Plum Crazy

There are always surprises when buying a new home. Luckily ours have mostly been good... One of our first discoveries was that all the backyard trees were fruit trees. They were all barren when we first saw the house in April. By May it was clear we had fruit trees but not sure exactly what fruit they would bare. Now, in June, we know we have peach, plum, lemon and apple. The apples have a while yet but the plums are going crazy, incredibly sweet and juicy. I've never had fruit so delicious from my backyard.

So what does one do with an abundance of plums? First, give them away, you will have more and chances are your neighbors will give you delicious things in return like zucchini and avocados. Second, eat straight from the tree; wipe those babies off and eat 'em quick before your clothes are covered in pink plum juice. Lastly, bake many cakes. 

So far I've made delicious plum cobbler with a peach cobbler recipe and just sliced plums as a substitution. A little more tart like a tart cherry pie but so incredibly delicious, especially with ice cream.

I also made the New York Times Plum Torte. Another simple but beautiful dessert. And it's not super sweet so could be great as a coffee or snack cake. But I'm prego so everything is better with ice cream!

I'm having some issues linking recipes so here ya go:

http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/19044/easy-peach-cobbler-2

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/21/dining/.html?_r=0

Lentil Tostada

Exercise: 30 mins elliptical, 20 mins strength

The 5 am wake ups are becoming the norm so I guess I don't need to blog about it all the time, but I'm impressed with myself that I've been able to consistently get my ass out of bed that early :) Also, I've started incorporating a smoothie into my daily meal plan. I was going to make it a challenge, but as soon as I write that word I fail. So, I've just been doing it and it's going great. I didn't put any time constraints on it so if I don't choose to do it tomorrow it's not a failure.

Smoothies are a great breakfast option for me. I've been making huge ones, with tons of fruit, veggies, protein powder, and yogurt or cottage cheese. And there's enough left over to make a perfect mid morning snack. Green smoothies are pretty darn tasty. You know who else thinks so?

A perfect way to get in extra fresh fruits and veggies

The pre-cooked lentils at Trader Joe's have been a favorite around here for awhile. They are a perfect topping for salads or warmed up for a grain bowl. The last few days I've been putting them on everything from salads, to tostadas, to sandwiches.

Lentils mixed with avocado, grated carrots and salsa for an awesome tostada. Topped with spinach and TJ's creamy feta dressing

Lentil salad sandwich on sprouted rye. Inside I mixed lentils, avocado, tomato, grated carrot, veganaisse, dijon, and topped with shredded cheddar and the crushed up ends of a bag of potato chips. Amazing! Served with sliced cucs.

I'm hosting a play date and potluck later so I need to tidy up a bit and hopefully read a little more 50 Shades ;) (blushes) It's so ridiculous so far, but ridiculously entertaining. I do have to say I'm getting a bit annoyed with how many "quirking up" and "magic"ing of facial features there are. Almost every other page this Christian dude is quirking an eyebrow or lip. It's becoming a little redundant. Oh well, I obviously keep going back...

Hope you have a great day!

Free Fallin'

Exercise: 4.5 miles run w/ jogging stroller

Today's run is brought to you by a swollen ankle and road rash. And Tom Petty. (BTW, he mentions good, ol Reseda in this song)

 

Yup, I fell today. I've tripped with the jogging stroller before, even an easy fall but today was my first all out fall where I brought the stroller down with me. My fall probably wouldn't have been so calamitous had I not tried to keep the stroller from falling on its side. I fell to my side and tipped the stroller up on end. It happened so fast but I feel like my legs and arms sprawled everywhere trying to keep Little Man safe. He was TOTALLY fine, just a bit scared. I got road rash up the side of my right leg and ankle and my ankle is seriously p.o.'d. But I'm pretty sure I'll survive.

My sorrows are soon to be drowned in pulled pork. Instead of slowing me down my bum ankle is urging me to make some extra yummy food. It needs that porky protein to strengthen muscle I'm sure. I'm also pretty sure it was my ass that suggested I bake a loaf of bread yesterday ;) So I have tons of yummy meals in my future.

I prepared my pulled pork in the dutch oven so I could brown and cook in one pot. I would have used the slow cooker or crock pot if I was out of the house but I prefer the dutch oven anyway. In case you're wondering I stopped using a recipe or even measuring for my pulled pork a few years ago so I won't list a recipe but I will tell you that I mix together a rub of salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder and brown sugar and generously coat the meat and allow it to brown. Then I put in a little apple cider vinegar and water and let it cook on super low until it's ready. This time I used frozen pork chops that I wanted to use before they got frosty so it only took 2 1/2 hours. The fattier and larger cuts (I normally use leaner cuts) take longer but I just check until it's fork tender.

