If you haven't noticed, I haven't been blogging much about the baby-making journey. Maybe you are hopeful that means I am pregnant...so nice of you to think so. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I haven't been talking about it too much because we have been officially taking a break from the process. Yes, a month or so off while we figure out our next path.
I was both relieved and sad about the month off. Relieved because I wouldn't have to go in for bi-weekly blood draws and ultrasounds. Happy because I wouldn't have to give myself any injections or medications. Elated because I could just live my "normal" life.
However, as with most things in life, there are the downsides. I was sad because this meant that nothing up to this point has worked for us. Angry because I am afraid that a month off is one less chance at conceiving. Upset because I am still without many answers.
So here we are, in a sort of limbo. I am heading to the doctor this week for some tests and to start a new process. I am actually glad for this past month off as it has given me some new perspective...as well as some emotional sanity. I continue to be hopeful that there will be a baby in our future. Now that I have had some seriously-needed personal time, I am ready and able to get the proverbial "ball rolling."
Here we go again.....
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Move it!
Yes, I command you to move it!!! That is, get some exercise, please...pretty please?
If you really need yet another reason to exercise, check out the latest research as discussed on USA TODAY:
Intense Exercise Burns Calories Long after a Workout, Study Says
Men who got 45 minutes of intense exercise on a stationary bike burned an extra 190 calories over the 14 hours after their workout, Appalachian State University researchers reported in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. They said the findings should hold true for women, and also may apply to other activities, such as running or high-intensity basketball or soccer.
Click the link below for the full article:
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/exercise/story/2011-09-01/Bonus-for-exercisers-Calories-burn-long-after-workout/50224116/1
True, 190 calories may not sound like a lot, but if you think about it.....
1) You aren't even exercising during that time to burn those calories.
2) You just burned off that Tall 2% Latte that you enjoyed this morning from Starbucks.
3) That's 190 calories you wouldn't have burned had you not exercised.
4) If weight loss isn't your goal, than burning those 190 calories makes it easier for you to enjoy that little chocolate treat at the end of the day.
5) In about 18 days you will have lost about 1 pound just from those extra calories! (Fun fact - it takes about 3500 calories to gain/lose 1 pound...keep that one in your back pocket for the next time you are on Jeopardy!)
Go on now...exercise!
If you really need yet another reason to exercise, check out the latest research as discussed on USA TODAY:
Intense Exercise Burns Calories Long after a Workout, Study Says
Men who got 45 minutes of intense exercise on a stationary bike burned an extra 190 calories over the 14 hours after their workout, Appalachian State University researchers reported in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. They said the findings should hold true for women, and also may apply to other activities, such as running or high-intensity basketball or soccer.
Click the link below for the full article:
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/exercise/story/2011-09-01/Bonus-for-exercisers-Calories-burn-long-after-workout/50224116/1
True, 190 calories may not sound like a lot, but if you think about it.....
1) You aren't even exercising during that time to burn those calories.
2) You just burned off that Tall 2% Latte that you enjoyed this morning from Starbucks.
3) That's 190 calories you wouldn't have burned had you not exercised.
4) If weight loss isn't your goal, than burning those 190 calories makes it easier for you to enjoy that little chocolate treat at the end of the day.
5) In about 18 days you will have lost about 1 pound just from those extra calories! (Fun fact - it takes about 3500 calories to gain/lose 1 pound...keep that one in your back pocket for the next time you are on Jeopardy!)
Go on now...exercise!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Things that Make you go Hmmmm....
Maybe I am dating myself here, but does anyone remember that song from the 90's by C and C Music Factory called "Things That Make You Go Hmmmm?" The song was catchy and I believe, a Billboard Top 20 (or at least from what I remember) hit. The words aren't super-meaningful, but the name of the song is certainly catchy. It recently came to mind because, well, at least once a day here in Chicago I see things that make me go hmmmm....
(Disclaimer: So, if you haven't figured it out yet, this is not a serious post. You are not going to learn anything from this one, so don't even try to. Just wanted to prepare you ahead of time.)
Here they are, in no certain order, the things I have recently experienced in Chicago that make me go hmmmmm....
1) Walking behind an extremely buff man in business pants and a wife beater, smoking a cigarette and chugging coffee on a 95 degree day.
2) A tattoo on a woman's neck (Really? I know that had to hurt!). A tattoo of a credit card number on a woman's ankle (Not sure I get that one). Full appendage tattoos. Hmmmm.... Ok, I'll stop, because this one could go on forever.
3) That really weird smell as you step onto a Red Line El Train...a distinct, piquant smell...a cross between body odor, a hot trash can and a dead mouse.
4) Bacon...EVERYWHERE! Why? It's delicious, but everything in moderation...come on people.
