Monday, April 30, 2012

Day 12 : Pictures of your hometown

Rochester,NY is the only placed I have ever lived.  What can I say , I am a creature of habit, and afraid of change.  Beyond that, Rochester has so much to offer and such a rich history.  I pulled these pics off of google images, because my photography skills could not do it justice.  Just a few things in Rochester I find beautiful:
We love our festivals

We are known for Kodak, Bausch and Lomb and Xerox,Wegmans (some heavy hitters there) Rochester is the burial grounds for Susan B Anthony and Fredrick Douglass.  Rochester was one of the the first boom cities.  Frenchs Mustard, Garbage Plates, and Film are claims to fame.  Philip Seymour Hoffman and Taye Diggs went to school here.  Our Rose Garden is the second largest in the country.Our Public Market was rated #1 in all the US...even beating out Pikes Place Market.  

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Day 11: What is In My Cosmetic Case

This one makes me laugh..probably a 10 year old mascara, a busted up lipstick the kids used for Halloween and some Q-Tips.  I don't wear makeup. I am not even sure how to truly apply eyeliner.  My big dressing up consists of maybe a swipe of mascara and some chap stick.  In fact when Nancy and I were on our last wine tour trip..I leaned in slightly tipsy , admired her eye make up and proudly declared that I had a little concealer on.  I have never been in the makeup stage..other than a few attempts in jr high with the dreaded blue eyeshadow.  I went through a punk stage..and tried the whole eyeliner an inch below my lid..and really the best it looked was the next morning when I forgot to take it off and it finally got that smudged look.  I do LOVE nail polish though..on my bitten down fingernails and I ALWAYS have toe polish on..

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Day 10: A picture of My Favorite Place to Eat

This was hard for me. I have many many favorite places, and I am mood eater.  I never pick one place to go. I love Los Gallos for Mexican, Aladins, for Greek, Sticky Lips for BBQ, The Peppermill for diner fair, Keenans for slightly fancier fair. I have favorite restaurants all over the country as well. I guess when I think of a nice night out with Randy we often end up at Aja Noodle Co. It is delicious, the portions are HUGE, and we can eat for under $30 including drinks.  Also, this is a place the kids do not really like, so it has an adult feel to it. I usually get the Thai Basil noodle bowl and we split the appetizer sampler.  They have a great Riesling as well which pairs well with the spicy noodles. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Day 9: The last Thing I Purchased

I have given up coffee...and it is a hard thing to do.  I did sneak in a home cup on Monday when it was cold and there was SNOW outside.  I didn't like it though..I measured out my creamer to fit in my daily points...and took a sip..and BLECH it tasted like coffee. My mom told m e that I can drink tea straight because I actually like tea and that I need 1/2 c of creamer because I really like creamer and not coffee.  She may have been on to something.  I have never put sugar in tea, hot or iced (well when I was little I probably did).  I am just starting to like the green teas.  It is a little different flavor but MAN the choices are fantastic.  Such exotic blends. 
This morning I have a little cold/allergy issue happening so I made a cup of the orange, passionfriut and jasmine..It is steaming next to me.  Haven't sipped yet but from what I can smell it is delicious.  I use the White Mangosteen and Peach in my iced tea blended with Stash Black Tea Peach flavored. THE Passionfruit and coconut sounds like dessert to me. 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Weight Watcher Color of the Week

 This week I lost 2 pounds. It doesn't seem like much until you put 8 sticks of butter on the counter..two pounds. I normally"rewarded" myself with a grande, non-fat caramel macchiato..yup I went non-fat...and 4 bazillion calories to boot! Now I am trying something different.  Since I gave up coffee, mainly because I love creamer more than coffee, and because rewarding myself with calories is a no-no, I am buying a fun shade of nail polish each week I lose..I should have a nice color assorment going..and since my nails are super short it takes no time at all to lay on a fresh color. So week one: 2 pounds, bought "on a trip" and it matches the lilacs and irisis about to bloom:)
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Day 8: A song that Describes My Mood

