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	<title>Lilveggiepatch &#187; blueberries</title>
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		<title>My Name is Katie, and I&#039;m a Yog-a-holic: Chobani Greek Yogurt Review</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/13/my-name-is-katie-and-im-a-yog-a-holic-chobani-greek-yogurt-review/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/13/my-name-is-katie-and-im-a-yog-a-holic-chobani-greek-yogurt-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:20:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blueberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pineapple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strawberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yogurt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.com/?p=5268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />If you&#8217;re a regular Lilveggiepatch reader, you know how much I love my yogurt.  I eat it pretty much every day, and when I can afford it, I go Greek.</p>
<p>Last week, the lovely Shari graciously sent me a case full of Chobani Greek yogurt.</p>
<p></p>
<p>It has only been five days, and I&#8217;m already down [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />If you&#8217;re a regular Lilveggiepatch reader, you know how much I love my yogurt.  I eat it pretty much every day, and when I can afford it, I go Greek.</p>
<p>Last week, the lovely <a href="http://chobani.com/">Shari</a> graciously sent me a case full of <strong><a href="http://chobani.com/">Chobani</a> Greek yogurt</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5246" title="Chobani Sampler" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0940.jpg?w=1024" alt="Chobani Sampler" width="550" height="412" /></p>
<p>It has only been five days, and I&#8217;m already down to my last three.  My name is Katie, and I am addicted to Greek yogurt.  I had a lot of fun eating my way through the case, and even more fun preparing this <strong>comprehensive flavor break- down </strong>for ya.</p>
<p><strong>Low-Fat Pineapple</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5252" title="Pineapple Chobani" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0946.jpg?w=1024" alt="Pineapple Chobani" width="294" height="220" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5256" title="Pineapple Chobani 1" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0954.jpg?w=1024" alt="Pineapple Chobani 1" width="243" height="182" /> <img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5257" title="Pineapple Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0955.jpg?w=1024" alt="Pineapple Chobani 2" width="243" height="183" /></p>
<p><strong>Pineapple</strong> is rich and creamy, and feels like a decadent dessert.  It reminds me of a tropical mouse my family and I used to eat at our favorite hotel restaurant in Guadeloupe, a small island in the French West indies.  This yogurt is not fat-free (each 6 oz container contains 2.5 grams of fat, 2 of which are saturated) but it is a worthy alternative to a &#8220;real&#8221; dessert, mid-day treat, or a fun breakfast.  <strong>I licked the container clean </strong> <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':-D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong>Non-fat Peach</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5285" title="Peach Chobani 1" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0973.jpg?w=1024" alt="Peach Chobani 1" width="242" height="181" /> <img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5276" title="Peach Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_0978.jpg?w=1024" alt="Peach Chobani 2" width="245" height="182" /></p>
<p><strong>Peach </strong>is creamy, with lots of peach chunks.  It&#8217;s not as rich as the pineapple flavor; the difference between <em>low-fat</em> and <em>non-fat</em> seems pretty big.  It tasted a little more like regular yogurt and less like &#8220;Greek&#8221;, but it&#8217;s still good.</p>
<p><strong>Non-fat Blueberry</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5341" title="Blueberry Chobani 1" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_10271.jpg?w=300" alt="Blueberry Chobani 1" width="260" height="195" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5342" title="Blueberry Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_10281.jpg?w=300" alt="Blueberry Chobani 2" width="240" height="180" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5343" title="Blueberry Chobani 3" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_10291.jpg?w=300" alt="Blueberry Chobani 3" width="237" height="178" /></p>
<p><strong>Blueberry</strong> reminded me a bit of Dannon&#8217;s &#8220;Fruit-on-the-Bottom&#8221; yogurt (which I used to eat all the time when I was wee!). The part of the container that did <em>not</em> have fruit mixed in tasted a lot more like rich, creamy Greek yogurt.</p>
<p><strong>Non-fat Strawberry</strong></p>
<p>d<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5304" title="Strawberry Chobani" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1000.jpg?w=300" alt="Strawberry Chobani" width="241" height="181" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5344" title="Strawberry Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1006.jpg?w=300" alt="Strawberry Chobani 2" width="233" height="180" /></p>
<p><strong>Strawberry </strong>is good, but also reminds me of &#8220;Fruit-on-the-Bottom.&#8221; It didn&#8217;t taste quite so &#8220;Greek,&#8221; but I loved the strawberry chunks.</p>
<p><strong>Non-fat Vanilla</strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5349" title="Vanilla Chobani" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1051.jpg?w=300" alt="Vanilla Chobani" width="300" height="225" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5350" title="Vanilla Chobani 1" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1052.jpg?w=300" alt="Vanilla Chobani 1" width="233" height="185" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5351" title="Vanilla Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1058.jpg?w=300" alt="Vanilla Chobani 2" width="247" height="185" /></strong></p>
<p>You can really taste the <strong>Vanilla</strong> here! The ingredient list says &#8220;vanilla <em>flavor</em>&#8220;, so I don&#8217;t know if they use pure vanilla extract, but it really tastes like alcohol! It&#8217;s not too sweet, and mixes nicely with fruit and muffins.  It is also much richer and silkier than the fruit flavors.</p>
<p><strong>Non-fat Plain</strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5375" title="Plain Chobani 1" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1096.jpg?w=1024" alt="Plain Chobani 1" width="323" height="242" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5376" title="Plain Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1097.jpg?w=1024" alt="Plain Chobani 2" width="235" height="176" /> <img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-5377" title="Plain Chobani 2" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/img_1099.jpg?w=1024" alt="Plain Chobani 2" width="233" height="176" /></strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Plain</strong> yogurt has a true &#8220;Greek&#8221; taste. It is incredibly rich and creamy, without being overly sour or tangy.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom line: Would I buy these? </strong>The <strong>Pineapple</strong> seriously tastes like heaven on earth.  I have one left, and after that&#8217;s gone I&#8217;m going straight to the store.  I don&#8217;t buy low-fat yogurt <em>ever </em>(I always get fat-free), so that&#8217;s saying a lot.  In terms of the other fruit flavors, I tend to prefer to mix my own fruit in, and I think some of the &#8220;Greek&#8221; taste is lost when the fruit is stirred in during packaging.  But, <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/08/cassoulet-for-a-crisp-fall-day/">as</a> <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/03/22/">of</a> <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/10/girls-night-at-quantum-leap/">late</a>, I&#8217;ve had to eat a lot on-the-go, and for a busy lady like myself, a quick, nutritious and tasty snack would be highly convenient.  The <strong>Plain</strong> flavor is also really rich and delicious, and I would certainly buy it in the store.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your generosity, <a href="http://chobani.com/">Chobani</a>!</p>
<p><strong>FYI for New York City folk</strong>: <a href="http://chobani.com/">Chobani</a> is on sale at Gourmet Garage for 2/$3.</p>
<p><em>Edited to add: the &#8220;<a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/10/17/making-moves/">right</a>&#8221; way to eat &#8220;fruit-on-the-bottom&#8221; Chobani! Makes a HUGE difference, trust me. </em></p>
<p><em><strong>Updated 2/8/10: Chobani Champions!</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0022.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-7334" title="Chobani Champions" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0022-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="384" /></a><br />
</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>HoneyNana<br />
</strong></p>
<p><em><strong><a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0050.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7351" title="Honey Nana Chobani Champion" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0050-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0051.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7352" title="Honey Nana Chobani Champion Nutrition" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0051-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="168" /></a> <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0053.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7353" title="Honey Nana Chobani Champion" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_0053-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="169" /></a></strong></em></p>
<p>Very smooth! Can taste both the banana and the honey here.  It&#8217;s not very thick; I might not know it was &#8220;Greek&#8221; yogurt if I hadn&#8217;t read the label, but it was still good.  Nice and sweet!</p>
<p><strong>Chocolate</strong><br />
<a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1073.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7376" title="Chocolate Chobani Champion" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1073-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="238" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1074.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7377" title="Chocolate Chobani Champion Nutrition" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1074-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="210" /></a> <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1075.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7378" title="Chocolate Chobani Champion" src="http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_1075-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="279" height="210" /></a></p>
<p>This still tastes a lot thinner than Greek yogurt; reminds me of Stonyfield&#8217;s Chocolate Underground non-fat yogurt, but stirred.  Even if it&#8217;s not thick, it&#8217;s still pretty good!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>45</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>End It With a POP!</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/08/28/end-it-with-a-pop/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/08/28/end-it-with-a-pop/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:15:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.com/?p=4386</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Top &#8216;o the mornin&#8217; to ya, lads and lassies! Another week has flown by&#8230; this is going to be a very exciting weekend here at the Lilveggiepatch/ Upwelling headquarters.  The CD release show and after-party are back-to-back tomorrow night, and there will be a slew of family, friends and good people staying with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Top &#8216;o the mornin&#8217; to ya, lads and lassies! Another week has flown by&#8230; this is going to be a very exciting weekend here at the Lilveggiepatch/ <a href="http://myspace.com/theupwelling">Upwelling</a> headquarters.  The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Stranger-Upwelling/dp/B002F3BPHM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=music&amp;qid=1251166533&amp;sr=8-2">CD release </a>show and after-party are back-to-back tomorrow night, and there will be a slew of family, friends and good people staying with us. I love a full house! It feels kind of like camp <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Yesterday, we celebrated the boy&#8217;s homecoming with a trip to the diner.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4387" title="IMG_9729" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9729.jpg?w=768" alt="IMG_9729" width="422" height="562" /></p>
<p>While Ari was gone, the diner added a few new items to their menu and switched to using <strong>all organic eggs and dairy</strong>.  I decided to forgo my usual omelet (which I&#8217;ve gotten more than a little tired of) and got the <strong>Organic Low Fat [Greek] Yogurt Parfait</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4409" title="IMG_9748" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9748.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9748" width="496" height="372" /></p>
<p>The <strong>mango syrup</strong> was <em>amazing</em>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4388" title="IMG_9730" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9730.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9730" width="506" height="379" /></p>
<p>I&#8217;m so used to eating nonfat yogurt that the <strong>lowfat</strong> tasted <em>really</em> rich to me.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4389" title="IMG_9732" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9732.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9732" width="482" height="361" /></p>
<p>Overall, I really liked the parfait.  There were about two cups of granola in the bowl, at least half of which I left.  Next time I think I&#8217;ll ask for more yogurt and less granola.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4390" title="IMG_9734" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9734.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9734" width="504" height="378" /></p>
<p>I spent the rest of the morning puttering around and watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075314/"><em>Taxi Driver</em></a>.  By the time I was showered and ready for work I only had five minutes to make and eat lunch, which explains the horribly blurry photos.  Sorry!</p>
