Couch to 5k

I have a love-hate relationship with C25K.

I've started it three times and the last time I actually completed the 20-minute run and then stopped. I was so satisfied and surprised that I actually ran that much and I didn't follow through with the rest of the plan.

However, even the short runs I've done are instant confidence boosters and something I enjoy (for the most part). For me, the hardest part is putting on the shoes and actually DOING it.

Once you get started, it seems much easier and it almost seems empowering. In reality, I'm pretty sure this picture from Pinterest is a pretty accurate description...

Source

To be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no intention of being a marathoner, a half-marathoner, or any major runner (although the Outer Banks marathon looks kind of fun...).  My first goal is to simply be able to run a solid mile. Then I'd like to participate in a 5k at some point and run the whole thing. That doesn't sound too bad for starters.

AND you can't really say I'm a quitter because I keep trying. Third Fourth time's a charm, right?

Well, I started the plan again today. Tried to anyway. I downloaded the app for my iPhone last night and then this bozo decided he's a little crazy on runs. I think his idea of a fun run is to try and see how many times he can try to trip me. In the mean time, I'll try again tomorrow....

So no dogs for a running buddy! 

Any advice for just getting started running? I'd love to hear it!

Basil Thai Veggie Pizza

This is no ordinary pizza. 

But when is being ordinary a good thing? 

Basil Thai Veggie Pizza

Adapted from How Sweet It Is

Serves 2-4 

Pizza crust or dough of your choice 

2 t olive oil 

1/2 cup of Sweet Asian Chili Sauce (available in the ethnic section)

2 shallots, sliced thinly 

2-3 cups of fresh broccoli florets

1 red pepper, sliced, thinly 

1/4 cup of peanuts, chopped

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Fresh basil, chopped

1. Preheat the oven based on the cooking directions of pizza dough of your choice.

2. Spread 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the pizza crust and then spread 1/2 cup of the Sweet Asian Chili Sauce over the crust. It will make a thin layer. 

3. Top with shallots, broccoli, and red pepper and bake according to pizza dough instructions. 

4. Once baked, top with peanuts. Add as much or as little cilantro and basil as your prefer! 

Easy as pie! 

5 Things Friday (but on Saturday)

#1--- I'm a pretty smart person. However, I can never quite wrap my head around the time change. My poor self is always so confused for the first week. However, it will be SO SO SO nice to have extra day light time. In the mean time, I'll remain confused about how we spring forward and backward...

#2--- I am currently on a reading frenzy! My Nook habit has starting to be a little $$$ so I am supplementing my book obsession with the digital library. I love it!

#3--- My husband is wonderful. He just mowed our yard for the first time this season and it looks much better! Now if you have any tips for dogs not digging, that would be greatly appreciated because mowing the yard is a dangerous, dangerous job in our house. You never know if your going to step in a hole and die. 

#4--- I can't keep secrets or surprises. I decided for our anniversary trip, I'd surprise Chandler by taking him on a hot air balloon ride. I couldn't wait to tell him, so I told him the minute he woke up (which was about 10 minutes after I came up with the idea). If you need help planning a surprise or want to keep something  a secret, ask or tell someone else. 

#5--- Nothing is more relaxing than swinging in the hammock and looking up at a blue cloudless sky.

15-minute Chana Masala

This morning, we packed up our little family and went out for a drive! It's hard to imagine that just less than four years, Riley wouldn't go near a car and now "ride" is a magic, magic word. Now, it's one of his favorite things to do.

We had no destination in mind and just drove and drove and got breakfast on the way to nowhere. It was a gorgeous morning and just peaceful. Perfection! Then I bribed convinced my Chandler to go see "The Vow." It wasn't what I expected, but still pretty good nonetheless. And now onto the grocery store where it seems everyone spends Sunday afternoons. 

On the menu for the week is this recipe for Chana Masala, which is quick and perfect for week nights. 

The first time I tried Indian food was at a buffet in grad school. I was a little skeptical about an Indian buffet restaurant, but it turned out to be a total gem. It was downtown and they even had cloth napkins which was a step up from my usual throw something on a paper towel and scarf it down on the way to class. Since I graduated in December 2009, I haven't had a single bite of Indian food and I've missed it.

One thing I've learned in my vegan transition is that food from countries other than America is more more vegan-friendly. Our dinner plates are definitely becoming ethnically diverse! If I didn't go veg, I would be missing out on flavors like the one in this Chana Masala.

We served it over leftover yellow saffron rice, although it would be good with brown or white rice as well. This week is basmati because that's what's on hand! See, it's versatile too.

15 Minute Chana Masala

1/2 tablespoon of canola oil (or oil of choice)
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 T coriander
1 t cumin
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t turmeric
3 T diced tomatoes (I used canned)
1/2 cup water
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 T lemon juice
1/2 t garam masala
1/2 t salt

Heat oil in a large skillent and saute onions and garlic 3-5 minutes.

