Happy Halloween!

I wish I was still young enough to go tricker treating. I loved it as a kid. It was the only day of the year my mom would let me wear makeup. My sister and I used to go wild in her makeup drawer. One year, I over did my makeup so badly, I went as a chimney sweeper because my face was the colour of charcoal, and we couldn't take it off. Don't you love memories like that?

Breakfast this morning was great!

This lovely bowl of oats contains just over 1/3 of a cup of the Scottish oats (I used what I had left), lots of water (I didn't really measure it), 1/4 of a fuji apple, a splash of maple syrup, a tiny handful of granola and sprinkling of cinnamon. DELISH!

After D and I finished our breakfasts we went to the gym. We did a crossfit workout with a few alterations.

A minute of each exercise with a minute of running (6 miles per hour/10 minute mile) in between:

Box jumps

Walking lunges

Jumping pull ups (I'm terrible at these by the way)

Burpies

Wall Balls

Back extensions

25lb Push press

Knees to elbows

20lb Kettle bell swings

Skipping

Pretty good workout. The original workout called for a minute of rest in between each exercise, instead of a minute of running. We thought that was WAY too easy, so we altered it.

Tonight we are going over to my parents house for a Halloween party. They're having a bunch of people over for Mexican food and to watch the old country film - Tombstone. Love this movie!

All Work and No Play

Good afternoon!

I hope your day has been fantastic! Mine has been a struggle between having to get an assignment done for Tuesday and wanted to just sit around the house, wrapped up in a blanket, while drinking a hot, rich mug of hot chocolate, and reading a book.

Since breakfast was eaten a little late, so was my lunch.

I had a PB & J sandwich with a sprinkling of granola for a little add crunch.

Shortly after, I enjoyed another Christmas orange. I can't wait for Christmas this year! I get to see my sister who's been away at an internship program in Seattle since September. I think D and I will be going out for dinner tonight, which makes me excited. I don't even remember the last time we went out!

A Snowy Surprise

Well good morning everyone,

When I was coming down-the-stairs from our bedroom this morning, I looked out the window, and saw snow.

A different kind of oatmeal this morning. Whenever I make oatmeal for D, I like to make it a little special.

I used the Scottish oats again, a combination of milk and water for cooking the oats, maple syrup for a little sweetening, and a banana. For the toppings I heated a mixture of berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), and toasted a mixture of nuts (slivered almonds, chopped pecans and walnuts).

It was delicious. Especially with a cup of coffee!

Chicken Curry

Tonights dinner was none other than chicken curry. I used one of Martha Stewarts recipes. I think this is also the first one of her recipes that I've tried and haven't been completely impressed by.

Let me walk you through the process.

First I browed the boneless, skinless chicken breast in batches - as to not over crowd the pan.

While the chicken was doing it's thing, I chopped up an onion and 3 cloves of garlic.

Once all the chicken was browned nicely, I removed it from the pan, and replaced it with the onion, garlic, a teaspoon of cumin, 3 tablespoons of hot curry powder, and 1/2 a teaspoon of thyme leaves. I left this in the pan until the onions were soft.

At that point I poured in a can of light coconut milk, 1/2 a cup of water, 2 chopped up carrots, and the browned chicken.

All I needed to do at this point was let the chicken become fully cooked and let all the flavors blend together - about 10 minutes at the least. Just before it was ready to be served I added the peas (probably about a cup).

Served over rice this meal is very pretty, but D and I agreed that it lacked a dimension of flavor. It was spicy and that was about it.

Late Evening!

Hello AGAIN!

I just had to blog the dessert I'm enjoying right now. One of the only desserts my mother used to make for my sister when we were growing up was rice pudding. She used to make it in the pressure cooker, the oven, and the method I use - the stovetop. It's one of those combinations of flavors that brings me back wonderful memories. I thought tonight would be an excellent night to make a pot of some of this goodness. And boy was I right!

I used Elise's recipe. I have used several of her recipes and she never disappoints. Her blog, Simple Recipes is one of my favorites. The recipe I used tonight is small enough for two people, but I'll admit I could finish off the entire thing myself. I'd be tempted to do just that, if I hadn't promised I'd save D some for tomorrow.

I absolutely love raisins in my rice pudding. Elise's recipe has the perfect raisin to rice ratio. FANTASTIC! Please give this recipe a whirl, whenever you're in the mood for a comforting sweet treat.

Evening!

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

I did have leftovers tonight. Leftovers from yesterday's dinner to be exact.

The turkey ragu is one of those meals that just keeps getting better the longer it sits, like chili. I remade a small pot of polenta. Polenta is at it's prime when eaten immediately after the cooking process.

For the polenta I brought a cup of milk, and a cup of chicken stock up to a boil. At this point, I quickly added the cornmeal slowly into the bubbling mixture. Stirring continuously, until the combined ingredients thickened to become about the consistency of cream of wheat. It was here that I added about a tablespoon of cheddar cheese and a bit of freshly ground pepper.

The result was creamy deliciousness. I don't think I can ever make polenta without the additive of cheese again.

Obviously it was good, if I finished that ginormous bowl all by myself.

