Dinner 4:
Spaghetti Squash
Tomato Sauce
Kidney Beans
Maine Living
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Month of Vegan Eats
Dinner night 3:
Cubed tofu marinated in soy sauce
Onion
Broccoli
Rice
~~~
I love pinterest for wedding ideas and planning. It reminds me of reading an amazing magazine that never seems to end..it is so awesome. And addicting. There are good ideas for the venue, decorations, and dresses. Ooh, the dress.
I love the ruching and neckline of this dress. However, I only like it in the little picture above and not as much if you follow the link to see the full deal. I've already told my fiance (saying that word gives me huge butterflies..) that I don't want him to see the dress before the wedding.
I think it needs a dab of Pippa thrown in there.. a little more va va voom.
Cubed tofu marinated in soy sauce
Onion
Broccoli
Rice
~~~
I love pinterest for wedding ideas and planning. It reminds me of reading an amazing magazine that never seems to end..it is so awesome. And addicting. There are good ideas for the venue, decorations, and dresses. Ooh, the dress.
I think it needs a dab of Pippa thrown in there.. a little more va va voom.
There is so much to think about. I am so happy and in love.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Month of Vegan Eats
Dinner Night 1:
http://ohsheglows.com/2011/04/04/energizing-protein-power-salad/
+ Green beans and asparagus
-Loved the protein salad.
Dinner Night 2:
Tempeh marinated in Soy Sauce
Onion and green pepper
Rice
-"Yum! The first bite was a little weird but after that it was really good" -Andrew
http://ohsheglows.com/2011/04/04/energizing-protein-power-salad/
+ Green beans and asparagus
-Loved the protein salad.
Dinner Night 2:
Tempeh marinated in Soy Sauce
Onion and green pepper
Rice
-"Yum! The first bite was a little weird but after that it was really good" -Andrew
Monday, December 26, 2011
the best day yet
Hi! I know this is a healthy living blog AND I havn't written in months but something completely worth writing about came alongin my life so here I am. My writing might be weak but my heart is telling me to share this memory.
On December 22, 2011 my sweet boyfriend Andrew proposed to me. It was the best day yet. I really can't help saying that because its true. I found out I get to marry my best friend.
So let me recap. A few days earlier, we had fallen asleep in the living room of our apartment watching the Walking Dead.. romantic, I know. As we woke up in the morning, there was the most incredible sun rise. The sky was dripping every color of orange, pink, and red. We were both truly in awe. Andrew gave me a kiss and said we should go watch the sun rise later that week at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth. I completely threw out the idea. Andrew getting up at 6 A.M for a sun rise? The only time Andrew gets up earlier than neccesary is when we are 15 minutes from a ski mountain. :)
A few mornings later, my mom texted me and said "I'm here with the tripod". Um, what? Why? Andrew dashed downstairs to get it. When I questioned him, he said "Oh, for the fish". Okay, that makes sense. He is interested in photography and hes obsessed with his fish. I didn't really think much of it.
Wednesday night rolled along and I was heading down to Saco for dinner. Jill had invited a few of us girls over for a get together of Beef Stew and catch-up. Of course, we all got to find out about her wonderful and recent engagement. As we talked, the question of getting married came around to me. I brought up the fact that Andrew had said we were going to watch the sun rise at Fort Williams at 6 AM and as I was leaving someone yelled "Call us if you get engaged!" Umm, yea. Call you when that [doesn't] happen.
The next morning at five-thirty, I woke up to Andrew shaking my shoulders with a huge smile on his face. Ugh, I thought. He really wants to go take pictures. I remember saying three things that I wish I could take back.
We got to Fort Williams around 6 AM. As we drove into the parking lot, I noticed a few other cars which kind of sketched me out. Why were there other people at Fort Williams at 6 AM? The only logical explanation seemed to be that they were armed, dangerous and looking for a young couple to kill. We parked the car and Andrew said we were walking the path. I completely resisted.
"Are you kidding, Andrew?! There's rabid foxes in South Portland. Im staying in the car"
"No, Eliza theres not. I promise, Ill keep you safe"
Ugh. Okay. Whatever, Ill go with you. This may be the demise of me I thought. I usually do have morbid thoughts while doing anything dangerous -- like going to see the sun rise at six in the morning. I give credit to my mom for my paranoia.
We neared a look out on the path of the Portland Head Light. Andrew sat down the tripod facing the ocean and started snapping pictures. He gave me our older digital camera to take pictures. I got bored after a few seconds with the old camera and asked to trade. I took a few shoddy pictures with the fancy camera on tripod.
After about 15 minutes of this, Andrew told me to stand about 20 feet in front of the camera facing the ocean and looking out. I hoped this would be the last set of pictures as I was getting cold at this point. I complied and headed forward. I set my arms on the caged fence and watched the ocean swirl and crash for a few seconds. As I looked back in the camera's direction Andrew was trotting over to me with his hands in his pockets.
