Trickery

This is a trick not a treat..


Breakfast? Yup. Half a Sweet Potato topped with PB and a side of SIX Egg Whites. Definitely not as cute as a breakfast cookie.

With Halloween right around something like this would happen. Since the Condo Castle was filled with nothing but green Bananas Wednesday night I decided NOT to make a breakfast cookie. I figured that come morning I'd just whip something up like Oatmeal with Protein Powder and Peanut Butter. This is funny since every other time I've tried this combination I've thrown it in the garbage. Protein Powder and Oatmeal just does not taste good to me. However, like with most things I decided to give it another chance (i'm forgiving like that). And just like the Friday the 13th franchise, it disappointed again. SO in honor of Halloween (and because it's one of the things i'm currently obsessed with) I had an ORANGE sweet Potato.

When I think of Halloween I think of my Sister and I. Growing up my Dad would take us trick or treating around the neighborhood in my Mom's home-made-looks-nothing-like-what-your-supposed-to-be costumes. Once our pillow cases were full we'd venture back home, dump it all on the floor and then proceed to jump around like we'd just eaten a candy corn laced with Ecstasy. It was from this point on where my Halloween experience and my Sister's differed. My Sister and I did not see eye to eye when it came to the treatment of candy.

My Sister was a hoarder and would save all her candy until it neared, if not passed, its expiry date. I on the other hand, would eat mine as fast as I could. First the chocolate, then the chips, then the gummy candies and lastly I’d choke down the raisins (while secretely thinking who the fudge gave me raisins). Those houses should have signs, “don’t waste your time. Keep going.” I ate my stash as if at any given moment someone might walk in and take it all away.

Now here’s the part when this really came back and bit me in the butt. I’d be completely finished all my candy and there would be my sister, in her room 2 steps away, with a boat load of the good stuff. I could practically smell the unopened Reeses peanut butter cups from my bed. Many wasted hours were devoted to the plotting of a raid that never happened. That candy might as well have been locked away in a maximum security prison cell.

Lunch

I know I said I wasn't going to have any more Amy's burrito's BUT I had a doctor's appointment over lunch SO...



My Man brought this back for me. Once I was finished it I decided to reconsider that "no more Amy's burrito" statement. I knew that hearing a few good things about the company would be all I'd need to justify eating them everyday. SO for the very first typed, www.amyskitchen.com, into that bar at the top of my windows internet explorer (WHAT is that called?). Here's what I learned...

First of all Amy's hot..

Second of all, it was actually her parents who founded the company...

There veggies come from...

Amy’s is fortunate to be nestled into one of the world’s premier growing regions for many crops. Over fifty percent of our vegetables are grown within 200 miles of our “kitchen”. Author John Steinbeck wrote romantically about farming life in the Salinas Valley and the great San Joaquin Valley. These are the “gardens” that produce many of the organic vegetables you enjoy in Amy’s products.

This next blurb really sold me..

The sauces perfected, the fillings just right, we begin the fun of the real handwork. Each burrito is hand rolled, each pizza crust hand stretched and topped, and broccoli is hand placed in the pot pies. Hands sprinkle cheese and herbs on the enchiladas and just the right amount of noodles are placed in each can of the Minestrone. We are cooking for you in the same way you would cook for yourself. From choosing the very best ingredients, to baking pastry to perfection, every detail is given full attention.

We like to think of you as a guest in our home and we appreciate you looking to Amy’s when you want all the goodness of a home cooked meal.

And I appreciate YOU.

On the way home from work I snacked on this Banana.



While driving my Man forgot to turn where he was supposed to and it ended up taking us 40 minutes to get home. If he didn't get mad at me everytime I warned him of another car, asked him a driving related question, had a look of panic on my face, or directed him in anyway, I would have told him to turn. Too bad, gotta look out for myself.

Suppa


Miracle Noodles heated up with 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast, Garlic Powder and Salt on a bed of steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower. Topped it off with some Seitan.

I spent the rest of the night grocery shopping, bathing Chewbaca aka Bailey, reading magazines, doing Pilates 10 minute butt and some light arm weights while watching Access Hollywood.

Before bed I had 3 CUPS of goodness...


2 Cups of Puffins with 1 Cup of unsweetened Almond Milk sweetened with Stevia.

Then I woke up at 11:00 because I forgot some clothes (aka my outfit for today) in the washer. On way to the basement I made a pit stop in the kitchen and had some of these dipped/scraping the surface of the Earth Balance Butter (mmm hmmm). Can't lie.

