Oh Man

by Emily

Oh Man. Today has been quite the day (and it’s not even over!). I am flying to Ohio early tomorrow morning to celebrate my grandmother’s 80th birthday. I knew I had a ton to do, so the plan was to get up super early, but when your husband is in medical school and studying for a big test until 2am sometimes things don’t pan out.

I ended up getting out of bed at 9:30, whoops! I skipped another gym session but I am not going to beat myself up about it. I was super sluggish and out if it so it took me a while to get going but I managed to pull it together and make breakfast.

Half a piece of Naan with pb and Crofter’s Superfruit Spread.

Then I threw on a new sweater and headed to Wegmans.

The plan was just to buy my baking stuff but I ended up getting items for next week too. Like this –

Eek! I’ve been so jealous when other bloggers have eaten this, thank goodness it’s finally made it to Buffalo. Now if only we had pumpkin Stoneyfield!

After I put the groceries away it was time to head back out to, this time to the doctor’s office. My foot is 90% better but I have one stubborn wort left. I went straight to school from there and studied Chemistry until class. I was dying of hunger by the time I got there.

I was majorly craving fries, so I got some!

Along with a spicy chicken sandwich that was sadly unspicy.

During my meal the regional manager came up to hit on me talk to me and I ended up getting some free coupons. I don’t eat at Burger King very often but free food is always exciting!

Lab went very well. I got a quiz back that was a 100% and the experiment went very quickly. I ended up staying until 9 anyway to work on the post-lab; I am 99.9% finished for next week!

When I got home at 9:45 I was kind of starting to lose it (the doctor froze my remaining wort today and at that point the pain was about an 8). Poor, poor Adam. I tend to get a little punch-drunk when I’m tired and the giggles were out in full swing! He was totally sweet though and helped me with my baking.

I am bringing Cheesecake-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes (from October Everyday with Rachael Ray) with me to Ohio. I followed the recipe (except I used evoo instead of vegetable oil, and cut the amount to 1/4C) but decided to skip the frosting. They have a fricking cream cheese layer, it seemed unnecessary.

While we baked we finally opened the beer I’ve been saving all month.

Southern Tier is a favorite, and Pumpking is handsdown the best pumpkin beer! I had about 1/3.

We had to walk hobble to the bank and now we finally are going to watch this week’s episode of House “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brow.” Dinner kind of never happened. Except sort of, I guess, when I ate this “cupcake” of baked extra cream cheese filling.

YUM! I actually still have packing to do (at 1am!) so I should hop to it! Sweet dreams everyone!

23Oct2009

BSI Entry

by Emily

Oh man was a good evening! I am pretty much excited about everything right now. My dinner (and drink) are delicious, but more importantly fall themed, and the whole meal is just rocking my socks! I’ll back up though…

We didn’t head out to the store until after 7:30 but I was cool with the tardiness because I was excited about my new shirt.

This was one of many $10 mall finds last weekend.

The grocery store was quick and easy, Adam and I make each other laugh so much when we are doing errands. This week’s BSI, a la Megan, is acorn squash, so I picked one up for dinner.

By the way, Adam was less than thrilled by a veggie stuffed squash so he made his own dinner, including (among several other things) this sample from Annie Chun’s Soup Bowls.

It had beef broth, so my caveman was happy.

While I cooked dinner I ate the last of this pineapple.

Dinner was a masterpiece if I do say so myself! My squash was inspired by eggplant and chicken parmesan, but ended up being waay more tasty. Italian Stuffed Acorn Squash, for 1-2

1 medium acorn squash, cut in half with seeds scooped out (go bigger than the one I bought, pictured above, it was too small and I had leftover guts)
1T evoo
1C baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/2 a small eggplant, cubed (I used a graffiti eggplant)
1/4t minced garlic
1/4t dried oregano
salt and pepper
3T balsamic vinegar
1/2C marinara sauce
1/4C reduced fat mozzarella, shredded
1T seasoned bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 400*. Line a baking pan with tin foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Place squash cut side down and cook for 40minutes.
While squash is cooking, heat evoo in a pan over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and mushrooms.
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 7minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add balsmic vinegar and cook another 3-5minutes, until liquid is reduced.
Remove from heat and stir in marinara sauce.
Remove squash from oven and flip cut side up. Fill cavities with veggie mixture and top each side with half of the bread crumbs and cheese.
Return to oven for 10minutes, until cheese is browned.

