New Uniform

Here it is, the long anticipated viewing of the uniform. I used the event to work on more video editing skills. I wasted way too much of my morning on this, and of course realized by the end that I was doing it the hard way. Fortunately for me, I've picked up some new skills. Fortunately for you, this will waste less than one minute of your time. :)

Why no videos this week?

Well, because I'm TRYING to write a paper. A simple one really. A 4 pager on Nouvelle Cuisine. I am just having trouble focusing. So here's what your video would look like if I were to post one...

I just turned on the camera, hid it behind my windows and let it roll... Riveting stuff. Riveting.

2nd Sunrise Paddle

Mark and I were able to go on a sunrise paddle together today. I'm very glad he was able to experience it so soon after I did (yesterday's post.) This one is pretty long, and there's no narration. At least you'll see people (us!) off and on. I think my next project may be a TRX video, per my 6 yr old niece's request. :)

Paddle to Tybee?

In response to Stacey's question: "Can you paddle to Tybee?"

The paddle in the video went so far as the 1st dot at the top. I'm thinking a paddle to the beach would be a SERIOUS trek that would involve copious provisions... I plotted two options to get there. But looking at it now, you could potentially go north around the island instead of south/east, but still not happening anytime soon. That is some serious distance! At least for us newbies.

Sunrise Paddle!

And here's the video of my early, buttcrack of dawn paddle this morning. I can see that this will be happening as often as possible - very addictive!

Ps.  Used my Nikon CoolPix in an Ikelite housing. I love housings!

Planning a Sunrise Paddle

GOOD MORNING!!! Today's video is of me planning a sunrise paddle. Yes. It's January 7, 2012 - and while most people are freezing I am planning to go paddle! It's a little long. Hope you don't get board. Lemme know what you think!

About me!

I am learning rather quickly about video editing. That being said - still more to learn! This is in response to a comment or two I received from strangers regarding the first video. (Prior to me learning more about privacy settings...) This blog is, generally, for family and friends. But if you came here and enjoy it- hang out with us for a while! And thanks for viewing. :) Our "humor" is not exactly mainstream...

Channeling Morticia

Here's my first vlog. I really need to turn the mic up, stop moving the computer, slow down while I talk (yes, Gmaw, you are right - I talk too. fast.) Etc. etc etc. But if I'm too lazy to type, I'm too lazy to edit - right? (ps. I LOVE teaching! I am merely making reference to the fact that students feel the need to comment without any apparent attempt at CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. I am saving up the gems I've collected over the past 18 months - they will get their own blog. :)

Couscous - It's what's for breakfast!

With everyone jumping on the New Year's Healthy Resolution bandwagon, I decided I'd share a bit with you guys about what I eat. I am constantly asked (especially by my family) how I stay in shape. Well, here's the big secret: I exercise and I am careful about what I eat. Crazy-easy. Am I perfect at it? Heck no. But I've found ways to move (yoga, walking, SUP) that I enjoy, and I incorporate these things into my daily life. As far as food goes, I am working to reduce processed foods - which means I cook frequently and use lots of fresh foods. That being said - my standard breakfast takes 10 minutes TOPS - and five of that is the food sitting in a bowl while I enjoy my coffee, walk the dogs or rush around getting ready for the gym, depending on the day.

That being said, I'm going to show you just how easy it is to make a healthy, filling breakfast in a flash! (seriously - it takes longer than 5 minutes to drive thru McDonald's.)

I had couscous in my pantry for quite a while, but wasn't sure what to do with it. I'd read the label and knew it was good for me, but so what?!? If you don't know how to use it, what good is it really? Then I headed over to Bulgaria to visit my sister. They are unable to find grits (a true southern staple, but not nearly as good for you) and replaced the grits with couscous. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after playing around with what to put in it, I found a combo that I LOVE.

Here's my recipe (nutrition stats will be at the bottom!)

