October update

I went to Series 7 class and passed that test like BAM. Let's not do that again though, mmm-kay?

My best friend's son had his wedding in Flagstaff. My friend B was feeling good for it and we had a fantastic time.

Yes, that is a Yoda fountain in SF.

M and I went to San Francisco with my cousin! We had a blast. My sister came with her husband for a day. My favorite was probably our drizzly walk in the forest. And I was reading A Sudden Light by Garth Stein on this trip without realizing the background. You should read it.

I had a lot of trouble finding food I could safely eat in this foodie city. I was hangry. I was treated shabbily. For real, had a waiter at an expensive restaurant tell me I shouldn't be trying to eat out on a Saturday night. We're only staying in places with kitchens from now on.

I did not leave my heart in SF.

I saw Garbage with my boys, M and B at the state fair. I love that Shirley!

At our hotel in SF :)

We went to an 80s party for Halloween with my cuz and my friend S and the guys. Fun times were had by all!

Culinary Dropout

My company decided to do an annual birthday celebration so they could do something bigger and better without costing the firm more. The receptionist wanted to get everyone's orders ahead of time but I was still messaging with someone from the restaurant on FB by the time we went. She also had asked for cupcake orders so I went to Gluten Free Creations Bakery yesterday to get cupcakes.

Pumpkin Spice cupcakes

We went to Culinary Dropout, which is a Fox Concepts Restaurant. I generally have good luck at their restaurants so the chef talked with me and we decided I could have a burger and sauteed veggies (in olive oil.) They don't use any soybean oil. I used the mushrooms and onions on top of the burger so I didn't even need anything else like ketchup.

Looks simple, tastes good.

Culinary Dropout is one of the restaurants around The Yard so we went out there to play some games. There was cornhole, ping pong, and Foosball. I played a couple rounds of Foosball. I'm not good but it was fun! I didn't play any more after that because I was already sweating and was concerned I would be stinky. My over-sweatiness is a problem without end.

J drove back to the office so we stopped by her place to let her dogs out and I got to check out her digs. Cute place. She's making progress on her renovations.

*****

I've been going to a free weekly yoga class (it's only 8 weeks so I'm really trying to take advantage of it while it lasts.) Last week, the instructor told us it's not "zombie yoga" when she was reminding us to breathe.

Free yoga tonight included Halloween themed music. Very weird. I had a lot of trouble with my left hip popping and spasticity in my lower left leg so I wasn't able to really do some things on both sides. So annoying.

Octoberfest 2014

We had a larger group for Octoberfest this year, so in addition to my FIL driving us, dropping us off, and picking us up, we had a second driver, our friend M who lives near us and doesn't drink. And apparently is SO nice--who doesn't drink and then spends his Saturday driving drunks?

This coaster gets a big glass mug!

Someone backed out last minute so my cousin came with us. Mick wanted to be there early so it was a little bit of a slow start but we had a blast.

R bought shots. Of course.

There were lots of "saved" seats and a lot of them never filled up. We liked the signs.

I go both ways. Or do I?

I knew I wouldn't be able to eat anything or drink the beer so I brought chili, cornbread, Tito's and lemonade.

Suns Cheerleaders

Most of the group spent the night. R made breakfast. The person who had backed out of going was also supposed to go to the Cardinals game with R and his girl, so Mick was able to go instead. And I was able to spend the day relaxing.

Visitors

We had "my" favorite cousin visit from Indiana. Okay, J is Mick's cousin, but she's my favorite person in his whole family. She brought her husband and son (little one) for 4 days and 5 nights.

She was very helpful in the kitchen and got the cross contamination thing right away. They are early morning people so they made themselves at home and figured out where to find things.

Happy hour!

The first day, little one got to see the F16s and F35s flying over our house. Then we went for a walk in the neighborhood. It was kind of hot and I actually got some sun on my shoulders.

We had the family over for a surf and turf lunch. The kids had a great time, running and playing. Cassi almost sat on the little one at the end of the day--he was on the couch where she wanted to curl up and sleep.

Cajun Halibut with rice, elk steak, artichoke spaghetti squash, salad

We went hiking with friends at White Tanks, the Waterfall Trail. It was a little bit hot still. I feel a little bad they didn't get to go on a bigger longer higher trail but it was a perfect starter trail for our group that hasn't been out for months.

Mick and the husband went quail hunting with my FIL and Teka. They got 3 and I had a couple in the freezer. That's enough for an appetizer!

Almost gone.

That was tiring--no naps but lots of go. They are really active as a family--playing football and Frisbee when I'm recovering from ask the rest. I can't wait for them to come again.

Free yoga

A coworker notified us that there are free yoga classes once a week for 8 weeks at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Resort. It's outside on a patio in front of "the Falls" in the evening.

