tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90125453427079860772024-03-19T05:53:22.148-05:00Diary of a DietitianBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-37123238406800264742012-03-18T16:51:00.006-05:002012-03-18T18:47:40.151-05:00Last week's mealsI'm sure you already had this marked down on your calendars and have been celebrating accordingly, but the month of March is "National Nutrition Month". In honor of this, and to promote healthy eating, my boss, my intern and myself did some planning to provide activities and some healthy meals for employees and families who eat in the cafeteria. My intern planned the learning activities and I got the fun task of planning one healthy entree every day for the cafeteria (not to be confused with the meals we serve the patients - their meals are always well-balanced).<br /><br />I really enjoyed poring over recipes I thought people would enjoy and it also insipred me to put a little more effort into meal planning for the last week and try a few new items, too. Here is a little summary: (Blogger has not been allowing me to link ... I apologize, but you should easily be able to google the recipes)<br /><br /><strong>Saturday</strong> - My parents joined us for dinner and I made Low-fat Chicken Enchiladas from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">http://www.skinnytaste.com/</a> for the first time. My neighbor Cassie made these for us one evening and they are so, so tasty! And a little spicy. I had been looking for an excuse to make them, unfortunately there was only 1/2 of 1 enchilada leftover. I made them with Cilantro-lime rice and R made beans. R had 3, Dad had 2, I had 1 1/2 (but really only needed one to be full - I was just being greedy), and Mom had 1. (No, I don't usually keep tabs on how much other people eat, but thought it would be helpful for you to judge how many this would feed).<br /><br /><strong>Sunday </strong>- R worked all day long so I got to experiment with a meal I felt sure I would enjoy but didn't know how excited he'd be about. I made QUINOA (pronounced keen-wah, I believe) for the first time! This grain-like food is promoted frequently for its health benefits. For one, it is significantly higher in protein than your typical grain (rice, pasta, etc). Also, unlike the protein in most vegetable sources, it is "complete" - meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids. In addition, quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron - and gluten free. This little bag contains 1 1/2 cups, 3 servings according to the container and cost $2.99. I used 1 c. for my dish.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721361524832777858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHXkpQhHkedHq8bRR8_w9W5IS2XBs0fyeSbTFtl8hHHC6wp3_Sqms5SL_x7gH6Dld586vOJsKYgw08reu5FZCAA6P7xX03VnHoUN_8xEDpXgwp0RxvRv_-Ig1nNcZwkhuPfoo3Ocpkso/s320/iphone+pictures+through+march+2012+080.JPG" /><br />I was taken aback a bit when I looked at the nutrition facts. For 1/2 c dry, there are 290 kcal and 12 gm protein... That's a lot of calories compared to other grains - until you consider that 1/2 c. dry turns into 1 1/3 c. cooked. So I did some math: For 1/2 c. <em>cooked</em> quinoa (an average serving of a grain), there are 109 kcal, 4.5 gm protein, 2.25 gm fiber and 9% of the daily value for iron. So, not as bad as I thought at first. Here's what I made:<br /><br /><strong>Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Spinach and Walnuts</strong><br />(Bobby Deen <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/">http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/</a>)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721361533204592466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN-BoLcPyRroTSH2V8ZfLG9mBW-lamIIFuhVdWqf76qlTr0y2kKibBhhWTxU29aWwA0lqUGQqcusrBIvwiK_IPbCTTYWWsBInQrUcKmp3lRbhjIs-2fY1iodtLXnvdGyWe3GXErGZFYc/s320/iphone+pictures+through+march+2012+081.JPG" /> Ingredients:<br />1 Tbsp. olive oil<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced<br />2 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth (I used chicken broth b/c I had it on hand)<br />2 cups peeled and diced butternut squash<br />1 cup quinoa<br />1/3 cup golden raisins<br />2 cups baby spinach<br />2 Tbsp toasted chopped walnuts<br /><br />Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.<br />Add garlic and leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.<br />Add the broth, squash, quinoa, and raisins and bring to a boil.<br />Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the squash and quinoa are tender, 15-20 minutes.<br />Gently stir in the spinach and cook until it just begins to wilt, 2-3 minutes.<br />Remove from heat. Sprinkle with walnuts.<br /><br />It was quite tasty and filling! Richard turned his nose up when he got home so I made him something else, but he did taste it and agreed that it was good. He ate <em>all </em>of the leftovers for lunch the next day. I did notice that he picked around the raisins. I will classify this one as a winner.<br /><br />Here are the nutrition facts:<br />For each of 4 servings: 345 kcal, 14 g protein, 8 g fat (3 g mono unsaturated fats), 60 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 7 mg iron, 147 mg sodium, 239 mg calcium<br /><br /><strong>Monday </strong>- R worked late and I was having Bible study at the casa, so I made spaghetti - the easy way, with pre-made sauce. He ate when he got home, then ate leftovers a few times, and I was able to freeze 2 portions. (I used 1 # ground turkey, garlic, 1 sliced leek (leftover that I bought for the quinoa dish), 1 jar of sauce, plus 1 large can of diced tomatoes for the sauce and 1 box of whole grain thin spaghetti. I wish I had added some more tomato sauce, but it was still good.)<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday </strong>- I made pork carnitas from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">http://www.skinnytaste.com/</a> in the crock pot, which I hadn't done in several months - and it was really good, as always! Like good Mexicans, we always use corn tortillas (ok, with the exception of the enchiladas I made on Saturday). I put diced tomatoes, avocado, a little shredded cheese and a smidge of sour cream in mine. R added tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cilantro. We ate it with R's beans. Later on in the week, he sauteed the leftover meat with tomato, onion, and cilantro and put it in tortillas - even better.<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong> - Once again, R was working late so I didn't feel like going to alot of trouble. I utilized a few individually frozen tilapia filets that I bought in an economy-sized bag from HEB I purchased to take advantage of a "meal deal" and borrowed Bobby Deen's super easy method (<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">http://www.foodnetwork.com/</a> - Bobby's Baked Tilapia).<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Simply spray a cast iron pan with cooking spray, throw in 4 filets, season with salt, pepper, lime zest and lime juice (I used lemon b/c that's what I had), add a small pat (about 1 tsp) of butter to each filet and cook in the oven for 8-12 minutes. Not super exciting, but good, easy and healthy. I sauteed some yellow squash to eat with it and I think I had some salad. I fixed R's plate with some leftover coucous that was sitting in the fridge (don't tell him!) and gave him 2 pieces of fish instead of 1.<br /><br /><strong>Thursday </strong>- R worked a lot this week so I wanted to make a meal I thought he would really enjoy and I found a "healthy" recipe for - <strong>Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak with Shitake Mushroom Gravy</strong>, another Bobby Deen recipe. Do y'all know who he is? He's Paula Deen's son and he has a new show on the Food Network, "Not My Mama's Meals", cooking mostly healthier versions of comfort food. As you can see, I've tried out a few of his items recently, and all have been successful.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 # extra-lean ground beef (5% or less fat - I used the 93% lean, so mine had a couple more gm fat)<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />2 slices light whole wheat sandwich bread, torn into pieces<br />1 onion, finely chopped<br />2 tsp olive oil<br />1-8oz pkg shitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (I just used whatever was easy to grab at the store)<br />1 Tbsp all purpose flour<br />1 c reduced-sodium beef broth<br />1 tsp Worcestershire sauce<br /><br />Spray a broiler pan rack with cooking spray. (I don't think I have a broiler pan, maybe I do... but I used a cookie sheet with a cooling rack on top instead) Preheat the broiler.<br /><br />Combine the beef, salt, bread and half of the onions in a large bowl until well mixed. Shape the meat mixture into four 4x3 inch oval patties. Place the patties on the broiler pan rach 6" from the heat. Broil until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 degrees for medium, about 12 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721361548865387794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCx19YdlVunK2eXUJzwqTi9yA7axYpXFCbnopomqe20M0L0aZeUuq3kNNWji7AXx3nlN-G6o65sMOO4YU2gcR9c4jFitqunEhMgyIJix3e2Q1af0K_8T56ZExXWtj9MJFF9HqkvVaJKI/s320/iphone+pictures+through+march+2012+082.JPG" /><br />Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and the remaining chopped onions. Cook, stirring occassionally, until the mushrooms are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the broth and Worcestershire and bring to a boil. Add the patties to the skillet and bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce bubbles and thickens and the patties are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721361549819381762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6rySGL7zR2DQNXbCObMbZotyMcPRvQgeP1BSRpwiwxnGMv5iM-NhNZwU7AdHsyMOOjxUAfiCVeL1tx8fkPQMTbRYWOK6-_2fbGwbFe1OHZ7ep0Uq3Dd6QYCIdIqUvH9KFESDD08xpuM/s320/iphone+pictures+through+march+2012+083.JPG" /><br />Nutrition facts for one serving: 316 kcal, 36 gm protein, 11 gm total fat, 19g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5 mg iron, 962 mg sodium.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721363011543355858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0RMgUX8e6RX-f7y3-dvG4LR8AkoWqP_b7X_hPCf8feEkjrQt_D2FySOcj1K2VdRymW1lQd56-qLRHRCYG0SLzCJqaqWdBehyc_hHzHmPR4AR_17NRoV-P1LcffzTThta7ScrD7nJCz0/s320/iphone+pictures+through+march+2012+084.JPG" />I served with Ellie Krieger's "smashed" potatoes - steamed unpeeled yukon gold potatoes with 1/2 c. warm chicken broth, 1/4 c. light sour cream, 2 Tbsp chopped chives, salt and pepper to taste - and fresh broccoli. Was a great meal! Got a little hectic getting everything finished at the same time and I ended up making a lot of dirty pots and pans for R to clean!<br /><br />I have a couple other posts in the works - one about a few diets that have been popping up in the media more lately and one a survey that I was tagged in (harder than I thought it would be!) Hopefully this time next week I'll be blogging about another week of successful meals. Here's what's on the menu:<br /><br />Tonight: Peppercorn Pork with Wine Sauce (Ellie Krieger - EK); Green beans with Mushrooms and Shallots (EK); possibly roasted potatoes... still deciding<br />Monday: Balsamic Chicken with Baby Spinach and Couscous (EK)<br />Tuesday: The class we're going to at church serves dinner! Whoot!<br />Wednesday: Chicken Cacciatore (EK) and rice<br />Thursday: Fish Tacos with Chipotle Cream (EK) and probably R's beans<br />Friday: Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries (I usually just buy the frozen kind)<br /><br />I better get to it or we'll never eat dinner!<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-62836539382453196812012-03-11T16:16:00.004-05:002012-03-11T17:57:09.307-05:00What's on my (mostly electronic) bookshelfAlmost 3 years ago, a friend of mine invited me to be in a book club that she wanted to start. I have loved to read since I was a kid, but once it became necessary for school, reading for fun went out the window for the most part and I never picked it back up consistently. So the idea of reading was fun, but socializing with people I didn't know? A little scary.<br /><br /><div><br />Fortunately, I accepted and it has been a lot of fun talking about books (and let's be honest - drinking wine, snacking, and mostly chatting) with people outside of my normal social circle. Plus, I have pretty good accountability to read at least 1 book a month - not that I get it read every month - I've been more inconsistent lately - but I have a date set on the calendar which motivates me... so my "read" list has grown considerably. </div><br /><br /><div>What amuses me is my mom is also in a book club, so we often read the same books she does (usually after they do) - but she gets a little frustrated at times when they only talk about the book for 20-30 minutes! Whoa, she would not enjoy this book club! Did I mention that it is all former or current high school English teachers? Enough said.<br />Any-hoo... I'm going to list 10 of my favorites that I think are worth a read, in no particular order. This list does not include The Help, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, or Hunger Games series, all of which I love but I think have gotten tons of attention lately and don't need to be highlighted. Most of them are from book club picks, but others I borrowed from my mom or friends. Unfortunately I don't have hard copies of most of these to lend - that's the downside of the Kindle. I didn't think I would like an e-reader - but I was so wrong! I love it - so portable, easy to read on the treadmill, and I can get any book I want any time!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>1. <strong><em>Water for Elephants</em></strong> by Sara Gruen - About a young man whose parents are killed while he is in veterinary school and he has to drop out and joins the circus. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://waterforelephantsfilm.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/water-for-elephants-soundtrack-cover.png?w=200&h=200" />2. <strong><em>Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet</em></strong> by Jamie Ford - This is about a little Chinese boy growing up in America during the 1940s and his friendship with a Japenese American little girl... great love story and I learned some history, too! I actually read this on our honeymoon and R read it after me :)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 139px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1227358027l/3367956.jpg" />3. <strong><em>Kite Runner</em></strong> by Khaled Hosseini - Set in Afghanistan, the story of a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant... I don't know what to say to draw you in, but great story. This is one R actually read before me - and he never reads.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 132px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://schol.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/kite-runner-book-jacket.jpg" />4. <strong><em>Room </em></strong>by Emma Donoghue - The story of a little boy who is the son of a kidnappend woman and her kidnapper for 7 years... disturbing, but a page turner. Worth the read. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 147px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7ixpTfyRxBasdVuMpyhyphenhyphenvKYIof5WoAwZgZHtcbWFoWUenQJBHzZylfGP7JDYBEC1ZZtbYs-WbDr7nRbAWiFsVax3x1XJzyAv3GoAgeAZT-me9KTEyUiTv8ndKXBcPtNibzvoE1_DODQ/s1600/Room-by-Emma-Donoghue.jpg" />5. <strong><em>Sarah's Key</em></strong> by Tatiana de Rosnay - The story of a 10 year old French Jewish girl who is arrested and sent to a concentration camp during World War II intertwined 60 years later with an American journalist living in Paris. Great story.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 138px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images.indiebound.com/848/370/9780312370848.jpg" /> 6. <strong><em>Cutting For Stone </em></strong>by Abraham Verghese - The incredible story of twin brothers born of a secret union between an Indian nun and a brash Brittish surgeon. Not like anything I've read. It took a while to get into but when it got good, it was <em>GOOD</em>. I believe this is the book I was reading when R nicknamed my kindle my "Shhh Machine" because I couldn't put it down and didn't want to be interrupted.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.abrahamverghese.com/imagelibrary/UploadedFiles/upload-1223200944517pm.jpg" />7. <strong><em>Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption </em></strong>by Laura Hillenbrand - The true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned Air Force bomber/lieutenant who became a POW during World War II. Fascinating, brutal story. It's long and very detailed at certain times, but kept my attention easily because it was so action-packed... and war stories are not typically my thing. This is the same author who wrote <em>Seabiscuit</em>, which I know is supposed to be wonderful but I just couldn't get in to - too much horse talk. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 151px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images.betterworldbooks.com/073/Unbroken-Hillenbrand-Laura-9780739319697.jpg" />8. <strong><em>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)</em></strong> by Mindy Kaling - The author is the actress who plays Kelly on <em>The Office</em> (she is also a writer on the show). Freaking hilarious. Along the same lines as <em>Bossy Pants</em> by Tina Fey, but much more relatable to me. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 142px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2011/10/everyone-hanging-out-lg.jpg" />9. <em><strong>The Glass Castle </strong></em>by Jeannette Walls - A true story/memoir: The author's story of her life growing up with nomad parents... my details here are bad, check out the summary on Amazon. Really great story. The same author wrote <em>Half Broke Horses </em>about her grandmother's experiences growing up. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/09/78/07/43/24/0978074324754_300X300.jpg" /> 10. <strong><em>The Time Traveler's Wife</em></strong> by Audrey Niffenegger - The love story between a woman as she grows up and a man who time travels spontaneously. Sounded a little too science fiction-ish for me, but I was totally absorbed in the book.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bf/TimeTravellersWife.jpg/200px-TimeTravellersWife.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><p>What else should I be reading? If you've read any of the above, do you agree? What's your favorite book of all time?</p><br /><br /><p>Love, B</p>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-25825765958705933632012-03-04T21:07:00.008-06:002012-03-08T18:31:32.618-06:00New York, New York!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno1aDB_Nzhn8hbi0A5T7vO5DfrJYKsYnYbEdRi4fVl9T9_x_lJozY1I-149D5ptPtn-WSG8fjRobNBmdACLgBpMy96ygUbIIu4eaUl35QuEjO7TUXJmlBSWyHiaQK9e1lKLTOP8rg2Fg/s1600/nyc+trip+2011+060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 258px; height: 190px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717686096926424226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno1aDB_Nzhn8hbi0A5T7vO5DfrJYKsYnYbEdRi4fVl9T9_x_lJozY1I-149D5ptPtn-WSG8fjRobNBmdACLgBpMy96ygUbIIu4eaUl35QuEjO7TUXJmlBSWyHiaQK9e1lKLTOP8rg2Fg/s320/nyc+trip+2011+060.JPG" /></a>First of all, thanks for my welcome back to blog land! Apparently I have at least 3 readers, so I will do my best to stay on task... for now at least! Second of all, it was no thanks to blogger (or possibly my computer and/or internet connection) - I wrote this blog on Sunday but couldn't get any pictures to upload and I didn't want another vanilla blog post with no pics!