Golden Delicious................BEETS!

I don't know about you but I LOVE me some beets! After the farmer's market a few weekends ago I was taught how to make some delicious golden beets by none other than Elyanah Pinchas!

Let me share:

First look at this mom and daughter duo!  Both know their way around a kitchen, let me tell you!

Here's what you'll need:

(You'll need about 2 bunches of golden beets).

First you are going to cut off the tops and bottoms of the beets.

Next put them in a big pot and cover with water.

Bring to a boil, once boiled simmer for 40 minutes, until fork tender.

Drain and allow to cool.  Just look at that little cute momma to be!  So happy for her and Bobby! 

While beets cool boil a cup of water, cup of vinegar, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper and a pinch of sugar.  Bring to a boil and let cool.

Once the beets are cool enough to touch peel them.  You can easily peel them with your fingers.

Cut out any spots that don't look good.

(see that black spot, that is what you are cutting out).

Once you have removed all of the spots that don't look good you will cut the beets in cubes or slices.  

And finally the last step.  Pour the vinegar mixture over the beets and give a little stir so vinegar gets all over the beets.

Voila!!  Delicious golden beets.  I've really been enjoying these over my salads!  Being the only one who will eat beets in my house I'm glad these can last 3-4 weeks! 

 Thanks again for the lesson ladies!  

The Truth About Love

What a great weekend! Friday night we spent the night at our friends Hila and Bobby's house.  We had a great Italian dinner and FABULOUS wine! First Hila helped her mom figure out her new IPhone!  Here she is downloading her first app, facebook of course!  Very exciting!

I made dessert for us all,  Individual Lemon Meringue Pies.  So good and so simple!    

One box of vanilla pudding (sugar free but NOT instant)
One box of lemon jello (sugar free)
Individual graham cracker crusts
2 cups of water
Bring vanilla pudding and two cups of water to a boil, once it thickens add jello and stir.  Pour into individual pie crusts and refrigerate until set.  Done and done.

We woke up early and headed to the Farmers Market and WOW was it cold.  Here we are all bundled up!

The goal of the Farmers Market was beets.  Not just any beets but golden beets (pictured above).  We found some, walked around a little more and then headed home.  I learned how to make pickled golden beets, stay tuned for how to make in a future post.  Let me tell you, they are SO GOOD and I've been enjoying them in my salads this week!

After the Farmers Market Hila and Elyanah whipped up a killer breakfast for us!  YUM!  

Sunday night my mom took my sister and me to see this girl!

PINK!!!!!!

We started off having dinner at Proof in D.C. which was recommended by Hila and Bobby and was really good!  I always go to them for a good dinner recommendation.  The fact that it was within walking distance of the concert was a bonus. 

We started off with drinks and a cheese plate, don't ask me the cheese because 1: The Server picked our cheese and 2: It was so good we ate it quickly!  I almost forgot to get a picture of what was left.

We then split the Sautéed Block Island Swordfish “Tonnato" 

tuna-caper sauce, celery , green apple, crispy capers and the Butter Crunch Lettuce with Avocado, Grapefruit & Valencia Orange 

balsamic dressing, crispy quinoa

Then to entrees.  

I had the Five Spice Roasted Long Island Duck Breast 

fresh rice noodles, red scallions, roasted chili paste, baby spinach, holy basil

Mom had: Grilled Flat Iron Steak with King Trumpet Mushrooms 

cippolini onions, roasted fingerlings, bordelaise sauce

And Hilary had: Pan Seared Maine Day Boat Scallops 

creamy cauliflower purée, beet emulsion, baby chard, toasted hazelnuts

 Of course we had to get dessert!  We all split the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, vanilla ice cream, almonds, toffee (my favorite), Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, gianduja gelato, espresso sauce and the Grilled Banana, banana bread, peanut brittle, coconut sorbet.

I love going to dinner with my mom and sister because we all like to try new things and share!  Great recommendation once again!

Then it was off to the concert!!!

