July 2010

Not this kind of faux sausage: This kind of faux sausage: I’m not sure why, but I felt compelled to pick up this vegetarian sausage at the store the other night.  I was never really into sausage when I ate meat.  I do like the Morningstar sausages and was hoping this brand would be similar [...]

This morning, I am enjoying the little things (before I dive head-first into the big, scary, complicated work-related things).  Ahhhh.   Weeding makes me happy.  Weeding means I have something tangible to take care of.  Weeding means I haven’t killed my flowers and given up on my flowerbed yet. Also, tea kettles that emit a [...]

Things are FINALLY coming off my To Do List.  For three days straight, it seemed like it GREW daily, but now it’s shrinking.  It feels good.   And I had a fun play date planned for this evening!  I met up with a reader named Anne for frozen yogurt.  Isn’t it fun when you have [...]

Since my life is currently imploding (in a great way), I’ve found that I’m struggling mentally to “make time” for my workouts.  Between the book release, launching the Husband’s practice (which I’ve really hands-on about; I’m actually going to be the secretary), planning the Healthy Living Summit, and juggling freelance, I’m swamped.   One trick [...]

Oh, Pancake Truffles.  I have missed you! Why have I not made Pancake Truffles in… months?!  This breakfast is so amazingly delicious.  I think I feared the time prep involved, but I actually timed myself today and it was only 6 minutes from countertop to oven.  Then I did some work, drank some coffee, and [...]

Alright.  The wiener dog is out of the bag. Note:  I think the fact that Maggie let me put her in a grocery bag and take photos of her is a prime example of why I love that silly little dog so much.  :)   Operation Beautiful is going to be on The Today Show!  [...]

Have you entered the Ball giveaway yet?  If you’re interested in learning more about canning, a sweet reader named Erin recommends this book (which I have and like, too) as well as this recipe from TPW for strawberry jam!   If you follow me on Twitter, you know I received some VERY. EPIC. NEWS. earlier!  [...]

If you liked the textures and flavors of my toasted quinoa recipes (Pumpkin Spice and Sweet and Salty), then you’ll absolutely love this recipe! Ptitim, or Israeli couscous, is a large wheat couscous-like product similar to the Italian orzo.  Imagine regular couscous on steroids!   This breakfast is fresh, summery, and light but filling. Toasted [...]

We’re watching Hot Tub Time Machine – have you see this movie?   Three friends go back to 1986 to relive their best years – via a hot tube time machine.  It’s pretty funny, actually.  But obviously ridiculous!   Earlier, Kath + Matt joined the Husband, Nick, and I on a walk around the neighborhood [...]

I don’t know what happened today, but suddenly, I feel like I turned a major corner in my running!  This morning’s run was a fast negative split, and it felt great. Here’s my statistics:   Duration: 57:57 Distance: 6.25 miles Mile 1: 9:41 Mile 2: 9:20 Mile 3: 9:33 Mile 4: 9:08 Mile 5: 9:00 [...]

Last night we checked out the Charlotte nightlife! (source)   And it was awesome! We went to an area called the Epicenter, which is a multi-level bar, restaurant, and nightclub center.  I wish I had brought my camera, but I’ve misplaced my point-and-shoot during the move.  However, trust me when I say it was swanky [...]

Adventures in Ball canning!  I can’t believe that I made 3 half pints of blueberry jam and 7 jars of pickles today – it was a long process, but really fun to do. Our day started by heading to the Atherton Market, which features mostly local and organic produce and meats.   I had fun talking [...]

The winner of the Athenos feta giveaway is Charlene D!  She wrote, “The best summer food is whatever I can find at the local farmers’ market!! I am particularly loving heirloom tomatoes — and to think I detested raw tomatoes until 2 years ago!”   Breakfast on the floor!  Our house is a bit of [...]