What I’m Loving Wednesday

1. I introduced Danielle to Mi Xao on Monday. We split the London Broil pho…

…and the Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry. We enjoyed both, but the London Broil was the clear winner. I squirted about half a cup of Sriracha in it (no joke) and I left with clear sinuses and a warm tummy.

2. Are you one of those people who very regularly gets their hair cut? I am. After 6-8 weeks I start to freak out a little because my hair is so thick and heavy. As we’re nearing winter, I want to embrace my naturally dark golden blonde hair. Don’t worry, the bob isn’t going anywhere, just getting a little longer.

Cut:

Color:

3. I love these wine bags from World Market.

                            

4. I want to make this button craft I saw on Pinterest.

5. The last time I went to Starbucks, a Christmas miracle happened. They correctly spelled my name.

Christina is not hard to spell, but trust me, people mess it up. Or they just write Christie or Kristina. I’ll just tell them Xtina from now on. Imagine the spellings they’ll come up with for that…

6. Town Centre does a wonderful job of decorating for the holidays, and damn they started early this year. I love this blanket of lights!

7. So many of you have signed up for the Ornament Swap I’m hosting!! There’s still time to sign up! If you’re interested, please send me an email by tonight. Thanks!

Who’s ready for Thanksgiving?! What are you guys making?

1/2 Marathon Training Check In: Sneakers, Books and More

As of yesterday, the Charleston 1/2 Marathon that Amanda and I are running is just two months away. With each run we complete, we get even more excited! To pump me up for my runs, I bought a new pair of sneakers. It was long overdue. I said goodbye to my trusty Asics and hello to a pair of Brooks Ravenna 3.

I’m obsessed with the color and they’re so comfortable. Anyone notice that Brooks almost feel bouncy? There’s some spring in my step!

Since we signed up for the marathon a week and a half ago, we are using a 12-week program but skipping over the first couple of weeks. We could really just skip over the first month or so, but we’re being careful not to hurt ourselves. For an example, here’s what my fitness plan looks like this week:

• Monday: 5 mile run
• Tuesday: strength training / stretch @ gym
• Wednesday: 4 mile run
• Thursday: off for Thanksgiving
• Friday: 3 mile run
• Saturday: bridge walk, strength train, or a class (whatever I feel like)
• Sunday: 6 mile run

We’ve reserved Sunday for long runs as we have more time in the daylight. Is anyone interested in seeing the whole training program I made for us? In case you haven’t noticed, Amanda and I both use (and love) the Nike+ app to track our runs.

And because I’ll read almost anything I can get my hands on, I’ve checked out a bunch of books from the library.

So far, The Runner’s Rule Book has been my favorite. It’s pretty funny!

I’m currently signed up to do the Pajama 5K on December 8th.

I’m also debating on doing a 4-mile Glow Run later that night. I figure if I can do a 10 mile run no prob, then surely I can do 7.1 miles split up, right? I just don’t think I can resist a run wearing glow sticks! I love them.

Anyone else training for a half or full marathon?

What’s your #1 piece of advice for longer runs?

The Weekend Update

Hi friends! Here are some highlights from the past few days.

We celebrated my cousin Gabrielle’s twelfth birthday. This sweet girl is 12 going on 22; she’s almost as tall as me and probably smarter and more mature. And quite the beauty!

She’s into the mustache trend, so one of my presents to her was this pair of gloves.

Thursday night, Amanda and I went to the early showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2. I mentioned this on Friday, but let me say it again: the movie is so good! It is definitely my favorite of the saga. I want to know what you all think!

This past weekend I went to my grandparents’ house in North Carolina. It’s always so nice to visit them. Our weekend was full of shopping, wine and eats. Their house is in a really pretty neighborhood on a mountain and driving up always freaks me out. The curves and bends, yikes!

When I got there, I found some presents on my bed: a chocolate advent calendar, a Chick-fil-A cow from a race my grandfather had run, socks my grandma made, and a recipe they thought I’d like. Bonus: a crossword puzzle book, not shown.

Onto the eats! On Saturday, we went to 131 Main while we were out shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square. Sarah insisted I go there for the beet burger that she always gets. Right up my alley!

