Life (happily) interrupted.

Crickets. 
That's been the sound from my blog for almost 3 years.  At first, the fact that I hadn't made an entry crossed my mind quite often and it weighed on me.  But then, after awhile, it became one more task on a list that kept getting longer.  My priorities changed and sadly, this blog became easy to push to the back burner.  Life has been in full swing, and its kept me on my toes.  In February 2012, I was blessed with another healthy baby girl.  Lila Maren has brought nothing but happiness to our family since her arrival.  We could have never imagined what space this little person could fill in an already very full family.  But she makes her presence known every minute of every day.  At two years old now, she offers something for everyone: she's mommy and daddy's cuddler, a baby doll for her big sis, a fort-building sidekick to her big bro, a helpful, inquisitive, outgoing little explorer to babysitters and grandparents.  She has shaped us all and helped her older siblings become more responsible, loving, and aware, and has helped Keith and me appreciate the present.  It's only through a toddler's eyes that pinecones and stones become treasures, and the simple act of taking a walk down the block turns into an adventure.  To say she is our joy is an understatement.

Having three children has impacted my business, but it hasn't lessened its importance to  me.  My passion is just as strong as it was when I began training clients, and if anything it has grown.  Since moving to the valley over three years ago, I've transitioned from working mostly on the west side to our home gym.  This has afforded me great flexibility -- I'm able to drop Madeleine and Owen at school every morning and be back within ten minutes for my early clients. I also have the luxury of being with Lila most of the time.  She is often in the gym during session acting as a cheerleader and (usually) a happy distraction.  Because I'm in such demand when the kids are home, the few hours I work each day are sacred to me.  In that time, I recharge.  The workouts, the conversations, the friendships that have been built in that gym and in my yard during my weekly class, are so healing to me.  A constant theme in my blogs is the overwhelming love I have for the people I work with, and I have to reiterate that again.  I've gained quite a few new clients since moving to Studio City, and these people have become close friends that I look forward to seeing. I owe each client more than I could ever give.  My sessions give me purpose and that fulfills me in a way I know positively influences the way I parent and relate to my husband.

While motherhood and personal training take up most of my time, my life wouldn't be the same if I didn't run.  We all need something that is purely our own in life -- whether it's exercising, meditating, practicing yoga, reading, cooking -- it doesn't matter as long as you are left feeling better when it's over.  Running has been that outlet for me for many years, and a lot of my motivation to stay fit comes from the desire to keep my body in strong running shape.  Cross training, weights, and yoga have helped me become a better runner, and I try to pass along this balanced approach to my clients. I've completed two marathons since Lila was born, and I'm proud to say that one of them qualified me to enter the Boston Marathon next year.  This was goal I had in the back of my mind for some time, but I didn't know if I'd be able to achieve it.  It gives me great satisfaction to know that even though I'm getting older, I don't have to compromise my physical aspirations.  Everything worthwhile in life takes hard work, and as I watch my clients push pass their limits, I'm encouraged to continue pushing past mine.

Along with my fitness goals, I am determined to recommit to this blog.  I'm inspired by my friend, Katie Romey, who is a Registered Dietician and has partnered with me to offer a healthier approach to eating.  I believe that together we can help people take charge of their exercise routines and diet dilemmas once and for all.  Her new blog, aweekdayvegan.com, is a great resource for nutritious recipes and ideas.  Her blog pushed me to get back to writing, and I look forward to once again having a place to share my perspective on fitness and health.  Life is traveling at a million miles an hour right now, but I believe this blog will give me another occasion to slow down and relish in what's important.  Yes, it's another thing to do on a list that keeps growing, but I'm ready now to give it top billing.

Labor of love

I originally began writing this blog so potential clients could get to know me better before committing to work with me. The personal trainer/client relationship is unique, and I would be foolish to assume that I'm the right fit for everyone. I also started this blog as a way of keeping in touch with my distant relatives and friends. As you can see by the date of the last entry, I've failed miserably at making updates. I can blame a lot of things - the constant chaos associated with raising two young children, the increasing demands of my growing business, the overall lack of free time in general. But, reasons aside, it really comes down to time management and I haven't balanced my time well during these last months.

I'm happy to say that I've been kept busy with the things that make my life rich. Owen turned two in early November and Madeleine just celebrated her 4th birthday in February. Keeping up with the kids is an exhausting, but immeasurably gratifying task. Madeleine is a girl in every sense of the word; she loves princesses, fairies, dresses, and makeup. And she could color for hours straight, which is a true blessing because it gives me the occasional break. Having grown up as a tomboy, I'm tremendously unskilled when it comes to braiding hair, painting fingernails, and sewing tattered princess dresses back together, so this is a learning curve for me. Our conversations have become much more grown-up and I relish in hearing her observations and opinions.

