Willpower

Even fitness enthusiasts have days they just want to slack and forego their whole morning workout routine. So what do I do to get myself out of bed, out of the house on days like these? I don’t even think about it. I get up in my workout clothes I put on the night before. Go to the bathroom. Splash water on my face. Put on contacts. Drink water. Feed my cat. Eat a pre-workout snack. Drink water. Bathroom. Check the time. Brush my teeth. Wait an hour or two. Cruise around the internet, watch the news, stretch, clean, study, read magazines and simply waste time to keep my mind off it. Eye on the clock again. Pack my training bag. Lace up my running shoes. And go.

On my way there whether it’s walking, riding my bike or driving, I look around and cherish the little things of Mother Nature and city life. Dawn. Moon. Trees. People. Breeze. Leaves. Cars. Stoplight. Oh crap. Need gas. Pull over. Pump and back on the road. Sunrise. Mountains. Cyclists. Animals. Just focus on whatever keeps you calm. Don’t even think about what you have to do ahead of you. Focus on the present.

As soon as I get to a trailhead, I tell myself that I am just going to do a nice 15-min stroll. Ok…. maybe an easy 15-min warm-up jog. Yeah. That’s it. And I keep telling myself that to trick my brain into thinking this is going to be a real piece of cake. I get out of the car. Slap on my running watch and get my legs cruising at an I’m-sitting-on-the-couch-eating-doughnuts pace.

When I’m all warmed-up, I rarely even think about turning back and always end up getting at least 90% of my workout done for the day.

What works for me, might not work for you. Just play around, test yourself and see what taps your inner drive to get your butt out of the door and moving. Do whatever it takes… set an alarm clock out of your reach, fake fall out of the bed, curse, slap your face to wake up, do quick push-ups or better yet, check out an old photo of when you were once a Cheeto-eating couch potato.

The more you dwell on getting to the gym or wherever else that doesn’t appeal to you at that moment, it’ll be much harder to move forward. Practice focusing on the present and you’ll be surprised by the little steps that helped you get this far into your agenda. Baby steps…baby steps…baby steps! And soon, you’ll be in the grind. Well, I hope.

Still not convinced? Just remember this:  

Massage for Cheap

One summer during my visit down to Tucson from the east coast, my little sister blurted out "STOP USING MY FOOD TO RELIEVE YOUR MUSCLE PAINS!!" as soon as she caught me rolling my glutes on her Progresso Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. When I didn't own a foam roller back then to smooth out all muscle tension and soreness due to exercise stress, I'd use food cans and let me tell you--they work just as well as a foam roller. I now use the Grid, but sometimes I still head to the pantry if I want more of a deep tissue massage.

I don't pile up on canned foods and prefer taking the time to cook fresh quality food than dump and heat up something that look and taste like vomit. The only canned versions that aren't so bad after all are garbanzo beans, black beans, tuna, salmon, crushed pineapple to mix with my plain Greek yogurt and pureed pumpkin for baking sweets. You got to have at least one can sitting around but if you dont, I'm at a loss of words. They make a great recovery tool! Don't worry about a family member or roommate giving you a weird look for working it on a can because it's very much worth the embarrassment. At least you save yourself 50 bucks from buying the real thing and you get an incredible massage!

D.C. Flashback

As I was riding my bike to swim practice this morning, I had a flashback of a typical Saturday morning in Washington, D.C. I’d ride my bike to my favorite venue (hands down) on Capitol Hill, Eastern Market, to grab coffee, sometimes breakfast and walk around the outdoor flea market. It was like a mini get-away from daily life hassles—school, work, etc.

The market is a must-visit place if you ever make a trip down to DC for the weekend and it’s even more pleasant on such beautiful weather. They have everything from the freshest food to handmade arts and crafts, which makes it ideal for tourists and residents to spend time there on their days off. You’ll find some cute gifts or souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones and they have one of the most… most delicious home-cooked breakfast for cheap. You might confront a long line to get your meal but it’s worth the wait.