5) Socks and sandals...yes, I see this here in Chicago...even I know this is a fashion faux pas!
6) Massive horse-sized dogs living (with their owners) in small Chicago apartments.
7) A "stop ahead" sign posted about 1 block from the stop sign itself...not a big deal, except the "stop ahead" sign is about about 12 feet off the ground (high!) and completely covered by trees. So helpful, don't you think?
8) Pancake Sausage Bites...google it.
9) Angry argument between neighbors regarding placement of trash cans in the alley. The problem? The trash cans were in the way of getting his large SUV in and out of his garage. So sad. (Did I mention that I don't even have a garage???)
10) Leftover Christmas decorations still adorning homes in July.
What makes you go hmmmm????
(Disclaimer: So, if you haven't figured it out yet, this is not a serious post. You are not going to learn anything from this one, so don't even try to. Just wanted to prepare you ahead of time.)
Here they are, in no certain order, the things I have recently experienced in Chicago that make me go hmmmmm....
1) Walking behind an extremely buff man in business pants and a wife beater, smoking a cigarette and chugging coffee on a 95 degree day.
2) A tattoo on a woman's neck (Really? I know that had to hurt!). A tattoo of a credit card number on a woman's ankle (Not sure I get that one). Full appendage tattoos. Hmmmm.... Ok, I'll stop, because this one could go on forever.
3) That really weird smell as you step onto a Red Line El Train...a distinct, piquant smell...a cross between body odor, a hot trash can and a dead mouse.
4) Bacon...EVERYWHERE! Why? It's delicious, but everything in moderation...come on people.
5) Socks and sandals...yes, I see this here in Chicago...even I know this is a fashion faux pas!
6) Massive horse-sized dogs living (with their owners) in small Chicago apartments.
7) A "stop ahead" sign posted about 1 block from the stop sign itself...not a big deal, except the "stop ahead" sign is about about 12 feet off the ground (high!) and completely covered by trees. So helpful, don't you think?
8) Pancake Sausage Bites...google it.
9) Angry argument between neighbors regarding placement of trash cans in the alley. The problem? The trash cans were in the way of getting his large SUV in and out of his garage. So sad. (Did I mention that I don't even have a garage???)
10) Leftover Christmas decorations still adorning homes in July.
What makes you go hmmmm????
Monday, August 29, 2011
Smitten with The Smitten Kitchen
The Smitten Kitchen. Such a cute name for a blog...I only wish I had thought of it! If you have never heard of this blog, then please, go check it out. It was started by a woman named Deb Perelman who does all of her cooking/blogging from her small kitchen in NYC.
First of all, I love the way she writes. I feel like I know her...I can picture myself in her little kitchen, sipping coffee and consuming treats that she has made...and that makes me want to keep reading. Second, I enjoy the pictures. Yes, I am a visual person and she has a way of even making the simplist things look beautiful. Lastly, she makes some delicious food...really, I've tried it.
I mention her on my blog because I happened to see an interview with her in my recent issue of Food Everyday by Martha Stewart (yes, we have already established that I love Martha). Fun! So, I am reading the interview and the last question is "Any Tips for Budding Bloggers?" Her response? "Don't worry about what everyone else is doing; don't worry if it takes people a long time to find you. Just be your bad, dorky self and they'll get there sooner or later." Ok, see why I like her so much?
So, I am going to take Deb's advice and continue to be my "bad, dorky self." My hope is that this blog will become a source of information (perhaps both good and bad), emotion (both joy and not so much joy), and entertainment (only works if you get my sarcasm).
Thank you to Deb...a pioneer in the food blog world. I am truly smitten with Smitten Kitchen!
First of all, I love the way she writes. I feel like I know her...I can picture myself in her little kitchen, sipping coffee and consuming treats that she has made...and that makes me want to keep reading. Second, I enjoy the pictures. Yes, I am a visual person and she has a way of even making the simplist things look beautiful. Lastly, she makes some delicious food...really, I've tried it.
I mention her on my blog because I happened to see an interview with her in my recent issue of Food Everyday by Martha Stewart (yes, we have already established that I love Martha). Fun! So, I am reading the interview and the last question is "Any Tips for Budding Bloggers?" Her response? "Don't worry about what everyone else is doing; don't worry if it takes people a long time to find you. Just be your bad, dorky self and they'll get there sooner or later." Ok, see why I like her so much?
So, I am going to take Deb's advice and continue to be my "bad, dorky self." My hope is that this blog will become a source of information (perhaps both good and bad), emotion (both joy and not so much joy), and entertainment (only works if you get my sarcasm).
Thank you to Deb...a pioneer in the food blog world. I am truly smitten with Smitten Kitchen!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Make Your Own Granola
I know what you're thinking..."why would I make granola when I can buy it?" Well, I would actually respond to that question with the question..."why would you BUY granola when you can make it?"