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I have always wanted to visit NYC, and apparently so has R. There are many places we'd like to visit, actually, just not enough time or money... Anyway, NYC was on the top of our list and we especially wanted to see it at Christmas time, so we bit the bullet, used our recent first wedding anniversary as an excuse, and booked flights and a hotel room for an extended weekend before Christmas (Thursday - Monday). Interesting tip I learned when I was researching tickets: Flights are cheapest after 3pm on Tuesdays - they go up after that throughout the week. Well, at least according to a blog I read and fortunately I found this to be true. Our tickets were about $90 less PER PERSON! as compared to a couple days prior when I purchased them on a Tuesday evening. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We flew out Thursday morning and managed to phenagle the transportation system to get from the airport in New Jersey to our <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361&EM=VTY_EL_3361_TIMESSQUARE_OVERVIEW">hotel</a> in the Times Square area. We chose the hotel based on location - close to Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Theater District and a main terminal for subway/buses so we could get to the other places we wanted to visit easily. The hotel looked much more "plush" than what it turned out to be, but it was really nice considering the reasonable price and just the fact that we were in NYC. Hotel rooms are just small there, period, from what I can tell... unless, I'm sure, you're willing to spend an arm and a leg. But we need our arms and legs. A couple nice features were free breakfast every morning and "Happy Hour" on weeknights. So we were able to check in to the hotel and have a free glass of wine while we decided what to do our first night. I'm a high-strung traveller so this was especially nice :) </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I'm also an inexperienced traveller and I worry that I'm not going to make the most of my time at a destination - and I sure don't want to waste the money I'm spending on the trip - so I do my best to plan ahead. When we went to Chicago, I bought a guide book and had a pretty good plan in place, which worked really well. I thought I'd do the same thing for NYC, and bought the book and talked to R about what we really wanted to do and asked friends for recommendations - but still didn't have a firm plan - there were just too many things we wanted to do! So, after consulting my guidebook and the internet for pizza places, we finally landed on going to Lombardi's that night in Soho/Little Italy (I never really figured that out), which claims to be the first pizzeria in NYC. We weren't super hungry so decided we'd try to walk - and realized pretty quickly it was farther than we thought, so we decided to do something else "New York" and tried to hail a taxi. Easier said than done - there are alot of people on the streets trying to do the same! When we finally snagged one, we realized taking a taxi in that area in the early evening is not productive but definitely expensive - traffic is just too thick to drive. The driver got us fairly close and we walked the rest of the way. At least we got the experience, right? Pizza was good... not much too say about it, but we were not disappointed. We headed back in the direction of the hotel and explored the shopping in Times Square. The store I was most impressed with was Toys R Us - really awesome ferris wheel with toy cars, Candy Land, Legoland, Barbie World... any kid would be in heaven, but you could not pay me enough to navigate a stroller or deal with a small child in that environment (the city, not the store itself)! Getting the two of us around was headache enough for me. </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 226px; height: 171px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717680646600783538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rU10KYbcElqLT0AhUafEA0EP0cdgLdIXYFcf3U8I8IHnULuB4CLcQQ1codLoaMf_oMOv_-F5-lM2DD7ENEhUU5zBpJePyJJEzkRGP8m__3L0pvU1GUsq_cxexIAbjp_MlGV1D9Q0g3E/s320/nyc+trip+2011+033.JPG" /></div><div>On Friday we started early on the typical touristy activities: watched the taping of the Today show, toured NBC studios, took pictures in front of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, watched ice skaters, stopped in at St. Patrick's Cathedral before taking the subway to Ground Zero. Here's a tip if you are planning a trip and want to go to the 911 Memorial: get your tickets ahead of time. You can actually get tickets on the day of, but it isn't guaranteed. We learned the hard way. So, instead of going to the memorial, I took my very disappointed husband to Battery Park, where we took a boat ride to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island close up (we stayed on the boat - we were pretty wiped out already and I wasn't feeling too hot). Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready to see the Lion King. We were running short on time, so grabbed a hot dog from a street vendor (on R's must-do list) as we walked to the show. I didn't know that most of the shows had an entire theater dedicated to them. Not quite like Houston's theater district! Also unlike seeing a show at the Hobby Center, you can take refreshments you purchase there to your seat... including adult beverages in SIPPY CUPS! with fun names like Hakuna Matata (my beverage of choice) and Scar's Revenge (R's) for only $17 each. I'm glad we didn't know how much they would be until the drinks were already poured and it was too late to be smart. The show was cool - great costumes, sets, music... at least I could appreciate where my money went, I suppose! <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 274px; height: 147px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717680659199510386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGmqYafDKgxDKres7zaLeySodtyhlizLPT24ohntVZYjxFOlClvqkktrncjJic1tSlkN7qGS5aMbWuQRv2xwTXhqsxdF8YzLt1vOn75oexJzfPeKYQNHmSwmvVPLxdkU-SZbCILli-fE/s320/nyc+trip+2011+039.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>On Saturday, we slept in a bit - I still wasn't feeling great and R had caught my cold by this point. Our goal for the day was to check out Central Park so we headed up town and had brunch at this awesome spot called Good Enough to Eat. The guide books warned us not to fall into the trap of waiting in line for brunch... but we were there, hungry, and didn't know where else to go so we just went with it. Luckily, we got to pass up most of the line because a 2 person party is so much easier to seat. Hooray! We were happy campers smooshed in a corner, elbow to elbow enjoying our delicious meals. After that, we finally made it to Central Park. Nonetheless, we had a great time exploring and enjoying the beautiful scenery in the midst of the ginormous city. Then we (I) decided to go to Bloomingdale's to see what all the hype was about. It was not as close to Central Park as I realized, which was fine with me because I had thought ahead and worn sneakers, unlike my stylish husband who didn't and his feet paid the price. Any-hoo, Bloomingdale's was packed and I was surprised to find it to be kind of like a mall - the departments were more like smaller stores/boutiques. We didn't stay long - neither of us are into crowds. Then we thought we'd meander over to Serendipity for a frozen hot chocolate... just like every other tourist, apparently! I suspected it would be crowded because when I called on Friday to make a reservation I was informed they were booked until January (!) but did accept walk-ins. The wait was 3 hours. And people were actually waiting that long! Not us. So, note: If you want to go to Serendipity, make a reservation way in advance, especially if you go over Christmas! We settled for a cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery back at Bloomingdale's. Then we took the subway to Grand Central Station to cross that off our list. From there, we headed back to the hotel, cleaned up and then went to a very nice seafood restaurant Oceana near Rockefeller Center. The atmosphere was awesome and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 219px; height: 163px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717680671902598114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yB-Io6yS7bXv12oM6UduP4OazcdlW1zZYLJMA7Mn_D6ctnD59LOTlThjLMqFYPKawPgOLK_bhWH8EX1IvT-3WVUzhIz71xNYzBEY8HbakP0RXo96Q2cfEAHxt6VXLSbeZAyDuXUchSE/s320/nyc+trip+2011+051.JPG" /></div><div>On Sunday, we decided to make another attempt to see the 911 Memorial so we headed out to make the first opening at 8am. It was 23 degrees outside. I have never been so cold. We wandered around for quite a while trying to find the place to get tickets which ultimately was almost at the foot of the subway exit we emerged from initially... awesome. Luckily, we were able to get tickets so we had to walk over to the actual memorial... and continue to stand in line to wait to get in. And did I mention it was 23 degrees? We finally got to actually go in after going through airport-style security (which included taking off our coats!) and guess what? The only part of the memorial that is open is outside... so it was surreal to be at the site and the reflection pools are nice... I don't really know what to say about it, but I'm glad we went. Afterwards, we got inside as soon as possible to have breakfast at a great deli, George's. From there, we took the subway to the American Museum of Natural History, which was cool as far as museums go. Back to the hotel to clean up and then headed to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular (the Rockettes' show) which was awesome!! I expected it to be good, but had no idea. I enjoyed it more than Lion King. Even R thought it was great, plus it is just such a historic, beautiful place. Afterward, we had dinner at Joe Allen, in the theater district, which was great food and a great atmosphere as well, but much different from Oceana, so I felt like we got a good spectrum. Then we headed back to the hotel to pack up and get a good night's sleep. <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 183px; height: 229px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716247124231388338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJBkE6cVqP7HdmM2UNGfId-zrgviMD5S_bS3aDFXhWZZBhB4lKeD6Ezl0C7Lm1C_LHTyMeW-UdDRollwapruATGcobmPvaiVUtkwG5qM3KKQYDxDNHFi43KIcLNw0ewfaZsDJrNkA2IM/s320/nyc+trip+2011+003.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Monday we got up, had breakfast at the hotel and caught a bus to the airport and then flew back to H-town. We had a great trip and were really pleased with how much we were able to do in only a few days. If we go back, hopefully we can explore some other neighborhoods that are less touristy and maybe even take advantage of the half price tickets for shows. For our first trip, I wanted to be sure we would be able to go to the shows we (I) really wanted to see, so I got them ahead of time and paid full price (it was hard to do, I couldn't think about it too much!) </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>What is the best city you have ever visited? Where do we need to go next? Boston and Seattle are on the top of our lists. But we still need to make a trip to Nicaragua (my brother), Baltimore (his sisters, my uncle, and a cousin). Oh... and apparently we are going to Vegas in July with his high school friends + wives to celebrate a big wedding anniversary. How could I say no when he never sees them? Heaven help me. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Love, B </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-41038634308069916392012-03-02T18:49:00.002-06:002012-03-02T19:53:44.390-06:00What's newCrazy how much has happened in the last 5 months... I know, I know, I am a terrible blog slacker. I apologize to the 2 of you who happen to check ;) My pal <a href="http://www.mommywilcox.blogspot.com">Courtney</a> suggested a "blog challenge" to blog 3x/week for the month of March, and I'm home alone on a Friday night so I'm thinking - why not at least attempt it?<br /><br />I have fairly good reasons for not blogging - I feel like life has just been non-stop. Good, but not enough hours in the day or days in the weekend. Since my last post, where I announced my "changing season", I did indeed leave my employer of almost 5 years and started work at a competitor doing marketing. That lasted for about 3 weeks. I hated what I was doing. I took the clinical liaison job initially to change things up - I was tired of the headaches of my dietitian job with the building, but didn't really want to leave. So when I was ready to leave that company, I thought it was natural to do the same thing. Nope, bad idea. I just really didn't know what I was getting into... or maybe I just wasn't ready for a new mess and wanted to just go back to working in my field as a dietitian. I cried probably every day and after about a week into the new job started applying to other jobs! 2 weeks after I started the new job, the food and nutrition director from a hospital in the same proximity as my old/current job called because I had sent her my resume. I had sent it thinking the pay would not be adequate and hours would likely not be enough, but was desperate. She called me thinking they wouldn't be able to meet my salary requirements but thought I would be a good fit for the job... and she was desperate to find the right person. So, I went in to meet with her that day and everything fell into place. She offered me the job at the end of our meeting and the next day I accepted. Once paperwork was taken care of, I resigned from the very short-lived job and started the next day. I didn't want to be someone who quit a job so early but I realized it was probably better to get out early on than be miserable for a year. Even though I felt bad about it, I don't regret it for a minute.<br /><br />I've been there now for about 3 months and I am still so happy to be there (even if I did stay way too late today for a Friday). The hospital is a long term acute care facility, which is for patients who need an extended hospital stay (usually 3+ weeks). The acuity is high so I get to do a good amount of nutrition support, which is my favorite area of nutrition. I'm the only clinical dietitian so I have a lot of ownership of the clinical piece and my boss is over food service so for the most part, that's not my headache! (Food service is my least favorite area of nutrition). I was familiar with several staff members and physicians because I used to assess patients from there to go to my old facility so it was a much easier transition than it would have been otherwise. My boss is wonderful. She is a great resource, extremely supportive, and just a nice person in general. Oh, and she's a Christian. Bonus. The only other Christian boss I've had that I can think of was when I worked on a church staff... and she has yet to make me cry, which is more than I can say for the other one (even though I liked him)! My schedule is flexible, I wear scrubs and sneakers to work, free breakfast and lunch... what more could I ask for?+ If you've known me for long, you know how long I tried to leave the old place... and then all of a sudden, God dropped this in my lap. It is such a testament to me to how much he is involved in my life and is in control. He has been perfectly capable of doing this all along, but for many reasons I can easily identify, it just wasn't the right time. This verse comes to mind when I consider how blessed I am:<br /><em>Now to him who is able to do <strong>immeasurably more</strong> than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21</em><br /><br />So, the job transitions really kept me busy, then we took a fantastic trip right before Christmas to New York for a belated celebration of our first wedding anniversary. Then came Christmas, including my brother being home for a nice extended visit, which was wonderful. We had various members of R's family staying with us for about 2 weeks after Christmas, which kept us busy but was a great time for me to get to know them better. We decided to start training for a half marathon and that went well for about a week - then R started back to school and reality set in. I've been trying to keep up with my running (but not training for anything) and some weeks it goes really well and some weeks there is just too much going on. <br /><br />We started going to another new church... yes, we are church hoppers, apparently, and signed up to take the "Alpha" course, which is a non-denominational foundational class which we've really enjoyed on Tuesday evenings. It is really a challenge to juggle R's schedule but we are trying to make it work and hopefully find a more permanent church home. About a month ago, some friends started meeting at my house on Monday evenings for Bible study, which has been a great opportunity to have girl time while wrestling with spiritual issues and praying for each other. (Anyone is welcome to join us! Well, girls only, of course.) I was part of another ladies' Bible study and had really missed this time so it has been something I look forward to each week again. R graciously retreats to our bedroom when the girls are over and watches The Bachelor to unwind from his day before hitting the books... haha! We're so hooked on that dumb show. Thank goodness we have DVR so I can catch up.<br /><br />Is that enough rambling for now? I have some future blogs brewing, so stay tuned! Our trip to NYC, great books I've read and want to share, and of course, I have got to get back on the ball with cooking/recipes!<br /><br />Much love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-65235519983296736842011-09-27T15:02:00.002-05:002011-09-27T15:48:33.948-05:00Changing SeasonsFriday marked two changing seasons in my life... the first, obvious one was the first day of fall! I love fall... how can you not? Fall brings cooler weather to provide relief from the sweltering summer - even if that relief is mid 90s instead of mid 100s... I'll take what I can get! The days are still getting hot but the mornings have been cooler and some days even less humid. Starbucks celebrates the start of fall by bringing back their Pumpkin Spice flavor - I had to settle for an iced pumpkin spice latte today, but it still made me feel good. I got my first "Lincoln Park after Dark" mani/pedi of the season which I always look forward to. I've even been wearing long sleeves occassionally - just try to ignore the sweat stains!<br /><br />Fall brings with it football - and no, I am not a hardcore fan, but I have actually grown to enjoy it over the years... in small doses, that is. Richard has forced me to watch enough games that I have a better understanding of the plays and all that jazz. We had the good fortune to randomly receive free A&M tickets from a stranger at Buffalo Wild Wings a couple weekends ago and got to watch TAMU BTHO Idaho... whoop! From the 1st deck, 27th row at the 30 yard line - amazing seats. It was so fun to be back on campus and point things out to Richard. I educated him and the LSU fan on my other side about the yells, wildcats, corps of cadets, etc and it renewed my love for the school and its traditions. I felt old as I couldn't recall where things were and saw the students run around (looked like junior high kids!) I took him to the Dixie Chicken because really... isn't that where all Aggies hang out? Oh wait... not me - I think I had been there twice as a student, but R enjoyed the atmosphere and our greasy burgers. I also managed to get us a little lost on the way home - just like old times ;)<br /><br />Friday also marked the changing of a season in my career... I resigned at my job of the last 4 1/2 years and officially accepted a new position with another company. I have said many times that life has been so good, I was fearfully waiting for the other foot to drop, so to speak... just waiting for when God was going to reign in all the blessing and give us a trial or two. Well, He certainly has not stopped blessing us but he has begun to throw a few wrenches in our plans for where our perfect lives are heading. R decided to step down from his full time managment position with our company and work on the floor as needed so he could focus on school with less stress - which meant taking a significant pay cut. Eek! We've been holding on to that so tightly but I tried to be cool about it - well, God provided a really sweet 24 hr/week job for him as a clinical instructor on the weekends that Richard loves and is absolutely thriving in, not to mention is a great add to his resume for the future. He is making up the remaining hours with prn work which can be inconsistent and is a little hard for me to just take as it comes, but I'm learning. It was a great reminder that the companies we work for are not the ones who provide for us... God is. He often does it through employers, but He sees our needs and feeds and clothes and shelters us. We'd pretty much been acting as though we were providing for ourselves and left Him out of the equation. Our situation could be so, so much worse - I thank God that he is merciful to only throw us small problems to deal with because plenty of people don't have jobs at all, or are dealing with far worse things - death of loved ones, terminal diseases, that make slightly less steady income seem so insignificant.