Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I Think I’ve Caught the Modeling Bug

First let me start off with the fact that I had the worst insomnia last night. Despite getting up a little earlier than I did over the weekend, I still wasn’t able to fall asleep until after 5AM! Ugh! And I only had that one small cup of coffee in the morning so the caffeine should have been out of my system. That cannot happen to me tonight because I have to leave the house by 7AM for the CPR course I have to go to.

Did I mention how super busy my Wednesday is looking? I’ve got CPR course in the morning, 2 afternoon meetings, and a nutrition conference in the evening. FULL DAY! That’s not even counting homework. Geez Louise.

Anyway, back to the modeling bug, right? Well it all started simply enough. I just had a few photos taken for Raf for our anniversary. Once they were done (my sis in law took them at my brother’s studio by the way) I absolutely loved them. I think I loved them more than Raf did haha. Well during my bout of insomnia I just kept thinking about how much fun I had on the shoot and how I would love to do it more. Not that it could be a career obviously (I’m only 5’3.5”) plus my passion is nutrition. It’s just silly really. Here is my favorite photo of the bunch though:

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So despite going to bed after 5, I was up at 9 with things to do. Lots of errands and phone calls to make today. Bad news with job. I called back (it was Planet Fitness who called me) and they wanted me to interview for a spot in another location (not the one I sent my resume too) and that one would be too far especially for being part-time. So they are going to keep my resume on file in case something pops up in the closer location. We’ll see what happens……..

Breakfast was light because I knew what I wanted to make for lunch would be hearty (after Peapod was delivered because we were so out of fruit and veggies!).

DSC00905Coffee w/ Truvia (no milk before Peapod!), Homemade Bran Muffin w/ Teddie Unsalted P.B. and a drizzle of honey

 

So what is it that I was making for lunch you ask? Vegetarian Bean and Barley Soup! Except I didn’t have any barley so I substituted bulgur. Boy it sure bulked up the dish that’s for sure!

VEGETARIAN BEAN AND BARLEY SOUP

Ingredients:


1/2 onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
any other vegetables desired, 1/2 cup each
2 tbsp oil or margarine (I used canola oil)
8 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup pearled barley, uncooked (Like I said, I used bulgur instead)
1 cup pinto or white beans, pre-soaked if dry
1/3 cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp celery salt (optional)
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano or Italian spice mix
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp onion powder (optional)
2 large bay leaves

Preparation:


In a large soup pot, sautee the onions, celery, carrots and any other vegetables for 3-5 minutes. Add vegetable broth or water and all other ingredients and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low.

Allow to simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally, until barley is soft and somewhat fluffy. Add more spices to taste and enjoy!

I forgot to take pictures of the process but here it is simmering on the stove.

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I actually got this recipe from about.com! Survey says – DELICIOUS! I have a ton leftover which puts a big smile on my face. For lunch, I added a side salad to up my veggie intake even more.

DSC00907DSC00909A close-up of my soup!

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Spinach, Red Bell Pepper, and Almonds

And guess what dinner was? Another bow of soup! It’s colder in the house than it is outside plus it’s so tasty. I’m planning on having a little something else but haven’t decided yet. You know me and my indecisiveness!

I would also like to point at that although it was nice out and I enjoyed walking around town for some errands, the lady at the post office was a complete witch so she totally ruined my mood.

Biggest Loser premiers tonight! I know some people don’t like how they lose weight so face but I still like the show – it’s very motivating for a lot of people!

 

Questions: Do you ever get insomnia? How do you cope? And have you ever modeled or dreamed of modeling? Do you watch Biggest Loser?

7 comments:

  1. how cute are you! love your soup recipe. once it cools down in SC i will be making more soup!!

    once or twice a month i will have a night that i cannot get to sleep. it's so weird. i think it has to do with my menstrual cycle.

    of course i'd love to model! i'm too short though. :)

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  2. Homemade soup is the BEST!! Nothing is more satisfying than a big, hearty bowl!

    Love that photo! I used to dream about being a model too. However, now I realize that being told how to look, how to pose, how much to weigh etc. etc. could get old reeeeallly fast! Occasional photo shoots are probably much more fun!

    When I was young I had terrible insomnia! Now I usually stay up much later than I should (tonight is a perfect example!), which means that I'm exhausted by the time I crawl into bed and conk out.

    I watched the Biggest Loser premiere tonight! It's inspiring to see people change their lives so drastically!

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  3. Loove homemade soup! I've been having trouble sleeping lately and got some melatonin tablets. They seem to help me with falling asleep!

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  4. that soup sounds so tasty. I am so afraid to make soups though for some reason, they usually intimidate me!

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  5. Your picture is so pretty! That is such a good confidence boost to turn out some really awesome pics. Taking posed pictures is SO awkward for me.

    That soup sounds so yummy. Perfect for fall!

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  6. That soup looks dang good! I love your blog, glad I found it.

    Sorry about your insomnia! It's horrible when you can't sleep.

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  7. you are sooo cute! i like your blog!

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