Ever want an awesomely fresh recipe, super quick – well I did last night when I got home from my trip. I was famished! So on the drive home from the airport I thought up this one, took less than 20 minutes to make, and made a pretty awesome dinner for 10:00 at night. Oh and the best part, I made wayyy to much – so I am currently eating the leftovers for lunch.
Anywho, here are the deets:
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Ingredients:
2 handfuls whole wheat pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, cappelini or some other long & straight variety = preferred)
1 red pepper – diced
1 yellow pepper – diced
Half an onion
2 garlic cloves, or a scoop of canned garlic
Pinch of basil
Parmesan Cheese
Cherry Tomatoes
Green Onions
Olive Oil
Lemon
Lemon Zest
S+P
Directions:
Step 1:
1. Bring pot of salted water to a boil
2. Add pasta of your choice and cook until done, drain (do not rinse).
Step 2:
3. Heat some olive oil in a pan and sweat the garlic & onions until clear.
4. Add the peppers and cook through
Step 3:
5. In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 350 and quarter the cherry tomatoes
6. Line up cut cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Cook cherry tomatoes for 5-7 minutes until roasted.
Step 4:
8. Combine noodles with garlic, onion and peppers
9. Add handful of chopped green onions, and pinch of basil
10. Zest one lemon over top of noodles, and squeeze in the lemon juice of one lemon.
11. Plate and top with Parmesan cheese.
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Don’t worry – details of the Calgary trip coming later – there is only so much you can get accomplished on a lunch break :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
10 on Tuesday
1 comments
Thanks to Roots and Rings for the questions!
1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?
Keith Urban & Lady Antebellum in October…2nd time seeing Keith, and he was amazing as always. Had never heard Lady Antebellum before and was SUPER impressed.
2. Is it easy to make you cry?
Incredibly, ridiculously easy. I usually cry over pointless stuff though, and then it takes awhile for “big deal” stuff to hit me.
3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?
Sometimes, but its probably largely my fault. I’m a bit of a “yes-man” and can be fairly agreeable on the outside even if something really irritates me on the inside.
4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:
Starbucks, Cupcakes, Spa Days, New Haircuts, Getting Off Work Early, Seeing Family, MIML
5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?
Oh…. Such a tough one, probably Biggest Loser – I adore that show.
6. What is your favorite hair care product?
I recently purchased a styling product from Aveda called the Glossing Straightener from their Smooth Infusions line – its amazing, smells like Strawberry and makes my hair sparkle.
7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Umm… slightly embarrassing but probably ‘Bigger’ by The Backstreet Boys – I still haven’t gotten over my Grade 7 Crush.
8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?
Probably some kind of fitness equipment or a trainer, but realistically, I’ll be happy to just be finally moved out West.
9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?
Yes, I lost my old cellphone under my family’s couch in the basement and didn’t find it for like 6 months – by then I had bought another. :)
10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?
I live in Canada, so a lot of them didn’t apply to me, but I online browsed hardcore – there were some pretty awesome deals.
1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?
Keith Urban & Lady Antebellum in October…2nd time seeing Keith, and he was amazing as always. Had never heard Lady Antebellum before and was SUPER impressed.
2. Is it easy to make you cry?
Incredibly, ridiculously easy. I usually cry over pointless stuff though, and then it takes awhile for “big deal” stuff to hit me.
3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?
Sometimes, but its probably largely my fault. I’m a bit of a “yes-man” and can be fairly agreeable on the outside even if something really irritates me on the inside.
4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:
Starbucks, Cupcakes, Spa Days, New Haircuts, Getting Off Work Early, Seeing Family, MIML
5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?
Oh…. Such a tough one, probably Biggest Loser – I adore that show.
6. What is your favorite hair care product?
I recently purchased a styling product from Aveda called the Glossing Straightener from their Smooth Infusions line – its amazing, smells like Strawberry and makes my hair sparkle.
7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Umm… slightly embarrassing but probably ‘Bigger’ by The Backstreet Boys – I still haven’t gotten over my Grade 7 Crush.
8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?
Probably some kind of fitness equipment or a trainer, but realistically, I’ll be happy to just be finally moved out West.
9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?
Yes, I lost my old cellphone under my family’s couch in the basement and didn’t find it for like 6 months – by then I had bought another. :)
10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?
