A new year. A new plan.


For 2011, after struggling to come up with a singular New Years Resolution for ourselves, we decided to do break down our ideas and goals and do each of them for a set period of time. We started on January 3rd with "Not Eating Out" for 36.5 days and set out to keep the momentum going over the entire year. What we found throughout that process though, was the easier, less collaborative they got, the harder it was to keep, and the easier they were to let go. We SO enjoyed everyday of our toughest challenges - and this year, having reflected on what worked and what didn't- we've decided to bring back our favorites- push ourselves by doing less longer and keeping each other motivated along the way...


So, for 2012, please join us on our new adventure and wild ride that will be 50 days.

Monday, January 10, 2011

More than one-fifth, less than one-quarter...

...was the discussion we had tonight as I crossed out "Day 8" on our giant white board calendar wall in our kitchen. It seems like we've accomplished so much- 8 days of not eating out- no Starbucks, no coffee shops, no restaurants, no lunches on the go and no happy hours (huge successes when you office is surrounded by no less than 4 Starbucks, 1 Saxbuys and is sandwiched between a Corner Bakery and Au Bon Pain - Not to mention food trucks and the wonderful restaurants that live in between). While the time is seeming to fly by, staring 28.5 more days of this in the face is daunting still!

I will say- that this not eating out, has kept me home and cooking a ton- which has been terrific. I'm actually finding, I can be quite a good chef when I put my mind to it! AND I just happen to cook all of the dishes that I like and would want to order if eating out anyway- how convenient!

I'm a BIG veggie fanatic- so these 36.5 days are all about the sauces, stir fries and yummy seasonings I can think up and more. I've even used this an the final excuse to pull down the crock pot we were so excited to get and then promptly never used.

I've always hated the idea of using beans from a can- yet we always do. Why? Lazyness? Utility? Convenience? Probably all three- certainly not for deliciousness (all that canned sliminess it comes it- yuck!). Anyway, I did a quick search on Google and one rinse and a good night sleep later- I had made us over 6 cans of beautiful black beans. It sounds corny, but I've honestly never felt more connected to or excited about the beans I was about to partake in. And the best part- absolutely no sliminess! Completely worth the minute effort (time mostly) that goes into cooking dried beans. Convert = yes.

...Garbonzo beans are cookin' away right now actually... I think we are on hour 7?.... YUM.
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2 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Loving this. This first challenge would be impossible for me - and I live with a chef. I'll get Bo to give you and Jon the recipe for portobello mushroom burgers. My New Year's resolution is to get back into philanthropy work - boom, mission already accomplished.

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. JessJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Haha- love this! Yes- portabello mushroom recipe is a must! SO YUM!
    Can't wait to receive more philanthropy...
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete

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