Simple Shrimpy Dinner Filed under ( Healthy, Seafood, Vegetables )

Thank you all for your sweet comments on the wedding pictures I posted yesterday! You are all wayyy too wonderful :)

Today was one heck of a busy day. Work was out of control! When the day was over, I coudln't wait to get into the gym. I ran two miles and then took a great 45 minute spin class. I came home to get some more work done and do some laundry/ironing. For dinner, I wanted something simple and delicious. Here is the view via Josh's plate.

Shrimp cooked with a hint of olive oil, lemon juice, and old bay:


TJ's grains:

Pineapple:

Roasted butternut squash:


All together now:

And now its back to work! Hopefully this will mean a shorter day Wednesday ;)

Any exciting events this upcoming week? I have a fancy pancy dinner with Josh's work tomorrow, a cooking glass (gnocchi and risotto) on Wednesday, and my 10k Saturday!

Weekend Wedding Filed under ( Family, Vegetables )

Hope you all had a nice weekend :). We had another busy wedding filled weekend. Below is a summary with lots of pictures.

Friday: Up early and out the door by 6 am. Drove to Virginia for the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The dinner was Hawaiian themed and was held in a park. It was very laid back and a lot of fun.

Josh (right), Groom (center), Josh's friend Andrew (Left):

Josh and I (I wore the multi dress to the rehearsal dinner):

There was a LOT of drinking that took place on Friday night. I didn't join in, but did help form the beer-sphere seen below:

Saturday: Up early again and snuck in 6 miles on the gym treadmill before the wedding. The groomsman and groom messing around pre-wedding:

Josh and I (there were like three cameras clicking away here so we're both looking at different ones haha):

The ceremony was beautiful! Here is a picture of the gorgeous bride (in a dress her mom MADE) and the handsome groom:

One of the best parts of the wedding was that Josh's parents were also invited! Here is a picture at the cocktail hour of Josh's parents (left), Josh, and two of Josh's friends, Ryan and Michelle:

And me and some of the dudes:

The reception was a blast filled with good food and dancing. Below is a picture of Josh, me, and Josh's parents:

and Josh and his friend Andrew:

They provided the BEST vegetarian dish I have ever had at a wedding. Veggies and a phyllo purse filled with Israeli couscous and more veggies all served with a black bean sauce(YUM!):

We crashed HARD last night and were up early early again this morning.

Sunday: Since I knew I wouldn't have enough time either this am or this pm to fit in my entire workout, I decided to divide it up. I hit up the hotel gym for three miles running on the treadmill before we left for SC. Upon returning home, I went food shopping, did another three mile run outside, and did TONS of laundry. We also picked up Franky and I gave him a bath.

Our friend Jeremy came over for dinner. He and Josh had burgers and grilled fries:

I had grilled peaches and veggies with marinutta sauce:

I also had some fruit and cereal on the side (what a random dinner ;)). Now, I am watching football and considering going to sleep. What was the best part of your weekend?

Vegan Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Filed under ( Healthy, Restaurant Review, Soup, Vegan, Vegetables, vegetarian )

TGIF for sure! Work was a little crazy this week and I am READY for the weekend. How about you? One thing that did make my week a little better? I met my friend Mandi for a working breakfast at my favorite place (Charleston’s Cafe!!) on Thursday. We both enjoyed their fantastic parfaits. I got the blueberry & banana (I know, I’m such a creature of habit):

And Mandi got the apple & craisin parfait:

If you’re ever in the Charleston area and need a brunch friend…I’m always available ;)

The second thing that made my week better? A vegan creamy butternut squash soup! I saw Krista make this soup this week and knew I must have it! Luckily, I had a small butternut squash in the fridge just screaming to be used up. I made a few minor, minor adjustments to her recipe, so feel free to prepare it as below or use Krista’s original version:

Vegan (or not) Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ¼ cup onion, chopped finely
• 1 clove garlic, chopped finely
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp ground red pepper (optional, I like a little heat with my sweets)
• 14 oz cooked butternut squash ( cut in half, remove seeds, bake at 400 until VERY soft~1.5 hours) or you can use a 15-oz can of butternut squash puree

Before:

After:

 

Just the “meat”:

• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup milk, cream or half and half (I used original almond breeze)

  Directions:

• Heat olive oil in a medium size pot. Add onion & garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
• Add spices, butternut squash and broth. Bring to a boil.
• Lower heat to medium low, add milk and let simmer 10-15 minutes.
• Puree with immersion or regular blender.
• Serves 2

 

Fantastic! Thank you Krista! If you don’t read Krista’s blog, you should totally check it out. She is the ultimate super mama!