<br /><br />So that was a little inconvenient... then R's school got pushed back a semester. We were both so focused on the craziness ending in December, willing ourselves to get through it. Circumstances changed and this was not in our plans - again I think God wants us to realize that He is in charge, not us! Another opportunity for Him to prove Himself faithful to us.<br /><br />Then all hell began to break loose at my job with changes in our corporate structure and a crazy administrator... people quitting left and right, patient care suffering, finally my boss resigning and my position being put under above crazy administrator. Not many people read this blog, so if you are close enough to me to know that it exists, you have probably heard me complain about my job many times over the years. It's not an easy place to work - but it has been an incredible growing experience for me professionally and personally. Professionally, I have developed many new skills and personally - I met my husband! I love many people there and have ridden out many storms (figuratively and literally - Hurricane Ike!)... but God in his loving kindness orchestrated dropping a job in my lap at the same time it became abundantly clear to me that now was the time to leave. So, over the next 4 weeks I will be transitioning out of my current position and preparing to start a new, exciting season in my career. It should be a relatively smooth change - I am in the same territory with several people I have worked with in the past and I am excited about working for this administrator. The new job actually pays less and has less time off - but I've had to realize that my sanity, my marriage, my physical health, my good conscience are all more valuable than a few dollars. Remember, Beth, God is the one who provides... not your employer!<br /><br />R and I are quickly approaching our one year anniversary - and I am thankful for God putting him in my life every day. He makes my life more complicated sometimes, but so much more happy and complete. We're learning so much about how the other works, how to communicate, how to fight, how to love and support each other well... This is a great season of life to be in. A year ago, I was going crazy over the last details of wedding planning, so glad to be past that! Two years ago, we were newly dating and marathon training... three years ago, I was single and convinced God was never going to end my misery of singleness! Can't wait to see what God has in store for us over the next year - we are certainly going to have to trust him to see us through it.<br /><br />Much Love,<br />BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-31139630801246987502011-05-13T20:33:00.002-05:002011-05-13T21:50:22.026-05:00Have you hugged a nurse lately?In case you don't stay abreast of these types of things, this week is both National Nursing Home Week (May 8-14th) and National Nurses' Week (May 6-12th... I'm a little late). I work in a nursing home and I also happen to be married to the BEST nurse on the planet... who I met at that very nursing home. So, maybe that's not a very objective statement, but truly of all the nurses I have worked with over the last 8 years, R ranks at the very top. He has replaced me as our family's doctor... thank goodness for everyone I am no longer the most medical-savy.<br />For someone who at home and socially is extremely non-chalant and at times, oblivious to what's going on around him, R has impressed me from day one in his ability to assess a nursing type situation, identify the problem(s) and formulate and execute a plan. He is not only extremely knowledgeable about medical conditions and medications, he also has excellent bedside manner with patients and families. He is respected by physicians, his supervisors, his co-workers, and the people he supervises... plus all of us ancillary people. He's calm, he's cool, and he means business. He finds a way to create rapport with the most difficult patients and families.<br />There is an 95 year old woman who has lived at VW for several years and I have always greeted her by name when I see her around the building, but she has never acknowledged me, except one time to tell me not to touch her when I patted her on the shoulder. I thought maybe she was too hard of hearing or demented to have a conversation with me (why else wouldn't she talk to me? I am very lovable!)... until R told me she had given him hugs AND a kiss! He is the only one besides her son who can get her to take her meds when she goes on a streak of refusing.<br />My 11 year old cousin tried to tease me a while back saying "Your husband is a <em>nurse</em>!" Of course, R wasn't around, because he would be way too scared to actually attempt to make fun of him in person. I told him proudly "yes, and he's the best one I know". It's funny how many people told me they were just sure I'd meet and marry a doctor... yeah, not so much! Thank you Jesus for giving me a nurse instead with a less demanding schedule and much smaller ego. (Sorry for the stereotype! That is certainly not true of all doctors.) Men are rare in healthcare, and even more rare in nursing although the percentage seems to be increasing all the time. Almost all of the male nurses I have worked with have been well above average... I don't know if going into nursing was more of a deliberate choice for men than women, who may choose it by default, so they enjoy it more or what... (NOT to say men are<em> better</em> nurses than women, I am not sexist against my own gender! I know, love and respect many excellent female nurses as well!)<br />Since it <em>is </em>nursing home week, I want to touch on that topic too. I <em>never</em> thought I'd end up working in and loving nursing homes. Granted, VW is not typical, but it is a nursing home nonetheless. When we used to go visit my great great grandmother and then great grandmother in nursing homes in East Texas, I would hold my nose the whole time because I couldn't handle the smells. When we used to go with church or Girl Scout groups to sing and talk to the residents at local nursing homes, I was scared and tried to stay at the back of the pack.<br />Things have changed! I hated working in the acute hospital where I'd do a one-time nutrition assessment and have no opportunity to follow up with the patients or see that my recommendations were implemented. In the nursing home/long term care setting, I've gotten to know darling (and not-so-darling) patients and families and see my work pay off!<br />At the same time, there are many challenges of working in that setting, which is largely seen in a negative light. People don't want to be "put away", nor do families (usually) want to leave their loved ones in a "home". Nursing homes are one of the most regulated industries, if not the most, in the United States, largely due to a sad history of neglect and abuse. Nursing homes are primarily funded by the government (Medicare - short term skilled nursing and Medicaid - long term care) and often take very sick patients who no longer meet criteria to be in the acute hospitals. Payment from medicare or private insurance companies obviously decreases as the level of care decreases (acute hospital is more than long term acute care which is more than skilled nursing/nursing home). As a result, the number of patients per nurse and nurse aide increase to contain costs. And while I'd like to say "it shouldn't matter how expensive it is, we should have as many nurses as it takes that no one ever feels that their needs aren't met", realistically... facilities have to stay in the black to keep their doors open. VW is cutting-edge to have one full-time dietitian for 115 patients, where an acute hospital would have at least 4 full-time RDs. Per Medicare guidelines, a facility ony has to have a dietitian in a facility 8 hours a month per 100 residents.<br />Like schools and churches, the majority of press nursing homes receive is when something negative happens, despite how disproportionate the bad is to the good. Although I think 85%+ of our patients leave happy, and many return for repeat short term stays, the majority of comments you would see posted on the internet is the bad stuff (that is often exaggerated or misrepresented) because people who are mad are the ones who speak up. So, on that note... look for the good, and when you see it, say THANK YOU! Give a hug, write a positive review, tell someone's supervisor how great they are.<br />I have cooking and exercise updates to write but this is long enough for now :) Have a happy weekend!<br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-21378639802640621312011-04-24T18:33:00.006-05:002011-04-24T20:33:53.795-05:00He is Risen!This morning we went to church with my parents, which is my yearly tradition. I actually don't know that I can remember a single Easter where I haven't been at Calvary. The pastor greeted the church by saying "He is risen!" and the congregation seemed to agree but waited for him to proceed. He told us that in the early church, believers greeted one another by the first saying "He is risen!" and the person being greeted replied by saying "He is risen indeed!" What a great reminder that would be if we still carried on that tradition! Anyway, the pastor stepped away from the podium and tried again so the church could respond appropriately and we did. Good stuff.<br /><br />I have no room to pass judgment, as I so often forget even during the season of lent and even on Easter weekend what Easter is all about (not to mention how many times I "cheated" during lent), but it always amazes me the way Easter seems to be celebrated more and more in the United States... big spring parties and picnics or brunches - but no church? The Easter bunny but no Jesus? Even by people who "believe". It is heart breaking to me to see families, especially with children, out on the town on Sunday mornings. Man, it's tempting to sleep in on Sunday and have a second Saturday! I've been guilty of it many times myself but as much fun as it can be I know ultimately I'm missing out. God deserves my worship and devotion but He certainly doesn't need it - He'll still be God whether I acknowledge it or not! I'm thankful that faithful church attendance has been ingrained in me since I was a child. Yes, I know plenty of people show up at church with a totally cold heart, only out of obligation or tradition, so there's nothing magical about occupying a seat on a pew. But God uses it to work on my heart so many times! Anyway, I hope that doesn't sound self righteous, I just can't say enough how vital being a part of the church body is to the growth of a Christian! I've had this conversation with many people - and until you've experienced being part of a church the way I've been blessed to - its so hard for others to fathom that its not some dreadful obligation! In no way is my salvation or any one else's determined by how many times I've showed up at church - its irrelevant! That's the beautiful thing. Richard and I are going through what is essentially a "new members" class at the church we've been attending and we were talking about what sets the Christian faith apart and the pastor pointed out something I'd never realized: Christianity is the only faith where the "higher power" comes down to us - in all other religions, earning salvation or a ticket to heaven is all about climbing up to reach some unattainable or unquantifiable goal of being worthy, and there is no certainty of the future. Christianity is not at all about what we can do to earn salvation, but all about what Christ did for us on the cross - praise God for that! The pastor compared it to a parent jumping into the pool in their backyard to rescue the child who had wandered outside and had fallen to the bottom. The parent pulls the lifeless child out and performs CPR - resuscitating the child, breathing life back into him.<br /><br />Paul explains it very succinctly in Romans 3:21-25a "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference<em>, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus</em>. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." I hope your Easter Sunday was joyful!<br /><br />Now on to cooking! I made a couple fun things last week and a salad that has become tradition at Easter lunch. About a year ago I first attempted what sounded like a daunting task: Risotto! I followed the directions carefully and it turned out so well, the guy who came to the door to sell the Chronicle commented on how good it smelled while I was cooking it so I lightly said if he came back in 30 minutes I would give him some (Richard was there, don't worry I wouldn't invite someone in my home if I was alone!) not expecting him to return - but sure enough, 30 minutes or so later, there was a knock on the door... so I shared some of this goodness with him.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Risotto with Asparagus and Shrimp (Filippo Berio website)</strong><br /><br /><br />1 can (14 oz) chicken broth<br />2 1/2 c water<br />2 1/2 T olive oil, divided<br />1 sm onion, chopped<br />1 1/4 c Arborio rice (important! must use this type of rice!)<br />1/2 tsp salt, divided<br />1/2 c dry white wine<br />1# thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces<br />1# medium shrimp, peeled<br />1/2 c (2oz) Parmesean cheese, grated<br /><br /><br />1. Heat the water and broth in a pot, reduce heat to low.<br /><br /><br />2. In a dutch oven set over medium heat, warm 1 T olive oil. Add the onion, and cook, stirring for 3 minutes or until golden. Add the rice and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until coated with oil. Add the wine. Increase the heat to medium high and cook for 5 minutes, or until the wine is absorbed. Reduce the heat to medium low. Start timing your cooking. Add 1/2 cup of the broth mixture and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the broth, 1/2 c at a time and stirring frequently.<br /><br /><br />3. Meanwhie, in a large saute pan, heat 1 T oil and 2 T chicken broth mixture. Add the asparagus and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and cook, tossing occassionally, about 4 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp is opaque. Remove from the heat.<br /><br />4. After 18 minutes of cooking, start testing the rice which should be tender but hold its shape. When it is cooked (which for me takes at least 30-40min), remove from heat. (You probably won't use all of the broth mixture). Add the shrimp, asparagus, and any pan juices. Add the cheese and remaining 1/2 T oil. Stir.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br />The risotto gets progressively thicker - kind of like old fashioned oatmeal. I think it has to do with the starches coming out. It gets frustrating waiting for it to be an edible texture - just keep adding the broth and cooking. I sometimes end up turning the heat up a smidge toward the end.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHRN7C5nNqfOjJupb-0BvBC0tSMS-PSt9lCFdpOauW_yxcMOcDzMluR7OJ5Pgfr0FQG_4IPDGLGGoUY1Kebl-gbqf5Nt80aLldkhrSG8dVv-5rxYr6SFBbdZtCAWU2WXVjk-LMnKT_tU/s1600/april+24+2011+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298824245958754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHRN7C5nNqfOjJupb-0BvBC0tSMS-PSt9lCFdpOauW_yxcMOcDzMluR7OJ5Pgfr0FQG_4IPDGLGGoUY1Kebl-gbqf5Nt80aLldkhrSG8dVv-5rxYr6SFBbdZtCAWU2WXVjk-LMnKT_tU/s320/april+24+2011+019.JPG" /></a> Two of my favorite ingredients! Love me some shrimp and asparagus!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599321182415323426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMJXdw6SwCbTRDj2JCNeRILljRcfSMNxrsveCTrQY5DX40PC9CWWsCGVn9uC8bOV3RThJf-gX6GJD7C2mj6FP53mng55fvohR2mC50TO6uXdo-0b0om79tz9_5mgeTob9Q5uT2NKvWTw/s320/april+24+2011+018.JPG" /> Combines beautifully!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfvn_Z8TjAuXptwMA1vq0Nl_JWsN8ZUgttrvLe3G51gIu9Ptq76kUMUGPvxU0szEmjhDpfuO3fqUX1mM3SVfVHpKwUsCkOUsdJV3i66lN2QgkWcxyyZ3s-eoiFxtlyW3tsbPCqhVaJJo/s1600/april+24+2011+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298821822238530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfvn_Z8TjAuXptwMA1vq0Nl_JWsN8ZUgttrvLe3G51gIu9Ptq76kUMUGPvxU0szEmjhDpfuO3fqUX1mM3SVfVHpKwUsCkOUsdJV3i66lN2QgkWcxyyZ3s-eoiFxtlyW3tsbPCqhVaJJo/s320/april+24+2011+020.JPG" /></a>This is not a quick, 30 minute dinner - but so worth it when you have the time.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7xoST4ORZP0EPhY8WLhJP4ScPBmp8j8T0C0l1cLiOC6pOmYLD9399tO0FXxXgLTweOuPnEfvcD7Z8p9hHm3-5L6ESe8wv87MLtkY53189r1YIe2qkVctLXkx5b8fuD1bCahN_nkOCDA/s1600/april+24+2011+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298387568402146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7xoST4ORZP0EPhY8WLhJP4ScPBmp8j8T0C0l1cLiOC6pOmYLD9399tO0FXxXgLTweOuPnEfvcD7Z8p9hHm3-5L6ESe8wv87MLtkY53189r1YIe2qkVctLXkx5b8fuD1bCahN_nkOCDA/s320/april+24+2011+022.JPG" /></a>For each of 4 generous servings: 534 calories and 18 gm fat - which seems high but it is a meal in itself and when you consider the 1800-2000 cal/day and 60-65gm fat/day women need, its not unreasonable. I did that math myself, friends - YOU ARE WELCOME!<br /><br />I made this Sunday afternoon to eat Monday night - it makes a ton! I made it for a dinner party last time, and this time I was able to give about half to a friend. You could also freeze them for a future meal! I didn't put the sauce on until right before putting them in the oven.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Stuffed pasta shells (courtesy of my mom!)</strong></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">1 egg</div><br /><div align="left">1 lb. ground beef (I used turkey this time - 93% lean)</div><br /><div align="left">1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained</div><br /><div align="left">15 oz ricotta cheese (I used reduced fat)</div><br /><div align="left">1# grated mozzarella cheese</div><br /><div align="left">salt and pepper</div><br /><div align="left">manicotti shells or jumbo pasta shells (cooked a little firm)</div><br /><div align="left">prepared spaghetti sauce (I used HEB brand portabello & onion - 30cal/serving)</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">1. Mix egg, beef, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and salt and pepper together.</div><br /><div align="left">2. Stuff into large pasta shells. </div><br /><div align="left">3. Place in large casserole dish (I use 2) and pour spaghetti sauce on top.</div><br /><div align="left">4. