Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Oh How I’ve Missed You So!
And I mean that! Five days w/out blogging has NOT been fun! This week has been THE week from you know where. And when I get home (after 8:00pm and having been in the office since 7:30am) I am just zapped. I have had two horrible nights sleep thinking about what I’m doing with my life and worrying about all the details of work, wedding, family, etc. I am hoping tonight is better!
But enough about me, how’ve you guys been?
And moreover, let’s get the highlights!
Saturday morning I went with my friend Sara to her gym in Bethesda. It looked like a cruise ship. I am not kidding. Machine after machine after machine. And KIDS were working out! Not teenagers – CHILDREN! Insane! And I can’t even talk about the ladies locker room ethics. It was like I was in a nudist colony! Ewww, have some modesty!
Do the exhibitionist women in the locker room freak you out? What do you think of locker room etiquette?
After our workout we headed to lunch at a great panini place! I had a half salad with goat cheese and pine nuts and the Milano panini. Holy Yum! This bread had the perfect crispy outside, soft inside ratio!
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The rest of my weekend was so relaxed getting things done before the fiance came back from his bachelor party in NYC. I love him, but it’s so nice when he’s gone!
He came home to a feast! Steak dinner, potatoes and salad. Am I a good fiance or what?
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Monday and Tuesday were haphazard with eating. Work was so grueling that I was eating all over the place and not all that much. Last night however, in honor of Mardis Gras, I made Red Beans & Rice with Turkey Sausage.
Picture 040I used a little chicken stock in some brown rice, added cajun seasoning and done! The cajun seasoning did all the work!
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I’m off to a meeting for Junior League and then home for a relaxing evening. Is anyone else totally over this week?!?!?
Posted by Quinn at 5:56 PM 29 comments
Saturday, February 21, 2009
HOLY SPICE-A-MOLE!
Long time no blog! I am so sorry there has been nothing new to read from the Daily Moderation blog the past few days! This week was HORRIBLE. Wednesday I ran around all day setting up for a work meeting and then hosting a cocktail party – Thursday I walked into work and quickly received a barrage of phone calls – all needing to be tended to and it didn’t stop all day – yesterday I began my day with an 8:30 meeting, a 10:00 meeting and finishing up work before I left at noon to have a meeting in Mt. Vernon. Then I bought a veil, went to the gym and had dinner with some girlfriends Phew! Can it be calm now? Please!
Anyway, I won’t bore you with my eats of this week because when it’s so busy I have little motivation to cook and make anything exciting. It was a lot of quesadillas on Flat Out Wraps, English Muffins with PB, you know the drill.
However, Tuesday night I made a kick A dinner. From Cooking Light’s 20 Minute Meals I made the Thai Chicken Saute. This dish tasted just like it was out of an Asian restaurant! And if you were to read a Thai menu, this dish would have three illustrated peppers next to it. Whoo!
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While this dish was uber-flavorful, next time I make it – I’m going to use half the advised amount of Sricacha sauce. That way I won’t have to drink milk with it again.
Last night my friends and I went to Founding Farmers. According to its website:
The Founding Farmers name represents a combination of ideas: it is a celebration of the land, and the American family farmer; it is a nod to the founding fathers of our country, many of whom owned and farmed land that surrounds Washington, DC; and it is a place where true, sustainably farmed, grown and harvested American foods reminiscent of traditions from across the land are brought to our guests.
I had been here once before and had a really great experience. Last night, not so much.
First, we had an 8:30 reservation and were not seated until well after 9:00 – in the bar – on stools. Sort of cool, but not what we were looking for last night.
We had originally gone for Restaurant Week, but their menu was so limited we stuck to their normal menu. I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio. Now, I NEVER send wine back – because, quite frankly, I’ll drink anything. But this tasted like a dessert wine – was way too sweet. So I exchanged it. My friend’s wine had cork in it. Ewww.
I ordered a bowl of the Tomato Basil Soup to start. It was good, but the waiter spilled some on the table next to me, and it was spicy. Overall, not too creamy – which is just how I like it.
