Turkey, sweet potato, black bean and kale enchiladas

Summer = busy week nights.

Busy nights = a need for quick, easy meals.

Quick, easy meal = enchiladas.

A while ago my darling friend Cathy said  "I really need your enchilada recipe" in which I promptly made a mental note to write a post about it, and then completely forgot.

Sorry for the delay Cat.. here you go!

*measurements are not my forté, I just eyeball stuff

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey

2 sweet potatoes

onion

chopped kale

frozen corn

1 can of black beans

cheddar cheese

1 package of 10 whole wheat tortillas

1 package of enchilada seasoning (or a handful of spices)

Sauce:

1 can of low fat cream of chicken soup

splash of sour cream

1 can of green chilies

1. Peel and cube sweet potato, and steam it.

2. Sautée onion and ground turkey

3. Once cooked 90%, add seasoning, frozen corn, beans, kale and cooked sweet potato.

4. Allow the kale to wilt.

5. Once cooked roll and place seam side down.

6. Top with sauce and cheese

7. Bake for 30 mins at 375.

I like mine with a little avocado and a bit more sour cream.

Best part? The leftovers for quick and easy lunches.

Enjoy!

Something different

My love of long distance running has kind of fizzled since I effed up my shoulder last year. 

I'm back to ART/Chiro/Physio to help my shoulder (which is working!) but spending hours running is not kind to my shoulder or my knees for that matter. 

My buddy Kelly (@frankiemoves) recently rocked a duathlon, and it's got me thinking that this might be something for moi.

In particular, this race might be something for moi.

The Sprint Duathlon  - 2.8 Km Run - 16.2 Km Cycle - 3.1Km Run.

I'm quite confident that I too, could rock it.  

I think I have a good base. I run 5k two times a week, and spend waaaaaay too much time at spin classes - in my opinion they're just more fun than actually biking. I'll just have to spend more time on an actual bike (slightly scary to me - the reason I spin so much is that it's pretty much impossible to fall off) and incorporate a more run/bike/run workouts.

I was going to ask for words of wisdom, or a kick in the ass do register - but after writing this post I've pretty much talked myself into it. I always succeed when I have a plan, so this post will serve as my plan. 

Let the training commence. 

Confidence

Friday I did something waaaaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.

I wore a tank top. Out in public.

I've written one million times about how self conscious I am about my arms, so although, this dosn't seem much of a feat for most... it's HUGE for me.

Then I did something crazy on Sunday.

I wore a tank top. Out in public. And played ball in it.

I'm on a roll, because look what's happening today:

Granted, I'm wearing a sweater over top now because it's freezing in my office - but still. The effort is there. 

One step at a time my friends.

St. Jean Baptiste

 As I work in Quebec, I was lucky enough to have today off in lieu of St. Jean Baptiste which was celebrated yesterday.

I was actually pretty glad to have today off, as there was no time to be a domestic goddess this weekend because I was too busy being a tomboy playing ball.

Today I was very ambitious, I was able to:

• Vaccuum and steam all the floors
• Changed bedding
• did laundry
• cleaned all 3 bathrooms
• cleaned out the fridge
• dusted
• went to spin class
•  got groceries
•  tended to my little garden

• ate hot dogs for lunch

Whhhhat? Ate hot dogs for lunch?

I had the most delicious bbq'ed hot dog at the ball tournament over the weekend and I was craving another one. Perservative-city? Yep. Delicious? Absolutely. I'm slightly ghetto though and didn't have a buns so I just rolled with a slice of whole wheat bread... and a cheese slice. And ketchup. Hard to make a meal like that pretty.

How do you like the new back splash? I'm happy to say after MONTHS of searching, one has been procured. I love it.

Well, it's after 8pm. I think it's time for last night's episode of True Blood. Ciao!

Celebrating babies-to-be with (vegan) cupcakes

When you spend 37.5 hours sitting side-by-side with someone each and every week, you naturally become quite attached.

