This year, there were only four people at the Everythingtarian household for the Easter holiday. For the record, I have three sisters and two parents; so in theory, the numbers should equal six. This weekend however, Mama Everythingtarian, Daddy Everythingtarian, yours truly and one of my BFFs, Ashley, were the only VIPs in attendance.

As my sisters + I get older, sometimes holidays are spent apart as they celebrate with their boyfriend’s families or I go off traveling somewhere (as has been the case thus far). I swear, just yesterday, my older sister was cruelly taunting me, “I know where your Easter basket is, but I’m not telling!” and now, she is a homeowner and dating the same guy for 10 years. Growing up is a crazy thing, no?

Katie, 27: quintessential bossy older sister

Special.

Or take my younger sister for example.  It wasn’t that long ago I once threatened to kill her for making me get off the computer so she could rightfully take her turn. She didn’t sleep that whole night. Now, she’s been dating her boyfriend for six years and spent the weekend helping him move into a new apartment.  Also, if you know anyone hiring a nurse in the Twin Cities area, let her know.

Alli, 24: caregiving middle sister with attitude

Sassy.

Finally, my youngest sister will be graduating high school this June and heading off to Colorado for college in the fall. By the way, she is more like eight years old in my head instead of 18. I still remember her at age five reciting word-for-word, inappropriate lines from Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison (which happens when you have three older sisters).

Kendra, 18: sweet and funny baby sister

Scary.

However, as much as I miss having my three sisters all together, their absenteeism does have its perks. For one, I get to spend more one-on-one time with Mama + Daddy Everythingtarian, which is truly a rarity with three sisters. Growing up, holidays were more likely to consist of hair pulling, backseat fighting and ganging up on one unlucky sister (usually, moi) than actual quality time spent together.

So, when my parents, Ashley and I headed out to a new Thai restaurant on Saturday night, I have to admit I quite enjoyed being able to chat with the ‘rents without fighting for attention (which, yes, still happens even though we range in age from 18 to 27).

Daddy Everythingtarian ordered a lovely, smooth bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for the table to start…

Perusing the Asian-Thai-American fusion menu, he chose the red snapper served with fresh ginger, mushroom and onion…

This was amazing. The snapper was fresh and really tasty, and the whole dish had a nice Thai touch.

Mama Everythingtarian got the pad thai with chicken…

If you didn’t realize it, you are staring at the reason for all my eccentricities.

Then, Ashley + I decided to split the som tam (spicy papaya salad), which came with a lovely side of sticky rice, cabbage and sweet teriyaki beef jerky…

…as well as the Tri Curry with chicken, which is a sample of each yellow, red + green Thai curries…

Verdict? So. Dang. Good.  Overall, I think the red snapper and Tri Curry were the winners of the evening. Both dishes were extremely well done.  And, there was so much food, I even got to bring home some leftovers back to Madison.

Score.

Another perk 0f being the only sister home for the holidays is one that I personally enjoy: there are never too many cooks in the kitchen. To be honest, they don’t really cook anyways, but I enjoy the quietness and freedom to do my kitchen thang nonetheless.  No offense sisters.

This Easter morning, I started off the day by baking up a batch of Berry Oatmeal Scones.  However, I added too much baking powder or soda (and was uber-angry at myself for not properly measuring), and the scones had a slightly bitter aftertaste to them.

I still ate mine, and upon returning from a round of golf, Daddy Everythingtarian wolfed down two of them. Apparently, the bitterness couldn’t have been that bad.

After three hours of watching the America’s Next Top Model marathon, the four of us sat down to a yummy brunch at 12:30pm. Since my three carnivorous sisters were not in attendance, ’twas a lovely vegetarian affair.  *Cough* reason #3 sister-less holidays have their advantages *cough*.

Starting with some dyed hard-boiled eggs…

Because Easter is just not Easter without egg dying.

Followed by a huge bowl of fresh strawberries + pineapple….

An 8-x-8″ bruleed pan of Kath’s Baked Banana Oatmeal…

I added LOTS of cinnamon to this recipe, for obvious reasons. I also like to cut things (like this pan of oatmeal) into different sizes.  That way, if someone just wants a smidge of it while another person wants a honkin’ piece, everyone is happy.  I guess that’s the compromise-loving, avoid-conflict-at-all-costs middle sister in me talking.

I also took this advice to heart cutting up the broccoli and mushroom frittata (based off this recipe)…

Altogether, with a slice of Ezekiel toast + buttah and coffee + skim milk…

Perfection. And fullness.

And no worries, it’s not Easter without a basket of this sitting around…

Multiple (as in 100?) dips were made into this basket throughout the weekend, especially for the peanut M&Ms, Almond Joy eggs and malted milk eggs. My favorites.

Then, we wrapped up the weekend with more America’s Next Top Model and a 5-mile run in the sunny, 60 degree weather. As nice as it was to have a low-key weekend filled with yummy food, trashy TV, my parents + friends (Ashley, as well as Stacy + Clinton), a holiday just isn’t a holiday without my sisters.