Holy cow, I fell in love! The flavors of this melded together amazingly and I loved the texture. Gaaah!

I really planned on eating the entire thing but 1half ended up being enough (I also ate some leftover stuffing while the final product cooked).

I am super excited to finish the rest tomorrow! To drink I made the most “Fall” cocktail ever.

8oz each apple cider and pumpkin beer. Gah again!

Good meals, especially especially fall themed ones, make me so happy! I’m going to do some blog reading and then head to bed. I didn’t get any studying done today (that time was taken up by the flooding fun) so I have a lot to accomplish before my in-laws get here tomorrow. Sleep tight!

Do you participate in the BSIs? Have you won any?

17Oct2009

Jay and Silent Bob Go to Duwalli

by Emily

Let’s be honest – I’m a bit drunk and it’s been a long day. This will be quick 🙂

Oh man, what a Saturday! Sorry to not post all day but it was pretty busy. We got up at 9 and headed straight for the gym, the husband kind of never goes so I’m always up for a trip when he is. My run was terrible again, what is the deal?!? In the end, I did 3.5miles / 37minutes / 397calories.

I mentioned when we did our closet switch last week that neither Adam or I really has a winter wardrobe, well today was the day to rectify that. I know some girls love to shop, and I do love clothes and bags, but shopping itself is pretty tedious to me. My mom is the best shopper on earth and I think my lack of mall-enthusiasm is her only real complaint about me! 🙂

We packed a bag of grapes to share but they ended up being inedible.

So we hit up the food court for lunch a few stores in.

I got steamed veggies and grilled bourbon chicken.

When I was growing up we didn’t have a mall, and when we visited the states I was obsessed with getting bourbon chicken at the mall! Today I killed the veggies but split most of the chicken with the husband.

Shopping ended up going very well. We were at the mall for HOURS, but we are 99% done! The husband and I are officially both ready for winter. Plus we found many things on sale (like the children’s snow boots I bought). This is my “we are leaving the mall after 5 face” –

We rewarded ourselves for a day well shopped by driving to Anderson’s for ice-cream.

I got pumpkin soft-serve with peanut butter cups. Mmmmn.

We had to rush, rush, rush as soon as we got home to get dressed in semi-formal clothing. Our evening event was put on by a group at Adam’s medical school; Duwalli is India’s festival of lights. There was an open bar so I got boxed white vinfindel x2.

I ate two samosas while we mingled.

And it a bit it was time for dinner.

The food was fantastic, all authentic, spicy, and delicious. I have no idea what I ate, but it was mostly veggies with a little chicken.

And spiced rice pudding for dessert.

After dinner there was an Indian dance presentation. I loved watching, the music was catchy and everyone’s saris were beautiful. There was plain old dancing afterwards but we left with a friend to talk in a more quiet spot. We ended up at Wine Thief, which was quite fun.

I had a great glass of riesling (this pushed me a bit over the edge).

We got home by 11 and I might have drunkenly eaten two small rolls while I blogged,

and now I’m going to tumble into bed! See you in the morning!

Have you seen Mallrats? If not, do!

11Oct2009

Tastes of Fall

by Emily

Another productive day, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the streak continues! Plus, I’ve full-force started eating “October food,” another trend I hope to continue 🙂 After my breakfast post I attempted to do a little work, but Adam and I realized we were way too distracting to each other at home,

so we packed up our stuff and went to a coffee shop to work!

All my diet soda talk in the last post got me craving one, so that’s what I had!

The husband got a fancy shmancy hot chocolate.

We were at The Spot, so you know I wanted a Mike’s Sandwich, but when I thought about all the food fun I had planned at home I decided to resist. We studied for 4hours and I got a huge chunk of Chemistry work done.

On the way home I had the husband drop me at the gym. It was not so fabulous. My foot still hurts and my calves were really really tight. I really need to talk to a professional about strength-building/stretching exercises for my calves, knees, and hips. In the end I did 2.83 miles on the treadmill, and tons of stretching, for 36minutes and 361 calories.

After my shower we closet swapped our summer stuff for winter duds. Folks, we need to go shopping. I have almost no winter wardrobe. In NYC I dressed inappropriately and just dealt with being cold and uncomfortable, but that is not going to fly here in Buffalo (I’ll die!). We scheduled in a big mall trip for next weekend – p.s. we budgeted for this already.