We took an awkward picture (above). In hindsight, Andrew was probably nervous at this point. He then backed away and pulled something out of his pocket. My thoughts at this point:
At this point, we were clearly having a romantic conversation that I will never forget. Then, Andrew got down on knee and the rest is history....
Hands down, the best day yet.
On December 22, 2011 my sweet boyfriend Andrew proposed to me. It was the best day yet. I really can't help saying that because its true. I found out I get to marry my best friend.
So let me recap. A few days earlier, we had fallen asleep in the living room of our apartment watching the Walking Dead.. romantic, I know. As we woke up in the morning, there was the most incredible sun rise. The sky was dripping every color of orange, pink, and red. We were both truly in awe. Andrew gave me a kiss and said we should go watch the sun rise later that week at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth. I completely threw out the idea. Andrew getting up at 6 A.M for a sun rise? The only time Andrew gets up earlier than neccesary is when we are 15 minutes from a ski mountain. :)
A few mornings later, my mom texted me and said "I'm here with the tripod". Um, what? Why? Andrew dashed downstairs to get it. When I questioned him, he said "Oh, for the fish". Okay, that makes sense. He is interested in photography and hes obsessed with his fish. I didn't really think much of it.
Wednesday night rolled along and I was heading down to Saco for dinner. Jill had invited a few of us girls over for a get together of Beef Stew and catch-up. Of course, we all got to find out about her wonderful and recent engagement. As we talked, the question of getting married came around to me. I brought up the fact that Andrew had said we were going to watch the sun rise at Fort Williams at 6 AM and as I was leaving someone yelled "Call us if you get engaged!" Umm, yea. Call you when that [doesn't] happen.
The next morning at five-thirty, I woke up to Andrew shaking my shoulders with a huge smile on his face. Ugh, I thought. He really wants to go take pictures. I remember saying three things that I wish I could take back.
- "I'm wearing these sweatpants and my North Face (from 4 years ago- pretty hagged out)
- "Im only going if you buy me breakfast."
- "Are you sure you want to go? Im so cranky and tired"
We got to Fort Williams around 6 AM. As we drove into the parking lot, I noticed a few other cars which kind of sketched me out. Why were there other people at Fort Williams at 6 AM? The only logical explanation seemed to be that they were armed, dangerous and looking for a young couple to kill. We parked the car and Andrew said we were walking the path. I completely resisted.
"Are you kidding, Andrew?! There's rabid foxes in South Portland. Im staying in the car"
"No, Eliza theres not. I promise, Ill keep you safe"
Ugh. Okay. Whatever, Ill go with you. This may be the demise of me I thought. I usually do have morbid thoughts while doing anything dangerous -- like going to see the sun rise at six in the morning. I give credit to my mom for my paranoia.
We neared a look out on the path of the Portland Head Light. Andrew sat down the tripod facing the ocean and started snapping pictures. He gave me our older digital camera to take pictures. I got bored after a few seconds with the old camera and asked to trade. I took a few shoddy pictures with the fancy camera on tripod.
After about 15 minutes of this, Andrew told me to stand about 20 feet in front of the camera facing the ocean and looking out. I hoped this would be the last set of pictures as I was getting cold at this point. I complied and headed forward. I set my arms on the caged fence and watched the ocean swirl and crash for a few seconds. As I looked back in the camera's direction Andrew was trotting over to me with his hands in his pockets.
- Andrew never uses chapstick. What is he pulling out of his pocket if its not chapstick or a hair tie? What do guys carry in their front sweat shirt pockets?
- OMG, It's a ring. It could just be a promise ring. No, Andrew wouldn't do that. He knows Im not into those. Does he know that?
- No way. No way. No way.
- This is it. WOW. WOW.
At this point, we were clearly having a romantic conversation that I will never forget. Then, Andrew got down on knee and the rest is history....
Sunday, August 7, 2011
not a whale watch
On Saturday, Andrew and I headed up the coast to Boothbay Harbor for a whale watch. I have been excited about this for a couple weeks now and since Andrew is obsessed with fish, I knew he would love it too.
On our way, we stopped at the Brunswick diner for breakfast. If you are looking for a clean restaurant and attentive service, don't go here. However, I wasn't expecting to much from a diner AND they had egg beaters for my veggie omeletette, so I was good to go.
After breakfast, we got back in the car and drove the 40 or so minutes to Boothbay Harbor. Such a cute town!
Anyway, the town is a bit more memorable than the whale watch was. We saw a sharks, sun-fish, seals and a bazzilion birds but no whales.
We also got to see a lot of cute seals on Pumpkin Island:
The whale watch was still fun and hanging out in Boothbay with Andrew for a while was a blast.
 |
| Ugh, more pictures? |
After breakfast, we got back in the car and drove the 40 or so minutes to Boothbay Harbor. Such a cute town!
 |
| JAWS Imma gona eat you.. |
We also got to see a lot of cute seals on Pumpkin Island:
The whale watch was still fun and hanging out in Boothbay with Andrew for a while was a blast.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Eight is great
This afternoon at work, I was slumped over in my chair getting through piles of paper when the mere thought of my 5 PM run hit me. It actually made me wanna cry. Running on a Friday afternoon was something I had never really understood. A glass of wine is usually the way I roll after a long week at work.
