tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32575514303268736972024-03-12T18:32:32.794-07:00A Sweet LifeLaura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-83209363581031322282011-03-29T21:24:00.000-07:002011-03-29T21:29:59.145-07:00Hoisin Shrimp and Cucumber SaladThis past week I've really enjoyed staying at home and not being at my apartment. I just like being with my family esp when my sister comes home. Like tonight!! She brought her lil' puppy, <a href="http://lauramtopping.blogspot.com/2011/03/lazy-dog.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Lily</span></a> and I made a yummy dinner for the family! <div></div><div><br /></div><div>I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2011/02/23/cucumber-salad-and-hoisin-shrimp/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">PBfingers</span></span></a> for Hoisin Shrimp and a Vinegar Cucumber and Scallion Salad! I have been wanting to make this recipe for a while and when we tore apart the freezer and found a bag full of shrimp, I thought it was the perfect night to try it out! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The picture stinks but check it out.. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpeSe7wfda4/TZKuwFRcc9I/AAAAAAAAAYA/-B6oJDIzNms/s400/photo-20.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589722228592505810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Ingredients:</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Verdana;font-size:11px;"><div class="recipeIngred" style="margin-bottom: 30px; "><h3 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia, serif; padding-bottom: 3px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></h3><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">1 </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/cucumbers-00000000039304/index.html" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">seedless cucumber, sliced</span></span></a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">2 </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/scallions-00000000039361/index.html" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">scallions, sliced</span></span></a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">2 tablespoons </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/vinegar-00000000039385/index.html" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">rice vinegar</span></span></a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">2 tablespoons </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/oils-00000000039335/index.html" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">canola oil</span></span></a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">kosher salt and black pepper</span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">1 pound </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/shrimp-00000000039364/index.html" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">peeled and deveined medium shrimp</span></span></a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">1/4 cup hoisin sauce</span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds</span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 3px; font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></li></ul></div><div class="recipeDirections"></div><div class="recipeDirections" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And for dessert... </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:16px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KY7Q6n-w7b4/TZKwBlfqgXI/AAAAAAAAAYI/m92zaEH0cuA/s1600/photo-19.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KY7Q6n-w7b4/TZKwBlfqgXI/AAAAAAAAAYI/m92zaEH0cuA/s400/photo-19.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589723628811485554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">In my cup:</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">coconut</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">coffee</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">yogurt chips</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">captain crunch</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">sprinkles</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">My workout was great tonight! I ran 2 miles for 20 minutes, walked for 5 mins. Then I headed to the mat for a bunch of ab and arm routines. I finished up with 15 minutes on a bike! Time to study.. have a great night!</div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-85410581171949956742011-03-25T17:00:00.000-07:002011-03-25T17:21:54.904-07:00Pumpkin Oatmeal Bowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uil4I_EBW7w/TY0w9u5vFsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/c4oHA1wur4o/s1600/41231_1555765215471_1275430716_31521317_5992380_n.jpg"></a>This morning I woke up to pouring rain, again. What's with this weather??? My mom and I had plans to take the dogs for a walk bright and early but when we saw the pouring rain, we opted on sleeping in instead : ) <div><br /><div> </div><div>When I finally got out of bed at 9 am, I made myself a delicious pumpkin oatmeal bowl... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieR3VT4H58A/TY0uG3rXd6I/AAAAAAAAAXw/KXRFSy2mcQY/s400/photo-17.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588173408196589474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:small;">pumpkin oatmeal bowl:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup of oatmeal mixed with </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tablespoon Pumpkin Butter </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sprinkle of cinnamon </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 Tbl flaxseed</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sliced bananas </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yumm! The pumpkin has 0 grams of fat and 40 cals per Tbl. Not to shabby! It felt like fall, in my mouth!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After working on homework for a bit, I headed to the gym with my bff Katie! I haven't seen her in months! She goes to school at UCLA and quite possibly might be the busiest person I know. So, I was sooo excited to see her and catch up! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uil4I_EBW7w/TY0w9u5vFsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/c4oHA1wur4o/s400/41231_1555765215471_1275430716_31521317_5992380_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588176549756999362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:small;">Me and Katie </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102); font-size:13px;">(I know, sooo blonde)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After running 2 miles, followed by 25 minute intervals/hills we headed to the mat! We did an awesome ab push up combo.. 10 push ups followed by a certain ab routine, repeat! It was intense and had both of us soo sweaty! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's nice havin a workout buddy, and I always seem to push myself a little harder and the time flies by when you're catchin' up! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We finished up with 15 minutes of cycling and 20ish minutes in the sauna. It was a great workout!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Time to get ready for dinner date with Kev : ) </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-5441222591603150902011-03-24T14:59:00.000-07:002011-03-24T15:15:10.740-07:00Lazy Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bQkRnrdUPo/TYvB2Fra-xI/AAAAAAAAAXo/58st4yO3q3A/s1600/Katherine%2527s%2BDress%2B016.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhTWh_vTw7o/TYvAXt_ui_I/AAAAAAAAAXY/VLSfbsNHG3s/s1600/photo-13.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86SRzgEl9O4/TYu_wHAB3gI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/gVwhYuK1i2o/s1600/photo-16.JPG"></a>The only good thing about my 9 hour school day is a 1.5 hour break that I have about half way through my day, that allows me to grab a quick bite to fuel me through the rest of my day. <div><br /></div><div>Today I had a little extra time and decided to meet my mom for lunch. She was babysitting my sister's dog so we had to go somewhere that was dog-friendly.. so we landed on<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><a href="http://www.lazydogcafe.com/"> Lazy Dog cafe</a></span>! We sat outside under a heater and it was perfect! We had a little friend peeking over the table... <div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86SRzgEl9O4/TYu_wHAB3gI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/gVwhYuK1i2o/s400/photo-16.