Such a busy day!!!
3x portion presentations, 2 hours of driving, lots and lots of emails!!
Before our final presentation we had some time to kill in the library and I thought to check and see if they had my mom’s book, Purple Mountain Majesties!! Did you know she is a published author!?
I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!! Searched for her name on the online catalog and it popped right up! The book is about Katharine Lee Bates and her journey to Pike’s Peak and writing "America The Beautiful." It came out in 1998 and is sadly out of print now, but see if you can find it in your local libraries!
It made great reading material!
From work I drove straight to Emily‘s house!! We had planned a fun interval workout utilizing her treadmill and free weights.
While in my car I ate an orange and homemade granola bar. I peeled the orange before I left, but I do not recommend eating an orange while driving. My hands were quite sticky and so was my chin! But this snack was great and held me over until 8PM!
Emily has quite the cool home gym!! I think if I had a treadmill I would never miss a workout. How convenient!!
We used her newly painted chalkboard walk to plan out some intervals. We alternated 2 minutes of running (8:00 minute miles) with 2 minutes of the following 6 exercises.
Then we repeated the whole thing twice, but the next time with the incline on 2.0 and the speed on an 8:30 mile. [I had forgotten how EASY the treadmill is when you don’t have an incline on! Way easier than running outside]
We ended with a 3 minute sprint at a 7:30 mile!!
Great music! Great chatting!
After playing around for too long, I raced back home to literally heat + eat dinner!!
I’ve had this Amy’s dinner to review in my freezer for ages and was waiting for the right rushed night to try it out. Having seen Jenna rave about Amy’s Indian dinners for years (!!) now, I knew these were the flavors I wanted to try.
While dinner heated, I nibbled on some Dr. Kracker. I used to buy these guys all the time a few years ago and totally forgot about them!! (Probably sometime during the KERF budget cuts of 2008 😉 ) I am so glad to have rekindled my love. I had the Pumpkin Seed Cheesy ones at lunch and the new Fire-Roasted flavor tonight. They have a great ingredient list and are super crunchy and super delish!
So how was that Amy’s meal?
I was actually QUITE impressed!!! The flavor was definitely the best frozen meal I’ve ever had (although I don’t eat them a ton!) Loved the Indian sauce – it didn’t taste fake or processed at all. Loved the peas and chickpeas!! I could have had a few more chickpeas – and a few more cheese pieces (I think I had 3-4 total) but overall, very impressed. I even didn’t mind the ONIONS too much! (I knew they would be well cooked)
The backside was a bunch of veggies to fill me up. Broc and some leftover collards. My one complaint would be that the meal was just not big enough by itself! More veggies please!
Just had a bite of dark chocolate and am going to bed in 3….2…..1!
Dynamics says
What a great idea, the chalkboard. I will have to check into that. That is a great way to see your routine. My notebook can be a pain at times.
I am looking for a mirror for my workout room. Did she have one?
Kath says
She did, but it was a simple full length on the door
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
Your dinner looks so fantastic for something from a box!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
That is so cool about your mom! Looks like a nice, big book too. Too bad its out of print. 🙁
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries says
that is so cool that your mom is a published author!
on frozen meals, i’ve yet to find one that’s big/filling enough to stand alone as a meal. i rarely eat them–but when i do, i always need to bulk them up!
Danielle (Coffee Run) says
That’s one of my favorite Amy’s meals 🙂
I ran on the treadmill today too & I forgot how easy it was without the incline!
Heather (The Single Dish) says
I want a gym at home!! That looks so amazing, and fun to have a partner to work out with. So awesome about your mom’s book!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That’s one of my absolute favorite Amy’s meals 🙂 Their spinach paneer is great too!
So cool that your mom has a book! It looks so pretty!
Sam (Merit to the Carrot) says
Oh la,la! Your momma’s book looks beautiful 🙂
Cole says
That is an awesome home gym!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Amy’s meals are the BEST!!! Seriously. The veggie lasagna is out of this world!!!
Erin says
I’m loving your Girls on the Run t-shirt! I just became a board member for my local chapter and it’s such an AMAZING program!!
Jil says
That’s so cool that your mom is a published author! and that the library had it!! 🙂 Your eats look delish, and I wish I had a home gym!! Emily is luckkky!
amber says
omg so cool about your mom’s book!
