Life Lesson #4

Celebrate EVERYTHING

"Each time I walk into my apartment - even if I've been gone less than a minute - my three dogs leap on me, kiss me, lick me, wag and bark, and show me their chew toys. I find it inspiring: Life throws a lot of junk in your direction, so you might as well get your kicks when you can. Now I try to acknowledge every small-but-happy event (my kids' half-birthdays, good doctor's visits, even when a mosquito bite stops itching) with at least a cheerful word or gesture. I believe that if dogs could speak, they'd say, 'You should have a cupcake for that.' That's a world view I can get behind."
(Real Simple. January 2011, p. 60)


My husband and I often disagree on what constitutes a special occasion, for the most part it is because he never wants to open the 'good wine' he always says we need to save it for a 'special occasion'. For example, a couple weeks ago, on a Thursday evening, I made myself a nice dinner and decided to pair it with a glass of Chianti. Let me premise this by saying Alex took all the 'good wine' to Russell so I wouldn't drink it all to myself... or so I thought! He left behind one bottle, the 1997 Chianti Classico Riserva. I only had 2 glasses that night. The next evening, Friday, when Alex got home I asked him to pour me a glass of wine and that is when he saw the half empty bottle of Chianti sitting on the wine shelf! There was enough for us each to have one glass, although I offered mine up to him as I already drank the first half of the bottle. He later informed me the wine was worth $240!! oops!! I guess that explains why I was blown away by how smooth and flavourful it was (for a Chianti).


That accidental opening, though, made us appreciate the day, and each other's company that much more than normal (especially now that we live 4 hours apart and only see each other on weekends). We sat and drank and talked and joked with each other for the half hour or so it took us to drink the wine, it became a special occasion... well, for me anyways!

So, I suppose Life Lesson #4 only strengthens my argument that every day is a special occasion.

Tenderloin of Beef with Snow Peas

I cannot say enough good things about this meal, it has tons of flavour and is quick and very easy to make! I hope you enjoy it as much as me! The recipe below will serve 2 people for dinner. (approx. 150 calories for 1 cup of the beef and snow peas)



Tenderloin of Beef with Snow Peas

1 tenderloin steak cut into strips (about 6-8 oz.)... make sure you use tenderloin, other beef will be tough and the meal won't be as enjoyable

4 green onions
1 TBSP fresh garlic
1 TBSP fresh ginger
1 TBSP olive oil
3 cups snow peas
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
black sesame seeds
3 TBSP soy sauce
3 TBSP orange juice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 TBSP water
3 cups cooked whole wheat pasta

Cook pasta according to directions, leave in hot water while you cook the meal.
In a large saucepan add oil over high heat until a drop of water sizzles in it, add the green onions, ginger and garlic, stir fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (be careful this oil is very hot and it could burn).  Next, add the beef strips and fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes, add snow peas and fry for 30 seconds, now add the water chestnuts and fry for 30 seconds. stir in the soy sauce/OJ mixture, bring to a simmer for 20 seconds. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth, add to the pan stirring constantly until sauce thickens and bubbles, about 20-30 seconds.

Split the pasta and stir fry between 2 bowls, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Thai Chicken Satay

This is one of my go-to meals when I am craving something a little out of the ordinary, but don't feel like making anything TOO fancy!
(It has approx. 200 calories for 1/2 the chicken and 2 TBSP sauce)

Thai Chicken Satay

1 chicken breast, cut into long thin strips

6 TBSP light coconut milk

3 TBSP peanut butter

4 tsp honey

2.5 TBSP Asian fish sauce (you can buy this in Safeway, it is kind of similar to soy sauce)

half a red onion pureed

1 TBSP fresh ginger

1 tsp fresh garlic

2 tsp + 1 TBSP fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

First, combine 1.5 TBSP of the fish sauce, onion, ginger, garlic, 2 tsp lime juice in a ziploc bag, add the chicken squeeze out as much air as you can and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably in the fridge, especially if you want to marinate it for longer).

