I can eat soup in any weather. I love it. All soups; broth, cream, chunky, spicy, mellow, cold- WHATEVER.
I found some beautiful leeks at my Farmer's Market last Saturday for a great price with the idea of making leek soup immediately. My mom first made me Potato Leek soup when I was little but it was more of an indulgence thing, like calorie wise...not price, it's like the cheapest soup to make. Anyhow, I hated onions and was not keen on these long stocks that smelled similar to an onion. Reluctantly I tried it and fell in love. Now, I love leeks raw, cooked any way and in anything. In the whole "don't eat carbs, they are the devil" phase we went through I found I love using cauliflower in place of the potato in dishes. Cauliflower is so underrated in my opinion. You always see it lonely on the crudité platter after all of the other veggies have gone or smothered in cheese hiding it's solo deliciousness. Also, in my nutrition education and learning about the nightshade allergy and cooking for people who suffer from it I learned potatoes are a huge trigger for pain in this autoimmune disorder. So in this version of the soup I opted for just half of a potato to give it a some creaminess knowing none of my nightshaders wouldn't be eating this ;) So here you go! Hope you enjoy! xo
You'll need:
2 medium leeks, chopped into medium sized rounds and cleaned*
1 head of cauliflower rough chopped- I keep the core on and remove the bottom green stems
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt
1TBSP of White Pepper
2 small or 1 lg clove of garlic
3 cups of veggie stock
2 cups of almond milk- make sure it's not that flavored crap!
1/2 of a russet potato or a small gold potato (optional) rough chopped
Make:
Pre heat your oven to 325. In a roasting pan toss the cauliflower, leeks, potatoes and garlic in just a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. You just want to make sure the veggies are coated not drenched. Roast in your oven until they are tender and golden, my oven was about 50 minutes.
If you have a roasting pan that you can use on your stove burners go ahead and turn the burners to a medium heat and add your liquids and white pepper. White pepper is very fine and a little goes a long way on the peppery heat it adds so add a sprinkle a bit in at a time and taste. At this point I was looking for something a little hearty so I added about a half teaspoon of earth balance butter. This rounded out the creamy, savory feeling you want in a soup like this but totally optional. Once the liquid and the veggies swam together for a bit, about 10 minutes, I ladled 3 quarters of the soup into my food processor, you can totally use your vitamix or whatever high powered blending tool you have. Pulse to your desired texture; I like the "creamy" with whole veggies still visible.
I garnished with some chopped fresh parsley because I love it but feel free to top with some croutons of some sort.
Enjoy your bowl! or two ;)
xoL
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Tofu Spring Rolls
Tofu Spring Rolls
Makes 9 rolls
You’ll need:
Rice paper
spring roll wrappers
For the tofu:
Extra firm
tofu (*pressed)- I use the organic half blocks from TJs
¾ cup fresh OJ
(sometimes I use mango or pineapple juice-use what ya have)
½ cup tamari
or shoyu
1 tbsp sesame
oil
2 tbsp
grapeseed or sunflower oil
½ tbsp fresh
grated ginger
½ tbsp minced
garlic
Optional:
Garlic chili
paste, a pinch of cayenne, or enough sriracha to satisfy your hot self
Fillings for the rolls:
Totes up to
you but I use combinations of these guys:
Red pepper
matchsticks
Cucumber spears
Shizu leaf
Shredded napa
cabbage- if you use regular cabbage it will tear the rice wrapper, napa is
softer J chopped butter lettuce works too
Shredded carrot
Basil leaf
Mint leaves
Cilantro
Avo
Green apple
matchsticks
*after you
remove the tofu from its packaging, wrap your block of tofu in a clean kitchen
towel and set something with weight like a cast iron skillet, a brick, the base
of a nurtibullet or vitamix on top of your towel wrapped tofu. This will
express any moisture out of the tofu making it better for marinating.
Make:
In a 9x9
baking dish, like one you would make brownies in, whisk the tofu marinade. Cut the block into 9 sticks. Lay them in the
marinade. Let them sit for about 10 mins then flip to get the other side. Pre
heat your oven to 375, when the oven comes to temp slide those puppies in that
sauna. Bake for 25 mins. When the marinade has baked on to your dish and you
realize you’re going to need a jack hammer to get it back to the way you
started, they’re done. Let them cool on the counter if you have that kind of
time. If you are like me, pop those bitches in the freezer to take the edge off
then let them cool completely in the fridge. In this time set up your rolling
station. Cut your fillings the way you want them. Inspect your rice paper;
sometimes they come out of the package straight up unusable so, with dry hands,
pull out the good ones. And FYI, if you’re using the brown rice paper wraps
those tend to get drier faster-wrap fast!
Get a large
bowl or baking dish, fill it with warm water, not luke warm and not hot, warm. Place
the rice paper in the water and with your fingers move the sheet around gently.
When the wrap becomes pliable pull it out of the water and place on your clean
surface. Take a clean dishtowel and pat dry the side facing you. Lay your
ingredients just below the center of the paper. Fold the sides in first, then
fold the bottom up to the center <- this piece is clutch. You want to wrap
it around your ingredients tight enough to keep the guys in but not so tight
that your wrapper breaks. Keep rolling up keeping the side in. It takes
practice, I’ve made a lot of burritos in my life, I’m pretty solid at it. The
first batch of rolls I made looked like my 5 year old did it…who cares what it
looks like, it’s gonna taste bomb!
Storing these yummies:
If your
family is like mine these don’t last very long, but they do dry fast. I lay a
damp paper towel down then Butter lettuce leaves in a storage container, put
the rolls in then cover with more lettuce leaves and top with another damp
towel.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
Feeds you and one hungry husby or you and lunch for the week ;)
You'll need:
1lb lean ground turkey
1 jar hot marinated artichoke hearts
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fat free or low fat cream cheese
4 med/large zucchini
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make it!
Pre heat oven to 350. Halve your zucchini and scoop out the center of each half making little boats.* Place in a oiled (spray or olive oil) baking dish and bake for 7 mins. While the zucchini is in the oven, cook the turkey in a non stick pan. While the turkey is cooking, fork the artichokes out of the jar and reserve the liquid for later; chop the spicy artichokes and add them to the turkey. Mix together then add the juice from the 'chokes and the 1/4 cup of cream cheese. Once everything has melted and looks creamy and delish add the tomatoes and a sprinkle of sea salt or whatever you have. Your oven timer went off at some point while the turkey was getting ready... Scoop the turkey into the zucchini boats. You'll probably have more than enough turkey mix, I just added it all across the top of them all. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 mins. Take out of oven, sprinkle boats with cheddar cheese... Sprinkle... Not smother; turn broiler on hi an broil for about 3mins, just so cheese is melted.
I served 2 per person thinking I'd have left overs however, to my delight, the husby ate them all leaving not a left over in sight. You can top with salsa or sour cream or avo; swap the cheddar for mozzarella and sprinkle with crushed red and parm. Next time I'm gonna add kalamatas and feta.
*save those zucchini centers for muffins, bread or baby food :)
Enjoy
xoL
You'll need:
1lb lean ground turkey
1 jar hot marinated artichoke hearts
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fat free or low fat cream cheese
4 med/large zucchini
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make it!
Pre heat oven to 350. Halve your zucchini and scoop out the center of each half making little boats.* Place in a oiled (spray or olive oil) baking dish and bake for 7 mins. While the zucchini is in the oven, cook the turkey in a non stick pan. While the turkey is cooking, fork the artichokes out of the jar and reserve the liquid for later; chop the spicy artichokes and add them to the turkey. Mix together then add the juice from the 'chokes and the 1/4 cup of cream cheese. Once everything has melted and looks creamy and delish add the tomatoes and a sprinkle of sea salt or whatever you have. Your oven timer went off at some point while the turkey was getting ready... Scoop the turkey into the zucchini boats. You'll probably have more than enough turkey mix, I just added it all across the top of them all. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 mins. Take out of oven, sprinkle boats with cheddar cheese... Sprinkle... Not smother; turn broiler on hi an broil for about 3mins, just so cheese is melted.
