So let me start off by saying that I did NOT lose last year's festival weight by springtime.
Since Christmastime, I've attempted to diet, only to find myself eating out more often than desired, celebrating something via yummy food, and just not exercising as vigorously as I could.
But this last week was a tipping point...
...with a weekend in foggy Chicago...
...where we celebrated Julia's sister's graduation from Columbia College (Go Becca!)...
...with musical performances...
...art...
...and decadent food...
...like Gemini Bistro's giant chocolate chip cookie in a skillet with homemade caramel, hot fudge, candied walnuts and ice cream.
Oh my God - was this good!
Since Christmastime, I've attempted to diet, only to find myself eating out more often than desired, celebrating something via yummy food, and just not exercising as vigorously as I could.
But this last week was a tipping point...
...with a weekend in foggy Chicago...
...where we celebrated Julia's sister's graduation from Columbia College (Go Becca!)...
...with musical performances...
...art...
...and decadent food...
...like Gemini Bistro's giant chocolate chip cookie in a skillet with homemade caramel, hot fudge, candied walnuts and ice cream.
Oh my God - was this good!
In fact, I somehow managed to have chocolate chip cookies at least three times this weekend - the others being from McDonald's en route to Chicago and from one of the exhibitions at Columbia College.
If there's one thing I realized this weekend, it's that I love chocolate chip cookies!
Of course, it didn't stop with cookies.
I also had...
...this Salmon BLT from Wilde's...
...and this sundae with homemade chocolate-covered honeycomb from Margie's Candies.
...and a rather interesting dessert playing off "ants on a log" (celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins).
With nuts and poached raisins in the middle of the plate, the squares consisted of a mild peanut butter flavor and a celery gelatin (gelee) on top that was really really different.
Definitely an experience.
If there's one thing I realized this weekend, it's that I love chocolate chip cookies!
Of course, it didn't stop with cookies.
I also had...
...this Salmon BLT from Wilde's...
...and this sundae with homemade chocolate-covered honeycomb from Margie's Candies.
By the time I returned, I already felt a bit bloated, but it was pointless to diet just yet...
...there were two birthdays to celebrate.
For my brother's birthday, we headed to Cleveland...
...for a fine drink at the Velvet Tango Room...
...and then to dinner at Cowell and Hubbard...
...where I got some delicious beef ceviche with mango, corn, fried shallots, and other things...
...and some HUGE pieces of sweetbreads.
My brother went for the marrow...
...and veal.
All rather tasty although the marrow was a bit bloody and I had a chewy/stringy piece of veal.
...for a fine drink at the Velvet Tango Room...
...and then to dinner at Cowell and Hubbard...
...where I got some delicious beef ceviche with mango, corn, fried shallots, and other things...
...and some HUGE pieces of sweetbreads.
My brother went for the marrow...
...and veal.
All rather tasty although the marrow was a bit bloody and I had a chewy/stringy piece of veal.
The following day, Julia and I took my mom (and aunt) out for her birthday at Greenhouse Tavern...
...where I went with the decadent goat cheese raviolini with morels and asparagus...
...a delicious beef tartar dish (I've been into raw meat lately, I guess)...
...where I went with the decadent goat cheese raviolini with morels and asparagus...
...a delicious beef tartar dish (I've been into raw meat lately, I guess)...
...and a rather interesting dessert playing off "ants on a log" (celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins).
With nuts and poached raisins in the middle of the plate, the squares consisted of a mild peanut butter flavor and a celery gelatin (gelee) on top that was really really different.
Definitely an experience.
But even now, as I write this, I feel as if these decadent ways are being purged from me through my typing fingertips...at least for the time being.
Because who knows when I may need to look my best in the near future...
...especially if I can get myself on TV more often.
(fingers crossed!)
.
Now, I am eating healthier foods with more raw veggies and leaner meats.
I am pushing myself to exercise more and burn more calories.
I am taking in more water and flushing those toxins.
And I WILL lose weight before the festival season overtakes me completely.
I am pushing myself to exercise more and burn more calories.
I am taking in more water and flushing those toxins.
And I WILL lose weight before the festival season overtakes me completely.
Because who knows when I may need to look my best in the near future...
...especially if I can get myself on TV more often.
(fingers crossed!)
.
Love this post! I always say I need to work out and eat less but then there's always so many food related things to do! I sympathize totally! I say this is the perfect time to put on some pounds and get some paternity pants - best excuse ever! : )
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