Beer, Trivia, and Legolas’ Awesome Cheekbones

FOOD

Part of the fun of bulk cooking on Sunday’s is it makes my weekday lunch life much easier. The down side is it’s all the same, so taking pics is kind of redundant.

Nevertheless, soup and salads are pretty much always my favorite go-to lunches, and that was definitely this week.

GF pasta salad with herbed tofu and veggies

Had my typical smoothies for breakfast most mornings, watermelon with my lunches (and R’s because it’s her fav too), and whipped up a batch of spicy tofu soup on a rainy Friday night.

R insists on being able to eat the watermelon “stick” in the middle

Moe’s Close Talker with tofu, black beans, brown rice, and all the veg and salsa that can fit

This morning breakfast was an old fav – gluten-free toast, sunflower seed butter, banana, and a little agave. Perfect before I lace up for a wet run in a few!

FITNESS

Same as last time – hot yoga and runs! I try to alter every other day, but that’s not always possible. Either way, it’s about 6x per week, and that’s perfect.

As soon as I’m done here, I’ll be lacing up for a wet run. Hoping the rain stays light – but if it doesn’t, I know my pace will kick up!

need to remember to use eye makeup remover BEFORE hot yoga! Still – not supposed to look cute when working out, right?

LIFE

Been another busy but fun-filled week. Work seemed full of one crisis after another, but nothing that couldn’t be conquered.

Found out I had poison ivy! The prednisone has been fun (not), but I’m still grateful for it.

AM and I got together a few times this week. One for drinks at the Young Veteran’s Brewery in Virginia Beach, and one at Benchtop Brewery for beer and trivia night. One of those was supposed to be a run date, but hard to pass up beer and trivia 🙂

The H Hour Sour at Young Veterans was the bomb! Bought some to take home And since I’m a vet, I got a discount. How groovy is that?

Benchtop build your own flight. I stuck with the second from the right – a beet based mildly sour beer called the Fall of Dimitri (or something like that).

After yoga last night, it was dinner and then watching Lord of the Rings with R. At one point she freaked out when I told her Orlando Bloom (Legolas) was not blonde. Showed her a picture – she completely freaked out, and then proceeded to tell me that “at least he still has those amazing cheekbones”. Seriously? What the hell?! #teamlegolas

Other fun shots to wrap up with!

me and JG – one of the most amazing peaches ever!

R and I are hitting up the library a lot lately. Single mom finances 🙂 Enjoying it a lot though. I forgot how magical a library can be.

M visited me during my coffee ritual yesterday. He works late and sleeps late, but had a 530 am road trip this morning to Canada with a bunch of his friends and he was trying to flip his sleep schedule

had to pick up java at 7-11 this morning

The rest of today should be pretty groovy. Meeting up for lunch at noon with a friend, and then having more friends over tonight for dinner. It was supposed to be the “teach Crissie to grill” adventure from my friend’s hubby, but it’s pouring so we’re turning it into a taco party instead. I mean seriously – you can’t trust someone who doesn’t like tacos….

August 12, 2017August 12, 2017

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Rituals

FOOD

Shockingly, I didn’t take nearly as many pictures as I normally do. Nothing majorly out of the ordinary either though. Daily green smoothies, and a variety of typical eats like soups and salads, and some fun things like tofu eggless salad and tofurky sammiches.

yummy fav – silken tofu, Just Mayo, mustard, and sweet relish. With gluten-free crackers, it’s awesome

R’s lunch, not mine (apple allergy), but veg sammie and apples

Today was bulk cooking fun! Gluten-free pasta salad with tofu, pasta e fagioli soup from my fav Susan over at Fat Free Vegan! She was the first vegan blogger I ever followed, and has always had a special place in my life. I’ve met her a few times, and she’s as lovely as her blog.

I used pinto beans because it’s what I had – otherwise exactly as written

meals for the week! Pasta salad with gluten-free pasta, basil, and tofu – and then with a bunch of romaine thrown on it too. So – soup and salad for days!

about a third of the basil in my herb garden. Been busy whipping up salad dressings, pesto’s, and other eats with it.