Weekend plans?? I’m teaching (Step Friday AM, Step & Pump launch Saturday) and Josh’s parents are coming to visit! I cannot wait!!

If you haven’t done so yet, enter my cookie giveaway!!!

Pumpkin, Bean & Veggie Soup Filed under ( Healthy, Vegetables )

I woke up this morning with my usual sleepy Monday morning eyes and knew today would be heavy on the coffee ;). After work, I decided to do a quick run 4 mile run. Since I have to fit in running when I’m not teaching, these last few days have been very running intensive. To ease my aching muscles, I decided to do Polly’s Yoga for Runners again. It was fantastic! Afterwards, I took Franky for a walk and scrubbed up the kitchen floor.

For dinner tonight, I went with a pumpkin soup based on this Libby’s recipe.

Pumpkin, Bean & Veggie Soup (makes 1 big bowl)

Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
Desired amount of garlic
½ bell pepper, chopped
¼ teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon thyme
¼ cup of corn
1 tomato, chopped
¼ cup of beans
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup vegetable broth
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Greek Yogurt (optional)

Directions:
Heat oil. Add garlic & peppers and cook until soft. Stir in cumin, thyme, corn, tomato, beans, pumpkin, and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Top with cayenne pepper and a little Greek yogurt, if desired.

This was seriously AMAZING. I can't wait to make it again. I topped it with tons of cayenne pepper for a nice kick. On the side I had an apple to complete my fall themed meal:

Tonight I plan to work on my play lists/tracks for Body Step and Attack and then REST.

Do you have a favorite fall meal?

Fun Products & Grilling Filed under ( Beef, product review, Vegetables )

Today was my Friday, as we will be starting the wedding festivities tomorrow! This particular wedding is for someone in Josh’s extended family, so I am very excited to see his parents, brothers & sister tomorrow. After the usual work, I came home for some snacking and then headed out to do errands, which included WFs! The wonderful people at Newman’s Own Organics sent me some coupons and I could not wait to use them. Here are the Newman’s products I picked up:

I also picked up a fun box of 365 cereal that was free via coupon I got in the mail:

I also taught 45 minute Body Step. When I got home, I got showered up and prepared for some grilling with Josh. On the menu was burgers for Josh, grilled corn on the cob, peaches, and eggplant (for me!). Josh’s plate of goodness:

And mine ( I served my eggplant with some more un-pictured marinutta - I can’t get enough of this stuff):

Now its time to watch the AWESOME Thursday TV line up. Do you have weekend plans??

Easy Dinner Ideas & Vegetarian Brinner Bowl Part II Filed under ( Breakfast, Healthy, Vegetables, vegetarian )

Thank you all for the feedback on your favorite easy & delicious meals.  Some of your brilliant ideas:

• Kelly’s garlic quinoa & basil chicken
• Stir fry (a popular one and I must agree!!)
• Angharad’s spicy turkey chili
• Kylie’s mega veggie dinner salad
• Stephanie’s sweet potato and black bean chili

Last time, I posted about one of my favorite quick & easy vegetarian bowls and here is another:

Ingredients:

• Chopped veggies (tonight I used parsnips, onions and green peppers)
• Eggs (any combination of eggs, egg whites or egg beaters)
• Chili powder
• Shredded cheese (I usually use a part skim Mexican blend)
• Salsa

Directions:

• Spray frying pan with non-stick spray (or alternatively spread with a little butter or oil)
• Add chopped veggies and chili powder and cook until veggies are starting to brown or are almost cooked through
• Add eggs, cook through
• Top with shredded cheese & salsa ( I like to add avocado too but I had none on hand)

Easy breakfast for dinner! I always serve this with a side of fruit and toasted bread, pita or tortilla.

What are your plans for the weekend?  I am teaching Body Step Saturday morning, going to dinner with friends & walking the bridge/going to brunch with Lindsay.  Josh and I also have plans for yard & house work. Enjoy every minute of your weekend!!