<p>I packed a bottle of <strong>Berry Superfood <a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/">Amazing Grass</a>,</strong> shaken with  water.  This flavor reminds me a lot of <strong>chewable vitamins</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4391" title="IMG_9736" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9736.jpg?w=768" alt="IMG_9736" width="304" height="404" /></p>
<p>I whipped up a quick <strong>tuna salad</strong> to eat on the go:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4393" title="IMG_9740" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9740.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9740" width="462" height="346" /></p>
<p>I used one<strong> can of tuna, 1/3 of a bag of shredded carrots, </strong>and<strong> hummus</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4394" title="IMG_9741" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9741.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9741" width="457" height="341" /></p>
<p>This was tastier in theory than execution.  I think it needed a little vinegar or something, because the flavors were really washed out.  I was, once again, that gross girl eating stinky and messy food on the subway.  A busy girl&#8217;s gotta eat!</p>
<p>I ate an apple on the way, and brought a nectarine with me to eat after work.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4395" title="IMG_9742" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9742.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9742" width="449" height="336" /></p>
<p>At the restaurant I snacked on a <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/25/somebody-call-911/">PB&amp;J Larabar</a>.  I&#8217;d eaten enough <strong>bufala</strong> to last me a week the day before, so I let Mario keep his cheese <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4392" title="IMG_9737" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9737.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9737" width="497" height="372" /></p>
<p>I wanted to get home and see my boy, so I took dinner to go and ate it on the way to the train.  Ramon made me a <strong>salad</strong> with <strong>romaine, tomatoes, apples, broccoli, beets, green beans</strong>, <strong>avocado</strong> and <strong>roquefort cheese</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4396" title="IMG_9743" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9743.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9743" width="533" height="400" /></p>
<p>In addition to the nectarine, I had a dessert plate when I got home.  It&#8217;s been a long time since I&#8217;ve eaten one! This one had <strong><a href="http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/08/11/clam-on/">Israeli pop rocks chocolate</a></strong> and <strong>dates</strong>, a <strong>dried apricot</strong> and <strong>prune</strong> smeared with <strong>almond butter</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4397" title="IMG_9745" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_9745.jpg?w=1024" alt="IMG_9745" width="461" height="345" /></p>
<p>This chocolate really is like crack to me.  I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s the taste or the <em>snap, crackle </em>and<em> POP!</em> it makes, but my tastebuds were literally screaming for joy.  They begged me to go back for more, so I obliged <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Well, I&#8217;m off to get my bangies trimmed and run some errands.  Have a great weekend! And please enjoy this PSA from your favorite childhood friend&#8230;</p>
<p>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1N1tne2is]</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Breakfast Break-in &amp; Bonobo&#039;s</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/30/breakfast-break-in-bonobos/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/30/breakfast-break-in-bonobos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:26:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3737</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, lovelies! I hope your week is starting to wind down and you have a fabulous weekend planned to celebrate August. As I said, I&#8217;m going to a wedding near Salt Lake City, Utah, for the weekend, so I&#8217;ll be blogging from the West Coast!</p>
<p>Yesterday started out&#8230; whimsically.  Ari&#8217;s brother, Josh, has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, lovelies! I hope your week is starting to wind down and you have a fabulous weekend planned to celebrate August. As I said, I&#8217;m going to a <strong>wedding</strong> near <strong>Salt Lake City, Utah</strong>, for the weekend, so I&#8217;ll be blogging from the West Coast!</p>
<p>Yesterday started out&#8230; whimsically.  Ari&#8217;s brother, Josh, has been threatening to disturb <strong>Jim</strong>&#8216;s face for more than six months, but I was so surprised when I opened the door and saw him and laughed for a good minute.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3725" title="IMG_8600" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8600.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8600" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Poor Jim! I&#8217;m sure he kept his sense of humor about it, though <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' /> .  This cookie had:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/3 cup oats</li>
<li>1/2 banana</li>
<li>1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder</li>
<li>2 T skim milk</li>
<li>1 t chunky pb</li>
<li>toppings: cinnamon, 1 prune (split), dried cherries</li>
</ul>
<p>Ari had already left for the deli to work by the time I got around to eating breakfast, so I met him there and guzzled down an<strong> iced coffee with 1% milk</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3726" title="IMG_8601" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8601.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8601" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I went back home, blogged while watching some <a href="http://pbskids.org/arthur/">great tv</a>, and went out for a quick run.  I went about 2 miles, then came back, showered quickly, and went into the city to meet <a href="http://veggiegirlvegan.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> for lunch.  She&#8217;d suggested we go to <a href="http://www.bonobosrestaurant.com/"><strong>Bonobo&#8217;s Vegetarian</strong></a>, a new place we&#8217;d both never tried and thought sounded very interesting.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3727" title="IMG_8602" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8602.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8602" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>As soon as we walked in, our eyes feasted on the packaged beverages they had: <strong>ginger lemonade, coconut water, coconut chai</strong> (a recommendation from <a href="http://www.soapandchocolate.com/">Diana</a>).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3728" title="IMG_8603" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8603.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8603" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Their &#8220;salad bar&#8221;, which was thankfully behind glass, had all kinds of organic veggies and spreads.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3729" title="IMG_8604" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8604.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8604" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>The staff at Bonobo&#8217;s is <em>very</em> attentive and willing to give out samples of everything.  I tasted six different things!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3730" title="IMG_8605" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8605.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8605" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We both (er, more like I copied) ordered the<strong> Nori rolls</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3731" title="IMG_8607" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8607.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8607" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>For the rolls, you pick <strong>five veggies</strong> and a <strong>nut meat spread</strong>. I chose<strong> beets, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, </strong>and<strong> sprouts</strong>; I couldn&#8217;t decide on one spread and went with <em>two</em>: <strong>macadamia nut</strong> and <strong>sesame tahini</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3732" title="IMG_8608" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8608.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8608" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Again, indecisive girl that I am, I couldn&#8217;t just pick <em>one</em> <strong>dressing</strong> so I had them mix up two! The end result was spicy sweet: a combination of their <strong>Diablo</strong> (spicy mustard) and <strong>agave mustard</strong>. Delish!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3738" title="dressing" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dressing.jpg?w=300" alt="dressing" width="300" height="177" /></p>
<p>The meal was fabulous, and the company was even better.  Luckily, we both admitted our gracelessness when it comes to consuming messy food, and didn&#8217;t try to eat with poise. In other words, sprouts were a-flyin&#8217;!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, on the way back to Liz&#8217;s hotel, we got caught in a torrential downpour.  This girl has no luck when it comes to weather! The last time she was here, the weather was also terrible.  Her poor tights were <em>soaked</em>, but she still looked fabulous!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3734" title="IMG_8611" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8611.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8611" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>After I dropped Liz off at her hotel (and said a very rushed hello to <a href="http://www.soapandchocolate.com/">Diana</a>), I dodged more raindrops and went to work.  On my walk, I drank my bottle of <a href="http://www.bonobosrestaurant.com/">Bonobo&#8217;s</a> <strong>Coconut Chai</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3733" title="IMG_8610" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8610.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8610" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>This. Is. Amazing. It&#8217;s sweet and really thick, and, as I described to Liz, almost like a rice pudding. She suggested I freeze it and eat it like ice cream&#8230; unfortunately I&#8217;d already drank it all! I can&#8217;t wait to go back and get more of this.</p>
<p>At work, I was so munchy! I think it was because of the weather.  We were very slow, which made it both boring and tiring.  I nibbled on desserts, went into <a href="http://www.blackhoundny.com/">Black Hound</a> for samples, and ate a <strong>Toasted Nuts &#8216;n Cranberry</strong> Luna bar (image recycled).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3739" title="toasted" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/toasted.jpg" alt="toasted" width="187" height="96" /></p>
<p>I sold enough specials to get the special saladfor dinner: <strong>mixed greens with shrimp, avocado, apples, tomatoes, walnuts, and goat cheese with lemon vinaigrette</strong>.  So good!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3735" title="IMG_8612" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8612.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8612" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><a href="http://myspace.com/theupwelling">Ari</a> surprised me by picking me up from work with the car.  We went to <a href="http://16handles.com/">16 Handles</a> to fuel up for the ride (ha), and I loaded my cup with <strong>peanut butter, pistachio, and Eurotart yogurts topped with mochi, blueberries, Reese&#8217;s cups and a chocolate-covered pretzel</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3736" title="IMG_8613" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8613.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8613" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>It was a pretty great day, I&#8217;d say.  Now I&#8217;m off to go meet Greg for lunch before work, and tomorrow morning I&#8217;m off to Utah! Have a great day <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Do you soba?</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/21/do-you-soba/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/21/do-you-soba/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:50:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apple]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3551</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good evening, bloggies! I hope your week is off to a fantastic start.  The days have just been flying by lately, good day or bad&#8230; how is it already almost August?! If I was going back to school, I&#8217;d probably be starting to panic, but now I&#8217;m a little bit sad that I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good evening, bloggies! I hope your week is off to a fantastic start.  The days have just been flying by lately, good day or bad&#8230; how is it already almost August?! If I was going back to school, I&#8217;d probably be starting to panic, but now I&#8217;m a little bit sad that I won&#8217;t be going shopping for school supplies.</p>
