Tag Archives: turkey

Almost Done!

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I’m done!  Well, almost done; I have a presentation tomorrow morning but it’s so easy I can basically say – “I’m done!”

This morning started off with a seasonal favorite,

nog overnight oats.

Last night I mixed together 1/4 cup oats and 1/2 cup Silk Soy Nog, and this morning I stirred in a Yoplait Fiber One Vanilla yogurt and a healthy shake of nutmeg.

Topped with Christmas sprinkles, of course.

I headed to campus early today, I was on foot and I wanted to make sure I had time to return my book rentals and gym it before my exam.  Book buy-back was a total failure, but the gym was a success.  I took my notecards to the treadmill for 45minutes of brisk walking on a slight incline.  2.6miles later, and I knew my stuff.

Sort of.  My exam was pretty polarized – I got a definite 100% on all the cumulative material but I’m pretty sure I failed all of the new material.  Which is extra embarrassing because the new material was on reproduction.  I failed an exam on the menstrual cycle?  Way to be a 25-year-old FEMALE, Emily. 

Also fun?  When you fumble on the treadmill and your “vagina” notecard goes flying back into the cute boy working out behind you and he has to get off of his elliptical to bring it to you.  “Oh god, I have an Anatomy exam today!  I’m not studying up for a sex change, I swear!”  Way to make it less awkward, Emily.

I had a short break between the my exam and meeting with my presentation group, so I dug into my lunch from home.

That baggie of carrots was consumed alongside Monday’s sandwich twin, Arnold’s Whole Grain White Sandwich Thin, 1 slice 2% Provolone, 3 slices Applegate Farm’s Turkey Bologna.

Good lunch, good meeting, quick walk home, and I’m done!

A question for the females (Adam knows more than me and it’s embarrassing, so no men allowed) – if you had to take an exam on your reproductive cycle, how do you think you’d do?

Combatting Stress

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Today has been a big day – I had a nutrition final, a break, and then my Organic Chemistry final.  I knew 8am – 3pm was going to be a stressful, so I did my best to combat my lack of cheer.

Like wearing a nice pink shirt (new from Hanukkah).

And having Adam stop at Starbucks on his way to dropping me off at school (grande non-fat eggnog latte).

My first exam went pretty well, 84% at very minimum.  Sidenote – when I take multiple choice tests I always keep a tally of questions I’m not certain of so that I can calculate my lowest possible score.  Does anyone else do this?  Anyway, my class grade before the final was a 100%, so I’m not too worried.

Then I crammed.  Not gonna lie; I did not study Organic this weekend.  I really have no explanation or excuse for my study habits this semester; all I can say is that I’m pretty disgusted with myself.  I quit my job to go back to school, next semester I plan on treating school like it’s my job (because it is!).

For my mid-cram lunch I packed a ‘new things sandwich.’

1 slice 2% Provolone cheese and 3 slices Applegate Farms Turkey Bologna on an Arnold’s Whole Grain White Sandwich Thin.

The star of the show sandwich was definitely the Applegate Farms Turkey Bologna.

I’ve never actually tasted bologna before, but this was delicious!  There was a fabulous smokiness to it.

Does anyone else see that sandwich smile?

I also packed a baggie of baby carrots on the side,

and a 60% Cacao Ghirardelli square.

I probably should have packed more chocolate, because then I headed to Organic 😉  It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t terrible either.  I asked the teacher to look over my test at the end and he said that I wasn’t ridiculous.  Supposedly we can get our grades tomorrow, so I’ll be waiting with pretty bated breath.

Then I headed to the gym to work off the rest of my stress.  I did an intervals session on the treadmill –

  • 1 minute walking / 2 minutes running
  • x 13 (39 minutes)
  • with cooldown = 45 minutes, 4.0 miles

I had to wait on campus for Adam to pick me up (it’s 10* out there!) but as soon as this is posted I’m getting into the shower and then into my baking clothes!

