Weekend Fun Or Something

Feb23

My weekend so far has been pretty laid back but productive! Thursday Kevin and I headed down to Bellingham to do some grocery shopping. I spent a small fortune at Trader Joes but got lots of favourites plus lots of new things to try! We also wandered around Bellis Fair mall and Fred Mayer. I really hoped to find the Nike Free Run shoes I want but alas they didn’t have the pink and blue color combo I long for! Woah is me friends!!! I curtailed my shoe sadness by bringing home a bottle of wine I’ve been longing to try but can’t find in Canada.

On Friday Kevin and I had a pretty relaxing day, cleaned the house, and whipped up a big batch of meatballs to go with out spaghetti for dinner. We made enough pasta sauce and meatballs for three dinners. It is always nice to have stuff in the freezer pre cooked for those busy nights.

While on the topic of food I should share with you one of my yummy finds from Trader Joes, Greek Chicken with orzo and olives.

I found this meal very tasty although if you aren’t a fan of black olives you will not enjoy this at all. The chicken is tender and flavourful And the orzo is cooked just right and not soggy like many pre made pasta meals I’ve tasted. It works out to 8 weight watchers points for 1/3 the package. Makes a good size for lunch with a salad. It was a welcome meal after some house cleaning that’s for sure!

I followed up lunch with a cup of Tazo Passion tea! I adore this stuff but detest the price in Canada. I pay 11 dollars for a box of Passion tea bags at Starbucks here, on the rare occasion the grocery store has them they are 7 dollars! In Bellingham I got the same size box for $2.99

After dinner and a quick stroll around Homesense and Winners Kevin and I cuddled up on the couch and called it a night.

This morning I got up and watched my birds outside over a banana protein muffin covered in locally made honey roasted peanut butter. Ummm yum! Incase I’ve never shared this with you fine folks…. I have a peanut butter addiction!! Don’t judge me!!!!

After breakfast I hung out with my sister in law, Krista for a while and then headed out to do some errands. Mostly I hoped I could find the shoes at my local mall. Again no luck, so instead I ended up with some other goodies!! Mainly wine, mini cupcakes, a case of Corona and some treats for my Muffin.

After the errands were run Kevin and I decided to go for lunch. I’m not going to lie to any of you it was not a healthy meal!!!

It was infact a Vera’s bacon cheese burger covered in hot peppers and pickles!! Holy F it was amazing. I promptly came home and did an hour of yard work because I felt guilty! Turning over the garden is a better work out then the gym!!! Muffin and Maple decided to help Krista, Kevin and I with the yard work. Muffin even did a little digging of her own which then lead to her and I having a long shower once the yard work was done! Yes I shower with my dog!! Lets face it I’m gonna end up soaked either way and this saves my kitchen or bathroom from bring turned into a wet war co

Thankfully she didn’t get her new owl collar dirty!

Neither her nor Maple were super pleased to learn mud play time ending meant shower time!

As for now I’m considering going to Walmart or saying forget it and starting dinner. I know, I know my life is a constant struggle between amazing activities!! To be honest with all of you I am having a harder time them I let on lately. It’s been two weeks since I’ve made time (forced myself) to spend any time with any friends and even that was only an hour. I’ve bailed on so many plans it is shameful, as are the times I’ve just flat out said no when invited out. The only friend I’ve seen consistently is Krista and that’s because she lives upstairs with my brother!! Other then her I’ve only spent time with Kevin and Muffin. I know I should be making more of an effort to not let myself feel like this it’s hard. I don’t want to talk about how I feel and I’m starting to feel like I don’t want people I know to even be around me. I never want to come off as feeling sorry for myself or whiny so it just feels easier to avoid everyone.

Homemade Pizza Rolls!

Feb21

So despite these not being 100% healthy they are a yummy snack/treat!

