I had a few special visitors this morning – a local news anchor and cameraman (with his HD camera – hello pores!) to tape a fun segment in my kitchen! I’ll give ya’ more details in just a couple weeks. Ahh! 
PS major props to those who work in front of a camera/speak for a living. They make it look so easy. I feel like I turn into a goobery, awkward mess when it’s my turn! Tips? 
Speaking of awkward, I am seriously obsessed with the show Awkward on MTV. I missed a few of the beginning episodes, so this morning after taping I let ‘em roll on my laptop while I tidied up the house, pumped myself up for a lovely 3.5 mile trail run, and even while I huffed & puffed my way through this workout circuit from The Fitnessista!
Circuit 1 (repeat 3 times)
- Stability ball hamstring curl (12 reps)
- Stability ball overhead pass (10 reps)
- Stability ball back extension (10 reps)
Circuit 2 (repeat 3 times)
- Push ups (12 reps)
- Squats holding weights (I held 2-5lb weights) (12 reps)
- Tricep dips (12 reps)
Circuit 3 (repeat 3 times – each exercise with 5lb weighs in each hand)
- Shoulder presses (12 reps)
- Lateral raises (12 reps)
- Bicep curl/plie squat combo (12 reps)
Ab Burner (1 time through)
- 50 sit ups —> I die
- 50 crunches
- 25 reverse crunches
- 25 bicycle crunches
What can I say, hamstring curls go faster when you’re watching witty, teen dramadies. 
Have you seen Awkward yet?
Now, Friday afternoons are becoming synonymous with random, what can I throw together and have it semi resemble a meal kind of lunches, so after showering up, I combined fridge & pantry forces and came up with this. ↓
That’d be teeny-tiny potatoes (actual, adorable name) from Trader Joe’s, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder, then roasted at 425 degrees for 24 minutes, shaking the pan half way through.
I am OBSESSED with these babies!
The insides shrink away from the skins while they roast, so when you bite down they kind of POP like a balloon. Awesome.
Plus they’re just so dang cute!
Rounding out the plate was a big, baby spinach salad.
In the mix:
- Torn baby spinach
- Baby carrots
- Honeycrisp apple
- Chopped peanuts
- Basil
I drizzled on extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper for a simple, delectable dressing, and it was, dare I say, perfect?!
Well this evening my family and I are whisking my Mom off to dinner and drinks for her birthday next week! I hope she has fun – she deserves it!!
Talk to you tomorrow!
~~~~~
How do you feel about speaking in front of an audience, or giving presentations?
I am usually a nervous wreck when I have to speak in front of large groups of people. Sweat, awkwardness – the whole 9 yards. Guess that’s why I write a blog!
So exciting for you!!! Love it. You are great on camera, don’t even sweat it
I love giving presentations/public speaking and really like being on camera…. but after the Chobani shoot I definitely realized that it’s a lot harder than it looks! Eating on camera might even be harder than speaking IMO hahaha.
Have a great Friday night with your fam!
We had those at our wedding…I had never seen such tiny potatoes before! Our caterer called them “baby bakers”! Yet another reason we need a TJ’s in Iowa City!
Cameras freak me out! But what an opportunity…you’ll do great!
You’ll do great! I was in the tv biz for about 7 years – before calling it quits (for now anyway) to focus more on my writing and my family. Just be yourself! You have a great writing voice – and that will carry through to your audience. It’s too bad I didn’t know about your blog when I was on our local television station. I would have loved to get your input for segments!! We were always looking for fresh cooking ideas. If I ever get back into it – I’ll keep you in mind.
Good Luck!
I’m AWFUL at doing anything in front of anyone like presentations or speeches. I am still amazed that when I was in college, I managed to get a B+ in Oral Communications!
I’m so glad you watch Awkward too! I’m obsessed with it. It’s my new Make It or Break It, haha
Can’t wait to hear about your segment! I find public speaking to be the easiest when you’ve written what you’re going to say and spoken it to friends/family a few times. I gave my high school graduation speech and it was way easier than work presentations in front of 10 people because I knew that speech like the back of my hand.