Nightmare Before Christmas

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There was no blog post yesterday because I was so exhausted that I bumbled around all day without really doing anything!  We set our alarms for 8am and at 10:00 the husband was shaking me awake and I had no recollection of turning off the alarms.  Finally the husband remembered – after I told him I couldnt’ study because I was too tired to lift my arms – that I had such a bad nightmare on Saturday night that my moaning and flailing woke him up.  I don’t remember that either, but he told me I looked pretty pitiful.

When I got up today, the idyllic scene outside my window was like something out of one of my nightmares –

Yes, it’s gorgeous.  But – that’s the kind of snow you make cocoa and cuddle by the fireplace in, not the kind of snow you walk 30minutes through to Organic Chemistry!

But after Sunday’s #fail I was determined to make the best of today; even though I woke up at 9:30!  I started my day with some good stretching.  Not gonna lie, then I started my day with this (after brushing my teeth of course!) –

Sorry I’m not sorry (thanks, Rachel), Cherry Coke Zero is my version of the dog with a barrel around its neck.

Then I dressed for battle.

I take the dull out of bundling! (Say that out loud for me, pretty please?)

Oh yes, those are children’s snow boots.

Even my boots couldn’t fully save my trek though, it sort of sucked 😦  When I lived in Brooklyn and everyone walked it was kind of fun, but here, where I’m the only one in the snow, it’s a bit embarrassing.  At least I never really felt cold, probably because I got so sweaty; galumphing is a good workout!

I got to school early to pick up a portfolio (100%, booyah!) and then used the space before class to try to make up yesterday’s lost study time.  While I worked I snacked on a serving of Kugel.

I also drank a medium skim gingerbread latte (half pumps) and got distracted talking with a friend.

During Anatomy (87% with the curve on Friday’s test, booyah!) I slurped down a Revolution Foods Fruit Mash-Up.

As soon as classes were over, and I confirmed with the husband that he could pick me up from school, I got my study on.  I’m disappointed in myself that I screwed around so much it took me until after 7 to finish my notecards.  I’m proud of myself that when I was done at 7 I headed to the gym anyways!

I took my notecards on the elliptical – 35minutes, random, level 6.

We got home close to 9:00 and I’m pretty proud of the dinner I pulled together – fruits, veggies, and dessert!  First was a green purple monster.

This bad boy was a blend of frozen spinach, frozen blueberries, orange juice, Silk Almond Milk, and honey.

I gave the husband the extra and he loved it as well (although his did have a little extra sugar blended into it!).

Next up was a taste of the South.

I randomly picked up this can of Hoppin’ John when it was on sale a few weeks ago.  I’ve never eaten (heard of) Hoppin John before so I pretty much stuck with the directions on the can –

I did a 1/2 batch (one can) topped with Applegate Farms turkey bacon, Sriracha, and a little brown sugar.

I portioned half of it into a bowl, and tried something new.

Pretty good, who knew I liked black-eyed peas?!

Dessert was “new” as well, but there was never any question about liking it.

Oh. My. God.

This, my friends, is a (half)-batch of Jenna’s Caramel Sauce.

Well, that’s what’s left of the batch after Adam and I got to it.  It has a deep, decadent flavor and is sweet and rich.  Make it, make it, make it, make it!

Eaten drizzled (liberally) over a small bowl of vanilla ice-cream with lots of sliced strawberries.

Really it was just an excuse to eat some strawberries 😉

Yum!  Quite a pleasing dinner indeed.

Now I’ve got to hurry to shower so I can get to bed like a girl with an important test tomorrow.

Have you ever tried (heard of) Hoppin’ John?

Nutella Makes it Bella

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I knew my mother-in-law was a generous lady, but when she sent us home from Thanksgiving with this mostly full (huge) jar of Nutella she sealed the deal.

Yum!  When the family was taste-testing my brother-in-law came up with the perfect description for Nutella: it’s like the inside of a Ferrero Rocher!