I live in Canada, so a lot of them didn’t apply to me, but I online browsed hardcore – there were some pretty awesome deals.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Catch-Up
0 comments
Hey,
Well it’s been awhile since I blogged, I really need to get myself on some sort of schedule. Anyways, I unfortunately don’t have a whole lot to report this week. I’ve been majorly slacking with the gym. Last Wednesday, I went for a run in the cardio room in my apartment, because it was pouring rain and I didn’t want to go outside. It’s convenient for that reason, but the machines are kind of old and for some reason it’s always really hot in there… I much prefer the fancy treadmills with built in fans at the gym! I’m so spoiled. Anyways, wasn’t my best showing, largely due to the heat factor. Nike+ Stats were: 3 miles/32:43/10:53 min/mile with 330 Calories Burned. I was happy I just made it there at all.
One observation about the Nike+ though – the calories portion is always ridiculously off of what the treadmill will say. For example, that workout last week had the treadmill reading over 400 calories burned, whereas the Nike+ was only 330 – I don’t get it. Has that happened to any of you? Which one is right? I’m not a big calorie counter or anything; it just kind of irritates me.
Other than that, my only other workout last week was a quick round of the 30 Day Shred on Saturday afternoon followed by a one hour Pilates DVD. I suck – I know. I was actually home in Toronto for the weekend, and I always find it harder to stick to a routine when the scenery changes. Oh well. I’ll have to get back on the wagon this week.
My weekend was a much needed break from moving though! Friday night I had dinner and a drink at Moxie’s with my college roommate, and it was so nice to see her and catch up. On Saturday, I met some of my high-school friends downtown and we went out for drinks at a pub. It was so nice to let loose a little – haven’t had that kind of fun in awhile.
Anyways, I’ve just got to truck it through work this week (4 Day Week – woot woot), because on Friday I head to Calgary for the weekend. I’m SOO excited. I haven’t seen the boy in close to a month, and I can’t wait to see where we’re going to be living and tour around the city At least I feel like the hardest part of the break is over, phew.
That’s all my news for today, I’ll update more often, I promise.
Well it’s been awhile since I blogged, I really need to get myself on some sort of schedule. Anyways, I unfortunately don’t have a whole lot to report this week. I’ve been majorly slacking with the gym. Last Wednesday, I went for a run in the cardio room in my apartment, because it was pouring rain and I didn’t want to go outside. It’s convenient for that reason, but the machines are kind of old and for some reason it’s always really hot in there… I much prefer the fancy treadmills with built in fans at the gym! I’m so spoiled. Anyways, wasn’t my best showing, largely due to the heat factor. Nike+ Stats were: 3 miles/32:43/10:53 min/mile with 330 Calories Burned. I was happy I just made it there at all.
One observation about the Nike+ though – the calories portion is always ridiculously off of what the treadmill will say. For example, that workout last week had the treadmill reading over 400 calories burned, whereas the Nike+ was only 330 – I don’t get it. Has that happened to any of you? Which one is right? I’m not a big calorie counter or anything; it just kind of irritates me.
Other than that, my only other workout last week was a quick round of the 30 Day Shred on Saturday afternoon followed by a one hour Pilates DVD. I suck – I know. I was actually home in Toronto for the weekend, and I always find it harder to stick to a routine when the scenery changes. Oh well. I’ll have to get back on the wagon this week.
My weekend was a much needed break from moving though! Friday night I had dinner and a drink at Moxie’s with my college roommate, and it was so nice to see her and catch up. On Saturday, I met some of my high-school friends downtown and we went out for drinks at a pub. It was so nice to let loose a little – haven’t had that kind of fun in awhile.
Anyways, I’ve just got to truck it through work this week (4 Day Week – woot woot), because on Friday I head to Calgary for the weekend. I’m SOO excited. I haven’t seen the boy in close to a month, and I can’t wait to see where we’re going to be living and tour around the city At least I feel like the hardest part of the break is over, phew. That’s all my news for today, I’ll update more often, I promise.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
'Twas A Good Day
2 comments
Hey Hey
So I had a great Sunday this weekend, I went to the gym and pounded out 4 miles (my longest yet) in 39:27 - at 9:51 min/mile pace and burned around 500 calories according to the Nike+. It was an amazing workout, not gonna lie. When I was thinking about my training plan the day before I told myself I'd be happy with somewhere in the 40-45 minute range, but I did even better than that, on my first one. LOVE IT. I have no clue what it was that made it so awesome, only things I can think of were that I had 2 weak runs on Wed/Fri - so maybe I was due for a good one; or because it was the weekend I had time to make self a decent breakfast before I left - that might have kept my energy up better. Either way, there were times I was running and I had to say to myself "I can't believe this doesn't hurt more right now" - anyways, I felt like a million bucks after that one.