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587770595917028866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size:small;">Lily girl :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:medium;">She was actually such a good little girl. Besides the few times she put her little paws on the table to see if she could snatch a leftover. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhTWh_vTw7o/TYvAXt_ui_I/AAAAAAAAAXY/VLSfbsNHG3s/s400/photo-13.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587771276399643634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We gave her a little cheese and she was a happy puppy and fell asleep in her little bag. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For lunch my mom and I both got a cup of the warm tortilla soup. Cheese on the side. (I love their tortilla soup but boy do they pound on the cheese. It becomes a mess and no fun to eat anymore!) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We also shared a Mediterranean Pizetti... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UXATzo3nQA/TYvBDLxRe3I/AAAAAAAAAXg/62CQtoHsXhM/s400/photo-15.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587772023126457202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:small;">Flat bread with veggies and goat cheese</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">drizzled with balsamic vinegar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love lunch dates with my mommy. We try to get together at least once or twice a week even if I go home for the weekends. I am very lucky to have such an amazing mom. She sacrifices so much for me and my family. I love my mommy to death. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bQkRnrdUPo/TYvB2Fra-xI/AAAAAAAAAXo/58st4yO3q3A/s1600/Katherine%2527s%2BDress%2B016.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bQkRnrdUPo/TYvB2Fra-xI/AAAAAAAAAXo/58st4yO3q3A/s400/Katherine%2527s%2BDress%2B016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587772897664629522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Me with the best parents </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in the world!</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div></span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-45546715581725428682011-03-23T20:28:00.000-07:002011-03-23T20:56:09.871-07:00Summer Salad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KFS9saubyw/TYrAnGAstkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/HYSo48oPsho/s1600/166433_1517167491618_1307402246_31131593_6335609_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UD9KMQLCwE/TYq-881RQBI/AAAAAAAAAXA/pPQhhj4CSqM/s1600/DSC00203.JPG"></a><div>I hate this rainy weather in Socal. A lot of my friends are on Spring Break and are spending their break in pouring rain! All this rain was making me crave a summery salad! </div><div> </div><div>So after a medium intensity workout and a quick catch up with my friends Kylie and Lesley, I made this... <div> </div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThcYurkZkug/TYq7a4Ih6qI/AAAAAAAAAW4/hA0d1e7M31c/s400/IMG00134.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587484358125677218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the Salad:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lettuce</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Strawbs</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chix</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Cheese</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Balsamic Vinegar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">It was super delicious and made me feel for a split second like it was summer.... And all this talk of Spring Break is makin me excited!!! Two trips in 10 tens. Woohoo! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">The first part of the break I'm heading to Vegas with my besties and our boys. I've only been to Vegas a few times and they were both low key hang by the pool see a show kind of trips. I have a slight inkling this trip could be a little wild with this bunch. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UD9KMQLCwE/TYq-881RQBI/AAAAAAAAAXA/pPQhhj4CSqM/s400/DSC00203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587488242037506066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Girls Trip in Vegas with </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">my sis 2008</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The second half of the trip will be spent in Utah with my family and Kevin. It was a surprise Christmas present from my sister and her fiance. We are gonna do a whole lotta snowboarding and skiing... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KFS9saubyw/TYrAnGAstkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/HYSo48oPsho/s400/166433_1517167491618_1307402246_31131593_6335609_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587490065567495746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Big Bear with my favoritist people :) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But let's bring it back to reality, I still have 3.5 weeks until then! Today's workout included.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Treadmill Intervals</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">mins incline speed</div><div style="text-align: left;">0-5 0 6.5</div><div style="text-align: left;">5-7 4 3.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">7-9 4 6.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">9-11<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> 6 3.0 </div><div style="text-align: left;">11-13 6 5.5</div><div style="text-align: left;">13-15 2 6.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">15-16 2 3.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">16-17 2 7.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">17-18 2 3.5</div><div style="text-align: left;">18-19 2 7.0</div><div style="text-align: left;">19-20 .5 3.0</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I headed to the mat for a super fun ab routine to the song.... Baby by Justin Beiber. As totally cheesy and silly as it is it's really upbeat and a perfect song for the first part of my ab routine. I finished up with 10 mins on the not-so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://lauramtopping.blogspot.com/2011/03/evil-stair-stepper.html">evil stair stepper</a>! </span></span></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-19554785591307595102011-03-22T19:51:00.000-07:002011-03-22T20:10:25.760-07:00Banana Oatmeal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tsxbk_PR4s/TYlj0M68uAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/KxHlfNHZYKc/s1600/181676_1730814664404_1059600025_31935857_7909073_n.jpg"></a>One school day down, one to go!! I love my schedule, because my weeks go by so fast! <div> </div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not gonna lie, my 9 hr day inched on today starting at 615! I woke up, showered and made myself a delicious banana oatmeal bowl! I got this recipe from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/">Katie's Blog</a>.</span></span> And it was bomb!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I didn't take a pic but basically you cook a bowl of oatmeal and then melt a banana in a different bowl. (I microwaved my banana until it was gooey, approx. 35-40 seconds) Then you add the banana to the oatmeal and mix with non-diary milk and a little brown sugar. Mm such a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">sweet</span> way to start my morn! </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After school I swung by the market to pick up some staples since I hadn't been in about 3 weeks. I've been living off produce from the Farmer's Market. At the grocery store I snagged this... </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdzH7WJyAP0/TYlhjLENtOI/AAAAAAAAAUs/49EWDnBgyaQ/s400/IMG00132.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587104069623592162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Peach Flavored Water</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">*contains water ;) * </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is my favorite thing everrr. I have a hard time drinking enough water, although I try. The sweet flavor with no added calories, scoreee! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I also picked up some other things like yogurt, mushrooms, and veggie/ chix burgers. Then I headed to meet my friend, Michele, for some fro yo! She is home for Spring Break and I couldn't wait to catch up with her and enjoy a sweet coffee fro yo treat, yummm! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tsxbk_PR4s/TYlj0M68uAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/KxHlfNHZYKc/s400/181676_1730814664404_1059600025_31935857_7909073_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587106561202632706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-size:small;">Me and Mich :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For dinner I made a quick and easy chix burger on a sandwich thin with lettuce and a thin layer of mustard. I also sauteed some fresh mushrooms that made for a perfect side to my chix burger. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRXmlsbAWbc/TYljCaWngMI/AAAAAAAAAU0/YwcRx_ubI6Y/s400/IMG00131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587105705814884546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></span></div><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-71820014606581878352011-03-21T20:36:00.000-07:002011-03-21T20:58:34.786-07:00The Evil Stair Stepper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXB7kTPfmZI/TYgddRlvLaI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ys3LSBSkzEw/s1600/emily_maynard_brad_womack_split.jpg"></a>Every since I started going to the gym I have always for the most part stayed away from the dreaded stair stepper machine. For some reason it really freaks me out! But today I decided to face my fears. <div><br /><div> </div><div>After a 25 minute interval treadmill workout and various arm routines, I braced myself and headed towards the stair stepper. I set it for only 10 minutes since I figured I should ease my way on to that monster. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I realize to most people the stair stepper isn't too bad, and after my 10 intense minutes, I felt the burn but really enjoyed it! Looks like I'll be using it more often :) </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>As I headed home, my stinkin' gas light when I off. I literally dread every time I have to get gas and I usually wait until I'm on E to finally stop and get gas. Tonight was different and after stopping to get gas I wound up a whoppin'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> $60 poorer </span>:( What the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYxu_MQSTTY">effff</a></span>? Kev and I always say what the eff? after watching this hilarious David Blaine spoof. We're silly. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>And now back at my apartment I made some yummy spaghetti squash and got excited to watch the Bachelor until I realized it's over. So a recap: Emily and Brad are soooo cute! And although seeing them after the rose ceremony was a back to reality check, I really admire her authenticity. They are experiencing what most couples experience and I really hope they work it out! But seriously, no wonder they fight. Can you imagine seeing your boyfriend/fiance kiss other girls and tell them he has feelings for them?? Uh, no thanks!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, look how cute they are... </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXB7kTPfmZI/TYgddRlvLaI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ys3LSBSkzEw/s400/emily_maynard_brad_womack_split.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586747726528196002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 200px; " /></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-37331596298798171912011-03-18T21:07:00.000-07:002011-03-20T18:26:18.434-07:00Peanut Butter Protein Bars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7OyBFNvpY/TYank3mao1I/AAAAAAAAATE/3w0EpQXufrk/s1600/photo-10.JPG"></a><div><div><div>Every since I saw this recipe on <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">PB Finger</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">s</span></span></a>, I have been dying to make them! They looked easy enough and somewhat healthy so I had to give them a try. They ended up not taking too long but the honey and pb created a bit of a sticky situation.</div><br /><div>Sometimes I get ahead of myself when doing things when I really should READ AHEAD! I was in a fight with the sticky pb mess while trying to measure out everything else.. just a tip to measure everything out ahead of time so you just have to add and go! </div><br /><br /><div>They are seriously amazing. Just enough sweet and crunch and not too bad for you! Give these guys a try!</div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7OyBFNvpY/TYank3mao1I/AAAAAAAAATE/3w0EpQXufrk/s1600/photo-10.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7OyBFNvpY/TYank3mao1I/AAAAAAAAATE/3w0EpQXufrk/s400/photo-10.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586336639641887570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In the Pan </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2y27bZYP46o/TYanSxjuqQI/AAAAAAAAAS8/i5Q_D5MBP4s/s1600/photo-9.JPG"></a><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpvDMOldlCk/TYanSoqJgwI/AAAAAAAAAS0/MFfQAqqD9PU/s400/photo-9.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586336326393365250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Close Up</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Directions:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Ingredients:</span></span></em></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1/3 c. honey</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1/3 c. dark brown sugar</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1 c. creamy peanut butter</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">½ c. crunchy peanut butter</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">5 c. bran flakes (Raisin Bran works really well!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1/3 c. ground flaxseeds (optional)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">1 c. chopped Craisins</span></span></li></ul><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Directions:</span></span></em></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Put honey in a large pot on medium heat. Add sugar and stir until melted and mixture begins to bubble. Add cinnamon and stir until dissolved.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Stir peanut butter into the honey mixture until smooth.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Remove from heat and stir in bran flakes, flax and Craisins.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Press firmly into an 8X8 pan lined with foil that overlays ends. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.</span></span></li></ul></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-14730127579244534492011-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:002011-03-17T13:43:09.701-07:00Cookie Monster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejCyNTirNpM/TYJw9nn0z1I/AAAAAAAAASE/henWJ4Y3XJk/s1600/photo-8.JPG"></a>Lately, Ive really been feeling like the cookie monster. This whole 'no-chocolate' thing is driving me crazy! How sad is this... Since I gave it up 1 week and 1 day ago, I have had two dreams about eating chocolate chip cookies! Now that's embarrassing!!<div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not quite sure if I'm dreaming about them because I am worried that I'm accidently going to eat one without realizing it, or if I just miss them.. I'm gonna go with the later :) </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>So I decided I had to try one of our delicious pastries from my work. Now Id be a bad employee if I didn't, right? ;) </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>My mommy met me at Zov's and we picked out a few cookies for her coworkers and we shared one of these.. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejCyNTirNpM/TYJw9nn0z1I/AAAAAAAAASE/henWJ4Y3XJk/s400/photo-8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585150691803189074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">2 peanut butter cookies with </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">pb icing in the center</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">This thing is dangerous! My mom and I agreed it was easily the best cookie we have had in a longgg time. Luckily, it satisfied my little craving for a cookie and I think I'll be good for another week.. maybe ;) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Happy St. Patrick's Day! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone is enjoying this fun holiday! My parents are making corn beef and cabbage for din. I'm going to pass on the corn beef but I still appreciate my mom's attempt to be festive! Maybe, I'll make a St. Patty's day treat :) </div><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-41476375021561483962011-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:002011-03-15T20:58:05.391-07:00Workout and Smoothie makin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNXqu5f47kQ/TYA0gFXO0FI/AAAAAAAAAR8/opoC3nmZuRE/s1600/IMG00130.jpg"></a>My workout today was eh at best. I started out with an interval treadmill workout. <div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Tread:</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Mins Incline Speed </div><div> </div><div>0-2 2.0 3.5 </div><div>2-4 2.0 5.5 </div><div>4-6 2.0 7.0 </div><div>6-8 4.0 3.5 </div><div>8-10 4.0 5.5 </div><div>10-12 4.0 7.5 </div><div>12-14 .5 3.0 </div><div>14-16 .5 5.5 </div><div>16-17 .5 7.5 </div><div>17-18 .5 4.0 </div><div>18-19 .5 7.5 </div><div>19-20 .5 3.0 </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I headed to the mat for some leg exercises and I could barely do anything because my legs were like jello for some reason. I don't NOT have strong legs. In fact, my legs are probably my weakest compared to arms, abs, etc. </div><div> </div><div>When I got home I made myself a delicious silky smoothie that my roommate recommended with a little variation. Check it out... </div><div> </div><div>** My phone camera sucks so I apologize for my ghetto pics. They will improve soon:)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNXqu5f47kQ/TYA0gFXO0FI/AAAAAAAAAR8/opoC3nmZuRE/s1600/IMG00130.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNXqu5f47kQ/TYA0gFXO0FI/AAAAAAAAAR8/opoC3nmZuRE/s400/IMG00130.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584521263739490386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">In the Blender:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">1/2 cup light n fit vanilla yogurt </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">1/2 scoop vanilla whey protein powder</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">4 ice cubes </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">1/2 banana</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">handful of almonds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">splash of soy milk (sub almond milk) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Mix it all up and enjoy! </span></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-23120760152346517482011-03-15T17:33:00.000-07:002011-03-15T17:42:47.631-07:00Lunch Leftovers<div>Last night, as promised I tried out my farmers market spaghetti squash ( my first ever :) ) It turned out fabulousss! If you like pasta but are not a fan of the carbs or just like a little more texture you have to try it!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZIYXUMjFLc/TYAGzlQSMGI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Zz1MSIzsDrA/s1600/IMG00128.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZIYXUMjFLc/TYAGzlQSMGI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Zz1MSIzsDrA/s400/IMG00128.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584471021182922850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">**cut squash in half**</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">microwave 1/2 of squash for 6 mins</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">take out seeds and fibers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">scrap inside with a fork until it becomes spaghetti </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">top with pasta sauce or salsa</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had the rest of my half for lunch today and added <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">avacado</span>! Headin' to the gym, catch ya later! </div><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-36274921511627052852011-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:002011-03-14T12:59:20.661-07:00Mango Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO23Ax1xZLo/TX5zaL3kvmI/AAAAAAAAARs/sSO_hPIIwIA/s1600/IMG00127.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Don't ya love my totally cheesy title? :) This morning I woke up ay 9am.. woah! I guess my body is having a hard time adjusting to this day light's savings thing. I made myself a yummy thin bagel sandwich with a fried egg and strawberry jam and scooted out the door!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was really feelin' the gym this morning... </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My workout:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">20 mins treadmill:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sprint and hilly intervals </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Min Incline Speed </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">0-1 min 2.0 @ 3.5</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1-3 min 2.0 @ 5.0</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3-5 min 2.0 @ 6.0 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5-7 min 4.0 @ 3.5</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7-9 min 4.0 @ 5.5</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9-11 min 4.0 @ 6.5 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">11-12 min .5 @ 3.0</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">13-14 min .5 @ 7.5 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">14-15 min .5 @ 3.0 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">15-16 min .5 @ 7.5 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">16- 17 min .5 @ 3.0 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">17- 18 min .5 @ 7.5 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">18-20 min 2.0 @ 3.5 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then I headed to the mat for an arms and abs routine that consisted of various sit ups, curls, triceps, etc. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I finished up with 15 mins on the elliptical for some anaerobic exercise. It felt really good and by the time I finished up I realized I'd been at the gym for 1.5 hours, which is about .5 hrs more than usual! </span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Mangooos </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I got home from the gym I poured myself a tall glass of water mixed with vanilla whey protein powder and sliced up some yummy mango. I got fresh mango this weekend at the farmers market. My roommate and her boyfriend and Kevin and I all headed to the swap meet early Saturday morning for some fresh produce for dirt cheap. I'm talking a bag of 7 avocados for $2. Now thats a steal! I also filled up on some apples and a spaghetti squash. I'm excited to try out the squash tonight so check back for the results! But first, look how yummy this mango is.... </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO23Ax1xZLo/TX5zaL3kvmI/AAAAAAAAARs/sSO_hPIIwIA/s400/IMG00127.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584027481685671522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-15606005173569430792011-03-10T23:08:00.000-08:002011-03-10T23:18:54.993-08:00Strawbs<div>I hope you guys eventually catch on to my little abbreviations. Strawbs=Strawberries. <div></div><div>Tonight was a relaxing one. Kevin and I went to dinner, just the two of us. We drove around for 20 mins trying to pick a place not too crowded or expensive ( we both can be a little indecisive but he usually ends up choosing ;) )</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Eventually we ended up at Islands. Nothing fancy shmancy, just a quick bite to eat. We shared a spinach dip app that was bomb! And each ordered a small entree. I had a chix ceasar salad, minus the chicken? There were about two tiny pieces of chicken.. Im talking need a magnifying glass tiny. So we got my din free:) </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>After din we hit the hot tub to relax and soothe our sore muscles. Then Kev headed out with our friends to celebrate one of our friends 21st bdays! Its stinky being 20, but only 1 more month! I'm glad Kev got to go hang out with friends, and I headed home to catch up with my momma. </div><div></div><div>I also enjoyed a small healthy dessert that consisted of my fav fruit, strawberries, with light cool whip. It definitely hit the spot ;) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEuyDq3EHI4/TXnMOSAQtpI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/W0mxoGpoWuQ/s1600/IMG00118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEuyDq3EHI4/TXnMOSAQtpI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/W0mxoGpoWuQ/s400/IMG00118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582717758825608850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:small;">Lite Cool Whip only contains 20 calories </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:small;">in 2 Tbls, not too shabby, eh?