Well, not really. It’s actually pouring rain right now. But I did wake up to a blanket of snow!!
The alarm went off at 5:00 as usual and I got up to get to the gym, but noticed the ground was white! We were expecting some ice, but not snow, so this was a surprise. I was going to go just to the gym anyways, but then I thought that it might be closed and I was certainly not going to risk getting there and being cold and having it be closed!! I hate sleeping once I get my 7.5-8 hours, so going back to bed was not as appealing as coming down to do fun stuff! So I came down, made tea, and got to work on Stats (that is, after I played on my computer for a good 45 minutes
)
I got a text message from Winthrop around 6 that said only classes before 11 a.m. are canceled, so both of mine are on. I don’t mind and am excited about going, but it does mean driving out there and walking in the freezing rain. I’ll be sure to bundle up!!
It’s amazing how productive you can be between the hours of 5 and 9 a.m.! I’ve finished most of my schoolwork for the day! The second lesson of Stats went MUCH better and I feel much more confident about the course now, especially since my college roommate Rummie (she loves rum 😉 ) reminded me she has a masters in stats!
Tea:
I waited until the sleepy husband came down around 7:15 to have breakfast, although I was getting hungry. The wonderful guy cooked us oat bran with banana, flax, PB and walnuts (smaller portions of nuts today because no workout thus far) while I worked. I also had a cup of coffee to keep warm!
Our backyard!
Now that most of my work is done (of course there’s always more to do…) I think we might go to the gym now since I confirmed they are open and I don’t have to head to Winthrop until 11:00 or so. We’ll see!
Anonymous says
Just curious but does your husband work? You obviously live a comforatble lifestyle and he always seems to be around for breakfast and to make dinner. I think it's wonderful, but I was just curious. Keep up the great blog. I love it!
the husband says
I'm currently on the job search… got any leads?
Melissa says
I had totally forgotten about oatbran, I'll have to try it again. Also, in the nature of switching things up occassionally, I really enjoy raw almond butter as a peanut butter alternative.
Thanks so much for all the time you spend on this blog. It is wonderful!
Alice says
Hey Koops. Yes, the "winter storm" is pretty weak. I had already decided to work from home before I looked outside and saw that it was mostly rain, so I'm sticking to it!
What are your thoughts on limiting caffeine intake? I notice that you have coffee or tea every day and I've heard different opinions about caffeine. What do you think?
(PS sorry if you answered this question in an earlier post)
rae says
kath,
i would like to lose a few pounds (3-5).i will have a healthy BMI with this amount of weight loss. i work a desk job (blagh), so i am not moving around a lot unless i'm at the gym. i work out about 3-4 days a week for 1 hour each time (ie; 45 min et; 10 min stairmaster; the rest streches and abs), plus some ab and isometric exercises i do at home on the other days. my "maintance" calorie allotment is 1450. so my question is–if i want to lose the weight how many calories should i be consuming? i could add 1-2 more workouts, which would help some, but dropping my calories by 500/day would leave me with <1000 calories (too low for most people, right?).
just thought you might have some input! I want to stay balanced and maintain a healthy perspective on food–you seem to have such an outlook.
Lacey says
I have so many thoughts/questions, but I'll try to reign it in for this particular single-post.
1. I absolutely love the friendly-feel, give and take, question-answer, chit-chattyness of this blog! I don't know any of you, but I feel so at home here 🙂
2. To the husband: what is your field or professional interest? To Kath: What do you want to do eventually as far as career (with your degree/experience)? Just curious! 🙂
3. I posted earlier about running tips– and I've just decided to sign up for a half-marathon w/ a friend in CO (good excuse to travel as I'm Boston based– I've never been!). Do you and the husband have any near or far future exercise goals or pursuits? I know that for most of us (myself included) exercise day to day is enough in itself for all the byproduct-ness of it– body+mind benefits and perks– And I wonder what your thoughts are on needing exercise. Some days when I don't work out I feel much less productive overall. It is almost like I rely on exercise for energy, and peace-of-mind. I have read quite a few reports/studies on the effect of exercise on mood (for example, how exercise is JUST as effective as antidepressents when treating depression! amazing! And Doctors will now "prescribe" exercise for many different cases, such as obesity or risk of diabetes perhaps… or so I am told).