I served 2 per person thinking I'd have left overs however, to my delight, the husby ate them all leaving not a left over in sight. You can top with salsa or sour cream or avo; swap the cheddar for mozzarella and sprinkle with crushed red and parm. Next time I'm gonna add kalamatas and feta.
*save those zucchini centers for muffins, bread or baby food :)
Enjoy
xoL
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Constant Craving
At the beginning of the year I introduced a life style change and while I whole heartedly believe that a plant based diet is the best for the body to enrich and alkalize the body. After being a vegan again, this time for just about 9 months, I've started to mix in lean proteins such as fish and chicken. After feeling really sick and tired and craving a steak like a lion in the jungle, I gave in. I feel a thousand percent more energetic and satisfied. I also noticed when working full time and managing every one's schedules and still settling in to our new life, I was not as and could not get as prepared as I used to be. Sure I could make everything at 10pm when I got home but sitting on the couch with my husband sounded better. I still feel like if I follow a meatless monday and keep the meats to an occasional fare I won't feel like I failed completely. I'm not saying I'm stocking up on ground beef and Hamburger Helper, just being more flexible. I still don't do dairy, no need for any of that and still making veg the plate majority. Sounds pretty balanced to me. So, that's where I'm at now.
labels are for products, not people.
be well
xoL
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
it's not easy being green
It's not.
It's been almost two months since we moved to Paso Robles. It's great. I've locked down a job at Paso Robles Sports Club as their front desk associate. Also, working with Class Act Dance and School of Performing Arts as a sub and assistant in some classes; still kind of getting my feet wet with them. They are a super classy studio with great ethics, very important, and beautiful dancers. They have a great group of young dancers I'm excited to work with in the upcoming season. The owner and ballet director is a wonderful woman and the jazz director is great too. I'll be a lucky lady to secure the position I'm hoping for with them. The boys are doing great; Oliver is walking and becoming pretty chatty. Jude loves his new gym and has all of the coaches loving him, my sweet little clown. Kenny is super happy at work. Now that I have a job we can seriously look at places.
So all in all we're good.
I, however, have been pretty flexible on the vegan tip. Cheese in this, bites of fish, random shit...not as dedicated as I was before. Not because I don't have time but I've had to succumb to the fact that I don't have a fridge. I don't have my pantry. I don't have a whole lot of money. I had to buy a real bra yesterday; like one with cups and lining and stuff. I haven't had a normal size bra in a while. All good things, however, that costs. My dance pants, yoga pants, whatever, they had holes and were sliding off my hips. All good things, however, that costs. On my feet all day at work, inserts didn't work, need new shoes. All things I didn't take into account. These new expenses put a bit of a damper on the pantry. It's cheap being a vegan; fruit, veg, grain, the occasional fake meat deal. Without the space and limited cash flow it's hard to maintain. I'm not saying I'm eating fish sammies and cheese balls but if it means I can get comfy work shoes, i'm giving in. I was just not eating... that wasn't fun. Maybe I'm doing better than I think. I mean, I do have to make my own dinner 90% of the time. Now that I'm working larabars are my friends, my nalgene is always with me. The sports club lets me use their vitamix for my green smoothies in the a.m. Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe I'm just dying for my own space.
I feel better now that I got that out.
Thanks :)
xoL
It's been almost two months since we moved to Paso Robles. It's great. I've locked down a job at Paso Robles Sports Club as their front desk associate. Also, working with Class Act Dance and School of Performing Arts as a sub and assistant in some classes; still kind of getting my feet wet with them. They are a super classy studio with great ethics, very important, and beautiful dancers. They have a great group of young dancers I'm excited to work with in the upcoming season. The owner and ballet director is a wonderful woman and the jazz director is great too. I'll be a lucky lady to secure the position I'm hoping for with them. The boys are doing great; Oliver is walking and becoming pretty chatty. Jude loves his new gym and has all of the coaches loving him, my sweet little clown. Kenny is super happy at work. Now that I have a job we can seriously look at places.
So all in all we're good.
I, however, have been pretty flexible on the vegan tip. Cheese in this, bites of fish, random shit...not as dedicated as I was before. Not because I don't have time but I've had to succumb to the fact that I don't have a fridge. I don't have my pantry. I don't have a whole lot of money. I had to buy a real bra yesterday; like one with cups and lining and stuff. I haven't had a normal size bra in a while. All good things, however, that costs. My dance pants, yoga pants, whatever, they had holes and were sliding off my hips. All good things, however, that costs. On my feet all day at work, inserts didn't work, need new shoes. All things I didn't take into account. These new expenses put a bit of a damper on the pantry. It's cheap being a vegan; fruit, veg, grain, the occasional fake meat deal. Without the space and limited cash flow it's hard to maintain. I'm not saying I'm eating fish sammies and cheese balls but if it means I can get comfy work shoes, i'm giving in. I was just not eating... that wasn't fun. Maybe I'm doing better than I think. I mean, I do have to make my own dinner 90% of the time. Now that I'm working larabars are my friends, my nalgene is always with me. The sports club lets me use their vitamix for my green smoothies in the a.m. Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe I'm just dying for my own space.
I feel better now that I got that out.
Thanks :)
xoL
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Bon Jour!
Little town, it's a quiet village; every day like the one before. Little town full of little people waking up to say... Bon Jour!
-Belle, Beauty and the Beast
Ok, so that might be what plays in my head every time I drive around town and it might be a little dramatic as I don't remember a Kohl's and a Wal-Mart in Belle's village, nevertheless, this place is teeny tiny and very nice. I mean, it is aesthetically nice but the people are ridiculously nice. Obviously there are a few randoms that don't immediately greet you with a "hey, hello, how are ya!" but they will ask you about the contents of your cart or bring up the fact after reading your unchanged drivers license that you are not from here and Paso is much better than anywhere around LA. When that happens, in my head, is I'm a brown lip lined, flat billed dodger hat wearing chick with gold charmed wrists and I throw up a "LA" flashing my bedazzled acrylics and end it in "what?!" chest pop. Guys, there's a lot that happens in my head. What actually happens is I politely say, "Well, it seems to be a lot different." And I push my cart away, rolling my eyes under my sunglasses.
But let's get real. This place is pretty fly. The cutest homes line streets like Pine, Chestnut, Vine, Park and Oak; 90% are all craftsman style with porches and fenced yards. There are some areas where there aren't even sidewalks. Stop signs up the wahzoo, and if you live downtown you are walking distance to all the fun. Every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning there is a farmer's market. Tuesday's is a bit small carrying just some essentials like bread, fruit and veg. Saturday is when everyone comes to play. Tamales, jerky, raw, honey, crafts, art, jewels, and the standard fruit and veg. I went yesterday afternoon with my mother-in-law, Le Ann to my first Tuesday Market. It was glorious. Some cabbages the size of a globe, purple and green next to strawberries that looked like rubies piled high. Onions still connected to their stalk nestled between radishes, sweet potatoes and other root veggies. Bags of spinach and arugula, curly kale, dinosaur kale, swiss chard all for two dollars a bunch. So you say, um, Linds, I can get Kale for 99cents at the store. Sure, what? like 7 stems? Please. Childs play. This is more than 12 stems of kale and chard. I get super pumped about veggies, so sue me. I will be able to get enough fruit and veg for myself and family for a week with a $20 bill. I know farmers markets aren't some new invention but I've never been to one with such a variety. The closest I've seen is the Union Square one in NY; I like that one. I'm going to the one in SLO next week, it's supposedly ranked like, number two in the world. I'm down!
Besides fruit and veggies and nice people, everything is going very well. The husby is so in love with his job which I haven't seen in a very long time; it's very refreshing. We joined Planet Fitness a couple weeks ago. I go everyday, KT joins in when he can. I've just been hired for choreography and director support for Young Performers Theater (YoungPerformersTheater.com). It's a pretty cool gig, 4 weeks of work, great pay and an option to sign on for the next show. There are a few other things in the works that I won't get into just yet as I don't believe in speaking on it until my name is on the dotted line.
