Slacking but still here.. March 23, 2010

So much has happened recently. In January we lost my husband’s grandmother. While it was very said she was close to 100, had 4 kids, grand kids, great grand kids, etc.. She will be greatly missed. Three weeks after that we lost my father in laws wife. She went into the hospital a few days after we lost nanny. There she found out she had lung cancer. Within 3 weeks she was gone. I knew the news was not going to be good when we heard about the lung cancer. However, I was thinking more along the lines of watching her go through chemo and what not. I totally did not expect to hear the news when I did. To add to the sadness she died on Valentine’s Day morning…which is also my son’s birthday.

My husband also hurt is back and was told if he does not change careers at some point..he may end up on disability. That scared the daylights out of me. All I could do was wonder how this will play out. Could I support my family if that happens?? No, quite frankly I don’t think I could. While I love working in real estate…it’s not bringing home the bacon.

I have spent the last couple of weeks job searching, school searching, salary searching. My head is spinning. I feel so bad for single mothers. This has giving me an appreciation. I have narrowed it down to the fact that I at least no I aim to get into the health industry. So I have a starting point…..

Time to stop drinking when…. January 14, 2010

As you will come to learn Lisa and i do best together when there is booze involved. The other night we had several…(ok many) drinks together. We decide to blog out all the stupid little things people ( we) do when we are drunk. Let’s see how long and fun we can make the list over time.

1. Time to stop drinking when you are trying to text and one eye is closed so you can “read/see”

2.PS-drunk facebook-ing or twittering NEVER a good idea. (while you can erase stuff on facebook you can NOT on twitter.

3. Drunk dialing another one. I do it. My husband does it….it’s just not cool. Unless the person you are dialing is drunk as well. That way maybe no one will remember the conversation the next morning.

4. I have not done BUT have seen it done…Do NOT send people pics of yourself or your body parts..It is just silly!

Lisa…what do you have for me?

Yummy! January 14, 2010

Hands down my new favorite breakfast. One slice of whole grain toast. Spread a lil’ bit of a soy butter then a lil’ bit of avocado. Fresh basil to taste. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. So flipping good!

The Kind Diet for Xmas.. January 3, 2010

My dad gave me The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet by Alicia Silverstone. Great book! Some of it reminded me of  the Skinny Bitch book but there was plenty of FRESH information as well.

In addition to her book through Alicia Silverstone I found :

Join the Kickstart! http://www.21daykickstart.org/

This is my New Year’s resolution. I have been a vegetarian for almost a year and a half but am ready for my final plunge. I have not been following the recipes on this website but have been enjoying quiet a few from the book.

She has this one recipe called Toasted Nori Burritos. Very quick and easy. I was affraid of the Nori at first but was pretty surprised by the taste. The combo made some sort of flavor explosion I can say I have honestly never tasted before.

Brittany Murphy dead? December 21, 2009

Wow, that has to make you think…She is about a month younger then I am. I will be curious to see what the toxicology results say. They say she was sick with flu like systems days earlier? Swine flu? I feel awful for her family…..

Grilled Tofu With Veggies and Orzo December 21, 2009

Grilled Tofu with Veggies and Orzo

Very decent. I might use a little less tofu next time..or cut the pieces smaller.

1/2 to 1lb extra- firm water-packed tofu, drained, cut crosswise into slices
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups peeled, diced eggplant
8 large asparagus spears
1 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese( Veggies Shreds)
1tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1. Place tofu slices on paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand, weighted, 20 minutes. Remover paper towels and dice tofu into 1-inch chuncks. Thread chunks onto skewers (if using wood skewers be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes )and seasonwith salt and pepper to taste; drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Coat grill rack with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread eggplant andzucchini on skewers. Grill skewers and asparagus spears 5-7 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Place tofu skewers on grill rack and grill 2 minutes per side or until browned. Let cool.
3. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt; drain.
4. In large bowl combine grilled veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Add orzo and tofu, tossing gently. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve warm, or chill at least 30 minutes. I prefer it warm!

Roasted Potatoes & Artichokes December 21, 2009

Roasted Potatoes & Artichokes

8 small red potatoes, quatered
1/2 cup halved water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
1 tsp olive oil
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp salt
Dash coursley ground pepper

Place potatoes and artichokes in a shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper: stir to coat. Bake, uncovered at 425 for 35-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring every 15 minutes.

Pretty decent recipe..very easy.

Spinach & Artichoke Salad December 21, 2009

Spinach & Artichole Salad

I just started throwing this one together and am absolutely addicted..

I take 1 bag of baby spinach, slice 2 tomatoes, dice some mozzarella cheese, and some marinated artichokes. I let a little extra of the marinade in and toss to coat…so good. Quick and easy!

Super Simple & Delicious Brussel Sprouts December 21, 2009

Super Simple & Delicious Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
salt & pepper
brussel sprouts of course

Preheat oven to 425. cut ends off brussel sprouts & peel off outer leaves. In a bowl combine o/o salt & pepper. Add brussel sprouts (coat well). Throw in roasting pan & cook for 40 minutes. You really cannot believe how delicious they are for something so simple!

Cherry Tomato Mozzerella Saute December 21, 2009

Cherry Tomato Mozzerella Saute’….This was one of my favorite in my CHEESE days…lol

1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp minced fresh thyme
2 tsp olive oil
2 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2″ cubes

In a larhe skillet, saute the shallots, garlic and thyme in oil until tender. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, heat through. Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
So yummy!