My Favorite Blog Subjects

Trader Joe's


It has been awhile since I posted about my latest Trader Joe's purchases.  I still love that place and they don't pay me to say that.  Actually, the people at Trader Joes don't even know I exist.  Except that I am the annoying IP address that keeps requesting they open a Trader Joe's in Canton.

Anyways, the Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus is my latest obsession.  Kevin and I went through one of these things in 2 days.  He takes big scoops.

The Multigrain Pita Chips with Sesame Seeds are the perfect scooper and something I pick-up everytime I am in the store.

I noticed this Gyoza Dipping Sauce and grabbed it immediately.  I am always failing to create the perfect combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar & sesame oil for gyoza dipping.

No picture of the package, but the Thai Shrimp Gyoza w/ the dipping sauce was a very tasty combo.

The other day I made this breakfast wrap.

• 1 Handmade Whole Wheat Tortilla (TJs brand, of course)
• Edamame Hummus (TJs)
• Lite Mexican Cheese Blend (TJs)
• Spinach
• Scrambled Egg Whites + 1 regular egg
• Chalula hot sauce
• Only thing to make it even better would be some chopped tomatoes, but we were all out.

Workouts

I am proud to say that Kevin and I are days away from completing Week 4 of P90x.  Our only slacking includes missing 1 session of Ab RipperX and cutting yoga 30 mins short.  Not too shabby.  

P90x Superlatives (so far)

• Favorite - Core Synergistics.  The time seems to fly by and I feel like I am getting a great overall work out.  
• Hardest - YogaX.  My wrists (and entire body) hurts like hell during the first 40 mins of a million downward dogs and Chaturangas.  
• Most Surprising - The first time I did KenpoX, I felt silly and couldn't keep up.  When I finally started focusing, it is now one of the workouts I actually look forward too.
• Least Favorite - Ab RipperX is only 15 mins, but I hate abs.  Always have, so I struggle through this workout and the minutes seem to last an eternity.

With all this P90x going on, the frequency of my running has been suffering.  I am getting smaller runs in once or twice a week, with a longer run on the weekend.  

Oscar & Lucy

Oscar wanted to say hi.  He tried on the heart bandana Lucy got on her trip to the vet.  

The serious look.  

Speaking of Lucy, you wouldn't know it from the picture below, but she did everything in her power NOT to get into this carrier when it was time to go to the vet last week.  

I came home to find her hanging out in there as if it is her favorite place in the world.  

Then I catch her drinking out of Oscar's water bowl. 

Since I have probably reached the pet picture limit, I will end this random post here and say that I hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend.  I am in store for a weekend of fun celebrations that includes 1 new restaurant and 1 restaurant that has a special place in my heart.  Cant wait.

Good night!

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Flop

The last couple weeks have pretty much been a P90x flop.  I have done the workouts here and there, but not consistently and I have all the excuses in the world.  I was sick for a few days with a cold, worked late 2 days last week, went for a run and didnt feel like it afterwards, etc, etc, etc.  

I am trying to come up with a way to incorporate it into my exercise, without losing my running endurance.  It is really hard for me to get up early in the morning and get it out of the way.  I dont feel that I am cut out for early morning workouts.  I like entirely too much TV that is on later.  And I dont have a DVR.  So, there you have it.  

This morning, I made breakfast tacos.  Egg whites, grilled corn tortillas, tomatoes, green onion, and avocado.  No cheese because we were all out, but surprisingly, I didn't miss it.

I eventually mustered up enough motivation to hit the gym and wanted to do something different.  I ended up doing a 40 min treadmill hike.  I set the treadmill to the "Hills" setting and cranked up the speed to a fast walk.  It was pretty tough.

I came home and picked up a favorite cookbook of mine that was starting to collect dust.  Sometimes I get caught up searching the internet for recipes and dont use my cookbooks enough.

