Keeping up with Kate

Out and about – September

Posted on October 7, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

It is so hard to believe that September 2014 is a memory. It was a super busy month for me with both personal and a little work travel to make it interesting. All of my personal travel involved a short jaunt from NJ to Happy Valley (4 hours each way) (4 weekends of PSU football – live!) and just to make it interesting a nice train ride through CT for work.

Thought I’d share Highlights from the month:

Celebrated a birthday on the 8th – 68 birthday wishes on FB 🙂 and non-FB Friends
Spending the day with my niece and nephew before they went back to school – always fun spending time with them. Even tried Smashburger for the first time – it was a hit for all of us. The milkshakes were YUMMY!
A wonderful birthday weekend at a PSU game with my Mom, a good friend and her Mom.
The ‘S’ Zone – best student section in the country!
Dinner with my Parents at Char’s – Tracy Mansion. The food, atmosphere and my Cucumber Martini(s) were amazing! Dessert at home with my favorite cake – Italian Wedding Cake!
My yummy cake!
An impromptu birthday lunch with one of my College roommates and later in the month another impromptu lunch with a College roommate on my way home from Happy Valley.
PSU weekend with my College friends – whoever can get together once a year – we’ve been doing it since 2000 – always a good time. We all met our sophomore year at PSU.
Tailgating every year since 2000 – friends since 1988 – priceless!
PSU local game – we won the game – I won’t go into my game time experience but the tailgating was lots of fun.
Amtrak ride up the Northeast Corridor for stop in CT – some lovely views – my favorite is the view of NYC as we are leaving the city.
NYC – leaving Penn Station going North
PSU Homecoming – meet some great people tailgating, ate great food and indulge in some adult beverages including trying some Apple Pie Moonshine – just a couple of sips. Found another Pinot Noir I enjoy – Middle Sister. 🙂
The ‘S’ Zone – Original PSU Colors – Pink and Black – faded to what we now have as Blue and White
Scholarships Restored and Bowl Ban Lifted (on my Bday to be exact)! 🙂
Starting an 8 week program focusing on Mindset, Fitness, Education, Accountability/Structure and Nutrition (more to come on this in later posts).

Have a great day!!

Summer Fun

Posted on September 1, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

As I was holding onto the last ‘official days’ of summer, I started reading a book a friend loaned to me on Friday. It is called Summer at Tiffany! I finished it in one day. It is about two young women from the University of Iowa – and the summer they worked at Tiffany’s. Two important things to know about this – it was the summer of 1945 and they were the first women to work there.

The book is described about “a fearless summer of friendship, freedom and first love in New York City.” It is also about taking chances and life decisions. You’ll have to read the book to enjoy their adventures.

I enjoyed this book so much, I bought it for my Aunt for her birthday. My Uncle asked if it was a ‘chick’ book. It kindof is, however, it is so interesting to see who crossed their paths, the history they experienced and to see things through two young college students in a time when women were still finding their voices in the US. I sure hope that if I had lived in that era that I would’ve taken a chance like Marjorie and Marty.

Enjoy!

Good-bye Summer…

Posted on August 31, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

As I sit here on the last official Sunday of summer – it reminds me of THE STATION by Robert J. Hastings – my Dad gave me this poem when I went to college and it hung on my bulletin board for 4 years and I have I still have that original somewhere – I should get it back on the bulletin board.

I love the last part of the poem – “…climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The STATION will come soon enough.”

As we say good-bye to summer – remember the ice cream you enjoyed, cherish the times you had with family and friends, the feeling of the sand between your toes, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach – embrace the memory as we move into fall – remember to ‘relish the moment’ (which is perfect timing as it is tailgating season for me!)

Now go out and relish the rest of summer – I know I am! 🙂

Keeping Up – Summer Edition

Posted on August 17, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

I can’t believe there are only a couple weeks of summer left. I’ve had a busy and fun summer so far.

Of course you know I took a 2 week vacation at the Jersey Shore – I love it and look forward to it every year. I’m already booked for 2015!