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I ordered the Ahi Tuna Spicy Poke Salad. Now, I ordered this salad the last time I was there and LOVED it. This time, it was WAY too spicy! I had to ask the waiter to bring bread out so I could neutralize my taste buds.
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My friends ordered some great looking steak, and I sampled a bite of their mashed potatoes which were so yummy. I also sampled a bite of my friend’s Lobster Macaroni. WOW. This was so rich, but ah-ma-zing.
So for five of us to get two glasses of wine a bowl of soup/salad and a main dish, our bill was $239 not including tip. It was nice to be with my friends, but I don’t think I’ll be heading back there anytime soon.
It is next to the World Bank / IMF, however, and looks like it has a very fun bar scene – despite the two idiot sticks who were sitting at the bar when we arrived who were so smashed they were slamming their hands on the bar and yelling to the bartender “TWO JAMESONS – NOW!” Classy, kids. Classy.
The fiance is at his bachelor party in NYC this weekend so it’s just ME! I love that! I get so much done around the house – I sleep really well in our double, yes double, bed because I can stretch out.
On the list for today: laundry, dishes, cleaning, grocery, taxes, make wedding placecards, bridesmaid luncheon invites, gym, bridesmaid shoes, doggie playdate for Thumper, out of town gift bags, thank you notes. I better get started! I’m going to a house party tonight – seriously, a legitimate house party. So excited! I’ll try to check back in with you chicas later!
Posted by Quinn at 9:25 AM 4 comments
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CRAZY DAY
It has been nuts since I walked in the door this morning! I am leaving the office at 3:15 to set up for a client cocktail party – but I will be back at home tonight to blog all about it!
XOXO
Posted by Quinn at 2:41 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My Fiancé, the Housewife
As I mentioned yesterday, I had the unfortunate task of coming into work on President’s Day. My fiancé, however, did not. So, I did what any task-obsessed girl would do – I gave him a list of “to do’s.”
Here is what I emailed him:
Milk
Deli Meat (or whatever you would like on your sandwiches)
Lime
Bananas/Apples/Oranges – whatever is cheapest
Flat Out Wraps – in the bread section next to the hummus. Get the LIGHT ones
GREEN salsa
Crackers/chips for you
Cookies for you
Edamame
Black Beans
Light Coconut Milk
Chicken Tenderloins
Fish Sauce (in the Asian aisle)
Sricacha (hot chile sauce in Asian aisle)
Avocado
Puffins – Peanut Butter
Cilantro
Shredded cheese
Club soda
I think that’s it!
Also, can you please drop off the dry cleaning?
Thanks, love ya!
Once I arrived home he told me I’d given him one of the more eclectic grocery lists he’s ever received, and that it challenged him to complete each task – like a treasure hunt in the grocery store. The only two errors: he got Italian Light Flat Out Wraps (not horrible), and regular coconut milk (after seeking out a store clerk to search for light, and finding out they were totally out). Proud of him!
While the fiancé was shopping, I went out to lunch with my coworkers. We hit up our favorite salad maker: Chop’t. I once again got Mesclun Greens, Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Kalmata Olives, Walnuts and Artichoke Hearts. Yum!
After work I went to the gym where I had severe workout A.D.D. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical, 10 on the stairs, 10 on the treadmill, arms, abs – I was all over the place!
My wonderful fiancé played chauffeur again and picked me up at the office. I then returned the favor by making him dinner with some of the ingredients he purchased. I decided to make one of Cooking Light’s 20 Meals in 20 Minutes. Tonight’s selection: Chicken and Summer Vegetable Tostadas. But, in lieu of the chicken I used shrimp.
The shrimp, zucchini, onions, corn and spices all melding together:
Adding in the salsa verde and cilantro:
All together:
After broiling the mixture on a Flat Out Wrap with some cheese:
This dish was sooooo easy. The fiancé had no sooner sat down on the couch when I said, “Dinner’s ready!” And it packs quite the flavor punch! I will definitely be making this quick and easy recipe again!
