And the Winners Are...(2.13.2009)

Using the Random Number Generator, the winners of the Country Bob's Giveaway are:

#24 - aron

#33 - sweetandfit

Congrats guys! Please send me an email with your contact information and I can forward to Al at Country Bob's, who will be sending out your prizes. Thanks to everyone for playing. I think I am going to do another one of these giveaway things in a few weeks because it was fun. :)

Running/Workouts

Last week, I completely slacked on my running and vowed to pick it up this week. I have done something every day, but for some reason, my motivation is seriously lacking.

So far this week, my workouts have looked like this:

• Monday - run 3.4 miles outside (33 mins)
• Tuesday - Jillian Michaels 30-day shred workout on Exercise TV (Oscar and Lucy had vet appts tonight which zapped most of my night)
• Wednesday - Jillian Michaels 30-day shred workout on Exercise TV (have no good excuse...should have at least made it to spin class for some cardio)
• Thursday - run 4 miles treadmill (40 mins)

I know that isn't horrible, but I feel like I should be doing higher mileage or at least some interval training. I do have to say that Jillian Michaels is no joke. Her workouts are tough and I love that they are free on demand!

Back to running, Kevin and I have decided to run a Valentine's 10k together this weekend. How romantic, right?! ;)

The information is below for any locals who may be interested. This race is put on by the Baltimore Road Runner's Club and the price is right.

Valentine’s 10K
Saturday, February 14, 2008 at 8:00 AM (Loch Raven Reservoir at Morgan Mill Road)
This low-key 10K is out-and-back through the beautiful Loch Raven watershed along the rolling hills of Loch Raven Drive. And this year we get to actually have it on Valentine’'s Day!
Registration race day only, at the venue. $2 for members, $6 for non-members.

Food

For dinner last night, I made Spicy Shrimp Pasta and Steamed Broccoflower.

What the heck is Broccoflower, right?

It was the same consistency of Cauliflower, except it is green like Broccoli. Tastes the same as Cauliflower too.

For the pasta, I used this Spicy Cajun Linguine from Pasta Alley that I bought after seeing it here.

First, saute garlic, shallots, parsley and shrimp in approximately 1.5 tablespoons of EVOO. Once the shrimp is no longer opaque, set those aside since you dont want them to overcook. Add the sliced zucchini to the same pan and cook up for about 5-10 mins over medium-high heat.

Eventually deglaze all the brown goodness in the pan with some chicken broth. (White wine would be better, but I didn't have any.) Simmer for about 5 mins. Add shrimp, chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, cayenne, and pasta back to the pan. Mix it all together and top with grated parmesan.Voila!

New Product

I found these cute mints at Trader Joes the other day. I drink coffee, so they are perfect to keep at my desk and pop in before meetings to ensure I don't have dragon breath.

On the side of the tin, it says "3 mints = 1 cup green tea* based on polyphenol content". Works for me. 3 mints = 10 calories and they have no artificial flavors. They are sweetened with Cane Sugar and Honey Granules.

Question

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? If you are single, in a relationship, or especially if "Its Complicated" - I would love to hear whether or not you like to celebrate this holiday.

Personally, I think it is just a good excuse to do something special for the one you love, but I definitely don't make a HUGE deal about it. We are running the 10k in the morning and then I am making dinner. We may also go to a movie or just out with friends. Nothing major. I didn't think we were going to be exchanging gifts, but Kevin gave me two early Valentine's gifts last weekend. New running shoes and a gift certificate for a massage! :)

Oh and it's Friday the 13th. Muuuaahhhhh.

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Country Bob's Tofu & Giveaway Time! (2.11.2009)

The good folks at "Country Bob's" were kind enough to send me two bottles of their All-Purpose Sauce to try out. I love getting to try new things!I thought it might be great to use as a marinade for my baked tofu because I saw another blogger using this same sauce as a dip for their tofu. (I cant remember who I saw doing that!)

The flavor of this sauce is tangy with a subtle sweetness and a strong Worcestershire flavor. The consistency is thicker than regular Steak Sauce, more like a BBQ sauce, and I can understand everything in the ingredient list!It was cut off in the picture, but the Serving Size for the nutrition facts above is 1 tbsp.

The tofu didn't crisp up as much as I like, which could have been because I was anxious to try it. After my first bite, I realized I hadnt used enough sauce for marinating because the flavor was not coming through, so I drizzled more Country Bob's on top for extra flavor. Yum. I especially like this sauce because it makes me want to listen to country music and plan a BBQ. :)

Want to try it?

Country Bob's has offered to send TWO lucky people - 2 bottles of their All Purpose Sauce!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by Thursday, February 12th @ 9pm and you are entered to win!

I will use the random number generator to pick TWO winners tomorrow night. Good luck!

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