh parsley, basil and oregano. Stripping all those herbs took a while, even with six of us doing it!
Most of the kids did black pants and a t-shirt for their country--one of the girls at the "France" table wore a very cute beret. Luckily, we have some Hindi friends who let us have some clothes and borrow a few table decorations and jewelry. Sarah got a lot of compliments on her outfit.
There is also a paper bag raffle, where people donate items. Each item has a paper bag in front of it, and you put however many tickets in each bag. Tickets were $1 each, or 25 for $20. People brought in English Muffin Bread, puzzles, books, pies, tote bags, handmade pillowcases, a gift certificate for a massage, framed art, a tv, and several movie night baskets. Since I am thoroughly behind the eight ball this year, Sarah made a batch of fudge on Friday night, and we threw a cookbook in with it in a cute Easter basket. We ended up winning it ourselves! But when some friends of ours at our table had said that they'd put in for it as well, I happily passed it on, because more fudge in this house is NOT what I need right now. Some other friends of ours won both of the homemade Polish sausages, so they let us have one. It's in the freezer now, waiting for me to figure out what to do with it.
So after a salad with Ceasar dressing, a plate of spaghetti I couldn't begin to finish, and some truly decadent desserts (Sarah made Halava, which was good, but had enough leftovers for her to have for breakfast) , my weight is up a little this morning. Which is fine by me--unlike my McDonald's breakfast of a few weeks ago, it was all totally worth it. My motto is, "everything in moderation, including moderation!"
Oh, and the youth group raised about $2200! W00t!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Tale of Two Soups
Or rather, two soup recipes. Both Cook Yourself Thin Faster and Cook's Illustrated Best Light Recipe have recipes for Corn Chowder. I was looking for something to go with hamburgers for dinner last night, and that sounded good to me.
The recipes included many of the same ingredients, but had several differences as well. Both started with one slice of bacon. CYT had no dairy at all; CI had over a cup of milk and half & half. CYT used water; CI used chicken broth. CYT's version was 104 calories per serving; CI's was 400. Since this was a side dish instead of a main course (and the main course was hamburgers), I wanted something lighter.
So, being unable to resist tweaking a recipe, I did pretty much my own thing, and it turned out ok. Not fabulous, but a good starting point. I think that making this next September, when I can get fabulous fresh corn and the nights are maybe cooling down a bit, will be the best time for this soup. Frozen corn worked, but it just isn't the same.
I used the bacon (of course!), and water, but also added a bit of Veggie Better Than Bullion and cream I had in the fridge. I know it added calories, but I think anything called a "chowder" really needs dairy in it. Sure, pureeing half the soup did thicken it, but nothing can take the place of that creamy unctuousness.
Want to make some?
Simple Corn Chowder
- bacon 1 slice
- shallot 2 oz
- potato 5 oz
- broth 4 cups
- corn 16 oz
- half & half 1/4 c
- salt, pepper, thyme
Slice the bacon and fry in a large saucepan. When crisp, remove from the pan and reserve. Saute the shallot in the bacon drippings. Dice the potato and add to the shallots. Add broth and simmer until potatoes are softened, about 15 minutes. Add corn and cook five more minutes. Remove about half the soup and use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the rest. Add the cream and let warm through, but do not boil. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top. Makes six servings, about 1 cup each, 175 calories each.
I had two bowls last night; everyone else had one. There is about a serving left over, which I'll have for lunch with a little leftover ham & extra corn to beef it up a little.
The recipes included many of the same ingredients, but had several differences as well. Both started with one slice of bacon. CYT had no dairy at all; CI had over a cup of milk and half & half. CYT used water; CI used chicken broth. CYT's version was 104 calories per serving; CI's was 400. Since this was a side dish instead of a main course (and the main course was hamburgers), I wanted something lighter.
So, being unable to resist tweaking a recipe, I did pretty much my own thing, and it turned out ok. Not fabulous, but a good starting point. I think that making this next September, when I can get fabulous fresh corn and the nights are maybe cooling down a bit, will be the best time for this soup. Frozen corn worked, but it just isn't the same.
I used the bacon (of course!), and water, but also added a bit of Veggie Better Than Bullion and cream I had in the fridge. I know it added calories, but I think anything called a "chowder" really needs dairy in it. Sure, pureeing half the soup did thicken it, but nothing can take the place of that creamy unctuousness.
Want to make some?
Simple Corn Chowder
- bacon 1 slice
- shallot 2 oz
- potato 5 oz
- broth 4 cups
- corn 16 oz
- half & half 1/4 c
- salt, pepper, thyme
Slice the bacon and fry in a large saucepan. When crisp, remove from the pan and reserve. Saute the shallot in the bacon drippings. Dice the potato and add to the shallots. Add broth and simmer until potatoes are softened, about 15 minutes. Add corn and cook five more minutes. Remove about half the soup and use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the rest. Add the cream and let warm through, but do not boil. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top. Makes six servings, about 1 cup each, 175 calories each.
I had two bowls last night; everyone else had one. There is about a serving left over, which I'll have for lunch with a little leftover ham & extra corn to beef it up a little.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)