I left it chunky for carnitas and will pull some apart for sandwiches

Above I mentioned that my ass requested some bread. And I'm so glad it did, it was delicious. 

I just used this recipe and subbed 2/3 whole wheat flour. I didn't let it rise long enough, but it's still great. I used it today for fantastic chicken salad sandwiches made with leftover roast chicken, garden picked scallions, walnuts and dried cranberries. Incredible!!!

Have a lovely rest of your Tuesday!

Little Man is enjoying the heck out of his.

Five for Friday and an Everything Cake

Exercise: 30 minute easy circuit workout

1. Fridays over in these parts have become baking days. Last week I was craving chocolate like mad and so I whipped up some chocolate frosting and decided I might as well bake a cake to go with it. It's annoying when that time of the month coincides with a race but at least there's chocolate to make everything better ;)

Cake Gremlin agrees

2. My friend Natalie made some incredible carrot-zucchini cupcakes with vanilla rum frosting for dessert last night. Soooo tasty. 

These little babies inspired me to make a cake with some bananas that needed to be used. And then I added in some other produce that had to be gone today including a zucchini, a very ripe peach and the end of a bag of shredded carrots. Basically a banana carrot cake with boozy cream cheese icing. But there's also some whole wheat flour, almond flour and the kitchen sink. 

YUM! Moist and delicious!!! Thanks Nat! BTW Nat also makes her version of a ratatouille that she calls Natatouille, ha. I'll try to wrestle this super tasty recipe from her.

3. I've been thinking about training a lot lately. I had planned to run the Pasadena full marathon in May but I just don't think it's possible. I'd need to build up my mileage so much in the next few weeks I just don't think it would be any fun. And if it's not fun I don't want to waste my precious time. My plan now is to gradually up my mileage, do more trail running and reevaluate where I am in July to see if doing the Bulldog 50k is in the cards. There's always the 25k and I have years ahead of me for long races.

4. I just sent out the invitations for Little Man's 2nd birthday party. 2 years old!!! Whoa! Music Man really wanted an easy party. We had agreed upon the theme being 'Birthday Party'. Remember when the party was the theme and you just had friends over with cake and balloons? I don't. Ha. But I appreciate the simplicity of it. But then when we were looking the the Evite designs we found a Lego brick theme one and both Music Man and I immediately decided we had to do Lego/ building brick theme. It's a natural choice since it's one of Little Man's favorite activities. 

I still want to keep it simple but here ius what I have so far:

Cake: Building Blocks Cake

Activity: We have a trampoline, water table, sand box and slide/climber thing but I was also thinking of putting out a huge blanket with a big box of Mega Bloks we have so the kids can play there too. 2 year olds can't really do directed activities yet

Snacks: lego sandwiches- pbj, and jelly & cream cheese for kids

            small regular sandwiches for adults

            mango, strawberry, melon kabobs

            chips, veggies, dip, guac, hummus

            I don't want to do a bunch of candy but maybe some m&m's or lego fruit snacks

            and maybe some lego pops for fun- maybe I could do it healthier with fruit?

Decor and favors: lego plates and cups from party city or there's also these which could be cool

            I also like the lego wristbands and crayons for favors

Balloons: dot balloons

I'll let you know what we choose. So fun!!!

5. Saw Hunger Games and thought it was pretty fun. It was definitely aimed for a younger crowd but was still entertaining. I do have to say I found the book to have more depth and more suspense. There were some really cheesy moments in the movie that weren't depicted that way in the book. But it gets a thumbs up from me.

        

Thanks

Exercise: 5 mile run - 9:53 avg pace, 5 mile bike ride

I spend a lot of time complaining and taking the wonderful things in my life for granted. I've seen so many of my fave bloggers writing about what they are thankful for this month and I'm hopping on the bandwagon. It's just a nice reminder of the good things.

I am so thankful for the weather in my part of so cal. I was thankful for my cool and breezy run this morning and baking with the doors open.

What are you thankful for?

17 Months and Counting

Exercise: 2.5 mile walk this morning and workout with moms scheduled for this afternoon

We started off the day with a special fall treat. Pumpkin pie oats with Greek yogurt.

A yummy celebration because:

Little Man is 17 months old today! I remember when I thought it was crazy that I already had a one year old and soon enough I'll have a two year old. Will it ever not feel crazy? I'm sure by the time I come to terms with Little Man growing up we'll probably have another Little Dude or Dudette ;)

I found this post from October 4th last year and it's amazing to see the changes in Little Man. Also crazy that I was 40 pounds heavier than I am now and was running double digit mileage! I'm barely doing that now and I need to get a move on.