Shampoo and Shovels

So I had plans of waking up yesterday morning and making my way to the gym. However, my phone aka my alarm died at some point throughout the night and forced me to wake up on my own. Actually, I woke up to my Man's phone aka alarm which wasn't until 10 after 7:00. Since I obviously couldn't squeeze in a workout in 10 (although that would be MY ideal length of workout time), I opted for 10 more minutes of sleep. You know why I could sleep in for an extra 10 minutes? Because I have dry shampoo, that's why.

T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo for Light Hair

Kim brought it back for me and it is to DIE for. Okay, well maybe that's a little extreme, but i'd definitely hurt myself for it. I ordered THREE more bottles of it yesterday. Since I was ordering off Sephora, I couldn't help myself and decided to toss in some Nars blush in orgasm. It barely made a dint in my total. What's an extra 24 on 70? Nothing, that's what.

The only downside is that when I spray this stuff in my small miniature condo castle bathroom it sets off my asthma and makes my contacts blurry. I don't care though. Much like the Brazilian Blow i'm sure this isn't GOOD for you. Speaking of which, I'd like to say I was shocked when I found out that the brazilian solution contains 12% formaldehyde but the burning sensation in my nose and eyes begged a few questions inside my head like, "why are my nose and eyes burning?"

ANYWAY, let's get down to business...

Breakfast Cookie



I made this cookie with a greenish Banana. Do not make your cookie with a greenish Banana. This cookie had no taste. Tragic.

I forgot to take my camera home for lunch which WOULD happen on the one day I have something different. This picture is similar but not the same...


What I ACTUALLY had was TWO eggs over cubed and steamed butternut squash & Broccoli. It was so good because the egg yolks act as sauce. Yum.

After work I wanted to do nothing more than to go home, curl up by the fire and drink hot chocolate. Since I don't have a fire place I figured this wasn't the smartest idea. I didn't have hot chocolate either. I settled for watching the news with my Man instead. I really hate the local news. It's never very interesting and most the reporters blink too much.

Suppa Time

Hers

Okay, starting today NO more Amy's Burritos for me. This is becoming a problem.

His

I got really fancy with this meal. The bottom of this bowl is brown rice, topped with vegetable stir-fry and ground chicken.

Stir-Fry Sauce

- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Clove crushed Garlic
- 2 Tsp Peanut Oil
- 1 Tbsp Burgundy (or red) Cooking Wine
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

This supper was waiting for my Man when he got home from the gym. Before I started dating my Man i'd have been the first person to tell you that I would NEVER cook for a guy. EVER. I probably would have countered that statement with, "he can cook for ME, thanks. Girl POWER!" I'm not sure what happened. I feel like i've been tricked.

Anyway, while he was enjoying this meal I was trying to find the shovel in the heaping pile of snow that was our mini backyard. Since I'm the one with boots I somehow became the shovel hunter. Once I found it I figured the hell with it and went to town. I cleared away a path and a small bathroom for Bailey. At some point during my snow removal I looked up to see my Man with my Camera. He was trying to take a picture. When I went back inside he informed that my riding boots, paired with my PINK sweat pants, disheveled hair, plumbers butt and blue thong would have made the perfect picture. I could even "post it on" my blog, he said. Luckily, my memory card was full.

Suppa Dessert



I spent the rest of the night reading my Lauren Conrad book (the name is escaping me) and watching 90210. I called it at night at 10:00 o'clock but my Man didn't make it to bed until 11:30. When he woke up I figured it was a good time for a big bowl of PUFFINS with unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, which I then sweetened with Vanilla Stevia. Puffins make me happy.



I slept through the rest of night. Must have been the shoveling.

White Out

It was so cold and blizzardy here yesterday (/today). It literally took us one hour, three close calls and a few swear words to get home from work last night. The roads were icy, the wind was blowing and everyone in the city forgot how to drive. Typical for the first snow fall in the city. The weather continued to get worse as the night went on. I think it's safe to say that if there were any drunk drivers out last night they got caught.

Breakfast



Lunch


Miracle Noodles heated on the stove with 2 Tbsp of Nutritional Yeast, Garlic Powder and Salt. Topped with steamed Broccoli and Seitan.

Lunch Dessert



Since my Man and I followed my Dad the whole way home from work, we decided to follow him right to his house and go swimming/hot tubbing. I hadn't worked out yet so I figured it would be a good way to get some exercise in. My Man swam laps while I alternated between the dog paddle and treading water. Did you know I was so advanced in my swimming skills that I skipped a color in swimming lessons? It's true.