Owen is very much in the "terrible-two" phase. To say he's head-strong and determined is an understatement. I'd like to say Keith is responsible for passing along the stubborn gene, but unfortunately, that comes from me. My parents have no reservations telling me how amusing it is watching me go head to head with a toddler, much like they did with me. I guess it's payback for all the stand-offs they had when I was his age. While definitely a challenge, Owen is also extremely entertaining. His sense of humor already shines, even at two years old. Sometimes I feel like I'm dealing with an older soul when I can tell by the look in his eyes that whatever I'm laughing at is exactly what he intended. He adores music and usually strolls through the house singing. His favorite song right now is 'Rudolph the Red-Noised Reindeer', and he has no problem blaring out his version of the lyrics for anyone that might be listening. Luckily, the kids are wonderful pals. Their personalities balance each other, as Madeleine is much more mild-natured, responsible, and reserved, while Owen is outgoing, curious, and unafraid. It's so rewarding to watch them grow together and influence one another.

I've been lucky enough to find a manageable balance between work and motherhood due largely to the help of my babysitter. She's been instrumental in caring for the kids while I'm off to sessions early in the morning, especially when Keith is out of town for business. I'm thankful everyday for her as nothing would be worthwhile if I thought my kids weren't happy. Once I leave the house, I'm able to completely focus on the client I'm working with. Over the last 3 months I've started training 5 new people. It's been interesting and enlightening to learn how to challenge each person. I have to stay on my toes in order to keep things fresh, and the only way to do that is to read as much as possible about fitness. It also forces me to push myself in my workouts so that I can lead by example, because I would never feel comfortable telling someone to do something that I haven't done myself. I'm still working with my previous clients as well, and I'm so fortunate to watch their progress. I'm equally fortunate to have established genuine relationships with each person, and I truly consider them dear friends. Because I care about them so much, I feel an added responsibility to make sure their workouts are structured to the best of my ability. I take the sessions seriously, but not so much that we can't get lost in conversation (which we quite often do). With each person, I've learned something new, both about the service I'm trying to provide and about myself. It's the type of job that never becomes dull, and to have discovered this passion in my thirties is such an unexpected gift.

Everything I do right now is a labor of love. I can honestly say, as most mothers can, that I'm never fully rested - I don't know that last time I've seen 8 AM in bed - but I still feel like I'm completely in my element. Motherhood, friendships, and work have more meaning because they don't come easy. There are days when I feel like I do everything wrong in each of those roles, but most of the time I know I'm doing the absolute best I can and that let's sleep soundly at night. Even if it's only for six hours.

How is it already November?

With the holidays quickly approaching, our predictable routines are bound to be disrupted. I love this time of year for all the reasons that it's also challenging - parties with friends and family, excessive food and alcohol, lazy days where workouts just don't seem to fit in. While it's important to enjoy the holidays and cherish the extra time with our loved ones, it's just as important to remain committed to our healthy habits. If exercise is prioritized, the evening get-togethers are that much more enjoyable. And I plan on attending as many as I'm invited to!

I'm especially looking forward to this holiday season because we'll be able to celebrate in the comfort of our new home. The last couple of months have been hectic and, as a result, my blog has suffered neglect. But now that all the boxes are unpacked and the paintings hung, I'm finally in a position to dedicate more time to writing and to my business. And as a new valley resident, I'm eager to expand my client base. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's a great occasion to begin an exercise routine. We all know the facts - exercise is no only good for the body and the mind, it also fights chronic disease, promotes better sleep, and just makes you feel good. I'll definitely need to be reminded of these benefits occasionally over the next two months during all the festive cheer, and I'd love the opportunity to remind some others as well. Feel free to contact me via email if you or anyone you know may be interested in working with a personal trainer. I offer specials on 5 and 8 session packages for the months of November and December. It also makes a great gift for loved ones who could use a little extra motivation. And, let's be honest, we could all use some around Christmas!

Where there's a will, there's a way

Two of my clients ran their first 10K race on Sunday, and I was lucky enough to join them. When we started training together almost six months ago, they were very much beginning runners with a lot of natural ability but definitely untrained muscles. For the cardio portion of our sessions, they started by jogging for two minutes followed by one minute of walking. Each week the jogging intervals increased and the walking intervals decreased until they could both run consistently for thirty minutes. Watching their progress was gratifying but I knew they needed a goal, so I suggested signing up for a 10K. I'm the type of person who always performs better if I have something to aim for, and I was hoping an event would keep them focused and motivated as well. I quickly learned that motivation was not lacking in either of these ladies. Since I've been working with them they have never missed a session unless out of town. They also complete two additional outlined workouts sent by me each week without complaint. They are committed to becoming healthier and, as a result, they've lost weight, increased muscle mass and, in meantime, become runners. I learn from the people I teach, and their dedication has been a great example for me.

I've mentioned before how fortunate I feel to work with such wonderful clients. These two particular women have become much more than that - I consider them friends. I should have known that when I became a personal trainer, I would inevitably become invested not only in the health and well-being of those in which I work, but also in the relationships created. The 10K on Sunday was a great success for many reasons, but I'll always treasure it because it was an accomplishment two friends set out to achieve and I had the pleasure of helping them realize it. Just another reason I love my job.

