#had mac and cheese for lunch so very yum

[rainbluealoekitten]

ok mb for worrying everyone but i actually had a BEAUTIFUL afternoon and am feeling pretty happy rn :D rambling about it in the tags ofc <3

[alia-the-wintergirl]

sunday, july 7 2024

breakdown of my day and what i ate + did + feel bad/good about

BREAKFAST: 141

mango - 6oz - 111 cal - for the fiber

peanuts - five grams (could be overestimating or underestimating, no clue) - 30 cal - for the fats

review: overall good! enjoyed this meal! ate the mango first for sweetness and the peanuts second for savoriness. yum!

LUNCH: 627

vegetable soup - 1 1/4 servings (probably not accurate [closer to .8 serving] but i like to overestimate) - 113 (see previous) - for fiber and so my parents could see me eating

milk - 2 cups - 244 - for the protein and, embarrassingly, the taste

annie's mac n cheese - 1 cup - 270 cals - i was hungry after volleyball, saw it and was weak. definitely will make an effort to not eat again because 270 cals for one cup is ridiculous + it definitely didn't make me happier

review: overall could do better. the mac n cheese was a mistake i will NOT be repeating. if i'm hungry i can have either something with better nutritional value or, even better, nothing at all.

DINNER: 303

vegan miso soup, mcdougalls - 1.9 servings (my calorie app listed one serving as 100 cals, which differed from the nutritional information on the packaging, which had one serving as 190, so i altered the serving amount i put down in the app) - 190 cals

tofu, firm - 2 oz - 48 cals - for protein and to have something fun in the soup

broccoli, raw - 1/4 cup (overestimated) - 15 cals - for fiber and yumminess

baby carrots - 4 carrots - 14 cals - for fiber, yumminess, and color in the soup

review: very yummy! good because my parents saw me eating it, and it was high in protein and fiber. i think if i make it again i will not snack as much (that fourth carrot unfortunately did not make it into the soup, and neither did a good 1/8 cup of the broccoli and 1/2 oz of tofu) and i might take out whichever vegetable has a better fiber to calories ratio.

SNACKS: 56 (embarrassed to have this section at all)

spearmint gum, wrigley's - 2 sticks - 20 cals - asked my mom to buy me gum at the store today, as i had run out of my sugar-free stuff. she did, which was very nice of her and i really appreciate, but got gum that has TEN CALORIES a stick. only found out when the second stick was in my mouth, and was too much of a f@t@$$ to spit it out. i plan on giving it away when i go to my volleyball camp tomorrow.

chocolate non pareils - 2 pieces - 36 cals - dessert for dinner. planned on having only one but was weak. overall not too mad because the second one really was nice, and didn't put me over my calorie max.

review: okay! way better than usual, where i substitute meals for snacks throughout the day, and end up eating more. this was good for me i think!

EXERCISE: 111 cals burned

volleyball open clinic - 2 hours, logged as 1 hour - 111 cals burned - i have my wl app set to somewhat active, so i figured i shouldn't log all of my activity, plus i switched out with a girl, so about 15 minutes of those two hours were spent standing on the sidelines and cheering. had a great time tho!

biking - approx 30 minutes - not logged - going to and from the store for my soup ingredients and dessert. not logged, because i'm counting it as my somewhat active daily activity and because it really didn't feel like anything.

SAD ABOUT:

that my gum is 10 calories a stick. and i ate two and would've eaten three if i hadn't noticed it. usually i don't count things like gum or tic tacs because they're below 5 cals and used to not eat more, but 10 cals is too much to ignore. alas.

my second chocolate non pareil. it was only 18~ calories more, but it made me lose confidence in my control.

PROUD ABOUT:

my middle sister made snickerdoodle cookies (my absolute favorite) and i didn't eat a single bite! came close... ripped off a little piece... but ultimately prevailed! woo!

got my middle sister, her friend, and my little sister bread from the store and didn't eat a single bite, not even a crumb. this is big for me because bread is one of the foods i'm EXTREMELY weak to.

went to volleyball when i could've just said no! one of my @n@ resolutions is to never say no to exercise, and i followed through. very happy about that.

CONCLUSION:

i will work on my self control and label checking! two failures of today that i really can improve on.

i am getting lowering my cal intake little by little. i have my max as 1200 cals (technically the healthy minimum but whatever i'm not doing that fr), but ate only 1090 cals today, and burned at least 111, which i'm glad about.

48.4 grams of protein today :). the app i use has a paywall for fiber so i don't know that total, but i think it was okay today!

i wish all of you the best! let's improve together! love and kisses <3

[riverthebooknerd]

rating classic american foods (as an american)

brisket mac n cheese. 10/10, had this for dinner and it was fucking delicious. with bbq sauce? dear god, it's better than sex. bonus points if you make it into a sandwich, like a grilled cheese or somethin

cheeseburgers. are you fucking kidding? 10/10. i fucking love cheeseburgers. i'd sell my fucking soul for a cheeseburger. and, by the way, when i say this, i don't mean mcdonalds. mcdonald's can suck my ass. their food is barely even food, shouldn't have the right to call that lump of garbage plastic a burger.

biscuits and gravy. 9/10, delicious. surprisingly easy to make, and a really good brunch meal. reminds me of my grandma.

loaded fries. 12/10. i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE loaded fries. are you joking? fries with cheese, bacon, sour cream, cheese, green onions- UGH SO SO GOOD

grilled cheese & tomato soup. 8/10. comfort food. very nice on a rainy day. easy to make and helps when i'm sad. i like to make my own sandwiches, though, because as a kid my parents would always burn mine

scrambled eggs and toast. 7/10. reliable go-to. perfect for a shitty morning or a late-night snack. requires zero effort. very nice.

chili cheese tots. 15/10. when i tell you that i would take these over coke, i fucking mean it. don't do drugs. get some good fucking chili cheese tots and it'll change your life.

cobb salad. 5/10. i'm looking at lists of "american foods" and this showed up??? um it's alright i guess. not the worst salad? i dunno.

twinkies. 7.5/10. delicious, perfect material for jokes, but also when i eat them i don't feel like i've eaten anything, so then i'll scarf down like five of them and uh oh! now i've had 10 billion calories! still good, but i feel like they're an acquired taste.

fried squash/okra/pickles/onions/etc. 12/10, perfect snacks. dip those fuckers in ranch. they're SO so good i could fucking kill myself. honestly, i hate to perpetuate stereotypes, but as long as i'm eating any fried food, i could die happy. idgaf if it makes me fat, i'm eating that fucking fried squash. (btw, if you haven't had fried oreos, they're actually really good. you should try them)

beef jerky. 8/10, minus points because it's too fucking expensive. also, it's dry as fuck. other than that, though, it's pretty good.

cornbread. 10/10. perfect balance of sweet/savory. eat it with chili or honey, tastes fucking scrumptious. love cornbread.

chicken fried steak. 9/10. very very yummy, also costs an arm and a leg for a decent one. fucking worth it though. especially when it's got gravy and a runny egg on top, yum

meatloaf. 8/10. everyone always shits on the meatloaf, but that's just cuz they haven't had GOOD meatloaf. it's actually very tasty when it's not from a school cafeteria. SPEAKING OF WHICH-

school cafeteria food. -253792/10. you've heard the stories, but they'll never do the food justice. listen to me. i am grabbing you by the shoulders. i once had a friend who drank straight ketchup packets because the lunches were so disgusting that they'd rather get their nutrients from ketchup, and they didn't have enough food at home. the running joke was about how the school just went to the nearest garbage dump and microwaved whatever they shit could find. nothing was safe. the food wasn't even food. it looked and tasted like if plastic was diseased. i feel bad for the plastic that the food gets compared to. students were constantly getting in trouble because they'd make fortunes off of selling chips and candy bars at lunch. there was a permanent line at the vending machine, which was broken half the time. everyone was hungry, but very few were actually desperate enough to eat the food. the only things that were eaten were the fruit (when it wasn't moldy) and the occasional hotdog (that i can confirm tasted like rubber). there was a shop set up by the school that sold sodas and candy, and you had to get there at the very beginning of lunch, because the line was so long and so slow that there would still be 50 people waiting at the end of lunch. food fights were so common because people would rather throw the food than eat it. you had to buy an entire lunch just to get an apple or a bottle of water, so there'd be piles of shitty food that looks like it was vomited up, because people would buy the lunch and just not eat the gross parts (most of the meal). some people have actually been sent home from stomachaches that they got from eating the food. do. not. trust. public. school. cafeterias.

[kat-feinated]

My favorite Denver restaurants

How was your week?

My week included being invited to have a threesome with two of my work clients, who are both meth addicts and lost custody of their child due to said meth addiction.

My boss asked me to send the text to her and just replied “FOR GOD SAKE” and I feel like that’s the perfect summary of my year.

Speaking of meth, we finally finished watching “Tiger King” this week. I know I know, that show is so one month ago. But I have a lot of thoughts that I need to share with the world.

1. Did anyone else find Joe really sympathetic and felt bad for him? Yes, I know he’s unstable and probably killed animals and stuff but I found him...endearing!? 

2. Doc Antle is the creepiest ever ever ever. 

3. Jeff Lowe sucks. And his wife is way too young for him. And THE WHOLE THING WITH THE NANNY I JUST CAN’T.

4. The guy with no legs whose name I can’t remember was my favorite character. And just seems so normal. How did he end up there!?

5. I’m proud of Saff for standing up for Joe in the aftershow...everyone else just sold him down the river!

6. Howard Baskin. Howard Baskin singing. Howard Baskin’s wedding photos with Carole Baskin. The show is worth watching just for Howard Baskin.

7. Do I think Carole murdered her husband and fed him to a tiger? Yes. Would I still hang out with her in a heartbeat? ABSOLUTELY.

8. I’m extremely mad that I didn’t come up with “hey all you cool cats and kittens”. And now it’s already over-used.

Do you miss eating at restaurants as much as I do? (Probably not because you’re probably a normal person who has friends and other hobbies). I miss restaurants so much it HURTS. I miss looking up menus and deciding what I’m going to order days before I go. I miss people-watching and commenting on everyone else’s food. I miss kind servers bringing me baskets of bread and drinks that I didn’t make. I MISS RESTAURANTS YOU GUYS.

So, while I’m eagerly waiting for restaurants to start re-opening, I thought it would be fun to share my very favorite places to eat in Denver. Share this list with your favorite Denver local! Or better yet, come visit Denver and try these spots out (and invite me!!). 

Cuba Cuba: This was the first restaurant I tried in Denver, because it’s across the street from our old apartment. It’s located in an adorable blue bungalow but is surprisingly spacious on the inside. For drinks, order their house made mojitos or a pina colada. For appetizers, order the plantain chips with guacamole and garlic sauce (YUM) or the empanadas. Everything I’ve eaten there for dinner has been delicious, but I especially love the coconut shrimp and the chimichurri steak.

Perfect for: a date night or girls’ night where you feel like getting a little dressed up (but you’d be fine going there dressed more casually).

Rioja: This is my mom’s favorite Denver restaurant, and she insists we go every single time she’s in town. It’s located in Larimer Square, the cutest and most charming street in downtown Denver. It’s a bunch of old Victorian buildings that have been converted into restaurants and shops, and the street is decorated with twinkly lights and Colorado state flags so it’s a great spot to get a touristy picture when you visit.