Not gonna lie, I kind of want to BE Pink after seeing her in concert.  She kicked ass and rocked the whole show!  Even flying through the air in 4" stilettos singing So What!  She doesn't just sing she entertains and engages her audience.  Love her more than I already did!

What a great night with my mom and sister!  

How Will I Know

If he really loves me?!  There is nothing like running to old school Whitney Houston, may she rest in peace!

Did my 3 miles of the day and now I wanted to quickly share my lunch because it is that good!

4 oz. Trader Joe's Rosemary Balsamic Chicken (already cooked, just re-heat): 3 points
One and a half pita pockets: 3 points
2 tablespoons of Trader Joe's cucumber tzatziki dip (this stuff is amazing): 1 point
shredded green cabbage: 0 points
1/2 oz goat cheese: 1 point
Pear: 0 points


Total for lunch: 8 points.

What A Simple Run Can Do!

I came into work this morning in a foul mood for no apparent reason.  And then this happened.  I put these bad boys on and hit the treadmill today at lunch.

It's AMAZING what it did for my mood.  Not mention Michael Jackson's Beat It came on towards the end of my run.  Nothing like a little M.J. to pump up the speed!  And then it hit me, I didn't run ONCE this weekend.  Had I I'm sure my mood this morning wouldn't have been so foul.  It really is amazing what a good run can do for your spirits.  I wasn't beating myself up (well not too bad) for skipping the run this weekend, it happens.  I'll just remember in the future how it really does make a good start to my week and weekend.

What a great weekend it was though.  Had a great girls night Friday night with a little wine, sushi, p.j.'s and a movie.  I don't really have to say much about the sushi, I think the picture does it justice!

Saturday night Jason and I had a day date which was lovely!  My dad took Tyler for the day and night which was a nice little break for us!

We went to the movies and saw About Time.  OH MY GOSH WAS IT GOOD!  This is our "What??!" "The movies, and we're not seeing a Disney movie" face.

 

After the movies we met a few of his co-workers for dinner which was really fun! Then we headed out for one more drink and then headed home where we had a WII bowling challenge.   Sunday was a total lazy day.  I should have ran, but again I didn't.  Shame on me.  Why oh why do the weekends have to always fly by so quickly? I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!  Before we know it Christmas will be here!  Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

P.S. I got my chambray shirts I ordered, I can't wait to try them on!

Countdown to the Weekend.

Not much to report today.  I was down .4 at WW last night.  Of course I would have liked to see a bigger number, but hey a loss is a loss!  As Hila told me, that's close to two sticks of butter off my bod! Looking forward to this weekend, having a girls night with my mom, aunt, sister and cousin complete with sushi, wine and movies.  If you have never been to Kumo in Kingstowne I strongly suggest it.  It is AMAZING.  My favorite sushi place by far! Tyler is spending Saturday and Saturday night with my dad "Tyler/Grandpa day" so Jason and I get to go on a date!  I'm meeting his co-workers for the first time, so that should be fun!  I need to make sure to get in a run this weekend. 

I want to share my two point taco.  I had two of them and a salad at lunch for a total of 5 points!  Need to save my points for sushi tonight!  On the taco I have chicken, lettuce, tomato, salsa and fat free plain greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream, and two tablespoons is 0 points!  Delish!  I also have a side of fruit for later as a snack.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Countdown to the Weekend

Not much to report today.  I was down .4 at WW last night.  Of course I would have liked to see a bigger number, but hey a loss is a loss!  As Hila told me, that's close to two sticks of butter off my bod! Looking forward to this weekend, having a girls night with my mom, aunt, sister and cousin complete with sushi, wine and movies.  If you have never been to Kumo in Kingstowne I strongly suggest it.  It is AMAZING.  My favorite sushi place by far! Tyler is spending Saturday and Saturday night with my dad "Tyler/Grandpa day" so Jason and I get to go on a date!  I'm meeting his co-workers for the first time, so that should be fun!  I need to make sure to get in a run this weekend.