There was really no way I could back out of it now- my sister was counting on me. When I got home at 5, she called cheerily and said "I'll be right there!"
Ugh. Ok, it was on. Positive thinking was the only way I could wrap my head around it. When she got to my place, I plastered on my fakest smile and we took off.
How was it? GREAT!
We chatted the entire time and it was SO nice. Our loop took us through Baxter Park, Deering Park and up the hill that is State Street. My legs burned a lot of the time but being able to bond during a run with my sister made it so worth it.
When we got to the bridge that heads into SOPO we banged a left and went down busy Commercial St. The hustle and bustle through the Old Port and our conversation made the minutes just fly by.
As we headed down the Eastern promenade toward Back Bay, our pace slowed down a bit but it didn't really matter. Running eight miles IS running eight miles. Besides, I can easily blame my slogging on the distracting views...
All in all, it was a great run and made me feel just a little more confident that I'll be able to tackle 13.1 miles in 2 months. All it takes is a little confidence and a good running buddy. Oh, and of course all of our donations are going to this organization.
There was really no way I could back out of it now- my sister was counting on me. When I got home at 5, she called cheerily and said "I'll be right there!"
Ugh. Ok, it was on. Positive thinking was the only way I could wrap my head around it. When she got to my place, I plastered on my fakest smile and we took off.
How was it? GREAT!
 |
| Hahaha, so happy! |
We chatted the entire time and it was SO nice. Our loop took us through Baxter Park, Deering Park and up the hill that is State Street. My legs burned a lot of the time but being able to bond during a run with my sister made it so worth it.
When we got to the bridge that heads into SOPO we banged a left and went down busy Commercial St. The hustle and bustle through the Old Port and our conversation made the minutes just fly by.
As we headed down the Eastern promenade toward Back Bay, our pace slowed down a bit but it didn't really matter. Running eight miles IS running eight miles. Besides, I can easily blame my slogging on the distracting views...
 |
| Summer pic.. no camera while running :) |
 |
| Summer pic.. no camera while running :) |
Thursday, August 4, 2011
On a Whim
Well, I am just going to come out and say it. I signed up for my first half marathon with my sister Emily. We will be running 13.1 long and weary miles this upcoming October.
Basically, our conversation went like this:
Me: Let's just DO IT!
Em: We HAVE too.
Really, this conversation lasted atleast 6 months when finally Emily pulled up the webpage and signed herself up. BAM! I knew there was no way of backing out then- or Emily may have disowned me as her sister.
It has been about a month since we signed up and we have two more to go before the big event. I am not calling it a race because I will not be racing against anyone but myself. Just thinking about calling it a race gives me terrible anxiety and all I really need to do is make sure I show up October 2nd.
Anyway, training has been good so far for me! I have really been pretty consistent with running except for this past weekend. Andrew's family was here from Illinois so I didnt really get in any solid runs.
At first, my mind was telling me there was no way I could bounce back after one weekend. Then, I started realizing how stupid that was! Your body doesn't completely lose fitness after a few days off. On Tuesday, I ran 6 miles no problem. Badda bing badda boom. Take that, negative thinking!
Basically, our conversation went like this:
Me: Let's just DO IT!
Em: We HAVE too.
Really, this conversation lasted atleast 6 months when finally Emily pulled up the webpage and signed herself up. BAM! I knew there was no way of backing out then- or Emily may have disowned me as her sister.
It has been about a month since we signed up and we have two more to go before the big event. I am not calling it a race because I will not be racing against anyone but myself. Just thinking about calling it a race gives me terrible anxiety and all I really need to do is make sure I show up October 2nd.
 |
| Emily & I on the left relaxing.. not running. Oops. |
At first, my mind was telling me there was no way I could bounce back after one weekend. Then, I started realizing how stupid that was! Your body doesn't completely lose fitness after a few days off. On Tuesday, I ran 6 miles no problem. Badda bing badda boom. Take that, negative thinking!
One of the best things about running long distances is how each and every day the distance you are running seems shorter and shorter. For example, a month ago, running 6 miles seemed near imposssible and now it is completely do-able for me. It is do-able AND very enjoyable.
I will have to tell you, the worst thing about running in the great outdoors is not having a bathroom near. Not going to lie, I have been hitting up restaurants, cafes, and gas stations to use their lovely facilities. Thank God for the numerous coffee shops around Portland. ;)
I do have to say the best thing about running this half marathon is the great organization all of our donations are going too!
When I first moved to Portland and started exploring, I noticed this building on Forest Avenue called the Center for Grieving Children. Since I have always felt a connection with the youngins', I can recall researching the Center on the web. The work that they do is incredible and I feel blessed that I can help any amount.
If you feel so compelled, my sister and I have started a fundraising page (Click here to visit!). Any donation is a donation and is much appreciated! Thank you so much.
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