Pick A Pickled Pepper

I took the best class yesterday. It was a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, and Meditation. If you think your body doesn't need these things - then you are wrong.

IT. WAS. AMAZING!

I seriously felt like a million bucks after I left the class. And went on to be SO productive for the rest of the day.

I laughed to myself a little bit during the class over all the silly anxiety I go through before going to the gym.

Things like:

1. What kind of panty line do I have?

2. Will the person behind me be able to see it if I bend over? ( and then I will test it out in the mirror)

3. What if a guy is behind me?

4. My toe nail polish is chipped. Will I be ridiculed?

5. What if there is a boogeyman hiding behind my shower curtain? ( I think this constantly)

6. Will some one stare at my baby toes and wonder why they turn the opposite direction from the rest of my toes due to an abusive relationship with high heels?

7. What will I eat for lunch?

8. What if I can't do it?

9. What if Kev sees the nail polish that I spilled on the floor while frantically trying to paint my toes?

And then I get to the class and no one cares how I'm dressed. No one cares what I do. Every one is there for the same reason - to get in shape/stay healthy - so they support each other. And specifically to this class.... the lights were off. And the instructor was standing under a spot light - so, it pretty much felt like it was just her and me.

And I wasted all that time on negativity for nothing.

Except the boogeyman part. Because it is always good to have some level of concern over that kind of thing. It keeps you on your toes.

The class went by so fast. I never looked at the clock. I never wondered to myself if it was almost over. I just loved every minute.

And I sweated. A ton. Which is something I never thought I would do. Just because I usually "measure" the success of my workouts by sweat. And this type of class looked so peaceful and easy. Peaceful - YES. Easy- not at all. In fact, I actually let out some groans during some of the positions. And I am thankful that that is all I let out.

Then the meditation came. I closed my eyes and ears off to the rest of the world. And rested. When the class ended, I actually had tears in my eyes. Like any negativity or stress was escaping.

I must go to this class EVERY week. My sanity and my flexibility and my hunchback depend on it!

I'm tired of my full body profile looking like a question mark.

And now on to the "pickled pepper" part of the post. ( say that fast with 10 saltine crackers in your mouth)

To continue our Asian inspired food fest.... I chose a cole slaw recipe from Paula Deen. And yes, I'm just surprised as you are that she actually has some healthy recipes.

It was called "Peppery Cole Slaw" - and the Asian ingredient was this delightful oil...

Hot Chili Sesame Oil.

This was my first time purchasing this. And boy, does it have a kick to it! It definitely made the salad.

In case you were wondering what else went in to the "Peppery Cole Slaw" slaw. Well, it was PEPPERS.

Lots and Lots of them....

So, the "slaw" consisted of cabbage and carrots ( I used a premade slaw mix) and red, green, poblano, and jalapeno peppers. Cut in strips. I threw the seeds in for good measure. Then you make the "dressing" with the hot chili oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, dijon mustard, and olive oil.

Toss it all together. And then grab the biggest water bottle you can find because your mouth is going to catch on fire all the live long day!!

But it was just the way I like my food! The same way I like my curling iron. The hotter the better. ;)

It would make a great side to burgers or steak. But seeing is how I had neither available. I just ate a big bowl of it for lunch. And even threw some on my tuna sandwich that I had for dinner.

And now I need to go blow my nose... as my sinuses have been cleaned out for the rest of my life.

An Anniversary Dinner

Ok. So, we haven't had a theme dinner in quite a while now. And as you know that is one of our (my) favorite things.



Which is why I planned an Asian themed meal to celebrate our sixteenth.



And also because I was dying to wear this kimono as something other than a robe.



My sister, Holly, brought this back for me from Yongsan, Korea a bunch of years ago. And I've been in love with it ever since. I blame my reading of Memoirs of Geisha. I fell in love with the culture, the beauty, and the ritual.



I would love to learn so many things. But for now, I will just have to learn how to make the food.

I started with a vegetable stir fry that I found in a Paula Deen magazine. Full of yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, garlic, wild mushrooms, green onions, and red cabbage.

And then put it over some soba noodles. This was our first time to have these buckwheat noodles - and they were DELICIOUS!

