A Lovely Sunday.

Well my weekend was filled with fun…particularly today!

Saturday morning, I woke up and went for a run on the treadmill since it was raining outside and I am sick.  I wanted to run between 5-8 miles; however, it was pretty tough for me to run 5 miles.  So obviously, I stopped there.  These were some slowwww miles.  But at least I got myself moving again after being sick this week.  I came back to some delicious breakfast.

Oats with milk, raisins, dates, bananas, cinnamon, and honey.  So delicious.

I spent the rest of the day reading.  It was so hard to read though because I kept getting headaches.  Boo to being sick.

Later in the night, Todd called me up and we decided to get dinner at a small Italian restaurant in the city called Porcini’s.  I had been there before, but it has been a few years.

Todd & I polished off a couple of baskets of bread, per usual.  I started off with a grilled squid and octopus dish in a lemon vinaigrette.

Was okay.  I thought there was way too much dressing on this.  I would have preferred just fresh lemon juice.

For my entree, I really wanted their homemade Spinach Tagliatelle with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, but I had both nights prior to Saturday night, so I decided that I should probably switch it up.  Instead, I went with the Balsamic Chicken.

I thought that this was okay too.  Nothing to write home about.  The potatoes were actually really, really good.  Too bad there were only a few!

Todd & I shared Tiramisu for dessert…one of my favorites.  This was pretty good!  I loveeeee Tiramisu.

SUNDAY was the best day of my weekend.  I woke up and went out for my long run.  I was thinking that I’d be happy if I completed 8 miles considering the way I’ve been feeling…although I really wanted to run more like 12-13.  On my way out the door, Todd told me to just do my best and go for it even if I have to walk it.  Well he might not even remember saying that because he was half asleep, but it really helped me and encouraged me to go out with a bang.  I ended up running 12 miles.  Although they were not the fastest miles ever, I ran them.  It was also SO BEAUTIFUL outside.  A perfect fall day.  I’m praying that I recover this week for the big TWENTY next weekend!!!!  Can you believe it??? Then it’s already Taper Time.  This is Crazy.

Todd took me out to brunch this morning at a place that he passes on his way to work.  A friend of his recommended Todd to take me there.  It was called Terrain at Styer’s.  Their menu constantly changes so the menu on the website is different than what they had when we went.  This place was so neat.  It was a big place with lots of different plants, flowers, pumpkins, fruits, books, cookbooks, soaps, candles, EVERYTHING.  Really cool place.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was pretty cool too.  The ground was dirt and it was located in a neat little Greenhouse.

Hi…

Hi Todd…

The brunch menu was pretty small and had only 4 items.  However, the lunch menu contained many more items.  I was in the mood for breakfast though & so was Todd.

I started off with a glass of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice and Todd ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte (or something along those lines).

I love fresh squeeze o.j.!  I also ordered a cup of Green Tea.

For my meal, I ordered the Oatmeal with Pears & Maple Syrup.

I thought that this was really good.  Although it did not taste like typical oatmeal, nor was it the consistency of regular oats.  I’m thinking there were some egg in there or something?  It was rather custardy I think.  There was also a TON of maple syrup.  I loved the maple syrup in there but I think there may have been just a little too much.

Todd ordered the Pumpkin French Toast.

Todd’s was SO GOOD!  I think I may have liked it more than mine.  It was made with Callah Bread.  It was so light and fluffy and pumpkiny.  Really, really incredible.

We obviously hated our meals…

I loved this little place and definitely want to go back soon.

The area we were in was very nice as well.  Todd decided to show me where he works since I had never been there.  For those of you who don’t know, Todd works for a Mushroom Company called To-Jo Mushrooms.  He has lots of responsibilities but is mainly works in Marketing and Sales.  He loves his job and I can see why.

Todd showed me his office…

The test kitchen…( I would have a ball in here)….

We walked through the Mushrooom Factory (I guess that’s what it’s called) too!

There were SO MANY mushrooms!  They looked really good too.

It was freezing in there and I had to wear a hair net.  haha.  I was surprised about how big the place was.  I was also surprised to see so much work being done on a Sunday.

Here are some To-Jo Trucks!

hahaha I loved going for a little tour.

After that adventure, we went Apple Picking.  I guess we waited too long or something because I was very unsuccessful….

Todd tried really hard, so he was a little more successful…

We both ended up filling up our bags with Apples from the bin that they had provided.  I guess they realized that they would not have many happy customers since their trees were way overpicked.  What a bummer.

