Monthly Archives: June 2013
Red Eye #2 & 3
You’d think from my post a few weeks ago that I’d stop taking red eye flights, but no. My friend Georgie was getting married in DC and I had to be there. And, I didn’t want to use vacation time because I’m frugal. So, we took a red eye Friday night and got in Saturday morning. Only to do it again Sunday night.
Believing that comfy clothes are the key to success on these trips, this was my attire. But, I was wrong. I did sleep for much of it, but 5 hours on a plane is not a full night’s sleep, regardless of what you’re wearing.
As a side note, I decided to pick a dress with my leggings knowing that it was going to be in the 80’s when we got in and my body had quickly forgotten what humidity feels like.
Cardigan: Walmart; Dress: Target; Leggings: Target; Shoes: Lands End Canvas
Broccoli Almond Avocado Salad
Part of this whole Insanity Challenge is also eating healthy. I thought I would be proactive on Friday before we flew out on yet another red eye to make a broccoli salad. Now, I’ve eaten cooked broccoli before, but never raw. After making it, which was super easy, I realized that I didn’t love it. And, that it should be more of a side salad than an actual meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1 head broccoli
- 1 avocado
- handful roasted almonds
- Combine mustard, vinegar and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a salad bowl. Season.
- Chop broccoli into tiny trees and toss in the dressing.
- Chop avocado in half and scoop bight sized chunks into the dressing using a spoon.
- Toss salad to distribute the dressing and serve with almonds on top.
The Woman I Hate
Is it creepy that my inspiration for this outfit was a lady at a restaurant that I snuck a picture of? She was really cute and I enjoyed the simplicity of it. But, I hate her. The luncheon was a work one that my coworker brought me as her guest. They did a drawing for a free iPad. This woman drew the name. I didn’t win. She obviously didn’t have any passion for my need for an iPad on the train.
Top: J.Crew; Belt: H&M (this season); Jeans: Mango; Shoes: Nine West
#bestdayever
I normally have a 2.5 hour RT commute a day (bike to the train, take the train to the valley, bike to work; repeat backwards), but today I get to work from home! So, I spent the first extra hour getting 9 hours of solid sleep. As in I didn’t even hear my KISA come home last night, or hear him wake up this morning; I was unconscious. And, I woke up feeling great! This afternoon I’m going to get a manicure for a friend’s wedding this weekend and then a 60 minute foot and full body Chinese massage (that is only $30 here in the city!). Wahoo!!
Gotta run…literally!
Match.com
On May 31, 2011 I met my Knight in Shining Armor through online dating. It was love at first site…when I read his profile on Match.com. I wanted to be with a man that was interesting, cosmopolitan, funny, worldly traveled, and not to mention tall dark and handsome. He fit the bill and I hadn’t even met him yet. I still remember his tagline at the top of his profile: “Is this thing on?” I laughed when I read it and found him to be very clever. He had pictures of himself snowboarding and dancing and mentioned in his profile that he’d lived in Peru and Italy and was new to the city. My knees buckled as I imagined our life together and our adorable, not-yet conceived children.
He was the first person to contact me, through the Daily 5. The Daily 5 sent him a list of the top 5 girls that matched his interests. (I’m still convinced he just stalked the website for new women to prey upon, although he denies this.) My profile must have made a bit of an impression on him because he clicked on the link saying he was interested, which sent me an email…my first one, mind you, saying he was interested.
Since I was already in love with him, I immediately sent him an email in my normal style – lengthy, chatting, and informative. After a series of emails, instant messages, and texts, I could tell I was going to like him and his wit. However, when we went on our first date…it was less than perfect.
To be continued…
Insane?
Monday was a big day for me, health-wise. I have a friend in Boulder that is a personal trainer and nutritionist. She reached out to me to see if I’d be willing to join her 25 day challenge for June.
The 25 day challenge consists of having Shakeology replacement for one of my meals, and then doing a circuit training workout. For some reason she thought Insanity would fit me well. Also on this plan, you are to eat clean, unprocessed foods. Sounds easy enough, right?
Oh, did I mention that I also decided to sign up for the San Francisco Nike Marathon? And, that training also started on Monday. (At first I thought I was crazy to do a full marathon here in SF with the hills, but then I heard you get a Tiffany necklace if you complete it. No. Brainer.)
Needless to say, I’m sleeping really well.
Post workout on Day 2. I’m not gonna lie – I was in just a sports bra and shorts and had all the windows open. And, I still sweat everywhere.
My lunch and snacks for today. Eating clean.
Leopard and Green
You all know how much I love leopard print anything. So, this outfit was a must.
Scarf: J.Crew Factory; Sweater: Lands End Canvas; Tank: Old Navy; Jeans: Mango; Shoes: Lands End Canvas
Chicken and Asparagus with Pesto Sauce
This is becoming one of my favorite, easy, go-to meals. It’s so super simple. I made two minor changes to the original recipe – I cut up the chicken first to make it more bit-sized with the asparagus and so it cooks faster. I also added only half a cup of regular whipping cream to cut down on the calories. And, it still tastes just as delicious!
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound thin asparagus (or 2lbs thick), trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons prepared pesto (found next to your jarred spaghetti sauces)
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
- Season evenly with salt & pepper
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown
- Remove chicken from skillet, set aside & keep warm
- Add asparagus to skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until just tender (a little longer if you’re having to use thick asparagus)
- Add cream, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until reduced by half
- Stir in pesto
- Return chicken to skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes longer, or until heated through. Serve immediately
Purple People Eater
I’m digging this purple blazer as I try to convince myself that I don’t need more colored blazers. This was my outfit for yesterday. No inspiration – I really need to look up outfits instead of wedding plans.
Jacket: Loft Factory (this season); Top: Gap; Belt: J.Crew Factory; Jeans: Levi’s; Shoes: Lands End Canvas
FarmGirlHipster 