Cereal Salads

A Mommy-Appoved Cookie Dough

2011-01-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

When it comes to junk there is definately a list of things that I COULD say "no" to --- (Let this be known that I don't particularly LIKE saying no...)

But if there is ever a cookie (usually of any kind) in arms reach, there is no way that I could pass it up. Cookies are my definite go-to when I am in a bad mood, in a good mood, hearing a rumble in my tummy, or just simply craving something sweet.

Well tonight --- after finishing off my final cookie last night --- I gathered up the cookie-ingredient essentials and got to work.

Over the Christmas holidays, I baked up a vast array of goods...Everything from pumpkin loaves, to blondies, to chocolate chip dough balls. And let me tell you, those dough balls were irresistable!!! The image of sneaking into the sweets drawer to snatch a dough ball has been burned into my memory...

Even though I did not make the EXACT recipe from that of the holidays...Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Dough Balls.

Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Dough Balls

Makes 1 dozen

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 cup rolled oats (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/8 cup gogi berries
2 tbsp. ground flax seeds

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. From the start of the list, combine all of the ingredients (except the oats) in a large bowl.

3. Mix until well combined. It may seem dry in the beginning, but believe me, it gets really wet. When everything was fully mixed, I added some rolled oats to add a soaking up ingredient.

3. Drop dough (about a tablespoon)balls onto a well greased cookie sheet. This dough was far wetter than last time so I was litterally dropping clumps of dough onto the sheet rather than rolling the dough into perfectly shaped balls.

4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until they are lightly browned on top.

* Remember that these cookies are egg-free so you really just have to bake them until they are brown and warm...It's okay for them to be undercooked as that's what makes them stay gooey like chocolate chip cookie dough!!!

Let yourself savour that little baby of goodness!!!

Something borrowed, something new, something blue?

2011-01-20T16:49:00.001-08:00

Sure, a steak has never touched my lips, but in no way does that make me a "vegetarian." In fact, I am proud to say that I have tried chicken and turkey, and I eat fish on a regular basis. I am what one would call a "pescatarian." (I love how we english-speakers need a word for everything...If there isn't one, we simply make it up by turning to our latin lovers. In this case, pescatarian comes from the latin word "piscis" or fish.)

I know growing up, getting me to eat fish was like pulling teeth. I wasn't a picky eater by any means, but when it came to certain foods I always enjoyed putting up a fight.

Well, that past is certainly behind me as I absolutely adore fish/seafood. The idea of becoming a real vegetarian almost seems impossible knowing that I wouldn't be able to indulge into a bowl of steaming mussels or a raw tuna steak...

Yes; raw tuna. I, myself, am quite surprised that this could quite possibly be my favourite meal as it was only four years ago when I choked back a few tears at my 16th birthday dinner. To celebrate the big day, my parents took me to the Eldorado, a restaurant/hotel that sits practically on the shore line of Okanagan Lake. Feeling a little luxurious, I decided to be adventurous and really indulge. For the first time, I was going to try blackened ahi tuna.

I sat anxiously waiting for my 16th birthday dinner, and then it came.

When I saw the bleeding flesh atop my salad, I nearly died. However, I didn't push my plate away...Not yet. I took one bite.

Not only was the texture unbearable, but the thought that my meal was only one stage away from still swimming almost killed me. I would have rather seen my own leg on the plate in front of me.

Tears flowed down my cheeks, and that's when mom came to the rescue...We switched dishes promptly. I don't remember what I ended up digging into, but whatever it was most certainly dried my eyes.

For four years, I didn't come into any contact with anything resembling that scarring dish...That was until last summer when I fell in love with it. As I sit here trying to remember what meal turned me on it again, sashimi keeps popping into my head. Even though I was simply trying to impress a date, I held back my detouring thoughts and down my just consumed fleshy slivers.

It was delicous, bloody delicious! The texture was not what I remembered; in fact, it was so buttery and easy to ingest that the tears previously lost made me laugh.

Since then I have had some incredible ahi tuna dishes, and whenever I see it on the menu, I am instantly sold.

However, being a student obviously restrains my eating out ability (especially right now in the dead month of January) and thus has forced me to learn how to prepare my favourite meal at home.

Ahi Tuna Steaks

You can find ahi tuna at essentially any grocery store with a deli. Most often I would suggest getting it fresh at the deli counter, but sometimes them deli clerks are a little low on the silver lined cuts or they aren't fresh at all...So that's when I suggest getting them frozen. I promise you that they still taste amazing, and are simple to defrost.

If frozen, thaw the steaks in the refridgerator for a few hours, or for a speedier process, place the packaged steaks in hot water.

Marinade

(Adjust measurements accordingly)

2 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tbps. soy sauce
A squeeze of Sriracha, or more or less, depending on your heat scale
Ginger, to taste

1. Combine all ingredients and whisk together.

2. Place thawed steak into marinade and let sit for about half an hour.

To the frying pan it goes.

Yes, you can BBQ the beautiful cuts but when you live in a box like me and have no access to such a luxury, you must turn to your frying pan.

Because the tuna has already been sitting in sesame oil, you do not need to re-oil the pan...Especially if it's non-stick. Turn the element up to high, in order to ensure proper searing. When you think it's hot enough...or the element is resembling a burning coal, you know it's good and ready!

(My stove isn't usually that filthy...Be cautious of spattering marinade. She can really burn!)

Throw the steak on, marinade and all, and let fry for about a minute. However, I am not one to follow a clock as I think senses are a more effective tool when it comes to cooking.

When you can SEE that the bottom half of the tuna has turned to a shade of white/grey, it's time to flip. Then it's simply a matter of searing the other side to your liking and she's done.

I served my tuna with zucchini spears, broccolini (an appropriate accompaniment to an asian infused main) and ginger-fused quinoa.

It was absolutely delicious. The tuna just melts in your mouth.

On a side note...I have quite possibly the biggest sweet tooth around. It's also quite clear that it has become worse (or better?) over the past few months --- Thank you Christmas --- However, when I eat a real protein packed meal, the sweet tooth is dampened quite a bit...In fact, it really doesn't make me crave something sugary at all.

Could this mean that I really am just craving more fleshy meals?

No, not yet.

I caved...I had a chocolate chip cookie anyway...and then more chocolate chips after.

Nutty October

2010-10-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

It's that ray of sunshine that streams through my window every morning, followed by the constant sound of rustling leaves, that keeps me from going crazy this time of year.

And then, it's that pile of loose leaf paper, the stacked books, and the crumbled up interviews in the wastebasket that bring me right back to my frantic state.

October is a beautiful disaster for me, and I am almost certain that that is the case for every other university student in Canada and the world.

However, last night as I was laying in bed thinking about the midterm I had to write this morning I suddenly felt at ease. There really was nothing I had to worry about. Sure, I could go over everything I DIDN'T know for the exam...Or else, I could think about all the simple things in life that make me happy --- Like sunshine, rustling leaves, delicious food, racing heart rates, beautiful family and friends ---Why do we let such little things like midterms and papers get to us? There is so much else to life, there is so much beauty.

I woke up with ease this morning as those pleasing thoughts I went to bed with took any sign of grogginess out of me.

This mornings run felt easier than ever, too. Instead of huffing and puffing, I breathed deeply in the crisp fall air; and instead of looking at my own racing feet, I waved to every Jo Blow that crossed my path. Today was going to be a good day, midterm or not.

For breakfast, I had some protein packed pancakes --- topped with sliced banana, agave nectar, and almond butter. Lately I have been doing half spelt flour and half oats to switch up the texture. I have also been adding in whatever I feel is necessary, like today for some brain food I threw in some flax seeds.

They were delish. I must say these are a great way to get through my ever-so-gritty and over powering in taste Vega powder!

After breakfast I went about my day --- On what seemed like broken glass --- As I was informed that at any point during the day an exterminator could come barging through my door. Why? I don't know. I promise you I have seen no rodents or bugs as of late. However, my landtoad likes to keep us on edge...Posting signs is her cup of tea!

No exterminator yet.

I was dying to get home after class tonight as while I was deeply involved in class discussion this afternoon, I found a recipe that looked too good to pass up. A mixed nut engery bar --- and we all know I love any and all things nutty --- and I happen to have an influx of nuts in my freezer, always.

I found this recipe while perusing the Carrots n' Cake bake sale...I most definately found some other must-trys! Those will come; I promise you.

Here is my version...However, it is is very similiar to Amanda's lovely creation

Nutty Enegery Bar

Ingredients

1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup dried prunes

1/4 cup ground flax (you can use whole flax seeds; just add them into the first processing step in order to grind them up!)
approx. 1 tbps. dried coconut
approx. 1 tbps. agave nectar
aprox. 1 tbps. of almond butter
1 tsp. vanilla

1. In a food processor, combine nuts and dried fruit; pulse until it forms into a crumbly mixture (about 30-45 seconds.)
2. Transfer to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. (I used my hands to make sure everything was good n' stirred!)

3. Pour into a pan and flatten to desired thickness...Mine were about 1/2 an inch thick!

4. Store in refridgerator for a few hours, or until you can't wait any longer...

I waited until after dinner to indulge with some heated and diluted almond milk...But wow, these are incredible. The prunes are perfectly sweet, and the nuts add a nice texture!

For dinner tonight I had a portabello "pizza." And by pizza, I mean open-faced melt with toppings.

In olive oil, I grilled the portabello mushroom for a few minutes on both sides. I then sprinkled on some dried italian spice, dried chili flakes, and some soy sauce (to give the mushroom an extra bit of flavour.) With the mushroom on its bottom, I lay on some sliced roma tomatoes, and grilled eggplant. I then transfered the baby to an oven proof dish where I proceeded to top it with spinach and mozarella cheese --- And into the broiler it went!

At the last minute, I added some sliced green olives.

This "meaty pizza" was to die for...I forgot how incredible real mozarella is! It gets so stringy and chewy when it's melted...Mmmmm.

I dipped it in Dijon mustard and sriracha...

Now I must force myself to do work as October and all of its glory is still going full throttle!

Protein Packed Pancakes

2010-09-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Those grey skies blew right on over --- Waking up to sunny blue skies was a perfect way to begin a Friday, or my weekend. Having Fridays off from school is so nice; I get a long weekend every week!

I headed out for my morning run with money in hand as I had to pick up a few things at the end of it --- Running out of toilet paper is something that is unheard of until you live by yourself. I didn't know there wasn't a never ending supply of the stuff...

For breakfast today I tried out Angela's spelt pancakes from Oh She Glows; however, I switched it up a little as I am too stubborn to follow any directions.

Coconut Spelt Pancakes

1/3 cup spelt flour
1/2 tbsp. Vega Complete Whole Food Optimizer (chai flavour)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. coconut flakes

1/3 cup almond milk (maybe a little more depending on consistency)

1. Mix together the dry ingredients, and then gradually stir in the almond milk. If the mixture is too thick, feel free to add a little more milk or water.

2. Pour small rounds onto a greased frying pan (I used coconut oil for that extra hit of coconut!)

3. Flip cakes as soon as you see bubbles forming on the top! Fry the other side until it is golden brown --- another couple of minutes.

4. Walah! A healthy single serving of pancakes! Accessorize as you please.

I topped my pancakes with some frozen banana puree, chopped walnuts, cacoa nibs, flax meal, and craisins for some colour!

I was a little low on agave nectar due to my granola disaster last night, so after awhile I started dipping my pancakes in some raspberry spread.

The batter made about three small pancakes...and it was plentiful! The protein powder fills ya rightt up. I'll let you know tommorow if they stick with you throughout the morning!

Granola Shmanola...

2010-09-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

I thought the sky was grey due to the time I woke up this morning. In fact, I swear I saw the sun peering through the clouds while I was running. It wasn't until I was safely inside my home when it all happened; the grey clouds exploded and it down poured for a good majority of the day. But who cares! It's fall; we can't have sunny skies forever.

For breakfast I had a simple bowl of cereal with almond milk and coffee...Well with a few new additional ingredients thanks to last night's grocery shop.

To my spelt flakes I added banana, cacoa nibs, flax seeds, the most plump grapes, and fresh figs! Mmm...I must have had figs before but it felt like the first time biting into a real, fresh fig.

After breaky, I threw together a little lunch to get me through my six hour class. I packed a chickpea salad, some grapes, and a bran muffin.

It was then that time; I trudged out into the rain for my morning class. I left my bike at home today as I figured it would be difficult to ride in rain boots equiped with an umbrella. What a brilliant idea --- The few people who braved the wind and rain on their bikes looked in serious pain.

We had a guest speaker from Chatelaine today who spoke to us about the importance of fact-checking. I would have to say it was the most practical and helpful lesson I have sat in on since my first day at Ryerson.

I will then go on to say that I absolutely adore my feature writing class. Not knowing was I was getting myself in to (I thought it would be a broadcasting class,) I was dreading the idea of an entire semester of feature writing. However, after one day I LOVE it. I love the instructor, Rachel. I love the class size. And I already see positive progress in my writing in the near future.

We had an hour break in the afternoon so I headed back out into the rain to visit a friend nearby for lunch.

The rest of the class time was used for pitching our first feature story ideas to Rachel, and then for going over a story from the National Post. It is a lovely story...Even though it's based on tweeting. Check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/magazine/01wwln-lede-t.html?ref=magazine

It really opened my eyes. What has become of our society? Can we not just cherish a moment by ourselves or with the people who surround us? Why must our first thoughts be "I have to tweet this?" I wish I could say this was a bad thing but maybe tweeting is a way for us to remember --- An on going diary for us to recover years later? Or maybe it's a way to hide discomfort, a way to remove ourselves from the present moment...

After class I headed over to Kensington Market to pick up some ingredients to make Meghan's granola. I always forget how sore my feet get walking in rubber boots...When I was just a few blocks away from home I had to remove my boots to stretch out my feet. Let's just say it was a good thing it rained today or I may have walked home barefoot.

When I got home I quickly whipped together the granola mixture so that it could bake while I made dinner.

I switched up the recipe just a tad by using agave nectar in place of the honey and maple syrup.

Well...I wish I could say it was a success. I must remember that my oven gets too god damn hot. No matter what the baking time always ends up being half of what is suggested due to burning.

I didn't take the granola out when it started to seriously brown though as it was still very soft...It wasn't until I finished eating dinner that I realized my granola had turned from a golden brown to a burnt brown. Let's just pretend the granola is coated with cocoa.

I added some craisins and raisins after I removed the brownola from the oven...

I refuse to throw it out --- A little roasted flavour never hurt anyone!

For dinner tonight I had a brown rice patty topped with a tomato mixture and some green salad.

To make the patty I mixed together about 1/4 cup of brown rice with some corn kernels, red onion, garlic, and one egg white. For spice, I added some cumin, tumeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper. After forming a patty, I fried it in some sesame oil until it was golden brown on both sides (about five minutes a side...for me, at least!)

The tomato mixture was a blend of tomato (obv,) red onion, cilantro, chili flakes, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

I dipped the patty in some Dijon mustard and hot sauce.

Dinner was pretty darn good...But I wont be having any patties tommorow as the second one I attempted to make just turned into a jumbled messs.

For dessert I had some of my granola mixed with some walnuts, almonds, and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips actually made it seem like the granola was chocolate flavoured and not just charcoaled...It was quite nice...

Well I must do some dishes now as the kitchen is quite a disaster due to a secret dish that won't be leashed until tommorow...

Wed...Cornday

2010-09-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Having class at 11 am, I decided to get up nice and early in order to get in a run before being forced to breathe in the same recycled air as 50 other students in a dark breezy room for essentially five hours straight.

Fortunately this week has seen no tell-tale signs of winter. The sun has been shining everyday all week. It's such a nice thing to wake up to and soak in immediately.

When I got back from my run, I did a few chores and then made up some breakfast. As I told you yesterday, you may be getting a hit (or I may be) of frozen banana puree oats...Well, I wasn't lying. Today I most definately whipped up a frozen banana as I was salivating over it since the last time it touched my lips. I threw in a couple of prunes to add an extra texture and flavour to the ban-puree...

I also added some blueberries, pear (fresh from the farmer's market,) cacoa nibs, flax seed, and walnuts. It was the perfect meal to get me through the morning.

I also had a cup of cof with some agave nectar as I am currently out of almond milk.

Before I headed out to class, I packed up a few things to nibble on throughout the day. Luckily I took out a bean dip last night that ended up being the staple ingredient in my lunch today.

I used it as a dip for tomatoes, carrots, and crackers. I also brought along a bran muffin and a pear.

I got home at around 5 pm today and grabbed a quick snack (rye cracker with a slab of AB) before I headed down to Sobey's for some much needed groceries.

I also chomped down on a feta stuffed jalapeno while I browsed through the aisles as I craved one immediately upon seeing them in the deli window.

After cramming the last item into my grocery bag, I was thankful I stopped shopping when I did. The bike ride home was a little wobbly; one more item may have sent me right over.

For dinner tonight, I had a mexican inspired dish. First off, a delicious corn on the cob...I can't get enough of the stuff. I would give up a limb for a cob o' corn. I drizzled on some coconut oil, and sprinkled on a little cayenne for an extra kick.

Alongside, I had some stirfried garlic, onion, kale, and tomato. I also heated up some more refried beans (the real mexican part of the dish.) For some garnish, I sprinkled on a little bit of cilantro...Mmmm

I also cracked open a birthday present tonight.

That's right, folks...Someone knows me really well. I got some sexy hot sauce straight out of Mexican soil. It was darn good --- But let's just say a little goes a long way. The XXX label is not meant to be a fun little white lie.

Oh my --- The dish was unreal. And the corn...Well, I am still thinking about its goodness. Luckily, I saved half of it for tommorow!

For dessert I went a little nutty. No, but really! I am obsessed with walnuts lately, and dove right in to a bowl mixed in with some chocolate chips, spelt flakes, raisins, and grapes...I'll save you the photo (I didn't actually take one...or three as I had a few servings...)

Well, I must go finish up a project I am in the process of doing...You'll see it on Friday. Maybe I'll do some h/w too...

Dead Zone = Work Zone

2010-09-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Where did everybody go? Ever since September came around, it seems as though everyone returned to their routines. Since when did that mean that dining out was a no-go? I can't believe how dead work has been as of late. Today I worked for a total of two and a half hours...I am not complaining though as I need as many hours as I can get! With school and other commitments this week, I had to give up most of my shifts...Thus I am relying on every hour!

After my day's work, I headed to a cafe to do some readings for philosophy. Philosophy puts me in a state of bliss. I absolutely love it. While I read, I chomped down on a wrap filled with sprouts, carrots, red pepper, arugula, hummus and seared tofu from Pulp Kitchen. I finally tried it out, and let's just say they are experiencing the September restaurant blues as well --- I was the only one in there, and it was not because of bland menu. My wrap was pretty good...needless to say it was simple!

I think I sat in that empty cafe for three hours --- When my mind started wandering from the pages of my book, I found myself listening in on the staff's lives. I may or may not know the love lives and new found hobbies of every member there!

When the clock struck six, I decided it was time to head home. It wasn't until I hit Riverdale Farm that I remembered their Tuesday evening farmer's market...I obviously made a little detour as it was the first time that I was actually in the area and able to peruse the stands!

I love farmer's markets.

With my work uniform taking up most of the space in my basket, I had little to no room left to fill with goodies...So I left with only a couple of items. Maybe I should be thankful for that little space as I could have gone a little nuts on the vegan and gluten free baked goods. Instead I got a bushel of kale and some fresh picked pears...Mmmm.

I obviously incorporated the kale in my dinner tonight...and it was much needed as I was a little low on salad greens. I had a tasty kale and mixed green salad which I topped with chick peas, grape tomatos, red onion, and carrot. For a extra crunch, I added some broken rye crackers and walnuts which I toasted in some coconut oil. The dressing was a simple olive oil, balsamic, dijon blend --- But what's better than that, really?

It hit the spot, and the toasted crackers and walnuts made it.

For dessert a little later I dug into the freezer for a slice of my banana bread.

For a little somethin' somethin', I spread on a bit of raspberry jam!

Well, I am going to finish up my philosophy readings and then head to bed.

Night

A Jumble of Days

2010-09-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

I really couldn't have asked for a better birthday. Starting the day off at the Vegetarian Food Fair was the perfect start. We made it just in time to get good seats for Meghan Telpner's food demo; she is so adorable and real. She made quite a few quick staples in order to show us how easy it is to essentially make everything from scratch. I had always been weary of making granola as I could never find the perfect recipe with little oil; Meghan opened my eyes though. She showed me that it could be done in less then half an hour (baking time included) with just a few ingredients...I will definately be making it soon! Here are the recipes that I picked up at the demo on Saturday --- The cookies were delish!

My birthday dinner took place at Rodney's Oyster House. I wish I could say it was incredible; the only thing that made it was being in the same room with my girlfriends. It had been a few months so it was so nice catching up! However, the service and the food were just OKAY. I had mussels for my main dish, and a couple of oysters to start out with as I realized after ordering dinner that oysters were a MUST at an oyster house. They were pretty good; the array of sauces made them.

Sunday was an all in all lazy day. I wanted to go back to the fair but couldn't work up enough energy to get off the couch. I think the most eventful part of the day was having a shower.

Monday ended up being the ush---However, I did try out a mixed berry GF vegan muffin at the Beet. I would have to say that I have had better...No one seems to be able to beat the sweet potato and date muffins from Urban Herbivore.

Today I woke up pretty early as I had to work at noon and wanted to get a run in before I headed down. The sun was shining which put me in an upbeat mood immediately --- A good state to arrive to work in as sometimes the littlest things can bring me down there.