It was still fun to spend some time outside though.  And we got to go on a little ride on a tractor.  We also saw goats!

My favorite goat… hahah…

We ended our fun-filled Sunday at the Flyers game.  They lost.  They played horrible.  But we still had fun!  This was my first game of the season so I really enjoyed being there.  We shared a big order of Chickie’s and Pete’s French Fries.  These are the best!  They load them with Old Bay Seasoning and have cheese to dip them in.  Love them.  I also got a soft pretzel.  Love them too.

My cold is still bothering me a lot.  It’s really giving me a headache.  I need to get better!!

I have a VERY long week ahead.  I will be working everyday all-day in the classroom and then I will have class every night until late.  That and a LOT of homework to be done.  I can get through it!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

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Fusilli with Roasted Pumpkin

I am very sorry for being MIA for the past few days.  I was really feeling terrible and did not feel up to much of anything.  I had a fever around 101 degrees.  Last night I got tons of rest and I woke up feeling the best I’ve felt in days!  I was thrilled about that.  Since it is FRIDAY and I have not ran since last SATURDAY, I thought it would be best to go for a run.  I ran about 5 miles.  I was kind of out of breath and I ran these sort of slow.  I guess I should expect that after not running for so many days and for still being kind of sick.  My fever is now gone but I still have a stuffy nose.  I don’t feel fatigued and horrible like before though.

Today I bought the new ipod shuffle…in PINK!  haha I usually don’t go for the color pink, but why not?

They are so tiny!

I had the old ipod shuffle…but after using that for about 2 years of running it is only causing me trouble.  It works when it wants to.  So it’s about time for a new one.  I’ll probably load all of my songs tomorrow.

Tonight, I made the best dinner ever for Todd & I…Fusilli Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin and Plum Tomatoes.  I saw a recipe for this in my local newspaper the other day and knew I needed to try it.  Let me tell you, it is so much better than I imagined it would be !  I can’t wait to make it again.

Fusilli Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin and Plum Tomatoes

Serves: 4

6 cups peeled and cubed sugar pumpkin or butternut squash

2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced

2 1/2 Tbl olive oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

4 plum tomatoes, diced

1/3 cup fresh sage leaves or 1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage

12 ounces whole wheat Fusilli (or other spiral pasta)

1/4 cup grated parm chese

Directions:

1) Heat oven to 450 degrees.

2) On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the pumpkin with the onions and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Spread the pumpkin in an even layer and roast until the vegetables are beginning to brown, about 15-20 minutes.

3) Stir in the tomatoes and sage, then roast, stirring once, until all the vegetables are browned and tender, about 10 minutes longer.

4) Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta.

5) Drain pasta.  Toss with remaining 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil.  Add the roasted vegetables and toss gently to combine.

6) Serve.  Sprinkle with Parm Cheese.

*Note: This is not a pumpkin that you typically buy for carving/decorations.  This is a cooking/sugar pumpkin.

It did take some time to cut through this pumpkin.  I was thinking next time I could probably cut it in half and roast it in the oven for a couple of minutes to soften it up and then cube it.

These pictures do this meal no justice whatsoever…

My first serving of pasta, some salad (spinach, pears, feta cheese, candied pecans/walnuts, evoo/balsamic vinegar/s&p), Seeduction Bread.

I actually ended up not even hardly touching my salad…I went back for thirds of the pasta though…

This recipe is not to be missed.  I highly recommend that you give it a shot.  The parmesan cheese on top made ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE.  I would say it is completely necessary for this dish.  In my pictures, I had not added the cheese yet.

Another plus of making this dish…I got to roast pumpkin seeds !!!!  woo hoo!  Love these things, so tasty.

Well this meal was a huge plus side of my week.  That and the Phillies advancing to the World Series!  Can you believe it??  Two years in a row.  It was complete mayhem here.  Unfortunately I was feeling really sick that night and I had to leave Todd’s early…but they set off fireworks and celebrated on Broad Street.  I came home to my apartment and listened to the city go crazy for a few hours.  I don’t think there was a millisecond when I didn’t hear the sounds of a car horn for at least two hours.

Considering I have only ran one time this week, I am going to push my long run (which is only 13 miles this week–cut back week) back until Sunday.  It actually works out better since tomorrow it is supposed to rain !  Instead, I will do a shorter run tomorrow–probably 5-8 miles…on the treadmill if it’s not nice outside (I don’t want to get more sick!).