I whisked together a "sauce" made of soy sauce, sesame oil, and vege broth and poured it over the top.

And it was AMAZING!! Loved all the flavors, all the colors, all the textures. It is definitely a make again meal! Not to mention that it was super healthy.

But that wasn't all.

I made some edamame and sprinkled it with kosher salt.

And then there was the sushi. Straight from Publix. We had avocado rolls. A brown rice vegetable sushi roll. And a crunchy shrimp roll.

The whole meal.

Purposely plated on our "vintage" black plate collection. Courtesy of when our two lives merged back in the early 90's. It seems our finding each other was fate as we both had the EXACT same dishware set.

So, another year has passed. And I'm more in love with Kev today than I was the day I married him. Probably because we have much better hairstyles and clothes these days. But seriously, I got lucky. And I will never take it for granted.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering. Kimonos are fun to wear as every day clothes. You can be dressed up and still comfortable. I'm trying to think of a way to incorporate this one in to my every day wardrobe.

Sweet Sixteen!

It has been another year. Another year of wedded bliss.



And just in case you want to relive some great pictures and moments.. you can read my post from last year here: http://kimandkevsnyder.blogspot.com/2010/01/15-years.html



( By the way, I've figured out how to "link". On my own. But that is really as far as I've gotten with that resolution)



I decided to make our anniversary a two-part celebration. You see, we have traditions. And those are important in the scheme of things. It is also important to me to not have to drive all over town on my day off from work - especially when I have a million other things planned. So, I planned our traditional Bonefish Grill dinner last night. A dinner that was gratefully paid for by Santa. And with the way that I "shop" at Bonefish - it will last us at least five meals.



Thanks Santa!




Two orders of Bang Bang Shrimp. Two loaves of bread. All for $10.80! It just so happened to be a Wednesday special.




This is truly one of my favorite meals. OF.ALL.TIME! I just make some rice to go along with it and we are all set....

What a yummy looking carb overload! It was so worth every single bite.

And we still had enough left over to make Kev two lunches.

Tonight - our actual anniversary - I am making a vegetable stir fry with soba noodles to go along with our FEAST of sushi.

Other than that, I've got a Body Pump class, a Yoga class, and an Ab class to get to.

I hope I'm not ridiculed for having chipped toenail polish. Of course, it wouldn't be the worst thing that I've ever done.

Happy Anniversary sweet Kev!! I love you SO much! And am looking forward to the next sixteen!

A Hairy Christmas

Fu Manchu, Horseshoe, Handlebar, Lampshade, Walrus, and Redneck.

Q: What do all these things have in common?

A: They are all types of mustaches.

Q: Why are mustaches an important part of Christmas?

A: Because it is just SO MUCH FUN!

I have long had a special place in my heart for a good mustache. Maybe it is that I grew up around them.. starting with my Gran. He rocked a beauty back in the 70's. And then there is my Dad, of course, whose ENTIRE face is covered with hair.

Much like myself these days.

Regardless, I love mustaches. They love me. And luckily Kev happened to see a "Top Holiday Gifts" tv show that suggested buying a pack of mustaches for your family to wear at Christmas dinner.

You don't have to tell us twice. Mustaches + Crazy Fun Family + Formal Christmas Dinner=

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS MEMORY!

Except for we couldn't wait until dinner. And had to open them as soon as we woke up. After all, I had challenged my brother to a hair growing contest and I had to ensure my victory.

We got enough for every one. Except for my Dad. Because, where on Earth would he put it?

Even my Mom joined in on the fun

The Hairy Newlyweds...

( Dave's "mustache" is nothing like the one he grew while in Iraq. Now that was a mustache fit for a king. And as soon as I find a picture I will prove it to you!)

The old married couple....

( Notice my mustache is gray. I had to match my roots)

These mustaches were endless entertainment. Especially for those of us that managed to keep it on the entire time we were opening gifts and eating breakfast.

They are a little itchy, ya know.

Or maybe you don't know because you haven't bought a pack of hairy mustaches from Amazon for your entire family to wear on Christmas.

But let me tell you that it was money well spent!

A Good Ride

I went to bed Sunday night feeling excited. Excited for the New Year. Excited for my resolutions. Excited for things to come.


