Bootylicious

Mom and I braved the crowds at the mall yesterday (aren’t we supposed to be in a recession? Sure doesn’t look like it at all). Looks like Christmas has come a little early this year.

Photo teaser! You’ll have to make your way through the rest of the post for more

I started my Saturday like any other – by sleeping in and making a leisurely breakfast. All while enjoying some figure skating on TV.

When I have time, oatmeal always seems to make it on the menu.

• 1/3 cup oats, almond milk, water
• 1 tbsp Ruth’s Chia Goodness cereal
• 2 dried figs, chopped
• dried cranberries
• splash of vanilla
• peanut butter swirl
• Artisana Cacao Bliss

With the last of the Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

Once all that food was ingested and skating was over, we made our big trek to the mall, as well as the grocery store. By the time we got home, it was after 3 pm! Doh! I had to find lunch stat.

Good thing we had leftover Veggie Mediterranean pizza. Didn’t even bother to heat it up!

Then I was having a total chocolate craving. My dad brought this chocolate bar.

So I had a square…or two.

I had hoped to go out in the evening, since my parents were having a bunch of their friends over, but alas, I couldn’t get ahold of anyone to see if they were up for doing something, so I spent the evening in my pj’s doing pretty much nothing. And I didn’t even get around to eating dinner until almost 10 pm…what’s up with that?!

I made myself a little sandwich – turkey, ham, cheddar cheese, spinach on these little sourdough buns we found at the grocery store.

Then I dug into the appetizers that were in the kitchen

A wee little spinach quiche.

And my favourite – Tex-Mex dip with the best tortilla chips.

Oh, I definitely had seconds on that dip.

And guess what? There was dessert as well! I had a wee slice of this rum soaked pound cake with a touch of whipped cream, grapes, and cantaloupe.

I was glad the cake didn’t taste too rummy – not exactly my favourite flavour. But it was super moist.

I mostly hid out in my bedroom all evening, goofing around on the interweb. It’s true, I was a total hermit on a Saturday night. Oh well, sometimes that’s just how it goes, right? And even though I had plenty of time to post last night, I just didn’t feel the writing urge.

Okay, okay…want to see my fancy new boots?

Can I just say, the boot shopping experience was tough! I tried to get boots made in Canada, but the only decent pair I could find didn’t fit in the heel at all (I have a narrow heel compared to the rest of my foot). And then, trying to find boots that fit my giant size 10 feet without making them look like skis was a whole other issue. I tried on this super cute pair of moccasin style boots, but OMG – they made my feet look insanely huge. My mom and I joked I could go out snowshoeing in them without the snowshoes. LOL.

Now I can go to school without getting soaking wet feet, and still look somewhat stylish – since I’m such a fashionista and all.

The rain has stopped, so I think I’m going to head out for a walk. Later gators.

Another Week Bites The Dust

And again, we have come to the end of another school week. It seems unreal that there are only 2 weeks left of classes this semester. Where has the time gone?

I was super sleepy student today, and napped all the way to school and back on the bus/train. I also slept in a wee bit, but manage to get out the door on time and to class in time.

My rushed breakfast consisted of a peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich.

On fluffy white bread. It was the only stuff we had upstairs, and I didn’t want to be bothered to go downstairs and retrieve some good bread out of the freezer.

I also slammed back a glass of Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

Once I was home for the day, I changed into my pajamas, grabbed the laptop, and hopped back into bed to watch figure skating online. It was a pretty glorious way to spend the rest of my morning, especially with the rain still falling outside.

Skating finished right when I was ready for lunch, so it was perfect! Soup was the only thing on my mind.

I had a nice bowl of Italian Wedding soup – one of my favourites. I must try making it myself one day.

Then I made up a little side plate of goodies – a sliced gala apple, sharp cheddar cheese, and some of that delicious garlic bread.

Lunch in a flash!

I have big plans this afternoon that include more figure skating watching, hitting up the gym, and watching hockey. It’s all about the weekend from here on in. Later!

Happy Tummy

I am sitting here, relaxing on a comfy couch, blog reading, with a happy, content tummy from the most amazing lunch. But we’ll get to that.

I managed to get myself out of bed this morning, early even, and was able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

It started with a bowl of Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise cereal, topped with some craisins and shredded coconut.

Part 2 was toasted Silver Hills Squirrelly Bread with peanut butter and apricot jam.

And to round it all out, I had a glass of Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

This quick breakfast meant I had even more time to chill this morning.

We’ll breeze over the uneventful transit ride and psychology class, and move straight on to lunch.

Yesterday I asked you all what you would order off the Fall Harvest Menu, and although the salmon burger was the definite leader, I had my heart set on another tasty dish.

I made my way over to Bernoulli’s Bagels and ordered the Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Bagel Melt.

I chose the organic multigrain bagel as the vehicle for this taste sensation.