Suppa


Does this picture even need an explanation? If you have not yet purchased these burrito's, you're are nuts.

Suppa Dessert


Apparently taking a picture is a lot of work so instead I opted to recycle this one. And if you haven't noticed the above picture has been recycled on more than one occasion as well (like everyday).

Once we finished getting supper ready/heating it up, we headed upstairs to watch Hawaii 5-0. Swimming and blizzards must take a lot out of a person since my Man fell asleep before 9 o'clock while still wearing his jeans, work shirt and toque. I mean work shirt and jeans I can see, but toque? You've got to be dead tired (and hot) to keep that on all night. I can't even sleep in socks..

Unnecessary Bedtime Snack...



Did you hear about Bin Laden threatening France over the Afghan war? I thought Bin Laden was dead.

Let it Snow

I'd like to attribute/blame yesterday's carb-fest on my body responding to the cold front that was coming in. See above picture. However, I'll also acknowledge the fact that it's really the only food group I ever care to eat. Also, please note my on the line park job. I always had trouble coloring inside the lines too.

Carb Cookie


(1/3 Cup Oatmeal, 1 Tbsp Almond Butter, 1/2 Smashed Banana, Cinnamon, 3 Tbsp Almond Milk)

Carb Burrito


(on weeeeeds)

Carb Kashi Ranch Crackers


(by themselves because they're independent like that)

Carb Corn Puffs



Carb Corn Puffs in aa Almost Empty Peanut Butter Jar


(with unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk and Stevia)

Carb Sesame Salted Rice Cakes


(3 with Earth Balance)

Somewhere in there I veered off this trail of carbs and hit the gym for an elliptical TMZ session, Triceps and Biceps. I also watched Gossip Girl and an Episode of Vampire Diaries. Oh and I worked too. Look at that, I almost forgot where I spent an entire EIGHT hours of my time.

Now I'm going to suggest a couple of words/sentences for you to type into an internet search engine. "Internet search engine" sounds so smart. I was going to say Google or MSN but I didn't want to limit your options. Anyway, here they are. Type'em in and read the articles.

1) Drunkorexia - The only thing funny about this one is the name. It's a scary. I remember back in college/university opting for booze over supper. These two things are NOT exchangable. Now I eat a big meal before drinking and i'm a much better drunk if do I say so myself. Anyway, just trying to keep you up to date on the slang.

2) Rachel Uchitel Carousel of Hope - I think Carousel and Rachel Uchitel go together but for different reasons then you'll read about. Much like a Carousel everyone gets a ride, but preferably married celebrities.

3) Why Can’t Middle-Aged Women Have Long Hair? - I like this article. I'm going to have long hair FOR SURE.

Another Monday

SO Friday night was date night and just like I had mentioned my Man and I went to the Social Network. I give this movie two peanut butter covered thumbs up. It was so interesting to watch how Facebook came about. I think it was especially interesting to watch a movie about something that's happened while we've been alive. I still love Pearl Harbor and the Titanic though.



As for the Popcorn I went with PEANUT BUTTER Popcorn (I didn't get a chance to look at the really good suggestions until AFTER the movie). I melted a Tbsp of Earth Balance with a Tbsp of Peanut Butter and drizzled it all over.



After my Man busted out his Popcorn and people turned around to stare we came to the conclusion that the brown paper bags are louder than the Movie Theatre bags.

Other things worth noting (or not)...

I bought this bag of Stacy's chips on Friday. This morning there are barely any left. I am the only one who eats them. Damn it.



Some of this action too place with a side of Real Housewives of Atlanta..



Saturday afternoon before my Man's hockey we made some healthy all natural energy bars. I like dividing up all my ingredients ahead of time. It makes me feel like the star of my own cooking show.. that no one watches..



This recipe is adapted from the Thrive Diet book, and by adapted I mean it's exactly the same only we didn't have Almonds or Hemp flour so we used Walnuts and Spelt.

Cinnamon Apple Energy Bars

- 1 Cup of Dates
- 1 cored Apple
- 2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 Cup of Walnuts
- 1/4 Cup of ground Flax Seed
- 1/4 Cup of Spelt Flour
- 1/2 Cup of cooked Quinoa

Toss all ingredients into the food processor, process, dump into a pan, flatten and cut into 12 bars. We decided to just leave the mixture in the pan without dividing into 12. In the condo castle we're more of a cut and go couple than a cut, package and store appropriately. I forgot to take a picture of them done so just use your imagination.