The menu changes constantly, so it’s hard to recommend exactly what to order, but you can’t go wrong with the pasta dishes. They are known for their artichoke tortelloni and it’s honestly the best pasta I’ve ever eaten in my life. Last time we also ordered the tagliatelle and clams which was fantastic. For starters, order the smoked pear and raclette if it’s available-so yummy.

Also, Rioja makes all their bread in house, and it’s probably our favorite part of the restaurant. Waiters literally come around with a giant tray of bread and I always try every single type. The lavender sourdough and rosemary biscuit are life-changing.

Perfect for: when your parents come visit (and pay!) or a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday dinner. It is on the pricey side.

Work & Class: This is probably the Denver restaurant I’ve eaten at the most. Located in the very hip Five Points neighborhood, Work & Class is always busy and does not take reservations, so I would recommend going on a random weeknight vs. a Friday or Saturday. If you do go on the weekend, plan on an hour plus wait-the good news is you’re surrounded by bars and breweries to help pass the time.

Work & Class is a South American/American fusion restaurant, and everything is served tapas (small plates) style, so go with someone you are cool sharing with. They have fabulous in-house cocktails which change seasonally, so definitely order one while you peruse the menu. It’s hard to make food recommendations since I’ve probably tried everything on the menu and have never been disappointed, but some of my favorites include: the lamb, the empanadas, the mac & cheese, and any of their vegetable side dishes.

Perfect for: your group of friends who you’re comfortable sharing with (eating off of each other’s plates!).

Mercantile Dining & Provisions: This is another spot that my mom insists on visiting every time she comes to Denver. It’s located in Union Station in downtown Denver, which is itself a great spot to visit. It’s an old train station (that is still a working train station) but also home to a hotel, an ice cream parlor, a bookshop, a florist, and every other small adorable business you can imagine.

Mercantile serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (I’ve had all 3 there), but my mom and I have created what we believe is the perfect system for dining there. We always go on the day she is leaving town, since she can take the train from Union Station to the Denver Airport after our meal. We try to go around 11am, and we order a raspberry muffin. My mom doesn’t even like muffins, but these are no ordinary muffins-not too sweet, perfectly fluffy, moist (I’M SORRY) -just sheer perfection. After sitting and people watching for about an hour, we then order a short rib sandwich around noon, as soon as they start serving their lunch menu (it gets quite busy at this time). SO GOOD. SO TASTY. Plus, the restaurant itself is so cute-it looks like Joanna Gaines designed the perfect black-and-white chic modern farmhouse.

Perfect for: brunch/lunch after a morning exploring downtown Denver, or a quick bite before catching the train to the airport.

Lowdown Brewery: Is it cheating that this is actually a brewery and not a restaurant? I say it counts because they make all their food in house. I don’t always love going to the popular breweries around Denver because they’re usually packed. I’ve never seen Lowdown packed and in my opinion it’s the best brewery in Denver in terms of food and ambience-and the beer is good too!

Not only do they make and sell their own beers, but their menu always features a seasonally rotating list of Colorado beers as well. They have a lot of IPA’s (which I despise but everyone else seems to love). I’ve tried their blood orange wheat, selfish (pale ale), and their blackberry sour and have enjoyed all three. In terms of food, you can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas, salads, or sandwiches, but I personally can’t get enough of their beer cheese dip (served with broccoli, apple slices, and soft pretzel bites-I’M DROOLING).

Perfect for: sitting out on their patio with friends in the warm weather. Bring your dog!

El Five: El Five has one of the coolest views of downtown Denver, not to mention delicious food and drinks and great service. Their sangria is the best I’ve ever tasted, but they have tons of great cocktail, beer and wine choices if that’s not your thing (but also what is wrong with you). For appetizers, try the spreads of the med-a platter of house made pita, hummus, and veggies. For their traditional tapas, I’ve tried and enjoyed the patatas bravas, the shrimp & calamari, and the goat cheese croquettes. Then, of course, you must try their paella. I’ve tried both the Valencian (made with rabbit confit!) and the seafood and would recommend either. Be prepared to log roll out of the restaurant when you’re finished because you will have gained 100 pounds.

Perfect for: a festive date night, dinner with your parents, drinks with your girlfriends-just be prepared for an expensive bill.

Stowaway: I’ve only been to Stowaway once, right before the shelter in place order started, but I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. First of all, it is tucked into the cutest former warehouse-turned-hipster-coffee shop/brunch spot, complete with exposed pipes and red brick walls. I AM HERE FOR IT.

We went on a Sunday morning with some friends who warned us to expect a bit of a wait. Fortunately, the Denver Central Market is just a few blocks away so we were able to enjoy some cocktails and/or coffee while we waited.

When we finally got in, I ordered the Colorful Colorado (an egg dish) because of the 8 million reviews I’d read ahead of time that told me I must order this dish or live a life of unending misery and regret (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration but it was something along those lines). I also split the fruit toast with Joshua because I have to order something sweet and something savory when I go to brunch (I know I have a problem, just leave me alone). Both were so freaking good. I can’t wait to go back soon and try everything on their menu (or more likely, order the same two dishes over and over again).

Perfect for: brunch with your favorite hipster friend.

Linger: This is the one restaurant on my list that I love more for the location/ambience than for the food, though the food is certainly tasty. Linger is located in my favorite neighborhood in Denver (LoHi or Lower Highlands) and the building it’s in USED TO BE A MORTUARY. Like, WHERE DEAD PEOPLE WOULD BE SENT AFTER THEY DIED. I personally find this so cool, and if this freaks you out, you would never know except that I just told you (sorry). It’s very airy inside with cozy mood lighting and exposed brick walls. This is another place that does small plates and they’re all globally-inspired street food dishes-the menu is literally divided by continent (i.e. Asia, Africa). For drinks, order the turmeric mule. For eating, you really can’t go wrong, but some dishes I’ve enjoyed include: the bao buns, the impossible burger persian sliders, the tuna tostadas, and the potato masala dosa. Skip dessert because right around the corner you’ll find Little Man Ice Cream-one of my favorite ice cream spots in the city.

Perfect for: a first date/date night, a girls’ night, or a summer brunch on their rooftop bar.

Snooze: Full disclosure-Snooze is a chain and is not just located in Denver; they have locations across Colorado and in a few other states including Texas and California. That being said, I just have to include it on my list because I believe it is completely worth the hype.

Because there is always a long wait (I’m talking 2 hours sometimes), we always go on a Monday morning when there’s a federal holiday that other people don’t get off, such as Columbus Day. Don’t kid yourself-there will still be a wait, but it will hopefully be closer to one hour. Plus, they give out free coffee while you wait!

I don’t even like pancakes, but I always order the pancakes here. ORDER THE DAMN PANCAKES PEOPLE. You can even get a pancake flight where you can sample three different types of pancakes (I highly recommend the blueberry danish pancakes and the sweet potato pancakes). If I’m in a savory mood, I’ll order the breakfast tacos with a side of one pancake.

Perfect for: brunch with your friend, brunch with family or anyone with kids, brunch with your arch nemesis, brunch with anyone.

Hopefully this list made you excited to go back to restaurants again in the future, instead of depressed! And please send me your best restaurant recommendations! These conversations are what I live for.

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

57 Easy Gluten Free Recipes for Summer Picnics and Potlucks

New blog post! Now that the weather is finally (sloooowly) warming up and holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July are right around the corner, I know that summer picnics and potlucks are just as close. But when you have celiac disease or dietary restrictions, summer entertaining can feel a little more complicated.

That's why this year, I thought I'd scope out some of the best gluten free recipes for summer picnics and potlucks. Whether you're looking for healthy appetizers, gluten free lunches fit for a picnic or easy paleo desserts, this round up should give you some delicious ideas. Not to mention, it should make bringing a yummy and gluten free dish to every summer get-together a whole lot easier!

Gluten Free Sides

1. Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread (Nut Free, Refined Sugar Free) - Raia's Recipes  

Trust me. If you show up with gluten free bread at a summer potluck, you're gonna be the life (or at least the taste buds) of the party.

2. Easy Potato Salad with Egg - Bubba Pie

Give your potato salad an extra boost of protein with hardboiled eggs.

3. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Vegan, Soy Free) - Spabettie

Pineapple, vegan mayo, sweet pickles and pickled carrots give this macaroni salad a unique, Hawaiian twist.

4. Broccoli Apple Slaw - Noshtastic

Change up the traditional cabbage slaw recipe by using broccoli and apple instead!

5. Creamy Pea Salad - Recipes From a Pantry

If you're looking for a seriously easy low carb side dish that is still sure to peas (ahem...please) a crowd...this is it! All you need to make it are fresh (or frozen!) peas, bacon, cheese and a few other ingredients for the sour cream dressing.

6. Black Bean and Corn Salad with Balsamic Vinegar (Dairy Free) - The Welcoming Table

Add grilled chicken or pork to make this gluten free salad a meal, or serve it as a side dish or dip!

7. German Cucumber Salad - Casserole Crissy

For any gardeners out there, this is the perfect recipe to use up any leftover cucumbers.

8. Asian-Inspired Sesame Cilantro Carrot Salad (Paleo and Vegetarian) - Natasha, The Artisan Life

Even carrot haters will be won over by the Asian flavors in this gluten free salad dressing.

9. Bone Broth Pesto (Nut Free) - Casey the College Celiac

Enjoy the creamy, tanginess of pesto with the added protein and nutritional benefits of bone broth. Serve with veggies, gluten free crackers or roasted sweet potato rounds (which are also included in the linked recipe above)! 

10. Watermelon Mint Salad with/out Feta (Dairy Free Option) - Finding Zest

Who knew that watermelon and balsamic vinegar made such a tasty pair?

11. White Bean Salad (Vegan, Soy-Free, Nut-Free) - Happy Healthy Mama

Fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, avocado and lemon juice turn plain white beans into a side salad everyone will be digging into.

12. Zucchini Roll-Ups (Vegan, Paleo) - Claudia Canu 

These roll-ups are super simple to make but that doesn't make this combo of veggies and gluten free hummus any less delicious!

13. Goat Cheese Cucumber Bites (Keto, Low Carb) - The Keto Option

Gluten free Everything But the Bagel Seasoning dresses up these mini goat cheese and cucumber sandwiches.

14. Creamy Sweet Potato Salad (Paleo) - Cathy's Gluten Free

Is there any occasions sweet potatoes aren't perfect for?!? I don't think so...

15. Focaccia with Olives, Sundried Tomato & Rosemary (Grain Free, Paleo, Refined Sugar Free) - Emma Eats and Explores

Like I said before...you seriously can't go wrong with bringing homemade gluten free bread.

16. 5-Minute Guacamole (Vegan, Keto, Paleo, Oil-free, Whole 30) - Veg Annie

Homemade salsa gives this homemade guac an extra kick of freshness and flavor.

17. Mexican Street Corn - Confessions of a Fit Foodie

Like corn on the cob, only a lot tastier and less messy to eat!

18. Spicy Mango Dip (Vegan) - Fun Food Frolic

Serve this gluten free and vegan dip with some gf bread or pita, and it'll disappear in no time. You can whip it up in 15, minutes, too!

19. Easy Tuna Spread - Goodnesst 

This gluten free spread only requires three ingredients, five minutes to make and is delicious when served with crackers, veggies or tossed in a salad.