Valley bound

As the summer comes to a close, so does our life in the Pacific Palisades. We recently entered escrow on a home in Studio City and while I'll definitely be sad to leave the ocean breeze and very close friends behind, I'm extremely excited about our new adventure. Obviously our friends (and the ocean breeze for that matter) won't be gone, they'll just be 30 minutes away instead of 5. We've been on a long journey through plenty of different homes and locations in order to find the place we really want to settle, and now that we're almost there, I feel anxious about all the physical obstacles we need to surmount in the next 30 days (inspection, appraisal, packing), but very confident in our decision to move to the valley.

With any move comes challenges: new schools, new commutes, new local doctors, babysitters, dentists. But with this specific move also comes an opportunity to really establish roots and start a new chapter in our lives. This is a house where we can watch our young family grow. I can already imagine looking out the window and seeing the kids playing in the yard and swimming in the pool. We're excited at the thought of teaching them how to ride bikes on the flat, shaded street. Although I have zero skill in decorating, I'm determined to really put my own personal stamp on this house by slowly furnishing it in a way that makes me proud. There are common milestones we all share, and owning a home is high on the list. As this becomes a reality, the blessing is definitely not lost on us.

Today while the inspection occurred, I took some time to drive around the area a little more and look at the coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and boutiques. I've always had a restless gene, and before getting married I had a hard time lasting in one place for more than a couple of years. So, exploring new neighborhoods and being out of my element appeals to me more than most people I know. I love discovering what will become my new regular coffee shop, or the Friday night happy hour spot. My long weekend runs become even more appealing when I'm in unfamiliar territory - untraveled paths in every direction means there's hours of sightseeing ahead. The newness of an area intrigues me. But moving with a family is obviously much different than moving alone. Now I have the responsibility of creating a happy life for my children. I don't have the ability to pack up easily and relocate if I don't like my surroundings. I also have to think of my work and the clients I've established in the Palisades and Santa Monica. I've been so fortunate to meet such great people, and working with them isn't like working at all - it's like spending time with friends. My move doesn't mean that their needs matter any less; it just means my schedule can't be quite as spontaneous as it has been.

My family worries that I'll miss the conveniences of the westside more than I'm anticipating. I know that the heat of the valley will take some adjusting to, and the traffic on the 101 freeway will mean more DVD time for the kids in the car, but distance and heat aside, I think we're really going to settle in nicely to our sweet home. At the end of the day, life is really about the kids right now, and as long as they're healthy and have a roof over their heads, the rest doesn't really matter. We already have everything we need, and getting this particular home really is the icing on the cake. And we're all looking forward to enjoying the icing.

Perspective

I dropped Madeleine at camp yesterday and as I was making my way back across the parking lot to the car, I ran into another little girl from her class with her mother. This particular mom is naturally beautiful - tall, lean, bright eyes. But yesterday she looked even better, wearing a knee length pencil skirt, simple fitted shirt, and a fedora. I had to tell her how great she looked and especially how much I admired her for pulling off the white fedora. She laughed easily and said she was dressed for work, and since almost all of her hair was gone, she had no choice but to wear a hat. I was caught off guard because I had no idea she was sick. She didn't go into details, just briefly explained that she had lung cancer that had spread to her brain. She had had surgery, was undergoing chemo again, and had just returned to work after a long hiatus.

I'm usually not at a loss for words, and although I kept talking, I know the sentences that followed her admission weren't very articulate. It was like I was hearing myself speak from outside of my body, with no control over my word choice. After we parted, I kept replaying what I said - something along the lines of, "Well... you look amazing" and "I'm so sorry...". She was so gracious and obviously saw that I meant well, but I really wish I could go back in time and better express myself. Even now, I still have trouble finding the right words (if there is such a thing). I don't know this woman well, so I wouldn't want to offend her by assuming I know more than I do about her situation. But I feel naturally connected to her because we're both mothers, similar in age. That may be where the commonalities end, but that's still enough to make her struggles very real for me.

I'm in awe of anyone fighting cancer. Having witnessed my mother's battle, I know how mentally and physically debilitating it is. When I think of this young woman having to fight an illness while raising a young child, it puts all my trivial woes in perspective. I realize that we're all faced with our own challenges in life, and even if those challenges aren't as grave as cancer, they're still significant. I'm not making light of my own obstacles, but I do see the pettiness in some of my daily stresses when compared with the load this woman carries.

Life is precious and I feel disappointed in myself when it takes someone else's adversity to make me see that. If I were faced with a similar fate, I don't think I could exude the same warmth, strength, and confidence that she does. Our brief encounter impacted me greatly, and although I only know a small piece of her story, it was enough to make me see things a bit clearer. At least clear enough to recognize how little I have in which to complain.

Dinner is served, and it's: Lemon-Basil Chicken

I've been a bit lazy in the kitchen these past few weeks, mostly because of traveling and also the 4th of July holiday. I did manage to try a couple of new recipes and this one was a definite hit. It's so easy and surprisingly tasty, and it's healthy -- all qualifying characteristics to make it a regular in our weekly menu rotation.

