Fat Girl's Guide to Triathalons

Two Step - A Restaurant Review

Ummmm - as some of you know, I fancy myself a food reviewer.  I recently went out with some girlfriends and after they ate, they asked, "What are you writing in your head?"  

I hate "real food reviews" because they never eat where I would eat and they use words that sound pedantic to describe a chunk of meat.   So I guess I am just asking you to humor this San Antonio "fake" food reviewer.

Two Step is one of the coolest new restarants I have seen.  The unromantic location of a strip mall parking lot at Braun and 1604 is balanced by the fact that the restarant itself was built around an historic building.  We dined inside the historic building complete with crumbling limestone walls and old wood.  It was dark and romantic with real oil lamp candles burning on the tables.  Did I mention it has a 4 star chef from Austin, Steve Warner?

I would describe the food as elevated Bar B Que.  I was honestely a little surprised that it was a BBQ restaurant after I saw the decor, I am not sure why.  After all, I live in Texas and it is called Two Step, but this California girl still has trouble believing that smoked meat is a preferred cuisine.  

Rick and I were pleased with the pricing.  It is comprable with eating at a big chain restaurant.  Entrees were between $7-$18.  We decided to each order and BBQ entree and a side.  SInce the entrees were so reasonably priced, we didn't mind that the sides were extra.  

The chicken, served on the bone, was moist and perfectly cooked with the right amount of smoky flavor.  We made the mistake of ordering the lean brisket when we probably should have ordered the fatty, but who wants to order the "fatty" of anything, especially if you have enought of it on your own rear-end.

The BBQ sauce was divine!  That is all I have to say about it.  

A few critiques.  The water tasted like the worst city water and was served in cheap plastic cups.  Nit-picky as it may seem, it was in stark contrast to the elegant setting.  Rick had to send a dish back to be reheated and it is always amazing what temperature can do to a plate of Mac and Cheese.  I also was a little disappointed in the bread.  I like more than one slice, and for sure would like something that tasted a little less like wonder bread.  As the restaurant seasons, I am sure some of the little kinks will right theselves.

Here it is...the dessert.  Honestly the pecan pie and vanilla ice cream made my eyes pop.  This was an amazing finish to a down home Texas BBQ. 

Two dinners, two sides, one beer, and one strawberry margarita equaled $40.   Rick and I will be back for sure!  

The Truth...

Well, I have been absent for a looong time from blogging.  The turth is multi-faceted as to why I have been absent from the blogoshpere...

1.  Ummmm having three kids is really busy!  I never have time to just sit and write.

2.  I haven't had a ton of time to create much, so I don't have interesting pictures to share

3.  I blame pintrest - the best time sucker website in the world

4.  I think I am little depressed - more about that later in a less public post probably!

I am committing to being back for awhile though...so stay tuned for some food reviews and creative blasts...

Just wanted to share the most amazing bookshelves, built by the hottest carpenter ever - I hope that doesn't make Jesus mad!

Fun Fun Fun

I went to my friend Danielle's house.  She is one of those girls who are kinda famous in the bloggy/quilty world and I feel lucky to actually get to hang out with her and be her friend.  In addition Allison was there and she is an architect - seriously - how talented are my friends.  And hold on - Kim was there too!  Mother and grandmother extraordinaire!  She is like a domestic DIVA!  FUN!

The San Antonio Modern Quilt Guild is having a Jay McCarroll Habitat challenge.  We are acutally creating blocks to turn into a charity quilt.  FUN!

I made some elephants! FUN!

There were some creative ideas a-hatching ;)

Janie's Pie Factory - A Review

Janie's a little salty, but the pie is sweeeeet!

I have a 7 year old foodie in my house and so he decided instead of getting a hammer for his father this weekend he would purchase a pie from Janie's Pie Factory.  A recent article in the San Antonio Express News led us to Janie's place by announcing, "Pie is back."  As far as this family is concerned pie, never left.  

We went to the tiny little factory and right away I noticed fresh apple peels in a garbage, which indicated that the ingredients were fresh.  I can't order an apple pie because nothing lives up to my mom's, so I prayed that she had some ready to walk out the door.  It was clear that the two person operation was swamped with Father's Day orders and Janie responded a little aggressively to her sous chef by declaring, "I'm not making another strawberry and rhubarb pie, but I will make a cobbler."  Her salty tone made me decide to approach asking for a pie with caution and put my youngest child in front of me - kill her with cuteness!

She was very sweet with me, but my selection was limited to a peach cobbler, mixed berry cobbler, or apple pie.  As my afore mentioned loyalty to my mom's apple pie left us to choose the peach cobbler.  I know that her peaches are locally grown in Fredricksburg and are fresh from her cousin's farm, that made the choice easy for us.  The thing is I hate cooked or processed peaches.

I thought I would just try the crust, turns out I like Janie's peach cobbler.  I should say that her cobbler is just a juicy pie, not the traditional biscuit cobbler, but it was awesome.  Rick's eyes widened when he bit into the still warm cobbler and he declared it the best pie ever.  