Afternoon!

Class was great this afternoon. It made me much more confident in my ability to absolutely ACE my next assignment.

Since class goes right through lunch (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), I pack a lunch.

About half a cup of yogurt, and a little less than half a cup granola (the stuff I made a few days ago).

Right after that I had an orange. I love love LOVE Christmas oranges. Peeling them brings me right back to my childhood, where I'd see if I could peel the whole orange in one try.

I see leftovers in my near future.

Morning!

I hope everyones' night was better than mine! I have a lot of trouble sleeping well at night, and last night was just another one of "those" nights.

My oatmeal was different this morning. When I was at the bulk bins yesterday, buying the cornmeal needed for the polenta, I saw oatmeal called Irish Oatmeal. I know I had heard of it before, but I've tried it. So I picked some up and gave it a try this morning. I'd say it's a mix between oat bran and steel cut oats. I put about 2/3 a cup of the oats, lots of water, a banana, and HUGE peanut butter, then a little splash of milk. I made enough for tomorrow too, since I'll be going to another 8:00 a.m. class.

Time to get ready for class!

A First for Everything

Hi Everyone,

I hope your day was fantastic.

After I finished my last post, I decided I was still hungry. We have some bread that needs to be used up so I decided on french toast.

Then headed off to my last class of the day. As soon as I was home, I started on dinner.

Just a few minutes ago D and I ate our first Turkey Ragu with Polenta.

I don't want to give away the recipe because it's not exactly where I want it to be quite yet. I'll keep working on it and when it's good enough to share, you'll all know.

Very rarely we enjoy a class of red wine together, but since the recipe called for a good dose of wine, I decided I'd go pick up a bottle, and we could finish whatever wasn't used up in the ragu. Next time I make it, I'd love to have the ragu made in the morning and let it simmer all day. It's just one of those rich flavors that perfects with time.

I'm already thinking about dessert :)

Cold Food for a Cold Day

It's a miserable day here. It's been half raining and half snowing on and off all day. Today is also my long day at school. Well usually it is, but I skipped my second class. Skipping class can feel incredibly liberating!

I did go to my 8:00 a.m class; however, which means a quick, pre-made breakfast.

Muesli with 1/3 cup of oats, 1/3 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of non-fat plain yogurt, a small handful of raisins, and about the same amount of unsweetened shredded coconut. In the morning, I added a scoop of natural peanut butter, and about 1/4 a cup of maple granola I made last night. I loved the crunch the granola added to the bowl of oats.

I just finished grocery shopping for our meal tonight. I'm really excited about it! It'll be my first attempt at polenta. I hope I do alright! It seems simple enough. Now I'm snacking on fruit salad I made a few days ago.

My plastic container is sure classy eh?

It has grapefruit, and orange sections, along with green grapes. I love this combination.

I can't wait to let you all know how dinner goes!

Sugar and Spice....

This morning breaky was pretty darn good. We had, what else? Oatmeal. Apple spice oatmeal to be exact.

This oatmeal had two elements. The first was cooked with the oats in the saucepan. The second was the yogurt-nut topping.

In the pot went 1 cup oats, 2 cups water, a handful of raisins, 1/2 an apple, 1/2 a banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. In the topping was yogurt, honey, and more cinnamon.

It was great. The pot is now empty (between the two of us). We're now on our way to the mall to find a birthday present for D. The last time we went, we couldn't find anything unfortunately.

Have a wonderful day!

Memories

Hey folks,

Sorry to post so late, but dinner was late! After Sunday evening church, D and I were starved so we I needed to make something quick and satisfying. Nachos were the first thing that came to mind.

When I was little, my mom used to make nachos after Sunday evening church regularly and our family would sit around our coffee table and watch Superman, eating off the cookie sheet they were baked on. Lately, I've been trying to remember all the things my mom used to cook on a regular basis. I would hate to forget her recipes, since she's such an amazing cook - even if it is only nachos.

This plate of nachos had chicken, onions, red bell pepper, tomatoes, cheese, and whole grain nacho chips.

Carbs :)

Hello!

Today has turned into a wonderful day! Church was great this morning, and I had carbs for lunch. Carbs and church make me happy. LASAGNA. Yum...

I really should get started on some homework. I don't want it to get ahead of me again!

See you all later.

Sun-shining Sunday

Morning everyone,

Breakfast this morning didn't take very long to prepare.

Whenever I steer away from my usual bowl of oats, I'm disappointed. This is a bowl of non-fat yogurt with a scoop of natural peanut butter, a little drizzle of hone, cinnamon, a handful of vector, and a smaller handful of cinnamon toast crunch.

It was a little disappointing, not sure why - just not my oats. Well I need to hurry up, and go get ready for church!

See you all at lunch.

A Little Piece of Heaven .

Imagining this bowl of oatmeal is what peeled me out of bed this morning.

It had 1/3 cup of oats, cup of water, 1/2 a finely chopped apple, 1/2 a mashed banana, a dollop of peanut butter, and healthy dose of cinnamon.

D's back at work today, and I have little planned. I need to finish up some laundry, clean up the house a bit, and start on some papers I have due next month.

