She Says: A Day of Rest
I need something, but I am not sure what it is.
I love running, but I am feeling so blah with it lately. I see Caitlin, Meghann and Lindsay running in the Florida sun together and I am green with envy. Not that I run outside anyway, but they make it look fun. I am looking forward to joining a gym (once I get to N.J.), so I can try some new things and maybe some classes. Of course I will miss the treadmill in my parent’s house. It’s the most convenient thing in the world. I would sit on my butt all day long if not for that thing. Anyway, I did run today. A boring 5.3 treadmill miles and 1 mile walking. It’s not that I was bored when doing it. I was entertained by the Starter Wife, but I just don’t feel like I’m pushing myself at all.
I continued my uneventful day with a game of Place Value Bingo with my niece. How do you say the word “Aunt?” I, and I believe all New Englanders say, “Ont.”
Then I watched Drumline. That movie is good. Now Nick Cannon is married to Mariah Carey. What a riot!
For dinner, I had two new things (1) Amy’s Vegetable Barley Soup; and (2) An Ezekial Hamburger Bun. That brought some pizaz into my day.
It was definitely good for a canned soup, but not even comparable to theVegetable Barley Soup my mom made be on Oct. 27th. I think canned soup has a specific flavor that follows it no matter what brand. But, it wasn’t greasy or overly salty like lots of other brands I’ve tried.
I got the Ezekial Hamburger Buns upon Erin’s recommendation. Considering I’ve eaten an English Muffin produced by the Good For Life Company everyday (sometimes twice a day!) for the last three months, I enjoyed trying something new. I also like how they are already split in half so I am more likely to actually eat half like I always intend, but never ever do with the muffins. Definitely good, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I did miss the density of the muffin though.
Today I also had a Macoun apple with Pumpkin Pie Spice. It’s so yummy. Two yums up. I can’t believe I just said that, yet I will not delete it.
About a week ago, I received a wonderful package from Megan at Megan’s Munchies I got lots of great stuff, including the three special Holiday Clif bars. I’ve eaten them all now and am here to share my humble opinion.
I rank them in this order:
(1) Iced Gingerbread. Have you ever tried the Chai Luna bar? It’s similar in taste, but more moist and chewy. A little spicy, but well balanced with sweet. Loved it.
(2) Pear Apple Strudel. I was delightfully surprised by how much I liked the because I don’t generally like fruity bars. To me, they usually taste so fake that I don’t want to eat them, but this one had a subtle fruity taste and a wonderful aroma. I didn’t necessarily get a strong pear or apple flavor from it and I liked that.
(3) Spiced Pumpkin Pie. I love pumpkin dearly, so I was really looking forward to this, but there was nothing pumpkin aboout it. I mean, pumpkin has such potential. It almost tasty minty to me. I actually checked to see if it was in the box next to something minty, but it wasn’t. V. sad.
Cookie of the Day: Lemon Squares
I love lemon, so a couple years ago I started experimenting with lemon squares. Eventually, I settled on a hybrid recipe. When making Lemon Squares, I combine the filling from this Emeril recipe (so I use the 4 eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and whole milk) and the shortbread base from this Gourmeet Magazine recipe. I’ve made these a few times and everyone loves them. At first I was thrown off by the brown sugar/lemon combo, but they blend well and balance eachother out. Enjoy!
And a special treat …
Date Balls
A visual for the Date Balls I posted a week or two ago. My mom made them today (I tried to help, but mine looked like cubes) and froze them for Christmas. The recipe made 77 balls this year.
Tags: Amy's Organix, apple, date balls, Ezekial, lemon squares, pumpkin pie spice, recipe, soup
December 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I’ve never had a clif bar. I don’t think I’m a bar person. I say “ant,” like with a really hard “a.” I guess that’s just the Chicago accent. Lemon bars are delicious!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I think you are doing amazing with running, and should be very proud of yourself. I have yet to be able to run for that long and far!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I just bought those 3 Clif bars….thanks for the review!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Ow I love lemon squares
They had them at our company party this weekend and I had one- it was wonderful! Running on a treadmill does get old fast! I will be excited to hear your take on different classes once you move! Have a nice night!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
My dad’s family lives in CT, but I live in Nashville. When I go up to visit, they all expect me to call them “Ont”, but I if I say that down here in the South, everyone laughs.