But then I didn't sleep. AT ALL.


And I got out of bed Monday morning feeling like this....


Exhausted from all the mind racing thoughts, the merriment, and the food from the day before.

And Monday was supposed to be my kickoff to my health and fitness goals. I realized that it was going to be a rough day.



Normally, I would acknowledge my exhaustion by deciding then and there that I would just "work out tomorrow".

But, luckily for me, my "over" planning paid off. My meals were already prepared and packed. My gym clothes were sitting in a bag by the door. My extremely caffeinated tea was in my hand.



I was going to stick to my plan if it killed me. Except for maybe I did decide to change it a little.... to help with the fact that I hadn't been to the gym in a week... (or two)... and that I hadn't been eating right all weekend, and of course, because I didn't get any sleep.



So, two intense classes turned in to one "easier" spin class. I say "easier" because this particular Monday night class is not my fave. I call it the "yoga spin" because the instructor tries too hard to keep you relaxed and not focused on the task at hand. And when I go to ride - I GO TO RIDE.



Regardless, I felt like this was the best way to get back in to things.



And so did every one else in the city of Columbia. The gym was PACKED. Like drive around for fifteen minutes looking for a parking place packed.



I also got one of the last bikes in the class. A class that I can usually run in at the last minute and have multiple bikes to choose from. And there was still 20 minutes before the class began.



I have to say it is so great to see so many people starting their year off in a healthy way! Even if my strategically planned out schedule might be a little challenged by the crowds.



And then much to my delight - the class was AMAZING! Fantastic music, fantastic challenges, and fantastic motivation.



I left sweaty and sore and satisfied.




And rejuvenated my body with my new favorite - The Green Monster.


Kev gave it a thumbs up and said it tasted just like a banana smoothie. ( I told you so!)


And then just when I thought that my Christmas gift was a not so good gift... Kev made himself a ham and pepper jack panini....

And declared it out of this world....

Good to know. I guess I can give the panini maker another chance.

And now Kev has the incredible task of finishing ALL of the leftovers from this past holiday weekend. I cooked. I cooked a lot. And I will tell you all about it. Some day. But for now I am trying to come up with new creative ways to present it to him. Perhaps smashing every thing between two pieces of bread will do.

And now - just in case you are still thinking about your resolutions/goals for the year.. Here is a very interesting and helpful post about how to make your goals reality....

http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2011/01/how-to-set-and-actually-achieve-new-years-resolutions.html

A Good Christmas Gift?

Kev is the hardest person to shop for on the planet. He prefers to purchase his own electronics and likes to keep every thing else pretty simple.

That usually leaves me with NO ideas.

Clothes? It just so happens that 1980 is his style. And luckily for him ( but not me!), the clothes from his high school days still fit.

Music? It just so happens he has "connections" to a little place I like to call THE PAWN SHOP. Which means he pretty much has access to whatever he wants.

Food? It just so happens that his wife LOVES to cook... and purchases TONS of food, for that matter. So, he never goes hungry.

Hobbies? They consist of working out and chores. And who really wants to give him something to help with chores! NOT ME!

So, you can imagine my dilemma when looking for gifts. It is stressful. But this year... well, this year I had it covered. A panini maker. Because one of his most favorite meals of all times is a sandwich and chips. Joey from Friends style.

And the "sandwich maker" that he has just wasn't cutting it. Mainly because it was FROM THE PAWN SHOP. And there are just all kinds of wrong about buying a sandwich maker from a pawn shop.

"You can take a sandwich maker out of a pawn shop, but you can't take the pawn shop out of the sandwich maker"

I just made that saying up. But it fits.

I refused to use it. Which left him to make hot sandwiches on the nights that I closed at work.

It just wasn't worth it. Hiding to make sandwiches. Me threatening to throw it out. That is why a panini maker sounded like the perfect idea!

Well, I searched and researched and searched. And ended up with THREE of them. Because I was just that indecisive. But after much thought and comparison and "weighing the options"... I came up with THE ONE:
It is from the Food Network. Not literally from "the network" but from the company that makes Food Network stuff. It is the BOMB - or at least it was supposed to be. It grills, makes paninis, waffles, and quesadillas. Every thing that I have ever wanted in an appliance. And a man, for that matter.