WOW what a crazy ass morning...I went to the market..no problems there (other than a few things not found on the list) but then I decided to go home a different way...I wanted to drive down Rocket St to see if there were any houses for sale..I have ALWAYS wanted to live on Rocket St, because how cool does that sound??  I already live on Electric Avenue so it will be hard to top that in cool factor(remember the Eddie Grant song???) well somehow I ended up all turned around, hopped onto the express, going the opposite way, got off at Browncroft, needed gas despreratly, ended up turning myself around AGAIN....and once I FINALLY made it to the grocery store, I forgot the list in the car and had to go back...like I said crazy....then I ended up wandering, spent more than I had planned on, realized I forgot my water bottle at home, started getting really thirsty...and on it went..SO the fabulus "Circles" by Soul Coughing sums it up best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEFQTY4hjUk

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Day 7: My Dream Wedding

I was married on Sept 13, 1997 to my fabulous husband, Randy..It was a perfect day weather wise...200 guests, a beautiful dress, surrounded by our family and friends...not sure could ask for more than that! I did it without pinterest, a wedding planner or any crazy blogs/internet sites! I didnt fight for my dress, bought it off the racks in my perfect size,didnt have to pay a gazillion dollars.  There are 2 things I would have changed...I would have still had Sue Egan in our wedding party...but I would have found a way for her to do our pictures as well..since I REALLY hate our wedding pics from the "professional" weddign photographer.  I love her casual on the fly pictures she took..and they are the framed ones hanging in our house (which is why I am not scanning them in the computer for this post).  The scond thing I really wanted, and was told not allowed in the Cathedral, was that I wanted to walk down the aisle to "The Rainbow Connection".  Other than that, dream wedding accomplished!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Day 6: A dream Pet

I am not the best at taking care of pets...just ask my husband.  All animal reponsibilites fall to him and the kids.  I figure I am taking care of the humans, he gets the creatures. 
If I DID have to pick a pet I have 2 ..one practical...and one not so much:
An Alpaca...think of the yarn I would have, think of the extra skills I could pick up by learning how to shear an alpaca and spin its wool! I am sure this would only cost a bazillion dollars...and impractical since I would never take care of it....
and REALLY impractical...a sting ray.  I think I would be a much calmer person watching these sting rays glide around the house all day...becuase you know I would want a tricked out tank so it had room to glide and swim in various rooms in the house! However..I bet after intial set up, they wouldn't be that hard to take care of.
This is a picture from Turks/Caicos where we swam with the sting rays and TOUCHED THEM and FED THEM in 2010. super cool memory:)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Day 5: A Picture of me 2 years ago

Thank goodness for Facebook or I wouldn't have a picture of me two years ago! When our computer crashed we had not backed up pictures since 2009! So here is one of my most favorite memories of 2010 (and as close to 2 years exactly I could get ).

This is at our old(new then old) house...and I am with my Nazareth Academy girls after many bottles of wine, about to go out an meet up with other Naz friends.  It was a bittersweet day as our school was closing its doors, 19 years after we graduated.

Teresa, Jenn, Karen, Heather (and Brady and Ryan sneaking in).

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Day 4: A Photo of my Best Friend

Friends, so very very important. In grammer school they were who I turned to share Barbies and accessories with and to giggle over the boys we liked. The Jennifers and Anne kept me in check when I would go off into an absurdly goofy tanget and would end up giggling right aong.

In High School my friends were my WORLD. Loyalties to best friends topped everything. I have tins and tins of notes passed in highschool, a million journal entries written about Heather and Sara and Yvonne. The heartbreak of lost friends in high school have long lasting scars which I am still working out. Having just celebrated my 20th reuinion I was able to heal some of those scars, and reconnected with people who hve known me longer than my husband has.

College friendships evolve, less having to do with the same musical tastes, the same causes to herald, they become more about conversations, shared backgrounds, or course work.  The casual friend comes into play.  My roomate from College, Sue and I are still friends, going through the mommy path together along with our friend Maria. We try to see each other once a month or so for drinks and chatting. Other friends from College days are more of the passing Facebook comments, not that we couldn't have a fabuous time if we planned something, but our lives have spread us all over the world.

