so, my computer has a virus and i won't be able to blog for the next week or so. cross your fingers for my poor computer! i hate using john's because it's so slow.
i've been eating pretty well; i'm still taking pics but if i can't get my computer up and running within the week, it'll be pointless to post them. i learned to make healthy pizza and red velvet cupcakes this past weekend.
running is going well but i can't seem to get past 7 miles. i'm glad the weather is warm again so i can run outside on the weekends. i just need to figure out what to do with my old lady knees!
we just ordered the tuxes for the wedding and i must say that i'm pretty excited! i'm still figuring out the budget - yes, it should have been written in stone a long time ago - but i hate those things. i think we should be pretty close. anyone know a dj (for less)? anyway, the next thing on the list: cake! my best lady and i will also be visiting the venue to get some ideas.
ok... see you within the week... hopefully!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
shoulda, woulda, coulda
yesterday i babysat my nephew. he is so cute! aannnddd i didn't have to change one poopy diaper :) however, i did not pay attention at all to what i was eating. i took minimal pictures.
breakfast: fruity cheerios w/ 1% milk
snack: cashews
lunch: ramen and a bit of macaroni and cheese
dinner, i did not feel like cooking, so:
it's rice noodles on a bed of lettuce with charbroiled pork and chicken and pickled veggies on the side. i ate all of it! i didn't finish the eggroll. i felt so sick afterward. what i should have done was take half and put it up then eat dinner. shoulda, woulda, coulda. what yesterday taught me was that we will falter a little, but we can't beat ourselves up over it. it also reminded me why i don't eat out often - i tend to make bad decisions.
surprisingly with all of yesterday's poor eats, i had a great run today - 3 miles at 11:10 each! my shoes are finally broken in so they feel great. i had my usual banana and 1/4 clif bar pre-run snack (not pictured). after my run, i had a hearty breakfast.
sandwich thin (scraping of butter), 2 poached eggs (dash of nuoc mam/sriracha), 1/4 can of chicken (heated). i had a happy plate and happy belly.
for lunch, i had a spinach salad with sliced cherry tomatoes and 1/2 can of chicken. i used asian sesame vinaigrette as my dressing.
the salad was so-so. i don't think i will be buying canned chicken again. or maybe it's just better warm. i probably ate half.
for snacks, i had pita chips/roasted red pepper hummus and some grapes.
this is what they looked like pre-baked:
don't know if there's much of a difference:
i cut each pita into 8 pieces. i sprinkled chili powder/paprika/lil' bit of garlic salt. i forgot to spray pam so it would stick - d'oh! i took 8 pieces to work with me.
dinner: rice, baked chicken and whole green beans.
the chicken looks a little bizarre - i seasoned it with a paprika/curry/onion powder blend. john told me it was good... not sure i can trust that, ha! i was super excited for dessert though.
half a cinnamon roll w/ cream cheese icing (i scraped most of it off) w/ half a small glass of milk. i heated the cinnamon roll for 15 seconds... it was HEAVEN! needless to say, i was stuffed.
i want to thank my sister for getting me onto this blogging thing. it makes me feel more accountable for what i eat. i'm super excited to run a halfie with her in april!
i'm also very happy because john has decided to get back on the workout track. most people think that skinny people are healthy, but that's not always the case. he drinks a lot of soda and doesn't make the best snacking choices. however, he's always been into sports/athletics, so i don't think it will be very hard for him. he'd probably do 3-10 minute miles in a snap. jerk.
i've got a buttload of laundry waiting for me. yuck!
breakfast: fruity cheerios w/ 1% milk
snack: cashews
lunch: ramen and a bit of macaroni and cheese
dinner, i did not feel like cooking, so:
it's rice noodles on a bed of lettuce with charbroiled pork and chicken and pickled veggies on the side. i ate all of it! i didn't finish the eggroll. i felt so sick afterward. what i should have done was take half and put it up then eat dinner. shoulda, woulda, coulda. what yesterday taught me was that we will falter a little, but we can't beat ourselves up over it. it also reminded me why i don't eat out often - i tend to make bad decisions.
