Taste of X-Mas

Welcome to the Taste of Christmas!

Home of delicious creole vegan bread samples. I really can't believe these breads are vegan. Holy moly. They are SO GOOD. We bought the mixed berry loaf which tasted superb.

Lots of dips to try

The crowds were in full force

Adorable gingerbread houses!! I haven't made one since I was a girl scout in middle school.

We bought one! I couldn't resist :o)

The chilli fudge had a nice spicy kick to it. We bought a mixed bag of the chilli and white chocolate cranberry fudge.

Vitamix demo. I would definitely recommend a Vitamix to anyone looking for a good blender. It's expensive but definitely worth the money. It's sturdy, strong, versatile, and it leaves all the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables you use.

Healthy breakfast samples

There were a ton of bread/olive oil samples, chips and dips, cheeses, chorizo's, chocolates, wines, and liquor stands.

Samples of caribbean jerk sausage

Capon w. pumpkin and mango puree. Yummy! The flavors definitely reminded me of Christmas. The puree was my favorite part.

Really strong tasting cheddar cheese.

Samples of rum.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet. LV cake. What girl wouldn't love having that for her birthday?

Apple streudal sample from the Bread Shop.

Beautiful cake samples for anyone looking for wedding cake ideas? NEXT!!

 Upscale Indian food

The chicken tikka pie w. berry chutney was interesting and very good. I didn't think the berry chutney would go well w. the chicken tikka but surprisingly, the combo worked.

Coconut curry prawn w. rice. YUM

The salmon was very fresh and buttery. We each had one but I was left wanting more :)

The pork belly with mash potatoes. Fatty but I like it like that :P

Truffle and foie gras burger w. truffle mayo. I had a bite without the foie gras (I've banned it from my diet) and it was amazing. Truffle oil is seriously good stuff.

Tender lamb w. peas and mushrooms.

VIP lounge w. a complimentary glass of champagne.

Pistachio, chestnut chocolate, and mango macaron. Ever since Paris, I've been mildy obsessed w. macarons. They are so pretty and fun to eat!

So chewy and decadant.

I ate all three and was left w. a mild stomachache and a HUGE migraine.

Agenda for the night: relaxation!

The early bird gets the worm

I'm up at 6. Where's my WORM! Hmph.

Breakfast time!
Into the oats mix:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup water and milk
• sprinkle of salt
• raisins
• goji berries
• cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• coconut flakes 
• almonds
• spoonful of crunchy peanut butter

Pretty dang tasty if I say so myself. I miss having time to eat breakfast and blog comfortably. Unfortunately, I didn't get up early to stuff my face and write leisurely; I have to study!

Last night's festivities took place in a beautiful hall. I wasn't able to take pictures of the free flowing champagne and the assortment of hors d'oeurvres being passed around but I did manage to get a few pics of the interior as I was leaving.

The actual room we were in was a beautiful gold and red room with a huge chandelier draping in the middle. Very classy. It was nice to get dolled up in my gold dress and heels since I've been living in gym clothes 24/7 lately!! We mingled a little, ate, drank, and dashed. All I could think about was "the right atrium collects deoxygenated blood from the inferior and superior vena cava, blah blah blah." Gee. When did I get so dull.

Since we weren't full off the passed appetizers.

Bi-Bim-Bap- rice w. veggies, beef, fried egg, sesame oil, and spicy saucee

Sushi set.

And I'm out.

Short and sweet

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.. inside and out (it's been snowing in London for the past couple days).

T got a tree! O'lordie.. All I could think of was "are there bugs in there?" Sure enough, an earwig popped out and started crawling around our floor. Seriously?! Those are the worst. Well.....maybe spiders are the worst. Either way, that's the price you pay for having a real Christmas tree! Good thing it looks nice or else I would have been screaming to get it out get it out!!

Excuuuuse the mess but isn't that a grand tree. Give all the credit to the hubby. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have a tree this Christmas! I've been such a busy bee lately that I haven't stopped much to think about Christmas. It's my favorite season though so better start playing my Mariah Carey and N'Sync christmas tunes. te hehehe :o) :o)

Protein smoothie to tide me over before T's work holiday party. Apparently it's drinks and hors d'oeuvres. I'll have to remind myself not to imbibe in too many beverages since I have two tests tomorrow; one on anatomy & physiology and the other in exercise, fitness and health. EEEK! I can't miss more than 12 questions or else I'll have to retake the test and face the shame and embarrassment. Blergh.

Into the Vitamix:

• cup of skim milk
• cup of berries
• ice
• vanilla yogurt
• scoop of chocolate protein powder
• agave nectar
• cranberry maple muesli on top

Zumba update: Found out today from my YMCA gym that they might be looking for volunteer Zumba teachers to cover classes (currently there is only one Zumba class per week- ONE!! Craziness!!). Granted it doesn't sound like its a paid position but I'll do anything for the ability to practice. Fingers crossed I can actually start teaching sooner than later!

Time to get my study on.

Alki v. Dog

 Tender meats

Dinner from London kabobs- quick, affordable, and darn good.

w. a side of crispy fries. errrr.. I mean chips. I'm a Londoner after all :)

Vegetables to keep it healthy?

A little taste of the double cheeseburger (without the extra meat patty for me-I took one off)

Staredown: Dog v. child

Who ya looking at?!

 

Dessert: STP

 
w. banoffee (bananer flavored ice cream w. toffee swirl and little graham cracker pieces) ice cream. OMG. so.friggin.good!

Cute father/son moment

Even cuter father/son moment. Almost kind of makes me want one. I said alllllllllllmost. 

Song of the day: "Say Na Say Na"- Best of Bollywood

Say Cheeeeesee!!

Where's Waldo Hanna?

Pizza for dinner after a long day's work!!

Fungi pizza w. salami and truffle oil. Delish. Thin pizza is the best here (second to NY according to my tastebuds)

Heeeeeeey there puuurty lady.......

How cute is this pink mini fridge that T got me? So adorbs!!

Breakfast this morning: Fried egg sandwich

I got up a bit earlier this morning so I could squeeze in an hour workout before my class today. Too bad I forgot about the tube strike and traffic was gridlocked. It took me about 20 minutes longer than usual. Ridonkulous I tell ya! Thankfully the tube strike ended tonight and everything will be back in order tomorrow :)

Lunch: whole wheat pasta w. chicken, asparagus, ranch dressing and unpictured spinach on top.

Dinner:

Fluffy Basmati rice.

 Mussels

Bigham's Breton chicken ready to make meals.

Chicken over rice

Baguette to dip in mussel juices

 or slathered in butta!

Now you see em

Then you don't. :) I love Mussels!

First snow fall of the season here in London tomorrow!! :o) :o)

Song of the day: "Loca" by Shakira