Perfecting "Lazy".

Hello beautiful people.

I've just enjoyed the most amazingly lazy day. Seriously. LAZY!!! I feel almost ashamed at the absurd amounts of NOTHING that went on today. I did find enough motivation to visit Mama and Papa Babushka for lunch. Let me be clear though, that has been the full extent of my "activities" today. I've also indulged in a lot of couch bonding and TV brain washing. In the wise words of Mr. Campbell. It was "Mmm Mmm Good".

I woke up at 8:00 but decided to rot in bed until almost 9:00. Why? Why not? Why hurry? No one was waiting on me. There was nothing that needed to be done. Nowhere I had to be. I need to cherish these moments pf nothingness and savor them. So I cuddled with my fluffy comforter in my cozy bed, half asleep and half daydreaming about what to have for the most important meal of the day.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:15am.

I decided on an egg white scramble. 4 egg whites + red, green and yellow peppers + tomato.


I also had a Morning Star Farms breakfast sausage with Smucker's sugar free syrup.


And a wheat Thomas's bagel thin which I topped with a mashed banana (which I added cinnamon and a dash of Splenda to).


Enjoyed with a frothy and light whip and cinnamon smothered cup of mocha java French Press coffee.


Foodie perfection. I proceeded to rot my brain with two (one was not enough) episodes of The Millionaire Matchmaker while I nibbled. Why do I love this show? WHY?

I followed up my bad TV session with blog reading and another cup of coffee. I was in full on Lazy Mode. Apparently I was also in a daze because I lost complete track of time. I'm pretty sure that 2 hours were somehow stolen from me this morning. I looked up and it was almost time to visit the Babushka Family. I quickly cleaned myself up and rushed over there to see my adoring fans. I didn't want to disappoint and skip the visit. I'm just so freakin fantastic that they cry when I'm not around. HAHAHA! Right Papa? (cry with joy sometimes I'm sure....) :)

LUNCH (meal #2) at 1:30pm.

Mama baked up a bunch of tasty chicken. I made a lovely salad topped with one of them.

• Sweet Butter Lettuce
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Dried Cranberries
• Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
• Spray Butter
• Black Pepper

I don't know how that woman gets her chicken so tender. Mama secrets I'm not privy to I guess. :)

After lunch we played a could of WILD rounds of Sorry. Aghhhh, I love that stupid STUPID game. I also sipped on another cup of coffee. I know, I know. LOTS of coffee today. I love the stuff. Don't judge!

To TORMENT me, the family busted out several boxes of Godiva chocolates and truffles to splurge on. Ann was ALL up in the research on which ones to devour.


Mama and Papa just dove in to get whatever. I (like a good little angel) stayed away from the sweet temptation. I won't lie. It wasn't easy!!!!!


When I got home Nick talked me into watching Shutter Island. SURE, I'll rot my brain some more with the dull, flickering light of television wonder. BUT FIRST, I NEEDED A SNACK!

SNACK (meal #3) at 5:00pm.

I've had a pint of pistachio ice cream (MY FAVORITE) in the freezer for about a month now. Purchased in a moment of weakness and briefly attacked with a spoon on a random Saturday night. Only a few bites were missing and every time I open the freezer, I stare at it, lovingly... and then shut the door... So did I eat it? NOPE! I gave it to Nick and made myself a tasty bowl of Banana + Cherry Soft Serve ice cream.

• 2 frozen bananas (guessing, I have a large bag of frozen banana chunks in the freezer)
• 4 frozen cherries
• 1 packet Splenda
• splash (maybe 3 tbs) of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze

Blended and whipped to creamy perfection in my food processor and topped with Udi's original granola from a bit of texture and crunch.


TAKE THAT my beloved pistachio ice cream. Though I miss you DEEPLY, this concoction fills your delicious void. I WIN!

The movie wasn't bad. Sadly, as with a lot of movies (because I'm brilliant) I figured out the plot well before the ending. None the less, not bad. After it was over, I did something horrible... I made ANOTHER cup of coffee. Hey, I have to fuel all of this NOTHING I'm doing today. Right? (for shame Ildie.... for shame....)

