Last year I made 5 New Year's Resolutions, and amazingly enough I met them all! So here's a few for 2013:
1) Stay in shape. Continue going to the gym after work 5 days a week. Or, if I can't make it to the gym, work out at home for at least half an hour.
2) Really commit to training Jessie. I want to put in the work this year and have a well trained dog for the next many years.
3) Enjoy the rest of the wedding planning. It's crunch time and tough wedding decisions are popping up. Instead of stressing out, I need to appreciate the fact that I even get the opportunity to make them because our friends and family are coming together to make this celebration possible.
4) Fix up our back porch. Right now we have this awesome space that is just being used for storage.
5) Visit a city I've never been to before. I've always wanted to go to Portland, Oregon.
I'm ready for you, 2013!
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chops with Apples and Sage
I've missed the entire month of August. A lot happened in the last few weeks - we moved to the new place, I started a new diet, continued to work out, had a busy few weeks at work, and watched a lovely big yellow pup over labor day weekend.
Before I get into the cooking post, I really need to post a picture of Kobi, our friend's yellow lab puppy who hung out with us over labor day:
He's a big goofball and I love him very much.
Back to the post: as I stated above, I've started following a new diet in hopes that it will help with my migraines. It's the "Paleo Diet". I'm not going to get into the details of it because, well, that's what the internet is for. So far it's been delicious, healthy, and I've been migraine free. In addition to starting paleo we also joined Boston Organics and are having local organic vegetables and fruits delivered to our house. What's awesome about this service is that we never know what we're going to get which forces us to make new, interesting dishes. This week we received a whole lot of sage, an ingredient I've never really cooked with before. In an effort to use up our sage, I found a recipe for Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chops with Apples and Sage. We've made a number of paleo meals in the past three weeks, but this meal...this meal was special. It was so. tasty. Simon can't stop talking about it and telling friends about it. Also, it was really simple and quick to make. Here we go -
Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chops with Apples and Sage
Unfortunately I didn't ask Simon to start taking pictures until after I sauteed the apples, garlic (I used garlic instead of shallots), and sage in coconut oil. You'll just have to imagine how beautiful it looked.
Once that is all sauteed, moved the apples, sage, and onion into a bowl and rub some cinnamon and salt onto the pork chops.
Using the same pan and coconut oil, give the chops a good sear on both sides.
Turn the temp down to low, pour in some white wine (I always choose a Riesling because it's not too sweet and not too dry), throw the apple mixture on top, cover and let simmer for about 7 minutes. Ours were perfectly cooked.
We ate these along with a salad of kale, cherry tomatoes, avocados, dressed with avocado oil and lime juice. SO. GOOD. In addition to how delicious it was, it's important to note that I made pork chops. PORK CHOPS. Only a few years ago I was full blown vegetarian. Even once I started eating meat I didn't really eat MEAT meat. This was one big, juicy, hunk of pig and I really enjoyed it. Who'd of thunk it?
Before I get into the cooking post, I really need to post a picture of Kobi, our friend's yellow lab puppy who hung out with us over labor day:
He's a big goofball and I love him very much.
Back to the post: as I stated above, I've started following a new diet in hopes that it will help with my migraines. It's the "Paleo Diet". I'm not going to get into the details of it because, well, that's what the internet is for. So far it's been delicious, healthy, and I've been migraine free. In addition to starting paleo we also joined Boston Organics and are having local organic vegetables and fruits delivered to our house. What's awesome about this service is that we never know what we're going to get which forces us to make new, interesting dishes. This week we received a whole lot of sage, an ingredient I've never really cooked with before. In an effort to use up our sage, I found a recipe for Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chops with Apples and Sage. We've made a number of paleo meals in the past three weeks, but this meal...this meal was special. It was so. tasty. Simon can't stop talking about it and telling friends about it. Also, it was really simple and quick to make. Here we go -
Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chops with Apples and Sage
Unfortunately I didn't ask Simon to start taking pictures until after I sauteed the apples, garlic (I used garlic instead of shallots), and sage in coconut oil. You'll just have to imagine how beautiful it looked.
Once that is all sauteed, moved the apples, sage, and onion into a bowl and rub some cinnamon and salt onto the pork chops.
