Sorry for the posting delay! My haircut, errands and studying ate up my afternoon!
Simple Lunch
Lunch was simple today because I was on my way out the door to get my haircut – an All-American sandwich with some carrot sticks and yogurt.
I’ve been craving soft 100% whole wheat store bought bread and really enjoyed my Rudi’s Organic Honey Wheat last week. This week I thought I’d try Pepperidge Farm Cracked Wheat because of my new love for wheatberries, but I’m actually quite disappointed. It tastes like “diet bread” to me (the 45 kcal per slice kind) and isn’t really that soft at all. There are too many craters!
But my sandwich was still good. All-natural ham, avocado, jalapeño, pickles, mustard, and romaine. Along with carrot sticks. I swear there’s more to the sandwich than just lettuce – guess the rest is all hidden!
Plus about half a cup of plain yogurt with strawberries + fiber cereal –
With a can of seltzer –
New Hair
I had 3 inches chopped off! My hair hasn’t been this short in about 2 years so I was really nervous about cutting it, but I really like it. My long hair was getting drab and hard to manage. I feel friskier now!
Herbs + Hammock
While I was gone the husband trimmed our overflowing herb bushes and hung them in the garage to dry. They’ll be great for mid-winter cooking!
And here’s us on the Mexican hammock! It was the husband’s bed for a summer when he spent 2 months studying archeology in the Yucatan jungle. I studied Medical Terminology on it all afternoon. And I can’t wait to continue reading my romance novel on it after these exams are over!
Snack
I had a cup of mixed cereal + hemp milk around 5:00. But my hunger never did go away until we ate dinner at 7. Maybe I’m thirsty deep down.
New Recipe
We tried another Rachel Ray recipe tonight: Spring Vegetable Soup. We changed the method around some to make it easier on us (less standing over the stove). We also didn’t have crusty bread so we skipped that.
For our version we roasted the asparagus, green beans (way more than her recipe called for – and we still only put half of these into the soup) and tomatoes in the oven at 450* for about 12 minutes.
Then we added the peas to 2.5 cups of defrosted frozen homemade stock along with 2 cloves of garlic and a bunch of lemon thyme. After adding the roasted veggies, we stirred in 2 cups of spinach and let it wilt.
Served with parmesan sprinkled on top. We used to just use hard parmesan and grate it when we needed it, but it was so much work that we never wanted to do it. I recently started craving the grated kind and we now keep it grated in a container – much easier to sprinkle on when necessary!
Since the soup was basically just veggies and broth, we each had a glass of milk on the side! Drinking milk with dinner was like being a kid again when my parents would set down a 12 oz cup each night. I’ve always liked milk though, so it was a happy association.
And lastly, some kashis for grains. Of course the one time we need homemade bread we don’t have any on hand!
All together –
My legs were glad to have a day off, but I’m already looking forward to a gym trip in the AM. I’ve got some good magazines calling my name too 🙂
When the Kat’s away, the mice will play, eh? Looks like y’all had an entertaining few days with the comments. Thankfully, I stopped reading them (intentionally) on Thursday and caught up later. Thanks to those who kept things positive.
Regarding the Reese + Jake sighting: I didn’t get to look at them long enough to get any details on their outfits or lunches. But they were sharing a dessert when I went to the bathroom! It appeared to be the Coconut Cake. Something white and fluffy.
VeggieGirl says
Love your lunch, dinner, herbs; and of COURSE your new haircut!! Perfect length for springtime weather! :0)
Have a fabulous Sunday evening!
Em says
haha so neat about Reese and Jake!
I can’t seem to find your actual review for the soup! Was it good? Would you make it again? If I had roasted veggies like that, I probably would have just stopped the process there and eaten them because I’m sure I would have immediately began snacking!! The grape tomatoes look gorgeous!
And your bread crater comment made me smile! haha
Have a great evening Kath!
Romina says
Your herbs look fantastic!
Tina O. says
What did you think of this soup? I made it recently and I did not love it. Actually, I can’t say that I’ve ever even liked any of her recipes. I just find them kind of bland, I guess? It’s hard to say. Just not good.
Your hair’s cute, I just got my spring cut, too. I feel so much better now.
Clara says
You guys look so adorable in the hammock! 🙂
LT says
Cute cut, Kath!
Frannie says
Nice hair! I also cut my hair short this year and am loving it. I only get a little peeved when it’s first cut and just a cm too short for a full ponytail, but it’s ok.
Tried your pumpkin oats today. Delicious and they fueled me through a 20 mile bike ride. Thanks!
lainb says
What makes you choose hemp milk? I’ve tried almond & soy milk but never hemp so I’m curious if ther are benefits to it over the others.
thanks!
Amandamoo says
What kind of stock? Vegetable stock? How do make homemade veggie stock?
I’m so glad you had a good vacation, you deserve it! I don’t get a break in between classes so I’m jealous that you have some time to relax!!!