Look at how red it is. You’d almost think it was meat, right? Ha. It was really, really good and I’ve got to remake this at home. Sarah, let’s do this!

Saturday night, we made Ina Garten’s recipe for Roasted Shrimp with Feta. Changes we made: we nixed the Pernod and used artichokes instead of fennel.

We wanted to make spanakopita (inspired by you, Sierra!) but the phyllo dough we bought had dried out. We improvised by placing the spinach mixture in a baking dish and making a crustless pie. This was originally another Ina Garten recipe too.

On Sunday morning, we made a frittata with red pepper, spinach, onion, and basil. This would be great to make for a week long of breakfasts. Just grab a slice, reheat, and go! I don’t have the recipe right now, but if you’re interested, shoot me an email and I’ll find it.

My 4-hour drive back was a bit slower than my ride up. On the way there, as soon as I hit North Carolina, I got pulled for speeding. Boo!! The way back I watched my heavy foot, listened to the Breaking Dawn 2 soundtrack, and fueled with coffee and candy.

What was the best thing you ate all weekend?

What are your road trip essentials?

First and Foremost

Thanks to my sweet friend Laura for this survey! PS: Go check out her blog – she’s an amazing graphic designer and incredible girl!

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning.
I hate admitting this, but I check my phone. I check text messages, read emails, and if I have enough time, scroll through my instagram and facebook feeds. The first thing I do once I’m out of bed is brush my teeth. I’m obsessed with brushing my teeth.

2. First thing you reach for when you open the fridge.
Lately? Eggs.

3. First things you do when you go to the gym.
Say “Heeeeeeeey boys” to the front desk attendants, laugh when they say “Heeeeeey Orso” and then go downstairs for my workout.

4. First thing you do you when you get home from work?
After I throw my purse on the counter and kick off my shoes, I read the mail. I’m always excited if I’ve gotten a new magazine.

5. First car.
A 1995 Honda Civic. I named it “fluffy sheep.” Does that make any sense? No. But it was a manual and I liked it.

6. First car accident / traffic violation.
I got pulled for speeding but got out of it. That was the only time I cried and got out of it. Now I’m like ugh, here we go, let me just hand you my wallet.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up.
I kid you not, I wanted to be a brain surgeon.

8. First choice beverage.
Water.

Then wine.

9. First choice breakfast.
Is this a serious question? I said eggs earlier, but if nutrition didn’t matter, I’d eat COOKIES.

10. First choice dessert.
I just answered that.

11. First song that comes to mind…
Right now I’m obsessed with Rihanna’s “Diamonds.”

12. First major purchase?
Hmm, does my tuition count? My student loans never end.

13. First job:
Besides babysitting, I worked at Sonic as a carhop with Nikki and Megan. For 16 year olds, we made so much $ in tips.

14. First time you flew on a plane.
When I was 3 we moved to Hawaii for a few months. The first plane ride I remember was to Disney World when I was 6.

Answer one of these questions in the comment section below! I’d love to hear your responses!

The Friday Five 11.16.12

1. What I’m Reading: The Flexitarian Table by Peter Berley. This is an awesome cookbook! It’s got options for “vegetarians, meal lovers, and everyone in between.” There are a lot of beautiful photos and so many recipes I want to make. None seem very difficult and all very healthy.

2. What I’m Eating: These Simply Gingerbread pita chips by Stacy’s are really good. They taste just like their cinnamon flavor but “a little like Christmas” as my brother said. They’re seasoned with nutmeg and ginger. Grab a bag or two while you can!

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Orzo with Caramelized Fall Vegetables & Ginger.

4. What I’m Listening to:  A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. After you see Breaking Dawn Part 2, you will appreciate this song SO much more. The movie, by the way, was sooooooooo good. I really loved how they recapped the entire saga through Bella’s eyes and credited all the actors at the end. So so good.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN I’M ABOUT TO EAT MY FAVORITE FOOD

WHEN SOMEONE SAYS THEY DON’T LIKE AVOCADOS

Happy Friday! Go see Breaking Dawn!