For dessert I munched on some Peanut Butter Puffins.
Unfortunately I woke up this morning feeling quite nauseous and freaked out thinking that the Puffins were part of the salmonella outbreak and that I had food poisoning. Well, my freak-out was not warranted as Barbara’s Bakery put out a press release indicating that none of her products were affected. But, as a result I skipped breakfast and am now still just sipping on water not feeling 100%.
It’s a busy day here in the office! Back to the grind! For those of you with a little more time on your hands, check out FitSugar’s article: Running How-To: Upping Your Mileage Without Exhaustion. It shows some great tips for those working towards a marathon or half marathon this year!
Posted by Quinn at 9:31 AM 8 comments
Monday, February 16, 2009
Weekend of L-O-V-E
Good Morning Bloggies! Sorry my weekend posts are always lacking – I just really like to enjoy my few moments off, and try to steer clear of all things electronic 
Friday afternoon I got a tasty Turkey Pita with Avocado, Tomato and Sprouts with a side of Baked Lays. This completely filled me up for the rest of the day!
Because I ate at my desk, I went to the gym around 3:00 and ran for 30 minutes and did some strength training.
The rest of the afternoon was met with a variety of office fire drills so I needed a glass of vino after work. My coworker Meaghan and I went to Vapiano – one of those places where you get a card when you walk in and they swipe it as they pour. No pictures, but it was much needed.
I then hopped in a cab to head to the dive bar, The Dancing Crab to meet the fiance and friends. It was fun to catch up and just visit! Sorry, no pictures 
Saturday – Valentine’s Day I woke up and attempted to surprise the fiance with a heart-filled breakfast. Here’s my attempt at a heart pancake. Note the red stains – I think those came off the cookie cutter – at least I tried!
I, on the other hand, noshed on an English Muffin and Tofu Scramble. Playing it safe.
After a fabulous morning of bill paying, my mom came over to celebrate her Valentine Birthday. We first headed to Neiman Marcus to get our make-up done. My face will appear later but I think this is finally the face I want to have for my wedding.
We stopped at Cassatt’s a New Zealand cafe in Arlington for a late brunch at around 3:00. I had an Italian Vegetable Frittata and a mimosa, but I forgot the camera! It was delicious!
After more errands I said goodbye to my madre and headed back to the apartment for our Valentine’s Lobster Feast. We had ordered a giant steamer pot for $69.99 from our local seafood guy. It included: 2 lobsters, 2 Alaskan King Crab Legs, Clams, Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, Melting Pot Fondue and Strawberries. Bargain!
We started with my FAVORITE.
And then we began the timely steamer pot process.
Here’s me saying goodbye to Cliff and Maude (I named them. Maude was the little one).
Kisses goodbye!
Thumper said goodbye too:
And there we go:
Here were the rest of the fixings, waiting to go into the pot.
The table:
Maude:
The clams and crabs:
And the shrimp:
We were stuffed! What a delicious Valentine’s Dinner!
Sunday I woke up still filling full, and had an English Muffin with PB.
We then headed to PetSmart and AKA Spot for a Thumper day of beauty / day of torture. He was so freaked out by the time we got to the dog bath he was tried to climb onto this third shelf to hide.
Poor guy! But, he is smelling oh-so-lovely now! We came home for lunch and had Boca Bruschetta Patties with Cheese and Spinach on Pepperidge Farm Sesame Buns.
And some Sour Cream & Onion Chips on the side.
I then hit the gym and did 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 on the elliptical, 10 rowing and about 30 of strength training. I then took my grandmother and cousin out to dinner at the 4P’s in Falls Church where I had a Cup of Potato Leek Soup and I split a Salmon Spinach Salad with my grandmother. Once again, I forgot my camera! Ugh!
And today I woke up to Cottage Cheese & Preserves with an English Muffin and PB.
I am CONVINCED my company is the only one working today! What do you like to do on a day off? I LOVE errands. Car wash, dry cleaning, grocery shopping, gym, the whole works!
