Runner's Lounge founders Amy Hunold-VanGundy and Tom Green put together a book of inspiring running stories from over 40 runners, including running advice from experts in the field. The book is motivating, including stories of runners with impending health problems, overweight runners, runners who have overcome physical problems and illnesses, and runners who are doing it for a cause such as cancer research, among other reasons. It is extremly motivating and fantastic to read all of the stories.
I think the book would make a great gift for someone starting to run, a seasoned runner or even someone who thinks running is not in their DNA. You can find the book on Amazon for about $10.
4.30.2010
4.28.2010
almond silk and muffin pizza
So I've had to be pretty creative about breakfast. The breakfast pizzert was a big hit and today I was going to make a muffin recipe that I saw but decided I was too lazy for muffins and made it into pizza.
I can't remember where I saw this recipe while I was browsing blogs. I will have to get back to you on that. I edited it so here was my recipe:
1.5 C whole wheat flour
2 T agave
2 tsp baking powder
1/3 c sweet potato
1 T oil
1 egg
1 cup strawberries
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla.
Mix in a bowl and bake till firm about 15-20 minutes. Breakfast pizza, round 2. With the egg and more flour, this was more cake-like than pizzert, also very tasty.
Winner of the silk Almond - Abby! #19
4.27.2010
Making BABIES :) and my best ever sliders
Fudge Babies that is! I think I made these before - but I saw them again on Chocolate Covered Katie's blog and made them for a treat. My recipe was:
I'm not good at measuring but something like this:
Then I made my black bean sliders. I always tweak the recipe a bit and rarely measure but these were the best ever and I know what was in them:
1 can black beans (any beans work - canned is best)
1/2 package of silken tofu
1/2 cup cooked couscous
1 egg
1/4 to 1/2 C wheat germ
2 T nutritional yeast (just to add nutrients)
1/4 c chunks of colby jack cheese
cumin, salt, pepper
FOOD process! then grill them up on the stovetop with 1 T oil (I used much more) or cook in the oven. I love them with hummus and avocado.
A couple of people asked if I knew what I was having (boy or girl) - I don't know, I'm just guessing. I remember with Nick I was going to the bathroom 2-3 times a night, and now I can make it the whole night. Anyone have a boy and a girl and noticed differences?
I am starting to get nervous about the Broad Street Run - have you seen the weather? 85 and humid (for the day)... It is going to take me a LONG time! I haven't figured out my plan logistically (getting there, etc) yet, but I don't want my family having to wait around for me for hours!
The giveaway ends tomorrow for Silk Almond! Check it out here.
I'm not good at measuring but something like this:
- 1+ c cashews
- 1 cup dates
- 4-5 T cocoa
- 2 T coconut oil
Then I made my black bean sliders. I always tweak the recipe a bit and rarely measure but these were the best ever and I know what was in them:
1 can black beans (any beans work - canned is best)
1/2 package of silken tofu
1/2 cup cooked couscous
1 egg
1/4 to 1/2 C wheat germ
2 T nutritional yeast (just to add nutrients)
1/4 c chunks of colby jack cheese
cumin, salt, pepper
FOOD process! then grill them up on the stovetop with 1 T oil (I used much more) or cook in the oven. I love them with hummus and avocado.
A couple of people asked if I knew what I was having (boy or girl) - I don't know, I'm just guessing. I remember with Nick I was going to the bathroom 2-3 times a night, and now I can make it the whole night. Anyone have a boy and a girl and noticed differences?
I am starting to get nervous about the Broad Street Run - have you seen the weather? 85 and humid (for the day)... It is going to take me a LONG time! I haven't figured out my plan logistically (getting there, etc) yet, but I don't want my family having to wait around for me for hours!
The giveaway ends tomorrow for Silk Almond! Check it out here.
4.25.2010
pizzert;sugar;27 weeks
Nick has been quite picky for food lately. This morning I made him a pizzert - I saw the recipe on Chocolate Covered Katie's blog. It was really tasty! He liked it.
PIZZERT - I ended up doubling the recipe
SUGAR
27 weeks
I hit the third trimester yesterday, wow. It's going quickly. Last week I did the glucose test (1 hour one) - hopefully that came out ok, that stuff tastes like straight up soda without carbonation. SUGAR.
Gross. Running - still have kind of a weird placement of the baby, so some days running is tough, and becomes walking. I'm ok with it. I went through it with Nick also. Swimming feels pretty good. I am signed up for the Broad Street Run this weekend. I think I am going to do it, knowing it will take over 2 hours though. Jog/Walking 30 miles this week took 7 hours and 39 minutes!
I feel lots of kicks and movement from the baby. I think that I am carrying higher than with Nick, or just don't remember the break in going to the bathroom during the night. I remember having to go to the bathroom like 3 times a night with Nick, but I haven't had to get up in weeks. What do you think? I've had massive heartburn much earlier than with Nick this time also. But other than those 2 things, my pregnancy has been the same. I am stuck on names. I kind of like the idea of a boy's name for a girl - any ideas? boy names - I have a list but none I love. What goes with Nick? :)
Want some Almond Milk? Enter to win a free coupon.