Because sisters do as sisters should, and we’re all together sisters…

July 4th, 2010, we’re gunning for you…hair pulling, backseat fighting, cruel taunts and all.

(To the tune of Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent,” FYI)

To kick my own arse out of its meh state yesterday, I did this last night…

Is there anything a bookstore, decaf coffee, Cinnamon Chip Scone and an US Weekly can’t fix? I think no.

When I woke up this morning from a glorious 9 hour sleep, I reluctantly threw on my hot black spandex, black Old Navy Performance fleece and running shoes for a 3 mile run. And I am so glad I did.

With post-run renewed energy, I scarfed this down.  I am talking maybe 3 1/2 minutes fast.

That would be a phallic-looking banana with Mighty Maple PB alongside a bowl of Kashi Honey Sunshine + organic skim milk. Whoever recommended eating slow obviously doesn’t know me.

When I got to work, I barely even looked at blogs (usually a morning ritual) and set to work. Before I knew it, it was past noon – ahem, LUNCHTIME!

There are a bunch of food carts downtown where I work, and the cutest one is Dandelion.  It also happens to be vegetarian/vegan-friendly. I believe the sign says, “Vegan questions?  You’ll like our answers.” I know this girl will.

Enter in The Infamous Sweet Potato Wrap.

Huge chunks of sweet potato, cilantro pesto and Dutch gouda cheese (other things too, but I was so busy scarfing I didn’t take note).  BEST. WRAP. EVER. It pains me to think I only just discovered this gem and today was it’s last day of the season.

The cart guy even gave me a free homemade peanut butter cup.  I am pretty sure it’s because I wowed him with my NKOTB dance moves and rendition of “The Right Stuff.”

And you probably think I am kidding about dancing to NKOTB in the middle of the street.  I’m not.

<Enter in more productivity here>

I rounded out my meal with a Diet Coke.  Perfection.

After work and receiving some exciting e-mails (mu ha ha, now I am going to be the one withholding exciting news!), I ate a haphazardly concocted, yet well-balanced meal.  Here’s what we got kids:

Protein: Sunshine Barbecue Patty w/ BBQ Sauce
Grain: Mary’s Gone Crackers – Onion Flavor
Veggie: 1 cup baby carrots
Fruit: 2 Archer Farms Organic Raspberry Fruit Strips

Not too shabby.

Then, I went to a job interview for a part-time seasonal position at a chic home decorating store.  Meet the newest sales associate ready to pimp out floral arrangements, pillows, furniture, candles, kitchenware and more (ahem, ME!).

Apparently they were looking for someone outgoing and willing to talk to customers, and I happened to fit the bill.

Now, it’s time to watch last night’s Glee episode and turn the tables on productivity.  One should maintain balance in one’s life, no? FIrst however,

• Check out Megan’s Chobani giveaway.
• Head on over to Rebecca’s blog for some Newman’s goodies.
• Get fall-happy with a giveaway from Ms. Emily.
• Alison is giving away some Nature’s Path Cereal.
• Grab some cooking tips with some fab loot from Erika.
• Yoga it up with a new mat from Erica with a C.
• Glug some Zevia with help from Leianna.
• AND…enter my Xagave agave syrup giveaway!!!

Sheesh, look at all that giveaway LOVE!

What’s the last productive thing you did? I gots a job to help kick in some extra dough for my student loans!

There are certain places in a gal’s life that no matter where she is in the world, feel like home.

My “homey” places are: (1) Target (obv) and (2) farmer’s markets.  I could be in the middle of Ulan Bator, Mongolia but hell, if there’s a Target or farmer’s market to be had, it would feel just like good ol’ Minnesota.  Since I hit up Tarjay last night, naturally this morning was the perfect time for the Dane County Farmer’s Market.

I am going to let the pictures do the talkin’…

starting with a naner + camera shy coffee

Vegan Blueberry Oatmeal Scone

fresh veg

radish love

peeps making their way around the square

home-baked breads

fresh flowers - the gorge dahlia I couldn't resist buying

ethical meat up in herre

sea berries (I totally had to Wikipedia these)

my loot: plums, dahlia, Japanese eggplant, red potatoes, roma tomatoes, orange pepper, raspberries, zucchini + lemon basil

pre-run fuel: white bagel with buttah

Off to run 18 miles – I don’t have pride, wish me all the luck you can.

Beware…rando eats ahead!  Since I’m heading off to the Windy City for a ladies’ weekend o’ fun in a mere 1 1/2 hours, I have not replenished with a fresh food stash this week.  Hence, today’s eats so far are a slapdash mash of whatev was left in the kitch.  Starting with brekkie…

AB + smashed naner + Ezek + cinnamon (x2 of course!)