Things are looking up
be well
xoL
-Belle, Beauty and the Beast
Ok, so that might be what plays in my head every time I drive around town and it might be a little dramatic as I don't remember a Kohl's and a Wal-Mart in Belle's village, nevertheless, this place is teeny tiny and very nice. I mean, it is aesthetically nice but the people are ridiculously nice. Obviously there are a few randoms that don't immediately greet you with a "hey, hello, how are ya!" but they will ask you about the contents of your cart or bring up the fact after reading your unchanged drivers license that you are not from here and Paso is much better than anywhere around LA. When that happens, in my head, is I'm a brown lip lined, flat billed dodger hat wearing chick with gold charmed wrists and I throw up a "LA" flashing my bedazzled acrylics and end it in "what?!" chest pop. Guys, there's a lot that happens in my head. What actually happens is I politely say, "Well, it seems to be a lot different." And I push my cart away, rolling my eyes under my sunglasses.
But let's get real. This place is pretty fly. The cutest homes line streets like Pine, Chestnut, Vine, Park and Oak; 90% are all craftsman style with porches and fenced yards. There are some areas where there aren't even sidewalks. Stop signs up the wahzoo, and if you live downtown you are walking distance to all the fun. Every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning there is a farmer's market. Tuesday's is a bit small carrying just some essentials like bread, fruit and veg. Saturday is when everyone comes to play. Tamales, jerky, raw, honey, crafts, art, jewels, and the standard fruit and veg. I went yesterday afternoon with my mother-in-law, Le Ann to my first Tuesday Market. It was glorious. Some cabbages the size of a globe, purple and green next to strawberries that looked like rubies piled high. Onions still connected to their stalk nestled between radishes, sweet potatoes and other root veggies. Bags of spinach and arugula, curly kale, dinosaur kale, swiss chard all for two dollars a bunch. So you say, um, Linds, I can get Kale for 99cents at the store. Sure, what? like 7 stems? Please. Childs play. This is more than 12 stems of kale and chard. I get super pumped about veggies, so sue me. I will be able to get enough fruit and veg for myself and family for a week with a $20 bill. I know farmers markets aren't some new invention but I've never been to one with such a variety. The closest I've seen is the Union Square one in NY; I like that one. I'm going to the one in SLO next week, it's supposedly ranked like, number two in the world. I'm down!
Besides fruit and veggies and nice people, everything is going very well. The husby is so in love with his job which I haven't seen in a very long time; it's very refreshing. We joined Planet Fitness a couple weeks ago. I go everyday, KT joins in when he can. I've just been hired for choreography and director support for Young Performers Theater (YoungPerformersTheater.com). It's a pretty cool gig, 4 weeks of work, great pay and an option to sign on for the next show. There are a few other things in the works that I won't get into just yet as I don't believe in speaking on it until my name is on the dotted line.
Things are looking up
be well
xoL
Monday, May 21, 2012
Follow The Yellow Brick Road
You know when Dorothy's house is in the middle of the tornado and she wakes up and sees all those that she loves and then some that may frighten her? That's what I feel like. I feel like there is so much going on all around me and all I'm doing is spinning in circles.
We all went to San Pedro's treasure, The Pacific Diner for one last family breakfast with Jude before my in- laws left with him. I said, "eh, eff it, I'm gonna have egg whites" I got a vegetarian omelet with egg whites, avo and ortega chile. I forgot to ask for no cheese so I just ate it as is. So good. I devoured the entire thing; I was so hungry from barely eating the day before, the poor omelet had no chance. I was super full until dinner time when, after packing up the kitchen, we ordered italian; I went for eggplant parm. I normally just get a salad with no cheese so it's just lettuce tomato, mushrooms, olives and cucumbers. Not this time. I still feel sick; it was like my brain stopped working. So lets recount this; Breakfast: eggs and cheese; Lunch: nothing; Dinner: cheese and white pasta. My body went through a major shock and my poor husby paid for it!!! oh man, bad, bad news bears. MIS-ER-UH-BLE!!! I was happy to know that while my body was writhing in intestinal pain it knew that this was bad. My body rejected that shit so fast I was kinda of happy to know that I really am not the same. This old girl has done the work and I can't mess with that.
Still packing, just thought I'd drop in for a sec.
be well for me.
i am not at this moment.
xoL
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tommy Can You Hear Me
You know when you watch Romeo and Juliet or Moulin Rouge you hope that this time Romeo will get the courier or Satine never gets sick? That's what happens every year, for the past nine, that I will wake up on this day and the ending will be different.
I can't tell you what I ate for breakfast yesterday but I can tell you what I was doing 10 years ago today. A feature of the human brain Im not too fond of. The days you wish never happened are always the most vivid. It seems fuzzy and dizzying at the moment and yet, the next time you think of that time it's as clear as a freshly cleaned window. I was at my boyfriends house, sitting in his garage drinking Jack and Cokes. There was a lingering smell of stale cigarettes and bong water. I was wearing jeans and a oversized quicksilver hoodie. My boyfriend's dad came to the door on the side of the garage and told me my dad was on the phone. It was pretty late so I knew it could only be one of two things something bad happened or I was in trouble. His voice was low as if he had been asleep, but spoke to me like I was a five year old. I couldn't process what he just said so I made him say it again. I repeated back as if I was leaning English for the first time. I had had a drink so he came to get me. We pulled up to my aunts house and my dad gave me some gum in case my breath smelled. When I opened the door everyone looked up with red, teary eyes. I made my rounds and gave hugs to everyone there. I remember a lot more, in detail even, but I don't like to. So here's what I'm going to remember:
My cousin, Tommy, was probably the nicest human on the planet. You see, my dad is significantly younger than his siblings so,we, my sister and I, are also significantly younger than our cousins. They never made me feel that way though. Tommy had one of those personalities that you always wanted around; a smile that would brighten anyone's day; gave the best hugs and always knew when you really needed it. Now, I was the oldest out of the "little cousins" so they all gave be a rough time at some point. " Lindsey sandwich", "Lindsey taco", "Lindsey burrito", I was always caught between Tommy and someone, usually his younger brother Michael. He would bribe me with a dollar to walk on his back or karate chop it and for every minute he would give me a dollar. He once told me I was the best dancer he knew and I would be a star. He lived in Colorado as an adult so his visits were random and sporadic but always the best part of the holiday or whatever brought him here.
I'm not a religious person but I do know my cousin, my grampa and my grandmama are all together with the rest of our family. I also know that they are always with me watching over my family and I.
10 years and I still cry. I still can't process what happened. I know that accidents happen; I know that the out come is unpredictable. I was in a terrible accident; bad, like, really bad. Why did I get to live? I saw the pictures of my car. I saw where they cut me out. I woke up in that car because someone was watching over me.
I love you cousin. No matter what Esper or my sister say, I know I'm your fav ;)
Massive hugs.
xoL
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
My mom and dad used to take my sister and I on drives out to Hollywood because I loved it so much and I was going to be a star. I'm not actually sure that's the real reason we went out there and I honestly can't remember doing much else on those days but that's what I'd like to imagine. As soon as we spotted the Hollywood sign from the freeway we would sing, "Hah-llywood, dudunananana nah nu nuh." My mom would start with us and then shortly dropped out because she was over it. I persisted with my dad... I'm sure Jess was there, just not sure what she was doing. Because I watched so many old movies with my grandparents, paternal and maternal, I had this idea of Hollywood as if I was straight off the train from Ohio in 1922. I imagined going to Musso and Frank Grill and sitting in Charlie Chaplin's booth with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks drinking martini's while noshing on random stuff the chef brought to our table. I loved it. I was pretty devastated when I saw 'Pretty Woman' for the first time and realized "Hollywoodland" was no more.
