Fresh Start February
Hello and Happy Monday! We spent this past weekend in my hometown with my family. It was a very special occasion: my adorable little niece was turning two!
She’s cute and she knows it!
Since it was my family, there was plenty of food at this gathering. However it was mostly a kids party, so the primary nosh was sandwiches. I was the Official Birthday Sandwich Maker.
It’s a real job. I swear.
The key component to doing the job right is bread. Lots of carby, delicious, fresh bread.
I assembled three giant sandwiches before delegating the rest of my duties to my mom. I guess I demoted myself to Junior Sandwich Maker.
The first was a roast beef sandwich with horseradish cheese, red onion, and home-grown arugula.
The second was my favorite of the selection: a vegetarian roast vegetable (eggplant and zucchini) sandwich on multi-grain bread with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and goat cheese.
Or perhaps I should just take the title of Sandwich Eater?
The third was a classic turkey cranberry mix.
I think there were one or two other kinds of sandwiches. There were also veggies, fruit, and plenty of other nibbles, too! And of course, CAKE! I had a veggie sandwich and a little of everything else, here and there throughout the afternoon. It was a good exercise in moderate grazing!
But the best part was the company.
Hanging out with my mom and sister.
The Birthday Girl and Uncle Matthew
…Remember my nephew’s Christmas love affair? Well, it would appear that the little guy has moved on to other fish in the sea.
Five years old and he’s already giving George Clooney a run for his money.
Fresh Start February
I never quite got around to making any resolutions at the beginning of 2010. With the start of a new month, and a new week, I’d like to set a few goals for the months ahead.
The biggest thing I want to work on this year it to truly stop worrying about judgment and criticism from other people. This is a constant chore for me, but I really believe that my incessant worry about what other people think actually deters from my productivity and happiness. My mother recently said to me, “What other people think of you is really none of your business.” I think this is immensely wise and I will try to remember that, starting today!
On a less serious note, I want to start planning the week’s meals (or at least the week’s dinners). I know it saves money, time, and makes it easier for me to eat healthier. Why don’t I do this every week again?
As far as specific food/weight goals, I don’t think I want to set any right now. I am trying to settle into this moderation thing without meticulously counting calories, emotional eating, or any other extreme behavior. I will, however, make a more conscious effort to stick to what I know works for me, i.e. three to four substantial meals a day, as much produce as possible, and a balance of the three macronutrients. I should probably start weighing myself more regularly again, but probably not daily. That lends itself to the extreme behavior tendencies.
Of course, my most immediate goal is gainful employment, as well as the purchase of a car. I don’t really consider those “goals” though, because they are non-negotiable!
Did you set any New Year Resolutions? How are you doing with them? It’s never too late for a fresh start!
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Lara! HI! I did the same thing in the way of resolution procrastination! But I sort of always consider firsts of the month a time to re-assess and goal set… so here’s to February being the new January? Haha
I love what your mom said. You’re right. It’s incredibly wise, and I think it’s something I need to remind myself more regularly.
Oh, also. Your familia is ADORABLE. And I want in on that veggie sandwich
Oh, wow…those sandwiches look grATE!
Your family is so beautiful!!! Those sandwiches are pretty lovely looking as well, but what I love most about this post is the love and warmth that just pours from your photos. So glad you are happy and loving life!!! You deserve it sweetheart!
Those sandwiches look beautiful! And your family is super cute.
What a delish spread! I honestly could be doing better with my new years goals. I havent practiced yoga in about two weeks and one of my goals was to practice 3 times a week sheesh!
I honestly would suggest not weighing yourself. This past weekend I said ‘come hell or high water–or–a little weight gain I WILL not count another f-ing calorie and/or point. I am ONLY listening to my body and dealing with my emotions’. Yeah, it’s hard. It’s hard to hand that over and trust YOU, but you know what…your body knows what it needs more than any calorie counting mechanism.
I am writing down my food..as a way to ween myself off..but making a daily effort to not count points and/or calories. Simply sitting with me.
You can. You will.
Being less critical of myself is a goal of mine too. After competing in a fitness competition, there was no denying that my body was going to change when it was done (since you aren’t at a healthy weight/bodyfat the day of the show). And even though I knew gaining back was important for my health it was a HUGE struggle and I constantly felt like people were judging me and thinking I let myself go. Deep inside I knew that wasn’t the case and I’m doing better about not feeling bad for myself…but it is still a goal I work on. That is a great goal!
Planning meals is so helpful! It really helps you stay on track and save money as you mentioned. I agree, it’s important to try not to care about what others think of you – while this can be hard, it’s something we should all strive for! Btw, your hair always looks so good!
Your niece is beautiful!!
And those sandwiches look awesome, haha nothing like some good team effort in the kitchen
You are so right, it is NEVER too late for fresh starts, that’s the main reason I do not make “new year’s resolutions”, because there is always room for modification and new ideas!