I decided to go with Giada's classic marinara sauce.  It was simple and straightforward and didn't have a million ingredients.  The house smells great right now.  Tomorrow night, I plan to use it as I try re-create one of my favorite dishes from the Tomato Palace in Columbia, MD.  

I picked up a new stuffed animal for Oscar and he had a blast playing tonight.   He loves stuffed animals, especially the squeaky kind.  He is a very manly and tough dog. ;)

Lucy was trying to figure out what that thing was and whether she should be scared of it.


I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  Be back tomorrow with more Giada.

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Unplanned Hiatus

Well hello there.  Its been awhile.  Time flies when you are having fun, right?  Unfortunately, the photos I want to share are sitting on my NEW (and very exciting) camera that I cant attach to my computer because it was recently attacked by a virus.  Once I get that annoying thing off my computer, I will be back to show you the delicious eats.  (so yes, I am writing this post during a break at work ;))


In the meantime, I wanted to give an update on P90x.  The last update I gave was on Day 8.  That was a long time ago.  I can honestly say that I stayed strong until around Day 20.  Kevin got sick in the middle of week 3 and had to take time off.  I tried to stay motivated, but it is so much easier to have someone else suffering along next to me.  


The engagement  happened.  Kevin left for a few days to spend time with his family in Ohio.  And well, we got off track.  Not completely, meaning we probably still completed 3-4 workouts a week.  


But, I am happy to report that the new year has brought a new commitment to doing this thing the right way.  We started with the Week 5 workouts:

1. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps/Ab RipperX.  Not sure if I will ever be able to do one-handed pushups, but I tried and will continue to try.  Who cares if I only go down 1 millimeter.  I loved how sore I felt after this one.
2. Plyometrics.  Extremely sore from the workout above, but made it through.  Used a lot of the modified (easier) moves.
3. Back & Bicep/Ab RipperX.  Felt pretty easy, but it was probably because I need to use more weight.  Now that I am more familiar with the moves, I will increase my weight going forward.

YogaX is next up, so here's to me not wimping out halfway through!


Switching gears...this post needs some pictures and luckily I have some from my old camera.  Oscar and Lucy time.  


Oscar enjoying the snow.  He might love snow more than treats.

Lucy will have no part of the snow and instead spends her time near warm lamps.

Happy New Year everyone!

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Sick

Last Wednesday evening, I had a the hint of a sore throat and felt extremely tired.  Thursday, I woke up and felt like I had been run over by a mack truck.  The past four days, I have gotten extremely familiar with my couch, reality tv and the different remedies for a sore throat/viral infection.

The food I consumed involved choking down hot oatmeal, slurping soup broth and trying to enjoy milkshakes and popsicles.  It makes it hard to enjoy anything when it hurts to swallow my own saliva.  Ok - probably getting very near the T.M.I. border.

My poor Oscar didnt understand how I was home all day, but didnt have the energy to take him to the park or play with him in the house.  He has his "pathetic" look nailed.

He finally gave up on me and went after Lucy.  See how he snuck up behind her?

Then he pounced.  He scared the whiskers off poor Lucy.  Blurry photo because I had the shakes from all the medicine I was pumping into my body.

I did finally get to try one of the new POM Juice flavors that Molly from POM was kind enough to send my way.  Pomegranate Nectarine.  It was deliciously refreshing and gave me some much needed antioxidants.  I wasnt a big fan of the Pomegranate Kiwi flavor she sent, but to each its own. 

In the midst of my sickness, I missed out on a number of fun events that were planned for the weekend and couldn't complete my 20 mile training run.  I have been stressing about this all weekend.  I need to run a 20 miler!!!  The marathon is in 3 weeks!  So yes, I am freaking out.

My sore throat is finally gone, but today, my nose decided to start running.  I told my nose that only one of us could be running at a time, so it needed to stop immediately. 

I am thinking a 12-14 miler on Monday or Tuesday night, two other shorter runs and then, this saturday AM, we are doing a 20 miler training run come hell or high water.