One of these drives was April 29, 1992. On our way back into San Pedro, coming down the 110 South we saw fire trucks, fire engines, paramedics; everyone was heading north. My dad says, "Oh man, here come the real men! Was that 48s? I wonder..." As quite a few engines and trucks fly past us, away from their own areas, my mom says quietly, "Ronnie, What the hell is going on?" More flashing lights pass us, my dad whispers, "We gotta get home. I think I'm going to have to go in." I was 9, nearly 10, so obviously I knew everything. Even though they whispered I knew something wasn't right the way my mom sat up in her seat as my dad sped home. We turned on the TV and there it was; South Central, now referred to as South Los Angeles, was ablaze. As the news informed us of what we missed while we were off playing, my dad was calling his station and packing his work bag. It was bad. The only thing I saw was visible terror on TV and my dad was going to it. You see, when I was 5, in kindergarten, it became very clear to me what my dad's occupation was. All I knew then was fire was owie and don't touch. So, my dad goes inside the fire? He voluntarily walks into fire, owie? I freaked. When my dad left the house for work it was like, 5 am, he would always come in and give us a kiss before he left. One time, ONE time, he didn't and I chased his ass out to the garage, setting off the house alarm, to get my goodbye kiss. At five I was already worried that my dad was going to get hurt. Flash forward just five years from that incident to watching the news, as nothing else was on, seeing looting, fires, fights, guns, Marines, National Guard, waiting for my dad to call us at some point to tell us he was ok. My dad was an Engineer at the time so he was the guy outside of the fire manning the pumps and hoses on the engine. Any other time I would be thrilled with this earned rank, however, this week him standing outside of the fire put him in just as much danger as going in. Of course his station was the station right in the middle of it all. He told my mom and I that he was ok and that the knuckle heads throwing bricks at cops weren't doing that to the LAFD. I hated that week.
When my dad finally got to come home he looked like a Zombie. I just remember him sleeping for a while and my mom made sure we didn't bug him. After things calmed down President Bush visited LA and my dad's station, congratulating them on a stellar performance. My grandma has the picture of my dad shaking his hand hanging in her room.
At that time I was unclear of the exact reason those numb skulls started beating Reginald Denny. I kind of knew what happened with the police and Rodney King, kind of. I couldn't comprehend the point of the riots. Protesting gone bad? No fear of authority? Greed? Some people got mad because they didn't agree with a verdict, so you're going to burn your city down? I did not, could not process this. What I did know is what was happening, the riots, not the verdict, was putting my dad, my hero, in danger and that is when I felt hate; true, sad, tunnel visioned, hate. I truly hated that week. I hated that my mom was worried. I hated my dad being gone. I hated the people stealing, looting. I hated the people running with guns in plain sight. I hated the news for taking over not giving a break for something normal. The hate turned to relief when my dad came home. And once the smell of smoke cleared from the air and things started going back to normal, my worry became less and my dad reassured me it was over.
Even though nothing major happened to my dad that week, which I am very grateful for, the fact that the regular fear of "might" or "could" was heightened, was enough. As I grew up I had to change the way I looked at my dad's job to lighten the fear that loomed every time he was on duty. When he made Captain, the whole first one in last one out thing re-started my worries. That's his fault, he should know better than to tell me that.
My dad is a hero, not just a regular hero like moms and dads are to daughters, like a super hero. 20 years ago my dad and his station helped and saved a lot of people, most of those people were the ones with the guns and stolen loot. The dummies who got shot by the owner of the store they just stole from. Containing a fire so it burns but doesn't get to the elementary school near it. Responding to injured people that were left on the door step of the station. Protecting the LAPD from being assaulted and shot at. I know there are a lot of kids that felt the same way I did that week. Their dads and moms were doing the same thing my dad was. So that is what today means to me. That's the way I remember it.
My dad is in Ireland right now getting my grandparents house together. I believe he is also golfing and hanging out with some family friends. He comes home in a week to return to his daily job of being an everyday hero. It will basically be like when Clark Kent comes out of the phone booth as Superman as my dad gets back into LA. Basically ;)
be well and be kind,
xoL
One of these drives was April 29, 1992. On our way back into San Pedro, coming down the 110 South we saw fire trucks, fire engines, paramedics; everyone was heading north. My dad says, "Oh man, here come the real men! Was that 48s? I wonder..." As quite a few engines and trucks fly past us, away from their own areas, my mom says quietly, "Ronnie, What the hell is going on?" More flashing lights pass us, my dad whispers, "We gotta get home. I think I'm going to have to go in." I was 9, nearly 10, so obviously I knew everything. Even though they whispered I knew something wasn't right the way my mom sat up in her seat as my dad sped home. We turned on the TV and there it was; South Central, now referred to as South Los Angeles, was ablaze. As the news informed us of what we missed while we were off playing, my dad was calling his station and packing his work bag. It was bad. The only thing I saw was visible terror on TV and my dad was going to it. You see, when I was 5, in kindergarten, it became very clear to me what my dad's occupation was. All I knew then was fire was owie and don't touch. So, my dad goes inside the fire? He voluntarily walks into fire, owie? I freaked. When my dad left the house for work it was like, 5 am, he would always come in and give us a kiss before he left. One time, ONE time, he didn't and I chased his ass out to the garage, setting off the house alarm, to get my goodbye kiss. At five I was already worried that my dad was going to get hurt. Flash forward just five years from that incident to watching the news, as nothing else was on, seeing looting, fires, fights, guns, Marines, National Guard, waiting for my dad to call us at some point to tell us he was ok. My dad was an Engineer at the time so he was the guy outside of the fire manning the pumps and hoses on the engine. Any other time I would be thrilled with this earned rank, however, this week him standing outside of the fire put him in just as much danger as going in. Of course his station was the station right in the middle of it all. He told my mom and I that he was ok and that the knuckle heads throwing bricks at cops weren't doing that to the LAFD. I hated that week.
When my dad finally got to come home he looked like a Zombie. I just remember him sleeping for a while and my mom made sure we didn't bug him. After things calmed down President Bush visited LA and my dad's station, congratulating them on a stellar performance. My grandma has the picture of my dad shaking his hand hanging in her room.
At that time I was unclear of the exact reason those numb skulls started beating Reginald Denny. I kind of knew what happened with the police and Rodney King, kind of. I couldn't comprehend the point of the riots. Protesting gone bad? No fear of authority? Greed? Some people got mad because they didn't agree with a verdict, so you're going to burn your city down? I did not, could not process this. What I did know is what was happening, the riots, not the verdict, was putting my dad, my hero, in danger and that is when I felt hate; true, sad, tunnel visioned, hate. I truly hated that week. I hated that my mom was worried. I hated my dad being gone. I hated the people stealing, looting. I hated the people running with guns in plain sight. I hated the news for taking over not giving a break for something normal. The hate turned to relief when my dad came home. And once the smell of smoke cleared from the air and things started going back to normal, my worry became less and my dad reassured me it was over.
Even though nothing major happened to my dad that week, which I am very grateful for, the fact that the regular fear of "might" or "could" was heightened, was enough. As I grew up I had to change the way I looked at my dad's job to lighten the fear that loomed every time he was on duty. When he made Captain, the whole first one in last one out thing re-started my worries. That's his fault, he should know better than to tell me that.
My dad is a hero, not just a regular hero like moms and dads are to daughters, like a super hero. 20 years ago my dad and his station helped and saved a lot of people, most of those people were the ones with the guns and stolen loot. The dummies who got shot by the owner of the store they just stole from. Containing a fire so it burns but doesn't get to the elementary school near it. Responding to injured people that were left on the door step of the station. Protecting the LAPD from being assaulted and shot at. I know there are a lot of kids that felt the same way I did that week. Their dads and moms were doing the same thing my dad was. So that is what today means to me. That's the way I remember it.
