Everything listed under: healthy

It's one of those evenings I truly wish I did have a television. I spent all last week cleaning up my receipts from 2009, getting my numbers in order, and, at the same time, getting my apartment in order. I was ready to rock and roll come Friday afternoon to face my accountant. Prepped as could be. And then he got on a call that went late . . . and later . . . and later. No appointment for me. So we had to punt until tonight, Monday. And wow. Let's just say the government does NOT make it easy for an entrepreneur (ah-hem, ME) to set up a business. I just found out a WHOLE bunch of stuff I didn't really want to know and it completely overwhelmed me. I feel like I've taken two steps forward and eight steps back. Between that and an intense rolfing session today, all I want to do is collapse on the couch and veg out. In the absence of a television, I figured I'd make some tea, indulge in my favorite chocolate chip cookie (that would be Nana's No Wheat) write a blog and tell you all the news that's fit to print (and there is some that isn't!) from the weekend, including my favorite new sandwich and other recipes I've had fun with. So here we go . . . 
Friday, in preparation for the tax appointment that never happened, I was getting shit done. Organizing, filing, cleaning up. Had a lovely late morning visit with a good friend who stopped by (I love NYC for that reason. No one ever just 'stops by' in L.A.!) an appointment here at home and finally, once I learned of the unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on how you look at it. To me, it was just delaying the inevitable feeling of dread and depression that came this evening.) non-appointment, I was off to the gym to work on a new project. A little shopping for a new pair of sassy shorts I needed for a date that evening and I was feeling fine and ready for some wine! Or sake as the evening would have it. The special evening at Pure Food and Wine, my FAVORITE raw restaurant not only in the city but ANYWHERE, was meant to celebrate my supposed tax return. So much for that. So we drank to my date's (Let's call him JT. And no, while I wish it was the real JT, I'm not that good) bonus! And trust me, you need something to cover the bill at Pure. But it's worth the splurge. We scored a wonderful table in the outside patio area, perfect for a spring evening in the city. Magical actually. Or maybe it was just my White Light Tini, a fine combination of unfiltered sake, green tea, lemongrass and ginger. OH, how I love me some ginger. We started with the Organic Iceberg and Watercress Cobb Salad with Smokey Portabella crisps. HEAVEN! And the Nori Rolls. Once again, SCORE! So tasty. We moved on to the King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed Caviar (one of my faves) and the Sweet Pickled Tri Colored Beet Ravioli entree. THIS was pure food bliss. It was so amazing, so fresh and all raw. If I had someone preparing food like this for me every day, sure! I'd be all raw too. Not likely. Before I get on my soapbox on how f'd up it is that good, healthy, wholesome and nutrient dense food is inequitably more expensive than SHIT food that kills people, let me just conclude by saying we finished with the only reason to live. Pure's Mint Sundae. I don't care if you are raw, vegan, carnivore, omnivore, whatever! You'd swear you died and gone to heaven after just one sensual bite. (JT did!) It truly is an experience to be had. I apologize for the sub par photo. It should only provide incentive for you to go try it yourself. Thank goodness we ventured on after Pure to do . . . well what else do you do after a cocktail and a couple glasses of wine? DANCE! Somehow, JT and I stumbled upon this place called "Butter" (still not quite sure how we found this place...) which once downstairs, opened up to a club/lounge type venue. JT and I were in our own little world down there, dancing our silly asses off, albeit to a very random mix of tunes from the dj. Couldn't quite find one groove, but it was enough to keep us out until 1am. What is up with me and these late nights? Ugh. It has to stop. I need to buckle down and get to work. But there's plenty of time for that. Saturday found me with a client and then off to practice my own yoga sequence. By the time I retuned home I was famished. My plan was to head out to meet my girlfriend and new pimp, Lisa (she was the culprit of last weekend's debacle) and one of her friends later that evening (he'll remain anonymous unless it's time to introduce you to him . . . ) but I was beat. So why didn't I stay home and nap you ask? Because I'm obsessive, compulsive (yes, you heard it here first. and it won't be the last time) and felt I had to DO something. So after my new favorite sandwich (see recipe and photo