The toasted bagel was topped with layers of garlic & onion cream cheese, butternut squash (from the UBC farm), caramelized onions, and another cheese that I’m assuming might be mozzarella, but I’m not 100% sure.

Gratuitous close-up!

They even served it with pickled beans – one of my favourites. Bonus points!

Let me tell you – this did not disappoint. When I got my order, I was first hit with an amazing aroma, that made me want to dig in right then and there. After the first bite, I was beyond impressed with my lunch choice. All the flavours complemented each other perfectly. This is something I will have to try replicating at home. And talk about filling!

Not only was the food great, but they served it up in a compostable container, with compostable utensils.

 

Now it’s up to me to remember to head down to the compost before class!

And since today is National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day in the US (who comes up with these things?!), I figured it was only fitting to have one of these.

I have a snack packed up for later on, but I’m not even sure if I’ll need it! I’m off to enjoy the rest of my break before class. Later!

Making Me Sweat

This afternoon my dad brought home this interesting package.

Obviously, I had to try one out. I’m not generally a liquorice fan, but I figure mango flavoured might be different?

Meh, it was alright. I’m still not a liquorice person. Plus they get stuck to your teeth.

I then had a nice long nap. Curled up under my blankets, Sienna beside me. It was glorious. Of course, it meant I totally slept through dinner. Oops! No worries though, since I wasn’t hungry (lunch was pretty late). Instead, I went downstairs and sweated it out with Jillian and her No More Trouble Zones DVD. You know, it’s tough going through it, but so satisfying when you are complete. My sister has been enjoying it as well. Not bad for a $10 investment.

I was ready for some dinner after that for sure! On the menu tonight – Shepherd’s Pie.

Mom made her classic Shepherd’s Pie, with ground beef, onions, corn, and mashed potatoes. I always eat it with a little ketchup.

I was in the mood for a little salad, so I whipped up a quick Caesar salad on the side.

Looks like that salad is taking over the plate!

Lots of TV watching later (ANTM, Criminal Minds, and CSI:NY), and it was time for a little something something.

Ambrosia apple with creamy peanut butter for dunking. Such a simple, perfect snack.

And now, it should be my bed time. But of course, since I had that nice long nap, I’m so not ready for bed. Doh! I think I’ll go contemplate what to have for lunch tomorrow at school – a bunch of our campus eateries are offering special Fall Harvest menus this month, and there are alot of tasty looking options. I figure I should try some out before they are gone.

It’s a bit hard to see, but…

What do you think I should have for lunch tomorrow?

Warm Me Up

Brrrr, is it ever a cold one out there today. It’s rainy, windy, and just unpleasant all around. I’m about ready to curl up under the covers for a nap!

And actually, I would have liked to stayed curled up under the covers instead of getting up to go to school. So much so, that I slept in…again. It must be the end of the semester – lack of motivation to get to class on time and all.

I wasn’t feeling the usual quick breakfast of cereal this morning, so I went with pb + b + h.

Toasted Silver Hills “The Big 16” bread, topped with peanut butter, banana, and honey.

With a glass of that fabulous Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice. I just love the deep colour.

Ready to eat in less than 5 minutes!

After I thrilling biochemistry lecture, I made my way over to the Land & Food Building, and plopped myself onto a comfy couch to pass time until my volunteer shift at Agora. I passed the time with some internet and spelt sticks.

And photographed my bus ride home snack, a Pistachio Larabar.

I basically froze the whole way home on the bus and train. I don’t know why I was so freakin’ cold, but by the time I got home, I was making a beeline for my pajama pants, and knew I needed something to warm me up for lunch.

Earlier while at school I had seriously considered a pit stop to Starbucks for my favourite warm me up drink – a green tea latte. But I was a good little unemployed person, and saved my coin. Since I had matcha powder at home, I figured why not incorporate it into lunch. My mind was set – Green Tea Latte oatmeal

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp matcha powder
• splash of vanilla
• 1 tbsp flax seed
• Artisana Coconut Butter
• almonds

Something warm to drink was in order as well. I went with hot chocolate, topped with some mini marshmallows.

Breakfast for lunch.

Definitely not your typical lunch, but it was completely satisfying, and made me feel all warm and cozy, which was exactly what I was going for.

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For those of you wanting my mom’s recipe for Salmon Loaf, head on over to ZestyCook, where the coveted family recipe is making a guest appearance!

Dragging

Wow, I am tired today. I could not fall asleep last night to save my life, I’m not sure what was up. I think I had too many things going through my head to fully relax and drift off to dream land. Let me tell you – it was a struggle to stay awake in my psychology class this morning! I was probably driving the people around me insane with all the fidgeting I was doing just to keep awake. No worries though, I’ve got my caffeine now, so I’ll last through my presentation this afternoon.

I started the morning off with a delicious little bowl of oatmeal.