Maureen says
Oh, I love Dr. Kracker!!!!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
that is so cool that your mom is a published author. I’ll have to look that up at our local library.
I don’t like frozen meals for that reason. I always need to bulk them up with something else to fill me up.
Ally (Exercise and Pies) says
I wish I had a home gym… that would mean not living an apartment tho lol
You were quite the busy girl today sleep tight, you deserve some rest!
Jenna says
indian looks great!
kate says
im not a big fan of frozen meals but usually rock!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Your workout looks awesome. I love working out at home, gyms can’t compete unless they have a pool. 😉
I LOVE Amy’s Indian Paneer frozen dinner!! I buy the “Light in Sodium” version and it’s fantastic. Yum!
Jenn
Marisa (Loser for Life) says
Awesome that your mom is a published author!
I haven’t tried any of Amy’s frozen meals, but I am obsessed with the canned Black Bean Chili. It is terrific!
Lisa says
ooh i love mattar paneer. i love love LOVE the cheese and the rice is soo fluffy!
i agree there needs to be more volume, i tend to add some veggies/protein as well (but usually do that with all her meals 🙂 )
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
How cool to find your mom’s book — what an interesting fun fact. 😀
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
It is always great to workout with a friend! Looks like today ended up pretty good!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
Hope the dark chocolate doesn’t keep ya awake. It would for me : )
Heather says
Love the chalkboard wall – one day I want to paint one in a house – great idea for grocery lists!
I love Amy’s meals – they are also the only frozen meals I will eat. I appreciate that I can read the ingredient list.
Sleep well!
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Great work on the workout! It is always fun to workout with a friend!
That is so cool re your mum’s book! By the way – how did you get that photo in the library? Did you get someone to take it for you???
Kath says
Yes, my coworker did with my iPhone!
Karla says
Great way to switch up your workouts!
GurlOnA"Diet" says
OOOO yummm I haven’t had Indian food in like 2 years because I don’t have the ingredients…will def try this out!
Wendy says
I keep baby wipes in the car & purse to clean up after my kids. I’ve used them to clean up after myself too. 🙂
Very cool idea for a home workout, and I love Emily’s chalkboard wall! But, is it safe to have the treadmill against the wall like that? I always thought you weren’t supposed to have the back that close to the wall, b/c if fall off you’ll get slammed against it by the treadmill belt. 🙁
Adrien says
you have insane days- you better get to bed right now- I have no idea how you to it!
Katharine says
That’s awesome that your mom is published! How fun. 🙂
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
I would love to own a treadmill! I don’t mind working out at home at all – it’s more convenient and there’s no time wasted commuting.
So fun that your mom is a published author. I have the feeling you will be too someday!
Lauren says
That’s so cool that your mom is a published author. And you look like you’re flying on that treadmill!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i’ve gotta try some amy’s meals stat…i love the canned soup (basically the only canned soup i’ll eat!) so i bet the frozen meals are pretty tasty too 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I’ve never tried that Amy’s meal, but I am such a fan of hers! And I’m a total Dr. Cracker Addict. The Seeded Spelt are my favorite!
Cyndi says
I have seen that book !!!!!! It is stunning !!!!
Kath says
NO WAY!! What a coincidence!
Jenn @ Livewellfit says
You guys are rockstars! Love that workout.
Katy ( The Balanced Foodie) says
Mmm I am so tempted to try one of those indian frozen meals too, they always look and sound amazing! I wish the portion was bigger as well, but at least with a little veggies added, you can have a decent meal!
Mama Pea says
I want to be your mom!!!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
Emily is SO lucky to have her own treadmill! I’m like you, if I had one at home I’d never be off it – it’s probably a blessing in disguise that I don’t have one 😛 but what an awesome workout you got in there! 7.30 mile is fast so go you 🙂
Have a good sleep!
Sara says
I love Amys!!! Some of her other Indian entrees are super good- I also recommend Trader Joe’s Channa Masala- it’s delicious and obviously chockfull of chickpeas 🙂
Hannah says
I love Amy’s Indian meals – particularly the Tofu Matteer, and the Tamale Pie. Although the Tamale Pie is miniscule, and definitely needs more veggies to bulk it up. Good luck with your presentation!!