</span></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-27551771369081718032011-03-09T21:50:00.000-08:002011-03-09T22:06:26.588-08:00Sweet Surprise<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today was a bit of a rough day, just one of those <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); ">"Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days"</span>.</span>(Did you guys read that book when you were a kid?) I might be being a little bit dramatic and the sickness and lack of motherly "care" could be adding to it but today was just not my day. Guess who sensed I was a little off my game?.. Yup, Kevin. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>He always seems to be there for me at the right time when I need him. I mean, what more could a girl want? I was sitting at home after venting to him about my grumpiness and it was not long before I heard an unexpected knock at the door. *Around here when you're not expecting someone, it can be a little creepy to answer the door.*</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span> In any case, I peeked through the peep hole and Kevin was outside. He had about a 20 minute break between class and work and my apt is about 10 minutes away so he jetted over here to just hangout and check in with me. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>It's all about the little things :) </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Good thing he came when he did because 20 mins later I had to leave for yoga class which actually kicked my bootay, looks like I need to be practicing my yoga moves a little more ;) *Kevin always teases that he knows all the yoga moves. His favorite.. the triangle. hehe! </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>After yoga I treated myself to a sweet treat. Since I couldn't have any chocolate I figured <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">peanut butter fro yo</span> would have to do.. Although the chocolate mocha looked amazing, I licked my bowl of pb goodiness clean before I even pulled in the complex!</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdRDpt4kWMs/TXhpqqphJSI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/qDUfLbrFCAU/s1600/IMG00117.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdRDpt4kWMs/TXhpqqphJSI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/qDUfLbrFCAU/s400/IMG00117.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582327919849579810" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-77694499907386668392011-03-09T15:45:00.000-08:002011-03-09T15:54:05.340-08:00Mediterranean Style Lunch<div>I've been a bad eater today.. I had a yogurt before my walk this morning at around 8am and didn't eat again until after work at around 3! Thats not good at all, especially when I've been out and about doing things and I have really low blood sugar. It's hard to not get hungry at work when all these yummy smells and decorative plates of food are constantly in your face. My work specializes in American plates with a hint of mediterranean cuisine. Naturally, when I got home I prepared a whole wheat tortilla wrap with a layer of hummus, chix, and peppers. It was delicious!<br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqcAT2XtjKI/TXgSW-hKk7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/m5gq0SFnlIM/s1600/IMG00116.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqcAT2XtjKI/TXgSW-hKk7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/m5gq0SFnlIM/s400/IMG00116.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582231924074255282" /></a><br /><div>I'm definitely having chocolate withdrawals on my first day of Lent. After finishing up a salty wrap, nothing sounds better than a sweet snack : ) I'm thinkin' a little (maybe medium size) spoon of peanut butter? Yes please! <br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-10422533154761346062011-03-09T10:11:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:26:15.564-08:00Fresh Air<div>I've spent the last two days plopped on the couch with a box of kleenex and a bottle of advil. So this morning when I woke up feeling MUCH better, I decided to take advantage of this beautiful Southern California day, and go for a walk! Morning walks are my favorite and I'm usually accompanied by a dog (or two:) ) but this morning I decided to fly solo. Not that I don't love my pups but I was a little short on time and wanted to just have some time alone. The walk was just beautiful and the weather was perfect! Check out the view from my street.. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ_yQeXfvGg/TXfEpAoDdCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/y6Bnk6lRw20/s400/IMG00114.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582146471970698274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to walk to my favorite coffee shop about 1.5 miles away ( so about a 3 mile walk). Since, I have been pretty sick I decided I should probably take it a little slow my first day back. So off to Cyrano's I went.. and this is what I got..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KlZpV43xkA/TXfEphAKzZI/AAAAAAAAAQk/zNnNEpWf8fQ/s1600/IMG00115.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KlZpV43xkA/TXfEphAKzZI/AAAAAAAAAQk/zNnNEpWf8fQ/s400/IMG00115.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582146480661777810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Iced Vanilla Chai Tea Latte </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They have the best <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Vanilla Chai Teas</span> ever! If you are a local and you haven't been there, you MUST check it out! It's so fun to go down there on Saturdays and Sundays with the fam because there are always tons of people from the "hood" (our neighborhood) hanging around with their dogs. On my walk back I ran into a couple runners and dog walkers and it put a smile on my face to see so many people being active on such a pretty day. I feel so blessed to live in such a gorgeous area with friendly folks out n' about! Now off to work then to run a few errands! Hope you all enjoy this day as much as I will! :) </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ_yQeXfvGg/TXfEpAoDdCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/y6Bnk6lRw20/s1600/IMG00114.jpg"></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-2089119933416266522011-03-07T15:48:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:10:28.881-08:00No More Chocolate!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This past weekend I was in Bakersfield with Kevin's family celebrating his birthday. It was a lazy relaxing weekend, which is JUST what I needed. We laid by the pool, went to the show and just spent time together. We enjoyed a nice home cooked meal before we hit the road yesterday that consisted of potatoes, chix, garlic bread, and beans. Protein packed meal! While we were sitting at the din table, the discussion of Lent came up. Guess what I decided to give up.. (drum roll please).... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">CHOCOLATE. </span>How sad is that?? I don't know if I will survive but I have faith in myself. I called my mom this morning and insisted she give up the same, I need a buddy, duh! So since I only have 1 more day until I'm choc-free for over a month, I'm trying to eat as much chocolate today as possibly, kidding ;) And I wanted to share with you guys this delicious recipe for "flourless" chocolate oatmeal cookies.. yummm :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaO6LM7j2M8/TXVw8cgsnlI/AAAAAAAAAQU/MffDmTHfFJw/s1600/photo-6.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaO6LM7j2M8/TXVw8cgsnlI/AAAAAAAAAQU/MffDmTHfFJw/s400/photo-6.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581491496943394386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">before</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"> </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o35W57DjYQs/TXVw8BUfz5I/AAAAAAAAAQM/MOST7Kzyk9Q/s1600/photo-7.