Breaking Dawn: Part 2

Today’s the day!! Breaking Dawn Part 2 comes out TONIGHT! Amanda and I bought our tickets last week (nerd alert) and we’re so excited for the premiere!

Last year we went to the midnight showing at Cinebarre for Breaking Dawn Part 1. They had tents set up with people serving food, handing out free glow-in-the-dark fangs, holding giveaways, and doing fortune readings!

Watch the trailer and get excited!

Serious question of the day: Are you going to the premiere tonight?

Semi-serious question of the day: Team Edward or Team Jacob?  

2012 Ornament Swap. Sign Up Now!

Hi friends! I’ve been ready to decorate for the holidays since last week. I’m not usually into the holiday spirit this early, but what the heck? Let’s roll with it. I thought it would be really cute to host an ornament exchange, for both bloggers and readers.

The Deets:

If you’re interested in participating in the 2012 Ornament exchange, I will match you with someone and the two of you will send each other an ornament. After I assign you to a partner, I will email you both. Respond to each other letting the other know a little about yourself: favorite colors, hobbies, etc. so that they have an idea of what to send you. Feel free to add a little something with the ornament if you’d like. Let’s keep the packages between $5-15, or discuss with your partner if you’d like to send/spend more.

The Dates:

• Email me by November 22 if you’re interested in being paired up.
• I will randomly select partners and email you by November 23.
• Please mail your package by Monday, December 3 to ensure your recipient has enough time to enjoy their ornament.

Optional:

• Post about this on facebook.
  • Link to: www.hungrymeetshealthy/
• Tweet it, Instagram it, or Pin it:
  • Tag @christinaorso, #2012ornamentswap, #hungrymeetshealthy
• Post the above button to your blog, hyperlinking back to this post.

Once you receive your ornament, I’d love for you to send me a picture or post about it on your blog, linking back to your partner’s or my blog. (Or both!) Please only sign up if you can definitely participate. Imagine how disappointing it would be to send out an ornament but not receive one!

Don’t be shy! This is a fun way to make a new friend, receive a fun package in the mail, and get into the holiday spirit. Cheers!

Rosemary, Walnut, and Raisin Crackers

Over the Summer I fell head over heels in love with the Rosemary & Raisin Crisps from Trader Joe’s. My grandmother had them in her pantry, and since then, I’ve bought many, many boxes. But at $3.99 a box (containing just 5 servings), this love affair was doing damage to my budget. It was time to make my own.

Now I’m sure many of you are thinking “Make your own crackers? What? Impossible.” In fact, while I was making these my little brother said, “You can make crackers at home? I thought you need a machine or something.”

I did a little research, stalked a few blogs, scanned the ingredient list on the box of crisps, and got to work on making my own crackers. After a few batches, I had a recipe that I was very happy with. Perhaps too happy, as the crackers seem to disappear much faster than I can burn them off.

Rosemary, Walnut and Raisin Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp. lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup raisins, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed
• 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary

1. Preheat oven to 350*. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk and sugar and stir just until combined.
2. Add raisins, walnuts, flax seed, and rosemary and stir until evenly mixed.
3. Pour the batter into a loaf pan that has been coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove from pan to finish cooling.
4. To slice the bread, it has to be completely cooled. Sticking it in the freezer for an hour helps speed up this process. Next, slice the loaf as thin as you can and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Reduce heat to 300* and bake for 15 minutes. Flip crackers over and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Makes about 4 dozen crackers.

Don’t be weirded out by the flavor combo. I, along with Sierra, will attest that it is incredible and pretty mind blowing with a chunk of goat cheese. Yes, we went there. You’ll love these so much, you’ll want to eat the whole batch in a day. It’s probably a good idea to package some up for your neighbor, best friend, professor…anyone with a mouth, really. Aside from tasting so similar to the Trader Joe’s crisps, your wallet and your schedule will thank you. They’re much cheaper to make at home, and mixing the batter takes about 5 minutes.

Do it. Do it. Do it.

And then report back. I know you’re going to tell me that you loved them and you had no idea how easy it was to make crackers at home.

Which baked goods are you too intimidated to make at home? One day I’ll make macarons. One day.

What’s your favorite thing to bake? Cookies!