My dad is in Ireland right now getting my grandparents house together. I believe he is also golfing and hanging out with some family friends. He comes home in a week to return to his daily job of being an everyday hero. It will basically be like when Clark Kent comes out of the phone booth as Superman as my dad gets back into LA. Basically ;)
be well and be kind,
xoL
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Home
There's been a lot of chaos and anxiety over here. My house is slowly becoming piles and bags, lists are being made, craigslist is a daily visit, donations are being made...
While I do love San Pedro and will always call it home, Kenny and I have decided to relocate. Cool! Where? Long Beach? Torrance? No, no... We load up a truck on May 25th and drive to our new home in Paso Robles. What the hell? I know, right? I mean, Am I sad? Yes...kind of. I'm really sad that I'll be more than a walk or 3 min drive from my mom and dad. I'm bummed my sister can't just pick me up when she wants to get out. I'm sad to leave my friends, however, I am moving to wine country so I feel like there will be no problem getting them there ;) We went for a visit this last week to meet with some employment opportunities and check out the rental situation. The outcome of those three days showed Kenny and I that it really is all happening; the universe is opening up and showing some love. This is all done for the sake of our little bears. I am very grateful for my husband and his hard work. The last few years have been up and down trying to figure out what we are going to do; careers, school, blah blah blah. And most recently, with him working two jobs and me at home with the kids...boo! But now we see that hard work does pay off.
To my heart,
Home is where ever I'm with you xo
While I do love San Pedro and will always call it home, Kenny and I have decided to relocate. Cool! Where? Long Beach? Torrance? No, no... We load up a truck on May 25th and drive to our new home in Paso Robles. What the hell? I know, right? I mean, Am I sad? Yes...kind of. I'm really sad that I'll be more than a walk or 3 min drive from my mom and dad. I'm bummed my sister can't just pick me up when she wants to get out. I'm sad to leave my friends, however, I am moving to wine country so I feel like there will be no problem getting them there ;) We went for a visit this last week to meet with some employment opportunities and check out the rental situation. The outcome of those three days showed Kenny and I that it really is all happening; the universe is opening up and showing some love. This is all done for the sake of our little bears. I am very grateful for my husband and his hard work. The last few years have been up and down trying to figure out what we are going to do; careers, school, blah blah blah. And most recently, with him working two jobs and me at home with the kids...boo! But now we see that hard work does pay off.
We knew a long time ago we wouldn't stay in Pedro forever and now the talk has become the walk. We will be staying with Kenny's parents for a spell while looking for a place to live. We will put our stuff in storage up there and for the four of us, I have mapped out a way for us to live with the bare essentials. We are very grateful Kenny's parents are letting us invade their space! We leave on a Friday and Kenny starts working that following Monday. He was just hired this last Tuesday at Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center, Inc in San Luis Obispo. It's a super legit gymnastics studio with competitive and recreational programs. He'll be coaching some littles and taking on some of their admin stuff. We stopped by there on our way out of town so he could have a chat with the director and we could take a peek inside. They are all very nice people; very welcoming and chill. One of the girls took Jude to jump around on the trampolines; it was hilarious, he loved it, of course! He and Oliver will start there some time after we get there as well. Also, as it turns out, their ballet instructor quit a week ago so I may slide in that spot as well. I've been wanting to go back to work part time, hence the studying, and it seems like it's all going to work out. Kenny's mom, Le Ann, has offered to watch the babes should our schedules conflict for any reason; so maj. Our Juju bear starts pre school in the fall; I can't even handle that mess..."that mess" I'm referring to is me. I've been in contact with some theater connections hoping for the possibility of getting back on stage. It's all very scary and very exciting.
Paso Robles is in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County; driving from Paso to San Luis Obispo (SLO) is 30 miles. So in LA time that would be what, an hour drive? more or less, usually more. In SLO time it's about 30 minutes. Insanity! It takes me 30 minutes to get to Torrance and that's 10 miles. I'll give you a second to take that in... I know. It's all very pretty up there with great farmer's markets, nice people, good schools; it's very inviting. Now knowing that Kenny will only have to work one awesome job that will take care of us is amazing. I get to go back to work and the boys will be in great schools and a wonderful atmosphere. It's all happening...
To my heart,
Home is where ever I'm with you xo
be well
xoL
Monday, April 9, 2012
Little Bunny FuFu
 |
| Jude-3, Oliver-7mo, Liam- nearly 4 |
 |
| Pavlova (left) and Pink Lemonade cupcakes |
what?? what the hell?? Some cholo muthas start gettin cray in the street and beating the shit out of each other. Of course the chicks involved are yelling and fighting bla bla bla. Way to go dummies! What has two thumbs and WILL call upon law enforcement??? THIS GIRL. "Fight in your own damn house, don't bring your drama out on my street!"...That was over heard from another neighbor. I am a lady. ;) Just another fine family holiday. The madness finally calmed down so I did some yoga and had Kenny assist with some deeper stretches. Sat on the couch drank my wine and fell asleep. I could still use a nap.
Hope every one's Easter was as fun as mine
be well
xoL
Deviled Eggs
8 hard boiled eggs
1 tsp dried dill or sweet relish
1/4 c Vegenaise
1/8 c yellow mustard
S&P to taste
8 shakes of Tabasco (you can decrease if you don't like spicy)
paprika to garnish
Let your hard boiled eggs cool completely. Halve your eggs and drop yokes into a gallon ziplock bag; smash the yolks with your hands from the outside of the bag. Add the rest of the ingredients to the yolks and combine by smushing it all together just they way you broke up the yolks. Bring the yolk mixture to one bottom corner of the bag, I use the back of a butter knife to get all of it over. Twist the rest of the bag making your own pastry bag. Using scissors cut the corner off to your desired thickness to pipe the mixture into the egg white. If you have a pastry bag with tips obviously, use that and mix the stuff in a bowl. Pour about a tbsp of paprika in your palm and sprinkle over piped eggs. Serve :)
1 tsp dried dill or sweet relish
1/4 c Vegenaise
1/8 c yellow mustard
S&P to taste
8 shakes of Tabasco (you can decrease if you don't like spicy)
paprika to garnish
Let your hard boiled eggs cool completely. Halve your eggs and drop yokes into a gallon ziplock bag; smash the yolks with your hands from the outside of the bag. Add the rest of the ingredients to the yolks and combine by smushing it all together just they way you broke up the yolks. Bring the yolk mixture to one bottom corner of the bag, I use the back of a butter knife to get all of it over. Twist the rest of the bag making your own pastry bag. Using scissors cut the corner off to your desired thickness to pipe the mixture into the egg white. If you have a pastry bag with tips obviously, use that and mix the stuff in a bowl. Pour about a tbsp of paprika in your palm and sprinkle over piped eggs. Serve :)
Smashed Red Potatoes with Rosemary
2 lbs red potatoes
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup earth balance butter
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp S&P
Chop potatoes into 1/4 in chunks, if you have a little guy in there just toss him in. I left all the skins on. Put potatoes in a large pot and fill with cold water. Make sure the water covers the potatoes, cook the potatoes until fork tender. Drain most of the water out; just leave about half an inch of water at the bottom of the pot. This is starchy water now; instead of adding more fat this will help smooth your potatoes. Add S&P and with a potato masher start smashing adding the soy milk in small increments. Somewhere in the middle of smashing add rosemary and butter. I added butter a 1/4 cup at a time. I like it chunky but you can make it as smooth as you like.
