Week 2, Day 3: Red Lentil Curry - YUMMY! EASY!

Red Lentil Curry

This was BY FAR my favorite dinner on my mission so far, and a veggie meal! 

A few notes, to simplify the process, chop up all of your veggies before you start.  I didn't do this, and I was frantically throwing things in my Ninja to get them chopped up. 

I had trouble finding the naan.  As you can see, I never found it (after 4 different grocery stores), and I used pita bread-- which worked out just fine.  However, I think Trader Joe's carries naan, which sadly is the only store I didn't try.

I would also recommend using your biggest deepest skillet. Mine worked out okay, but I left a bit of a mess on my stove top. 

Week 2, Day 2: Chicken with Rice & Peas

Chicken with Rice and Peas

First of all, this recipe calls for a dutch oven, which I do not have.  I used a large pasta pot as a substitute, and it seemed to work okay, but it definitely produced a lot of smoke.  I was a little worried I had ruined my pan, as the chicken had made it all black, but as soon as I added the onion and peppers it cleaned itself up! Cool!

This recipe was not fast, nor does it claim to be.  It took over an hour to prepare, and I don't plan to make it again. 

One HUGE tip, if you do make this, do NOT add the olives that the recipe calls for.  They are way too overpowering (even at less than the amount it calls for).

Crochet Project: Slippers!

Another pattern from So Pretty! Crochet, these little slippers were incredibly quick to make, and fairly simple.  The directions in the book are straight forward, and definitely beginner worthy.  I shortened them up just a bit, as I thought they were going to run big on me, but as it turned out, I probably should have stuck with the pattern as is.  Although the do "stretch" a bit, the design of the pattern allows for them to tighten up a bit at the end.  After a few days, I had stretched a whole in the toe since my smaller version ended up being, well.. too small.

So, the lesson of the experiment is stick with the pattern!  I used Caron's Simply Soft yarn for these guys to keep my feets nice and warm. These were also super popular on my Facebook and Instagram, so I'm planning on making them for gifts, and maybe even try to sell them!

The pair only took about 2.5 hours to make (which for me is very fast).

Week 2, Day 1: Roasted Salmon, Broccoli and Potatoes with Miso Sauce

Roasted Salmon, Broccoli and Potatoes with Miso Sauce

I'm not a huge fish person, but surprisingly the miso sauce added a sweetness that I really liked.  The recipe was easy to follow, and since I'm super familiar with cooking fish, I was pleased to see I didn't screw it up.

This meal was very quick and easy, however, my potatoes came out a bit under cooked.  I think either smaller pieces or longer roasting would have been helpful.

Week 1 Day 5: Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash (YUMMY!)

Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash

First of all, a few admissions.

1) I don't know where to find chorizo, so I bought spicy italian sausage that was pre-shreaded. 

2) I had to Google bulgur, and then I had to go to the healthfood store to get it because Ralph's did not have it, or at least I could not find it.

3) I cut the acorn the wrong direction, so I used a cupcake pan after I stuffed it, so that all of the stuffing wouldn't fall out.

HOWEVER, I created a very yummy meal. This was my first time cooking with any kind of squash.  They are hard! But, after you cut through it (I did sharp side of the knife, the rotated the squash around the knife), it's not so bad.   Cutting the squash was the only remotely hard part of the recipe.  Everything else was very simple, and fast.   The squash provided a bit of sweetness, and really complimented the stuffed stuff.  It was delish!  I will have this again.

Crochet Project: Hat!

I've just completed my most recent crochet project, which only took 2 days!  That's pretty much a record for me, which either means I'm getting better, or this was a fast project, or both.  I got this pattern from So Pretty! Crochet (a book I borrowed from the library), and used some Red Heart yarn I had lying around.  So, basically free of cost.

I'm not entirely sure what I am going to do with it; living in San Diego doesn't even require a hat with a bunch of holes in it.