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U73IOLvc2uOrb3cgZwN5wI_OHjmtJHZX_jLU9i_1M3T1sec0B91hQP14Lfx8TfEEWZT5W2q314oyJpi4nLpYhzz7bIZber-DLgJ6mPxENlCgTqqYaOze28gZgHsXFCtQDlRUfe3nrhM/s1600/april+24+2011+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298127152299554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U73IOLvc2uOrb3cgZwN5wI_OHjmtJHZX_jLU9i_1M3T1sec0B91hQP14Lfx8TfEEWZT5W2q314oyJpi4nLpYhzz7bIZber-DLgJ6mPxENlCgTqqYaOze28gZgHsXFCtQDlRUfe3nrhM/s320/april+24+2011+015.JPG" /></a> The ingredients look odd but come together deliciously!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrVdElX-j2PaI_Tx47y-W2xFkzJ8SJxFVQQkfbGXm8kW9P8yLbO4FwaX5XNXq5CWSwoNRdY0gFUn6lBbiTO_4AJi2_9aeOtwYUvqH29mmqKe58wFhH72lQk7GJYcF_XZvDmqa6j6uwes/s1600/april+24+2011+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298117651750178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrVdElX-j2PaI_Tx47y-W2xFkzJ8SJxFVQQkfbGXm8kW9P8yLbO4FwaX5XNXq5CWSwoNRdY0gFUn6lBbiTO_4AJi2_9aeOtwYUvqH29mmqKe58wFhH72lQk7GJYcF_XZvDmqa6j6uwes/s320/april+24+2011+016.JPG" /></a> This is 1 of 2 dishes - there is enough stuffing for 30 shells, my box came with 40-something. You can always put some sauce with the leftover noodles for an easy lunch.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FXDYT3JuMeETVJvwPXLHEdOTODVKNyA99rB-A0QqMCvsXhBt689XkfdHfdYiwLIw-sFKjDsNNFjSedjTZIbF86CrZX8SHWExTzy00mW2XCylyDxL8jdzMQp8g0Mb0mO8vpGnaQDlciQ/s1600/april+24+2011+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298112082163666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FXDYT3JuMeETVJvwPXLHEdOTODVKNyA99rB-A0QqMCvsXhBt689XkfdHfdYiwLIw-sFKjDsNNFjSedjTZIbF86CrZX8SHWExTzy00mW2XCylyDxL8jdzMQp8g0Mb0mO8vpGnaQDlciQ/s320/april+24+2011+023.JPG" /></a> 3 shells are a pretty satisfying meal for me - I think Richard ate 5! I served w/ salad. Each shell is 120 calories and 5gm fat if made with the ingredients I listed in parenthesis. I had to do the math again by hand, so it would vary a little with different ingredients.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM4RjyJEPo6DdW9jkdQ1RUsdKgnYqJw0fbA0Lf83-J4ttGQ592hYVlshQLGd_6b44V4igaPzu9nlthnQjO2yMiZ6CqdUu8LFVJiQOemX8u5kEW_Xw5uqP_GciHY7WDllLnnGJSvBtSgk/s1600/april+24+2011+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298100715714562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM4RjyJEPo6DdW9jkdQ1RUsdKgnYqJw0fbA0Lf83-J4ttGQ592hYVlshQLGd_6b44V4igaPzu9nlthnQjO2yMiZ6CqdUu8LFVJiQOemX8u5kEW_Xw5uqP_GciHY7WDllLnnGJSvBtSgk/s320/april+24+2011+024.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p><strong>Spring Pea and Asparagus Panzanella Salad</strong></p><br /><p>1 # medium asparagus, trimmed</p><br /><p>1 c. fresh basil leaves</p><br /><p>4 T. olive oil, divided</p><br /><p>3/4 tsp salt, divided</p><br /><p>1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper</p><br /><p>1 (5oz.) box seasoned croutons</p><br /><p>1 c. fresh or frozen green peas, boiled until tender and drained</p><br /><p>1/2 c. thinly sliced green onions</p><br /><p>1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice plus another 1/2 tsp for dressing</p><br /><p>1 head thinly sliced radicchio (looks like a small head of red cabbage)</p><br /><p>1 cup arugula or baby spinach leaves (I used a whole 6oz bag of baby spinach)</p><br /><p>2 oz wedge ricotta salata or Parmesean cheese for garnish</p><br /><p>1. Cut off the tender tips of the asparagus, reserving both the tips and the spears.</p><br /><p>2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add asparagus tips and cook briefly until the color brightens. Lift the tips out with a slotted spoon and allow to cool. Add asparagus spears and cook until tender, about 5 minutes; drain well. </p><br /><p>3. Put the asparagus spears in a food processor or blender along with the basil leaves, 3 T olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Puree until smooth.</p><br /><p>4. In a large bowl, combine croutons, asparagus tips, peas and green onions. Add the asparagus puree and toss to coat. Add 1 1/2 T lemon juice and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (Note: this should not be done until very close to serving time because the croutons get soggy!)</p><br /><p>5. In a separate bowl, combine the radicchio and spinach or arugula. Dress with the remaining 1 T olive oil, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and and remaining lemon juice. Toss well. </p><br /><p>6. Mound the greens on a serving platter. Arrange asparagus and crouton mixture on top of the greens. </p><br /><p>7. With a cheese plane or vegetable peeler, shave some cheese over the top for garnish, if desired.</p><br /><p>8. Serve immediately.</p><br /><p>For each of 8 servings - 257 calories (from Health magazine)</p>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-35503744876480637082011-03-27T20:44:00.003-05:002011-03-27T21:54:04.641-05:00Back in the (proverbial) saddle...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy3DBSekSpxWpHiyFoTcQ8wbhSDqQJ8PD92_dgtWPMtAsrdZLNWEQF7d7lfciGXyzTvWfEUYqEtG-HekzQE2QO3tnWOyHZ8Pl-nlxvfnRxa1qloIOSIxHEkN25Xj3ZdEbggOv84dvr3U/s1600/image_20.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588942349479342498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy3DBSekSpxWpHiyFoTcQ8wbhSDqQJ8PD92_dgtWPMtAsrdZLNWEQF7d7lfciGXyzTvWfEUYqEtG-HekzQE2QO3tnWOyHZ8Pl-nlxvfnRxa1qloIOSIxHEkN25Xj3ZdEbggOv84dvr3U/s320/image_20.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>To be more accurate... back in my running shoes. I had a very successful exercise week! From Sunday - Saturday last week, I ran 5 times. It is a rare occassion that I am really looking forward to running, but 9 times out of 10, when I get out there I am really happy I did. I also tend to run more than I planned when I have low expectations for myself. For example, I'll get out the door and tell myself I'll just run for a few minutes and then walk... all of a sudden I've run 30 minutes. I must say that I'm pleased with how quickly it seems to come back when I'm consistent and push myself a little.</div><br /><div>It's sad, really, how far I've regressed - the picture above was at my second half marathon, in September 2009 (18 months ago) with Richard in Chicago. Only 14 months ago I ran a stinkin' full marathon. We were in such great cardiovascular shape! A little time off after the marathon was followed up by house shopping, contract signing, getting engaged, house closing, wedding planning, settling into marriage... the running (and exercise in general) fell to the wayside. I am always aware that I should be exercising... I love how I feel when I am and hate how sluggish I feel when I'm not... so I've still exercised intermittently but often half-heartedly. </div><br /><div>I had a Lifetime Fitness membership from September 2010 through February of this year which I ended up utilizing only for the treadmill. That is a really expensive membership if that's all I'm going to do, thus prompting my cancellation. The plan is to join the new 24 Hour Fitness that opens April 23rd <em>really</em> close to our house and significantly less expensive... plus its supposed to be really nice. I do like the option of a treadmill when the weather is not pleasant (6+ months a year in Houston!) and I like certain classes when they work with my schedule. </div><br /><div>Not only do I want to undo some of the weight gain (I completely blame it on being so happy and content with Richard, so I guess my life could be worse!), I really want to re-establish the good, consistent exercise habits I've had in the past and just be healthier overall. I know my life will only get more hectic as our family grows (one day) and my responsibilities increase so I really need to get this under control and manage all my "excuses". Historically, my weight has fluctuated in a 15-20# range. That is a BIG fluctuation! Friends and family would never comment on my weight, but work is another story. For whatever reason, the staff (nurses, nurses aides, dietary aides) think they have free reign to comment on my weight! A friend of mine at work is in a similar situation... they do the same thing to her. I think it's cultural, they don't realize its hurtful - I don't hesitate to tell them "you don't say that to a white girl!" but it doesn't help. It is especially annoying when your profession should make you an expert on weight loss and of course automatically thin! Or at least I feel like that's the expectation - it is not a requirement for my license, however. I've always said that I think people go into the nutrition profession more often than not because they have at least a history of a food issue, either under or over eating or a body image issue/obsession. I do think that my view of eating is much healthier than it has been in the past, and for the most part I eat well. Unfortunately, I apparently have been eating more calories than my body needs, leading to weight gain. I am not one of those girls who eats a few bites of a meal and then puts down the fork! I'm trying, I'm trying, but I hate wasting good food! Also, I think, I'm just going to be hungry later if I don't eat this now! At home its not so bad because I'm pretty good at portioning and am aware of everything in the food I cook... eating out is something else. When I am exercising regularly, this balances out and I can even be successful in losing weight over time. I have never been successful in calorie cutting only (without exercise) to lose weight. Another thing that has contributed to gaining weight has been more frequent alcohol intake - I don't abuse it, but it slows down your metabolism and provides extra calories. Something else I frequently say is I'd rather eat my calories than drink them - so I rarely drink juices or sodas with sugar... but I've yet to find a calorie-free wine. Did you know that alcohol "provides" 7 calories/gram? It does. Carbohydrates provide 4 calories/gm, fat provides 9 calories/gm and protein 4 cal/gm but all three of those provide nutritients as well. I was also getting in a habit of having a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day instead of going for a run, so that was really counterproductive for managing my weight. I'm hoping the scaling back on alcohol for Lent will also help in re-establishing healthy habits. I have no intention of stopping alcohol all together, but think for me it is better in a special occassion setting. </div><br /><div>On the exercise front, I have been very inspired by a few friends! My beautiful friend Courtney, mom of 3 who are aged 3 and under - has recently been really successful in getting down to her goal weight through eating better and exercising very faithfully (she is one of the few people who appreciate a good step aerobcis class like I do). She looks amazing! If anyone could say they didn't have time to exercise, it would be her - in additon to being mom and wife, she works a "part-time" job that is probably more full-time since she's in church ministry. Then there is Amanda J, who is the master of routine and exercises I believe 6 times a week - every morning except Sunday! She gets up in the 5s to make sure she gets it in. Amazing. I can't even get up in the 6s to accomplish that. Finally, my sweet friend Janet, who probably could be classified as addicted to exercise. She's always been an athlete, but even now she will go to classes on her lunch break and is often on multiple intramural sports leagues at a time in addition to running and biking. She is going to go into withdrawal from the adrenaline high of getting her heart rate elevated now that she is going to have a baby! I know it will be worth it, but expect she won't waste much time after the baby is born to start running again. </div><br /><div>I've rambled enough for now... cooking this week was pretty mundane, so I'll spare you the details... or save it for another day :)</div><br /><div>Is it really already the end of the weekend????</div><br /><div>Love, B</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-25675095393009953722011-03-16T19:12:00.006-05:002011-03-17T08:16:34.664-05:00Catching up...Meal planning has continued to be fun and successful.<br /><br />Last Sunday I made <a href="http://www.blogahon.blogspot.com/">Steph</a>'s Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken that is delicious! I made the gravy per her recipe (I added 1/2c of leftover chicken broth to make the gravy go a little further) and served it on the chicken and over some WHITE rice... With pasta, I can't tell the difference between regular and whole grain, but with rice I can... and its not that I dislike the whole grain, but sometimes the plain old white kind is a welcome change, especially if I know I got a good serving or two of whole grains already that day. To up the nutrients, and make my plate more colorful, I made this yummy veggie medley that I saw <a href="http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com/">Giada</a> make (yes, we're on a first name basis) - "<a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/asparagus-artichoke-and-mushroom-saute-with-tarragon-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html">Asparagus, Artichoke, and Mushroom Saute with Tarragon Vinaigrette</a>".<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXazxrwROPsO40yYxbBjblVZJ2QRiikILnVIVbyfvTYiIZs10p5Vtk9OVBJXJpXAHw1WCx5JaKcpc_j3JGzkAAhazxIzbRXSsFp3vvZy3ESdCB8_i7JmRdwA4P5gCUKjEgUK0cj4NDlj4/s1600/march+16+2011+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584838244122129554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXazxrwROPsO40yYxbBjblVZJ2QRiikILnVIVbyfvTYiIZs10p5Vtk9OVBJXJpXAHw1WCx5JaKcpc_j3JGzkAAhazxIzbRXSsFp3vvZy3ESdCB8_i7JmRdwA4P5gCUKjEgUK0cj4NDlj4/s320/march+16+2011+002.JPG" /></a> Look at those veggies!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkBW-jOmzi4hg0v41GNkLSMp46sqdoWV3-_4zN8jA8ersZ3ulcTqRkFIB3PTVn7gfR12NyLanitryx2KZzFhqiXVSt6jalyxzsEUWeggI8Tr3hht3cI-0RW5NQijiz0sVd35xCb8p3UQ/s1600/march+16+2011+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584838238143431602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkBW-jOmzi4hg0v41GNkLSMp46sqdoWV3-_4zN8jA8ersZ3ulcTqRkFIB3PTVn7gfR12NyLanitryx2KZzFhqiXVSt6jalyxzsEUWeggI8Tr3hht3cI-0RW5NQijiz0sVd35xCb8p3UQ/s320/march+16+2011+003.JPG" /></a> Garlic & shallots... so aromatic and they add such great flavor.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLf_O1c9oS29C95IjBfPdrzc8xzpBnsMV7BGdIlG5-R-0kanjAjJxGkfelcWu356h3c9m55OMFEEjA3HgFblFU2cu4XISC-hDdyBiTXlp8o1EpskrOYevkECnMZjnTZnJ7v-cXBqrnO8/s1600/march+16+2011+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584838232473730194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLf_O1c9oS29C95IjBfPdrzc8xzpBnsMV7BGdIlG5-R-0kanjAjJxGkfelcWu356h3c9m55OMFEEjA3HgFblFU2cu4XISC-hDdyBiTXlp8o1EpskrOYevkECnMZjnTZnJ7v-cXBqrnO8/s320/march+16+2011+005.JPG" /></a> I know Grandmother would have raved about how beautiful the veggies were! No one appreciates great produce like she did :)<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpQM-4SJrlLHR7OzkhDYuSFMjaszm7OHW6h6PnwFPMvhl6H8Yf55_iZ7v_1BXExO2GJGmqs8Nk5qXhtELjDYsDyZuDONblS7HlaQJ7hZ8zZLDgdIJcCnRslNZcANi2Kt1SwAgy2nxwMo/s1600/march+16+2011+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584837852825973506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpQM-4SJrlLHR7OzkhDYuSFMjaszm7OHW6h6PnwFPMvhl6H8Yf55_iZ7v_1BXExO2GJGmqs8Nk5qXhtELjDYsDyZuDONblS7HlaQJ7hZ8zZLDgdIJcCnRslNZcANi2Kt1SwAgy2nxwMo/s320/march+16+2011+004.JPG" /></a> This time I seasoned the <em>whole</em> bird... huge improvement!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGjtj-hVxnQqIrDpttQDgD0o_2Ru8E7J-KkpQ_z66U4LH5geXFRs2XvWzspIU5z8e8n1clX-7YqC_41LhJhqoCuYiz1qfEymW4kc4Fc_gkhC25MIonoqERDz66nKoDY53MuKScE65k9M/s1600/march+16+2011+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584837838848147554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGjtj-hVxnQqIrDpttQDgD0o_2Ru8E7J-KkpQ_z66U4LH5geXFRs2XvWzspIU5z8e8n1clX-7YqC_41LhJhqoCuYiz1qfEymW4kc4Fc_gkhC25MIonoqERDz66nKoDY53MuKScE65k9M/s320/march+16+2011+006.JPG" /></a> Ta-da! </div><br /><div align="left">On Monday, I had good intentions of making spaghetti for dinner but Richard encouraged me to order pizza so I wouldn't have to cook and even though I actually enjoy the cooking... I gave in and accepted the offer. We enjoyed pizza and the Bachelor :) </div><br /><div align="left">Tuesday night was the last night of an 8-week Bible study on James that Beth Moore was teaching and Mom and I had been attending so we went to <a href="http://www.zoeskitchen.com/">Zoe's</a> before hand. I really wish there was a Zoe's closer to home! If you are ever in the Washington/Heights, SanFelipe/Galleria, or Shepherd/59 area, you should definitely check it out! </div><br /><div align="left">Wednesday night I made the spaghetti... this is one of my staple meals that is relatively inexpensive and easy to keep the ingredients on hand in the pantry or freezer. I started with a jar of sauce, 1/2 # ground turkey and threw in leftover onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper to increase the veggie content without really noticing a difference! The extra veggies also serve to stretch the sauce. Genius! Served it over whole grain thin spaghetti. Per Richard's request and to keep us from overeating the pasta, we had a side salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper and feta.</div><br /><div align="left">Thursday night I did a repeat of the Italian Chicken in the crock pot that I posted the recipe for in a previous post. It was just as good the second time around! We repeated our salad from the night before.</div><br /><div align="left">The leftovers for the week provided great lunches and dinner for Friday night. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />This Sunday I had planned to make charro beans again and Jiffy cornbread muffins (so cheap, so delicious!) for dinner which worked out well because they do take a while to cook so I was able to leave them cooking while we worked in the yard and just come in to stir periodically. I did use a little olive oil in place of the bacon. Richard said he preferred it, it was closer to his mom's (she doesn't put anything besides beans, water, and salt in the pot) and I liked it too, but it was understandably not as tasty as the batch with bacon! This coming from someone who doesn't really care for bacon. </div><br /><div align="left">Richard had requested fish so I made salmon, sauteed spinach, and couscous for dinner Monday. It was simple, quick and delicious. For the salmon, I seasoned the 1# filet with salt and pepper and dotted it with 1 Tbsp butter. Baked it at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Awesome. The couscous I made according to the directions but used chicken broth in place of 1/2 the water. You bring the liquid up to a boil and then stir in the couscous, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. So easy. For the spinach, I sauteed about 5 cloves of minced garlic in 1-2 Tbsp olive oil and then added 3/4 of a 10oz container of baby spinach and stir until it wilts down. </div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK3wX_4rzEeuBR4VGT-rqNbsz1W7bT60APAt6QaqSkSEHubFi431Kpr2PGM_CCkPCJFUqyEw1LYPhsMa7lzk4K0I4koez19Kh7a2AwykKMbiEsmAeRF6HM8w5R_aHZCFZx4TvpO0Jv3c/s1600/march+16+2011+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584837833377804034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK3wX_4rzEeuBR4VGT-rqNbsz1W7bT60APAt6QaqSkSEHubFi431Kpr2PGM_CCkPCJFUqyEw1LYPhsMa7lzk4K0I4koez19Kh7a2AwykKMbiEsmAeRF6HM8w5R_aHZCFZx4TvpO0Jv3c/s320/march+16+2011+007.JPG" /></a>This isn't the prettiest plate... the salmon flaked apart so it's a little hard to distinguish, but it tasted great! If you need perspective, the picture above and two pictures below is a lunch sized plate (you know, not the dinner plate and not the saucer...)