Lots and lots going on today!
I raced to the gym – literally – in order to make a 10:20 BodyPump class. I made it just in time and had a great class. I don’t really love BodyPump, but it seems to be the first-ever weight lifting routine that I continue to not dread. And my muscles sure have improved since starting!
I raaaaced back home to shower [which includes showering|dressing|makeup|drying hair|jewelry|hanging up towels], hold a quick online meeting, make lunches, photograph lunches, pack up lunches, pack up bag, and walk to the hospital.
Karen and Matt were thrilled to have superb Great Harvest sandwiches for lunch. We all chowed down enthusiastically!
I packed turkey + avocado + red pepper + mustard + lettuce sandwiches on Honey Whole Wheat
Apples for Matt and me
And a cookie piece for Karen! [The rest had already been eaten!]
All packed up
I spent a few hours here with Karen, who did really well today all things considered. She said it was much easier than she imagined, and luckily she doesn’t seem to have any immediate side effects from the medicine (good news!) Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and comments today!
Around 3:30 Karen started to get hungry, so I suggested I walk to the Corner to get her a smoothie.
As we debated her cravings for a flavor that she would like, smoothie turned into milkshake from Arch’s 🙂 That’s her banana, peanut, hot fudge milk shake on the right.
And my Berry frozen yogurt with banana and graham on the left!
The walk outside was glorious!
I walked back home later that afternoon and Matt picked her up when she was through.
I came home and did a bunch of computer stuff while my amazing husband made dinner! And even brought me a taste of his latest chocolate beer for taste testing!
At my recommendation, he blended up a head of cilantro and made cilantro pesto, although since we had no parmesan cheese or pine nuts, he used a few tbsp of nutritional yeast and walnuts along with garlic gold for the flavorings. Although we both agreed it wasn’t as rich on the tongue, it tasted just as fabulous in our pasta.
He tossed cooked whole wheat spaghetti with steamed swiss chard and red peppers and sauteed shrimp into the cilantro pesto.
It was amazing!
Especially when paired with his latest caramel-hoppy pale ale!
***
Congrats to NATASHA H for being the lucky winner of the OpenSky Breville Juicer!
***
ALSO – I finallllly fixed my subscribe button!! Note the new button collection on the sidebar –> Now you can:
Subscribe via Feedburner
Get KERF updates via email
Follow me on Twitter
Quickly find OpenSky
And more easily locate my email address
Blog coding is fun! Wheeee! [When it works…]
***
Going to watch The Office with Matt!
Tomorrow, I play.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’m so glad that Karen is feeling okay after her treatment! have a great night!
Jen says
That dinner looks delish! Glad to hear Karen is feeling well after her treatment today. How many chemo treatments does she have to do? I’m sure having you and Matt nearby to lean on will make this a much easier journey for her <3
KathEats says
She has 6 in total, plus some radiation
jenn@ f&f says
We are going to veritas and having dinner at c&o. Any recommendations?
KathEats says
Those are my recommendations!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
congrats to natasha!
and so happy that karen is doing well and said it went better than expected.
caramel-hoppy pale ale = i dont even like beer and that sounds great!
Have a great weekend, Kath! 🙂
Kayla says
Hi Kath, I started reading your blog a few months back and I really enjoy reading your blog. The dinner looks so good! I’ve never tried caramel-hoppy pale ale and chocolate beer before, and can’t help but wonder how it will taste like:) I have a question about nutritional yeast actually. I have read about the benefits of nutritional yeast, but was wondering if people who are allergic to baker’s yeast can eat nutritional yeast. How are they different?
KathEats says
Kayla,
I don’t really know the answer to that, but Matt says nutr. yeast is dead (as opposed to live baker’s)
KathEats says
But then he just said he’s not 100% sure. something to ask a doctor!
Baking 'n' Books says
Don’t quote me – but I have read/been told that they are different. NOTE: I haven’t tried them!
Kristi says
You can find more on nutritional yeast on MamaPeas blog (Snack Time at Huggy Bear’s) www.peasandthankyou.com
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
It must be so fun to test all of Matt’s beers. Seriously chocolate beer? Did I read that right?!
Lauren, colormehappygrrl says
I’m glad you are in good spirits and the day went okay! 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What a busy day! So glad to hear Karen’s spirits are up 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Ohh – that milkshake sounds awesome.
Amanda (Eating Up) says
Meals look great as always!
