I just love the Olympics! I didn’t watch as much this year as I normally do. But I get excited every time it comes around. I’m sad that it has come to an end.

And please know that those twin toilet bathrooms that many found in Sochi can be found here in the states, too! Here’s a throwback photo from our visit to Michigan last summer:

O’Sullivan’s Pub – Gladwin, Michigan

In other news, yesterday was my two-year blogaversary. I don’t know what I really want to say about that. Time flies? 😉

Now it’s time for the usual…

Food

Dinners:

Just an fyi – last week’s Zoodles with Meat Sauce were a hit! <<– Highly recommended. I followed this recipe, but used a julienne peeler like Jen did here. I made a meat sauce instead of meatballs.

• Pork Chops with Mushrooms & Onions
• Taco Salads with Salsa Ranch Dressing – for the meat, I’ll be using this taco meat recipe that Ashley from My Cats and I (Cooking) in Chi posted as a comment on this post of mine:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can pinto (drained) or chili beans (not drained) – {I’m using black beans!}
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Directions: Brown meat and drain grease. Add in other ingredients and simmer until mixture thickens.
• English Muffin Pizzas
• Leftovers

Lunches:

• Leftovers
• I’m still loving these Quick & Easy Bowls! Last week’s bowls were heated. This week’s lunches will be leftovers of the Taco Salads I’m making for dinner. The layers will include:
  1. Base: romaine
  2. Grain/Starch: 1/2 cup rice {I might forego the rice this week if I don’t have time to make it and double the protein!}
  3. Protein: 1/2 cup beef & black bean mixture from above {I might put this in a separate bowl to re-heat and top on the salad at work before eating.}
  4. Veg: onion and grape tomatoes or drained canned tomatoes
  5. Fat: shredded cheese or Wholly Guacamole
  6. Sauce: Salsa-Ranch Dressing that Biz always recommends!
• I have blackberries, bananas as well as nuts as snacks. And of course, my daily dose of dark chocolate.

Breakfasts:

• I have a couple of options available and will make them depending on what I am in the mood/have time for each day:
  • Breakfast Quesadillas – I made a couple of these last week inspired by the Breakfast Quesadilla we had at Ike’s before our flight to St. Augustine. In my at-home version, I used:
    • Flour tortilla
    • Scrambled egg with diced onion
    • chopped tomato or salsa
    • Shredded cheddar
    • So easy and delicious! {I guess I’ve been in a Mexican/Tex-Mex mood lately!}
  • PB Toast
  • Granola with milk

Fitness

• Post-back surgery PT exercises until I get strong enough to move into more yoga.
• Recumbent bike
• I should be good to get back on the treadmill next week!

Do you prefer the winter or summer Olympics?

What your favorite thing to make when you are in a mood for Mexican or Tex-Mex?

Cheers~
Carrie