calling all breakfast lovers

there's no denying my love for food. it modivates most decisions in my daily life. there's also no denying what food category i enjoy the most - breakfast! its sweet - its savory - its eggy - its potatoey - its cakey. the options are seemingly endless. best of all, its completely appropriate to have at any hour of the day. an omelet for dinner? french toast at 11pm? sure. and in my casa, it's encouraged.

and now if you are looking to put yourself in a food coma, no matter the time of day, i'm here to help...

banana almond oatmeal pancakes
(inspired and basically copied from fitsugar, serves 3-4)

what you need:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick or rolled oats
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1 cups skim milk
1 banana, diced
Cooking spray for pan
1/4 cup almonds
1 banana, sliced
sprinkles of powdered sugar

how to:
mix all the dry ingredients and honey together, then add milk. once blended add diced banana and continue to stir. pour batter in griddle and flip when they start to bubble (just like normal 'cakes). once complete, add sliced nanas and almonds to top and add a sprinke or two of powdered sugar for good measure.

sit back, stuff your face and then take a nap. you're gonna need it.

its the little things - v2

it's no secret i adore my gym. the classes are fantastic. the instructors are inspiring. the mere proximity to my apartment. the fact that is has a pool on the rooftop in the middle of the city. the ratio of straight girls to gay men. my workout buddies i've made along the way. i love it all.

one of the highlights of my week is monday night dance fusion. it's late enough that "i had to work late" is a nonissue and early enough in the week that you aren't "burned out." and best of all, it has a steady following. so really, it's like you go to the gym to dance and sweat for an hour with your friends.

last week, despite my knee telling me to stay home and advil, ice and elevate...i went to my beloved class and halfassed my way through the routine. after 5 days away from the gym i was getting stir crazy. i left the jumps, lunges and squats for the others, but still a nice sweat going.

post class, out of no where, a woman approached me and introduced herself. we shook hands and i smiled back at her a bit confused. she then proceeded to tell me that I was what keeps her coming back to this class every week. "you just look like you are having so much fun and your energy is inspiring and encouraging. it can be so overwhelming for me, but i know if i can't see the instructor to follow along, i can just watch you. i just wanted to thank and tell you that you make this easier for me every week."

ummmm WOW. this completely threw me. i had never even seen this woman before but somehow little ol me being at this class every week made her feel better. now THAT is powerful stuff.

2010, you've been pretty amazing. and more than ever, i'm reminded that life is certainly about the little things. last week's encounter kept me smiling for days and as trite as this may sound, inspires me to continue to try to live my best life. hey, you never know who's life you'll touch.

you win google...you win!

have you been to google yet today? you can play pacman!
and if i could challenge you i would...

happy friday!

bikes are for lovers

in the spirit being a new bike owner, may being national bike month, this very week (May 17-21) being "bike-to-work week" aaaand friday being national "bike-to-work day" - its my duty to say RIDE YOUR DAMN BIKE. of course, i'm going to be a hypocrite and not ride mine into the office tomorrow. mostly cause i'm terrified of navigating through the loop and secondly because i have a very important going away party to be at promptly after work. additionally i'm even less cozy with the idea of riding home from downtown after a few bittersweet celebratory cocktails.

but you, you should definitely ride your bike to work.

while we're on the subject...i have a super fun event to tell you chicagoans about. help raise money for our city parks by joining 9,000 cyclists at friends of the park L.A.T.E. ride – chicago's only after-midnight cycling event. its saturday night (sunday morning) july 10th. cycle at your own pace, pedal along the lakefront, enjoy music and refreshments and even take home a goodie bag. register here to join the party!

now go ride your bike.

a contest to not pass up!

do you like food? do you like wine?
of course you do.

would you like a chance to win two passes to the 2010 FOOD & WINE classic in aspen as well as a $500 gift card for travel purposes?
that's what i thought...

well i have just the contest for you.

plastics make it possible happens to be sponsoring that very contest. all you have to do is visit the contest page and leave a comment answering one simple question:

“how do you use plastics to create your favorite foods or memorable parties?”