Mimi says
I got to have Great Harvest today, too! LOVE IT.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
i like the new buttons 🙂
Sarah says
HI there Kath! I have been reading your bog for a couple years now and have surprisingly yet to comment. I used to have a blog back in 2007 but work/life sort of took over. I regularly follow a few blogs especially CarrotsnCake and ourself.
I just wanted to put myself out there and say ‘hello’!
I was particularly interested in the pesto you made… to me cilantro tastes like SOAP. My fiance LOVES it however.
Interesting that you and Matt found the non-traditional pesto to be not as ‘rish on the tongue’… cheese certainly adds that extra ”supmthn sumpthn’ right?
BTW I live in Boston in the Back Bay! I am a manager at an amazing hotel in Cambridge and hosted Tina and Mal on thie 2nd anniversary! If you and Matt are in town and need a gorgeous comfy hotel to stay at let me know!
KathEats says
Hey Sarah! Thanks for your comment 🙂 I think the cilantro = soap thing is genetic – I definitely can see how it would be similar though 🙂
Hopefully I can get to Boston soon enough!
Kristen, Sweetly says
It is genetic! My friend and her brother have that going on, and I think it’s got something to do with the smell of it… I can’t get enough, though.
Kasey says
That milkshake looks wonderful (as does your fro yo) 🙂 I’m dying to try GH, any chance the franchise is in Canada as well?
faith @ gracefulfitness says
Give Karen my love!
Brandy says
You have the best life ever (as I am obviously the authority on such things) I have decided 🙂
Best wishes to Karen through this tough time. Thank GOD she has both of you amazing people to take care of her!
KathEats says
🙂
Christine says
Glad to hear Karen is doing okay. But just remember when the side-effects start – if you think it hurts, think of how much more it is hurting all those bad cancer cells!!
KathEats says
That’s a good way to think about it!
Amanda (tomboy that wears makeup) says
We are going to a brewery tomorrow to taste some fun beer! Cant wait. Have a good weekend!!!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
I’m glad Karen is doing ok. I love that she got that milkshake — a woman after my own heart!
I finally bought some Nutritional Yeast and I can’t wait to try it out.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Ahhh milkshakes:) Those sandwiches sound delicious! I love avocado..and pesto!
I’m so glad karen handled it so well! Stay strong girl!
AJ @ Flowing to Fifty says
WOW! You were flying through your day. Hope things continue to go well with Karen.
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
Busy day! I’m glad that Karen hasn’t experienced any side effects!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
LOVE the new buttons – they look so good with your blog theme!
KathEats says
Thanks! It took me forever to pick them out 🙂
hippierunner says
I’m glad Karen is doing alright, happy she got to enjoy that yummy looking milkshake!
kristi (sweet cheeks) says
What a good hubby, making you such an awesome dinner! Wish I could have joined in on that, yum!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i’m glad karen is doing okay. i remember when my dad had chemo/radiation the hospital had the most INSANE spread of food for the families. maybe that’s just a NYC thing?
Kiran says
Glad Karen is doing alright 🙂
And love the new icons honey, suitable for the whole theme layout and colors!
Natalia - a side of simple says
Oh I’m so happy to hear about Karen. I’m glad she’s off to a good start. And her milkshake sounds like the best milkshake…ever?!
Have a great night!
Ariffa says
I like Karen’s style.
hope she’s doing good, xx
Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life says
Still sending good thoughts her way!
Kristen, Sweetly says
this post made me smile… i think all the food just looked delicious. i’ve decided to work on a seitan sandwich to cure my insane two-years-running craving for turkey and cheese. AND, i think i’m going to try a pilates class at my gym tomorrow. 🙂 classes always make me nervous when i don’t know what to expect. but if it’ll get me worked out more than a few minutes on the elliptical, i’m up for it.
natalie (the sweets life) says
Ryan’s out of town, picking him up from the airport soon, so I too, get to play tomorrow and used tonight for work 🙂
Great choice on the shake for Karen, yum!
Have a good weekend Kath!
Victoria says
So glad Karen isn’t experiencing any adverse side effects and seems to be in good spirits!
Beatrix @ Beaglebea says
Glad everything is going well. Best wishes.