My Happy Place

Here are some of the fun things I’ve done this summer:

Dusted off my not so great golf skills in South Carolina. I forgot how much fun it can be. Even was thinking of getting back in the ‘swing’ of it again. Who knows – maybe next year!
A Girl’s Trip to South Carolina for some beach / pool time and of course some fried green tomatoes!
Tried 3 types – my fav – with pimento cheese and some spicy jelly – YUM!!
Annual Carnival trip with my niece! Always so much fun.
CHAOS – Loved it!!!
It has really been the summer of baseball for me. I started off June with a Phillies vs. Mets game with some friends (Phillies lost). I’ve had the opportunity this summer to see Camden Yards, Pittsburgh PNC Park and back the Citizens Bank Park this past Monday (in a Suite too 🙂 – sadly the Phillies lost again to the Mets!
View of the Pittsburgh Skyline at PNC Park

Billy Joel Concert – it was AWESOME!!

I see a Piano! Such a great show!!

Philly Skyline from the Billy Joel Concert
Some group karaoke while in Baltimore – ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ 🙂
Pool time and BBQs with friends
Visit with my parents while breaking up a business trip drive. Spending some quality time and enjoying my Dad’s awesome cooking.
Cities I’ve visited this summer for work and pleasure: Pawley’s Island, SC, Baltimore, MD, Ocean City, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Reston, VA, Camp Hill, PA, Pittsburgh, PA. Next on the list: Chicago, NYC and Overland Park, KS (major metropolis 🙂 )
City Hall – Philadelphia, PA
Great rides on my bike while on vacation. Just need to make some time to get back on my bike.
REO Speedwagon and Chicago in concert. Last time I saw REO Speedwagon it was my senior year in college at Bald Eagle State Park and Chicago in 2003 at PNC Arts Center. I just love all the brass and woodwinds. Impressive!
REO Speedwagon and Chicago on stage together!!

What have you done fun this summer?

Some more Favorite Summer Recipes

Posted on August 16, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

Thought I’d share some more of my favorite summer recipes.

Growing up we used to go to the Holy Spirit Hospital Street Fair. Always a fun time but always one of the highlights was the Chicken BBQ put on by either by the Shriners or the Fireman (I don’t recall). I still remember seeing the grills set-up and the smoke coming off of them onto the highway. The boxed chicken bbq was always awesome – sweet with some charcoal crispiness (you had to pre-purchase or you ran the risk of them selling out). Fast forward about 20 years and my Dad was at the Farmer’s Market getting some fresh chicken and he was offered this recipe for Fireman’s Chicken BBQ (super easy):

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Butter
3 T Sugar
1 1/2 T Salt
1/2 Cup Vinegar

Put all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray / baste chicken (works well with thighs and legs) every time your turn it. This is a staple with my Dad and Brother. My brother even has the recipe taped to an inside cabinet down the Shore. And I have a picture of that recipe card on my phone (which is how I was able to post it!)

Some of my favorite foods are salmon, beets and avocado. I was visiting my parents over the summer and my Dad was trying some new recipes from the Food Network.

Here is the Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Rub recipe by Ellie Krieger

Ingredients:

Cooking Spray
2 T light brown sugar (packed)
1 T chili powder
1 t ground cumin
1/8 t salt
1/8 t fresh ground pepper
6 – 6 oz salmon fillet, skin and any pin bones removed (I think this would also be good with chicken breasts too)
1 T olive oil

Directions: Coat your grill or grill pan with cooking spray and preheat over medium heat. While the grill is heating, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Brush each salmon fillet with 1/2 tsp of olive oil, then rub each fillet with about 1/2 tsp of the spice mixture. Grill the salmon, flesh side down, until charred – 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the salmon and cook another 5 to 6 minutes for medium doneness. For well done fish, cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to a platter and serve.

Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Rub by Ellie Krieger – photo from the Food Network

Here is the Beet and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad by Giada de Laurentiis (I think this is what made me fall is love with Avocados!)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons shallots, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon honey
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 medium beets, cooked and quartered
6 cups fresh arugula
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
1/2 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
3 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled (crumbled blue cheese would work too)

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with foil. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Whisk the vinegar, shallots, and honey in a medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with salt and pepper. Toss the beets in a small bowl with enough dressing to coat. Place the beets on the prepared baking sheet and roast until the beets are slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Set aside and cool.

