I Don't Believe in Diets

January 20, 2012 - The Day Tragedy Struck

2012-02-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

The Day Tragedy Struck

The morning of January 20, 2012, I hit snooze a few times and decided to skip my workout. This is the first time that skipping a workout was ever a good idea. Mike and I got a phone call from Dean (his Dad) 10 minutes after I was supposed to be at the gym. I will not go into too many personal details, but it was the phone call where we found out that Diva, my mother in law, had passed away that morning.

Mike and I spent a bit freaking out, being upset and what not, and immediately decided we were going to Houston immediately. We packed up our stuff, our dogs, sent out emails to our employers and were on our way. We knew we needed to be with Dean, be with family, as soon as possible.

For whatever reason we were unable to get a hold of Michael's brother. We kept trying to call him along the drive to Houston, a 3.5 hour drive. We had no idea what his address was (he lives in Houston though) so we couldn't just go to his house to tell him in person.

We ended up stopping at a donut shop so Mike could make a call to him before we got to his parents house. I picked up some kolaches and donuts while he made the phone call in case the family and friends needed some food. Still no answer.

We met up with Dean and tried to comfort him as much as possible. Then we decided that we needed to get to Steven as fast as possible. It was already 12pm and he needed to know. We got his address from Dean and drove 40 minutes back to his place. After knocking on his door a few times he got up and we told him. My heart was breaking for everyone. Into a million pieces. All of this was utterly soul crushing.

After, we ended up getting the strength to go back to Dean's. We spent the day making funeral arrangements and helping Dean call friends and family. It was the hardest day of my life, and I am sure it will always be the hardest day in Michael's life.

Eventually we decided we needed to eat dinner. A neighbor brought over a casserole, but of course it had chicken in it. That is the main ingredient in most casseroles. I took advantage of this, and called my mom and talked to her on my way to get a subway sandwich.

We spent the rest of the evening spending time together, but mostly remained in silence and tears.

January 19, 2012 - Working Through Lunch

2012-02-10T08:22:00.000-06:00

Workout

I ended up doing a Nike Trainer workout for 45 minutes. Those workouts are some of the most intense workouts ever.

Breakfast

I ended up eating a half of a bagel with pb and jelly. A childhood favorite.

Snack

Lunch
Lunch was leftovers from 2 nights before. It was still quite delicious. I ate it at my desk and wished I would have left my desk for a bit instead of just staying there. Often if I eat at my desk before I leave I never actually leave. I need to figure this one out. I really need to get out of the office at lunch instead of stay there and work through. It makes me so much more productive and happy if I do that. It benefits everyone.

Dinner
Mike really wanted pizza for dinner so I decided to give in. At least the pizza we chose was fantastic.

January 18, 2012 - Bistrot Mirabelle

2012-02-09T08:12:00.000-06:00

Workout

I started out my morning with a morning workout. I did an interval run and a dumbell class act skimble workout. It was nice.

Breakfast

I had a slice of toast with some peanut butter and jelly. So good.

Before I left the house I got to see these cuties in bed still. It was hard to leave.

Snack

Lunch
Lunch was catered at work from an Indian Buffet place. I had some chana masala, some cauliflower curry and naan and a samosa.

Bistrot Mirabelle
Teddy got invited to a media event at Bistrot Mirabelle. She invited me as a plus one. Don't think the people there knew I was also a food blogger, but at least I was still treated as one. haha.

Although this menu is hard to see, it was a lovely one.

When I got there I started with a Duck Rilletes. Tell me I would like this 3 years ago, I would call you crazy. But I do. This is delicious.

This was the highlight of the meal, and boy was it a highlight. It was mussels in a delicious buttery white wine sauce with some grilled onions and french fries. This was heaven in my mouth. I have been thinking about it for days.

This was the steak tartar. Although I am not a big fan of dijon, this was still delicious.