After the gym on Sunday, I tried my very first CLIF bar! I've been hearing so much about them all over the blogosphere, but they are kind of hard to come by up in Canada from what I've seen. I actually surprisingly found a few varieties at a Shoppers Drug Mart near where I live, its one of the BIG ones though - so maybe that was why. Either way - it was VERRRY exciting. I tried a Maple Nut one, and it was delicious/very filling. I'll have to pick some up again the next time I'm around there. After my snack, I headed to the mall to discuss cell phone options for me and the boy, once we move out west. We're hoping to get some kind of couples plan, but I just got my blackberry last February so its only like 8 months old - so I'll have to see if it'll cost me boatloads more to change the contract. They gave me some good ideas to think on - we'll probably figure it out once we get out there.
Haha, in other news, the boy told me Saturday night that he went furniture shopping out west and got us a coffee table/end tables... oh yah, and bought a 50" TV from FutureShop... :P What are we gonna do with a TV that size, sheesh? It'll be nice for watching sports (cuz I watch soooo many of those) and stuff like the Olympics I guess - but its definitely gonna be more his baby than mine. So that was an interesting development.
Other than that, I did a quick 35 minute XT on the bike at the gym yesterday, which was actually relaxing because I read a magazine. Also, my boss at work is travelling today and tomorrow - so it'll probably be a little more relaxing here :) JOY!
Anyways, strange thing happened last night - I was home from work for about an hour and my right foot starting hurting - like RIDICULOUSLY badly - it was hard to walk. So Weird! It was still hurting at 11:30 when I went to bed, so I decided to skip the gym this morning and take it easy - but I'm supposed to have a run tomorrow and I really really don't want to miss it.
Has that ever happened to you? What are your strategies for a strain/injury - do you run through it or rest for awhile?
I need all the advice I can get!
So I had a great Sunday this weekend, I went to the gym and pounded out 4 miles (my longest yet) in 39:27 - at 9:51 min/mile pace and burned around 500 calories according to the Nike+. It was an amazing workout, not gonna lie. When I was thinking about my training plan the day before I told myself I'd be happy with somewhere in the 40-45 minute range, but I did even better than that, on my first one. LOVE IT. I have no clue what it was that made it so awesome, only things I can think of were that I had 2 weak runs on Wed/Fri - so maybe I was due for a good one; or because it was the weekend I had time to make self a decent breakfast before I left - that might have kept my energy up better. Either way, there were times I was running and I had to say to myself "I can't believe this doesn't hurt more right now" - anyways, I felt like a million bucks after that one.
After the gym on Sunday, I tried my very first CLIF bar! I've been hearing so much about them all over the blogosphere, but they are kind of hard to come by up in Canada from what I've seen. I actually surprisingly found a few varieties at a Shoppers Drug Mart near where I live, its one of the BIG ones though - so maybe that was why. Either way - it was VERRRY exciting. I tried a Maple Nut one, and it was delicious/very filling. I'll have to pick some up again the next time I'm around there. After my snack, I headed to the mall to discuss cell phone options for me and the boy, once we move out west. We're hoping to get some kind of couples plan, but I just got my blackberry last February so its only like 8 months old - so I'll have to see if it'll cost me boatloads more to change the contract. They gave me some good ideas to think on - we'll probably figure it out once we get out there. Haha, in other news, the boy told me Saturday night that he went furniture shopping out west and got us a coffee table/end tables... oh yah, and bought a 50" TV from FutureShop... :P What are we gonna do with a TV that size, sheesh? It'll be nice for watching sports (cuz I watch soooo many of those) and stuff like the Olympics I guess - but its definitely gonna be more his baby than mine. So that was an interesting development.
Other than that, I did a quick 35 minute XT on the bike at the gym yesterday, which was actually relaxing because I read a magazine. Also, my boss at work is travelling today and tomorrow - so it'll probably be a little more relaxing here :) JOY!
Anyways, strange thing happened last night - I was home from work for about an hour and my right foot starting hurting - like RIDICULOUSLY badly - it was hard to walk. So Weird! It was still hurting at 11:30 when I went to bed, so I decided to skip the gym this morning and take it easy - but I'm supposed to have a run tomorrow and I really really don't want to miss it.
Has that ever happened to you? What are your strategies for a strain/injury - do you run through it or rest for awhile?
