Let me start by saying I've never met an Oxygen Magazine recipe that I haven't liked. With that in mind, I was really excited to see this gem in the current issue.
Perhaps it's my Eastern European genetics; but I can't get enough of cabbage. Raw, braised, wrapped around little ground beef & rice rolls (aka halupki - which my mom makes the best in the world, sorry John B), in soup or even boiled into oblivion. I LOVE cabbage!
So when I saw Chinese cabbage, red peppers, mushrooms and tofu all under one lid, I immediately planned a trip to the store. Today I threw this meal together in mere minutes. It was worth EVERY nanosecond.
Excuse the phone pics. My camera card is in my computer at the gym. But it's not a very pretty meal anyway - don't let the icky appearance keep you from making this. I'm actually thinking of chilling the leftovers and eating them cold. You know, if tofu tastes great right out of the wok, it only tastes better the next day.
Eat in good health & thanks for reading this! ~ Steph
SWEET & SPICY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES
Makes 4 servings
12 oz firm tofu drained and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cubed
2 cups Chinese cabbage, shredded
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup low-sodium organic chicken broth
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp organic honey
2 tsp arrowroot flour
1/8 red pepper flakes, or to taste
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1. Heat oil in large sautee pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, cabbage and mushrooms; continue cooking for 7 minutes or until onion softens.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together broth, vinegar, soy sauce, arrowroot flour and red pepper flakes.
3. Add sauce to vegetables and tofu and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Serve with cooked rice.
Cals 254; Total Fats 7g; Sat Fat 1g; Trans Fat 0g; Sodium 492mg; Total Carbs 36g; Dietary Fiber 4g; Sugars 8g: Protein 13g; Iron 2mg.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Work Cut Out 4 Me
First race of the season - Dragonfly Heart Camp's 5K.
Didn't go as I planned, but it was good. Here's how it was supposed to go down: my husband was going to do the 1miler with my girls while I did the 5K. On the way there my middle daughter decides to do it with me. How can I refuse? So at registration my youngest decides she wants to do it too. At that point it's like "hey, let's all do it together".
We did. Start out. Get separated. I'm back with my 10 year-old fashionista daughter who thinks it is fun to walk and be last. We ran for parts of it. Mostly the downhills. It was a REALLY HILLY COURSE!!!
I was surprised at the hills because it was near the water. But what the heck.
My oldest daughter was being a real moody 12 year-old. Well, she decides to run and comes in with a time under 30 minutes! Not bad for no training.
Now they all want to do next week's race with me again - an off road Arbor Day Run in Ridgely.
Going to try and let Daddy run that one w/the kids and see what kind of time I can turn in.
Oh, the things we Mothers do for our kids. It's all good. Peace!
Didn't go as I planned, but it was good. Here's how it was supposed to go down: my husband was going to do the 1miler with my girls while I did the 5K. On the way there my middle daughter decides to do it with me. How can I refuse? So at registration my youngest decides she wants to do it too. At that point it's like "hey, let's all do it together".
We did. Start out. Get separated. I'm back with my 10 year-old fashionista daughter who thinks it is fun to walk and be last. We ran for parts of it. Mostly the downhills. It was a REALLY HILLY COURSE!!!
I was surprised at the hills because it was near the water. But what the heck.
My oldest daughter was being a real moody 12 year-old. Well, she decides to run and comes in with a time under 30 minutes! Not bad for no training.
Now they all want to do next week's race with me again - an off road Arbor Day Run in Ridgely.
Going to try and let Daddy run that one w/the kids and see what kind of time I can turn in.
Oh, the things we Mothers do for our kids. It's all good. Peace!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, April 5th
Easter was terrific. Gorgeous weather so we grilled out in the afternoon and just tried to be outside as much as possible all day. Weeded the flowerbeds......this is the first blooming plant in my garden each year. Love it!
Morning workout for Monday - Bootcamp at the gym & 3 miles on treadmill. Right foot is super sore. Wore my Nike Shox yesterday and this always happens. I must err on the side of function rather than vanity. Nothing against Shox - just that ever since breaking my ankle & tearing tendons, they aren't my friend. But my black ones are SOOOOO badass. Love 'em! Sad.
Swimming......need to find time for swimming. This is the training issue of the day to be solved!
Morning workout for Monday - Bootcamp at the gym & 3 miles on treadmill. Right foot is super sore. Wore my Nike Shox yesterday and this always happens. I must err on the side of function rather than vanity. Nothing against Shox - just that ever since breaking my ankle & tearing tendons, they aren't my friend. But my black ones are SOOOOO badass. Love 'em! Sad.
Swimming......need to find time for swimming. This is the training issue of the day to be solved!
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2nd Already???
Okay, EACH of my three kids came down with some industrial strength stomach flu. One after the other - bless them, they didn't all get it at once.