Add coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Stir for a few seconds. Add in diced tomatoes and cook until slightly brown.

Add chickpeas and water; stir. Add lemon juice, paprika, garam masala, and salt.

Cook covered for 10 minutes. Serve over rice of choice.

Hoppin' Johns Salad

I love traditions and all that they stand for. One long standing tradition we had growing up in my house is the whole traditional southern New Years' dinner-- collards, pork, black-eyed peas, the whole shebang. I actually made this recipe on New Year's Day and I'm just sharing it three months later, but who's keeping count?

I'm honestly just surprised I've been sticking pretty closely to my resolution! So really I'll consider this a New Year's Resolution check-in post. It sounds better than posting a recipe three months late.

This is the type of dish I like to throw together on Sundays and then gobble it up for lunches the upcoming week. It's also the time of dish that provides a punch of energy, which is always a nice!

An added bonus is black eyed peas give you good luck. So make this dish and use its super powers to help you get through a bad day or any area of your life that could use a little extra good luck charm.

Hoppin' Johns Salad 

Source: Nutrition MD

Makes about 5 - cup servings

2 cups of cooked black-eyed peas or 1 can*
1-1/2 cups of cooked brown rice
1/2 cup of scallions, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 tomato, chopped (or a handful of those little Roma tomatoes, chopped in quarters)
2 T fresh parsley
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 T olive oil
1/4 t salt + more to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced

Combine peas, rice, scallions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a bowl. In a smaller ball, mix remaining ingredients and pour over salad. Gently toss and chill overnight (or at least 1 hour).

*My favorite way to cook black eyed peas is to buy a bag of frozen black eyes. I bring them to a boil with veggie broth  covering about 2 inches of the peas and I also throw in a bay leaf. Then cook on low for about 2 hours. It takes extra time, but with a  little planning ahead, it's so worth it!

Fun Fact Friday

1. I had leftover P.F. Changs for breakfast yesterday at 7:30 in the morning before giving an exam. Move over Foldgers, the best part of waking up is leftover tofu and broccoli in your office.

2. The groundhog has spoken-- 5 weeks and 6 days left of winter! Not that we've had a winter, but I'm counting down anyway. I'm absolutely loving that the days are starting to get longer already.

3. I just realized that I am giving a test at 8 a.m. the day after the Super Bowl. I totally would have changed it had they said something. Obviously the Super Bowl isn't that big of a deal around here. I'll be asleep by halftime, guaranteed.

4. Speaking of sleeping, I always go to bed really early. So early in fact that I catch up on prime time television on Fridays. I can't wait to watch the new episode of Hart of Dixie from Monday. My favorites are definitely that, Pan Am, sort of Grey's Anatomy, and Parenthood.

5. Maybe I'm really weird, but my mom told me about a veggie vegan version of cocktail shrimp. I'm making it Sunday for the first half of the Super Bowl and I can't wait!

6. I tried making doughnuts this week for Chandler's birthday and oh my did they fail. Apparently I am not cut out to be a doughnut maker. That's probably not a bad thing, but my poor husband didn't get a breakfast treat on his own 26th birthday. Maybe I'll try again this weekend.

7. Am I the only one that doesn't want to see The Vow movie? I totally think it looks awful and unoriginal. This from the girl who has an unhealthy obsession with chick lit. It looks like a cross between While You Were Sleeping and a Notebook wannabe. Chandler is quite thrilled that I don't want to go. I'd rather go see Up Close and Incredibly Loud. 


8. We booked our cabin for our April getaway! Helen, GA here we come! We decided to go to Helen, GA after seeing a post from kevinandamanda.com about their trip. It's in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. And of course, Riley and Lily are coming. It will be SO nice to get away. Not that I want to wish my life away, but hurry up April.

Oh Fridays how I love you!

Fun Fact Friday, volume 1

1. There's nothing in the world like being greeted by two of the craziest dogs when I come home from work. You'd think its been years since the last time we parted, not seven hours ago!

2. I love the weekends. Need I say anything else?

3. It feels like spring outside. The other day and it was really cold outside and windy and I had to get gas. I realized I could never, ever survive in the north. Thank you beautiful spring-like days in January. Keep em coming! 

4. I've knocked something off my Day Zero Project list this week. I made edible tofu!!! An exciting day in our house, after several failed attempts in the oven. I followed the method here to the tee and it worked like a charm. I currently have a slight tofu obsession going on. Tofu + buffalo sauce = dinner for the next month. 

5. I had dinner with my momma! It's crazy we live just a few miles apart but have only seen each other once since Christmas. CHRISTMAS. Darn you tax season.