French Skinny by Christmas

Cherry Tomatoes & Heirloom Tomatoes

 4 days of Thanksgiving indulgence has left me wanting needing to go back to the French Skinny lifestyle.

The French Skinny lifestyle that is fast, efficient and delicious. 

Sweet Basil

 Saturday morning's Farmers Market was fantastic. 

I picked up some fresh herbs. 

Sprouts

 Different kinds of sprouts.

Peas

 Threw it all together and it looks like this.

Half a cup of dry Red Quinoa cooked with vegetable broth instead of water.
Add tomatoes, onion, sweet basil, sprouts, peas, mung beans, pine nuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cayenne pepper.
Garlic quark on top.  (Goat cheese is wonderful mixed in as well.)

 All of these out of a half a cup of quinoa! I packed them in their own little containers and popped them in the fridge. I don't have to think about what I'll have for lunch all week. (Except to drool)
This might seem a little monotonous to you but I crave this stuff. It's super healthy and ready to go.

You can eat it cold but I like mine hot. 

Fresh mint and lemon for my sparkling water. 

I'm having tea with almond milk instead of half and half.

Walking at least 2 miles a day.

Let's get French Skinny by Christmas!

4 weeks to go. 

Leftovers

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Of course, over here the leftovers will be enjoyed for a few more days. Monday I'm definitely back to the French Skinny. But for now.......

Sweet potatoes for breakfast. 

Thanksgiving (Not French Skinny)

Turkey eating corn.
By 5

Today will not be French Skinny in anyway. There will be Turkey, dressing,  mashed potatoes, gravy, Martha Stewart's twice baked sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls with real butter and more. 

This year I have so much to be grateful for. So very very much. 

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Hug your people.

xoxoxo

Karen

Salmon Sashimi

Salmon Sashimi with carrots and green onions

I know we are all getting ready for Turkey Day  but I wanted to share my first attempt at Salmon Sashimi. I watched a few videos on how to cut the salmon and gave it a whirl. I've learned it's all about the fish. I found a fish guy at the Farmer's Market. He has fresh water and salt water salmon. This is fresh water. Not as lean as salt water but tastes like butter. 

I cut the salmon skin off and fried it up for crispy salmon skin rolls. They were gone before I could take a picture. 

My technique needs some work and the rice was a disaster but the salmon was fantastic.

It's official. One night a week is sushi/sashimi night. I'm thinking long about Saturday we'll be tired of Turkey and want something different.

And now......back to Turkey Day.

xoxo

New Shoes

Yesterday, I was given these gorgeous orange suede shoes. They were my Neighbor Wife's but didn't quite fit her so she gave them to me. The only problem is, I don't really have the life for these.

I keep trying to imagine where I would wear them. Yes, if I lived in Paris I wouldn't think twice about wearing these to the market. But in Burbank?

I would have to go to a different supermarket because I know everyone at Pavilion's and they would ask where I was going. "Just home to do laundry."

Walking 5 to school?  I don't think so. 2 miles is a little much for an amateur like me.

Date Night?  Since we eat at 5:00 it's still light out. Putting on my gorgeous shoes to eat the early bird special makes me sad.

So for now, I just look at them. They do make my closet look pretty.

xoxo
Happy Saturday

Lemon Quark

Lemon Quark

I found my Quark connection. Last weekend I went to the Farmer's Market and bought some Spring Hill Lemon Quark. Quark is a German style cream cheese and tastes like lemon cheesecake.....but lighter. I love it. You can put it on fruit or crackers but honestly, I just take a spoonful every now and then when I want a little sweet.
I just forced my friend, Tish, to try it. It's unanimous.

Lemon Quark yes!

Coral Tree Cafe

 English Breakfast Tea Latte

(It was almost the size of my head)

The other day, I met up with my friend, Mary, who I haven't seen in about......15 years. Tish and I met her at the Coral Tree Cafe in Encino. The Coral Tree is warm and inviting, just like Mary. I had the giant latte (above) and the aloha (below). 

The aloha (on the right). Fresh Pear, Apple and Pineapple Juice.

The years have only made Mary more beautiful. We laughed for over an hour and caught up as much as we could. 

We will definitely meet again soon. Next time I'll get the small latte and I'll order some food. It all looks delicious, organic and fresh. I will also put 2 hours worth of quarters in the meter so I don't have to make a mad dash to avoid a ticket in the middle of a juicy story. 

I hope your Thursday is delightful. 

Daydream Believer

6:05am

5 starts singing in my ear.  (His version of  Daydream Believer by The Monkeys)

"Cheer up sleepy head.
Who knows what it means, 
To a Daydream Believer and a Homecoming Queen."


There were 6 or 7 verses.


"Hey Buddy, how do you know that song?"


"Everybody knows that song."


"I think the words are a little different."


"Well, what do you expect? Chipmunks are hard to understand."


"You mean Monkeys."


"No, Chipmunks."












I need to start drinking coffee again.