I love roasted potatoes and actually had those exact potatoes in my hand at TJs yesterday. But, I ended up not buying them because we are headed to Mexico on Wednesday and I have sweet, russet and red potatoes that I should probably use up. I will definitely be buying them when we get back! Have fun with your family and happy birthday to your mom!
i’m terrified to actually stand up in front of a crowd. a million years ago i was a Tupperware rep and had to give demo’s…..hated it! but i love LOVE talking on a PA system, i can chatter on for days….go figure! ha! anyhoo…those taters look wonderful! that looks just like a meal i would whip up for myself, salad dressing and all, except i use red wine vinegar & also a sprinkle of garlic.
i am HORRIBLE at public speaking. sometimes i get so nervous and my voice shakes and i don’t know why but then i cry. it’s really weird. hahaha.
How exciting!!! Can’t wait to hear the details.
I just did a co-hosting for the day on Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy radio. I felt nervous doing that. I couldn’t imagine in front of a camera. I know I would clam up. Public speaking though doesn’t phase me. Maybe its the thought of being recorded. Ah!
The food looks great! That’s really funny that you brought up the show Awkward because I started watching it this morning on Much. I watched 5 episodes today already, it’s very entertaining!
Can’t wait to hear about the details!
That lunch looks so delish! I wish we had honeycrisp apples year round……………..:)
i hate public speaking! i took a communications class in college that forced me to get up in front of a class of 80 and i was literally dripping sweat through my shirt i was so nervous.
p.s. that vertical photo of the potato on the fork is awesome!! i’m envious of your photography skills, kristin!
I have been watching ‘Awkward’ since it started! I like it a little more than ‘Hard times of RJ Berger.’ My teen daughter doesn’t even like ‘Awkward.’ It reminds me of the movie ‘Easy A,’ which I thought was brilliant.
I’ve seen a few episodes of Awkward – it’s hilarious! Very funny. And relatively believable, too, compared to other teen shows.
I did HS speech and drama, and I’m naturally outgoing. I do get a little nervous just before I stand up, but usually I’m fine once I get going.
I’m actually okay with public speaking, but last weekend I had to speak in front of 4,000 people at a live Nutrition event and I got nervous! Can’t wait to hear about the TV segment!
loooking forward to seeing your “on air debut”!!!…..and I’m a huge fan of AWKWARD too, I had to catch up on MTV.com….and I’m sad that next week;’s the season finale…but props to an hour long show!! hopefully it’s back next year!!
I can’t wait for your segment to air! I am okay with public speaking, but feel awkward on camera – which is why I don’t do many vlogs!
Your lunch looks delicious! I love little baby potatoes!
Also, this is random, but what kind of camera do you use? I’m looking into getting a nikon d3100.
Have a great friday!!
I use a Canon Digital Elph when I’m about and about, and a Nikon D3000 at home!
i hate hearing my voice recorded, so i’m always nervous about that when there’s a camera involved. i’m sure you did great!
How exciting!! Very excited for you!
I am usually terrified right before I do any type of public speaking (like sick feeling in my stomach, got to run to the bathroom type of nervous) although once I start talking my nerves are gone in 5 seconds & I feel totally relaxed. Weird but happens every single time! I have only been on camera a few times (filming small snapshots for a church video series) but I agree it is so much harder than it looks!
Ahh I’ve been loving awkward too! I thought I was the only one. I find it hysterical and love jenner personality.
Too cool
I’m sure you were adorable! Haven’t seen these potatoes yet, which makes me feel like I’m long overdue for a TJ trip. Yum!
Ohhh, I would be sick doing that! Hope it went well, I’m sure you pulled through just fine
Love Awkward too! That mother is terrifying, of course so is the counselor, and her friend Tamara…..!
How exciting for you!! Can’t wait to hear how it turned out.
I actually love public speaking. I’ve never been in front of the camera but I feel like I become a different person when it’s “go time”. I put on my game face and change to my public speaking voice, it’s awesome. I feel like Will Ferrell from Old School during the debate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t_obhieaPE
Oh my gosh, my most recent presentation for my residency was a disaster. I usually do okay speaking in front of people, but not this time. It was at 12:30, and I had a busy day so thought I’d grab lunch afterwards. Bad idea. Can you say hypoglycemic. I had to be saved by a can of Sprite one of the other pharmacists had in the audience
How funny is it that the reporter you met is a sorority sister of mine. Small world!