20. Red Potato Salad with Avocado and Egg - Attainable Sustainable

Typical potato salad gets an upgrade with some healthy fats from avocado in this gluten free side dish.

21. Curried Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Vegan) - Casey the College Celiac

If you want to add some hidden veggies to a family classic, you'll love my curried cauliflower mac and cheese, which only takes five ingredients to make.

Gluten Free Mains

22. Avocado, Asparagus and Chicken Salad (Paleo, Mayo Free) - Tasting Page

If mayo ain't your thang, you'll love this paleo chicken salad, which gets its creaminess from avocado and a homemade dressing.

23. Corn and Zucchini Pie - A Simple Pantry

If a quiche and a frittata had a baby, this would be it. Plus, this cheesy pie only takes an hour - including 45 minutes of it doing its thang in the oven - to make.

24. Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Salad with Arugula - Taste and See

Combine classic Italian ingredients with a traditional Caprese salad, and you end up with an ideal summer entertaining dish.

25. Grilled Balsamic Lamb Kabobs - Foodal

I'll admit, I've never tried lamb before, but these kabobs would definitely have me digging in.

26. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad - Spice Cravings

Traditionally, tabbouleh salad is a Middle Eastern vegetarian salad featuring ingredients like parsley, mint, Bulgar wheat, tomatoes, onion, cucumber and a lemon dressing. This gluten free version replaces the bulgar wheat with quinoa, which not only makes it allergy friendly but also packed with extra protein!

27. Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich (Vegan) - Moon and Spoon and Yum

The best kind of sandwiches have a mix of different textures and flavors...and this smashed chickpea salad has ALL the flavor punches you're looking for.

28. Southwest Quinoa Salad (Dairy-Free Option) - Mama Knows Gluten Free

You can't go wrong with a bowl of quinoa dressed up with avocados, black bean, corn, grape tomatoes, mozzarella and a cilantro honey lime dressing.

29. Shrimp Pasta Salad - Hot Pan Kitchen

Olives and sun-dried tomatoes give this cold gluten free salad an extra boost of flavor.

30. Spanish Waldorf Salad - Zestful Kitchen

This Spanish twist on a classic Waldorf salad complements a variety of different meals, and you can prepare all of the different ingredients ahead of the time.

31. Easy Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole (Low Carb) - Wholesome Yum

This gluten free casserole has all the flavors of a baked potato, minus the carbs. And you can't go wrong with bacon!

32. Tuscan Pasta Salad (Nut Free, Egg Free) - Meaningful Eats

Just 'cause you're gluten free doesn't mean you can't enjoy a very delicious pasta salad on a pretty summer day.

33. Cauliflower Salad (Vegan, Low Carb, Keto) - Cooking Journey

Cauliflower just got a very tasty upgrade with this easy, raw salad recipe.

34. Easy Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad (Vegetarian) - Mom Foodie

You can't go wrong with a classic...

35. Kale Quinoa Salad + Cider Vinegarette - Pass Me Some Tasty

Make sure you use gluten free cranberries and walnuts, and the sweet and savory mix of flavors will be a major winner in this salad.

36. Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing - V Nutrition and Wellness

Add a creamy peanut sauce to a salad with quinoa, chickpeas, carrots, cabbage and cilantro and you have a Thai feast tastier than any take-out.

37. Prawn & Avocado Salad (Whole 30, Paleo) - Recipe This

If you know Whole 30 or paleo diners will be at your summer picnic, this salad is sure to be a hit.

38. Broccoli Salad with Bacon (Keto, Low Carb) - Whole Lotta Yum

Broccoli has never looked so good...

39. Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Vegan) - Evolving Table

This black bean quinoa burger only takes an hour to make and is easy to personalize for whatever beans, sweet potatoes or spices you have on hand. 

40. The Best Homemade Chicken Salad (Paleo, Keto, Whole 30) - The Organic Chicken

Serve this salad on greens, gluten free bread or even half an avocado.

41. Loaded Potato Wedge Nachos (Paleo, Vegan Options) - Casey the College Celiac

'Cause who wouldn't want to dive into a plate of nachos on a beautiful summer day...especially when the base is fluffy roasted potato wedges?!?

Gluten Free Desserts

42. Paleo Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (Low Carb) - The Banana Diaries

I don't know about you, but I will always say yes to a slice of gluten free pie!

43. No Bake Peach Cheesecake Bites (Vegan) - Delightful Adventures

Make sure you use gluten free oats and almonds, and you'll have one heck of a tasty gluten free dessert.

44. Chewy Pumpkin Popcorn Balls (Vegan) - Casey the College Celiac

There's something crazy addictive about that sweet and salty combo. 

45. Pink Lemonade Cupcakes - Fearless Dining

Because is there anything more summer-y than pink lemonade anything?!?

46. Red, White & Blueberry Shortcake Parfaits (Paleo) - Living Loving Paleo

No one will believe that you whipped up these paleo shortcakes from almond flour and a handful of other ingredients you threw in your food processor!

47. Avocado Brownies (Vegan) - Vibrant Guide

Even avocado haters won't be able to get over how thick and fudgy these brownies are...

48. Cream Cheese Pound Cake (Low Carb, Keto) - Fit to Serve Group

Who says you can't eat a keto or low carb diet and eat cake too?!? 

49. Scotcharoos - My Gluten-Free Kitchen

Gluten free puffed rice cereal, peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch combine into one heck of a tasty no-bake bar.

50. Oatmeal Creme Pies - Hunny I'm Home

Chewy gluten free oatmeal cookies + delicious buttercream icing = dessert heaven.

51. Orange Cake with Almond Meal (Dairy Free) - The Foodie Journey

This cake is only made with a few ingredients and can be prepped to bake in just 10 minutes!

52. Blueberry Muffins (Vegan) - Rhian's Recipes

You can't go wrong with a fluffy blueberry muffin, especially when it's gluten free, vegan and only takes 35 minutes to bake! Plus, there are tons of ingredient options and swaps, so you can probably whip up these muffins with whatever is already in your pantry.

53. S'mores Ice Cream Cake (Vegan) - Pink Fortitude

Ummm...a gluten free and vegan ice cream cake?!? I don't think I need to say anymore...

54. Chocolate, Beetroot & Raspberry Cupcakes - Attachment Mummy 

In case you want to sneak a few veggies into your gluten free dessert.

55. No Bake Cheesecake (Keto, Low Carb) - Low Carb Yum

You can't beat a no-bake cheesecake base topped with fresh summer berries.  

56. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cookies - Think About Such Things

Chocolate chip cookies just got a caffeinated twist! 

57. Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake (Dairy Free) - Allergy Free Alaska 

I was sold at blueberries...

What I Hope You Remember During This Summer's Potlucks, Picnics and Parties

I know that when you have celiac disease or food allergies, the words "picnic" or "potluck" can cause more fear than excitement. But rest assured - as long as you use one of these gluten free recipes for guidance, you know you'll have at least one delicious meal you can happily enjoy. What are your favorite summer meals or recipes? Tell me in the comments! via Blogger http://bit.ly/2E6xmYR

[9noryn]

What are your opinions on Carrie, Iridessa, Irene and Twila? Who do you like to hang out with the most? What do all of you like to do for fun together? PLZ ANSWER you are so cool and kawaii!

⇒Carrie, the coolest sister from another mister (@ask-kitchen-witch-carrie)

There’s this poem I found when looking her up in a dictionary to prove a point! ;D

She’s home, she’s love and warmth and family and all those warm fuzzy feelings you get when you have a dinner together with people you’ve adore!

As long as you keep your doors open for her, she makes a home out of your heart

She puts up with a lot of pranks and mischief LMAO (her reactions are p funny not gonna lie) 

like I sent gift to her (it was a kilt for sam cause psst carrie likes kilted men) and apparently she peeked under his kilt? ? ?

LEWD

She’s leWD

Truth be told, we gab on a lot about men and boys and hypothetical children while eating yummy foods haha

⇒Iri, the hottest and honest, divinely goddess (@alwaysiridessa)

Can you believe that when we had psych together she’d be like, the professor’s favorite but she’d never acknowledge it

like “it’s just a paper…! there’s nothing good about it omg”

but like she’s the best writer in the class so don’t forget it i’ll fight you (and i’ll fight her too (ง •̀-•́)ง)

She’s goooorgeous, like brains and face and fashion and also tastes in foods, yum

We go to cafes like every other day to eat cake and drink tea lattes, especially Pink Lady Cafe! 

At least, that’s the plan usually haha sometimes luck doesn’t go our way ^^;

Speaking of luck, we have the dumbest luck haha

Rainy days when we have cute outfits, or cafes running out of our favorite drinks. Where does it all go??

But then again, sometimes Iri manages to get the last slice of tiramisu from Pink Lady and we share that (*´・ｖ・)

Sometimes I manage to get a whole tray of pastries (”tester batch”) and we kinda just… sit in the cafe… and eat… everything…

She doesn’t hesitate to call you out on your bullshit LMAO

like at aLL

SHE WILL DRAG YOU AND YOUR NASTY SELF IN FRONT OF EVERYONE LMAO

and that’s how we get into “fights” that involve texting each other about cute boys all day

ALL DAY

⇒Irene, fire and fashion and passion

It’s not her fault necessarily but she seems to put up a wall between her and many others so it’s hard to really get close to her at times ^^; I get it though; it’s a self-preservation, climbing the ladder kind of thing

She’s invited me to lunch once to a swanky restaurant and like it had “Cafe” in the name,

Irene knows I like cafes, but this place??

Lobster mac n’ cheese?? ??

Rhubarb soda?? ?

it was delicious 

But wow, what an experience. It felt like being on a date with a celebrity haha

I do love how she can pull off so many styles! Like body shape and complexions and hues aren’t problems in her wardrobe! Very mature and sophisticated *^*

She does have some of the most thoughtful gifts of us, I think! Probably tied with Carrie with thoughtful gifts! She doesn’t talk to me very much but she gave me a beautiful black dress with mesh panel for my birthday!

Wait, did I give her my measurements

She’s the only one to pet my head, interestingly enough

Something about being amusing? As long as she lowers her guard and flash her smile, I’ll take it☆（＾ワ＾）

⇒Twila, sweet and spicy, cute and feisty (@stardustandgossamer)

Okay so lemme just say that she’s p dang aesthetic

Stars and crystals and magic and stuff, like aesthetic witchy blogs but as a living being, yo

I like playing with the ends of her hair cause sometimes a bit of sparkles come from her head, though that might be something leftover from her job haha

We go shopping together and check out bookstores and “novelty” stores haha

I don’t keep many secrets generally but Twila knows a lot about the inventory and stock and such

She totally hooks me up with discounts and new toys

Even the kinky shit

Everyone knows about everyone’s kinks nowadays, but Twila is probably the most likely to give me something to put in Matthew’s butt.

i mean what

Drinks with Twila is a blast, by the way. I think she studied bartending once? Or something like that haha she has a way with mixing cocktails for sure

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/?p=154317

[Duplicated:154316] Great Vegan Food in Edinburgh

Going vegan – or vegetarian – in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been the proud holder of the title “UK’s Most Vegan-Friendly City” on a number of occasions as is evidenced by the i-heart-tofu hashtag on Insta! With 120 listings on the Happy Cow app, vegans and vegetarians alike won’t have a problem finding somewhere to eat in Edinburgh. We have compiled a list of some of our favourites.