I want to share my two point taco.  I had two of them and a salad at lunch for a total of 5 points!  Need to save my points for sushi tonight!  On the taco I have chicken, lettuce, tomato, salsa and fat free plain greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream, and two tablespoons is 0 points!  Delish!  I also have a side of fruit for later as a snack.  Have a great weekend everyone!

The Scale

Here we are again, my weigh in is tonight.  The scale, we have such a love hate relationship going on right now!  I've been trying my hardest to stay off of it except for when I weigh in on Thursday nights.  I've been successful so far, but sometimes it can be so hard.  "Let me just jump on real quick to see where I'm at" I'll say.  And if it's not where I want it, it can instantly put me in a foul mood.  So I've learned to just stay off during the week, and wait to see where I am come Thursday night.  So tonight is the night.

I don't know how I'm feeling about this actually.  I've been on plan, got my exercise in but there is still a part of me that fears I didn't make a dent.  I always have mixed feelings going in to a weigh in.  I was home all day yesterday and managed to stay on plan.  I just remembered in the back of my head that tomorrow was weigh in day and why ruin what I have worked for in one measly day, which can be done.  So I stuck to my plan and didn't snack mindlessly.

As I've mentioned Jason has started running and informed me today that he's down a little over five pounds! Without changing his eating habits, just by adding in that little bit of exercise.  Way to go J!

I found a great deal on Chambray shirts and ordered three of them, I can't wait for them to come in!  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the weekend!  It's going to be a tough weekend when it comes to eating, but I'll have to do the best I can and make the best decisions I can.  Maybe get in an extra run?  That can never hurt right?!

Fashion Forward

If there is one thing I'm not its fashion forward. But my friend Jess is very much so. I am forever asking for her opinion when it comes to clothes and shoes. For a busy mother of two she always looks fabulous and put together!  She's confident in what she wears and it just looks like it comes so easy to her.  I don't think I've yet to see her in something I don't like!  Here is my fashionista friend Jess.  Check out her glasses, she's adorable!  I've asked her a few questions and she was happy to answer!

Me: What is a must have in every closet? 

Jess: Basic Tee's in white, black and gray.  They go under and with everything. Black leggings, especially because I am a mom.  Black leggings are what I live in...easy and comfy.  Black skinny jeans- always a staple and apparently make you look thinner-sign me up! Chambray shirt- can wear it all seasons and with pretty much everything. 

Me: I have to interrupt, what is a Chambray shirt??

Jess:   Demin  http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shirts_tops/washed_shirts/PRDOVR~91506/91506.jsp?color_name=Afternoon-Sky&TCode=FAGGPF00001_99102744123&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=91506&noPopUp=true&gclid=CIOKgeT437oCFYdQ7Aodo0EAxA

http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shirts_tops/washed_shirts/PRDOVR~33639/99102889118/ENE~1+2+218+22+4294967294+216+225~~~216+17~90~~~~~~~/33639.jsp

Scarves- A girl can never have too many...you can make an outfit with scarves.  And last but not least, jewelry you can wear a white tee with a bold necklace and it looks fabulous.

Me: Great thanks!  Now you said leggings are a must. What would someone wear with leggings?

Jess: Over-sized sweaters- hello covering everything you want hidden. Anything  with Layers really. I wear t-shirts with them too... typically over-sized as well and with boots, I love me some riding boots.

Me:  I see you have riding boots on in the first picture, if you are going to splurge on something this season are boots the thing to splurge on?

Jess: OH yes! Frye boots are really well made and will last. AND amazon typically has deals which apply to all shoes, which is unheard of finding a deal on FRYE boots so yea splurge on boots.

Me: I see a lot of people wear brown and black together.  I know this used to be a no-no but are there really any "rules" when it comes to fashion anymore?

Jess: In my opinion NO you can wear white after labor day too. If you can pull it off and you feel comfortable then I say do it.

Me:  What is one of your most favorite color combos to wear?

Jess: Gosh that’s hard because right now I love neutrals on neutrals but it changes with the seasons.

Me: So what color are we going to see a lot of this fall?