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o35W57DjYQs/TXVw8BUfz5I/AAAAAAAAAQM/MOST7Kzyk9Q/s400/photo-7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581491489644466066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">after :) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Recipe:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Bowl 1:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">1 cup rolled oats (preferably not instant)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">1/2 cup of sugar or splenda(healthier) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">4 T cocoa powder</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">pinch of salt </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Bowl 2: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">2 egg white </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">1.5 tsp vanilla</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">1/4 c olive oil </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Whisk bowl 2, add to bowl 1 and mix. Place 12 little round cookies on parchment lined baking sheet and flatten to .5 inch with a fork. Bake on 350 for 12 mins and Enjoy!! Recipe thanks to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><a href="http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/two-recipes-for-sugar-free-and.html">Kalyn's Kitchen. </a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div></div><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-49025884423756075422011-03-05T23:42:00.000-08:002011-03-06T16:24:08.071-08:00ABCs of Me<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:Times;font-size:48px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A. Age: 20</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">B. Bed time: 1030 most week nights, 11-12 weekends. I need my 8 hours or no one is happy the next day! :)</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">D. Dogs: I have two. Sometime three if you count my sister's. Look how cute they are </span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1kVCUGy-AM/TXPPJ_IPXDI/AAAAAAAAAQE/_7QNNEoS8tI/s1600/DSCN0728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1kVCUGy-AM/TXPPJ_IPXDI/AAAAAAAAAQE/_7QNNEoS8tI/s400/DSCN0728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581032133713943602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bear </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUtjw0wV2DA/TXPPJlTg1rI/AAAAAAAAAP8/OhgJPMLw7B4/s1600/DSC00517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUtjw0wV2DA/TXPPJlTg1rI/AAAAAAAAAP8/OhgJPMLw7B4/s400/DSC00517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581032126781904562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and Sophie </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:Times;font-size:14px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">E. Essential start to your day: Make my bed! I literally make my bed every morning. Boring, huh?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">F. Favorite color: Purple. My room is even purple. That was a fun project, not!! </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">G. Gold or silver: Gold and Silver. I like to switch it up but I usually stick to gold. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">H. Height: 5'3" .. and a half? Sometimes I like to push it :) </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I. Instruments you play: About two songs on the piano including A Whole New World (Aladdin) </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">J. Job title: Hostess </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">K. Kids: One day:) </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">L. Live: Orange County </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">M. Mom’s name: Tamara </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">N. Nicknames: Lo, Lo Town, Loski, Lo-ey</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O. Overnight hospital stays: None, thank goodness! </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">P. Pet peeve: People who rush me/difficult people.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Q. Quote from a movie: "Get in the Water! Get in the Water! I'm sorry, please baby, get in the water." The Notebook </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">R. Righty or Lefty: Righty </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">S. Siblings: One older sis, Katherine. She's my bestie. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">T. Time you wake up: 6 or 7 on weekdays, 8 or 9 on weekends. I love getting up early so I can tackle a few more things in the morning. That doesn't always happen.. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">U. Underwear: Hanky Panks. They're a little overpriced (ok, a lot!) but they're the best, right?</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">V. Vegetables you dislike: Green beans. Yuck! or garbanzo beans. any beans really. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">W. What makes you run late: When people rush me! Kidding, but I hate when I am rushed! See pet peeve.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">X. X-rays you’ve had: Couldn't tell ya</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Y. Yummy food you make: Baked goods are my specialty. But I also love making sweet salmon and marinated asparagus, and salads with fruit, cheese and chicken or salmon. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Z. Zoo animal favorite: monkeys! </span></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><div id="attachment_16352" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 493px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); text-align: center; background-color: rgb(243, 243, 243); padding-top: 4px; -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 3px 3px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 122, 25); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></span>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-49900366988977145512011-03-05T22:07:00.001-08:002011-03-05T23:32:20.889-08:00Cow Tongue and Cupcakes<div>Well I bet you're all wondering what the heck my title is all about!! Welp tonight, I ate cow tongue. <div></div><div><br /></div><div>I am visiting Kevin's family in Bakersfield this weekend (hence, the lagging on my updates!) for his birthday. We went out to dinner tonight to one of the most popular places in town, Woolgrowers where they serve Basque food. Until tonight, I'd never heard of Basque but apparently its a big thing here in town specializing in A LOT of red meat. Awesome. </div><div></div><div>It actually turned out to be really fun and delicious. Every person gets served the same 6 or 7 courses BEFORE your entree! I opted out on selecting a main course as I'm not a "red" meat eater and 7 courses is plenty for my belly. But boy did I leave there completely stuffed! </div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">My menu for the evening:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">cabbage soup and bread (beans and salsa were also served) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">salad</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">vegetables soaked in a yummy oil/vinegar dressing </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">french fries </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">chicken </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">shrimp scampi</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">and last but not least the infamous cow tongue... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); "></span></div><div>(They also brought our spaghetti, green beans, regular beans)</div><div><br /></div><div>At first I cringed at the thought of eating cow tongue as I'd been warned several times by Kevin and his mom that this would be served. I tried to prepare myself and amp myself up enough to at least try a tiny bit even though I am not a big meat eater and come on, its cow tongue!!! Before we got there I told myself I was definitely going to try it but as soon as the brought it out (yes, in the shape of a tongue) I definitely had second thoughts. Luckily, I had already consumed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); ">2 glasses of the best wine ever </span>so I didn't chicken out. Kev cut me a tiny, Im talkin' fingernail size, piece and I'm pretty sure I swallowed it whole. So if you ask me how I liked it, I really couldn't tell ya. All I can say is it is really slimy! Yuck! But I'm so proud of myself for trying it :) </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>To top off the night we sang Happy Birthday and ate cupcakes, yummmy! I had the turtle one and ate it all up! Besides the few bits Kev sneaked without me looking ;)</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apG1EROWPvE/TXM3HWdOlvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Ko0Y2V14O30/s1600/Turtle-Cupcake.