17 mos ago (3 days before having Little Man) I love this picture because the last week of being pregnant people would constantly ask me how many babies I was having. Uhh, dude, one. I'm just fat ;)

12 mos ago (Little Man and his furry bro, Ringo)

And today. The first time he climbed up, sat on his bum and went down the slide all by himself...awe.

Now it's time to play outside because tomorrow's forecast is for rain and it looks pretty menacing out there now. Also on the agenda for today is mommy fitness class, bbq tofu sandwiches for dinner with homemade pumpkin cup cakes for dessert and a long evening walk with the furry kids.

Have a great rest of your day!

Path to a Sub 25 5K and yummy Brussels Sprouts

Exercise: 30 mins elliptical, 20 mins strength-abs, butt, thighs, and 5 mile bike ride

So far so good. We've had a busy few days and it's been great; lots of little outings to the play ground, farmers' market and various stores. It's nice having such full days, Little Man doesn't have time to get grumpy and naps pretty well. Win win.

So an awesome thing happened a few days ago. I was reading one of the blogs I follow and I saw this post and half jokingly commented that I'd like her to pace me to a sub 25 5k. What's funny is she agreed! Luckily we don't live that far from each other so we're trying to find a 5k that'll work for both of us. I think it's super cool and hopefully mutually beneficial.

Here are a few photos just for fun

I love Brussels sprouts and make them whenever Music Man is out of town. These were sauteed with a little olive oil, onion and fake bacon, then seasoned with s&p. Just FYI, the trick to tasty Brussels sprouts: cut in half and remove the core so they resemble Pac Man. The core is the bitter part so removing it just leaves behind sweet little cabbage dudes.

Dessert: glass of wine and Dark Chocolate pb. Why I thought it was a good idea to buy that pb I will never know. What I do know is that it has only been in this house 3 days and there's maybe a smidge more than half left.

Today's pic: more stripes, less guns ;)

Hope you're having a good Monday.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Exercise: 8 miles- around 9:50 pace

So yeah, the last few days haven't been awesome. Sick baby= no bueno. Luckily, today feclt so much better and I got an 8 mile run in with Little Man and he was, pretty much, an angel for the bulk of the miles. Around mile 7 he got antsy so I let him out when we got back to the neighborhood so he could walk a bit. I actually ran 7.75 miles and walked the rest with him, but close enough.

I made his morning stroller confinement up to him with an afternoon trip to My Gym, a stop at Music Man's studio and a trip to the park. I think I made my first park mommy friend as well, I think we really hit it off. I hope she calls ;) Ha.

Here are a few pics from the last few days

Breakfast Sammy: A weird one but it's what sounded good when I woke up Tuesday. Spinach, avocado and mozzarella on ww bread. Little man was sick and wouldn't eat anything I prepared but he ate the heck out of this. In fact, he has totally been into spinach the last few days, which is full of vitamins so it makes me happy.

Dinner last night was red bean stew. Similar recipe to beef stew but red beans and veggie broth sub for beef. I added in a teeny tiny amount of smoke flavor to give it a meaty taste and my chef friend gave me a great tip on stews to give it a deeper taste. 1/4 cup brewed coffee to 4 cups liquid. You can't recognize the flavor, but it works.

I ate the stew for every meal today. I just added in some spinach, which I do for most dishes when I can get away with it. 

Now it's marathon TV time, I'm loving Up All Night (could be because I'm a new parent) Free Agents (my husband's doppelganger is the grocery clerk) and the music is super fun and ANTM!!!! I'm a tween. Modern Family in the morning woot woot!

Have a great Wednesday!

Piecemeal Run

Exercise: 4 mile run 9:22 pace, 2 mile jog 11:30 pace, 1 mile walk 17:25 pace

I knew I wanted to get at least 6 miles in but because I had grumpy Little Man in the jogger I had to break up the run a bit. The first 4 miles I ran a comfortably hard pace around our lake to a play ground and we stopped for about 30 minutes so Little Man could burn some energy. Then I got him back in the stroller and we jogged another mile and a half to the farmers market on a slightly flat wheel. But Little Man got tons of samples of strawberries, orange slices, plums and even fresh peach juice. I decided to walk/jog home since my wheel was getting flatter by the second. Then we swapped strollers and took the pups for a quick walk. Overall I was pretty happy with my run as it was a beautiful day and I got a ton accomplished. Sweet morning.

Here's some eats:

MMMMM Bacon! with some eggs and toast

BACON part II. BLT on marbled rye with heirloom tomatoes and baby greens. The most delectable strawberries ever! 

Plum cake prior to baking: gluten free cake mix with apple sauce instead of butter with a pinwheel of super ripe sliced plums

And after: topped with cinnamon and sugar 10 minutes before removing from the oven

Sunday burger with fry duo

Yum

Catch up

Exercise: Nada so far. Planned 6 mile out and back with a stop at Music man's studio for a lunch drop off and a stop at the park for Little Man.