<p>I started the day yesterday with an <strong>Ezekiel English muffin with almond butter; half had honey and half had blueberry jam</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3534" title="IMG_8369" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8369.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8369" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>As is becoming the tradition for Mondays, I went to my parents&#8217; house to get some work done.  When I got there, I found a big box of <a href="http://www.daisybrand.com/">Daisy Brand</a> cottage cheese waiting for me:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3535" title="IMG_8370" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8370.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8370" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.daisybrand.com/">Daisy Brand</a> generously sent me a huge supply of cottage cheese.  I&#8217;ll give you a full review soon&#8230; Thanks, Daisy!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3536" title="IMG_8371" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8371.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8371" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After getting a little reading done, I headed to Starbucks to do the rest.  We didn&#8217;t have any food in the fridge, so I got<strong> Starbucks&#8217; Classic Salad with romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, cheese and hard-boiled eggs with a balsamic dressing</strong>.  I didn&#8217;t eat the yolks&#8230; I don&#8217;t like the texture when they&#8217;re so well done.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3537" title="IMG_8373" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8373.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8373" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>With my salad, I got a coupon for a $2 grande iced drink if I ordered it after 2.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3538" title="IMG_8374" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8374.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8374" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>Come 2:00, I&#8217;d finished my reading and was ready for a little pick-me-up.  I got a <strong>grande caramel light Frappuccino with sugar-free syrup</strong>. I love these! I drink them so quickly, though.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3539" title="IMG_8375" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8375.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8375" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>After leaving Starbucks, I got some groceries for dinner and then headed home for a run. <strong> I ran about 3 miles</strong> in Riverside Park, and the time just flew by thanks to a new<a href="http://www.kfi640.com/pages/podcasting/"> Jillian Michaels podcast</a>.  It&#8217;s official: I&#8217;m addicted to these!</p>
<p>When I got back, I started doing a Core Yoga session, but after 10 minutes my arms were giving out and I had to stop.  Sometimes it&#8217;s just not in the cards. Instead, I had a snack: <strong>a Daisy Brand 2% cottage cheese parfait with blueberries and strawberries. </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3540" title="IMG_8377" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8377.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8377" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>It was missing a little something: <strong>cinnamon</strong>.  It&#8217;s hard to find a food that isn&#8217;t improved by this spice&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3541" title="IMG_8381" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8381.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8381" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Then I took a long, hot bath, read a magazine, and just relaxed.  Perfect.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago, I noticed one of <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/">Heidi</a>&#8216;s recipes that looked particularly delicious: <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/almond-soba-noodles-recipe.html"><strong>Almond Soba Noodles</strong></a>.  The key:<strong> a sauce made with almond butter and red curry paste.</strong> Mmm.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3542" title="IMG_8382" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8382.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8382" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>A soba lesson</p>
<p>I think this was my first time cooking<strong> soba noodles. </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3544" title="IMG_8384" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8384.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8384" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;"><strong>A Soba Lesson:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba">Source</a>]</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;"><strong>Soba</strong> <span style="font-weight:normal;">i</span>s a type of thin Japanese noodle <a title="Noodle" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noodle"></a> made from <strong>buckwheat</strong> flour. It is served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup.<a title="Noodle soup" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noodle_soup"><br />
</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;">Soba is traditionally eaten on New Years Eve<a title="New Years Eve" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Years_Eve"></a> in most areas of Japan, a tradition that survives to this day: <em>Toshikoshi soba</em>. In the Tokyo area, there is also a tradition of giving out soba to new neighbours after a house move (<em>Hikkoshi soba</em>), although this practice is now rare.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;">100 grams of soba yields 344 kcal of energy. In terms of essential amino acids, soba scores higher than pasta or bread. Soba includes a lot of lycine, and therefore a good balance of amino acids.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#003300;">Soba contains a type of polysaccharide that is easily digested and assimilated. Soba noodles also contain rutin an antioxidation ingredient, one of the flavonoids, and choline. Rutin helps to prevent high blood pressure so it reduces risk of heart disease. Soba has other antioxidation ingredients beside rutin, notably quercitin, proto catechu aldehyde. Choline is needed to make acetylcholine, which is used in the brain and affects memory and intelligence. Soba also contains many water-soluble vitamins like thiamine (about twice that of polished rice) and riboflavin.</span><br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3545" title="IMG_8385" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8385.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8385" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a quirk: <strong>whenever I make tofu, I have to eat a piece with salt &amp; pepper.</strong> Every time. Isn&#8217;t that odd?<strong> Do you have any weird habits like this? </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3543" title="IMG_8383" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8383.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8383" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Instead of pea shoots, which I couldn&#8217;t find, I used <strong>broccoli florets.</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3547" title="IMG_8387" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8387.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8387" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I snacked on most of this <strong>apple</strong> (or, what was on the plate before I ate it all <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' />  ):</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3546" title="IMG_8386" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8386.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8386" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Return of the <span style="color:#003300;"><strong>broccoli water</strong></span>!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3548" title="IMG_8390" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8390.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8390" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I had a few sips of <strong>milk</strong>, but I filled up before I could finish it.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3550" title="IMG_8393" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8393.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8393" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I had the noodles with<strong> cucumber salad</strong> (oil, vinegar, salt &amp; pepper), <strong>carrots</strong>, and <strong>radishes</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3549" title="IMG_8392" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8392.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8392" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>My only complaint with this recipe was that <strong>it required quite a bit of salt</strong> for seasoning.  Otherwise, though, I really enjoyed it, and I would make it again.</p>
<p>For dessert, we all went to <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Tasti D</span> <strong>The Lite Choice</strong>.  (The Lite Choice apparently bought Tasti, and now there is a Tasti opening up right across the street from TLC.) <strong>I got a small cup with half peanut butter, half banana, and chocolate chips</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3552" title="IMG_8396" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8396.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8396" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I can&#8217;t wait to tell you about the dinner I just had&#8230; stay tuned!</p>
<p>Bonne nuit <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bloodsuckers</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/06/bloodsuckers/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/07/06/bloodsuckers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:02:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[tuna]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3330</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, boys and girls! I hope your holiday weekends were relaxing and fun (if those two things go together in your life  .  My week is going wonderfully so far&#8230; with the small exception that the mesquitoes are out of control this year!  I have bug bites in places that never [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, boys and girls! I hope your holiday weekends were relaxing and fun (if those two things go together in your life <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> .  My week is going wonderfully so far&#8230; with the small exception that the mesquitoes are out of control this year!  I have bug bites in places that never see the sun, bug bites on my ear, in my hair&#8230; it stinks!  But, it&#8217;s a small price to pay for a week on the beach.</p>
<p>The last two days have been a lot of fun: we&#8217;ve been catching up with people (there are between 40 and 60 here each day) we haven&#8217;t seen in a year, lounging, cooking&#8230; The way we do things here is each night, one &#8220;cooking crew&#8221; makes dinner for the rest of us.  It takes a lot of work, obviously, to plan, cook, and feed for so many people, but we always have delicious, restaurant-quality food.</p>
<p>The first night is more of a pot-luck, so we had a Middle Eastern platter with <strong>hummus, pita, tabouleh, baba ganoush, pita</strong>, etc.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3351" title="IMG_8119" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_81191.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8119" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I also had a mixed greens salad and an <strong>orzo salad with cheese, tomatoes and olives</strong>.  This is so good!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3333" title="IMG_8122" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8122.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8122" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Desserts abounded, including my Aunt Mary&#8217;s famous c<strong>hocolate chip cookies</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3334" title="IMG_8123" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8123.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8123" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Brownies, chocolate chip blondies, and lemon squares</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3335" title="IMG_8124" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8124.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8124" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>There are also some 7-layer / Magic bars floating around here, but if they didn&#8217;t get caught on camera&#8230;</p>
<p>We found bottom-shelf <strong>vodka</strong> to make cocktails to bring to the beach to watch the fireworks:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3332" title="IMG_8121" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8121.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8121" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>Jenny + Marina:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3336" title="IMG_8126" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8126.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8126" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We sat on the beach watching the fireworks for hours&#8230; unfortunately my camera isn&#8217;t sophisticated enough to show you how beautiful it was.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3337" title="IMG_8127" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8127.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8127" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>For breakfast yesterday, I had a bowl of <strong>Wheaties + Honey Nut Cheerios with 1/2 a banana and skim milk</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3338" title="IMG_8130" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8130.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8130" width="300" height="225" />&#8216;</p>
