wednesday randoms, part 6

{I successfully did my first double under on Monday during CrossFit - and did them during the WOD. It only took me nine months.}

work week

I am taking off on Friday and I am so glad I have a four-day work week (and a four day weekend.) May is the only month during the year where we have a bit of a lull in our craziness at the office. It is good to be able to catch up a bit (and clean off my desk) but I also get a little bored since I have gotten used to running around like my head is chopped off and go, go, go.

Also, this was our first summer week where we can take a half hour break for lunch instead of an hour and leave at 4:30. Having that extra half hour in the evenings is wonderful!

blog reading

I am behind on blog reading. Actually, I was super behind (like two months behind) in April and now I am only a little behind. So, if you are a blogger and I have left three comments at a time on separate posts, I am sorry.

I used to read blogs every day. I am much busier with my current job which doesn't leave as much time and, even when I do have time, I usually want to spend it doing things with the husband or pup or catching up on projects. I used to almost feel guilty about it when I was behind. (A blogger who doesn't read blogs!) Is that weird? But now I am over it. Plus, a lot of the bloggers I really like I follow on instagram or twitter so I still feel very up to date on their life. 

And really, a lot of times blogs make me feel like I am not doing enough. Like I should be further along in my education or career or life. But I won't harp on that since I already pretty much explained it here. And I don't need that shiz...

emotions

I am feeling very weird lately. Like extra emotional weird. Does that make sense? 

Lately, I have been so indecisive. Like I made a somewhat major life decision a few months ago and now I am all actually maybe not. I am such a planner that when I get something in my head I usually stick with it. I don't know...

Anything random (emotional or not) to share?

paleo mayo and deviled eggs

I started making mayonnaise a few months ago and I can't believe I didn't try it sooner. I just couldn't justify spending the time to make it when it was only going to last a few days. But, first off, it really only takes an active five minutes. And, secondly, it actually lasts until the expiration date of your eggs so if you buy eggs with a date a month out, your mayo will last that long too. 

And it is so easy! You basically just need an egg, an acidic liquid, light tasting olive oil, and patience. For the acid, you can use lemon juice or vinegar. The Hubs isn't a fan of foods that are super lemony so I usually use cider vinegar. Also, make sure you use light tasting olive oil. The first time I made mayo, I used extra-virgin and it had a really strong EVOO taste. I didn't even use it. 

I also have had a major craving for deviled eggs! This was my first time making them with my homemade mayonnaise and they were awesome. I thought with all the summer barbecues coming up, this would be a simple recipe to share. I just need to work on my egg peeling skills before my eggs are aesthetically pleasing enough to bring to a party. I am actually eating these for breakfast this week.

PALEO MAYONNAISE

1 egg

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 1/4 c. light-tasting olive oil

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

In a blender, break egg and add vinegar. Allow the egg and vinegar to sit for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours so that they come to room temperature. 

Add the mustard, salt, and 1/4 cup of oil to the blender. Blend until the ingredients are combined. Now incorporate the rest of the oil by pouring it very very slowly while the blender is still on. Try and get the  smallest drizzle you can. This will take about 3 minutes. Resist every urge to dump "the rest" in. 

Now you can make salad dressings, sauces, and, of course, deviled eggs!

PALEO DEVILED EGGS

makes 24 halves

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

2 tsp. dijion mustard

1/3 c. paleo mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. minced shallot

salt and pepper, to taste

paprika

Slice each egg in half, lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in mixing bowl. Arrange egg whites on a plate or platter. 

Add mustard, mayo, shallot, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mash yolks with a fork and make sure to mix ingredients well. Spoon yolk mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. 

Enjoy!

weekend: meeting up with ashley

a cloudy view from our table . . . best crab cake ever . . . two spoons for dessert . . . with ashley . . . a pickle martini

~~~~

On Friday, I got home from work and did a quick workout. Then the Hubs came home with pizza. After that, we helped the SIL drop off her car at the shop, drove her to the in-laws, and then went to Target. Exciting Friday night...

On Saturday, the Hubs got up early for work and I headed to Queenstown to meet Ashley for outlet shopping. After keeping ourselves almost within our budgets, we drove to The Narrows for lunch. If you have never been there, they have the best crab cakes. (For those of you that do a trip or two to Ocean City, it is a great place to stop on the way.) When I got back to Salisbury, I did a bit of straightening up and laundry and then headed to dinner at the Irish Penny with the Hubs and the SIL. I discovered a pickle martini which may be my new favorite drink.

Today, I did a bit of cleaning and food prep for the week. Now we are trying out a new recipe. If it is yummy, I will be sure to share. I am taking off on Friday so I am glad this week is only four days and then I have a long four day weekend!

How was your weekend?

francophile friday: stripes by the bay

{in arcachon}

While studying abroad in France, I visited the Bassin d'Arcachon or Arcachon Bay. It was a typical early fall day by the water - nice enough to sit on the beach but too cold to get in the water.

{view of the bay from the tallest dune in europe}

We spent the day climbing the tallest dune in Europe and then getting ice cream before heading to another beach town for some time on the sand and dinner. If I went back to Arcachon on a day like that, I would spend the day walking around town and eating cuisse de canard for dinner.

I would also make sure to sport some serious French stripes. 

{shirt, bag, hat jacket, sandals, towel, jeans}

What would you wear on by the bay in France?