This morning I spread ~1T of the good stuff on a toasted Sandwich Thin.

This to-go breakfast felt pretty gosh darn decadent.

In between classes I also had a Peach Chobani.

Then after class I headed the gym.  With finals coming up my goal is to become the queen of the quick workout.  Treadmill : 25minutes: 2.45miles.  Done and done.  I’m going to do some strength training throughout the afternoon as well.

Lunch was an on the spot masterpiece.  Wondering what to do with those thanksgiving leftovers?  Ponder no more.

Leftover rigotoni pasta topped with shredded turkey, cranberry dressing, a bit of parmesan cheese, and a few chopped pecans.

This dish tasted even better than the Turkey Day meal!

I’ve got a lot of work to do today and I’m still feeling hungry so I see a lot of snacking in my future….

What is your favorite thing to do with Turkey Day leftovers?

Highjinks Highlights

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Turkey Day #2 was a success!  This is our last night of family time so I’m going to keep this picture-heavy and words-light.  For accountability’s sake – do be aware that I ate a TON more food than I managed to photograph, I’m just showing the highlights.

When I woke up this morning I looked over to the cutest sight on earth – the husband was holding baby niece on one side and had 5-year-old niece cuddled up on his other side!  #myovarieshurt

Before the gluttony began, Adam and I started the morning with a run.  We did a quick 1.5miles.  I was very glad to get some movement into my day.

Now the food (again, just the highlights).  0% Honey Chobani.

Our contribution #1 was deviled eggs.

I enjoyed one with some *delicious* cocktail shrimp.

Contribution #2 was this Poinsettia Popcorn Tin.

1-800-Flowers.com sent me this to review and I decided to share the wealth with the in-laws.  Butter, cheese, and caramel.

Oh.my.god.  You can assume I had many many handfuls.  Everyone agreed this was delicious, great for the holidays.

My dinner plate – white meat turkey topped with cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and veggies with dip.

My dessert plate – chocolate cake and crock pot cake (a beyond amazing recipe which I will be making on my own and sharing soon).

And lots of kisses.

Applegate Farms Thanksgiveaway Winners

Via random integer generator –

Kristisn (#2), Jess (#4), and MaryBe (#5)

E-mail me at emilyhwaxATgmail.com with your addresses guys!

Another Day, Another State

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Now we’re in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving # 2 with the husband’s family.  We’re only here two days so I’m keeping my computer time quick to maximize family time.

My grandma made us a final feast for breakfast before we left this morning.

Scrambled eggs with turkey sausage,

and french toast casserole (cinnamon raisin bread, brown sugar, butter, rum, etc).

We hit the road pretty early, because we had a very important detour –

Trader Joe’s!  We didn’t actually do much stocking up (we mostly went to get some things for my parents) but it was fun just to be there.  On the way out Adam spotted a Joseph A. Banks and managed to cash in on a great Black Friday sale – $499 coat for $99!  He needs a new coat desperately and I had no idea how we were going to afford one so I’m stocked that we found such a good deal!

We had a 7hour drive so most of our meals were eaten in the car.  Freeze dried apples for a snack.

And Taco Bell chicken enchilada burrito for lunch.

We got to have dinner in the house though.

Sliced apple from my snack bag,

and a turkey sloppy joe.

Adam fed me a Lindt truffle for dessert but it missed my camera.  Something bit my face(!!) and I’m having a bit of an allergic reaction – I’m allergic to their cats as well – so please think unswollen thoughts for me!

*Check back tomorrow for Applegate Farms giveaway winners.

Monte Cristo Monday Creation

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Sorry for going all MIA this weekend, my internet/computer was being slow and I just couldn’t bear it!  I did not get enough school work done, but I did manage to have a lot of (non-tech)fun –

And I infused some fun into this Monday morning in the form of flavored coffee.