1. Boil water (I keep a tiny pot on my stove and heat it up while I'm making my coffee)
2. Put 1/4 cup dry couscous into a cereal bowl (I, of course, use the bowl I got in BG)
3. When water comes to a boil, pour over couscous until you have about 1/4" of water covering grain. (you might have to play with the water amounts a bit to make sure it's not too dry or too wet)
4. Use a small plate to cover bowl. It traps the moisture inside to cook the couscous.
5. Cut up 1/3 to 1/2 of an avocado and place on the little plate.
6. Cut up 1/2 - whole tomato and put on plate.
7. Crumble 1/2 ounce reduced fat feta and - yep - put it on the plate.
8. I also use a dash or two of Herbamare for extra seasoning -but don't get crazy, there's plenty of salt in the feta!
9. After 5 minutes or so, pick up plate and dump the avo, tomato and feta in and stir.

That's it. Pretty simple and super tasty. A few more tips - I keep my avocado in the fridge and wrapped in plastic wrap. They tend to brown quickly - much like a banana or apple. If it grosses you out you can cut off a very thin layer to remove the brown. (Um, yeah. The brown stuff totally grosses me out.)

Nutrition Info!

1/4 cup dry couscous = 163 calories, 0 fat grams

1/3 avocado = 75 cal, 7 fat grams (that's why we need to watch the portions!)

1/2 medium tomato = 11 calories, 0 fat - feel free to add the WHOLE tomato!

1 oz reduced fat feta = 80 calories, 4 fat grams

Totals = 329 calories and 11 fat grams

*So what do these numbers MEAN? Well, we all need to know our personal calorie/fat goals per day. For my age, height/weight and activity levels I shoot for a 1500 (totally slacker day) to 2200 calorie day (gotta be teaching/taking classes, paddle boarding, etc on these days!) and 30-40 (less is better) fat grams per day. I generally shoot for around 1800 cal. And I try to get my fat from natural foods - veggies, nuts etc, as opposed to butter, greasy meats and so on.

Questions? Comments? Want to hear more info along these lines? I'm happy to share - just let me know if there's a demand for it! Happy Thursday!!!

New Favorite Recipe

I found this recipe today while I was flipping through Coastal Living magazine - picking out photos of future condo decor. Got distracted by the chocolate cookies! As always, I made a couple of modifications. I didn't have the chili listed, so I used Cayenne. It's pretty stout, so I cut it down to 1/4 tsp. And I just used the cinnamon I had in my pantry. I played with the time a bit, but 10 min was dead on for my oven. I also left out the 4 oz of coarsely chopped choc. The spicy kick at the end makes them extra-awesomely-delicious.

Chocolate Crackled Cookies

12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided

3/4 cup flour

2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cinnamon, Saigon or 2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Roasted Saigon Cinnamon

1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Chile Pepper, Ancho

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt 8 ounces of the chocolate as directed on package. Set aside. Coarsely chop remaining 4 ounces chocolate. Mix flour, roasted cinnamon, ancho chile pepper, baking powder and salt in small bowl.

2. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add melted chocolate; beat until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chopped chocolate. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons or medium cookie scoop 1 1/2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

3. Bake about 10 minutes or just until cookies are set and slightly cracked on top. Transfer cookies on parchment paper to wire rack; cool completely.

Happy First Day of 2012!

Ringing in the New Year with black eyed peas, turnips/greens, ham and what ever else I whip up. The girls are coming over. The tide will be high just after lunch - so I'm certain there's a New Year's Day paddle in everyone's future.

Our night at L & S's condo downtown was super-fun. Thanks to copious amounts of coffee in the early evening, I was able to keep going until about 2:30a.m. Unfortunately, that internal clock didn't get the snooze memo, but at least we've been able to plop on the couch and chill.

Now that my belly is full of freshly made buttermilk pancakes and some (preservative free) bacon, it's time to spiff up and enjoy the beautiful day. What a great start to this new (and last, if you believe the hype) year!