Took care of each of them and came down with it myself yesterday. Can't say I didn't see this coming. What is it about kids getting stomach flus? They get it and then Mom gets it last and WORST! The things we do for our kids, lol.
APRIL FOOL!!! Except the joke was on me and I spent the day in bed. THIS was view one of two (I will spare you the sight of view two) from flat on my back:
Took care of each of them and came down with it myself yesterday. Can't say I didn't see this coming. What is it about kids getting stomach flus? They get it and then Mom gets it last and WORST! The things we do for our kids, lol.
APRIL FOOL!!! Except the joke was on me and I spent the day in bed. THIS was view one of two (I will spare you the sight of view two) from flat on my back:
I am still not in great shape. Came in today to catch up on some work & sit upright for a while. Feels good. Gatorade is my friend today.....
Monday, March 29, 2010
Gloves, my fave Phat Camp shirt, BodyPump class...forget diamonds, THESE are girl's best friends!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Divine Entertainment
Last night I got to take my three girls and a friend (I call her my 4th daughter because she only has an older brother and loves our girlie household) to Washington College for a lacrosse clinic. The women's team and their coaches graciously hosted it on their field after their own practice.
I must admit, like most parents yesterday I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Already coaching two practices of my own that week and getting behind on housework. Games all day Sunday. But the WORST part is that it rained all day and was FREEZING cold! Practicing with the kids isn't bad because I get to run around, but standing in the cold windy weather. Ugh.
When we got there I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Parents were huddled together watching and shivering. Joking about devoting 80% of our free time to LAX to keep our minds off of the discomfort.
Then one man said, "Goodness, look at the SKY!" Across the field and beyond the trees was the most stunning sunset I've ever seen. Strips of crimson, orange, blue, white and gold.
We all watched as it swirled and changed over the next 30 minutes or so. Until it was gone and the landscape was dark and stadium lights took over the watch.
I had to think to myself that this was indeed Divine entertainment. It certainly took our minds off of how uncomfortable we were. That background provided a gorgeous backdrop and diversion when we weren't watching the kids learn. Here's a shot I took.
I felt like it was my parental reward for doing the right thing. Heavenly Father to earth-bound mother.
Moments like these reaffirm that God truly IS watching and watching out for us!
Peace,
Steph
I must admit, like most parents yesterday I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Already coaching two practices of my own that week and getting behind on housework. Games all day Sunday. But the WORST part is that it rained all day and was FREEZING cold! Practicing with the kids isn't bad because I get to run around, but standing in the cold windy weather. Ugh.
When we got there I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Parents were huddled together watching and shivering. Joking about devoting 80% of our free time to LAX to keep our minds off of the discomfort.
Then one man said, "Goodness, look at the SKY!" Across the field and beyond the trees was the most stunning sunset I've ever seen. Strips of crimson, orange, blue, white and gold.
We all watched as it swirled and changed over the next 30 minutes or so. Until it was gone and the landscape was dark and stadium lights took over the watch.
I had to think to myself that this was indeed Divine entertainment. It certainly took our minds off of how uncomfortable we were. That background provided a gorgeous backdrop and diversion when we weren't watching the kids learn. Here's a shot I took.
I felt like it was my parental reward for doing the right thing. Heavenly Father to earth-bound mother.
Moments like these reaffirm that God truly IS watching and watching out for us!
Peace,
Steph
Friday, March 26, 2010
Gettin' Girlie Today!
It's RAINING here! Heavy....so an outdoor run is out of the question. Maybe if it were July and hot. Now those kind of runs are great and better than running in the heat. But a cold, March day with rain. Ugh, no way.
Time for a little motivational moment:
Feeling a little disconnected by my training. Decided to remedy that with a ZUMBA class! Yep, getting all girlie and stuff. Hips shaking, gyrating, shimmying (is that how you spell shimmying?) and a great beat. Feels good to move like that.
Nutrition is good. Gluten-free is making me feel a lot better. A trip to WholePAYCHECK Foods is on the cards for this weekend.
Starting a morning boot camp on April 2nd and I'm really looking forward to it. Being outside, getting dirty, sweaty. Real good stuff!
Time for a little motivational moment:
Feeling a little disconnected by my training. Decided to remedy that with a ZUMBA class! Yep, getting all girlie and stuff. Hips shaking, gyrating, shimmying (is that how you spell shimmying?) and a great beat. Feels good to move like that.
Nutrition is good. Gluten-free is making me feel a lot better. A trip to Whole
Starting a morning boot camp on April 2nd and I'm really looking forward to it. Being outside, getting dirty, sweaty. Real good stuff!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
UA
The Under Armour outlet near me opened this week. Went there last night with the girls and came out a LOT poorer. LOVE this shopping bag though!