FITNESS

Runs and yoga fill my days, and it makes me so happy! I’ve kicked up both a lot, and it’s been very cathartic for many reasons. I have a lot more time on my hands and seem to have plenty of energy as a result.

The best were a couple runs with AM, including one with a local running club today! It was a gorgeous morning, stunning scenery, a good sized group, and yummy (sour) beer at the end.

LIFE

Let’s see. Been a great week with few complaints. (and that one was tequila’s fault).

Work was fairly busy, but not horrible. Had a few highlights though.

Thursday I went to the Hermitage Museum to enjoy the Art of Burning Man with a friend of mine, and also enjoy some local beer and music. It was a gorgeous night at a really pretty venue.

they had about 7 sculptures from actual Burning Man festivals. Once it was dark, it was amazing!

pretty night on the river as the sun went down

Friday morning R had her last peanut-flour based updose in her OIT journey to food freedom! She started this in January (right when I got back from India), and while it’s slow going, she’s been doing great. Next updose, she moves to actual food! This whole process will give her freedom from fear of food allergies for the rest of her life, and I am SO proud of her.

absolutely hating the taste of peanut flour in warm applesauce

Friday night was out at one of my favorite places in the area. It’s possible I had a little “too much fun”, but I think it’s allowed now and then.

I do want to talk a bit about rituals. A few months ago, a good friend sent me a book (I Ching) and got me thinking about rituals in general. I started realizing I have them in my own life, even though I may not realize it. Let’s take my mornings, for example. I’m pretty much a wing it and go with the flow kind of person, but I feel all out of whack when my mornings are disrupted. I get up early, but it’s only so I can be alone with a cup of coffee and some quiet. I don’t like music, conversation, or noise in general. I ease into my day, and then I’m right as rain. Waking up and instantly having to do something throws off my whole rhythm. And while mornings aren’t my favorite, I do get up early just so I can have this ritual of quiet. It’s me, a fluff or two, coffee, and reading the news (mostly) or just listening to the wind in the trees. Texts and news are fine, but I really don’t like talking or music in that part of my life. Didn’t really realize that before recently, but now that I have, I find it pretty sacred.

My morning java rituals!

Made plans to head to DC twice in a few weeks! One with a vacation with the cabbages, and one to see Depeche Mode! I’m beyond excited. Get to see lots of people I love, have fun, and even get some work done. Awesome all around.

Now…if I could just get someone to deal with my yardwork, I’d be all set….

lady at Whole Foods violating the “service dogs only” rule

Sunday morning cuddles with Kuma and the wee one

August 6, 2017August 12, 2017

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It’s Just BANANAS

FOOD

Ha, I bet by the title you thought I’d talk about all the bananas I’m eating, right? NOPE! More on that later.

But, the fun eats have been pretty standard. Green smoothies, gluten-free pasta dishes, salads, tacos, and green curry (of course).

left over beans and rice with lettuce, hot sauce, and vegan queso

simple and quick – brown rice ramen noodles, chickpeas, green beans, pepper, and tamari

sour flight – not food, but let me tell you the beer second from the right tastes like ass.

nacho mac! brown rice pasta, black beans, corn, peas, salsa, and vegan queso

I did a twist on my normal tofu/potato tacos and made them in the air fryer. That was pretty fantastical.

Same marinade as always – beer, cumin, garlic, chipotle peppers, oregano, olive oil, adobo sauce, and pressed and cubed tofu. Marinated about 5 hours. 3 peeled potatoes, soaked in water for about 30 minutes.

Literally tossed it all in the air fryer, put on 370 for 15 minutes, checked, then did another 7. Freaking perfect. Taco Tuesday lives on.

mine in the form of a taco salad. Kids did the full deal with shells.

FITNESS

Running most days, and hot yoga on others. And if I missed it, I felt I was suffering.

Honestly, lately all the workouts have been fairly intense and I’m loving it. Kick my ass, wipe me out, and I’m happy. Extra energy to burn 😉

LIFE

BANANAS! It’s become my favorite word in the past couple weeks. My kids pick on me for it, but it’s appropriate in almost every situation. Observe:

“How’s your day been?” Instead of saying “it’s been a crazy busy day full of meetings, deadlines, ridiculous customer expectations, and I haven’t had time for lunch” all you need to say is “it’s been BANANAS”.