I wasn’t super hungry when I got up, so I scaled back a bit on the oat portion.

• 1/3 cup oats, milk, water
• 2 dried figs, chopped
• ~1 tbsp dried cranberries
• splash of vanilla
• 1 tbsp flax seed
• 1 tbsp peanut butter, swirled in
• Artisana Cacao Bliss

New juice this morning! Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice. It’s so dark and seductive

Great way to start the day.

I pulled up my favourite piece of carpet to waste some time and eat my lunch, part 1. I really need to find a better place on campus to hang out though – everywhere is so busy! I want somewhere that is quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting

On the menu was Wasa crispbreads with cheddar cheese (don’t worry, that’s not all the cheese for those 3 crackers).

Some of my favourite raw veggies – carrot and cucumber. Are you sick of seeing these?

And of course, some Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus for dippin’ duty.

See, totally not lying about sitting on the damn floor. Makes my butt go numb. LOL.

Alas, I must cut my break short, so I can meet up with my group to ensure we are prepared for our presentation today. Toodles!

Pineapple Express

Too bad I didn’t have any pineapple to eat!

I don’t know if anyone else has heard this weather term – I think it’s a west coast thing. But this monsoon we’re having is what we like to call a Pineapple Express. Warm, moist air comes up the coast, usually from Hawaii, resulting in warmer than normal temperatures, and torrential downpour. I tried to get some photos of just how wet it is out there, but none of them do it justice

Ah, the wet west coast. I know some people find all the grey skies and rain depressing, but I grew up here. I find the rain so soothing. Plus it’s a good excuse to stay indoors and eat things like soup and stew

Fortunately, I managed to not drown while outside today, so I’m able to bring you my day’s worth of eats. I know you are excited.

On the unfortunate front, I had another middle of the night (3:30 am) random wake up, resulting in a sleepy Marianne who was running behind, trying to get out the door. You know what that means.

Good ol’ cereal for breakfast. I went with Kashi Honey Almond Flax cereal with a smattering of pomegranate arils.

A glass of juice – cranberry.

All on my mom’s Christmas Kitty quilted tablecloth.

I also had to pack a bit of a lunch – my Mondays have officially gotten busier, so no time to eat at home.

There was some leftover apricot bbq chicken from dinner last night, so I made myself a sandwich on Silver Hills bread, with chicken, avocado, and Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus.

Class was class, then I was off to my volunteer shift at Sprouts. Per usual Monday tradition, I nabbed a tasty baked good. And boy, did I pick a good one today!

This is a Qunioa Blondie. It is completely gluten free, which made many of our customers happy, as often we don’t have any gluten free baked goods. It had all sorts of good stuff in it like honey, cinnamon, chocolate chips, and raisins.

Let me tell you, this was insanely delicious. To all my fellow UBC’ers – get to Sprouts and buy one. They are moist, flavourful, and decadent. I’m tempted to go back and pay retail for one tomorrow!

I also purchased a new fruit to try out while I was there.

Any clue what these are?

 

Guesses?

 

Come on….you know you want to.

 

They are quince!

And no, it’s not moldy. They have this weird furry coating on them, but it just brushes off. They have the most fragrant smell. A great addition to your fruit bowl, if only for the smell! I’m not 100% sure what I’m going to do with them. My understanding is they really need to be cooked to be enjoyed, so perhaps I’ll make a little quince paste/jelly? Suggestions?

After I gobbled up that blondie, and got changed, I was out the door on my way to my newest volunteer position (do you think I have enough of those yet?) – working at the Diabetic Clinic at my local hospital. It wasn’t overly thrilling, but I didn’t expect them to give me any amazing projects on my first shift. I spent alot of time stuffing envelopes to go out to patients to attend workshops, putting together new files, and stamping envelopes. They are checking into some confidentiality issues, and hopefully I’ll get to do some more work with actual patient files (hello, experience to help out in clinical settings!)

I found my way home, and decided I was done with going outside in this rain and wind. Therefore, I passed on going to cardio kickboxing with my sister (at least the gym is open again). Instead I had my ass kicked by Jillian and her No More Trouble Zones. I even had to open the window to let in some fresh, cool air since I was sweating up a storm.

A shower later, and it was dinner time. Mom cooked up some hot Italian sausages.

Let’s be honest – there is no way to photograph a sausage without it looking a little phallic.

There was also roasted red potatoes, which I enjoyed with some sweet chili sauce.

And steamed broccoli & cauliflower, kicked up a notch with some parmesan.

There was alot of spicy going on in this meal.

I did a little prepping for my presentation tomorrow (I’m so over these presentations), watched a little TV (Battle Of The Blades! The best of both my favourite ice sports!), and played with the cats. Then it was time to snack.