So, what do YOU want to be? Certainly doesn't have to be what you are today!
And with that, I'm off. Got a hot date with a treadmill. It's been way too long. Booty call.....literally! :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Finding Yourself vs. Creating Yourself
Recently I read a quote that just jumped out, grabbed me and shook me up.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.”
I fell madly, passionately in love with that sentiment. It propelled me further into my own physical and spiritual transformation. I just kept repeating that mantra in my head. During workouts. While teaching classes. Driving the kid around. All I could think was, “Yeah buddy, I’m CREATING myself!”
Then I went a bit deeper. Wondering why nine simple words could move me so much. It hit me. There really isn’t much to find. THIS is why I have struggled in the past with so-called self help programs or movements that focus on “finding” oneself.
The notion that there isn’t much to find is okay by me. You see, I grew up in a very abusive household with addict/user overlord parents whom I have learned to pray for and love. Now this part of the story I’ve dealt with. Like Maya Angelou once said, “So you had a bad childhood. It’s over” However, it made me realize what an effort it was in trying to find myself.
Looking at my girls, I see how formative these years are. I foster their interests, rejoice with them in their victories and help them through tough times. I realized that THESE are the years when you become that person you are supposed to “find” later in life when things get off track. In my own life I spent my childhood hiding out under the radar. Truly. Not wanting to bring any attention. Not pursuing interests. Just waiting it out until I was old enough to leave.
Then working to make my way through college. They just plain working. Having kids. Then you just wake up one day, read a great book review on Amazon and decide to go about “finding” yourself. This is where I fell down. Here is where the futile digging began. Nothing. Or I’d think I’d gotten somewhere only to wonder what the heck I was doing. Who IS this person?
Self transformation is truly that. The notion that we can become better. Become the people we want to be and that is not dependent upon our past. What only matters is now and the work we do now. Daily creative progress. Reaching out to others and enjoying the dynamic of human contact…..like this blog where I'm trying to create virtual contact that goes straight to the heart.
Now how cool is THAT?
I am grateful you took the time to read this. Much love. Steph.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.”
I fell madly, passionately in love with that sentiment. It propelled me further into my own physical and spiritual transformation. I just kept repeating that mantra in my head. During workouts. While teaching classes. Driving the kid around. All I could think was, “Yeah buddy, I’m CREATING myself!”
Then I went a bit deeper. Wondering why nine simple words could move me so much. It hit me. There really isn’t much to find. THIS is why I have struggled in the past with so-called self help programs or movements that focus on “finding” oneself.
The notion that there isn’t much to find is okay by me. You see, I grew up in a very abusive household with addict/user overlord parents whom I have learned to pray for and love. Now this part of the story I’ve dealt with. Like Maya Angelou once said, “So you had a bad childhood. It’s over” However, it made me realize what an effort it was in trying to find myself.
Looking at my girls, I see how formative these years are. I foster their interests, rejoice with them in their victories and help them through tough times. I realized that THESE are the years when you become that person you are supposed to “find” later in life when things get off track. In my own life I spent my childhood hiding out under the radar. Truly. Not wanting to bring any attention. Not pursuing interests. Just waiting it out until I was old enough to leave.
Then working to make my way through college. They just plain working. Having kids. Then you just wake up one day, read a great book review on Amazon and decide to go about “finding” yourself. This is where I fell down. Here is where the futile digging began. Nothing. Or I’d think I’d gotten somewhere only to wonder what the heck I was doing. Who IS this person?
Self transformation is truly that. The notion that we can become better. Become the people we want to be and that is not dependent upon our past. What only matters is now and the work we do now. Daily creative progress. Reaching out to others and enjoying the dynamic of human contact…..like this blog where I'm trying to create virtual contact that goes straight to the heart.
Now how cool is THAT?
(Me not that long ago)
(Me after I stopped trying to "find" myself - mid creative phase, lol)
I am grateful you took the time to read this. Much love. Steph.
Yesterday & Today
Yesterday was great. Morning run of just 3 miles (short day) and evening was spent walking around the fields during lacrosse practice.
Took this shot out on my run with my phone & the other is a self portrait in my mobile office - LOL. I feel REALLY antsy. Like I'm coasting too much. Need to step up my game. Go back to the training drawing board.
Perhaps I'm a bit further in and more fit than I thought I was when I laid out my schedule. This is typical. Could be worse. I could be in worse shape than I thought!
This morning I taught spinning. Hips feel a bit tight. I'm toying with the idea of the FULL marathon in Denver this October. Officially lost my marbles.
Alright, the Under Armour store opened yesterday down at the outlets. Gonna check it out tonight with the girlies. They could use some UA for LAX while it's still cold.