Stacey says
Seems the chalkboard is handy for other things that just math 😀 That seems like a cool “home gym”!
christie @ honoring health says
I have never thought to do intervals at home. What a great idea. We have a bike, a treadmill and a weight bench. I could totally do it!
Ally says
I’ve been wanting to try those Dr. Krackers forever but never pick them up because they are kind of pricey. I think I’ll try them next time based on your review!
I just got a trainer for my bike so I can ride it in the basement this winter so I feel the same way about not missing workouts with that. Now, I just need a treadmill and I wouldn’t have to miss any runs. haha. Anyway, I think you’re pretty darn good and consistent about working out even without a treadmill Kath!
Lauren @ eater not a runner says
I never buy frozen meals, but I love Indian so i might have to check that out!
d says
ii cant believe you would call running on a treadmill without an incline easy. Thats far from the truth. Also werent you supposed to take a break from running because of your foot?
Ana says
So cool to have an exercising partner, I wish I had someone close who liked the same things I do…
I tried those Dr. Crackers and they are awesome, really loved them – so flavorful and not too hot (which I appreciate!)
Nice eats, I also don’t eat frozen meals but that one looked really good! I tried a Kashi one once and liked, have you tried those kath?
Ana
Kath says
I did try a kashi one a long time ago – it wasn’t bad, but I’m really not one for frozen meals in general.
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
I always bulk up frozen meals with extra veggies. You’re right – they’re just not filling enough otherwise! Plus, it’s kind of fun to mix the extra veg in the sauce from the dish… and Indian flavors are my favorite!
sarah says
have you ran outside then compared to running on a treadmill with 0% grade? it’s considerably easier!
sarah says
oops, i meant to reply to 2 posts above! sorry! 🙂
Kristen says
That is my favorite Amy’s frozen meal (besides the burritos)! Such great flavors and easy to add a few veggies for a complete meal.
[email protected] Two Lives, One Lifestyle says
I tried an Amy’s mexican bowl yesterday- so good for frozen stuff! I haven’t tried any of it I don’t like, the Indian flavors are definitely my fave though.
elizabeth says
Oh my goodness, Kath, I HAVE read your mom’s book– and I love it! I read it several years ago when I was taking a children’s lit class and spent lots of time moseying around my college’s education school library. It’s a wonderful story–I’m a sucker for these “mostly true” picture book elaborations of historical events–and I was especially taken by the illustrations. I’m very sorry to hear it’s out of print. If I ever see it at a secondhand place, I’ll definitely snatch up a copy.
Kristilyn (My 29th Year) says
I love Amy dinners! I’ve never tried the Indian ones though – I’ll put that on my list!
Love the workout idea! I have a treadmill at home and I love it – especially during the coooold, Canadian winters!
K
Mom says
Cyndi and Elizabeth, Fun you’ve seen my book! And thanks to everyone for your sweet words. Elizabeth, you can get a used copy at a great price on Amazon.
Barbara
Cyndi says
Hi again – just to follow up on the “book sighting” … it is safely shelved at my daughter’s elementary school library (yes, I’m older than most of the blog readers, but I love it just the same!) … I remember looking at the gorgeous illustrations – it’s one of those books I really enjoyed looking through. Congratulations!
Mom says
Cyndi,
I love to think of the book at your daughter’s school! My I ask what part of the country you are in?
Barbara
Jenn says
I’ve never commented, but I just have to tell you that we own that book! My boys (3 and 1) love it and often pick it off the shelf for me to read to them. My mom taught in Ohio and collected books for future grandchildren for many years, so I have no way of knowing when/where she got it.
Cyndi says
Hi Barbara –
We live in a small town about 30 minutes west of Boston, MA (brrr – wish we were somewhere warmer!)
Cyndi
Moi says
We have that book! My kiddos will think it’s waaayyyyyyy cool that a blogger’s mom wrote that book! Love it, especially the pictures!
Kath says
I cannot believe you guys have my mom’s book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So cool and what a coincidence!!
Mom says
Cyndi,
And Katherine Lee Bates was a Massachusetts girl. Her house is still standing in Wellesley.
Moi,
Fun! Give your kids my best.
Mom says
Jenn,
I missed your comment somehow. Thanks! I’m touched your boys like my book. When I speak to groups, most little boys like the knight made out of prunes and the wooly mammoth the best. When I read it to Kath when she was little (before she saw any of the art), she got a huge kick out of the fainting people.
Barbara