Using the same pan and coconut oil, give the chops a good sear on both sides.
Turn the temp down to low, pour in some white wine (I always choose a Riesling because it's not too sweet and not too dry), throw the apple mixture on top, cover and let simmer for about 7 minutes. Ours were perfectly cooked.
We ate these along with a salad of kale, cherry tomatoes, avocados, dressed with avocado oil and lime juice. SO. GOOD. In addition to how delicious it was, it's important to note that I made pork chops. PORK CHOPS. Only a few years ago I was full blown vegetarian. Even once I started eating meat I didn't really eat MEAT meat. This was one big, juicy, hunk of pig and I really enjoyed it. Who'd of thunk it?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Catching Up
I've been the worst blogger recently. I swear it's just because I've been insanely busy.
I've been doing secret wedding crafts that won't be fully revealed until after the big day:
We've been packing for our move to the new apartment in August:
Also, I've joined a gym and have been really focusing on getting myself into shape.
As any healthy person knows, you have to eat healthy in addition to exercising to make any sort of difference. So, Simon and I made a delicious dinner the other night which involved a new cooking technique - baking tofu.
I am no stranger to tofu, I ate a lot of it when I was vegetarian and Simon and I still make it every once in a while. In the past we've always marinated it and then fried the tofu in some oil (sort of defeating the whole healthy eating aspect of eating tofu). But the other night I found this recipe. I have to say, baking tofu resulted in a very nice texture. The marinade was a little salty (as the reviews state), but overall I feel as though this was a success.
We marinated the tofu over night and then set it out in a single layer in a baking pan (can you see how uneven our countertops are by the marinade pooling to one side? - awesomesauce). The tofu baked at 325 for a little under an hour, turning the tofu halfway through. I may bake it a little more next time.
With about 15 minutes left on the tofu Simon started a quick stir-fry consisting of snap peas, bell peppers, yellow squash, and onions.
Put the two together and voila! A delicious, healthy, and surprisingly filling dinner.
I'll definitely keep baking tofu. The marinade was fine, but nothing too special, so I'll probably keep looking for other options.
I've been doing secret wedding crafts that won't be fully revealed until after the big day:
We've been packing for our move to the new apartment in August:
Also, I've joined a gym and have been really focusing on getting myself into shape.
As any healthy person knows, you have to eat healthy in addition to exercising to make any sort of difference. So, Simon and I made a delicious dinner the other night which involved a new cooking technique - baking tofu.
I am no stranger to tofu, I ate a lot of it when I was vegetarian and Simon and I still make it every once in a while. In the past we've always marinated it and then fried the tofu in some oil (sort of defeating the whole healthy eating aspect of eating tofu). But the other night I found this recipe. I have to say, baking tofu resulted in a very nice texture. The marinade was a little salty (as the reviews state), but overall I feel as though this was a success.
We marinated the tofu over night and then set it out in a single layer in a baking pan (can you see how uneven our countertops are by the marinade pooling to one side? - awesomesauce). The tofu baked at 325 for a little under an hour, turning the tofu halfway through. I may bake it a little more next time.
With about 15 minutes left on the tofu Simon started a quick stir-fry consisting of snap peas, bell peppers, yellow squash, and onions.
Put the two together and voila! A delicious, healthy, and surprisingly filling dinner.
I'll definitely keep baking tofu. The marinade was fine, but nothing too special, so I'll probably keep looking for other options.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Summer Summer Summertime
I like the idea of making a wish list at the start of each summer of all the things I'd like to do before the students return to campus and the days begin getting shorter.
Last summer I was able to accomplish 6 out of 10 (to be honest, the red dress was bought just a few weeks ago...but it's before summer 2012 so I'm counting it).
1) Visit both families
2) Celebrate our 5 year anniversary
3) Buy a red top and red dress
4) Go for a run on the beach
5) Read five books of my choosing
6) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
7) Ride the swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens
8) Make curtains for our bedroom
9) Run a 5k
10) Take a sewing, knitting, or crochet class
I have a number of things I want to do this summer, but here are the top 10:
1) Buy a condo (or at least find a place to live in September)
2) Go to Ocean City, NJ (this is planned for June 30th! can't wait!)
3) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
4) Watch season 2 of Game of Thrones - preferably over a single glorious weekend
5) Kayak on the Charles
6) Run a 5k
7) Have a completely unplugged day - no computer, no phone, no tv
8) Buy a new sewing machine
9) Get strong arms and back
10) Relaaaax
Last summer I was able to accomplish 6 out of 10 (to be honest, the red dress was bought just a few weeks ago...but it's before summer 2012 so I'm counting it).
2) Celebrate our 5 year anniversary
3) Buy a red top and red dress
4) Go for a run on the beach
6) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
7) Ride the swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens
8) Make curtains for our bedroom
10) Take a sewing, knitting, or crochet class
I have a number of things I want to do this summer, but here are the top 10:
1) Buy a condo (or at least find a place to live in September)
2) Go to Ocean City, NJ (this is planned for June 30th! can't wait!)
3) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
4) Watch season 2 of Game of Thrones - preferably over a single glorious weekend
5) Kayak on the Charles
6) Run a 5k
7) Have a completely unplugged day - no computer, no phone, no tv
8) Buy a new sewing machine
9) Get strong arms and back
10) Relaaaax
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Flowers!
Simon has been telling me to explore new hobbies for years. I've just never really been a "hobby" person. Growing up I spent all my time singing and acting, so much so that I never really found a need to kill time. When I moved to Boston I found myself no longer performing and a little lost. I tend to justify my wasting hours away in front of the TV as "relaxing" when I am, in fact, just wasting hours in front of the TV. I have spurts of diversions like when I ran the half-marathon or when I get caught up reading for hours on end, but nothing that I would consider a "hobby" that I could just come home to and pick up if I so desired. That is, until I started experimented with making book-page flowers for the wedding...
I spent Saturday making flowers.
And by Saturday, I mean ALL DAY Saturday. The whole day. Coffee to Sleepytime tea. Here is what I have to show for it:
I was completely content keeping my hands busy, having the TV off and good music on, drinking tea and trying not to burn myself with a hot glue gun. I found following origami directions calming and zen-like. I think I have a hobby : )
Some of these tutorials I found on Pinterest, some on other websites, but I'll link to each one below the picture.
I spent Saturday making flowers.
And by Saturday, I mean ALL DAY Saturday. The whole day. Coffee to Sleepytime tea. Here is what I have to show for it:
I was completely content keeping my hands busy, having the TV off and good music on, drinking tea and trying not to burn myself with a hot glue gun. I found following origami directions calming and zen-like. I think I have a hobby : )
Some of these tutorials I found on Pinterest, some on other websites, but I'll link to each one below the picture.
3D Star (the actual tutorial is in some language I don't know...but the pictures are easy to follow)
Storybook Rose (this one is my favorite - also the most time consuming)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Holidays!
Like much of the nation, I love the holidays. They're a happy time when everyone is smiling and singing and telling stories about the past. One of the things I love most about the holidays are Christmas Trees and decorations. Simon and I bought our first live tree this year from Whole Foods. It stands about three feet tall and just barely fits in the corner of our living room even at that size. Over the past year or two we've collected some ornaments on different trips we've taken and as presents from relatives, but one of my absolute favorite part of ornaments are the memories that come with unpacking them each year. So, I decided to make a few of my own inspired by some I've seen around the web:
They aren't anything terribly special, one is filled with green, red, and white buttons I had in my button jar, and the other is wrapped in twine; but these two ornaments will always remind me of the very first Christmas Simon and I traveled as a family unit instead of splitting apart. I'll remember the first Christmas we had a live tree; and the last Christmas in our tiny, but wonderful, apartment. I'll think of condo hunting, starting my new job, and the fact that it was unseasonably warm and everyone was thankful for that. They will remind me that this was the year Greg, Seiko, and Britta were all in the states from abroad and how happy that made our parents and us. For just some buttons, twine, and glass, these ornaments are well worth the time and effort spent making them.