I need all the advice I can get!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Its Been Awhile
0 comments
Hey,
I've been slacking this week - I just realized I hadn't posted since Monday. :S Ooops
Its been a pretty busy week at work, so I haven't gotten much of a chance to catch up on my Google Reader either... that'll be on my to-do list this weekend! Other than that I don't have much planned for the next few days... probably a couple of trips to the gym, and another girls night with my old roommate tonight. It seems to be becoming a bit of a Friday ritual. Hopefully, I'll have some time this weekend to update this blog - there are so many things I want to add to it - I need to make a date with myself to GET'R Done lol :P
Workout wise, I've been pretty good this week - I did a 2.5 mile run on Wednesday morning - it was a bit rough, I have a difficult time pushing myself. I set mini-goals in my head (ie. run a mile), and once I get there, I stop and walk for 30 seconds or so - but I think I'm gonna have to stop that if I want to build up my endurance. I ran again this morning did a quick two miles in about 19:30 - so maybe I shouldn't get discouraged, I am improving my time bit by bit - its just a slower process than I thought I guess.
How do you stop yourself from getting discouraged??
Do you have any tricks to push through the "ahh I need to stop" moments of your run?
Thats all for now, have a great night all.
I've been slacking this week - I just realized I hadn't posted since Monday. :S Ooops
Its been a pretty busy week at work, so I haven't gotten much of a chance to catch up on my Google Reader either... that'll be on my to-do list this weekend! Other than that I don't have much planned for the next few days... probably a couple of trips to the gym, and another girls night with my old roommate tonight. It seems to be becoming a bit of a Friday ritual. Hopefully, I'll have some time this weekend to update this blog - there are so many things I want to add to it - I need to make a date with myself to GET'R Done lol :P
Workout wise, I've been pretty good this week - I did a 2.5 mile run on Wednesday morning - it was a bit rough, I have a difficult time pushing myself. I set mini-goals in my head (ie. run a mile), and once I get there, I stop and walk for 30 seconds or so - but I think I'm gonna have to stop that if I want to build up my endurance. I ran again this morning did a quick two miles in about 19:30 - so maybe I shouldn't get discouraged, I am improving my time bit by bit - its just a slower process than I thought I guess.
How do you stop yourself from getting discouraged??
Do you have any tricks to push through the "ahh I need to stop" moments of your run?
Thats all for now, have a great night all.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Blogs Make Me Smarter...
0 comments
Hey
So my last update was Saturday (i think)- so what have I done since then - not a whole lot, lol :P I spent Saturday afternoon doing the 30 Day Shred/Yoga, cleaning and getting some groceries. I decided to indulge in an "I'm home by myself" dinner and had asparagus and mushroom risotto using a recipe that the MIML found me off the Food Network. It was delish, but involved a sizable amount of BUTTER :P eee... oh well. Nice to pretend like you don't care every now and then. Saturday night I was supposed to go out with some people, but I bailed, because I totally fell asleep on my couch for 2 hours at 7:00 - and figured I was too tired. Bah - I'm no fun I guess. Or maybe I'm just getting OLD!
Anyways, yesterday I hit the gym fairly early. Pre-gym I had breakfast that consisted of rye toast with cashew butter, which I found while shopping on Saturday night. It is FAB-U-LOUS... I'd put it on par with almond butter - so that was very exciting. At the gym I ran 3.5 miles as per my 10K training plan - it was a bit rough around the middle, but I finished pretty strong and was happy with my time. Nike+ stats were: 3.5 miles/36:49 min/10:30 min per mile/385 Calories burned. The Nike+ thing almost made me laugh out loud when I finished because Lance Armstrong came on and congratulated me - haha, SOOO random. That made me smile. In the afternoon I took some old clothes to goodwill (*yay* for giving back), grabbed a Starbucks, did some laundry, and hunted for jobs in Calgary. I hate job hunting, its depressing - especially in this economy. I'm terrified of not finding something once I get out there. :S
Couldn't decide on what to make for dinner last night, so I made lemon chicken and ate some leftover risotto with it. It was tasty, and I have extra's for lunch today. While I was making dinner I discovered that my mother THREW OUT my $11 package of QUINOA while she was packing on Friday, because "I already had alot of rice" - its NOT THE SAME... lol :P - silly lady.
Anyways, so I've decided that the tips I find in blogs - make me way smarter about eating healthy. Exhibit A: I decided to try Overnight Oats which I've been hearing lots about in the blogosphere. They turned out great, I was so impressed. They are definitely going to be a staple in my breakfast routine. THANKS KATH. I added some almond butter and strawberry rhubarb jam and it was the perfect treat before my strength training.
So, do any of you have any favorite goodies you add to your oats? As I mentioned, I feel like they'll be making a regular appearance, and I would love to try some new varieties :)
So my last update was Saturday (i think)- so what have I done since then - not a whole lot, lol :P I spent Saturday afternoon doing the 30 Day Shred/Yoga, cleaning and getting some groceries. I decided to indulge in an "I'm home by myself" dinner and had asparagus and mushroom risotto using a recipe that the MIML found me off the Food Network. It was delish, but involved a sizable amount of BUTTER :P eee... oh well. Nice to pretend like you don't care every now and then. Saturday night I was supposed to go out with some people, but I bailed, because I totally fell asleep on my couch for 2 hours at 7:00 - and figured I was too tired. Bah - I'm no fun I guess. Or maybe I'm just getting OLD!
