Since We Last Chatted…

I celebrated Christmas…

So what if I wore yoga pants all day? I wanted to be comfy while I unwrapped presents and stuffed myself.

I made a lot of fun recipes that I can wait to share with you. I copycatted the Okonomiyaki that Carter and I had at Xia Bao Biscuit.

And the Basil Honey Vinaigrette I love from Five Loaves. (Ignore my half gone tattoo – I’m still in the removal process.)

I also made blueberry pancakes using Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.

I continued making healthy recipes like Spicy Lentil Patties…

and a vegan tofu scramble.

I celebrated winning The NYE Challenge with an IceDream from Chick-fil-A…

…and made a lot of cookies.

Seriously, so many cookies.

But it’s okay, because I did a ton of running…

including another 10 mile run on NYE…

and maybe a little trespassing.

And finally, I rang in the New Year with some of my favorite friends.

Cheers to 2013, getting back into regular posting, and sharing lots of recipes! As always, thanks for reading and staying caught up in my very hungry and healthy life. XO!

Happy New Year’s Eve!

It’s time for this:

and this:

and most definitely this:

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve!

 

HOW I FELT WHEN I FINISHED ALL MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

WHEN IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE

MY DIET THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS IF I’LL START DIETING IN 2013

WHEN MY COUSIN ASKS ME WHY I’M STILL NOT MARRIED

WHEN I HAVE TO HANG OUT WITH THE CRAZIES IN MY FAMILY

Have a happy Christmas tomorrow!

The Friday Five 12.21.12

1. What I’m Reading: I love cookbooks, but usually borrow them from the library instead of buying them. When I do buy them, they tend to be more scientific or educational, rather than a compilation of recipes with photos. I finally got around to purchasing The Science of Good Cooking, one of books by Cooks Illustrated. It is the best and you need it. This is a must have for any home chef who likes to know the hows and whys of cooking.

2. What I’m Eating: As far as faux meat products go, I usually stick to Morningstar chick’n patties or spicy black bean burgers. I had some really bad products by Gardein a couple years ago, but these beefless burgers are a new favorite. I would have been easily fooled if someone told me they were beef.

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale. Interesting combo, right?

4. What I’m Listening to: Her voice. His production. This collaboration: Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS HELP WRAPPING PRESENTS

WHEN THE HOLIDAYS START TO STRESS ME OUT

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS IF I’M DONE WITH MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Weekend Consisted of…

A miniature run in I’On.

Hanukkah with Sean’s family!

The pup included. Love this ball of fur!

But I think I love latkes more. I can’t believe this was my first time having them. SO WORTH the strike.

The usual Mi Xao lunch with Danielle on Saturday. Tom Yum Kung, extra spicy.

Random drinks with Sarah and Moffett at The Shelter. In my gym clothes. I like teetering on the fine line between disgusting and overly confident.

Embracing my inner Mount Pleasant housewife, doing a little Christmas shopping at Target. Ha ha.

Long run of the week with Danielle! She’s training for a half marathon in LA two weeks before mine. Wish her luck!

Celebrating with best friends at Mama Holloway’s annual eggnog drop in.

What did YOU do!?

Food, Fitness, Fashion

Since we started The NYE Challenge, I have not touched any sweets. I thought I’d be freaking out by now. The last time I gave up candy, the first two weeks were the worst. In exchange, I’ve had these three foods every day:

Much healthier options. By the way, that Oikos key lime Greek yogurt is fantastic. If I put it in a pie crust, you’d be just as satisfied as eating key lime pie.

PS: The current score is Boding: 0,  Kaye: 2, Christina: 1, Carter: 2.

In addition to running and strength training, I’ve been planking like a crazy woman.

Forearm planks. (2 min each, 8-10x a day)

Side planks.

Kissing planks.

Flying planks. Just kidding, I look like an idiot.

While I’ve not been baking, I’ve been shopping. Great for my stomach, horrible for my budget. In hopes that at least one will fit me, I bought four potential NYE dresses today.

What’s your favorite replacement for sweets?

Do you like doing planks? Anything’s better than burpees, I suppose.

Which NYE dress do you like the most?