Week 1 Day 4: Tuna, Fennel and Bean Salad

Tuna, Fennel, and Bean Salad

I was shocked at how easy this was, and though I missed a step, but I didn't! Basically you just throw all of the ingredients in a bowl and it's ready.  I have never had fennel or radicchio before so it was a bit of a new experience for me.  I liked it!  I did have some issue with the radicchio -- I've had it for 5 days now, and it started rotting.  I pulled off most of the outside leaves, and used only the fresher ones on the inside.  I would recommend getting the radicchio the day of, or day before to make sure it's fresh. I also had trouble finding these specific beans, so I bought northern beans instead (smaller version), and they seemed to work just fine.

 6/10 on taste; 10/10 on easy.

Week 1, Day 3: Roasted Chicken with Collard Greens

Roasted Chicken with Collard Greens

This has been my favorite recipe so far, but it was also the messiest, which isn't saying much because it still wasn't very messy.  This is a super simple recipe that doens't take hardly any preparation.  It does take a bit longer since the chicken is in the oven for around 45 minutes.  The greens are done in about 10 minutes, so there's plenty of time to let the chicken go before you need to get the greens going.

I definitely enjoyed this meal.  I give it a 7/10 for taste, and a 9/10 for easy making.

Week 1 Day 2: Eggplant and Tofu Stir Fry

Eggplant and Tofu Stir Fry

Today;s meal was a vegetarian meal, which I have no problem with but I was not a fan at all of this one. The recipe called for quite a bit of hoision sauce (found in the Asian aisle), and it was just not my style. It's very sweet, and almost tastes like maple syrup. I'm also still trying to figure out how to cook tofu. I've found that freezing and dethawing allows me to get more moisture out, but the tofu tends to crumble after the dethaw. I followed this recipe exactly and it took about 25 minutes, plus additional cooking time for the rice because I used long grain rice. Taste wise, I only give this a 3 out of 10. Not a fan of the sweetness. It wasn't terribly hard to make, and I used 2 pans, a bowl and a dish plus measuring utensils. Clean up was simple.

Real Simple Dinners, Week 1, Day 1: Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Pappardelle

The October 2012 issue of RS offers 5 recipes a week for weekday (fast) meals. I shopped for week 1 yesterday and spent around $55.

Today was beef and mushroom ragu with pappardelle. This recipe was pretty easy, and the time listed, 25 minutes, was right on. I used two pans and a couple od measuring devices, so cleanup was pretty easy too.
Sadly, I wasn't that impressed with this dish. I made it exactly true to recipe, but didn't care much for it. Although I did not make a side dish, if you want to split this 4 ways, you would need a green veggie to go with it. It wasn't bad, but I probably won't make this particular version again.

Wine Review: South Coast Grenache Vintage 2009

First and foremost, I am nothing near a wine expert. However, I find myself loving a wine, and then having no idea what it was. So here is my solution, blog it.
I'm current enjoying Temecula's South Coast Winery's Grenache Vintage 2009.  It's a light color red with a crisp flavor, nothing too powerful and not too dry. Easy to drink, I like it! Mandy rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Civy is gone :(

I know I know, my car was dying and I needed a new one. I spent almost my entire twenties with that car!! I've had her since she was just a brand new baby lease.  We've been through so much, boyfriends, stupid decisions (more than a few), many states and a couple of boo-boos.  She's always done me good though, and I'll never forget my Honda. 

On to bigger (and at this moment, more functionally better) things!  I bought a 2012 Ford Escape.  It's bright blue!  Yes, another blue car.  I will never go white or silver.  It has A/C!  It starts even if I go more than 15 miles!  It locks!!  I know, amazing things to come.   Like roadtrips!

This blog would be better with photos, but I didn't plan ahead. 

Best yoga article ever.

Is yoga even good for sex?

Quick crochet project

My first of what I hope to be a series (when I get red and green yarn) of the Mario mushroom! Only took about 2 or 3 hours including screw ups, that seem to happen every time I try a new pattern.

Crafting: Queen Anne's Lace Scarf

I've waited far to long to post my first crafts post.  About six months ago I taught myself how to crochet through books, and a YouTube video.  I'm decent on my own now, but obviously need to use patterns to know where I'm going.  I've made a few things already, but right now I am working on a scarf pattern I found on Ravelry, a website for knitters and crochet!  The pattern used a different yarn.  I had some merino wool/cashmere mix on hand, and decided to make it with that.  Here's the progress so far!