Jess: From what I read- and I am not a fashion expert at all.. I think mixing patterns is in big time.

I haven't taken the leap yet in doing this.

Me: Well I think if anyone can make it work it's you!

Jess: Also- this Moto thing this is another area of fashion I have yet to get into.

Me: Ok, I have to ask again, what is Moto?

Jess:  http://www.bbstylesf.com/blog/2013/10/get-the-look-oxblood-and-studs Kinda like edgy

Me: Top three stores you can't live without, go!

Jess: Gap, Forever 21, Loft

Me: What is one accessory that is always in your purse, besides a binkie? ;)

Jess: Sunglasses! Aviators to be precise and I always have an extra pair of earrings in there too.

Me: Do you have a favorite designer?

Jess: Ha I am cheap, so no. I like target, gap, forever 21- do they count as a designer?

Me: Exactly, fashion doesn't mean big bucks all the time does it?

Jess: In my opinion nope! I mean it’s nice to have some designer things.  I have a MK watch, but would I like to have a Movado sure, will I ever..... umm if I win the lottery yes. In real life- no.

Me: How would you describe your style?

Jess: Comfortable. Lol.

Me: Last question for you Jess.  What advice would you give to someone who wants to step a little out of their comfort zone when it comes to clothes and fashion? 

Jess: Ha- that’s a funny question to me because I usually don't step out of my comfort zone when it comes to fashion.. but i would really like to.. it’s hard dressing different body types, so I would say try to find pieces that fit your body well and then add something cool and fun to every outfit, one step at a time. If I don't know if my outfit is cute or even looks presentable I often text a friend and ask for opinions or I look up ideas on pinterest. Pinterest has LOADS of great outfits for reference.

Me: Great, thanks Jess for taking the time out of your busy day to chat with us!  I’m immediately going to go buy a Chambray shirt!  I can’t wait!

Jess: Hahah you should! They are awesome. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+wear+chambray&espv=210&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=C5yCUsCkKqzMsQTw04DgCQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=683

http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2013/10/how-to-wear-

http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2013/10/how-to-wear-chambray-for-fall-7-style.html

.

Weekend Round Up

First and foremost Happy Veterans Day to those who have served and are currently serving.  Here's two very special men in my life who served in the Air Force.  My dad and my husband.

Saturday morning we started our morning off with a run while Tyler rode his bike.  I know I say this a lot but I especially did not want to get up out of my warm bed to go outside and run. I was so tempted to just skip it...................SO tempted.  Jason had to run an errand and said we could go when he got back but I knew if we waited I would not go.  I convinced him to go before, and I'm really happy I did.  

  

There is a particular hill on the route we take, the dreaded hill I call it.  I hate that hill, but I've yet to walk up it.  I'll run it at a very slow pace, but hey I'm doing it.  Doesn't look like much from the picture but that's only half of it!

Go Jason go!

After the run (which just like every other run I was ecstatic I got up got out and did) I enjoyed one of my favorite parts of my morning.  Coffee and catching up on Grey's Anatomy!  Our heater decided to break this past weekend, so you better believe I was completely snuggled on the couch with a large blanket watching this.  The rest of the day was spent running errands and reading a little of the book club book, Memories of an Imaginary Friend. I am really loving this book!  I'd recommend it to anyone.

That night I met up with some friends for dinner and a drink.  The dinner was your typical bar food, kicker was we waited close to two hours for it to arrive.  Two hours for a measly salad.  Besides that it was nice to catch up and see everyone! 

Sunday.................oh Sunday.  Why oh why do I feel the need to constantly snack on Sunday.  Started the day off great.  Went to church, came home and had a nice lunch.  Then the picking began.  WHY?!  I was on plan all weekend and then had to dig deep into my weeklies with all of the snacking I did.  I need to come up with a new game plan on Sunday because for some reason it always gets the best of me.  I was in the "I don't care mood" which in reality I do.  A new goal is to not let Sunday ruin a perfectly good weekend. Well if you have today off I hope you enjoy it!  I can't wait to talk to my sister to see how her 10K went!