Here's what you need:

2 chicken breasts
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp coriander (or 1 tbsp fresh cilantro)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil

Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh basil (approx. 3-4 large leaves chopped)
salt & pepper

1/2 cup quinoa *

Here's what you do:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard, lemon juice and coriander. Place chicken breasts into zip-lock bag or glass dish, pour in mustard/lemon marinate and leave in the refrigerator for as long as possible (you can even make this in the morning and leave all day). Heat grill pan over medium-high heat, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and add chicken breasts. Discard mustard marinate. Cook on each side for approximately 5 minutes.

While chicken is cooking, make lemon-basil dressing. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and basil in small bowl. Whisk together and then add salt and pepper to taste. Remove chicken from grill pan and let rest for 5 minutes.

Cook quinoa according to package (usually takes about 15-20 minutes, so start before chicken). Also, feel free to use another starch such a wild rice. Place quinoa in the middle of plate, sliced chicken breast on top, and drizzle lemon-basil dressing generously over both. Serve! This is delicious with steamed asparagus, but would also be good with sauteed spinach (perhaps in between quinoa and chicken).

Hope you enjoy!

Every little step

A close friend called to tell me that he isn't happy with the way he feels and the way he looks. His diet is horrible, he isn't exercising, and it's daunting to think of where to begin to start improving. We all know what it feels like to be unsatisfied with ourselves, and the only way to tackle these insecurities is by facing them head-on. We possess the power to change. Of course, that's easier said than done. A big part of changing is making the decision to do it. Once the decision has been made, action is required. But in order to act, there must be a plan in place. It's impossible to succeed unless we know the steps we need to take to achieve our goal.

When it comes to weight loss, there are numerous approaches -- low-carb diets, low-fat diets, high protein diets, cleansing diets, raw food diets. The list is long. In reality, there is only one equation to remember: burn more than you consume. If you expend more than you intake, you'll lose weight. That leads to an obvious question: "How much do I consume?". The best way to find out is by keeping a food journal. Record every meal, drink, snack, morsel, and sip that enters your mouth and then after one week evaluate your diet. I realize that calculating calories, fat grams, protein, and carbs isn't an easy task, but there are plenty of guides and simple calculation tools online. (I'm also happy to help!). Yes, this will take some effort and time, but once you have a clear understanding of what you're putting into your body, it will be easier to see where the problem areas are and what needs attention.

I told my friend that I don't believe in making drastic changes and I said this because most of our habits are developed over long periods of time. It's very difficult overnight to completely transform something we're used to doing, and it's also unrealistic. I advocate starting small, but being consistent. Small steps are easier to implement and commit to. An example of a small step would be switching from whole milk or 2% to 1% milk, and eventually drinking non-fat milk. Another example would be starting each morning with breakfast, even if it's just a piece of fruit or whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Focus on one thing and move from there.

The benefit of taking small, calculated steps when trying to change is because when we falter, which will happen occasionally, it's easier to forgive ourselves and move forward. And forgiving ourselves is critical when trying to adjust learned behavior. Becoming healthier requires discipline but it doesn't mean life has to become regimented and restrictive -- quite the opposite. By eating more nutritiously and exercising, our bodies feel better and, therefore, we approach life with a more positive outlook. When you're confident in your skin, anything is possible. That's not to say all of our problems will be solved -- there will always be struggles and we'll always have room to improve. But I believe that when we're making our best effort, we can accept the mishaps with greater ease.

As far as my dear friend is concerned, I know he's on the right path because in voicing his discontentment, he's already aware of what needs to change. There's work ahead of him, but with determination and support (which he has from me and many others), he'll be successful. I'll do my best to remind him that the daily small successes need to be recognized and acknowledged, because without the small changes, the large transformation is impossible.

Old friends

On May 19th one of my dearest friends arrived with her 3 year old to stay with us for a week. It was a much anticipated visit, and one that doesn't happen too often. We've been the best of friends since we were roommates in college, and although that was years ago, it doesn't feel like much has changed since then. Erin's son is 2 weeks older than Madeleine, so we knew the two of them would get along swimmingly. And we were right. Within an hour of arriving, I heard Miles exclaim to Madeleine, "You're my best friend EVER!" If only we could all express our emotions so sincerely. From that moment forward, they were inseparable.

Being able to spend extended time with Erin was such a treat. We both realized what benefits commune living has. The children were thrilled to have another grown-up around who had new ideas and different ways of relating. As a (primarily) stay-at-home mom, I loved having an extra set of hands and a built in babysitter when I did have to work. For the most part, we did the same old things that I usually do with my children, but being able to share that with Erin made everything more enjoyable. We couldn't get over seeing our little ones holding hands walking down the street because it seems like just yesterday that we were the young ones, unattached, uninhibited, and still discovering ourselves. What a difference sixteen years makes! I'm happy to say that I still feel very much like that young person, just with more responsibilities and a greater awareness that comes naturally with age. Although I only see Erin once or twice per year, we have the type of friendship that picks up from exactly where it left off. It's rare and beautiful, and something I don't take for granted.

Of course, I'd be lying if I said the house didn't feel cramped after almost a week. I would never describe myself as a clean-freak, but I found myself mopping and sweeping much more often than I normally do. I'm sure Erin also could have used an hour (or five) to herself in peace and quiet, as I know her solitary time is a daily necessity. My kids don't allow for that, but her son amazingly can play on his own for an hour or more while she decompresses. Not much of that happened here. Overall, we laughed, we played, we reminisced, we cooked; we reinforced a bond that is deeper than I can articulate.