I don’t know about you but sometimes I go there to study and people watch. It gives me a peace of mind. I’m pretty sure it’s loud and too much of a distraction to stay focused on the studying but for me, it’s not a problem… if you know what I mean. :) 

Lower Leg Rehab

Not too long ago, I struggled with a healing injury on my right shin. Believe it or not, it was all from hiking in old worn out running shoes. I knew that running in ill-fitting shoes can set you up for the worst but hiking, I thought, would be harmless. It hit me when I got back to the hotel room to unwind. My right shin were burning and with every step I took, the pain got sharper. That's when I found out I had every runner's nightmare--the stress fracture.

It's pretty much healed, thanks to all the lower leg rehab exercises (and cutting off mileage, of course) I've been doing up to this day. It has become a little routine of mine, especially at nights before bed or before I head out for a run. Whether or not you're batting a running-related injury, you should at least take the time to focus on the most common imbalances--tight calves and weak anterior lower leg muscles which is most evident in the legs of a runner. It seems useless, but it does wonders for your biomechanics!

The towel grab (my favorite) exercise has never failed me to a speedy recovery and I still use it today to ward off new injuries. Use ace bandage instead of a towel so you can roll it out to a longer length and have more to grab. Follow with some long calf stretches (picture below) to balance out the tightness. Think strong in front, flexible in the back to even it all out. Do it while you watch TV or cruise around on your laptop!

(Static wall stretch for calves)

DIY Earring Organizer

Take a peek in a typical woman's closet and you'll most likely notice an array of footwear from flip-flops, flats, high heels, boots and... yep, usually, a sh*tload of them.  Women have always been wired for shoe lust like men are wired for sports, cars and women. Of course, I like nice shoes, especially high heels on a night out but when you train for a living and a hobby, dressing up only comes every once in a while. I try not to buy too much fancy shoes because they can be expensive and I barely wear half of what's in my closet, including clothes and it would be a waste of money if I keep buying things I "want," not "need." I'm always in my gym clothes whether it's for working out, running errands, training my clients or lounging around the house.

Instead of shoes, I have a thing for dangle earrings and own so many that when I open my jewelry cabinet and drawers, I come to this HUGE dazzling mess. No matter how many times I organize them, I keep digging through them in a rush to get ready and then find myself re-organizing them a couple weeks later. I knew there had to be a better way of arranging them securely so that I can see every pair at once and save "dig" time. I looked up online for DIY project ideas and came to this inspiration.

You might have old frames sitting around that you don't use or you can go thrifty and find one at an unbelievable price but I decided to spice things up a bit. I scored a modern wooden serving tray with nature-inspired background art at a local thrift shop. Instead of having to buy wires for the earrings to hang onto, I used tree twigs. There are plenty of them outside and you'll save a bit more money! Drill holes on the sides of the tray to secure the branches. Like frames, serving trays double as a jewelry organizer because they can be easily set upright with handles on top and bottom so you can lug it with you to the mirror. Here's the finished look with and without earrings:

Finally.... an earring organizer that's aesthetically pleasing and helps you get ready in a flash!

Grapefruit Craze

I remember my earlier years when we first moved to Tucson. I was beyond stoked to have a pool of my own and a yard full of citrus trees. After a long day of playing outside on the streets with the guys in my neighborhood, we'd climb up the trees, pick fruits, sit on a wall and eat them all up. Other times, I remember waking up in the mornings to find my dad in the kitchen preparing the grapefruits in halves and coat them with sugar. The house smelled so wonderfully that whenever I catch a whiff of the citrus fruit, it brings back memories! 