I've found this pattern to be pretty easy, except for a few times after I set it down for awhile, I forgot where to pick it back up and I made the big loop in the wrong direction and had to pull it all out :(  Oops.  I've got enough of it to make one wrap around my next and a little length on each side, but I think I'm going to finish this ball of yarn to give it a little more length (2 balls total).

Welp, I'm 30 now

As much as I tried to avoid it, it's official: I'm 30.  Thankfully,  I've already got a college degree, and awesome job (at which I just got promoted), and I'm pretty settled with this whole growing up thing.

Anyway, Bret and I went to New York for my birthday.  I think it's the first full-week, not visiting a friend, vacation I went on as a full-time working adult.

Here are a few highlights.

Now Reading: The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is a young adult/older children series that I was thankful to found through the "recommended" section of the LA Library's website, otherwise I would have never known about it.  At this point, I have read three of the books, and this review will summarize all three, but without any major spoilers.  There is a fourth spin-off book that I'll get to later.

Yes, these are kids books. Don't judge me.

The first book in the series introduces you to four children who share the common thread of high intelligence, but all show their smarts through different ways.  Sticky, the photographic memorizer; Reynie uses logic; Kate and her bucket; and Constance.. the whiny kid that no one can figure out.  The four venture off to a special academy, where naturally, the headmaster is evil and the children must conquer the world.  Ok, not exactly, but close.  It's kind of a cross between Harry Potter and Professor Layton.  Without giving anything away, there are 2 sequels, so things must have worked out good in book one, right?



Books 2 & 3 after the jump!

Food: Spinach Quiche

This was a great, quick and easy recipe for Sunday morning breakfast.  I had a slice with turkey bacon and it was great.  Nothing fancy here, and a fast clean up as well.  I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com.  You could mix other items as desired, I'm sure.  Next time, I'll probably throw some peppers in the mix.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups shredded Muenster cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft. Stir in spinach and continue cooking until excess moisture has evaporated.
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, cheese, salt and pepper. Add spinach mixture and stir to blend. Scoop into prepared pie pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven until eggs have set, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Adventures: Torrey Pines State Reserve

I live only about a mile from San Diego's Torrey Pines State Reserve, but hadn't been there to explore until today.  The area has a handful of short trails all with fantastic ocean views from varying heights atop cliff sides.  None of the trails were particularly strenuous, but they do offer moderate elevation changes; most with stairs build into the trail.  The trails are marked very clearly, and most are made of sand.  There were tons of families (and people in general) out on the trails, including runners, walkers and sight-seers.  Bikes are allowed on the paved roads, but I didn't see any.

The passing of MCA

"MCA" of Beastie Boys fame (Adam Yauch) passed away today from cancer.  Although he announced his cancer a few years ago, it's still a say day for music.

I consider myself a Beastie Boys fan, own most of their albums, and used to sport a glittery sticker on my Saturn (seriously, I was like, a totally cool high schooler).  As someone who typically doesn't like rap or hip-hop, I really enjoy the Beastie Boys.

While death of strangers does not usually  bother me, this one does.  It's sad to see someone who's music has impacted my life, been shouted drunkenly more times than I can remember, and will continue to be a staple in my iTunes.

RIP MCA. My thoughts go out to your family and friends.

Food: Prosciutto and asparagus pasta

THIS WAS SO GOOD.  And easy to make.

I found this recipe in Sunset Magazine (March 2012).  I didn't include the mushrooms, and it still turned out great.  Despite the fact the prosciutto is the most expensive meat at the deli, I'll definitely be making this one again.





Ingredients: 

• 8oz. angel hair pasta
• 1 tbsp. oil oil
• 1/2 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 4 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, cut in to strips
• 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. chile flakes

Step 2

1.  Cook pasta according to package, drain and return to pot.
2.  While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.  Cook onion, mushroom and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Add prosciutto and asparagus and cook until aspragus is bright green for about 2 minutes.  Add cream, 1/4 cup cheesse, pepper and chile flakes.  Reduce heat and simmer.  Cook until sauce has thickened - about 4 minutes.
3.  Pour sauce and veggies over pasta and toss.  Serve with parm to top.
4. ENJOY!