</div><br /><div align="left">Tuesday night I made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/shrimp-scampi-with-artichokes-recipe/index.html">Shrimp Scampi with Artichokes </a>from Ellie Krieger's cookbook <em>The Food You Crave</em>. She is another Food Network "star" - her show is <em>Healthy Appetites</em> - but I don't think she has new episodes. She is fairly dry but is a dietitian so I like her take on cooking healthfully. I had a small dilemna in preparing this meal. It called for 1/3 c of white wine. This is usually NO problem, I love the excuse to sip some wine while I cook and have a glass with dinner... alas, Richard and I decided to give up alcohol for Lent. The sacrifice is completely worth it... its nothing compared to the sacrifice Jesus made for me... but I have realized just how much we enjoy having a glass of wine. I had begun to notice how wine once a week with dinner had turned into an almost daily occurrence. I don't think there is anything sinful about alcohol <em>in moderation</em>... and 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men is actually shown to have health benefits, not that it is a reason to <em>start</em> or increase alcohol consumption in my opinion... but it does add extra cost to the grocery bill and add extra unnecessary calories. Plus I would never want to develop any dependence on an initially innocuous habit. Anyway, that was a tangent but that has been my thought process... I'm not legalistic enough about Lent to think I shouldn't add a little cooking wine, but I hate waste! To open a bottle of wine would be really hard to resist sneaking a glass and if we didn't drink any it would feel like a terrible waste of money. I could have substituted chicken broth but it just doesn't have the same flavor. I had a brilliant brainstorm and thought it might be helpful for other people who don't drink at all or just don't want to spend the money at that particular meal on wine: A few winemakers make 4-packs of "single-serve" (6 oz) bottles... I went this route and the 4 packs was only $4.50. I used one and now have 3 on standby.</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584837827498794402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRQY4DrTzn2gcP3x_SOP1V271LfuMBPvX8lsOfq1AuiQSPKZJKNuxZ7GI7dPhSYJkA2Jx1BvdvO93VAuOmOmhAMX7ZlChKjHE1WA852vYb4ThIEDUmYVQsGhwzv6vj8ZzmUcKK-FaxeM/s320/march+16+2011+008.JPG" />Shrimp scampi goes well with pasta so I used the leftover whole grain spaghetti from last week's spaghetti dinner. Rather than serving it on top, I decided to mix it in together so the pasta would really soak up the sauce. We had side salads to accompany our meal. And water :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqqrODz2HnkIQ-Rs1tAcgDw4dCjW6zdrt9zNrumQzJMdJxuc9U_fQwYHxv6l82AZhEdxBaHnbDlVbSFd8jMAAnWCi6UQavn5vMCq9jX70AyjF633igMannF2NX8p82RnsNW5WxtZmbu4/s1600/march+16+2011+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584837818687995826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqqrODz2HnkIQ-Rs1tAcgDw4dCjW6zdrt9zNrumQzJMdJxuc9U_fQwYHxv6l82AZhEdxBaHnbDlVbSFd8jMAAnWCi6UQavn5vMCq9jX70AyjF633igMannF2NX8p82RnsNW5WxtZmbu4/s320/march+16+2011+009.JPG" /></a>That gets us to tonight... Wednesday. I made another "staple" meal: tacos. I used ground turkey, a packet of reduced sodium taco seasoning, corn tortillas, cut up tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado and some light sour cream and reduced fat shredded mexican cheese blend. We had leftover beans on the side. Very easy and filling! </div><br /><div>Tomorrow night I'm planning to make roast and veggies in the crockpot! Hoping it turns out well. </div><br /><div>Ooh! Ooh! One discovery I made this week: Special K cracker chips... Have you seen the commercials? I tried the sea salt variety and they were YUMMY! The best part is you get like 30 crackers for 110 calories... It is a great calorie bargain, but unfortunately there are only like 3.5 servings/box. </div><br /><div>Hope you're having a great week... have you had any great discoveries lately?</div><br /><div>Love, B</div></div></div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-27134021476958333372011-03-05T09:01:00.007-06:002011-03-05T09:50:17.997-06:00This week's Cooking HighlightsWell, this week was pretty successful!<br /><br />As I wrote last week, my charro beans were much more successful than previous attempts. I googled "how to make charro beans" and came up with <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4799663_cook-tasting-charro-beans.html">this</a> article. It called for 8 pieces of bacon, I used 6 and still thought that was too much and so did Richard. Next time, I think I'll try just using olive oil to cook the onions, cilantro, and garlic. Also, it took longer than it said. I soaked the beans for more than 12 hours overnight, but instead of only having to cook for 1 1/2 hrs on low, I had to turn up the heat to get the beans to finish. Richard chided me, telling me "you have to cook beans all day!" I was just going with the instructions. After eating the beans a couple times for leftovers his comments actually got more complimentary and he requested than I keep the beans on hand at all times.<br /><br />Sunday night I made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/thai-shrimp-curry-with-chopped-lettuce-and-basil-lime-couscous-recipe/index.html">Thai Curry Shrimp with Basil Lime Couscous </a>from a Rachael Ray recipe that I found. Thankfully, it was just as yummy as the first time I made it! In case you can't make out the ingredients, there are shitake mushrooms and roasted red peppers in there with the shrimp. Light coconut milk makes it creamy and the curry gives it a little heat (depending on how hot you get the curry paste). Its a little annoying to get the ingredients, but it was worth it. I didn't bother with the peanuts garnish (just one more thing to buy and I'm not crazy about peanuts). The leftovers were super delicious!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S805CiuJtG0DPshTYQK-ulT5Yit6jugxyRhCIkvnOEj8EV-izjvsAKlW_q5yRr4yc48KayqJWtKB8j78PscKUSxVOU0nb-lCaqBDs2TQciWbsYYrgB4fZcm5gdrn2odamTCoIyvia84/s1600/honeymoon%252C+cooking+212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580612472483937570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S805CiuJtG0DPshTYQK-ulT5Yit6jugxyRhCIkvnOEj8EV-izjvsAKlW_q5yRr4yc48KayqJWtKB8j78PscKUSxVOU0nb-lCaqBDs2TQciWbsYYrgB4fZcm5gdrn2odamTCoIyvia84/s320/honeymoon%252C+cooking+212.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR-hZi3jiCr-cTzcj0cWp2k3DL6AYfeiFEnpTGBDYxwaY1G0qTd6V-KptKAkQmw8vxao7Em8oetwIgcR6RPQcj3enbQWf21okDiMx7uaBS1Qz5YVkdJ-MzwQBDS_6WAuTCYI7t_nyGuc/s1600/honeymoon%252C+cooking+213.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580612465334348738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR-hZi3jiCr-cTzcj0cWp2k3DL6AYfeiFEnpTGBDYxwaY1G0qTd6V-KptKAkQmw8vxao7Em8oetwIgcR6RPQcj3enbQWf21okDiMx7uaBS1Qz5YVkdJ-MzwQBDS_6WAuTCYI7t_nyGuc/s320/honeymoon%252C+cooking+213.JPG" /></a> Monday I used the crock pot to make the <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/slow-cooker-carnitas/Detail.aspx">pork carnitas</a>. I got home around 5 and Richard and I were able to go for a run, come back and shred up the meat and eat! We did stop by HEB to pick up some more Roma tomatoes and avocado to dress up the tacos, which I hadn't planned for (oops). I put a little sour cream and mozzarella cheese on mine, Richard added onions. The leftover beans were a great side. Oh, and I insisted on getting a vegetable to go with our meal, but I was the only one who ended up eating the asparagus. Luckily, we were able to eat the leftover veggies with our Santa Fe Chicken on Wednesday. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580621283932493906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZKSa2FFxBlegusOoK9GIxeP14_GqENAKeE3QoTZiOitYeM7bgMWuGTfj-ZYQd81lrF5GxmACiSN5JcDRNobaFAFeyvxa_qtY6QKWgpt7i99DxjeGvHluHthXLrLGKhU54F7zkHTdZlc/s320/honeymoon%252C+cooking+214.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7428AKhuNqwhW5KLvA9RNGghJfCjzGlXId_TgHO_PDEYiaMbGQ_lzIqteHfGoArwQN6OAoahTYapW9nyVbRkpC6fJi2A3NV4foJDwMLjelpgbEunJgrSTu3akQoFTr2u6hJ5mhkYT-uo/s1600/honeymoon%252C+cooking+215.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580612456659817954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7428AKhuNqwhW5KLvA9RNGghJfCjzGlXId_TgHO_PDEYiaMbGQ_lzIqteHfGoArwQN6OAoahTYapW9nyVbRkpC6fJi2A3NV4foJDwMLjelpgbEunJgrSTu3akQoFTr2u6hJ5mhkYT-uo/s320/honeymoon%252C+cooking+215.JPG" /></a> The <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/02/crock-pot-santa-fe-chicken-425-pts.html">Santa Fe Chicken </a>a la <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bjandaj.blogspot.com">Amanda</a> was Wednesday night, and also muy bien! I forgot to take a picture, but it shredded up beautifully and was great with some rice. I think I would add more tomatoes (or an extra can of Rotel) next time and the cayenne pepper that I left out because I didn't have any (oops!) It also didn't take the 10 hours that it said it would.<br /></div><div>Thursday night I was planning to eat leftovers because Richard doesn't get home until later, but he called me when I was on my way home from running to say he was on his way. So I decided to go ahead and make the <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001880021">TexMex Calzones </a>also from Amanda. For the black bean salad, I usually add some thawed frozen corn (I don't really like canned) and didn't use celery because I didn't have it. This was another winner, and Richard asked if I could also keep these on hand to take for lunch.<br /></div><div>Now to plan for this coming week!<br />Love, B </div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-1835379007569389552011-02-27T17:32:00.004-06:002011-02-27T18:43:07.069-06:00Adventures in Grocery Shopping and This Week's MenuWell... "Adventures" is probably a strong word, but I spend alot of time at HEB, it seems, and have a few observations/pet peeves.<br /><br />First of all... at peak times, say Sunday afternoons and immediately after work... why do people bring the WHOLE family and allow their children to push an ADDITIONAL, unnecessary cart? Just clogs up the aisles and leads to me taking a lot of deep breaths. Honestly, taking everybody along to the store seems painful to begin with, but having a kid who can't see over the top of the cart lingering behind - would create a whole lot of anxiety for me! I can see wanting to entertain the kids, and of course sometimes you can't avoid having tag alongs. My poor mom had tag alongs probably 99% of the time she went to the store and she almost always refused to go at peak times (it was an option for her since she was home during the week, obviously not an option for everyone). We usually got to ride in the buggy - once we were too big to sit up front, we got to sit under the cart, back in the day when the carts had more room underneath, which was a big treat. When we got too big for that, she would patiently let us push the cart (or for a "big" shop, push the additional overflowing cart) until Andy and I were fighting over who got to do it and ran the cart into her heels, tearing her very delicate skin. I take my own 30-something tagalong sometimes, who people probably think I should leave at home because he's usually hanging on the cart with his head bent over his phone, looking at game scores or updating his fantasy football team... I usually park him in one spot with the cart and run down the aisle which is pretty handy. Nothing worse than traffic jams on the cereal aisle. We have spent many an hour together in HEB, and I really love his company but sometimes its easier to just do it alone without having to make any explanations :) Shhh!<br /><br />I get such satisfaction about saving money at the grocery store, especially when I get free items with HEB's in store deals! Even more so if it was something already on my list. It pains me to buy the name brand item. Richard is a bit of a snob and hates it when I buy store brand cereal, cookies, or crackers. When I was younger, it really embarassed me that we shopped at PriceLo and Budget Chopper as opposed to the classier Randall's or Kroger stores. I bet I would feel differently now. I spent $90 this week on an extensive list including, but not limited to, 6# boneless skinless chicken breast, 2# pork tenderloin, 1# lean ground turkey, 2# large shrimp, beer, tons of fresh produce... I'm usually pretty good at guessing what my bill would be but I was thinking $120+ so that was a pleasant surprise.<br /><br />The upside of grocery shopping at peak times: SAMPLES! It is so hard for me to pass up a sample, even if it's not something I particularly like or am apt to buy. Especially the sushi. I'll probably never buy a tempura roll or dumpling, but that's all they ever sample and I almost always take one. I LOVE the Cooking Connection at HEB, where they make "easy" meals (read: meals where you add their expensive gourmet-ish products). Its fun for ideas, and if you're hungry the little samples take the edge off, but I don't very often buy what they're making (because I'm cheap and/or don't want to use some high fat/calorie ingredient thats in it... but a bite sure doesn't hurt!)<br /><br />Just call me Suzy Homemaker... I have finally realized how much easier it is to do one shopping trip on the weekend than stop by most days after work to pick up a few things. So I've been planning meals ahead of time. I'm trying to do at least 1 crock pot meal, 1 go-to meal with ingredients I can easily keep on hand (spaghetti, stirfry, tacos, turkey burgers), 1 new or special meal, and then 1 more simple meal. I try to let Richard have at least 1 request per week, and I also love going through my cookbooks to find new things to try. I also started organizing my grocery list... why haven't I done this before? It took 3 drafts, but I organized myself to sections of the store in the order I reach them as I go through (produce, meat, bread, canned goods, cold, frozen... etc) to keep me from having to navigate back across the store. It worked so well!! Maybe one day I'll try the art of couponing like several of my friends have. For now I'm trying to stock up on things I use regularly when its on sale so my pantry isn't completely depleted at the end of the week.<br /><br />Update on my weekly attempt at the crockpot: Pork chops and rice, from the little booklet that came with the crockpot. I was a little disappointed, but I don't particularly like pork chops to begin with. Also, the extended cooking time of the rice plus the seasonings made it taste a little too Thanksgiving-ish, and that's not my favorite. Last week I also made Steph's (<a href="http://www.blogahon.blogspot.com/">http://www.blogahon.blogspot.com/</a>) recipe for roasted chicken, which was delicious! Richard requested enchiladas, but I couldn't bear to make them the traditional way (with all that oil... I'll eat it if someone else makes it, but I can't SEE it), so I made a "healthy"version which was good... but I thinking I'll stop attempting Mexican food because I just can't do it like his mom!<br /><br />This week:<br /><br />Last night I made charro beans and guacamole for a "fiesta" dinner party. The beans were a huge improvement from my previous attemps and tasted much more like what you'd get in a restaurant. Next time I'll use less bacon.<br /><br />Tonight I'll be making Thai Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil Lime Couscous for an Oscar night dinner. I've made it before, and it was really good. Hopefully it won't be a let down, which sometimes happens when I really liked something the first time.<br /><br />Tomorrow night I'll be using the crockpot to make pork carnitas. Basically, I'll be slow cooking the meat all day, and then shred it and eat it in tortillas like tacos. We'll eat leftover beans with it. I don't think I've ever had that, but Richard sounded excited so I'll cross my fingers for a success!<br /><br />Tuesday night Mom and I have been going to dinner and then Bible study and Richard works late so he can have leftovers.<br /><br />Wednesday I'm going to make Amanda's (<a href="http://www.bjandaj.blogspot.com/">www.bjandaj.blogspot.com</a>) crockpot recipe for Santa Fe Chicken with rice.<br /><br />I have ground turkey to make turkey burgers and Tex-Mex Calzones (also courtesy of Amanda) on whatever other nights I need to cook. I think I'm set for the week! Hopefully having a plan will decrease spending for eating out (cooking also creates leftovers for lunch for both of us!) and help me eat healthier meals all week long rather than ordering pizza or some other temptation.<br /><br />What tips do you have to make your life easier?<br /><br />Gotta go find my apron!<br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-32541700311310625862011-02-19T15:02:00.003-06:002011-02-19T15:59:35.117-06:00Crock pot adventures!First of all... I'm back!<br /><br />Bridezilla did rear her ugly head just a little bit... but hopefully not too many people were scarred in the process. The HEB bagger who announced that he liked to put people's groceries in as many bags as possible (really? and did you just say that out loud?) got a little taste of my wrath... more of the evil eye and re-education of why that was not a good thing. Then my brother made the mistake of drinking the last of (MY) milk and I woke up to eat my daily oatmeal with milk and splenda two days before the wedding... it wasn't pretty. He definitely thought I was a wee bit bridezilla-ish, but handled it pretty much in stride. Surprisingly, I think I handled R's lack of timeliness (an hour late to our rehearsal and only arrived 30 minutes before the wedding started... could have strangled him!) in a relatively calm manner. I have yet to let him forget about it, though!<br /><br />We survived the wedding and actually enjoyed it and had a blast on our honeymoon. I STILL haven't ordered my wedding album, so I also don't have the images yet to post, but one day I will. Can't believe we've already been married for 3 1/2 months. Between my two grandmothers passing away within 6 days of each other in early December, going to 4 weddings (2 of which one or both of us were in), and his school/work schedule, it has been chaotic but things have begun to slow down (for me at least).<br /><br />Valentine's Day was a success... R redeemed himself from last year by sending me beautiful tulips to work and surprising me at home with a card, wine and best of all... hired someone to clean our bathrooms and kitchen! My efforts seemed pale in comparison, but I got a card, made him a cd and made steak for dinner with orzo and green beans.<br /><br />On to cooking...<br /><br />I have been trying to cook more and finally busted out the crockpot to actually use (besides to make queso!) I went out on a limb and made pot roast.... huge success! So easy and so good. I really expected to come home to it all dried/burnt up. Instead I came home after work to my house smelling amazing and a delicious dinner <em>already made</em>! I was wanting to use it to make something a little healthier (but still simple and yummy) so I found a recipe for "Italian Chicken" which sounded strange (chicken, italian salad dressing, and potatoes?) but was also a big success! Richard raved about it and said he couldn't stop thinking about it and had to have leftovers the next day. My goal is to try one new crockpot recipe a week so I have a good repertoire to rotate through and make my life easier. Sorry I don't have pictures, but here are the recipes:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Marie's Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (<a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">http://www.allrecipes.com/</a>)</p><p>4# chuck roast</p><p>salt and pepper to taste</p><p>1 packet dry onion soup mix (like Lipton's)</p><p>1 cup water</p><p>3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (I used unpeeled baby potatoes)</p><p>3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped</p><p>1 onion, chopped</p><p>1 celery stalk, chopped</p><p>(Note: I used at least 2x the amt of carrots/celery called for... I like veggies)</p><p>Season roast with salt and pepper and brown in large skillet on high heat on all sides</p><p>Place roast and remaining ingredients in slow cooker. </p><p>Cook on low 8-10 hours<br /></p>Zesty Italian Chicken (<a href="http://www.southernfood.com/">http://www.southernfood.com/</a>)<br /><br />4 chicken breasts (I used 1.5# chicken breast tenderloins... same thing just already cut)<br />1/2 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing (I did <em>not</em> use the "lite" version, maybe you could)<br />1 tsp Italian seasoning<br />1/2 cup parmesan cheese<br />4-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (I used 4 unpeeled, but still cubed, gold potatoes)<br />(I also added 2 handfuls of baby carrots and 1/2 onion pulled apart and 1 cup of chicken broth because I knew I would be gone for at least 9 hours)<br /><br />Layer the chicken breasts, 1/2 of the next 3 ingredients, the vegetables, and then remaining 3 previous ingredients in the crock pot.