As years flew by, we grew out of it and often, during this time of the season, the grapefruits on the tree would overflow like crazy, fall and eventually rot on the ground. I hate to see them go to waste so I figured it'd be the best time to make freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. I'm a huge fan of coconut water and knew it would make a great combination with the juice by neutralizing the bitterness. I couldn't find a recipe that would combine both and had to experiment, hoping they'll turn out to be really tasty. I also added pears to help bring down the acidity even further and they turned out to be refreshingly sweet with a bit of tang as expected! Freshly squeezed juice is a lot of work if you do it by hand... but, trust me, you'll be proud of yourself in the end. Here is my simple recipe:

Ingredients:

4 cups freshly squeezed white grapefruit juice (about 8-10 grapefruits)

2 cups coconut water (I used ZICO)

5 overripe pears, peeled, halved and cored (the tender, the better and more juice it has so it's easier to blend)

Slice the grapefruits in halves and squeeze the juice in a large bowl. Set another large bowl aside and using a wire strainer, pour all the juice into the bowl to discard the seeds and pulp. In a blender, blend two cups of grapefruit juice, a cup of coconut water and 5 pear halves. Pour the blended juice into a pitcher and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Makes about 4-6 servings. (You can add more coconut water if you'd like. I find that two cups is just about right.) 

Only three ingredients needed with NO added sugar--how awesome is that! It's loaded with vitamin C, B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, electrolytes and all that great stuff which makes for an excellent post-workout fuel. Don't forget a protein snack as well! 

And heads up, February is National Grapefruit Month... Cheers! 

A Page-Turner

An inspiring read of a lieutenant and Olympic runner who endured the many WWII horrors that nearly destroyed him. It's amazing to learn what it truly takes for the human mind, body and spirit to remain indomitable in difficult conditions. 

If you'd like to grasp some core understanding of WWII and it's impact on phenomenal endurance and superhuman strength, you must read this book. I was literally glued to it which took me just a few days to finish! Very well-written which will leave you with greater respect for the men and women who served and sacrificed for us and our country.  

Mideast Snack

Hummus is one of my to-go snack and it's super easy to make if you have a food processor. Just blend together the basics:

chickpeas or garbanzo beans
tahini
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic cloves
sea salt
(Just look up online to get an idea of estimated measurements for each)

There are so many ways to make your own hummus. Stick to the basics or add marinated artichokes, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, spices, balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, spinach, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, or even toasted pine nuts for that extra crunch. For a quick shopping trip, check out the olive bar at your local market or Whole Foods. They have almost everything you can find... even a variety of marinated beans you can use instead of the canned or dried version.

Hummus makes raw veggies taste that much better. I'll admit my weakness is getting in enough veggies. I'm either too lazy to chop them up, cook them and then they spoil fast or I just never have an appetite to eat them alone because they just taste really bland. One of the only few times I look forward to them is when I make the hummus. You can also pair it up with crackers, pita bread, beef jerky, tortilla chips, pretzels, rolled up deli meat, in sandwiches or even make your own Mid-Eastern pizza.

Anyways, the point of this--I came up with a much conveniently portable way for the hummus. Nix the tupperware. It's too much of a mess and hassle. You come home after a long day to that funky smell when you open the container to wash it. I commend the genius who invented the disposable Ziploc bag. Scoop some in, zip up, air out and store in the fridge so it's ready for you to grab and go. You can do the same with peanut butter. Snip off one end and you know the rest!

Base Cycling

 Multi-sport training demands us to train all the metabolic pathways to ensure we get to our best possible maximum fitness in time for our big day. Yes, it's a lot of energy and time especially if you're working full-time, going to school or have a family to manage but you can still find a program that fits your time-crunched life-style. If you don’t incorporate the different styles of training, you’re doing it all wrong. If you want to race efficiently and painlessly, you must squeeze in different kinds of training depending on what your goal is--almost like consuming different veggies in order to get all the vitamins and minerals from each color group. Whatever your goal is, you’ll see that most training programs include speed skills, tempo and endurance. If you’re training for a full-marathon, then long and tempo runs are usually emphasized to meet the racing demands. If a 5k is your focus, speed skills and tempo is key, along with endurance runs as recovery and aerobic training for weight loss/maintenance.