If you are going to use wooden skewers, you need to soak them in water for about half an hour. If you use metal skewers, spray them with Pam.

While the chicken is marinating, make the peanut sauce. Whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, honey, rest of fish sauce, rest of lime juice, and the pepper flakes, set aside or in the fridge (if there is any left over you can keep it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days).

Turn on you broiler and move the rack to its top position in the oven (about 2-4 inches from broiler). Thread the chicken onto the skewers, place on a pan and broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, watch carefully so it doesn't burn.

Serve with the peanut sauce (I like it with wild rice - boiled in vegetable broth instead of water - and a salad, or veggie like  green beans, the peanut sauce goes good on the beans too!)

 

Favourite Things: My Cats

So, I was on the phone tonight with my mom (who owns 2 Springer Spaniels and "half owns" a Golden Retriever) who made the comment  ".... I'm not much of a cat person ...." and it got me to thinking... HOW CAN YOU NOT BE?

                                              Bella                                                      Izzy

    

So, in retort, I am going to list 10 reasons why I am NOT a dog person.... nothing personal to all you dog lovers ;-)

10. They make your back yard unusable. Seriously, all that beauty and you are afraid to step one foot in it for fear of stepping on a 'land mine'

9. One word... Drool. (Ew.)

8. They need almost as much attention as a baby. Who has time for that?

7. They are DIRTY (rolling in dead animals, or their own poo, etc.) which leads me to my next point...

6. They STINK. Everyone knows what "wet-dog" smells like and it is NOT pleasant.

5. They are scarier than their owners like to admit or think, even the little ones. When a dog comes running at you and jumps on you not only does it hurt, but for a moment (even if you know the dog) you think, 'should I be protecting my jugular?'

4. They think everything is a chew toy. Um, hello, my heels may be leather but they are NOT rawhide.

3. Their owners. Much like how every person thinks their children are perfect angels, dog owners are almost worse, I don't know why that is.

2. They are deceivingly cute. Which annoys me more than anything.

1. They bark. The incessant need for a dog to bark DRIVES ME CRAZY.


Now, don't get me wrong, there are a few pups out there I can tolerate, even like, but I am most definitely a cat person!!

Thyme and Garlic Poached Pickerel with Quinoa Stuffed Red Bell Pepper

It's always tough on the weekend to stick to a healthy eating plan, especially when that weekend is Superbowl! Slow roasted pork back ribs with Alex's "secret" spice, Caesar and homemade potato salad, not to mention the red wine and iced tea, I guess it's needless to say it was a calorie-filled fiesta!
But, alas, here is Monday, the best day to get back on with the plan!
I admit, I am getting bored with some of the meals on this "Cinch" plan, so I am trying to switch it up a little. I figured that each of the meals in the plan average around 300 calories a piece, so if I cook something else I just have to be sure to use lots of fresh veggies, a little protein and keep the portion within that caloric range ... this is all a little boring, I know, so I'll get to the good part... the recipes! Tonight's dinner: Thyme and Garlic Poached Pickerel with Quinoa Stuffed Red Bell Pepper.


Thyme and Garlic Poached Pickerel
2 fresh pickerel fillets
salt and pepper
6 sprigs of FRESH thyme (don't use dried thyme, it doesn't produce as much flavour)

1 TBSP FRESH garlic (diddo for dried garlic)

2 TBSP Olive Oil

3/4 cup white wine (use a Riesling or something on the sweeter side)

Rinse the fish in cold water, pat dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper, set aside. Pour rest of ingredients into a shallow saute pan and bring to a boil, let simmer on med-high heat for about 5 minutes to mix the flavours. Add a little more wine if some of it evaporated then bring back to a boil. Set fish on top of the liquid and poach, turning a couple times until finished (about 7-8 minutes). The liquid should have mostly evaporated by now so what ever is left spoon a little over the fish as a sauce. Enjoy!

Quinoa Stuffed Red Bell Pepper

1/2 Red bell pepper

1/4 cup cooked quinoa

1 TBSP olive oil

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 TBSP fresh garlic

1/4 cup chopped carrot

1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach

1/4 cup chopped mushroom

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook quinoa according to directions.