FYI I have borrowed "Happy Busy" as my go-to catch-phrase for now as I tend to be overly-anxious about … everything 🙂 Anyway those are just the thoughts of the moment… Have a great day everyone 🙂 {sorry for length!}
stephanie says
oat bran! where does one procure this? and how is it cooked? does it come in a box with directions? it sounds terribly healthy. love the idea 🙂
Tia says
Hi Kath-
I was wondering how you created meals or entered recipes into Calorie King? Entering each ingredient at an estimated portion is very time consuming. Thanks!
Katie says
What is the nutritional difference b/w oatmeal and oatbran?
elizabeth says
I also would like to know the nutritional difference between oatmeal and oat bran. Which one keeps you full longer? Do they taste different? Both palate wise and texture wise…?
Laura says
I find that when microwaving instant or regular oatmeal takes me about 10 minutes before it gets really hot (the power level of my micro is normal). When you cook your oatmeal on the stove is it hot/steaming?
Becky says
I make my oatmeal in the microwave, and it is done and steaming with in three minutes-sometimes I have to do intervals because it is bubbling over the sides of the bowl! It seems like your microwave may have a problem.
Marissa says
Becky- What intervals do you do so it doesn't bubble over? I've stopped making it at work because the bowls at my office are too shallow so it always overflows when it's cooking and makes a big mess. I would love to be able to make it at work instead of eating it at home so I can have 10 minutes back in my morning! Thanks!
Katie says
ooh, i LOVE snow… but only when i'm sitting inside in the warmth, it's so annoying to trek through! next week will be fun when classes start again!
kath/the husband: I don't think I know that story of how you guys met… I know you both went to Davidson, but that's about it!
oh, and Kath, I just wanted to give you a huge thanks because you're making me very excited to go back to school on Monday! I've been mostly sad about it because it's my last semester and I don't want it to be over, but your happiness is rubbing off on me!
KatieMoo says
ok, there are way too many people with the name Katie (how did you pick Kath, btw?), so from now on I am KatieMoo (that was me right about asking how you guys met and saying yay for happiness, but not about the difference between oatmeal and oatbran)
Shelley says
hey stephanie~
i've seen oat bran in the cereal aisle right along with the different variations of oatmeal. it was just in a box, and i'm sure there were cooking directions on it. i've never tried it, but i think i might get some at the store next time i go. just for something different 🙂
arimcg says
The oatbran looks really creamy. I might try it instead of oatmeal next time.
Becky says
Marissa- I just set the microwave for three minutes and watch it! Hahaha! When it is about to bubble over, I stop the micro and stir it, then continue until its about to bubble over again-stop and stir, continue. Its a little bit of a pain, but I'm never hungry until after I get to work, so thats they way it has to be!
Mariposa says
Ha! that's no winter storm! although if you are from the Southern states it does seem overwhelming and icy roads are no joke where ever you live, so stay safe!
I just had Gluten-free "crumbles" for a hot cereal replacement this morning. With some warmed and thawed (from frozen) strawberries. Yummy! Sort of a sweet "grit like" sub…with out the gritniness of grits (did that make sense?)
your breakfast reminded me of mine…
Kelly says
This is for "The Husband"
Since you seem to be the baker of the family do you have any good recipes for whole wheat pizza crust? Preferably not too terribly labor intensive! Thanks!
Allison says
Kath,
This isn't terribly food related..but it is blog related.
I'm just getting going on starting my own food blog, it is so much harder than it looks!
Any how, I just got a new camera, and I remember reading on your blog a few weeks ago that you got a new camera case. What brand is it..and do you like it? I tend to be hard on things..so the durable the better for me. 🙂 Thanks!
Kay says
I've had oat bran before and like it just as much as oatmeal. The texture resembles Cream of Wheat or Malt-O-Meal in a way, but is more "thick and hearty," I think.
I like Mother's brand Oat Bran hot cereal. It has the same calories, fat, etc., as regular oatmeal, but it has 6 grams of fiber opposed to 4 in oatmeal, and 7 grams of protein opposed to 5.
I actually think it fills me up a bit better than oatmeal, but I sometimes I prefer the chewy texture of oatmeal… It just depends on my mood!
edamame22 says
To the husband-
I just copied off the honey wheat bread recipe and I promise I will make it and send a picture to you. I have a full time job, 2 little boys, and I will be on vacation in Orlando for a week so I will not get to it for a while, but I will make it.
Have you guys ever tried edamame? It's high in protein and tastes really good. You can order it at PF Changs and its PEI WEI cafe chain too.
I also would be interested in a whole wheat pizza crust recipe. I have yet to find a store bought or pizzeria-made one that I like.
Thanks to you and Kath for all the work you do.