Since I plunged into the world of triathlon training, I haven't learned to love the water just yet. I despite swimming laps and seeing lines that come and go but still do it to give my joints what it needs and play mental games to keep myself motivated in the water. Along with swimming, I’m training for a duathlon. Running is my strength with cycling on average which gives me a reason to focus on improving my cycling skills. During the season, I do a long ride once a week to maintain the endurance built during my pre-season base training.

Last week, I decided to attach my bike to an indoor trainer for the first time. I was already mentally prepared for how mind-numbingly boring it might be especially if it was a long ride but at times, I find myself too lazy to pack up my repair kit, fluids, cycling clothes, helmet, sunglasses and then I have to pay attention to stupid drivers, pot holes and all danger lurking near on the roads. Anyways, Thursday was the day and I got creative to make time fly riding indoors.

Set a laptop on a small table in front of your bike and pick out a favorite movie. For a comfortable 1-hour+ riding experience, set another small table to your side and lay out the essentials—water, sports drink, energy bar, gels, watch/timer, towel, barf bag, 5-hour ENERGY (ok, maybe I’m exaggerating but I believe that stuff is death to your body so I don’t recommend it!)… whatever floats your boat so you survive the long ride but no cell phones unless you’re prone to some sort of myocardial infarction. This is your time and your body needs your utmost attention!

Ok here’s what I do with movies. I pick out a specific scene, character, words or things and use it as intensity cues throughout my ride. There are many ways to be creative with this. Here are some of my examples:

William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet: If you see both families (the Montagues and Capulets) present in a scene, easy cadence of 60-70 rpm. If the Montagues are only present, moderate cadence of 70-80 rpm. For Capulets, high cadence of 85+.

Fast and Furious: Most likely good for tempo rides. Racing scene = race pace at an appropriate road-feel resistance. For the rest, easy high-cadence spinning.

Twilight: high resistance climbing for Jacob scenes (good for force workouts or your next hilly race!)

For those of you who enjoy stupid comedies, try Jackass. I dare you to watch this without the slightest grin, smiling or laughing. If you do, a fast cadence of 100-120 rpm (work on smooth technique) and try to get this in a minute.

For those who love going extra, extra long--Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, King Kong, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, The Godfather, Inception, and the worst, Gone with the Wind… to name some.

I’m not huge on romance or chick flicks but if you enjoy them, use high heels, kissing or signs of flirting as your cues. I don’t know… just be creative!

Now if you are just starting on a workout program or aren’t distance junkies, your favorite TV show work as well and it can be as short as 20-30 minutes. My favorite is Modern Family. Some ideas:

-Fast spinning for narrative scenes

-Riding out of the saddle for Phil’s presence

-Moderate spinning for in-house scenes, easy spinning for scenes out of the house

If you don’t own a bike and trainer then your regular gym spin bike will do. Charge your laptop the night before, put in a DVD or sign in with a Netflix online account if you have one and take it with you to the gym. Who cares what people think, they don’t know your secret unless they ask!   

From me to you

Since I came back home from DC, I started blogging for the sake of my sanity and myself. Originally, it was a personal journal where I'd record my thoughts or notes for my own use. Through writing, I've gotten to know myself better and started narrowing down on certain interests I enjoy raving about.

Today I decided it was time to share instead of having it reserved for my eyes only. I've taken a different writing approach so instead of writing for myself, I'll write what I think you might want to hear. Here, you'll find advice, tips or plain experiences and thoughts that you might find helpful or entertaining. If you're a hardcore female athlete but a girly girl by heart, you'll enjoy this blog. Guys, as feminine as my blog might seem, don't judge and you might find some worth reading depending on the topic (maybe ideas or even some recipes to impress your girlfriend or mom)!