(insert more random moments of nothing here.........)

(and some more............)

DINNER (meal #4) at 9:30pm.

I brought home some of Mama's incredibly tender chicken for Nick to have for dinner. I decided to make shrimp for myself. It's been too long my crustacean little critters. Far, far too long!

I peeled them, seasoned them with Himalayan pink sea salt, black pepper and key lime seasoning mix. I tossed them into a very hot pan (sprayed with Pam) until they got nice and pink. This only takes a few moments.


I enjoyed them with leftover roasted veggies from last nights dinner.


And sweet Thai chili sauce for dipping.


Simple, quick, delicious and perfect.

Well, I think It's time to go do some more of that there nothing that I'm working on perfecting today. Might as well enjoy it while I can. It's back to cubicle florescent paradise tomorrow (AKA work).

Have a great night!
Oh, and stay lazy.....

XOXO
Ildie

Ice Cream?

I woke up with BUNDLES of energy today. WHAAAAAAAA! Naturally this translated into a cleaning, organizing and laundry filled frenzy. I figured I better take advantage of my finickiness while it's still running rampant. My mood could suddenly switch to craving precious couch time instead and then it will never get done. Ahh, the smell of lemony cleanliness makes my nose tingle with excitement.

I celebrated my fresh paradise with a nice cup of fudge brownie flavored French press coffee.


And blog reading, naturally!


My stomach started yelling at me at about 9:00 so I fed it a delicious treat.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:15am.

I had a toasted whole grain english muffin with sugar free strawberry preserves (Smucker's) on one side and spray butter and cinnamon on the other.


I also made a 4 egg white scramble which I seasoned with pink salt and black pepper.


Last but not least, two Morning Star Farms breakfast sausage links drizzled with sugar free syrup.


I got a bit fidgety after breakfast. I distracted myself with an episode of Dexter. We're almost completely done with season 4. Soon there will be no Dexter love left for me to enjoy. I get sad and misty just thinking about it.

Ann called me around noon and asked me to come over to check out her new apartment. She wanted suggestions on where to place some of her knick knacks and smaller pieces of furniture. She's always said that I have "that touch" when it comes to decorating. I happen to agree with her. HA! Sometimes I fantasize about being an interior decorator. That would be such a fun and stress free job! Oh to dream!

LUNCH (meal #2) at 2:00pm.

I had lunch at Mama and Papa Babushka's house as usual. I had a veggie quesadilla. I KNOW, I've been on a quesadilla kick lately. What can I say, I LOVE EM! I mixed a serving of fat free refried beans with Morning Star Farms grounds and taco seasoning. I also sauteed a green pepper and a yellow onion with salt & pepper. I stuffed the bean mixture and veggies into a FlatOut with fat free cheddar cheese and and grilled it to perfection. I had the leftover veggies on the side along with a vine ripe tomato.


SNACK (meal #3) at 5:30pm.

After my visit I came home and decided that I NEEDED ice cream. Not just ANY ice cream. BANANA SOFT SERVE! I busted out the trusty food processor to make a nice bowlful of creamy sweet goodness. I tossed in two frozen bananas (chunks), about 2 tablespoons of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and 3 drops of vanilla custard Capella Drops. I scrapped, blended, scrapped, blended for maybe 5 minutes and it was perfect. The texture was super creamy and delicious. I topped it with a bit of coconut flakes and granola. HEAVEN IN A BOWL I tell you. HEAVEN!


After my icy fuel, I decided to clean the bathroom. The smell of bleach and scrubbing bubbles was rampant in the house for at least a solid hour. I went WILD in there! It needed it though!! Sometimes I really hate my jacuzzi tub!

Nick had his brother Dan over tonight to watch some recorded episodes of the World Rally Championships. EXCITING right? NOPE! :)

I decided to spend the evening upstairs instead. I haven't blogged from bed in a while. Just me, my laptop, kitty and my remote curled up in a fluffy comforter. That sounded WAY more appealing than listening to men screaming back and forth while sipping Red Stripe and waving their hands all about like hyper children. :)

Before my hibernation into man free zone, I made a quick dinner. I didn't feel like cooking so I came up with a quick plate of goodies.