I also had the linguine and absolutely loved it all. They gave us a gift card and you KNOW I will be back. Holy moly it was delicious. I canNOT wait to go back.

Once I got home I also saw these cutie pies. They really do love to cuddle on top of each other. I can't help but smile every time I see it. haha.

January 17, 2012 - Major Random Win

2012-02-08T08:03:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

Yes the Lucky Charms are back. I can't help it. Their little marshmallows makes me happy.

Snack

Lunch
Another reason why my lunch the day before was a mistake, I had the leftovers available at my disposal. Yes I ate this delicious greasy meal twice. I need to remind myself only to take healthy meals home as leftovers.

Dinner
For dinner I ended up making a really random meal. It included beets, polenta, cabbage, bok choy, khorabi and parsnips and sweet potato with jalapeno sausage and a blueberry habanero sauce. Sounds crazy but it was awesome. Mike even liked it. Major random win.

January 16, 2012 - On the Other Hand

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I woke up exhausted and had some peanut butter pretzels for breakfast again.

Lunch at Gloria's
A few people at work went to Gloria's for lunch. I ended up getting cheese enchiladas which were delicious but should have been avoided. I only ate about half, but then saved it for later.

Dinner
After work I met up with Mike at the Alamo Drafthouse Village to watch Haywire for an Austin Film Society event. I ended up getting the asain chicken wrap with tofu instead of chicken. The movie was okay, but not my favorite. The food on the other hand was delicious.

January 15, 2011 - One Last Brunch

2012-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started the day off with a smoothie. I knew I had plans for brunch, but it was going to be at 1230. I was very glad that I barely drank during the party so was only hungry and tired when I woke up.

Brunch at East Side Cafe
All of my friends, and Mike's parents were all to meet at the East Side Cafe. We were celebrating my friends last day in town, another one leaving the country, and my mother in law's birthday. This actually was the last time Mike and I got to hang out with Diva. We wish now that we would have made this event a family only event, but then are also happy that Diva got to see us with a big group of friends that all love us and make us happy. I think at worst, sharing this brunch with her and our friends let her know that we have a great support system, and are all happy in our lives.

Now back to the food. I started out with a blueberry muffin. This was one that Diva was jealous of. So jealous she ordered her own, even though I offered to give her mine.

I ended up ordering the eggs benedict. I have never ordered this before, but I have tried it before when Mike ordered it in the past, and knew I had to have it. It was delicious. I ended up eating about half of this, and ended up regretting it shortly after, just because I was so full.

Here is my friend who is moving to Brazil. Diva offered her advice about Brazil, it was nice having them talk. All of my friends knew her and all used her as a source of information. It was so amazing.

Here is Mike and Diva (my mother in law). She had fallen down in Brazil over the New Year so she had a bruise on her face.

After brunch, the in laws left because they had a long trip back. We now wish we got to stay with them longer that day, but that is life. Mike and I spent the rest of the day watching The Wire and hanging out.

Dinner

I ended up eating broccoli, with psata sauce, Parmesan and toasted cashews for dinner. Kind of a weird dinner, but it was still good.

After dinner Mike and I headed over to a friends house for a final goodbye party. I only ended up staying for 2 hours, because I was utterly exhausted, and then promptly got stuck in traffic on my way home. Oops.

January 14, 2011 - Brunch & A Party

2012-02-05T08:35:00.000-06:00

Brunch at Takoba

After a late night, a bunch of my friends headed over to Takoba for brunch. I ended up getting the migas.

I had a lot of fun with my friend from out of town.

My friends who I see on a regular basis.

And my friend who is about to move to Brazil for her internship.

We were all exhausted that day but kept it together because we had a party to help throw that night.

Dinner & A Party
We helped my friend throw a party for her birthday and going away party. It was also great because another friend was in from out of town. We ended up making a lot of the appetizers and making sure we made a birthday cake (strawberry shortcake) and brought party supplies.