I too stopped reading the comments late last week so I’m sorry that I wasn’t present to be positive. You’re brilliant and fun and you know we all feel that way! : )
Yaz says
So glad things are back to normal! 🙂
I am so jealous of your herbs and hair cut… the herbs look delectable and the hair is pretty. 😉
Allyson says
Does anyone know of a good cooking spray that doesn’t have any of the partially hydrogenated crap in it? I’m trying to cut it out of my diet, but it seems to be everywhere!
PS-Kath, so cool that you got to see Reese and Jake today. I would’ve been star struck too! 🙂
Allyson says
Does anyone know of a good cooking spray that doesn’t have any of the partially hydrogenated crap in it? I’m trying to cut it out of my diet, but it seems to be everywhere!
Allyson says
sorry for the duplicate comments guys! 🙁 I realized I typed my URL in wrong. The second one is correct!
Kath says
Re. Soup,
I did like it a lot!! It was fresh and vegetably. Definitely needed something heartier on the side though.
lainb ,
I drink hemp milk (Living Harvest Vanilla) because it has an amazing marshmallow flavor. I often cut it with skim milk in oatmeal so I get some flavor but not all of the sugar. It’s high in calcium but it’s biggest “benefit” is definitely the taste. I prefer it to vanilla soy and almond milk.
AmandaMoo,
For stock you just put tons of fresh veggies and/or veggie scraps that you can save in the freezer in a huge pot of water with herbs and garlic and any flavors you like and simmer for a few hours until it’s broth-like. I’m sure there are better instructions on the internet!
Allyson,
I really like Mazola Pure cooking sprays. They are a little more expensive, but one time they were on sale as cheap as the store brand so I got them – both olive oil and butter flavors. They foam a bit more than other cooking sprays, but there are no transfats. Just oil, soy lecithin and propellant.
Kath
Katers says
Great soup, Kath! I have to try that one.
creatingadiva says
oo i’ve never seen that done with herbs before but apparently I’m the only one b/c everyone else seems to think its normal…so you just leave it out there to dry and then grind it up or something to store it for the winter?
rachel k says
on the topic of cooking sprays–
my friend and i were discussing cooking sprays (among other household/kitchen products) in the context of trying to make our homes more “green”, “natural” and healthy overall.
i recently heard an RD, PhD say that she would opt to use a cooking spray, despite some concern over the unnatural propellant, for the sake of cutting calories. my friend and i agreed that we rather use a more natural option that is slightly higher in calories, such as a dab of olive oil in the pan, for the sake of omitting the unnatural propellant.
what do you all think? i am all for evidence based medicine and nutrition, and do respect the knowledge of the woman who i heard lecture —- but i also recognize the benefit of as naturally and chemically free as possible.
comments welcome!
rachel k says
ooh–solution!
silly i didn’t think of this earlier: buy a spray pump (@ wal-mart, linens and things etc…) and fill it with oil of choice–then all you have is OIL and AIR.
no chemicals involved, no excessive packaging.
Ally says
Cute hair cut Kath!
The mice definitely played…. I just stayed away from it all!
Your snack reminds me that I really need to go buy some Hemp milk. I haven’t been to the store in ages, I’m sort of living off frozen patties i’ve pre-made…
Oh, this all reminds me that I need to email you 😛
Tara says
My husband and I bought a spray pump at Linens and things and it is SO worth it. We put in canola oil or “EVOO” and it works like charm!
Tara says
PS. Welcome back, Kath! Looks like you had a wonderful vacation. I would LOVE a vacation centered on running, eating, and good friends. Hmmm, maybe I could persuade the hubbie….
Glad you had a wonderful time.
Jen says
Hi everybody,
i know this is old news, but i have to put my piece in about the Carrie Underwood article. I do have to agree that celebrities should put an effort to be healthy (as should everyone…duh) but they should not flaunt/advocate dieting and other unhealthy eating. I know some will say its her life and so on, but she’s a role model whether she wants to be or not because she chose the career and the territory that comes with it.
As someone who is recovering from an eating disorder, i become very angry and disappointed at the fact that dieting tips, pictures, and weight loss are publicized and printed EVERYWHERE!!! My therapist keeps telling me not to obsess over other women’s bodies, but its impossible to get any sense of peace when i’m surrounded by pictures that promote an unrealistic level of perfection and unrealistic eating.
working says
I also use a spray bottle (from Williams Sonoma, but I’ve seen them at Marshalls, BB&B etc) with olive oil in it for cooking and it works great!
hk says
welcome back! dinner looks tasty & I like the new ‘do! I love getting some inches cut off at the start of the summer, it feels so much lighter and bouncy, cute 🙂
Andrea says
i love love LOVE your new haircut kath!! so perfect for summer 😀 milk with dinner definitely reminds me of being a kid again too hehe. good luck with your exams
Jess says
OH MY GOD I DISAGREE WITH THE WAY YOU VACATION EAT YOUR FOOD AAAAAAA.