Madeleine has said multiple times per day that she misses her friend, Miles. She's experiencing a feeling that isn't common to her yet, but as adults we're more than used to saying goodbye to people we love. Just because we're accustomed to it doesn't make it easier. I have many cousins and friends spread throughout the states, Canada, and Europe and I wish I could see them all more often. But my friendship with Erin is a great example of how enduring a connection between two people can be. And that's worth suffering through an eternity of goodbyes for.

Dinner is served, and it's: Turkey Lasagna

I could eat pasta most nights of the week, and so could my husband and kids. The trick is coming up with variety and healthier versions of classic recipes. Lasagna is great because it feeds an entire family and usually leaves leftovers. Also, it's possible to create a well-balanced meal by adding vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. My take on lasagna is a combination of multiple recipes. Here's what you'll need:


Whole Wheat lasagna noodles (approximately 6)
1 container of low-fat ricotta cheese (15 oz)
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 2% mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 jar tomato sauce (I like Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Marinara)
1 lb of Jenny-O Lean seasoned turkey meat
3 8oz cans stewed tomatoes
2 cups baby spinach
1 tbsp dried basil


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook lasagna noodles according to package and then place in cold water (to avoid sticking). Meanwhile, in large sauce pan, cook turkey meat until completely done. Drain excess fat. Add 1 jar of tomato sauce and 1 can of stewed tomatoes to turkey. Stir and leave on simmer.


Lightly whisk egg in medium bowl and stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and dried basil. Set aside. Spray 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and then spread turkey sauce on bottom (about 3/4 cup). Layer 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread remaining sauce over noodles (there should be a lot), and then 2/3 cup ricotta mixture on sauce. Place spinach leaves on ricotta and then top with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheeses (mix the 2% with the part-skim). Add 3 more noodles, and top with 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (drain some of the juice before pouring on noodles). Spoon rest of ricotta mix on top of tomatoes, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella over ricotta. Spray foil with nonstick spray, cover lasagna, and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.


As you can see, I don't add many layers to my lasagna. I rather have a meaty middle layer surrounded by cheese and noodles. But that's just my preference -- feel free to change it up. I cut the fat by using reduced-fat cheeses and lean meat, and added fiber with the whole wheat noodles. By throwing in spinach, there's a serving of vegetables without even really tasting it. Serve with a green salad to really balance out the meal.


Enjoy!

No shortcuts

I have a client who is extremely hard-working and determined in most aspects of her life. She's kind and generous in her relationships, and disciplined in her work ethic. But when it comes to losing weight, like many others, she wants a quick fix. She's tried every diet fad imaginable and, as a last and reluctant resort, she came to me. I've been with her for many months now and she not only visibly looks healthier, she also feels better. But she has a goal weight in mind and until she sees that number on the scale, she won't be satisfied. If I've learned anything so far in my life, it's that anything worth succeeded at takes time and effort. There isn't an easy way out. As much as I'd like to cut corners occasionally, I know that when I do skip workouts or eat in a way that makes me feel lethargic and unproductive, I'm the only one who loses. If I want to run a marathon, I have to train for it -- there's no way around that. If someone wants to lose weight, there's work involved, no excuses. Exercise has to be in the equation for anyone that's looking for long-term health benefits. The scale dictates progress, but it doesn't validate the daily efforts that go along with committing to an exercise routine. While shortcuts can occasionally get us to our destinations quicker, a shortcut is also defined as "a method of doing something more directly and often not as thoroughly as by ordinary means". Sometimes life calls for an alternative approach, but when it comes to getting our bodies to their healthiest states, the only real way to achieve success is by continually challenging the body through exercise, and eating a balanced diet. This takes dedication and focus and, without a doubt, plenty of hard work. It isn't easy but the pay off literally equals years added to our lives. And in my opinion, that's worth working for.

Dinner is served, and it's: Spinach and Asparagus Pasta (with bacon!)

This pasta recipe is sure to satisfy most guys, because most guys I know love bacon. The good news is that while bacon does play a role in this meal, it doesn't play a big enough one to make it unhealthy. A little bacon flavor goes a long way! I got this recipe online at myrecipes.com, which is a site I usually access through CookingLight.com (my go-to for healthy cooking). It's easy and tasty. Here's what you need:

1-2 strips bacon
2 garlic cloves
1/2 medium shallot
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
fresh asparagus (approximately 8 spears)
1/2 bag fresh baby spinach
whole wheat penne pasta
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

Here's what you do:

Boil water and cook pasta according to package. Heat heavy iron saute pan and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and reserve 2 tbsp of bacon drippings. Coarsely chop bacon and set aside. Chop onion and garlic and saute on low heat in bacon drippings for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour chicken broth into pan and bring to a boil. Add asparagus (I cut them into 1 inch pieces). Let broth reduce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta and add to saute pan along with spinach. Turn off heat. Mix pasta, chicken broth sauce, and spinach together thoroughly and stir for 2 minutes, until spinach begins wilting. Divide into 2 dishes and top with fresh Parmesan and crumbled bacon. That's all there is to it!