Meanwhile, in a saute pan, fry onion in oil until translucent (about 2-3 minutes), add garlic then rest of veggies and cook until done (about 4-5 minutes). Mix veggies, quinoa and cheese in a bowl and stuff pepper. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

This meal has approximately 400-500 calories, a bit higher than what I have been eating but well worth it!! (and I only ate a banana for lunch so it all evens out!!)

Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich

You'd think it would be easy cooking for someone who, when you ask, "what do you want to eat?" the reply is almost always "Whatever, I don't care." But it's not as easy as it sounds!
Today for lunch I had a craving for something a little out of the ordinary and Alex didn't have a preference for anything in particular, so I made a Chicken Salad sandwich with Curry and Turmeric.
Although I've had chicken salad before, this was the first time I've ever made it. I thought I'd add some curry and turmeric to the chicken before baking it, and it turned out really great.
I think Alex even enjoyed it!

Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich (approx. 300-325 calories)
1 chicken breast
1/8 tsp. curry
pinch turmeric
2 stalks celery
2 green onions
1/4 cup green pepper
1/2 tomato
1 - 2 TBSP light mayo
salt and pepper to taste

Cut the chicken into small pieces sprinkle with curry and turmeric, bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until done. Let cool completely.
Cut up all the veggies and toss in a bowl with mayo, salt and pepper. Once the chicken is completely cooled mix with the rest of the ingredients. Serve on whole grain bread or in a whole grain wrap top with lettuce. Enjoy!

Life Lesson #3

You know that feeling you get when you believe something to be true, and then you are proven wrong? It's kind of an awful feeling! It seems that lately, I have been experiencing this phenomena a lot more often than usual and I must say, it is humbling. I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent, educated woman, but I was really starting to beat myself up over being wrong about so many little things.
So, I guess I took it as a 'sign' when I was reading this "Life Lessons" article to relax and accept the fact that I'm not right all the time (*gasp!) and it's OK!

3. You don't have ALL the answers
"By and large, people don't like to live in the realm of  'not knowing.' It's terrifying. Which is why everybody wants to have all the answers. Atheists think science has the answers. Religious Fundamentalists believe their particular theology does. But 'not knowing' is a richer and more gratifying place to be. I have no idea what's going to happen to me, why the universe is the way it is, or what will happen to my life force once my body stops working. You probably don't either. So just breathe and live in the great, beautiful mystery. And floss regularly."

(Real Simple, February 2011, p. 50) 

Life Lesson #2

I am 100% guilty of Life Lesson #2 (and so is my hubby, even though he'll never admit it)!

2. You spent a SMALL FORTUNE on yourself.
"Even in this day and age, many people still don't level with their spouses about how much they paid for some coveted service or item, like a salon treatment or a fancy new grill. Indeed, it can be difficult to own up to, say, a $70 haircut at a chic salon when your husband shells out $22 at the barber. But keeping money secrets in a relationship creates bigger conflicts down the road. Sure, in this economy, sharing such information may lead to a discussion about cutting back, but your partner will also get a better understanding of what you value most - and those converstions will ultimately bring the two of you closer."

(from Real Simple, February 2011, p. 50)

Like I said, I am guilty of spending small fortunes on myself on the most inane things (like my new leather Cole Haan triple zip satchel purse **swoon), and usually I am too embarassed to tell my husband the true number, so I have taken to subscribing to his "1/2 it or double it" when he asks me how much I spent on something! But, I guess I can truly admit we are not quite "there" yet on full disclosure of our expenditures. I think things are changing though now that at least one of us is done University, and I imagine we will begin to share expenses and money more openly when we are both earning and contributing.
One day at a time!

Greek Pizza

Tonight I was craving pizza but I know all too well the calorie count in traditional pizza is usually in the quadruple digits for 2 or 3 pieces! So, I made a low cal version of Greek Pizza (with ALL the flavour!)