Date ball visual – Two yums up
December 14th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Ooo the date balls look great.
I say “ant” (I’m from NJ/PA originally) and Bobby says “ont” (from Miami).
December 14th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I say ant.
I wish I had a treadmill in the apt. It would be so convenient! I like doing spinning on Wednesdays – helps to break up the work-out week.
December 14th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
i say ant—and i always feel so uncivilized or something when i’m with people who say ‘ont’–i think it’s so much classier that way but i feel silly when i try to pull it off. hehe
December 14th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I say “ant” but almost everyone I know says “ont.”
I rank the seasonal bars in the same order. It’s funny because I was most excited about the pumpkin one, then didn’t really care for it.
December 14th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Hope your running rut is over soon!!
Date balls + your apple/pumpkin pie spice snack = marvelous!!
December 14th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I wonder if you need to take a week off of running to get your mojo back.
I’m so honored that you value my opinion enough to give up your muffin obsession!
I say ANT. ONT is definitely very East coast!
I’m glad you liked at least some of the Ezek bun experience.
December 14th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
The Date balls look so good.
I love the pic that went with your Clif bar review!
Great idea to use pumpkin spice on the apple! YUM!
December 14th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I say “ant.” And you’ve reminded me that I love lemon squares. On a plate of Christmas treats, I usually go straight for the chocolate, but lemon squares hold their own.
December 14th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I say “ant”, but my 3 year old niece picked up “auntie” (antie) from somewhere and when she calls my Auntie Bridget it absolutely melts my heart. Makes me want to call my aunts auntie
December 15th, 2008 at 12:29 am
77 BALLS!?? that’s crazy talk…I like the visually ranked Clif picture too! It kind of makes it appear as though you ate them all in one power-Clif-review session…:D that would take serious stomach power.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:32 am
mmm all those cliff bars look yummy! I am going to try and make those date balls!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Neat. I love the date balls. In terms of exercise, if you aren’t liking it, definitely find something you do like. I’ve recently taken up a circuit class at my gym which I am thrilled with. We only do each exercise for 1 minute, and then we switch.. so if something is boring or hard, it ends really quickly.
Also, you kind of have to push yourself since it ends so quickly.
December 15th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I am also green with envy when I read about all the warm weather running. I think you’ll enjoy the gym and the classes once you get back to NJ!
You know what’s funny? I call my Aunt Diane “ant” and my Auntie Barbara “ont-ee” – they are sisters, so it’s not even like different sides of the family. I’m odd.
“Two yums up” – GENIUS!
Thanks for the Clif review – and I love those date balls! They look great!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:07 am
I wish I had a proper treadmill at my padres’ house! Would be really convenient for the freezing winters here!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:24 am
i totally agree w/ you about all those bars…the pumpkin tasted kinda weird, the apple pear one was ok, and the gingerbread was ok, but nothing spectacular.
December 15th, 2008 at 6:28 am
you can run outside in NJ! all you need is the right gear
i love my combo of 1-2 outdoor runs and the rest indoors — i would love my own treadmill someday, though.
December 15th, 2008 at 6:29 am
also:
- i say ‘ant’
- i luuuuv lemon bars
- and ezekiel buns
December 15th, 2008 at 7:30 am
You did a great job at running….5.3 miles is great!
i like creating new recipes from other recipes
Lemon square sounds really interesting!
And those dates balls….. yum yum~~~~
December 15th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I’m from New England, I say “ont”. And I don’t like saying “aunt” pronounced like “ant” – it’s not “ant”, that’s why there’s the u in there!
Have you tried varying up your treadmill workouts with various incline levels or speeds? Maybe adding some “hills” and speedwork would add extra interest and give you more to focus in? I know in the 5k yesterday I definitely had to put all my focus into the hill that was at the halfway point. Good luck!