My cubicle neighbour and I have grown very close in the 2 years we’ve been sitting side-by-side. And today we celebrated her baby-to-be. 

Isn’t she just the cutest ever?

I know I tend to make all things about me, but today it actually hit me that she’ll be leaving (me) for an entire YEAR. How am I going to survive without her?

My darling little neighbour suffers from many food intolerances. Mainly gluten, dairy and sugars.

Her pregnancy has made her somewhat more tolerant to gluten and sugar, but not so much on the dairy side.

The shower was pot luck, so I was determined to make something that she could actually enjoy. Whenever we have potlucks/pizza days at work she often doesn’t have many options.

I decided to make Oh She Glow’s vegan chocolate cupcakes with almond “buttercream”.

I was so pleased with the results.   

They were moist, chocolately, and looked pretty too!

I was pretty proud of the end result. I tend to have a high fail ratio when it comes to baking. I followed this recipe perfectly, and they turned out beautifully. I couldn’t have been happier.

Each and every cupcake was gobbled up. That’s the sign of a good cupcake.

My gift to the mom-to-be was a more girlie version of this Monthly Onesie Set from Purple Possom on Etsy.

I thought it was cute, unique and fun… and it was delivered all the way from Kansas in just over a week! Awesome service. I love Etsy.

Well, it’s my Friday and there is a spin class at 4:30 that is calling my name. I have some cupcake(s) to burn off.

The run that wasn't.

I got stuck late at the office yesterday, and missed the 4:30 spin class I had planned on attending.

I had chiro at 6:15, so I went to that appointment dressed to hit the gym afterwards. I decided I'd run 5k on the revolving apparatus of death (treadmill) as it was pretty hot out yesterday.

I started running, and instantly regretted the handful (or two?) of dried apricots I ate. My stomach felt terrible.

5k quickly turned into "You only have to run for 20 mins". Usually once I get past that 20 minute mark, I can force myself to do anything.

At 20 mins, I was still feeling like crap but I decided to keep going.

This is where I'd like to tell you I banged out 5k and felt awesome afterwards.

But that would be a lie.

I only made it to 22 mins. 

Brutal eh?

I know not every run is a good one, and I definitely now know that dried apricots make a terrible pre-workout snack.

It's a new day. Here's to rocking my workout tonight. Cheers!

Let's Play Ball

If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you know that I love all things baseball.

I know you guys are aware of my love for the Yankees (ahem, Jeter)  but I don't write too often about my love for actually playing ball.

This year, in addition to the co-ed team I play with, I'm playing in a ladies softball league. There are pros and cons to playing with 13 women, but what I am enjoying is being able to actually 'play'. 

In co-ed, what usually happens is that ladies will play at 3rd, 2nd, rover and catcher. It all depends on the team obviously, but usually that's what happens on my team anyway.

But in ladies there are no big strong superstar men to play short stop, so I get to move over from 3rd to short stop. I'm loving it! I haven't played short stop since my softball days when I was a teenager.

Here's the thing. I have zero problem making the throw to 1st. 

But from some stupid reason I over throw it to 2nd all. the. friggin'. time.

It's kinda like Greg Zaun in this video. Easy throw, right? WRONG. This actually made me laugh out loud, kind of a lot.

Even last night, I had a play at 2nd base... I had time, so I told myself "Ok Amy, nice easy throw" and proceeded to chuck it into center field. I'm pretty sure it's psychological at this point. Or maybe I'm just like the Hulk?

I realize this post is probably boring to most. Baseball isn't everyone's cup'o'tea. But it's my blog, and I just happen to love that kinda tea. Mmmmm... Jeter.... pinstripes.

Any ball players out there?

My favorite summer-time meal.

Tomatoes are plentiful in my house right now, thanks to a case that was recently procured at Costco.

Evenings during the summer time are often a little short on time due to my baseball schedule.

Enter: My favorite summer-time meal.

Toasted tomato on whole wheat - cucs on the side.

The secret ingredients to the perfect toasted tomato? Real mayo and tons of fresh black pepper.

Even Jersey approves.

