It was one hot day, and it’s hot down here so I gotta blog fast and get up to our cool bedroom!
I left for work in a tizzy after trying to get the laundry in the dryer before I left. Ten minutes later, after climbing a huge hill on my bike, I arrived at the lightrail nice and hot. The train came quickly enough, and I had a glorious 20 minute ride with my iPhone 🙂 Once at my stop, I had another 5 minute walk in the heat to the gym where Mary works. I’m not sure I can do this commute in July!
Mary and I chatted for a few hours, talking about what I hope to get out of the summer and making a to-do list to things we want to get done. (See this post for the details: Phat Burrito, Phat Job). Turns out since I’m working for someone with a flexible schedule, I will have one too 🙂 In fact, I am working from home tomorrow while Mary attends a meeting! Thursdays hours have shifted to afternoon/dinnertime so I’ll be going in later too. I’m digging the flexibility already
Around 2pm we headed out for lunch. I’d never been to Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, a big hit in Charlotte, so that’s where we headed. There are a handful of restaurants where I have yet to dine that Mary said are a must this summer, including a new cafe that’s opening next door and will be focused on raw and vegetarian food called – get this – REAL FOOD!
That’s one lengthy menu!
We both decided to do build-a-salads with burgers on top. I wasn’t hungry enough for a real burger.
I went for the buffalo!!! On top of a bed of romaine, broccoli, corn, jalapenos, carrots, mushrooms and peaches. When the salad first arrived I thought it was the tiniest salad and wished I had gotten a large, but it turned out to be the perfect portion. (For scale, this bowl is about the size of a large cereal bowl.) Despite the small salad, that was one big burger, and I ended up eating it all.
Didn’t use much dressing, and that’s pimento cheese on the side that was onion-y. Ew.
Mary said the sweet potato fries were not-to-miss so we shared some of those. I had about half a cup’s worth? They were good!
After lunch I gathered up my homework – lots of reading of business materials, a book on PCOS, and more – and headed back to the lightrail, and to my bike for a sweaty ride back.
I was prickly and miserable when I got home and grumped my way through some emails (sorry girls!) and a messy house, which I had to clean up as soon as I was finished catching up on the computer.
[ Why don’t we just turn on the AC you ask? Because we’re stubborn and like to wait until July for economic + environmental purposes. Plus we like the sounds of the outdoors and fresh air and just have a few more weeks to suck up the heat /]
Thankfully my hero volunteered to make something for dinner while I finished the housework. At my suggestion he made Egg Muffins!
Ingredients included:
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Sautéed peppers
- Diced avocado (1/4 cup?)
- 1 wedge laughing cow
- Goat cheese (2 tbsp?)
- Handful spinach
I don’t know exact proportions, but it was mostly to taste. He poured them into 6 muffin cups and baked at 350* for about 20 minutes or until eggs were set. (This recipe for Omelet Muffins is more exact and just as good)
3 cups served on a slice of Dakota bread
While Matt was making the muffins, I was making this Watermelon Cocktail! This started as watermelon on the side of our plates, which I then thought about turning into a cool smoothie, which then turned into a vodka drink!
Into a blender:
- 3 cups watermelon
- 1/3 cup pineapple
- Huge handful ice
- Juice of half a lime
- 3 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
Blend and garnish with mint! Serves 2. It does separate easily, so mix well as you drink!
I had a slice while I blended
And that would be our dinner:
We watched the first half of Revolutionary Road this evening. Like it so far!
Curious About Sourdough?
Head over to Brew + Bake –
- Recipe: Classic Sourdough
- Starting a culture
Off to sit next to a fan.
Nite!
Kati says
I don’t know HOW you do it without the AC…I find it hard to sleep if it’s not cool enough, even with the fans on :/ Egg mufins look yumm!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
glad to hear your first day was a success! burger bowl looks awesome!!
Katherine says
Glad Day 1 went well and you’ll get to keep a flexible schedule!
The cocktail looks delicious and very refreshing. Keep cool!
april says
Those fries look awesome! I”ve never actually seen them on any restaurant menu before! Your crazy about the AC.. I can’t sleep if it’s hot!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health says
Gotta love flexible schedules!!
That’s too bad you were overheated. I don’t blame you for waiting to turn on the air conditioning for the reasons you stated!