PIZZERT - I ended up doubling the recipe
- 1/2 c whole-wheat pastry flour (or just whole wheat seemed ok)
- 1/2 c corn meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 T agave
- 1 c almond milk
- 1/2 c berries
SUGAR
I remember Amanda at Run to the Finish had made a post about sugar. It's ridiculous when you look at labels and realize how much "hidden" sugar is in things. For example, have you tried Kashi's new cereal: Go Lean Crisp (Toasted Berry Crumble)? It says right on the box "Naturally Sweetened." What does that mean to you? To me, I would think there are no added sugars. However, look at the ingredients - Evaporated Cane Juice Crystals, Brown Rice Syrup, Evaporated Cane Juice.... while these are natural sweeteners, Wow! this adds a good chunk of sugars (10g!) I feel like it is misleading. I will tell you that I really think this cereal is tasty and love the protein stats (9g).
27 weeks
I hit the third trimester yesterday, wow. It's going quickly. Last week I did the glucose test (1 hour one) - hopefully that came out ok, that stuff tastes like straight up soda without carbonation. SUGAR.
Gross. Running - still have kind of a weird placement of the baby, so some days running is tough, and becomes walking. I'm ok with it. I went through it with Nick also. Swimming feels pretty good. I am signed up for the Broad Street Run this weekend. I think I am going to do it, knowing it will take over 2 hours though. Jog/Walking 30 miles this week took 7 hours and 39 minutes!
I feel lots of kicks and movement from the baby. I think that I am carrying higher than with Nick, or just don't remember the break in going to the bathroom during the night. I remember having to go to the bathroom like 3 times a night with Nick, but I haven't had to get up in weeks. What do you think? I've had massive heartburn much earlier than with Nick this time also. But other than those 2 things, my pregnancy has been the same. I am stuck on names. I kind of like the idea of a boy's name for a girl - any ideas? boy names - I have a list but none I love. What goes with Nick? :)
Want some Almond Milk? Enter to win a free coupon.
4.24.2010
Silk Pure Almond review & giveaway
How does it stack up?
Silk's unsweetened still includes evaporated cane juice - which is somewhat misleading since it says unsweetened.
1 cup has 60 calories, 2.5g fat including good fats!, 8g carbs, 7g sugar, and 1g protein.
1 cup of skim milk has 90 calories, 0g fat, 13g carbs, 13g sugars and 9g protein.
1 cup of blue diamond unsweetened has 40 calories, 3g fat, 2g carbs, 0 sugars, and 1g protein
I'm not sure why they put the sweetener (cane juice) in there, and my only wish for almond milk is more protein, but comparing Silk's new line to all of the other almond milks I have tried - it is definitely my favorite by far! I find Blue Diamond's sweetened to be way too sweet, but the unsweetened to be tasteless and thin. I will definitely purchase this. $2.99 a container.
**Note: I was not compensated to write this review. I was provided with a coupon to try a free container of Silk Pure Almond.
GIVEAWAY! Want to try it for yourself? One winner will receive a free coupon to try Silk Pure Almond.
Leave a comment below telling me your favorite use of almond milk. If you don't use it yet, let me know what you might use it for.
I will choose a winner on April 28th and the winner will have 48 hours to respond to email.
For extra entries,
*become a follower
*link back from your blog about this giveaway
4.23.2010
WINNER - CEP socks! and florida
We've just returned from a 5 day trip to Florida - excuse the lack of commenting and posting - I'll catch up on that soon. Vacation! It was great! Every morning Nick and I went for a jog which became a walk on the beach. The position the baby is sitting in - I could not run most days! I still logged my walking miles - which took so much longer than jogging!
The CEP giveaway was so popular! Hopefully I'll be able to do it again soon. Thank you for your interest :) The winner is #87 - Karen !
You have 48 hours to contact me Karen via email tosha25italia at yahoo.
If anyone knows how to number the comments - let me know!
I wore the socks on the plane - had no leg cramps - though it was a short flight! The flights were the hardest part! We went with Bill's parents/my inlaws and it made it so nice. I definitely felt that I got to relax. Nick had a fabulous time on the beach, eating the sand and in the pool, swimming!!
While we were there, another baby was there of the same age who had been taking swim lessons and could float on his back on his own and swim to the wall (a short distance). I've been taking Nick on my own, but I don't know how to get him to do those things. Does anyone know a good place for swim lessons nationally that teaches them how to swim young? The little boy was from Florida so he probably swims year round but I want Nick to know how to swim on his own!
You have 48 hours to contact me Karen via email tosha25italia at yahoo.
If anyone knows how to number the comments - let me know!
I wore the socks on the plane - had no leg cramps - though it was a short flight! The flights were the hardest part! We went with Bill's parents/my inlaws and it made it so nice. I definitely felt that I got to relax. Nick had a fabulous time on the beach, eating the sand and in the pool, swimming!!
While we were there, another baby was there of the same age who had been taking swim lessons and could float on his back on his own and swim to the wall (a short distance). I've been taking Nick on my own, but I don't know how to get him to do those things. Does anyone know a good place for swim lessons nationally that teaches them how to swim young? The little boy was from Florida so he probably swims year round but I want Nick to know how to swim on his own!
4.15.2010
BOB love and CLIF
Clif!