surprisingly with all of yesterday's poor eats, i had a great run today - 3 miles at 11:10 each! my shoes are finally broken in so they feel great. i had my usual banana and 1/4 clif bar pre-run snack (not pictured). after my run, i had a hearty breakfast.
sandwich thin (scraping of butter), 2 poached eggs (dash of nuoc mam/sriracha), 1/4 can of chicken (heated). i had a happy plate and happy belly.
for lunch, i had a spinach salad with sliced cherry tomatoes and 1/2 can of chicken. i used asian sesame vinaigrette as my dressing.
the salad was so-so. i don't think i will be buying canned chicken again. or maybe it's just better warm. i probably ate half.
for snacks, i had pita chips/roasted red pepper hummus and some grapes.
this is what they looked like pre-baked:
don't know if there's much of a difference:
i cut each pita into 8 pieces. i sprinkled chili powder/paprika/lil' bit of garlic salt. i forgot to spray pam so it would stick - d'oh! i took 8 pieces to work with me.
dinner: rice, baked chicken and whole green beans.
the chicken looks a little bizarre - i seasoned it with a paprika/curry/onion powder blend. john told me it was good... not sure i can trust that, ha! i was super excited for dessert though.
half a cinnamon roll w/ cream cheese icing (i scraped most of it off) w/ half a small glass of milk. i heated the cinnamon roll for 15 seconds... it was HEAVEN! needless to say, i was stuffed.
i want to thank my sister for getting me onto this blogging thing. it makes me feel more accountable for what i eat. i'm super excited to run a halfie with her in april!
i'm also very happy because john has decided to get back on the workout track. most people think that skinny people are healthy, but that's not always the case. he drinks a lot of soda and doesn't make the best snacking choices. however, he's always been into sports/athletics, so i don't think it will be very hard for him. he'd probably do 3-10 minute miles in a snap. jerk.
i've got a buttload of laundry waiting for me. yuck!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
BIGGEST LOSER!
i'm such a dork, but that show is so inspiring. if you can ignore cheesy acting and the constant product pushes, you witness the causes of obesity and how these people overcome them. it's amazing to see the power of food has over a person.
speaking of food, it was a sandwich thin/spinach/tomato kind of day.
breakfast: toasted sandwich thin, spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes (i didn't have regular sized ones) sprinkle of cheese, 2 poached eggs, and pepper. i did add a dash of nuoc mam (fish sauce) and hot sauce mix to add some zing. that might sound gross to some but it was yummy to me! i also had half a small glass of 1% milk.
lunch was only okay... a turkey sandwich with baked lays and grapes for dessert. i have yet to take pics of my food at work; my co-workers will think i'm NUTS (if they don't already haha).
dinner: 1/3 can of campbell's chunky sirloin beef soup w/ vegetables and grilled cheese. in my grilled cheese was shredded cheddar (size of my palm), sliced cherry tomatoes, and spinach. i did put a little butter on one side. it was pretty good. i needed a little more, so for dessert:
some almonds, a small hershey bar, half a small glass of milk (not pictured). chocolate and almonds... YUM!
i also found a great website! it offers tons of healthy recipes that are also budget-friendly. it's difficult to cook/eat healthy while saving money. most "easier" meals are super cheap, but also bad for you (e.g., ramen, hamburger helper, macaroni & cheese, etc.).
as for wedding news, my best lady is about to book my pre-bachelorette trip to boston and i'm getting my wedding dress fitted in the next week! perhaps blogging about my wedding will motivate me to get on that planning :)
i want to go to a game!
speaking of food, it was a sandwich thin/spinach/tomato kind of day.
breakfast: toasted sandwich thin, spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes (i didn't have regular sized ones) sprinkle of cheese, 2 poached eggs, and pepper. i did add a dash of nuoc mam (fish sauce) and hot sauce mix to add some zing. that might sound gross to some but it was yummy to me! i also had half a small glass of 1% milk.
lunch was only okay... a turkey sandwich with baked lays and grapes for dessert. i have yet to take pics of my food at work; my co-workers will think i'm NUTS (if they don't already haha).