Great dinner! I had eggs too!
LOVE the cocktail! It had to taste great!!
Have a great night!
Emily L. says
There’s a lot of June left for no A/C. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed for cool weather.
[email protected] says
It is FREEZING here in Boston today! I will imagine that we have your heat as I add more blankets back to the bed. We are the same way with the heat- we wait until December 1,no matter what, before putting the heat on. We recently switched to wind power which is more expensive, but makes me feel a smidge better about using the a/c.
Those egg muffins look SO good! It was omelet night here, but mine didn’t look cute like that!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
That’s a unique burger salad, I dig it! I love the egg muffins, too. I’ve been meaning to make them. In fact, I should today. 🙂
I don’t know how you can stand the heat. My husband and I both have a VERY low heat tolerance lol. I think I was a penguin in my past life. 🙄 When we lived in Atlanta for 2 years, I think we kept out AC going until November. 😮 lol
Jenn
Michelle (PinQue) says
Yum, I am jealous…I have been craving The Counter all day…I NEED A VEGGIE BURGER!! Can’t wait for girls night tomorrow!
Melissa says
I saw that you picked up a book on PCOS? Does that acronym have two meanings, or are you researching Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? I was just wondering because I have PCOS and have recently written a couple of entries at my blog about my struggles with it.
Sarah says
This is kind of a personal question and one that you may not feel comfortable answering, but is it ever weird to eat with other dietitians or dietitians-in-training? You always order healthfully, but do you feel any special pressure to do so when dining under the circumstances above?
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
That’s so exciting about the internship! It sounds like the perfect, flexible job for you! I can’t wait to hear more about it as the summer goes on.
DELICIOUS dinner! I’m loving the cool summer drink. So fun!
Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Lisa says
Was that a bison burger, or was the buffalo a reference to a sauce? In any case, I love love love bison. It’s so much better than plain old steer.
Sounds like you’ve got one dynamic summer coming up!
Priyanka says
Yummy fries! Glad that you had such a great day!
I am really bad at tolerating heat, so AC had to be turned on!!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
We play AC survivor at my house too. It’s just so expensive, I can’t bear to turn it on until it least July!!
caitlin says
kath!! that drink looks AMAZING. i want one, stat! 🙂
rhodeygirl says
great first day!!!
i want the heat in rhode island! send it our way! i seriously wore my FLEECE today!
Bec says
mmm that burger salad looks great!
mary-jo says
Hey Kath. I have only commented a handful of times on your blog ~ but I read regularly and have tried many of your recipes with great success.
If you don’t mind, may I ask the name of the book you are reading on PCOS? I don’t fit the standard symptoms of PCOS, but I have a few of the tendencies and I’m always interested in ways I can tweak my diet to help alleviate some of the symptoms. Another good read would be great.
Oh ~ I’m with you on keeping the AC off for as long as possible, although we’re opposite you here in FL. We vowed to keep the heat off during the winter until Feb. and, as it turns out, once we got to Feb, we decided not to turn it on at all!! We held off as long as possible with the AC and only began using it a few weeks ago (which is saying a lot down here!). Good for you guys ~ every little bit makes a big difference!
Nikki says
Hi, first-time commenter, long-time reader here.
I also saw that you will be reading about PCOS. I was diagnosed with it in October 2007, and my health life has felt like chaos since then. I know you can’t give personal advice, but it would be cool if you could post tips as you see them.
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Wow what a day you had. But what a great ending – egg muffins and a watermelon cocktail!?!? YUM!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) says
Sounds like a great schedule! Yummy looking summer cocktail!!
Jess says
I had a watermelontini (aka EXACTLY what you made) at a posh martini restaurant for $13!!! You go girl!!
Danielle says
I wish I needed AC! It’s freeezing in NY 🙁
Tammy says
Hey Kath, I just read about your internship!! Wow, that is SO cool! Are you going to be doing the e-mail consulations? What a fantastic idea! Since I’ve been recovered from an eating disorder, I want to go back to school for nutrition. I am so passionate about it — it’s really inspiring to read about what you’re doing! Have fun!
megan says
that watermelon drink looks awesome! When I was in China I had a drink that was watermelon juice and yogurt and it was so good. Their yogurt is really runny – you can drink it. The yogurt was in the bottom of the glass, with watermlon juice on top and it was like an unmixed smoothie – so good!
