Reasons I love Zumba (and…Brunch)

1) I just like to say the word.  It’s fun.

2) I love people who love Zumba.  Believe it or not (Jen) – there are people who love Zumba more than me.  People who wear Zumba clothes to Zumba class and hang out in the front near the instructor.  Now don’t get me wrong – I might be persuaded to buy this top.

  Or these pants (which are less Zumba-y but still look comfy). 

But really I just like to stand off to the side and do my thing.

3) You never stop.  It’s one hour where you can’t think because you are too busy trying to keep up. 

4) But most of all – the number one reason I love Zumba is because of stats like this.  1hour and 2 minutes = 705 calories burned.

I just wish I could take this class 5 days a week!!!

Lots of stuff has gone on since we last spoke.  My mom threw an engagement party for Dave and me.  It was a good time with good friends and family and lots of good gifts.  :)

It’s difficult having parties now (and honestly all this is difficult) without my dad.  Not only do I simply miss him – he was a master at organization when it comes to preparing for a party.   Still – my mom and Jen did the bulk of the hard work and the result was absolutely lovely.

   We got tons of flowers.   A lot of hydrangeas as those will be our centerpieces at the wedding.  Also – I just love them. Jen made homemade muffins (Blueberry Corn) and Bacon & Cheddar Biscuits (in a muffin shape) Action shot of the egg and bacon casserole and a lovely fruit tray.French Toast and Silver Dollar Pancakes and some Chicken Tenders for the kids – except they were eaten mostly by the adults!   Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit’s BACON! And potatoes! My plate.And then there was dessert.  Angel Food Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Bavarian, Strawberry Cheesecake, Berries and Cream and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (made by Dave’s mom)

Looking at all that food is making me think of what I can do today to exercise a little.  It’s ugly and rainy out.  Blech.   Honestly that calorie reading on the heart rate monitor was pretty inspiring.  If I can exercise like that and enjoy it that much there is no reason I should be hanging on to all this weight.

Plus I saw my dress again this weekend.  I really want them to have to take a yard of fabric out of that sucker.

Hope all is well with you and yours.   Be back later.

Lighten Up

It’s been another busy weekend.  We were out on Long Island helping my mom & Jen clean out the basement.  Dave fixed a hose, Jen and I fixed brunch.

All in all a lovely time was had by all.

It’s been a while so I thought a food oriented post was in order.  I really am trying to go on the light side these days.  Some days I’m successful – others not so much.

You will shortly see that I am a big fan of potatoes cooked with onion.   And wine made by penguins.

Mother’s Day. 

   I opted for a fried egg over easy. Dinner on Sunday – Dave and I used the new grill.  Shrimp marinated in olive oil, Old Bay, garlic and lemon.Orso with onion, garlic, tomato and goat cheese.  Last night Dave and I went to see Something Borrowed – which I very much enjoyed even though the book was much better.  Beforehand I made us some dinner. More potatoes. Pork chops – marinated in buttermilk, covered in panko, baked for 35 min at 375.  More potatoes! More penguins! Dave and I are working from home today.  I made us some lunch.  Grilled chicken – teriyaki for him over a salad.

Barbecue for me on a Goldfish thin.

The weather here is so beautiful.  I went for a 3 mile walk yesterday – I could have walked for days it was so nice to be outside.  Tonight dinner is Chicken with the Sauce and I’m heading to Zumba. 

I’m still craving chocolate but at least I’m getting some exercise.

Hope you all are enjoying the spring.  I’ve realized I’m so much happier when I can get out and walk.  Yesterday I kept thinking I should have started running at some point but I’m still not sure where I will end up once I get started.   I’d walk to Zumba if I could but I have to walk on the highway and that might not be a great idea.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  

April Showers

OK.  Not quite but in my mind it makes sense.

Carrie is getting married in April.

We had her shower this weekend.

 I love it when champagne greets me at the door. And when it’s mixed with fruity punch it doesn’t make me feel so bad about having some at noon. :)Table 3 was where it was at.    Gifts for us.Gifts for Carrie and Chris.   Mixed green salad. Chicken (fit for a) Princess.  This is quite like my favorite Chicken Madeira at Cheesecake Factory.  I don’t know why I don’t ever make this for myself because I can for sure cut the calories from it.  We had Canyon Road Pinot Grigio.  It might be a new favorite.  Cavit – watch out. I like sweets but this type of cake never really tempts me.Still didn’t stop me from eating the cake and icing part and leaving the filling.A sweet end to a sweet meal for a sweet couple.  Can’t wait for the wedding!!!

Dave is already getting ready for me to leave him in favor of the dance floor. :)

Cupcakes and Classy Chicks

As the new year rolls around my dear friend Carrie has started a wonderful tradition.  She invites all the ladies over for a New Years Brunch. 

My friends and I enjoy brunch a lot.

Today’s brunch started at 12 noon and I walked in the door to my apartment at around 8 PM but that’s beside the point.

Carrie puts out quite a spread but I wanted to contribute something sweet so I brought some cupcakes.  I used this recipe.  I usually make these with the candy cane but left it out this time.  It’s basically a box cake mix with some extras.  I added these things + some sour cream.  The cupcakes are super moist.  I got a cupcake carrier and some fancy liners for Christmas that I was dying to use. Before…. After. With buttercream icing.   In preparation for eating buttercream icing I went to the gym this morning and incline walked for 35 minutes.  Then I did one set of stairs (only to the 4th floor though – my legs and I just got back on speaking terms).And sprinkles!!!!Sidenote: I bought this cute dishtowel when I went to Maryland/DC with Dave in November.   I love it.  I know truffles..errr trouble.   My cupcake carrier slipped off my lap on the subway on the way to Queens and I almost missed my stop!!!

Carrie had all the makings for brunch cocktails.  I prefer Screwdrivers to Mimosas. She set the table with some lovely centerpieces. My plate.  Two types of quiche, a slice of pound cake and salad with apples and pomegranate. Then I had a coughing fit and drank some hot water with lemon.  This damn cold won’t leave me alone. Then, as all proper ladies who brunch do, we started to gamble.  We played a few mean rounds of Left Right Center.  First for pocket change.Then we brought out the big guns. I did not win so had to drown my sorrows.  (Note: no alcohol was consumed in the taking of this photo.  But – don’t get me wrong - I did enjoy a cocktail or two).

I got home, many hours later, full of good food and good cheer shared with good friends and made myself a bowl of pasta.   A perfect end to a pretty perfect day.

Tomorrow me and my cupcake carrier are off to the wilds of Pennsylvania.  I’ll be back again on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend one and all!