Sunday I worked a bridal show with a few girlfriends. Lex (and her partner Cass) just launched their event and wedding planning business here in Regina. They had a booth set up at the Bridal Expo so we spent the day handing out brochures and cupcakes.



I told one bride that if there was anything she wanted at her wedding, anything at all, we'd be able to find it. That being said, anyone know where we can find a mechanical bull? You're welcome Lex.

Anyway, in all seriousness if you're in Regina and need some help with an event or your WEDDING (so fun) check out their website http://oldnewborrowedblue.ca/. Its only been 10 months and I still do not know how to make that a link. Embarrassed? Should be.

Well I'm off to cut this cake. It's one of the technicians birthdays so we're getting everyone high on sugar this morning.

Jersaaay Shore

Hey hey party people! It's friiiiiday. That means we're so CLOSE to escaping the specific "jobs" that someone (or in some cases, our parents) hired us to do. FREEDOM from WAGE SLAVERY.



How awesome are my new plates?



Crazy awesome is the answer.

My late visa finally came in the mail yesterday and it took everything in my power NOT to jump on shopbop.com and order a few/a lot of things in celebration. I bet that was banks secret plan all along. Make people wait long enough for their new visa so by the time they actually get it they want to USE it on everything. Or maybe that's just me.

Lunch

Still employing Amy part-time in the condo castle..



There once was a dog who lived in a shoe..



Bailey's special.

Supper


This definitely takes the cake as the ugliest meals i've had so far. That omelet is so ugly I debated actually posting this picture. If you don't come back after today I'll understand. On this fugly plate is half a Sweet Potato with Peanut Butter, some Asparagus annnnd 6 Eggwhites covered in Tumeric (cause it's good for you), Cumin and Salt. Apparently yellow and brown makes red.

I spent an hour reading mah BOOK


And by reading I mean STILL deciphering who's who..

Then I had a bath.. THEN my Man got home from the gym and it was time to watch the season finale of the Jersey Shore. Did you hear that The Situation is coming out with a book? A guide to creeping on chicks, avoiding grenades and getting in your STD, I mean, GTL on the Jersey Shore. After striking out on the last few episodes of the shore he's now resorted to mind fudging. Everytime I watch the Jersey Shore and see him holding his T-shirt up, all I can think is that he should then pull it up over his FACE. Jersey himself from the front no pun intended. Forget grenades and butterfaces, HE'S a butthis face. The Paperbag Prince of Jersey Shore.

Three of these were consumed with Earth Balance before bed..



Energy to sleep.

Tonight my Man and I are going to see the Social Network and I can't WAIT. Date Night!! We're also going to sneak his and her popcorns into the theatre. I haven't had popcorn since that one time I tried to put Almond Butter and Syrup on it. What should I put on my Popcorn? Or is butter the only thing that belongs? I do love butter.. Thoughts?

Lucky Number 4

"Many of the problems we have in our life are created first in our mind. Think healthy thoughts & problems lose their charge."

I like that quote. I don't who said it but I like it. I create problems likes James Cameron creates newer better Avatars, so basically on a daily basis. I'm going to make an effort to think healthier happier thoughts. Think about it this way, if you think you're the best looking person in the room then you're the best looking person in the room. Although 99% percent of the room might disagree you're still the winner in your head.

Same goes with Fashion. If you think it looks good it look good (in your head). Lauren Conrad might not like it though..



K let's get to business. Yesterday morning I woke up 6:00 again and hit the gym. Two for two folks, write that down. I did 1/2 hour on the elliptical followed by shoulders.

Followed by THIS..


You know the drill. 1/3 Cup Oats, 1 Tbsp Almond Butter, 1/2 Smashed Banana, Cinnamon, Tsp Maca Powder and 2 Tbsp Almond Milk.

Work was work was work. Then Lunch rolled around.


This lunch was average at best, but I take full responsibility seeing as how it's basically two ingredients. TVP and Squash. Do you know how much salt needs to be added to THIS to make it taste like something? A lot.

When I got back to work I had a strong craving for a non-cleanse worthy diet pop (probably because lunch was so lame). I needed one like Charley Sheen needs sex. You know what they say, treat yourself don't cheat yourself. At least that's probably what he says. SO I had one and it was good.

Mid-Afternoon I decided to listen to music while entering bills and receiving payments. It should be noted that the ratio between the accounting program's sound volume and that of youtube is like 10-1. As in the accounting program is 10 times louder than youtube videos. Anyway, everytime I finish entering a bill I click, "close and done" which is then followed by a beep. In this particular instance the beep was so loud it hurt my ears. I didn't want to take my headphones out and stop listening to music so instead I started clicking, "close and new" while bracing myself for the pain. Who said I don't make Sacrifices?

