Previously falling victim to an unexpected shortage of bananas, I rapidly ripened two tender specimens before embarking on a mission for moist banana bread. The result far exceeded expectations, though I was curious to see whether bananas of uniform ripeness would elevate this outcome.
smitten kitchen's crackly banana bread recipe was revisited, millet now on hand. Heed orangecane's words I did not, for the guideline was tampered with. Scaling the ingredients to accommodate five bananas (instead of the original three) meant 1.67 eggs, yet I tossed in two, along with the remainder of my walnuts. And 20 g of molasses. And 75% less brown sugar. And omitted the maple syrup. Whoops.
smitten kitchen's crackly banana bread recipe was revisited, millet now on hand. Heed orangecane's words I did not, for the guideline was tampered with. Scaling the ingredients to accommodate five bananas (instead of the original three) meant 1.67 eggs, yet I tossed in two, along with the remainder of my walnuts. And 20 g of molasses. And 75% less brown sugar. And omitted the maple syrup. Whoops.
The modifications yielded a fluffy loaf, textured only by bits of the pearly grain. Neither dry nor moist, nor dense as banana bread ought to be, I deemed the creation edible but warranting improvement.
Sober February has officially ended, which means craft beer is permitted once again. That said, my abstinence was, in fact, due to persevering sickness and not a resolutioner-esque challenge at all.
Sober February has officially ended, which means craft beer is permitted once again. That said, my abstinence was, in fact, due to persevering sickness and not a resolutioner-esque challenge at all.
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The work week that followed was brief: Succeeding a two-hour round trip to Georgetown, I returned to an incredulous office workload of back-to-back meetings and activity log verification. Incorporated into the daily downtown lunch runs were snacks - this time in the form of mini double chocolate muffins - and Easter previews
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Also noted was Goodlife's limited-time promotion with UNIQLO, along with Izumi's rapidly expanding sake exclusives.
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The schedules of a certain prehistoric creature's and my own unfortunately did not align at our shared occupational home base, yet both of our lifestyles demanded physical activity. Off to Movati we wended, for Mississauga's newest, all-inclusive facility was quick to offer trial passes in persuasion of membership transactions.
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Beyond the automatic gates on the lower level - because turnstiles are an element of the past - was a child care area, the men's changeroom, the Small Group Training-focused FUEL studio, and a women-only area, which not only housed shower stalls and lockers, but a group class studio and separate training area.
The upper level featured weights and training equipment, for both genders, and two more studios: one for co-ed classes and the other seemingly exclusive for elite training. Office desks with computers were occasionally spotted throughout the space as well, likely positioned as such for the immediate conversion of potential members.
The upper level featured weights and training equipment, for both genders, and two more studios: one for co-ed classes and the other seemingly exclusive for elite training. Office desks with computers were occasionally spotted throughout the space as well, likely positioned as such for the immediate conversion of potential members.
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With intentions to enroll in the 20-20-20 and the limited-space Anti-Gravity class that followed suite, we arrived in time to enroll in the latter and obtain a wristband. Demand for the class was high, as visitors of their website would learn, thus the suggestion from one of the staff members was to arrive one hour prior.
20-20-20 was a compact yet solid series of aerobic step exercise, elevated if desired, then strength training employing weights, and lastly core conditioning.
Anti-Gravity, oftentimes referred to as Aerial Yoga, was conducted with flowy fabric hammocks. More of a recuperative healing activity than form of toning, the class consisted of gentle swings, "flying" and "nesting" positions, and the infamous inversion (which I was heavily unfond of). The session started late due to a trio of misinformed attendees, but finished promptly on time.
20-20-20 was a compact yet solid series of aerobic step exercise, elevated if desired, then strength training employing weights, and lastly core conditioning.
Anti-Gravity, oftentimes referred to as Aerial Yoga, was conducted with flowy fabric hammocks. More of a recuperative healing activity than form of toning, the class consisted of gentle swings, "flying" and "nesting" positions, and the infamous inversion (which I was heavily unfond of). The session started late due to a trio of misinformed attendees, but finished promptly on time.
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Neither of us had expected to be granted a three-day pass, and given the friendliness of the crew and ease of check-in, I suggested taking advantage of another day. For starters, Zumba would be taking place; secondly, movement of the body is generally effective in alleviating work-induced stress. Moreover, there was a coupon that needed using.
Consistent with the previous day, the Co-Ed class commenced and ended precisely as scheduled, allowing the next class to enter the premises and settle in within the provided transition time. The instructor was upbeat, and the moves creative and of an intermediate difficulty level. Majority of the playlist placed heavy emphasis on salsa tracks, leaving pop remixes for the warm-up and cool down segments. (And, for reference, the ankle was confirmed to be tense but not sprained.)
By the 7:30 PM mark, we had grown ravenous and promptly sped over to Paramount. We confirmed a minimal wait time at our time of entry, however cashier processing speeds had slowed to a halt as we joined the lineup.
Eventually, an order of Chicken & Beef Shawarma was placed, in which Paramount rice/french fries were replaced with Fattoush Salad at an additional cost of $2.99. It was at this moment that we learned the Erin Mills outpost did not fall within one of the "participating locations", therefore voiding the voucher's promotion.
Eventually, an order of Chicken & Beef Shawarma was placed, in which Paramount rice/french fries were replaced with Fattoush Salad at an additional cost of $2.99. It was at this moment that we learned the Erin Mills outpost did not fall within one of the "participating locations", therefore voiding the voucher's promotion.
Albeit disappointed, we remained in the restaurant and awaited the arrival of sustenance. Puffed naan bread were served along the interim to curb tremors. The variation was comprised of white flour, lending a dry, starchy taste in the absence of condiments.
Thankfully, our order was compiled with swiftness. Adorning our platter of charred, supple meat were two white sauces at opposite ends of the consistency spectrum: a runny garlic and a very viscous tahini. Underneath was a soft round of naan; pickled radish and sliced red onions accompanied the medley.
Thankfully, our order was compiled with swiftness. Adorning our platter of charred, supple meat were two white sauces at opposite ends of the consistency spectrum: a runny garlic and a very viscous tahini. Underneath was a soft round of naan; pickled radish and sliced red onions accompanied the medley.
Fattoush salad also proved to be a tasty blend fusing the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, satisfying crunch of pita chips, and acidity of finely-diced tomatoes. And while normally a hater of dressing, hunger prevailed and the olive oil-based formula was downed without a shred of hesitation.
Come the next day, more office treats lined the communal table. Free mini donuts from Mos Mos - er bloomer's - were also being distributed.were also being distributed.
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Once comprising of Rosewater Pistachio, Cinnamon Sugar, and Chocolate Glazed, the selection dwindled over the course of the morning, leaving only a mediocre sample of the vegan confectionery at our time of visit. Alas, it was complimentary.
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Balmy, above-seasonal conditions warranted yet another lunchtime stroll - this time in the Great Outdoors.
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Final pre-vacay visuals could be summarized by DJ Rice Man progress photos (aka the speediest and most budget fanboard crafted to date) and Uncle Tetsu's Thursday-limited Chocolate Cheesecake.
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Next stop: BC!
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