It's calorie friendly too - just a little lacking in protein.

2 slices of bread: 180 cals
Mayo: 80 cals
Tomatoes: 20'ish cals
Cucs: 30'ish cals
TOTAL: 310 cals.

I was feeling a little wild last night, and added a slice of real medium cheddar for an extra 90 cals - but also added 5 grams of protein.

Quick. Easy. Delicious.

Sephora Loot

Last Thursday, I ran out of my favorite primer.

You know what that means? A trip to Sephora!

This place scares me worse than Costco does. I go in for one thing, and leave with 329405 others.

This time though, I didn't make out too bad. My total bill was only $128'ish.

I've been eye'ing this eye shadow since I was in NYC last summer. I'm very loyal to MAC eye shadows, but the colors of this palette suit my hazel/green eyes perfectly. 

Nars Duo Eye Shadow in Kuala Lampur.

I also kind of needed some moisturizer. I have been using Aveeno Ultra Calming + SPF 15 for a few years now. Decided to give this a try. I'm pasty and burn easily, so I always looks for a moisturizer with SPF.

 Bare Minerals Advanced Protection with SPF 20.

I also picked up this little beauty. My darling friend Cat got me hooked on this a few years ago. I like a little dab in the morning. Keeps my lips soft and gives them a little shine too. Apparently it's good for diaper rash too... who knew?

Smiths Rosebud Salve.

Am I the only one that puts myself in the poor house at Sephora? 

Tracky McTrackerton

Last summer, I was able to drop about 15 lbs even though I was doing zero exercise because of my shoulder injury. 

How? Tracking.

I tracked successfully for over 100 days, before my streak ended due to being away camping without cell service.

It works for me. It motivates me.

I've loosened my reins a little too much, so I need to nip that in the bud. Over the winter, I'm quite confident I've gained at least 10lbs back. I lose and gain those 10 lbs at least 2 times a year. It's really quite sick...and embarrassing. I'm always slightly embarrassed that I'm as chubby as I am given my high level of activity. But the fact of the matter is, I'm quite confident that given my height and my muscles I'm not meant to be much smaller than I am right now. My problem? I like food. A lot. Fortunately, I also like exercise. 

I just need to eat less, and continue to work out like a dog. 

Weeknight treats (have you tried the new Chapmans Peanut butter crunch fro-yo? Oh my.) must stop, and weekend gorging must stop too.

I know you've read a kazillion posts like this before on my little blog. But this isn't rocket science. I've totally got this. Just had to write it down.

Relay for Life

12 hours.

38km walked.

$106k total was raised.

Smiles.... tears... laughs were had.

Memories were made.

 

"I Hate Cancer" Cinnamon Buns

Remind me next time I tell my colleagues I'm making cinnamon buns, that I should actually attempt to make cinnamon buns first ok?

First batch? Not so nice. 

 Tasty (as you can see by the missing one) but not so nice. I didn't roll them tight enough.

Batches 2, 3 and 4 go progressively better though so I least I had some decent'ish looking cinnamon buns to present to my colleagues.

I made $90 on Monday with my muffins which shocked me completely! I was thinking I'd make $20.

I have some pretty awesome colleagues.

Relay for Life is on Friday, and I'm pretty excited. Of course being the competitive type that I am, I've encouraged (damanded?) my family to bring their Garmins so we could have a competition to see who walks the farthest! :)

That being said - I still hate you Cancer.

Lack of Real Food

Once upon a time, I used to eat nutritionally void, processed food. They were low fat and low calorie, but they were highly processed.

I then learned the importance of proper nutrition and focused on eating as much normal/real food as possible.

While I still try to to this, I'm finding myself leaning more towards the "make something tasty fast" category at night. I always make a conscious effort to incorporate veggies and protein, but it usually ends up in the form of pasta. 

Last night's dinner was no different: WW bow ties, spinach, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, alfredo sauce and parm.

I think I'm in a cooking rut. I used to loooove trying new recipes, and we rarely ate the same thing twice within the same month. This is not the case anymore.