Holy Cow With a 100% vegan, organic and Fairtrade menu, Holy Cow, located in the heart of Edinburgh, will delight vegans and omnivores alike. They have a great range of delicious-sounding burgers made from portobello mushrooms, pulled jackfruit, tofu and much more, all served with a generous side helping of their legendary homemade chips. Otherwise, try their Holy Sandwiches, eg Hot Green Pea with lettuce, wasabi green pea hummus, cucumber, spring onion and sprouts – yum! Open 10am – 10pm weekdays and 10am-6pm on Sundays.

Paradise Palms Located in the heart of Edinburgh University’s campus buildings, Paradise Palms is a rather kitsch bar but has a fabulous cocktail menu and a great atmosphere. The bar is home to Lucky Pig, which has a completely vegetarian menu and includes dishes such as black bean and seitan burger, pulled BBQ jackfruit sub or roasted squash chilli bowl and corn bread. Another highlight of their menu is their homemade dipping sauces which are all vegan and gluten free, including a vegan garlic aioli and a Buckfast-flavoured BBQ sauce. American soul food at its best.

Harmonium Well-known on the vegetarian circuit in Edinburgh, you’ll find all of your old favourites here, including creamy mac and cheese, juicy burgers, tasty pizza and tempting desserts - all vegan of course. Even the wine list is vegan. With dishes like Harissa Baked Cauliflower with za’atar, pomegranate, coriander seed, mint, dill, parsley, lemon and almond or pan Seared King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with crispy chorizo, sage butter and leaf, just make sure you are hungry if you choose this eatery.

David Bann Those looking for posh nosh in Edinburgh should head for David Bann where the “nouvelle” menu sweeps through most of the globe, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, via India and Thailand. Considered one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh, the food is innovative and eclectic – think Thai fritters, a selection of tempting pastry dishes and delicately spiced smoked tofu, and how about whiskey panna cotta for dessert? The stylish interior doesn’t mean prices to match – you can enjoy fine dining at very reasonable prices. With its location just off the Royal Mile, it’s also considered a wonderful place for a romantic dinner for two.

@Pizza Don’t think for a moment that you won’t be able to find a pizza joint if you’re vegan. @Pizza is located in Edinburgh’s West End and, with their pizzas only taking 90 seconds to cook, they will do it right in front of you! There are two ways you order your pizza - either build your own from their wide range of toppings available (with vegan options clearly marked) or you can choose one of their pre-made combinations, all of which can be veganised on request. Even the cheese is 100% vegan.

Hendersons Edinburgh’s original vegetarian restaurant, Hendersons is still going strong and now has several branches throughout the city. It offers contemporary vegetarian and vegan cuisine while holding firm to its founding philosophy of serving wholesome food made using fresh, local and organic ingredients. The unique buzz of the iconic Salad Table restaurant in Edinburgh’s historic New Town is complemented by the informal atmosphere of Hendersons Vegan restaurant on Thistle Street. The original Hendersons Shop & Deli on the corner of Hanover and Thistle Street is a true Edinburgh institution. In 2015, they also opened at Holyrood next to the Scottish Parliament. Bread Street Brasserie This classy bistro, which emphasises seasonal Scottish produce, features clearly labelled vegan options on its menu and also holds a monthly vegan evening that proves a hit with vegans all over Edinburgh. Each month the menu completely changes, so no two meals here will ever be the same.  Having said that, the structure of the menu stays pretty much the same from month to month: there are usually three options to choose from for each course, and usually a gluten-free option or two as well. Naked Bakery Having been described as serving “pieces of edible art”, the cakes and macarons at Naked Bakery have had a cult following for a while. A new savoury lunch menu was launched in February 2019, which is also completely vegan. Have you ever wondered what a pink waffle is? Well, in this establishment, it’s a light and crispy waffle served with whipped cream, strawberries, banana, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and maple syrup. Pink seems to be a theme – you could also try the Naked Bakery Signature Burger, the house-made brioche bun with Beyond Meat Burger, lettuce, tomato, beetroot hummus, avocado, pink mayo and sweet potato fries. The décor is just as beautiful as the food - walls are covered in Instragrammable purple flowers, table numbers are labelled with beautiful gold signs and the plates, bowls and cups make a statement in black and gold.

Lazy Lettuce Lazy Lettuce’s mission is to provide tasty vegan fast food that’s decent value for money.  The team behind the eatery have been providing tempting vegan burgers at many festivals and events around the city but now have a regular pop-up residency at The Well Café every Friday and Saturday night just off Nicolson Street. Examples of their fine fare include “honey-mustard chicken”, a chicken-style patty, seeded bun, “honey-mustard” sauce (with agave), cheez, lettuce and onions. They are also well-known for their soy milkshakes.

Travel Tip created by Helen Thomas in association with Vacation Soup

[anachef]

Review: Menu Updates and More At Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern

The new year has begun, and what better way to start the year than with lunch at one of our favorite Walt Disney World table service restaurants: Liberty Tree Tavern! You know this colonial-esque spot as the premier place to get a turkey dinner in Magic Kingdom, but the lunch menu also offers a la carte options, so I got into that for ya, too!

Liberty Tree Tavern

Atmosphere

Liberty Tree Tavern takes its colonial roots seriously, and diners can see that in the decor. Each room is packed to the gills with details from the time period, and if you look closely, you’ll see that rooms are themed to colonial figures. George Washington gets a place of prominence over the mantle in his room.

Mantel in the George Washington Room

Likewise Thomas Jefferson is celebrated in this stately room with white paneling and yet another fireplace mantle.

Dining Area Decor in Jefferson Room

John Paul Jones has his portrait near a faux-door and a decorative coat rack.

Cloaks and John Paul Jones Portrait

Benjamin Franklin‘s room is all about that dark wood molding.

Benjamin Franklin Room

Paul Revere‘s dark moldings have a similar feel, but lots of pewter pieces differentiate his space.

Paul Revere Room

Betsy Ross is also commemorated here, with an example of her famous flag.

Flag in Betsy Ross Room

Diners can explore each room, taking in the period details and the subtle differences between each historical figure’s depiction. But then, you’ll want to get back to your table because it’s time to eat.

Eats

Alcohol has been served at Liberty Tree Tavern since 2016, when Magic Kingdom first expanded it’s adult beverage offerings; and the drink menu is extensive, as befits a tavern, right? Choose from beer, hard cider, cocktails, or wine. And remember that if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan (and you’re of age) you can select one alcoholic beverage to enjoy with your meal.

Drink Menu

Lunch consists of two options: A la Carte and Bill of Fare (a/k/a the Patriot’s Platter). A la Carte entrees include Our Tavern Keeper’s Favorite (which happens also to be a guest favorite!) Pot Roast, Tavern Battered Fish and Chips, and The Colony Salad. You can also order The Pilgrim’s Feast (essentially Thanksgiving dinner on a plate!).

A la Carte Lunch Menu

Notice that the BELL Burger we enjoyed last October as a secret menu item is now on the regular menu!

The Bell Burger

We’re happy to report that the full dinner menu is now available for lunch as well. Bill of Fare is All-You-Care-to-Enjoy and starts with the Declaration Salad, proceeds to the Patriot’s Platter, and ends with — you’ll see! — a fabulously indulgent dessert trio. (Yup — TRIO!)

Patriot’s Platter Lunch Menu

Whatever you choose, the meal at Liberty Tree Tavern starts with rolls and butter — simple but good.

Rolls and Butter

We ordered three appetizers from the A la Carte menu, starting with the Vermont Cheese Plate. It’s pretty much impossible to craft a cheese plate I don’t like, and this one is a particularly good one!

Vermont Cheese Platter

The serving size and quality is better than some I’ve had in signature restaurants. The cheeses themselves were typical — brie, cheddar, blue, and what tasted like a gouda. It’s a good plate for someone new to cheese plates, or for a kiddo trying a cheese plate for the first time.

Vermont Cheese Platter

What’s better than one cheese-focused appetizer? A second one! The Tavern Cheese Dip with Brown Bread is dynamite! The bread is quite sweet, which might be a little off-putting for some, but with the salty, savory cheese, it worked for me! I loved this one.

Tavern Cheese Dip

If it’s a chilly day in central Florida — or if you just love a bowl of soup — the Beef and Barley is a decent option. It’s not a wow dish — and the flavor could have been more pronounced. The soup is packed with bits of pot roast, so if you want a beef option but can’t pass up the turkey entree, this is a way to enjoy some of the Tavern’s roast beef. Overall, though, if you’re able to go for one of the other appetizers, this one is OK to miss.

Beef and Barley Soup

First up from A la Carte entrees: Turkey Pot Pie. This is essentially comfort food in a bowl, with the pot pie filling topped with rounds of puffed pastry. It hits all the flavor notes you want from pot pie (even though I’d love to have a proper crust!).

Turkey Pot Pie

I also ordered the Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger which — hello! — looks awesome. This is a a classic burger done very well. All the traditional elements are there: relatively crispy bacon, rich cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Note that I had to order this one for my 5-year-old since there wasn’t a burger on the kids’ menu (he’s in that “I don’t eat anything except french fries” stage).

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger

The burger patty itself is massive and (thankfully) not completely dried out. I wouldn’t say it’s the juiciest burger I’ve eaten, but it was pleasant and tasty.

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger

The fries on the side were golden brown and perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It you’ve got to have a burger when it’s time to dine at Liberty Tree Tavern, this will make you happy.

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger

Now for the Patriot’s Platter and everything that comes with it. This offering is the main event at dinner (no A la Carte menu during dinner time!), but it’s also a popular lunch offering. That’s because with the Patriot’s Platter, you get to sample three meats and enjoy traditional sides. Note that everything is all you care to eat – so you can get seconds and thirds if you’d like.

The Platter begins with the Declaration Salad. This is a bowl of mixed greens, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. It’s… a salad. Nothing inspiring here at all. But if you are trying to balance out rich meal offerings with light, this is a good way to do it.

Declaration Salad

The Patriot’s Platter consists of Roasted Turkey, Oven-Roasted Pork, and Pot Roast. Sides include mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables (green beans! yum!), stuffing, and mac and cheese.

Note that even though two of us at the table ordered the Patriot’s Platter, we each got our own serving plate for the entree — they didn’t pile two orders’ worth of food on one big platter for us to server ourselves, which is what happened previously. Also note that the Patriot’s Platter serving does include a small container of the cranberry sauce, which previously was by request only.

Patriot’s Platter

The meats are all passable here, with the pot roast being the most moist and flavorful on my visit. The pork was particularly dry, however. The sides were all delicious.

Patriot’s Platter

The mac and cheese comes in a separate dish. Sadly, it’s super bland and boring. Nothing like it used to be when Liberty Tree served Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese. If you’ve got kiddos with you, they’ll probably enjoy this, but for the adults in the crowd, I hope your mac is better than mine was.

Patriot’s Platter

There’s also a gravy boat loaded up with the good stuff!

Gravy for Patriot’s Platter

Now we enter the sweet part of our dining experience, and you’re probably anticipating… Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. And there will be some!

But first: a newish dessert for Liberty Tree Tavern: Warm Banana Cake. This dense, layered cake is served with butter pecan ice cream that’s swirled with salted caramel. The the cake is fine — definitely packed with fresh banana flavor (not just a fake additive which… yuck), and the ice cream is delicious. But it didn’t have the dense sweetness that you’d expect from a pound cake or a butter cake. The standard portion shown here is more than enough to share.