First, Brian who represents Clif sent me the mini clif bars in new flavors - oatmeal raisin walnut, chocolate brownie and pb chocolate. Then, whole foods was having a buy one get one sale, so I bought 4 boxes of different things (Clif Z bar - chocolate chip, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Chocolate Brownie, & Luna Cookies and Cream). A week or so later, a little care package arrived from Brian with Bloks, Roks, Builder's Bars, and Clif Bars - Cool Mint Chocolate Flavor and Black Cherry Almond. I want to tell you about my favorites.
My favorite of all Clif products are the Z bars in chocolate chip. They are organic and taste like cookie bars and they aren't too heavy for pre-run, and make a great dessert alternate.
My next favorite is probably Luna Bars because of the protein content. I think Cookies and Cream is my #1 flavor.
Next up - Builder's Protein Bar - 20g protein and tastes like a healthy candy bar. I really liked the chocolate flavor. I've had cookies and cream and I'm a big fan of that one too. I haven't tried the vanilla almond one yet.
Clif Bars - favorite flavors - Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, PB Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie. I'll eat a mini or part of a big one pre-run, post-run or when I'm out somewhere and starving and need a little something to tide me over. I keep them in my car, diaper bag, purse and at home. They're great. It is suggested to eat clif bars 1-3 hours before exercising - I can't eat too much too soon before I run or I get a cramp. A mini would be perfect for soon before the run :)
Roks - These remind me of Milk Duds but I find them too sweet with too crunchy of an outer shell. They are hard to get down for me, but have 20g of protein and are great for a post-run protein boost.
Bloks - these are up there with GU chews for a long run now. I like the packaging and soft chewy taste. They deliver energy quickly to keep you going!
What is your favorite Clif product?
Besides grabbing a luna or Z bar every now and then as a dessert, I've also been having a scoop peanut butter with a handful of melted chocolate chips melted atop quinoa, bulgar or another grain. Another healthy indulgence lately has been hummus +nutritional yeast + water as a sauce/dip for a sandwich or wrap. What are your healthy indulgences?
4.13.2010
CEP Compression Socks Review + GIVEAWAY
Michael at CEP Compression Sportswear contacted me to review a pair of CEP Compression Socks. I received a pair of hot pink with black in the mail and wore them for the 10 mile Ocean Drive race a couple of weekends ago. Just to remind you, I am not RACING right now, I am just getting by and finishing races, so I can't give you the full performance rating on these socks, only what I found running as a pregnant old bag.
The Company: (from the website)
CEP is owned by medi - one of the world's leading innovators compression therapy. They make Run/Recover compression socks that are medical grade. This is the first brand that I've seen that you can use to run in in addition to the recovery. Every brand claims to have "graduated" compression, however anything below medical grade, 20mmHg, is considered over the counter and not regulated.
In order to penetrate your deep veins and target the arteries you need a specific amount of compression. One sign to look for is when a product goes by shoe size. Shoe size doesn't tell the circumference of one's leg which will determine the size range to get targeted compression. When I ordered my pair, I had to measure the circumference of my calf. The socks are also right and left specific with silver ions to prevent blisters and bacteria formation. The socks are great for any distance or recovery run. CEP also produces sleeves which are made for runs up to 18 miles - your feet can swell for runs much longer in the sleeves!
**A published medical study found that runners had 5% better performance running in CEP socks and used 6% less energy. Check out the website for best compression practices.
My Experience
I ran in the hot pink compression socks for a 10 mile race, 3 mile recovery run, 5k race and various training runs. For me right now, they keep me warm on the cooler mornings, and seem to help my calf and shin cramps to ease up more quickly. The socks are definitely much more difficult to get on and off that the pair of Recovery Socks that I have by Recovery Sock which I believe attests to the medical grade compression. They feel comfortable on - I wear them all around the house after a run and wore them all day after the 10 miler. I can definitely tell you they are a better fit than the Recovery socks which makes me think they are doing a better job.
I am somewhat biased to the look of knee socks because I love wearing them around and I think they make my legs look thinner. I cannot speak to the performance aspect since obviously I get slower every day, but I plan to try these out in the fall for sure. I like how you can wear these not only for recovery, but for running itself! These go for $50 to $60 at most of the online dealers. Check out amazon - I always think they have one the best prices. The sleeves go for around $40. This is more than other brands you might see at the expos, but I feel that these are legit medical grade whereas most of the others are not. I am up for a black pair next - they go with everything. I could wear them out with a black skirt - wahoo!
COMING UP --->Check out the CEP booth at the Boston Marathon next week as well as Rock and Roll Nashville!
GIVEAWAY
Michael has generously agreed to give one lucky reader a pair of compression socks. I would love to give one lucky reader a chance to try these out and let me know what you think! Also, I am going to wear these for traveling and report back. I think that they are great for pregnancy and keeping the blood flowing!
TO ENTER:
Visit the website and let me know what product you would most like to try.
For extra entries (leave a comment for each one),
* Become a follower of my blog (or let me know if you already are)
* Link back from your blog (in a post) and send me the link
I will randomly select & announce a winner on April 23rd - winner will have 48 hours to contact me (then a new winner will be selected). Please leave your email if you would like me to email you with the news!