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apG1EROWPvE/TXM3HWdOlvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Ko0Y2V14O30/s400/Turtle-Cupcake.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580864962668959474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Turtle Cupcake: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Chocolate cake </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Carmel Filling </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Choc and Vanilla Icing </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was bomb! Good thing Kev and I had a great workout this morning. He kicked my butt and had me doing all kinds of strength training exercises I'd never heard of. We decided we're great workout buddies :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that all that food is in our bellies we can hardly move off the couch. Catch ya tomorrow! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> </span></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-60882449333514048982011-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:002011-03-01T21:21:46.811-08:00And for dessert...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>For dinner I sliced the rest of my red pepper and some orange bell peppers and tossed them in the pan. I added chicken (frozen from trader joes, I cheated but its so easy!) when the peppers were partly cooked and topped off a whole wheat pita with avocado and my peppers. Soo good! Afterward I thought about how adding a little spread of hummus to the pita would have perfected it. Oh well, next time! Then is was dessert timee! I have been wanting fro yo from yo land for like 3 weeks now so I decided to treat myself. I was headed to Kev's and decided to surprise him with his favorite flav coconut with strawbs! And for me.... <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBuuqNdp2QE/TW3TTxRABLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/ybztuwPmq_U/s400/IMG00110.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579347849977529522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">In my cup:</span><div> </div><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">peanut butter (duh :) ) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">vanilla wafer</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">lil bit of devils food cake (new flavor I had to try!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">strawbs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">bluebs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">coconut</span></div></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-82610552142603967902011-03-01T14:14:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:37:19.421-08:00Bagel Lovers<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I was at the grocery store today looking for some yummy new things (I'm sick of my ol' boring recipes) when I passed the bagel section. Bagels are a weakness for me but since they have mucho carbs I have tried to stay away from them for a while. Well, theres a solution: Bagel Thins! Here's what's in these bad boys: <div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bagel Thin Facts:</div><div>110 cals in each one</div><div>19 net carbs </div><div>5g fiber</div><div>0g trans fat</div><div></div><div>Not too shabby, huh? So naturally I snagged the 100% whole wheat ones off the shelf and ate one for lunch with a thin layer of garden vegetable 1/3 less fat cream cheese paired with sliced peppers and carrots with a tablespoon of hummus. It made for a completely satisfying nutrious meal. Check it out... </div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbFu087yuho/TW1xizSo2eI/AAAAAAAAAPU/tJmUEJC28Bk/s1600/IMG00102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbFu087yuho/TW1xizSo2eI/AAAAAAAAAPU/tJmUEJC28Bk/s400/IMG00102.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579240356079786466" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C01lx87xH2U/TW1xirsMcXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/2QtAJaogxMA/s1600/IMG00104.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C01lx87xH2U/TW1xirsMcXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/2QtAJaogxMA/s400/IMG00104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579240354039492978" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">my delicious bagel sandwich <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For dessert I wanted to try out these new protein PB cookies. I'm still trying to perfect this one.. I don't think I added enough water and possibly cooked it too long! They crumbled... but at least they were tasty :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br /><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jsBYUx6OE1A/TW10Qh7dofI/AAAAAAAAAPc/pqd2cys7Tso/s400/IMG00105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579243340716417522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Ingredients: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">vanilla protein power</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">peanut butter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">little bit of water </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">*microwave*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-19105063026365139192011-02-26T14:56:00.000-08:002011-02-26T18:44:45.422-08:00Mini Vaca<div>I've been lagging on blogging about my somewhat crazy weekend last week so I finally snagged a couple minutes to tell you about my "mini vaca." I was asked to housesit last weekend for a friend of a friend who I have only met once. They live in a huge house in Laguna Niguel so naturally, I didn't want to stay alone so Kev decided to tag along for the weekend. The lady let us stay in their beautiful guest house and we had the whole weekend to relax and take care of an adorable 4 month old puppy. It really was a relaxing getaway from the "orange bubble" expect for a few minor mishaps. We got locked out of the house twice and I had to climb through a doggy door 4 times. We also got stuck in horrible story traffic on our way to LA for a work thing that Kev had to do and therefore we missed din with my sis and Cam. (We have been planning a dinner with them for about two months and ALWAYS have to reschedule. So frustrating!) <br /><div></div><div>Despite the madness, look at this cutie we got play with and love for a weekend...</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qXuZe6Zk3E/TWm4xY85djI/AAAAAAAAAPE/oIwGKwBr-Ts/s1600/photo-3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qXuZe6Zk3E/TWm4xY85djI/AAAAAAAAAPE/oIwGKwBr-Ts/s400/photo-3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578192772126045746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SA_wKwS8Dg/TWm4xBYjCNI/AAAAAAAAAO8/zuda-xvnwLg/s1600/photo-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SA_wKwS8Dg/TWm4xBYjCNI/AAAAAAAAAO8/zuda-xvnwLg/s400/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578192765799565522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Indy</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THZOpih6GCQ/TWmIjWWHEdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/j5uZRBYsCcA/s1600/photo-4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THZOpih6GCQ/TWmIjWWHEdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/j5uZRBYsCcA/s400/photo-4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578139754350186962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">two cuties :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a stressful weekend we decided to head to the Cheesecake Factory for yummy din and the best Reeses Cheesecake that we shared for a nutritious breakfast the next morn ;) </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6MCc5PEn3c/TWmHdBcxqDI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bCdfjROcbUQ/s1600/DSCN0734.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6MCc5PEn3c/TWmHdBcxqDI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bCdfjROcbUQ/s400/DSCN0734.