Erin says
Yikes, NC looks H-O-T but that drink looks Fab. Lovely egg sams too.
You’re great for sweating it out. We only have a 2-bedroom, single floor living, so AC goes on once it’s 80.
Nicole says
I came to the conclusion today that it is no longer possible to open the balcony door and windows to let in the air because it is way too damn hot. Those days are over here in Florida. oh well.
Looks like an awesome and fun opportunity…and now I’m hungry!
Kiersten says
We’re getting a vegetarian/raw place in Charlotte!? Finally!
Tara says
i love watermelon smoothies. soo amazing.
my trick: de-seed and then cube and freeze the watermelon. then you don’t need to add ice cubes.
i make my watermelon smoothies with just frozen watermelon, a bit of vanilla flavoring, and some milk. so good.
Emily says
the internship sounds awesome! and yay for flex schedules.
what a pretty summery drink! looks very cool and refreshing 🙂
Danica says
Hi! I’m a new bloggie and just wanted to say that I love your blog!! and that watermelon looks SO good. I am addicted to all summertime fruit!
Sarah says
A watermelon cocktail? Yummy! We watch Revolutionary Road tonight as well. The acting was wonderful!
Sarah says
Hi! I am also interested in the title of the book on PCOS. I was recently diagnosed and am interested in more information. Thanks!
Linda says
I’m currently reading books about PCOS. Which one did you pick up?
Shannon says
Holy moly that watermelon cocktail just sparked a lot of recipes I can concoct with my raspberry rum I’ve had forever <3
Julia says
Your dinner looked delicious! Especially those watermelon cocktails!
Runeatrepeat says
I need to turn my favorite fruit – watermelon into a smoothie!!!
Siiri says
Love your blog, it is now my favorite! I was just wondering what type of blender you use for your drinks/smoothies. It is so hard to find one!
sue says
wow the internship sounds like it will be amazing. YAY for flexibile hours 🙂 your lunch looks so good, that is so cool that you have the option to get your burger over salad.
Run Sarah says
Love the watermelon cocktails, they look great! Your internship sounds like it will be awesome, I love flexibility in the workplace so much!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Glad you had an awesome first day! Yay for a flexible schedule!
Ali says
sweet potato fries = <3
Tracy says
Hi Kath, I too would like the name of your PCOS book! I was diagnosed but as the dr. says, I am not “fluffy” and usually larger people have this?? I was just diagnosed a few months ago so any info is helpful!! Thank you!!!!!!
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
My house is the only place I can get a burger on a salad. You’ve got to have room for the fries, can I get an amen?
Ashley C says
So exciting about the internship- can’t wait to hear more! The watermelon drink looks amazing- I usually dislike hard liquor but I might be able to enjoy that drink!
Elizabeth says
Glad you had a good first day 🙂 The egg muffins look fabulous – strong work Matt! 🙂
Nicole says
That burger looks huge compared to the bowl! Nice! I’m glad you had a nice day- gotta love that flexibility!
Adi (oatonomy.com) says
Eggs are always the best dinner choice, always. They never disappoint!
Lauren says
I love the idea of a “burger salad”! The sweet potato fries look great as well.
The omelet muffins are adorable, and make for such a sweet presentation. Your watermelon cocktail looks so refreshing!
Sarah K says
I, like others who commented, have recently been diagnosed with PCOS and have had a hard time finding any good information. Would you mind posting the book title and any other resources that you know of? Also, if any of the others who commented have suggestions I am interested in learning more.
Thanks!!
Stacey says
That is my fav place to eat!! They have a delicious black bean burger 🙂 Mmmmm….My boyfriend is taking me there on my bday and you better believe I will be indulging in some sweet tater fries!!
Melissa says
Those of you wanting more information on PCOS, soulcysters.net is a really great forum full of information from and for fellow PCOSers.
Anna Alston Donnelly says
Hey girl- congrats on a successful first day! My 13 year battle with anorexia has resulted in PCOS, and I would be so interested to find out what you have learned!