Toss the arugula, walnuts, and cranberries in a large bowl with enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper. Mound the salad atop 4 plates. Arrange the beets around the salad. Sprinkle with the avocado and goat cheese, and serve.

Beet and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad by Giada de Laurentiis – photo by the Food Network

Any favorite recipes you would like to share?

Enjoy!!

A Name, A Date and A Saint

Posted on August 9, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

I started reading the St. Chrysostom’s Churh Blog earlier this year because they had a great post on the Annual Blessing of Homes. I read this post today on celebrating the date of your name. My date is November 25th (for my given name – Catherine and all of my nicknames) – I’ll have to mark the calendar!

It got me thinking me thinking about who I was named after – my Mom, Grandmother – and I think she was named for an Aunt – but in the end we were all named after St. Catherine of Siena. Catherine was way ahead of the times – she spoke her mind and demonstrated it (she cut her hair in protest). The celebration of her day is April 29th – my Pop-Pop’s birthday – it will be easy to remember. She was a smart woman and died at a very young age – just 33. She left her mark though. I think I would like her – love her spirit – I’d like to think I’ve got a little bit of her in me!

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” ~Catherine of Siena

No Name Post – Changed to Progress

Posted on August 8, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

It has been 6 weeks since my last nutritionist appointment. My focus from the last 6 weeks was to make sure I’m particular about when I chose to eat desserts and other sweets. I think I did OK – I didn’t avoid them but I didn’t always avoid the ones that might not be worth it! However, that wasn’t really my challenge – my challenge of late has been that I’ve been hungry in between meals – which hasn’t been an issue previously.

So off to my appointment I went this morning. Previously, when I knew I didn’t have a good 6 weeks, I was tempted to move the appointment. I’ve learned two things on this journey:

It is hard to get an appointment – so canceling puts me out a month or longer
Going to see him – really helps me re-focus and reset and you know what I call that? PROGRESS

We talked about what I eat on most days and decided to change it up a bit. Since I normally eat breakfast late, we decided to make my breakfast option all protein and that I shouldn’t skip the carb at lunch (just don’t go crazy). The notes in my file actually say ‘eat a substantial lunch‘ which does NOT equate to eat a Buffet – no worries here – I hate buffets!! We also talked about my upcoming travel schedule – ‘adapt to the flow’ of the meeting which also means don’t feel compelled to graze and snack like others do! 🙂

So here is my focus for the next 6 weeks:

Eat just protein for breakfast – keep it simple – eggs – hard boiled may be the easiest since I’m doing some day trips for work.
At lunch again go for the protein first and some carbs – don’t eat just a salad for lunch. And another option is eat 1/2 the sandwich and take the other half home for later. And when at home make a sandwich using thin slices of bread. 🙂 Specific instruction – don’t skip the carb at lunch
Adapt to the flow of the meeting. I also plan to bring my own water and nutritional snacks (as a back-up just in case I do get the munchies)
I’ve planned some of my work-outs (as that has been going really well the last 6 weeks). And on days I am traveling – keep moving – even walking
A cup of coffee in the afternoon can do the trick too!

Although I didn’t lose weight the last 6 weeks – I’m still maintaining a 30 lb weight loss not too bad. Hoping this adjustment in my eating habits will help me hit another milestone!

Stay tuned for the next update in 7 weeks (wasn’t available 6 weeks from now in the timeslot I like – which is first thing in the morning!)

Favorite Summer Recipes

Posted on July 30, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

Back in April, my Mom and I went to Vegas (her first trip). We splurged for dinner at Rao’s at Caesar’s Palace. The food was great but we both loved the Caprese Salad that we split. What made it different was a version of fresh mozzarella called Burrata. It was so creamy.