<p>We went upstairs to have lunch and cool off: leftover <strong>orzo</strong> (this will be the death of me, I swear!) and <strong>tuna salad</strong>.  I ate them <strong>&#8220;wrap style&#8221;</strong> by rolling the salads up in tomato slices and lettuce weaves.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3340" title="IMG_8134" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8134.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8134" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I had fresh <strong>grapes</strong> and <strong>blubes</strong> from the <strong>farmers market </strong>for dessert.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3341" title="IMG_8137" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8137.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8137" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>My dad got quite the haul at the Market&#8230; he brought this <strong>Super Charge Me-style oatmeal cookie</strong> for our cabin.  I only had a nibble, but it was pretty delicious! I see its future as &#8220;oatmeal future&#8221; in the near future&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3342" title="IMG_8138" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8138.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8138" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>In the afternoon, Judy and I went for a nice run to look at the houses.  We did about 2.5 miles (my HRM was out of it&#8217;s mind, AGAIN&#8230; Polar, expect a call from me today), and although it was pretty hot outside we ran in the shade and it was just perfect.  I cranked out <a href="http://www.yogadownload.com/view-product.asp?idpr=566&amp;idcat=">some 8 minute abs</a> when I came back, then had a nice <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Red</span></strong>, <strong>White</strong> &amp; <strong><span style="color:#000080;">Blue</span> Parfait</strong> with <strong>Oikos nonfat Greek  yogurt, blueberries, raspberries and a touch of brown sugar</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3344" title="IMG_8142" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8142.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8142" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After showering and making myself presentable, I stumbled upon Bere, my 12 year old cousin, cleaning a Corona bottle.  Bere took over Jenny and my job of saving all the bottles and cans and collecting them for deposit (we go through quite a few of these over the week&#8230;), but I might have to convince him that we need the money more than he does!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3345" title="IMG_8143" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8143.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8143" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>During the <strong>cocktail hour</strong>, I had a <strong>cheese plate</strong> with Manchego (my favorite!), Havarti, Blue, and Brie. I also had a piece of <strong>bread</strong>, a couple <strong>crackers</strong> and <strong>olives</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3352" title="IMG_8146" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8146.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8146" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I also had a <strong>Shiner</strong> beer, which was <em>very</em> yeasty.  It&#8217;s partly my fault for not following the directions and pouring half the beer out into a glass, swirling the rest in the bottle, and pouring it into the glass&#8230; but who wants to do that when they&#8217;re just trying to chillax with a brew? Hmpf.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3353" title="IMG_8147" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8147.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8147" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>George was the cooking crew leader last night and prepared a <strong>Mexican meal</strong> of Roasted Chicken, Red &amp; Black Beans, Rice, and Tomato Salad.  He was nice enough to make me a pot of <strong>vegetarian black beans</strong>, so I ate them with <strong>rice</strong> and about 20 <strong>tomatoes</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3346" title="IMG_8150" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8150.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8150" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>For dessert, we had vanilla ice cream and blueberries.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3348" title="IMG_8155" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8155.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8155" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>As I&#8217;ve said, I&#8217;m not going to be documenting everything here&#8230; I want to be able to enjoy my vacation, obviously, but I&#8217;ll also be finding a healthy balance by continuing to blog and maintain my exercise regime.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3349" title="IMG_8156" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_8156.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8156" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Today, July 6, is Mama Veggie Patch (MVP)&#8217;s birthday</strong>, so some festivities will ensue.</p>
<p>Enjoy your weeks!</p>
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		<title>Loosen Up</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/30/loosen-up/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/30/loosen-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:49:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[avocado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[berries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blueberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bread]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cereal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lunch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mango]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutrition bars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pasta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PB2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[product review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raspberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salmon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shrimp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yogurt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zucchini]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Just a few hours ago, I had a conversation with my friend about how nice it was to finally not be constantly obsessing about what we eat (ironic, considering I write a daily food blog).  We feel fit, active, healthy, and happy. What a nice feeling! And then&#8230; something happened. What was it? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Just a few hours ago, I had a conversation with my friend about how nice it was to finally not be constantly obsessing about what we eat (ironic, considering I write a daily food blog).  We feel fit, active, healthy, and <em>happy</em>. What a nice feeling! And then&#8230; something happened. What was it? Pasta. And bread. And cereal. <em>What? </em>Since when did I become <strong>carbophobic</strong>?  In my family, we joke about how the anciet prison diet of bread and water wouldn&#8217;t be such a sacrifice for us.  At restaurants, we are told <em>this is not a bakery! </em>when we ask, over and over, for refills on bread.</p>
<p>So why now, why the end of this affair? Or, more accurately,<strong> when did I learn that carbs are the enemy?</strong> Probably around the time I started college.  I&#8217;ve always had a pretty fast metabolism and, until then, thought I could eat whatever I wanted.  Then I made a friend who introduced me to low-carb diets (<em>that means no apples!</em>), restrictive eating, and <strong>food guilt.</strong> Don&#8217;t get me wrong, I&#8217;m not blaming this person in the slightest.  It&#8217;s just sad that almost every girl I know (and even some men) have experienced some kind of <strong>negative epiphany</strong> when they figure out that food isn&#8217;t <em>fuel</em>, it isn&#8217;t a <em>pleasure</em>: it&#8217;s just something else, in a hectic life, to feel stressed and guilty about.</p>
<p>We all know <a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/FITTER-HAPPIER-lyrics-Radiohead/C5D87F9041CA308748256866000FF586">the mantra</a>: healthy diet, regular exercise, 8 hours of sleep.  But, life happens, workouts get put off in favor of a coffee date with friends or an extra hour of sleep.  And the guilt sets in.  I don&#8217;t have a solution, or a way to get rid of that sinking feeling I get after scraping a bowl of pasta clean, or polishing off that last piece of pizza I really wasn&#8217;t hungry for, or ordering another round.  I guess the only thing I can do is relearn the mantra, get back on the horse, and, once and for all, <a href="http://healthytippingpoint-fattalk.blogspot.com/">stop the fat talk</a>.  One day, one <em>week</em>, even, won&#8217;t turn me into a blimp, cause me to have a heart attack and become the subject of everone else&#8217;s gossip.  I just have to take some time to relax, breathe, and remember that.</p>
<p>Alright! On a less serious note, I mixed breakfast up a little this morning! I heated up some  TJ&#8217;s <strong>Mangolicious</strong> (frozen mangoes, blueberries and raspberries)&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3254" title="IMG_8036" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8036.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8036" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>&#8230; then I topped them with <strong>Puffins, two walnuts and two pecans, and almond milk</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3255" title="IMG_8037" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8037.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8037" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Voila! Fruit-on-the-bottom cereal.</p>
<p>Around 11, I snacked on half a <strong>Cherry Cashew <a href="http://www.thepurebar.com/">PURE</a> bar</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3256" title="IMG_8038" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8038.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8038" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Read the PURE story <a href="http://www.thepurebar.com/ourstory2.htm">here</a>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3257" title="IMG_8039" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8039.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8039" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Product Review: Cherry Cashew PURE Bar</strong></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">PROS: I love the big hunks of cashews! It&#8217;s not too sweet, and there&#8217;s an almost <strong>coconutty</strong> taste. The ingredient list is short and comprehensive, each something I would eat on its own.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">CONS:  Like Larabars, it&#8217;s pretty greasy! Don&#8217;t get near the computer after eating this.  I also couldn&#8217;t really taste the <strong>cherry</strong> flavor until the aftertaste set in. I&#8217;ve also only seen these in stores once, so they&#8217;re not so easy to find.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Would I buy this again? Yes; it didn&#8217;t feel heavy in my stomach or make my tongue want to fall off from having too much sugar.  It&#8217;s a good alternative to Larabars, and the price is comparable. </span></p>
<p>My boss and I went to <strong>Le Pain Quotidien</strong> for lunch. We both ordered the <strong>smoked salmon tartine with avocado, cucumber, radish and mixed greens</strong>.  (Le Pain Quotidien is a chain, so all of the calorie counts are listed; this clocked in at 350.)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3258" title="IMG_8040" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8040.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8040" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I think I&#8217;ve ordered this before; it was fresh and light and just what I was in the mood for.  I ate everything except for a little of the avocado.</p>
<p>After we went back to the office, I finished up my work for the day and ate <strong>the rest of my PURE bar</strong>.  I got out a little early, so I met up with my lovely, <a href="http://manhattancupcake.blogspot.com/">Caitlin</a>, and we went to <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/ccs-cafe/">CC&#8217;s Café</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3259" title="IMG_8041" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8041.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8041" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We just got<strong> iced chais </strong>(I drink these so fast!), but there were lots of healthy take-out options.  I&#8217;ll definitely be going back here on my lunch break!</p>
<p>A little later, I met up my mom for a much-needed pedicure (I&#8217;ll spare you the photos) and dinner.  We ate at <a href="http://desantos.com.mx/"><strong>De Santos</strong></a>, a little gem I stumbled upon on my walk to the restaurant last week.  There was no one there, so we were led to the <strong>garden</strong> in the back where, even though we were outside, we were protected from the rain.</p>
<p>When we sat down, we were brought <strong>fresh bread, olives and three bean-made, hummus-like spreads</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3260" title="IMG_8043" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8043.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8043" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>At the waiter&#8217;s suggestion, we both ordered a glass of <strong>Nero d&#8217;Avola</strong>.  I&#8217;m usually a white wine kind of a gal, but I felt like a richer red.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3261" title="IMG_8044" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8044.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8044" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I was craving pasta, so I went with what I wanted.  I ordered the <strong>Spinach Fettuccine with Jumbo Shrimp, Zucchini and Lemon Zest</strong>, and substituted a<strong> garlic and oil sauce</strong> for the original curry cream.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3262" title="IMG_8047" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8047.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8047" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>It was delicious; even though I had Pad Thai last night, I was craving fresh pasta and this really hit the spot.  I ate every scrap.</p>
<p>After I got home, showered, and did laundry, I had a bowl of<strong> Greek yogurt with PB2, 1/2 banana and a side of dark chocolate</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3263" title="IMG_8049" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8049.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8049" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>This was so good!  I may repeat it for breakfast in the morning.  Once I&#8217;ve tried PB2 in a few different ways I&#8217;ll do a full review.</p>
<p>Check it out! <a href="http://operationbeautiful.com/">Operation Beautiful</a> <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/lifestyle/orl-operation-beautiful-070109,0,1597297.story">made the paper</a>!  Aimee <a href="http://healthylawyer.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaway-nanas-vegan-cookie-company.html">is giving away</a> Nana&#8217;s cookies! Zesty <a href="http://zestycook.com/a-pom-giveaway/">is giving away</a> POM! What a day. Whew!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m embarrassed to say I&#8217;ve gotten sucked into <strong>NYC Prep</strong>, so I&#8217;m going to get under the covers and watch that now.  Have a great night!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Manic Monday At Home</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/29/manic-monday-at-home/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/29/manic-monday-at-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:46:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[berries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blueberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bread]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coffee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ice cream]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lemonade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lunch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lychee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[noodles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nut butter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oatmeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[product reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rhubarb]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seafood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shrimp]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />It has been a long, long Monday.  I hope you&#8217;ve had a great start to your week&#8230; it should be a short one, no? Any exciting Fourth of July plans?</p>