You could go on Man vs. Food with that sandwich! hahaha!
and i think your goals sound great! i’m def trying to work on weeding out the criticism too…i am way too sensitive!!!
Can I just say I love the picture with the giant sandwich…amazing!
you are a wonderful sandwich maker…i just about fell out of my chair with that bread
i’ve been working on my new year’s resolution since november of last year by eating better and making a point to exercise in some way at least 4 times a week. the clothes are starting to fit a lot larger than before… 
the presentation of all the food for a KIDS birthday party is impressive! and sometimes it just helps to write down your goals; hope things get started on the right foot! (I typed food the first time, haha)
gainful employment is one of my “goals” too! i’ve also been lifting weights as part of my resolutions, and i am having a lot of fun with it.
good luck with your fresh start! also, i really wish i could try one of those sandwiches….horseradish + arugula? yummm!!!!
Your niece is adorable!!!!! And so are you with that sandwich…haha. Maybe you should stick “Sandwich Maker/Eater” on your resume for you job hunt? Kidding. Kind of. That would be a fun job.
Your goals are great! I don’t really make resolutions but am setting small goals each week with a bigger goal in mind and progressing
Roasted red peppers!! Those sandwiches look amazinggggg.
Good luck finding gainful employment! It so tough out there these days.
The birthday girl is so adorable! She’d be perfect for the toddler!
The sandwiches look REALLY good. I think I need some good bread… I have refrained from buying a lot of bread lately, and I miss it. I think I’ll buy some and freeze part of it.
I did write down some goals at the beginning of 2010, and I just looked at them again yesterday for the first time in a month. I’m doing okay. I like your goals. They seem reasonable and focused on what works for you. I also like that you’ll try to not worry about what other people think. It’s so hard but so important. We should compare notes some time; I definitely have to work on not worrying what others think and do…
That quote from your mom is AWESOME!! New mantra
Ahh those hugetastic sandwiches look scrumptious! And kind of gourmet as well! I also have an issue with letting other people’s thoughts and opinions get to me. I have pretty “thin skin” and take things way too personally, which was one of my resolutions for the new year. Yeah… I’m still working on that one…
Niece is too cute as is Mr. Cloony Jr.
Wow you guys throw a swanky kids party with swanky sammies. I seem to remember PB&Js and maybe a limp ham & cheese
Great goals. Feb goals: turn off computer by 9pm. Keep eating healthy- esp with a small trip coming up to visit a foodie friend, keep on top of Reader. Learn Windows Live writer and organize all of our digital photos.
FUnny when other blogs asked for goals I only had one or two. Where did the rest come from over night??
Your niece is adorable! And that is quite the spread – especially the veggie sandwich. Yum!
Good luck with your goals! My new February goal is to start incorporating some strength training into my workouts. I’m tired of my limp noodle arms!
OMG those sandwiches! Drool. I think I would have been fine with that squishy bread and goat cheese alone. yum.
I JUST started meal planning (as in this is my first week) and so far so good! I didn’t spend any more money at the store than I would normally have, we have an exciting dinner to look forward to each night, and it actually has been a lot of fun. Check out my post on it…
I am in the same place with my New Year/Feb goals. I really am trying not to set any weight type goals because like you said it will always lead to obsessive behavior. Our 1 year wedding anniversary is at the end of this month and I’m sort of panicing over the weight I’ve gained since this time last year but want to also find a place where maintaining a lower weight is not my life! Long story short I’m with ya! I think we have very similar situations…
Those sandwiches look amazing! Happy birthday, Lara’s niece… I want your cake!!
I haven’t done “great” with my new year’s resolutions yet but there is plenty of time. I AM worried about it (I am convinced I gained 10 lbs but refuse to step on the scale and really see that number) but I’m trying to focus on doing the right things and positive results will surely come with that. I also set up a new plan (meals, workouts) as of February 1. It seems like a great way to press the “refresh button” and re-focus.
Those are cute pictures! Good luck with your job hunt.
I for my resolution, I started a personal “Spring Challenge”.
So far, so good!
You mom is a wise woman! I should take that to heart as well.
I’m with you on the resolutions. I actually decided that instead of resolutions (which don’t work) I would make 10 goals for 2010, however I kind of let myself procrastinate on them over January, so I think I need a fresh start February as well!
-K
Gainful employment is overrated! Those sandwiches (you should have placed them next to an actual submarine to show their scale – approximately the same size) look delish. As someone I know says, “Nom Nom…”
I like your “Fresh start February”! Great idea.
I love resolutions and posted them on my blog http://www.getfitchicks.com and plan to do a monthly update to see how they’re going.
I like your approach to diet – no extreme behaviour – an excellent/healthy way to look at it.