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup earth balance butter
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp S&P
Chop potatoes into 1/4 in chunks, if you have a little guy in there just toss him in. I left all the skins on. Put potatoes in a large pot and fill with cold water. Make sure the water covers the potatoes, cook the potatoes until fork tender. Drain most of the water out; just leave about half an inch of water at the bottom of the pot. This is starchy water now; instead of adding more fat this will help smooth your potatoes. Add S&P and with a potato masher start smashing adding the soy milk in small increments. Somewhere in the middle of smashing add rosemary and butter. I added butter a 1/4 cup at a time. I like it chunky but you can make it as smooth as you like.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
 |
| This was what was left. I ate it for breakfast the next morning! |
Large tub of organic spinach
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 container organic strawberries sliced
Sherry Shallot Vinagarette
1 small shallot minced
1/3 cup sherry vinegar
1/2 EVOO
1/2 tbsp salt & pepper, each
I really love the strawberry salad at Saladish so this is kind of a tribute to that. dump all ingredients into a large salad bowl. In a mixing bowl, add minced shallot, S&P and vinegar, whisk that a bit, add EVOO and whisk well. Taste using a spinach leaf or a slice of strawberry. There is no sugar needed in this dressing because of the sweetness of the strawberries. I strained the dressing into a ball jar and then added just a small amount of the minced shallots. I had a really strong shallot so the onion flavor was very present in a short time. Store in your fridge in a tightly sealed jar of some sort for up to a week in the fridge.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Good Mornin!
Spinach and Leek Quiche
You'll need:
1 package frozen organic spinach
1 med leek
1 1/2 c fresh spinach
6 asparagus spears
6 egg whites (if you can get your eggs from a local farmer or a friend with hens please do so)
2 whole eggs
1 tbsp organic soy milk (unsweetened)
1 tbsp dried basil
2 pinches cayenne
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp rice Parmesan
1 frozen pie crust
S&P
1 tbsp EVOO
Cheese to sprinkle (optional)
Make it:
1) Pre heat oven to 350. Pull out frozen pie crust, let thaw a bit. Defrost frozen spinach in the microwave until completely thawed. Use as much of the leek possible; do not use the dark tops, dice roughly. In a pan with EVOO, sautee the leeks on a low flame. When your spinach is cooled, empty the contents of your bag or package onto a clean kitchen towel and wring out all liquid. Beat 6 egg whites and 2 eggs with nutritional yeast, rice parm, sea salt, pepper, basil and soy milk. Beat well with a whisk creating fluffy eggs.
2) Assembly: Place fresh spinach on pie shell as a base layer; crumble thawed, frozen spinach on top of fresh. Scatter leeks over spinach; with your clean fingers squish together leeks and crumbled spinach. Make sure it is evenly distributed in the pie shell. Pour the beaten, seasoned eggs evenly over your veg. Cut the asparagus to about 3in or short enough to line up end to end forming 6 pie wedges. Brush the pie crust with whatever egg was left in the bowl for a browned crust.
3) Bake for 20, sprinkle cheese on top then bake for another 20. Or without cheese for 40 min or until golden brown.
Enjoy!
left a bit non dairy and sprinkled cheddar on the rest. YUM!It had been a while since us girls hung out all together so I had them all over for breakfast on this chilly Sunday morning. I was so excited, I woke up at 5:45 without an alarms help and jumped in the shower before any of the littles woke. Last night I scoped the fridge and pantry for breakfast ideas; I knew I had this frozen pie crust so I thought I'd make a quiche. I'd never made one before so I googled recipes but none of them really worked for what I had. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of quiche; I feel like every one I've ever come across was loaded with onion and not healthy. I figured if I was going to experiment these lovlies would tell me what's up. I was going to make it totally vegan but I opted for a dairy free, veggie version still using eggs. I sprinkled a bit of cheese on half of it so Blair and I could remain dairy free. I used A LOT of veggies so the eggs were almost just for binding and a vessel for seasoning. Stefanie worked until 7:30 this morning and thought a 10 minute nap would be good. After two hours of not answering her phone, we let her sleep in :) Melissa put together a berry delight with strawberries, blueberries, grapes and chopped mint and I baked some croissants (not from scratch). I squeezed fresh OJ and the ladies mixed it with Pellagrino. Blair and Shelagh brought coffee, Pellagrino and paper plates...What? paper plates? yea, paper plates. Something clogged my kitchen sink pipes while I was juicing this a.m. and water started to sit it the sink. Disgusting.
Anyhow, fun times as always. My experiment was successful and I got to spend the morning with my ladies.
be well
xoL
Monday, March 19, 2012
Manic Monday
It's Monday!!! Meatless Monday! I'm making Broccoli slaw stir fried with quinoa and teriyaki "beef."
I love going to the store with my husband; now that Oliver can sit in the cart, we just take one cart and walk every aisle together. He's a fan of Sprouts but we were out in the Torrance area so we decided to go to the mother ship, Whole Foods.
When I do my shopping I split the tab between TJs and Sprouts. I spend roughly, $90 at each store, sometimes more or less. This lasts about a week and a half to two weeks. I get all of my produce at Sprouts and some other random stuff and then most of the easy ready made stuff, I get at TJs. I bought just as much stuff as I would have at Sprouts and TJs, combined, and spent the same amount. However, since the husby was with me, there was about $40 more spent on fancy beer and a $20 porterhouse steak. About once a month Kenny gets this urge for a feast fit for a king. It is always on a Sunday and it always involves a giant steak, which I never think he's going to finish and he always proves me wrong. I can't be upset if this meat eating viking only eats meat occasionally. He used to be very hamburger oriented but has become conscience of what he eats so when he does it is done with thought. Fast food isn't a question, though, he loves In-N-Out but that is an occasional thing.
We stuck to what we needed and that was that. I mean, if I had an unlimited amount of money could I spend more? Duh, of course! If you go in with a plan you can surely stay in budget; go in blind and you use your whole wallet at Whole Foods.
Do you know where I used to spend the most? VONS. Effing hate that place. I go there now if I need a gift card from that giant gift card wall thing but, otherwise? No, thanks. Albertsons? blech. I have to say, as far as major grocery chains go, Ralphs does offer more vegan/vegetarian products. But to buy organic in a major chain is ridic when you can go to TJs, Sprouts, Whole Foods or a damn Farmer's Market and get great stuff for less. Buy locally and seasonally; you will spend less and your food will taste better.
Happy Meatless Monday!
be well
xoL
I love going to the store with my husband; now that Oliver can sit in the cart, we just take one cart and walk every aisle together. He's a fan of Sprouts but we were out in the Torrance area so we decided to go to the mother ship, Whole Foods.
When I do my shopping I split the tab between TJs and Sprouts. I spend roughly, $90 at each store, sometimes more or less. This lasts about a week and a half to two weeks. I get all of my produce at Sprouts and some other random stuff and then most of the easy ready made stuff, I get at TJs. I bought just as much stuff as I would have at Sprouts and TJs, combined, and spent the same amount. However, since the husby was with me, there was about $40 more spent on fancy beer and a $20 porterhouse steak. About once a month Kenny gets this urge for a feast fit for a king. It is always on a Sunday and it always involves a giant steak, which I never think he's going to finish and he always proves me wrong. I can't be upset if this meat eating viking only eats meat occasionally. He used to be very hamburger oriented but has become conscience of what he eats so when he does it is done with thought. Fast food isn't a question, though, he loves In-N-Out but that is an occasional thing.
We stuck to what we needed and that was that. I mean, if I had an unlimited amount of money could I spend more? Duh, of course! If you go in with a plan you can surely stay in budget; go in blind and you use your whole wallet at Whole Foods.
Do you know where I used to spend the most? VONS. Effing hate that place. I go there now if I need a gift card from that giant gift card wall thing but, otherwise? No, thanks. Albertsons? blech. I have to say, as far as major grocery chains go, Ralphs does offer more vegan/vegetarian products. But to buy organic in a major chain is ridic when you can go to TJs, Sprouts, Whole Foods or a damn Farmer's Market and get great stuff for less. Buy locally and seasonally; you will spend less and your food will taste better.