Coworker or family member being a PITA (pain in the ass). They’re acting bananas.

Cut off in traffic, but have kids in the car and you don’t want to cuss? Scream “Are you totally BANANAS?!?!” instead.

There is literally no wrong way to use it. Try it out and get back to me.

Well, it’s certainly not been dull! I think I worried about how I’d fill my time after grad school and newly single life, but I’m telling you all now – I’m not bored at all!

Lots of time with friends, neighbors, involved in local activities, and suddenly finding myself on a bowling team AND a soccer team. On top of fun with my kids whenever they let me, my life is full and awesome.

But to some recent specifics. A fun weekend with friends that I mostly remember 😉 , birthday for my friend’s little monkey, a couple evenings out each week, and just having fun and winging it as I go.

Much of the home entertainment is provided by the Fluffballs, as these shots show. Some just cute, some funny, but mostly they’re all so groovy in different ways.

air mattress for your friends? Thought you just got me a new bed….

we can snuggle you on your “recovery” day

honestly, they’re practically snuggling. The magic of an air mattress

she insists on taking a new toy outside every time she goes out

dogs and fire hydrants are not just for cartoons

my kids were better about not leaving a mess…

took 4 years, but they actually played the other night. Or they came to some agreement and are shaking paws over it

Other fun random crap

me in the office yesterday replying to a friend taking the day off and drinking in the sun. I’d have flipped her off if I thought of it…

me and the young cabbage taking a break while shopping

unamused by the early morning pic apparently

post girls fun. I spent a LOT of time on the sofa watching TV and cuddling with the fluffs

August 1, 2017August 1, 2017

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Managing A Few Days Without Total Chaos!

FOOD

It’s been all homemade eats the past few days since getting home from FL.

coconut water, chocolate Vega powder, mango, and banana smoothie! Was my first of the week, and was out of decent greens

that was rectified on Sunday when D went grocery shopping, so Monday's smoothie was vanilla Vega powder, 2 clementine's, water, and spinach. — that was rectified on Sunday when D went grocery shopping, so Monday’s smoothie was vanilla Vega powder, 2 clementine’s, water, and spinach.

I know the bottle says Shakeology, but I don’t use it. Not that I don’t think it’s packed full of nutrients, but I had an allergic reaction to their vegan vanilla a few months ago. So, I still to Vega most of the time and Sunwarrior on occasion too. To be honest, I don’t use protein powders all the time, but when I’m making my smoothie as a meal replacement or I know it needs staying power (or when I know I’m a bit lacking in some vital nutrients), I’ll toss it in. After a week of travel and mostly eating out, I tend to add them to my smoothies.

I also did a lot of batch prep on Sunday’s. That included some of the Happy Herbivore meals and salads. I have to admit, I’ve become addicted to the Fitpacker container system the past few weeks. It makes storage a breeze and takes up less space.

D grilled Saturday night, and I begged for a repeat of the awesome portabello burger I blogged about last time! With some grilled squash and mushrooms and air fried french fries, it was a fun and tasty dinner (that I didn't have to cook!) — D grilled Saturday night, and I begged for a repeat of the awesome portabella burger I blogged about last time! With some grilled squash and mushrooms and air fried French fries, it was a fun and tasty dinner (that I didn’t have to cook!)

part of Sunday's dinner was some zucchini and yellow squash noodles pan sauteed with garlic and Italian seasoning. — part of Sunday’s dinner was some zucchini and yellow squash noodles pan sautéed with garlic and Italian seasoning.

I also dig my baked spuds! This is some maple baked beans with cruncy cabbage

oh look, another baker! This one has steamed green beans mixed with hummus on top with some hot sauce.