This beauty held me over for awhile, then it was grazing time!  A little bit of scone yumminess from Bread & Chocolate, one of my favorite St. Paul haunts, courtesy of a coworker…

1/2 Berry Lemon Scone - have I told you how much I LOVE scones? Because I do.

Blueberry lovin', and yes, I ate all of them.

I tried this new Kashi dude, courtesy of Angharad of Eating for England, who I met up with last night for a delectably delicious bloggy dinner.  The verdict?  Well, as soon as I opened it up, the sweet smell of coffee wafted into my nose.  That is a good start.  A very good start.  Overall, the bar was really good – it’s definitely not my fave by any means but when you mix chocolate + coffee, you have a winner in my book.

Kashi Dark Mocha Almond Love

More gorge heirloom tomatoes...

Banana Nut Cheerios + vanilla almond milk...my CEO called me Cheerio-head when I ate this, FYI.

Look at those chunks of jelly in my new fave AB+PB+J trail mix from Trader Joe's...mmmmmm!

So, yes – yours truly ate a real slapdash (definition: in a careless or reckless manner) of foods on this lovely Thursday.  I guess that’s what you get when you fall asleep on the couch and wake-up at 12:30 having done nothing you needed to get done don’t plan ahead.  Sorry to make this an extremely uninteresting post, but I gotta run out the door and get my buns on the road to Chi-town ladies and gents!  Woowoo for an early weekend!

In the meantime, check out my guest post at No Meat Athlete to get more of your Healthy Everythingtarian fix.  I’ll explore the wonderful world of global vegetarian food… (hint, hint: beer totally counts!) 

I won’t be blogging in Chicago, but stay tuned on Sunday for a recap of the weekend’s eats, fun, purchases (shopping WILL be involved) and shenanigans.

Hope y’all have a fabulous weekend!

Good evening my little bloggy friends!

What a fabulous, low-key weekend it’s been – it’s totally what I needed!  Today, I just relaxed (kind of) by going to Tarjay to grocery shop, then making lunch (see below), going for a long leisurely walk and finally, going to a top-not-so-secret meeting, but more on that in a bit!

I am TOTALLY loving my new weekly challenge to buy 5 new items to try every week.  Along with my parsnips from the farmer’s market yesterday, here are the rest of the week’s newbies:

Stonyfield Farms Organic PLAIN Yogurt
Celestial Seasonings Coconut Sweet Thai Chai tea
Arnold’s 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins
Archer Farms Yogurt Raisins, Cranberries, Goji Berries & Pecans trail mix

Instead of calling it lunch, I would like to call my midday meal British Tea Time, in honor of the semester I spent studying abroad in London in college!  I tried my new Celestial Seasonings Coconut Sweet Thai Chai tea, and it rocked!  Along with it, I had the last two bits of my Easy Fig Scones, 1 cup of strawberries and 1/4 cup of my new trail mix – yogurt raisins, dried cranberries, goji berries and pecans!  What a lovely, posh tea time I had!

Late this afternoon, I had my secret lil’ meeting which involved Starbucks and a tall soy latte (no picture, which you’ll understand why in a moment ).  For most of the famous healthy food bloggers, this would probably have to do with getting their own Web site, or perhaps snagging a sponsor, or something like that.  Unfortunately, this gal isn’t that famous so mine was something completely different.  I, Holly, have the opportunity to nanny for a family from October to April…

IN AUSTRALIA!

Yes, the Land Down Under mate!  There have been no final decisions made, but I met with the couple (who have two daughters), and they are fantastic!  The only problem I have is figuring out financial logistics: making sure I can pay my student loans as well as other miscellaneous bills/loans while I am gone for 6 months.  However, don’t you worry, I am an avid traveler and am determined to make this happen!

So…there is my big news!  Anybody have any good financial advice or perhaps have some good karma they can throw my way so I can win the lottery?  Needless to say, I am SUPPPPEEERRRR excited about the possibility!

But not too excited not to eat dinner, of course!  When I got home, I whipped up a sundried tomato & asparagus frittata with goat cheese.  Super savory and filling!  I sauteed onion, asparagus and sundried tomato in a little EVOO and garlic, then added 1/2 cup Eggbeaters.  I flipped a top on the pan and let it do its thing for 5 to 7 minutes.  Finally, I crumbled some goat cheese over the top and served it with two slices toasted Ezekiel bread.  Easy and satisfying!

Oops, how did that Diet Coke get in there?   (It was only like 1/3 of the can – I swear!).  After dinner, I needed something a bit sweet to munch on as I wrote this post, so I concocted a little junk trail mix.  Some honey & oats granola, a couple almond clusters, a sprinkle of my new trail mix and some dark chocolate shavings – it hit the spot!

Now, I have some freelance writing to finish up then off to bed and maybe a yoga class in the morning?  Ooohhh…we’ll have to see about that one!

Happy Mother’s Day again to all you moms!  Enjoy the rest of your well-earned day!

***Update:  When Megan offered a glass of this lovely, sweet Pinot Grigio…I couldn’t resist!