I finally feel like I have a second to breathe. This week has been a little busier than I enjoy. I get overwhelmed really quick so when I have to plan multiple events around nap times and all our other activities I tend to get worked up. But all is well thus far.

I've had 2 nights out this week with the help from babysitters for Little Man. It was stressful to get the outings planned and actually get there (that's how life is with a toddler) but once out, both evenings were really fun. I attended my first Moms Night Out which was a blast. It is so nice to get out once in a while and have an adult conversation with people who need it as much as you do. I definitely used to take going out at night for granted.

Last night we had a business dinner sorta thingy. There wasn't much business discussed for once; usually there is always gear talk and all the girls just sigh and roll their eyes. It was actually more of a relaxing meal. We went out with the singer Music Man is working with, Regina Spektor. She was so sweet and sent us home with her leftover steak for our pups. Well, actually, I stole it from the waiter's hands as he was taking it away. But the point is that my dogs got the dregs of a celebrity's NY strip ;) Ha!

This weekend is pretty mellow too. Music Man has to work a bit tomorrow, but then we're gonna bbq. And Sunday Music Man would normally take a long ride in preparation for his century on October 2nd but he had to cancel it to go to NY for work. I'm just glad we get to hang out with him.

Here are some photos of food and things.

Monday:

My current fave: oats with berries, pb and brown sugar

Greens with black beans, corn, mixed veggies, crumbled sweet potato chips and TJ's Greek feta dressing

Spinach and sausage pizza

Tuesday:

3 pints of strawberries from the farmers' market means I put that sh!t on everything ;)

See what I mean? strawberry wrap with triple cream brie, fig jam, walnuts, baby greens and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Just a note, Little Man went crazy over this wrap

Sorry about the unappetizing photo. This is my toddler meal. oat bran encrusted chicken tenders and zucchini "fries" and mashed sweet potatoes. This meal was a total hit.

Thursday

Look at that grin. You know he got me up before 6 on purpose

Overcast morning= hearty breakfast of potato, spinach, mozzarella scramble and ww toast

Playing fetch. What happens when you have dogs before children

Friday

Oats with banana and pb

WW rotini with coconut alfredo and broccoli

Afternoon tea and graham crackers and pb

Whew! All caught up. Let's hope for a more mellow September because October signals the beginning of the holiday season and 3 months of me going nuts. woo

I'll send you off with Little Man and his food love, not a pb lover like his mom.

Hello New Hotness

Exercise: 4 mile run-9:30 avg pace

I gots me a new jogger... Hello New Hotness

Goodbye old and busted

I loved my old jogger but apparently plastic wheels MELT. It wasn't like an oozing melt but the wheels warped so the tires no longer fit and made all the wheels wobble. No bueno. Also, the front wheel unlocks so it has a slight wobble as well. But all in all, this jogger probably ran and walked close to 1500 miles. That's like 5 pairs of shoes. And you know good running shoes can cost you a $100 a pair, so 1500 miles on $119 stroller is pretty awesome. Also this stroller has all the bells and whistles intact like a movable canopy, 2 cup holders, an ipod jack, huge under carriage basket and child drink and snack tray. Even with the wheel issue I highly recommend this stroller.

I am already loving my new jogger though. It has no wheel resistance which makes pushing 40 pounds easy peasy. It didn't come with cup holders but Music Man installed a bike bottle cage and I will probably install another. The only thing I really missed was the child snack tray but I'll figure out how to hack that eventually.

I took the new jogger out for the first time Sunday. I'm used to having the top cup holders and I use one for my water and one for my phone. Since this jogger only has one bottle holder I used it for my water and stowed my phone in the storage basket. The only problem with this is that I use my phone instead of a Garmin, so I couldn't check my pace. I knew this beforehand and decided that I would just do my 6 mile run at a comfortably hard pace. I was getting a great cardio workout, feeling my heart pound, but could talk and enjoy the run. I loved not paying attention to my pace. I did worry that I wasn't going fast enough but I relied completely on the way I felt. And guess what? My average pace was 9:15!!! 9:15 with a jogger, not tracking my pace, running comfortably! What a difference a stroller makes.

I have been photographing my meals but have had a crazy last few days. So here are a few pics and I'll start fresh tomorrow.

Oatmeal with chia seeds, peanut butter, strawberries and brown sugar. Tasted like a pb&j. yum!

Baby Greens with brown rice, madras lentils and home grown tomatoes

Steak, broccoli and penne inspired by Gourmet Runner

I have many more weekend photos I'll post tomorrow but Music Man needs to borrow the lap top and I don't want to switch to another computer soooo...

Night Night