Monday's lunch - a BAS and some spicy mac made with quinioa gluten free noodles — Monday’s lunch – a BAS and some spicy mac made with quinoa gluten free noodles

hot and sour tofu soup with onion, bell peps, and green beans.

and another baker, but just with cabbage and hot sauce this time

this is HH's Bayou Bowl! Brown rice topped with a cajun style lentil and veg. And cabbage for crunch because that's my thing — this is HH’s Bayou Bowl! Brown rice topped with a Cajun style lentil and veg. And cabbage for crunch because that’s my thing

and tonight's dinner of spicy tofu tacos on corn tortillas with veggies on top — and tonight’s dinner of spicy tofu tacos on corn tortillas with veggies on top

FITNESS

Still doing the Beach Body on Demand workouts. I honestly do like them because there’s variety (my Achilles heel in DVD based workouts). I’m in my final 7 days of the 21 Day Fix program workouts and I admit to feeling pretty darn good. And much stronger. And possibly constantly sore 🙂

I’ve also joined a really active challenge group with a coach who totally understands vegan nutritional needs, so I’m pretty stoked there. Plan to start the kick boxing program on Monday, which aligns with completing the current program.

Of course I have my 3x per week runs too!

this is me and my helper Ginny doing Yoga fix on Sunday. I have to say that working out at home thrills her in very odd ways. She loves to either work out with me or be near me when I do.

Last night was Cardio Fix. I’m trying to work out more in the mornings, but it just wasn’t happening on Monday. I had to be at the office before 7am, and that would involve getting up around 430, and that’s just silly. So, evening working it was. By the way, I’m not sure why I’m smiling. There’s this exercise in this video called Surrender’s, and I’m pretty sure they’re evil.

Today was a 3-fer workout. Upper Body Fix first, and because that was challenging by didn’t wipe me, I followed it with a 4 mile run. Then this evening, R and I went on a bike ride when she got home from school. 3 laps through the neighborhood for a total of about 30 minutes.

LIFE

Well, it’s been a nice few days! I’ve only been home for a few, but they’ve been pretty chill. For the first time since grad school started, it felt like a normal weekend! Saturday M had some friends over (that we’ve known since they were young) and D grilled. It was hanging out and being silly mostly. I also did the week’s meal planning and D did the grocery shopping while I studied.

Sunday was laundry, cleaning, batch cooking, a school team meeting, studying, and watching a movie! We watched Moana, and I loved it.

M’s car is screwed up, so we’re currently sharing my ride. So he’s been taking me to work so he can go to school and then picking me up in the evening. While it’s a bit of a challenge, it’s not the end of the world. Not sure his car is worth fixing yet, so we’ll see.

It’s been really nice out (80 over the weekend, chilly yesterday, but 70’s today and 80’s tomorrow before winter comes back and we’re in the 50’s). We’re definitely taking advantage of THAT! Kuma has been hard to keep inside, and Bumble has been joining her in the yard too. Ginny sticks to her window watching and is just happy the house is opened up!

So, hope you’re having a good week so far!

D making a goofy grill face. Since it's technically still winter, it's dark by dinner so he wears the head lamp when grilling! — D making a goofy grill face. Since it’s technically still winter, it’s dark by dinner so he wears the head lamp when grilling!

February 28, 2017February 28, 2017

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It’s Okay to be Obsessed with Cabbage

FOOD

I do have to say, it’s been non-stop eats of the whole non-processed variety! Mostly gluten-free too (I have RA, and gluten makes it worse, so I try to avoid whenever possible). I’m trying to be better about that!

Many of the dishes come from The Happy Herbivore, so I can’t take credit for the creation – just the eating! As much as I like to design a great dish, I’m finding the demands on my time just don’t allow that as much as I’d like – and then I end up either skipping meals, or diving into wine, hummus, and crackers as an excuse for a meal. So, largely letting someone else plan the dish, and all I have to do is cook and eat!

this is "chorizo" soup! I made a huge batch on Sunday, and ate it 4 times through the week. It's SO good. — this is “chorizo” soup! I made a huge batch on Sunday, and ate it 4 times through the week. It’s SO good.

Deep Dish Eggplant bake with tofu ricotta

a variation of a broccoli & hummus quesadilla. Made the filling, but put it on a baked spud and topped with cabbage and hot sauce

more soup, but loaded with cabbage. Bit obsessed with that this week - digging the crunch — more soup, but loaded with cabbage. Bit obsessed with that this week – digging the crunch

this is kale-fredo! Made with quinoa noodles and thickened with chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free

Of course, still dig my smoothies!