In the midst of getting ready we ended up going to torchys for some tacos. I got the shrimp tacos. I was super excited to find out that I could get shrimp that wasn't fried. I chose that because sometimes if shrimp is fried in the same cooker as chicken I get sick.

We ended up staying out really late and having a load of fun. I have such amazing friends and am filled with joy that I am lucky enough to have them each and every time we hang out.

January 13, 2011 - East Side Fun

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast
I knew I needed a tasty breakfast so I made croissants for breakfast. It really hit the spot.

Lunch
I ended up eating some pasta at my desk for lunch. I apologize for the terrible photo. No idea how that happened.

After Work
After work I ended up going to my friends house to meet up to go out later. I ended up getting there before she got home, and waited in my car. While waiting in my car her cat wanted to visit. She kept trying to get into my car. It was pretty hilarious. We like to call this one Zombie Annie.

Dinner
We ended up going to the Liberty Bar, so that I could show my friend East Side Kings. We ended up getting the pho sandwiches.

Later on we ended up going to some other food trailers, where I got some guacamole. I was going to get a regular meal but all the food prep was too easily contaminated with chicken so I decided to not risk it and get that. After this we went to Rio Rita, where I got a delicious jalapeno margarita. It had a real kick to it. I ended up going home very early because I was exhausted. It wasn't that early, I was able to stay out until 12am, but everyone else stayed out until about 2am.

January 12, 2011 - Much Later Than Intended

2012-02-03T08:28:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started my day off with some peanut butter pretzels.

Lunch
I ended up getting to work a bit later than usual and ended up eating leftovers from lunch the day before. I had a spring roll and a crab rangoon for lunch.

Dinner
After work I had an egg salad sandwich. Then I ended up heading out with mike and some friends to The East Side Showroom with a few friends that were in from out of town. We had a lot of fun and ended up staying out much later than I intended. Oops.

January 11, 2012 - Peanut Sauce Obsession

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast
I told you I was into peanut butter pretzels for dinner. haha.

Lunch
Lunch was catered at work by Firebowl. I ended up getting a spring roll, a crab rangoon an some of the veggie stir fry meals.

Snack
I ended up having another tofu spring roll as a snack. Delicious. I am kind of obsessed with spring rolls right now. Not sure if it is the innards or just the peanut sauce.

Dinner
I ended up needing a comfort meal, which called for a nice bowl of pasta with some cheese. So delicious.

Question?
What is your comfort meal?

January 10, 2012 - Happy Hour at La Condessa

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast
Another breakfast of peanut butter pretzels.

Lunch
At lunch I went to panera bread and did a little bit of reading there as well. I got the sandwich and soup combo. The roast beef sandwich and the black bean soup. Delicious.

Happy Hour & Dinner
After work we had plans for happy hour at La Condessa. One of my good friends was in from out of town, and another one is about to move to Brazil so we knew we needed to get together. I ended up getting this lovely cocktail as well as a corn on the cob. It sounds funny, but this kind had cotija cheese on it, red pepper and more. It was delicious. After happy hour we ended up going to the Gingerman and getting a few drinks and chatting it up.

We ended up getting home late, and by the time we got there the pups were exhausted.

January 9, 2012 - Randomly Delicious

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Workout
I started the morning out with a Nike Trainer workout. Definitely an intense 30 minute workout.

Breakfast
For some reason I have been randomly eating peanut butter pretzels for my breakfast. Protein, carbs and delicious? Sign me up.

Lunch
At lunch I went to Einsteins and got a bagel thin sandwich. I spent my lunch doing some reading. It was nice.

Dinner
This dinner was completely random. I knew I wanted some veggies, and an egg. I ended up using the grits as the grain/carb. It was randomly delicious. There was some broccoli, khorabi, and radishes and some ham. I would like this meal again, right now, please.

Puppy Fun
I thought it was so cute that Emily was using Ender as a head rest.

Question?