Tomorrow I plan to get a ton of work done.  Sunday Todd and I have a fun day planned!

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Blur.

Well, I can’t believe it is already Wednesday.  This week was kind of a let down.  I have been sleeping pretty poorly, have been sick since Friday night, and yesterday was my Grandmom’s funeral.  Not a good combination at all.  The only exciting parts of my days has been watching the Phillies game…which is on again tonight.

I really hate being sick though.  I’m not sure what it is that I have and I’m praying it’s not the flu.  I’m sneezing, coughing, aching, and have a fever.  Not fun at all.  It also sucks because it looks like running will be pretty unproductive this week.  I doubt I will be on par with where I wanted to be for the Philly Marathon, but that’s okay.  I really care about enjoying my experience.

Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post but really, I haven’t felt up to taking pictures.  I’m praying that I begin to feel better.  I think I might have to go to the doc if I’m not feeling better perhaps by tomorrow?

As of now, I have papers to write.  Watch the phillies tonight!

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I promise I still have a blog.

I just need to update this post because so much has happened since the last time I updated.  This weekend I went to Boston with both of my sisters and my sister’s crew team for The Head of the Charles–a huge crew regatta.  The night before Boston, I made Whole Wheat Linguine in my homemade sauce with broccoli, spinach, and good bread.

Yum.  Definitely one of my favorite meals.

 This was my first time to Boston, and although short, I had a great time.  My sister & I took the train and arrived to Boston Friday night.  We grabbed dinner at a restaurant downtown.  No pictures but I ordered Salmon, spinach, and a baked potato.  My sister and I also had a loaf of bread!

Saturday morning, I woke up sick!  I think Christina got me sick.  I have a horrible cold and my throat is sore.  Blah, being sick stinks.  But, anyway, my sister and I went on our 19 mile run.  Longest since the marathon last year.  We were thrilled that the sun was out–we were expecting a down pour.  It was a great run, but at about mile 14 we both were pretty beat.  Being sick is not good for running long distances.  We managed to pull through and finish the 19 miles.  At one point Christina said, let’s just call it a day.  This was around mile 17.  What do you think I told her?  That’s right.  We finished those 19 miles.  She was happy that we did.

Oh yeah, how could I forget??  Along our run we ran by tons of Vendors by the race course for the regatta including a LARABAR tent!!!  Free mini-lara bars for all!  Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Cashew Cookie, Tropical, PB & J, and Coconut.  THEY HAD PB & J!  My favorite!!!!!!  So, naturally, I loaded a bag up despite the 2 per person limit.  Oh the little things in life.  So we ran the last 6 miles with bags of lara bars.  haha.

After our run, we went out to this great little restaurant, The Friendly Toast.  I would describe this restaurant as retro.  They also gave us so much food.  Thankfully, we were hungry after just running 19 miles.  I ordered an Egg White Omelette with Tomatoes, Broccoli, and Spinach with a MOUND of Homefries.  This also came with a side of Whole Wheat Toast.

The toast was homemade and very THICKLY sliced.

SO MUCH FOOD and SO FILLING.

I also ordered a fruit salad with some sort of granola/nut mixture on top!

and a cup of Tea!

Perfect Post-Race meal.

We then spent some time shopping around before we went back to the hotel to take a short nap before meeting two of our friends, Katie & Lindsey,  for dinner in Harvard Square.

We went to Cambridge 1.

Their menu was very short and consisted of salads, pizza, beer, and wine.  So, I ordered one of my favorite meals…PIZZA!

I was pretty plain and simple tonight and ordered a pizza with tomato, fontina, romano, garlic, and basil. 

This was actually quite delicious!  I love pizza like this.  Very, very good. 

After dinner, we went to J.P. Lick’s!  I have always read about this place and now I can finally and happily say that I have been there! 

It.was.so.good.

I ordered Hard Frozen Yogurt–a scoop each of Chocolate Chip Cookie & Coffee Oreo.

I was in heaven and desperately wanted another cup of the Coffee Oreo.  That was my favorite and there were huge chunks of oreo.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Sunday we spent the day with the team for their race.  It POURED so unfortunately it was not very pleasant!  It actually even started to snow…very hard too.  We had a long ride home on the bus, and stopped at a few rest areas.  We got home around 10:00.  I turned on the Phillies game & did some laundry & reading before hitting the sack.  By the way, the Phillies had an AMAZING win last night.  Both my Dad and Todd were at the game (not together).  Lucky Ducks.