When I got back to NJ – I actually had to ask a friend what it was called because I forgot the name. At first I couldn’t find it locally – my Dad was able to find some at the Farmer’s Market in Central PA. But luckily I’ve been able to find it on a regular basis at Shoprite (go figure). I’ve been on a caprese salad kick now – both with burrata or regular fresh mozzarella. It is super easy:

Fresh Jersey Tomatoes (if you aren’t in Jersey – than your local tomatoes – they just aren’t the same 🙂 )
Fresh Mozzarella – either burrata (a little creamier) or regular
Fresh Basil (I’m even growing my own – use it for this and in my eggs for breakfast)
Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (you can splurge on this too because this helps with the flavor).

Layer tomato, fresh basil, fresh mozzeralla – add desired amount of Balsalmi Vinegar and EVOO – and enjoy!

Caprese Burrata Salad – from vacation:

Caprese Burrata

Double Layer Caprese Salad – from a BBQ last week:

Double Layer Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

A family favorite BBQ meal my Dad has been making – Grilled Shrimp Scampi with Saffron Rice. It is from the Sunset BBQ Cookbook – 1962 (page 50) it is called Colby’s Scampies. I just had it last week (and bummed I forgot to snap a photo) when I had a chance to visit with my parents. It is soooo good (menu was Scampies, Saffron Rice, Asparagus and a Caprese Salad).

Here is the recipe (from the 1962 edition):

6 large shrimp – fresh or frozen
1/4 lb (1/2 cup) butter or margarine (we use butter)
2 T Olive Oil
2 T Steak Sauce
6 Crushed Garlic Cloves
1 t each crushed basil, tarragon, celery seeds
2 T dry white wine (my Dad uses a very dry vermouth)
Salt to taste

Shell and de-vein the shrimp and split each in a butterfly fashion. Combine all other ingredients except salt in the sauce. Marinate the shrimp in the sauce for at least 1 hour. When colas in the BBQ have reached the glowing stage, spread the tails out on the grill, turning them and basting often. When they show a little brown in color, salt to taste, rmove from fire, cut into 1 inch pieces and serve immediately. Serves 6 for hor d’oeuvres, 2 as an entree.

The above gives the verbatim instructions from the 1962 cookbook. A couple of notes, my Dad uses extra large shrimp (~ 1 dozen – he normally does ~ 2 dozen and doubles the other ingredients) and puts them on skewers – and I personally like the shrimp a little crispy – aka a few burnt ends!

For presentation purposes – place the Shrimp Scampi over the Saffron Rice – it looks really pretty and is so yummy! I think I may have to make it myself before the summer is over.

What are your favorite summer time recipes?

Favorite Places and Spaces – ‘Down the Shore’

Posted on July 29, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

Every summer for the past 5 years I’ve been coming to the Jersey Shore for two weeks. The last 4 years to the same house at 52nd and Asbury in OCNJ. I love it – it is a block and the half from the beach and for the price of a week of beach front property I get 2 weeks – because 1 week at the Jersey Shore just isn’t enough.

My brother and his family spend a lot of time in OCNJ too and we both like to keep it local when we are down at the shore – no chains (so no WAWA, Dunkin’ Donuts and now Starbucks (although they do have a walk up window) coffee on vacation weeks)! Here are some of my favorite places and spaces (in no particular order):