Kathy W. says
thinking of Karen & hoping she continues to feel well!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i love the shots of the pasta rolled around the fork…heavenly!
and that’s so amazing that karen didn’t have any immediate reactions to the drugs…i’ll be praying it stays that way!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I’m glad that Karen seems to be doing well with her treatments! Her banana, peanut, and hot fudge sunday sounds AMAZING!
Your dinner look quite delicious as well!
Lissy says
I was just wondering about the fresh veggies on the sandwich. When my grandmother was having chemo she was told not to eat fresh veggies/fruit due to the bacteria that could be found on them. I’m sure Karen’s immune system is fine b/c she just started, but just wondered if anything had been mentioned.
KathEats says
I think different drugs are immunosuppressant so that’s where the concern enters. Her doctors have told her she doesn’t have any dietary restrictions though.
Lissy says
That’s great! Healthy fruits and vegetables help everyone feel so much better. Hope she is doing well today!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
So happy to hear Karen is doing so well! That pasta looks delish!
Namaste Gurl says
What a sweet hubby you have to make you dinner after a long hard day. And a healthy, yummy, nutritious dinner, for that matter! What a double bonus 🙂
Annette says
Lucky you to have a husband that cooks so well! My husband could really care less what is for dinner as long as it tastes good, has cheese in/on it, and fills him up! ha 😉
Maggie says
Sending good thoughts to Karen. I know she’s in great hands!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I’m glad to hear that Karen is doing well! I hope you guys have a good weekend 🙂
Roberta says
why is Karen eating these sugar filled things? also, has she looked into going on a plant based/juice diet?????
KathEats says
It was her first day of chemo – give her a break! She eats a really good diet 95% of the time.
jenny eats nutella from a spoon says
i want shrimpies!!
that green apple looks really good and tart. i think i will get some to feed my apple addiction.
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Ok, gonna say the obvious – tons of prayers to your MIL.
But after going through something similar in my own family – the reset to normal is priceless – so that being said – your designating certain items (with labels) to each family member – gotta love it.
Having people around at the good times? Well, that is easy.
People that will be around for the bad bits? PRICELESS.
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Glad Karen’s treatment went well!
Those shrimp are gorgeous!! Yum!!!
Hallie says
I’m glad that Karen is doing okay! I had chemo last summer, and if I could go back in time and tell myself one thing it would be to stay hydrated and to make sure to drink fluids with electrolytes in them, so maybe that might help her? She’s so lucky to have friends like you and Matt. 🙂
Hannah says
Aw, love heart sandwich bags! But it’s the spaghetti that really, truly looks amazing 🙂
megan @ blackberries for jam says
Sending good thoughts for Karen!
And how the heck do you and Matt just throw together such amazing, creative meals on the fly?!
Allison @ OneWhiteTulip says
Mmm, those sandwiches look so delicious!
Kath, my gym has a Body Pump class, and I started going to it after seeing it on your blog. i’m only going once a week, but my scrawny arms are actually getting toned and stronger! Plus it’s exciting, since I never thought I’d use a barbell (is that the right word for it?
Sending warm thoughts to Karen and you guys!
KathEats says
Awesome!
Mary (Sisters Running the Kitchen) says
Glad to hear that Karen is doing well after her first treatment. She is so lucky to have you and Matt. Karen made a great choice with that milkshake too! Nothing like PB, Hot Fudge, & Banana to lift her spirits! isn’t Archers the place that makes that brownie topping?? What exactly is that? Do you think you can recreate that at home?
KathEats says
Yeah, that’s the place with the gooey brownie. It’s just brownie batter – so you could make that a topping at home (egg-free!)
Rachel ~ Dressed to Dish says
I may have to try this chocolate beer! His dinner looks so YUMMY! Mmm cilantro pesto and shrimp…my mouth is watering! 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That’s great to hear that Karen is doing well after her treatment. That milkshake must have been such a nice treat afterward! 😀
Ashley J says
Good for her to get that milkshake! After chemo, sometimes it is hard enough to get someone to eat ANYTHING! She needs to eat what sounds good, and it looks like she did just that!
Mary Frances says
Natasha H. – Happy for you… I’m sure you’ll love your Breville Juice Fountain. You sure are lucky!
Natasha says
So excited to receive the juicer!!! I can’t wait to put it to use making all sorts of delicious things. Thanks again!!! 🙂
Kelly - meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com says
Never thought of making a pesto with anything other than basil.. what a good idea! (okay – I’m done stalking your blog with comments for today!)