When I returned from my run, I was pretty famished and decided that oatmeal was really the only meal that would sit like a brick for an entire shift at work. Having little to nothing in my refridgerator to dazzle my oats up, I decided to whip up a frozen banana in the food processor. Oh my --- It was like added a touch of ice cream to breakfast, something I could never turn down. I added some chopped apples, blueberries, raisins, flax seeds, cacoa nibs and AB to the mix. I must say I am hooked on the frozen banana puree...You may or may not be seeing it again in the near future.

I obviously had a coffee with some almond milk and agave nectar --- I don't know what has gotten in to me as I don't usually need to sweeten or milken my coffee, but I am loving it these days.

Well my afternoon shift awaits me...Hopefully I will have made enough to afford a coffee by the end of it!

Festivals and Birthdays

2010-09-11T06:09:00.001-07:00

How to achieve the feeling of well-being dawned on me today. If I am to get anything done during the day and feel accomplished to boot, I need to wake up bright and early and begin the day with a run. It only took me 20 years to figure that out; yes folks, as of today I am a whopping two decades old!!

I woke up with the sun (well---not really, but 8 am is as close as I am going to get to "waking up with the sun" AND feeling well-rested) Knowing that I had a big day ahead of me, I jumped out of bed, threw on my gear, and ran out the door for my morning jaunt. I wish I always had Saturday's off...The mornings are so peaceful in the city as everyone who holds a 9-5 job is relaxing at home!

However, my neighborhood was bustling as vendors and runners were getting ready for the Cabbagetown Festival. This weekend is like the Taste of the Danforth, but in Cabbagetown...Everyone and their mothers will be out digging threw others belonging's to find treasures for themselves (Yes, there will be yard sales). But throughout the annual commotion of corn roasts and bag pipers, I guarantee that Joe Blow will still be down at the local saloon sippin' back his brew wondering what the hell is going on.

I plan to stroll through at somepoint during the weekend, but right now I have something else on my mind.

After my breakfast, which consists of an array of fruit and a slice of toast with AB and raspberry jam, I am heading down to the Vegetarian Food Fair at the Harbour Front.

The fair started last night, but unfortunately I couldn't make it down. Brendan Brazier was speaking on how to boost athletic performance through a plant-based diet. I didn't feel so bad missing him as I have seen him speak before and interviewed him in first-year.

But today my favourite Toronto blogger, Meghan Telpner, will be speaking and demonstrating a few vegetarian recipes. I am so excited!! I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday day.

Tonight I am meeting my girlfriends for dinner at Rodney's Oyster House. I have never been there but was feeling like seafood for my birthday dinner, so hopefully it's worth it.

Called-Off

2010-09-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Summer is definately over. No, not because the weather has suddenly dropped 10 degrees...but because I got called off for two shifts today! Usually I would be quite content with having a Friday day and night off, but having paid tuition this morning I am in desperate need of a money replenishment --- Maybe I'll just win the lottery.

With a day off, I decided to bike down to the mall to find something to wear for my birthday.

Let's just say shopping while knowing that you have little to nothing to spend puts a damper on the entire day. I walked away empty handed --- My grumbling stomach also forced me to leave as I can no longer afford to spend petty coin on quick pick-me-ups.

Lunch

When I got home from my unsuccessful day at the mall, I dove right in to lunch: a green salad with chopped tofu, zucchini, and red onion. I also had a rye cracker with some gouda cheese for some extra oomph.

After hearing that I wasn't needed at work tonight, I headed down there anyway to fix my schedule. I believe the sceduler forgot that I was in school and made a very work/school conflicting agendra for me this week.

Luckily everyone is desperate for hours right now so it wasn't too hard to give my shifts away --- The hardest part was knowing that once again I will not be making money!

I strolled around downtown and looked in to a few more shops before I headed home for dinner.

Dinner

I rummaged through my freezer for some dinner ideas. I decided on an indian inspired stir-fry. While the rice was boiling, I stir-fried some garlic, onion, rapini, spinach, yellow beans, and garbanzo beans.

I actually found a bag of frozen vegetables at the health food store down the road that was filled with everything I love: spinach, rapini, onion, and yellow beans. As much as I hate frozen vegetables, I realize that they are perfect for me as I can't keep anything fresh in my fridge.

I threw in some curry powder, cumin, cayenne, and some S&P at the end for an extra boost of flavour.

To the rice I added some coconut oil as it's a better alternative to butter and it still adds flavour.
Sriracha was an obvious accompaniment to the dish. It hit the spot.

I am still deciding on whether or not to go out tonight. My birthday is tommorow, so I want to have full energy for it but we'll see. My girlfriend is having a welcome back/house warming party just down the road from me so that's always hard to turn down!

Beautiful Fall Morning

2010-09-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love beautful fall mornings --- Heck, I love beautiful fall days. I adore autumn. I can't think of a better way to wake up than from a streaming ray of light through my window and the sound of rustling leaves outside.

I decided to take advantage of the morning sun and threw on some shorts and a t-shirt immediately upon waking up to get in a run before the day began.

It was the perfect temperature. While I ran I couldn't believe that just a week prior I was sweating my butt off just trying to get dressed --- Thank god the humidity is gone. I could run with ease and the crisp air hasn't affected my breathing too much yet. I can only hope that this will last a little longer, but I know the chill to the bone weather is upon on.

After doing a few sets of sit-ups and push-ups, I had a shower and then some breaky.

For breakfast today I had one of my mother's famous bran/mollasses muffins---It's so nice digging into mom's home baking when I am provinces away. Thank god for a freezer.

I also had some apple and banana alongside --- and of course a cup of coffee with some almond milk and agave nectar.

Well I just found out that I do not actually have to work today...Which usually would be a fine thing, but having just paid my school tuition I am financially unable to not work! But hopefully I will get called in tonight so that I can semi afford my birthday and the upcoming weeks.

Window Sill Garden

2010-09-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Having faced a series of wilted herbs in my refridgerator as of late, I decided to purchase my very own basil plant. I thought it was a good way to always have basil at hand, but also a way to have edible basil.

This new addition to my home made me realize that I should really hold off on having children --- Taking care of anything alive is quite the feat for me. By the time the leaves started accumulating on the floor, I realized it was time to put that basil to use.

Being a crisp, fall day, nothing sounded greater than a plate of pesto pasta!

Pesto

1 cup of fresh basil

1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (or almonds, or pine nuts...you can essentially use any nut!)

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

2 large cloves garlic

salt and pepper, to taste
water

1. Combine the basil and walnuts in the food processor, and pulse a few times to break the mixture down.

2. Add the garlic and parmesan.

3. While the processor is whirring, gradually add the oil. You do not need to add all the oil. I like to add only a bit for flavour, and then I add water to get the right consistency.

4. Taste test --- Feel free to add some salt, more garlic, or anything else you feel it needs!

I boiled up some brown rice pasta to have with the pesto.

To the mix, I added some crumbled wild sockeye salmon. Pesto and salmon just go hand in hand. I sprinkled some more parm and a few capers on top, and then for some extra greenery, I had some steamed broccoli.

Baking on a Rainy Day

2010-08-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of my over-ripening bananas, I began throwing them in the freezer a few months back as I figured I would eventually do something with them. It wasn't until today when I tried cramming a loaf of bread next to a bundle of bananas that I realized it was time to do something with my accumulation.

I could have made enough smoothies for my entire apartment building --- Not only would that have been boring, but I can count on one hand the amount of people I actually know in my building so after some consideration, I realized that receiving pitchers of smoothies from a stranger was a little sketchy.

There really is no better way to use up over ripe bananas than to make a loaf of banana bread.

To make a rainy day productive, I did just that --- I whipped up a loaf of wheat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free banana blueberry bread.

Banana Blueberry Bread

3 large frozen bananas, thawed (or 3 over ripe bananas)
1/3 cup almond milk
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup agave nectar

2 cups spelt flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional)
1/4 cup cacoa nibs (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a loaf pan--- I used coconut oil to keep it dairy free. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the almond milk and let stand until it curdles.

2. Squeeze the thawed bananas into a bowl, and mash with a fork. Add the almond milk, agave nectar, and remaining lemon juice to the mix.

3. In a seperate bowl, combine the spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until it is well-combined. Fold in the blueberries, and any other ingredient you may fancy...Mine may or may not have cat hair...

4. Transfer to the loaf pan and spread out evenly. Bake in the oven for 30-50 minutes --- I realize there is a vast difference in the baking times but my loaf baked very quickly due to a hottt oven. So all I am saying is keep an eye on her; it could take an hour to bake!

This loaf was absolutely delicious...and even if it is on the under-cooked side, there really isn't any ingredient in it that needed to be baked!

I enjoyed a slice of bread with some iced coffee---with a touch of agave nectar and almond milk.

Definately try this loaf out for a change in your breakfast routine, or an afternoon coffee break!

The Best Kind of Butter

2010-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

As I scraped the bottom of my almond butter jar, I cringed at the thought of forking out $11.00 to replenish it. That was until I remembered the excess amount of almonds that were taking up 3/4 of my freezer --- My mother seems to think that I can go through a Costco sized bag of almonds each month. Yes, they are a great source of calcium but they're no cookie and I'm not about to spread whole almonds on to my toast in the morning. So instead of breaking it to her, I just continue filling up the nooks and crannies in my freezer with them.

Well, mother. They have finally come in to use.

Instead of purchasing yet another jar of almond butter, I decided to make my own.

I started by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and laying out a layer of almonds on a baking sheet.

I then roasted them in the oven until they were lightly toasted and my entire pad had an almond aroma to it.

This took about ten to fifteen minutes --- I may have roasted them a little too long though.

After cooling off the almonds, I threw them in to the food processor. I ground up all of the nuts in one go; it may have been more effective to do a couple of batches.

It took awhile for the almonds to turn in to butter as they went through a few phases --- crumbs to paste to butter.

The butter turned out quite amazing.

You can experiment with this recipe by using basically any kind of nut --- and it's the healthiest form of nut butter as there are no added oils, sugars, salts, or preservatives

Herb Encrusted Tofu

2010-06-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

After hitting up Kensington Market the other day, I returned home with an aray of spices as I finally found a place that sells them bulk! Since then my meals have turned from blah to amazing...

This herb encrusted tofu is a take on a recipe that a friend just showed me. Even though I didn't use any of the required ingredients (excluding the tofu,) it turned out quite nicely!

I started out with a bowl of cumin, tumeric, dried chili flakes, oats, and flaked coconut. From there I went on to "encrust" the tofu...

To brown each side and enhance the spices, I fried the tofu block in some canola oil.

After removing the nicely browned tofu, I added some kale, spinach, arugula, and mushrooms to the pan in order to soak up the spice-infused oil. I also added some soy sauce.

I dipped the tofu in some Sriracha, of course.

If you're looking for a seriously flavourful tofu dish, this is the one. Feel free to use your own mix of ingredients to encrust the tofu; I did!

A New Take on Hummus

2010-05-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Being a little tight on cash since my big move, I have had to rely on some serious food basics. Let's just say I have eaten a whole lot of peanut butter and pickle sandwiches this month...

So when I went to whip up a batch of hummus, I realized that I did not actually have one of the key ingredients --- tahini. Counting the pennies in my change purse, I was made aware that tahini was probably not a top priority and was forced to find an alternative --- peanut butter.

Spicy Peanut Butter Hummus

1 can (540 mL) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp. water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tbsp. cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sriracha, to taste
Pepper
olive oil

1. Place all of the ingredients (except olive oil) in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Drizzle in olive oil until you reach desired consistency. I used about a tablespoon.

I had a salad and a few of Mary's crackers with the hummus.

Dragon Rice Bowl

2010-05-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

You may already be very much aware, but I haven't posted anything for about a month. This is not because I haven't been eating --- Mind you, I would like to say that as my meals have evolved around pickles and peanut butter (the two main ingredients which solely inhabitated my fridge for a few weeks.)

The main reason I have not been keepin' up with them ol' blogs is because I was living without internet for a bit there --- and after making the trek to Starbucks once every couple of days to check my email, Facebook, and all that jazz, the last thing I wanted to do was recall what I had eaten over the past 72 hours.

So having been wired for a few days now (FREE too as I am milking every Rogers promotion that I can) I have decided to get back on to the blogging bandwagon...Let me take you back to yesterday evening where I indulged into a satisfying "rice plate"

Fresh likes to call it a rice bowl...and to be more specific a Dragon Rice Bowl.

I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but I used the majority of the listed ingredients.

Dragon Rice Bowl
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 large zucchini, sliced diagonally
3 tomatoes, slice thickly
8 Marinated Tofu Steaks (see below *)
6 cups cooked brown basmati rice
1 batch Miso Gravy (see below **)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tbsp. brown sesame seeds, toasted

* I marinated my "steaks" for about an hour in a combination of apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh garlic.

** I didn't have all of the gravy ingredients on hand so I whipped up a little sauce that I found in Still Life with Menu (4 tbsp. yellow, Hatcho, or barley miso 6 tbsp. almond buter and 1 1/2 cups boiling water --- To the miso and almond butter, add a small amount of boiling water and mash with a spoon to make a paste. Continue to add the water until you are happy with the consistency of the sauce.)

Method

1. Grill the zucchini, tomatoes and tofu steaks in the oven at medium to high heat, until lightly browned.
2. Put 1 1/2 cups cooked brown basmati rice in a large rice bowl.
3. Pour one 4 ounce ladle of warm Almond Miso Sauce over the rice.
4. Arranged the grilled vegetables and tofu steaks around the inner edges of the bowl.
5. Put chopped cilantro and green onions on the sauce at the centre of the bowl.
6. Garnish with toasted brown sesame seeds (optional.) Repeat for each serving.

While I was roasting the vegetables, my place started getting just a LITTLE smokey --- The air circulation in a bachelor pad is less than satisfactory --- And as a result, the smoke alarm started screeching. I had to stand on my bed waving a towel for about 5 minutes...it really worked up a sweat. (Some of that sweat can be credited to the fear that that noise instilled...I thought my building was going to be evacuated!!)

When I told my sister what I had for dinner, she made sure to inform me that I cannot refer to my tofu as "steaks."

This dinner was pretty incredible. The sauce wasn't too overwhelming --- It could have used a little lime.

And the photos don't speak the truth --- I obviously added some Sriracha.

Hardly Homeless

2010-04-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on "summer vacation" since last Tuesday, apparently...as I finished my last class at 830 pm that night. However, I have been workin' my butt off at work since then. HELLO "summer"...I wish I was still 12-years-old so summer vacation was actually two months of doing essentially nothing --- Well, except for working on my tan...

So today was my first day off, but it was no time to laze around. I woke up at around 830 so that I could get a head start on the day.

For breakfast I had an oatmeal pancake with plain yogurt, flax meal, apples, and bananas. For some extra pazaazz, I spread on some PB!

After breakfast I headed out to the gym to get a workout in before I had to run around the city viewing potential homes.

When I got home I had a quick shower and lunch.

For lunch I had a simple sangy --- complete with cheese, tomato, cukes, pickles, red onion, lettuce, Dijon, MAyyoo (I don't know what has gotten in to me...I used to hate mayo with a passion and yet I am just lovin' it lately. Can't be a good thing,) and Sriracha.

I headed out to my first potential home after lunch. SO glad I rushed out the door to view that puppy...turns out the idiot didn't take down the ad for the May 1 availability! So after seeing it and being quite pleased, I was informed that it was available for July 1 and the May 1 one has been rented out already. SWEET --- Next place.

I had to trek down to work to pick up my lost T4 in between house viewings as apparently I need to do my taxes before the end of the month...I love leaving things to the last minute --- Hence me still not having a place to live.

I looked at another place in China Town tonight which was UBER cute and artsy...but it needed some serious TLC as some things were really showing rust. If I was flighty enough I would have signed the lease, but I saw too many potential problems...One being, INFESTATIONS.

There were over 20 people applying for the place anyways, and I didn't have my roommates with me to sign anything...Super helpful.

I finally got home at around 830 tonight after waiting for the street car for seriously half an hour...Let's just say I was plenty hungry when I stepped through the door. Good thing I thought ahead and picked up some key ingredients on the way home for dinner.

For dinner tonight I had a "caesar" salad, a salmon filet, and a dinner roll.

Oh my gosh. It was incredible.

The caesar salad dressing was a take from the Refresh cookbook.

Caesar Dressing

1 1/2 tbsp. capers (I had to use pickles as capers were not in my household)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup chopped tofu
2 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup olive oil

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until tofu is smooth.

I chopped some romaine lettuce and put it in a tupperware with some dressing --- I then proceeded to shake'r (the best way to toss a salad as each leaf gets evenly coated!)

For the salmon, I marinated a filet in some white wine and then sprinkled an array of herbs (literally anything I had in the cupboard.) For an extra kick, I lay on some slivered garlic.

I baked the salmon in a 375 degree pre heated oven for about 12 minutes.

Wow. Everything turned out incredible. The salmon was perfectly cooked as it basically melted in my mouth...and the caesar dressing was flowin' with garlic.

I also had a dinner roll to sop up the extra dressing. I will definately making this again soon. It was amazing --- all I could think about for a few hours post consumption...

Tuna Pancakess

2010-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

Waking up after going to bed at 3 am slightly wonked, you'd expect it to be difficult. That's why I could barely move when my alarm clock went off at 730 am. I would have hit snooze a few times, but it was a necessary shower day --- It rained cats and dogs the night before, and let's just say Tatomme's Hair + Rain = Disaster.

Luckily the shower helped in the waking up process too...

I had some breaky in between the shower and getting ready period. I had some oatmeal as it was the only substance that my body could handle.

I had to hurry out to class as I was definately going to be late...

And I was. But better late than never??

Being our last feature writing class evvverr, we watched a feature documentary on CKLW...It took me awhile to get into it as I missed the beginning...but it turned out being quite entertaining.

After class our instructors took us out to a pub down the way to treat us to some pitchers and pizza...Not a bad gig. Those three months of hell finally paid off...Kidding, feature writing wasn't THAT bad...

I hung out around downtown after as I had to pick up some bare essentials...I have to get through April showers some how!!

When I got home I made some dinner...For dinner I had a salad with a spur of the moment tuna cake.

For the tuna cake, I mixed together half a can of solid white tuna, an egg, a couple tablespoons of spelt flour, some raisins,a broken cracker, some cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper... It sounds bizarre but just wait.

I fried that little puppy in some olive oil and then placed it on my salad. The salad consisted of tomato, red pepper, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and asparagus.

The fish cake actually turned out quite well...I may add a few more spices next time though as it wasn't very flavourful and tasted more or less like FISH.

Easter Sunday/Monday

2010-04-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

In previous years, I would be waking up at 7 am to see if the Easter Bunny had come yet...In fact, I would be so anxious that I couldn't help but hop out of bed, but this year I was up at that time for work --- AND the Easter Bunny hadn't even arrived...I'm thinking it was the padlocked door downstairs that prevented him from laying his eggs.

I spent all day working and was lucky enough to have a quesadilla for my easter lunch/dinner...It took me a few hours to eat as I had to run back and forth from the door to the kitchen. At least it became edible during the last hour of eating as the grease from each slice had hardened...

I got home at around 10 pm and immediately began working on my feature story which was due at midnight. Thankfully I finished it at 11:59 pm...I'm getting really good at completing assignments 1 minute before they're due --- Impressive, no?

I went to bed soon after as I had to wake up early for class.

Even though I went to bed pretty late, I was able to get up quite easily on Monday morning --- My body must be adjusting to these early mornings.

After a shower, I had breakfast. I had a piece of toast and fruit salad for breaky...As much as I love fruit salad, I hate to think that the morsels travelled from across seas to fill my bowl. I can't wait for the summer when I can have a fruit salad from the garden...or in my case, someone else's garden.

I headed out to broadcast class after breaky --- We had to go early again as it was our second live newscast and my group had to film and edit a field report before 430pm.

Unfortunately, I was the only group member that showed up at the right time...But that happens --- We had to trek all the way out to Etobicoke for our story as it was about the Daily Bread Foodbank. They have extended their spring fundraiser as donations are far from the goal of 250 000 lbs and $250 000...Right now, they're only at 70 000 lbs and $70 000.

We interview a city councillor, the executive director, and some volunteers at the food bank...Even though we were tight for time, we got a really good story.

While we waited for a taxi to bring us back to school, I had some lunch...I actually packed one today! I have to save every penny from here on in as money will be hard to come by soon for me.

I had a cheese and soy slice sandwich with cucumbers and carrots on the side. I also had a sexy empire apple...

We got back to class with enough time to edit our footage before we went on air --- Thank god.

I got home at around 7 pm and made dinner...For dinner I had an omelette filled with sauted garlic, onion, red pepper, asparagus, zucchini, and extra-old white cheddar.

I had a green salad on the side with balsamic vinagrette.

I had a couple chocolate chip cookiess latterr....

Muggy MUnday

2010-03-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

So I guess I do sleep breathing through my nose...Unfortunately I found this out the hard way. These past few days I have been fighting a cold; however, someone has to lose in the end...and that happened to be me.

I spent the night tossing and turning as I couldn't breathe --- a vital part in sleeping...heck, even in living. When I would finally fall asleep, I would wake up exactly an hour later! I can hold my breath for an hour...impressive, no?

However, when it was finally time to actually wake up I was not adaquately rested. Coffee and breakfast was the key to moving this morning.

For breakfast I had toast...it's quick and I don't have anything to put on my oats so there was no point in stewing up a pot.

I rushed out the door to class as we were starting early today in order to write, film, and edit our reports before going on air at 5.

