1st Days of Spring

Holy Crickets.. Nothing like skipping out for the whole week, eh? 

First of all- I want to wish you a Happy First Day of Spring!

Apparently RI didn’t get the memo.. and we woke up to “First Day of Spring” Snow.. 

Which was really a bummer because two days before I was brushing off the stuff too

Fingers crossed Spring really does decide to head on over.. we are WAITING!

You know you wanna ;)

 In the meantime, I’m working on getting more protein in my diet.. and more balanced meals over all. One of my lunches 

A can of tuna with salt, pepper, onion and hot sauce with cucumber slices for easy transport into my belly.. and carrots of course. 

This last week I was a snack monster. I couldn’t get enough food- maybe it was because of my period.. but I also think I’ve been lacking balance in my meals. Since I started cutting back on dairy- my breakfasts have been lacking protein and substance.. but I really hadn’t been replacing that void. This week I’m keeping better tabs on things and also focusing on water intake, adequate sleep, and actually sitting down at meal times (instead of eating standing up at the kitchen counter on the run).

It really is a challenge to fuel yourself properly when your a fitness instructor. Add in waitressing (where you have no breaks and have to inhale food when your hungry- most  of the time standing up) and you have a dangerous combo.. Not only do I eat quickly, but I’m constantly eating on the run, having snacks to hold me over (because I can’t teach/workout with a full or empty tummy) until mealtimes, and then eating super late and going right to bed.. It is a mess!

It’s time to find the balance!

On Friday James and I played hooky.. and had some much needed time together- we started off with an amazing lunch at a little italian deli James has been wanting to take me to.. And while we had an amazing spread- my phone had a fit and wouldn’t let me take any pictures.. BOO.. It was amazing home cooked food.. YUM.. 

Followed by a little dessert

 Cappuccino Crunch and Raspberry Gelato 

Tuna’s first off-leash hike!

We made some spicy italian sausage (as per my family- and now James’s tradition)

We closed out the night with a little movie action

Saturday, James and I both had to work, though he was out of the house much earlier than I was (somewhere around 5AM)

I still got up around 7 and headed out for my “long” run of the week before heading to work

(WOW my legs were exhausted for the rest of the weekend)

I had a pretty awful day at work (Quite the pattern.. I’m in the market for a new one)

But James and I had dinner and headed out for a little drinky, drink.

(Yes it’s the same ginger martini.. I’m in love)

For the first time ever, I made bar friends! James and I had the best conversation with two gentleman, both named Richard. I’m pretty sure we are all besties forever now.  

(I possibly had a bit too much to drink.. since our BFFs insisted on buying us a few.. )

I don’t have a single picture of Sunday- We did some mundane things.. like clean the entire refrigerator, vacuum and clean my car, bought Tuna some new dog food (we suspect that he has some food allergies- to chicken and eggs so far) So far, so good- no face itching or “digestive upset” Woohoo!. Went out to breakfast (I most definitely had some bites of James blueberry pancakes).. Had a real Sunday dinner (Leg of lamb in the crockpot with steamed brussels sprouts and salad) and got some rest on the couch with a couple of movies.

       

The perfect ending to a busy week!

Today

Started out with a monster cup of coffee, two eggs and a banana. Followed by a little workout- courtesy of ZWOW 61.

Then there was a frenzy of cleaning and errands- crossing off an entire page full of “To-do’s” There was a little break for lunch

Leftovers on salad- simple and awesome.

While eating lunch, I continued to read 

The book FINALLY made it to the library (I ordered it at least a month ago) and even though I’m only partially through the book- I love it.. I may have to purchase my own copy! 

Product Review: “Sweet Heat” Cookbook

Hey guys- coming to you today with a little review! A little over 2 months ago I received a copy of Sweet Heat: Cooking with Jenkins Jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly

By Hillary Danner and Maria Newman  

You may remember the first Review I did for them way back in August. (Go check it out for all the highlights! or visit http://jenkinsjellies.com for more info about the jellies themselves) I was a jelly hater turned lover  after trying their products- I had no idea that jelly could be a Spicy delicious condiment perfect for toping everything from tofu, eggs, veggies and grilled cheese!