below!), and some way too expensive but fabulously yummy raw Kale Chips (again, healthy=money. I can't seem to get away from this equation) I put on my Louboutins (ha, just kidding). My version of those would be my running shoes to brave the brutal wind that was blowing in the city and headed down 2nd Ave. to the Lower East Side to run some errands. Picked up some of the best beans ever for my morning lattes at Puerto Rico Importing Co. These guys aren't messing around. And it's the type of place I live for at prices that make conventional coffee sellers prices look like highway robbery. (which also makes you realize how OVER PRICED most beans are) You can't take photos and in true NYC style, they make the most out of their real estate cramping the space with wall to wall bins of freshly roasted coffee. They have a few locations here in the city and it's a must visit for any java lover. Despite the fact I popped a few dark chocolate covered espresso beans to add some pep in my step, I was still exhausted. I opted for the subway home and decided, by golly, my feet deserve a pedicure. A nice one. Yes, I'm the girl that keeps the same chipped and worn polish on her toes for two months. Whatever. I'm a dancer and my feet can't look pretty. It's a contradiction. But those toots were tired and deserved some TLC. Sixty bucks later, I walked out with pretty, smoothed, polished and somewhat relaxed feet and toes. Again, why does eating healthy and taking care of myself = BIG BUCKS?!? I vote for government subsidies of avocados, kale, onions, sweet potatoes, brown rice, tahini, hummus and PEDICURES. Only to squeeze them into heels for my evening appointment. Honestly all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a flick. But in order to have the guy to cuddle and watch the flick with me, I must continue to endure dates and set ups and, yes, assholes. (That's a whole other story . . . I'll save it for the book. But what do you say when a supposed 'man' says to you "I guarantee my day was a lot worse than yours."? I was at a loss.) Ugh. I have a confession to make. I don't like getting ready. I am not one of those girls who lives for make up and getting dressed. I hate washing my hair. I dread doing my hair. I would stick it up in a ponytail every day of my life if I could. Make up, sometimes, I can handle. Tonight was not one of those times. Dread, dread, dread. Of course once I found something I felt slightly comfortable in and did all the requisite primping, I felt better and actually thought I looked quite nice. I got to the bar and ordered water. Wow, I was going to be a barrel of good times tonight. But I actually began to enjoy myself and after one glass of wine and many club soda and cranberry cocktails later. (the bartender thought I was crazy . . . I was sucking them down!) discovered I was hungry. The scent of bacon was wafting from behind the bar, and I'll tell you. I don't eat bacon but once in a blue moon. But damn, it smells good. I finally got some grub at another venue that was actually very cool called Schiller's. I was discovering a whole new world with this going out thing and enjoying it. Although a part of me longed for the days with my ex, not needing to do anything, go anywhere, get dressed up, drink beers, etc. Truth be told, a BIG part of me. Ok, back to the food. I am living proof you don't have to blow your eating habits just because you are out. Yes, it was 11pm, not the ideal time for dinner, but I knew I was going to bed no earlier than 1am and I was starved. Which was probably one of the reasons I was a little cranky. One deviled egg, 2 oysters and a KILLER artichoke salad later, I was feeling fine and had some pep in my step again. Plus, our bartender, John, was absolutely adorable and thoroughly entertaining. Good times. But time to go home and sleep. And sleep I did. Until 10:30am. Man, I needed that. I had still been battling the cold I caught from last weekend and I just needed to rest with no alarm, no agenda, no nothing to do. Couldn't really tell you what I did on a chilly, lazy Sunday (apparently nothing too good) but found myself at dance class in the afternoon (thank you James!) which always makes for a good day. I need to start going to different classes and dancing more. I forget how much, no matter what I eat, it FEEDS me more. Grocery trip to Whole Paycheck (Do you see the running theme in this blog?) and relaxing with another yummy sandwich (I'm addicted) and some "Breaking Dawn" (Hey, I don't have a television. It's the closest thing I get to trash.) and I was ready to call it a weekend. Done. And ready for Monday. And here I am, cursing the IRS and finished with the blog. Goodnight. Oh wait! Forgot my favorite sandwich! Pulls together some of my favorite foods EVER! And it really is so easy.