Warm Banana Cake — Full Serving

The Patriot’s Platter comes with a trio of desserts that are served family style (so two portions on one plate, in this case). Of course the first of the trio is the restaurant’s iconic Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake which, I’m thrilled to report, is as awesome as ever!

Patriot’s Platter Dessert Trio

If you want to make Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at home, we’ve got the recipe here!

Not gonna lie: the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is on the small side. It’s possible to need a second serving of that, even with the other desserts on the plate. Those include a smaller version of the Warm Banana Cake and also some Apple Fritters with caramel dipping sauce.

Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake still rocks!

The Apple Fritters are nicely deep-friend and pretty tasty. Thankfully they manage to stay fairly light, and they’re crispy, fruity little bites. (Side of maple caramel sauce does. not. hurt.)

The other dessert is a smaller portion of the Banana Cake.

Patriot’s Platter Desserts

Nosh or Not?

Guide your horse to Liberty Tree Tavern if:

You’re looking for some serious comfort food at Magic Kingdom.

Table service dining is something you want to incorporate into your day at Magic Kingdom.

You love history and want to see how Disney interprets it in this space.

Light your lantern elsewhere if:

You’re way too busy for table servicing dining!

You and your crew want to sample more adventurous dining.

The idea of eating in a colonial-themed spot just feels meh to you.

Overall

I like to try Disney Parks restaurants over and over again, and one reason is to be sure that I can keep recommending them. Liberty Tree Tavern is a solid bet every time. The food isn’t overly fancy or trying too hard — and that’s in keeping with the restaurant’s theme. Liberty Tree delivers on comfortable Americana with familiar dishes and flavors, and it’s nice to know that in a World where food trends come and go, Liberty Tree Tavern is a sure thing!

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Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

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What’s your favorite part of dining at Liberty Tree Tavern? Tell us about it in the comments!

Related posts:

Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Walt Disney World

Review: Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

The Five Best Table Service Salads at Walt Disney World (According To The Experts!)

from the disney food blog http://bit.ly/2FqsiAY via http://bit.ly/LNvO3e

[crystarlet]

SPRANG BREAK

Hello, fellow interweb perusers! It seems that I have been away for a long while, and I am sorry. I have just been a bit busy and lazy at the same time, but either way, I am here to catch y’all up on my whereabouts.

Juj and I took the bus and then the train to Bakersfield Saturday (of break), but we missed the train after taking a detour to McDonalds, so we enjoyed our fast food at the station while we waited for the next train. It was a tad annoying since every other train seemed to be delayed, but the one we missed was the only one on time. El colmo, no? 

Anyhow, after we got home, we pretty much went to bed since we were to be up early the next morning. 

Sunday: Day 1

We went to mass and this lil local restaurant called the Village Grill, and let me tell you it was pretty good. I had some bomb diggity breakfast and couldn;t even finish my pancakes. The little decorations on the inside of the place kinda clashed with each other, but over all, it was quaint. 

After eating, we went to drive around the town and passed by Juj’s high school while we waited for our nail appointment. Your girls got treated. #queensamiright #justkiddingthanksjujandhermom 

Anyhow, after all that we went to this cute little strawberry stand and got some fresh berries to prepare for dinner. Once we got home, Juju and I helped cut strawberries and lettuce. We had mac n’ cheese - my fav - with strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, and it was sooo good. Apparently, the jujster has asked for that exact meal for the past like 6 birthdays. Cray. But it was pretty delish. After dinner, we went over to Juju’s dad’s and I got to meet her brothers and the scoobs aka scout aka a gazzillion other things. Once we got home, we treated ourselves to some Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and root beer floats (also my fav). 

Monday: Day 2

So shrek is one of m fav movies, and once I woke up I felt like donkey where he goes “and in the morning, I’m makin’ WAFFLES!”

We didn’t actually make waffles, but I made a breakfast sandwich, reminiscent of my days eating Late Nite, and a licuado. Juj and I ate a chill breakfast while watching Pirates of the Carribbean before getting ready to go to her brother’s b-day get together. 

We ate and hung out with her fam until we got back and watched Que Culpa Tiene el Nino which Juju apparently did not approve of - except for Ricardo Abarca, but we all know he’s a slice of heaven on earth.

Tuesday: Day 3

We had the same routine for Tuesday except we watched the Waterboy in the morning. I think Juj and I can now bond over the whole, “THAT ____ IS THE DEVIL”. It’s pretty much applicable to anything in life. 

Examples:

1. Chemistry is... THE DEVIL.

2. Waking up early is... THE DEVIL.

3. Yo Mama is... THE DEVIL.

Later on that night, we went out to Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace for some good food and line dancing. I didn’t line dance any really bc I was very out of practice and felt like a failure. Next time though folks, catch me on the dance floor how bout that? Anyway, Juj and I got to indulge in some country fried chicken, always a plus, and I got some mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, can I say winner winner chicken dinner?

Wednesday: Day 4

Wednesday was a good day, as I was introduced to two of Bakersfield’s finest aka ROSEMARY’S and WOOLGROWERS!

Today Juj and I woke up pretty late, so we decided to hold off on the whole making breakfast thing. BUT your girl ate some garlic bread for breakfast bc she wakes up starving and you know what’s not to love about carbs? Afterward, Juj and I got ready to go have lunch with her friends from high school (one of which goes to Stanny with us!) at Rosemary’s, a cute lil old fashioned ice cream shop which is apparently one of Bakersfield’s signature establishments (aka its been there a while and its a local fav). I - and almost everyone at the table - has a grilled cheese, which I must say was good, but not as good as I was hoping. However, I will say that all was remedied by the brownie ice cream Sunday. c;

Just when you thought we couldn’t gorge ourselves with more food, well... we did. Juj’s  mom had a birthday coming up, and a family friend had crafted a plan to get some friends and family together for a surprise birthday dinner while the Jujers was in town. It was my first time having Basque food, and I loved it. I love to eat a variety of food, and a lot, so the small but plentiful courses was a great option. It started out with some cabbage soup with beans followed by salad, vegetables, spaghetti, fries, and then a main dish (I got shrimp bc yum). I was stuffed by the end of the night, and I think it was a great way to say bye to Bakersfield. 

Thursday: Day 5

Not that Juju and her family weren’t great (because Bakersfield was GREAT), but I was ready to go to USC and get to LA. I had never been so SoCal, so I was ready to explore and venture like the wilderness explorer I am. 

Juju’s dad kindly drove us all the way down to LA on Thursday morning, and then we met our ~ Splash Ambassadors!~ from USC, Albert and Hardik. They sat down and talked to Juj and I for a while about what they do on campus while we waited for my homie G ~Ariel~ (throws up these... arms for a hug) to fly in, and they were super chill. 

Once Ariel got to USC we had some food and got our butts down to D I S N E Y L A N D. It was my first time going there too, so you know I had to do all the required first time shenanigans like get mouse ears and take pics in front of the castle. Juju also made a list of “must have” foods to eat there like “Dole-whips” which are pineapple sorbet like ice cream things - very delicious - mint juleps (mint lemonade) and Mickey beignets (pretty much Mickey donuts). 

We did pretty well when it came to rides. We went on 11 rides over the course of 9 hours - which include the time we spent eating - so really I would say we damn well averaged more than a ride an hour.. pretty good for Disneyland (did I mention I am the most impatient person in the world when it comes to long lines? I swear I die on the inside). On our last ride, though, we say Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner! It was pretty dope. I was low key freaking out, and I really honest to the lord baby Jesus did not think I was one of those people. Our day at Disney went smoothly, and my girls Ariel and Juj feel asleep on the Uber back home <3

Friday: Day 6

The next day, we woke up kinda late - recovering from the wild experiences of the night before if you know what I mean (; - so we wanted to get a quick breakfast before going out for the day. We decided to get bfast at a food truck right outside the apartment, and it was really quite good. I got to have something similar to a Manzanita so I was happyyyyyyyy. 

Afterward, we took an uber to the beach! It was my first time seeing the ocean and sand simultaneously, and I expected it to be warmer than it was to be honest. The water was freezing, but it was certainly a delightful surprise each time the water washed over my feet. Ariel, Juj, and I lied on the sand for a great deal - Ariel and I pretty much buried ourselves in sand to keep warm - and then we explored the beach and found “muscle beach”. We stayed on a bench for a while just “people watching” bc there are some pretty incredible specimens on this planet I kid you not. Afterward, we got an ice cream sunday to share and a funnel cake before heading back to USC. 

That night, we pretty much just helped with logistics, but we got to know the whole group better later that night in a relaxed game of cards against humanity.

Saturday: Day 7

Ah, the day of Splash SC! After a morning of setting up and checking in students, we got to chill out and eat come yummy fake chinese food and indulge in Sprinkles cupcakes (btw Sprinkles is some bougie ass cupcake place and they have vending machines. Expensive but yummy). After splash was over, SC was having their Spring fest and Juj, Ariel, and I got to head over and have fun before leaving for Stanford later that night. We got some cool pics, free shirts, free make-up, and best of all, free friendship.

And that’s a wrap of “SPRANG BREAK 2K17″ folks! A big thanks and everlasting gratitude to Juju (I appreciate you Juj) and her family for having me. 

[riannagalvez]

Hello, dolls!!! ❤ I am 38 and half weeks pregnant now and I am so ready to meet my baby girl! It’s funny how anxious I am to get the next phase of this journey started when I know I am also going to miss being pregnant (oh you know, just a typical day in my brain lol).  

My pregnancy with baby #2 did not start well. I had morning sickness ALL DAY and felt really weak during my first trimester. When I felt better, I told myself that I have to enjoy this journey in every way I can. So I looked up activities and events that I could participate in and made sure I would give myself enough time to prepare for baby girl’s arrival. I am happy to say that I can look back at this moment in my life and know that I have wonderful memories….finally.

Raise your hand if you’re a Mama like me who loves free goodies! Especially FREE baby products! So before I tell you how I brought all this home, let me share how my recent trip to New York was for Big City Mom’s Biggest Baby Shower.

 I got the invitation to be one of the Influencers to cover the biggest baby shower in New York months before May 7. I immediately told A there is no chance I will miss it! That even if it’s a work night and we will have to travel from Baltimore to New York, I know in my heart it would be worth it, and it was.

I had the biggest smile as soon as I walked into the venue — excited about everything in store for Moms like me!

It could be a bit overwhelming because of the number of brands they have at the venue but Big City Moms made it very easy to go around each booth.  Do not be discouraged that you can’t bring your stroller in if you have a baby with you, because trust me it’s better that way.

There were lots of people at the event that day but I love how it did not feel like space was too tight, there was no pushing, and the noise level was moderate enough that you do not have to shout when talking to someone.

When I was pregnant with little A, I wasn’t able to go to any informative classes or read a book about pregnancy or newborns…nothing! I did all my “research” after he was born during our night feedings. This time, I want to devote more time to learn more about Motherhood and parenting so seminars are one of the things on my list!

Big City Moms set up two bars to keep everyone hydrated, how convenient!

Here are some of the brands that I learned from. Each table had great things to offer to parents and babies, it felt like 3 hours flew by after A and I went around each table!