DINNER (meal #4) at 9:00pm.

I had a smoked turkey, spinach and superfruit preserve sandwich on an Ezekiel whole wheat bun. Of course I had to make sure to get my veggies in so I also had carrots, broccoli and cauliflower with hummus on the side.


And for a bit of a treat, I decided to try one of the new Nature's Path granola bars I received the other day. The Chococonut flavor.


Uhm, this little wonder bar was seriously delicious! I mean I'm partial to coconuty things but trust me, it was FABULOUS! It gets a solid 10 of 10 on my tasty-tasty scale. It was moist, chewy and sort of reminded me of an Almond Joy which I LOVE! OMG! Thanks Nature's Path! I hope I can find them in a store somewhere around here!!


I can hear the boys screaming downstairs as I finish this post. Over cars.... ?? I just don't get it! HA!

I have some serious DOMS in my legs right now. I think I'll stretch for a bit and then watch a mix of HGTV, Food Network and "E" until I pass out. Exciting I know. :)

Have a great night!
XOXO
Ildie

A Year full of Yay.

December is upon us already. I seriously can NOT believe it. This year whizzed by faster than a paranoid streaker.

I must admit though, even with its ups and downs, this has been a fantastic year. Which in all honesty I have not been able to say in a long loooong loooooooooong time. And for that, I'm incredibly thankful! I know it's not quite the end of the year yet but I feel like sharing some of those wonderful things with you now anyways.

• I remained employed during these tough times. YAY!
• Nick and I had our 1st Anniversary in June! :)
• My little old car is still putting along with no problems.
• I'm back to living a healthy lifestyle, working out and eating right.
• I discovered the magical wonder of Food Blog Land and fell in LOVE. AWE YEAH!
• Oliver (AKA crazy cat) and Nick are getting along better, most of the time. HA!
• I'm feeling good and looking better week by week. YEAH, I just gave myself some props, so what? Don't hate on me! :)
• I realized how much I enjoy cooking good, healthy and clean food.
• I've rediscovered my love of photography. Maybe one day I can take classes and get better!
• I'm FINALLY redoing my tattoo. Which is still a work in progress but only for a few more weeks. PAINFUL YAY!
• Nothing serious broke in my house this year. The FEW things that did, Mr. Handy Nick was able to fix. HE EVEN FIXED THE DISHWASHER PEOPLE!
• The folks have both started exercising. This makes me very happy!
• I have been financially "not in a scary place" this year.
• I've been healthy. I haven't even had a cold!
• No cavities. HA HA HA!!

Okay, I may be stretching it a bit here, BUT, it's been a great year overall. Everyone I care about is healthy, happy, employed, being loved and living life with joy. What more can a person ask for?

How about oatmeal? YEP! That's what my body was asking (screaming) for this morning!! "FEED ME OATS you devil woman! IT'S BEEN TOO LONG!" I had to obey these angry little voices inside. They were scaring me!

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup water
• dash salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice
• 1 banana, sliced
• 2 tbs sugar free peach preserves

Tasty-tasty! And it made my angry little voice inside my head disappear for hours, which was nice. It started screaming again by about 12:30 though. "FEED ME.... FEED ME...." So I hurried up and heated up my lunch. Which consisted of an egg white scramble that I cooked up last night.

• 5 egg whites
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 3 cherry tomatoes, chopped
• handful of broccoli, chopped
• sea salt & pepper to taste

I also had some Trader Joe's Peach Salsa on the side and a toasted English muffin sprayed with my beloved spray butter.