<br /><br />Cook on low 7 hours.<br /><br />Do you have a good crockpot recipe? Please share in the comments!<br /><br />(I just recalled what else I've tried to make in the crock pot: beans. R loves beans and really wanted me to make some. When he was a bachelor he lived on beans, eggs, and corn tortillas. The first time, I put too many beans in the pot and wasn't able to put enough liquid so they were REALLY dry. The next time was better but R admitted on our honeymoon that he didn't really like them! I hate to even attempt "mexican" food because I know it won't be like his mom's!)<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-69817060701127652942010-09-30T21:36:00.002-05:002010-09-30T22:17:07.399-05:00Will Bridezilla rear her ugly head?So, seeing as how today is the last day of September and the last time I posted was the first day of August... I've been a wee bit negligent on the blog. So much has been going on, but it hasn't really seemed blog-worthy and I've been un-inspired on the nutrition front. I haven't been cooking much, but I did cook 2 yummy, healthy, easy Rachael Ray dishes in the last week... Bel Aria Chicken and Pasta and this yummy balsamic chicken with spinach and cannellini beans. As Rach would say, DELISH!<br /><br />How many days to your wedding, you ask? 37, not that we're counting. Its a little surreal at times. We're both so excited about the quickly approaching date of the big day, being married, going on our honeymoon, etc... that I forget about what that really means. Like the fact that my name is going to change. Am I really going to introduce myself with a different name than the one I've used for the last 29 years? And develop a new signature? Not that the name change is the big thing about marriage, I guess its just one of the most obvious to me at the moment. Am I really going to share a home with someone, a home that will be "ours"... bills, paychecks, responsibilities?? I am really excited about seeing R on a daily basis... right now, I'm lucky to sneak in 5 minutes with him during the week as he's coming in to work and I'm leaving.<br /><br />I'm positive I'm not the only bride to be who gets anxious as the wedding gets close, but man, I wish it wasn't that way! My friends before me seem to have handled it so well, I don't even remember them being anxious. Probably because I was oblivious :) I am trying not to "sweat the small stuff" but it is not easy! I know this isn't the first time in my life I've been anxious and it dawned on me that the Bible has a lot to say and a lot of comfort to give on this topic... I was reminded of one of my favorite passages yesterday:<br /><em></em><br /><em>Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. <strong>Do not be anxious about anything</strong>, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the <strong>peace of God</strong> that <strong>transcends all understanding</strong> will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</em><br /><em>Philippians 4:4-7</em><br /><br />I think it's normal to be anxious. I'm praying, though, that instead of anxiety, my heart can experience and display that supernatural peace that just doesn't make sense to others because it transcends our human understanding. I especially want my gentleness to be evident to others instead of Bridezilla rearing her ugly head, mouth, and attitude. I covet your prayers too!<br /><br />I would also like to say that the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding has been more than matched with an incredible outpouring of love from my family, friends, and church family. I am amazed over and over again at people's generosity and willingness to demonstrate their support and love.<br /><br />In other exciting news, R and I are part of a church plant that is officially launching this Sunday at 10am! Living Stones Church will be meeting at Trent InternationalE School behind First Colony Mall. Learn more about this exciting new church committed to not existing for itself: <a href="http://www.lscsugarland.org/">www.lscsugarland.org</a> My good friend, Amanda, has been using her administrative and other gifts to serve alongside her husband, Brian, who is the associate pastor. We are eager to see what God has in store for us there! Join us :)<br /><br />No promises on future updates. It might take a while, or you might be sick of hearing from me. We'll see!!<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-40336042026664618372010-08-01T15:35:00.005-05:002010-08-01T17:12:02.791-05:00Peanut, Peanut Butter... (and JELLY!)Peanut butter is a staple in most pantries and a common part of the American diet. It is inexpensive and requires no refrigeration. For a long time, I wouldn't eat peanut butter. Like many things I wouldn't eat for several years, I claimed I didn't like it but, truth be told, I was avoiding it more because it is notoriously high in calories and fat. And I was a calorie counter. Or a fat gram counter. It depended on the day. Since then, though, I've started to look at food more from the angle of the nutritional value it provides, rather than the calorie/fat stats on their own. And also, I appreciate convenience. PB&J was my Saturday morning staple before my long runs during marathon training. The bread and jelly provided carbs and the peanut butter "stuck to my ribs" (thanks to the fat and protein) without making me feel sick. Not sure of the science behind that, but it worked for me! I also appreciate puppy chow and peanut butter m&ms, although I can't really justify the nutritional value there :) But if you need to put on some weight, that's the way to go! (Not that I have ever had the need to gain weight, sadly.)<br /><br />2 tablespoons, the suggested serving size, provides on average 190 calories and 16gm of fat. To put this in perspective, the average person needs about 2000 calories in a day and the recommended dietary allowance of fat at that calorie level is about 65 grams. I would like to point out that "average" doesn't necessarily describe most people's needs. A lanky teenage boy who is active might utilize 3000 calories a day. A sedentary elderly woman might use 1200. A sedentary small-ish woman in her late 20s might use 1500. That same woman might use 1800-2000 if she exercised regularly. There are many factors: age, activity level, gender, weight, height, muscle mass, metabolism, genetic factors... blah blah blah. So it is hard to just throw out a number that covers everyone. Bottom line: if you're gaining weight, you are eating more calories than you are burning; if you're losing weight, you are eating less calories than you are burning. In addition, the number of carbs/protein/fat you need are generally proportional to the number of calories you need.<br /><br />A general recommendation of where you should get your calories from is 50-60% from carbohydrates, 25-35% from fat (no more than 10% from saturated fat), and 10-20% from protein. I am not advocating figuring out exactly what you are consuming, the point here is everyone should eat a balanced diet! No fat-free or carb-free diets please. Unless you want dull skin and hair (if you had no fat in your diet) or no energy (if you had no carbs).<br /><br />Back to the topic at hand: peanut butter. I take issue when peanut butter is promoted for it's protein content because I think its misleading. It would really be hard to get enough protein from just eating peanut butter. 2 tablespoons has 7gm of protein, appx the same amount in 1oz. of meat/poultry or 1 egg. I'd have to eat 14 tablespoons of peanut butter to meet the low end of my protein needs for a day. Nothing wrong with it and yes, it does contribute to your protein needs - but not the most dense source out there. I also object when peanut butter is blasted for it's high fat content because it is actually reasonable in its saturated fat content (3gm/serving or 16% of the RDA) and provides a good amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (according to my Hill Country Fare jar, 7gm of the total amount of fat are from monos). Fat is higher in calories but also helps you to stay feeling full longer and may prevent you from going for a snack soon after you've already eaten. Peanut butter can definitely be incorporated in a healthy diet without fear of weight gain if you eat it in reasonable quantities and with consideration to the rest of your meals.<br /><br />The question proposed to me on this blog many weeks ago was from the girl who forced me to eat massive quantities of afore mentioned peanut butter m&ms - she wanted to know about the differences in types of peanut butter and if she must continue to eat the natural kind. Generally, brand to brand, the nutritional content is very similar. Here is the breakdown on 4 types of Jif peanut butter (all for 2tbsp serving):<br /><br /><strong><em>Regular Creamy</em></strong> (<strong><em>Regular Crunchy</em></strong> has the same breakdown)<br />Calories: 190<br />Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated<br />Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)<br />Protein: 7gm<br />Ingredients:<span style="font-size:85%;"> ROASTED PEANUTS AND SUGAR. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: MOLASSES, FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT.</span><br /><br /><strong><em>Reduced Fat</em></strong><br />Calories: 190<br />Fat: 12gm, 2.5gm saturated<br />Carbohydrates: 15gm (Sugars 4gm)<br />Protein: 8gm<br />Ingredients: <span style="font-size:85%;">PEANUTS, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SUGAR AND SOY PROTEIN, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), SALT, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, NIACINAMIDE, FOLIC ACID, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ZINC OXIDE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, AND COPPER SULFATE.</span><br /><br /><strong><em>Natural Jif</em></strong><br />Calories: 190<br />Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated<br />Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)<br />Protein: 7gm<br />Ingredients: <span style="font-size:85%;">MADE FROM ROASTED PEANUTS, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: PALM OIL, SALT, MOLASSES.</span><br /><br /><strong><em>Simply Jif</em></strong><br />Calories: 190<br />Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated<br />Carbohydrates: 6gm (Sugars 2gm)<br />Protein: 8gm<br />Ingredients: <span style="font-size:85%;">MADE FROM ROATED PEANUTS, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, SUGAR AND SALT.</span><br /><br />With the exception of the reduced fat variety, you can see that the basic nutrition profile is essentially the same. The reduced fat kind has 25% less overall fat but only like 15% less saturated fat than the original. There is 2x the amount of carbohydrates than the original. That is because generally when you remove a essential ingredient you have to replace it with something else - in this case, it appears to be corn syrup solids (and a crapload of random stabilizers). Yum! I am not a proponent of reduced fat foods when they are altered in this way, especially because the calories are the same here. (Reduced fat dairy is different - they generally make it the same way, just skim off various amounts of fat.) The Natural Jif is unique because you probably recognize all the ingredients that fall into that 2% category. The Regular and Natural are comprised 98% of peanuts and sugar. Simply Jif is comprised of 98% peanuts, the sugar is included in that last 2%. However, there is only 1gm less sugar in the Simply Jif than the regular or natural. In my opinion, you should eat the one of those 3 that you like the most because nutritionally there is very little difference. If you are a purist and don't like not recognizing those last few ingredients, stick with the Natural.<br /><br />Hope this was useful information for you. Feel free to leave your thoughts on peanut butter in the comments and any other nutrition topics you're curious about!<br /><br />Love, B<br /><br />PS - 97 days to the wedding!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-75294419035042780522010-07-28T20:15:00.003-05:002010-07-28T21:11:01.161-05:005 weeks and 1 day of being a homeownerPhew! What a busy summer this has been! I'm officially in the last year of my twenties and the summer is more than halfway over... Not that summer coming to an end is nearly as much of a bad thing as it was when I was younger and didn't work year round. My summer is no different from my fall, winter, or spring except for having the privilege of enduring the excruciating heat and humidity. Not to mention all the rain - which at least has kept it from being as hot as it could have been. The discussion of the weather only furthers the point of my rapidly advancing age...<br /><br />Today the realities of homeownership really set in. I mean, I started getting the point when I was bombarded with bugs and had to quickly enlist an exterminator and then realized the grass does not cut itself - nor does a lawn boy cut lawns for free. I was excited to get my very own lawnmower for my birthday and got to break it in last weekend. I must say that mowing my own lawn feels like much less of a chore than doing it at my parents'. (Not that that happened very often. My dad would swear to you I never did.) Nonetheless, I can't wait for Richard to be back to 100% and living here so it can be his job! Also, did you know that when you own a home, there is no one in the "office" to let the maintenance man in if there is an issue that needs attending to? So you have to be home... or find someone to fill in for you. I need a stay at home wife :)<br /><br />My morning started with my dishwasher causing water to shoot all over my island (which shockingly was not free of clutter). I quickly opened it to stop the machine and the water stopped gushing. When I did my walk through the project manager warned me this could happen but made it sound like any water that backed up would shoot neatly into the sink - not all over my counter. I ran the disposal (thought I was so clever) and tried it again - to no avail. So I called the Perry project managers and they arranged for a plumber to come out - thank goodness for the warranty. It was a little bit more of an ordeal arranging for someone to let the plumber in, but it got taken of :) There was a kink in some hose so they replaced it. After work, I got home to my working dishwasher... and a stack of bills. GEEZ!! Did you know that utilities cost more to cover a house that's 3 times the size of my apartment? I expected it, sort of... but the reality doesn't set in until you open that envelope! Plus, there was a leak in my water line which I believe is the reason for my exorbitant water bill ($150 for just the water - not the deposit, sewer, or mud fees - it was $300 in all!). And my electric bill includes the apartment... can't wait to get rid of that sucker!<br /><br />All that to say... I LOVE my new house! I love looking out at the water from the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. I love my huge master closet. I love my beautiful kitchen. I love being able to just walk out my front door and go for a run (not that it's happened alot - but I foresee this in my future!) I love that neighbors I don't know wave at me when they drive by and I'm in the driveway.<br /><br />I keep ticking off items on my wedding to-do list. My wedding dress is in and I go next Monday for my initial alteration appointment! I have officially accomplished the dress, finding a reception, reserving the church & minister, cake, choosing a florist - we have yet to iron out the specifics, choosing a dj, ordering save the dates (except I underestimated - don't be hurt if you don't get one!), choosing bridesmaid dresses. I won't talk about what I have left because I may start hyperventilating! Actually I'm fairly calm about it - maybe because I'm in denial and therefore procrastinating. Also, in case you're wondering - only 101 days to go! Not that I'm counting :)<br /><br />I have done leg work on the peanut butter topic so get excited because it is coming soon!<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-26067572840275988302010-06-22T22:42:00.002-05:002010-06-22T23:01:36.162-05:000 weeks to closing! I'm a homeowner!Thank goodness! And you will also be glad to know I have cooled off a bit since my last post, and realized that my world is not actually going to end. The photographer sent me a link to my pics Monday afternoon, and I was pleased with her work overall. Unfortunately I turned out looking like myself and not a supermodel... haha... so it wasn't everything I hoped :) I have to pick 20 for my little book and 10 additional ones that may make it in, plus one to get a big print of. The link is <a href="http://www.mkphotoblog.com/BethandRichard">www.mkphotoblog.com/BethandRichard</a> - if you feel like flipping through it, I'd love your input on which ones to choose.<br /><br />I didn't really expect to be nervous about the closing, but I definitely was. Looking back, there was evidence of that in how anxious I was over not getting calls back and whenever they asked for something else. I really knew it when I almost cried getting a cashier's check at the bank this morning! It didn't help that the mortgage people called at 4pm yesterday saying they needed documentation on 2 deposits made in March - both legitimate checks from work, but I had no stub because... it was in March and the money had gone through to my account! Apparently, they want to know where every bit of your money is coming from when you are getting a loan! I had no idea how I was going to get documentation, but 2 different people in our business office saved the day! The closing was much less painful than expected - probably because I wasn't dealing with the mortgage company, just the title company.<br /><br />As I sit on my couch in my apartment, like I have done every night for the past several years, it still does not feel real that I own a house! I'm guessing it will start to kick in when I actually move in on Saturday. I feel incredibly blessed. Richard and I drove from the title company to the new house and stayed long enough to get the keys and walk through the house again. We then drove back to Houston in the midst of the horrible rain that ultimately flooded the road my apartment and office are on and lightning struck a light pole at the Kroger between I-10 and the apartment. Took an hour to go 3 miles. What an end to the day!<br /><br />On a side note: Bachelor, anyone? It's the show I love to hate and just can't stand to miss. I blame this blog - <a href="http://www.ihategreenbeans.com/">www.ihategreenbeans.com</a> The author writes HILARIOUS recaps every week. I manage to watch the show despite being gone Monday nights and not having DVR... thank you abc.com! The book I need to finish and boxes I need to pack and apartment I need to clean do not thank you, however... sigh.<br /><br />Still to come: The peanut butter debaucle (is that a word?) - really, one of these days...