Review/Giveaway Disclaimer: I was not compensated by CEP to write this review. I received a free pair of socks to try and review on my blog.
The Company: (from the website)
CEP is owned by medi - one of the world's leading innovators compression therapy. They make Run/Recover compression socks that are medical grade. This is the first brand that I've seen that you can use to run in in addition to the recovery. Every brand claims to have "graduated" compression, however anything below medical grade, 20mmHg, is considered over the counter and not regulated.
In order to penetrate your deep veins and target the arteries you need a specific amount of compression. One sign to look for is when a product goes by shoe size. Shoe size doesn't tell the circumference of one's leg which will determine the size range to get targeted compression. When I ordered my pair, I had to measure the circumference of my calf. The socks are also right and left specific with silver ions to prevent blisters and bacteria formation. The socks are great for any distance or recovery run. CEP also produces sleeves which are made for runs up to 18 miles - your feet can swell for runs much longer in the sleeves!
**A published medical study found that runners had 5% better performance running in CEP socks and used 6% less energy. Check out the website for best compression practices.
I ran in the hot pink compression socks for a 10 mile race, 3 mile recovery run, 5k race and various training runs. For me right now, they keep me warm on the cooler mornings, and seem to help my calf and shin cramps to ease up more quickly. The socks are definitely much more difficult to get on and off that the pair of Recovery Socks that I have by Recovery Sock which I believe attests to the medical grade compression. They feel comfortable on - I wear them all around the house after a run and wore them all day after the 10 miler. I can definitely tell you they are a better fit than the Recovery socks which makes me think they are doing a better job.
I am somewhat biased to the look of knee socks because I love wearing them around and I think they make my legs look thinner. I cannot speak to the performance aspect since obviously I get slower every day, but I plan to try these out in the fall for sure. I like how you can wear these not only for recovery, but for running itself! These go for $50 to $60 at most of the online dealers. Check out amazon - I always think they have one the best prices. The sleeves go for around $40. This is more than other brands you might see at the expos, but I feel that these are legit medical grade whereas most of the others are not. I am up for a black pair next - they go with everything. I could wear them out with a black skirt - wahoo!
COMING UP --->Check out the CEP booth at the Boston Marathon next week as well as Rock and Roll Nashville!
GIVEAWAY
Michael has generously agreed to give one lucky reader a pair of compression socks. I would love to give one lucky reader a chance to try these out and let me know what you think! Also, I am going to wear these for traveling and report back. I think that they are great for pregnancy and keeping the blood flowing!
TO ENTER:
Visit the website and let me know what product you would most like to try.
For extra entries (leave a comment for each one),
* Become a follower of my blog (or let me know if you already are)
* Link back from your blog (in a post) and send me the link
I will randomly select & announce a winner on April 23rd - winner will have 48 hours to contact me (then a new winner will be selected). Please leave your email if you would like me to email you with the news!
Review/Giveaway Disclaimer: I was not compensated by CEP to write this review. I received a free pair of socks to try and review on my blog.
Quinoa Muffins & Winner (Bondi Band)
For a while, Nick has been eating "Super Porridge" from Super Baby Food for breakfast. It started with broccoli or brussel sprouts + squash or a fruit with almond butter and Nick usually finished it. It started becoming harder and harder to get it down, and we switched to no green, just squash or pumpkin and most days it worked. Well, eventually that became a challenge too, so I wanted to make some kind of finger food to get the good stuff down. I made some Quinoa Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins. They were kind of bland but did the trick!
I started with this recipe and changed it up a little bit...
PUMPKIN QUINOA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
1 cup milk (I used coconut milk)
1 T. ground flax seeds
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp. baking powder (forgot this)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1/2 cup blueberries
I mixed the wet ingredients together, then added in the dry ingredients, baked at 350 in 12 muffin tins for about 25-30 minutes.
Next I want to make some zucchini muffins. I'm trying to think of some foods to take on an upcoming trip that will be easy to travel with, so I have these with pumpkin and blueberries, I plan to make apple-banana pancakes and try some zucchini muffins. Then Nick will be getting in at least some fruits/veggies :)
BONDI BAND WINNER ... drum roll
#17 - Jenna Z. Congrats! Send me an email w/ your address Jenna to tosha25italia at yahoo. Thanks everyone for participating!
I started with this recipe and changed it up a little bit...
PUMPKIN QUINOA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
1 cup milk (I used coconut milk)
1 T. ground flax seeds
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp. baking powder (forgot this)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1/2 cup blueberries
I mixed the wet ingredients together, then added in the dry ingredients, baked at 350 in 12 muffin tins for about 25-30 minutes.
Next I want to make some zucchini muffins. I'm trying to think of some foods to take on an upcoming trip that will be easy to travel with, so I have these with pumpkin and blueberries, I plan to make apple-banana pancakes and try some zucchini muffins. Then Nick will be getting in at least some fruits/veggies :)
BONDI BAND WINNER ... drum roll
#17 - Jenna Z. Congrats! Send me an email w/ your address Jenna to tosha25italia at yahoo. Thanks everyone for participating!