I can't even recall what all was in this, but that it was super yummy and freakishly filling. — I can’t even recall what all was in this, but that it was super yummy and freakishly filling.

banana split! I don't use protein powders often, but did yesterday. Chocolate Vega powder, banana, strawberries, and spinach. — banana split! I don’t use protein powders often, but did yesterday. Chocolate Vega powder, banana, strawberries, and spinach.

And some quick miscellaneous eats too!

I keep a big bag of Bob's Red Mill rolled oats in my office for those days I'm REALLY rushed. Tossed in some blueberries, and made breakfast at work. — I keep a big bag of Bob’s Red Mill rolled oats in my office for those days I’m REALLY rushed. Tossed in some blueberries, and made breakfast at work.

in a hurry due to exams and studying, so this is a simple baked potato topped with greens, hot sauce, and horseradish

I discovered the joy of the "Steam" button on my Instant pot! I actually had this unintentional mono-meal two days in a row! I'm a sucker for a well done sweet potato and carrots :) — I discovered the joy of the “Steam” button on my Instant pot! I actually had this unintentional mono-meal two days in a row! I’m a sucker for a well done sweet potato and carrots 🙂

FITNESS

I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder, so I took it easy for a few days. Once it felt mostly better, I added in some gentle yoga. Eventually, it was back out for runs in the neighborhood!

LIFE

It’s been a pretty typical week, with an added level of stress due to exams. I have one more that I hope to have mostly done today. This one is a paper vs a sit-down timed exam. But due Saturday, and I’d like to just get it over with! That means Sunday marks the beginning of my last term before graduation in May!!! And yes – I’m counting down the time.

Lot’s going on at work and on the professional front as well!

The weekend was really chill – mostly just me an R hanging out. M worked and D was out having a spa evening on Friday, at a piano bar working on his book on Saturday, and doing all the grocery shopping and errand running on Sunday so I could focus on school stuff.

When R does her peanut flour dose, she has to be totally chill for 2 hours. She can’t do anything that could elevate her heart rate because that can trigger a reaction. Her chill of choice is to binge watch Hell’s Kitchen, so that’s what we do! She totally loves Gordon Ramsey and her goal is to travel and eat at one of his restaurants.

I have the day off today because D has a colonoscopy this afternoon and I’m his designated driver. Most readers know he has Crohn’s Disease, and this is just a check-up to see how he’s doing. He has no symptoms of a flare or anything (which is fantastic), but it’s important to monitor every few years.

So, it’s time for me to get back to my paper before heading out to take D to his appointment!

Kuma keeping R company during a Hell's Kitchen episode — Kuma keeping R company during a Hell’s Kitchen episode

Ginny demanding I take a break from my studies

Gin curled up on R's chair! This is her special chair for her bass practice, but I think Ginny uses it more — Gin curled up on R’s chair! This is her special chair for her bass practice, but I think Ginny uses it more

I got to do the #morningpicture today!!! Of course that meant brining Kuma too :) — I got to do the #morningpicture today!!! Of course that meant brining Kuma too 🙂

February 2, 2017February 2, 2017

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Misadventures of a Delhi Market Trip

FOOD

I admit to not having many more food pics to share from India. My second week there I got quite sick with “Delhi Belly”. To be honest, it may be a very long time before I want to eat Indian food again! More than a week later, and I’m still not 100%. Since getting home it’s been super small meals – usually a smoothie for breakfast and a salad for lunch. Haven’t been eating dinner. Partly I think because my sleep is so off and I’m jet lagging hardcore.

there were a few days where I couldn't eat anything at all. On the 4th day - I had some tomato/veg broth and plain rice. — there were a few days where I couldn’t eat anything at all. On the 4th day – I had some tomato/veg broth and plain rice.

I arrived home Sunday evening, and we were out of some of our basic groceries – and my creamy base for smoothies – bananas. So on my way to work Monday morning, I picked up an acai green smoothie!

After stopping at the market on my way home Monday, I was able to whip up my own smoothie this morning! Orange, banana, pineapple, strawberry, and spinach.

Lunch was a BAS (Big Ass Salad for newbies). Taco style! Romaine, iceberg, onion, cilantro, tofu, black beans, cucumber, and salsa. Thank you Moe’s!!!