<br /><br />Hope your week is going well! Thanks for being excited with me about my house and listening to me blab about it and willingly looking at the pictures on my camera I have shoved in your face :)<br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-26628845108863884382010-06-18T18:03:00.003-05:002010-06-18T18:20:37.473-05:00Am I being unreasonable?Ok peeps... I need to know if I'm unnecessarily upset. Let me set the background here by saying that I have had several incidences of frustration recently stemming from people (generally companies I am wanting to give my business to) not doing what they say they're going to do when they say they're going to do it. Example numero uno, my mortgage company - this woman refuses to return my calls. She has to "prioritize" her work, and my closing on Tuesday apparently is not priority. All I want is a $%^&* return phone call to say she received my fax!!! Oh, and to look at the documents I sent, but that's secondary. Just give me the freaking time of day! I have talked to my wonderful Perry saleswoman, Santosh, who has tried to intervene for me and assures me that everything will be ok. So I'm trying not to sweat that one too much.<br /><br />Here's the one that is seriously irking me: Remember the engagement pictures Richard and I took 3 weeks and 2 days ago? The ones the photographer told us she would get the proofs to us for in 3 weeks? I thought 3 weeks seemed like MORE than enough time, but I'm not a photographer... whatever. Mind you, this is her full-time job and I don't think she's all THAT busy. So today, 2 days after her own deadline, I emailed asking what the status of the pictures was. She emailed back, saying oh, I was about to email you... my husband had an appendectomy on the 8th and I've been playing nurse and then my computer got a trojan, which made it really slow. Ok, this is a nice girl, and these are fairly legitimate excuses. She says she will try to have them to me next week. My main gripe here is that she didn't bother to let me know on or before when she said she'd have the pictures to me. Where's the line between being a demanding jerk and letting people walk all over you? People I'm paying thousands of dollars to? She did apologize, but it really seems like an afterthought. What would you do? I want to let her know I'm not happy with how she handled it... and also I wonder if this is just a really bad sign for the important event: the actual wedding.<br /><br />I think I'm extra annoyed because I do work in a field where the customer is #1 and there are such high expectations for customer service. I'm also extra annoyed because between my realtor and salesperson I have had great customer service and the bar is set high. Honestly though, I don't think my expectations are that high except that I think you should follow through on your commitments... is that so much to ask?<br /><br />Coming soon: The low-down on peanut butter :)<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-73595236914669964092010-06-16T19:07:00.005-05:002010-06-16T19:34:07.703-05:00Blueberry Oat Buttermilk Pancakes (Cuisinart)These are my favorite pancakes... I make them for dinner probably more often than I make them for breakfast :) Then I refrigerate the leftovers (or you could freeze) and put them in the toaster (2 cycles, I turn them over so they are completely reheated) in the morning. The recipe actually came in the manual for my Cuisinart Griddler. These are low-fat and full of whole grains and fruit so you don't have to feel too guilty about eating them!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)<br />3/4 cup all-purpose flour (actually calls for 1 cup but I switched up the proportions)<br />1 1/3 cup rolled oats (regular, not quick oats)<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour (this is where I switched it up - the recipe calls for 1/4 cup)<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />2 cups buttermilk (I use 1%)<br />1/2 cup egg beaters (actually calls for 2 eggs)<br />3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce (calls for 3 Tbsp vegetable oil)<br /><br />Place the blueberries in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of the flour and toss to coat; reserve. Preheat your griddle to 350 degrees F.<br /><br />Place the remaining flour, oats, wheat flour, brown sugar (break up lumps), baking soda, and salt in a medium-large bowl; stir with a whisk. Place the buttermilk, egg beaters (or eggs), and applesauce (or oil) in a medium-small bowl; stir.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtS9oH-6RmsI4_TRZF0FAgqNpgq-6Gj95l5g5GQI-0Zp371Eu57FnQEE-vgN50ODbi6GYupWji52hZcSWir9rAkc9dPd4H3ahD4SYiZUPv_N6TIb6cNnIIJWJ8liBHo8oFNCPGAyQc6I/s1600/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483528612476140050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtS9oH-6RmsI4_TRZF0FAgqNpgq-6Gj95l5g5GQI-0Zp371Eu57FnQEE-vgN50ODbi6GYupWji52hZcSWir9rAkc9dPd4H3ahD4SYiZUPv_N6TIb6cNnIIJWJ8liBHo8oFNCPGAyQc6I/s320/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a whisk until blended.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4Iz5FvYWbM-uI1fdVR7T-XHPqOWdusxUqMvztOVAm6yEh_YWyfON7E75mEcaLEWSMHYkrEMNtj9oq4sCvlHAkIOyPJSKT3TjpbEcZ5blo_Lsm6SGa45MuIPBor0veu-FtcoMiQ7ryh4/s1600/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483528606002700626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4Iz5FvYWbM-uI1fdVR7T-XHPqOWdusxUqMvztOVAm6yEh_YWyfON7E75mEcaLEWSMHYkrEMNtj9oq4sCvlHAkIOyPJSKT3TjpbEcZ5blo_Lsm6SGa45MuIPBor0veu-FtcoMiQ7ryh4/s320/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gently fold in the blueberries. (Spray the griddle with Pam or lightly oil it)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QlgTJnKZrP8QSWywQgEuz1BiQKsBurZ4K-aIVbbM-JImKln66SlsdVdszO6SC6iX55u3OLZ9laUZBZhacLMyuyfzAIIG36mQ5Bxh3DCRV8Innoy5D0bVP47I5AWDGKNig5z3SC7jJYA/s1600/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483528596609903586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QlgTJnKZrP8QSWywQgEuz1BiQKsBurZ4K-aIVbbM-JImKln66SlsdVdszO6SC6iX55u3OLZ9laUZBZhacLMyuyfzAIIG36mQ5Bxh3DCRV8Innoy5D0bVP47I5AWDGKNig5z3SC7jJYA/s320/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+006.JPG" border="0" /></a>When your griddle is preheated, drop the batter onto the grill plates, using a scant quarter cup measure. Bake the pancakes for 2-3 minutes. When pancakes are bubbling on the top, turn and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfD4efW4Yd4Mi9P3EtzPpXrdSmWUX6NUzmnhORUglx5DQ_GvXPCGzdgMGt_oPp026mQnxraLhdJJnZwyks9ZlnpPStl2qAISmc6DWNTKCYNdj-QLv4r6iivXcNtOXS3MEBvOFDDZWOyY/s1600/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483528585583784338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfD4efW4Yd4Mi9P3EtzPpXrdSmWUX6NUzmnhORUglx5DQ_GvXPCGzdgMGt_oPp026mQnxraLhdJJnZwyks9ZlnpPStl2qAISmc6DWNTKCYNdj-QLv4r6iivXcNtOXS3MEBvOFDDZWOyY/s320/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the few sugar free products I'm a fan of: pancake syrup. Also on the list: diet soda (not to say that it is good for you, I just like it and don't think its particularly bad in moderation, plus no empty calories)and sugar free gum. There is a significant calorie difference in the light vs. sugar-free versions of syrup. I'm pulling this from my memory, but if I recall, the serving size for syrup is 1/4 c. and the regular version has 220 calories. The light version has about 50% of the calories, or 110, and the sugar free version that I use has 30. The light and SF versions do contain sugar alcohols, that can cause "gastric distress" in large quantities, but I have never experienced any side effects from SF syrup. The margarine shown here - Brummel & Brown is a favorite of mine as well. It is yummy, has about half the fat and calories of regular tub margarine and ZERO TRANS FAT! Stick margarine has trans fat and stick butter is high in saturated fat. This is a pretty good compromise nutrition-wise (and I honestly like it more).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOoFCDH11IV4K6ADw_m1TizZxI_JPVpoVqnHJbMJfS6cuMxqTGqz_lIl580CwEBlEYqq5EK-2cH5ixITwT-aWlalbwW4FJgJIPm0R9MnWKf70IDcaFBbRtH8TH5lT2UEioQSnhiFA0wU/s1600/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483528581027868050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOoFCDH11IV4K6ADw_m1TizZxI_JPVpoVqnHJbMJfS6cuMxqTGqz_lIl580CwEBlEYqq5EK-2cH5ixITwT-aWlalbwW4FJgJIPm0R9MnWKf70IDcaFBbRtH8TH5lT2UEioQSnhiFA0wU/s320/blueberry+pancakes+finished+house+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ta-da! Blueberry Oat Buttermilk Pancakes!<br /><br />They really don't take long to prep. The only problem I have is I want to eat the first batch, but am usually still baking the rest of the batter and forget to turn them :(</div><div></div><div>Hope you enjoy!</div><div></div><div>Love, B </div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-9746128881345591172010-06-15T21:28:00.004-05:002010-06-15T21:44:10.806-05:001 Week to Go!On Friday, I am going to do the walk through on my house and one week from today, I will be a proud homeowner! It seems like it happened fast and took forever all at once :) Oh, I should say that I will be a homeowner provided my mortgage company gets their act together. Few things upset me more than when someone says they are going to do something and don't do it. I would switch mortgage companies but I get a significant discount in my closing costs for using the company associated with Perry. Ugh. But I like to save money.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBwCP8td5wwgpCYlbXXmQmycqOwa1Sk7lxtlBmZ3_nCk6G1tWBBxsP3o-g7aOHe_mojZi3NeVUwAyNkICyUHhpKinnpP1b62QuEiGuG2BF3QKvi6f8-rNqR_gGlnA4duxQsFkod1Prvo/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483194497195056050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBwCP8td5wwgpCYlbXXmQmycqOwa1Sk7lxtlBmZ3_nCk6G1tWBBxsP3o-g7aOHe_mojZi3NeVUwAyNkICyUHhpKinnpP1b62QuEiGuG2BF3QKvi6f8-rNqR_gGlnA4duxQsFkod1Prvo/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+023.JPG" border="0" /></a> Paint is complete! The "model home coming soon" sign has been in my garage, then front yard and now driveway for some reason. (The new model home is across the street and a couple doors down.)<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNtia3a-ECAm-nKRqygPweKlbDo4pR6QzrTlj90GmtyrTA-3oQnQc19gHen9TObeY5fyogo3czaibhU-k7CLgy4ejS9lkIExlsc3pn_NOyVcF-Ij35GJ8rhAtKm4w2wxZbNpug8I0CdY/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483194219983802658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNtia3a-ECAm-nKRqygPweKlbDo4pR6QzrTlj90GmtyrTA-3oQnQc19gHen9TObeY5fyogo3czaibhU-k7CLgy4ejS9lkIExlsc3pn_NOyVcF-Ij35GJ8rhAtKm4w2wxZbNpug8I0CdY/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> I don't think I've posted a pic of the finished back porch yet... can't wait to get some patio furniture!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2UGKJizp8dGyh0D6RoXmM-_z9tA1AypeHTjCGs8dz7VqPuKmy9-rfF1WQNXFsualT50tOf7LEOJJgjkMk9oSt-ScAoXWlbjMXuoGDrCbMZVjuUs_nbHGR3evFEJ7I-1ilWDUbqq8Lo/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483194214082886386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2UGKJizp8dGyh0D6RoXmM-_z9tA1AypeHTjCGs8dz7VqPuKmy9-rfF1WQNXFsualT50tOf7LEOJJgjkMk9oSt-ScAoXWlbjMXuoGDrCbMZVjuUs_nbHGR3evFEJ7I-1ilWDUbqq8Lo/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> There are pluses and minuses to the "open concept" living/kitchen area... the plus being that I can do dishes and watch t.v.!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIiN_IdkiveatLwUWyUtf1dP8oVDor5Swo6sNnQlFNRv0uH_cpMRz2TvdJdNU3hPFWITvC6g_9I6Fj1aGAhX8IP4JyVEjt01_91zrvoB3gu-qxlgNX7IAg9mQMa-hkkBsN-PpcygpnI8/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483194205361690626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIiN_IdkiveatLwUWyUtf1dP8oVDor5Swo6sNnQlFNRv0uH_cpMRz2TvdJdNU3hPFWITvC6g_9I6Fj1aGAhX8IP4JyVEjt01_91zrvoB3gu-qxlgNX7IAg9mQMa-hkkBsN-PpcygpnI8/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> The finalized kitchen - appliances are in. My fridge comes the Saturday after closing and will match!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly1Spv7kCrvV7f3PMWrc7rL2Kc1ivcdxt5cnlsO4YB9eHHHtQ2p8w7Fl2Gd-OTURmu4GSVGSCJEblKXF_8l9x38gv7NiimspVCPwEJrOvZJVa6CrPZOdn4j7FVNJO0qXVZXJfojYgYpc/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483194198894404274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly1Spv7kCrvV7f3PMWrc7rL2Kc1ivcdxt5cnlsO4YB9eHHHtQ2p8w7Fl2Gd-OTURmu4GSVGSCJEblKXF_8l9x38gv7NiimspVCPwEJrOvZJVa6CrPZOdn4j7FVNJO0qXVZXJfojYgYpc/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+and+house+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hope you're having a great week so far!</div><div>Love, B<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-69470586940129695772010-06-10T17:12:00.005-05:002011-02-19T22:30:03.957-06:00Please excuse me while I get on my nutrition soapbox...I don't often do this, but the title of this blog is "Diary of a Dietitian" so you are about to be introduced to my neurotic side. Sweet R stopped at the store to buy a few things, including bread, a few days ago. I usually get Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat and that's what he typically buys because he knows I like it. I went to make him a sandwich and realized he had accidentally bought the "sugar free" Nature's Own 100% Whole Grain bread (the package is almost identical except for the darn "sugar free" label. Which led to me leaping on my soap box and educating him on what I think about sugar free bread (and most sugar free products). **Please note, I was not upset with him, and was not fussing at him - just ranting in general about the erroneous ways of the food industry :)** I know you are dying to hear my thoughts on this - not to worry, I will not leave you in suspense for long!<br /><br /><br />I'll start by giving you a picture of the nutrition profiles of the two products so you can make some observations for yourself:<br /><br />Original Sugar-free<br /><br />Serving size 1 slice (26gm) 1 slice (25gm)<br /><br /># servings/pkg 22 slices 18 slices<br /><br />Calories 50 50<br /><br />Carbohydrates 10gm 11gm<br /><br />Dietary Fiber 2gm 2gm<br /><br />Sugars 1gm 0gm<br /><br />Sugar alcohol (maltitol) 0gm 1gm<br /><br />Protein 4gm 3gm<br /><br />Fat 1gm 1gm<br /><br />Whole grains 14gm 12gm<br /><br /><br />First of all, who do you think the target market for "sugar free" bread is? #1 - Diabetics. #2 - people watching their weight/trying to be healthy. These 2 categories encompass a large percentage of the population so you can understand the company's strategy.<br /><br /><br />I just got off on a biochemistry tangent but deleted... you're welcome... The long and short of it is diabetics are supposed to monitor their carbohydrate intake. (Hear me here: Diabetics need carbohydrates, just like people without diabetes need carbohydrates. We all should eat balanced diets, which is basically all the diabetic diet is.) The "sugar free" bread has 1 <strong>more</strong> gram of carb (which are all ultimately broken down into "sugar" or glucose) than the regular kind, but is lacking that 1gm of sugar that the regular kind does have. Instead of 1 gm of a normal simple sugar, it substitutes a sugar alcohol (maltitol) - a chemically altered sugar molecule that has 2 calories/gram versus 4 calories/gram of regular sugar. It also can cause gastric distress (really only if in large quantities). Is it significant that there is 1 more gram of carb in the bread that people likely regard as more "diabetic friendly"? Not really, other than the fact that it is misleading people to think that it better. PLUS!! The sugar free kind is 16 oz. versus the regular kind that is 20 oz... and they are either the same price or the SF kind is slightly more expensive - so you're paying more (or the same) for less bread and MORE carbs. And a large percentage of the population with diabetes are minorities who often have lower incomes or are elderly on fixed/low incomes! The injustice and irresponsibility just hurts!!!!!!<br /><br />On a side note, I really try to keep my nutrition-related opinions to myself unless asked. I have to hold myself back at times from giving strangers advice at the grocery store. I know they could benefit from my vast wealth of knowledge... right?<br /><br />Phew! So glad I got that off my chest :) Now maybe my feathers will un-ruffle.<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-7878732153526812852010-06-08T22:40:00.003-05:002010-06-08T23:03:20.207-05:002 weeks to closing!As of last week, I had air conditioning! I got news of the updates below on Monday from my new neighbor and also my dad, who makes regular trips by the house. It's nice to have an engineer in the family to check in on things! I wasn't able to go by until this morning... and I already got news that my appliances are in and the garage door has been painted!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjIUFYvdSVIcOvw7hspYvYhRfFppHTCg76kAVxEJs9oogWAkNdQ12_s_DslisV5qJCLB8UMdAHVyBuQlD3RVgs82dcf5qANBHNx8uZkXnCDrl944-IGZjt6LPfTD9mqOwyYucOXm28V0/s1600/salmon+china+carpet+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480615639803065778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjIUFYvdSVIcOvw7hspYvYhRfFppHTCg76kAVxEJs9oogWAkNdQ12_s_DslisV5qJCLB8UMdAHVyBuQlD3RVgs82dcf5qANBHNx8uZkXnCDrl944-IGZjt6LPfTD9mqOwyYucOXm28V0/s320/salmon+china+carpet+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> My beautiful new front door!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSZ3uddrkc-09pSkeh6rYJfgJpneNUuvNicfgz6k3I3Kro2W4ocYnQf2KhhyphenhyphenQp1cVSg_RY4HaKTLSoJOJHdV8i2fQ-spbaJ3PQIevjCLALYl6rVr6Rmi6UzaWVpaO4s59gHtgTtGfc-o/s1600/salmon+china+carpet+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480615632838666210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSZ3uddrkc-09pSkeh6rYJfgJpneNUuvNicfgz6k3I3Kro2W4ocYnQf2KhhyphenhyphenQp1cVSg_RY4HaKTLSoJOJHdV8i2fQ-spbaJ3PQIevjCLALYl6rVr6Rmi6UzaWVpaO4s59gHtgTtGfc-o/s320/salmon+china+carpet+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25vBTYmpVeGu-kR1AahjLl6qkSDQwDSXp_aCSl-B3fUcgYc_WnE2chPA9lsss1_w5dtE48Zi_Fllbv9fnyyZ8ngAsU7W_lkOtNCkrUoLNSysht-VzaLmQzVTV07INnO0zvW-krRqz9eA/s1600/salmon+china+carpet+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480615624005254482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25vBTYmpVeGu-kR1AahjLl6qkSDQwDSXp_aCSl-B3fUcgYc_WnE2chPA9lsss1_w5dtE48Zi_Fllbv9fnyyZ8ngAsU7W_lkOtNCkrUoLNSysht-VzaLmQzVTV07INnO0zvW-krRqz9eA/s320/salmon+china+carpet+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> My stainless steel appliances - stove, microwave, and dishwasher - yay!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqiN5cY8YIhyphenhyphenTJYPNbiITEsCK-M3Pm30owLsWnQ7dGUCEu1Y73s52yp5R-_GvhUP_OuYLo0A3BqgZp6xbLucML0cVZXUxPaZdhQQ8pXGimR7gLCIaFEgEZZFIWmHYq4wSBqKTHLUDhng/s1600/salmon+china+carpet+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480615612306534626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqiN5cY8YIhyphenhyphenTJYPNbiITEsCK-M3Pm30owLsWnQ7dGUCEu1Y73s52yp5R-_GvhUP_OuYLo0A3BqgZp6xbLucML0cVZXUxPaZdhQQ8pXGimR7gLCIaFEgEZZFIWmHYq4wSBqKTHLUDhng/s320/salmon+china+carpet+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hello carpet! This means the end is in sight. My dad referred to it as "shag" but it's not what I'd call shag... its like the carpet I have in my current apartment... kind of twisted. I like it :) The design person also talked me into getting an upgraded "stain master" carpet pad... hope its worth it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmntkoDyjB_abYBvIZL0OhBLyJtmcNfZDE_xPWu-tS2_QJCADtfs6HpvkddeQJeVP5gaAp5yYpq7OueOJE9uVVi1Ww8XMQ2TkAWNpB_4KyojvMfIDUURS_b1cZRACsoH93eeVIm5lbidY/s1600/salmon+china+carpet+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480615603681346498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmntkoDyjB_abYBvIZL0OhBLyJtmcNfZDE_xPWu-tS2_QJCADtfs6HpvkddeQJeVP5gaAp5yYpq7OueOJE9uVVi1Ww8XMQ2TkAWNpB_4KyojvMfIDUURS_b1cZRACsoH93eeVIm5lbidY/s320/salmon+china+carpet+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yup... carpet in the dining room. Seeing why that stainmaster carpet pad could likely be a good investment. Maybe after we strike it rich, we'll upgrade to wood floors throughout the house!