It was an exhausting day to say the least, but our first live newscast turned out well! Only two more to go before the end of the year...

(In between filming and editing, we grabbed something to eat...I had a veggie pita from Opa! I hadn't had one in so long and forgot how good they were. There is the option of whole wheat pitas now too and it was fab...)

When I got home I entertained myself with 9 minutes of entertainment thanks to the other Axe contestants...Our original music videos are up now! Check them out --- They're all pretty impressive to say the least...Oh and please, please vote for me as there are only 3 days left to do so!

Then I made some dinner...I would have been lost for dinner options if it wasn't for BK's brilliant idea to make peanut sauce stir fry (so vote for him too! He'll take you on a date that you won't believe...It was hot over texting, I couldn't imagine it in realy life!)

I really experimented with the peanut sauce as I only had a select few ingredients on hand.

To a boiling mixture of about 1 tbsp of spelt flour and 1/2 cup of milk, I added about 2 tbsp. of spicy peanut butter ...Then I added some soy sauce and fish sauce to taste. It turned out pretty unreal.

I stir-fried red onion, garlic, ginger, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms and then mixed in the peanut sauce.

The stir-fry was accompanied with some curry-induced quinoa and spinach.

Well I am going to head to bed now...But check out my interview with HeyDoYou to promote myself for the Axe competion!

Unsettling Sunday

2010-03-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sundays are supposed to be relaxing; however, the minute you're thrown a curve ball, that can all change. Well that was my Sunday from the get-go!

Going about my usual Sunday rituals, I was suddenly caught off guard when I noticed a certain someone sleeping on my floor...We won't go into details in order to avoid confusion, but let's just say it really put me out of whack!

Not only that...but my house happened to smell like stale beer and BO as my roommates decided to throw back a few while I was at work the night before. Thank god I had some axe on hand to rid the place of overwhelming stenches.

After washing up, getting ready, and scarfing down breakfast, I headed out to work...

That was when I ran into our realtor who just so happened to be showing our place to three sketchy looking folk --- Let's just say I am so glad I was already enroute!

You'd think that my Sunday couldn't get worse...Oh, it did. I guess you could say I was caught up in the mornings events as after waiting at the bus stop for far too long, I mindlessly got on to the wrong bus.

Thankfully, it didn't take me completely off route and only a few transfers were needed.

Well, work was work.

When I got home I made myself lunch/dinner...

I had a sexy sandwich as that is always a satisfying meal!

I loaded my sangy with blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion, spinach, Dijon mustard, mayo..and of course, sriracha.

I hung out for a bit and then headed over to my friend's condo for a hot tub sesh...a much needed sesh at that as it was raining all day and I felt like goo.

A Dark Horse

2010-03-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Overflowing bins of oranges, melons, peppers, bok choy---you name it--- line the constantly bustling street of Spadina. You find yourself trying to avoid shoving the people carefully selecting their weeks worth of produce...After blocks of this similar occurence, it's hard to fathom that you'll eventually encounter a coffee shop catering to those doing the exact opposite; people lounging about enjoying a rich smooth brew --- crafted to his own preference.

Well that's where I found myself--- Dark Horse to be exact--- on Saturday afternoon. Not only was I in dire need of the perfect soy late, I was also needed for a second interview to promote myself for the Axe competition.

I met with Gloria from Urbane Block at a large wooden table that could potentially house 12 coffee-obsessed people...While sipping on our coffees, she asked me an array of questions! We covered a lot of ground...everything from my favourite vegetarian meal to what a hot date with me would look like!

After a good hour long Q&A sesh, Gloria snapped a few photos --- We made sure to get a few shots of me in the bustling China Town to capture the contrasting surroundings of the laid back coffee house.

Then I headed home for a quick lunch before work.

For lunch I had a salad --- How could I not after walking by wooden tubs of produce on the way home?! For some protein, I had a soy burger which I topped with some blue cheese and aged white cheddar. (I picked up some blue cheese the other day after weeks of trying to satisfy my addiction with low quality crap from No Frills!)

It was a darn good salad complete with a balsamic vinegar/seedy Dijon mustard dressing.

After lunch, I trekked out in the chill to the bone weather to work.

City of Blinding Lights

2010-03-27T07:46:00.001-07:00

Even though there isn't a mountain within a 100 mile radius of Toronto, my BC blood isn't affected when I find myself 15 stories high overlooking the city. I was in heaven last night; electrical man-made heaven, that is! After a Friday that seemed to drag on (I showered twice yesterday --- that means my mind was feeling a two day split...) I headed over to my girlfriend's place for a night of wine and pizza. Nothing can get better than that, right?

Ooh but it can...while indulging into pure goodness, the city lights shone through the huge bay windows. I never thought that I would enjoy a "condo-lifestyle," but after experiencing a birds eyeview of the city I think I am ready for that luxury...

A girl's night wouldn't be a girl's night without comfort food, sappy movies, and bottles of wine...Let's just say there was more than enough wine flowin'. I ended up sleeping on the couch to avoid the urge of spending money on a cab home---no body likes to wait for city transit when you're cold and slightly tipsy...

I woke up pretty early due to the morning light shining through...but it's always better to wake up early than late when there are things to do. I headed home to get some breaky and get ready for another interview regarding Axe...Today Urbane Bloc is interviewing me. (Yesterday Hey Do You did an interview...that will be up soon on the site!)

For breakfast I just had some toast (Capeseed loaf from Cobs--- mmmmm) and an apple...

I spread almond butter and pomegranite jam on the one while the other one got topped with almond butter and agave nectar...It's important to switch it up to avoid sheer boredom.

But I am off to the interview now...Remember there are only four days left to vote for me in the Axe Summer Gig! That means there are only four days left for all of you men to show your support by taking a photograph with my sign! Thank you so much for taking time over these past few months to vote!

Puffy Eyes and Foggy Head

2010-03-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

It's only March and it's already starting to feel like summer --- No, it's not the weather; in fact, it was only 7 degrees today and once again, I had to bust out the winter jacket. The reason it's feeling as though we have entered July a few months too soon is due to the on-going rush at the restaurant. Last night it was absolutely packed from the second I stepped through the glass doors to the time that I left from them...

Usually I wouldn't complain about that; I mean more people tends to mean more money...but these people were downright miserable. I am sorry if you come to dine on a Saturday night with 10 other people on your team; you are NOT getting a table, for at least 2 hours.

That little fact didn't seem to register with a single person who walked through the doors...in stead they all decided to pile their complaints on me. At first, it was fine...I covered my stress with a fake smile, but that expression could only be held for so long. After about 15 accounts of people yelling at me, I eventually broke down --- I know, immature and unprofessional; BUT I couldn't help it. Luckily I got to the kitchen before my tears turned into hyperventilation.

Let's just say I was OVER relieved when the clock struck 12 and I was given the go-ahead to peace that scene.

Okay --- so that little rant brings us to my state this morning; foggy head and puffy eyes all over (I wish I could say it was from being hung over!)

In the hopes of making me appear alert, I chugged down a few cups of coffee. But that had little to no success, so I whipped up my usual bowl of oats.

I topped them with chopped Macintosh apple, plain yogurt, raisins, flax meal, All-Bran, and AB!

After breakfast I headed down to my second home: Mill St Brew Pub for a second go at the weekend crowd.

Thankfully, Sunday wasn't a usual Sunday...Those who decided to venture out of their homes for a hearty brunch were not doing it just because they felt they had too. I think (from what I experienced) they actually wanted the presence of good company and food around them. Thank you to the March 21 brunchees!

Another bonus was that I didn't have to be there all night...I was let go at a reasonable time; I even got to eat lunch at an almost acceptable hour (4 pm??)

For lunch I made myself a sandwich with tofu, mozarella cheese, red pepper, tomato, spinach, Dijon mustard and pesto mayo --- it was quite satisfying to say the least.

After lunch, I did some readings for school...but after reading the same line over and over again and noticing that my eyes were uncontrollably closing, I decided to have a nap.

Mmmm...sometimes a little siesta is the key to feeling that much better. I went for a walk after my nap and did a little grocery run as I decided that I was in need of starch: potatoes.

For dinner I made myself homemade baked french fries, breaded halibut, and peas.

After peeling and cutting the potato to my preference, I drizzled some olive oil and sprinkled some S&P on top. Those went into a 400 degree preheated over for about 45 minutes. I flipped them occassionaly to make sure they got evenly browned on all sides.

I zipped up the peas by sprinkling some cinnamon on top --- A nice little touch.

For a dipping sauce, I made a curry sauce which consisted of mayo and curry powder...It was actually downright amazing.

Minus baking the french fries for a littttle too long (some were just far too crunchy) it was a darn good dish...If only there was a beer to wash down that meal, it would have been a perfect Sunday dinner!

Tofu Tuesday

2010-03-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

I woke up at around six this morning and convinced myself that it was too early to get up...On top of it being too early, I was just too lazy to get out of bed --- SO I kept on sleeping!

I should have known that that would result in me neverrrr getting up... I ended up arising at around 11 --- I should have just got up at six...I hate when I sleep in!

After getting out of my morning grogginess, I made myself some breaky!

Today I made myself a good ol' oatmeal pancake because it was almost lunch and I was 2X as hungry as I would be at a regular breakfast hour!

Unfortunately, I had some problems with that bloody pancake...Apparently, I didn't grease the pan enough. So when I went to flip her, she started breaking like no other! I ended up having to cut it in quarters so that it wouldn't fall apart completely... I mean, in the end it's all about what it looks like on camera, right?

However, just like make-up, I was able to make it look quite nice...Toppings can fix anything!

I put some chopped apples, yogurt, almond butter, cherry jam and agave nectar on it! Minus the broken mess, it was quite delicious.

After breakfast I headed out to the gym for a quick workout before class. I should have gone earlier, but I spent too much time doing nothing...

When I got home I quickly showered and scarfed down a spinach salad with tomato, red pepper, carrot, onion, ginger, tuna, pesto, and balsamic vinegrette.

Even though I didn't photograph it, I also chowed down on some crackers and cheese after my salad...

I headed out to my four hour evening class after getting ready..and chowing down!

We had a newsfeed test tonight --- What that means, well I don't know...Look at my test mark.

Okay, no. Over the time span of an hour, we were given new news on a certain topic every fifteen minutes and had to write a story for each segment...While getting all this information, we had to make sure we weren't assuming info that was "supposedly" reported. There was some serious adrenaline flowin' by the end of it!

When I got home, I immediately cracked open a beer.

For dinner I whipped up something hearty!

I had a "tofu flank" with ginger, garlic, and onion. Alongside I had mashed sweet potato...I added the ginger, garlic, and onion from the tofu fry to the sweet potatoes when I mashed them!

I also had some steamed broccoli and peas.

It was quite good...However, I should have added a little more flavour to the tofu as it didn't soak up enough flavour from just sauteing in the three ingredients!

For dessert I had some ice cream...Mocha Almond Fudge, baby!

One Hit Wonder

2010-03-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

Even though I have a lot to do today, I love Thursday as it is actually my Saturday...Or the beginning to a long weekend EVERY weekend. I guess you could say I have it kind of easy as soon as Wednesday hits 4pm.

This morning I switched back to my breakfast routine as another piece of toast would turn me into one!

I topped my banana oats with plain yogurt, apple sauce, chopped apples, sliced strawberries, raisins, flax meal AND a spoonful of AB.

I also had a cup of coffee.

After breakfast I finished some work for my broadcast class as I wasn't going to have any other time to do it.

I headed out to the gym immediately after finishing my work...It was so beautiful out today; I could have ran outside but for some reason I prefer being in the confines of a gym. It may be the "lovely" atmosphere the gym offers --- or the sweaty eye candy which is spotted sometimes, but when it is you don't want to miss it!

I rushed home after a good bike, run, and row --- Thanks to some helpful tips on the rowing machine, my arms and bum were killingg all throughout the day. I love burning.

When I got home I quickly showered and whipped up some lunch. I created an incredible chipotle tuna sandwich. I started by sauteing some red onion and garlic --- then I added a chunk of frozen chipotle which eventually melted and saturated the whole pan. I added the tuna to that for a little added warmth!

A toasted piece of whole grain bread dressed with havarti cheese, tomato, spinach, and Dijon mustard, was complete with the heated tuna chipotle.

It was actually sooo amazing!!! The chipotle added a smokey flavour throughout.

I had my Axe conference call just before I had to run out the door to write and record my music video --- a bonus challenge for the Axe competion

Even though it got really cold filming outside and we worked until 3 in the morning, it was definately an experience. I can't say I have EVER in my life attempted to do what I did, but it turned out pretty well (one hit wonder material....)...So if you stay on top of the competition for the last couple of weeks, you'll be able to catch a one-time Tatomme!

It wasn't until 10 pm that we realized we still hadn't eaten dinner so we headed out to the Rhino for some grub and a beer (a much needed Guinness...mmmm) I had a grilled vegetarian pizza --- Let's just say it didn't make me feel like I was in Italy...nor my own home. I probably could have made a better pizza on a hamburger bun. BUT I was famished so I was willing to eat ANYTHING!

After a bite to eat, I headed back home to finish editing!

Sex Ed. with Sue

2010-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say I jumped the gun when I busted out my flip-flops...This morning I was faced with grey skies and wind; it felt like November!

For breakfast I had an over easy egg and toast...Is it wierd to like the combination of egg and peanut butter? After seeing Sarah do it multiple times, I was just itching to try it! The verdict: a little bizarre...but if you force yourself to block out the idea, it's really not so bad!

After breaky, I caught up on some current events a la The View...I love a good sesh political bashing ideas...

In the midst of watching Sue Johanson, I am now going to try to get some work done before I may or may not have to go to work...Being on call is such a nice addition to the day; really makes room for spontaneity...

Monster Mash

2010-03-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

My loaf of bread is coming to an end...which is kind of good as there is only so much sourdough you can do before you're right sick of it! For breakfast today I had yet another piece of toast with peanut butter and a delicious cherry spread...which I stole from my roommate...

I also had a cup of coffee and some fruit alongside!

After breakfast, I lazed around for a bit and then went out to enjoy the sun before my evening class. It was so beautiful again today...I can't wait for it to stay sunny!!

For lunch I had an open-faced cracker --- I can't do sourdough twice in a day.

I topped her off with a slice of veggie "meat", some roasted red peppers, fried red onion, an egg, and a dollop of salsa.

It was quite difficult to eat due to the numerous layers and the fragile base...but I managed.

I also had some speenach.

After lunch I headed out to class...Four hours of everlasting boredom. What more could you ask for in a Tuesday evening?

When I got home I immediately made dinner as it was 8pm and I was ready to eat a horse.

While I made dinner, I sipped on a blueberry raspberry spritzer...It really seemed to take the edge off...

For dinner I had a baked sweet potato which I topped with peas, fresh tomato, and miso gravy. I also had some spinach for an added texture...

It kind of looks like a monster...but it was delish. I love my oven --- it bakes things soo quickly (I think that's due to the fact that it's broken...it continues to heat past the "requested" temperature which may mean explosion is in the near future) I baked that little potato in like 10 minutes...

After dinner, my roommate and I went out for one solid night: a beer and gossip.

Monday Morning You Sure Look Fine

2010-03-09T07:08:00.001-08:00

There's is something a little more appealing about sleeping in than learning about the invention of the wheel...or what this thing called the "internet" is...That's why I have neglected that monday morning lecture a few times now in order to get my beauty sleep. I mean, I would rather be fully awake for my broadcasting class in the afternoon than look somewhat like a zombie...

So today after a little sleep in --- 10 am is sufficient --- I made myself some eggs and toast! Nothin' like making a monday feel like a saturday.

I bought this incredible walnut sourdough loaf from Brickstreet Bakery. Since then, it has been incorporated into all of my meals so that I finish her up before she goes bad on me --- I may look like a sourdough by the end of it...

I also had some apple to add a little fruity nutrients to the mix...

After breakfast, I did some work and then headed out to my afternoon class.

It was suchh a beautiful day; I don't remember the last time I was able to wear a sweater outside and be warm. I may have been jumping the gun just a LITTLE bit, but I am quite sick of dressing like the michelin man everyday.

After watching some nescasts from students last week, we headed out to do our second newstory..as much work as they are, I lovee them.

We finished just in the nick of time --- thank god for that! I was about to eat my arm off by the end of class. I did have a raisin bran muffin and a muffin to hold me over for a bit though.

I quickly put together dinner when I got home because I had to rush off to volleyball.

For dinner I baked a lemon and herb breaded fish fillet and sauted a medly of onions, beans, carrots, and tomatoes (a strange last ingredient but I had to use it up before it turned into mush.)
I also had some spinaach salad.

I was a little late to vball because of the oh-so reliable street car...I love how when you're in a hurry it chooses to come in the necessary direction every twenty minutes...

At least I showed up though...they almost got disqualified for not having a girl!

Nonetheless, we killed both teams...if I am following it right, I believe we're in the finals now!!

When I got home I had some yogurt and fruit --- garnished with some flax and nuts.

I spent the rest of the evening searching for bachelorETTE pads as I will be homeless as of May 1 --- getting a littttle nervous...

We Do Burgers.

2010-03-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's not that I have refrained from eating for the past two weeks; it's just that I haven't really indulged into anything too exciting. As a result, I didn't want to bore you with another explanation of my bowl of oats...

However, let us step back a couple of days to bring us to Saturday as that was the day that I was oh so fortunate to dine with Garth, a visiting friend from BC, before I had to rush off to work.

I love going out to eat with "tourists" because I try to bring them to places that I haven't yet eaten at but have been dyying to try. This is quite a difficult task for me as once I find a place I like I tend not to venture beyond that...It's hard not bringing everyone and their mothers to Fresh.

So on Saturday after strolling around Kensington Market enjoying one of Toronto's first days of Spring (or what it felt like --- it has been soo bloody beautiful lately: an instant mood booster), we stepped into the Burger Bar. This decision was made soon after we ruled out The Grilled Cheese... I mean, at the time I didn't really feel like a grilled cheese and after reading the menu there I realized that oooh, it ONLY does grilled cheese.

So why not go to a place that ONLY does burgers...

Okay, it wasn't that select...They did do brunch as well..Breakfast burger anyone?

It being a Saturday afternoon, I opted for the brunch menu as I hadn't had breakfast and it was just feelin' like a brunch day --- (I never have weekends off work so whenever I can take advantage of brunch I do!)

Along with my sexy caesar (complete with parsely and garlic --- a lot of garlic at that) I had the Azul Eggs --- A nice long slice of toast topped with dijonaise, wilted spinach, poached eggs, and smoked salmon.

The dish usually comes smothered in hollandaise sauce, but I asked for mine on the side so I could actually taste the "sandwich."

It was accompanied with a fresh arugula salad and sweet potato fries. The fries were soo good as they were coated with rock salt --- mmm...salt...

As much as Garth wanted eggs, he felt that it only seemed appropriate to get what the place apparently specializes in: burgers...

With so many burger toppings to choose from, he went for the Market Burger blended with chipotle which came equipped with arugula pesto, goat cheese, blue cheese, and some kind of green for aesthetic appeal...

It would have been nice if the bun didn't look like it had been sitting out on the counter for the past week...or if the burger lived up to its name. Garth didn't seem too impressed with his choice...but he ate it nonetheless.

For a place that calls itself the bar of burgers, it really should work on its claim to fame.

I was satisfied with my pick --- I guess you just have to venture away from the burgers in order to be impressed --- and regardless, I was satisfied with my lunch date!

I'll Have a Glass of Red with my Blow Dry

2010-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

When I went to bed last night, I was already not looking forward to waking up...As this week treks on, I too have to trek on with the amount of work I need to have finished in due time.

I thought that if I just didn't get out of bed this morning it would further postpone my homework...but then reality hit and I realized that sleeping is another form of procrastinating so I forced myself out of the confines of my sheets.

After getting ready, I had a piece of toast with AB and jam and a banana for some extra added energgg.

I also had a cup of coffee.

I headed to my lecture after breaky...Just what I needed, a lecture reminding me of the things I need to accomplish in one week.

After lecture, I went to the "library" with my dear friend Jeremy...I put the library in quotations because this is what he referred to it as in first year in order to get me to go to it during class --- Little did I know it was actually a pub.

However, the pub's atmosphere is much like a library as it wreaks of old text books and body odour...Mmmm.

While we did some much needed work, we had a little lunch...

For lunch I had the tomato soup (which was most definately Campbell's) and a grilled cheese sandwich.

You know you're in for a darn good meal when it comes equipped with a basket...Heck, they should have thrown the soup in there bowless...

After lunch and work, I decided to pamper myself...What better way to pamper oneself than a few hours in the salon...

I must say that after some serious searching, I found one hell of a salon. It's called Flaunt and is conveniently quite close to me.

Not to take away from the hairstylists' amazing talents (he made my dead and gone hair look somewhat rejuvinated,) but the place really knows how to get a customer to return: serve them wine.

I can't tell you how nice it was to get my hair done AND sip on a glass of vino...I feel like that will be my new hangout --- but not actually, because I can't afford it and it really damaged my hair confidence. Remind me never go into hair modelling...

My New Found Fam

2010-02-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes living in the city can be lonely with no family...so thank god I have finally found an aunt and uncle who I am more than happy to visit. Yesterday, I returned to my dear Aunties and Uncles for a second visit within the time span of one week. That's quite good for family acknowledgment, no?

Okay, so they serve food..and I mean like reallly good food...and well, they aren't really family at all; in fact, I can't say that they even know me. But that will change soon if I keep up with my weekly brunch affairs.