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Its Official...

I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 22nd!


I had not planned to do a marathon this year and wasn't really even considering it. Then, I started training for the Baltimore Half Marathon and my boyfriend started mentioning doing another full. (Last year was his first!)


For some reason, it is easy to forget about all the hard training runs/pain and just remember how great it feels to cross the finish line. That is all I can think about. So, I was easily talked into doing another one.


My dad (our trainer) put together the following schedule for the weekend long runs, assuming we would be running 2-3 times during the week on our own. Some of these may be rotating as there are a few things already scheduled on October weekends, but it will be our guide for mileage. It may be a tad aggressive of a schedule, but we knew that going into it and are committed to getting it done!

• 8/29 - 12 miles
• 9/5 - 14 miles
• 9/12 -15 miles
• 9/20 -17 + 3 (Bagel to Beer Marathon. Run 17, walk the last 3)
• 9/26 - off weekend from distance
• 10/3 - 18 miles
• 10/10 -13.1 (Baltimore Half Marathon)
• 10/17 - 20 miles
• 10/24 - 15 miles
• 10/31 - 22 miles
• 11/7 - 12 miles
• 11/14 - off weekend from long distance
• 11/22 - Philadelphia Marathon!!

Tomorrow is our 12 mile training run and I am hoping for low humidity, cool temps & cloudy skies. :)

I think that Lucy wants more blog attention because she jumped into one of my grocery bags and posed for the camera.

Here you go my sweet Lucy girl.

Anyone else gearing up for a training run this weekend? What are you training for? Wondering who will be in Philly on Nov 22nd!?

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Triple H

Last night (Friday), I went to pick up new running shoes after work and came home to Kevin cooking up a pasta feast.
This Puttanesca sauce was the base for a hearty sauce. Crusty Italian bread from DiPasquales. Nothing better.

I present you with Chicken Picasa: breaded chicken breasts topped with puttanesca sauce, artichokes, and fresh parmesan over fettuccine pasta.

Delish!

This morning, we had planned on a 10 mile trail run along the NCR trail in honor of National Trail Running Day! Unfortunately, the weather had other plans and we got hit with some pretty rough storms overnight and through the morning. We woke up at 5:30am to lightning and some rain, so we decided to postpone the run for awhile.

Around 8am, we decided to change our run to the paved paths in Columbia, MD - part of the Bagel 2 Beer Marathon that my father organizes every year. Kevin and I started at one point and my father started at another so we would meet in the middle. My dad had an out and back and we got a point-to-point run and a ride back to our car. We definitely had the better deal. :)

The run can be described as a Triple H run because it was Hard with the Heat & Humidity. Literally felt like a sauna out there. I feel good that we got 10 miles done, but it was a slow one due to the weather conditions. I know for a fact that I sweat more than I ever have in my life. My head was sweating so badly that it was dripping through my pony tail. ok - TMI, right?

Afterwards, we headed over for a great post-race treat. Great Harvest Bread!

I got coffee and two samples before deciding on a loaf to buy. White Chocolate/Cherry Bread that was ooey and gooey and AWESOME.

Then, a chocolate chip that I topped with Almond Butter. It was stuffed in my mouth before I remembered to snap a photo. But, I did take a picture of the almond butter because it was outstanding, so I am on the prowl to find it. Anyone know where they sell this type?The rest of my afternoon was spent running some animal errands with Oscar. Our errands wore him out.

We headed over to the park, then dropped by the vet to pick up some flea/tick meds before stopping into Petco to get food, treats, and kitty litter. Lucy gets irritable if her kitty litter isn't kept fresh. ;)

Tonight, I am headed out to dinner and a movie with a friend. The Time Travelers Wife - a perfect chick flick. Still deciding on where to grab dinner.

Oh - I almost forgot. A year ago TODAY (8/22) - I started the athlEAT blog with this post. SO - that makes today my Blogiversary. Happy Blogiversary to ME!