<p>Last night, I was shocked when Ari took me up on my offer to make him a breakfast cookie. Brace yourself for some majuh [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />It has been a long, long Monday.  I hope you&#8217;ve had a great start to your week&#8230; it should be a short one, no? <strong>Any exciting Fourth of July plans?</strong></p>
<p>Last night, I was shocked when Ari took me up on my offer to make him a <a href="http://www.fitnessista.com/2008/11/something-worth-waking-up-for.html">breakfast cookie</a>. Brace yourself for some majuh cheez: I made <strong>His &amp; Hers cookies</strong> and coffee (I used <strong>almond milk</strong> in mine, on the left&#8230; for some reason it doesn&#8217;t turn the coffee as creamy).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3225" title="IMG_8011" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8011.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8011" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>As I mentioned last night, I had a LOT of reading to do today, so I packed myself up and headed into the city to work in a quieter spot.  When I got there, I was starting to get hungry again, and dug into the <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/some-days-are-better-than-others/">leftover <strong>rhubarb</strong></a> from over a week ago. It may have even been better today!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3226" title="IMG_8012" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8012.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8012" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I worked for a little while before breaking for lunch.  My parents have both been away and I didn&#8217;t know how stocked the house would be, so I brought my own food with me.  I had a can of <strong>Trader Joe&#8217;s Low Sodium Minestrone Soup</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3227" title="IMG_8013" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8013.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8013" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I also brought some fresh <strong>blubes</strong> with me:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3228" title="IMG_8014" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8014.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8014" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>And a container of TJ&#8217;s Organic Greek Style Nonfat honey-flavored yogurt.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3229" title="IMG_8016" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8016.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8016" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Product Review: Trader Joe&#8217;s Organic Greek Style Nonfat Yogurt, Honey flavor</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Nutrition facts, found <a href="http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/trader-joes/organic-greek-style-nonfat-yogurt-honey">here</a>:</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Nutrition Facts<br />
Serving Size: 1 container (150g) </span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="7" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span style="color:#800080;">Amount per Serving</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="1" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="100%">
<table border="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left"><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:9px;">Calories</span> 130</span></td>
<td style="font-size:9px;" align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">Calories from Fat 0</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="6" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="right"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>% Daily Value *</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Total Fat 0g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">0%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Saturated Fat  0g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">0%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Cholesterol 5mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">2%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Sodium 45mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">2%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Potassium 215mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">6%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Total Carbohydrate 18g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">6%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Dietary Fiber  0g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">0%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Sugars  17g</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Protein 13g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">26%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="7" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Calcium</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">15%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Iron</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">4%</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr /><span style="color:#800080;"> Est. Percent of Calories from:<br />
</span></p>
<table style="height:47px;" border="0" width="550" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><strong>Fat</strong> 0.0%                                                     <strong>Carbs</strong> 55.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center"><strong>Protein</strong> 40.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Pros: The honey flavor was subtle and not overpowering, perfectly blended. The $1.19 price tag is pretty seductive, and it felt so good to go Greek again.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Cons: While it was creamy and thick, it wasn&#8217;t nearly as thick as Fage/ Chobani/ Oikos. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Would I buy this again? Yes. Again, the price is much better than the aforementioned Greeks.  Honey was the only flavor of this they had, but I&#8217;m curious to try the others. Overall, I&#8217;d give it a B+.</span></p>
<p>I ate topped the yogurt with <strong>blueberries</strong>, and ate the rest of the carton throughout the afternoon.  (My parents also had half a carton in the fridge, while I gobbled up, too&#8230; I don&#8217;t know what it is with me and finger-fruits, but once I pop I just can&#8217;t stop!)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3231" title="IMG_8018" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8018.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8018" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Product Review: Trader Joe&#8217;s Low Sodium Minestrone Soup</strong></span></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3232" title="IMG_8019" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8019.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8019" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Nutrition Facts (found <a href="http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/trader-joes/low-sodium-minestrone-soup">here</a>):<br />
Serving Size: 1 can (10.75 oz) </span></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="7" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span style="color:#800080;">Amount per Serving</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="1" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="100%">
<table border="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left"><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:9px;">Calories</span> 200</span></td>
<td style="font-size:9px;" align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">Calories from Fat 35</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="6" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="right"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>% Daily Value *</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Total Fat 4g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">6%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Saturated Fat  0.5g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">2%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Monounsaturated Fat  0g</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Polyunsaturated Fat  0g</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Trans Fat  0g</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Cholesterol 0mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">0%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Sodium 140mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">6%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Potassium 0mg</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">0%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Total Carbohydrate 37g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">12%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Dietary Fiber  5g</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">20%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Sugars  6g</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Protein 7</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">14%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<hr size="7" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Vitamin A</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">50%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Vitamin C</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">30%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Calcium</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">6%</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="color:#800080;">Iron</span></td>
<td align="right"><span style="color:#800080;">15%</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr /><span style="color:#800080;"> Est. Percent of Calories from:<br />
</span></p>
<table border="0" width="90%" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><strong>Fat</strong> 18.0%                                                     <strong>Carbs</strong> 74.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center"><strong>Protein</strong> 14.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Pros: I always have a hard time just eating half the can, so I liked how small this was.  It was hearty but not too filling, thick but still had enough flavor for me to taste each ingredient.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Cons: I ended up having to add salt and sriracha sauce to it, defeating the &#8220;low sodium&#8221; purpose. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Would I buy this again? Yes! It&#8217;s handy and portable, and didn&#8217;t weigh down my purse like a regular-sized (15-16 oz) can. </span></p>
<p>I spent the rest of the afternoon reading on the couch with Charley, who looks more like a mop than a poodle right now.  But ain&#8217;t he cute?</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3233" title="IMG_8020" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8020.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8020" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know who perked up more when UPS dropped this package outside, but Charley and I made it to the door at the same time.  My <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com">PB2</a> arrived!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3235" title="IMG_8022" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8022.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8022" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I can&#8217;t wait to try this out.  Knowing I&#8217;d be carrying these in my bag tonight, I didn&#8217;t want to open the packages. I used some of our Co-Op crunchy peanut butter when I made my <strong>toasted PB&amp;J</strong> snack instead.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3236" title="IMG_8023" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8023.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8023" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After working some more, I did something totally un-food related. I used <a href="http://www.getsmoothaway.com/"><strong>Smooth Away</strong></a>! There have been ads all over for this recently so I figured I&#8217;d try it out.  It&#8217;s marketed as a &#8220;pain free&#8221; hair removal kit suitable for men and women alike.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3234" title="IMG_8021" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8021.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8021" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Product Review: Smooth Away</strong></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Each kit comes with:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#800080;">1 large applicator</span></li>
<li><span style="color:#800080;">1 small applicator</span></li>
<li><span style="color:#800080;">5 large replacement strips</span></li>
<li><span style="color:#800080;">5 small replacement strips</span></li>
<li><span style="color:#800080;">travel case</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Pros: You don&#8217;t have to get in the shower to use this (although you <em>are</em> supposed to wet your legs and then dry them first), so if you only have to shave your legs you don&#8217;t have to don&#8217;t have to go through with the whole shebang.  I&#8217;m also the person who still, after 10 years of shaving, nicks myself almost every time I use a razer. No risk of that with this!  Smooth Away also exfoliates dead skin cells; I have really dry legs which cause additional problems when I shave. After &#8220;smoothing,&#8221; my legs were smooth without any dry skin.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Cons: You can&#8217;t do this if you only have 10 minutes, because it takes a LONG time. You have to Smooth in patches, so it takes a while to make your way through each leg. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;">Would I buy this again? Yes, but I&#8217;ll probably keep a razor on hand anyway for when I&#8217;m in a rush.</span></p>
