Friday, January 28, 2011

Another reason I love Readymade...

Sometimes I find myself just wanting things...on the top of the list right now is a new bike. I then often translate this into needing things. Like I need that oxo salad chopper. How can I make a proper chopped salad without it? Besides staying away from those black holes of consumerism (Target), this process would undoubtedly turn me off of overzealous shopping:

http://www.readymade.com/blog/fashion/2011/01/05/why_its_worth_it_financial_friskiness?sssdmh=dm17.503422&esrc=nwrmu&email=1645652591

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Spaghetti Squash with Yogurt "Alfredo"

My friend Cory gave me this super-easy recipe. I love Alfredo sauce (who doesn't?), but it really can't be a frequent part of any healthy diet. This recipe is really tasty and different and clocks in at about 130 calories a serving, a bit more if you add sauteed veggies. Of course it doesn't taste exactly like an authentic Alfredo, but it is satisfying.

Serves 2 as a large main dish with leftovers.

1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
2 tbsp. Greek or plain yogurt (I used 2% Greek)
2 wedges laughing cow cheese (I used original swiss flavor)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper
olive oil
any veggies you wish to include (I had an onion and pepper)

1. Place squash cut side down in large dish. Add a few tablespoons of water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave about 8 minutes, depending on the size of squash.
2. Saute vegetables if using.
3. Add garlic for the last minute of cooking.
4. In a small bowl combine yogurt and cheese (you could add more spices here if desired).
5. Microwave about 30 seconds and stir.
6. Drizzle squash halves with olive oil and scrape strands into large bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add veggies and sauce and mix.

A New Year

One of my (many) resolutions this year is to update this blog more. I am aiming for once a week. I hope to include more interesting tidbits and not just recipes, although those are frequently what I get excited about, especially in the depths of winter.

Along with updating, some of my resolutions are to read more for pleasure (this will be difficult with school but I am aiming for a book per month), stick to a budget, spend more time "doing," especially creative pursuits, and of course the all-encompassing "get in shape." I read an interesting article over at lifehacker (http://lifehacker.com/5724936/use-the-one+a+month-technique-to-adopt-habits-that-stick?skyline=true&s=i) about how to turn resolutions into actual habits. One of my biggest frustrations is my failing to follow through on my goals. I start strong for a week or two and then completely fall off the wagon, whether it's something concrete like exercise or a simple change of attitude.

As the article explains, I divided my goals by month. There are things I am planning for later in the year that I am keeping in mind, like running the Bolder Boulder 5K in May. But by taking it a month at a time I am less likely to get overwhelmed. I would love to hear your resolutions and how you plan to accomplish them!