dinner: 1/3 can of campbell's chunky sirloin beef soup w/ vegetables and grilled cheese. in my grilled cheese was shredded cheddar (size of my palm), sliced cherry tomatoes, and spinach. i did put a little butter on one side. it was pretty good. i needed a little more, so for dessert:
some almonds, a small hershey bar, half a small glass of milk (not pictured). chocolate and almonds... YUM!
i also found a great website! it offers tons of healthy recipes that are also budget-friendly. it's difficult to cook/eat healthy while saving money. most "easier" meals are super cheap, but also bad for you (e.g., ramen, hamburger helper, macaroni & cheese, etc.).
as for wedding news, my best lady is about to book my pre-bachelorette trip to boston and i'm getting my wedding dress fitted in the next week! perhaps blogging about my wedding will motivate me to get on that planning :)
i want to go to a game!
Monday, January 4, 2010
4 months and 4 days till the BIG DAY
i'm gonna be honest... i hate small details. sometimes, i really have an aversion to planning. other times, i'm very paranoid about planning and am a controlling bitch. this wedding definitely takes the former. i know it's the most "important" day of my life, yadda, yadda; i think i would have been happy with a destination wedding.
it took me a minute to select the venue and the wedding date. you know, sticking to a budget and having the wedding of your dreams is possible (expand the definition of this word) but it SUCKS! venues cost thousands, catering costs thousands, and photography costs thousands... then add the dress, the cake, the dj, the flowers, (insert small detail here). it also doesn't help when your fiance requests that you adhere to a budget but doesn't do any research himself; therefore he has NO IDEA of how much a wedding costs. so, here's what i've got:
1. venue ($1,250) - this allows for all day use and includes the tables/chairs
2. dress ($700) - LOVE this dress. i mean, you'll only get to wear a wedding dress once (hopefully) and it was a great deal! my friend is giving me her veil that my mom and i will re-do. i am also "borrowing" the shoes. no tiara, thanks.
3. photographer ($950) - 5 hours, CD, coffee table album, 2 parent albums. you can't beat that with a stick. he's an uncle to a co-worker, so i definitely worked the connection.
4. flowers ($110) - i'm not kidding! it includes all the bridesmaids' bouquets and mine, as well as the boutonnieres. i went to hobby lobby and their floral arrangements were half off. i never thought i would use fake flowers, but when you think about it... what's the use of real ones that cost hundreds? they. will. DIE. it also includes the cost of ribbon to rearrange.
5. centerpieces (free for now) - another lucky break - my friend had a box full of mirrors and small glass vases that i plan to use for the centerpieces. i need to find either fake flowers or do the floating candles/petals thing. that's pretty standard, so any other ideas?
6. invitations ($70) - i just love hob lob. bridal is constantly half off, so i was able to purchase 150 invites for $45. i printed 120 at fedex/kinko's for about $25. this doesn't include stamps.
to do:
1. food - if we have enough left over, we'll use the caterer through the venue. if not, sam's trays it is! we do plan on using bartender services and perhaps a keg (that's more fun, no?).
2. music - dj's are pretty expensive as well. if not, we'll see how much it is to rent speakers so we can use a CD/iPod. we just need someone to man that station.
3. pre-marital/minister - the first part is basically free. oklahoma is a pro-marriage (hetero) state, so it offers free marriage workshops. i don't know how much it is to get a minister.
4. cake - john's co-worker is married to one of the big cake ladies (featured in many okla. bridal publications) and she offered a discount on a basic wedding cake/groom cake. i really love this one by cake alchemy:
and i love, love, love this:
it was coconut, raspberry, with chocolate ganache. can we say YUM?
i'm all about simplicity and elegance. i want three tiers, ribbon at the base of each tier, and fresh flowers. my colors are black, champagne, and light pink if you can imagine it with that.
5. favors - hello, DYI! there are so many options. my favorite would be to have bamboo chopsticks with personalized ribbon, "one can't work without the other! john & lindsey (date)" not my idea - i totally stole it.
6. rehearsal dinner - i'm thinking super laidback; my older sister had a really nice cookout at her in-law's home.