These were so easy and so quick to make! I used one can of Pillsbury grands crescent rolls spread then out and sprinkled them with Parmesan cheese, garlic and pizza sauce. I then put a few slices of pizza pepperoni and garlic havarti cheese and then rolled them all up. Placed them in a Pyrex dish and sprinkled the top with more Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Baked for about 20 minutes at 375 and proof yummy snack to kill a pizza craving!!!

Welcoming The Weekend

Feb20

I’ve been longing for my weekend to start since first thing this morning!!! Thank goodness the day passed relatively quickly.

As soon as I got home from work I poured a glass of wine, lit the candles, and got ready for some me time!!!!

I couldn’t have made a better choice. My bath was just what I needed. So warm and relaxing. The water was very hot and the wine was cool and crisp! Perfect combination!

I am trying my best to realize when I need to just stop and take some time for myself. Tonight was one of those nights. I didn’t feel so great by the time I got off work tonight. I was kind of nauseous and really hot. Not really sure why I felt so off but thankfully it has mostly past.

As for the rest of the night I have a date with my Pj’s and the couch! maybe some cuddles with Kev and Muff! I look forward to sharing the details of my weekend adventures with you all!

Erica

Valentines 2013

Feb19

I meant to post about Valentines day last week but I was so caught up in everything I never got a chance. So better late then never!

My flowers and Kevin and I’s chocolates from Purdys that we actually hot the weekend before Valentines day. So pretty!!! So yummy!

On Wednesday night after I got home from work I got busy in the kitchen baking Raspberry vanilla cupcakes and sugar cookies for family and friends!!

On actual Valentines day Kevin and I ventured out and about doing lots if fun stuff! We delivered the baked goods to friends and then started our date day! We went to the new grilled cheese restaurant in Fort Langley, the antique mall, The winery, and Lepp farms!!!

The Fort winery was amazing. We did a tasting,had a tour of the facility and learned all about how the wine is made. It was awesome and I’d love to go back. The wine was all amazing but the cranberry was by far my favorite.

The new grilled cheese place in Fort Langley called Say Cheese was delicious but expensive. They are strictly a take out restaurants and the menu consists of about 8 different gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. I choose the turkey,Brie and jalapeño jelly sandwich. For the price and the calories it is definitely a treat food.

We did some grocery shopping at Lepp farms. I love their selection of local products, hormone/antibiotic free meats and fresh veggies. We bought many tasty things that turned into some amazing weekend meals. I wish the market was closer to our home.

After our date day we visited Kev’s parents and then headed home so he could whip up a fantastic steak dinner.

Valentines day left me feeling spoiled and loved but like I mentioned on Facebook days like Thursdays are not a rare occurrence. Kevin makes sure I get to go to all the places I enjoy on a regular basis.

I am indeed spoiled! I hope everyone had a great Valentines day and a fun weekend! I know Katie did!!! Congratulations again on your engagement Hun !! I know you and Matt will be very happy together.

Food Porn – Breakfast Edition

Feb19

I woke up this morning with a serious sweet tooth! This almost never happens to me in the morning, afternoon all the time. I wasn’t about to dive face first into a sugar laden donut or cookie for breakfast, despite my urge to! Instead I changed up my oatmeal/ancient grain bowl toppings!

I started out with the usual oats,quinoa,kamut mixture and the usual peanut butter/chopped banana topping. This is where I got crazy friends!!! I traded my usual tablespoon of hemp hearts for a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips and a sprinkle of coconut. Freaking heavenly! It was sweet without being sickeningly sweet. The chocolate chips got warm and melty and it was pretty much the most amazing bowl of oats I’ve eaten in a while!

It is nice to change up your breakfast routine once in a while and after yesterdays fail this was indeed a welcome change! Yesterday along with my hemp hearts I tossed in a tablespoon of golden flax. Guess who isn’t a flax fan apparently!!!! You guessed it, this girl!

Live and learn friends!!

“What do you mean we aren’t sharing breakfast mom?!!!?”