Happy Meatless Monday!
be well
xoL
Ven Conmigo
Another Everything Must Go Soup:
Organic South West Stylie
4 cloves of garlic, diced
4 tbsp EVOO
2 sm. cans or 6 whole Ortega chiles, diced
1 red and yellow bell pepper
1 dried Bay leaf
1 tbsp crushed red pepper
1 tbsp cumin
1 can corn
1 can low sodium black beans
S&P
5 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 cups pureed sweet potatoes
veg broth
1 head broccoli, rough chop
Make it:
-Preheat oven to 400. Dissect a head of broccoli, the whole thing, stock and all. Toss in a roasting pan with EVOO, S&P and about a tsp of cumin. The broccoli should be nice and coated, cumin is strong so start small and add as you wish (aaaassssss yyyyooouuuuu wwwwiiiiiiiisssssshhhhhhh). I let it go about 1/2 hr, but check it after 20, you might want to pull it then. I like the trees crispy so I let it go for a bit.
-In a soup pot, add 4 tbsp of EVOO, or enough to coat the bottom, on a med-low flame. Add chopped garlic, let that go for a sec, add diced ortegas and bell peppers. Give that a minute to love each other, add bay leaf, crushed red and cumin. Stir for a minute to give everyone a chance to get hot. Let them all hang out until the bells start to get a little soft, add corn and beans, stir. Add nutritional yeast, stir and then taste. If you need S&P then add, I just used a bit. Add sweet potatoes, stir. Add veg broth; just add enough to thin it out, make it as thin or thick as you like. Let simmer for a bit stirring occasionally.
-Serve in a toasted bread bowl topped with broccoli and a sprinkle of cheese; in a bowl with chopped chipotle Field Roast 'sausage' and broccoli. Serve over corn chips and add chicken if you like, so many possibilities :)
 |
| lunch |
 |
| preparing for the sauna |
I had to use the peppers, broccoli, ortega chiles and sweet potato puree. What ends up happening is, I pull everything I need to use, stare at it for a while, go to my pantry, stare at that and then something comes to mind. Just taste as you go and see if you want to add or take away something. That's what's so rad about cooking, I take it as another outlet for creativity. I also have the challenge of having a carnivorous husby that I have to fake out which poses as a challenge. It just makes it that much more rewarding when he loves it. And, NO, he doesn't just tell me that; he tells me truthfully what he liked and didn't like. This soup was a bit too spicy for Jude; next time I would back off on the crushed red.
Have fun!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Clartiy
I was thinking (yes, it hurt) about what I reeeeeally want to do. What am I most interested in? I'm not going to just stay at home forever; that's boring. What do I miss everyday? What is the next big thing? It didn't take very long to figure it out.
I have so many friends on FB posting about how they are "off to rehearsal," "happy closing," "i love my cast," "felt good about my audition," "watch (whatever show). you'll see me behind (actress)!" I do get excited for them, I do. Do I get disgusted with myself for allowing myself to be sooo consumed with jealousy it ends up ruining the remainder of my day? Yes, a thousand times, yes. I have no real reason to be jealous, I mean, could I really be doing all of that too? Yes. So, here's the adjustment to that initial list of 10 things I want to do; get cast in a show. BAM! Challenge accepted! A lot has to go into that; I have to go back to a vocal coach, go back to dance class, get back down to a standard costume size. It will be just as hard as training for a marathon. You don't think so? Ok, you go do it. ;)
For the past year and a half, I have been engaged to this box of study materials for a personal trainer certification; we have never set a date. Well, guys, it's final! The date is September 8th, I'm taking the test. I got sidetracked by the whole baby thing and never opened the box again until a week ago. I try to study a little in the morning and then after Oliver goes to bed at 7 and Jude is hanging out in his room, I study a little more. I don't know how some moms and dads go to school and work and do all of the kid stuff. You guys are awesome; I'm not that cool, kudos! The material isn't difficult, seeing as I know a whole lot of it already. As long as it's something you are interested in and passionate about it doesn't seem like work, right?
Lastly, I let my Esthetician license expire like a dummy so I think I may re-take the state board test to reinstate that. I let it expire knowing I was moving to NY and I thought I was never going to live in California again; I mean, it wasn't an absurd thought and it would have been invalid in NY as I took the boards in CA. Anyhow, it's an option; I miss the discounts! I liked the business and the work I just found the facials boring and taxing. I could never be a massage therapist; I was always so affected by the client's stress or anxiety so, after 5 facials I'd be spent. I am not into the massage portion of the facial; I am good at it, I will say that, it was just boooooring. I was more into the clinical part of it; cleansing exfoliate, EXTRACTIONS... guys, I'm a picker, like, if there is something that needs to be popped or extracted I cannot continue conversation until you or I handle your biz. It's the main reason I considered the career. I know, right? cray cray. I liked waxing because I could talk more and it was faster. I could book more and make more cashola. I just have to study a bit for the written portion but I think I'll be good.
In a nutshell, I'll be a busy bee. I like it that way :)
Don't settle. That never works out for anyone.
be well,
xoL
I have so many friends on FB posting about how they are "off to rehearsal," "happy closing," "i love my cast," "felt good about my audition," "watch (whatever show). you'll see me behind (actress)!" I do get excited for them, I do. Do I get disgusted with myself for allowing myself to be sooo consumed with jealousy it ends up ruining the remainder of my day? Yes, a thousand times, yes. I have no real reason to be jealous, I mean, could I really be doing all of that too? Yes. So, here's the adjustment to that initial list of 10 things I want to do; get cast in a show. BAM! Challenge accepted! A lot has to go into that; I have to go back to a vocal coach, go back to dance class, get back down to a standard costume size. It will be just as hard as training for a marathon. You don't think so? Ok, you go do it. ;)
For the past year and a half, I have been engaged to this box of study materials for a personal trainer certification; we have never set a date. Well, guys, it's final! The date is September 8th, I'm taking the test. I got sidetracked by the whole baby thing and never opened the box again until a week ago. I try to study a little in the morning and then after Oliver goes to bed at 7 and Jude is hanging out in his room, I study a little more. I don't know how some moms and dads go to school and work and do all of the kid stuff. You guys are awesome; I'm not that cool, kudos! The material isn't difficult, seeing as I know a whole lot of it already. As long as it's something you are interested in and passionate about it doesn't seem like work, right?
Lastly, I let my Esthetician license expire like a dummy so I think I may re-take the state board test to reinstate that. I let it expire knowing I was moving to NY and I thought I was never going to live in California again; I mean, it wasn't an absurd thought and it would have been invalid in NY as I took the boards in CA. Anyhow, it's an option; I miss the discounts! I liked the business and the work I just found the facials boring and taxing. I could never be a massage therapist; I was always so affected by the client's stress or anxiety so, after 5 facials I'd be spent. I am not into the massage portion of the facial; I am good at it, I will say that, it was just boooooring. I was more into the clinical part of it; cleansing exfoliate, EXTRACTIONS... guys, I'm a picker, like, if there is something that needs to be popped or extracted I cannot continue conversation until you or I handle your biz. It's the main reason I considered the career. I know, right? cray cray. I liked waxing because I could talk more and it was faster. I could book more and make more cashola. I just have to study a bit for the written portion but I think I'll be good.