As most of you already know me as this running freak, the past 8 years had taken multiple beating on my feet--nasty calluses, peeling, bruises, cuts, bloody blisters and even occasional toenails falling off. Yet it still hasn't stopped me from ramping up mileage. To make up for all the abuse, I paint my toenails so it's all pretty on top, hiding all the ugly gross flaws on the bottom. You're probably laughing right now reading this... but it was my way of making me feel better. Anyways, I realized that I have never done a race with naked toenails. So coming up with a blog title was fairly easy and fast. Hence my blog entitled racing in painted toenails, which reflects the person I am--an avid athlete who's also a girly girl by heart. Any feedback is appreciated. Let me know what you want to hear. Enjoy!

Another use for the pool

Did my long trail run this morning at Sabino Canyon and one of my favorite things to do after a long run in the winter is immersing my legs into the ice cold pool in my backyard. Sounds painful and you might think I'm some crazy mofo for doing it but if you're an athlete, you'll understand the benefits of it. If you're from Arizona, you'll know how freezing the pool gets without a heater. We can't swim in our pools during the fall and winter months yet it makes for an amazing recovery after a long or hard run and cycle! So save the ice baths for the summer and make use of your pool when the temperature drops and your legs will thank you!

Post-Race Reward

Wintry turquoise for January! 

Year of the Dragon

PF Chang Half-Marathon Results

Overall - 852/15663
Division - 22 of 722
Gender - 198 of 9505

Time splits
5 Km 24:23
10 Km 49:11
10 Mi 1:19:22

Pace: 7:47
Chip Time 1:41:59
Clock Time 1:42:46

Satisfied with my results as a second timer with the Mount Lemmon half as my first official half marathon. Would be more satisfied with going sub-1:40 but this is something I can deal with for now. At least I achieved my goal which was exactly a minute off and my pacing of 7:00-8:00 was maintained fairly enough but need to work on negative splits, technique and stamina!

Post-race goals for future training: Technique work

Sweet & Salty

Sometimes I find myself craving something creamy yet filling enough to tide me over until the next meal, a spoonful of chocolate chip covered peanut butter always does the trick. It's almost as sweet as dessert but the good kind with healthy fat, protein and antioxidants (if you choose the dark chocolate over milk)! It's easy to assemble, just scoop a spoonful then dip it into a bag of chocolate chips. Be creative--you can either use the crunchy, creamy, or natural version. It doesn't have to be chocolate chips; dunk it in chopped nuts, granola, white chocolate chips, trail mix, raisins, craisins, or any dried fruit then drizzle with honey or agave if you want! My favorite pairing is the creamy or crunchy with dark mini chocolate chips. Have it with a glass of milk before bed to get the benefits of protein overnight so you feel refueled for your A.M. workout. Remember, little goes a long way so a spoonful is all you need!

Favorite Websites

I'd like to share some websites that I visit pretty often. Those websites either serves my training needs or are just something I enjoy looking through during my spare time. Here are the favorites that you might already be familiar with:

1. Mapmyrun.com - Before I bought my first GPS watch, this website was the only resource I used excessively to track certain routes and mileage. I still use it today to create new running routes to keep me out of a workout rut and stay motivated. Go to "Routes" and you'll see options such as searching for a run which is a list of recommended routes by other runners. When you find yourself bored out of your mind with your usual 7-miler to the park and back, simply click on any of the listed routes or fill in information to narrow down your search. Or you can choose to be creative and play with mapping your own run. It works every time and is a sure-fire way to be a happy runner!

2. YouTube.com - The most helpful website of all in learning how to execute proper form and techniques in training. YouTube has a million....I mean, trillions of videos on anything you want to find relating to your sport whether you're a runner, Crossfitter, triathlete, cyclist or a swimmer... I repeat, it's all on there. You'll receive lots of great tips and advice from certified coaches, Olympians, or a regular recreational athlete with lots of experience. I personally love watching runners execute such beautiful form so much that I often watch a clip or two prior to a long run or speed work. It gets me all fired up and looking forward to incorporating these movements into my workout. So reserve those 5-10 minutes prior to a workout to watch a few clips and trust me, it WILL get you excited for your workout!