On our break today Ann and I ran to Target. In the 10 years that I have worked at my current job, I'm honestly NOT sure if we have EVER went a solid week without visiting Target. Scary right? Half the time we don't even know what we want. It just sounds good so we find ourselves driving there. That red bullseye has us hypnotized I tell you. THEY'VE GOT US GOOD! I picked up some Christmas treats and toys for my Fur Baby (Oliver cat) and something for my Papa. YEP, that's right Papa, I got you something else. YOU KNOW YOU LOVE IT! HA!

My afternoon snack once again ROCKED MY WORLD today! It was another yogurt mess with Oikos yogurt....


POM arils....


And a blueberry VitaTop.


This one also gets a 10 out of 10. I don't know what those folks over at VitaLicious are doing but they are doing it right. I am addicted to these things. ALL OF THEM ARE SO GOOD... EVERY SINGLE FLAVOR! I SWEAR!

My yogurt mess was delicious! I devoured this bowl like an animal!


Before we knew it 5:00 rolled around and we were off to the gym. Here is my workout.

Horizontal Chest Press

Weight of Machine x 15

+10lb x 14

+20lb x 10

Seated Chest Press

30lb x 25

40lb x 16

50lb x 12

Inclined Chest Press

20lb x 14.5

30lb x 8

20lb x 12

Modular Chest Press

30lb x 20

40lb x 18

50lb x 10

Eliptical Machine

15 min, 134 calories

Bike (random, uphill setting, level 5)

15 min, 5.4 miles, 100 calories

My shaky little legs were on FIRE by the time we left. WHEW! It felt good though. I did 15 minutes on the eliptical! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?? My right leg hung in there just fine! I WAS SO HAPPY....AND SHOCKED!

Nick wasn't home tonight. He was visiting his mom for dinner. I took full advantage and took a nice long bubble bath, lit some candles, made a nice warm cup of coffee (yes, coffee at night because I'm crazy) and turned on So You Think You Can Dance. I was in HEAVEN!

I was also hungry so I made myself a nice salad for dinner. I LOVED IT!

• romaine leaves
• green onions
• black beans
• cherry tomatoes
• avocado
• Morning Star Farms mushroom burger
• red pepper flakes
• salt & pepper to taste
• spray butter

Yes, I ate every single last little bite. I may OR may not have talked to myself about how good it was between bites. YUM!

I'm still sipping on coffee. It's 11:00 at night. I'm SO going to regret this!! :)

Scared Sick?

Haaaaay there! I love Saturdays! Today has been such a productive and busy day. I got a ton of stuff done and I'm feeling so good about it! I woke up extra early and IMMEDIATELY (even before coffee) started cleaning the house. It needed done desperately. I did laundry, dusted, wiped, washed and vacuumed my little clean-happy heart out and was all done by 9:00 AM. Ahhhhhh (high toned sound of excitement), LIBERATING! All the cleaning made me hungry. I quickly made some coffee. I was dying for it! Mmmmm!


Then I decided to make a quick egg white scramble.

• 4 egg whites
• green onions
• green peppers
• broccoli
• salt & pepper

I whipped this all together and cooked it up with some Pam.


I topped it with a little fat free cheddar cheese and some of this magical Mrs. Renfro's mango salsa. I love this stuff!


After breakfast I changed into my gym gear and waited for Ann to come over. We were meeting at my house this morning so she could drop her car off for Nick to work on. He was going to change her thermostat which would hopefully fix her "check engine light" issues. We got to the gym at about 11:00 and had an AWESOME workout!

Treadmill - 10 min. total
3 min. at 3.2
3 min. at 3.4
3 min. at 3.6
1 min. at 3.0
Seated Leg Curls
63lb x 25
68lb x 20
73lb x 15
78lb x 12
Seated Knee Extension
40lb x 20
50lb x 15
60lb x 12
70lb x 8
Single Leg Press
45lb x 25 (each leg)
55lb x 22 (each leg)
70lb x 20 (each leg)
100lb x 15 (each leg)
Stiff Leg Deadlift
35lb x 20
45lb x 15
55lb x 15
Barbell Curls
20lb x 20
25lb x 15
30lb x 12
Cable Triceps Pushdown
40lb x 20
50lb x 15
60lb x 12
Ab Machine
70lb x 20
80lb x 20
90lb x 20
Crunches with 10lb ball
x20
x20
Crunches with medicine ball
x15