Posted by Quinn at 9:41 AM 12 comments
Thursday, February 12, 2009
ATTENTION DC READERS
Head on over to one of my favorite blogs: Meals from the Girl in the Little Black Dress. My girl Anna has posted a little invitation for a DC blogger and reader get together on March 15th. Reply to her for some food, fun and friends in the District of Columbia!
Posted by Quinn at 9:34 AM 3 comments
Was Yesterday Wednesday?
Like I mentioned yesterday, my whole week was off, but when I got to the gym, Bill’s class was not going on. Another woman was teaching it – and from what I observed – pretty badly. So, in lieu of my planned workout I ran for 30 minutes, did 15 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes on the stairmill. I was POURING sweat!
But, let’s go back to lunch. It was a repeat of the day before – Flat Out Wrap with Avocado and a Boca Patty, Strawberries and Yogurt.
I had an orange mid-afternoon.
Some edamame when I got home from the gym.
And a slice of Amy’s Spinach Pizza. I love the crust of this brand of pizzas. Just the perfect consistency!
This morning started out boring. I can’t even talk about it.
necco-conversation-heartsYou know what’s not boring though? Valentine’s Day. It’s just two days away! It’s also my mom’s and grandmother’s birthday, so I’ve never really viewed it as a romantic holiday. AKA: Hallmark holiday.
What do you think about V-Day? Hallmark Holiday or Pink and Chocolate Heaven?
Posted by Quinn at 8:51 AM 7 comments
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I Can’t Put My Finger On It
Does anyone else feel like this is the longest week EVER? I do. I was convinced last night at the movie’s that it was Wednesday. But then I got home and the Real Housewives of Orange County was on, and I was snapped back to reality that it was, in fact, Tuesday. Grrrrr…..
Yesterday I went to the gym at lunch in anticipation of dinner/movie night with my coworkers. I ran for 30 minutes and then did some ab work. When I came back to my desk I dined on this Flat Out Wrap with some Avocado and a Boca Chik’n Patty. On the side I had some strawberries and a Yoplait Yogurt.
We headed to Georgetown on the dot of 5:30. We stopped next to the theater at Mate – a very loungy type of restaurant. According to their website:
Mate is decadent, lush and entirely unexpected in historic Georgetown. All red décor, very luxe Panton spiral lamps, red Luna chairs, a sleek aluminum bar and a Latin inspired sushi menu are brought together to create a sophisticated and seductive atmosphere for Washingtonians.
Now ordinarily their prices are that of a swanky lounge. However, they have a phenomenal happy hour. From 5-7 all their sushi (8 rolls) are between $3 and $4 and apps, salads and drinks are half price. For four of us to each get two things, and have drinks, it was about $50. Bargain, and perfect pre-movie dining.
I started with a Dirty Martini (it was dark in there so the lighting for pictures was tricky).
And then a Seaweed Salad.
Unfortunately I was pulling seaweed out of my teeth for the rest of the night!
And then I had the Eel and Avocado Roll in the center of this ginormous plate. It was melt in my mouth goodness!
Check out the decor in this place! This is one of many chandeliers. The photo does not do it justice.
I highly recommend Mate for some pre-movie dining deals.
Then we went right into He’s Just Not That Into You. It was cute. However, it was a bit more depressing in parts than I thought it would be. And does anyone else hate Scarlett Johannsen? I can’t put my finger on it….
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Like, want to lunge at her in any movie she’s in? I mean, I love her body image and she’s a beautiful girl, but I HATE the characters she plays. Nanny Diaries? Hated her. Matchpoint? Hated her. Other Boleyn Girl? Really hated her. I mean, is it just me?????
Which begs the question? Are there any celebrities who really get under your skin? Any that you absolutely love? I have to say I’m a big fan of Reese Witherspoon. Julia Roberts – not so much.
Breakfast this morning was so boring. It was an English Muffin with PB. I didn’t take a picture because I was so ashamed of my boringness. Tonight is Bill’s class again! I am so glad I get to go again!
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