3. Competitor.com - Triathletes, runners, swimmers, cyclists and to the rest of athletes that might find this useful to their training: This is another great website to get you fired up for your workout. Articles are very informative regarding training tips and nutrition. Photos and updates about latest races are there to send you positive vibes for your next race. The latest gears to keep you on track with what's in store. This is the website I find most comforting because it reminds me that triathlon training doesn't need to be all about seriousness but also, something you enjoy doing without perceiving it as a daunting task.

4. Amazon.com - With the latest gear you've been eyeing, there's nothing better than scoring a great deal on this most widely used websites for bargain shoppers. Triathlon is a expensive sport and even before we become official triathletes, we are already burdened with the exceedingly high cost of road/triathlon bikes, airfare, race fees, gas, and much more. Make Amazon your friend and you'll find lots of great deals on not only gear and equipment but also personal interests like books or that Emporio Armani watch you've been drooling over.

5. GiadaDeLaurentiis.com - I'm Giada's biggest fan. I LOVE her recipes and always find quality recipes worth making again. Italian and Greek are my favorites and I never get tired of cooking them. I'm impressed by how Giada include so much color in her dishes and you know what they say about color, each color is associated with specific vitamins and minerals which means they're super healthy. Here, you'll find that her recipes are neatly organized into categories to make browsing and last-min dinner decisions easier! And yes, they are DELICIOUS!

6. FoodNetwork.com - Baking is always something I enjoy doing in my spare time. When I'm craving a dessert, I prefer to go for the full-fat kind of version so it fully satiates my cravings. I go to this website because there are a million great recipes from popular chefs you see on TV. You'll know when it is a really, really good recipe based on the number of reviews and rating scale provided. Can't go wrong with this website!

7. Womenshealthmag.com - There are some days when I'm feeling like reading some girly issues, I go to this website. It reflects my feminine interests and personality. I'm not a fan of some ridiculous celebrity gossip so this is a perfect read for me with entertaining articles on training, beauty, recipes, and style. It's almost like the Cosmopolitan version for athletes! And the same goes for Men's Health Magazine, which I sometimes read for training/nutrition ideas.

The Most Overlooked Component of Training

How many of you have the mindset that workouts must be so challenging in order to get the benefits of training? If you are one of those athletes, you are risking yourself a burnout or even worse, an injury that will never go away. This morning, I went to a Mobility and Flexiblity class at Great Times Crossfit (GTX) to focus on some relaxing range of motion exercises to help with my Crossfit performance. My muscles felt looser and pliable and soon, I was already warmed up for the next class, Kettlebells. It felt like I performed more efficiently because with the body free of knots and tension, I was feeling more motivated to push myself.

Quite frankly, I wasn't too proud of my first impression upon seeing Mobility and Flexibility on the class schedule. What came to mind was the thought of seniors doing some bunch of movements that would have been scoffed at by competitive athletes. It turned out that the class was what my body needed the most when my mind denies it. I also started doing Bikram yoga on my own in room temperature instead of a heated room. The heat is always helpful; however, if you're looking to save money, doing it at home is another budget-friendly option and the benefits are pretty much the same.

We tend to train harder and harder that we forget to give our body what it needs or underestimate the power of recovery. Not only recovery is a luxury, it is also an essential part of training. By neglecting that luxury, we are setting ourselves up for the worst. Furthermore, we set ourselves for frustrating failures or inability to perform the movements of triathlon training. How you recover will make or break your training. So make time to pamper your bodies and it WILL give you what you want!

