Monday, September 27, 2010

Where There is a Will, There is a Way

Well, my blogging issues seem to have not been resolved. I thought I had it figured out last night. Picasa was telling me I had exceeded my GB limit and I needed to purchase more space in order to upload any more images to Blogger. So I shelled out the $5 for 20 GBs. It's still not working! They did say it may take up to 24 hours to start recognizing the space so hopefully that is it.


In the meantime, I'm experimenting with Ecto. I know so many of you swear by it and I've tried to use Live Writer in the past (pre Mac days) but I could never get into it. Ecto has a free 20 day trial and so far, it's working so if Blogger isn't fixed in a few weeks, I may be spending even more money just so I can write. Ugh, technology woes are the worst!!!


I wasn't able to tell you about yesterday so I'll start there.


Apparently, yesterday was National Pancake Day. Did I know this? No. Did I make pancakes subconsciously? Yes!


Pumpkin Pancakes!


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I made a Pumpkin Yogurt (equal parts canned pumpkin and greek yogurt) to go on top. As well as 1/2 a sliced banana, walnuts, and a granola sprinkle. Oh, and we can't forget about the smear of Mighty Maple hidden under there!


I love when I celebrate Food Holidays and I don't even know it. Must be my true foodie channels.


After I ate, I headed out to an early Body Combat class at the gym. This is by far my favorite class, probably because it reminds me so much of Tae Bo. I used to be a Tae Bo junkie! I think I have almost all of Billy Blank's DvD's and have been known to pull one out from time to time for some good kick booty billy lovin'.


The class was great and my favorite instructor was teaching. After class, I ran a few errands and then came home for lunch.


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TJ's Veggie Masala Burger on leftover salad with Spicy Hummus and Balsamic Glaze


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I also roasted 1/2 of a baby acorn squash and ate my squash fries with the salad. Now that it is squash season, you are about to see my obsession come out full force. Let's see, pumpkin for breakfast, acorn for lunch and......


Butternut for dinner!


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This meal was fantastic. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Eggplant, and Butternut. I made a Pumpkin Curry sauce by sauteing onion and garlic in white wine. Then I added 1/2 Cup of Canned Pumpkin, a splash of almond milk, curry powder, paprika, tomato paste, salt and pepper and let this reduce. Lastly I crumbled in some soft goat cheese. It was one of the best things I have made in awhile!


You can not see it but there was wonderful little pillows of butternut squash ravioli under all of these veggies.


See.....


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That was Sunday, this was today.....


Breakfast,


SAM_1138.JPGOvernight Oats with 1/2 Peach, Blackberries, Walnuts, Almond Butter


With fresh berries and citrus. These were particularly tasty today. SAM_1139.JPG


I spent all day in the office prepping for the busy week ahead. It felt very good to get caught up after not being in the office for 2 days.


I came home for lunch and heated up the very last of my Butternut Squash and Apple Chili (see more squash).


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When I got home today, I decided to venture to a place where I have not been in weeks. Our complex gym. Since the treadmill's been broken, I have had no use for it. I've been using my own gym for running, classes, and lifting, but today, I didn't feel like driving over there. I was just going to do my own workout in the little gym. Well, when I got there, the treadmill was still unplugged and untouched. I decided I would see what would happen if I played around with it. Just maybe it would work?


Well guess what?!?! It worked!!! I'm not sure for how long, but I was able to get in 3 miles. Score! Maybe my morning runs are coming back?


Running felt great! I thought my knee would still be hurting from Saturday's long run, but it didn't at all.


When I got back, I worked on dinner until Toly came home. He has been working late for a few weeks so I've had more time in between working out and getting dinner ready.


As you may know, I've been in the process of attempting to clean out our freezer as we get ready to move out and in with my parents. Tonight's dinner is probably the most processed meal I've had in months, and I'm not going to lie to you, it was pretty darn tasty!


Buffalo "Chicken" Wraps


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I used the Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders. I'm really not a big fan of fake meat. Even veggie burgers, I only like the ones that are made from real veggies, the ones that taste like a vegetable and not a piece of smoky cardboard. But I was sent a coupon for these to review awhile ago and I have to say, they are very good! I baked them and coated them in buffalo sauce. What else went into the wrap? Laughing Cow Blue Cheese Wedge, Romaine, Tomato, Avocado, Homemade Ranch Yogurt Sauce.


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So very good! I also found an open bag of Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Fries from God knows how long ago. I decided to bake them up anyways. They were actually pretty good. No signs of freezer taste. For some real food in this dinner, I included broccoli and melon. You simply can not keep me from fresh veggies and fruit in any meal.


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This turned out to be a great meal! Not your typical SWYNTS dinner, but very much enjoyed.


Sorry this was such a lengthy one. I hope to be back on a regular posting schedule soon!


And thank you all for your amazing comments on everything from yesterday. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your support and love.


Goodnight!

11 comments:

  1. Everything looks SO GOOD! Please come live with me! :-p

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  2. Glad you got things figured out. I don't even know where to start with all these goodies. The idea of the pumpkin yogurt on top of the pancakes is fantastic. I need some brussels back in my life. And that is my favorite gardein product! I will have to try this buffalo version!

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  3. I wish I had realized it was national pancake day this weekend! We didn't get a chance to celebrate. I guess better late than never! You had so much delicious food this weekend. I brought my husband over so that we could both be jealous of how great you eat! Have a great Tuesday love!

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  4. oh no, i didnt know it was pancake day!! you have to warn me :( now i have to sit here in envy at how yummy the pumpkin pancakes look! actually i must say, these look quite remarkable!! ur so creative <3

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  5. man that WRAP, and ravioli look good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someday I will knock on your door and beg for a Say-what-you-need-to-say MEAL. :)


    MUCHO LOVE and GO YOU FOR FIXING THAT TREADMILL!

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  6. Love your breakfasts! They look so delicious and healthy. I'm salivating over your Pumpkin Pancakes...:-)

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  7. I'm always impressed by how big, healthy and varied your meals are! Kudos!

    Hope the blog issues get worked out:)

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  8. buffalo chicken is a brilliant idea! and i couldn't agree more about the veggie burger comment. i LOVE a good hefty veggie burger stuffed with chunky veggies though like portabello mushrooms, broccoli, corn and red pepper! i had a homemade one at a restaurant once and it was delicious!

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  9. pumpkin and pancakes go hand in hand, don't they?! sorry about your techie woes. i hate that sort of thing. i am also sorry you didn't make the foodbuzz cut! that is so whack. i love you and your blog and you are a star to me :D i didn't participate in the challenge, so whatevs. i think that we should have our own bloggie awards ;)

    love you!

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  10. lauren... whats the best way to cook acorn squash? i'm going to make some for dinner tonight and i'm going to roast it. do you recommend sprinkling some sugar or maple syrup on top for sweetness? or go more for the fry appeal and sprinkle some salt and eat with ketchup? also... do you eat the skin? thanks! :)

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  11. i like the posts with ecto! maybe b/c the pix are bigger?!

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