A Man Of Many Skills..

Feb18

No one ever said life was easy or fair! And no one ever tells you that every now and then you will get slapped in the face by something simple you have taken for granted!

My something simple has manifested itself in the form of juicing limes and lemons! Woah is me right?!?!?! But seriously, I can’t do it anymore! Okay maybe I shouldn’t be so dramatic and say I can’t. I can do it, just not well or without excessive pain. My wrist and hips are so far my most affected joints by far since my autoimmune issues have flared their ugly head and turned my life upside down.
I am stubborn, some may even say a bitch at times. It takes a lot for me to ask for help and a few nights ago while making a batch of guacamole I caved and asked Kevin to juice my lime. *Someone please tell me I’m not the only one that giggled at that last sentence!!!*. I do my best everyday to get things done and not let my being sick get me down. So while it may not seem like a big deal asking him for help, to me it is. It makes me feel weak and broken.

Now for the flip side of this story … The upside if you will! My husband is a man of many talents and apparently pulverizing citrus fruit is on his hidden list of oddly sexy skills. Maybe it is his strong manly hands, or maybe he is some sort of fruit crushing superhero! Either way he manages to get more juice out of one lime or lemon then I ever could out if three even at my peak of wrist helpfulness!!!

Seriously folks I’m impressed! He leaves nothing but a citrus shell, a former juice filled vessel destined for the compost bin!!!!

Look at that! Feast your eyes on almost half a cup of pulp laden lemon juice from one lemon!!!! ONE!!!! I got him to pre-juice my fruit for tonight’s dinner at work when he came to visit this afternoon.
Be still my beating heart!!! Back off ladies he is all mine 😉

Guacamole Addiction

Feb16

I can’t get enough guacamole lately! Home made, store bought, which ever! Today was no different so I whipped up a batch to snack on!

Super easy to make!

1 ripe avocado
1 garlic clove
1 tsp spicy olive oil
Jalapeño to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime juice to taste
Cilantro

Toss it all into a food processor or magic bullet!!! Poof!!! Snack time!!

Forest Fairy Doors

Feb15

I was on Instagram the other day and came across a photo of a tiny door at the base of a tree. I asked the original poster where she found it and she told me Redwood park. Well I’ve been excited to go searching ever since! Today was the day!

Lets go guys!! Muffin loves a good park adventure. As soon as we turn onto certain roads she knows we are near a park and the squeaking starts!

It was a beautiful warm day and we enjoyed our time at the park. I was very excited to find the tiny fairy doors, sometimes I forget I’m almost 31!

I thought the little doors were adorable. Someone has even sprinkled glitter around the bases of the trees! Maybe it was Tinkerbell!!!

I don’t have kids and sometimes forget Muffins a dog!!! Her reaction to things makes my heart happy. She stared at the little doors the back at us with curious eyes. So sweet!

I was very sore today so I skipped the gym but was content with out easy park walk. Sometimes an easy walk is all I can take in a day but I’m glad to be able to at least do that.

Lunch And Puppy Cuddles

Feb12

So I’m halfway through my three day work week. Muffin is cuddled up under a blanket with me, I think she is having a sympathy headache! Or she’s just a fluffy little lazy beast! Either way I love the cuddles!

Kisses anyone?!?!?

So my goal for the week is simple in theory, get my portions back on track. For the most part I eat very healthy with a treat in moderation. I don’t deny myself the things I want or live but I do try to stick to the 80/20 rule. The last few months have been tough though. I find when I’m not feeling well my portion control suffers and I’m much more likely to give into extra treats. When my body is in so much pain it is like my brain says forget this lets eat another cookie. The lupus stuff has been a lot to take and now I’m slowly coming to terms with everything it’s time to get life back on track a little.