Thought for the day yesterday (and every day for the rest of my life I hope):
“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” ~ George Washington Carver
Monday, March 22, 2010
Kids....gotta love 'em.
Got a sick kiddo today. Looks like Fifth Disease or something. Training will weave its way around her.
These are the moments that make crossing the finish line are so sweet AND what makes being a Mother/Athlete so hard yet rewarding!
I remember the Denver Half Marathon last October. Sick kids, sciatic that wouldn't let me walk properly (much less train) for the month prior to the race, more sick kids. A wreck would be the best way to describe me before the start. All those people who told me I couldn't do it before I left sea level.
Insert photo HERE for motivation:
There was even one uncle who sent me a link to an article about performance issues at high altitude. Like, I'm just trying to finish....not set any land speed records! It's all about the finish for me. Well, the work leading up to the race if I must be honest. The finish is the icing on the cake.
Alrightie then! We're off to the doc's soon. I think it's a Benadryl kind of day.
These are the moments that make crossing the finish line are so sweet AND what makes being a Mother/Athlete so hard yet rewarding!
I remember the Denver Half Marathon last October. Sick kids, sciatic that wouldn't let me walk properly (much less train) for the month prior to the race, more sick kids. A wreck would be the best way to describe me before the start. All those people who told me I couldn't do it before I left sea level.
Insert photo HERE for motivation:
There was even one uncle who sent me a link to an article about performance issues at high altitude. Like, I'm just trying to finish....not set any land speed records! It's all about the finish for me. Well, the work leading up to the race if I must be honest. The finish is the icing on the cake.
Alrightie then! We're off to the doc's soon. I think it's a Benadryl kind of day.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Signed book & SAMPLES
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
OUTSIDE!!!
It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we had three feet of snow on the ground here. Today was supposed to be an off day, but my Lab Riley was on a different schedule. So we went for a walk/run down by the Chester. Bliss.
Running is a great way to take time and think. It's time away from e-mails, faxes, texts.....the Crackberry. I love a good excuse to switch off and turn my thoughts inward. I thought about how blessed I am to live where I do. Lots of people wonder how I can handle living away from cities and suburbs, but I love it. You can always go to the action - but at night it's so nice to have the peace and quiet.
Got home and did some research on these crazy huge geese that live along the river. Turns out they are Greylag geese and they look like something out of a Beatrix Potter book. I'm grateful to have learned something new today!
Tomorrow is treadmill work. Lots to do! The data and stats start tomorrow. Gentlemen, start your engines!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Officially TOAST
Training took a day off because we had a big fundraiser/BodyPump 73 launch party at the gym. One of my friends came and she wanted to do Zumba class SOOOOOO I did the following:
Zumba
BodyPump
Then taught Spinning first thing this morning - phew!
Biggest issue is that my bra and shoes weren't good for Zumba. Sore, sore, sore!
But it feels good to be sore. Makes me appreciate the WORK I did for my body.
I'm taking my middle daughter to lunch at my favorite restaurant - the Narrows on Kent Island. It's a bit of a tradition now. REALLY looking forward to some quality one-on-one time with my girlie! Then probably off to Whole Foods to restock.
For the next two weeks I will be adjusting my diet as I'm experiencing serious gluten sensitivity issues. I hope this gets under control soon. Hate being sick all of the time.
Okay, I'm a hot, sweaty, tranny mess. Off to the showers I go!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
First post...blah blah blah
So I started this blog to chronicle my 2010 race season and training. Problem is, I got stuck on the first post. Guess a lot of people do this. Spent a week training last week and not blogging it.
What is this blog about? Life. Tri prep. Training. Goals. Everyday progress. Knowledge....sharing whatever I've got. Just Steph's Stuph.
I'm a mom of 3 girls ages 12, 10 & 8. I own a gym with my husband. Soon to be a few gyms and this blog will record the process of opening up a new club. THAT will be fun! This triathlon I'm doing in August will be done with 16 friends that I'm training. Including one grandma and her granddaughter. How cool is that?
There, first post down and a quick intro. Lacrosse practice is tonight and it's GORGEOUS outside! I'm going to bring the iPod and run around the park while the girls practice.
Hugs,
Steph
What is this blog about? Life. Tri prep. Training. Goals. Everyday progress. Knowledge....sharing whatever I've got. Just Steph's Stuph.
I'm a mom of 3 girls ages 12, 10 & 8. I own a gym with my husband. Soon to be a few gyms and this blog will record the process of opening up a new club. THAT will be fun! This triathlon I'm doing in August will be done with 16 friends that I'm training. Including one grandma and her granddaughter. How cool is that?
There, first post down and a quick intro. Lacrosse practice is tonight and it's GORGEOUS outside! I'm going to bring the iPod and run around the park while the girls practice.
Hugs,
Steph
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