Greek Pizza (approx. 275-300 calories)
2 small whole wheat tortilla wraps
1 TBSP pesto
30 grams feta (approx. 2 TBSP)
1/4 cup tomato cut in chunks
1/4 cup red onion cut in chunks
1/4 cup green pepper cut in chunks
1/8 cup kalamata olives, de-stoned, cut into pieces
1/4 cup cooked chicken breast (with greek seasoning)

First, cut up chicken into little pieces, cook in fry pan with a TBSP water and sprinkle Greek seasoning.
Spread pesto between 2 wraps and layer feta, onion, pepper, tomato, olives and cooked chicken on top, sprinkle with oregano. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until base is a little crusty.

Life Lesson #1

One of my very favourite magazines is Real Simple, and for so many reasons! It is filled with so many little things to help you around the house, or new uses for old things, etc. that I always like to share with my family and friends, and the latest issue (February 2011) is no exception!

In particular, this month there is a page called 'Life Lessons' (p. 50) and there is one excerpt that I want share.....

1. Your house is USUALLY a disaster area
'The next time you entertain, don't pretend that your place always looks perfect. It's as annoying as a stick-thin model saying she eats like a horse. If someone compliments your home, be honest and say "I've spent the last two days cleaning up. You have no idea what was behind that side board!" It's impossible to keep it together at all times.
Wouldn't you rather be friends with someone who owns up to their imperfections? I know I would.'

You may ask, why this excerpt, Kellie? Well, simply because that is me in a nutshell! I LOVE to entertain and host dinner parties or 'Rockband' nights, but I'm always stressing out, trying to pretend I'm the best house-keeper, HA! Far from it!
So, here I am, I'm "coming clean" about what my house USUALLY looks like!
Please, just don't 'pop by' for a visit to see it in person.

Striving for perfection

Growing up, I was always a B or C student (with the exception of grade 7 when I made the honour roll with straight A's, and and my 2nd year in University when I made the Dean's Honour List), so needless to say, I guess, I just got used to it. Getting an A on an assignment or a test came few and far between for me. I never really believed in myself, never believed I was smart enough to be an 'A-student'.

Then came college - FAIL.

Then came University. It took some getting used to, getting back in the game - I was 26 going on 27 when I started at the U of M. My choices consisted of 2 Nutrition classes (which still stick with me to this day, so glad I took them), and Statistics. Oh my god, statistics. What a NIGHTMARE! Poor Alex, is all I have to really say on that subject.
Poor Alex, and Thanks Alex ... if it weren't for you, I definitely would've failed!
After working my butt off for 2.5 years, striving to achieve and maintain a GPA over 3.5 so I would get accepted into the very competitive Environmental Design program,  all of my hard work paid off.

Or so I thought.

2009-2010 was, by far, the most academically challenging year of school I have EVER faced. Never had I cried so many times, never had I wanted to quit so many times, never had I pulled so many all nighters, and never had I stressed myself out to that point before. All in the name of maintaining that 3.5 GPA so I would be accepted into the third year of the ED program, and  into Interior Design - my ultimate goal (the thing about this is that I didn't realize I would have to apply to get into 3rd year after already applying to get into 2nd year ED). This time I can say all of my hard work has FINALLY paid off! Now, I can relax a little and enjoy myself and enjoy everything I am learning. I am currently maintaining a GPA of 3.43 and I am perfectly happy with that number.
I am going to give it my best. I am going to work hard and do my best, and if I get B's again, I am ok with that. I understand that at this point in my academic career, grades are mostly subjective, especially in the creative design world. If I get a B, as long as I did the work to my best abilities, then I understood the assignment. I understood what the results meant and how they are to be applied to my field. Just because someone else got an 'A' doesn't necessarily mean they understood the information better, it could mean the grader liked their layout and/or theme of the particular paper/presentation better, or whatever.

In the end it comes down to understanding. Do you or don't you? I could take a final exam and cram all the information into my head the night before and forget it all the second I leave the test (and still manage to score a 98%) but I am no better prepared for "the real world" than I was before I even took the class...