So that brings us to Liza.  Liza is my rock and BEST friend.  She may not know every sad story that Heather knows, or has seen me in my most wasted and drunken state, as Sue or have family ties into my world like Anne but she is there , present in my everyday. She pushes me to work out, or not. She listens to me babble about a crochet project for hours or a book I am reading, even if she never plans to read it.  I can call Liza and worry about money/husband/kids/parents/sister knowing our conversation will go no farther.  She is there and strong and stable.  I can call for a 5 sec request for a borrowed pair of shoes and 45 minutes later I know have had a conversation that I laughed during,  but perhps had no long term deepness.  And I am a better person for it.  The is no drama with Liza....which is a good thing for me.  I can dive into friendships, let them consume me, get upset and not ever be able to forgive..and at 38 I need no more of those friendships.  The first person at the top of my invite list is Liza.  I would do anything for any of her 5 kids and I love watching them grow into their persons as much as I love watching my kids. On top this Liza is one of the most fun people I know.  She looks at a bad situation ..like a DOWNPOUR  during our garage sale and she is running in the rain barefoot, 8 months pregnant with Ary, dancing/carrying things/laughing like a fool.  She brings all those 5 kids all over racees the youngest up and down slides in 95 degree weather and smiles through it.  She enjoys her day and all that comes with it and teaches me to as well. 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Day 3: Favorite Store

Favorite store...hmmm this was tricky because I am not a huge shopper..I shop for necessity..grocery store, craft store, Target. I guess Target would win for an actual bricks and mortar store. Have 3 kids means get in and get out...and have a place they can wander safely together while I must go and buy a bra or underwear..which you NEVER should have to do with 3 boys under the age of 13! I can also show a goal of mine...park far away and get some extra steps in.  This is me parking WAY far fromt the door:

I do love shopping on etsy for anything that is above and beyond the daily grind and I have a bazillion favorite shops....too many to list!




Friday, April 20, 2012

Day 2: What I ate today

What I ate today..this is good for me because I LOVE to eat! And now I need to 100% change the way we eat in this house! For breakfast: 100 cal whole grain english muffin with 1 TBS strawberry jelly and 1 tbsp Smart Balance spread along with a serving of ww amaretto cheesecake yogurt..seriously love this yogurt! I eat it for dessert some days it is soo good!!!   Then I went to the Y and started my ease into 5K running program and did some strength training..1 hour of walk/run combo and the weight machienes equals 7 points of extra food points (which I am saving up becuase tomorrow is Randy's birthday and we are celebrating at a hibachi restaurant..so hanging onto those points!) Lunch looks like it willbe a cup of potato leek soup that I made yesterday (3 points..YUMMY) along with a fruit salad ()) and pretzle thins...which are so yummy (3 points).  Dinner looks so spectacular and I am sharing it with you.!
Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Chicken and Blue Cheese
Image of   Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Chicken and Blue Cheese
Weight Watchers Recipe
70 people rated this recipe
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5PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 6
A warm entrée-size salad that’s packed with tasty ingredients. It boasts a delicious, homemade bacon-vinaigrette that’s made right in the pan.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Toss spinach and radicchio in a large serving bowl; set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat; add bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until crispy and browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; let drain.
  • Set same skillet over high heat; add mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring often, until onions begin to brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add vinegar mixture and chicken; cook, stirring, to heat chicken, about 1 minute. Spoon over spinach mixture and toss to wilt lightly; garnish with bacon, apple and blue cheese. Serve warm. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

we are using the ready made bacon crumbles for me and regular for the boys :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Blog A day...Day1

OK this is it, new PC , new weight loss and exercise goal, it is time to get my BLOG ON! I am using one of those cliche blog a day to get myself going!! And I had planned on doing it yesterday as my start...but things got a little so here we go!