This time I stayed away from the egg dishes as I wanted to try something new. That was quite difficult as I get set in my ways once I find something I like. However, last week I was torn between the french toast and omelette, so I thought why not go for the french toast this time!

I was all ready to order--- that was until the server informed me that oatmeal banana walnut pancakes were the daily special. Really?! He clearly didn't know me as he wasn't aware of my weakness for oats.

Instead of switching my order all together, I "eenie-minie-mowed"...but that never solves anything now, does it? So I told the server to surprise me...

The anticipation killed me...so I chugged my coffee.

I guess it was a sign when the french toast arrived; I have to go with my gut! And baby, did I ever go in with my gut...The french toast was incredible. Three pieces of challa toast: perfectly squared. They were lightly dusted with powdered sugar and melted butter was oozing off of the edges. With a drizzle of maple syrup and a piece of cinnamon poached pear (which were laid out on the side,) I took my first bite.

I think I died and went to heaven...the first bite was definately the best as it was the one smothered the most in butter!

My brunch date chose the daily omelette --- I guess I was one step ahead of him as I can check that menu off the list of "already tried." But I convinced him to get the Dijon dill potato salad (something I wish I had tried last time) which I snagged a little sampy of...They were darrnn good.

After brunch I headed on home to do some work and shower before class.

I had a spinach salad just before I headed out the door as I was still pretty stuffed from breaky...but I needed somethin' to tide me over.

When I got back from class, I was most definately ready for dinner!

For dinner I had a lemon and herb breaded fish fillet, an array of sauted beans and carrots, and some spinach.

I topped my fish with some salsa for an extra kick.

For a little something sweet later on, I had a mixture of apple sauce, bananas, nuts, raisins, and All-Bran...I really just threw anything I could find into the mix...

Ladies' Lunch

2010-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

I think we would all agree if I said Thursday night was the best sleep all week...we were so exhausted Wednesday night that we were in a coma as soon as our heads hit the pillow!

For breakfast we had toast and fruit as I didn't want to waste the delicious ciabatta bread from the night before.

After breakfast we used all of Little India's water to shower and prettify ourselves for lunch out with family friends.

We were meeting up with them in the Distillery District --- I most definately live there --- at around 2 pm. But after getting ready and leaving the house we were informed that they were running a little late so we decided to grab a coffee at Starbucks and stroll down Queen East.

I dragged the girls into the Leslieville Cheese Market as I always pass it but I never have a chance to go in!

Nothing is better than a sexy cheese salesman...I couldn't turn down anything he tried selling me. We left with their entire cheese stock and day old crackers...

Okay no, but we did buy some lovely Gruyere, green cracked olives, and crackers made on site.

With our purchase in hand, we headed down to the Distillery for lunch.

We met at a place I hadn't been too yet but have always wanted to go: Archeo. It being a Friday late afternoon in the Distillery, it wasn't very busy...but the building was beautiful --- complete with wood rafters.

Six ladies can make an empty restaurant seem full. Our voices and laughter echoed throughout the place... It was such a good lunch.

Along with a pint of Okanagan Spring Ale, I had a smoked salmon bagel and a carrot soup. Smoked salmon is my weakness; however, I wish the bagel wasn't white and stale.

Mariel had a Cobb Salad which she wasn't impressed with --- "The cheese still had it's rind on!"

Chloaye had a Thai Chicken Salad --- she shared feelings similar to that of Mare's.

Even though our meals weren't incredible, the time together was so good.

After lunch I showed everyone around the distillery and then we split ways. The three of us rushed over to Steam Whistle brewery before it closed. We got there five minutes before it closes---perfect amount of time to throw back a free sample of pilsner.

We headed home at around 6:30 pm to get ready for the evening.

Mare Does Dinner

2010-02-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Good thing my guests were family as it's hard for me to be courteous all of the time...The girls were treated to a lovely bowl of oats again on Thursday morning. At least they are easy to please as I really think they enjoyed them nonetheless.

After breakfast, Chloaye and I went to St. Lawrence Market to meet up with one of Chloaye's old roommates, Brianna. I hadn't seen her for years even though we both live in the same city.

We all caught up while strolling around the market sampling the different goodies...I could spend hours at St. Lawrence as I love a place with an array of samples --- it's like Costco but gourmet.

I don't think the girls were as impressed with the place so we headed down to the Distillery District for a little lunch. I brought them to the Brick Street Bakery for their famous sandwiches. Chlo and I shared a tuna sandwich because I warned her of their size... The bread is made on site at the bakery so it is so fresh and packed with tuna!

After lunch, I brought Brianna and Chlo to Mill Street to show them where I work. We stayed for a pint of Wit beer so that they could really take in the whole experience.

We parted from Bri after the pub and went to the mall to do a little shopping.

Chlo and I headed home when our tummys told us it was dinner time. We picked up a loaf of ciabatta bread to have with the meal Mariel was making for us!

Mariel made a delicious dinner: halibut with butter and lemon, mixed beans, spinach salad, hummus and carrot sticks, and warm crusty bread.

The hummus was so yummy...and quite inventive as Mariel couldn't find the tahini so she opted for a sesame dressing and sriracha sauce --- She really knows to impress the Flanagan sisters!

A Night of Art and Good Food

2010-02-21T17:40:00.001-08:00

Even though I can handle oatmeal every day, I thought it would be courteous to my guests to switch up breakfast.

So while the girls slept, I made scrambled eggs, sweet potato hashbrowns, and toast.

The hashbrowns were pretty darn good...

I would like to say that we did a lot during the day on Wednesday, but the biggest event was the nap we took at around 3 pm.

I think we could have slept for the rest of the day, but we had to get up to shower as we had to take full advantage of the free art gallery admission on Wednesday evenings.

By the time we got to the gallery we only had an hour so we decided to split up in order to see everything that we were dying to see.

The gallery closed at 8pm --- just in time as I was ready to eat my hand. Knowing that there are several sweet restaurants on Ossington, I decided to drag the girls back to my favourite neck of the woods. We ended up at Pizzeria Libretto as I had heard ONLY good things about this traditional Nepales pizzeria.

When I heard that it would only be a ten minute wait for a table I signed right up as the last time I had tried to get in it was a two hour wait!

The atmosphere in this restaurant is perfect: warm, small, and bustling. It is the perfect place for a business meeting, a girl's night out, a man date, a first date, or quite frankly, whatever you're feeling!

After salivating over every pizza choice on the menu (even though the majority were topped with meat --- let a girl dream, okay!) I decided on the rapini pizza: rapini, goat cheese, black olives, and Ontario Fiore Di Latte Mozzarella. I liked that there wasn't any tomato sauce...an unusual liking as I am quite a saucy girl!!

Chlo and I had a pint too as beer is a must with pizza!

Chloaye and Mariel both got the Duck Confit pizza with Bosc Pear and Ontario Fiore Di Latte Mozzarella.

It looked incredible, and from all of the "mmm's" I suspect that it tasted incredible too.

We felt dessert was necessary as a girl's date isn't really complete without it...We shared the tiramisu and wow! The cream was so thick and rich.

During our dessert, our sweet server informed us that the manager wanted to buy us an after dinner drink...well how could I turn that down! We decided on a raspberry bubbly as Suzy our server told us it went perfect with chocolate.

Even though it was a laid back day and evening, it was probably one of my favourite days! I love going out for amazing dinners and Pizzeria Libretto was amazing.

Matzah at the Drake

2010-02-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait to show the girls my favourite street: Ossington Avenue. So after forcing more banana oats down their throats, we jumped on the street car and headed to the Ave.

We walked down the street for a bit, but after just one store the girls were already hungry so we started to look for a place to grab a bite to eat. The girls didn't care where we ate, but I am quite picky so we searched until they would search no more...I was okay with that though as I have always wanted to eat at the Drake Hotel.

Chlo and I had incredible caesars while we waited for our lunches. I had a cilantro and tequila one...Wow is all I can say. The cilantro added such a nice flavour...and nothing is better than tequila in a caesar.

For lunch, Chlo and I had Matzah ball soup --- dumplings made from Matzah meal. They soaked in a carrot and celery broth...The balls were soo chewy and flavourful which made up for the simple broth.

Mariel had the Drake's infamous Macaroni and Cheese with fresh peas and a bread crumb crust. How could I resist from taking a bite...the homemade cheese sauce (4 types at that!) was perfect!

After lunch we headed out to do some more vintage shopping on Ossington and then strolled down Queen West to check out other stores.

We got home at dinner time and were three very hungry girls. For dinner we decided on soup and tuna cheese melts. I heated up some left over carrot and ginger soup and then Chloaye and I whipped up the tuna melts...We used some olive foccacia bread from Kensington.

Even though it was a very simple dinner, it hit the spot!

Pizza Party

2010-02-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Well I guess my abode isn't really Rome, but I eat oats everyday as you know...so Mariel and Chloaye got a little taste of my life Monday morning as I made them up a bowl of my famous oats!

We piled those banana infused oats with apples, raisins, flax meal, AB, and creamy mediterranne plain yogurt. Oh my gosh...that yogurt is to die for. It is soo thick and creamy.

We also had a cup of Three Sisters Kicking Horse coffee...how appropriate.

After breakfast, we went downtown for a few hours to do some shopping as the Eaton's Centre was the only thing open on Family Day.

Chlo and Mariel were overwhelmed when they saw the main downtown intersection, Yonge and Dundas.

We headed home at around dinner time where we decided to make pizzas with the dough we bought at Kensington for $1.50.

After some serious rolling, we got about 3 make-shit shells so we decided to be creative and make three different kinds. We made a spinach one with roasted garlic, red pepper, red onion and cheese.

We made a "mexican" pizza with corn, red onion, fresh tomato, veggie meat, and cheese.

And we made a broccoli one with red pepper, red onion, green olives, and cheese.

To complete the amazing meal, we had a bottle of Malbec Shiraz.

The pizzas turned out amazing...my favourite one was the broccoli!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Three girls distributed evenly into three separate rooms isn't so bad; in fact, it makes sense. Three girls crammed into one bedroom consisting of one bed and litte floor space; now that, that's a little nutty. Well folks, that has been my housing sitch since last Friday as that was when my dear sister and cousin flew in from the west for a visit.

During the day it's not all that bad as we make a sure effort to leave the cramped quarters to explore what the city has to offer...It's when we return that the closeness hits us like a bag of bricks.

Or a swinging refridgerator door...A reoccuring event over the past couple of days as we are cooking and dining at home to be economical. They say too many cooks spoil the broth...well I don't agree... Too many cooks in a 2X4 foot kitchen, now THAT spoils the broth.

So for the first full day and to get out of the house quickly, we decided to go out for a brunch as it isn't very often that I actually have a Sunday off work; I wanted to take full advantage of it and see what the norm get to do on a weekend...

I had heard amazing reviews about this restaurant near Kensington Market called Aunties and Uncles, so to there we went! Being a Sunday and a popular little spot, we were faced with a line up at the door; however, we ignored our grumbling tummys and waited.

I am so glad we did as the place was just adorable, and every item on the list looked absolutely amazing.

We knew that ordering quickly was important as the servers needed to flip tables at a speedy rate to get through the ever-growing line-up at the door. It may have been the fact that only one person could make a decision, or it could be that the dish sounded amazing...either or, we all ordered the same thing: the roasted vegetable and havarti omelette with a green salad, challa bread, and real hash browns.

With it being a packed house, I was surprised at how quickly our food came...especially after seeing the size of the kitchen in the centre of the restaurant. I am almost positive that it was smaller than mine, so I should really stop complaining as I don't have to whip out dishes to hundreds of people daily...

I couldn't compain about a thing on my plate...everything was unreal. The challa bread tasted like cake: a soft eggy flavour. Mmmm.

Even the ketchup was homemade; none of that Heinz crap.

After breakfast I showed the girls around Kensington as they wanted to see the place that I RAVE about on a daily basis.

We did some grocery shopping there and then did our main shop at a bigger grocery store before we headed home for dinner.

For dinner we decided on nachos; never a bad idea...We also made a yummy bean dip and a guacamole.

They weren't very colourful nachos, but appearances can be deceiving as they were bloody delish!

After dinner we went out to a bar called Cest What for a little Valentine's Day brew...it was pretty quiet so it's safe to say that all of the hot dates were tucked away at home that night!

Feelin' Funny

2010-02-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

I was definately feelin' last night when I woke up this morning...Took me the entire morning, well afternoon, to think straight.

Even though I really wanted greasy eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast, I decided to over-rule the hung-over persona and had a bowl of oats.

Thank god --- Or I would have felt bloody awful after breakfast.

I lazed around until I received a phone call reminding me that I am supposed to be downtown in half an hour to pick up my friend's bus pass before he leaves town...

So quickly, I had to throw on my gym gear and race to town.

I don't think they were waiting for me TOOO long...

I went to the gym after to sweat out last night.

For lunch I had a bowl of carrot, cashew and ginger soup...I had bought it at the Big Carrot a couple of weeks ago and kind of forgot I had it until today when I was perusing my cupboards. I also had a piece of toast to use for a dipppper..

The soup was just ALRIGHT--- a little too sweet for my liking. I think the carrots outweighed the ginger. But, it was a nice meal for a cold day.

Well I am going to do some laundry now...I think it would be a nice gesture seeing my sister and cousin are coming tommorow --- Clean sheets are always a nice thing to crawl into after a long flight...

Birthday Bonanzaa

2010-02-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

I headed out to the gym after breakfast to get a work out in before going out for Miss. Bayley's birthday...Nights with her can get a little crazy so I thought it would be important to clear my head at the gym!!

When I got home I was definately ready for some lunch so I whipped up a little dish. It turned into a pretty random assortment of goodies, but it worked! I had sauted green beans and mushrooms in a garlicy pesto sauce. To add to that I had a sunny-side up egg and some of Mary's crackers...

It was a pretty delicious little lunch.

I relaxed for a bit and then my gym smell started getting to me so I decided that it was time to take a shower and get ready for the night.

I went to Sam's at around 8pm where we had a glass of wine and then headed to our dinner reservations. We had four girls for dinner and had planned to go to Lily, but when we got there there wasn't a soul in the place and apparently they weren't even serving dinner...COOOL...I am glad that the woman on the phone told Sam that after she made the reservation....MISCOMMUNICATION.

Luckily we were in Little Italy so we had a plethora of restaurants to choose from...We decided on Sidecar as both Courtney and I had heard good things about it!

It was nice to see actual people dining when we walked into the place...an instant improvement from Lily. We got sat at a nice table near the back of the restaurant. Even though the tables were pretty close together, it didn't feel as though I was shmozying up with the lady next to me or that I had to be involved with her conversations...

We shared a bottle of an Australian shiraz...I forget the name of it, but it was very nice --- not too heavy but still full-bodied.

We nibbled on a basket of crusty bread --- warm so the butter melted right in...Mmmm

For dinner, I decided on the Atlantic Salmon with a honey dijon glaze on a bed of swiss chard...

Wow, the salmon was absolutely unreal --- Medium so it just kind of melted in my mouth... and the chard was a nice pairing. The sauce was filled with flavour too...but the main ingredient was definately butter as it was soo creamy and rich! Every bite was incredible.

Samantha had the mushroom risotto. I HAD to try a bit of it, of course. It was darrnn good...bursting with cheesy and creamy goodness. But it was soo rich; one bite was plenty.

Courtney went with the salmon as well...she equally loved it!!

And Gabi had Fettucini with black tiger shrimp...I didn't try it but I am sure it was delish --- well as delicous as a plate of pasta can be...

Sam and I also had half a pint of Tank House --- Have to be loyal to Mill Street...

After dinner we went to Tattoo where we met up with some other work friends to dance the night away...

It was a lovely night. Happy Birthday Bayley!

Comfort Comes in Food

2010-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

I didn't really have to wake up this morning as I was techincally awake all night...the fact of the matter is I had to GET up.

Well, that wasn't very hard either after suddenly realizing that I slept with a repulsive creature last night...Maybe I should sleep with a mouse more often so that I get a move on bright and early.

For breakfast today I went for comfort to ease last night's tension and had an oatmeal pancake. I spread almond butter on top and then put on a dollop of apple sauce, some strawberries and agave nectar.

These pancakes are soo good. Please try one if I haven't convinced you already!

I also had a cup of coffee.

Well I better get a move on with my day...I have spent a good majority of it writing and submitting my Axe Challenge #2. Did you remember to vote today?

xoxox

Furry Friend

2010-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

I saw it in my peripherals...for a second but then it was gone and I thought "I am just seeing things!"

That was until I was half way done my oh-so captivating episode of One Tree Hill and felt something looking at me....(Oh my gosh, I am getting the jitters right now writing about it!!!!)

A MOUSE WAS SCURRYING AROUND ON TOP OF MY DRESSER---IN MY ROOM!!!! I immediately got up from my comfortable position to jump and scream frantically on my bed...I am soo terrified of mice even if they are small enough to step on.

After a mad episode of bed jumping, I ran to my roommate and started banging on her door while screaming...She knows how I get with mice but had no idea that this outrageous scene was because of that.

Once Sarah finally got the words "I-- juustt--sawww--aaa--mooousee!!" out of me she started laughing....Definately not the time to do such a thing! She was supposed to be superman in this scene: sheer disappointment.

Well she finally decided to stop using me as comic relief, she entered the danger grounds: my bedroom --- I stayed curled up in her bed, shaking uncontrollably.

After tearing apart my room, they only caught a glimpse of the sucker once---those things are quick--- so we decided to leave Stella in there to get the job done.

For two hours I sat on the dining room table waiting patiently for Stella to save me...but once it hit the wee hours of the night I started faaading away so I decided it was time to face my fears and sleep with the mouse.

You know they say you gain courage by facing your fears, so why not sleep with my fear---right?

Well, let me tell you...it was not much of a sleep as I just lay there for hours listening to what I thought was the mouse breathing. But it sounded more like a creature 100X its size, so I think I was just imagining things...at least I hope I was. I don't know what I would do if I was greeted by a giant furry friend tonight.

Alright, it's time to back track as it's not very chronological of me to start my post with an evening's event...but I thought it was more exciting than my morning's event: TOAST!

Yes, for breakfast I had toast...So I guess morning was a little more exciting than usual as I didn't bore you, or myself, with another bowl of scrumptious oats. I'm really throwin' a curve ball these days!

I layered some AB and agave nectar on my spelt toast...Mmm, I love that combo; if you haven't tried agave nectar yet then please do. Not only is it sweeter and better than honey or maple syrup, it's lower on the glycemic index so your doing yourself a healthy favour without even realizing it!

I had a side of plain yogurt, banana, and strawberry too in order to add some zing to the mix.

After breakfast, I scurried ---oooh I can't use that word anymore, it's too mouse-like --- headed off to my 10 am class.

We had a two hour lecture on the structure of feature stories and then broke for lunch.

I was smart and packed a lunch today...but I wasn't smart in the sense that I didn't snap a photo. I had some veggie sticks --- broccoli, carrots, and zucchini, some almonds and pretzals, an apple, and a granola bar. It was a whole array of goodies from my kitchen...

We had our feature writing lab after lunch and then were let go at around 3pm. I went out on a birthday present hunt for my girlfriend whose birthday is Thursday; however, I wanted to be ahead of the game...

I got home at around 5:30 pm and had a quick bite to eat as I had to run off to a staff meeting...

I had an open-faced sandwich with spinach, aged white cheddar, veggie deli slices, tomato, and Dijon mustard.

I left a little while later to bear the cold of the night and to go to my evening staff meeting...

The meeting was all about RSP's and company benefits...Some how I was suckered in to signing up for everything. Don't be alarmed if I am homeless by the end of the week as I am not too sure exactly what I signed up for --- Conversing about numbers and life long decisions in english is difficult, let alone in another language. There was definately a language barrier...But, I am "set" for retirement now...or so I have been told.

A few hours later...I stayed for quite awhile as my application process took longest...I headed home to the comfort of my home. Or so I thought.

I had a bowl of cereal when I got home as talkin' numbers really worked up an appetite.

And then my night went down hill...Bloody mouse.

Oh, but while I waited out Stella's hunting process I worked on Challenge #2 for Axe: my "pick-up" face. So be sure to check it out...it will be up on the site soon, along with Challenge #1 hopefully...as chronologically, that would make sense!

Oh Lahore

2010-02-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

I think it's impossible for me to wake up without being physically dragged out of bed...Okay, no. But without having an ACTUAL reason to get up (not just I need to start my day) I will not move. So even though I set my alarm for 8 am today, I hit the snooze button for an hour until I decided to just turn it off and let me wake up naturally. That "natural" arising occurred at 10 am precisely. Well done Flanagan.

I whipped up a bowl of banana oats quickly so that I wouldn't throw off my eating schedule for the day...I mean, if I eat breakfast too late then my whole meal plan for the day is wonked!

I put flax meal, plain yogurt, apple sauce, grapes, raisins, and AB in the mix today...

I also had a nice cup of coffee, of course.

After breakfast I headed out to the gym to get a workout in before my evening class.

I ran on the treadmill for half an hour and then did some rowing...Boy, when you actually do it right, it is quite the killer! My bum was quite sore afterwards.

I had to hurry home to eat lunch and shower.

For lunch I had a tuna melt on spelt bread and some green beans (which I discovered I had after perusing through the vegetable drawer...they weren't old, I had just forgotten as I don't usually purchase them!!) with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper!

During class I snacked on some almonds and an apple to get me through a discussion regarding Facebook privacy...

We then had to write a blog about Facebook privacy...but it turned more into a blog about privacy and the internet...and then into a blog about any aspect of privacy and the internet. We just had to have fun with it.