Rachel says
Burger Salad?? I’ve never heard of that one! I do the same thing as you when it comes to the AC, leave it off as long as possible, altho last night I haaad to turn it on, it got to 80 degrees in my house! I was sweating, plus I felt bad for the pups who have to deal with the hot temperature and their black coats!
JENNA says
your new gig sounds so cool!! how very exciting! I can’t wait to hear you daily activities! I love watermelon smoothies they are so refreshing.
mel h says
wow, how do you sleep without the air on? I can handle all day without but I HATE to be hot at night~
Danielle says
I’m holding out with the AC as long as I can too. We don’t even have the option to turn it on yet because we haven’t put in the window AC units.
That watermelon cocktail sounds amazing!
Heather McD (heather eats almond butter) says
Kath,
You’re job sounds like it’s going to be great. I’m anxious to read more about it.
We leave our AC off as well – I’m the only one home during the day, and I love the warm temps. However, we do turn it on at night because both husband and I cannot sleep if we’re hot.
Sweet potato fries and a buffalo burger – such a winning combo! 🙂
brandi says
that watermelon drink sounds awesome for summer. Glad your first day went well! I LOVE bison burgers 🙂 I’m having one with a salad for lunch today!
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
Glad it went well today!!!
Becci says
That salad looks so good! I’m glad your first day went well, even if it was hot!!!
Kath says
Re. PCOS,
I haven’t started the book yet, but I would like to learn more about it, as Mary has worked with some clients who have it. The title is “The Dietitian’s Guide To Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” by Angela Grassi, MS, RS, LDN.
Sarah ,
Not really! It’s pretty fun actually because most of the ones I have met like food and to talk about what is good and restaurants and stuff.
Tammy ,
Mary and I are working on putting together some online consultation packages that you guys will be able to schedule if you’d like. We’re hoping to have different levels to offer different levels of cost for different goals and budgets.
Danica ,
Thanks!
Siiri ,
I have a Cuisinart Smartpower. It’s worked well for me so far.
K
melissa says
The acting in Revolutionary Road is great, and the cinematography and art direction flawless. But if you get the chance, the original novel by Richard Yates (written during the time the story takes place) is excellent and so much better than the film. There is much more back story on each of the characters and explains their motivations and gives so much more depth and texture to the story as a whole.
AlliJag says
That cocktail sounds heavenly! I love watermelon in blended drinks – it’s so “cooperative” – you don’t have to fight the blender to make it work! 🙂
ellie says
I am really curious about the buffallo meat- I don’t know if you remember me, but I emailed you last october when I was in hospital. I’m doing better and going out for dinner tomorrow for the first time in almost a year (!) and buffalo is on the menu! I usually stick with chicken or something I deeam ‘safe’ and can’t find much info on buffalo but it sounds good/interesting! Is it more like a red meat (ie, beef/lamb) nutritionally or chicken/turkey?
Kath says
Ellie,
Bison is very nutritious! They are grass-fed and much lower in fat than cattle.
This site may be slightly biased since it’s the national asso. but it gives some facts:
http://www.bisoncentral.com/bison-cooking-health.php?c=67&d=99&a=1056&w=2&r=Y
Kath
ellie says
thanks! wow…I think I am going to try it! (my family are likely to fall over in shock that I have strayed from chicken after 14 years 😛 )
Nic says
Please share what you learn from the PCOS book and with Mary about PCOS. I have a pretty classic case (I look like a PCOSer) and take Glumetza, and am just starting to learn about nutrition in general. I’d be fascinated to hear what you have to say!
Sarah says
Oh my gosh, I posted on Twitter yesterday about Real Food and I thought they were only in Los Angeles. That gives me hope that one might come to Kentucky, ya know, in like 10 years, haha 🙂
Brittany says
So glad that your first day went well Kath. It seems as though Mary is going to be a cool boss. I love flexibility when it comes to work.
Jess says
I love that the meals looked like they were served in dog bowls. Yum-o for sweet potato fries!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
I think I might try those egg muffins tomorrow– they look scrumptious! Maybe the watermelon drink too haha!
Jennyh says
What book on pcos are you reading? I’ve been looking for a nutrition book on pcos.
Green as a Thistle says
If there is one thing about America that I will never comprehend, it’s pimento cheese dip… 🙂
That watermelon drink, however, looks FABULOUS!