*Note: Be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth because when the broth reduces, the salt comes out. If you don't use low-sodium broth, the dish can taste too salty.

Also, this dish can be made without bacon altogether, just use olive oil as a replacement.

Bon Appetit!

My Mom

Yesterday I bought a Mother's Day card for my mom. As Sunday approaches, I find myself thinking a lot about my mom and what I've learned from her, and continue to learn from her. When I was growing up, I definitely didn't see her for who she truly is -- I'm not sure if children have the ability to see their mothers as real people. She really never sat down when were were young. She was a nurse for forty years, and in our early school years she worked the night shifts so she could be there to pick us up and spend time with us in the afternoons. There was a home-cooked meal on the table every night, unless she was ill, and I have no memory of my mom ever being sick when I was a kid. She also took great pride in our house -- the kitchen was never left with dishes in the sink, the bathrooms were scrubbed clean, the beds always made first thing in the morning. I remember her packing our lunches each night, folding never-ending piles of laundry, and even doing my older brother's paper-route for him when he wasn't able. I rarely recollect my mother relaxing.

During the teenage years, we battled. Like her, I was headstrong and determined. If I set my mind to do something, I did it (and I didn't always set my mind to do positive things at that age). I didn't realize that she had passed along such a powerful trait until much later in life. We made it through my teens but with a lot of arguing and plenty of standoffs. When I went away to college, I finally had a chance to see my mother in a different light. As I became more independent and more mature, I began to identify more with her. Living out of the house meant living away from the rules and high standards I associated with my mother. I was finally free to make my own decisions and, inevitably, I didn't always make the right ones. As a result, our conversations started to take a turn. I confided in her when I fell in love or was heartbroken. I asked her advice when I had troubles in my friendships. The older I got, the more I respected her opinion and sought her approval.

I believe I only fully saw who my mother really was when I became a mother. I can understand now why she wanted to protect me and guard me from all the evils of the world. The petty arguments, which seemed so monumental at the time, were sparked from fear and worry. I look at my mom today and see how much she has accomplished in sixty-five years and I can't help but be awe-stricken. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago, she didn't slow down or wallow in self-pity. It isn't who she is. I imagine a mastectomy can really take a toll on a woman's self-esteem, but my mom always kept a positive attitude and never let cancer control her outlook. She scheduled chemo for Thursdays so she could get through the worst of it during the weekends and be back at work on Mondays. I never once saw her still lounging in her pajamas at noon. Everyday she took great pride in her appearance, as usual. She put her makeup on, and curled her hair. And when she lost her hair, she took the same pride in styling the wigs she wore. When her clothes became too big, she bought new ones that made her feel confident.

Those who know my mom know that she gives without a thought of receiving; she is the epitome of selfless. She takes care of everyone around her -- almost to a fault -- and gives extra special attention to my father, the love of her life.

On Saturday I will be joining my mother in the Revlon Walk for Women, which raises funds to fight women's cancers. I'm always proud of her, but I'm especially proud at this moment in life because of all she has achieved and all that I know she has left to achieve. I'm lucky to take after her in many ways, especially when it comes to our mutual drive. I hope that I can look back at sixty-five and say that I've used that trait to service others the way my mother has.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Dinner is served, and it's: Shrimp Ceviche Tacos

This recipe is an oldy but goody. I tend to forget about it during the colder months and then put it back in the weekly menu rotation towards summer. These tacos are very healthy and low in calories, so feel free to eat 2 or 3. They're even lighter if you omit the avocado, but who wants to do that? Most ingredients (besides lump crab meat) can be bought at Trader Joe's, or any other local grocer.

Here's what you need:

Corn tortillas
1/2 lb shrimp
1/8 lb lump crab meat
5 limes
1 bunch cilantro
1 red onion
1/2 avocado
1 medium tomato

1 can black beans
1 can sweet corn
1 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper

First we'll make the black bean and corn salad that I like to serve with these tacos. I make this ahead of time because the lime juice really tastes great in this dish once it's had a chance to sit for an hour in the refrigerator. Drain black beans and corn and pour into medium sized bowl. Add 2 tbsp of fresh chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, the juice of two medium sized limes, and 1 tsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to liking. Toss well and put in the fridge while making tacos.

Rinse shrimp and remove tails (if applicable), cut into small pieces and pour into medium sized bowl. Chop 1/4 cup of cilantro and 1/4 cup red onion and mix with shrimp. Add lump crab meat, 1/2 cubed avocado, and chopped tomato to the bowl. Squeeze remaining two limes over shrimp mix and stir well. Add one more lime if necessary (I personally think the limier the better!). Let ceviche sit in the fridge for 30 minutes (or as long as you can wait).

Before eating, heat corn tortillas according to package in the microwave. Serve 3 heaping spoonfuls of ceviche in tortillas alongside bean salad. Enjoy!