I finished writing at around 8pm and decided to head home...Unfortunately it had started snowing at some point during the 4 hour class, so it was quite the chilly walk to the bus stop.

From the bus, I headed right to Lahore Tikka House for dinner as I had to get a "scene" for tommorow to report on... Unfortunately it wasn't a hoppin' night so there weren't a lot of real intriguing scenes. The only thing that really stuck with me was my server who decided it was okay to hit on me because I asked for hot sauce---shocking! (But to tell you the truth, I did feel kind of bad asking for hot sauce in an Indian restaurant where they revolve their food preparation around spices...)

For dinner I had a "veggie veggie wrap"...I know it doesn't sound Indian. In fact, it doesn't at all. But when I asked what it was and what was in it I was sold as it was basically everything I wanted wrapped up like a baby --- I didn't want a baby...

The wrap was naan bread (but I got whole wheat rrroooti) with lettuce, palak (spinach), chana masala (chick peas), aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato) and tarka dal (lentils)...It was pretty delish!

I know you wouldn't expect that after receiving this as an "on the house" appy...

I remember my first time going here, I was shocked that they used plastic cutlery and styrofoam for their dinnerware...and then I was served a styrofoam plate of iceberg lettuce and I found it hard to see anything better coming. But I was wrong, and I am glad I gave them a chance because the food is quite good...

Minus the fact that you suffer from mild heart burn hours after consumption...

BUT...it's not a bad place...and it's cheap and authentic! Well as authentic as I know Indian food to be.

Well I am going to go to bed so that I have an easier time waking up tommorow.

Tatomme Does Tofurkey

2010-02-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

Due to the number of steps involved in making a tofurkey, I decided to help you all out by making a little video...So here it is folks! Your first of many Tatomme's Tasty Treats videos. (I hope to make at least one a month...if I can get my trusty videographer Simon Rainville to helppp me outt ;) xox)

Helllloooo FOOD NETWORK!!!

First Fusion

2010-02-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

I had quite the exhausting weekend...which was obviously self-induced! But as a result, when I got home last night I was just pooped. So, being wise I went to bed at 9pm to get a good beauty sleep!

However, it didn't feel much like that at all. You know when you just get too much sleep that when you wake up you're even more tired than when you lay down?! Yup --- that was me this morning. When my alarm clock went off I couldn't move...I was almost contemplating not going to class but then I remembered that I would then miss my one of three classes so I forced myself to go.

Thank god...or else I would have never learned what libel and slander meant......

Rewind..okay, so for breakfast I had just one mighty bowl of oats --- banana oats at that! I topped her off with a dollop of plain yogurt AND apple sauce, strawberries, raisins, flax meal, and a scoop of PB.

After breakfast I headed out to class to endure an hour and a half lesson on why bloggers can't be charged for "libeling"... Oh what an exciting lecture --- or speech as I am pretty sure my prof reads out word for word a pre-written lecture....

After class we had a "J-Skool" fair where we were introduced to a variety of course choices for next year...and where we were told that we were about to make life altering decisions in the next two days --- Thank god there was a snack table to ease the overwhelming feeling.

With stacks of course outlines and other freebies, my girlfriend and I went out for a little bite to eat. We ended up in a restaurant that I never thought I would step foot in as I always cringe when I walk by the Green Fusion on Yonge Street.

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked through the finger-printed glass door and saw quite a long line-up...all waiting to tell the cashier which number on the photo-friendly menu they wished to indulge in.

It being quite a chilly day, I went for the Vegetable and Tofu Noodle Soup...I wish I could remember the Vietnamese name for it but it's just not coming to me!

With our cardboard numbers in hand, we sat down to wait for the creations to come out.

Mine came out first...steaming n' all! It was quite a large bowl of soup...too bad it consisted of mainly noodles. I am not too big on noodles.

But other than that, it was a pretty good bowl of soup --- just what I needed for a cold February day...

And for a $5.00 lunch, who can complain!

After our eats, I headed to broadcast class where we made our first newscast...quite exciting.

To add to the excitement, our prof had his usual package of cookies out to share with us...such a sweet man! I really do like him --- not just because of the cookies either!!

I also found out today that his wife is the VP for the foodnetwork...I almost died. I know who I have to speak with now to get my foot in the door!

We got let out at 6pm so I had to rush home to grab a quick dinner and then head to volleyball.

I had a spinach salad with broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, tuna and feta...it was light, but exactly what I needed so that I wasn't playin' vball on a full stomach!!

Welll, I am pretty tired from the day so I am going to head to bed... Night!

The Perfect Ball

2010-02-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

It has been decided; Friday afternoon is the perfect time to go to the gym...I didn't have to do any fillers, like stretching, to take up time waiting for machines. But, there were enough people around to take away the constant buzzing sound that you hear when it's just you and the equipment!

I went in not feelin' it at all, but by the time I left I was in a completely different mood and so glad that I forced myself to go.

For dinner tonight, I tried to be a little creative. I decided to make Tuna Meatballs...I found a recipe on the internet, but let's be honest...I never actually have the ingredients they ask for (the only items in my household are oats and baking powder...remember!?) so I just used it as a guide line.

My Version of Tuna Meatballs
Makes 2 meatballs

1/2 can of white tuna
1/8 cup egg whites
1/8 cup of crushed crackers (I used Mary's Black Pepper)
1/8 cup crushed mixed nuts, seeds, and raisins
1 tsp. parmesan cheese
Spelt flour (to remove excess moisture)
Pepper to taste

1. Combine all of the ingredients except the flour. Add flour slowly --- I ended up using about 2 tbsp. to get the right consistency.

2. Form the mixture into balls --- I made two balls.

3. Pan fry on medium heat in olive oil and garlic until golden brown.

I made a spinach salad with red onion, red pepper, tomatos, and green olives to use as a bed for my ballllls.

For a dressing, I whipped up some balsamic vinegar, pesto, and Dijon mustard---Drizzled that all over the salad and balls.

The tuna meatballs were incredible --- Crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavour on the inside. I drizzled some sriracha over the meatballs as well...

So I have decided that I am just going to take it easy tonight...The last two nights of going out have caught up with me! The night ahead looks a little something like this: One Tree Hill Marathon, yes.

Slackin'

2010-02-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have been slacking in the blogging department lately...I will make it up to you!

On Wednesday I had my usual oats in the morning and quite a good greek salad for lunch in the afternoon. But none of those meals could even stand close to what I had for dinner that night. A friend of mine and I whipped up quite an incredible dish.

We baked beautiful salmon filets with ginger, capers, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Oh my, the ginger and capers were what made it...it was an incredible combination.

On the side we had sauted spinach and onion in a lemon, olive oil, and garlic juice. We also sauted some portabello mushrooms in the leftover juice and added a douse of soy sauce...I love portabello and soy sauce; it makes for a delicious side! We also cooked up some rice to go with the dish...It was heavenly, if I do say so myself.

Later that evening we decided to make a loaf of banana bread...Even though we didn't try it until the morning, it was pretty darn good. Especially with the addition of chocolate chips, and the centre was "medium rare" which makes for a sexy banana bread.

Last night for dinner, I made a "pizza" on a tortilla shell. I used a spinach and cheese tomato sauce for the base and then added spinach, onion, garlic, green and black olives, red pepper, tomato, feta, and old white cheddar for the toppings...

It smelled amazing; so good that my roommate decided that she needed to make one for herself!

For breakfast today I had banana oats...I finally got around to grocery shopping so no more plain oatmeal!

I put plain yogurt, apple, raisins, flax meal, AB and agave nectar on top. It was quite a good bowl of oats!

After breakfast I decided that my room needed a little TLC...A couple hours later and it looks brand new! It's amazing what you can find in clothing piles after weeks of not knowing where they disappeared too...

Cleaning my room worked up quite an appetite. For lunch I had my leftover pizza from last night and a few carrot sticks.

Well I am going to go downtown to the gym.

Tonight Great Lake Swimmers is doing a free show at the Sonic Boom...so I am definately going to try to hit thatt up!!

A Good Scrub Down

2010-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

I tried to wake up bright and early today so that I could get a whole lot done before my evening class...but that didn't happen! I ended up waking up at around 10 am.

For breakfast today I had oats with blueberries stewed in to the mix; it was definately not as good as the ol' banana mix, but I was still out--- I may be in need of a grocery shopping trip sooner or later...

In fact, I was even low on toppings...so on the blue oats I put raisins, apple sauce, AB, and some Original All-Bran for the added crunch.

I also had a cup of coffee to give me a boost of energy so that I could get something done today!

After breakfast I got a sudden urge to clean...and when I started perusing the house, I noticed that my fridge was in dire need of a good clean job! I emptied her out and gave her a gooood scrub down...parts of her even got a bath.

When I was finished with the fridge, I moved on to the freezer...and then the floors, and then the carpets, and then the washrooms. I put a solid 3 hours in to cleaning...but boy, am I ever glad I did!

By the time I was finished I noticed that class was creeping up on me and thus, I took a shower and had some lunch.

For lunch I had a rice cake with some cheese and tomato and some tuna with lemon on the side.

After that little eat, I scurried out the door to class...Apparently Phil the groundhog didn't see his shadow today which only means 6 more weeks of winter...so of COURSE, it was snowing!

We learned all the ins and outs of Twitter today...God, am I ever glad I pay for that!!

During class I snacked on an apple to keep me sane and alert for what was to come...Not much. Mind you, even though the class is 4 hours and in the evening, it goes by quite quickly!

My girlfriend's mom drove me home after class which was soo nice...I didn't have to fight the snow!

For dinner tonight, I baked a sweet potato in olive oil, oregano, salt, and dried hot chili flakes at 425 degrees.

I also stirfried some onion, garlic, peas, and soy slices.

At the last minute I decided to whip up a miso gravy for the sweet potato.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. spelt flour
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. miso paste
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. oil

1. Put the flour in a sauce pan on low heat and slowly add the water while whisking. Do this until it forms a paste and comes to a slight boil.

2. Add the miso, Dijon, and oil...Stir well and let boil a little bit longer until desired thickness is achieved!

3. Serve hot, baby.

I drizzled the gravy onto the sweet potatoes...

This was actually quite a fine dish if I do say so myself...comfort food at its best.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I had some trail mix: chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, and bran flakes.

Well, I am going to finish off some reading and then go to bed.

Camera Vacation

2010-02-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

So, you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a couple of days. Well to be frank, I left my camera at my girlfriend's place on Friday so being camera-less I was not able to capture anything. I can't say I really ate anything worth mentioning anyways... My weekends are always filled with random eats as I spend my days working.

That leaves me to today. Not coming into contact with my camera until this afternoon, I was unable to photograph breakfast.

But, I will tell you that you have most definately seen my breakfast before: oats! I did not have any bananas today, though...which was a little strange as I have become so accustomed to having banana stewed oats! So I just had to have regular old oatmeal which I souped up with some apple sauce, flax meal, strawberries, and AB.

I had an apple during my lecture today...and then snacked on a couple of cookies (my broadcast instructor has started routinely bringing in cookies on Monday nights...what a sweetheart! They say a camera adds ten pounds...we'll see how much it adds after this class!)

I was really feeling a hearty dish for dinner tonight. So I settled for some rice pasta!

For the pasta sauce, I sauted some garlic, onion, red pepper, zucchini, asparagus, and peas. To that I added some flaked white tuna and a spinach and cheese tomato sauce. For the spices, I just used some dried hot chili flakes, oregano, and S&P.

It was darn good.

Well I am just going to finish up Axe Challenge #1 and then I am off to bed!

You Can Have Whatever You Like --- Birthday Girl

2010-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

This morning was a little bit of a struggle waking up --- I think I was feeling the effects of wine.

However, I climbed out of bed at around 9:30 am because I was feeling quite hungry... Nothing stops me when I am hungry!

For breakfast I made up some banana oats with raisins, Original All-Bran, apple sauce, grapes, flax meal, a spoonful of PB, and the last bit of almond milk!

Well I better get ready for the day. I am meeting the birthday girl Laurian down town to pick up some things for tonight.

This afternoon I'll do some homework and then head to her place later this evening.

Busy Thursday

2010-01-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up early this morning (well early for me...8am) in order to make it to the gym as I would have no time at any other point during the day.

I quickly put on my gear, and had a piece of spelt toast with almond butter to fuel me for my workout.

I got back home at around 11 am after picking up some coffee filters andd experiencing some delays on the subway. (This time it was all my fault...I only had to go one stop, but then I started day dreaming or thinking --- yes, I was thinking about something very intellectual--- and a second later, I missed my stop and had to get off at the next one in order to catch the subway going the opposite way. That always happens when you're in a rush...well not THAT exactly, but something to really slow you down!)

When I finally got home, I had a shower and made myself some breakfast/lunch...I din't really know what it was as it was the afternoon but I still hadn't technically had breakfast. (I guess that's what we call Brunch...)

I obviously had some banana oats, with raisins, Original All-Bran, apple sauce, grapes, and a spoonful of AB.

That was paired nicely with a cup of coffee --- I ran out of coffee filters at the beginning of the week so being able to finally make myself a cup today was a real treat! (Ohh the life of a student...)

After breakfast I got down to work on a blog assignment I had to do...Mind you I couldn't get ahold of the journalist I needed to interview so I had to put it on hold! I'll get it done eventually...

Then I got together some stuff for shooting a movie this afternoon.

The same "slow you down when you're in a rush" thing happened again in the late afternoon. In order to cut down on subway stops, I decided to get off at the one with the liquor store AND grocery market --- This way I could pick up wine AND the ingredients I needed for dinner. But of course, the market did NOT have what I needed soo I left that subway stop with only wine in hand...but who's complainin'.

That resulted in me having to get off at my friend's stop, WALK a couple blocks with a bag full of bricks in the bitter cold just to get to a bloody grocery store that sells EXTRA FIRM tofu...like really people; tofu texture is KEY---I will walk miles for the appropriate kind!

We filmed our movie and then had some dinner.

With tofu in hand, I whipped up a little tofurkey...but it turned out looking more like a pie! Oh well, it did the trick and I think I impressed my carnivorous friend.

We had some frozen vegetables alongside...Mmmm, frozen vegetables....

We had some wine and beer with dinner...

After editing the movie --- which took a few hours most definately --- I headed on home in the unbearable cold!

One Tasty Cupcake....

2010-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

I thought by getting ready BEFORE I had breakfast today, I would be quicker out the door...For the majority of the morning it was working out too. I was all ready...and then I sat down for breakfast; that's when everything goes down hill. I started getting caught up in blogs and email and such...and before I knew it, I was running around like my head was cut off.

However, for breakfast I did have a couple pieces of spelt toast with almond butter and raspberry jam. You really can't go wrong with toast...I could eat it at anytime during the day.

I also made myself an espresso with my roommates little Italian espresso maker (she won it at a wedding shower she was at in December...and yet we hadn't used it until this morning!)

It was really neat...but I was a little slow at first. You have to put the water in the base, and the coffee grinds in the centre...so then when the water boils, it raises and has enough pressure to go THROUGH the grinds in order to make a nice little espresso on top.

I was fascinated.

After quickly gathering up all of my belongings, I scurried to school.

It was way too cold for my own good today...last week I was certain that Spring was coming early, and now I am not all that sure!

During lecture, I snacked on a navel orange.

After our lecture, a girlfriend of mine and I went over to Metro to grab something to eat.

After a long and indecisive grocery shop trip, I decided on the most expensive bit of greek salad I have ever consumed...I had to treat each piece of cucumber as though it were a piece of gold to really enjoy it.

We returned to class after our little nibble to begin writing a bit of our feature stories.

I found out during class that I had to work at 5 pm, so I decided to leave a bit early in order to be able to go home and drop off my bag full of bricks.

I had 5 minutes at home and then rushed to work.

It was a dead, dead night...but I didn't get home until almost 10 pm.

I was famished upon entry, but was greeted with an aroma of baked goods...my roommates decided to whip up a batch of cupcakes tonight (whip up in the sense of pouring water into cake mix.)

They so sweetly made me up a lovely little decorated cupcake. Apparently, it's supposed to represent the male genitalia...either way, it was a beautiful piece of artwork!

I restrained myself from eating one until I had something a little more substantial.

I put together an eggwhite sandwich, complete with tomato, red onion, aged cheddar, soy meat, lettuce, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup.

I was so hungry that I took a bite before realizing that I hadn't photographed it...

It hit the spot!!!

Immediately after swallowing my last bite, I put on the kettle so that I could have tea with my penis cupcake.

Well I am going to digest...and then head to bed! Good night.

Little India is Flowin'

2010-01-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up around 10 am because I don't have class until later in the afternoon. I don't like not having a reason to wake up as it results with me just staying in bed longer than I should!

However, when I finally got out of bed I made myself up an oatmeal pancake. I topped her with some almond butter, apple sauce and agave nectar.

This one was the best one yet...I think I finally mastered the baking powder measurement as there wasn't that metallic aftertaste...

After breakfast I worked on some homework and then I quickly headed out to mail some letters and go to the gym.

I had to have the quickest workout ever today because I needed time to get home, shower, and then get back downtown for class.

With half an hour to spare before class, I showered, got dressed, and scarfed down some lunch.

I had some quinoa salad leftovers from last night.

To get me through 4 hours of online journalism, I had a soy latte--- a necessity when you're learning how to crop photos and post videos online. Phwewf...

I got home at around 7pm and was definately ready for dinner.

I turned to my Refresh cookbook for an idea! I decided to make dosas with a curried garbanzo filling.

Dosa Ingredients
Serves 4 (Please note that I divided these measurements by 4 for a single serving)

1 cup spelt flour
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 cup plain soymilk (I used almond milk)
3/4 cup water
oil

1. Combine dry ingredients into a bowl.
2. Gradually add milk and water and whisk until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and ladle 1 ounce of batter onto the pan in a circular motion until you have a thin, round pancake. Wait until bubbles appear and surface no longer looks wet.
4. FLIP! Cook for a few more seconds and remove from heat. Repeat until batter is gone.

Curried Garbanzo Filling Ingredients
Makes 6 servings (Please note that I divided these measurements by 6 for a single serving)

Olive oil
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, peeled and finely diced
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 green pepper, finely diced
2 medium hot banana chilies, minced
2 tbsp cumin, ground
[I didn't have these spices so I just used curry powder!]
1 tbsp tumeric
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp sea salt
4 cups cooked or canned chick peas
1/2 cup tomato paste

1. Heat oil in saucepan and add garlic, spices, and vegetables. Cook over medium heat until veggies are soft.
2. Mash chick peas with a food processor or by hand, and add to saucepan along with tomato paste.
3. Stir until heated through!

To prepare the Indian Dosas, I spooned about 3 tablespoons of the filling across the centre of each one. Roll them up and leave the ends open!

I drizzled hot sauce on top of mine...and also dipped them in sour cream (not very Indian...but I needed a condiment!)

They were sooo yummy...I couldn't finish them though so looks like I'll be having the rest for lunch tommorow!

Well I have some more work to do and then I am going to bed.

Oats in a Jar

2010-01-25T20:50:00.001-08:00

Do you know that feeling of sleeping without really sleeping? I don't know how else to describe my sleep last night...I felt like I was consciously up all night as real time thoughts were constantly going through my head.

It was actually more exhausting trying to sleep than it was just getting out of bed, so when my alarm went off bright and early this morning I was able to jump right out---not a common scenario, as you know.

Getting up early gave me enough time to have a shower...Wow, the things you can accomplish by simply arising.

After my shower, I was excited to have a bowl of oats this morning as they weren't actually going to be in a bowl.

Today my oats came to me in a jar.

I stewed some apple in cinnamon first to soften them up, but then I just whipped up the normal batch: oats and bananas.

For the toppings, I sprinkled on some All-Bran Original, raisins, apple sauce, and flax meal. Putting my oats in the almost empty almond butter jar allowed me to scrape down the sides to pick up every last bit! I can't afford to waste any AB....

After getting ready for the day, I headed out to my eight hour day of classes...

It started off terribly boring in my online journalism class where we learned about the invention of the telephone...great little gizmo, let me tell you...

But luckily, it improved in broadcast class.

I snacked on an apple and an oat bar in that class.

When I got home, it was getting close to dinner time so I put together a dish with the last bit of quinoa from last night.

I made a little quinoa salad with tuna, green peas, tomato, cucumber, feta, and olives. I drizzled some lemon juice on top and sprinkled on some dried oregano (and hot sauce of course...)

After dinner I worked on some homework to waste time before volleyball. Intramurals started tonight and unfortunately we were scheduled to start at 10:15 pm.

Fortunately, we won both of our games so that makes up for playing past my bed time...

Well I am going to head to bed. Night!

The First Day of the Next 6 Weeks

2010-01-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

I woke up today feeling a little uneasy so the last thing I wanted to do was head out to work. However, a sudden thought entered my head which led me to call in to work to see if they needed me at my scheduled time or if I could come in later...thankfully, my manager let me come in later! So I got an extra hour of much needed sleep.

When I finally got myself out of bed, I made a little breakfast --- OATS!

I enjoyed my oats with a big cup of coffee (the last option for being somewhat alert!)

After showering and getting ready, I headed out to work.

On the street car I suddenly realized that an important date had slipped my mind yesterday: my mother's birthday. In a state of panic, I quickly called her to inform her that she has a terrible daughter that loves her very much...

Work was quite slow today...slower than a usual Sunday so I found myself in the kitchen quite a bit munching on quick food finds. I could tell that the chef was getting a little mad when he caught me stealin' carrot sticks from the line...so I immediately ceased from my theivery act!

I worked for a total of 2.75 hours after my manager noticed that I was not a necessary addition to the floor today.