Chicken Parm, Marinutta, Dress Help! Filed under ( chicken, Healthy, Italian, Vegetables )

Thank you all for the wonderful feedback and support regarding my goals that I posted yesterday. You are fabulous! After the usual work business, I came home and did a few things around the house and then prepped up our dinners. For Josh, I made my healthier chicken parm and made it into a sammy. On the side he had steamed veggies and an orange (note: since it was going into the fridge, I didn’t put the chicken on the bun to prevent sogginess):





For myself, I was inspired by Heather and Meghann and finally tried Heather’s Marinutta sauce. I cut up some eggplant and roasted it in the oven. I mixed the roasted egg plant with some additional steamed & fresh veggies:



And then I topped the bowl with a combination of marinara sauce, nut butter, and flax. The result…

But before I could enjoy my dinner, I had to run out and teach Body Attack. Class was good, but my participants seemed like they were dragging!! Everyone must have had a busy weekend. When I got back, I finally got to dive into my bowl of veggies. Seriously guys, even YUMMIER than it looks. Heather- you are a genius!!



OK- I need your help. We’re going to wedding number 819023456 this summer and I’m having trouble with what I should wear! Here are three of my choices? Any preference? Thank you in advanced!

Gray:

Brown:

Multi:

Or Option 4- new dress time ;)

poll by twiigs.com

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Bowl Filed under ( Beans, clean eating, group fitness, Healthy, protein, Vegan, Vegetables, vegetarian )

Last nights dinner was a tasty and easy one! I saw Jessie post about her go to Vegan Protein Bowl and it made me crave my own favorite quick & easy vegetarian (or vegan) bowl. I usually make this dish by roasting my vegetables, but I went a slightly different route last night so I could use my new steamer insert that my friend Mandi gave me for my birthday.

 

I chopped up a parsnip and sweet potato…

 

and steamed them up…

 

I mixed the steamed veggies with Bush’s reduced sodium pinto beans…

 

and Success Brown rice. The mixture was topped with salsa. For a little extra yum factor, I usually place shredded cheese on top.

 

Delicious & healthy.

And for workout Wednesday, here is my plan for the week:

• Monday: Ran to warm up, Taught Body Pump
• Tuesday:  Taught Body Attack
• Wednesday:  Ran outside
• Thursday:  Teach 45 minute Step, 45 minute Pump
• Friday: Off
• Saturday:  Teach Body Step
• Sunday:  Walk with Lindsay

What is your favorite healthy meal? Any workout plans for the week?

Happy Birthday to my sister, Kim!!!! (Her birthday was yesterday but I didn’t post!)

Vegetarian Carrot Soup Filed under ( Soup, Vegetables, vegetarian )

Welcome to the weekend! You just have to love a four day work/school week! What are you up to this weekend? I honestly have pretty much no plans…and I am excited about it :)

As Fall is creeping closer, I am CRAVING soup. I have seen various takes on cream of carrot soup in so many magazines lately, I decided to try my hand at my own version.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 16 oz carrots & parsnips, chopped (the parsnip flavor comes out pretty strong, so I suggest starting with only a little parsnip if you’re unsure about the flavor or use all carrots)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 28 oz vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 cup skim or low fat milk
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• Toppings: jalapenos, Greek yogurt, cheese, etc!

Directions:

• Heat olive oil or butter in a soup pan.
• Add chopped carrots, parsnips & onion, cook until vegetables are tender.

  

• Add broth, chili powder & red pepper, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, add milk, cover, and simmer for ~15 minutes (stir on occasion).
• Remove from heat and blend using an emulsion blender (alternatively you could use a regular blender, but be careful with the heat!!).
• Add cooked rice, place in bowls & top

We tried the soup both totally pureed and partially. We preferred it partially pureed with some chunks of carrots and parsnips remaining:

I want to try making a vegan version with cashew cream!

What is your favorite kind of soup?? I love cream of asparagus as well as black bean and vegetarian chili.

GRILLING!!! Filed under ( Frank, fruit, grill, Healthy, Seafood, Vegetables )

Hope you all had a nice Wednesday. My Wednesday started out as it usually does- a mile and a half run and body pump! A busy work day was followed by taking my car into the shop and a few other errands. When I got back, Josh and I turned on our new Weber for the first time. Frank was super excited...he couldn't even stand still:

For dinner, we cooked up shrimp (marinated in olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice and shallots), artichokes tossed in a bit of olive oil and chili powder, my veggie mix (peppers, green beans, onion, white beans tossed in a little olive oil and chili powder), and pineapple:

Love our new baby!

Josh's dinner plate (including a grilled lemon):

And mine (I had another equal sized serving of cantaloupe after this):

FABULOUS dinner! And now we're off to take the Frankster for a walk :)

Do you guys have weekend plans already? I am going to a sort of exercise convention for the Les Mills programs. I am very excited :)