December 15th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I say it like “ant.” Love the pumpkin pie spice and apple combo!
Thanks for the clif ratings
December 15th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I say “Ant”…
those date balls look amazing!
December 15th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I say “ont”… I guess it is a new englander thing
You’re probably just having an off-day with running. Obviously 5.3 miles + walking is awesome so it’s a mental thing. I hope you feel better!
I love lemon squares and those date balls look delicious!
December 15th, 2008 at 10:22 am
You’re a date ball.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Tell Mark’s brother to ditch the girlfriend and I’ll be there in a heartbeat to get that midnight kiss!
Or you guys can come down to FL and soak up some of our sunshine here! Did I mention today’s high is 74 and I am in a summery skirt and tank top? hehehe
December 15th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I am having the same soup for lunch today
I know what you mean about the treadmill. I am jealous of those Florida girls too! I know I can still run outside in Maryland (it’s actually really nice today), but it’s dark by the time I get home and dark when I wake up. I live in a decent area, but there are parts that are sketchy… I am so sad I’ll have to live on the treadmill until April. Blah.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:39 am
“Two yums up.” Hahahaha- nice.
Sorry about the running blahs. I get like that, too. Training for something helps… so does downloading new workout playlists. Is it just way too cold to run outside?
Look at you, baking queen!! I’m impressed. Those date balls look yummy.
I say “ant”.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Those date balls look great!
I’ve never been a huge fan of canned soups, except Campbell’s Cream of Tomato – yum!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Oh my gosh! Those date nut balls look absolutely irresistable!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I keep meaning to make lemon bars but hadn’t gotten around to it yet- I will check this out!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I’m jealous of YOU for how much you run! Even before my injury (I can’t officially run again until February) I NEVER ran 5 miles, indoors OR outdoors. You’re amazing!
I’m an “ant” kind of gal myself.
December 15th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I think having a goal or a reason to run is definitely a boost when you are lagging.. ie. welcome to HBBC, you want some bootie whittling motivation?? I’m also going to organize a Virtual Race, so you can do it on your treadmill or wherever you like.. but know that a ton of others will be running with you!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I am one of those sad creatures who says “Ant” when I am talking to my aunts who are from Maryland.. and then I use Auntie when i’m taking about my dad’s sisters who are from farther down south. My daughter calls all her aunties… Aunties.. they answer to just auntie too.. so adorable!
I can say “ont” even though i am from mass. no bean-town accent heah!!!!! ive never lived anywhere but here but you would swear im from maryland! ODD!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I get so bored with running so now I bike which is fun and makes me feel like Lance Armstrong, only not as fast and I’m not a boy. :]
December 15th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I’ve heard Amy’s Lentil Soups are delicious but I make my own and have yet to try it. I almost bought a cliff bar to have in my purse so I don’t skip any meals. There were so many flavors I couldn’t decide. Thanks for your Ranking =)
December 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
1. I SAY ONT
2. I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ARE MOVING SO SOON- WILL YOU BE CLOSE TO PHILLY AT ALL?!?!!
3. I LOVE THE MOVIE DRUMLINE!
December 15th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Maybe running outside or signing up for a race would help you break out of your rut? Don’t worry, we all lose enthusiasm sometimes. You’ll get over it.
December 15th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
that stinks your pumpkin clif bar was minty – mine arent at all, so maybe you got a “defective” one :/
i am right there w/ you of being so envious of the warm weather – today’s 50-60 degree weather was such a tease
December 16th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I say “ant” or “antie” too! Thanks for the mini-review on those Cliff bar flavors. Those date balls look seriously good!
December 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
As always, I am late commenting… but I wanted to say #1 Starter Wife ROCKS!! Love that show.
#2. My mom’s side of the fam is from RI, so sometimes I say aunt like “ont”, but I used to get made fun of for it in the midwest so I say it as “ant” as well… I like the sound of “ont” better though!!