Have you seen Will Smith's son's, I mean daughter's, music video yet? I whip my hair back and fourth pretty much sums it up.



I'm going to make a music video. I will call it, I shake my butt side to side.

Supper

His


Tuna Melt - Ezekiel English Muffin topped with Tuna and Daiya Cheese. (I had a bite and it was GOOD)

Hers


Tuna on Weeds with a side of Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter.

My Man and I spent the evening watching The Defenders. We let a few of them pile up on Tivo so we had a mini marathon. Okay, it was more like a sprint. There were only two episodes.

Throughout the night I had 4 of these with Earth Balance Butter..


I'm not sure when I decided that 4 Rice cakes was an acceptable quantity, but apparently I did.

Bonuses

So you’ll never believe what happened yesterday morning. Okay, you will. I woke up at 6:00 and hit the gym BEFORE work. I did 20 minutes of intervals on the treadmill (2 minutes walking, 2 running, etc..) followed by some biceps and triceps. I deserved a reward, like…

A Cookie



Throughout the morning I continued to sell my labour to my parents and they continued to buy it one hour at a time.

Lunch

Amy's Burrito on Weeds



From work I went straight to Walmart to get more Peanut Butter and Raw Almond Butter because God forbid I ever run out. If I were smart I would let it run out so I stopped eating it straight from the jar, but as per usual fun wins out over intelligence. That statement also sums up my University career. Class? No, let’s go for beer in the campus bar instead. Do you like beer? No, but it sounds good and looks cool.

From Walmart I went to Superstore for broccoli and Salmon. A mature grownup might make a grocery list, meal plan a little and do all their shopping on a Sunday so they’re set for the week. I on the other hand, would rather go to the grocery store every day for one or two things. As I was walking back to my car, salmon and broccoli in one hand, keys in the other, I pressed the unlock button. It just so happened that as I pressed mine the man walking ahead of me pressed his. Sure enough he looked at my car in astonishment as if he had just magically unlocked it with his keys. Yes sir, YOUR keyless entry just unlocked MY car. Why stop here? Let’s try more cars; you must have the universal keyless entry.

When I got home and went to put the Peanut Butter away I realized that I actually still had an unopened jar (and a few almost empty’s). It was at this very moment, when I was unloading my 2 new jars of Peanut Butter and 2 new Jars of Almond butter into the “nut butter cupboard” that I felt a sense of gluttony. If a hurricane or tidal wave should ever make its way over 3 dry oceanless provinces and trap me in the Condo Castle for a month, I will be fine. I have nut butters.

I also failed to mention I picked up a few extra’s at both places..

Walmart Bonuses



After learning about what goes into most makeup brands I decided to pick up some Burts Bee's cleanser and face serum. Someone better not come forward now, after I spent 40 dollars of these two bottles, and tell me about the harsh treatment of bee's. Burt should consider adding, "no bee's were abused in the making of this product" to the back of the box. Perhaps he could also write, "In exchange of the bee's royal jelly we supplied them with a first class bee hive and health benefits."



Superstore Bonus



Supper Time

Just like I promised, here is the a replica of my unpictured lunch from the day before..


Steamed Broccoli as the base.


Topped with Miracle Noodles and a block of Tempeh. I tossed the noodles and the Tempeh into a pot on low and mixed in 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast and free handed some Garlic Powder and Salt. SO good.

I made this mornings cookie after supper and decided to try adding protein powder. Since I only wanted to add half a serving I pulled out that nifty scale I borrowed (which i'm sure they want back by now) from work. Since I was already weighing things out I figured why not weigh my oatmeal and see how close to the actual "serving" size it is. I learned three things during all of this. One, protein powder in my cookie is gross so I had to start over. Two, 40 grams of Oatmeal is actual 1/3 a cup not 1/2 of a cup like I thought. And three, I'm eating a full serving and 1/4 in my cookie everyday. My oatmeal is fat. I glanced over at my Almond Butter and immediately shut that down, I do NOT want to know. Turns out the scale sucks in the bathroom and the kitchen.

Before calling it a night I had a Tbsp (at least) of Almond Butter and about 2 cups of these...



I dipped them in Earth Balance (by dip I mean scrapped the top of the earth balance with each individual corn puff). You can’t judge until you’ve tried it. It tasted like popcorn. You would eat it too.