Ok, so I am not trying to be all high and mighty here because I am just now figuring this one out. Honestly, I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize how easy it is to make your own granola. Well, maybe I realized it, but just never really felt like making it until....
I was making my grocery list (this is a necessity to ensure items such as flavored sparkling water or olives from the olive bar don't end up in my cart) and asked my husband if he needed anything from the store. He gave me his usual list...apples, bread, turkey, carrots (I know, so healthy, isn't he? I am so proud of him!) and granola.
Granola? Hmmmm..."why do I keep buying that?" I thought to myself. So, coyly I asked him, "what do you think of me making your granola?" Well, you would've thought I had asked him what he thought of spreadsheets (he loves spreadsheets by the way)! He heartily agreed to this plan and so here I am...making granola.
I used Martha Stewart's Honey Pecan Granola as a base and it turned out beautifully. I added some wheat germ as well as some sunflower seeds and cinnamon. After the baking was done, I tossed in some raisins. The great part of this recipe? You can add as many ingredients as you want. Lovely!!! Try some pumpkin seeds and use pumpkin pie spice instead. Or add other dried fruits like mango, pineapple, cranberries, etc. The options are endless.
Time for you to go make your own batch!
Honey Pecan Granola (Martha Stewart)
Ingredients:
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
3 Tb butter (this isn't 100% neccesary, but does provide some good flavor)
1/3 cup honey (the better the honey you use, the better it will taste)
1/2 tsp salt
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 300'F.
2. Toss all ingredients together. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
3. Bake 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Ok, so I am not trying to be all high and mighty here because I am just now figuring this one out. Honestly, I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize how easy it is to make your own granola. Well, maybe I realized it, but just never really felt like making it until....
I was making my grocery list (this is a necessity to ensure items such as flavored sparkling water or olives from the olive bar don't end up in my cart) and asked my husband if he needed anything from the store. He gave me his usual list...apples, bread, turkey, carrots (I know, so healthy, isn't he? I am so proud of him!) and granola.
Granola? Hmmmm..."why do I keep buying that?" I thought to myself. So, coyly I asked him, "what do you think of me making your granola?" Well, you would've thought I had asked him what he thought of spreadsheets (he loves spreadsheets by the way)! He heartily agreed to this plan and so here I am...making granola.
I used Martha Stewart's Honey Pecan Granola as a base and it turned out beautifully. I added some wheat germ as well as some sunflower seeds and cinnamon. After the baking was done, I tossed in some raisins. The great part of this recipe? You can add as many ingredients as you want. Lovely!!! Try some pumpkin seeds and use pumpkin pie spice instead. Or add other dried fruits like mango, pineapple, cranberries, etc. The options are endless.
Time for you to go make your own batch!
Honey Pecan Granola (Martha Stewart)
Ingredients:
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
3 Tb butter (this isn't 100% neccesary, but does provide some good flavor)
1/3 cup honey (the better the honey you use, the better it will taste)
1/2 tsp salt
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 300'F.
2. Toss all ingredients together. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
3. Bake 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Leave it to Mother Nature...Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park
What? Where have I been? Well, I am glad that you asked (or did you?)! Yes, it is true, I was able to escape the urban jungle here in Chicago in exchange for a healthy dose of Mother Nature.
Last Friday the husband and I flew out to Nevada...a crazy-weird state filled with deserts, casinos and sage brush...don't see too many of those things here in the midwest. We had the fortunate opportunity to spend some quality time with family members that live out there. They were AMAZING hosts and they not only fed us (oh boy, what a treat!), but they also drove us all around and showed us a great time.
On the schedule? A trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. If you have never been to either of these places, then you must do so at once (or just perhaps when you have the time and money). Both are insanely beautiful.
Our trip to Lake Tahoe involved a 10 mile (out and back) hike to the summit of Mount Rose (an elevation of over 10,000 feet). It was magnificant and breathtaking and well worth the altitude sickness I suffered all the way down.
The next day we drove to Yosemite via the Tioga Pass...entering from the Nevada side of the park. It was a super crazy, twisty, turny drive (I think I threatened to puke at least 2 times) and it was again, amazing. We arrived at Yosemite Valley and hiked the Mist Trail and saw Vernal Falls (awesome waterfall) and then Nevada Falls (super amazing waterfall!). That night we ate dinner at the Ahwahnee Lodge (very cool, old hotel) and got some pretty poor service (our waitress, like the hotel, was very cool and old)...but the company was great. :)
The next day, we got up and hiked the Yosemite Falls Trail. Wow, that was super-scary (again, I threatened to puke a few times...but didn't...of course) but totally worth it because the scenery was unreal. We had the unique privilege of actually seeing the falls as it was such a wet spring. Usually this time of year, everything is all dried up, but all of the falls were flowing and magnificant.