Those sandwiches look amazing! Now I’m craving crusty bread!
Your nephew is such a playa.
I always set goals, but try to keep them fun and lighthearted with a few serious ones thrown in the mix. This year, I want to spend more time with my parents and learn to use chopsticks.
Dreaming of horseradish cheese. Sounds like a match made in heaven.
I actually hate counting calories, but decided to try it for a week. I still hate it, but I’m learning so much about the foods I eat. When I was out of work for over a year my budget was low and I went for the frozen dinners and quick meals. Now that I’m back to trying to cook and eat the things I like to cook and eat, I’m realizing some things have less calories while other little things have more. It made me take a look at my eating choices and make a few changes here and there. So instead of that 190 calorie toaster strudel for breakfast (which fills me for about an hour or so) I now realize having a bowl of cereal or a cooked breakfast would be better…and more than likely, healthier.
I wouldn’t recommend counting calories for a long period of time, but I think it’s a good idea for anybody who’s just starting out on the eating healthier lifestyle to see what they’re eating already, where the calories are and what changes they might want to make.
By the way, those sandwiches in the pictures looked really good.
Your sammy’s look so good. I love that kind of crusty bread to make fancy food!
You look so pretty too! Glad you had time with your family!
GIRL that sandwich is so good looking!! what a great time w. your fam!
I would have loved the sammie with goat cheese yum!
Menu planning has saved my budget! It’s hard if you aren’t used to it, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. No more trips to pick up “just one thing” and walk out of the store $30 bucks later!
First step: Make your menu based on your grocery store sale flyer. Obviously, if boneless skinless chicken breasts are selling for $5.49, you aren’t going to have chicken that week!
Also, when a meat is on sale, run with it! Let’s take simple ground beef:
One night you could make a big pot of chili. That can morph into lunch later in the week when you bake a potato and have chili and cheese on top. Chili also freezes wonderfully.
Then another night you could make ground beef chicken enchiladas.
Another night you can make burgers and oven fries. My store routinely sells 93% ground beef for $.99 a pound, so for about $5 dollars I have at least three dinners.
Hang in there and you’ll get the hang of it!
she is a doll! and so are you
that bread seriously is to die for. i love good, crusty bread. resolutions are going good! hope you are having a great week! xo
What great pictures! So beautiful. I don’t even know what my family would think if I had sandwiches that lovely. They would think they were at the wrong house!!
Have a fabulous week!
yumm fabulous sandwiches but I want me some of that cake! I think for me, moderation is stopping before I’m “full” – actually recognizing “I am full, I can eat another meal tomorrow.. or later today or whenever.” and just letting it be that. No need to get in protein or more sugar or whatever- just letting it go.
oh boy – those sandwiches look fantastic! What a great idea
You’re a great sandwich maker! It looks so good. And all the other foods look so healthy too!
Hi Lara, I just found your blog & I’m loving it so far. The pictures are amazing, your camera takes beautiful shot.
I’ll be reading
Hi Lara! I am a newbie to your blog and am loving it! The pictures are great and it is so comforting to know that others deal with the same daily struggles as I do. Based on the comment from your Mom, she sounds like a genius. The sandwiches looked delicious and the cake was so cute! What kind of cake is it? I look forward to reading more and more!
Hi Bridget! Thanks for visiting! The cake was a vanilla/coconut cake (homemade) and it was SO delicious!
Ohmygosh – those sandwiches!!! If I had the funds I would totally hire you as my personal sandwich maker
I really like your first goal. Much of my anxiety issues stem from my worrying about what people are thinking all the time. It takes a conscious effort on my part at all times to let go of those worries. Sometimes you just gotta throw your hands up and say “I don’t give a damn!” 
Wow-these sandwiches look fantastic. I love fresh ingredients on crusty bread. I think my favorite would have been the veggie too. I love your pictures.
Hi Lara thanks for the lovely glowing comment you left today about my food
you’re too kind!
New Yrs Resolutions? No. Intentions, and that which I intend to do or try more/less of. To a degree. I just use each day as my personal New Year. Each day is a New Day and if i dont like something that’s going on, i change it up that day and dont wait for a new year
xoxoxo
Wow! Those sandwiches are something serious — they look delicious!!!
Cowabunga! That sandwich is just killer! And you’re right not to let anyone’s opinion of you get in the way of what you want to do. After all, you’re in charge of your life.
Good luck!
What a beautiful post in pictures. Just another reason why you don’t need a new camera! Oooh Lara, the vita mix will do you wonders! Seriously- it will last you forever and you will never even want to look at another blender again.
People underestimate the power of a monster sandwich! I used to make huge sandwiches like these for my friends and cut them in small bites/long pieces- like on big loaves of focaccia or ciabatta- serious crowd pleaser!