I thought I had done it! The ultimate surprise. One that would blow his socks off. ( We have been married for ALMOST 16 years by the way... it is the simple things....)

But so far, depending on this "machine" has been the downfall of two meals. I seem to do better when I am in complete control.

The first meal was..... a panini. A BBQ chicken panini. I dreamed of this sandwich the ENTIRE day. I even told the bag boy at Publix that he better put the Rotisserie chicken in my trunk or I would eat it whole on the way home. ( He did not seem amused - but quickly dialed 911 as I drove away)
I rushed home. Made the sandwich - chicken + BBQ sauce + red onion+ Monterey Jack cheese

All on a (HUGE) Sourdough loaf. Um. That was probably my downfall. Look how big the bread is. Have you ever seen such a sandwich? I should have known there was an issue when the panini maker SCREAMED in pain when I tried to shut the lid.

And this is what the finished sandwich looked like.....

Don't get me wrong. It was ok. Not the amazing flavors I hoped for. But maybe that was because I was trying to wrap my mouth around A HUGE PIECE OF BREAD!!!

And then there was the waffles....

Or should I say... pieces of bits of waffle tasting bites. Because waffles... well, they just didn't work out. They stuck to it, drooled out the back of the maker, fell apart, and called me a crappy waffle maker in a thick English accent.

It was embarrassing.

Especially, on "Waffle Sunday". I will be ridiculed by my kitchen until I rectify the situation.

But since 2011 has made me the "glass half full" type. I decided to make the most of it and pour some DELICIOUS blackberry syrup on top of the "waffle bits".

This stuff was AMAZING!! So good! And something we had never had before. We received it as a gift for Christmas. And let me just tell you that it made the waffles(?) taste like a million bucks. It says on the back that you can pour it on desserts, pancakes, waffles, and ice cream ( yes, please!)

It literally saved our breakfast!

Maybe I should have just given Kev some syrup and NOT the panini maker. Or maybe I should learn to accept defeat - and keep trying until I get it right.

Speaking of keep trying - I did go out and purchase some flatter bread. I WILL try again because tomorrow night is tuna melt night. And I refuse to let an appliance get the best of me!

Resolutions

I've spent a TON of time thinking about my resolutions for 2011. I take it very seriously being that I'm a little obsessed with lists and planning. I need goals in my life. And I need goals after I have met the original goals.



My middle name should have been goals.



Last year I wrote a million paged list of all the things I wanted to do. And to be honest, most of them didn't work out. Like wearing sunglasses on a daily basis. FAIL. At least I carry them around in my purse. That should count for something - right? I don't really like wearing them - they make my nose sweat.

And then there was the "focusing on keeping my skin youthful". Well, let's face it. I should have been doing that since 1972. It is a little too late when your skins sags south and your face looks like a raisin when you smile. Another FAIL.



So, along with my constant thinking and jotting down notes... I broke all rules of my "save money by being more savvy about what you buy - meaning do NOT buy every magazine that sparks your fancy when you are standing in the grocery store line" and purchased this one...

"Be Happier This Year". Well, you can imagine that it sparked my fancy. ( Why do I keep saying that - am I 80 years old?) It not only has tips for being happy - but lots of organizational tips. So, I broke down. Purchased the magazine. And then realized that I had just paid $4.99 for tips and ideas that I already do/know.



But it is still a pretty cover. And there is a copyable ( if that is not a word- then it is now cause I like it) grocery list chart. One that organizes your daily menu plus what items you need from where - ie; produce, meat, dairy, etc. I do this anyway - but it is nice to have a chart I guess.



My point is that I have worked hard to plan GREAT things for this year. And the news that I just received ( BEST NEWS EVER) has just sealed the deal on the fact that I am REALLY looking forward to an AMAZING 2011.



And just because I'm sure you are dying to know/I need a way to keep me focused on my goals by blogging this list... Here goes:



I decided to break the resolutions down by: Living, Laughing, Loving, Learning.