I got home at around 5pm and was quite hungry for dinner.

For dinner tonight I had curry spiced quinoa and butter "chicken"---which was actually just tofu.

I stirfried garlic, red onion, broccoli, red pepper, spinach and zucchini...and then added the pan fried tofu. To that mix, I added a premade butter chicken sauce!

It was quite a delicious meal...the VH sauce wasn't amazing, but I felt like a quick and easy sauce so when I discovered it in the fridge it felt like an instant saviour!

For dessert, I made a quick chocolate chip oatmeal cookie.

Ingredients

1/4 cup oats
1/8 cup egg whites
2 tsp. spelt flour
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. baking powder
cinnamon to taste
1 tbsp. chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Mix all of the ingredients and form "dough" into a cookie shape. Put on a greased baking pan.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.

Mmmm...it was so yummy. I see myself as a cookie connoseur...I would choose a cookie over anything anyday. Soft = one goood cookie!

Just to let you all know, today is the first day of the rest of my life...and yours...as from now on you can vote for me to be the next AXE girl online at www.axesummergig.ca. You're able to vote once a day until March 31 and I would really appreciate it if you took one second out of your day to make my dream come true!!!

Thank you, and good night.

An Off-Feeling Day

2010-01-22T17:14:00.001-08:00

As I sit here drinking wine in order to be "economical" (a $7.45 bottle of wine is far cheaper than a $9 glass at a restaurant) I figure that I should probably inform you of my day's eats.

It was definately not too exciting as I felt anxious all day...and when I am in that state the last thing I feel like is eating!

However, for breakfast I did have my hearty bowl of oats! The irresistable banana infused oats were topped with apple sauce, raisins, Original All-Bran, flax meal, strawberries, and almond butter...(My almond butter is looking a little low so be ready for some oats in a jar in order to scrape up every inch of that butter!!)

After breakfast was actually when my anxiety hit...I checked my email and realized that I had missed my first conference call with AXE as the email was a reminder that our "second" one was today. In a panic I quickly called our co-ordinater who was super laid back about it...thank god. Apparently the "USB Key" that I had received in my Axe Tool Kit actually had important information on it...who knew!? I thought it was just a sweet little gadget....

I was able to catch up on some info about the upcoming challenges which was nice...but it also made me nervous.

I quickly departed to the gym to relieve some stress.

I had to have a real quick workout though as I had to get back home for my conference call at 4 pm.

I stepped in the door at 3:58 pm...chopped up an apple and called in!

I realized as soon as I got into the "conference" that chomping on an apple was probably quite inappropriate so I decided to hold off until the conversation was over.

When we finally hung up, I added some more treats to my plate as I realized that I was quite hungry indeed.

I had some of Mary's delicious Black Pepper crackers, some pieces of aged white chedder, some soy deli slices, and my empire apple.

I love crackers and cheese...you just can't go wrong! And if you haven't tried these crackers, you definately should...They are wheat and gluten free but are packed with so much crunch and flavour.

Well I am off for the evening!

Depends in Need

2010-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

I would like to say that I got a lot done today, but if you noticed in my previous post I didn't really leave the house until 4 pm. I know; I wasted an entire day inside but I was not up for much movement at all...so unfortunately, I fully embraced that thought!

When I did finally step out into the crisp January air, I headed to my favourite grocery store: the Big Carrot.

On the way there I got a little side-tracke as I suddenly found myself perusing a little book shop...which turned out not being little at all. This store had everything and was so nicely organized. There was a section dedicated to books/novels on the environment and food. Obviously, I spent a good chunk of my time there.

A couple of hours later I forced myself out of there as it was getting dark and grocery shopping for me takes quite some time (I read the labels on EVERYTHING and am verrry indecisive when it comes to choosing what kind of crackers or apples I want etc.)

Once I got into the Big Carrot, I realized that I really didn't need much there as I can barely afford a single raspberry ($6.99 for a quart :|)...let alone an entire shopping list!!

So after picking up a few things which I knew I wouldn't be able to find over at the lame-o grocery store, I paid and headed to Loblaws...

I was drinking water throughout my shopping trip...something that I should have reconsidered as my bladder suddenly crept up on me as I was deciding whether or not I could live without sesame oil.

I forced myself to hold tight while I finished gathering up the items on my "list" (a list in my head which is not very reliable)...By the end of it, I was throwing items in the cart so I could get out of there sooner.

Dragging my bags behind me and hitting passerbys, I stormed into Pizza Pizza to use their facilities!! Thank god for "public toilets."

I was able to wait in peace at the bus stop!

For dinner tonight, I had a delicious veggie burger on a whole wheat thinsations bun...It was my first time trying those buns and I must say they were quite good! Not too much bread, but still fresh and doughy.

I melted some aged white cheddar on the burger while it was grillin' and for the fixings I had tomato, cucumber, red onion and spinach with ketchup, Dijon, and Sriracha, of course!

I had a glass of Shiraz to go with it...

It was darnn good...

A little while later for dessert, I had some trail mix and a cup of green tea.

Well I am going to hit the sack now...hopefully tommorow will be more productive; and it WILL be!!!!

Couch Potato

2010-01-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

This morning has dragged on for quite some time now. I have had no energy to do anything! I did manage to make some breakfast though!

I had a blueberry oat pancake with peanut butter, strawberries, apple sauce and maple syrup on top.

Mmm, it was delish!

I also had a cup of coffee.

I have some things to do today but have not been able to get around to doing them...instead I watched It's Complicated ---which is SO cute and funny. Meryl Streep is amazing!

I now plan on getting up from the couch so that I can do some grocery shopping and hopefully get to the gym later on...don't hold your breath though!!!

Date Night

2010-01-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

I need to figure out a way to jump start my mornings as even when I "give myself enough time" I always seem to be rushing out the door in the end forgetting something...and running back to get it! --- Or something along those lines...

That was this morning.

Even though I gave myself almost two hours to get ready, eat breakfast, and read blogs...I ran out the door without my computer or my keys; two things that I most definately needed! Luckily, I remembered them at the end of the hallway and hurried back.

But, for breakfast this morning I had a very tasty bowl of oats with All-Bran Original, raisins, flax meal, strawberries, apple sauce and AB on top.

I also had a good cup of coffee...you would think that would be enough to "jump start" my morning but it most definately isn't!

Snack

A few hours after breakfast I started feeling a little hungry during lecture so I munched on an apple!

Lunch

For lunch, a couple of my friends from class and I went to subway to grab a quick sangy...I always get veggie on whole wheat AND I do get it toasted everytime even though after it's done I always regret it as Subway just does not know toasting...

I load it up with the "works", a little honey mustard and lots of hot sauce.

You can't go wrong with subway.

Later on today I had an oatmeal raisin cookie from Tim Horton's and a tea. They're not the best cookies in the world...but they definately aren't bad--- a soft cookie= instant gratification!

After class I went to the gym. I have started using the rowing machine more regularly now because I feel like it's a good arm work out...but the one negative part is that the pull bar REALLY hurts my hands---I have calluses like no other right now so it hurts to get them wet, but I am still washing my hands.

During my workout I decided that I wanted to go on a girl-date tonight, so I called up my girlfrien Samantha to go out on the town with. She agreed with no hesitation.

I quickly showered and headed to her place.

We decided to check out the new brewery downtown called Duggan's.

The beer was amazing...but all unfiltered so they had a cloudy look to them which I am not familiar with!

We shared a giant bowl of mussels...which were OK--- a little on the dry side though.

And I thought they should have been presented nicer...a plate for the bowl would have been a nice touch.

The menu also said it came with flatbread...but the crusty slice that happened to come did not look anything like "flatbread."

For dinner I chose the salmon, which the waiter told me came with goat cheese (the ingrediant that sold me on the salmon as I was going to go for the rainbow trout) but it most certainly did not. It came on a bed of potatos, tomatos, and beans.

Midway through my meal I realized I had forgotten to take a photograph, so that is why the salmon skin is pealed back and bitten into...it didn't come like that!!

Not to say it was a bad combination, it was just not what I was expecting.

The salmon was pretty good as well...I am glad I had juicy tomatos to pair each bite with or else it would have been one dry dish.

My girlfriend got the striploin- medium rare. She said it was cooked to perfection! But was not expecting a massive side of french fries to grace her plate...

Coincidently (not really as brew pubs love to try new brew pubs!), some people from work ended up being at Duggan's so we had a couple of drinks with them after dinner.

It was a fun little date night with my girl!

Dark Temptation at my Door

2010-01-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

On days that I don't have to be early, I still set my alarm so that I get up at a decent hour. However, everytime the alarm goes off I end up hitting the snooze button anyways...Oh well, one day my body will adjust to this new rhythm..

For breakfast today, I made myself up a little cereal salad. It's so wierd; I seriously used to consume this dish like 4 times a day...and now I barely eat it once a month!

In the mix today: Nature's Path Flax Plus, Fibre 1 flakes, Cheerios, All-Bran Original, raisins, walnuts, flax meal, bananas, and strawberries.

It was satisfying as always...but now I know why I have become more enthusiastic abouts oats; I am not ravenous two hours later. Oats stick with you for awhile!!

After breakfast I headed to the gym. Today I did 10 minutes on the bike for warm-up and then 25 minutes of running on the treadmill. After I ventured out of my comfort zone and attempted the rowing machine. Wow--- five minutes later and my arms and butt were really feeling it!

To finish things off, I did some ab work and stretching on the mats.

I headed home for lunch and a shower before my afternoon class.

When I got home there was a large box outside of my door...upon opening, I was overwhelmed with an Axe aroma! Along with the 100's of business cards and stickers they sent me to promote myself, was a whole lot of Axe's new product: Dark Temptation. So be prepared for axe product coming your way...I must say, the new "chocolate" scent for men smells quite sexy---however, there is not even an undertone of chocolate in it. I think they called it that for the colour of the bottle--- rich dark chocolate in colour.

For lunch, I decided to have some tuna...

Stella knew immediately, as she was right at my feet when I cracked open the can.

I gave her the tuna juice...which she slopped up in seconds!

I put some onion, cucumber, caesar dressing, and Sriracha into the mix. I also has a slice of spelt toast with mozarella.

It doesn't look that amazing---in fact, it was pretty simple---but sometimes I love a good simple dish! And Sriracha can make dirt taste good...

I headed out to my online journalism class after lunch.

Today we blogged about a journalist from the Toronto Star who made a crime and punishment website...I found it pretty difficult as I didn't see him speak yesterday so I was essentially writing in the dark.

I had an apple and a Starbuck's Soy Late while I wrote.

When I got home this evening I put myself together a quesadilla for dinner. The whole wheat tortilla was stuffed with sauted bell peppers, broccoli, red onion, garlic, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese.

I grilled her to perfection as the cheese was oozing out from the sides!

I accompanied the baby with some sour cream, salsa, and Mexican hot sauce...

It was pretty unreal!!

Well I am going to do a little work for class tommorow, and then head to bed.

Dreaded Mondays

2010-01-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

And so it is Monday, which for me means back to class and a more structured schedule.

Upon waking and showering this morning, I had my new favourite breakfast: an oatmeal pancake. I think I put too much baking powder in this one though as it had a funny after taste...nevertheless, it was still yummy. I put almond butter, bananas, raspberry jam, apple sauce, and maple syrup on this baby!!

I headed out to my broadcasting class soon after..

At around 4 pm, I had a juicy navel orange as a snack in class.

After class I was still hungry and planned on going to the gym, so I grabbed a Kashi Peanut Butter granola bar in the cafeteria to hold me over until I got home for dinner.

When I was done working out, I rushed home to make dinner.

For dinner, I had a spinach salad with sauted tofu and peas.

It was delish...but I put on a little too ripe/old avocado which I ended up having to avoid throughout the salad as it tasted a little funky.

I put a pesto/balsamic dressing on top which I happened to choke on half way through...let me tell you, choking on balsamic burns like no other!! Try to avoid it at all costs...

Later on this evening, I felt like having a little dessert so with little to no sweet options in my house I settled with a rice cracker and a smear of PB with some raisins...

Well I am going to hang out for a bit more and then I am off to bed.

Good night.

An Entire Weekend in One

2010-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

The lack of posts this weekend is due to the fact that I had little to no time to do them...I was running around all weekend for either work or play.

I did indulge in some pretty fabulous meals though, but I am sorry to say that I did not have my camera on me to capture the essence of some of the dishes.

On Friday night I went to an Indian restaurant downtown called 259 Host...apparently it is a chain as you can find them at a few locations in the GTA.

However, its claim to chain did not take away from the amazing spice blends and flavours.

With a Californian Pinot Noir '06 Mirassou, we had an appetizer and then a main entree.

The wine was light-bodied, and easy drinking. Even though I am not usually huge on lighter reds, I did enjoy it as there was a pleasant oaky undertone.

For an appetizer we shared the crab and shrimp cakes which were stuffed with mint, coriander and figs. The figs added an incredible sweetness to the savoury cakes...I had one so that I wouldn't ruin my dinner.

For the main event, I chose a delicious mushroom medley...shitake and button mushrooms in a thick tomato and garlic curry.

My friend indulged in the rare rack of lamb which was cooked in a tandoor and marinated with roasted spices. It came with a spicy vindaloo sauce...I definately sniped a taste test of the sauce and boy, was it good!

We shared a bowl of rice and naan bread to accompany our mains.

I love Indian food.

Saturday

Today I was originally supposed to work at noon, but they called me in for 1 pm instead because lately we haven't been getting busy until late lunch time.

This extra hour gave me time to make a wholesome brunch.

I had some scrambled eggs, a veggie stirfry with feta, and then a slice of spelt toast.

It hit the spot.

After a full day at work, I was finally able to eat some dinner at around 9 pm. I had Mill St. roasted veg. wrap...once I find something I like, I am quite stubborn when it comes to switchin' it up. (As you can see with my oatmeal consumption!)

Sunday

I worked all day today too, but I luckily I got to end the day with a satisfying bowl of homemade vegetarian chili which my friend made.

It was soo spicy (which didn't offend me at all--- but the rest of the consumers were definately effected!!)

We had a multigrain baguette to go with out hearty bowls of chili.

Pretend Like It's the Weekend Now

2010-01-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

I was really fortunate when it came to my class schedule this semester...having Thursday and Friday off is so nice! I actually get a 4 day weekend; what more can I ask for?

I am still making myself get up early on these days off though, or else I am going to turn into a sloth: not a sexy quality, I'll tell you that much!

Breakfast

After getting ready for the day, I prepared the meal that I have been wanting to try for quite some time but haven't been able to because I was missing a key ingredient: baking powder.

But yesterday I finally just sucked it up and bought the powder...woo $3.29 was really stretching it; might not be able to afford bus fare for a week now.

I took the risk though so I could make my first oatmeal pancake...inspired by Kath!

Ingredients

1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup egg whites (about 2 eggs)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 mashed banana (optional)

1. Mix all of the ingredients together so that everything is well combined.
2. Let sit for a few minutes in order for the mixture to thicken.
3. Making a circular shape on a heated pan with cooking oil.
4. Pour mixture on and form into a pancake

5. Flip it when you're able to shake the pan with the pancake sliding around...about five minutes
6. Pancake is done when both sides are nicely browned!
7. Throw on your favvourite toppings, baby.

Today I spread on almond butter, a sliced banana and strawberry, a dollop of apple sauce, and maple syrup.

It was absolutely devine. I actually couldn't believe how similar it was in taste and texture to a real pancake, but wayyy healthier. I am definately making this on a regular basis!

Well I must finish getting ready and then I am off to meet a friend to go watch a volleyball game. I lovee men's volleyball...mmmm

Back In Camera Action

2010-01-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

I didn't have class today, so getting myself out of bed became more challenging than normal because "there was nothing I had to do."

But after a few kicks, I made myself get out and on with my day.

Breakfast

I ate my bowl of oats with my roommate Sarah, as she didn't have class until later on today. It's very seldom when all of us are in the house together, so you have to learn to take advantage of every second you do have together.

Today, it was breakfast!

After breakfast, I got ready for the day because I planned on going out to look for a camera.

I packed myself a light snack---a slice of manna bread and peanut butter---just in case I got hungry while I was out! I don't want to buy food when I have food that is going bad in my fridge...

I spent at least two hours at Best Buy experimenting with all of the cameras. I kept on going back and forth between the same ones because I would suddenly forget how the other one operated...

After getting personal opinions from a few different staff members, I finally decided on one. (I like Best Buy because they don't work on commission, so the staff doesn't FORCE a sale on a custmer!)

I got the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

I strolled through the mall a little while nibbling on my manna bread and then I headed home because I had to get lunch before I had to meet Laurian at the gym for a kickboxing class.

Lunch

I had a plate of sliced apple, cheese, almonds, and raisins before I gathered my gym gear and went out.

The kickboxing class was a real disappointment. I have never met someone so arrogant in my entire life. I actually couldn't help but laugh throughout the demonstration...which it literally was, as he kept on performing random moves without getting us to do them.

An hour later, and another hour of my life gone to waste, we went to do some cardio...

Half an hour later when we were about to leave, I was informed that I had a hole in my pants...directly on the crack. I felt so embarassed. And to top things off, some random guy was like "Oh don't worry...I am sure no one noticed!"--- EXCUSE ME, YOU NOTICED?!!!

I quickly left...

Dinner

Even though it was 9 pm when I got home to make dinner, I was quite hungry and ready for a good meal.

I decided on baked salmon, steamed spinach and a maple balsamic reduction.

The balsamic reduction would take the longest, so I got that going before I started on anything else.

Balsamic Reduction

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. maple syrup

1. Combine ingredients in a sauce pan on medium heat.
2. Let mixture come to a boil.
3. Occasionally stir for about 20 minutes or until the sauce becomes a thick syrupy consistency. Remove from heat, and set aside.

For the salmon, I put a defrosted filet of wild salmon on a sheet of tinfoil. I topped that with fresh garlic, pesto, olive oil, pepper, and dried chillies.

Then I made a tinfoil tent around the salmon and baked it in a 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

At the very last minute I steamed my spinach.

When everything was done, I put the serving of spinach down and then placed the filet on top. Then I drizzled the syrup all over the salmon and spinach. For extra flavour, I put a few dollops of fresh tomato sauce on the salmon.

Teasing a Past Addiction

2010-01-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

After the lecture part of the feature writing class, we split up into our "lab groups" for the afternoon. With a partner, we were assigned to go and observe an object or person that struck us as interesting. Before we broke for lunch, we had to write down all the DETAIL we saw as we would be doing an assignment after lunch.

Lunch

For lunch, I went back to my roots and indulged in Extreme Pita. If you don't already know, I used to have an obsession...I wish I could link back to past blogs but my addiction occured before I had a blog. In high school, I used to have Extreme Pita EVERYDAY...literally. The people who worked there knew my girlfriend and I by our pita orders...we didn't ever have to tell them what we wanted as ingrediants; they knew it all---from the vegetables to the sauce!

Then, when I lived at the Ryerson Residents last year I figured I would be in heaven after seeing that the one of three choices in the cafeteria was Extreme Pita...well after having only one pita made from the not-so-pita-pros; I realized that I was sadly wrong and it would be a long year.

However, I did still have a pita at least once a day as quite frankly there was nothing else palatable.

So yesterday, in need of a quick fix, I supported the folk at Extreme and had a pita.

"Small veggie pita on whole wheat please---lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, green pepper-extra green pepper!- olives, mushrooms, and pickles. Some hummus, a little bit of light italian and lots of hot sauce!"

That little baby fed me for over a year...and yesterday.

Class ended at around 4 pm, so that is when I headed out to the gym (which was quite easy coming from the class I was just in as I basically just had to walk out of the door!)

I did 20 minutes cardio on the bike and treadmill and then attended an hour long free pilates class. I was really disappointed in this freebie today. Knowing that it was free, the instructor really showed that she could care less with her droaning voice and lack of enthusiasm.

After that pilates sesh, I went back to the gym to do 20 more minutes on the elliptical. Then I did some ab and arm work until I realized the time and hurried home as my roommate and I were supposed to go to an "open-mic night" at the Ram (the campus pub.)

I chomped on an apple as I walked to the bus stop to hold me over until I could eat real dinner.

Dinner

After a quick shower, I started feeling like I wanted some kind of breakfast for dinner. So I decided I would pan fry some red potatoes and onion.

I fried them in a touch of olive oil and then sprinkled on some S+P, oregano, and dried chillies.

I also had an over easy egg and some tomatoes on the side.

It was just what I was craving.

We headed out to the pub at around 830 pm.

I'll tell you how it went tommorow.

Coffee in an Instant

2010-01-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

Searching for apartments can turn into an addiction; that's why I was up until the wee hours trying to find the perfect place. However, I don't know why I wasted valuable sleeping time as all of the rent postings are for February 1 move-ins, while I am in search of a May 1 availability.

This fun little habit I have developed was the reason I had trouble waking up this morning. But after the third time my alarm clock went off, I finally crawled out of bed.

Breakfast

After getting ready for class, I sat down for my bowl of oats and Starbuck's new instant coffee (which I tried for the first time yesterday...not a bad little Colombia brew!)

Well I am off to my feature writing lecture.

Never Say No to a Freebie

2010-01-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

I woke up to a clear blue sky and sun this morning...what more could someone who suffers from SAD ask for in mid January? --- Okay, I am not actually diagnosed...but I feel like it is quite possible: I need sunshine.

Breakfast

While catching up on my email and going over my usual line-up of blogs (Tina, Kath, EBF, and Mariel) I chowed down my breakfast...I probably take more time eating breakfast every morning than I do getting ready. For some reason it takes me about half an hour to eat a bowl of oats...maybe it's because I am so caught up in my reading.