it can be anything from your favorite plastic kitchen gadget or a fancy new cooking technique. be creative with your answers! links to photos and videos can only help your odds. i'm still trying to figure out how to make myself stand out. (yeah you better believe i'm entering!)

the contest runs through June 3rd. the winner will be announced the next day on the contest page. please see the contest rules and restrictions for more details.

good luck and if you do win...2 get two passes. so remember where you heard this first ;)

an apple crisp from the archives

inspiration tends to strike me at the strangest of hours. when i should perhaps be settling into bed, i decide to bake my first loaf of bread or decide 2am is a perrrfect time to start cleaning out my closet. i'm not going to pretend like this is a new thing. for as long as i can remember, i've been wired as a night owl. it was quite useful in college but tends to work against me in this real world business where people actually function before 10am. not sure i'll ever adjust to all that...

alas, my sweet tooth reared its ugly head around midnight. i tried to quiet it down, but sometimes it's just better to give in and see what you can come up with. this time i called on the childhood archives.

besides a dependable chicken dinner, you could also count on a few desserts to be lingering around the stove from time to time. next to brownies, apple crisp was certainly one of them. of course with these baking ideas floating through my head long after mom has gone to sleep, i had to find my own version of her recipe.

really, what did people do before the internet?

apple crisp with almonds
(recipe credit to sillygrrl via the food network)

what ya need:
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup almonds
Pinch fine salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
4 medium baking apples

how to: (its so simple!)
1) preheat the oven to 375 degrees. lightly butter cooking dish.
2) whisk the oats, flour, brown sugar, almonds and salt in a medium bowl.
3) peel, core and coarsely chop the apples and lay in dish. scatter the crisp topping evenly over the fruit. then add pieced butter.
4) cook for about 30 mins. let cool for about 10 minutes (although i bet you'll be picking at it before that).
5) serve warm perhaps with a dollop of cool whip or scoop of vanilla bean.

at right around 250 cals a piece, this treat is definitely worth a little after dinner splurge. can't wait? no prob it will also go perfectly with your morning coffee. nom nom nom.

a PG-rated adventure

sunday was gorgeous. warm sun, a slightly cool breeze and an unexpected early wake up that lead to worlds of productivity. it was also just perfect for an evening biking adventure with some friends.

we had a mysterious destination - a wooded path northeast of our familiar stomping grounds. we battled traffic, tried to steer clear of barreling buses and before long we found ourselves at the allusive path. while yes there was a short cemented path, it was highly outweighed by the treasure we found: a badass dirt bike track with jumps i was even a little nervous walking down. of course, the boys were more daring and i think rather impressed with their super sweet biking-jumping skills (or maybe them just not killing themselves) till some 12 year olds rolled in and showed us late 20somethings we needed to be on our way.

well played tweens. but we'll be back. this time with a real camera (your iphone can only get you so far) and perhaps a full suit of body armor.

on the way back a divey (looking) cuban restaurant spoke to our grumbling tummies. it looked like it had been hiding on this corner for decades, but once we got inside we soon learned we certainly the first to find this prize. its yelp approved, chicago magazine adored and highly zagated. yes, i think we'll stay.

i went with a house favorite (the lechon sandwich -- shredded pork, grilled onions and plantains) and really could not have been more content with our pit stop.

lesson learned: do new things. go on more random bike rides. and plantains are fantastic. okay i knew that last part but i appreciated the authentic reminder.

have you had any PG-rated adventures lately?

bread for dummies

there are several things that terrify me: running a marathon, moving across the country alone, a life without wine...you get the idea. but believe it or not, baking bread happens to also be on that scared-y cat list.

however the other evening when i should have been getting ready for bed, i instead decided there was no better time to get friendly with some flour. yes i used the fool proof recipe from the back of a whole wheat flour package and yes it was basically effortless. what a welcomed surprise. just like so many of you had told me...

this certainly doesnt mean i'll be facing those other fears anytime soon (if ever). but maybe this is a little lesson in perspective? what may seem daunting and out of reach from afar might turn out to be sparkly and completely tangible up close.

oooooor i just baked some bread. you pick.

quick wheat loaf
yields about 12 slices, 120 calories a slice (and its DELICIOUS. sweet and savory!)