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578138546150156338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Me and Kevin </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-15500622580460722192011-02-23T20:06:00.000-08:002011-02-23T20:20:01.074-08:00Experimenting with Cauliflower<div>Tonight I took a teeny weeny break from my 8 hour study sesh to make a yummy nutritious meal. I had experimented with my friend Katie this past summer and I remember making this really delicious roasted cauliflower and onion dish with a rosemary dressing. So I thought I would try to replicate this meal. Turned out pretty darn tasty! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwpJ_l-f0Ao/TWXaeYAKDiI/AAAAAAAAAOE/LaLUELYzizM/s1600/IMG00100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwpJ_l-f0Ao/TWXaeYAKDiI/AAAAAAAAAOE/LaLUELYzizM/s400/IMG00100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577103928942267938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Chopped cauliflower and onions </div><div style="text-align: center;">*dressing: oil with italian spices and garlic salt*</div><div style="text-align: center;">15 minutes- 450</div><div style="text-align: center;">(turn half way through)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a HUGE craving for fro yo right now but no one else does.. I guess applesauce will have to do:) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-43923913826574507162011-02-23T14:02:00.000-08:002011-02-23T14:28:16.518-08:00Peanut Butta Cookies<div>Last night I went home for a nice home cooked meal and to catch up with my sis who is also staying at my parents this week. What did we have for din?? My all time favorite meal: salmon! My mom makes it perfect, just enough sweet just enough salt. I also caught up on the Bach (my votes go to Emily and Brad). I needed a lil' extra something sweet so I decided to whip up some super easy super delicious flour-less peanut butter cookies! (Thanks to Julie from PBF who shares my love for peanut butter + healthy foods) My family always makes fun of me for my "flour-less, sugar-less, fat-less" concoctions but everyone ate them up and said they were delicious! I made a batch of 12 and ate half of the rest of the dough.. quite possibly the best part:) <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out these bad boys....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA3NPJLwrhI/TWWH1-Zu9dI/AAAAAAAAAN8/4tG-bHjZE_w/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA3NPJLwrhI/TWWH1-Zu9dI/AAAAAAAAAN8/4tG-bHjZE_w/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577013074921977298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">350 (10-15 mins depending on size)</div><div style="text-align: center;">*optional: choc chips*</div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>Since I had about half my weight in PB cookies last night (kidding, of course ;) ) I hit the gym bright n early for a full body workout. </div><div>My workout:</div><div><br /></div><div>Cardio</div><div>2.5 mile walk with pups</div><div>1 mile- 6.2 treadmill </div><div><br /></div><div>Legs</div><div>1 min- wall sit</div><div>20 lunges- with two 5 lb weights in hand </div><div>45 sec- wall sit </div><div>20 lunges- two 5 lb weights in hand </div><div>30 sec- wall sit</div><div>20 lunges- two 5 lb weights in hand </div><div><br /></div><div>Abs </div><div>25 crunches- toes up</div><div>25 crunches- legs up to the right</div><div>25 crunches- legs up straight</div><div>25 crunches- legs up to the left</div><div>25 crunches- legs up straight</div><div>25 jack hammers (legs out then back to chest seated at 45 degree angle)</div><div>25 crunches- legs up straight</div><div>25 toe reachs</div><div>25 crunches- legs up straight </div><div>40 heel reaches</div><div><br /></div><div>Arms </div><div>45 curls each arm with 5 lb weights </div><div>2x</div><div>1 minute plank</div><div>10 push ups </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I followed my workout with a 15 minute sesh in the sauna and an apple. I was nice and sweaty and ready to run some errands! </div><div><br /></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-7437969281779742862011-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:002011-02-22T12:41:35.140-08:00Two of My Favorite Things: Weddings and Romance<div>This morning was a hurried one. Woke up, showered, made breakfast which consisted of an Alternative bagel sandwich with a fried egg, half of a grapefruit and vanilla chai tea! It was a bomb breakfast that gave me just enough energy to hit the books for an extra hour of studying (on top of the 9 hours I studied yesterday) and to power through my exam. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now that thats over, I needed to snag a little break in between classes. My go to when I have a break: Nora Robert's Bride Quartet. If you are like me and many girls, you might be obsessed with weddings. Ok, obsessed is a strong word. Maybe, interested? Anyway, these books are about 4 best friends who make their lives about their wedding planning business and fall in love along the way. It is so romantic and since I love lovee weddings and romance these are the perfect fix! Check em' out... <br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo_teIu_7wQ/TWQez1z5v3I/AAAAAAAAAN0/bE3StGgvLjU/s1600/happy-ever-after-bride-quartet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo_teIu_7wQ/TWQez1z5v3I/AAAAAAAAAN0/bE3StGgvLjU/s400/happy-ever-after-bride-quartet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576616114558451570" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div><br /></div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257551430326873697.post-766733250319328912011-02-21T15:13:00.000-08:002011-02-23T15:35:38.143-08:00Back to Reality<div>Hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was.. interesting, check back later for a post on my mini vaca! But sadly, today I had to snap back to reality because I had tons to do! I slept in a little this morning (9am!) and when I woke up realized all that I had to do. <div></div><div>I started my mornin' off with a Vanilla and Cranberry Lite Yogurt with Chia seeds (Thanks to a suggestion from Julie's Peanut Butter Fingers). They are great!! They add just enough texture, like Julie I am such a texture person. They also give carry a huge pack of Omega 3's (more than salmon!) and they help curb your appetite if you're looking to loose weight, which I am not. I just like the little added crunch!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Then I headed to the gym for a cardio and ab workout! </div><div></div><div>10 minutes- 6.0 treadmill </div><div>10 minutes- stair stepper </div><div>10 minutes- elliptical </div><div></div><div>Ab workout </div><div>25 crunches- legs up in table top</div><div>25 crunches- legs up to the right</div><div>25 crunches- legs up to the left </div><div>25 jack hammers </div><div>25 crunches- legs down </div><div>40 arm to heel reaches </div><div> </div><div>Planks</div><div>1 min- hold plank </div><div>10 push ups</div><div>10- right side plank reaches (hand up cross body and reach below torso)</div><div>10- left side plank reaches (same as above) </div><div>*repeat entire plank workout! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am a little sore today because Kevin and I did the Panther Ab workout yesterday! I whooped his booty! ;) (he might disagree) Then I had a chai tea and a bowl of bluebs (aka blueberries) for a snacky snack. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Time for Lunch!! Today for lunch I had an Asian Tuna Salad. Yum! </div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeX339x8QDs/TWL0m1hMGVI/AAAAAAAAANs/7Q4JyrCLlPQ/s1600/DSCN0735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeX339x8QDs/TWL0m1hMGVI/AAAAAAAAANs/7Q4JyrCLlPQ/s400/DSCN0735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576288236676585810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Avacado, Tomtoes and Tuna over bed of lettuce</div><div style="text-align: center;">tossed with light Asian Dressing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1XTtIvNlRQ/TWL0mZVNyzI/AAAAAAAAANk/UFX1xHl7HsY/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1XTtIvNlRQ/TWL0mZVNyzI/AAAAAAAAANk/UFX1xHl7HsY/s400/DSCN0736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576288229110172466" /></a>And I can't forget to mention the dark chocolate heart I had for dessert! I needed a little sugar kick before I bury my head in books again! <br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Laura Madeline Topping http://www.blogger.com/profile/17112680522555082613noreply@blogger.com0