The crust is perfect, light, flaky, and cooked on the top and bottom.  The peaches tasted like they were sweetened right off the tree - true ecstasy if you like pie!

It is not the greatest environment to get a piece of pie and cup of coffee casually; just buy the whole thing and enjoy it at home instead!

Delivery Market - Restaurant Review

I DID TAKE PHOTOS OF THE FOOD!!!  Yea for me and I can stop kicking myself.

Recently I was at the ABYDOS conference in downtown San Antonio and took some time at lunch to wander around and explore.  There is nothing better than being in your own city and finding undiscovered nooks or better yet, a new deli style restaurant.  Growing up I had a favorite deli, Redding French Bakery, and I have been looking for its equal ever since.  I can't say that Delivery Market was the deli mecca of my childhood, but it was worth a visit if you are already downtown.

It was Friday, so I ordered the California Turkey BLT sandwich on wheat bread.  This California girl has a little love affair with avocados and when I saw a large cold case with fresh produce, I had a sliver of hope for the Texas produce.  

The service was friendly, yet efficient.  I prefer a deli to be a little more friendly, but that is a matter of personal taste.  I also like small restaurant orders to sell me a little more on whatever they think is special about their food, but it was very matter of fact.

I get slightly annoyed at a $7.50 sandwich that boasts a side, just to get a skimpy shot glass size of pedestrian potato salad.  I ordered a chocolate chip cookie, because it said to me as I passed by, "Jessi, my chocolate chips are still gooey from being baked and you need to add some inches to your ass."

The sandwich itself was above average.  I don't know where the bread came from because of the afore mentioned non-bragging attitude of the joint, but it was either day old bakery bread or high-end grocery bread.  The turkey was fresh deli turkey and it was stuffed full.  The kind of sandwich that is hard to take a bite of because it is so thick.  The bacon was crispy and freshly cooked, and the produce was indeed fresh.

The cookie was delicious.  I do not have a chef's palette and I like things gooey, sweet, and homey.  This chocolate chip cookie was still warm and too big to finish by yourself.  I did make a good go at it though.  My only complaint was that the ration between the size of cookie vs. the size of the chocolate chunks was unbalanced.  I think the bigger the cookie, the bigger the chunks should be.

A parting glance at the cutest little delivery truck!

 

 

Scheduling - Common Sense Family Living - who says there isn't a parenting handbook!

Ok - I am starting a new series called Common Sense Family Living - let me preface this by saying I am a 35 year old mom to three boys whom I adopted in 2007.   I am a working mom and during the summer and holidays I stay at home because I am a teacher, so I feel like I have a taste of being a stay at home mom too!  I am learning and I reserve the right to change my mind, retract statements, and adapt to my families needs as they grow.  Family living is my priority and it dominates my time, my thoughts, and many of my conversations with my husband.

Scheduling is huge part of our family life.  I actually rolled my eyes and laughed at Rick when he suggested it and really resisted it.  Owen now asks to have a schedule and we live and die by the schedule.

Recipe for Schedules: - best used on days where you are home with your kids.  I am a working mama and don't use it as often on school nights because those nights are pretty regimented already.

1.  The first day you try it - really schedule every minute.  Include fun activities that they will love so they learn to love it, but also schedule naps, chores, book time, etc... This is your chance to be a good mom and dad by getting all those things you intend to do in the day.  

2.  Write the schedule down - make it so it is fun to read - I believe in lots of color.  

3.  Read it as a family and then post it in a common area.  You must read it aloud and spend time discussing any expectations for each section so all participants including daddies will buy into the schedule.

4.  STICK TO THE SCHEDULE!  Later days will lead to some flexibility, but during the first few days stick to it.  This will eliminate second guessing, annoying questions etc...

5.  Assess the day 's schedule during dinner.  Perhaps the schedule is not finish, but it is important to check in with the kids to see how it is going.

6.  Make the schedule for day number two using more input on time and activities from the children.  You may have to say NO, that is ok.  Try to say yes.

Benefits of scheduling:

1.  You get to schedule your day - you now have control.  Some days I feel like I have a ton of patience for craft projects, reading aloud all day long, and being outside playing.  Other days I feel like I need a little time to myself to sew, clean, or read a good book.  You have control!

2.  Your children are less likely to object to nap time, quiet time, chores or other previously "unpopular" activities you would like them to participate in and start to respect each scheduling module and its expectations.  Sometimes my youngest feels like nap time or individual play time is a punishment, but not if it is already scheduled.  Sometimes he is excited to do it!

3.  My kids live by and love the schedule.  I don't have to answer 80,000 questions about what they should do next.  It is a calmer and more CONTROLLED day!

Some PITFALLS of schedules to watch out for:

1.  You have to build an expectation of flexibility for your children.  Inevitably something comes up or a scheduled item takes longer or shorter than you expect and adjustments have to be made.  Conversations and discussion should constantly be taking place in regards to the schedule in order to make adjustments as needed.