Yesterday I started out my day with a bowl of ancient grains oatmeal with a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of hemp hearts. It was delicious and kept me full right through my mid morning workout. At the gym I did 30 minutes if cardio, 20 minutes of legs and 10 of abs, plus some stretching! It was packed yesterday at the gym, which my work mom and I figured was because it was a stat holiday here in BC yesterday for family day!

After the gym I snacked on two hard boiled eggs mixed with some fresh full and a tablespoon of light olive oil mayo.

While it may not look all that appealing I can assure you it was yummy! In fact this is becoming one of my favorite snacks.

A while later I made myself some homemade bruschetta and served it on green olive bread. Very filling and tasty.
For dinner the boss and I each had the three bean veggie burgers I made on Sunday afternoon alone with a spring mix salad and some olive oil pan fried potatoes with homemade guacamole and tzatziki. It was an excellent meal. I really like the three bean burgers better then the ones I made last time with just black beans. Better texture and more flavour! I will take photos next time I make them.

Later in the evening I had a small serving of pistachios. I love nuts but pistachios might be my favourite!! My treat yesterday was a cookie Kevin brought me when he came to visit. All in all I was content with my food choices and workout for the day.

I started out today with the same breakfast as yesterday. I’m really finding the hemp hearts bulk up the oats and give the breakfast a little more staying power. For lunch I had spring mix toped with left over BBQ garlic chicken and fajita peppers and onions with trader joes cilantro dressing. I also toasted an English muffin and spread liver sausage on it… I know I know! Don’t judge me I have gross cravings 😉 I only crave liver sausage when my iron is low so I always listen to that craving.

Kevin is on his way to visit Miss Muff and I here at work. We are going to take her for a nice long hilly walk! It won’t be nearly as nice as our sunny Sunday forest 4 km walk but it will have to do.

It was so beautiful on Sunday we couldn’t resist a trip to the park after Kevin made BBQ chicken fajitas for lunch and we walked to the local Sunday market for some fresh flowers and browsing!! It defiantly felt like spring on Sunday!! Today the drizzle is back! Welcome to BC folks!!

I hope everyone is having a good day!

I Should Be Cleaning….

Feb9

But I got side tracked by a crisp cool bottle of sweet red!!!

A little while ago after performing the worlds most futile cleaning task, cleaning the Tupperware cupboard! I got side tracked by a peanut butter cupcake. Holy yum!

Never fear my day hasn’t been all side tracks and indulgences! This morning I tidied the backyard, filled the bird feeders, took the empties back to the bottle depot, went to the mall with a friend, had a lunch date with the husband, and went to the farm to pick up organic free range eggs!

Lunch was especially yummy! We went to the Mongolie Grill for stir fry. I love going there as you get to choose your own mix of veggies,meats, and sauces. I usually load up on veggies, tofu, chick peas, banana peppers and spicy chicken! I always get more then I need because I love it as left overs.

At the mall I managed to find myself a pretty new bra and some hand soaps from bath and body works. Lately the candle from there have been triggering headaches for me so despite my love of them I didn’t buy any.

I was excited to see Mr. Rooster hanging out in the front yard to greet me! They really take free range to a new level at that farm.

My weekend has been busy but relaxing thus far. I started Thursday off with a few hours at the spa getting my nails filled, eyebrows waxed, and a pedicure!

It wasn’t all self indulgences! I actually did two workouts on Thursday. The first was a 2.5km walk with Kevin and Muffin around Campbell Valley Park and the second was an hour at the gym with Krista spilt between cardio,arm weights, and abs!

Friday wasn’t nearly as entertaining. I had to get poked, stuck, and pee in a cup!! I know, I know you are extremely jealous with the ever eventful Lupus lifestyle 😉

Is it odd that I felt victorious upon finding out they needed a urine sample because I slammed a bottle of water on the way to to appointment ?!?!? It is the simple things in life that amuse me friends :p

I am out of here for the night! Gonna wake up this little mutt….

For a walk!

Life With The McGavins

100% Not Sugar Coated