Kim says
To "The Husband:" I am a career counselor. I'd suggest, if you haven't done so, accessing your college's career resource center and seeing what services are available for an alumnus might be helpful/they often ofter free resume critique, job search assistance etc. Network as much as you can. Join any professional associations related to your field. Find something you love to do and do it. Perhaps your talents in baking could lead somewhere? Best of luck 🙂
arimcg says
FYI, you can also buy bags of edamame frozen in the grocery store.
Jennifer says
FYI to the FYI about frozen edamame at the grocery store, they now come in bags with Dora The Explorer on them. I real appeal for all of those of you with kids who like Dora.
Volunteer Katie says
Hey Kath (and everyone else!),
I stopped at Fresh Market today to get lunch in between classes and saw that mine had Fage yogurt (the small ones) on sale 4 for $5. I don't know if they're that price everywhere but it's worth a try!
I was also surprised and excited to find whipped cottage cheese there. I didn't think I would since Friendship's locator said they didn't have them in TN yet but I thought I'd look anyway! I can't wait to try it! I just hope some of the brands that make cottage cheese for the Midwest start making whipped cottage cheese before I move back to St. Louis after I graduate from UT this June!
Hayley says
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,191,154173-246205…
this is a great whole wheat pizza crust recipe- make sure to use quick rising yeast!
works every time and is delicious:)
Darla says
How on earth are you able to afford to go to school without either of you working? How are you able to afford life?? school, 2 cars, a house, a wedding? I mean that great that you can- I just can't figure out how?
Karen Downing says
Love the snow pictures.
Kath says
Melissa,
I like almond butter too but it's so darn expensive! I'm planning to get it next time it goes on sale – I've been keeping my eye out!
Hi Alice!,
I saw "Koops" and was like "I know this person!!" 🙂 Hmmm caffeine. All the experts say 1-2 cups of coffee/tea is no big deal and the benefits of the antioxidants, soluble fiber and other little secret healthy things (ECGC in green tea) outweigh any negative effects of the caffeine. I personally don't feel good when I drink caffeine, although I do have probably 1 cup per day of either coffee or tea. It just makes me feel icky inside, especially coffee, and I get dizzy and nauseous when I drink too much. I think of caffeine as a toxin of sorts (although I gentle one!) and don't really want it in my blood. I've tried to talk Kanz into making only decaf coffee in the mornings but he's not ready to give it up. We have half caf/half decaf a lot. I drink decaf tea in the afternoons and evenings. But I think overall I agree with the nutrition world that a cup or two is perfectly fine. Hope all's well uptown!!
Rae,
Definitely do not drop your calories to 1,000 – that is too low. Where did you get 1450 to maintain? I think this probably goes beyond the expertise of the blog for me to give you a numbe r since so many factors are involved. If you can, try to go see an R.D. in your area. She/he will be able to give you a much better goal and it will probably be fun to do a full analysis. I certainly enjoyed my visit and would like to do another soon if I can.
Lacey,
Thanks so much for the blog compliments – I'm so glad it's a good fit for you 🙂
The husband was an anthropology major at Davidson and worked in insurance for 2 years – he's now hoping to get into finance/investing/anything to do with wealth management or the stock market but as you know this is the wrong time to be looking for a job in that market!
As for me, I'd love to start up a private practice when I'm an R.D. and cater to busy working women and moms who need some direction to get a better grasp on their diet, cooking, workouts, etc. Of course this will be costly to start up so I also hope to work part-time doing something with fitness, weight loss or cooking while I get on my feet. I also love magazines and with my experience in publishing and PR, I hope to do freelance writing and increase awareness publicly with easy-to-understand information on how to eat REAL food! I could go on for hours on this topic and I need to keep going!
I'd love to do a few 5K's this spring if we can afford to!! I don't think my foot is up for much longer distances. I'd love to do a marathon, but it would be at the risk of ruining my foot for life and I don't think it's worth it since I love to run so much. And RIGHT ON about exercise for stress relief and mood booster!
Oatbran = http://www.hodgsonmill.com/roi/673/Cereals–More/…
Bran is the hard outer layer of grain and consists of combined aleurone and pericarp. Along with germ, it is an integral part of whole grains, and is often produced as a by-product of milling in the production of refined grains. When bran is removed from grains, they lose a portion of their nutritional value. Bran is present in and may be milled from any cereal grain, including rice, wheat, maize, oats, and millet.
Bran is particularly rich in dietary fiber, and contains significant quantities of starch, protein, vitamins, and dietary minerals.