Anyways, yesterday I hit the gym fairly early. Pre-gym I had breakfast that consisted of rye toast with cashew butter, which I found while shopping on Saturday night. It is FAB-U-LOUS... I'd put it on par with almond butter - so that was very exciting. At the gym I ran 3.5 miles as per my 10K training plan - it was a bit rough around the middle, but I finished pretty strong and was happy with my time. Nike+ stats were: 3.5 miles/36:49 min/10:30 min per mile/385 Calories burned. The Nike+ thing almost made me laugh out loud when I finished because Lance Armstrong came on and congratulated me - haha, SOOO random. That made me smile. In the afternoon I took some old clothes to goodwill (*yay* for giving back), grabbed a Starbucks, did some laundry, and hunted for jobs in Calgary. I hate job hunting, its depressing - especially in this economy. I'm terrified of not finding something once I get out there. :S
Couldn't decide on what to make for dinner last night, so I made lemon chicken and ate some leftover risotto with it. It was tasty, and I have extra's for lunch today. While I was making dinner I discovered that my mother THREW OUT my $11 package of QUINOA while she was packing on Friday, because "I already had alot of rice" - its NOT THE SAME... lol :P - silly lady.
Anyways, so I've decided that the tips I find in blogs - make me way smarter about eating healthy. Exhibit A: I decided to try Overnight Oats which I've been hearing lots about in the blogosphere. They turned out great, I was so impressed. They are definitely going to be a staple in my breakfast routine. THANKS KATH. I added some almond butter and strawberry rhubarb jam and it was the perfect treat before my strength training.
So, do any of you have any favorite goodies you add to your oats? As I mentioned, I feel like they'll be making a regular appearance, and I would love to try some new varieties :)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Packing Up My Life
1 comments
The past couple of days have been a whirlwind. I've been working during the day and then trying to fit in work-outs and packing during other times. Thursday night I managed to pack enough to make a dent in things during Grey's and CSI - two of my fav shows.
Yesterday, my family drove into town from about 2 hours away, to help pack and move furniture while I was at work. I felt bad that I couldn't help them out more - but it was sure nice to come home to a bunch of packed boxes and with not a whole lot left. They did an amazing job! Now I feel like I can actually breathe, so I might get to relax some this weekend, without the stress of moving hanging over me. One of my friends had a few of us over last night for a girls night - we watch 'My Life in Ruins' with Nia Vardolas - which got awful reviews but we all thought was really cute, and then played a board game. I was out until 2 - haven't done that in awhile :P.
As far as workouts - I had a great 2 mile run at the gym yesterday. Fastest one yet - I was impressed with myself. The Nike+ Stats were: 2.00 miles, 19:52 time, 9.54 min/mile, 220 calories. I really love the 2 mile runs, I feel completely strong at that distance, and I like knowing I don't have to run for a super long time. Its a mind over matter thing to get through the long runs.
Anyways, today is a cross-train day, and I'm not really feeling hitting the gym, so I think I might do an eppy of the 30 Day Shred, followed my a 20 minute yoga podcast. All from the comfort of home :) Gotta love it.
Yesterday, my family drove into town from about 2 hours away, to help pack and move furniture while I was at work. I felt bad that I couldn't help them out more - but it was sure nice to come home to a bunch of packed boxes and with not a whole lot left. They did an amazing job! Now I feel like I can actually breathe, so I might get to relax some this weekend, without the stress of moving hanging over me. One of my friends had a few of us over last night for a girls night - we watch 'My Life in Ruins' with Nia Vardolas - which got awful reviews but we all thought was really cute, and then played a board game. I was out until 2 - haven't done that in awhile :P.
As far as workouts - I had a great 2 mile run at the gym yesterday. Fastest one yet - I was impressed with myself. The Nike+ Stats were: 2.00 miles, 19:52 time, 9.54 min/mile, 220 calories. I really love the 2 mile runs, I feel completely strong at that distance, and I like knowing I don't have to run for a super long time. Its a mind over matter thing to get through the long runs.
Anyways, today is a cross-train day, and I'm not really feeling hitting the gym, so I think I might do an eppy of the 30 Day Shred, followed my a 20 minute yoga podcast. All from the comfort of home :) Gotta love it.
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