Where's the Beach?

Chicago Diner As promised, here's my recap from last night's Chicago Diner vegan feast. Let's just say this, if you're vegetarian or vegan and in or around Chicago, this is a must (even more so if you're not from some place that has lots of veggie friendly restaurants). I had printed off the menu last week to study. I knew I would be a little overwhelmed with so many options. One of each please! We started with their spicy Buffalo style "wings" made from seitan and served with a vegan ranch dressing. I was really leaning towards their Radical Reuben (Corned beef seitan, onions, peppers, sauerkraut, vegan Thousand Island & cheeze, on marbled rye). When Jason heard it was award-winning, he called dibs. No worries, I went with my second choice, the Dagwood (Seitan roast & corned “beef”, “bacon” & cheeze, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pepperoncini & spicy sauce on a hoagie). My other choice was their Sweet Potato Quesadilla (Spinach t...

Sunday Grilling We had a great time with our friends playing around in the pool yesterday afternoon. They brought their 13-year old son plus tons of pool toys like beach balls and a blow-up basketball hoop. There was a nice breeze so it really wasn't overwhelmingly hot, despite the fact that it was close to 100 degrees. That's what pools are made for though right? I had made Strawberry Salsa and Seitan cutlets first thing in the mornings to use for dinner. It was too nice out not to grill. I have been wanting to try to recreate a salad that our friends (the ones we visited in Florida) have made for me several times. It has green beans, potatoes, artichokes, and romaine lettuce. I think the dressing is a combo of Dijon, olive oil, and lemon juice, perhaps garlic. I decided to try to make my own grilled version. Grilled Green Bean, Potato & Artichoke Salad Ingredients: Salad: 5-6 red new potatoes (depending on size), cubed Fresh green beans, just to desired amount ...

Tuesday's Comments Wow, thank you all for your comments from yesterday's post regarding work/career. I suppose it's so often to just assume others are happy as larks each and every day. I was rather shocked at how many seem to feel the same way. I do know people who LOVE getting up and going to their jobs though. I want to have that same feeling. I think we all deserve that. Life is too short don't you agree? Kickboxing Fail First off - Holy Mother of DOMS. I am still sore in my chest and triceps from Sunday's workout. Inner and outer thighs are screaming at me when I walk and sit from Monday's workout, and biceps...are they supposed to straighten all the way out??? It's all good though. I know I worked myself to the max and can't wait to repeat it starting with upper body push muscles on Saturday.  Now, onto today's workout.... This morning I was very rudely awakened by one of our alarm sensors going out. Not sure how long it was making the st...