In a nutshell, I'll be a busy bee. I like it that way :)
Don't settle. That never works out for anyone.
be well,
xoL
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
On Top Of Old Smokey
Spaghetti Squash might be one of my top 5 fav veggies. It's genius! This gift from nature has a mild flavor and when the flesh is scraped with a fork it becomes hearty and noodle like. It's easy to cook, it's versatile and low in calories yet still providing calcium and vitamin A. When you eat a cup of regular white pasta you're looking at about 200 cals, 2g fat and 43ish carbs for 1 cup, what's that? a palm full? This is about 45 cals, no fat and 10g carbs; these are carbs your temple can break down and turn into fuel. I'm sorry? Temple? Yea, your body is your temple. Treat it well. I digress, when I was little my mom used to just put a little butter and S&P; it's an option. As an adult I've come to utilize the entirety of the squash and consider it a "pasta." My mom is so good at just going through the fridge and pantry and putting together the most delicious meals. The base of those meals was usually pasta with some awesome sauteed something or a yummy sauce. I do the same just using Spaghetti squash and broccoli slaw. Broccoli slaw is a whole other story. I think one of my fav parts of the squash is the fact that you roast it upside down, fork the flesh (Bevis laugh), and top how you may right in the skin of the squash, it's like a boat of goodness. This is what I made last night:
You'll need:
Spaghetti Squash- Depending on how many you need to feed; a large one will feed three hungry people
1 bag Frozen spinach
2 cans Trader Joe's canned artichoke hearts in water
1can Organic canned corn
1lg can Ortega Chiles, diced- I had a can of whole chiles and chopped them so try 2 small cans of pre-diced
Veganaise or mayo or ricotta
Daiya Mozzarella shredded cheese
head of garlic
1/4c nutritional yeast or grated parm
1/2 tbsp red chile flakes
S&P
EVOO
Pre-heat oven to 350. Microwave frozen spinach until completely thawed. Microwave spag squash for a few mins; this tenderizes the squash so you can halve it. It is way too hard to cut without this step, think pumpkin carving. After you halve the squash, spoon out the seeds and such, rub with EVOO and S&P. When your oven comes to temp, in a foiled lasagna pan, cake pan, jelly roll pan; whatever you have, place squash upside down, flesh side down and put in oven. Also, chop the top of the head of garlic so you see the cloves, rub with EVOO and wrap in foil, place in oven as well. Time 20-30 min, when ready take squash and garlic out of oven, flip one of the halves and make scrape a bit to make sure its tender enough. While squash is in the oven and your spinach is cooling drain the corn and dump into lg mixing bowl. Open and drain the cans of artichoke hearts, empty onto a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and press to get as much of the water out as possible; chop to the size you prefer. I leave mine pretty chunky, toss in the bowl. Drain and empty cans of ortega chiles into bowl. In a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, squeeze the water from the spinach, crumble into bowl. I used veganaise as a binder but you can definitely sub ricotta or mayo, think Spinach Artichoke dip. I used a less than a cup of veganaise but make it to your preferred consistency. Add the chile flakes, nutritional yeast* or parm and S&P to taste. Unwrap garlic from foil and squeeze head of garlic into a small bowl. The cloves should be caramel in color, add a pinch of S&P and smash with the back of a spoon making a paste; add to spinach mix and mix in well. Spoon the mixture on top of the already scraped squash halves, sprinkle with vegan mozzarella or regular mozz and place in broiler on high just to melt the cheese quickly.
Enjoy.
*Nutritional yeast... so clutch. You can get it in the bulk bins at your local whole foods type store. For 2tbsp, heaping, about 50cals, <1g fat, over 8g protein <5g carbs; high in folic acid, magnesium, B12, Thiamin, Niacin and Riboflavin-all of the B vitamins, and it taste like effing cheese! I use it as a Parmesan replacement or on eggs or a tofu scramble. Just get a little bit and try, I always have at least 2 cups in my pantry.
Eat up.
be well
xoL
You'll need:
Spaghetti Squash- Depending on how many you need to feed; a large one will feed three hungry people
1 bag Frozen spinach
2 cans Trader Joe's canned artichoke hearts in water
1can Organic canned corn
1lg can Ortega Chiles, diced- I had a can of whole chiles and chopped them so try 2 small cans of pre-diced
Veganaise or mayo or ricotta
Daiya Mozzarella shredded cheese
head of garlic
1/4c nutritional yeast or grated parm
1/2 tbsp red chile flakes
S&P
EVOO
Pre-heat oven to 350. Microwave frozen spinach until completely thawed. Microwave spag squash for a few mins; this tenderizes the squash so you can halve it. It is way too hard to cut without this step, think pumpkin carving. After you halve the squash, spoon out the seeds and such, rub with EVOO and S&P. When your oven comes to temp, in a foiled lasagna pan, cake pan, jelly roll pan; whatever you have, place squash upside down, flesh side down and put in oven. Also, chop the top of the head of garlic so you see the cloves, rub with EVOO and wrap in foil, place in oven as well. Time 20-30 min, when ready take squash and garlic out of oven, flip one of the halves and make scrape a bit to make sure its tender enough. While squash is in the oven and your spinach is cooling drain the corn and dump into lg mixing bowl. Open and drain the cans of artichoke hearts, empty onto a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and press to get as much of the water out as possible; chop to the size you prefer. I leave mine pretty chunky, toss in the bowl. Drain and empty cans of ortega chiles into bowl. In a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, squeeze the water from the spinach, crumble into bowl. I used veganaise as a binder but you can definitely sub ricotta or mayo, think Spinach Artichoke dip. I used a less than a cup of veganaise but make it to your preferred consistency. Add the chile flakes, nutritional yeast* or parm and S&P to taste. Unwrap garlic from foil and squeeze head of garlic into a small bowl. The cloves should be caramel in color, add a pinch of S&P and smash with the back of a spoon making a paste; add to spinach mix and mix in well. Spoon the mixture on top of the already scraped squash halves, sprinkle with vegan mozzarella or regular mozz and place in broiler on high just to melt the cheese quickly.
Enjoy.
*Nutritional yeast... so clutch. You can get it in the bulk bins at your local whole foods type store. For 2tbsp, heaping, about 50cals, <1g fat, over 8g protein <5g carbs; high in folic acid, magnesium, B12, Thiamin, Niacin and Riboflavin-all of the B vitamins, and it taste like effing cheese! I use it as a Parmesan replacement or on eggs or a tofu scramble. Just get a little bit and try, I always have at least 2 cups in my pantry.
Eat up.
be well
xoL
Friday, March 2, 2012
do you know the muffin man?
1 1/4c whole wheat flour
1 1/4tsp baking powder
1/2tsp baking soda
2 1/2tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
pinch of mutmeg(nutmeg is strong! careful :)
2 egg whites
3 smashed verrrrrry ripe nanners (the riper they are the sweeter they are)
1/4c no sugar added applesauce
1/4c grade A maple syrup
1. Pre heat your oven to 350. In one bowl sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In a larger bowl, smash the nanners well and mix in eggwhites, apple sauce and maple syrup; mix well. After wet ingredients are mixed add 1/2 of the sifted dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mix and add the rest of the dry. I added about a 1/2 a cup of chocolate chips. you can definitely omit these. This is enough mix for 1 dozen muffins; my pan is a european muffin tray so they are a bit smaller.
2. You can make this as a loaf in a loaf pan or muffins with or without liners. Just make sure you spray your pan or grease it however you prefer. I used some random cupcake/muffin liners I found in my pantry. Bake at 350; my cupcakes took 14 mins. A loaf should take up to 40 mins. Not all ovens are calibrated the same so give it about 10 mins(muffins) then stick a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the loaf or cake and make sure it comes out clean. You might see some chocolate on the stick as you pull it out as they are warm and gooey now.
3. Enjoy!!! :)
1 1/4tsp baking powder
1/2tsp baking soda
2 1/2tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
pinch of mutmeg(nutmeg is strong! careful :)
2 egg whites
3 smashed verrrrrry ripe nanners (the riper they are the sweeter they are)
1/4c no sugar added applesauce
1/4c grade A maple syrup
1. Pre heat your oven to 350. In one bowl sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In a larger bowl, smash the nanners well and mix in eggwhites, apple sauce and maple syrup; mix well. After wet ingredients are mixed add 1/2 of the sifted dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mix and add the rest of the dry. I added about a 1/2 a cup of chocolate chips. you can definitely omit these. This is enough mix for 1 dozen muffins; my pan is a european muffin tray so they are a bit smaller.
2. You can make this as a loaf in a loaf pan or muffins with or without liners. Just make sure you spray your pan or grease it however you prefer. I used some random cupcake/muffin liners I found in my pantry. Bake at 350; my cupcakes took 14 mins. A loaf should take up to 40 mins. Not all ovens are calibrated the same so give it about 10 mins(muffins) then stick a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the loaf or cake and make sure it comes out clean. You might see some chocolate on the stick as you pull it out as they are warm and gooey now.
3. Enjoy!!! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)