Soccer Star

Madeleine recently started playing soccer for the YMCA, and last weekend we went to her second game (we missed the first one because we were in Napa). I felt like I entered another phase of parenting -- one I didn't realize would be such a milestone. Attending her game was a lot of fun and, I hope, the beginning of many more Saturday morning sporting events. I went for a long run that morning and got home just in time to get Madeleine dressed in her (very large) uniform. Keith and I loaded the kids up in the double stroller and walked a few blocks to the field where the game was scheduled. The kids had a 30 minute practice before the whistle blew, and we watched as Madeleine took turns kicking the soccer ball into the goal. Like everything she does, she was cautious and precise -- no big, animated kicks, just controlled dribbling of the ball, right up to the net and then a gentle, direct kick into the goal. I realized that she'll play sports the way she lives life -- with reserved enthusiasm. I, on the other hand, was not reserved at all and found myself cheering and yelling loudly (in true form). Just when her little legs made it to one end of the field, the ball would inevitably be kicked back to the other end, and at one point she stopped and said, "I'm so sleepy!". Keith and I had to laugh.

The game was a blast. We met other parents, some as enthusiastic as us, and I felt bonded with these people instantly because watching your child's introduction to a team sport is a unique experience. I think I learned a lot of life lessons when I was a kid by playing sports, and I'm amazed that my daughter is already at that age. Her first lesson was a kick in the face. Literally. Towards the end of the game, Madeleine fell and while on the ground she accidentally got a cleat to the face. Almost a rite of passage when playing an aggressive team sport. It was a combination of pain and humiliation that made her cry, and I as held her and comforted her, I told her a story of a time when I got hurt playing soccer; I fell and someone stepped on my hand while running past me. I said that after I cried for a minute, I got back up and continued playing the game. I have to admit, it was a white lie, but I wanted her to understand that she'll probably get hurt occasionally and that shouldn't deter her from ever getting back on her feet.

As we quickly approach this Saturday's game, I look forward to seeing her out there again. I'm aware of the fact that she may decide she doesn't like soccer, and of course that would be fine with me, but in the meantime I'll enjoy this process of watching her uncover her talents.

Dinner is served, and it's: Lemon Peppercorn Talapia

Based on my previous recipe postings, it's easy to see that I like fish. But I do know quite a few people that don't like it -- or, don't think they like it. I say, try it again and start with a fish like talapia. It's mild tasting, easy to make, and very healthy. The following recipe is popular in my house, but you do need to like peppercorns in order to enjoy it.

Here's what you need:

3/4 lbs talapia fillets
1 lemon
3/4 cup of chicken broth
1 tsp green peppercorns
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp butter (I buy Earth Balance)
1 tsp olive oil

whole grain rice/quinoa/couscous - your favorite grain
asparagus

All of these items besides the peppercorns are available at Trader Joe's.

Here's what to do:

First, begin by making your rice or quinoa, because the fish doesn't take long to cook. When your grain has about 10 minutes left to cook, heat oil in a medium pan. Lightly flour both sides of fish and saute in the pan for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the fish from heat and keep covered. Pour chicken broth into the pan and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. With the back of a large chopping knife, crush peppercorns (as much as possible, they're thick!), and add peppercorns to the broth. Bring broth to boil and let it reduce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn to simmer and whisk in tbsp of butter. Place fillets back in the broth for 2-3 minutes, to heat through.


Steam asparagus in a shallow glass dish in the microwave with 1 tbsp of water for 2 minutes, covered with saran wrap.


Serve fish with grain and vegetable, and pour lemon, peppercorn broth over talapia and grain -- it's delicious.


Bon Appetit!

Home, sweet home

Just like that, I'm back to reality. Our 3 days in Napa was everything we thought it would be and more. The weather was perfect, the house was beautiful, the wine delicious, and the company, lovely. Being away allowed me to physically and mentally remove myself from the daily demands of motherhood and working (though, for the most part, work is pleasure). I was able to see Keith through different eyes -- the eyes of my younger, carefree self -- and while fatherhood definitely accentuates the best in him, it was nice to rediscover the other qualities that originally made him so attractive to me.

Husband aside, it was refreshing to be with my friends in an environment that wasn't interrupted by children. While our kids were never far from our minds, they didn't take precedence, and we could give each other the attention we all deserved. I walked away from this trip feeling more balanced, more blessed, more prepared for life. I feel stronger in my relationships and therefore, more able to approach today with a zeal that isn't always there. My children also have a mom that's more relaxed and better able to attend to their every whims. I've kissed my children's lips more in the last two days than I have in awhile -- and that's saying a lot considering how much affection they get. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and with children that's true to another degree.

So I guess it's fair to say that while I'm sorry the trip is over, its benefits are lasting. I'd love to be lying poolside, with a book and glass of wine, but then I'd be missing all the other things that make my life so rich. For now, remembering the feelings I had in Napa is enough. At least, until next year.

Bon Voyage!