7. bridal party gifts/luncheon - this is an idea i'm entertaining. a "spa" like day with brunch and mani/pedi on the big day. i know john wants a golf day with his boys.
8. decorations - this mainly includes tablecloths and personalized napkins. the outside area of the venue is naturally pretty.
i'm probably forgetting something, but that's all i can think about at this moment.
it took me a minute to select the venue and the wedding date. you know, sticking to a budget and having the wedding of your dreams is possible (expand the definition of this word) but it SUCKS! venues cost thousands, catering costs thousands, and photography costs thousands... then add the dress, the cake, the dj, the flowers, (insert small detail here). it also doesn't help when your fiance requests that you adhere to a budget but doesn't do any research himself; therefore he has NO IDEA of how much a wedding costs. so, here's what i've got:
1. venue ($1,250) - this allows for all day use and includes the tables/chairs
2. dress ($700) - LOVE this dress. i mean, you'll only get to wear a wedding dress once (hopefully) and it was a great deal! my friend is giving me her veil that my mom and i will re-do. i am also "borrowing" the shoes. no tiara, thanks.
3. photographer ($950) - 5 hours, CD, coffee table album, 2 parent albums. you can't beat that with a stick. he's an uncle to a co-worker, so i definitely worked the connection.
4. flowers ($110) - i'm not kidding! it includes all the bridesmaids' bouquets and mine, as well as the boutonnieres. i went to hobby lobby and their floral arrangements were half off. i never thought i would use fake flowers, but when you think about it... what's the use of real ones that cost hundreds? they. will. DIE. it also includes the cost of ribbon to rearrange.
5. centerpieces (free for now) - another lucky break - my friend had a box full of mirrors and small glass vases that i plan to use for the centerpieces. i need to find either fake flowers or do the floating candles/petals thing. that's pretty standard, so any other ideas?
6. invitations ($70) - i just love hob lob. bridal is constantly half off, so i was able to purchase 150 invites for $45. i printed 120 at fedex/kinko's for about $25. this doesn't include stamps.
to do:
1. food - if we have enough left over, we'll use the caterer through the venue. if not, sam's trays it is! we do plan on using bartender services and perhaps a keg (that's more fun, no?).
2. music - dj's are pretty expensive as well. if not, we'll see how much it is to rent speakers so we can use a CD/iPod. we just need someone to man that station.
3. pre-marital/minister - the first part is basically free. oklahoma is a pro-marriage (hetero) state, so it offers free marriage workshops. i don't know how much it is to get a minister.
4. cake - john's co-worker is married to one of the big cake ladies (featured in many okla. bridal publications) and she offered a discount on a basic wedding cake/groom cake. i really love this one by cake alchemy:
and i love, love, love this:
it was coconut, raspberry, with chocolate ganache. can we say YUM?
i'm all about simplicity and elegance. i want three tiers, ribbon at the base of each tier, and fresh flowers. my colors are black, champagne, and light pink if you can imagine it with that.
5. favors - hello, DYI! there are so many options. my favorite would be to have bamboo chopsticks with personalized ribbon, "one can't work without the other! john & lindsey (date)" not my idea - i totally stole it.
6. rehearsal dinner - i'm thinking super laidback; my older sister had a really nice cookout at her in-law's home.
7. bridal party gifts/luncheon - this is an idea i'm entertaining. a "spa" like day with brunch and mani/pedi on the big day. i know john wants a golf day with his boys.
8. decorations - this mainly includes tablecloths and personalized napkins. the outside area of the venue is naturally pretty.
i'm probably forgetting something, but that's all i can think about at this moment.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
happy new years! bonne annee!
an eventful weekend for sure. it definitely involved a lot of imbibing. result: logging more miles on the good ole treaddy. i'm ready for some biggest loser to start this week to help motivate me! again, like my sister, i want to eat health(ier). here are some of my foodies this past week:
with 
spinach salad tossed with cucumbers, sliced tomato, asian vinaigrette and a sprinkle of cheese. i sauteed some chicken (w/ pam, salt/pepper) the night before. to keep from snacking, i try to always keep some almonds with me.
john bought me a set of rubbermaid tupperware things, and this little guy comes in handy. fits right in my purse!