Name a meal you make to make use of a bunch of random veggies.

January 8, 2012 - Sunday Workouts

2012-01-30T08:28:00.000-06:00

Breakfast
I was planning on going to the gym early in the day so I didn't want to eat a huge breakfast. So Lucky Charms it was.

Workout
Mike and I went to the gym together. I ended up doing a quick interval run, and pulled out 2.62 miles in 30 minutes, including a warm up. I was able to fight through at the end with an increase of speed of 8.0 for the last minute. The rest of the run was around 6.5. I ended my workout with a Nike Trainer ab workout. I was sweating all over the place after this one. It is definitely a keeper. I love a nice Sunday workout. It feels so much better than a weekday one because I can take as long as I want and not have to worry about being late to anywhere.

Lunch
For lunch I had some leftover fried rice. I loved this veggie mix. So tasty.

Dinner
For dinner, Mike and made some steamed spinach, with leftover mashed potatoes and a steak. I added some cranberry cinnamon goat cheese on top. It was a great addition although I accidentally added too much.

Question
Do you have a favorite ab workout?

January 7, 2012 - Veggie Fried Rice

2012-01-29T14:20:00.000-06:00

Breakfast
Saturday morning started out with a beautiful omelet that Michael made for me. It had some leftover corn casserole in it and some cheddar cheese. It was like heaven in my mouth. It had some crispy cheese on it which is one of my favorite things.

Lunch

Mike and I spent the day just lazing around watching The Wire. We heated up a leftover meatball and made a meatball sandwich. It was beyond delicious as well.

Dinner
Mike and I have been making a lot of "fried" rice dishes with our random assortment of veggies. This one had some cabbage, khorabi, ham, egg, carrots, green onions, bok choy and probably a lot more in there. The bowls here are new and I love them. I hope to get a better photo of them someday. It was too dark to get a good photo of them.

Question?
Do you like buying fun bowls? I think they sometimes make the meal taste better. ;-)

Diva Thielvoldt

2012-01-28T08:01:00.000-06:00

There has been a delay in my posting this past week because a major tragedy hit our family last Friday, January, 20, 2012. My mother in law, Diva Thielvoldt, passed away in her sleep last Friday. She was very young, only 54, and it was completely unexpected. She was an amazing woman, who not only brought her children up to be amazing men, but also dedicated her life to helping cancer patients/survivors as an RN. She was always an inspiration to me, one I looked to for career advice, relationship advice, and to always be there to provide a positive spin on everything. She was always straight forward and direct, and lived true to her name.

Michael and I have been struggling with this, but we keep reminding each other, that we can at least be happy that we have no regrets. We both had a great relationship with her, talked with her on the phone, in email and in person often. She was proud of us and was able to tell us this often. We told her we loved he often and were even able to see her a few days before she died at a brunch at what we think was her favorite brunch spot in Austin.

Right now we are focusing our time on being with our family, and spending as much quality time with them as we can.

The viewing was last night, and although sad because it reminded us of the reality that she isn't just on vacation, that she is truly gone, it was also uplifting. Everyone that knew her had amazing stories to tell about her, and made us happy knowing how much she touched everyone's lives. The funeral is today, and I expect it to be similar. Cathartic, but in a positive way.

It will be a long struggle, but if we keep the positive stories at the forefront of our minds I think we will make it through.

January 6, 2012 - Tinker Tailor Snore

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started off my friday with some lucky charms.

Lunch with the Team
My boss intended to take us all out for a Christmas lunch but because everyone's plans were crazy it got delayed until January 6th. It was a beautiful day out so we decided to go to a place with outdoor seating that also allowed for a quick lunch. We ended up at Tinos at Arbor Walk. I got the falafel wrap with some fries. But please note I only ate about 5 or 6 fries. Who knew I had that restraint in me?