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Animal Bonding

This "not working" thing has been good in a bunch of ways, but one in particular is that we have been eating out less and trying to use up everything in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.


Breakfast yesterday was an oldie, but goodie - Oatmeal made w/ skim milk, topped with sliced almonds, raisins, and a spoonful of natural peanut butter. Yes, you read right - PEANUT butter. I need to use up the peanut butter I have before I can justify buying more of my very expensive favorite - almond butter.
Dinner was simple, but filling and extremely tasty. Tofu w/ Broccoli. Every time I make a tofu dish - I think about how I cant believe I am actually eating and enjoying tofu. A few years ago, I would have thought I was SO incredibly weird. I baked the extra firm tofu as I usually do - press the tofu to remove excess liquid for about 20 mins, drizzle with Soyaki from TJs, and then bake in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 20 mins - flipping once.


For the broccoli, I sauteed the broccoli with a clove of minced garlic in a teensy bit of toasted sesame oil and PAM over medium-high heat. Once it started to brown - I added about a 1/2 cup of water and let that cook off/steam before adding a touch of Red Curry Paste, salt, pepper, red pepper, and about 2 TBSP of Soyaki.


Mix the tofu and broccoli together, then top with chopped, roasted peanuts. Kevin said it tasted like real chinese takeout. Score!


I realized that I haven't been giving my animals enough attention on this blog and they have been doing some pretty cute things lately. Please excuse the iPhone photos...I didn't want them to move if I went downstairs to get my camera.


It starts out innocently enough...Lucy curls up in Oscar's arms as he is sleeping on the bed in the extra bedroom.She is taking advantage of this rare opportunity to get close to him.Oh no...wait...Oscar awakens and almost strangles poor Lucy...
But Lucy quickly wiggles away and makes herself even more comfortable as she realizes that she is posing for the camera.
Seriously, could this be any cuter? I think not, but I am a tad biased. :)


Today is National Running Day, so I am planning to head to the gym for a run on the treadmill in a few minutes - too humid to be outside this late in the morning.


A little later, I am meeting my mom and sister for our first CSA (Customer Supported Agriculture) pick-up at Breezy Willow Farm in howard county. Cant wait to see the produce and other stuff!


Enjoy your Wednesday as I will be enjoying my last day in my twenties. Maybe I should do a bar crawl and drink all day in honor of my twenties. (j/k)

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Steamed Crabs = Birthday Celebration

My boyfriend's birthday is today...Happy Birthday Kevin!


What did the birthday boy, born and raised in Maryland, request? STEAMED CRABS.

We headed down to Canton Dockside since we think they have the best crabs within a few miles from us. If you are downtown - this is the place to go. While our crabs were steaming, we each ordered soup since I was about to eat the sugar packets on the table. I was starving.

Cup of Cream of Crab

Cup of Maryland Crab

Both soups had a ton of flavor and big chunks of crab. The crabs came and they were huge, so we were HAPPY.

This girl could use some sun.

Beer is a necessity while picking crabs. My girly beer of choice - Bud Light w/ Lime.After I was filled to the brim with crab meat - I started making a pile. The waitress came over and asked me if I wanted to come work in the back.

Here is a close-up to make you crab lovers drool. All that meat is going to be used to make a delicious appetizer for later tonight. Some friends are coming over for happy hour before we go out to celebrate the birth of my boyfriend.

When we got home, Oscar had a field day with my hands. He is a licker - it is his one downfall.

We needed something sweet after dinner. Please notice the cut on my thumb - a battle wound from all my crab picking.

Now I am not a big ice cream person, but I could eat this entire pint by myself. It is the best flavor they've got.

Oscar and Lucy wanted to wish Kevin a Happy Birthday!

Oscar and his bear

Lucy with her cute kitty paws...love them.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!

Wait! Question Fun...

Have you ever had steamed crabs? If not, do you want to or does it gross you out?

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