See you for lunch :)

Two Breakfasts in ONE Day

Afternoon,

I had another 8 a.m. class this morning, which is why I didn't post around breakfast time. Also since I had an 8 a.m. class, I had the leftover oats from yesterday to save myself some time.

Mix the oats with a slash of milk and a dollop of peanut butter and I had myself some tasty pumpkin oats.

When I have early morning classes, I always go to Starbucks for some acaffeine.

I didn't eat lunch till around 1 p.m. Needless to say I was starving. So I grabbed the fastest thing I could.

The rest of my non-fat yogurt, another dollop of peanut butter, tons of cinnamon, a chopped up fuji apple and a handful of cinnamon toast crunch.

It definitely hit the spot. TWO breakfast in ONE day! D and I are going shopping for clothes. It's what we like to do for each other's birthday presents. Just set an amount we're willing to spend on the other person for their birthday and go shopping together. It's a lot of fun.

Tonight we're going to my parents house for D's birthday dinner. My mom told me what we're having - pork chops. I'm not a huge fan of pork (unless it's bacony goodness), but she is a fantastic cook. So I know it'll be great!

Have an awesome day!

A Better Day!

Good evening!

Today turned out to be a much better day than yesterday. Thankfully!

When I arrived to my research class I met up with a friend. Once we started chatting my day was getting better. Halfway through class we get a 15 minute break to grab some lunch. I went down to our caffateria, since I completely forget to grab something from our kitchen, AGAIN this morning.

This is their minestrone soup. Looks homemade; all the vegetables are different sizes and it isn't a fake red colour, like most canned minestrone soups are.

Once class was over, I headed straight home. D and I played a board game and watched TV for a few hours. This really helped with my stress levels (even though I lost the game). We ate dinner a little early, around 5:30.

Leftover lasagna! Good stuff.

D went to go play hockey, I decided to stay home to work on a few upcoming papers. I think some yoga might be in order first though.

See you in the a.m.!

A Better Morning?

I sure hope so! I need a better day today.

Breakfast was a good start. I made myself a pot of pumpkin oats. Using these ingredients:

Oats, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, maple syrup, a banana, and peanut butter.

I have class at 11:00. As you can probably guess I'm not looking forward to it. I have to hand in a paper I'm not too fond of or proud to hand in. I hate that.

Have a great morning everyone!

Can it be Over Yet?

Good evening everyone,

Today felt too long. It feels like it should be past ten and I should be getting ready for bed. Unfortunately, I still have most of a paper to write for tomorrow morning, so there won't be any early nights here!

Let me run through my food situation today. Be warned, it's boring and minimal.

Breakfast was probably the best part - muesli.

This bowl contained 1/3 cup of oats, 1/3 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of yogurt, golden raisins, almond slices, cinnamon, 1/2 a banana, a drizzle of honey, and a spoonful of peanut butter. This equation = tasty.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have an 8 am class. So I eat breakfast around quarter to 7. This means I'm starving by 11. I usually forget to back along a snack, but today I was prepared!

I had a baggy of vector cereal, raw almonds, cranberries, and 3 dried apricots. The apricots are my favorite part.

The good news is I did remember a snack, bad news... I didn't remember a lunch. So my snack turned into my lunch and needless to say I was starving by dinner. After a quick stop at the grocery store I headed home with a rotisserie chicken, fuji apples, and a head of iceberg lettuce in hand.

Once home, I made quesadillas. I totally forgot to take a picture of them though. Sorry, I was starving and dug right in. I was so disappointed with the flavor of them though I stopped halfway through and handed the rest off to D.

Weird day, bad mood, ready for sleep.

It's Gonna be a Late One

I hope everyone had a wonderfully productive day today.

Mine feels a little bit like chaos now. It seems like my workload just keeps getting bigger and bigger by the minute.

Here's what my afternoon and evening looked like:

D and I went to the gym this afternoon for a killer arm workout. It felt great to push my muscles to the limit.

When we got back I hit the books almost immediately, but not before I showered and changed of course. I had this as a little snack to hold me over till we ate dinner.

A small portion of plain yogurt, honey, peanut butter, cinnamon, sliced almonds, and vector cereal.

It was just what I needed to get me through the late afternoon work slump. At about quarter to 5 I felt like I just needed a brain-break. Ever get those? So I put dinner in the oven and watched a little Judge Judy. The drama on that show just makes you thankful for your own life I find, no matter how hectic it currently is.

Dinner didn't look all together beautiful, which made the taste of it even more surprising.

We had lasagna. This was my first attempt at making lasagna (if you don't count that time I was 10 and wanted to make dinner for my Mom and Dad). I was disappointed with it's appearance. It seemed WAY too watery. I tried a bite before I served some to D and I was shocked at how good it tasted! Usually I'm my own worst critic (I mean really? Who's not?), but it was so good. I dished D up a plate and then myself. It was yummy. We even went back for seconds.

I really wish I could keep blogging. But work calls unfortunately. Tomorrow is my long day at school and who knows how long I'll be up tonight finishing up some papers and what not.

Good night all!