After breakfast, I gathered together my gym equipment and headed out.

At the gym I was pleasantly surprised by a free yoga trial later that day. Now, I don't and won't ever turn down a good freebie...so after my cardio sesh I went down for a good hour of instructed yoga.

It was so relaxing and rejuvinating.

After yoga, I went back to the gym to get my heart rate back up and do some strength exercises.

I had to hurry home to shower and eat lunch before my evening class.

Lunch

For lunch I had to quickly grill a veggie patty while I showered so that it would be ready by the time I was ready...efficient, no?

It didn't really stay in patty-form after the grill job...it was more of a crumbled lump on my plate, but it still tasted the same. I had some cucumbers and tomatoes to go with it.

It was my first online journalism lab tonight...and wouldn't you know, we are blogging! So, I now have a new blog...mind you, don't look at it quite yet as I am not very proud of it.

Tonight we had to blog about "Toronto Universities and Colleges"...a very broad subject. So I made it not so broad and ended up speaking on the culinary arts program at George Brown. Mise well blog about something I am interested in, no?

Dinner

I got home at around 9 pm tonight; however, the time didn't detour me from making a much needed dinner.

Rice Fusilli, Chipotle Infused Vegetables and Shrimp.

How I did that you ask? Well, here it goes...while I sauted some red onion and garlic, I added two frozen chopped chipotles. As they melted, the adobe sauce drenched the onions and garlic. It smelled incredible.

To that I added chopped broccoli, red pepper, and shrimp. And then I added some mushrooms. When the shrimp turned pink, I removed the pan from the heat.

At the very end, I stirred in some diced tomatoes, feta, and green olives.

I added that mixture to the cooked rice pasta, and then poured on some olive oil and gave it a good stir to make sure the oil had saturated the whole mix.

It was incredible...the smokey chipotle flavour was just perfect and not overwhelming at all. I love chipotle.

A New Monday

2010-01-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today was my first official Monday for the new semester! I was quite excited about it last night as I was dozing off to sleep, but when my alarm clock went off this morning I was feeling a little something else: MORE sleep, please.

So I hit the snooze button...a couple of times before I realized that I had better get a move on or else I would be late for my first day!

After having a shower and throwing on some make-up and clothing, I headed into the kitchen to put together some breakfast.

Breakfast

Okay, I promise that one day I'll be creative and switch my breakfast's up, but I haven't become right sick of oatmeal...in fact, I love it more and more after each bowl I consume.

Today I put raisins, apple sauce, pear, flax meal, and a spoonful of almond butter on my banana stewed oats.

I also had a big cup of coffee in order to give myself a boost before my big day of classes!

Lunch

After the series of events this weekend, I realized that I need to save money where ever possible...so before I left the house this morning I made sure to pack some lunch as I knew my stomach would be making some serious noises during the lecture. For a quick and easy lunch, I took my last slice of left over pizza and a carrot oat bar.

Wouldn't you know...at around 1130 am my stomach was going a little crazy. So I reached for my oat bar to tie me over before I reached an appropriate time to consume lunch...unfortunately, I noticed something that turned me off from taking a bite out of the bar: mold.

Thank god I thought to check before indulging...I guess I didn't put that batch in the freezer soon enough.

The lecture ended at around 12 pm so I had an hour to spare before my next class. I decided to run over to Future Shop to see if they had any sweet deals on cameras (yes, I have to invest again...) I found a couple which were in my price range but me and my wallet were not quite ready to jump on them before taking part in some more bargain hunting.

After buying a text book for my feature writing class, I headed to my next 5 hour class: TV Broadcasting (the class I was looking the most forward too!)

I think I am going to really enjoy the class and the instructer...however, I am glad the class didn't run the whole 5 hours because I wasn't feeling well by the end of it.

He let us out at around 430 pm so I heeaded to the gym for a little cardio before I went home.

I decided to sit in the sauna after to relax as my stomach was really cramping.

Dinner

I am trying to teach myself not to waste, so you may have noticed that I am having many "left over lunches and dinners." Well, tonight was another one of those nights...I had the last bit of Amy's Split Pea soup and a slice of mana bread.

But you'll be happy to know that I officially have nothing else that I need to finish, so a new meal is in order tommorow; you best stay tuned to see what creation I decide to whip up!

For dessert, I had a small bowl of nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips. I love the different textures in trail mix...it never gets old. And of course, the sweet and salty combination. Mmmm. I love trail mix.

Well I am absolutely exhausted tonight so I am going to bed.

Once again, I am sorry for the wordy post lacking in photos...I hope to be able to take pictures soon!

The Stars are Alligned: I Shouldn't Own a Camera

2010-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Being a little low on cash flow, I decided to "save some money" last night by not checking my bag when we got to the bar. Instead, I put it in a safe corner where I could keep my eye on it all night...which I did...up until 10 minutes before the bar closed. Because within that 10 minutes the bag was suddenly gone.

When all of the lights came on, it was nowhere to be seen so I frantically asked the bartender if anyone had turned it in. Of course not...and instead of sympathizing me for a little second, he just went on about how big of an idiot I was to leave it in the corner.

By this point, I already knew how big of an idiot I was...he just felt the need to reinstill that. Thanks.

But, thankfully he was nice enough to check if someone had turned it in elsewhere...so 5 minutes later he came back: bag and all!

I was over joyed. I couldn't believe how lucky I am.

We left shortly after being reacquainted with my large bag.

However, when I looked in it later that evening...my camera was no where to be seen.

(I think it's a sign...I should not own a camera--- or I am just irresponsible--- I had that camera for a grand total of two weeks and now it's gone. I am so so upset.)

I guess I can't be that lucky...of course, the theif riffled through my bag to see if there was anything of value, and made sure to take it before performing the good deed of turning it in.

Then it was not until this morning when I was headed off to work and about to jump on the street car that I noticed my bus pass was gone too. He even took the time to search through my wallet in order to take my ever so valuable bus pass. Lucky guy gets to ride the TTC for free now....

So only having enough money to afford a muffin for breakfast, I decided that I would have to walk 4 km in the freezing weather to work.

However, I did stop to warm up at Richtree for a bran muffin. Richtree is such a neat place...there are a few around the downtown area, but the biggest one with the best atmosphere is at Yonge and Front St.

The restaurant is actually set up like a market with different stations and cultures throughout. The host gives you a "shopping card" as you enter which each tender swipes as you add more to your plate...at the end of your meal you hand the card over to the cashier at the front which has the accumulated total. It's a very cool idea.

I wish I had my camera so that I could show you photographs of the charming and lively place!

When I finally got to work, my body was numb and my ears were the colour of cherry tomatoes. I looked dreadful; a look you strive for as the host of the restaurant...

It was an abnormally slow Sunday, so I got off at around 5pm tonight and rushed home (well as quickly as the TTC happens to operate) as I was exhausted and peckish.

When I finally got home at around 6pm, I had no energy to put together a gourmet meal so I just had some left over pizza from the other night and a side green salad.

For dessert, I put together a little trailmix of almonds, cashews, craisins, raisins, and chocolate chips. I also had a cut up pear...I think apples/pears go so well with nuts! The sweet and salty combination is just right.

Well I am feeling ever so tired and I have class in the morning (my first Online Journalism class which I am looking forward too) so I am going to call it a night!

That's a Wrap!

2010-01-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

After a long day of work, I finally got to sit down to eat at around 8 pm tonight. My starving self couldn't hold off any longer, so I decided to grab dinner at the pub. I settled on the roasted vegetable wrap...it usually comes in focaccia bread, but I am not a big fan of it so I always get the roasted vegetables put in a sundried tomato wrap. The roasted veggies are topped with melted mozzarella cheese which is just the right addition to the nicely marinated vegetables. Even though the veggies can sometimes be overdone, I find for the most part they carry just the right crunch!

I always dip my wrap in a side of "suicide sauce"...our very hot hot sauce for the chicken wings. I think my co-workers have finally become accustomed to my strange habit.

I had a small garden salad on the side of my wrap! It was topped with pickled beets, red onion, tomato and cucumber. I do love that salad...especially the beets!

After dinner, my girlfriends and I went to the Pure Spirits Oyster Bar next door for a glass of wine. They have such a nice long bar to sit it...I love the atmosphere there, but it's definately not somewhere you want to make a regular visit too as it is quite pricey!!

You're probably asking yourself "why didn't she post any photographs?"...well if you read on to my next post, you'll find out why! Because let me tell you...I did take photographs of my delicious wrap..several photos, in fact!

False Alarm

2010-01-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

I heard on the news yesterday that even though the sun would be out, Saturday morning was going to be a chilly one! So that made me a little more thankful when work called and said they didn't need me until noon. It's important to look on the bright side...who cares if I woke up exceptionally early to get ready for work; now I don't have to face the cold weather AND its deceiving sunshine.

After getting all ready, I ventured into the kitchen to make myself a big bowl of oats. I make sure to have a big breakfast before going into work on Saturdays because I never know when my next time to eat will be.

On top of the usual banana blend, I also had All-Bran, raisins, figs, mixed berry apple sauce, flax meal, chopped pear (I lovee pears in the winter!!), and a blob of PB!

I find the PB melts into the oats much more than the almond butter...so sometimes all I can taste is PB (a littttle overwhelming;) however, I needed a change from the usual almond butter.

I also had a cup of Earl Grey Tea and then a cup of green tea...I may regret this later when my bladder kicks in.

Well, I am going to do a little cleaning before I head off to work.

Too Cold to Move

2010-01-08T18:22:00.001-08:00

With the freezing weather outside, I felt like there wasn't any better idea than having a relaxing evening inside. What better way to relax than with pizza and a movie, no?

So at around 730 tonight I began putting together my pizza. For the base, I used a basic tomato sauce.

Now, when I make pizza I tend to go a little crazy with the toppings...there is never too much. I started piling on red onion, mushrooms, red pepper, orange pepper, broccoli, feta, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, hot chili flakes and peas...yes, peas. I have never put peas on my pizza before, but it never hurts to experiment!

This is her pre-baked!

When the cheese was browned and the garlic aroma was circulating throughout the house, I knew my pizza was done to perfection!

I put together a plate with some greens and two pieces of my pie and sat down to watch what turned out to be the most disappointing movie ever.

You know it's a bad sign when you have never even HEARD of the particular new release...well that was the case tonight. Not having any idea what movie to watch, I decided to watch "Love N' Dancing" with Amy Smart. I got about 20 minutes in, barely, and turned it off. It was lucky to get 20 minutes worth of my time...because let me tell you, that is one set of 20 minutes I'll never get back!!

For dessert, I had the other half of my vegan chocolate chip and oatmeal cookie from yesterday and a cup of White Peony tea (a yummy tea that my sister got me for Christmas). I have a feeling that I will be venturing out to the Big Carrot for their baked goods ever so often....

A Good Protein Hit

2010-01-08T13:41:00.001-08:00

Before I headed out today I realized that I was hungry, so I had a light snack to tie me over for the next little bit. I munched on half an apple and then I had a handful of almonds for some protein.

By the time I got home I was quite hungry so immediately after removing most of my layers, I put together a late little lunch. I needed something quick and filling so I decided on an over easy egg, some beans (which I squashed in the pan to make them look like refried beans), a slice of manna bread, tomato, and cucumber.

I added a dollop of Dijon mustard and ketchup for dipping, and then I drizzled a sesame dressing over the tomatoes and cucumbers.

It was pretty simple, but satisfying!

Sleep Disturbance

2010-01-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

It is next to impossible to sleep peacefully with someone who stirs and purrs all night long...Maybe that's why I didn't budge when my alaram clock went off bright and early this morning. Stella, my cat, decided at around 2 am that she wanted to nuzzle herself in my covers...something I usually don't allow as my sleep is very important to me!

When I finally rose, I washed my face and then whipped up a quick batch of oats. I mixed in some figs, apples, bananas, and Original All-Bran while the oats were cooking...the All-Bran gave my oats a crunchy texture all throughout. It was quite different, but enjoyable nonetheless.

I put som raisins, ground flax meal, mixed berry apple sauce, and a dollop of natural PB on top.

This afternoon I am going to meet Alex at the gym for a workout and then I may go skating later before it gets too cold to handle.

Who Knew a Carrot Could be Heaven?

2010-01-07T22:56:00.001-08:00

I never thought I would encounter heaven before I died...until I stepped into the Big Carrot.

I have been perusing their website for quite some time now, but today I finally decided to venture out to their little abode. But, let me tell you..it was not little at all. "Big" is the perfect way to describe this health food store on the Danforth.

I didn't even know where to start...the baked goods were endless, and the variety of crackers struck me. I spent hours in each aisle reading ingrediants and salivating. I wish I had endless amounts of money so that I could try everything. One day I will...

However, I did find a few products that I decided I could not live without. One being a little something that satisfied my suddenly hungry self: a vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.

It was absolutely devine. Just the right sweetness and crunch. The baker threw in some pecans for an extra zang!

After a few hours in heaven...I decided it was time to leave so that I could whip up a quick dinner before I headed out for our first "college pub night" back from Christmas holidays.

For dinner I had Amy's Split Pea soup--- It was obviously not as good as my mother's homemade split pea...but it did the job!

I also had a slice of Manna Bread: fig and fennel flavoured. It was my first time trying this...and I was quite impressed!! It is a sprouted grain bread that is baked at a very low temperature so that all of its nutrients remain...However, I found the fennel a little overwhelming so I am going to try a different kind next time I hit up the Big Carrot!

This was just the meal I needed after waiting for quite some time for the not so timely street car. Toronto is definately getting colder as we speak. It is soup season.

Drenched

2010-01-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Sweating isn't a bad thing. In fact, we should break a good sweat at least once a day. However, body odour is another story and should be kept to a minimum...especially if you take public transit regularly during rush hour. No one likes to be nuzzled up into someone's armpit when he has neglected to shower that morning...or post workout.

Well, that was me today. Not the victim nuzzled in the armpit, I was the armit...or the BO. Having sweat plently during my workout, I then decided to roost in the sauna for a bit..well a while.

Let's just say it looked like I had encountered a waterfall by the time I got out. So I threw on my clothes and left the gym. No, I did not shower. And yes, I did take the street car...along with several other bodies!

By the time I got home I was quite famished and parched...so I guzzled back a large glass of water and then threw together a salad. I topped my greens with a leftover rice mixture that I made last night (rice, green peas, beans, curry powder, and lemon juice), some tomato and cucumber, a few olives, and some more beans. For a dressing, I drizzled on balsamic vinegar and some hot sauce.

It hit the spot!

Well I am off to do a little grocery shopping.

Jet Lag

2010-01-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

Flying out west is a lot easier than flying out east. Back in Victoria I was waking up with the roosters, and now I am waking up with the lethargic night owls. I wish I could use the excuse "but it's actually 730 am for me! I am on BC time!" for the next month...but apparently jet leg only lasts 3 days so that excuse has officially become obsolete.

I overheard my roommate coughing today so I crept into her room...not to get closer to the infection, but to see her! I hadn't seen her since I have been home, so I was not going to let some bacteria stop me.

After I made some breakfast...and yes it was oatmeal...and yes, there were bananas, apples, raisins, and flax in it. But to mix the generic breakfast up a bit, I threw some mixed berry apple sauce on top: a recent addition which I am quite fond of.

I also had a cup of green tea as the end of this month is quickly approaching, and I still have several green tea bags to go through before the expiry date hits with a bang!

Well I must get on with my day: I am going to the gym and then off to the health food store in Greek Town...big day...

It's Already December 27

2010-01-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

I woke up quite early this morning so I decided to step out for a little walk and to grab a coffee. For the first time this holiday, I actually felt quite chilly...there was definately a nip in the air and it was starting to feel a lot more like winter. I bundled up in my hat and scarf before I headed out the door.

After I got a coffee at Serious Coffee (a coffee shop that is EVERYWHERE on the island now...I couldn't believe it!) I started getting a little hungry so I decided to return home for breakfast.

When I got back everyone was still sound asleep, so I grabbed a Kitchen Sink muffin from yesterday and sat down on the couch to watch some morning television. The muffin tasted almost better than yesterday...or maybe I was just really hungry.

About an hour later, my family woke from their comas...thank goodness because the television was doing little to nothing to entertain me! They had the last few muffins and then we all took a shower because we were meeting my cousins for lunch at Pagliacci's.

Pagliacci's is a hoppin' little restaurant downtown Victoria. So of course there was a line up when we got there at around 1pm...and a table for 6 (which we were) was not coming anytime soon. So we sat outside to enjoy the sun's rays for about 45 minutes while the host tried to perform a seemingly impossible task: forming a table for 6.

However, we were finally sat in the bustling restaurant. Our server eventually made it around to us in order to drop off our "endless bagel basket" and to take our drink orders. Feeling a little lethargic, we all ordered a cup of coffee and a water.

After he dropped off our drinks, we should have ordered right away...but being my indecisive self, I was not ready so he said he would be back in a couple of minutes.

Well that couple of minutes turned into several...which I don't blame him as we were definately not the only ones in the restaurant! But by the time he arrived back, there were little options left on the menu: no potatoes, no bagels, no bread, no riccotta pie...the list went on.

I was most concerned about the bagels as that is what I look forward too...Sunday's at Pagliacci's just aren't the same without bagels, cream cheese, and jam coming out of my ears. Maybe it was for the best.

For lunch/breakfast I decided on the Karl Omelette...filled with artichokes, sweet onion, mozzarella cheese, green peppercorns, and huge roasted garlic. Even though I knew there would be no potatoes to accompany my omelette, I was a little disappointed when it came out with a lack lustre pear slice.

The omelette was still quite yummy though...and I have been there so many times that this experience did not turn me off! We even overheard that it was their busiest day of the year, so that could explain the lacking service and the missing menu items!

I think the manager knew we were a little disappointed because he brought us a huge slice of cheese cake...oh my god, I could eat that everyday. But I won't because it was hefty...and large..and ooh delicious!!!

After lunch, my family went into the mall because us girls (mom, chlo, and I) wanted to find a few cardigan sweaters. We all ended up lucking out at Jacob: sweaters for everyone!!! Let's just say it's a good thing we don't live in proximity to one another anymore because we were caught one too many times over the holidays matching...

A few lost hours later, we hurried home because we all needed to shower before we headed to our cousins' Karen and Dick for dinner!

We got there just in the nick of time as Karen is not one for late arrivers...

As soon as we got to the condo door we were all ushered up to the "penthouse" of the building to perform a serious break-in (we had the key...it just seemed a little strange as the apartment was vacant and had been for quite some time!

However, it was a sight that had to be seen as it was qutie fantastic/modern-esque. The artwork throughout the place was out of this world---different pieces picked up from all over!

This is just a sample of a piece in the living room...quite modest in comparasin to the rest.

After the grand tour, we headed back down to Karen and Dick's condo--- I was over excited to see their place as I hadn't seen it since the renovations. Karen made us wait outside the door inpatiently while she returned the penthouse key because she wanted to see my reaction.

Well, it was beautiful... In fact, it was definately more my style compared to the penthouse upstairs. It was more warm and home-ly.

Over drinks we shared a few laughs in the living room before dinner, and then Karen got fancy in the kitchen.

Earlier that day she picked up some serious halibut at the seafood shop downtown...they were no joke!

With a little seasoning and a chive coating, she threw them on the oh so sexy grill top! I had never seen this type of grill...it was cast iron but it resembled a baking pan and sat on the stove top. Just what you need when you're living the condo lifestyle!

To accompany the generous pieces of halibut, Karen made a refreshing salad consisting of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, radishes, mandarins, and dill. She used a mandolin to cut the vegetables...

Dinner was amazing! Fish cooked to perfection and salad to clean the palate. Mmmm!

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

2010-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

With a promise that had to be kept, Chloaye and I got up bright and early on Boxing Day to whip up a batch of kitchen sink muffins--- the name says it all: everything but the kitchen sink was in these muffins!

Kitchen Sink Muffins
Makes about 16 muffins

1 cup Spelt Flour
1 cup Oats
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Cinnamon

2 tsp. Vanilla
3 eggs
1/8 cup Vegetable Oil
1/8 cup Apple Sauce
1 cup Grated Carrot
1 cup Grated Apple
1/4 cup coconut
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped dates
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all of the ingrediants together, except for the eggs (we dont do the whole dry and wet separation thing...that dirties too many bowls!). Make a cave in the centre of all the ingrediants and add the eggs. Wisk together the eggs and then incorporate them into the rest of the mixture.

Spoon the mixture into muffin cups or a greased muffin tin leaving one tin empty---pour some water into the empty tin (this will keep the rest of the muffins good and moist!)

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

They were quite divine if I do say so myself.

Before the muffins were even out of the oven, Chloaye got a call from work. Apparently she was supposed to be there half an hour before that call! So she quickly threw herself together and dad drove her to the pub.

The family came over at around 11 am for muffins and coffee, and to see Chloaye's place!

After breakfast, we decided to hit the town for some serious bargain hunting.

My cousin and I lasted about half an hour in the mall before we decided that it was too crowded and not worth our time...so we ventured up and down the streets, going in and out of second hand clothing stores.

Eventually we got a little tired of shopping, so Mariel and I went into a coffee shop for a little pick-me-up.

After our shopping adventure, we all reunited to go back to Chloaye's for some lunch.

I had some left over tofurkey and salad. I love left-overs!!

In the later part of the afternoon we went back to Mer's to meet with the rest of the family. We spent a couple of hours there and then all of the kids went out to a restaurant for some drinks and more chatting.

We love each other....