FITNESS

I went for a run before work this morning. Actually – my sleep is all jacked up, so I was awake at 3:30am. After spending 45 min trying to fall back asleep, I gave up and threw on my running clothes. I put on a pot of java and took off. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel after not running for a few weeks and not eating much, but it was honestly fantastic. Not sure I can make this early morning thing a habit, but I dug it this morning.

LIFE

Other than getting sick as crazy, the rest of the week was good. We have great speakers and classes as always, but mostly it was just amazing to be with my classmates. We don’t physically see each other except during these residencies, and I truly dig them all.

The last day, however, saw some Delhi misadventures that are funny to think about now. It goes like this…

6 people set off to walk to a market. Success! Those same 6 break up into 2 Uber’s to find their way to an Old Delhi Spice Market. This is where our heroes take an interesting turn….

BF and I were wondering if seeing dogs in clothes was a way to mark them as belonging to someone vs strays!

In Uber 1 (my uber), driver turns the wrong way down an alley. We’re blocked in (people and cows on all sides!) and some start banging on the car. The driver gets out, and my anxiety level starts to notch up just a bit! Eventually, he comes back, everyone rallies around to clear the way so our driver can back out of the alley.

We get close (ish) to the market (none of us in the car actually know where we are), and traffic is so crappy he kicks us out and tells us to walk. We have a vague idea of direction (actually, BF seemed to have an innate sense of how to get there), and off we go. We find it, and the “spice market” is actually blocks and blocks of small shops selling tubs/bins of spices, beans, and pastas. Lot’s of street food vendors too, and it was fun to watch.

We actually manage to find our other 3 friends (thank goodness for WhatsApp and Google Maps!) and start walking together. We got to stop and watch a shopkeeper toss bananas in the air just to be swooped up and eaten by the baboons!

We decide that it’s time to head back. Based on craptastic traffic and our hotel checkout time – we needed to go. Finding a way out (i.e. – cab, etc.) started to prove impossible. So…NS (who speaks Hindi, thank goodness!) negotiates with a gentleman to carry the 6 of us in his electric scooter/cart thing. We are quite the spectacle as we’re all piled in something made for 4, and start bouncing down the street. About 6 blocks later – the front tire pops, and we’re on foot once more.

After a few blocks, NS negotiates with 2 tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) drivers to ferry us back to the hotel. We’re back in groups of three, and I think our drivers believed they were in some kind of Nascar/Death Race/Bumper Car mash-up. When not stuck in traffic, we’re literally flying down the roads. Keep in mind that there are very few traffic lights or signs, and it’s a “first come gets the right of way” type of environment. And lanes are optional.

Anyway…as we’re entering a round about, JC starts yelling at me “DON’T LOOK LEFT, DON’T LOOK LEFT, HOLY S&^$”. Of course I’m sitting on the far left and anything coming at us (which was everything from busses, trucks, cars, rickshaws, and cows) would smash right into me. Our little rickshaw would be toast!

As we were stuck in traffic, all manner of people walked up to ask for money. One was a particularly tenacious and hilarious little girl who kept trying to reach into JC’s inner coat pocket.

We make it back to the hotel, and EA, JC, and I immediately burst into cheers and applause. The driver seemed both surprised and pleased. I guess he’s not usually celebrated for getting his passengers to their destination alive…

My flight left that night. 15 hours from Delhi to Jersey. 7 hour layover there. Then home – just to be diverted during our decent due to a disabled plane on the ground blocking the runway. We went to Richmond, refueled, then headed home. Finally.

I was back to work immediately the next morning, and I admit that I’m struggling with jet lag for the first time. I’m falling asleep between 5-8, and up around 3-4. Then feel like a zombie (other than the whole brain eating thing) by 1. Alas, it can’t last forever!

So, just a few other miscellaneous pictures before I try to stay awake another few hours before going to bed!

one of the days I couldn't get out of bed and sent D a "feel sorry for me" selfie — one of the days I couldn’t get out of bed and sent D a “feel sorry for me” selfie

watched several movies that day. This popped up after every commercial. It was spoken in a highly dramatic voice.

scarf shop in the hotel where more than a few of us picked up some beautiful scarves.

January 17, 2017January 17, 2017

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