Jogging the Day Away

So we've decided to take up jogging as a weekend activity. It seems like a healthier and more active alternative to sitting on the couch, and getting ready to go can be motivating on a sleepy Saturday morning. Otherwise, I'd be afraid we'd never get out of the house!

We had a good jog yesterday at a local park. The park has mile markers and several "fitness stops" along the way, where you can stretch, do push ups and some other conditioning exercises.

It's been fun so far, but so cold. I can't believe Spring 2011 is technically already here. Off to have some breakfast, and then more jogging!

It's Raining!

Yes, it is a moist, damp Monday morning. We had a great weekend taking advantage of the sunny weather and the free time spent together. Now it's back to the daily grind.

Whole Wheat Pizza

On Saturday night when we got back from our run, I decided to make a quick Whole Wheat Pizza. I was super easy and tasty!

Whole Wheat Pizza
Stop and Shop Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
2 Chicken Breasts
Onion Powder
Parsley
Garlic Powder
2 cups Kraft Fat Free Shredded Mozzarella

Heat oven to 400. Spread the pizza dough on a greased metal pizza pan. Spread BBQ, onion powder, and parsley on the raw pizza crust. Place 1 3/4 cups of cheese on top of pizza crust. Cook chicken in a frying pan with a little bit of cooking spray, bbq sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Spread the chicken out over the pizza and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cook for 20 min. or until the cheesy is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. (Makes 8 slices.)

The First Day of Spring

Today is the first day of Spring! We spent the day in Astoria with our friend Carolyn. It was great to see her. She got to see all of Astoria today. We started our day at Meli Cafe. Then, we walked from the apartment to the river where we visited Socrates Sculpture Park and Rainey Park. Afterwards, we went back to Steinway and had some Red Mango. After that we decided to go pick out a movie for our friend who is on an Air Force base in VA, so we went to Blockbuster on Broadway. On our way back, we stopped at Y & Y Organics and Brooklyn Bagel. On one of Carolyn's first visits we had Cinnamon Raisin bagels with Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese. THEY ARE SOME OF THE BEST BAGELS AROUND!

While at Y & Y, I got some Agave Nectar to make some granola. It came out super yummy and made the apartment smell great.

Granola Recipe

4 cups - Quick Oats
4 oz - Agave Nectar
2 tbsp - Ground Cinnamon
1/3 cup - Canola Oil
2 cups - Raisins

Heat oven to 350. Mix Quick Oats and Canola Oil in a large bowl. Add nectar and cinnamon to taste. Place oats mixture on a baking sheet. Bake until oats are toasty brown. Stir once. Add raisins after baking. Store in a sealed container.

Where have we been...

Last Friday, we went to the Woolworth Building for dinner it was a nice place to kick back and relax with a couple of good friends but, the food was nothing great. (It may have been better if we could have had a meal with meat.)

Over the weekend we went to the Poughkeepsie area. We stayed overnight and enjoyed two days of 'country' living. On Saturday, we went to the Walkway Over the Hudson. It was a great 3 mile walk over the river. I can't wait to go back when it is warmer out.

On Sunday we tried to go to Hyde Park and Tarrytown. Unfortunately, both were a bust since Hyde Park was under construction and Tarrytown was closed off for the parade. So, we just went home and enjoyed a quiet evening before the start of the week.

It was nice to get away for a little while and have some time together.

Tasty, Healthy, Tortilla Chicken Casserole

On Monday, I was feeling super productive so, I decided to make a casserole after helping with a rehearsal @ school, going to the gym, and getting ready for choir rehearsal. My wonderful mother in law made us fantastic torillas the last time she was up and we had a few left so I decided this would be a great recipe. There was also chicken on sale for $1.99 a pound!

The recipe was really easy to follow. I HIGHLY recommend using a HUGE bowl to mix all of the ingredients. I grilled the chicken on our GF grill. The whole thing was incredibly tasty. We had enough leftover for lunches and dinner (for two). Enjoy!

Oops...I disappeared.

I was doing so well with the whole blogging thing and then...the days just got away from me.

Last weekend, we celebrate my uncle's 60th birthday, visited my parents, and visited with a good friend. LOTS OF DRIVING! We managed to be in Staten Island, Queens, The Bronx, and Nassau County in less than 24 hours.

This week has been pretty much the same as other weeks. We are trying to get away this weekend. Perhaps Montauk?

Today, we are celebrating (in spirit) that our friend has finish Air Force Basic Training at Lakland AFB in Texas! Congrats! We will be visiting him in VA in about a month!

McCormick Bag 'N' Season Chicken


In the past we have used McCormick Bag 'N' Season Pork, it is quick and tasty. Tonight while I was thinking about what I could do with the massive amount of chicken I got on sale, I decided that this would be a perfect opportunity to use the Bag 'N' Season again. This time it was chicken!

I added two white potatoes and frozen green beans. Popped it in the oven! Voila! Here was dinner! The Bag 'N' Season makes eight servings so we have plenty left over for lunches and even a future dinner.

Apparently, this busy mom also likes this Bag 'N' Season thing! She added carrots and photos, if you're curious how it works.

Thai Kitchen 10 Minute Simmer Sauce - Panang Curry


Last night, I was on my own for dinner as the hubby had to work late. This gave me an opportunity to try something I wasn't sure he would like. In the past we have had Thai Kitchen Rice Noodle and Satay Sauce. We enjoy them both buy, can't find them in our local grocery store.

On my way home from the gym, I stopped by the food store and found this sauce. It was so good! I added steak, frozen green beans, and fresh mushrooms! (The steak and mushrooms were both on sale!) The fact that it was done in ten minutes was wonderful. One of my constant excuses for not cooking dinner at home is that, "I don't have time." This was quick, healthy, and homemade. I even had enough leftover for lunch!

I found that it tasted very mild. There was actually no spice or typical curry flavor. It was a nice sauce that added something to the meat and veggies. I definitely will remember this for future meals.

Added bonus? The hubby had some when he came come and liked it!

March Goals

- Go away for at least one night with the hubby.
- Cook dinner at home at least five nights each week.
- Go to the gym at least four nights each week.
- Make one new recipe / meal each week.
- Put away all of Christmas / Winter.
- Read a book.
- Stay meatless on Fridays.

Astoria Resident on Biggest Loser


Tonight, I decided to watch The Biggest Loser for the first time in quite awhile. (I used to love the show while I was living at home but, the hubby and truly don't watch much TV. ) In this episode, one of the contestants went home and was working out with her husband. She got on the subway at the N,Q station at Astoria Blvd!!

I found it funny that she wanted to "go to the park to run" so, she went all the way to the Central Park Reservoir! Astoria has sooo many parks including one with a track! Anyway, I now know who I am rooting for to win Biggest Loser!

Go Olivia!