Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Do You Believe in Magic?


I believe in many things, but magic has never been one of them.  I believe in miracles, life after death, and that everything happens for a reason, but magic just never convinced me of any truth.  I guess it's because there was always answer.  The magician could pull a rabbit out of a hat and you may not know how it got there, but he sure did.  

There are some things in life that have no answer and rightfully so.  I guess where I am going with this all is that there are many things happening at this point in my life and I don't have an answer.  In the past, I've struggled with feeling like I was not 100% in control at all times.  This feeling came with school work, with relationships, and with my body.  I felt a sense of security knowing that I was always in complete control and when life appeared to take control of me, I would freak out.  

Now, I look back at this time and realize how unhappy I was.  I thought that being able to feel dominate over everything brought me contentment, when really, it just made me bitter and anxious.  

Life right now is a bit unsettled.  I'm not sure what will happen with our house, when we will have to move, where we will live for a few months while our home is being built, how I will be able to adjust to all of the changes…but you know what I realized, it's all going to be okay.  There are times in life that are not meant to be known which is what makes everything so exciting.  It also teaches me to trust, be grateful, and have complete confidence in myself and in my relationships.  

A few years ago, I would not be able to embrace this change and now, I see it as an adventure.  So, all I can really say now is….Bring It On! 

Breakfast today after a 4 mile HIIT run and 20 min of abs.

1/4 Cup Kashi Go Lean, 1/4 Cup Kashi H2H, Handful (which probably equates to about 1/4 cup or a little less) of Organic Cinnamon Squares, Raspberries, Nectarine, Mango Apricot Greek Yogurt, White Chocolate PB, Raspberry Jam, and flax

If you haven't noticed it before, I always had a sprinkle or a handful of some kind of "fun" cereal or granola to top my yogurt bowls.  It's a fantastic little habit that really makes the entire bowl so much more enjoyable. 



I worked all morning in the office and was very happy to finally have a day to get caught up.  I swung home for lunch and had all of the ingredients to recreate a salmon and lox bagel, much like the one I had from BFD this week. 

1/2 Pumpernickel Bagel, Avocado Dijon Cream Sauce, Capers, Laughing Cow, Smoked Salmon

Minus the egg.  I just didn't feel like scrambling up an egg, dirtying a pan, and waiting an extra 3 min. 


Some veggies and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.  I believe this is my favorite flavor.  No matter how many new ones I try, I always go back to old faithful. 


Along with some fruit and green tea for refreshments.

Quite a tasty and filling lunch if I do say. 

But the real star meal of the day had to have been dinner and you can see why.

Vanilla Seared Scallops


I LOVE scallops but I rarely buy them because Toly doesn't like them and they are usually pretty pricy.  If I'm going to spend mucho dinero on seafood (which I believe is worth spending good money on) it's going to be something Toly will enjoy as well.  

When I was at TJ's this past weekend, they had a special on a 2lb bag of JUMBO frozen scallops.  I immediately snatched them up. 

For the scallops I simply rinsed them and patted them dry. Seasoned one side with salt, pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar.  Then I took a tad of butter and melted it in a skillet. Okay, here is the secret ingredient.  I added just a drop of vanilla into the butter. Place the scallops in the skillet and seasoned the other side.  Cook for about 2 min on each side. 

Amazing!  They came out beautifully and the sweet vanilla was just right.  Not overpowering at all and entirely balanced with the chili powder. 

I also made a HUGE chopped salad to go under the scallops. 


Chopped Romaine, Red Cabbage, Cucumber, Squash, Edamame, Apple, Beets, Walnuts and Goat Cheese 
Dressing: Pomegranate Juice, Balsamic, Agave

This was outstanding!  I love chopped salad and I was fondly reminded tonight how much I adore scallops.  

Toly's salad was just as enticing for his liking. 

He had a Pittsburgh Steak Chopped Salad 



I won't lie, this dinner took me longer than usual because I had to completely customize two different salads, but it was so worth it! 

I may not believe in magic but I do believe in magical meals and this was definitely one of them! 







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10 comments:

  1. Great post girl!! It's hard to not feel in control but we just have to remember, we AREN'T in control! God is :)

    The scallops look great!!

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  2. Amen- times like these really help you grow. We went through SO much uncertainty when we were trying to sell our house in MD, move to SC, secure jobs in SC, and wait for our house in SC to be built. Its all worth it in the end. I totally believe in everything happens for a reason. A Pumpernickel bagel sounds fantastic. I want to try one. And great dinner. Your chopped salad takes the cake (although french fries are surprisingly good on top of a salad ;)). <3 ya girl!

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  3. Loved reading this post! We are so similar - I've also struggled with wanting to have everything within my control. That just always felt more comfortable to me. But the truth is that we're not in control - even when we think we are! So we might as well let go and enjoy the ride. You're absolutely right - that's part of the joy of life! :)

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  4. Everything will work out! This was a great post! We just went through all of this. We were moving from one state to another, I was looking for a job, a place to live, and daycare for my children. It was craziness, but I just kept telling myself that everything was going to work out! I very much have always liked to have control over things, so letting go has been a process, but now that I've learned to let go a bit, it's much easier!

    Your salads look amazing...I love scallops!

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  5. I always need a sprinkle of "fun" cereal too! I can't have cereal with out it.

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  6. Lauren,
    Thank you for your honesty. I'm also feeling a bit unsettled now (I have no idea what I'm doing with going back to grad school, our impending move, ect...) But your thoughts really brought me some encouragement. It helps to know I'm not alone. So thank you for sharing!

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  7. i don't believe in magic but i do believe in the power of embracing the moment, which it sounds like you're doing. it can be so difficult when things are up in the air, but having faith and focusing on what you can control are well worth it.

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  8. Interesting post!
    I love smoked salmon, especially with bread and spread cheese.

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  9. Lauren, you have such a clear head on your shoulders. We share the same philosophy: no matter how overwhelming things seem, they always have a way of working out. Thanks for your honesty, and know that you have so much support in blogland! We're here for you, as is your wonderful husband and family. Big hug.

    I also LOVE scallops! My mom used to make the most delicious scallop pasta when I was growing up, and she often will make it if she knows I'm going over for dinner!

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  10. CONGRATULATIONS AUNTIE! I am just catching up on posts now, and Abigal is adorable!

    And, of course, your meals are fabulous as ever! I love all the creative ideas you concoct and admire your amazing ability to plan ahead.

    Yes - the unknown is kinda fun, right? One of my favorite quotes is so simple, but so true: "Dwell in possibility."

    Love ya!

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