Day 1: A Picture of What I did today (yesterday):



I went to my VERY first Weight Watcher meeting.  I am not a group person, unless I pick the group. I want to know exactly who I am talking to and that there is a common ground. Well there was a common ground, in a room full of unknown. I got out of my comfort zone, sucked it up, stood on a scale in front of strangers and listened with an open mind. (PS it was  still a little culty but I am working on that:)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Weight Loss Journey

In the past year I have regained some weight...a lot of weight. 4 years ago I did Weight Watchers at my work p. it was great...standing on a scale in front of coworkers is a hard thing to do and motivating. I was at the YMCA at that point, able to work out every day and let me tell you, if you haven't met Y people, we are a competitive bunch! I lost close to 50 pounds and went from an 18 to an 8 comfortably. The first year I was afraid to put anything sweet into my mouth for fear of slipping back...somewhere I became lax. I am in a 14 and within 10 pounds of. Y highest weight. My knees hurt, my body is lumpy, and I am not as happy as I could be. I sit for a large majority of my day for work...but it is time to switch it up!

I joined Weight Watchers on Friday...the day of my sons party...full of chips, dips, pizza and cake. Said to myself I will still log it all in so I can see how bad it was..and it was bad!! I used up most of my extra week points in one meal! So today is the first day of getting on the right path.

The breakfast meal is a hard one for me to enjoy. It just seems unnatural to wake up and eat...coffee full of flavored creamer and large ice cubes is totally acceptable....but not any longer. I am switching to tea, plain, cold, peach preferably. I dug out my old old notebooks I used last time I Was on WW. This was my go to breakfast:
Over the top Oatmeal
1/2 c old fashioned oatmeal
1 c hot water
Cook in microwave for 3 min
Dash of cinnamon
1/2 chopped apple
1 tbsp craisins
1/2 tbsp sunflower kernels

Yum. This is a HUGE morning meal for me...and usually I paired it with a yogurt to get my calcium in. With the new points the oatmeal is 6 points ...and of course a HUGE glass of water first, and after.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird Book Club Eats

So how do you combine one of my favorite books and a book club hosting menu?? At first I thought well could do the obvious Southern foods..make some pimento and cheese and serve it with crackers, some peach tea ( actually I have that made) , some tea cakes and canapés,. But then I ought down to the layers on the book. One of the best things about this is the nostalgia it brings, the hardship and bite of justice and the sweetness of childhood..so I had my work cut out for me!
Along with white wines from the Finger Lakes and a dry California Merlot, I decided on a hard sharp 5 year Gouda...A down to earth garlicky dip

A

Paula Deens Georgia cracker cookies ( a buttery toffee topped cracker with chocolate

And these sweet and sour oatmeal cookie lemon bars ( nothing says childhood like oatmeal cookies!)

The Sweet Nostalgia

This month my book club gals and I read the classic To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee. I first read this in Ms. Habecker's 9th grade English class. I can still see her one shoe dangeling from her foot and jingling her change softly in her pocket as she read parts of this aloud to 20 14 year old girls. I remember the major plot points from the book from that year, I remember classmates discussing the civil injustice and Amy Schramm reading aloud the line "pork, Pooorkk," with exuberant tones. After this I never thought much about the book, watched Gregory Peck in the movie a few times and then rediscoverd it in a college Lit class. Again, I fell in love with Scout, Jem and Dill and felt sorrowful at Tom Robinson's demise, as well as Boo's solitary nature. I read this book faithfully each year in the summer for a few beach years and then moved onto other books and literary re-reads. Each time I became pregnant the name Scout rang out as a major contender...but as you know I have 3 sons and the name never was used.
Thankfully Teresa in book club picked this as our April selection, the main reason being to revist a classic we had all read...4 book club members also had Ms. Habecker. 25 years later we are tying to find that key to this book.
I wanted to really go back and feel the same sensation as that 9 th grade classroom so I took out of the library the audio version. Sissy Spacek is a fabulous actress and she made these characters come alive. I still enjoyed Scout and Jem and Boo and Dill but a major character made a lasting and first time impression., Atticus Finch. As a parent, so much of what he does in his quiet, unassuming manner could be life lessons. His way of acting in his home as he does upon the street, could be all the parenting handbook we all search for from time to time. He taught his children that a natural education is as important as a structured one. He allowed both children to grown into theirselves with dignity and a chance to speak thier minds. He also had some great advice for just living day to day that resonates in me"before I can live with other folks, I have to live with myself".