I got there late (it's farther and more traffic than I expected) and it was very crowded, but it was a good yoga class.

Yoga while facing the Falls

Weddings, the Wigwam, and the weekend

We were invited to the wedding of Mick's coworker. We thought it was at the Wigwam and then realized they just had group rates there because they were staying there. We checked rates and decided to go check it out since everyone keeps telling us how great and modern it is for a historic location.

Obligatory feet in front of pool photo

We went early to relax, unpack, and go swimming before getting ready for the wedding.

Somehow, I managed to have no photos of me and Mick at the wedding. Bummer cause he looked great.

I expected I wouldn't be able to eat at the reception but after talking with the waitress, found I could have the grilled veggies, smoked salmon, ceviche with avocado puree, and prime rib with pepper relish.

tiny dinner--first trip

My friend K totally embarrassed me out of her love for me. She knew the bride was having a gluten-free, dairy-free cake so she insisted on asking the bride if it had eggs and soy. They decided I could have a piece. I. Had. Cake. In public. It was pretty good. Okay, if you don't have to eat that, you'd probably think it was a little off, but it wasn't dry or anything...expected.

wedding cake

It wasn't a very late party but we slept in anyway. We walked around and saw the main pool that we were no where near. Then we headed to breakfast at Red's. The waitress had me a little nervous but then she took my card to the chef and confirmed my order.

potatoes, no seasoning, bacon, guacamole and salsa

Mick had the most gluten-y thing on the menu. It looked fantastic.

pancakes and sausage

Our impression of the Wigwam? Well, we must have been in the part that hasn't been remodeled yet or something. I wouldn't call it contemporary or modern. And our friends who were also staying in this section pointed out the extremely sparse artwork that just looked odd. And the parking was kind of terrible. But it was a clean, large room and we had a good time.

Sunday, we went to the movies with a friend and saw Guardians of the Galaxy. Cute. Too much unnecessary  cursing. I want a Groot in a pot. I hope that's a thing. We didn't go out for lunch or anything, just called it a day. But I got some good hugs from the friend. And hugs are good for our health so I got my medicine this weekend.

I love getting hugs from him because they are the BEST hugs. I think I've figured it out. He doesn't give me the wimpy hug that people give me when they know I'm "broken" or "fragile" because, I'm guessing, he doesn't know. And since he doesn't know, he doesn't overcompensate and squeeze me to death either. He also isn't afraid to hold on until we're done with our hug. I'm used to the "quickie" hug, so it's so different to have someone hold on for a minute. I don't know how he doesn't have a girlfriend and/or stalker.

via thebloggess on Pinterest

For dinner, Mick and I decided to try my new fryer. He actually fell asleep as soon as I started. Unfortunately, we had not stopped at Costco for more oil on our way home from the movies, so I had to go get some more. I wanted to cry--how sucky is it to have to take an hour delay because there isn't enough oil for dinner. Sigh. Well, I got back and he was up.

I made a basic batter for the cod. He thought it didn't have enough seasoning, which I can easily fix, but that the batter wasn't quite right anyway, maybe gummy or hard or something I didn't get. I, on the other hand, haven't had fried fish in several years so I was just amazed at how well my first EVER attempt at fried fish came out.

I also spiralized some sweet potatoes to make fries. They aren't thick enough so I think we'll have to stick to normal fry shaped fries. We did the first batch without batter and the last batch with batter. I like the battered ones better but, again, Mick doesn't like the batter itself.

fish fry

I also made tartar sauce from Well Fed 2 but using Earth Balance soy-free mayo which is not really Paleo but I can have it so there. I thought it was good, though not quite perfect--I'll keep working on it. It's definitely not as thick as "normal" tartar sauce. Mick wants the stuff his parents use from the jar. (I used to buy it, so I think it's actually a squeeze bottle but what does he know...)

It was a LOT of work for a mediocre meal. I think he may have given up on the fish fry idea for his friends now that he realizes how much work it will be while everyone is visiting. We'll see.

Curling

I went to a curling intro with a large group of coworkers. Unlike the cold yoga, this was on ice and it was cold. After a couple hours of "running" back and forth across the ice, I had to take my sweatshirt off though.

Apparently my complete lack of athletic ability and hand/eye coordination has not gotten any better with age. Bummer. I just could not get the hang of the aim and the turn of the stone. Yep, I suck at curling. I'm going to go with the excuse that we didn't get to drink any alcohol. I did work up a sweat though. And it was fun. But no photos apparently. I asked around and haven't found any.

so me. #startreklove

Weekend update: Ahwatukee spots

What a weekend. No plans to all the plans happened so fast. I was asked to host our neighborhood bunco group so I did. I didn't really make anything, just served hummus and veggies and let everyone else bring stuff to share. We had 8 players and someone else came by to visit. Now I won't have to host for a long time. I was surprised no one asked to look around more. Some of them knew the previous home owners and others didn't. Anyway...