Normally I eschew all this Christmas until December 1st, but Gingerbread and Eggnog coffees in November just felt right.  I had a few cups of gingerbread this morning, with lots of skim milk and a little sugar.

Most of my morning was spent study-study-studying.  I have a HUGE test tomorrow!  I did take time to make an exciting breakfast/lunch though.  I was inspired by the Nature’s Pride bread sample I received through the Foodbuzz Tastemaker’s Program.

We decided to try Honey Wheat first (review of Oatmeal is pending).

As soon as I got the bread I knew what I wanted to make – a recreation of the French Toast Monte Cristo I got in Boston a few years ago.

Crisp but chewy, eggy and cheesy, savory and sweet; I’ve been long overdue in having this again.

I spread two slices of Nature’s Pride Honey Wheat with Crofter’s Strawberry Spread,

added 2oz of Cabots 50% reduced fat white cheddar and a few slices of turkey,

dipped in a beaten Eggland’s Best egg, and pan-fried in 1Tbsp Smart Balance Light.

Oh my gosh.

Chewy.  Crisp.  Eggy.  Cheesy.  Savory yet sweet.  Perfection.

This sandwich (if you use the low-fat varieties I used) has ~500calories, perfect for 2-meals-in-1 brunch.  And if I made any changes it would honestly be to healthy this up – there was almost a little too much cheesiness and fried goldenness going on.

I also had a cucumber with ranch dip.

The study-study-study is going to be most of my day, but we do having something super nerdy fun on the agenda for this evening…..

Have you tried any sandwiches french toasted?

Taking My Notecards to Bed

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It’s almost Friday!  Actually, I’m a bit less excited about that than usual, because Friday brings a Nutrition test I’m not quite prepared for.  I’m going to do a quick post, an even quicker shower, and then take my notecards to bed.

I wasn’t hungry for breakfast before lab, but I ate brunch when we got out at 10:30.  This Liberte Peach and Passionfruit yogurt was on sale at Wegmans so I thought I’d give it a try.

I ended up really enjoying it.  The texture was much closer to thick Greek yogurt than traditional yogurt and the tangy/sweet balance was perfect.  I generally choose lower fat yogurts but I do think the higher fat content helped with satiety in this smallish lunch.  If I can find this on sale again I’ll definitely snatch it up.

I also packed some baby carrots.

I think crunchy equals brain food for me because as I munched through these carrots I got a ton of work done.  When I headed to food lab at 1:40 I was able to hand in all of my lab assignments for the remainder of the semester!

Food lab was a lot of fun today too.  It was the Meat/Fish/Poultry lab so I was feeling a little anxious about having to cook pork or red meat but luckily my group was assigned fish and fowl only.  We made pan cooked salmon with fresh tomatoes and Laab (a spicy Thai chicken salad).

Also on the plate are curried chicken and lemon chicken.  Everything was delicious and I even ended up bringing our leftovers home to Adam.

I sipped a coffee (medium, non-fat latte with 1 pump of sugar-free English toffee syrup) throughout lab as well.

It kept me warm, but I think it also gave me a caffeine headache later in the afternoon.  I love the experience of coffee but sometimes it makes me feel so icky!  My headache definitely influenced my choice of afternoon snack.

Dinner ended up being pretty pathetic.  We had something exciting planned but I didn’t realize that it involved 45minutes in the oven until it was already after 8pm.  If I’d planned ahead I could have done my reading after I cooked but the way it worked out it was just too late.  Instead I ate 2 turkey corn dogs (dipped in fresh honey mustard).

My random eats worked well for my productivity, but I think I need to house some fruits and veggies this weekend!  😉

I’ve got my alarm set early for tomorrow; I can register online for Spring classes at 6am.  Keep your fingers crossed for me that I get what I need!

Do you ever cook with fish sauce?  My lab mates were weirded out (it’s a Laab ingredient), but it’s a staple in my fridge.