<br /><br />My apartment is still very much not packed, regardless of the multitude of boxes donated to the worthy cause by my recent new homeowner friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bjandaj.blogspot.com">Amanda</a>. I am a major procrastinator when it comes to tasks that are a pain in the boo-tay. Aye! </div><div> </div><div>Love, B</div><div></div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-84838660284653683522010-06-01T17:53:00.004-05:002010-06-01T18:05:44.056-05:003 weeks to closing!Well... as of Saturday, my lawn and landscaping were done, I have water to go along with the electricity, and the shower stall is done in the master bathroom :) We are getting down to the wire and I just can't wait for it to all be done! After checking out the progress on the casa, we ran in to our soon to be neighbors, the Goodmans. They are a really nice couple - the wife is almost exactly the same age as me and the husband is an Aggie, also close to my age and not too far off from ol' R. Their house will be done on Friday, so they are about two weeks ahead of us.<br />In other exciting news, we took advantage of the Memorial Day sales and purchased a refrigerator! It was 15% off plus we didn't have to pay sales tax, which saved us almost $500. Yay! Still a huge chunk of change. We are also big spenders because we went and picked out our wedding bands on Saturday... they won't be in for a while, but man oh man, am I shelling out money every time I turn around!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCoknKq6x77A15IGqMfidhy2X9zRXK25Re5gnMkSAF1ygBKWoXdVMj4pED0vC4Ivz3rxnuIm_CDPxTSwaonIZFrSS6n78OsfbWeGG8A6NRvBF5zVcYPUq-fq5UGiZVt5lSTDPyEW4PEA/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477942871170356994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCoknKq6x77A15IGqMfidhy2X9zRXK25Re5gnMkSAF1ygBKWoXdVMj4pED0vC4Ivz3rxnuIm_CDPxTSwaonIZFrSS6n78OsfbWeGG8A6NRvBF5zVcYPUq-fq5UGiZVt5lSTDPyEW4PEA/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+037.JPG" border="0" /></a> My lovely undermount kitchen sink now has running water!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ytmyknjKU9PLW6GFuTdmFKbPlOFSVIH60Wf5kw5w5ZLKulmcjEXT1iPiTsL68VsTn9FFZca4ELHXrnWLJh7GgHOYiyIS9nxFnqm8pGxwlcTwGg1SQGaEerqlf6jQphiLvpqyqZGxIHs/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477942864212209634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ytmyknjKU9PLW6GFuTdmFKbPlOFSVIH60Wf5kw5w5ZLKulmcjEXT1iPiTsL68VsTn9FFZca4ELHXrnWLJh7GgHOYiyIS9nxFnqm8pGxwlcTwGg1SQGaEerqlf6jQphiLvpqyqZGxIHs/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+036.JPG" border="0" /></a> View of the backyard WITH a lawn from the living room.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd84SF9oj_ddpTaiROdjhFySugq29nuZfdWgks7HJMJ_XFptSZgitG6smLB9XoTHzOGOf9XY167cKhFHQoM2EiyOrxpuE7R2P0HCVE3UlAtfrWaMXCZ1uWTlHfZNUr31F4PGsdszeFWTI/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477942850822697538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd84SF9oj_ddpTaiROdjhFySugq29nuZfdWgks7HJMJ_XFptSZgitG6smLB9XoTHzOGOf9XY167cKhFHQoM2EiyOrxpuE7R2P0HCVE3UlAtfrWaMXCZ1uWTlHfZNUr31F4PGsdszeFWTI/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+034.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yay! Shower stall!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZyGEESrkxBeqigHQdZ3HBTmwkutoqKdsUckf9IihZqqIoXiUrEYJaJ-QLamSmU-r99z4SBll0RUWiezugLiC1x0DBH6RpWoEK5DbdfhNlj2FR20u_AuVK6jX2bgGL05GuXCifoOy6F4/s1600/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477942839916149074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZyGEESrkxBeqigHQdZ3HBTmwkutoqKdsUckf9IihZqqIoXiUrEYJaJ-QLamSmU-r99z4SBll0RUWiezugLiC1x0DBH6RpWoEK5DbdfhNlj2FR20u_AuVK6jX2bgGL05GuXCifoOy6F4/s320/bridesmaid+dresses+house+with+lawn+026.JPG" border="0" /></a> All that's left on the outside is to paint the garage doors and little box on the 2nd eave to match the paint trim on the rest of the house. Oh, and to put in the real front door! Don't worry, I will keep you posted on the progress!<br /><br />Love, B</div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-60923349284522505872010-05-27T22:02:00.003-05:002010-05-27T22:22:21.835-05:0026 days to closing!Lots can happen in 3 1/2 days -<br /><br />A few things to notice here: 1. See that pile? That's one of several piles of sod for my lawn! Soon I will have grass! 2. See the tree on the left? That is the first of 2 or 3 I will get in the front yard. 3. See that light to the right of the door? A "coach light" is the official term, and that was an upgrade! They really can nickel and dime you for these "extras" that seem like they should be included... but whatevah!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj57XQ5rZwTobB4H-jEBakXw8YrZqrZn-aMbH3gqbo_KG0b-RCOK_p8jBaz8W7NBJnCY-Tvbu5Qj2ydd0exZxFIAPkVrtn4oVLS9kpD_TnH9X2gQ9e9C5LW-DE57RWWXsUEFbJ4tHuPw/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476153447019795810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj57XQ5rZwTobB4H-jEBakXw8YrZqrZn-aMbH3gqbo_KG0b-RCOK_p8jBaz8W7NBJnCY-Tvbu5Qj2ydd0exZxFIAPkVrtn4oVLS9kpD_TnH9X2gQ9e9C5LW-DE57RWWXsUEFbJ4tHuPw/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> See my FENCE?? That's right, stay off my property! One of the perks of being on the lake is that I get a pretty wrought iron fence. The downside is that it doesn't offer much privacy. Ah, and another shot of that tree!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0Hsmd3rV6EfYILWtxgIjsQVjAdSy1e5aM4_byZA4wmE_MY74kAE1jSRIxoJyPQatGXfNVsb6f1diDrQpwxktN0XnwuEY4ZmbNfogjMT6kQeIUkhB1fWBQw9joCVnaY5L3d6EXNGs-C0/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476153436164708258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0Hsmd3rV6EfYILWtxgIjsQVjAdSy1e5aM4_byZA4wmE_MY74kAE1jSRIxoJyPQatGXfNVsb6f1diDrQpwxktN0XnwuEY4ZmbNfogjMT6kQeIUkhB1fWBQw9joCVnaY5L3d6EXNGs-C0/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's the master bedroom - notice the light fixture that is emitting light! We have electricity!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsJRX0P4wB3bGO-NyVv09cNi82zUeP4dylZF439pt4y09LCLj453yx6AOyGT6ISgBJk-qmEBX0FSJsJNSWGi-VJMThZtnbqcdZkxvQu96e6jGrSWyCnoE4Smk5ERjfXx0Xh97wYeQ6YA/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476153432200526674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsJRX0P4wB3bGO-NyVv09cNi82zUeP4dylZF439pt4y09LCLj453yx6AOyGT6ISgBJk-qmEBX0FSJsJNSWGi-VJMThZtnbqcdZkxvQu96e6jGrSWyCnoE4Smk5ERjfXx0Xh97wYeQ6YA/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the living room in the foreground and the breakfast room in the far off area. The tile is done, but the carpet is not in yet.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBw3Y6pkBTpXkzDA57bjnOxDSqZkhURWIfMSOww0OW9q9ccwG4BnkNLOyM_ZwIyB6USctpIesQUwG6J07gpnlIxoxvrk3OJuAkvSRfslGvj_sg99rvbufSg4M9QQnqEjU2zYr85ZldiY/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476153423172821410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBw3Y6pkBTpXkzDA57bjnOxDSqZkhURWIfMSOww0OW9q9ccwG4BnkNLOyM_ZwIyB6USctpIesQUwG6J07gpnlIxoxvrk3OJuAkvSRfslGvj_sg99rvbufSg4M9QQnqEjU2zYr85ZldiY/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+019.JPG" border="0" /></a> Master bath! Double vanity - yay!! I don't share well.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvExhszvfNmC5oWcYKj3jyg_4GLrNi-6dgotrZvGs4n5Vc4rUwy78prBWLtfLV5VvOpaGvP38MLHQ-il0clZi79v7bVo1aLlvMzzjgNZ-89ZxHDafeiocTJzvnPLEbyTxsFZ6wp7viA4/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476152548463868050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvExhszvfNmC5oWcYKj3jyg_4GLrNi-6dgotrZvGs4n5Vc4rUwy78prBWLtfLV5VvOpaGvP38MLHQ-il0clZi79v7bVo1aLlvMzzjgNZ-89ZxHDafeiocTJzvnPLEbyTxsFZ6wp7viA4/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+016.JPG" border="0" /></a>Guest bath<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKjLlxt50eIWnkHCBb6tgbq_2lr8ugzqZS8ou5DeX8KOYREdDcW-gRKkSDg0me2mZpOTrGWJDoLw886XiAXFSHuDvufxQXuo3d5aFqLu9zpsmCd7sNYhu0927kHM_S2DxQNU0QwSlrss/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476152541827173986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKjLlxt50eIWnkHCBb6tgbq_2lr8ugzqZS8ou5DeX8KOYREdDcW-gRKkSDg0me2mZpOTrGWJDoLw886XiAXFSHuDvufxQXuo3d5aFqLu9zpsmCd7sNYhu0927kHM_S2DxQNU0QwSlrss/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shower/tub and toilet in the guest bath - sadly there is no handle (or lid) on the toilet so I'm guessing it's not workable yet ;)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpQejrsB8zymu2rPGXO1nlgxKfXGrbBmHJhyKbRn8X9AP-Y-Hi8MsBUa0Y4QCJXyiTiqMy4ioaRnhr49x3yBMEKs5_ftdmnVPE2XdREufmriKeG92aLVOOVlAfPBHULw20FR8JKI6RO8/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476152535375386882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpQejrsB8zymu2rPGXO1nlgxKfXGrbBmHJhyKbRn8X9AP-Y-Hi8MsBUa0Y4QCJXyiTiqMy4ioaRnhr49x3yBMEKs5_ftdmnVPE2XdREufmriKeG92aLVOOVlAfPBHULw20FR8JKI6RO8/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> This backsplash was a very inexpensive minor upgrade from the large tile squares - my friend Sarah who recently built a Perry home gave me this hint, and she has great taste! I'm so happy with how the granite, cabinets, and tile look together. My microwave and stove will go in the slots here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Pg0m8AxDAutUpxGiQxfIXAdOtdzYHy8SbXzZx26aKdoCnjX6XkljGcae22ZC5CaEl1fBWMYO1oTvAYWgrQPCiJi5Ij7D_3UV4i3cB_NnusofSaIloAW77EccCJMCZmVVdxMl8n1MEM/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476152532374241170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Pg0m8AxDAutUpxGiQxfIXAdOtdzYHy8SbXzZx26aKdoCnjX6XkljGcae22ZC5CaEl1fBWMYO1oTvAYWgrQPCiJi5Ij7D_3UV4i3cB_NnusofSaIloAW77EccCJMCZmVVdxMl8n1MEM/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> A better view of the kitchen! Can't wait to get in there!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjPGyerbiEJYxiEs8_o3CUqbSCkjkVaPBzncoBaid5rlpjaAnDwQ8BdJgtSeyo7rKlphAH0xguka2ojuDFk9iBlUK8eDgqUsM1BkY0ll54dbjXmUopqqHqnWPpQBwaQXUSez_TMuqVQE/s1600/fence+electicity+and+granite+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476152522540199026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjPGyerbiEJYxiEs8_o3CUqbSCkjkVaPBzncoBaid5rlpjaAnDwQ8BdJgtSeyo7rKlphAH0xguka2ojuDFk9iBlUK8eDgqUsM1BkY0ll54dbjXmUopqqHqnWPpQBwaQXUSez_TMuqVQE/s320/fence+electicity+and+granite+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Love, B</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-7137836445145312142010-05-27T21:10:00.004-05:002010-05-27T22:01:19.993-05:00sorry, no recipe updates... but my recent eating adventures nonethelessI've hardly been cooking! I haven't had it together enough to identify recipes, make it to the store with a list, and find a time to actually cook. Plus my apartment is currently so overwhelmed with stuff - all the contents of the office I moved out of in November, house stuff, wedding stuff, now boxes... its a mess. I did make turkey burgers Sunday night that were nothing to sneeze at, but also really nothing to brag about.<br /><br />Monday night - I had my usual Vietnamese Chicken Salad Rolls from Pei Wei. They are so yummy! I regularly pick them up after step class to take with me to Girls' Bible Study on Monday nights. Pei Wei (pronounced "pay way" although R pronounces it "pee wee" to be difficult) is really good, but no one loves it as much as Richard. He would eat there every day if I didn't need a little more variety.<br /><br />Tuesday night - I had yummy (ground) turkey enchiladas at Audra's (boyfriend's) house for Book Club. She gives credit to "The Pioneer Woman". I should post here a bit more about book club. My good friend Eva had been talking for a while about starting a book club with some girls she knows. I like to read, and I like Eva so I was agreeable. We started meeting last June and it has been so much fun! Gives me a reason to read at least one book every month - which I enjoy so much, but for whatever reason find lots of reasons not to - and enjoy the company of ladies I wouldn't know otherwise. Plus there is usually wine involved! This month we read a book called <u>The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox</u>. The storyline was very compelling, plus there were no chapter breaks, so I read through the 256 pages in less than 2 days. The basic premise of the story is about an odd teenage girl who gets committed to a psychiatric hospital for 61 years. If you're a reader, pick it up... and better yet, join our book club! Next month we're reading <u>Firefly Lane</u> by Kristen Hannah... sounds like a winner to me! Will let you know how it goes...<br /><br />Wednesday night - Richard and I took our engagement pictures! Due to the "golden hours of photography" we met the photographer, Melissa, at 6:15 in the Heights. We took a bunch of pictures, hopefully some came out that I will be happy with! Mr. Photogenic loves having his picture taken and had a lot of fun. After a couple hours of playing model, we were STARVING! We debated where to go and finally decided to try Genghis Grill at Bunker Hill and I-10, this Mongolian stirfry place. Sounded interesting. Big fat mistake. We got there, and first of all, being hungry makes me CRANKY, and it was really loud. But we were there, and hungry so weren't going to leave. The hostess eventually sat us at a table and told us our waitress would be there to explain how it worked since we had never been there. Eventually the waitress showed up and took our drink orders and then scooted off without giving us any explanation for the little silver bowls we were sitting there staring at. We continued to sit there, assuming she'd be back with our drinks and tell us the procedure. We sat there for what felt like 30 minutes, but was probably more like 10, no sign of the waitress in sight, just watching 4 idiotic 18 year olds who worked there being obnoxious and noisy at the hostess table, probably 30 feet from where we were sitting. Finally the waitress reappeared - bussing a table a few feet away. She made eye contact with us and the realization that she had forgotten our drinks came over her. I managed to ask her before she ran away again what we needed to do to get food. She very sweetly, to her credit, walked us over to the line and told us how to pick out what we wanted and what to do. We did this and when we got to the point where we dropped off our food to be cooked, the guy asked me "what kind do you want?" I was like "Huh?" He said "It's on the wall" and pointed to a list - you get to choose white rice, fried rice, brown rice, noodles, tortillas, or something else. I took it to be rude and defensively said "I didn't know! I was just asking!" for which R reprimanded me, saying he wasn't being rude and its never smart to piss off the person responsible for cooking your food. Truth. So we went back to sit down. Still no drinks. A couple minutes later, she came down and handed R his beer. (What's up with servers showing so much favoritism when you BUY a drink versus when you order water?) I was practically in tears that she didn't bring my water. She did come back, a few more minutes later, with my water and I couldn't even look her in the eye, I was so irritated and at the same time embarassed for being so mad about the horrible service. Thankfully, it didn't take long for our food to come out and I ignored any ideas of food contamination and it was actually good. However, not worth the price (9.99 for a bowl) in my opinion. Especially for the lousy service. Sometimes being in a customer service driven industry makes me more sensitive to the people doing the work and sometimes it just makes me extra mad because I have the expectation that people should try to make the customer happy!<br /><br />Tonight - I had dinner with my work buddy Cristina at Cyclone Anaya's... it was a margarita kind of day, and Cyclone Anaya's does not disappoint in this respect. My chicken soft tacos were decent, too. They were served more like enchiladas, which was a little weird, but still tasty. They are horrible, however, with large groups of people! Seems like as soon as they realize they're going to get their obligatory 18% gratuity for a group over 6, they don't care at all if you have your food or drinks. Plus, they won't split checks at all, so imagine the chaos of 18 people after multiple drinks trying to figure out the tab. Why are people so cheap about this? I have never had a problem remembering how many drinks I've had and giving the proper amount of money, but other people who make more than me with multiple college degrees are at times quick to forget... grr! So it's no longer a happy hour spot for the VW crew, but it served well for our party of 2!<br /><br />Yeah, so this is a random post about my eating habits... maybe its just a confession because I feel guilty for eating out so much this week. Or maybe I'm just obsessed with food... considering my profession and love of the Food Network. I do always think what people eat is interesting, but not as much as my friend C who is very quick to quiz you on what you, your mom, dad, and brother had at a meal... and then can recall it weeks later! Great party trick ;)<br /><br />Love, BBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012545342707986077.post-44490343090286224752010-05-19T21:23:00.003-05:002010-05-19T21:32:11.086-05:00Guess who has a closing date!That would be me!! My fearless saleswoman Santosh called me yesterday to let me know my house would be ready for the walk through on June 18th! That's a Friday, so we scheduled to close on Tuesday June 22nd. The end is in sight! We went after work to check out the progress over the last few days.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0KItrFCg5B-4B-GKLwu18h4PnZkYTczWOEm_35K-nKq9kp0YL8nKGnyr33j2dBT_7-eTgD88n1mDiZDXo-JR2TrzjIiLEiQMELUIZGU7x4VJGXsd8OgjTDh6BCl91td7WwsMqRgDMa4/s1600/house+5+19+2010+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473172735582074610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0KItrFCg5B-4B-GKLwu18h4PnZkYTczWOEm_35K-nKq9kp0YL8nKGnyr33j2dBT_7-eTgD88n1mDiZDXo-JR2TrzjIiLEiQMELUIZGU7x4VJGXsd8OgjTDh6BCl91td7WwsMqRgDMa4/s320/house+5+19+2010+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> Driveway and sidewalk! According to Santosh, it was poured yesterday 5/18<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_4x34CFRCvD76_Et5-mHEu7RAfE_w6Vzdoyg4z8yD2zlVNLpOJnAzosv5fflC8mDQnWMNpCtDlWl0zZ2lo02Aw2LzPV4nFOJ3uKT2F_PVXeBvwiG_fQNmYYZt5YQAqRsuukYevjGuyo/s1600/house+5+19+2010+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473172723433188434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_4x34CFRCvD76_Et5-mHEu7RAfE_w6Vzdoyg4z8yD2zlVNLpOJnAzosv5fflC8mDQnWMNpCtDlWl0zZ2lo02Aw2LzPV4nFOJ3uKT2F_PVXeBvwiG_fQNmYYZt5YQAqRsuukYevjGuyo/s320/house+5+19+2010+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> Front entrance - tile waiting for grout. Still need baseboards, too.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9VxUerVmq9J4eM_Bl_7Ph1NgZR9BfZSEQvZYXJL8r1NFrd9kzEqFQFyBzH139JxLlVpHeRi6tUQehyphenhyphenw0obEIJPVnUu32E3V8QB9G_cnSGHrAVY1_hnsPqL2yzy8Lhm5yK_By5Syu3Q8/s1600/house+5+19+2010+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473172722482194338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9VxUerVmq9J4eM_Bl_7Ph1NgZR9BfZSEQvZYXJL8r1NFrd9kzEqFQFyBzH139JxLlVpHeRi6tUQehyphenhyphenw0obEIJPVnUu32E3V8QB9G_cnSGHrAVY1_hnsPqL2yzy8Lhm5yK_By5Syu3Q8/s320/house+5+19+2010+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kitchen... should be getting the granite any day now!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNBPAR7xkVeIjQ_cUe9RpDtZu08MLDdn99O_6nfk2-JXz0agMc1JhcfCBbVt31BMAsWJE7QqVlpy5Uengg006MS203aObdB7gtNUpWhOp1q2-OCg9K1PbFCSzZOrCD5XVDFUlP1hj-qQ/s1600/house+5+19+2010+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473172711089039586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNBPAR7xkVeIjQ_cUe9RpDtZu08MLDdn99O_6nfk2-JXz0agMc1JhcfCBbVt31BMAsWJE7QqVlpy5Uengg006MS203aObdB7gtNUpWhOp1q2-OCg9K1PbFCSzZOrCD5XVDFUlP1hj-qQ/s320/house+5+19+2010+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> The breakfast nook - The tile is done, I think, because it was apparently wet - maybe they had washed it off??<br /><br />Can you tell that I'm excited? Hope your week has been equally exciting!<br /><br /><div>Love, B</div></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00674396144418844881noreply@blogger.com2