So yes, I know I haven't blogged in like 2- 3 months or something crazy like that. However, my life has been CRAZY recently, so I have a good excuse as to why. I've traveled from New Jersey- to New York, to Lake Tahoe....and work (Gayle's Bakery) has taken over most of my summer life :-)
I went to New Jersey for two weeks in mid July to visit my Great Uncle who lives in a beautiful estate up there-- with a pool, tennis courts and a lodge guest house. My family and I also made our way up to NY a couple days to shop, eat and explore the glorious city. It was an AMAZING trip; I SO wish I could go back. Vacation is amazing and is one memory away once reality hits.
I also went to Lake Tahoe for four- fun- filled- packed days last week. It was, too, spectacular. My family and I and a couple other families camped at a place called Fall and Leaf Lake in Tahoe. A bit rustic-- I'm not much of camping material, but I had a blast regardless. Despite the lack of sleep (cold nights and high altitude), hot water, stove, my BED and many other details, it was worth- while and definitely a great experience. I swam in the COLD lakes, hiked, biked, walked and explored the environment. I also kept up my tan from back east which I do hope to keep :).
I'll let the pictures do the talking of my vacation (s). And the food pics will come next :).
My great uncle's pool:)
"Hunter's Lodge"...aka, the guest house
....And a trip to Whole Foods, of course.
Italian food in Jersey. A must.
(from left) My dad, Alex (my GU friend), My Great Uncle Don, Gale- his secretary (he's a lawyer), me :), my mom, and Gale's husband.
My G. Uncle's BEAUTIFUL home
The Jersey shore :)
The beach club-- Beaches aren't public in NJ; you have to pay a lot or belong to a fancy beach club. Works for me:)
...."In New Yorrrk, dreams are made of, there's nothing we can do. Now you're in New Yorrrk, New Yorrrrk."
Now on to a few Tahoe pics...
Fall and Leaf Lake
Hiking on Mount Tallac
I don't know about you, but there's nothing like the smell of pine trees, dirt, rocks and the environment of Tahoe. That in it's self makes up for the lack of sleep :)
Even though I've been on-the-go most of the summer, I have managed to eat some tasty ol' meals to nourish myself. Yum, yum.
Some kind of yogurt mess con banana, coco powder, greek yogurt, pb....
Organic whole milk (yes, i like my fat and I don't skim on it); hummus- avocado (thank you, Sabra) sandwich con spinach; grapes; carrots and peanut butter
A snack for me-- don't worry, that's not a meal :)
Grilled tofu marinated in Annie's shitake- mushroom dressing; shrooms and zucc; broccoli slaw
Black beans, onions and shrooms a top a bed of spinach; tortilla chips and sabra hummus; milk
Dill, asparagus, and shroom omelet; toast con PB; grapes
Smoothie con blueberries, banana, vanilla soy protein, US vanilla almond milk and oats
Whole- wheat organic spaghetti with TVP (textured- soy protein), marinara sauce, onions, basil, nutritional yeast and Parmesan cheese; salad with avocado and tomato. YUM.
Hello, scrambled tofu and fruit with wheat germ :)
Organic cornmeal pizza with Parmesan, basil, spinach, squash, tomato and avocado; salad with sunflower seed, beets and carrots; wild, Alaskan salmon (yes, I do eat some fish-- only sustainable and wild). And yes, Annie's Goddess IS in the background and I DID consume it. How could I not?
Tofu "fingers/sticks" (courtesy of Broccoli Hut) with ketchup for dipping; zucchini with coconut oil; sweet potato with coconut oil, cinnamon and cashews. DeLish.
Yumers, boy do I love tofu, esp. tofu fingers.
Ok, the TV is calling my name and I am tirrrred (aka, Giada @ Home).... Goodnight, everybody. I'll be back soon :)
~Emilia