4.11.2010
comparison photos 25 weeks
25 weeks: the week of side stitches, lots of walking, and attempting to sleep at least 8 hours a night
Here are 25 weeks pics to compare. The bigger pics are pregnancy #2 and the little ones are with Nick. You can definitely tell I'm bigger with less ab muscles, but am I carrying differently?
Thanks for your thoughts on the stroller - I ordered one! Score. Today is the last day of the sale at
LL BEAN on the Bobs!
25 weeks
Swimming - instead of getting up at 5, I've been getting up at 6:30 and swimming on my own 2 days and with the masters 1 day. It's been nice, I need the extra sleep, and swimming feels great.
Running - lots of walking, jogging, and shorter mileage daily runs, this week didn't feel as good - taking it easy. I get side stitches maybe due to the positioning of the baby. It's funny because reading back to around the same time with Nick, the same thing happened!
Yoga - 1x per week
It is really hard for me to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in. I can't breathe when I'm laying down, and I'm a back sleeper but I try to sleep on my left side. Then my shoulder falls asleep or I'm drooling, and I can't fall asleep. Totally a pain, I don't feel like I'm sleeping well at all. If I wake up in the night, I think of something I need to do right away and can't get back to sleep!
I'm feeling tons of movement and I love this part :)
Here are 25 weeks pics to compare. The bigger pics are pregnancy #2 and the little ones are with Nick. You can definitely tell I'm bigger with less ab muscles, but am I carrying differently?
then
Thanks for your thoughts on the stroller - I ordered one! Score. Today is the last day of the sale at
LL BEAN on the Bobs!
25 weeks
Swimming - instead of getting up at 5, I've been getting up at 6:30 and swimming on my own 2 days and with the masters 1 day. It's been nice, I need the extra sleep, and swimming feels great.
Running - lots of walking, jogging, and shorter mileage daily runs, this week didn't feel as good - taking it easy. I get side stitches maybe due to the positioning of the baby. It's funny because reading back to around the same time with Nick, the same thing happened!
Yoga - 1x per week
It is really hard for me to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in. I can't breathe when I'm laying down, and I'm a back sleeper but I try to sleep on my left side. Then my shoulder falls asleep or I'm drooling, and I can't fall asleep. Totally a pain, I don't feel like I'm sleeping well at all. If I wake up in the night, I think of something I need to do right away and can't get back to sleep!
I'm feeling tons of movement and I love this part :)
4.09.2010
strollers, running and babies
If you happen to be on the market for a BOB stroller, L.L. Bean has them for 20% off. I'm dying here - do I buy it myself or wait and see if someone gets it for me?!! It's a great deal and I bought my single for myself. It's expensive!!! $455 but lower price than any I've seen so far. I can't decide if it is a necessary item. Moms with 2? Is the dualie necessary? I kind of really want a dualie non running stroller that faces me for going around town and all that, but it'd be nice to know I could go for a jog when I'm stranded with 2 kids. AHhhhh. This is the revolution. Does anyone have the sport utility? Does that suffice for running?
Running - 25 weeks tomorrow. I'll see if I can do a comparison photo. I am running so slowly. I think this is how I ran at the very end of my pregnancy with Nick. I honestly don't know how I even did more than 5 miles 2 days before he was born. My runs have been 3-5 miles at a time, and this week I've been able to get out with the jogger in the mornings with Nick and it has been really nice! However, it takes me about 35 to 40 minutes to do 3 miles. I do alot of walking.
Maybe it was around a month or 2 ago that I fully made the adjustment and felt like staying at home was the only answer for me. There is just no way I could do full time work, I feel like I want to enjoy every second, and that it flies by. Before I know it, Nick is going to be in school, then going away to college and then have his own life. I'm so glad that I am home with him right now.
Don't forget to enter my Bondi Band Giveaway!
Running - 25 weeks tomorrow. I'll see if I can do a comparison photo. I am running so slowly. I think this is how I ran at the very end of my pregnancy with Nick. I honestly don't know how I even did more than 5 miles 2 days before he was born. My runs have been 3-5 miles at a time, and this week I've been able to get out with the jogger in the mornings with Nick and it has been really nice! However, it takes me about 35 to 40 minutes to do 3 miles. I do alot of walking.
Maybe it was around a month or 2 ago that I fully made the adjustment and felt like staying at home was the only answer for me. There is just no way I could do full time work, I feel like I want to enjoy every second, and that it flies by. Before I know it, Nick is going to be in school, then going away to college and then have his own life. I'm so glad that I am home with him right now.
Don't forget to enter my Bondi Band Giveaway!
4.07.2010
Bondi Band Giveaway/Food
I got back on the good eating routine, and it feels good! Here are some of my eats in the last few days:
Nachos! Spinach pancakes, TVP, tofu, black beans, hummus + nutritional yeast, a little bit of cheese and a few chips. Need: SALSA!!
GIVEAWAY!!
I ordered 5 Bondi bands and wanted to share with you! Rebecca threw in one too for the giveaway, so 2 Bondi bands are up for grabs (one winner)
Here's how to enter:
Go to the site and pick the pattern that you like the best under headbands - leave a comment w/ the name of it. I love the names. So creative.