<p>When my parents got home from work, we went to <a href="http://www.surathaikitchen.com/info.html">Sura</a> for dinner.  I started with a glass of <strong>Sauvignon Blanc</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3237" title="IMG_8025" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8025.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8025" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>My dad got a tall glass of <strong>fresh lychee lemonade</strong>, which tasted like <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/bits-and-pieces/">the cocktails</a> in Berlin. So refreshing! I&#8217;m getting this next time.<br />
<span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3239" title="IMG_8027" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8027.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8027" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We ordered the appetizer sampler to share: <strong>Boston Lettuce Wraps</strong> with young ginger, shallot, roasted peanuts and toasted coconut; <strong>Coconut-Crusted Prawns</strong> with mixed greens and sweet chili sauce; and <strong>Virgin Summer Rolls</strong> with marinated tofu, carrot, jicama, glass noodles, sweet basil and horseradish peanut plum sauce<span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#000000;">.</span></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3238" title="IMG_8026" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8026.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8026" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We split two entrées three ways- <strong>Jumbo prawns in rice vermicelli noodles with scallions and mushrooms</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3240" title="IMG_8029" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8029.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8029" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>And a classic:<strong> Pad Thai with shrimp and tofu</strong>.  I haven&#8217;t had &#8220;real&#8221; Pad Thai in so long&#8230; it was worth it!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3241" title="IMG_8030" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8030.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8030" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I had a little of each dish&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3242" title="IMG_8032" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8032.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8032" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>&#8230; and went back for another shrimp and a few Pad Thai noodles.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3243" title="IMG_8033" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8033.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8033" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>For dessert, I had a <strong>Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich</strong> at home.  It tasted like the freezer, but it was still good!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3244" title="IMG_8034" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8034.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_8034" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>My dad was nice enough to drive me home (for some reason I always end up with extra bags filled with stuff whenever I go home), and a little while after I got there, Ari&#8217;s sister brought over the newest member of our household:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3245" title="IMG_8035" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_8035.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_8035" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>Yes, we now have a <a href="https://www.slapchop.com/ver6/"><strong>Slap Chop</strong></a>.  Prepare yourselves.</p>
<p>Tomorrow&#8217;s going to be a long day&#8230; I&#8217;m going to try to squeeze in a workout before my internship, but I have a feeling the Snooze button will get the better of me.  <strong>Thanks for all your input on sleep&#8230; as my mom pointed out, it seems like a lot of you get to bed early! Kudos, and I hope to join you in that schedule soon!<br />
</strong></p>
<p>Bonne nuit <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>I-I-Ikea!</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/24/i-i-ikea/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/24/i-i-ikea/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banana]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[chocolate]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Heya, heyo! Good morning and happy humpday!  I woke up waaaaay too late this morning (midnight showing of Transformers, while fun, was not the best move) and have to be out the door in 8 minutes? Think I can do it? Countdown from 10, 9, 8&#8230;.</p>
<p>Monday night I ended up staying up really [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Heya, heyo! Good morning and happy humpday!  I woke up waaaaay too late this morning (midnight showing of <em><strong>Transformers</strong></em>, while fun, was not the best move) and have to be out the door in 8 minutes? Think I can do it? Countdown from 10, 9, 8&#8230;.</p>
<p>Monday night I ended up staying up really late reading for my internship, so I made a midnight snack of a<strong> Kids Flatout, peanut butter, cinnamon and blueberries</strong>. PB&amp;J goes fresh!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3126" title="IMG_7909" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7909.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7909" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>In the morning, I woke up to a <strong>Bullseye Breakfast Cookie</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3127" title="IMG_7911" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7911.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7911" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<ul>
<li>1/3 cup oats</li>
<li>1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder</li>
<li>1/2 banana</li>
<li>1.5 tsp PB</li>
<li>cinnamon</li>
<li>blueberries</li>
<li>1 prune</li>
</ul>
<p>Then Ari and I hit the road and went to&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3128" title="IMG_7913" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7913.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7913" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>IKEA! I&#8217;d never been before yesterday, and let me just say: holy moly.  It was a little overwhelming, but we got what we went there to get (pictures to show later when everything is all set up).</p>
<p>I was starting to get cranky from being hungry, so I sent myself to the food court to get a <strong>salad</strong> (<strong>mixed greens, carrots, beets, black beans, tomatoes, cukes</strong>) with honey mustard + Italian dressing on the side.  <strong>Dinner roll</strong> wasn&#8217;t great, but it was hungry (and cheap!).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3129" title="IMG_7914" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7914.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7914" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I finally spotted the legendary <strong>fat-free fro-yo</strong>&#8230; lived up to the hype!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3130" title="IMG_7916" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7916.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7916" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>When we got home I was going through one of my tired spells, so I conked out for almost two hours.  When I woke up, I had some <strong>cherries</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3131" title="IMG_7918" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7918.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7918" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I did some work for a few more hours, then caved and ordered delivery.  We need groceries like whoa!  We ordered Greek, so I got a <strong>grilled salmon salad</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3132" title="IMG_7920" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7920.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7920" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>And a <strong>spinach pie</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3133" title="IMG_7921" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7921.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7921" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>The spinach pie kind of tasted like feet, but I ate the whole thing.  I only had about 1/3 of the salad, so I know what I&#8217;ll be eating for lunch!</p>
<p>Dessert was <strong>German chocolate and dried fruit</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3134" title="IMG_7922" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7922.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7922" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><em><strong>Transformers</strong></em> was eh&#8230; lots of gratuitous Megan Fox shots and way too many CGI battle scenes, but it wasn&#8217;t horrible.</p>
<p>Alright, my 8 minutes are up! Have a great day <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Around the blogs: Wanna win some applesauce? Head over to <a href="http://www.hangrypants.com/2009/06/she-says-giveaway-alert-musselmans-healthy-picks-apple-sauce/comment-page-1/#comment-21372">Hangry Heather and Mark&#8217;s blog</a> and check it out!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Some Days Are Better Than Others</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/22/some-days-are-better-than-others/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/06/22/some-days-are-better-than-others/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:39:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=3083</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, girls and boys! I hope you&#8217;ve all had lovely weekends and Father&#8217;s Days, and are starting your Mondays feeling refreshed and ready to begin the week.  Yesterday (Sunday) was, frankly, a really bad day.  Work was just awful. I don&#8217;t want to dwell on it, and I hate &#8220;bringing my work [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Good morning, girls and boys! I hope you&#8217;ve all had lovely weekends and Father&#8217;s Days, and are starting your Mondays feeling refreshed and ready to begin the week.  Yesterday (Sunday) was, frankly, a really bad day.  Work was just awful. I don&#8217;t want to dwell on it, and I hate &#8220;bringing my work home with me,&#8221; so suffice it to say that I cannot wait for the day when I don&#8217;t have to wait tables to support myself. What a dream.  <em>Saturday</em>, however, was perfect, so let&#8217;s start there instead.</p>
<p>Saturday&#8217;s breakfast was strange: <strong>sweet, sour &amp; nutty oats. </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3084" title="IMG_7847" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7847.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7847" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup oats</li>
<li>1/2 cup waters</li>
<li>1 banana</li>
<li>1 plum</li>
<li>1 scoop PB</li>
<li>cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<p>Somehow, the sweetness of the banana and the tart, fleshiness of the plum worked really well.  I didn&#8217;t even remember that I hadn&#8217;t put any brown sugar or honey in to sweeten it!</p>
<p>After I ate breakfast and Ari had lunch (I&#8217;ve been getting up a lot earlier than he has and had breakfast so I can keep myself on a remotely normal schedule), we headed into the city to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1119646/"><em><strong>The Hangover</strong></em></a>.  It was a lot funnier than I expected it to be,  but very foul, so if you get offended by college potty humor, I&#8217;d think twice before seeing it.</p>
<p>At the theater, we split a bag of <strong>Haribo gummies</strong> that I brought back from the Duty Free Shop at the airport in Berlin for precisely this reason.  Yeah, that&#8217;s a lot of gummies.  I also had a sip of Ari&#8217;s <strong>Coke Zero</strong>, but mostly stuck to slamming gummies <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3085" title="IMG_7848" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7848.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7848" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We had a late lunch at a make-your-own salad place nearby. Unfortunately, despite the many promising ingredients, it was one of the worst salads I&#8217;ve ever had.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3086" title="IMG_7849" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7849.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7849" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>In the bowl, went:</p>
<ul>
<li>mixed greens</li>
<li>grilled shrimp (about 20)</li>
<li>blue cheese (&#8220;a little&#8221; ended up looking more like 1/2 cup)</li>
<li>walnuts (another 1/2 cup)</li>
<li>roasted red peppers</li>
<li>corn</li>
<li>fat free honey mustard dressing</li>
</ul>
<p>I ended up picking out a lot of the nuts and cheese, and a couple shrimp.  I was so upset I didn&#8217;t ask for the dressing on the side, because there was an inch-deep pool of it at the bottom and everything was dripping. Yuck!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3087" title="IMG_7850" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7850.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7850" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>But,<strong> Tasty D Lite</strong> (sorry, <em><strong>The Lite Choice</strong></em>) made it all better.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3088" title="IMG_7851" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7851.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7851" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I got a small cup of <strong>hazelnut fudge</strong> topped with<strong> chocolate chips</strong>.  (I knocked a lot of the chips into the trash&#8230; there were so many that I couldn&#8217;t taste the ice cream!)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3089" title="IMG_7854" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7854.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7854" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>After satisfying our sweet teeth, we went home to make a nice dinner for my mom. While shopping for groceries, we saw some <a href="http://www.veggiepatch.com/">copy cats</a>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3090" title="IMG_7855" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7855.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7855" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I was really excited about this dinner.  Ever since I saw <a href="http://eatliverun.com">Jenna</a>&#8216;s <a href="http://eatliverun.com/spontaneous-entertaining/">take on grouper</a>, I knew I had to try it!  The seafood department at my grocery store didn&#8217;t have grouper, so I got some <strong>halibut</strong> (&#8220;This is a fancy fish,&#8221; my mom said) instead.</p>