A la Mode Ice Cream Parlor – homemade ice cream with waffles – and they took the Penn State Short Course in Ice Cream Making. 🙂
Hula Grill – On the boardwalk – Firecracker Shrimp – Yum
Sack o Subs – My Mom and I split an Italian as our first food on the island (55th Street location)
Brown’s – the best homemade donuts – my Mom’s favorite
Mildred’s – known for their Crab Imperial – their homemade pasta side is yummy too
La Fontana — BYOB in Strathmere
Kessel’s Korner — Old time 1950’s style restaurant / ice cream parlor – everything is red and white.
Charlie’s Bar – In Somer’s Point – great BBTs (boneless buffalo tails in tail gun sauce) – great on a Cobb Salad
The Lobster House — Lobster Bisque – Yum!
Peter Shields Inn — BYOB in Cape May – Great food – great location – a nice evening out.
Kohr’s Custard — Vanilla Cone with Chocolate Jimmies
Shriver’s – The only Salt Water Taffy made in OCNJ
52nd Street Beach — Where you will find me most days on my vacation with a nice glass of iced coffee with or without some whipped cream vodka! 🙂
Pie Girl – Available at the OCNJ Wednesday’s Farmer’s Market – great story – all proceeds benefit the Atlantic County Food Bank (and Pie Girl is still in high school). The Blueberry Crumble is my fav!
Tuckahoe Brewing — my brother found this place. You can get samples and get a growler. It was fun riding out in the jeep. They make a winter brew using Harry Beans coffee below that I’m sure is awesome – maybe I’ll get to try sometime.
Harry Beans Coffee – awesome coffee beans. Would love to see them on the south end of the island – need a good coffee place. In Oceanview – right next to Tuckahoe Brewing
6th Street Beach Yoga – Monday Mornings from 8:00 — 9:00 am – it is FREE (they offer Pilates on Wed and low impact on Fridays). This is offered by the OCNJ Aquatic & Fitness Center
White House Sub Shop – Atlantic City – the best hoagies! Last year, my Mom and I were the first ones in line after an overnight at the Borgata.
Jon and Patty’s – cute littel bistro in OCNJ – have enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Busch’s Seafood – She Crab Soup – no longer the big restaurant but you get get the soup in the lounge or as take out.

I’m sure I missed some of my favorite spaces and places – I reserve the right to update this post! And for the record – I didn’t get to all of these restaurants this vacation!! 🙂 Did I miss any of your favorites I should try next year?

Kohr’s Custard – a down the shore staple for me!

52nd Street Beach – love this sign – Sandy took it away

Shriver’s

White House Sub Shop

Sand and Surf

Summer Vacation

Posted on July 28, 2014 by keepingupwithkate91

Remember when you were younger and you went back to school in September you had to write about your summer vacation. I’m not back in school and it isn’t September but thought I’d share with you some of my summer vacation highlights.

For the past 5 years I’ve been going to Ocean City, NJ for 2 weeks. We stay on the south end of the island. This year I really tried to check-out from work, social media and blogging – I did really good checking out on all 3 – blogging wins the prize.

Here are some of the highlights from the vacation – in no particular order:

Spending time with family, extended family and one of my college friends
Beach Yoga – including having my college friend join me the first week
Getting out on my road bike
Girls vs. Boys Wiffle ball game (with my Uncle as the official pitcher) – Girls lost – bummer!
Impressing my nephew that I have a blog! I earned some street cred with him. 🙂
Mr. Muscles (one of our neighbors – my Aunts’ named him) 🙂
Trying a recipe from Pinterest (thanks LDK – it was yummy!)
Cabana Boy – My Uncle is a great sport – he takes all the beach stuff down and sets up.
Chillaxin’ on the beach
Coffee on the porch early in the morning
My Aunt’s homemade gravy (aka spaghetti sauce)
Surviving Hurricane Arthur – he wasn’t much of one – and he moved through quickly – watching the surfers post Arthur
Enjoyed some of my favorite places to eat – (I’m doing another post on favorite spaces and places)
- Peter Shields Inn
- The Lobster House
- A la Mode Ice Cream Parlor – Waffles and Ice Cream!!
- Hula Grill
- Kohr Brothers Custard – my favorite is Vanilla with Chocolate Jimmies
Shriver’s – seeing them make vanilla salt water taffy and bonus got to sample it!
Making Vanilla Salt Water Taffy
Watching the World Cup – cheering on the US and Argentina!
Mummer’s – Avalon String Band on the Boarwalk
Avalon String Band in the OCNJ Boardwalk
Watching fireworks from the beach
Walking the beach
Beating my brother in FitBit on week 2 of my vacation (he went back to work)! 🙂
Sitting on the beach watching and listening to the waves crashing on the beach
And many more!!

As you can see I had a great summer vacation! What did you do on your summer vacation? Hope you had a great time. Cherish the memories – I know I will and do.