Staples of late include: Sweet potato/black bean enchiladas, rotisserie chicken and salad, salmon-broccoli-rice, pasta of some sort, burgers and salad, BBQ something.

I picked up this months Clean Eating and Cooking Light magazines at Costco a few weeks ago, so I shall peruse there to come up with some new ideas.

I'd also be forever grateful if you'd link some new recipes in the comments section.

My ideal recipe: Lotsa veg and protein, and makes enough for leftovers for lunch the next day.

Help?!

“I hate Cancer” Muffins

This Friday, I will participate in the Relay for Life in my hometown of Smiths Falls.

I’ve participated in this event a few times. It’s always a good time, and lots of funds are raised for a cause that hits very close to home for me.

I’m just going to say it: I hate you Cancer.

You’ve taken my Mom.

You’ve taken my Nanny.

..and recently you tried to take my Dad too.

But he’s too strong for that shit.

This year my Relay for Life team consists of all family members.

We’ve named our team Lefty’s Legacy – after my grandfather.

I’m pretty pumped for the event. I’m sure there will be lots of laughs, and many happy tears remembering those loved ones that were taken away from us much too soon.

I had great intentions to start fundraising about a month ago.. then THIS happened. You may recall the attack of my counter surfing dog.

As I type this, Jersey is laying at my feet so I know there are no muffins being demolished.

In an effort to raise funds, 36 of these babies were baked today. (Don’t mind my lack-of-backsplash. I still haven’t been able to decide on one!)

 

Many of my colleagues are watching their waistlines, so I kept it light by using this recipe for Honey Sweetened Low Fat Banana Muffins.

I might have had a taste test, and they are delicious and plenty moist. Not low fat tasting in the slightest!

Here’s hoping for a good donation day tomorrow! Wednesday is going to be “I hate Cancer cinnamon buns”. That should be a hit too. My colleagues like to eat! :)

Although I won’t be able to send you any muffins, if you’d like to sponsor me please click here. Every penny counts!

I hate you Cancer.

ART/Chiro treatment on my gimpy shoulder

Every Friday should start with one of these babies:

I've been accused several times of being high maintenance, and this coffee order doesn't exactly work for my "I'm not high maintenance" argument.

Venti, non-fat, half sweet, sugar free mocha, coconut, Americano misto.

High maintenance perhaps, but delicious!

Last night I had my first ART/Chiro session on my shoulder. After months of physio last summer, my range of motion definitely improved but I am still experiencing a little bit of dull pain in my shoulder blade and rotator cuff.

Good news? My shoulder doesn't have to be amputated.
Bad news? I have to do more physio in addition to ART, Graston and Chiro adjustments.

What I found interesting, is that my poor posture (as a result of sitting in front of a computer all day) has also contributed to my slow recovery. Because my head is too far foward, it puts additional pressure on my shoulder which adds strain.

The other good news? I love the clinic. It was welcoming, and there wasn't a single attempt to make it sales pitchy. They focus a lot on sports injury and are equipped with a sports medicine doctor, chiro, physio, etc etc etc.

When Andrew hurt his back earlier this year, the clinic he went to turned his injury into a huge sales gimmick. After his initial assessment, they invited us back to go over the results and of course offered me a free assessment. When I told them I wasn't interested, a dialogue something like this happened:

Chiro: You have pretty nice teeth, how much did they cost?
me: I don't know, my Dad paid for them when I was 12.
Chiro: Well, investing in your teeth is cosmetic. Your spine is your life, why wouldn't you invest in it?

Uhhhh?

The other thing I hated about that clinic was that they didn't offer pay-by-the-session option. The gave him a hefty price for an entire year of treatment. He got sucked in when I wasn't there chose this option, and in their defense the treatments have really helped him... but still. I was very turned off the entire industry after that.

Long story short: I'm feeling pretty good about what's in store for my little shoulder this summer!

Anyone else have any chiro stories to share?

*note - no intent to insult anyone that works in the industry - just my personal opinion.