On Saturday, we went to Costco for all the usual things. However, I got a few things, let's say for my birthday. I got a red bamboo salad bowl, and ASU sweatshirt, and a new cookbook. They have a lot, at least a half dozen, of Paleo cookbooks at Costco (Sam's is slacking on that one.) I made Mick check out the cookbooks I thought I might be interested in and we agreed this one had the most recipes he (and I) would try.

Pre-birthday birthday gifts?

We met friends and friends of friends for dinner at a wine bar in Ahwatukee. They thought I'd be able to eat there but after he got my allergy card from the waitress, the chef came out and explained that it's a very small kitchen and the oven rotates so cross-contamination is likely to happen. He said he could make me a board with some substitutions but that was all. It's a couple kinds of meat with apricots, cranberries, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, oil and vinegar. Thank God for wine.

appetizer

Since I couldn't eat an actual meal, we went to ZTejas next. H and I started with spicy skinny margaritas. They were too spicy for her but I liked it.

drink up

After receiving my allergy card from the waitress, the chef came out to clarify what he could custom make for me so I had fish with a crab topping and veggies. Pretty good actually but some rice or starch would be a good addition.

Paleo!

We went out to Sandbar after that for some fandancing. Fandancing, in case you don't know, is when a place has a giantnormous fan on the patio and you stand in front of it and dance. Or if you are crazy really fun, you act like you're in a rock video and do things like put your leg on the side while waving your mane of hair. Yeah, R's friends were really fun. It wasn't a super late night but a good time was had.

too bad that bottle is empty

Cooking class Part 2

Sage offered a second vegan cooking class at Whole Foods on Camelback. I went and the bearded lady was there but attendance was a LOT less than last time.

First they made the alfredo. The sample was with a butternut squash ravioli. It was pretty awesome. You're lucky I got a photo before I sucked it down. I restrained myself from licking the bowl like a jello shot. Cause I'm classy like that.

ravioli with alfredo sauce

Next they made a cookie. It was like a Larabar. I don't know that I'd make this but it was good.

cookie

My main issue with this class (nope, not the bearded lady) was that they didn't give us the recipes so everyone was trying to write the steps down and asking each other for the measurements that the demonstrator gave way too fast.

And apparently I need a Vitamix. But I really don't want to spend that kind of money.

Whole Foods has got quite the racket with these freebie classes. I bought some stuff, of course. I saw on nomnompaloe that Coconut Secret was introducing some sauces I could have. And I found them! I'm so excited...I just can't hide it. Sing it with me now.

You are coming home with me.

I also found a nut based cheese that I was tempted to buy but decided against. It wasn't cheap. No, it was more not cheap than you think. Maybe another time. When I'm too hungry to be shopping...

You are not coming home with me.

Weekend wrapup: Independence Day

I did a lot of nothing in between rounds of doing more strenuous somethings.

 

I'm starting to think that my sink will never be empty.

 

Our neighborhood has an annual progressive pool party so we attended, coming back to our house between to refill and let the dogs out.

 

I made strawberry simple syrup and had strawberry coconut margaritas. So yum. I can't find the recipe that said you MUST use 1800 coconut tequila but I did and you must.

Luci!

I probably should have used a smaller cup. I don't remember doing it, but I bruised my toe at the first or second house. And I got a "bar blister" on my elbow at the last one. I'm a mess!

 

I made bacon wrapped rosemary honey figs to take and they were a hit. The figs are from our tree so I think I'll be making a lot of these! Bonus: they are Paleo. :)

That's all that's left. Nope...gone.

We are also getting a lot of zucchini so I made teff pancakes and added shredded zucchini to the batter. Yum.

Day-after breakfast

PS. We bought 1800 blueberry margaritas at Total Wine. As you might guess (or you might not--these pre-mixed things are pretty popular) I thought it tasted kind of artificial. I liked my homemade margaritas much better.

 

Update: I'm not sure my body liked that blueberry margarita either. Something's not making me happy the next day...

 

Cold Yoga

Happy Canada Day, eh.

I went with a few girls from my work to "cold yoga" at the Ice Den. It wasn't cold but it was yoga. It was in a rink that had been covered by turf. Weird, but good workout.

Tree sabotage

Um, the tree tried to keep me from leaving work today. Mick is out of town on his Alaskan fishing trip so I left work a little earlier than I would have. My boss had left about ten minutes earlier. But I didn't get to leave because this...

Can't leave!