Hummus and Avocado Open Face Sandwich: 
1 slice whole grain bread (my new favorite is Hemp Seed Bread from French Meadow Bakery )
Generous slathering of hummus (I prefer my homemade hummus, but I'm a snob like that! Any fresh, store bought is fine. Remember, the less ingredients, the better!)
3 slices avocado
2-3 slices ripe juicy tomato of choice (heirlooms are coming around!)
Generous helping of fresh sprouts
Salt and pepper to taste

In case I really need me to tell you, here's what you do. Grab that piece of bread. Slather on that hummus. Place tomato slices on top, then avocado and top with the sprouts, sprinkling with pure sea salt and some pepper here and there in between. LOVE LOVE LOVE on your easy delicious 'sandwich'. If you're feeling crazy, grab another piece of bread, slather on some more hummus and top that sucker off for a true sandwich. 
Ugh, I forgot to give you the other recipes. (A new Tahini dressing and my homemade hummus recipe . . . ) But I'm tired. I'll post another blog just with those. G'night!

So here I am, at the local Starbuck's in Clarks Summit, PA enjoying a cappuccino less because I was really craving one and more because I was freezing my butt off (I think it's about 35* out right now, which is crazy considering it's only the beginning of November. It better warm up a little bit for tomorrow. I'll be sitting outside watching the Penn State/Ohio State game!) and because I needed a place to work where I could have an internet connection. My father isn't exactly up on the latest technology and wireless internet really hasn't entered his vocabulary. I think he just got off dial up about two months ago in his office. I'm hoping the minimal amount of soy milk in a cappuccino as opposed to a latte won't wreak havoc on my gut. I try to stay far away from processed soy products, especially the milk Starbuck's uses because it's usually the sweetened Vanilla variety filled with extra sugar. Eh, one won't kill me. Plus I'm on my way to work out so I'll burn that sugar.
Coming home to the small town where I grew up is always interesting. Things I love? The peace and quiet at night. The beautiful fall colors of orange and red leaves. Hanging out with some of the best friends I've ever had and ever will have. The slower pace of life. It reminds me of the important stuff.
Things that are not so great? Eating within my normal regime can be extremely challenging. Lucky for me, there is a saving grace. A store called EVERYTHING NATURAL (thank you Barry!) I make sure my dad goes in there prior to my arrival to get a few of the staple items I'll need (Almond milk, Kombucha) and then I usually do a follow up visit myself to see what's new and get the particulars I feel like that day. Knowing this store is there amongst a sea of processed foods stuffed in my cabinets at the house where I grew up is huge consolation. It's kind of a scary place in the overstocked kitchen. I never know who my stepmother thinks she is going to feed (a small army may stop by just for a snack?) but I swear, there are things that have been in those cabinets since I left for college. And trust me, that was a long time ago. Nothing that has a shelf life over 10 months, much less 10 years, should be eaten. Trust me, it ain't pretty.
So I come as prepared as I can to fend off the cries of "eat me" from the box of Wheat Thins (one of my processed food weaknesses). I brought my no wheat Olive chips from Food Should Taste Good. They have the least amount of ingredients that I can find in a chip/cracker (about 5) and are so delish. And I packed up some of my favorite, home made hummus. It's always a good idea when traveling to know a little about the place your going, where your roadblocks may be and prepare yourself as best possible. And then let it go. 
I wasn't sure what the heck I was going to do for lunch today. Maybe just get some natural soup and heat it up at home and try to avoid the Wheat Thins. Luckily, my good friend Beth, who just happens to be a great and healthy cook, invited me over. We had a lovely salad and some broiled salmon. Perfect. She also had a huge bunch of spinach and asked if I wanted to saute it. I took advantage of the opportunity to test out a recipe I've been wanting to try:  DAIRY FREE 'CREAMED' SPINACH. Oh my goodness! SO easy and SO good. Here it is:

3 cloves garlic cut or chopped into smaller pieces
2 bags pre-washed spinach
(fresh from a farmer's market is always better, but the organic packaged variety is most convenient)
olive oil
salt and pepper

Cover base of skillet with olive oil and heat. Place garlic and saute for about 2-3 minutes or until brown. Add spinach and cook until wilted. (Note: we had a full large bag of spinach which ended up being NOTHING. For full servings of this recipe, definitely use at least two bags). Transfer garlic and spinach to food processor and add salt and pepper to taste. Pulse until desired consistency is reached and add 2 tbsp. water if needed. We also added about another tbsp. of olive oil. POUR IT ON, don't be shy. Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats. Better than the butter and cream in traditional creamed spinach! Continue to pulse until consistency mimics traditional 'creamed spinach'. It will look like it too.

This was one of the best side dishes I've made in a while and OH SO EASY. It's a great idea to serve as baby food as well (without the garlic maybe) and a great way to ensure the spinach is digested properly. Many people don't chew their salads well enough to be properly digested. Beth and I decided it would be great as a base under white fish with some chopped black olives and maybe sauteed tomatoes. Yummmmmm.
So going home definitely has it's advantages. I don't have a Whole Foods or Gourmet Garage to just go and 'pick something up'. It forces me to get creative and cook. I may be coming home more often.