  Ellie 

Ellie is a parenting group app founded by a Mom in New York. I can’t wait for them to expand to Baltimore someday because I know it would be beneficial for Moms like me who want to escape the chaos of some Mom groups on Facebook. I feel like sometimes you get judged right away when you ask a question! lol

Lassig is a German company specializing in diaper bags and other travel/baby accessories. They caught my attention because I noticed the interesting finish of dishes they have! The designs are so cute.

Upspring was there with their lactation goodies AND Shrinkx belly strap. I was able to talk to them about their cookies and drink mix but I kind of wish I asked about their belly straps as well because I need a new one. I was unhappy about the belly strap I bought after I gave birth with little A and I am still scouting for the perfect one!

Similac and Enfamil were there with a generous amount of formula samples for everyone.

  Stokke was there with their hottest baby gear, but what really caught my attention was this Jetkids trolly that is on my dream list for so long now after seeing their video ad for the product. For those who love to travel like me (especially with kids), this is such a great addition to your packing list because it converts into a bed that you can attach to the seat.

Palmer’s with their awesome skincare products.

I love how they had snacks going around during the event!

Seedlip  is a brand that sells non-alcoholic spirits. I love how regal the bottles look so it would be nice to have a bottle or two on our bar cart for when I have my Mom friends over 😛

We sampled the Grove 42 which is their citrus flavor.

Mommy photo break! 

I loved how they had cute backgrounds for taking pictures. They had 4 in this specific area which was awesome because I did not feel like I was holding up anyone.

  For photobook lovers like me, Little Book of You is a great company to order your baby’s own storybook from.

  One of the brands that I want to make little A try is Banza. They had samples of their mac and cheese made with chickpea pasta at the event and I honestly liked it — which says a lot because I am not a “mac and cheese person”. I, however, like chickpeas though so I think having a box of Banza for my “lazy-lunch-at-home” with the kids would be very helpful!

What a treat! Puff Delights was there to give us a sugar rush ❤

People close to us know how much my husband loves British brands. This is him so engrossed at the Maclaren booth, the only brand he spent more than 10 minutes talking to. We learned tips on how to utilize our Maclaren Quest more and even got a nice gift from them!

  Lil Mixins , Cloud Water Sparkling CBD , Re play dishes , and Twelve Little.

There were interesting services in New York that participated in the event I wish we could sign up for. The ladies from CozyKin were adorable and really good at what they do, they still told me about the company even after I informed them I live in Maryland!

I couldn’t believe how many Dr. Brown’s products I did not know about. Seeing this table full of stuff I can use for little A and baby girl made me want to go to Target right away! lol

This convertible bottle tote caught my attention.

One of the brands we used for little A was Dr. Brown’s and as much as I love how sleek the bottles are and how it prevents him from being gassy, I hated how sometimes it would leak! The lady I spoke to was very informative and told me a tip I will definitely do once baby girl starts using bottles — do not heat your milk with the middle part of the bottle to refrain it from expanding.

EZPZ had an amazing deal at the event that I could not resist. Little A used to throw his bowl or plate off his highchair before so I am going to try to avoid that this time. I purchased a set of mini mat, training cup, and tiny spoon!

Babo Botanicals was there with great organic products for the family.

If you are a fan of Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard then you probably know they started their own brand earlier this year. Hello Bello was there with their products and I was able to feel how soft the diapers are! I am considering trying it for baby girl eventually.

More snacks up for grabs! Cloud10 rice crispies, YUM!

The event was AMAZING! It definitely is one of the highlights of my pregnancy. I would go again if I could! Just the experience itself, the energy during the event and the wonderful team behind Big City Moms make it super worth it to go.

Taking home all these free goodies was the best part about it, of course! 😛

I brought home 4 bags full of products from different brands. When we left Baltimore on Tuesday morning, A gave me a look when he saw we are bringing a large empty suitcase, I told him “you’ll see”. LOL

So how did I get 4 bags?

*1 regular swag bag that you can purchase with your ticket

                       *1 Influencer swag bag that Big City Moms gave me as a thank you for covering the event.

                        * 2 purple tote bags that A and I got when we walked into the event and fill with goodies from the brands.

Regular Swag Bag goodies.

Lotion and Body wash from Baby Magic

A full-size bottle of Hello Bello lotion

Butt paste/cream from Noleo and Boudreaux’s

Ducray hair lotion

…and diapers from Babyganics!!! (Was really looking forward to bringing home a pack of diapers..so yay!)

Sample packs of wipes, lactation drink, and vitamins for kids! My favorite is the mini first aid kit from Shipt.

Formula from Similac and Enfamil

Baby Bottle from Dr. Brown’s

EvenFlo pacifier and baby bottle

Mam baby bottle

Breastmilk storage bags from Nanobebe (which I can’t wait to try!).

Munchable snacks from Nosh (I love this brand so much! It was my #1 choice for little A’s snack when he started eating).

A full-size bag of lactation cookies from Booby Boons.

Booklet of baby’s first holidays

My Influencer goodie bag contained great products from amazing brands. Just getting this bag alone made our trip to New York very worth it.

I may have screamed out of happiness a little bit when I saw Hello Bello gift set in my bag. It has 3 FULL-SIZE bottles of bath stuff AND wipes! #HappinessOverload

Wipes and Diaper Samples

Full-size bottles of Baby Magic Lotion and Body Wash

A full-size bottle of Dapple body wash (after seeing all the bath stuff in this bag, I like to think I will be good on toiletries for baby girl until the end of the year lol!)

Another item I was very happy about, EZPZ tiny cup!! Now we have two at home! How convenient ❤

Sippy cup from Replay that little A is using now (without the cover lol)

Pacifier from Avent

I can’t believe my goodie bag came with a TwelveLittle fanny pack!! They cost $60 originally so it was such a lovely surprise! ❤

Treats for Mommy! I love how the bag came with a full-size bottle of Palmer’s skin therapy oil. I was running low prior to this event and I was happy to get one…for FREE!! ❤

Goodies from the 2 bags A and I filled during the event. I like to think we did GREAT! Lol

Travel bag with formula cans and ice pack from Enfamil. I can never have enough cooler bags here at home! I am thinking of using this when we travel to the Philippines at the end of the year, so this is so perfect!

Melissa from Spoonful One sent me an e-mail prior to the event so I made sure I had time to stop by at their booth and learn about the brand. I LOVE the idea behind it especially since A and I are such foodies. She pretty much filled our bags with Spoonful One snacks — how generous!

Bada Bean Bada Boom and Cloud 10 snacks.

Bowl and spoon set from Replay. I love how they reuse milk jugs to make their products.

My favorite out of this bunch is the Pact onesie. It is the softest onesie I’ve ever touched!

I forgot my sanitizer in Baltimore *facepalm* so when I saw Halo and Shipt were giving away sanitizers, I told A we should each get one! lol

I am now convinced that TwelveLittle is a generous brand! They gave away this year of the pig wet bag. I love it because it’s to represent luck and it’s pink so it will be perfect on baby girl’s stroller 😉

THE BEST giveaway that night, Maclaren cup holder!! A and I loved talking to the lady at the Maclaren booth so much and I mentioned we lost the attachment for our cup holder during our trip to London. It was very nice of her to give us this.

Needless to say, I was one of the happiest Mommas that night! ❤

I love how it also felt like a babymoon for A and I. We stayed in New York that night and was able to try two new restaurants throughout our stay.

Some of my friends thought it was daring of me to take a trip to New York when I am already 37 and a half weeks pregnant. For weeks, I told myself not to go into labor because I would hate to miss the event! Almost a week after, I am just anxious and ready to pop! lol

Thank you, Big City Moms for giving me one of the best memories during this pregnancy! ❤

xx

R >3

  Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity to cover this event and received free products and admission. My opinion and EXCITEMENT are all unbiased 😉 

Big City Mom’s Biggest Baby Shower New York May 2019 Hello, dolls!!! ❤ I am 38 and half weeks pregnant now and I am so ready to meet my baby girl!

[lotsofdogs]

A Week of January Weeknight Dinners: A Whole Lot of Bowls

I’ve had a few requests to share my weekly dinner meal plan with you guys and now that I’m out of my self-imposed newborn baby meal planning hiatus, I’d love to highlight our meals on the blog once a month or so to give you a glimpse into what we’re eating for dinner around here. Of course I’ll still share the occasional peek into our weekly meal plan in my weekend recap posts from time-to-time, but I think sharing a recap of our dinners this way will allow me to share photos (not styled pics but real in-the-moment pics of our dinners) as well as little notes of feedback about the recipes we tried and any changes we made that worked well for our family.

So here’s the first installment!

It wasn’t until I started to upload photos of our meals that I realized last week was apparently the week of dinners in bowls in our house. I’m not sure if it’s a cold and dreary January thing or what but lately I just want to eat meals that taste like comfort food in a bowl. I’ve found myself gravitating toward vegetable-packed recipes that incorporate a lot of nutritious ingredients in one big dish. Soups, stews and pasta recipes are calling to me and our meals from last week make that quite apparent!

Since I’m someone who is always interested in what other people are eating and loving, I thought maybe we could use these posts to share links to recipes we’re all enjoying so we can get meal planning ideas from each other as well so please feel free to drop a link below and let me know what recipes you’re making and raving about in your house this month!

(Note: You’ll notice I only have photos of our meals from Monday through Friday in this post and that’s because I typically only meal plan for Monday through Friday. Often one of the meals I plan for a weeknight will get pushed to the weekend in favor of leftovers during the week and I like to leave the weekends open to whatever we’re feeling in the moment, whether it be takeout, something simple at home, etc.)

A Week of January Dinners

Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo from Pinch of Yum

As you can tell from this picture, I didn’t use orzo pasta in this Pinch of Yum recipe but that’s only because we didn’t have any on hand. I simply substituted a mixture of wheatberries and Banza chickpea pasta wheels and it was fabulous! I was slightly intimidated by the recipe since the creamy consistency of the broth comes from eggs (no cream or milk!) and you have to slowly, slowly add the egg + lemon juice mixture to the broth to prevent it from scrambling but it turned out well and we loved it! It was a smooth and creamy soup with the perfect amount of bite from the lemon. Note: This soup is a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have on hand. I prepped a big batch of shredded chicken in our pressure cooker on Sunday night and simply used a bunch of it here!

Lentil Soup from Chocolate Covered Katie

I made this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie’s blog two weeks ago and it popped up on our dinner menu again last week for good reason! It was the perfect winter lentil soup recipe — flavorful, packed with vegetables and even better as leftovers the next day! When I made it again last week, I added some ground venison I defrosted from our freezer to the soup to give it a little more staying power and while the original vegetarian version is fabulous, Ryan and I agreed we loved it even more with this addition. The venison made the soup taste a little heartier and I know this is a soup we’ll be making again and again in our house. (I simply cooked the venison in a skillet and then added it to the soup at the end.)

Healing Lemongrass Chickpea Thai Green Curry from Ambitious Kitchen

You know a recipe is a winner when you cannot help but text your mom about it! Right after I made this dish, I texted my mom to tell her she must add it to her must-make list because I know how much she and my dad love Thai food. It’s a vegan recipe that’s perfectly warm and comforting and also very nutritious and absolutely packed with flavor. I actually didn’t even use lemongrass in the recipe only because I couldn’t find it at the grocery store when I was shopping last weekend, but it was still wonderful without it. The only change I made to this recipe was to add some chopped zucchini and chicken thighs to the mix and it was great and didn’t seem to impact the flavor at all.