I woke up today feeling really crappy.  I really despise being sick.  I made myself a juice.  Forgot to take a picture but it consisted of CARROTS, APPLES, KIWI, & ROMAINE.  Delicious!  I love juice.

I also had an awesome bowl of Hot Oats made with Vanilla Almond Milk, Raisins, Dates, Bananas, Cinnamon, & Honey.

I spent the majority of the day writing papers and reading.  Real exciting stuff.  After class, I came home & had dinner and ice cream with the fam.  The phillies are on right now, so I’m going to go watch that with my Dad and Todd. 

Tomorrow is my Grandmom’s funeral.  I know I haven’t mentioned it on my blog yet, but my Grandmother passed away last Thursday night.  It has been really hard on my family as my Grandmom played a huge role in my life.  I have never lost anyone that has been this close to me.  I will not go into a whole speech here, but I just wanted to mention something.  It is impossible to stop thinking about her.  I will miss her so, so much.  Unfortunatley her health was rather poor, so I am trying to think about this situation in a positive manner.  I am glad that I do not have to see her suffering in the hospital bed anymore.  Well, I said I wasn’t going to make a whole speech here, so I better wrap it up.  I will love her forever with all of my heart.  She was such a strong lady and I look up to her so much.  She will be with me wherever I go in life.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week.  I’m glad that the sun has finally come out.

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Village Whiskey.

Well what a crazy week.  I am currently writing up the last of my paper that is due tonight!  It’s looking pretty good.

After class last night, Todd & I went out to the Village Whiskey.  We had a pretty late dinner…around 9:00.  So when I got home, I was TIRED.  I had a long day (and week).  But anyway, dinner was GREAT!

I had a glass of wine.  For appetizer, we had the Truffle Lemon Artichokes which came with warm toasted bread, whipped ricotta and black olive tapenade.

This was really good!  I didn’t eat the black olive tapenade though, I hate olives.

I ordered the Veggie Burger–black bean & lentil, Guacamole, Pickled Red Cabbage.

Amazing!  So big too!  The guacamole tasted perfect on it.

I also ordered French Fries with their housemade Ketchup!!

This was a great dinner and I’d definitely go back to this restaurant.

On my walk home, I stopped to get Gelato at Capogiro.  How could I resist?  I ordered Amish Sweet Milk & Pomegranate!

Hit the spot.

Today I made more juice with my juicer.

Check it out…

Carrots, Apples, Kiwi, Strawberries.  Mmm. Mmm.

I think I have a problem though.  I made a whole pitcher this afternoon  and I single-handily just drank the whole thing.  haha.  This stuff is so good.

Oh yeah, speaking of fruit…Todd brought me home a whole bunch of produce from the food show he went to…

yes, those are HONEY CRISP APPLES!

Thanks Todd!  I already dug into half of the Pineapple!

Back to more paper writing.

Home for dinner tonight & Boston Tomorrow afternoon!  So excited despite the fact it’s going to rain and be freezing all weekend.  My sister and I have a 19 miler planned as well.  We’ll have to put on the waterproof gear.

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No time.

This post is going to be quick as I am pressed for time.  There is not enough time in the day at all.  After being out all day teaching & at class I have little time for work.  I’m trying hard though!

Last night’s dinner was Split Pea Soup with Crackers.  I also had some Red Pepper Hummus and Garlic Hummus with crackers.  I ❤ Hummus.

This was the perfect thing to come home to on a cold day.

This morning woke up and ran 5 miles.

I had Banana-Date Overnight Oats with the same juice from yesterday (carrots, apple, strawberries aka HEAVEN in a glass)

Two of my favorite things for breakfast.  Perfect.

I had work for my graduate assistantship this morning then I went to the first grade for the rest of the day.  After first grade, I went to class.  I came home and made a nice little dinner…

BBQ Chicken, Broccoli, and Sweet Potato.  I love simple dinners.

Now it’s already 9:00 and I have so much work to do.  Told you this would be a quick one!

Teaching first grade all day tomorrow then night class.  It’ll be another long one.  Hopefully I can get this paper done tonight so I can go out to eat with Todd tomorrow night.  We are planning on going to a newer restaurant, Village Whiskey, and I am eyeing down the Veggie Burger with Black Beans and Lentils.

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Juicing Adventures.

Well, first of all, I want to say that I slept in today until 10:20.  Really, who am I?  I NEVER sleep this late.  I guess I really needed that sleep.  Anyway, today was a cross-training day so I did the elliptical for 45 minutes.  It felt great actually.  I haven’t been on an elliptical in forever.