<p>I followed <a href="http://eatliverun.com">Jenna</a>&#8216;s instructions and <strong>marinated four filets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh rosemary and oregano</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3093" title="IMG_7859" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7859.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7859" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Instead of traditional basil pesto, I went with <a href="http://www.cibonaturals.com/">Cibo Naturals</a>&#8216; <strong>Cilantro Lime Pesto</strong>.  I&#8217;ve used this brand before&#8230; they have a lot of interesting pestos and spreads. I smeared a dollop of this onto each filet:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3094" title="IMG_7860" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7860.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7860" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Then<strong> I topped each piece with chopped sundried tomatoes, mixed olives, and a smidgen of feta</strong>.  (For Ari, who doesn&#8217;t like things that are &#8220;white and creamy,&#8221; I used mozzarella, as per his request.  His filet is the white monster second from the top.)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3095" title="IMG_7863" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7863.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7863" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p><strong>I baked the fish at 375 for about 15 minutes, or until a knife can be easily inserted into the center.</strong> What a pretty fish!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3097" title="IMG_7872" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7872.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7872" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3096" title="IMG_7867" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7867.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7867" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I also sautéed some <strong>mushrooms</strong> up for Ari (cooking spray, salt &amp; pepper) and made a simple <strong>romaine/tomato salad</strong> with a <strong>dressing of white garlic basil vinegar, lemon-infused olive oil, grey poupon mustard, Newman&#8217;s Own limeade, and a pinch of ginger powder</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3098" title="IMG_7875" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7875.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7875" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>A nice dinner is not complete without nice bread; I had a hunk of <strong>toasted baguette</strong> and dipped it in a little <strong>Extra Virgin Olive Oil</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3099" title="IMG_7876" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7876.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7876" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>To drink, we had some <strong><a href="http://kauribay.com/">Kauri Bay</a> Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc</strong> that my friend Howard gave me.  It was very light and fresh, but a little spicy at the same time. It complemented the meal perfectly!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3091" title="IMG_7857" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7857.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7857" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>My mom picked up a delicious <strong>chocolate cake</strong> from <strong>Citarella&#8217;s</strong> for dessert.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3101" title="IMG_7881" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7881.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7881" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We almost didn&#8217;t cut it in time&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3100" title="IMG_7879" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7879.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7879" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>It was made with three kinds of chocolate. Nomnomnom.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3102" title="IMG_7882" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7882.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7882" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After dinner, <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">I fell asleep while</span> we all watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190590/"><em>O Brother, Where Art Thou?</em></a>. The concert that emerged from this movie was one of the first ones I ever saw!  We stayed the night with my mommy, too, which was very nice.</p>
<p>And then Sunday started. I woke up 45 minutes late, fifteen minutes before I was supposed to leave to work the brunch shift at work.  I still managed to make myself look halfway- decent, and whip up a good breakfast before racing out the door.</p>
<p>I&#8217;d made some <span style="color:#800000;"><strong>rhubarb</strong></span> the night before, which I&#8217;d planned to use as a side dish but decided at the last minute to use it for breakfast instead.  I used a <strong>12-oz bag of frozen &#8216;barb and cooked it in 2/3 cup water, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 garlic clove, and 1 tsp of sugar</strong>.   The garlic was quite a kick at 8:30 in the morning!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3103" title="IMG_7884" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7884.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7884" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Into the breakfast bowl went:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 container Fage 0%</li>
<li>blueberries</li>
<li>rhubarb</li>
<li>pecans</li>
<li>honey</li>
</ul>
<p>At work, I had one of my <strong>snack baggies</strong> I prepared, thanks to <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/the-wrath-of-veggie/">your suggestions</a>. Each has a handful of <strong>Puffins, diced dried apricots, prunes and figs, raisins and almonds. </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3092" title="IMG_7858" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7858.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7858" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I also had a small slice of of <strong>French toast</strong> made with baguette (not pictured), and an <strong>egg white omelet with veggies</strong>.  I had a couple <strong>potatoes</strong>, but ended up having to stay an hour later than normal so the rest of them got cold.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3104" title="IMG_7885" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7885.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7885" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>As I said, work was not so great&#8230; it happens.  I&#8217;m just lucky the restaurant is only a couple blocks away from my gym, because I really, really needed to burn off steam, and if it had been any further away I would have just gone home and stewed instead.</p>
<p>My workout was great, and was just what the doctor ordered.  I warmed up with <strong>20 minutes on the stairs</strong>, then did some <strong>arm work</strong>, <strong>35 minutes on the bike</strong>, and one ab machine afterwards.</p>
<p><span style="color:#000080;">Total time: 1 hour 13 minutes<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080;">Maximum heart rate: 185<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080;">Average heart rate: 149<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080;">Calories burned: 647</span></p>
<p>My body was still really sore from <a href="http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/hitting-the-streets-with-operation-beautiful/">&#8220;HPF&#8221;</a> on Friday, and this pushed me over the edge. But, I get to be very demanding in terms of getting back massages!</p>
<p>When I went home, I made the most comforting meal I know: <strong><a href="http://glidingcalm.wordpress.com/">Gliding Calm</a> tofu, a sweet potato with honey and cinnamon, and brown rice</strong>.  For some reason, the tofu was a little dryer than usual, so I dipped it in <strong>Annie&#8217;s Lite Gingerly Vinaigrette</strong>. Perfect! (And if you&#8217;re wondering what&#8217;s on that little cracker, you&#8217;ll have to read on&#8230;)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3107" title="IMG_7891" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7891.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7891" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I also snacked on a <strong>red bell pepper</strong> while getting dinner ready&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3105" title="IMG_7886" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7886.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7886" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>&#8230;and making some of <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/">Gena</a>&#8216;s <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/my-favorite-summertime-lunch/"><strong>favorite guacamole</strong></a>!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3106" title="IMG_7887" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7887.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7887" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Lunch is going to be pretty damn fine!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3111" title="IMG_7894" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7894.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7894" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Last night ended up making up for a not-so-great day.  Ari and I had some wine and watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125849/"><em><strong>The Wrestler</strong></em></a>, which we both liked a lot.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3109" title="IMG_7892" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7892.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7892" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I&#8217;m a big believer that starting the morning right will help shape your day into a great one.  Last night, I stuck this guy into the fridge in hopes of besting yesterday&#8217;s ickiness.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3110" title="IMG_7893" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_7893.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7893" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Jim was made up of:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/3 cup oats</li>
<li>1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder</li>
<li>1/2 banana</li>
<li>2 T skim milk</li>
<li>1.5 t peanut butter</li>
<li>cinnamon</li>
<li>apricot eyes, pecan nose, blueberry smile</li>
</ul>
<p>The forecast looks good: today is going to be a good day.  I have to do some reading for my internship, but I like doing that.</p>
<p>Have a great day!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Roadside Rituals</title>
		<link>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/05/20/roadside-rituals/</link>
		<comments>http://lilveggiepatch.com/2009/05/20/roadside-rituals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 04:33:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lilveggiepatch</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lilveggiepatch.wordpress.com/?p=2522</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Well friends, after a 1300 mile drive, I&#8217;m finally home! New York has never smelled so sweet, in a Riverside Park-meets-trash night kind of way.  There are so many things to do, foods to cook, people to see&#8230; but right now curling up in bed with a book is all I want to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="top" />Well friends, after a 1300 mile drive, I&#8217;m finally home! New York has never smelled so sweet, in a Riverside Park-meets-trash night kind of way.  There are so many things to do, foods to cook, people to see&#8230; but right now curling up in bed with a book is all I want to do.</p>
<p>We didn&#8217;t have internet at the B&amp;B we stayed at last night, so this is going to be a pretty long road-journal.  Bear with me!</p>