Now Reading: The Nerdist Way

Remember Chris Hardwick from MTV's Singled Out?  Well, he's a famous nerd now, and wrote a book.  The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (In Real Life) is a self-help book by someone who has no professional training in self-helpery, so really more of a sage-advice book.

After Chris Hardwick fell off the face of the earth in the late 90's he apparently became a chubby alcoholic.  He brushes though his experiences of getting through his 20's by using nerd references, exampling games like World of Warcraft and Dungeon and Dragons. 

Mr. Hardwick aims to provide the reader (an assumed nerd) with a goal-setting plan by setting up a character, as you would in a video game, with attributes and all that goodness.  Each chapter ends with goal-setting tasks for your character (you) and giving yourself points for the achievements.  As a gamer, I can get with the idea he was going for, but as a person, I am just to lazy to get out a sheet of paper and do all this.  Plus, as unartistic as I am, a stick person character just didn't seem that appealing to me.

Even though I didn't partake in the activities he provided, I did read the book through, and enjoyed it.  As someone who suffers from social anxiety and awkwardness, I could definitely relate to a lot of his experiences and provided solutions. 

There were some items that were SUPER on the simple side, like the exercise section, I though could have been skipped.  I'll admit that I've never had issues in the weigh area or physical activity, so perhaps this section just didn't interest me.

Not a bad read for someone with no professional training on the subject.  Although, in some cases going through the experience is better than having someone who just learn about it tell you what to do.

Crafty: Crocheted Baby Blanket

A friend of mine was recently pregnant (and has since produced child), so I decided to make her a blanket.  When I started, I felt a bit like I was racing the clock.  I actually ended up mailing it out the day before she had her baby.

Anyway, it was a pretty easy project, and I estimate it took about 12 hours.  I admit though, some of those hours were re-learning basic stitches, as I hadn't picked up my hooks in awhile.

This is a beginner project using only chain, single and double crochet techniques.  I found the pattern on the Caron website, and follow with the exception that I used 2 skeins of Caron Simply Soft instead of the 1 pounder since it was for a baby and I want it to be soft.  I also kind of ignored how many rows I was on, and just made it a square.  It ended up being about 28 x 28 inches at the end.  I did have some sort of wonkyness going on one of the edges.  I think I may have increased or decreased or stitched the finishing row to tight.  I'm still learning, so I am not very good at the troubleshooting part yet.

Now Reading: Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was actually the first book I completed in2012, but I'm still pretty lazy with this blogging thing, so I'm reviewing it 3.5 months later.
I'm also still working out if I want a "formatted" review or just "free style" and since no one even knows this blog exists, I"m just going to go with straight out ramble on this one.
So yes, I am a few year behind on this one.  In fact, I've owned this book for over a year and it has been on my to-read list for a couple of years as well.  So, on a plane ride to Omaha, I finally got around to reading it.  It actually started out slow, too slow for a plane ride (and subsequent 24 hour long car ride), so I finished it at home.

Enough rambling, onto the review.



As has been my experience with many historical fiction novels, Water for Elephants can be a bit slow and dull at times.  I am also happy to report that there are also page-turner moments, and it is a pleasant mix of both.  The story is a first person narrative of a person who is 90ish, and also 19ish (20ish? I forget).  He goes back and forth between now and then, describing his days as a circus vet - now a nursing home resident.

There is love. There is blood.  There is questionable treatment of animals.  I will admit that I immediately wanted to watch Dumbo after finishing this book.  Gruen also shares her "as inspired by" stories in the afterward, which was a neat touch.
Throughout the book are small photos of circus wagons and trains; elephants and their trainers; circus hullabaloos.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend it to others, as long as you have the self-discipline to push yourself through the bits of bore.  It's not as bad as I am making it seem, I just didn't care for the nursing home portions.  I mean, who really wanted to see the nursing home portions in The Notebook?  Not the same story, but along the same line of emotions.