Egg Roll in a Bowl from Peace, Love and Low Carb 

We are a cabbage-loving family, so it’s no surprise we love this recipe so much. If you spend any time on Pinterest and pin Paleo recipes from time to time, you’ve likely seen no fewer than 50 variations of Egg Roll in a Bowl recipes floating around. I’ve tried a handful of them but always come back to this Pinterest find because it’s the most flavorful while still being incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. I like to serve ours on a bed of brown rice and really enjoy the various textures in this dish. Bonus: It reheats really well for lunch the next day! (Note: I highly recommend using ginger paste or fresh ginger in place of the ground ginger in this recipe. It makes a big difference and really brightens the flavors.)

Mac and Cheese from Pinch of Yum

I was craving something warm and comforting on Friday night and whipped up this mac and cheese for our crew. The sauce is actually made with a combination of pureed butternut squash, caramelized onions, milk, salt and chicken broth mixed with shredded cheese and was creamy, buttery, smooth and pretty much perfect. The only thing that left me baffled was just how much sauce it made! I followed the recipe — and it has tons of positive reviews — but I had a ton of sauce in the end that pretty much drowned our pasta. To make the recipe easier, I actually used frozen cubed butternut squash rather than chopping my own squash up and I also used two different kinds of pasta (pasta wheels and penne rather than the elbow macaroni because that’s what we had), but I cannot imagine it made that much of a difference? I even ended up saving some of the sauce to use for leftovers another night! The bottom line: We liked this recipe but next time I’ll definitely double the pasta portion knowing we’ll have plenty of sauce to cover the noodles.

[Read More ...] https://www.pbfingers.com/a-week-of-january-weeknight-dinners-a-whole-lot-of-bowls/

[remembermemorablememories]

Friday, August 17, 2018

post #221

main points:

- struggle with functional test PR, then learned that there’s an infra issue so i just made a new file

- lunch with the team out on the patio

- submit minor label PR fix

- submit PR for updating the mock for a generated file of an RPC call 

- get functional test PR working

- hang out with tiana for a bit (her last work day :o)

- happy hour and ice cream with harvy, roberto, john, tiana and amandy

- wrap up functional test PR, ready to review for monday

- melee with john + mario kart

- uber home, then uber to sam’s place

- meet up with the whole gang!! (hugh, jwoos, diana, sam, ji hwan, several other peeps)

- clubbing at monroe

- trying to go to house party at john’s but then he left so we went elsewhere

- tried to get mcdonald’s but it was closed

- went to chinatown for some sam wo fried noodles and rice (yum)

- uber home and pass out at like 3:30am

(writing this on tuesday august 21, blog posts have been backlogged cause i’ve been busy every day the past five days)

today i:

- woke up at 9am ish. damien went to SF for his last day. karl had to pack/do some stuff so i ubered by myself to work at around 9:20am

- spend some time wrestling with the functional test PR. at some point i asked my mentor why my newly added code was causing the old one to fail (despite the logic being completely separated). there was an infra issue with multiple tests in one file so i just made its own file

- had lunch with the team out on the patio. just chillin

- submitted the minor label update PR for each row. this then unblocked me for selecting rows for the functional test

- submit PR for the generated file from an RPC call. this unblocked me because the mocked generated file now allowed the final row to show

- finally got the functional test working (or so i thought at the time). bumped into tiana. she was walking around the office since it was her last day. we chatted a bit and she took a photo of me and my mentor with her cool polaroid camera. it’s a nice aesthetic. she’s been taking a bunch of those photos and had a huge collection

- went downstairs with roberto, john and tiana to go to happy hour. there was a bunch of ice cream in addition to the usual food. the food was all junk food LOL. corn dogs, sweet potato fries, deep fried bacon mac and cheese... i couldn’t finish all of it cause i felt sick after eating half of it lmao

we just hung around on the patio near the ice cream stands. harvy and amandy shortly joined us afterwards. we were there from 4-5:30pm ish.

- went back upstairs and cleaned up the functional test, preparing it for review on monday. then went to play melee with john until about 7:30pm. we also played the usual mario kart shine thief + one world cup race

- ubered to my place to drop off my backpack and recharge my phone for a bit. then ubered up to sam’s place in SF. i swung by the deli nearby her place to pick up some cider as requested, sandwiches for me and jwoos, sprite and some chips

- met up with jwoos and david outside of sam’s apartment complex, since they also had a similar ETA to me. sam came downstairs to pick us up. and so did diana!! it was nice seeing her again. we went back upstairs and met everyone else (a lot of them were hugh’s friends LOL). i saw hugh too and it was nice seeing him again, i haven’t seen him in like a couple of weeks. we pregamed (i just drank some cider). ji hwan also arrived a bit later and after a while we ubered over to monroe around 10pm in two XLs

- the club was pretty packed. but the music was pretty on point. it was a lot of fun. it was also really humid and sweaty inside with tight space (yikes). jwoos david and i bought some drinks. i got a gin and tonic (cause idk anything else to drink). we had a fun time dancing for about an hour and a half. hugh and some people left to go see moon boots shortly after we arrived. (there was no cover fee to enter so that was nice). i also bumped into shreya on my way out LOL. what are the odds?? 

- we left after diana told us we were going somewhere else to a house party. we ubered to somewhere south of SF to a guy named john’s house. me jihwan and a guy named edwin were in one uber. diana chelsea jwoos sam and david were in another uber. but as we were going up, he was leaving.. LOL. and we didn’t want to randomly crash his suitemates party. we ended up going upstairs to use the bathroom/see what was going on. it was really low key. we also felt like we were intruding cause we knew no one there so... 

we went downstairs and diana wanted to go to another bar. the rest of us wanted to eat LOL. so diana edwin and chelsea went to the bar. david jwoos sam ji hwan and i tried to go to a mcdonald’s down the street. but they were closed (drive thru open only). it was like 1am so i guess that’s fair. we stood in the drive thru trying to get the food but they were closing shop on the drive thru too.. sigh. LOL it was p funny though, five of us trying to stand in the car lane. we looked like really drunk people yelling into the microphone thing (we weren’t that drunk)

after some googling we decided to get some tapas. but once we got there, we realized they weren’t serving food anymore.. rip

- around 2am we decided to uber back into SF to chinatown to a place called Sam Wo chow mein. sam knew this place was still open at this time cause she’d been there previously. the food was pretty good ngl. but it was really oily. lots of MSG lmao. i got some noodle soup. i wish there were more noodles. there was a bunch of meat

- the five of us finished eating around 3am. then jwoos david and i ubered back down. i got dropped off at my place and then just went to sleep around 3:30am. no shower. too tired

the end

overall, a very fun and exhausting day. i feel like this was how our weekends were in new york last summer. this is the first night i’ve been out clubbing this summer and out so late

[lazyazzninja]

Visited @theprimalcutsteakhouse in Tinley Park, IL today. A nice, little, restaurant with a very relaxing ambiance. I had this Lobster Mac & Cheese w/ Smoke Gouda. So good. #foodphotography #yum #foodporn #macncheese #lobster #theprimalcutsteakhouse #tinleypark #chicagoeats #macaroni #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #saturdayfun #lunch #lunchtime #foodstagram #chicagofoodauthority #cheese #mactonight (at The Primal Cut Steakhouse)

[andiekapi]

July 25, 2017

Day 32 post heartbreak

Woke up this morning with what I call ‘headache hangover’ – when you still have a small headache left over from the mega headache the day before. Ouch. I took precautions, and took an advil as well as packed my heating pad to use at work. When we arrived at work, I put on peppermint oil on my temples, neck and shoulders. That actually helped a lot.

So, I don’t like the IT guy. He really, REALLY bothers me to no end. He didn’t show up at the time he promised he would, and then when I emailed him about it, he said “I’ll be there soon”. Nothing more. When he finally showed up, I started backing up the newly created files I worked on that morning. His response to my complaint about his tardiness, was that I could have used the time to back up the files. BITCH what part of “I was waiting on your ass this entire time, and used that time to actually do work, so all these files are BRAND NEW” do you not understand?? UGH.

On top of that he talks like a pretentious cocky dingdong. He thinks he is funny and smooth and smart, when he has absolutely no idea what he is talking about half the time, but the ego is so inflated he can’t even tell.

I do NOT like him. Bonus after my computer was FINALLY set up, he didn’t sync my email properly to the outlook app, and I am not admin so I could not download chrome by myself. I emailed him back, and he said, again, he would come back pretty soon. Two hours later still freaking nothing. I emailed him AGAIN, and he said  “ill be there faster than a fat kid at a buffet”. Which, apparently means 30 minutes. UGH.

Another busy day, except today I am reporting to not my direct boss. It is another girl on the color team I am working with today, along with a Project Manager for another shoe. Lots of tech packs to create today, wow! And very busy.

I have found out that I absolutely HATE when people schedule meetings at 1pm. Worst timing ever. I have rushed to eat lunch and rushed to get back, so I’m just sleepy and tired and grumpy at that time, having to attend meetings. 1PM meetings should not be allowed in the workplace.

Hannah and I both had a lot of work to do today, so we ended up leaving around 5pm (start time: 7:30am). Long day.

Today Hannah and I talked about finding me a mature guy, somewhere and somehow. And how I could make a list of things I want and do not want in a guy.

One of the traits that I really, really appreciated and loved about DTS was that he would tell me regularly how much he loved me and how beautiful he thought I was. I’ve never been with a guy who would express that both sincerely when he felt it, and on a solid and regular basis. Obviously not ALL the time, and his actions spoke louder than his words of course, but enough vocally to make me feel really, truly happy and loved. It was always so nice to hear those words. I still have the recordings I found of him saying he loved me so, so much via whatsapp. I never questioned his love until the last month, never ever once. If I can find someone new who has a trait similar to this, I would be incredibly blessed.

My new alpinestar replacement gloves came in today! I am very happy. They look like this:

They’re so nice, and so much better quality than the ones I had to send back for quality issues! Very pleased. I must email them back, thanking them for finally following through.

The doctor’s office called me today regarding a small surgery I need to have done. The booking… nurse…? Person… she asked if I could come in August 30, at 12:30pm. But because I will have to have anaesthetic/be put under, I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink ANYTHING from midnight the night before.

Uhm. I will get so sick so fast if you try that shit. TWELVE HOURS WITHOUT EATING? Your girl can’t do that.

I told her I am reactive hypoglycemic, and that if I go without eating for that long I will get very sick. I will throw up whatever small amount of anything there is in my body, and get sweats, and just feel horrid. She said she would try and get me in at an earlier timed surgery, and would get back to me. Kind of important!

Hannah and I made dinner together: Steak, shrimps, peas and broccoli with organic all-natural sea creature shaped Mac and Cheese. It was delicious 😊

Watched some CHOPPED, and then Hannah and I took a quick trip down the road to get 50 cent frosties from Wendy’s. Yum. I was so full, but almost regret not getting the fries with the frosty :P

And that was today. The headache is back again a little, but at least it’s a lot smaller and tolerable, without the nausea of yesterday. Hopefully it won’t be too bad tomorrow, another physical therapy session tomorrow.

Good night.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/great-vegan-food-in-edinburgh/

Great Vegan Food in Edinburgh

Going vegan – or vegetarian – in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been the proud holder of the title “UK’s Most Vegan-Friendly City” on a number of occasions as is evidenced by the i-heart-tofu hashtag on Insta! With 120 listings on the Happy Cow app, vegans and vegetarians alike won’t have a problem finding somewhere to eat in Edinburgh. We have compiled a list of some of our favourites.