what ya need:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1 can or bottle of beer (12 oz)

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

how to:
1) preheat over to 375*

2) grease loaf pan (ie: banana bread pan - the only other bread i have ever made)

3) in a large bowl mix all dry ingredients then add beer and stir until blended (this part takes a little bit of muscle)

4) spoon batter into pan and brush with melted butter

5) bake about 50-55 minutes

6) cool 5 mins in pan then transfer loaf to wire rack (or plate) to cool completely

7) enjoy!

now go ahead, top a toasted slice with a fried egg and start your morning right.

on your mark..!

if you would have told 18 year old angie that one day she'd actually run "for fun" she would have likely laughed in your face, carried on about how absurd that statement was and maybe even hit a tennis ball at your head. but here we are ten years later, investing in running shoes, workout clothes (okay its also cause they are cute and pure comfort) and logging more treadmill hours than ever. that sassy teenager would never have believed her eyes.

but the truth is, now with the weather warming and me feeling lighter in my shoes - its time to get some "fun runs" and races on my summer schedule. two summers ago i did my first 5K and absolutely loved it. the running community is so vast and inspiring. it's certainly not surprising why these races sell out and attract the masses.

so where to begin?

for those of us in chicago, its easy. fleet feet offers several weekly "fun runs." their entire calendar is posted online. some of them are even just for women and others have events wrapped around them. best of all, they are free and when you track your miles you get points toward fleet feet gear. not a bad deal.

also on their site, you will find a comprehensive list of all the chicagoland races. it lists everything from walks, 5Ks, 10Ks to half and full marathons. most are themed, have been going on for years and are held on early weekend mornings. not being much of a morning person, the exceptions tend to catch my eye...

here are a few i'm excited about. join me!

• solider field 10 mile memorial day weekend - 7:30am 5/29 -- that also happens to be the day of one of my favorite street festivals and a highly anticipated rooftop birthday party. butttttt i suppose this run would be long gone by the time those beer-drinking celebrations started. 10 miles...yikes. ummmmm running buddies please step forward. there's no way i'm doing this one on my own.

• beachathon - 6/26 -- FUN! 9am start time, north ave beach -- its a 4 mile race with beach themed obstacles and a luau party at the end of the course. ummmm yes. this one is a MUST!

• run for the kids -- 7/15 thursday night, 6:30pm starts at solider field -- all i can think about is how hot it will be mid july. butttt its for the kids...

• elvis 5K -- thursday, 8/5 @ 6:45 -- this is also another must. its just a blast. besides, there's peanut butter and banana sandwiches and beer at the finish line.

• lung run -- 9/11 -- saturday 9am at montrose harbor

• then there's this guy. i've been considering the half marathon for some time now...buttttttt not sure i can swing 13+ miles just yet. my knees have been acting up, i'm quasi terrified and odds are i will conveniently wait to make up my mind till after the race is sold out. ha. and hey, maybe it'd be fun to train and travel somewhere to race anyways?

---
how are you staying active this summer? doing any racing? have any tips to share with me? i'm certainly still a beginner. and please join me if you are in town - especially for that beachathon!

beet it.

when you make a salad at home that rivals one of the best you've ever tasted out...its time to share that recipe. even if its as simple as can be. what's that? you think you don't like beets? do me a favor. roast 'em and dress 'em up with a little culinary love and try again. perhaps your palette will thank you?

roasted beet salad -- serves 2
(inspired and just about copied straight from rebecca)

what ya need:
• 2 beets
• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup feta
• drizzles of balsamic vinegar
• a splash of olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• salt and pepper to taste

how to:
1) preheat oven to 350
2) rinse beets, chop off ends, wrap in foil and place on baking sheet in oven for about an hour. (if you can slide a knife through them easily - go ahead just poke the foil - then they are good to go.)
3) let cool, rinse with cold water and slice
4) place beets on each bed of spinach
5) squeeze juice from 2 orange slices over each plate. then chop and add remaining orange pieces to salad along with the feta.
6) drizzle with balsamic, a splash of olive oil and season with salt and pepper

bonus: leftovers make an awesome lunch.
nom nom nom.