Food: Southwestern Stuffed Peppers

2 words: YUMMM MMMMY

Actual self-made stuffed peppers cell phone pic

I am a very, very amateur house cook, and this may have been my most adventurous meal to date. It was not hard, by any means, but I have trouble coordinating when each item should be complete in order to move on to the next step.  Example:  prep time 10 minutes?  No fucking way.  It took me 10 minutes just to organize how any measuring cups I needed.  Like I said though, I am a beginning.
Despite doubling the prep time, and not having any clue how to cook rice (thanks google!), my stuffed peppers turned out fan-freaking-tastic and I will definitely be making these again.
My only tips would be a) make sure you know how to cook rice, b) eat at least 3.
We ate left overs the next night, and they were fine.  Makes 8 pepper halves.
The recipe can be found at Real Simple

Now Reading: The Noticer

What a delightful find The Noticer ended up being!  I think I came across this one in the "browse" section of my e-library account.  I will be the absolute first to admit that it is a little bit of a self-helpy/spiritual book, but it is written so well that you barely notice.

The Noticer is a memoir, of sorts, that follows a young Andy Andrews through one of the worst times of his life.  I honestly have no idea how much of the story is true, but for the sake of this review, I am going to assume the basics are true, with of course a bit of story-telling magic.

I will also admit that I have no prior knowledge of Andy Andrews (seriously, his name is Andy Andrews...), who is apparently a self-helpy speaker at corporate events and the such.  To clarify, while I am not a pessimist, I am definitely in the line of realism, and I usually find motivational/spiritually books and speakers a bit hokey.  That wasn't the case with The Noticer, and I really enjoyed it!



If you enjoy Mitch Albom's books, it kind of a long the same lines as his books.  I've noticed (hehe) that this book is listed as a Christian book, and if I recall correctly, there is no blatantly Christian undertones, so don't let that scare you.  Of course, if the undertone is that Jones (i.e. the titular character) is god or something, then I totally did not pick up on that.

Anyway, Jones is a vibrant vagrant that appears in a small beach town every so often, and helps people in need.  He doesn't do anything but have a small chat, and offer them a bit of perspective; hence the catchphrase of the cover. It's true though, take a sticky situation, sit your way out of it, and look at it from someone else's shoes and who knows what you'll come up with.
A truly charming novel that I highly recommend.

Food: Chili-Pasta Skillet

A quick & easy dinner, which doesn't require using too many tools and dishes, since most of the ingredients are canned. It was super delicious, and I will definitely make it again!  Serves 3 to 4.
Here is the recipe, from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook:

I ate some before I remembered to take a picture

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground beef
• 3/4 Chopped onion
• 15 1/2 oz can kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained (I used black)
• 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup dried elbow macaroni
• 4 oz can diced green chile peppers, drained
• 2 to 3 tsp chili powder
  
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (I used Mexican mix)
• I also served mine with sour cream

Directions:
In a large skillet cook meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.  Stir in beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked macaroni, chile peppers, chili powder and garlic salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Remove skillet from heat; sprinkle mixture with cheese. Cover and let stand about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Yoga: 4 week course

I've enrolled myself in a four week course through the yoga studio I have been attending here in San Diego.  It's a very quaint studio, and isn't overly crowded like that one I attended in LA.  With a bit of encouragement (ok, a lot of encouragement) from the studio owner, I signed up for her 4 week intensive yoga course.

Throughout the next 4 weeks, I have Saturday sessions in addition to a minimum of 3 classes a week.  I already go about that  much already (averaging 4-5 times a week, I think), but the Saturday sessions also include discussion.  It just started last Saturday, so there is still this whole month to go.  I am really hoping to get a lot out of the course, or at least the commitment out of myself to go 4-5 times a week consistently.

Obligatory First Post

Hi Everyone!  Or no one, in my case.  This is my blogging attempt version 65.231.  This time, I am going to stick with it. Seriously.

Anyway, my no theme blog will hopefully have a bit about me, and my life.  My current interests, obsessions and to-dos include:  yoga, crochet, cooking, travel and reading. 

Annnnnd scene.