( Before you think I am clever - just know that I got it off a sign that is hanging in my sunroom. Except for the "learning" part. But coming from parents that are teachers- I figured I should add that in)



LIVING-

1. Being fit and HEALTHY. Healthy is the key word. Luckily I have already started this quest so I do not feel too overwhelmed by putting it on the list. I just want to take it a step further. I want to conquer yoga and pilates and running. And really excel at my fitness aspirations.
I truly feel a MILLION times better than I did six months ago - and I have slowly but surely seen the improvements in my every day living. Sleeping better, having more energy, feeling less stressed... etc.

My few specific goals that I have already set/signed up for are:

1. January 15th - The Burnathon for Camp Kemo! A two hour spin class to raise money for children with cancer.

2. The half-marathon on October 1st in Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.



I'm trying to take it slow and not overwhelm myself. But I will say that I am actively searching for a running group and plan to start taking yoga at least 3 times a week. It would be nice to be able to touch my toes at some point in my life.



LOVING-

1. Well... basically what I mean about this is just cherishing my family more. Creating more memories. Celebrating the moments. I feel like I have done a much better job of this in the last year - taken more trips, attended more events, and actually CHERISHED the time spent. I had a LOT of amazing family memories in 2010 - and I plan to continue the fun!



2. Also, just another little goal that I have set for myself is to actually mail out/give cards to family members for special occasions. I am FABULOUS at shopping for the cards but HORRIBLE at actually giving them. You would NOT believe the stash of greeting cards I have in my desk that have not been given. And yes, Laura and Dave, your wedding card is still sitting in a drawer. I LOVE receiving cards in the mail - so, I want to be able to be a part of some one else receiving them.



In fact, my sweet neighbor ( who I have never met) brought us over some flowers. And I told Kev that I would send her a thank you card. And he said " Yeah right, I won't hold my breath". And I never sent it. Never went over to thank her. Nothing. That has to change.



LAUGHING-



1. Um. Do I even need to write about this one? I mean, I laugh pretty much hourly and one of the things I hope to be known for is that I made people laugh. It is pretty much is what I live for. And am thankful that I come from such a crazy family- it gives me great material.



Basically, I just want to continue laughing.



LEARNING-



Ok. So this is where it gets good. I want to learn A LOT this year.



1. yoga- perfecting every move. Strengthening my core. Becoming flexible (hopefully)

2. Running- achieving success on consistency, speed, endurance.

3. Nutrition- learning more about what will make my body be it's best. And make Kev's be it's best.

4. Technology- how to scan pictures, add links, and basically turn my computer on by myself. ( I am truly computer illiterate!) I also want to maintain this blog a little better - meaning actually post on a regular basis. Kev has been telling me for the past two years that if I would just post smaller stories, I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed. Maybe I will actually listen to what he has to say. He has kept me alive and well these last 20 years after all!

5. Cooking- My TRUE passion. Continue to prepare new and exciting meals. Take my cooking to the next level.

6. Photography - My other TRUE passion. I want to master my new camera like yesterday! We haven't decided what is best for me to do at this point - take a class online, take an actual class in person, play around with it until I figure it out. But I want to be able to document some great things. I want me and the camera to become one. And right now we act like second cousins that have never met.

7. Saving Money - I have come A LONG WAY in this area. Especially after taking the couponing course. But I still haven't mastered it. Mainly because I need to find a good balance. I mean... living off of hotdogs and hamburger buns for a week isn't going to cut it. And that is basically what the couponing came down to. So, I will definitely make it a focus, but will keep my mind opened about what is best for our health and our palettes.

And that about sums it up. Yes, there are other smaller things that I will be focusing on. But that covers the "big picture".

And just in case you were wondering - there are two things that I will probably never resolve. Giving up caffeine and keeping my bathroom clean. Because it takes a LOT to get me going in the morning and it is better for YOU and me that I have caffeine. And whose bright idea was it to have an ALL WHITE bathroom anyway? ( me!) ( and I have regretted since day one) I try to close the door when we have company over - that is about all I can do. It takes a TON of supplies to get me looking appropriate for the real world. And it is too much to keep them tidy.

During the typing of this post - I received MORE AMAZING news!!! I'm telling you- IT IS GONNA BE AN AWESOME YEAR!!! I can feel it!!

And I can't wait for every second of it!