YEAH, we were feeling energized! After the gym (while looking sloppy and sweaty as heck) we ran to Super Wal-Mart because Ann suckered me into it. I had a stern talk with myself before we walked in. I was ONLY to purchase some detergent for the dishwasher, which I forgot to grab yesterday and nothing else! SO WHAT DID I DO???? I got a bunch of other crap with it!!! SIGH! I love grocery stores way too much! You can't leave me alone in them because I WILL find a deal and then I will HAVE to purchase it! Vicious cycle!

After our mini shopping spree we headed home. Nick was all done with her car and had no problems with changing the thermostat. Great news! And I came home to even more great news.... I got a lovely little sample package from FitNutz with these goodies inside. I've been DYING to try this stuff. If it's good, I'll be ordering some for sure! You can't BEAT the calories. I plan to check it out tomorrow and will update you at that time.



Everyone was starving so I decided to make some black bean burgers for lunch.

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tbs cornmeal
• 2 egg whites
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 2 tbs (drained) canned corn
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• dash cayenne
• 1/4 oats

Mix and mash the black beans with the corn meal. Add ALL of the other ingredients and mix with your hands until well blended. I made three nice little patties from this mix and cooked them in a frying pan, sprayed with Pam. When they were done I covered one of them with pepper jack cheese (for Nick) and the other two with fat free american cheese for me and Ann. Oh man, they smelled so good. I had mine on an English muffin with a slice of red onion and some ketchup. We also enjoyed boiled sugar snap peas on the side with a little spray butter and some salted soy nuts. SO GOOD! I love these burgers. I'm so glad I came across this recipe!


After lunch Ann and I decided to enjoy a POM concoction. We stirred together some ice, lime juice, diet lemonade Sunkist soda and POM. It was delicious! The POM tasted very good on its own as well. A little higher in calories then I'm used to, but for something this delicious, it's well worth it. :)


Ann decided to head home a bit later and I decided to clean my messy self up. While I did that, Nick ran to Advanced Auto and purchased a car cover for his Eagle Talon. We've discussed it with his mom and that bad boy of a car is finally leaving my garage on Tuesday. He's going to park it over there until he figures out what to do with it. And in case I haven't mentioned it before, Nick had the Talon before he purchased his beloved new Mitsubishi Evo 9. Shhh, I'm SO excited to get it out of here... Yay!

I celebrated with a DELICIOUS cup of peppermint flavored coffee, fat free chocolate coffee syrup, fat free French vanilla creamer and some fat free whip sprinkled with nutmeg. Oh my, this was tasty!!!


Later in the day Nick decided to surprise me with a movie. That crazy little critter downloaded Paranormal Activities, burned it on a disk, hooked up the DVD player and put the movie in. (We had to burn the disk since the X-BOX is still broke. SAD!) I don't think my whining and pleading to not watch it did a damn thing. I had heard it was scary and I'm a big old puss so I tried to get out of it. He wasn't having it, and with a wicked smile, turned off all the lights and pressed play. SOOOO.... My thoughts on the move are below.....

1. I like that it was unknown actors.
2. I like that it was an independently made.
3. I like the overall concept of the movie.
4. Not as scary as I thought it would be, but it did have a few special moments.
5. I didn't like the camera shakiness.
6. The shakiness made me puke 1 hour into the movie, finished rest after 10 min. break.
7. I liked the ending.

Overall, not bad. Not bad because I won't freak out if I end up at home alone one night in the near future, when it's dark out and my old house decides to squeak!! HA! I'm still a wuss, but maybe not as much as initially thought.

After the movie, and once my stomach settled down a bit, we decided to have dinner. Nick made himself some scalloped potatoes. I guess he wasn't super hungry because he only had half the box. I had leftover pasta from the other night. It was late and I didn't feel like cooking. It was just as tasty as last time. :)


Well, that's all I have for ya today. Have a goodnight. ;-P