Swimmer's best friend

I often cringe at women who crank up the heat in the locker room showers. Maybe they're lackadaisical towards skin care or they don't realize how much it seriously sabotages their skin's health. After a hour or two of chlorine beating, a scalding hot shower just takes another toll on the skin. Since I started swimming last summer, I've noticed nasty changes in my skin and hair. My hair grew brittle and made my skin prone to dryness and lose its elasticity. Up close in the mirror, my nose were flaky and peeling. I knew the hot water would zap away more moisture and I've always avoided it by using lukewarm water at all times despite the cold weather. I even grew up watching my mom caring for her skin every mornings and nights that I soon followed to give my skin the luxury it needs.

My regular Neutrogena and Aveeno face lotions were never enough to keep up with supple skin after swim sessions. I tried serums for a change and Burts Bees Repair Serum worked like a miracle. Just slather it on pre-swim to create a thin film barrier against chlorine and seal in your skin's natural moisture and reapply post-swim. I'm sure any serum would work but I swear by this formula for female athletes who are beauty conscious like I am. The guys might care less but if you'd like to impress your wife or girlfriend with a younger looking skin, this is the real deal. It's all natural, which is a bonus and absorbs quickly leaving no crazy shine but soft dewy skin. It's worth the price and will last you a while!

Cream of Tomato Soup + Oven-Baked Pane Tuscano Cheese Sandwiches

This Sunday morning got me in the mood to search recipes through some intriguing fashion and food blogs. I love searching through blogs because they either have unique recipes that come from their own creations or they rave about a popular recipe on big websites (FoodNetwork.com, Epicurious.com, etc.)

Looking through a blog, I came across this recipe and it reminded me of my old cross-country days in DC where the tradition was to make a post-race stop at Panera Bread for lunch. The Vegetarian Creamy Tomato soup topped with Asiago croutons has always been my order every time I make a visit. My first attempt at a creamy tomato soup turned out wonderfully with no need for any improvement, as my mom insisted!

Several alternations I made was substituting the basil leaves for the dried kind and substituting the heavy cream with this easy to make recipe since I didn't have basil and heavy cream in hand. The soup recipe called for 3/4 cups of the heavy cream and I accidentally dumped in the whole cup of the heavy cream mixture. Fortunately, the soup was still perfect.

The blender and colander worked just like a food mill, which I didn't have. Just blend a third portion at a time and strain to discard the seeds and skins, reserving the creamy broth. (Note: you could also try blending in garbanzo beans or lentils for extra protein punch!)

I also whipped up the classic grilled cheese but this time, with Pane Tuscano bread instead of the regular pre-sliced bread. DELICIOUS. You can't go wrong with rustic bread because it adds so much flavor and texture. Slice the bread into half an inch thick slices and into halves, melt butter in the microwave and use a brush to soak one side of each slice with butter (or you can use olive oil for a healthier version). Slice up some Monterey Jack cheese and sprinkle a little shredded parmesan into the sandwiches. Top with another slice of bread, butter (or oil) side up. Sprinkle dried oregano and parmesan on top of each sandwich. Bake at 450 degrees until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. They cook pretty fast so be sure to keep an eye on it!

Great comfort food for days you don't give a crap and dinner could not be any better... Even better if served on a cold rainy/snowy day!

Newest Obsession

I'm a hot tea addict and always have several cups a day year-round even during Arizona's hottest summers  when I'm lounging around the pool in my backyard. I have never favored anything over green tea. Green tea has been my primary choice for years and no other flavors have diverted my preference for green tea. As soon as I tried the peppermint, I instantly fell in love with it. Out of the many reasons, I drink hot tea for one big reason--it makes breathing easier. Unlike green tea, peppermint has an additional bonus: a substance (rosmarinic acid) that clears up the airways and promotes easier breathing. It's especially comforting to indulge in a nice hot cup before a run or yoga and it makes working out that much more enjoyable! So for all you die hard green tea fans or endurance athletes, try it for a change!