That said, I also want to put up a list of my New Year's Resolutions (which I'll hopefully stick to):
1) Get in shape. This time last year I was at the peak of my half-marathon training and had never been in better shape - I had side-abs. I want side-abs again.
2) Continue taking care of my teeth. I had to spend $1,300 this year in dental bills once my insurance maxed out. That will not happen again.
3) Drink more water. It's good for me.
4) Stop chewing on my lips. It's gross.
5) Bring lunch to work. Healthier and cheaper.
They aren't anything terribly special, one is filled with green, red, and white buttons I had in my button jar, and the other is wrapped in twine; but these two ornaments will always remind me of the very first Christmas Simon and I traveled as a family unit instead of splitting apart. I'll remember the first Christmas we had a live tree; and the last Christmas in our tiny, but wonderful, apartment. I'll think of condo hunting, starting my new job, and the fact that it was unseasonably warm and everyone was thankful for that. They will remind me that this was the year Greg, Seiko, and Britta were all in the states from abroad and how happy that made our parents and us. For just some buttons, twine, and glass, these ornaments are well worth the time and effort spent making them.
That said, I also want to put up a list of my New Year's Resolutions (which I'll hopefully stick to):
1) Get in shape. This time last year I was at the peak of my half-marathon training and had never been in better shape - I had side-abs. I want side-abs again.
2) Continue taking care of my teeth. I had to spend $1,300 this year in dental bills once my insurance maxed out. That will not happen again.
3) Drink more water. It's good for me.
4) Stop chewing on my lips. It's gross.
5) Bring lunch to work. Healthier and cheaper.
Monday, June 6, 2011
So much time, and so little to do! Strike that, reverse it.
A few days ago, Cupcakes and Cashmere posted a top ten summer to-do list. It seemed like a great idea as I always end up finding myself at the end of August and wishing there were certain things I had accomplished. By posting them on a blog, I will have a constant reminder throughout the summer months. So, I made one!
Summer To-Do list:
1) Visit both families
2) Celebrate our 5 year anniversary
3) Buy a red top and red dress
4) Go for a run on the beach
5) Read five books of my choosing
6) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
7) Ride the swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens
8) Make curtains for our bedroom
9) Run a 5k
10) Take a sewing, knitting, or crochet class
*image: www.erie.pa.us
I'll have to make a reading list as well : )
Summer To-Do list:
1) Visit both families
2) Celebrate our 5 year anniversary
3) Buy a red top and red dress
4) Go for a run on the beach
5) Read five books of my choosing
6) Bike around the Arnold Arboretum
7) Ride the swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens
8) Make curtains for our bedroom
9) Run a 5k
10) Take a sewing, knitting, or crochet class
*image: www.erie.pa.usI'll have to make a reading list as well : )
Monday, May 16, 2011
Secondhand Wonders
For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by secondhand wonders. Every Saturday morning my mom would (and still does) wake up early and hit the yard-sales, furnishing our house, our toys, and our wardrobes with treasures from another person's past. While this was sometimes frustrating as a teenager as the clothes or the accessories are never exactly what one wants, as an adult I am happy that I have been raised to care less about labels and prices and more about saving money for more rewarding things, meeting neighbors, and finding a good deal.
When I moved to JP I knew that there would be a ton of yard-sales around; but as I jumped from room to room in what I considered to be other people's apartment's, I never felt like acquiring many "things" since my housing was only temporary. Now that Simon and I live together my bargain-hunting gene has set its roots. I really enjoy walking around on sunny Saturday mornings to see what sort of gems I find. Below are some of my recent favorites:
This beautiful 70s dress came from the SOWA vintage market in Boston's South End. Other than some buttoned straps which needed to be shortened (easy), it fits like a glove!
The fantastic oven mitt comes from a JP yard-sale and the super-sturdy cutting board from a local thrift store.
Buttons! Lots of them! Another great yard-sale find which my mom bought for me; and they make for pretty decor in the apartment.
Recipes are a kind of secondhand item, right? We obtain them from others who have used them before us. This recipe for rhubarb streusel muffins is another Smitten Kitchen winner. They were SO easy and they taste SO good. I recommend them to everyone.
