MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas in San Diego is magical.

It begins with blueberry pancakes drenched in maple syrup. 

It includes a 6 mile run with your sister in 75 degree weather.

The baking of a yule log -- vanilla sponge cake filled with pumpkin spice mousse! The recipe called for pistachio ice cream for the "cream filling" and some chocolate ganache for the outer layer, but sister and I decided to healthify this treat by making pumpkin spice pudding mousse as the cream and some whipped frosting for the outer layer.

A 3 mile hike around the beach!
Torrey Pines State Park.

A stop for some photo ops!

 

The making of Christmas dinner while the Packers game is on in the background.

Vegetable Tian -- sauteed onions and garlic topped with zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes and sprinkled with parmesan, thyme. salt, and pepper.

Beer Can Turkey -- courtesy of Grandma!

The best homemade Whole Wheat Artisan Herb Bread!

and Apple Pie Baked in an Apple!

 

It ends with eating chocolate on the couch with your sister while watching Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Jesus Christ & Rock Music

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!! 

I loooveee Christmas.  I love it.

Workout: 9.7 miles around the neighborhood. killer hills. 
 
Yesterday was Christmas Eve (in case you weren't aware...) so to get us in the holiday spirit, we got all dolled up and headed to La Jolla Playhouse to see Jesus Christ Superstar -- one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpieces :)

We were rockin' the matching Christmas necklaces -- you know the cheesy ones the annoyingly jingle every time you walk....

Our play was at 2 o'clock, so we left early to grab lunch on the way!
I chose Croutons for our pre-theatre meal

There are a million different salad, sandwich, and soup options, but in the end, I decided to get the Santa Fe Salad: mixed baby greens & romaine, topped with granny smith apple, onions, smoked gouda, sweet corn, and cornbread croutons with fat-free ranch.

I'm a crouton addict, it's official.  Cornbread croutons are genius!
They also had some cool pita croutons, wanton croutons, garlic and herby ones.... it was magical.

We grabbed coffee and dark chocolate tjoe's pretzels before taking our seats.  Overall, it was a great play -- the music was amazing, the acting was phenomenal, anddd the choreography was INSANE!  The only thing Sister and I had issues with was watching Jesus get crucified on stage... with rock music blasting in the background. Hmmm...

It was a gorgeous 70 degrees, so we took advantage and soaked up the sun. Grams & Mom!

Mom and Sister

Sister and ME!  She looks like a dwarf... a cute dwarf, though. 

Family picture -- generations of fabulous ladies!

CHRISTMAS PLANS FOR TODAY: 

Going on a quick and easy run with Sister before heading to the beach to hike with the family!
Then, coming home to prep for Christmas dinner:
- Beer can Turkey (made by Gram)
- Uncle Jim's Artisan Bread (made by Mom)

Check out what I have planned for my additions to Christmas dinner:

Vegetable Tian with Parmesan

And Apple Pies! 

OH!  Last bit of news: my baby brother just got his first college letter -- early acceptance into the Honors Mechanical Engineering program! So proud of you brotato chip!!!!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!

Tender Greens

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

How are you spending the holidays?
I know how I'm spending mine :) FAMILY AND FOOD.
 
I think one of my favorite things about the holiday season is all the crazy good seasonal treats that are only available around Christmas time!  So, I mean... obviously we didn't want to miss out on a chance to try GOLDFISH COCOA ADVENTURES.  Obviously.

We also got some Vanilla Cupcake goldfish!
How have I never boarded the goldfish train until now? I will be a permanent member of the goldfish club from now on... I'm a fan.

Workout today: 13 mile run 
 
After our run, Sister and I had some last minute Christmas shopping to do (procrastinators...) so we picked up Mom from work and headed to Liberty Station to browse and grab some dinner!

Tender Greens -- I've been wanting to try this place for awhile!  It's local and organic, using only the freshest ingredients.  Quality you can taste :)

When you walk in, you place your order and you can actually watch all your food being freshly prepared -- super cool :)  And the restaurant had some serious ambiance. Mood lighting, big wooden tables, candles everywhere -- perfect for a date (not that that'll ever happen, let's be honest).

I had to order the Tomato Soup With Basil and Olive Oil Drizzle.  This soup was sooo good! and we all took turns dipping our grilled bread (that came with our entrees) and maybeee our mashed potatoes into the tomato-y goodness.

A side of Mashed Potatoes (just because we like our taters).

For our entrees, we all god ginormous salads.  I ordered the Tuna Nicoise salad with sear herb-brushed Ahi tuna and a side of sherry vinaigrette.  WOW.

Sister got the Mediterranean salad with added salt & pepper chicken.

And Mom got the Backyard Flank Steak Salad with butter lettuce, radishes, pickled beets, and a horseradish vinaigrette dressing.  Mmmmm :) her steak was heavenly.

After our extremely fresh and gourmet salads....
It was time for the dessert conversation.

It went like this...
Me: "So... did you see that cheesecake?"
Sister: "Um, yes, I scoped it while you were in the bathroom.  Maybe we can get some and just have  a bite?  Take the rest home for later?"
Me: "Sounds like a plan.  Oh, and that cookie that size of my face... we can take a bite of that too."

Lemon Cheesecake

and a Cowboy Cookie: chocolate chips, pecan, coconut, and candied walnuts.  OH MY GOD.  Screw sampling, we all know there was nothing left to bring home...

I'm telling you....
Holidays are the best!!! 

Gram, Mom, Sister and I are about to get dolled up, head to lunch, and go watch Jesus Christ, Superstar down in La Jolla :)  WOOT WOOT.

Merry Almost-Christmas!