For extra entries (leave a comment for each one), make sure you do above first
* Become a follower of my blog and let me know that you did or if you already are
* Tell your friends about the giveaway and have them mention your name in their entry
* Link back from your blog
* Send a tweet about the giveaway
I will pick a winner on April 13th at random.
I'm trying this amazon associates thing. I'll let you know how it goes.
Berry smoothie w/ frozen berries, skim and coconut milk, and greens + fruit powder
Wrap with spinach, tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, avocado, chick peas, mushrooms and boca chicken
(I don't eat the boca stuff much anymore but I needed some protein to throw in here)
Nachos! Spinach pancakes, TVP, tofu, black beans, hummus + nutritional yeast, a little bit of cheese and a few chips. Need: SALSA!!
GIVEAWAY!!
Here's how to enter:
Go to the site and pick the pattern that you like the best under headbands - leave a comment w/ the name of it. I love the names. So creative.
For extra entries (leave a comment for each one), make sure you do above first
* Become a follower of my blog and let me know that you did or if you already are
* Tell your friends about the giveaway and have them mention your name in their entry
* Link back from your blog
* Send a tweet about the giveaway
I will pick a winner on April 13th at random.
I'm trying this amazon associates thing. I'll let you know how it goes.
4.05.2010
Polenta!
I saw Heather's polenta recipe and had to give it a try! I couldn't do the tube of polenta and wasn't sure what she used, so I looked for a recipe in my cookbooks that I never use (Do you?!)
and found an easy one then went from there with her recipe. It was delicious! The polenta made so much that I made one kind for Bill and the other for Nick and I.
The last time I had polenta at home was probably the last time Bill cooked a real vegetarian meal for me, and I'm guessing that was around 3 years ago? I remember it being grueling and that is why it was probably so long ago, but this recipe was simple!
Oven-Baked Polenta adapted from All About Vegetarian Cooking by Joy of Cooking
MELT in large saucepan:
2 T. butter or olive oil
Stir in and bring to boil:
1.5 c. veg stock and 1.5 c water
Stir together then gradually stir into the boiling liquid:
1 c veg stock + 1 c water and 1.5 c yellow cornmeal
Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until cornmeal is thickened, about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 and spray a baking dish. Pour polenta into dish and top with 1/2 cup skim milk and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cook 20 minutes.
Then:
I split the polenta in half. I put half of it in the dish below and topped with mushrooms and mozzarella cheese.
I took 1 cup pumpkin (canned), 1/2 cup skim milk and warmed up in the saucepan, and then added the other half of the polenta, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, 1/2 cup thawed frozen spinach and topped with 1/2 cup roasted chick peas (in the oven with olive oil at 400 for 15 minutes or so).
Score - Nick ate some, I thought it was really tasty and pretty easy too!
Today I had a doctor appt - every 4 weeks, and everything was good. We're at 24 weeks and 2 days: The baby's heart rate was 152 (similar to Nick's, could it be a boy? heart rates mean nothing though, I don't think!), I was measuring 24 weeks and gained 14 lbs so far. I just looked back and had gained 13 lbs with Nick so that made me feel like I was on track - yay!! I have not even been weighing myself at home and I don't care about the weight gain right now. I know I am being active and as long as I am eating well, I have to go with it! I feel huge, but I'm not sure if maybe I am carrying differently or since #2 was so quick after #1! and/or the fact that I was 6 lbs up when I got pregnant from pre-pregnancy weight!
4.04.2010
Nuts About Granola: Review
I contacted Sarah at Nuts About Granola to do a review of the granola. It is a small mother-daughter company out of York, PA.
Sarah sent me a free sample - little bag of regular to try and a bag of Ambrosia: (from the site)Ambrosia combines the powerful antioxidants of pomegranate with Vitamin C packed mangos to create a unique granola fit for the gods. A serving of Ambrosia is packed with whole grains, fiber and protein to keep you full and energized all day long. So go ahead, indulge yourself in Ambrosia, your inner godly physique will thank you.
Review:
I'm a fan of the ingredients. Everything is pretty natural here and healthy. As for taste, I'm kind of picky about granola. My favorite kind is from Great Harvest and has huge chunks of oats, almonds, cranberries and a few other ingredients. I like my granola with the big chunks and chewy, and I found the Ambrosia to be pretty dry for my taste. It was sweet, but I needed more chewiness. I am pretty sure that Great Harvest uses brown sugar and I like how Nuts About Granola uses other ingredients besides the sugar to sweeten, but I needed something more. I thought the little pre-portioned bag was really cute - ready for your yogurt or smoothie or afternoon snack. They also have tons of flavors based around the seasons, which is pretty neat. If you are into crunchy granola with a sweet flavor, check out all the different flavors they offer. For me, I need chewy - this didn't do the trick!
Sarah sent me a free sample - little bag of regular to try and a bag of Ambrosia: (from the site)Ambrosia combines the powerful antioxidants of pomegranate with Vitamin C packed mangos to create a unique granola fit for the gods. A serving of Ambrosia is packed with whole grains, fiber and protein to keep you full and energized all day long. So go ahead, indulge yourself in Ambrosia, your inner godly physique will thank you.
