I am feeling much better after a few relaxing days off and the pups have been happy to relax with me snuggled in their beds.
A little frustrated with the weather, lots of wind and rain the last few days and it’s supposed to be even worse tomorrow. Leela has been bummed about not getting enough walks.
I’ve gotten in a few leisurely workouts at the gym tackling speed and hill treadmill workouts.
And enjoying not feeling rushed through weights and floor exercises as I tend to after a long work day.
And it’s time to start increasing mileage for an upcoming half marathon, I got in a tricky 7.32 mile training run between rain storms this morning.
My pace was just eh, I was feeling a little tired and strong winds did not help. But it felt great to meet the distance, get in a little hill training, and stick to my half training plan.
I’ve also been making a lot of little grocery shopping trips in the last few days as I work through the Rouxbe Forks Over Knives cooking program, Grocery Outlet here, Target there, Whole Foods, and Raley’s as I pick up items for recipe assignments. Thank goodness I enjoy grocery shopping and just checking out what’s new in vegan offerings like these pricey Victoria Vegan cashew based pasta sauces spotted at Raley’s.
I’m actually looking forward to trying these for our next home date night, yum!
And this gem spotted at Whole Foods – Gardein BBQ Porkless Pockets.
Is there anything Gardein can’t veganize? I am actually curious to try these, but I think hubby would enjoy them more.
I made a royal mess of our kitchen last night making homemade veggie stock and cabbage soups for assignments and most require a mise en place photo, or setting out the prepared ingredients before starting the recipe.
Making veggie stock is interesting and truthfully a lot of work and ingredients for just 8 cups – this recipe had to simmer for 90 minutes, then cool for 30.
And I had to use most of it in this tomato Dijon cabbage soup recipe.
This soup was good, very hearty and comforting for a light veggie soup with no oil or fatty ingredients. And I have leftovers for a few lunches now!
The next recipe was making an avocado-based ranch dressing that used non-dairy milk as the liquid.
It was delicious with a thick and creamy texture and much like other avocado based dressings I make, so this was an easy assignment.
It worked with a pinto bean and apple salad for a post-run lunch.
And this dish was an interesting experiment using more batch cooked lentils. I created a tomato curry sauce in the blender using tomato paste and added a small avocado for the fatty creaminess instead of coconut milk.
I wasn’t sure how it would taste after simmering, but it worked out really well with a creamy and smooth texture. I simmered cooked lentils, chopped onions, and carrots in the sauce for a simple, weeknight one pot meal.
We also saw The Lego Batman Movie and loved it! It shared similar comedy style as The Lego Movie, was nicely paced, and consistently funny with a heart warming story while poking fun at Batman’s history. We also watched Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and this one was not so awesome. I have a soft spot for comedies and like many despite iffy ratings, but character building was weak, jokes were weak, and it just seemed to focus too much on bad people making bad, selfish decisions which gets old.
Okay, the list!
How is it possible to run 7 marathons in 7 days?!
Another article on running being good for your knees.
Core exercises for distance runners.
This 85-year-old women is an amazing running inspiration.
This Vegan: Everyday Stories movie is worth a watch.
This is exciting news for Miyoko’s Kitchen and progress in vegan cheese.
So happy about Evanna Lynch!!!
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Me too, can’t wait!
Last weekend, I hold a party for my family and cooked it by myself. The theme was healthy party and it was full of vegetable dishes. I was happy that everyone loved it!
Firstly, your dogs are so cute <3 And your food is bravo!! I will be very happy to spend this weekend to cook this food for my family. Thank you so much, girl.
P/S: How can you run 7 miles? I cannot pass even 1 mile :(((
Your food prep is so inspiring! I wish I could get myself even half as organized in the kitchen.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Haha, thanks. It’s not always that organized when it’s not being graded. :-)
I feel like California and Illinois have traded weather. It’s been in the 60s here, and it’s supposed to be 70 on Wednesday!! After that we’ll be back to normal, but the break has been awesome. Thanks for sharing all of those great links. I especially loved the story about the 85 year old. She’s my idol. :)
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Seriously – we’re on track for the wettest year in 100 years or something, it’s crazy after years of drought. I feel bad complaining about the rain, but I am looking forward to sunshine. Agreed on the 85-year-old, so awesome.
My pups were cooped up last week because of a snow storm and they hated being in side for so long too.
Excited to hear how your Rouxbe cooking program goes. I am interested in doing that too. Probably not till after I finish my classes later on the in year so I have more time to dedicate but it looks really fun.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Ugh, supposed to be rainy and stormy most of today too – they will be upset with me.
The class is going well, getting ready to wrap it up completing the last assignment this week and will write more about it. I’ve found the basic cooking techniques really valuable.