After we left that restaurant, we went to a friend's place who I hadn't seen in almost 3 years. It was so good to see him!

Boxing day flew by...I can't believe Christmas has come and gone.

Christmas Re-told in January

2010-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up at the crack of dawn again...but I don't think it was because I knew Santa had come and and gone. In fact, I believe it was primarily because I was still on Ontario time.

Rustling through my suitcase to find my running clothes, I happened to wake up Chloaye. She decided to come running with me to start off Christmas day.

It was such a beautiful morning; however, it was no typical Christmas morning as there was a not a speck of snow on the ground...blue skies all over!

We ran into my dad who was walking our dog suki along the water...he was shocked to see us up so early!

We stopped to play a little volleyball in the park. It got a little muddy and we nearly lost the ball over the cliff a few times...but we managed.

Dad joined us on our run back to the house. We arrived back at the same time as mom, who also went for a little Christmas morning jaunt.

While we opened up our "stockings" (which came in paperbags this year as mom didn't want to lug our stockings throughout the roadtrip) and presents, we sipped a hot cup of coffee.

Santa went all out this year. I even got a tin of sardines!!!!!!

After opening presents, we all started getting a little antsy and decided to make breakfast. We had over-easy eggs, stirfried vegetables, and some toast---just what I needed!

After breakfast, I started on the Christmas Tofurkey because it takes a few hours to prepare. I grated a pound of extra firm tofu and then pressed it into a round colander. In order to drain the tofu, you have to put a heavy weight on top---so a jar of apple sauce seemed appropriate!

It was such a nice day that we decided to go for a long walk after breakfast. I love the fact that you can walk outside late December with only a sweater on in Victoria.

When we got back from the walk, I continued on the tofurkey as I wanted it to be basically done before we headed over to Mer's for dinner.

I removed the "weight" and carved off about an inch of the tofu so that there was still a layer left in the colander.

Then I sauted some onion, celery, apples, and breadcrumbs. To that I added some celery seed, cloves, cinnamon, chilis, orange juice and tamari sauce.

(Oh my gosh...it tasted incredible by itself!!)

When the "stuffing" was completed, I poured it onto the first layer of tofu in the colander.

Then I pressed the left over tofu on top of the stuffing.

I whipped up a quick little "marinade" to baste the tofurkey. It consisted miso, hot water, tamari, orange juice, Dijon mustard, chilis, and garlic --- however, I eyed out all the ingrediants so I can't give you any exact measurements.

After I turned the tofurkey out onto the pan, I did the first baste job!

Then I put her in a 250 degree preheated oven for about 3 hours. Every hour or so, I took it out in order to baste it a little more.

When it was done, we headed over to Mer's for the evening and Christmas dinner.

It was the first time in a long time that the family was all together. It was so good! We spent time chatting, drinking, and snacking before dinner.

And then dinner was served!

I put a mushroom gravy on the tofurkey. Mmmm, I love Christmas dinner. There were mashed sweet potatos, mashed potatoes, curried peas,brussel sprouts, broccoli salad, cranberry sauce, tofurkey and of course turkey. It was scrumdilumpcious!!

For dessert there was an arrangment of baked goods and mom's hazelnut torte.

I couldn't say no to the torte, so I had a little slice!

We lounged around in the living room after dinner, and did a little "secret santa" type thing. Everyone had to bring a small gift to exchange with god knows who.

I started getting really tired at the end of the night...you know what they say about tofurkey...really exhausts ya...must be the hormones...so we planned for the family to come over for muffins in the morning and then headed home!

What a nice Christmas!

Christmas Eve Irish Style

2010-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

After a lovely little Parksville getaway, we got back to Victoria on Christmas Eve because Chlo had to work.

Dad and I dropped Chloaye off at the pub and then went to my grandma's because dad wanted to prepare the turkey stuffing the night before (he was in charge of the Christmas turkey this year!)

After a short visit with Mer and Linda, we went back to my sister's to pick up mom as we were going to Irish Times (the pub my sister works at in Victoria) for Christmas Eve dinner. I had never seen my sister in action at the pub so it was an exciting outing... We met our cousins there too.

We all started the night with a Guinness...being an Irish pub, it only seemed fit. But I switched over to the Winterale for dinner.

For dinner I had a roasted vegetable sandwich and a salad...it was pretty good, but nothing out of this world.

The pub looked so beautiful and festive...it started feeling like Christmas for the first time!

Chloaye got off work at around 9pm and came to join us while mom and dad finished off their beer.

After mom and dad left, Chlo and I stayed with her work friends for a little Christmas Eve celebrating.

We ended the night a few hours later so that we could get up for santa!

Some Parksville Reminiscing

2010-01-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

If one were to tally the amount of meals she would consume in about 2 weeks, it would be about 42. However, if those two weeks happen to fall within a holiday (Christmas to be exact) the food intake could easily double...maybe quadruple. Well my friends, you're about to endure in a two week long account of the meals and goodies I inhaled over the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to blog while I was at home due to the inability to upload photos...so it all comes down to one mighty post! However, to save your reading eyes and my typing digits, I am going to cut it down to the MAIN meals I consumed...

Looking back on the month, it's hard to skip over some of the amazing things I ate...but it's a must!

I arrived in Victoria at around 10 pm on December 20 after a prolonged delay at the Kelowna airport. I was so anxious sitting on the plane in Kelowna as I had already been travelling for about 6 hours with numerous stops...I just wanted to get to my destination! But when I finally got to Victoria, my sister Chloaye was there to greet me. My holiday had begun instantaneously.

When we got back to her new dwelling (the sweetest little cottage which I fell in love with) my parents and cousins were there to welcome me home...with chili in hands, mom was prepared to feed my grumbling stomach!

We went to bed soon after as we had to wake up early in order to get to Parksville at a decent hour. In the morning we had a quick bowl of oats (I introduced them to my banana infused oatmeal which I believe they liked...or at least pretended too!) and then hit the road---well after dropping off our geriatric dogs at our cousins' house.

After a couple of hours of driving we were all quite famished so we stopped in Nanaimo for a pita...mmmm, how I do love a good pita. Chlo, dad and I all got falafel while my mother got a chicken one. There were little to no words spoken during lunch---a good indcator as to how hungry we were.

We continued onto Parksville after lunch and quick stop at Shoppers (quite frankly, my family can't go anywhere without a little detour to the local Shoppers...)

At around 3 pm we got to my aunt and uncle's condo in Parksville. It was so exciting to see all of them as it had been quite some time!

We all hung out for a bit and then made our first dinner together. However, Angie and Mariel were the two main chefs that evening. Chicken, tofu vegetable medly, and brushcetta were the main items on the menu. Leaving out the chicken---this was my plate.

The tofu dish was soo yummy...it consisted of a medly of broccoli, squash, zucchini, and green onion.

After dinner we indulged in mommy's "protein balls" (a name we gave this dessert over the holidays so we didn't feel bad eating one- or a dozen) and some squares.

I had a nanaimo bar because I am a sucker for chocolate!

After a lot of food and wine (this is only the beginning,) we went to bed.

In the morning we had some Christmas stolen and biscotti before we went for a nice long walk on the beach.

Chlo testing how much water and impact her galoshes can take.

When we got back to the condo, we had some of mom's homemade bean soup and rice crackers. Daphne is a real soup master.

After lunch we drove out to the seafood store (so we could get there before it closed) because we were planning to have a real seafood feast for dinner. Then we went for a walk through an old forest...the tree trunks were huggee.

By the time the sun went down, it started to get quite nippy so we decided to head back to the condo to make our feast.

Dad decided to take over the seafood preparation...everyone let him do his thing until we found out that he didn't debeard the mussels---who knew mussels had to be debearded................

The seafood dish was filled with scallops, mussels, clams, red snapper, halibut, and crab which soaked in a bath of cilantro, coconut milk, white wine, and thai curry paste. It was absolutely heavenly. To accompany the main dish, we had a green salad (which Mariel made) and some baked french bread.

After dinner we played some intense Cranium...Peter and I were partners---let's just say we were NOT a well-matched team. Chlo and mom smoked everyone! After a very long game of Cranium, everyone was exhausted so we hit the sheets.

Being on Ontario time still, I woke up bright and early and went for a run along the beach. It was so beautiful with the sun rising. When I got back I had some scrambled eggs and toast...a good protein fix.

After breakfast we decided to go to Qualicum Beach to explore the downtown...or uptown, rather. That resulted in some serious antique shop perusing.

When our stomachs started talking, we decided to drive back to Parksville for another take on mom's homemade soup: Split Pea (One of my favs!!)

For our last dinner in Parksville, we tried to use up all of the food in the fridge. No one likes a food-waster...So we had a fun little take on a salad: roasted egglant and endive leaves and a white wine shrimp pasta which Mariel made. The "salad" that Angie made was incredible.

Roasted Eggplant Salad

2 Asian eggplants
2 large tomatoes, sliced as thin as you can
2 Tbsp. chopped white onion
6 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
5 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. vinegar of your choice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Large leaf of romaine or several endive leaves, for serving
Greek olives or sliced radish, for garnish

Preheat the broiler.

Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and broil until soft, approximately 10 minutes per side. Be sure they're cooked through.

Let them cool, then peel off the skin and discard it.

Chop the eggplant into bite sized chunks.

Mix the chopped eggplant, tomatoes, onion, parsley, oil, and vinegar.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve on either a large romaine lettuce leaf or several endive leaves, garnishing with Greek olives or sliced radishes.

After dinner we had another little game's night...but we played Taboo this time. Dad never really understood the game though; I am going to cut him some slack though and just blame it on the wine.

The next day I woke up early again for another run down the beach.

It was our last morning in Parksville before we headed back to Victoria, so Ian made us a nice pancake breakfast. He added his special touch too...a trick he swears by...flattening the cakes with a spatula...mmm......

I loaded mine up with PB, strawberry jam, yogurt, and maple syrup.

I realized half way through breaky that I should probably capture it...

After breaky, we packed up our things and were enroute back to Victoria.

We stopped at a little coffee shop on the way back for a bite to eat and a coffee...dad and I split a spinach calzone---wasn't too amazing so I won't dwell on it.

Well that is Parksville in a nut shell...but I'll give you a little break so that you can digest the past 3 days of food and events!

Confidential

2009-12-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

Today flew by. With a deadline in sight [4pm when I had to leave to work,] I attempted to cram in quite a few things before I had to head off. My day begin with a nice bowl of oats, which I did have a picture of at one point but I think my roommate deleted it off of her camera...[how dare she not want a good quality photo of some scrumptious oats!!!] and a cup of green tea [6 down, 94 to go!!] However, I am sure you're not feeling lost without that photo, as you are blessed with a photo of beautiful oats daily. Let's just say it's time to use your imagination folks...or heck, just flip back to an earlier post so that you can salivate one more time over my breakfast!!

After breakfast, I had a little yoga session with Rodney Yee---that man never fails to impress... But really, I am getting a little tired of the same routine. I guess that's what you get when you have oh ONE dvd to choose from. Nevertheless, it still does the job so I am not going to quit now.

While I was sprawled on the floor of my living room, I noticed some dust/crumbs that I would have never noticed if my nose wasn't pressed against the carpet. But with that new knowledge, I felt my living room was due for a cleaning. So after my sesh with Rodney, I whipped out the vacuum so that she could suck up this new discovery! After vacuuming, I got into a little cleaning frenzy and made sure the kitchen and bedroom were spotless as well..

And then suddenly I noticed the time. I had one IMPORTANT chore to do before I was work bound...and that was TP Duty. We were RIGHT out of toilet paper which is definately a necessity in any household. Oh the joy of living on your own...it seems as though we never ran out of toilet paper at home---there was always an endless supply! How does someone learn to be so prepared!? I guess we will learn in due time...in due time.

As soon as I got home from town, I whipped together a lunch/snack to hold me over while I was at work. I had a rice cake topped with chipotle tuna and cucumber---with some salt and pepper of course.

As I entered my room to get ready for work, with rice cake in hand, I noticed a package on my bed that was definately not there ealier that day. It was a Fed-Ex package and for all I knew, I was not expecting a packing from Fed-Ex...but heck, it's Christmas---anything can happen.

Anxious, I wripped the package open---inside there was an envelope entitled confidential with my name on it. Inside THAT envelope was a DVD---with my name and 'confidential' stamped on that too.

I started screaming...it was from AXE (I applied for this summer job with Axe Canada back in November. They pick 10 finalists-- 5 girls and 5 guys---who then compete to represent them next summer. The winners are put up in condos downtown Toronto and then are made to date people/host dinner parties and then write about them. Being in journalism, this gig was right up my alley! I had to answer a bunch of questions, make a video, and get two people of the opposite sex to write a reference letter for me) ANYWAYS, I didn't know IF or when I was going to hear from them.

Freaking out, I put the dvd into my computer. It seemed like it took hours to load because I was so anxious...and then it all happened.

"Congratulations Tatomme Flanagan....you have been chosen as a top 5 finalist for Axe Canada!!!"

I couldn't believe it...I was shaking, crying, ecstatic!

And then I had to get ready for work---I couldn't even breathe, let alone try to put clothing on. But, it had to be done. It was hard to think about anything else all night; however, I managed to pull through.

When I got home from work at around 11, I had a few slices of apple and a bowl of stove-top popcorn. Mmm, I have become quite obsessed with popcorn as of lately...there is really no better snack. Alongside, I had a cup of tea.

(this was a scary photo to take...as the popcorn tends to start popping almost immediately!!)

(I sprinkled some seasoning salt on top for an extra kick!)

Alright, well I am off to study for my last final tommorow---French---and then I am going to sleep!

Two in One

2009-12-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

These past few days have really just meshed together. Before I know it, it's night time again and a new day begins...

Sunday night I was absolutely exhausted so I decided to hit the sack at 8pm. I don't remember the last time I went to bed that early...but boy, did I ever need it! I set my alarm for 8 am the next morning, so that I could get a good 12 hour sleep AND have an entire day ahead of me. But the next morning when my alarm so rudely interrupted my sleep, I was not about to get up.

I ended up sleeping for 2 more hours. When I finally woke up, I could not believe that I had actually slept for 14 hours (and I am embarrassed to say that I didn't even feel rejuvinated...in fact, I felt more exhausted than ever!)

Feeling like a lazy sloth, I decided that I needed to start my day off with a good burst of energy--- it worked out perfectly too because I had to go to the grocery store to restock the oat department. So, I decided to make a run out of it...hit two birds with one stone.

Looking absolutely miserable outside, I made sure to pile on multiple sweaters, mittens, and a hat so that I could tackle the rain and cold.

After a good run and a hearty bowl of banana infused oats, I was ready for the day. However, I didn't do anything too exciting because I had quite a few loads of laundry to do, a bedroom to clean, and some french to study. Needless to say, I finished all of my chores at around 4 pm and felt pretty good about myself.

To reward myself I decided to meet a few of my girlfriends at work for a pint before we ventured into the city for some serious Christmas shopping. I wish I could say that I got some Christmas shopping done...but then I would have to lie. I did get some good ideas though so now when I go back I will be more efficient.

Our shopping trip ended when we all started to hear our stomachs talking. Calling it quits, we made our way to Jack Astors where we shared a couple plates of nachos... Nachos are always a hit or miss; last night's were a bit of both. They weren't awful, but they weren't anything special. (When I make nachos, I LOAD on the toppings...whereas these ones were pretty simple: cheese...and well cheese)

I started my day off with a nice over easy egg, a buttered piece of toast and some sliced tomato. It really hit the spot. I also had a steaming hot cup of green tea...I opened a Costco sized box of it yesterday and noticed that its best before date is January 26/10. So let's just say I have a lottt of tea drinking to do...100 bags to get through! [I did the math...that's about 3/day. I can do it!!!!]

After a few hours of studying, I decided it was time for a bite to eat. For lunch I had a hearty salad consisting of mixed greens, brocolli, orange pepper, red onion, sprouts, corn, tomato, tofu, and a little cold pasta. I dressed it with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar [mixed with garlic, oregano and Dijon mustard.]

It was just what I needed!!

Well, I better get some more studying done before I have to go to work!

The Show Must Go On

2009-12-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

Functional Fixedness--- a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it was traditionally used.

You're either saying she did learn something in Psychology this semester...or you're saying she is going somewhere with this.

And I guess, the answer could be either/or. But, right now, it's the latter.

I realize that even though I am presently without a camera, I do not have to stop posting. A baker doesn't quit baking when he runs out of butter...he finds an alternative: apple sauce or oil.

So a blogger doesn't quit blogging when she breaks her camera...she finds an alternative: a computer.

Who knew that a computer could perform so many tasks...I almost forgot that most lap tops these days come equipped with a little "eye" on top of their screens: a web cam. So instead of just using my computer to stalk people on facebook, I decided that I would also use it to photograph my dinner.

After hours of laying in my bed trying to work off my food baby, I suddenly noticed that I was no longer with-child. In fact, I was hungry...After last night, I didn't think I was ever going to be hungry again [obviously, I was wrong!]

However, with little to no energy, I did not feel like putting together a four course meal with appropriate drink pairings...so I made myself a sangy [that's "sandwhich" in the Flanagan family]

On two slices of toasted whole wheat bread [not the greatest bread I have ever had..but that's what you get when you purchase bread from a grocery store,] I layered on mozzarella cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion, avocado, sprouts and Yves "turkey flavoured" tofu deli slices. I also spread on some of the chipotle mayo I made the other day, and some Dijon mustard...mmmm. For some greens, I piled a spinach blend onto my plate and dressed it with some balsamic vinegar.

(These pictures are a little lack lustre, to say the least]

Quite frankly, you can never go wrong with a sandwhich. I am SUCH a sandwich person...probably one of my favourite things. Last night I was just talking to a coworker about this in fact, and we decided that there really isn't anywhere to get an amazzzing sandwhich. I find I always make them the best...because I can add EXACTLY what I want in it, rather than saying "extra green pepper...hold the mayo...and ooh, do you have hot sauce!?

However, I am on a mission to find the best sandwhich place in Toronto. http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_sandwiches_in_toronto/

I have already tried Urban Herbivore's sandwhiches (which are UNREAL) but, let's just say I have a busy few months ahead of me.

When I do find the best sandwhich, I'll be sure to give you all the verdict!!

Lost Without My Camera

2009-12-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

It being a late Sunday afternoon, I forced myself to sit down and update my blog. Yes, I said it...I FORCED myself; and if you may have noticed, Friday was my last post. People, I am super depressed; my camera is still broken. I guess that is not hard to believe, as cameras aren't really known for 'self-repairing.' But boy, do I ever wish they were! She is a sad sight right now; the lens just will not de-zoom...(that's about as techy as we're going to get!) And, she makes a strange noise everytime I try to turn it off and on. I think I just have to come to terms with it; she is dying.

So being unable to capture any of my consumptions, I feel as though I will just bore you with words...I realize photographs are a key component to any blog! And really, how can I make you salivate from a cyber-meal without a picture to justify all of its glory.

However, I guess I can still give you the low down on what I ate yesterday...

Breakfast...yup, you guessed it! I started my day off with a delicious bowl of oats. Not only because I have developed an obvious obsession, but also because I had a final exam at 9 am. What better brain food is there than a wholesome bowl of oats. [Oh! I also swallowed back a couple capsules of salmon oil...I needed all of the omega 3 (brain food)I could get in order to aid me in this exam which I felt ill-prepared for]

When I got home, I had a quick snack before I needed to rush off to work. And let me tell you in advance, it was really not all that special. It started off with an original unsalted rice cake topped with a few slices of havarti cheese (I do love a good havarti!!) To that I added a couple slices of tomato and avocado...S&P'ed that puppy up and I was good to go!

I got off work at around 11pm.

WHEN and WHAT I decided to eat, I am not proud of...at all. I had my very first poutine EVER...I felt like it was fate because "Smoke's Poutinerie" had a vegetarian version. How could I turn that down!? First I ordered the "traditional vegetarian poutine" thinking that it was just going to be loaded with veggies and goodness...but when it came, it looked boring and soggy (I guess that is was poutine is though...no?) However, I am not one for a bland meal...so I asked them if they could add some green peas and mushrooms; probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. To that combination, I looooaded on the Sriacha sauce (so happy to see that they had that as a condiment)...grabbed a nice plastic fork and dug in!! At the time, it was a super sweet experience --- it came in a cute little cardboard box--- but this morning when I woke up, I felt like I was with-child. Hours after the indulgence, I still feel like I have a food baby.

(Wow, this is actually what it looked like...I found this photograph on the internet. I really wish that I didn't remind myself of this.)

But, breakfast being the most important meal of the day [That, and I just feel wrong and off if I don't have it,] I forced myself to have a little something. And I am really sorry that I no longer have a camera (Christmas is coming though...*hint* *hint* pops...)but I had my first cereal salad since starting this blog. I have just become so into oats these days, that I have completely neglected my breakfast salad!! I felt like I owed it a Sunday indulgence.

Being the title of my blog, I really feel like it's necessary that I capture a photograph of these cereal salads...words just won't do it justice. But I will have to give you the content low-down! First, a good bit of Nature's Path Multibran flakes, a little bit of Cheerios (for another texture), and then a good bit of Original All-Bran. On top I had raisins, chopped walnuts, sliced banana, and ground flax seed! Then I poured on some almond milk, and took my first bite. It was a taste that I had almost forgotten...I am ever so glad that I re-introduced her to my palate. I also had a cup of Bengal Spice tea before my breakfast, and then a cup of dark coffee with my breaky!!

(This is obviously not MY breakfast, but I feel like there should be a little visual something--- but now you have to develop this bowl of cereal through imagination!)