Then, the foodie fun began! I made my first pumpkin pie through a straw of the season.

1/2C 2C “>Stoneyfield Farms Lowfat Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, 1C pumpkin puree, 1T maple syrup, 1/2C skim milk, dash cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

So good!

While I was drinking “pie,” I started baking pie! I made a Maple Spice Pie from one of my favorite cookbooks, Pie, Pie, Pie: Easy Homemade Favorites, by John Phillip Carroll. I used a Wholly Wholesome Organic Whole Wheat Pie Shell.

Small blip, apparently you need maple syrup for a maple pie, who knew?!

After an emergency run to the store things were back on track. It had to set, so I started dinner before diving into dessert. This combo came (basically) from the September issue of Health (recipe here). Tofu and eggplant with cabbage over soba noodles.

I swapped tamari and worchestire (sp?) for miso and sesame seeds for sesame oil, but other than that I followed the recipe. It was wonderful, I loved the soba noodles and the texture of the tofu was great.

I had more pumpkin alongside dinner, Wolaver’s Organic Will Steven’s Pumpkin Ale.

And then finally it was time for dessert!

The pie was good, but super messy. The inside tasted like caramel apples to me!

I took a huge slice and actually made myself a bit sick 😦 Now it is time for bed, I’ve got to get my sleep if I want another productive day!

What fall foods have you enjoyed this year?

25Sep2009

I Was Just Brought a Bellini

by Emily

We made it! I felt the need to bicker instead of pack, so we ended up slightly off schedule, but we made it to Ohio by 9o’clock.

The drive up was pretty painless (especially for me because I was only in charge of the music!). I ate a very late lunch once we got on the road.

2% Fage with jam, sooooo good. I do like fat free the best but these mixing ones are to die for.

Once we reached our family’s house and did some hanging out we ran out to pick up a late dinner. Hardee’s was the best we could do, but it ended up being a good meal.

I got a bbq chicken sandwich.

I order it because it was the only nonfried chicken on the menu but it ended up being pretty good. It was a grilled chicken breast with bbq sauce on a ww bun.

I supplemented with a popchips sample I brought from home.

Salt and Pepper was a little spicy, but a great compliment to the sandwich.

For dessert I had an apple.

And as I started blogging my sister-in-law delivered me a bellini!

It’s family time, gotta drink run!

What do you pack for roadtrips? I had it in my head that I was packing dinner but then I realized we had no food! Popchip samples, Lara Bars, and apples seemed like a good idea to me.

19Sep2009

What the Heck

by Emily

I didn’t post last night because my pictures are a bit dark, but this morning I figured “what the heck.” This will be quick though, because it is just a recap, no breakfast has happened here yet!

First, I have to give Saigon Cafe major props: I called at 5 and asked for a reservation for 10 at 7pm and they said “no problem.” Plus a few people were late and the waitress was totally nice about waiting for them. P.S. We went with a group of medical student friends.

I started with the veggie tempura appetizer. Here was my serving.

It was good(ish), but I was a little disappointed, I ordered it because it listed okra and there was none to be found!

For dinner I really did want to try something new, but I can’t help it, I always order Pad See Eiw!

This was delicious, but by far not the best I’ve ever had. We would go back to this restaurant, but not until we’ve tried a few other Thai places in the area.

Afterdinner half of us walked to the bar next door to hang out. I think everyone only got one round, but we were there for more than an hour. I got an Abita Purple Haze.

I adore Abita, so this didn’t disappoint, but I’m a total lightweight so I gave 1/3 to the husband.

On the way home I was either – a. a total fattie; b. a glutton for punishment; c. a little drunker than I thought, d. still rather hungry; or e. all of the above – because we totally got Wendy’s again! I don’t have a picture, but question answered, I can not eat this anymore! I got the same this as the day before (fries and nuggets, although I might have added a frosty), ate less than half of it, and got totally sick again. I didn’t throw up but I was close. We never eat much fast food usually so I’m not sure why we’ve been all about it lately, but we are certainly done!

Recap finished = time to start today!

What is your favorite Thai dish? I really do like them all, but I can’t stop ordering broad rice noodles!

11Sep2009

(9)(9) Bottles of Beer on the Wall…

by Emily

Sorry I didn’t post yesterday, as a reward to Adam I went completely technology free and cuddled on the couch. My husband earned a 100% on his latest exam! I didn’t do much anyways….