Biggest Loser: Month 4!

well april has come and gone at a rapid pace. i feel like i was just at home for the holidays talking about starting this competition and here we are with only one month left. only four more "weigh in wednesdays." granted, my journey will be no where close to over, but our BL game will be. i have a plan up my sleeve that will start after our highly anticipated vegas celebration. details are still brewing, but i fully intend to be at my goal/happy weight come 2011. what i'm doing is working, slowly but surely - but it may be time to enlist a professional. we shall see...

this month i struggled with balance. the sun came out and suddenly there were too many calorie-laden events and few too weekend workouts. but i did get my sweat on 21/30 days, which on paper sounds pretty damn good. regardless, i'm only down 2 pounds from where i was 30 days ago. disappointed? nah. most of my wardrobe has to be replaced. so maybe toning was king this month? i even fit into my jeans from early college. those said jeans also went straight into the goodwill pile as they were grossly out of style. but! but! BUT they fit!

however, the impending debauchery of the summer does scare me a bit. us chicagoans don't get many months of outdoor playtime so we tend to try to soak up every ounce. baseball games, outdoor patios, days at the beach (cough cough castaways), BBQs, el fresco dining, weekend visitors, etc, etc - there's always a reason to eat and drink in lieu of the gym. there's no doubt balance will continue to be a challenge, but this is my year damnit.

i'm down 17 pounds!
wish me luck in these final 31 days. i have some money to win after all.
not to mention a bikini to rock...

weekend-ing in DC

warm weather, walking and lots and lots of food. that was my weekend in DC. but sunshine, exploring a new city and a full belly will never have be complaining!

here are the highlights:

• dinner at birch and barley -- this was the perfect first stop. it was trendy, but laid back with a huge beer list and fantastic service. plus the food could not have been better. light, fresh and thoughtful. despite our full bellies (this will be a theme) we couldn't say no to the dessert menu. peanut butter tart with a vanilla/burbon mini milkshake and the cookies and confectioners plate, which included mini homemade versions of some childhood favorites. yes please.

oh and i had totally forgot i read about this earlier in the year. just yum.

• running tour of the city -- we were up earlier than normal for a saturday and took full advantage of our early bird status with a 2-ish hour run/walk around town. j was a great guide with awesome antidotes all along the way. as a bonus, we even popped in the smithsonian (which is FREE, as most museums are in DC) and checked out some dino bones, the biggest squid ever and the hope diamond. fun little pit stop.

• old glory BBQ -- while they are known for their BBQ, it was the spicy catfish wrap that caught my eye. besides forkfuls of pulled pork was just an arms length away. this was some traditional southern BBQ that highly rivals chicago's smoke daddy. their mac and cheese is a force to be reckoned with!

• shopping in georgetown -- what an adorable, bustling little neighborhood with each and every shop you can ever imagine. of course, we had to make stops at anthropolgie and lululemon. it would have been a shame to come home empty-handed. oooo! aaaaand...i picked myself up a pair of jcrew shorts that happen to be 2 SIZES smaller than my pre january size. holla!

• cupcakes! -- "famous" cupcakes? okay...twist my arm. the chocolate pb chip one was completely worth the 40 minutes we waited in the line that wrapped around the building. no really.

• a big win for the cavs! -- nothing like watching a game with someone from home. well aside from actually being at home. somehow we pulled out a win in the first game of the series with the celtics. hoping for a few less nail biters. however, tonight did not look too good...yikes!



• meeting heather! -- finally. we've been blog friends for years and i even introduced her to janiece when she moved to town. so we aligned our schedules and voila, it all worked out. so nice to meet you lady :)

• brunch at founding farmers -- you may remember this place from last week's post. everything about this place was perfect. from my meal (“red flannel” hash), to the creative decor and all the other inventive menu items, i was thoroughly impressed. helloooooo “banana fluffer nutter” and drinks made from freshly squeezed juices. its all local and organic and not in that annoying granola hippie way in the slightest.

great, great, long over-due weekend. janiece i adore you more than ever. don't ya just love when you have those people you can pick right back up with no matter how much time you have spent apart?!

thanks so much for everything.
and DC, i'll be back...