2.  Husbands are not as compliant as your children.  Depending on the dynamics of your family this may be reversed.  Rick loves the schedule, but wants to do spontaneous things like go to Home Depot.  I have learned to make adjustments like adding things like Daddy's choice in the schedule.  He also sees how well the kids operate under a schedule and likes it.  I include him in writing the schedule so he knows what is coming up for the day - kinda ironic since this was his idea in the first place.

 - I will post a picture or two later of schedule examples!

 

Christmas at the Lane House - TIPS on Christmas Behavior

We had what was possibly the best Christmas Break of all time!  The squeals of delight when they were opening their presents to the afternoon naps were just some of the delights that made my storybook Christmas.

Some tips for making your kids behave before Christmas -

1.  Advent calendar at night - we don't even fill the calendar until the evening - so their ability to collect the prize is based on overall behavior.  Mommy has the ability to say who gets to wear the elf hat and open the door - again based on behavior.  Here is the clincher - there is always three treats, so if you are not eligible, your brothers get your treat.  Psychology may say no, but the practical mom, says YES THANK YOU!  

   Confessions - I waited until they were all good to give the best prize which was GIANT Hershey bars - they knew something great was coming, it was a great day!

Tip #2  Don't put your gifts out until Christmas gifts until late Christmas Eve Night so you eliminate counting of presents, shaking of gifts, peeking through the cheap wrapping paper, comparing sizes of gifts (size does matter when you are a little boy), or overall greedy behavior.  It also leads to great glee in the morning when the gifts are revealed.

Tip #3 - Have a family activity at night that everyone can participate in that builds family "togetherness."  We choose a Sorry Game that we beefed up with 7 game pieces each - it was a marathon game, lasting more than 10 days!

Tip #4 - This is more about how to keep it under control after Christmas - When Christmas shopping, think about what toys they will actually play with and then schedule time for them to actually play with those toys.  We are on the strict side with video games and movies, which out kids LOVE, so we scheduled a large amount of time for them to play the new Wii - we just let it go and let them play.  We also scheduled family time to play at the park with new toys and to just let them RUN FREE like the wild animals they are...gotta love little boys.

**More on schedules later.

Tip #5 - Make sure that YOU have time to do what you want to do.  The other parent can take them for a little while.  Rick took them hiking while I visited quilt stores and sewed a precious little, but it kept me from accidentally losing my mind and yelling at them.  I took the boys while Rick went on runs - I know I totally got the good end of the deal!

A Christmas List

Ok...Ok...Ok... here it is - a Christmas List-

 

1. Available at Memories by the Yard   

 

2.    Mystery Quilt Class - end of January at Memories by the Yard

 

3.   Castle Peeps fabric

 

4. A bright, girly jelly roll

 

5.  I love Lisa Leonard's necklaces - probably too late for this owl necklace, or sweetheart tree, or even the heartstrings necklace or this cool leather cuff - with the adoption date and my wedding date engraved in - but there is always Valentines day.

 

6.  Does the gift of time count?  I would take a few days of time alone or free time or something like that.

 

7.  A cool new bag from Charming Charlies

 

8.  Totally Tangled and accessories (micron pens and sketch pad)- yes zen tangling is cool    

 

9.  At the cross stitch store, they have the cutest little scissor/needle holder at the counter - I may need some little scissors to put in it too...

 

10.  This pattern or this one is cute too!

 

11.  I just can't wait for Christmas because I got the coolest stuff for certain people and I can't wait for them to open it.

 

12.  What I want more than anything is for a miracle weight loss drug that causes me to look bikini ready by January 2...A weight watchers post to come soon.
 

 

Seriously Cute Things I Wish I had Time to Make and more Updates...

1.  I remember my mom and I made felt ornaments eons ago and I loved them...these are so cute!  Maybe I should buy the pattern and start working on it for next year...the best part - I would have to buy beads and sequins!

2.  This is the second morning in a row - yes - 2nd - that I have gotten up at 4:30 to go to a class at the gym at 5:15.  Having kids makes it impossible to work out any other time...I mean my kids and my students!  It actually felt good to wake up this morning, I am very tired now though.

3.  I have stayed faithful to my weight watchers goals for the week - ok - it has only been three days, but it was Sweet Treat Wednesday at our school, plus my classes get an ice cream party reward - so we celebrate.

4.  I am singing the national anthem at a Spurs game with my praise team of 14 amazing women this Friday night...nervous.

5.  San Antonio Modern Quilt Guild's Christmas party is tomorrow!!!

This fat girl joined WW...again!

Nothing else is working.  Maybe I need a plan, a schedule, something I can control.  I hate the meetings, especially the weigh part, but it is accountability...so I am getting serious.  I can't allow myself to gain anymore weight or stay the weight I am now.  I hate taking pictures of myself; I don't want to be in any family pictures, which is something that I will regret later in life!  SO please feel free to offer advice, recipes, easy meal ideas, or whatever *sigh*!  Why can't I be naturally skinny and love excercise??