Dinner at the Drafthouse

After work Michael and I went to the movies together to watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I was not a fan of the movie. I was really tired already, and that movie was really tiring. I ended up falling asleep during it and didnt particularly mind. I thought it was going to be an action movie, but it was a spy movie, but not as fun as a James Bond spy movie. While there I got the asian chicken wrap, but with tofu instead of chicken. It was pretty awesome and has become one of my favorites.

January 5, 2012 - Quarterly Meeting

2012-01-22T08:16:00.000-06:00

Workout

I started the morning with another workout. I did a 2.63 mile interval run, then did some upper body weights. It felt lovely. I was a little more worn out during the run than usualy, but it still was awesome to get it done.

Quarterly Meeting Breakfast

It was another quarterly meeting. I started with a blueberry muffin.

Then later had a bit of this yogurt parfait. My tummy wasn't that happy though, so I only ate part of it.

Snack
I ended up getting hungry and my snack options were scones. So I had a bit of this, but only part of it.

Lunch
It was catered by CPK. I got a veggie sandwich and ate some chips.

Dinner
After a crazy day I ended up eating some cereal for dinner. That is always I could handle.

January 4, 2012 - Rosemary Potato Soup

2012-01-21T08:15:00.000-06:00

Workout

I woke up early and did a 2.6 mile interval run, then did some lower body weights.

Breakfast

Death cereal again.

Lunch
At lunch I had some leftover chana masala.

Dinner
I was so happy that by the time I got home from work, Mike had made me soup. It was a potato soup with veggies and rosemary. It was quite tasty. Although next time he is going to cut up the rosemary very fine.

January 3, 2012 - Death Cereal

2012-01-20T08:15:00.001-06:00

Workout

I started out the morning with a 30 minute Nike Training Club workout. These always provide a great workout.

Breakfast

Death cereal. Swear. I don't get why I didn't get it, after several days.

Snack
PB Pretzels.

Lunch
I ended up meeting a friend for lunch and got a lovely blt sandwich. You will be proud to know I never ate more than 3 chips.

Dinner
After work I went home and made a big salad with some ham and some peanut sauce and a side of cornbread.

January 2, 2012 - Add a Little Extra

2012-01-19T08:14:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started my last day of vacation off with a bowl of cereal. Remind me to never eat this cereal again. It makes me sick. Every single time. Argh.

Workout
I ended up going to the gym and doing a 2 mile interval run while watching some horrible vin diesel movie. Then I did a Nike Training Club workout that focused on abs. It was insane. I was sweating everywhere. It was gross, and awesome.

Lunch
For lunch I had a ham and cheese sandwich with a huge salad on the side. Mmm.

Dinner
One of my co-workers gave me this pack of chana masala seasoning.

I used it, and it was great, except I did have to add a bit more to it, because I always do things like that. It turned out very tasty. Then I also made a side of broccoli. mmm.

January 1, 2012 - Super Girl

2012-01-18T08:12:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started out the new year with a hashbrown, an egg and a bacon. What lovely breakfast.

Of course I also had to have a cappuccino.

Mike surprised me with another paper doll outfit for me. He made me as Super Girl, which is perfect because apparently her name was Cara, well with a K.

Lunch
For lunch I had some leftover butternut squash ravioli.

Then later some cornbread.

Dinner
By the time dinner rolled around the only thing Mike and I wanted for dinner was veggies. We made roasted parsnips and roasted carrots.

Then I ended up getting hungry later on and made myself a veggie corndog.

December 31, 2011 - NYE Celebration

2012-01-17T08:11:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started our New Year's eve with a lovely bowl of cereal.

NYE Workout
I was able to head out to the gym and felt really great about it. I did a quick interval run, and then some free body weights focusing on the lower body. I was super excited that I used the men's side of the gym and didn't feel too weird about it. Yay!

Lunch
Next was a simple grilled cheese on jalapeno bread with a bowl of tomato soup.

And then a side salad to get in some veggies.