Thanks to all who responded re. oatmeal and oat bran!!!
Tia,
Yes, I enter in each ingredient, but after a lot of practice and starred favorites, it gets much easier. I also save a lot of my meals so I can upload them quickly (Ex: 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup skim, 3 oz banana, 10 grams walnuts, 10 grams PB, 1 tbsp flax, 1 tsp brown sugar, 2 oz coffee milk = "OATMEAL BREAKFAST") I just upload it each morning by clicking it in "Meals."
Laura and Marissa,
My oats are near boiling on the stove, so yes they're very hot. I agree it sounds like your microwave is the problem? As for bubbling over, try doing it on a lower power setting like 6 or 7 for a longer time (I used to do 5 minutes on Power Level 5 but I'd test it on your microwave before leaving unattended!)
Katie,
Here's something I wrote for The Knot a while back on how we met!
Not 48 hours into Davidson College Freshman Orientation, our freshman halls were both assigned to the same service project at Hinds Feet Farm. While clearing brush and digging ditches, Katherine noticed that Matt was wearing Duke basketball shorts. Asking if he was a fan, she was glad to hear he was indeed.
Throughout that first semester our two freshman halls became good friends, but despite a hidden spark for one another, we kept finding the other one dating someone else. Katherine dated Matt’s fraternity brother and Matt dated Katherine’s hallmate and close friend, but both relationships were never right from the start. But they say the foundation for lasting love is a strong friendship; and we were great friends.
Over Christmas break our freshman year, we were both very homesick for college. Our friends were scattered across the country, and since our cell phone plans had free NC to SC coverage, we talked on the phone frequently. Matt started re-reading the book Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in preparation for the release of the first movie and convinced Katherine to read it as well. We would read a few chapters and call each other to discuss. Nerdy, yes, but that’s how much we missed each other!
Davidson’s basketball team was scheduled to play Duke on January 2, 2002. We decided to meet at the game, which was being held at the Charlotte Coliseum. They spent the game cheering on their two favorite basketball teams when it started to snow. And snow. And snow. We both barely made it back to our respective hometowns in the icy blizzard (12” at least of snow!). But the next day they were already yearning for another visit, so Matt drove the 3.5 hours to Hillsborough in the snowstorm to visit Katherine. They spent the whole night sledding down the hills of what would be their rehearsal dinner location. The night ended with a kiss, and a romance unveiled. Matt taught Katherine to play the guitar, they finished reading Lord of the Rings, and spent hours talking about every subject imaginable to find that they wanted similar things out of life. We went back to Davidson to finish our freshman year in love ?
(Sorry that's so long!)
Allison,
Mine is green!
http://www.amazon.com/Protector-Carrying-Cyber-sh…
Edamame,
We do like edamame! I think we have some in the freezer right now 🙂
Kim,
Thanks for the good advice! Unfortunately the husband has been to our career office twice, revised his resume tons, and has met with over 50 alumni and networks in the area. I think this is just a horrible time to be looking for a job in finance!!
Darla,,
I'm not really comfortable discussing our financial situation, but yes, we're going through a very tight time right now! And when we got married we were both working full time.
Thanks for all the other great comments!
Kath
Kenzie says
Hi Kath,
I absolutely love the blog!! It is my therapeutic source of information while working my 7:30am to 7pm desk job!!! Yes I sit all day, can you please give me some advice on what to eat and how often in order to stay slim and healthy?
Also do you use calorieking? I currently use sparkpeople.com, what application do you recommend? I am worried that I am not tracking my meals correctly and don’t want to gain weight b/c of it!
Thank you again for you detailed feedback and food ideas 🙂
melissa2 says
Regarding almond butter —
It’s easy to make yourself if you can’t find it in the store! I started doing it while I was pregnant and didn’t want to eat peanuts. You can play with the portions of ingredients to suit your taste, but I would grind about a pound of almonds (which I could buy in bulk very cheaply!) in a food processor until it is mealy. Then I would add a little bit of canola oil while the processor was running until it was the consistency I liked, usually about two tablespoons or so. I would store the almond butter in a plastic container and keep it in the fridge. It never lasted long. Come to think of it, I really need to make this again! Hope this helps…
Kath says
Kenzie,
Glad you like the blog 🙂 I guess every time I give advice it’s to help people be healthy, so just keep on reading! And yes, I use CK and think it’s great. Sparkpeople sounds like a good free tool.
Melissa,
Sounds interesting – I will try to remember to do this when I find almonds on sale 🙂
K