So I let the guys who were still there know. One was heading to a game so he had friends pick him up. The other lives about as far away as I do but in the opposite direction. I started calling tree removal services but there aren't many that will come out at 5:30 on a Friday. I found one on the fifth call.

In the meantime, the other guy was calling the boss, who wanted to know if we had people to pick us up. The issues (off the top of my head) with this short-sighted (but common suggestion apparently) is that I would not have my car for the weekend, I would have to have someone drive me all the way home to let out the dogs so I couldn't just go stay with someone nearby, and I would have no way to get to work on Monday. Someone asked me if I could just go to a bar nearby. One, the closest business is a half mile away so the nearest bar is probably about 3/4 mile away. And it is HOT out there. Second, what kind of plan is that? I can't stay at the bar until Monday. I have no one to let the dogs out. The bar will close and kick me out. Great sentiment but terrible plan.

So we waited and they came and took the tree and the boss came and paid for it and I went home and let my poor pups out.

Thanks guys!

It was late. I was hungry. I made this quickie dinner. It wasn't great but the chicken salad and the Kettle Crinkle Chips I ate with it were good. I wouldn't buy the pupusas again though. And I have some left that I kind of need to eat. Sigh.

What I ate

What I wore

Grassroots

I went to the farmers market on my lunch break and got some goodies, but the most important discovery was that the JH Ranch guy now sells bone broth. It's supposed to be super good for digestive issues such as I tried making it but not with much success.

After I was done, I realized that Baby Kay's (where I can't eat anymore but it was SO good) is no longer there. It was replaced by Grassroots. It seemed like a healthier version of Cajun food. The staff seemed knowledgeable about the menu and modifications for allergies so that was a good sign.

There was more modification than I was hoping would be necessary so that I could eat but the waitress helped me choose the trout and collards. It was very good and well seasoned. The collards had cabbage mixed in and it was garlicky, both of which I really liked.

That's Paleo. Whole30 compliant even!

It was kind of expensive. Since it takes some modification for me to eat here, I would probably reserve this for work lunches--when I know who I'm going to lunch with.

For dinner, I made "fried" chicken with penne and "cheese" and roasted veggies. The chicken was great, the rest was good.

Over committed. Or just another weekend.

Originally, I had committed to two things this weekend. One, I would go hiking on the east side of the valley with my friend R so we could see my friend B who I rarely get to see. Two, I would go to my college days church with my friend J and her family; the church was celebrating 50 years. That should leave me some time and energy to get stuff done, right? Uh-huh. Right.

Then a cousin died at age 39 from a heart attack or something; I hear previous drug use as a possible contributing factor. And another cousin graduated from college and was having a party. I thought that was gong to be a full weekend but it's family stuff, what could I do.

So the graduation party was not a dinner party as I thought. In fact, as I looked for the location on the invite, I realized it wasn't even a family thing. I was literally the only family invited. Wow, that was unexpected. How did that happen? So we went for a drink and I met her friends. Yeah, I don't know any of her friends. That's why I thought how did that happen... We aren't close but we see each other on most holidays. Anyway, I felt privileged and honored that she invited me.

tequila and lime juice

Mick and I left to find dinner and Tasty Thai was waking distance so we headed there. I was pretty happy with it. The waitress said everything was house made except the oyster sauce so they would leave it out of my red curry. It was very good.

Chicken curry

Mick wanted to get dessert so I asked and found out I could have the sticky rice. She recommended it and it came with (jackfruit?) since mangoes are not in season. The fruit tasted and felt a lot like mangoes but it smells terrible. The rice was amazing.

sweet

His

Hers

The next morning, I met my friend R and we drove across the valley to B's house and then out for our hike.

#cactusporn

After our hike, we picked up B's daughter and went to lunch. It was, for all of us I think, a bit frustrating trying to find somewhere I could eat. No Smashburger for me...

We went to Chipotle. I haven't been since my allergies were diagnosed. They have recently made improvements to their menu, removing soybean oil from a lot of items, so it is actually a place I can eat now. It was a crazy, awesome, and kind of embarrassing experience. When I explained my allergies, the first guy in the assembly line told the lady next to him. She asked me about everything I wanted in my bowl and she took the serving spoons out of all those items. She got clean utensils and put together my bowl. I couldn't remember if the guac was safe and the place was busy and I felt like I was holding the line up so I didn't get it but check out my lunch!

rice, beans, carnitas, salsa

On Sunday, I met my friend J for church. I didn't really know many people like she did but I came while I was in college and mostly to the evening services. There was a lunch after which I wasn't planning to eat anyway, but I was able to eat some Lay's chips. And I had a Larabar with me.

That was all exhausting so I went home and did more stuff. Then I made pizza for myself and topped it with peppers and tomatoes from the garden, olives, and some homemade sausage and "ricotta" from Food for Humans.