How dare you enjoy yourself, eat healthy, do well in college, exercise, and come home to a hot husband. I AM ENRAGED AT YOU, INTERNET.
http://www.nataliedee.com/042006/dont-be-late.jpg
emily says
Perhaps I’m more of the “muh ha ha ha-ing” type than Kath, but I would be delighted if people found my lifestyle so difficult (aka fantastic) that they found it unrealistic. Clearly it is realistic as Kath is currently living it. What a compliment!
sad says
Wow, I’m just completely saddened that so many people find the need to say cruel and hideous things to Kath. How inconsiderate of everyone leaving rude comments. There’s tons of other blogs for you all to visit since you’re so unhappy here. I guess since you’re all so unhappy, you’d love for the rest of everyone to be too.
Kudos to Kath for living a happy and healthy life.
Clara says
OMG totally agree with emily! :D:D
Clara says
lol seriously emily, your comment rocked. Kath – just take all of this negativity as a compliment, I totally would. Your life IS a cut above (mainly because you work hard for it and have a great attitude!) and you should feel great about it!
Courtney says
Kath, I want to make the cheese danish pancakes but I hate eggs. Are there any substitutes you know about that would work? Thanks!
yaz says
Darn, I spoke to soon…
Jess says
Mine was sarcasm, dudes 🙁
^^^
Cassie says
Hi Kath! Love the hair and the hammock! Have a wonderful week!
karla says
kath, what a fantastic vacation!! just got back from one in the mountain, climbing and sleeping under the stars and cooking healthy veggie meals in my gas stove. I can relate to wanting a healthy sporty vacation, its way more enjoyable that laying in the sun and overeating, then you feel gross and sad when u get home. Whats the point?
Thanks for taking the time to explain everything about your meals and show us so much of your life, its extremely inspiring. Good job for doing it all and ignoring the negative comments.
keep it up!
cheers!
Kath says
creatingadiva ,
For the herbs, you just let them dry (I’m not sure how long because we’ve never done this before, but I’m sure the husband will have an opinion of when they’re ready). Then you crush/crumble/chop them and store them in jars or containers.
rachel k,
Great idea on the mister bottle!! I’ve been meaning to get one for months and needed the reminder. I also found that you don’t even need spray OR oil lots of the time when roasting veggies, unless you prefer them with the oil flavor.
Courtney ,
The egg whites in a carton are not very egg-like at all. In fact, they’re pretty much tasteless! A splash will get you the right consistency but won’t taste eggy. But if you’re very opposed to those too, I know there are vegan egg substitutes, but I have never used them. Can anyone recommend one?
Thanks for cheering me up, guys 🙂
Kath
Becca says
Jess, I could tell you were being sarcastic. I enjoy sarcasm.
Moran says
Kath, what book are you reading?
Kath says
Moran,
Switching between In Defense of Food and Nora Roberts “The Villa.” I found it in my house. It’s all about wine though, so I’m enjoying it!
K
Kath says
Sad,
Thanks for such a nice comment.
And thank you to all of you who have sent nice messages! I really appreciate it.
Kath
sad says
Jess, I hope you don’t think I was referring to you. I knew you were being sarcastic. It’s the other comments I’ve read on this and even other posts that are just ridiculous. Kath is like a ray of sunshine in cyber land and I’m thrilled to have found this gem. It looks like folks would enjoy this blog and if for some reason (jealousy, I assume) they don’t, there’s a red x on the tab they can exit through and not come back.
Keep up the amazing blogging, Kath. It’s evident that you work hard at making a healthy, great life for yourself. Don’t let anyone’s immature comments get you down. You’re the bestest!
Jess says
Oh, ok 🙂 You never know on the interwebs.
And I agree. It’s really hard to find blogs that aren’t packed with complaints (hi, mine) and I feel like Kath’s is providing some really necessary positivity.
Also, the majority of non-commenters are likely people who love the blog. The vocal jerks are the ones who always ruin comment sections, haha.
Heather says
Cute haircut 🙂
That Rachel Ray soup looks excellent, and yea for milk with dinner! I end up so much fuller if I drink milk with a meal.
On a side note, at first glance in the hammock picture, your husbands left leg looks like it could be your right leg… and I was thinking, “Wow, Kath took the whole vacation thing VERY seriously.” LOL!
Sidi says
I find that longer hair suits you better.
Katy says
This is my first time posting – I found your blog a few weeks ago and love it! Thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us!
What type of herbs do you have growing? I’ve tried to start an herb garden, but so far just have rosemary and chives. I can’t seem to keep cilantro or basil alive and dont know what else to try!
Thanks!
the husband says
We have oregano, rosemary, mint, basil, dill, lavender, and three types of thyme: english, creeping, and lemon.
Luckily, all of these except basil and dill are perennial/evergreen and they were there when we bought the house. I’ve had trouble growing cilantro and parsley, but since I’m not as interested in those herbs I haven’t done much research into why.
The best advice I have for growing anything is to mimic the plant’s natural habitat. Besides planting in an appropriately sunny location, this also means you need to take into account its water needs. Over-watering is something people have a bad habit of doing. It’s better to drench your plants every few days than constantly water. Water in the morning or evening, i.e., when it’s not so hot that the water evaporates before it can seep into the ground.
And as always, the internet and the library has a world of information to help you!