Ingredients
Whole oats, pomegranate syrup (filtered water, apple, grape, pomegranate and aronia berry juice concentrates, citric acid, natural flavors, vitamin E acetate and vitamin A palmitate, raw sugar, orange zest), *apple sauce (apples, water and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)),* pure maple syrup, organic puffed millet, walnuts, dried mangos (mango, sugar), organic flaxseed, *organic wheat bran, cinnamon, natural sea saltReview:
I'm a fan of the ingredients. Everything is pretty natural here and healthy. As for taste, I'm kind of picky about granola. My favorite kind is from Great Harvest and has huge chunks of oats, almonds, cranberries and a few other ingredients. I like my granola with the big chunks and chewy, and I found the Ambrosia to be pretty dry for my taste. It was sweet, but I needed more chewiness. I am pretty sure that Great Harvest uses brown sugar and I like how Nuts About Granola uses other ingredients besides the sugar to sweeten, but I needed something more. I thought the little pre-portioned bag was really cute - ready for your yogurt or smoothie or afternoon snack. They also have tons of flavors based around the seasons, which is pretty neat. If you are into crunchy granola with a sweet flavor, check out all the different flavors they offer. For me, I need chewy - this didn't do the trick!
4.03.2010
Family & 24 weeks
I'm the oldest of 3 kids all close to 2 years apart. On Wednesday, my brother Rich and girlfriend + 2 dogs Sandy (San Diego) and Callie (California) (they are obsessed) left to drive cross country to San Diego where they plan to live for a while. Rich has been talking about moving to North Carolina or somewhere warm for years, and finally did it. His job in New York City gave him the go-ahead to work remotely from Cali, so he was thrilled and got everything together and is outta here! He was at my parents house for 2 days before heading out, and I saw him both those days and said farewell on Wednesday. I'm super happy for him and know he wanted to do this for so long, but I started getting sad thinking of all the times I'm not going to see him and realizing he is now going to be a plane ride away instead of 2 hour car ride. When it comes down to it, we didn't get to see him all that much, but now he's on a different time zone. So... I've been kind of sad about it.
My sister had moved back to the Philly area last summer to go to grad school. Her boyfriend at the time was living in this area. They got an apartment together and within a month, she moved out and they broke up and she withdrew from school, and by the beginning of this year moved back to D.C. She started enjoying running more and as a college athlete (swimming) and stronger natural athlete than me, she'll probably start beating my times. She is into the triathlon scene and is trying to get serious about it, so the running was definitely her weak point and she is improving on it.
My brother keeps to himself most of the time but I know if I ever need anything, he'd be there for me. We went to the same high school and college and were 2 years apart. He bought me beer with his fake ID when he was a freshmen in college and I was a junior. Sometimes I get disappointed that he doesn't want to divulge more info and he seems to have been forever wounded by his older sister tripping him when he was learning to walk -I guess I was around 3 and was not thrilled with any competition. It sounds like a was a real mean and bratty sister growing up, but now I would do anything for either of my siblings and never would want to do anything to hurt them!
My sister is Nick's godmother. In the summers growing up, she was my sidekick and tagged along everywhere with me. We both swam and she hung out with my crowd even though she is 4+ years younger than me. We were always close but drifted apart a little bit in college and over the past year, most especially when I started dating Bill (she was still in high school), and probably after having Nick(she can't relate too much). Sometimes I get frustrated that she isn't more interested in Nick and find it difficult that we are in different places in our lives. Also, she's extremely outgoing and has a million friends and a carefree attitude about life. I am more of an introvert with a handful of really good friends and friends here and there, but would never be the center of attention or life of the party. We're very opposite.
I feel so lucky to have a brother and a sister, but I will admit that sometimes I feel like I put more into our relationships than they do. It is probably my personality but sometimes I want more - closer, deeper relationships and I get frustrated. I feel disappointed often. I am truly working on counting my blessings, because there are so many, and not dwelling on the things I'd want to change. I am so lucky with everything that I have. And one thing that I think ahead to is that I hope to really foster relationships between my kids so that they are super close. After #2, I definitely want to have at least 1-2 more kids.
What is your relationship with your siblings? I'll save another day for parents. Yikes.
This morning I went swimming - I can deal with 6:30 instead of 5:30! Then we did a family 5k! I was thinking of my goals and I think instead of a marathon, that I want to focus on doing a triathlon next spring. That is going to be my goal post baby: Short races and a tri!
Nick psyching out the competition:
You can't really see it, but I got and wore a NO MEAT ATHLETE SHIRT :)
24 weeks: Lots of heartburn, don't have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! (I don't remember this last time), running slow, swimming slow, feeling pretty good!
saying goodbye - my dad, nick, miranda and rich
My sister had moved back to the Philly area last summer to go to grad school. Her boyfriend at the time was living in this area. They got an apartment together and within a month, she moved out and they broke up and she withdrew from school, and by the beginning of this year moved back to D.C. She started enjoying running more and as a college athlete (swimming) and stronger natural athlete than me, she'll probably start beating my times. She is into the triathlon scene and is trying to get serious about it, so the running was definitely her weak point and she is improving on it.
Picture from last weekend's finish - loving it!