for breakfast, i generally eat:
a toasted orowheat sandwich thin, two poached eggs, a meat (this pic - 2 slices bacon) and some salt/pepper. it's very filling! i refrain from having cheese, and instead have a small glass of 1% milk (i can't do the skim!).
my running necessities:
a pre-run snack (today it was a banana and 1/4 clif bar) and my trusty water bottle. it's economically friendly and keeps the water cool for long periods of time. i use it constantly throughout the day.
i had new year's day good luck dinner at my house. for appetizers, we kept it relatively healthy.
fresh veggies/lite ranch, shrimp w/ cocktail sauce, pita chips/hummus. they. were. all. gone. and oh so yummy.
the hardest thing i struggle with when it comes to being healthy is eating. i'm hoping that by sharing what i eat will keep me accountable. being asian, i love, love, LOVE white rice, and i grew up eating a lot of it with every meal. it's difficult to downsize that portion. john doesn't eat much to being with, so if i make less, then there is less available to eat. i also try not to purchase "instant" meals when we grocery shop. it forces me to look for recipes and cook, and if i'm going to do that, then i will focus on making something healthy.
i am also starting a pilates class this spring semester. i look forward to it, and hopefully will be able to share some of the things i learn on here!
i also wanted to share some projects around the house:
this was awhile ago, but john and i lucked out on a dining room table. it's got some scratches, but the damage is minimal. the seat covers were pretty sad, so my mom helped me reupholster the seats. i fell in love with this material! lots of staples later, we had these lovely seat covers!
our house still needs some work, but i'm really happy with the changes we are making. it's hard to make a nice home on a budget because as a homeowner, you want nice things, but you want things you know that will last and you won't regret dusting ;)
with 
spinach salad tossed with cucumbers, sliced tomato, asian vinaigrette and a sprinkle of cheese. i sauteed some chicken (w/ pam, salt/pepper) the night before. to keep from snacking, i try to always keep some almonds with me.
john bought me a set of rubbermaid tupperware things, and this little guy comes in handy. fits right in my purse!
for breakfast, i generally eat:
a toasted orowheat sandwich thin, two poached eggs, a meat (this pic - 2 slices bacon) and some salt/pepper. it's very filling! i refrain from having cheese, and instead have a small glass of 1% milk (i can't do the skim!).
my running necessities:
a pre-run snack (today it was a banana and 1/4 clif bar) and my trusty water bottle. it's economically friendly and keeps the water cool for long periods of time. i use it constantly throughout the day.
i had new year's day good luck dinner at my house. for appetizers, we kept it relatively healthy.
fresh veggies/lite ranch, shrimp w/ cocktail sauce, pita chips/hummus. they. were. all. gone. and oh so yummy.
the hardest thing i struggle with when it comes to being healthy is eating. i'm hoping that by sharing what i eat will keep me accountable. being asian, i love, love, LOVE white rice, and i grew up eating a lot of it with every meal. it's difficult to downsize that portion. john doesn't eat much to being with, so if i make less, then there is less available to eat. i also try not to purchase "instant" meals when we grocery shop. it forces me to look for recipes and cook, and if i'm going to do that, then i will focus on making something healthy.
i am also starting a pilates class this spring semester. i look forward to it, and hopefully will be able to share some of the things i learn on here!
i also wanted to share some projects around the house:
this was awhile ago, but john and i lucked out on a dining room table. it's got some scratches, but the damage is minimal. the seat covers were pretty sad, so my mom helped me reupholster the seats. i fell in love with this material! lots of staples later, we had these lovely seat covers!
our house still needs some work, but i'm really happy with the changes we are making. it's hard to make a nice home on a budget because as a homeowner, you want nice things, but you want things you know that will last and you won't regret dusting ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- lindeeee
- i'm a pretty lucky girl. i have a wonderful family, fiance, and set of friends. i have a job i enjoy. i have an education that no one can take away from me. i am a lifetime student. luckily not as an occupation, though i do plan to pursue graduate school. however, i love learning new things and expanding my horizons. one last thing: i love to bake sweets and eat them too!