Holy Cow With a 100% vegan, organic and Fairtrade menu, Holy Cow, located in the heart of Edinburgh, will delight vegans and omnivores alike. They have a great range of delicious-sounding burgers made from portobello mushrooms, pulled jackfruit, tofu and much more, all served with a generous side helping of their legendary homemade chips. Otherwise, try their Holy Sandwiches, eg Hot Green Pea with lettuce, wasabi green pea hummus, cucumber, spring onion and sprouts – yum! Open 10am – 10pm weekdays and 10am-6pm on Sundays.

Paradise Palms Located in the heart of Edinburgh University’s campus buildings, Paradise Palms is a rather kitsch bar but has a fabulous cocktail menu and a great atmosphere. The bar is home to Lucky Pig, which has a completely vegetarian menu and includes dishes such as black bean and seitan burger, pulled BBQ jackfruit sub or roasted squash chilli bowl and corn bread. Another highlight of their menu is their homemade dipping sauces which are all vegan and gluten free, including a vegan garlic aioli and a Buckfast-flavoured BBQ sauce. American soul food at its best.

Harmonium Well-known on the vegetarian circuit in Edinburgh, you’ll find all of your old favourites here, including creamy mac and cheese, juicy burgers, tasty pizza and tempting desserts - all vegan of course. Even the wine list is vegan. With dishes like Harissa Baked Cauliflower with za’atar, pomegranate, coriander seed, mint, dill, parsley, lemon and almond or pan Seared King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with crispy chorizo, sage butter and leaf, just make sure you are hungry if you choose this eatery.

David Bann Those looking for posh nosh in Edinburgh should head for David Bann where the “nouvelle” menu sweeps through most of the globe, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, via India and Thailand. Considered one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh, the food is innovative and eclectic – think Thai fritters, a selection of tempting pastry dishes and delicately spiced smoked tofu, and how about whiskey panna cotta for dessert? The stylish interior doesn’t mean prices to match – you can enjoy fine dining at very reasonable prices. With its location just off the Royal Mile, it’s also considered a wonderful place for a romantic dinner for two.

@Pizza Don’t think for a moment that you won’t be able to find a pizza joint if you’re vegan. @Pizza is located in Edinburgh’s West End and, with their pizzas only taking 90 seconds to cook, they will do it right in front of you! There are two ways you order your pizza - either build your own from their wide range of toppings available (with vegan options clearly marked) or you can choose one of their pre-made combinations, all of which can be veganised on request. Even the cheese is 100% vegan.

Hendersons Edinburgh’s original vegetarian restaurant, Hendersons is still going strong and now has several branches throughout the city. It offers contemporary vegetarian and vegan cuisine while holding firm to its founding philosophy of serving wholesome food made using fresh, local and organic ingredients. The unique buzz of the iconic Salad Table restaurant in Edinburgh’s historic New Town is complemented by the informal atmosphere of Hendersons Vegan restaurant on Thistle Street. The original Hendersons Shop & Deli on the corner of Hanover and Thistle Street is a true Edinburgh institution. In 2015, they also opened at Holyrood next to the Scottish Parliament. Bread Street Brasserie This classy bistro, which emphasises seasonal Scottish produce, features clearly labelled vegan options on its menu and also holds a monthly vegan evening that proves a hit with vegans all over Edinburgh. Each month the menu completely changes, so no two meals here will ever be the same.  Having said that, the structure of the menu stays pretty much the same from month to month: there are usually three options to choose from for each course, and usually a gluten-free option or two as well. Naked Bakery Having been described as serving “pieces of edible art”, the cakes and macarons at Naked Bakery have had a cult following for a while. A new savoury lunch menu was launched in February 2019, which is also completely vegan. Have you ever wondered what a pink waffle is? Well, in this establishment, it’s a light and crispy waffle served with whipped cream, strawberries, banana, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and maple syrup. Pink seems to be a theme – you could also try the Naked Bakery Signature Burger, the house-made brioche bun with Beyond Meat Burger, lettuce, tomato, beetroot hummus, avocado, pink mayo and sweet potato fries. The décor is just as beautiful as the food - walls are covered in Instragrammable purple flowers, table numbers are labelled with beautiful gold signs and the plates, bowls and cups make a statement in black and gold.

Lazy Lettuce Lazy Lettuce’s mission is to provide tasty vegan fast food that’s decent value for money.  The team behind the eatery have been providing tempting vegan burgers at many festivals and events around the city but now have a regular pop-up residency at The Well Café every Friday and Saturday night just off Nicolson Street. Examples of their fine fare include “honey-mustard chicken”, a chicken-style patty, seeded bun, “honey-mustard” sauce (with agave), cheez, lettuce and onions. They are also well-known for their soy milkshakes.

Travel Tip created by Helen Thomas in association with Vacation Soup

[strangerkingdom]

Food Shouldn’t Be A Chore

The thing about food is...

It shouldn’t feel like such a chore to eat it.

I don’t mean in terms of preparing it. What I mean is that it shouldn’t feel like such a chore to consciously eat food. When it comes to food, we all know what we’re supposed to eat in order to live. It comes down to the basics. Eating anything that comes from a bag, box or can is only there for our convenience and not necessarily good for us. I’m not judging. I often eat stuff from those sources, but I started thinking while I ate leftover lasagna from a few nights before; one of those frozen lasagnas that you heat up in the oven for a little while and then pop it into your mouth. As I took my first bite, I started examining everything about it. The texture. The taste. The presentation. It wasn’t bad for a nearly week-old lasagna. It also wasn’t great. I did something that I rarely do to any food; salting it. 

   I went to Ireland when I turned 17 for about a week. 

Every hotel I stayed at had hot breakfast early in the morning which I was excited about since breakfast food is one of my favorite things to eat. Breakfast sausage, eggs made to order, toast with butter, coffee and hot tea. Yum! One of the memories I have while tasting my first Irish breakfast, as I bit down into a sausage link, was, “this sausage is pretty bland and fatty.” It occurred to me not too long after that that this was probably how pork sausage was supposed to taste. I tasted the butter on my toast thinking the same thing and also realizing, “this is probably how butter is supposed to taste.” There were other foods that I tasted while I was in Ireland, of course. Fish and chips. Roasted sherry duck. Beef stout stew. Dublin coddle. I ate a lot of different things, all of them delicious and refreshingly.... natural. 

In the U.S.A. we have a problem. It’s not a problem that people are oblivious to, but it is still a problem. If you have read my old blog this may sound like repetition, but here I am again to say it. We rely way too much on convenience and as a result we are getting sick and fat. “Convenience”, however, is only the tip of the iceberg. “Convenience” is the easiest way to describe the way American’s eat. 

Once upon a time I cooked a lot. I had pantry staples such as dry beans, flour, chicken/beef bouillon, a variety of pastas, eggs, corn meal, garlic, potatoes and so many cans of tomato products you’d think I had a fetish. I cooked large amounts of meals from those ingredients and lived off of it for days. Of course I had other ingredients, but those were the things I made sure I had a large amount of all the time. Ah, my single days of living alone. The point is, though, I spent a day’s worth of labor cooking a lot of those meals just so I could eat something by the end of the day and have left overs to feed me for days after. I didn’t really care too much about eating the same thing two, three, eight days in a row because as long as it was good for me I was set.

That is probably the biggest problem. Hardly anyone eats for nutritional value anymore. Not for ages. Sure we have the people who like to preach about this and that as far as what we put in our bodies, but a lot of those people go to Jamba Juice every day, or serve Annie’s mac n’ cheese to their kids. To them I turn up my nose because they don’t actually know how to cook any food that’s good for them.  This may just be my idealism talking, but it seems to me that the only way to “eat right” is to actually make it yourself. Sure, I use pre-made pasta, canned tomatoes, corn meal and bouillon. You can easily call me a hypocrite for that. But! How many people do you know actually use those things in every day life rather than reaching for the frozen foods at the store, every grocery trip they make? How many people do you know can say they know how to cook a leg of lamb or make pasta from scratch? I’m guessing not a whole lot since quite a bit of people in this country have a hard time just making scrambled eggs, let alone cooking mac n’ cheese from scratch. If it wasn’t for freeze-dried I think a huge portion of the population would die off from starvation in this day and age. 

This opinion doesn’t come without some kind of experience. I had a roommate a few years back who just freshly came out of her mother’s house for the first time. We worked at the same store just a couple blocks away and often worked different shifts; her, earlier in the day and me, later in the day. We would often just miss each other for meals and I didn’t think anything of it until one day I had the day off. She came back home from work at about 5 PM saying, “I’m so glad this day is over. I haven’t eaten all day and I’m starving.” I asked her what she felt like eating and that I would make something since I was starting to feel hungry, myself.  Long story short, I ended up making shrimp scampi fettuccine alfredo. I served it up and she picked the shrimp off of her plate stating that she wasn’t a fan of seafood. That’s fine, I can understand that. Shrimp isn’t even my first choice either but that’s what we had in the fridge.  Since that day, though, I ended up being the one to make dinner all the time if we both happened to be home which also was fine, but there was truth that hid behind this reason that I had yet to discover. 

Every so often I would come home from work during my lunch hours or we both would have the day off. In the midst of every-day-goings-ons I started realizing that any time my roommate ever made herself something to eat it would either be a sandwich or Kraft mac n’ cheese. I’m not exaggerating. Those are literally the only two things I ever saw her make herself.  One day, she was in the middle of making some kind of sandwich and I asked her if she ever gets tired of eating the same thing all the time. She truthfully told me, without hesitation, that that was one of the only things she knew how to make and that she never really had to make food for herself before because her mother always did it for her. I was amazed at this. Like a scientist discovering a brand new animal species. I had so many questions to ask her because I had never encountered a person who didn’t know how to cook for themselves. And it wasn’t that it was even a generational gap-thing, either. She was actually a month older than I was.  I asked her, “Do you have an interest at all to learn how to cook for yourself? Ya know, so you’re not eating lunch meat or boxed macaroni and cheese all the time.” She shook her head and told me that she didn’t really feel like it. 

“Feel like it? You don’t feel like it?”

These words threw me through a loop of endless criticism and confusion. I didn’t even know how to put into words my reaction to that statement. It angered me, confused me and, if I’m going to be honest, made me think a lot less of her. It’s not that I’m really a snob like that, but in my head, cooking for yourself isn’t so much an interest as it is a necessity, like showering, putting on clothes before you walk outside or not sticking your tongue in an electrical socket. It’s a common-sense habit of doing something you just need to do so you can be... not... dead.

Regardless, I continued to cook food for the both of us when we were both home and I even tried sending subliminal messages to her while I did so to no avail. I also realized that not only did she not know how to cook but she was also severely picky. One of the pickiest eaters I have ever met. So even when I made food she would either pick out everything she didn’t like or she would just choose not to eat it.

She, of course, was not the only one I have met in these last few years that still eats like a 4 year old. I actually have had to break my current boyfriend in a lot when it comes to food. He comes from a very Mexican family and his mother, un-stereotypically does not know how to cook well at all. But that’s what he grew up on, that’s what he knew, therefore that is what he liked until I came around and started introducing new foods to him that he ended up liking. Eventually he threw caution to the wind and let me lead the “food train” when it came to whatever we were going to eat.