This morning I woke up around 9:30 but did accomplish anything until much later, I didn’t even eat! I did manage to go downstairs to get some very exciting mail – when I was a teacher I was involved in the Teachers of Tomorrow program, a system to reward teachers in high need schools. Basically it was hazard pay, a bonus for working in the worst schools. I got my cash today, woo-who! I’ve been promising myself that once I got my $ I would buy everything I want (within reason) from the organic section of the grocery store, so that is on the agenda for tomorrow 🙂

At 4o’clock I still hadn’t eaten (or, cough cough, done anything else, cough cough) but I headed out for the mall. Adam and met up with a couple friends to see 9. We were all seriously underwhelmed by this movie. While we watched I ate a thing of pretzel bites, unphotographed.

Afterwards we headed to Pearl Street Brewery. I had one goal in mind while we were choosing locations –

The beer sampler! 10 2oz pours of local microbrews.

Mmmn. I drank about 80%, sharing a few sips with the husband. I also ate this –

It was called “The Incinerator,” cheese, marinara sauce, and hot banana peppers. It was strange but good.

Adam, Danielle and I came back to our apartment and enjoyed some creepy quality You-Tube. Has anyone not seen Charlie the Unicorn yet?

Adam actually went out to another bar with a friend so I’m home alone now. I have to have to have to go to bed early so I actually accomplish something tomorrow. This was a frustrating week. I didn’t do any school work which makes me furious at myself and I’m super annoyed that I haven’t worked out all week (even though I know it’s good I didn’t because my leg felt funny it is still frustrating to fall behind my training schedule). I’ll see you tomorrow.

What is your favorite online video clip? My girlfriends and I were fairly obsessed with this gem.

5Sep2009

When In Rome

by Emily

My fabulous day continued to be great! We were kept busy with lots of (foodie) fun. Our first stop was the Buffalo Wings Festival.

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I don’t actually love wings (I get a little skeeved out so I leave a ton of meat on the bones), but I adore Buffalo sauce so I end up eating them fairly often. The festival today was set up for tasting, using food tickets you got 3wings for $2 from several different tents. Adam and I tasted from 2 locations.

First was Hurricane Grill & Wing (West Palm Beach, FL), I tried Gold Rush, which was basically hot sauce.

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Yummy! Adam had salt and vinegar wings there that he adored.

Then we split some Barefoot White Zinfindel.

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And finally we hit up Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar (Harrisburg, PA), where I got 1 Buffalo Blue wing and 2 Instant Death.

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Buffalo Blue was the best fricking thing ever, Adam got it too and we were in love. I was a little worried about Instant Death, here’s my apprehensive face –

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And the wings? Were deathly! It wasn’t just spicy, it had a great flavor, but man was it spicy! I only ate one of the two and then sweat was pouring down my face. I made a run for the blue cheese table to cool down.

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Drinks were $3.50 so I toughed it out and waited until we got to Wegmans to get a diet coke. We did our grocery shopping quickly because we had to hurry home to shower to make it to our next event in time.

A med. school friend was having a BBQ! Several couples who I really enjoy were there and we had a great time. We talked and played games and ate some good food. I had a small plate – pasta salad, raw veggies, chips with bean dip, grilled chicken.

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And I had two Black Cherry Cruzan Rum and Cokes.

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Plus a small Oreo bite,

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and a jello shot!

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On the way home I ate two bites of Adam’s brownie (Mary-Kate sent him home with a baggie of them and she’s his new best friend) before I realized that I hate brownies and I was actually hungry. I made Adam pull into Wendy’s so I could get a broccoli and cheese baked potato.

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Which I ate about 4bites of before I promptly dropped it – sticky side down – on the rug.

Adam saved the day and cleaned it up, and even shared some of his fancy chicken nuggets with me.

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I ate 5, along with some homemade honey mustard.

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And now we are watching “My So-Called Life” and cuddling, peace!

What food is your town famous for? I’m pretty thrilled to be in the birthplace of Buffalo wings.

Eating Chalk

Tag Archives: booze

Oh Man

BSI Entry

Jay and Silent Bob Go to Duwalli

Tastes of Fall

I Was Just Brought a Bellini

What the Heck

(9)(9) Bottles of Beer on the Wall…

When In Rome