So when I was asked if I wanted to try out and review the new cookbook- I was more than happy to oblige. 

I LOVE getting packages in the mail.. Its one of those small things in life that I will never tire of (You can keep the bills though) Upon cracking the binding of the book I came across a cute little message from the authors

(Well thanks ladies.. I think I will have Happy Hell Fire!) 

Turn a few more pages and you get a background of just who these wonderful ladies are and how the company got started- with a couple of super cute pictures to go along with the story. 

Then it’s time for the good stuff- the food! Appetizers, Sauces & Dips, Sides & Salads, Main Dishes, Desserts & Treats, Drinks, and More Sweet Heat Jellies (which features the other flavors of jellies in a handful or recipes) There is a little something for everyone- and in case you didn’t think some of the recipe titles intrigued you- there are amazing full color pictures with EACH recipe! I may have drooled on my book a bit.. Sorry girls :)

I marked all of the recipes that I wanted to try right away- Yes I want to try all of them.. but just like any other cookbook I’ve ever owned (Which believe me has been a lot!) I like to find the ones that not only stand out- but have the potential to “Spice” up ingredients that I use and eat all the time. 

But I had a little problem..

I had forgotten to purchase the jelly ahead of time- which meant I had to wait (almost two weeks mind you, the torture!) for a jar to come in since it is not yet sold in my state. (More on this later)

Finally, the jelly arrived and I decided on Roasted Brussels Sprouts straight away

Oh my! James and eat out fair share of brussels sprouts but this is by far one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. The combo of sweet and a little sticky with the spicy kick, over the slightly browned edges with make your mouth sing. (lucky for you this isn’t a Vlog)

Next up: Baked Sweet (Heat) Potatoes

For this recipe, the pepper jelly is mixed right in with the sour cream as the topping for your sweet potato with a few chopped nuts for some crunch. I thought this was a nice twist on an old favorite. You know.. Kind of like those sweet potato casseroles that you have during the holidays with the nuts and caramelized sweetness.. but with some sassafras! 

Some of my other favorites

-Creamy Dreamy Dip

The most addicting dip for veggies, crackers, or fingers you’ll ever taste.. Seriously- you can’t stop until it’s gone.. 

- Coleslaw for the Soul 

-Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes

-White Hot Bianca Pizza 

-Pepper Jelly S'mores

There is a good amount of variety in the book. It’s contents highlight the quality and absolute versatility of the product- without over complicated or time consuming application. Most of the recipes are simple, quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients- which to me means your more likely to come back to use these recipes again and again. 

Also, throughout the book there are these fun little nuggets of info in “Did you know” boxes like this one “Chili peppers are addicting! Endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, are released to combat the capsaicin-induced heat factor. This creates a feeling of well-being… and then we want more!”

And

“Peppers are part of the fruit family and not vegetable. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamin A to keep your eyes nice and healthy!” 

So, if your looking to add a little spice to your life.. Go Purchase your copy of Sweet Heat today! 

AND

Visit http://jenkinsjellies.com

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There is just one thing that I didn’t love- Shipping cost of the Jellies themselves. The price of the Jellies are reasonable for the quality and contents, (All natural, mostly organic, completely delicious) however the shipping costs were astronomical.. I’m talking $12 for one jar to be shipped to my home- making the cost of the jellies $24 a jar. I’m not sure if this is the universal shipping cost or just because I live on the other side of the country? But it is a bummer! So here’s to crossed fingers and toes that this stuff becomes available in stores here in RI- Are you reading this WHOLEFOODS?! 

But seriously.. go grab some anyway- and a copy of the book...they really are worth it- I promise 

Thank You to Jenkins Jellies and the folks over at Crier Communications! 

*Disclaimer: Jenkins Jellies Provided me a copy of Sweet Heat, Cooking with Jenkins Jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly for free to sample and review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own*