For the last two days I've woken up much earlier than my children because I'm too excited to sleep. Tomorrow at noon, Keith and I leave to Napa for 3 days and 3 nights. This is a trip we did last May with a group of friends, and it was so relaxing and so fun, that we decided to make it an annual event. Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend a vacation -- delicious wine, savory food, spa treatments and, best of all, wonderful company to share it all with. We're staying in a beautiful house in Healdsburg that's surrounded by vineyards and total silence. There's an infinity pool and plenty of room for us to lie around, be lazy, and live a little bit like we did before children arrived. Of course, as mothers, we can never totally detach ourselves and there will be constant chatter about preschools, tantrums, eating habits, and plenty of periodic check-in phone calls to make sure the kids are sleeping and eating well. But, overall, it's as much of an escape as we can allow ourselves at this phase of our lives.

Besides the aforementioned reasons, the other huge benefit of going away is reconnecting with my husband. I think we have a great relationship but it's overrun by children and work, and there is little time left for us to be a couple. A vacation strips away the everyday stresses and allows us to focus on each other again. It's refreshing, and necessary. I recently read a statistic that said couples who vacation at least once per year together are happier. It didn't say whether happy couples vacation more or vacations resulted in happier couples, but either one works. I want to continue being a part of that statistic.

My in-laws arrived from the Midwest yesterday and they'll be with us for the next 10 days. It's so wonderful to see how much my children light up when they're around. Having them here eliminates any concern I could have about Madeleine and Owen's well-being while we're away. Knowing that makes this escape even more enticing. Hopefully I'll be able to get some sleep tonight, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm up again at the crack of dawn, excitement rumbling in my stomach. On Sunday, I know I'll be just as eager to come home to kiss my kids and get back to the life I'm anxious to take a break from. But I guess that's why vacations are so important -- they allow us to see our lives from another perspective. In my case, a perspective that will be slightly skewed by wine, but that will only make me more enamored of a life I already treasure.

Dinner is served, and it's: Dijon Crusted Salmon

I made this delicious, super fast recipe for the first time two nights ago, and it was a hit. It was sent to me by a friend, Lori, and I'll definitely be making it again. As you know, I try to make quick and healthy meals usually with ingredients I can buy from Trader Joe's. This recipe calls for planko, Japanese breadcrumbs, but can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs if you don't want to have to go to another grocer (planko isn't sold at TJ's).

Here are the simple and few items you'll need:

2 BBQ cut salmon fillets
coarse ground Dijon mustard
planko breadcrumbs
non-stick cooking spray

long grain rice
spinach
1 tsp olive oil

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cook rice according to package (usually takes about 25 minutes). Pat dry salmon fillets and then coat them with mustard. Press planko crumbs into each fillets (top and sides). Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and cook salmon, skin-side down, for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook. While fish is in the oven, heat oil on a saute pan. Add spinach and saute for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove skin from salmon and place on bed of spinach. Serve with rice and enjoy. As it easy as it gets!!

Downtime

I have a hard time sitting down. Don't get me wrong, I love T.V. and I love reading, but I always feel like there's something else I should be doing when I'm engaged in either of those things. Right now is a perfect example -- I worked this morning, raced home to pick up Madeleine for preschool, and then rushed back in the door to put Owen down for his nap. The kids were with their beloved babysitter this morning and the house shows it -- toys everywhere! I cleaned the downstairs bedrooms, put on a pot of coffee, and jumped on the computer. The couch looks so appealing and I could use a few minutes of mindless distraction, but while the sun is shining I have a problem indulging in leisure activity (and lying on the couch watching morning television is considered leisure in my book). I'm obviously not unique in my obsession to keep busy -- I realize that many people have a hard time relaxing, too. There are others, my husband for example, who can do what needs to be done and not worry about the rest of it, especially if it's going to impede on any scheduled relaxation-time. I remember quietly seething a couple of weeks ago over his ability to watch sports on a Saturday afternoon while I raced around emptying groceries and trash cans, and picking up what seemed like a thousand toys. The kitchen needed to be swept and mopped, laundry needed to be folded. These were all urgent to me. I was part angry that he didn't see the significance in completing these tasks and part incredulous that he could happily focus on T.V. while all the other "priorities" fell to the wayside.

I'm lucky to be married to someone that is similar to me in ways that matter (common interests and beliefs, general outlook on life), but different in ways that give us balance. If I was married to someone who couldn't stop to smell the roses, we'd never slow down to enjoy the daily pleasures of life. I have to work at being more present and stop myself from constantly thinking of the next thing on the list. I need to allow myself to lie on the couch more and sink into a book. These things are just as important as daily exercise and good nutrition because it gives the brain a much needed break. My husband falls asleep within 2 minutes at night because he knows when to work and when to play; he knows how to turn-off the chatter in his head (another ability of which I'm in awe). While he may not see the necessity of always having a crumb-free kitchen floor, he does appreciate cleanliness and order -- just not in place of well-deserved leisure.

As a multi-tasking mom of two toddlers, organization is a must. Life runs much more smoothly if the kids take their daily naps, eat well-balanced meals, and have time to play outdoors in the fresh air. These are all things I must fit into each day in order to maintain their happiness and mine. But I also need to show them that along with schedules, there needs to be spontaneity. Sometimes it's okay to skip naps or push back bedtimes, just like it's okay to leave laundry unfolded and dirty dishes in the sink. Definitely an important lesson worth learning.

I'll add it to my to-do list.