Another score from Sprouts! This yogurt had just reached its expiry date, so we couldn’t sell it, but since it had never been opened, there was no point in throwing it out. They offered it to me, and of course I said yes. I’ve never tried this brand – Avalon Organic Yogurt.

This one is a little different from most yogurts out there, because it is fortified with Vitamin D. Usually only fluid milk gets fortified, not milk products. Plus they have added inulin, a prebiotic to work in conjunction with the probiotics in the yogurt.

 

It has 2% milk fat, hence the trace amounts of trans fats (naturally occurring, not the same as the ones from hydrogenated oils). What you can’t quite see in the picture is the Vitamin D amount – 35% of your daily value. Awesome for a yogurt!

So what did I do with my yogurt? Made a yogurt mess!

I topped my yogurt with peanut butter, apricot jam, Nature’s Path Pumpkin Flax Granola, and some shredded coconut.

And because it was rainy and cold, I ended up with a giant mug of Ecuadorian hot chocolate. I added a splash of coconut extract for fun.

If you got through that marathon post, props to you! If you aren’t completely spent, head on over to Miss Gliding Calm’s blog to check out Earrings of the Blogworld  Yours truly is modelling her ear bling for all to see. Night!

Here Comes The Rain Again

Oh, what a wet and rainy Sunday. Typical fall weather here in BC. And they are calling for it to rain all through the week. I think we are supposed to get something like 30 – 40 millimetres (or 3 – 4 cm, around 2 inches) of rain each day for the next 3 days. Better get out your umbrellas!

I enjoyed my usual lazy sleep in morning, then got up to have some breakfast.

It started with a bowl of Kashi Honey Almond Flax cereal with unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

A piece of Silver Hills “The Big 16” bread toasted, and topped with peanut butter and grape jelly.

And a glass of cranberry juice.

Cereal and toast reminds me of breakfasts as a kid.

This completely satisfied my breakfast wishes, but I probably should have had a smaller bowl of cereal. I’m off to a lunch at my cousin’s house in a little while, and I have a feeling I’ll still be full from this! Oops!

Time to go make myself presentable.

Here Kitty, Kitty

I have spent way too much time on my computer this evening. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve turned it off all afternoon/evening. Sad eh? But hey, at least I went out and had a walk, so I haven’t been a bum all day.

At some point in time this afternoon, I had a wasa cracker with peanut butter and honey as a snack.

Then my dad and I contemplated dinner. He was really wanting some baked ravioli, which is so not my thing. I still had a craving for a good burger and fries. So we figured we’d each just order what we wanted, pick them up, and meet back home to watch some hockey

I ordered from my favourite burger place – White Spot. But I did it a little different this time. I placed my order online. How fun!

Good to know!

Because I believe all good burgers should have bacon and cheddar cheese, I ordered the bacon cheddar bigger burger.

With the infamous dill pickle and coleslaw.

Did you know you can order a side of dills? I sometimes like to do that. Mmmm, dill pickles.

I ordered some fancy fries this time – garlic fries.

For some reason they gave me extra garlic. I guess I looked like I needed to scare away some vampires.

The fries also came with a tasty lemon basil aioli for dipping.

With a Diet Coke. You gotta have a soda with your burger & fries!

I would like to announce, my Canucks not only won their hockey team, but they crushed their opponents 8 – 2. Makes staying at home on a Saturday night in your pajamas just that much better.

In an effort to get something healthier into my belly, I made one of my 5 min faux crisps for a late night dessert.

This one contained:

• 1 red pear, chopped
• raisins
• cinnamon
• brown sugar
• Kashi Honey Almond Flax cereal for topping

It was scrumptious as always.

And now, as I bid adieu for the evening, I would like to present you with…

 

Sienna’s Small Screen Debut!

I hope you enjoy my silly kitty

(It was much clearer on my computer. Not sure what’s up with that. And yes, that’s my goofy voice in the background…as well as the hockey game)

ETA: Hmmm…now that I see it embedded into the post, the quality is totally there. So nevermind!

Time To Relax

I’m almost positive I will get to enjoy a truly relaxing weekend. I have minimal school work that needs my attention, no definite plans other than a lunch tomorrow, and hockey on TV tonight. Sounds lovely to me.

I started off this weekend right with sleeping in and chocolatey oats.

Not just chocolatey, but chocolate peanut butter banana oats to be exact.

• 1/2 cup oats, almond milk, water
• 1 banana, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• splash of vanilla
• 1 tbsp flax seed
• peanut butter
• chocolate chips
• 2 crumbled peanut butter covered pretzels

With a glass of cranberry juice.

Chocolate oats just seem more appropriate on weekends, no?

The addition of the peanut butter covered pretzel bits was fun. I found them in the back of the cupboard. How sad I had forgotten about them for so long.

I think I’m going to head out for a walk, seeing as the gym is out of the question. Plus there seems to be a break in the rain, so now’s my chance! Later.