Ok, so maybe you didn't want to hear all about my amazing trip, but as usual, I feel like I really learned something from this trip. Here's the deal, nothing gives you persepective about life like nature. Being out there and experiencing all of the natural beauty in our country really made me feel alive and grateful. I have never felt more free than when I was than standing on top of that mountain, breathing the fresh air,with the sun in my face, looking around at the beauty that surrounded me. Truly a serene and peaceful moment.
So get out there and go to a park...even if it's just the one around the corner and take in the sights, smells and sounds of nature. I gurantee it will lift your spirits!
Last Friday the husband and I flew out to Nevada...a crazy-weird state filled with deserts, casinos and sage brush...don't see too many of those things here in the midwest. We had the fortunate opportunity to spend some quality time with family members that live out there. They were AMAZING hosts and they not only fed us (oh boy, what a treat!), but they also drove us all around and showed us a great time.
On the schedule? A trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. If you have never been to either of these places, then you must do so at once (or just perhaps when you have the time and money). Both are insanely beautiful.
Our trip to Lake Tahoe involved a 10 mile (out and back) hike to the summit of Mount Rose (an elevation of over 10,000 feet). It was magnificant and breathtaking and well worth the altitude sickness I suffered all the way down.
The next day we drove to Yosemite via the Tioga Pass...entering from the Nevada side of the park. It was a super crazy, twisty, turny drive (I think I threatened to puke at least 2 times) and it was again, amazing. We arrived at Yosemite Valley and hiked the Mist Trail and saw Vernal Falls (awesome waterfall) and then Nevada Falls (super amazing waterfall!). That night we ate dinner at the Ahwahnee Lodge (very cool, old hotel) and got some pretty poor service (our waitress, like the hotel, was very cool and old)...but the company was great. :)
 |
| Picture of Yosemite Falls from Yosemite National Park Website |
Ok, so maybe you didn't want to hear all about my amazing trip, but as usual, I feel like I really learned something from this trip. Here's the deal, nothing gives you persepective about life like nature. Being out there and experiencing all of the natural beauty in our country really made me feel alive and grateful. I have never felt more free than when I was than standing on top of that mountain, breathing the fresh air,with the sun in my face, looking around at the beauty that surrounded me. Truly a serene and peaceful moment.
So get out there and go to a park...even if it's just the one around the corner and take in the sights, smells and sounds of nature. I gurantee it will lift your spirits!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Is that food in my hair?
Yes, that is really the title of this post. Personally, I think it's hilarious and catchy...or maybe that's just my "different" sense of humor? Regardless, I feel like I should elaborate.
Today was BUSY (oh boy, here I go again, all caps...I'll try to keep those at a minimum as I don't want you to think that I'm shouting at you)! I spent the entire day working in a kitchen, racing around and cooking. The day was so busy that I joked to someone later this evening that I was sure that I had lost 5 pounds from running around and sweating so much. The kicker? It was so busy that I could barely remember eating lunch (wait, did I?)...that never happens!
I drive home, unload my car, and try to "relax" for a few minutes before I make dinner. After the tacos were consumed (tacos are a favorite here in our house), I reached up to fix my hair and found a piece of rice. My husband and I thought this was pretty darn funny. I mean, how do you get through a whole day (or maybe part of a day?) with rice on your head? Hilarious, yet kind of ridiculous and totally something that would happen to me.
So, I am happy to report that there was only a small piece of rice stuck there...thank goodness. I guess when you work with food, you never know where it's going to end up or what it's going to stick to. :)
It was a good, hard day, and it reminded me of why I love what I do and why I love food. I am feeling good again and am funky-free!
Today was BUSY (oh boy, here I go again, all caps...I'll try to keep those at a minimum as I don't want you to think that I'm shouting at you)! I spent the entire day working in a kitchen, racing around and cooking. The day was so busy that I joked to someone later this evening that I was sure that I had lost 5 pounds from running around and sweating so much. The kicker? It was so busy that I could barely remember eating lunch (wait, did I?)...that never happens!
I drive home, unload my car, and try to "relax" for a few minutes before I make dinner. After the tacos were consumed (tacos are a favorite here in our house), I reached up to fix my hair and found a piece of rice. My husband and I thought this was pretty darn funny. I mean, how do you get through a whole day (or maybe part of a day?) with rice on your head? Hilarious, yet kind of ridiculous and totally something that would happen to me.
So, I am happy to report that there was only a small piece of rice stuck there...thank goodness. I guess when you work with food, you never know where it's going to end up or what it's going to stick to. :)
It was a good, hard day, and it reminded me of why I love what I do and why I love food. I am feeling good again and am funky-free!
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