Posts tagged ‘cat’

September 20th, 2012

Thirsty Thursday

by Tiff

I’ve been training for the new job in the mornings, which means I’ve been spending a few afternoons testing my new skills at home.  Hopefully I’ll be full-time at home soon so that I can free up two hours a day by ditching my commute.

***Dear Dad, I don’t know how you commuted for more than two hours each day for all those years we lived in GA.  Thanks for that.  I would have gone bonkers!

So far, I can say that working from home doesn’t make the day go by faster.  However, there are some perks, such as working on my posture and balance.

Snapshot 1 (9-19-2012 1-47 PM)

And spending more time with my girls.  Leia in particular is extra interested in everything I’m doing.  (Really, don’t mind her sleepy eyes.  I promise she didn’t pass out on the keyboard.)

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Yup, it’s kind of like this but with more work and less leisure.

I don’t crack any beers before Kevin gets home from work, so this thirsty Thursday post is highlighting a couple brews I tried last weekend. First up is Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot (WTF) Ale.  The brewery creatively labeled it as “A Malty, Robust Jobless Recovery Ale.”

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Robust is right.  This is a full-bodied American ale bursting with flavor.  There’s hop, malt, and a little bitter of awesome.  Due to the slightly high alcohol content (7.8ABV), I probably wouldn’t order this in a bar or restaurant.  However, it was perfect to share with the hubby at home last Friday night.

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It was a perfect appetizer for the brats we had for dinner, so I’d say this one’s a win.  Of course, this doesn’t surprise me.  I respect most everything that comes out of Lagunitas, and I’d already read Kelli’s rave review.

July 17th, 2012

What A Jerk

by Tiff

I wasn’t going to post today, but I really really really had to share a recipe I found the other day.  I made these jerk turkey burgers on Sunday night, and I made them again Monday night.  Wow – just freakin’ wow.

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Okay, I didn’t exactly follow the recipe.  I omitted the slaw topping.  I also accidentally omitted the grated apple.  Yeah, I totally forgot about it even though I bought one at the store.  Lastly, I used a half oats and half breadcrumbs, as opposed to 100% breadcrumbs.

While the grill was hot, Kevin and I threw on some corn, and we had some there on the side.  I have to admit, I usually omit scallions from recipes (cheap & lazy), but they really added to the meal.  Touché Scallions.

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As long as I’m linking up, I may as well share a new workout I tried last week.  I tried one of Christina’s HIIT workouts with treadmill sprints and other fun stuff.  I enjoyed it, but my lats were surprisingly sore the next day.  I guess those decline pushups were harder than anticipated!

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Sorry for the random cat pics.  We had a little photo session Sunday.  I need to figure out this dang camera already!

 

  • Got a DSLR?  If so – how’d you learn to use it???
  • Tried a good workout lately?  If so – link up!
July 6th, 2012

Not-Fried Okra

by Tiff

It’s no secret that I’m a Southern gal. Always have been. Always will be. I hate to feed the cliche, but yes – I love fried okra. There are two problems with this relationship.

  1. I like my mom’s fried okra – not the stuff at Cracker Barrel or your freezer aisle. Problem: I no longer live at home.
  2. Fried okra is… um… fried. Problem: It’s not friendly to my waistline.

Since okra is a summer (or early fall) vegetable, I was needing a fix. You might need a fix too after you hear the nutrition breakdown. One cup of raw okra has a mere 31 calories per cup, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein, 8% DV calcium, 4% DV iron, and 35% DV of vitamin C. Way to go okra!

I wanted the crispy goodness of the fried version without the guilt. I opted for roast okra on Sunday night with steamed green beans, sauerkraut, and pork tenderloin.

pork pork

I had some okra leftover, so I roasted it again alongside some eggplant and red onion last night. I also boiled some kale with my pasta to round out a healthy dinner. This was good with a wee bit of basil and olive oil, but I think some freshly shaved parm would have added a lot.

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You don’t have to be a farmer to love summer’s bounty. By the way – you also don’t have to be from Cali to have beach hair. Thanks to Cait’s hair trick, I got to try something new today. Thanks Cait!

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  • What are your favorite summer veggies? Fruits?
February 18th, 2012

Lazy Saturday

by Tiff

Hello Sleepy Heads!  I know not all of you are lounging about in your pajamas right now.  Some of you are actually being productive whipping up smoothies or working out.  Well not this girl.

I’m resting up (though I may do a few striders and a slow half-mile) for tomorrow’s race.  Wow.  I’m kind of nervous.

sleepy cleo

But Mom, I don’t wanna’ get out of bed today!

With the hills, the cold weather, and the forecasted rain, how could I not have some butterflies?

sleepy kitty

I think I’ll stay right here, thankyaverymuch.

Although I have a goal time in my head, I’m really just happy to have completed this much of my training.  I never even thought I’d get this far.  It’s time to put on my big-girl panties and do this.

pirate cleo

Pirate Cleo Falls Asleep Again

For those of you who are at home lounging around your house, here’s a little link love to keep you occupied:

 

What are your weekend plans?

December 12th, 2011

Semi-Wordless Weekend Recap

by Tiff

On Friday, we had some of this awesomeness for dinner. After a glass of wine at the bar, I came home to enjoy some coconut water by the fire. I know… crazy exciting, right?

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I ran on Saturday, and luckily my running buddy came too. Afterwards, I took my first ice bath. I know 5 miles doesn’t justify an ice bath, but I have 2 knees, 2 feet, and only 1 cold compress. Leia kept me company.

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Saturday night, I went to a tacky sweater party. I didn’t find a sweater to wear, but I did find a twin.

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Sunday was much more low-key. I spent hours in the kitchen, ate my weight in cookies, and made my version of this chicken slow-cooker chili. It was pretty awesome, and I’ll definitely be making it again.

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How was your weekend? What was the best thing you did?