My brother keeps to himself most of the time but I know if I ever need anything, he'd be there for me. We went to the same high school and college and were 2 years apart. He bought me beer with his fake ID when he was a freshmen in college and I was a junior. Sometimes I get disappointed that he doesn't want to divulge more info and he seems to have been forever wounded by his older sister tripping him when he was learning to walk -I guess I was around 3 and was not thrilled with any competition. It sounds like a was a real mean and bratty sister growing up, but now I would do anything for either of my siblings and never would want to do anything to hurt them!
I feel so lucky to have a brother and a sister, but I will admit that sometimes I feel like I put more into our relationships than they do. It is probably my personality but sometimes I want more - closer, deeper relationships and I get frustrated. I feel disappointed often. I am truly working on counting my blessings, because there are so many, and not dwelling on the things I'd want to change. I am so lucky with everything that I have. And one thing that I think ahead to is that I hope to really foster relationships between my kids so that they are super close. After #2, I definitely want to have at least 1-2 more kids.
What is your relationship with your siblings? I'll save another day for parents. Yikes.
This morning I went swimming - I can deal with 6:30 instead of 5:30! Then we did a family 5k! I was thinking of my goals and I think instead of a marathon, that I want to focus on doing a triathlon next spring. That is going to be my goal post baby: Short races and a tri!
Nick psyching out the competition:
24 weeks: Lots of heartburn, don't have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! (I don't remember this last time), running slow, swimming slow, feeling pretty good!
Happy Easter !
4.01.2010
Broccoli Pancakes and Nick drinking milk
Over the weekend we were at the shore and I needed more veggies for Nick. We went to the store and I picked up Dr. Praeger's Broccoli Pancakes. They make such good tasting stuff! Nick loved them.
Today I strived to make something close using the ingredient list on the box: Broccoli, Potatoes, Onions, Egg Whites, Oat Bran, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Arrowroot, Salt, Garlic, Pepper, All Natural Vegetable Gum.
My recipe was:
BROCCOLI PANCAKES - makes a dozen to dozen and a half
1 bunch broccoli, steamed and pureed
some leftover sauteed spinach - one handful
1 potato, baked
1/2 onion, chopped
2 egg whites
approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup oat bran + wheat germ
I tried baking the first batch in the oven - blah. So I used oil and fried them up on a skillet. They turned out great! Nick liked the one from the oven, but I would not eat that, the skillet ones he will love! I want to try using more spinach and also try spinach by itself. Love Dr. Praegers - but these will be my homemade cheaper version.
MILK
Nick is not drinking enough fluids during the day and I don't know how to get him to drink more. We made the switch to the sippy after a month of the cup pictured that was basically a bottle. Now he'll drink from the sippy cup but just sips here and there. Yesterday maybe I got him to drink 12 oz, today maybe 7? I feel like I spend so much time trying to get him to drink milk that I don't offer him any other fluids. He really isn't into water anymore, and he'll drink diluted juice - but just sip that too. Nick will eat yogurt - loves it, cheese is so/so.
First, I was trying to be creative and make his oatmeal using milk - he didn't finish it. I tried making a fruit smoothie w/ milk - that was a total mess and he hasn't figured out sipping from the straw yet. I try to use milk in anything I am making that requires liquids so that he's getting it and that helps sometimes. I was reading some blogs online that said add a little strawberry milk, chocolate milk, yogurt to the milk and see if he drinks that. He needs fluids of some sort even if it isn't milk and I give him more yogurt, cheese, and other sources of calcium. Anyone have any tips either for more milk or more fluids?
Thinkbaby Trainer Cup, Orange, 9 Ounce
Thinkbaby Baby Bottle to Sippy Cup Conversion/Replacement Kit, Orange, 9 Months
Today I strived to make something close using the ingredient list on the box: Broccoli, Potatoes, Onions, Egg Whites, Oat Bran, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Arrowroot, Salt, Garlic, Pepper, All Natural Vegetable Gum.
My recipe was:
1 bunch broccoli, steamed and pureed
some leftover sauteed spinach - one handful
1 potato, baked
1/2 onion, chopped
2 egg whites
approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup oat bran + wheat germ
MILK
Nick is not drinking enough fluids during the day and I don't know how to get him to drink more. We made the switch to the sippy after a month of the cup pictured that was basically a bottle. Now he'll drink from the sippy cup but just sips here and there. Yesterday maybe I got him to drink 12 oz, today maybe 7? I feel like I spend so much time trying to get him to drink milk that I don't offer him any other fluids. He really isn't into water anymore, and he'll drink diluted juice - but just sip that too. Nick will eat yogurt - loves it, cheese is so/so.
First, I was trying to be creative and make his oatmeal using milk - he didn't finish it. I tried making a fruit smoothie w/ milk - that was a total mess and he hasn't figured out sipping from the straw yet. I try to use milk in anything I am making that requires liquids so that he's getting it and that helps sometimes. I was reading some blogs online that said add a little strawberry milk, chocolate milk, yogurt to the milk and see if he drinks that. He needs fluids of some sort even if it isn't milk and I give him more yogurt, cheese, and other sources of calcium. Anyone have any tips either for more milk or more fluids?
Thinkbaby Trainer Cup, Orange, 9 Ounce
Thinkbaby Baby Bottle to Sippy Cup Conversion/Replacement Kit, Orange, 9 Months
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