Dinner & NYE Celebrations
Lindsay & Luke were amazing and invited Mike, Teddy and I over to their place for a nice sit down dinner before heading out for a night of celebration. We started with some awesome appeitizers, including stuffed mushrooms (squeal!)

For our entree we had home made butternut squash ravioli with a butter sauce, with sage and toasted hazelnuts. This was absolutely amazing!

December 30, 2011 - Taco Deli Celebration

2012-01-16T09:24:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

I started the day off with some oatmeal squares. I don't know why I keep trying these, they always make me sick but are so so tasty. Argh.

Lunch at Taco Deli
One of our interns officially turned into a full time employee so we went out to celebrate at Taco Deli. I got the al pastor taco and the papa dulce taco. The al pastor was not my fave, but definitely not bad, and the papa dulce was amazing as per usual.

Leftover Dinner
After work I went home and had some leftovers. Below you can see some leftover sweet potatoes, some ham and some corn casserole. Mike and I spent the night just watching television and hanging out.

December 29, 2011 - Free Weights at the Gym

2012-01-15T08:23:00.000-06:00

Breakfast

For breakfast I started the day with some peanut butter and honey on toast.

Lunch

I packed my lunch and ate it at my desk. I packed a ham and cheese sandwich with some sun chips. Yes, I drink a diet soda once a day at work. They provide free soda, and soda makes me happy. It is my one vice. I tried to quit before, but it never works, and I have given up wanting to make it work.

Evening Workout
After work I went to the gym. I did a quick interval run, going for 2.11 miles. Then I did a weight workout that included flys, biceps, raises, triceps, and push ups. It was pretty hard but pretty great. It was a big deal for me to do free weights at the gym. For some reason it just makes me uncomfortable without having a personal trainer leading me. I was also proud that I fit in a workout before a night with friends.

Book Club Dinner
That's right I showed up to a night with friends post workout, and slightly sweaty. Not a big deal. At least not for my friends. I ended up bringing some food. I made some grilled cheese on a jalapeno cheese bread, and a tomato soup with garlic and fresh tomatoes (provided by the host). It worked out pretty well. We also shared some delicious bean dip, hot coco, some wine, and some hummus.

This is the beautiful hot coco that the host made us. Mmm.

December 28, 2011 - Wedding Anniversary Celebration at Parkside

2012-01-14T08:16:00.000-06:00

Morning Workout

I was able to get up and do a Nike Trainer Club workout. I did one that included burpees, shoulder presses, around the world lunges, 2ft jumps, squats, wall sits and more. Oh it was fun and exhausting.

Breakfast

All I wanted for breakfast were some pb pretzels. The tummy was still feeling a little off. I have no clue if it is the medication I am eating, the excessive eating, or excessively eating veggies. Either way, I will figure it out soon I hope.

Lunch

Lunch was catered at work. I think it was from CPK. I had some gorgonzola pasta and some ceasar salad. I hope that because the plate was half salad that its better that I ate cheesy pasta at lunch?

2 Year Wedding Anniversary
Mike and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary! We were pretty late on getting a plan together because we just finished hosting Christmas, but ended up deciding on going to Parkside for their happy hour oyster deal. Mike and I had both been craving oysters and thought it might be a fun excuse to go get some.

Mike even got dressed all fancy and adorable.

We started with the oyster platter. There were three different kinds. I loved two of them, but one of them was not very good to me. I did appreciate that I could add vinegar to the oysters, because I love some vinegar.

We also got an order of rissoto balls. Although these looked beautiful something was off with them and they were fairly bland.

We wanted to end the evening with some calamari, because 1) it is delicious and 2) Mike and I have a fond memory of eating calamari together when we first started dating.

Once we got home, we opened a bottle of wine, got some leftover tiramisu and watched Midnight In Paris. We chose this movie because we both love it, we love everything Woody Allen, and we went to Paris as an engagement present together. Pretty perfect right?