<p>Yesterday, after sleeping like a rock for a good 8 hours, my aunt made me and my dad a scrumptious breakfast of <strong>scrambled eggs, toast with Brummel &amp; Brown</strong> (I first learned about this spread from her about 10 years ago)&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2523" title="IMG_7125" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7125.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7125" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Fresh strawberries</strong> and <strong>blueberries</strong> with <strong>whipped cream</strong> (which I mostly ate around):</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2524" title="IMG_7126" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7126.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7126" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Lots of <strong>coffee</strong> but only a sip of the<strong> OJ</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2525" title="IMG_7130" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7130.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7130" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We had excellent dining companions.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2526" title="IMG_7131" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7131.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7131" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Scotty tried to lick up my whipped cream&#8230; I was just a little bit faster.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2527" title="IMG_7132" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7132.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7132" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>When we finally got our booties on the road, we pulled off the highway about two minutes later in search of a Barnes &amp; Noble.  We always try to pick up a book or two to remember our trips by.  I needed a little pick me up so I got a <strong>grande no whip mocha light frappuccino</strong>.  I never get these, but for some reason I was in the mood.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2528" title="IMG_7133" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7133.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7133" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>After an irritating look around McDonald&#8217;s, we realized that unless I wanted a mini Fruit &#8216;n Yogurt Parfait for lunch, there wasn&#8217;t going to be anything I could eat there.  So we went back to <strong>Subway</strong> for the second lunch in a row; I got a <strong>tuna with one slice of pepper jack, all the veggies, and fat free honey mustard on honey oat bread. </strong>I also got a <strong>Light &amp; Fit yogurt</strong> (which has an unbelievably long ingredients list) but no soda this time.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2529" title="IMG_7134" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7134.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7134" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I snacked on a <strong>Chocolate Peanut Clif Mojo Dipped </strong>bar in the car, while listening to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Small-Things-Novel/dp/0812979656/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1242877902&amp;sr=8-1">our book</a> on tape.  This was so good! It tasted just like a candy bar (which, I guess, it kind of is).  I would definitely buy this again.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2530" title="IMG_7135" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7135.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7135" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We stopped in Knox, Pennsylvania for the night.  We always stay at the same Bed &amp; Breakfast, go to the same restaurant for dinner and the same drive-in for ice cream&#8230;</p>
<p>At the <a href="http://www.visitfoxburg.com/">Allegheny Grille,</a> we started out with <strong>dinner rolls</strong> (I split two minis with my dad: one <strong>onion herb</strong>, one <strong>whole wheat</strong>).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2532" title="IMG_7138" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7138.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7138" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We both got a <strong>mixed spring greens salad with walnuts, blue cheese, and dried cranberries</strong>, with <strong>strawberry vinaigrette</strong> on the side:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2531" title="IMG_7137" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7137.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7137" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>There was an absurd amount of cheese; I left most of it but still enjoyed the full blue cheese experience.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2533" title="IMG_7139" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7139.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7139" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>For my entrée, I ordered <strong>grilled salmon with sesame teriyaki sauce on the side, steamed asparagus, and rice pilaf</strong>.  I ate all the asparagus, 2/3 of the salmon, and 1/2 of the rice</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2534" title="IMG_7140" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7140.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7140" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We saved room for dessert.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2535" title="IMG_7142" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7142.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7142" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I got a cup of <strong>sugar-free vanilla yogurt with hot fudge and Reese&#8217;s PB cups</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2536" title="IMG_7143" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7143.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7143" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>My dad got a banana split.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2537" title="IMG_7144" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7144.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7144" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We look forward to this all year, and it never disappoints!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2538" title="IMG_7145" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7145.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7145" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>We got in to the B&amp;B around 9:30.  It&#8217;s a beautiful old farmhouse that&#8217;s been converted into rooms&#8230; we always get the same ones, in a barn.  It&#8217;s so cozy inside!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2539" title="IMG_7148" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7148.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7148" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119361/"><em>In The Company of Men</em></a> in the living room.  The writer/director is one of my favorites, but I can promise that you will never be comfortable during or after watching any of his films or plays.</p>
<p>I had the best of intentions this morning to get up and go for a nice run.  (The most exercise I&#8217;ve gotten in the last three days is changing gears or unwrapping gum. It&#8217;s also a really beautiful part of Pennsylvania, and it&#8217;s a pretty rural area so there&#8217;s almost no one on the road.)  I woke up, put on my workout clothes and HRM, but then, somehow, I woke up two hours later. Whoops!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2540" title="IMG_7149" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7149.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7149" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>The woman who runs the B&amp;B knows how much we love her <strong>pumpkin pancakes</strong>, so she makes them for us every time we stay.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2541" title="IMG_7151" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7151.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7151" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Nothing beats <strong>real maple syrup</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2542" title="IMG_7152" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7152.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7152" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>Again, I had a lot of <strong>coffee</strong>, but I&#8217;ve found that juice is just too sweet for me in the morning.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2543" title="IMG_7153" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7153.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7153" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After breakfast, I finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Assistant-Ann-Patchett/dp/0156006219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1242878954&amp;sr=8-1">my book</a> while lounging in the great outdoors.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2544" title="IMG_7155" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7155.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7155" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>My dad and I took a walk and explored.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2545" title="IMG_7159" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7159.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7159" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We saw a lot of cows:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2546" title="IMG_7167" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7167.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7167" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Can you imagine hauling that around with you? Poor mama!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2547" title="IMG_7169" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7169.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7169" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>But without mamas, we wouldn&#8217;t have these cuties.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2548" title="IMG_7171" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7171.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7171" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Once again, as soon as we finally got a move on and started driving, we decided we were hungry again and went to <strong>Perkin&#8217;s</strong> for lunch. I&#8217;d had too much coffee (which has the adverse affect and puts me to sleep), so I got an <strong>unsweetened iced tea</strong> instead.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2549" title="IMG_7172" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7172.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7172" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>They don&#8217;t have veggie burgers or salads, so I decided to go with more breakfast food.  The waitress was very nice and let me substitute the hash browns and muffin for a <strong>side salad</strong> (which I ate dry)&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2550" title="IMG_7174" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7174.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7174" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>&#8230;and a small bowl of <strong>fruit</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2552" title="IMG_7176" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7176.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7176" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I ordered an <strong>Egg Beater omelet with broccoli, onions, green pepper and cheddar.</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2551" title="IMG_7175" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7175.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7175" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>The cheddar turned out to be &#8220;cheese product,&#8221; which I did my best to scrape off.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2553" title="IMG_7177" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7177.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7177" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>A couple hours later, the Golden Arches called our names&#8230; once you go Mickey D&#8217;s <strong>soft-serve</strong>, I don&#8217;t know if you can go back.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2554" title="IMG_7178" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7178.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7178" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>I snacked on a <strong>banana</strong> when we were stuck in traffic, which was 100% out of boredom.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2555" title="IMG_7179" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7179.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7179" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>We got home around 8:30 and unpacked the car and were at our favorite Japanese restaurant by 9:15.  I was starving, so I ordered my usual Bento Box.  It comes with<strong> miso soup</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2556" title="IMG_7180" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7180.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7180" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><strong>Salad, shrimp &amp; veggie tempurah, tuna &amp; salmon sashimi, California rolls. </strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2557" title="IMG_7182" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7182.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7182" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>I swapped one of my salmon sashimi pieces for this little bite of heaven.  I think it&#8217;s <strong>yellowtail</strong>, and is stuffed with a leaf that tastes like a combination of <strong>mint + cilantro</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2558" title="IMG_7184" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7184.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7184" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>After dinner, I <em>really</em> wanted to want ice cream.  I tried so hard that both I and my dad picked up different kinds of fro-yo&#8230; but I think I may have over ice-creamed in the last few days.  I&#8217;d bought this<strong> fruit salad</strong> to have for tomorrow, but it was all the sweet I wanted tonight.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2560" title="IMG_7188" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7188.jpg?w=300" alt="IMG_7188" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>When I finally got a chance to go through the mail, I found a package from <a href="http://itzyskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-giveaway.html">Erica</a>.  A few weeks ago I won the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/PETAs-Vegan-College-Cookbook-Delicious/dp/1402218850">PETA Vegan College Cookbook</a> from a contest she was hosting.  It&#8217;s gotten mixed reviews in the blogosphere, but some recipes look pretty interesting (Boozy Beer Bread, Ice Cream Frizzle Drizzle, PB&amp;C No-Bake Cookies).  <a href="http://itzyskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-giveaway.html">Erica</a> also snuck in two of my favorite Larabars&#8230; she&#8217;s the best.  Thanks again, <a href="http://itzyskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-giveaway.html">Erica</a>!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2559" title="IMG_7187" src="http://lilveggiepatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/img_7187.jpg?w=225" alt="IMG_7187" width="225" height="300" /></p>
<p>By the time I am now finishing, two hours after I started, the book-in-bed scenario seems far less likely than the crash-in-bed-with-contacts-in-and-makeup-on alternative.</p>
<p>Before you go, check out <a href="http://prettygreengirl.com/2009/05/19/pretty-green-giveaway-wholesoy-co/">Pretty Green Girl&#8217;s Whole Soy giveaway.</a></p>
<p>I hope you&#8217;ve had a very happy humpday! See you tomorrow <img src='http://lilveggiepatch.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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