For breakfast, I had a bowl of Vanilla Oikos with banana, strawberries, raspberries, cinnamon, Kashi GoLean, and my newest favorite cereal Kashi Warm Cinnamon Heart to Heart.

I also did some juicing with my brand new juicer! 🙂

Here is some of my half-drank juice…

I juiced up: Paula Red Apples, Carrots, & Strawberries.

This was the best thing ever.  I was going to add some Kiwi, but they are not ripe yet.  I am SO EXCITED about this and this juice is AWESOME.  woo hoo!

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A new purchase!

I had such a great weekend.  Last night Todd and his roommates had an Oktoberfest party.  There were tons of people there and it was a good time!  I got to see a lot of great people who I haven’t seen in a while.

This morning, Todd & I slept late and then got some brunch at The Devil’s Den, right down the street from his house.  This was my first time there and I loved it.  I forgot my camera so there are no pictures, but I can assure you it was delicious.  I ordered a Yogurt, Granola/toasted nut, fruit parfait.  It was topped with some type of cream too.  I really liked this and the granola blend was awesome.  It came with homefries & a big blueberry scone.  Real good!

The rest of the day was spent running errands with Todd.  He is going to Baltimore for a couple of days for work so he had some things to do.  I did manage to spend some time reading, but not nearly enough.  That means I’ll be playing catch up this week.  Today during our adventures, I did make one AWESOME purchase.  I’ll tell you about it at the end of the post!

Todd came over for dinner tonight and he actually KIND OF helped prepare dinner.  haha.  We made Broiled Wild Alaskan King Salmon, Broccoli & Brussel Sprouts, & a Salad (Baby Spinach & Arugula mix, strawberries, raspberries, candied walnuts & pecans, balsamic/olive oil/salt/pepper) I just realized right now we forgot to put the feta cheese on the salad!  hahaha oh well.  It was still great.

My plate. Plus more salad.

I really, really enjoyed this dinner.  It has been a long time since I’ve had salmon and I loved it.  I love simple yet delicious dinners like this!

After dinner, I enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Biscotti that I bought from the place we had brunch in Baltimore with my sister.

So good!  I’d like to make some biscotti again.  I made some pretty great ones last Christmas.  I really liked the flavor of the pumpkin and spice though.  Maybe I will attempt to make some when I find some free time!

Now…on to the newest excitement in my life…

Yes, I bought a juicer!  I just stuck all of the parts in the dishwasher so it’ll be all ready to use tomorrow morning.  I am so excited to begin juicing!  haha.  I went to the food store to stock up on some fruits and veggies to make some delicious (hopefully) juice!! wooo hoooo.  I’m a dork!

I’m going to watch some of the Phillies game, read, and hit the sack!  No teaching tomorrow thanks to Columbus Day.

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Boston !

Just wanted to see if there are any blog readers from Boston or if anyone is familiar with awesome restaurants in Boston.  Next week I will be heading up to Boston for The Head of the Charles.  My sister is a crew coach and I will be heading up there with her and the team.

Please comment with any good restaurants you know of! 🙂

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Adventures in Baltimore.

Well, as you know, my parents and I went up to visit my sister at Loyola University Friday night.  We had such a fantastic time and had lots of good food!

I am going to be VERY lazy blogger, partly because Christina has already made a great blog post!  So click that link to check out all of the cool places we went and food we enjoyed!  I especially LOVED the Flatbread & Flourless Chocolate Cake with homemade vanilla ice cream from Woodberry Kitchen!  So so good!

For my entree at Woodberry Kitchen, I ordered Monkfish with mushrooms & some sort of Autumn Squash Gnocchi.

I LOVED this.  Everything was perfect about this dish.

This morning, my sister & I woke up to go running only to discover the Baltimore Half & Full Marathon was about to begin outside of our hotel room!  haha.  It was pretty funny but we were able to run some of the course before it began.  You can read more about it on Christina’s blog.  We ended up running 11 miles.

After running, we walked over to a great little breakfast place called Spoons.  I started off with a glass of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice.

For my meal, I ordered Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples and a side of Fruit.

Yummy.  Both really good.  I love Steel Cut Oats!

We had an AWESOME time!  Too bad it was so short.

Well my parents just dropped me off at my apartment.  I have some things to do and then tonight I’m going over to Todd’s house.

See you all later!

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