When I moved to JP I knew that there would be a ton of yard-sales around; but as I jumped from room to room in what I considered to be other people's apartment's, I never felt like acquiring many "things" since my housing was only temporary. Now that Simon and I live together my bargain-hunting gene has set its roots. I really enjoy walking around on sunny Saturday mornings to see what sort of gems I find. Below are some of my recent favorites:
This beautiful 70s dress came from the SOWA vintage market in Boston's South End. Other than some buttoned straps which needed to be shortened (easy), it fits like a glove!
The fantastic oven mitt comes from a JP yard-sale and the super-sturdy cutting board from a local thrift store.
Buttons! Lots of them! Another great yard-sale find which my mom bought for me; and they make for pretty decor in the apartment.
Recipes are a kind of secondhand item, right? We obtain them from others who have used them before us. This recipe for rhubarb streusel muffins is another Smitten Kitchen winner. They were SO easy and they taste SO good. I recommend them to everyone.
Monday, May 9, 2011
My heart belongs to you, Jamaica Plain
There are many things I love about living in Jamaica Plain...
the outdoor dining...
the flower sales at the MSPCA...
the crafts, and the hipsters on bikes...
the ladies on stilts?!?
What??
I was walking around town this past Saturday and you can guess my surprise when I came across...
Spontaneous Celebrations! It's the Annual Jamaica Plain "Wake Up the Earth Festival"!! Technically the festival proper took place at the Stony Brook T station, too far of a walk for me, but I did catch the parade!
In addition to tall people in silly pants, the parade included the above teptraptych of Picasso's "La Guernica" - a painting which I just saw in person while in Spain!
City Feed's group featured rabbits on bikes...I'm not quite sure why, there were posters about it that I didn't bother to reader because I was too distracted by this AMAZING bunny riding a pretty fixed gear. S/he had friends on both sides to make sure s/he stayed on course.
No parade would be complete without a mariachi band.
And, of course the entire parade was led by local elementary school students.
Adorable.
Of course things like this don't happen every day in JP, but my love for this Boston neighborhood grew even more when my otherwise boring Saturday became one of sun, music, and happy people.
the outdoor dining...
the flower sales at the MSPCA...
the crafts, and the hipsters on bikes...
the ladies on stilts?!?
What??
I was walking around town this past Saturday and you can guess my surprise when I came across...
Spontaneous Celebrations! It's the Annual Jamaica Plain "Wake Up the Earth Festival"!! Technically the festival proper took place at the Stony Brook T station, too far of a walk for me, but I did catch the parade!
In addition to tall people in silly pants, the parade included the above teptraptych of Picasso's "La Guernica" - a painting which I just saw in person while in Spain!
City Feed's group featured rabbits on bikes...I'm not quite sure why, there were posters about it that I didn't bother to reader because I was too distracted by this AMAZING bunny riding a pretty fixed gear. S/he had friends on both sides to make sure s/he stayed on course.
No parade would be complete without a mariachi band.
And, of course the entire parade was led by local elementary school students.
Adorable.
Of course things like this don't happen every day in JP, but my love for this Boston neighborhood grew even more when my otherwise boring Saturday became one of sun, music, and happy people.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011!
New Year's Resolutions:
1) take better care of my teeth - I know this one is no fun, but it is something I really need to focus on and has to be a top priority
2) run a half marathon - already on my way! here I come Disney Princess Half Marathon!
3) cook dinner from scratch at least once a week AND bring my lunch to work at least twice a week
4) spend some real time crafting instead of planning projects and never starting them
5) dress more like an adult and less like a student - while I love jeans and sweatshirts, I'm 24 and it's about time I wear real clothes more often (this also involves fewer days with my hair in a ponytail).
1) take better care of my teeth - I know this one is no fun, but it is something I really need to focus on and has to be a top priority
2) run a half marathon - already on my way! here I come Disney Princess Half Marathon!
3) cook dinner from scratch at least once a week AND bring my lunch to work at least twice a week
4) spend some real time crafting instead of planning projects and never starting them
5) dress more like an adult and less like a student - while I love jeans and sweatshirts, I'm 24 and it's about time I wear real clothes more often (this also involves fewer days with my hair in a ponytail).
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