Happy new week!
Life has been a bit of a rat race lately, so I set one goal for myself over the weekend: RELAX.
The pool at my apartment building is open for just one more week, so I had every intention of plunking down and doing this:
Soaking up the rays in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 2008
But there were several weekend events that I just couldn't pass up! In fact, I spent NO time at the pool. Once again, city life swallowed me whole. :-p
On Friday, Elaina and I hit up Georgetown for Fashion's Night Out...
The Betsey Johnson convertible
Let's just pretend that this was our mode of transport for the evening. ;-)
The streets were filled with fashionistas, tourists, Cirque du Soleil performers, dancers, musicians etc. etc. It was quite the people-watching experience! Stores stayed open late--until 11:00--and in addition to offering major deals, retailers were handing out goodies such as free champagne, Vitamin Water Zero and cupcakes!
I was good and bought NOTHING! But I still enjoyed posing with a bling bag...
For the record, this bag is SO NOT ME. Which is what made flaunting it around the Betsey Johnson store SO much fun. :-)
Saturday we traded our heels for Birkenstocks and checked out DC Veg Fest.
I befriended a waving carrot...
(He even gave me a hug!)
Many vegan vendors and companies were there...
I sampled a nutrition bar (undocumented) and energy drink at the Vega booth.
Vegan pudding...bleh, I'll stick with the real stuff! Soyummi tasted gummy to me, and I wasn't too fond of the lime flavor that they were sampling.
This raw foods booth was the highlight!
I snagged the LAST plate of "lasagna" from Elizabeth's Gone Raw!
Zucchini noodles, nut ricotta, spinach and raw tomato sauce.
It was actually quite tasty!
In addition to sampling food, I chatted with a vegan dietitian about the differences between plant and animal protein. While I am not convinced that I should become a vegetarian, he offered great insight. I also snagged some literature about vegan diets that spell out how to achieve all RDA's for an entirely plant-based diet.
After perusing the Veg Fest booths, we headed over to Cone-E-Island for fro yo.
I made strawberry cheesecake by combining cheesecake and strawberry flavors. (the strawberry is hiding!)
All in all, it was a fantastic Saturday afternoon.
Now,I 'd like to share some kitchen creations from the past week.
As part of the Fresh Eats on a Dime challenge, I was forced to make do with the groceries stashed in the fridge from last week's under $50 shop. I have a tendency to take extra trips to the store to buy whatever I'm craving on a particular day, but this week I've stuck to my guns. :-)
The result: deeelicious eats!
Exhibit A: Thai Chicken Curry
First I sauteed chicken and red onions in olive oil...
Then added torn Swiss chard and about 1/4 cup of TJ's Thai Red Curry Sauce.
(I highly recommend you run to TJ's right now and buy a bottle for yourself!)
The sauce also makes a great salad dressing.
Thai chicken salad snack
Exhibit B: Butternut Squash Saute with Caramelized Onions and Feta
My new favorite combination!
I bought a bag of frozen butternut squash last week and have been enjoying it tremendously!
Such an easy, simple, delicious side...Just pull the desired amount out of the bag and throw it on the stove with a smidge of olive oil. Once the squash is browned, top it with feta or parmesan. The contrast between the tangy/salty cheese and the sweet squash is quite tasty. :-)
Served with scrambled eggs and pan-roasted asparagus.
Exhibit C: Polenta with melted cheddar and sauteed mushrooms
Served with TJ's roasted turkey and sauteed spinach.
Tomorrow I'm heading to the grocery store to shop for week two of the challenge. I'm looking forward to another creative week in the kitchen. :-)
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Before I go, I'd like to share something that's been on my mind over the past week. A few bloggers have written insightful posts about the comparison trap--in regards to exercise and food--and the dangers that accompany measuring your diet or fitness regimen with somebody else's.
This topic really hits home with me because there was a time when I was a slave to comparing. If someone ate less than me, I'd convince myself that I was a pig. I'd listen intently as others told me what they had or hadn't eaten, and I'd adjust my meals accordingly.
I truly believed that what others ate somehow affected me.
But you know what I've realized over the past month? My wellness decisions are no longer dictated by petty remarks from others.
I completely believe and embrace the philosophy that all that matters is how YOU take care of YOUR body. What another person chooses to eat, or how long they choose to work out, has NOTHING to do with you.
It's a simple, yet liberating realization! So next time you see something on someone else's blog, or you receive a comment from a friend or family member that makes you question your own healthy habits, (i.e. "she exercises so much more than me!" or "oh my gosh, that's all she eats? I should reduce my portions..."), please take a minute to reflect upon, and affirm, your own healthy habits. :-)
Ok, that's all loves, MAKE YOUR MONDAY MARVELOUS!! <3 <3 <3
