A is for Avocado

Let me be clear- I am certainly not the poster child for healthy eating and am, in no way, an expert in nutrition.  I am, however, a lover of food and have developed an incredible passion for it.  I haven't been this way my whole life.  I've always appreciated good tasting good and grew up eating a homemade meal at the dinner table every single night (with a glass of milk).  This was a good example for me but any culinary interest I had was squashed the second I moved into residence at university.  I joined the masses who would march up the hill to the dining hall for meals and back down the hill for class.  Once I moved off campus, I lived with four roommates (all boys) and the kitchen was always a mess.  I opted for wing nights and all-you-can-eat-spaghetti whenever possible.

Once I graduated university, and until I was 30, I was spoiled rotten with a job that involved travel at least 4 months out of the year.  While "on the road", I was forced to eat three meals a day in restaurants which was great... for a while.  I was able to experience some incredible (and not so incredible) cuisine from all over Canada and the Caribbean.  I've sat in every booth at the Canso Causeway Irving Big Stop and I've ate the freshest fish-of-the-day with just-picked-mango salsa at Just Grillin' in Barbados.  I've sipped PEI moonshine and enjoyed ice cold Sands beer at the Canadian Consulate in the Bahamas.  This all sounds super glamorous (unless you've dined at an Irving Big Stop before) but the novelty does wear off and your pants size does increase.  I used to crave things like Kraft Dinner just because I could make it in a real pot and eat it out of my own bowl.  I would make coffee at home just so that I could drink it out of a mug and not a paper cup in my car.

I started to get really interested in cooking a couple of years ago when I simply got bored with what I was eating.  I knew there must be ways to be more creative with food and, although a healthier diet wasn't my initial motivation, I continue to be inspired by the endless ways to prepare and reinvent good quality meals.

Lately I have been obbbbbsessed with avocados.  Like...  obsessed obsessed.

I put that !%*# on everything!  Not only do avocados have tons of health benefits, its versatility has made it a staple in my kitchen.

Here are my three favorite (and fantastically easy) ways to use avocado:

1) As a substitution for mayo.  The avocado is the star of this quick and easy lunch.  I added a tiny bit of mustard and plain yogurt to create a smoother texture and some zip but this was creamy, tangy and no raw egg!

Avocado Egg Salad by: Two Peas and Their Pod

2)  To create different textures.  I love taking a bite and getting a perfect combination of crunch and soft.  I'm a hard taco gal and there is nothing better than hearing the crunch of the shell and some lettuce while being greeted with an ooey gooey inside.  A few pieces of diced up avocado creates a nice creamy texture and yummy taste.  If you don't love the chunks, mush the avocado up with a fork and add in a bit of plain yogurt or sour cream.  It makes a great sauce.

Cut up some avocado for your taco.  It's the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.  

3)  To add gorgeous color and a fresh component.  To make this guacamole, I use nothing but a couple of fresh vegetables and spices.  So easy and so delicious.  It completely elevates the sandwich. 

Guacamole Grilled Cheese.  Inspired by Closet Cooking

 When choosing an avocado in the grocery store, take ripeness into consideration.  If you are planning to cut that baby open as soon as you get home, poke the tip of your nose.  Now stick out your tongue.  Just kidding.  You don't have to stick out your tongue.  Did you though?!  The outside of the avocado should have some give but also some firmness (like when you poke the tip of your nose).  

I hope these ideas inspire you to incorporate something new into your meal plan.

Chris' Final Rose- the least dramatic finale yet!

Well... it's over.  Finito.  Fini.  Chris has handed out his final rose. After that who's-the-next-Bachelorette announcement, it might be the final time I ever watch this stupid show.

I digress...

No one wasted any time getting right in to the action last night.  From the very first scene in the show, Chris was absolutely gushing over Whitney's qualities and how amazing she he.  He then went on to say how slowly things were progressing with Becca and how unsure he was about her feelings for him.

The finale is usually tense and filled with questions and emotion.  The girls get to spend time with the Bachelor's family and this never goes smoothly.  There is always an over-protective mom, a crazy big sister or a brother who wants to show off his gun collection.  Chris brought the girls back to Iowa which provided a major home court advantage for the Soules.  They are friggin' awesome.  Everyone not only adores, but completely trusts, Chris.  They are protective but open and truly want what's best for Chris.

Whitney showed up for her visit with the Soules in the shortest shirt-dress I have every seen.  It was snowing out and the girl had the nerve to come running out of that SUV in sheer tights!  Not even leggings!  She was very  out going and a bit too in-your-face for initially meeting a group of people but, that being said, her ability to be open and sincere is what drew everyone to her.  Watching Whitney interact with Chris' mom and sisters proved that she's a total girl's girl and can really roll with all of the Soules ladies.  She was able to express how much she, not only loves Chris, but longs to be a part of a family again since losing her parents.  Blending in was easy and natural for her.

Becca was at a huge disadvantage since Whitney had already won over the entire Soules family.  They all knew that Chris was in a really different place with Becca and, if those Soule sistas had a few seconds with Chris Harrison, they probably would have arranged the proposal with Whitney themselves.  You really can't compare Becca and Whitney.  Becca brings completely different things to the table.  She has a much calmer presence and puts people at ease by using humour.  She had Chris' mom cracking up.  She's light but also serious.  She's more "simple" than Whitney but I think that's what Chris really liked about her.  She has different sides to her where Whitney is peppy and "on" all the time.  I don't think Whitney is at all fake but Chris saw more range in Becca's personality and got to experience a bit more with her.

Chris' mom was tough on Becca but in a really loving way.  She clearly saw what Chris loved about her but needed to push a bit.  I have mad respect for Becca being, perhaps the only girl in Bachelor history, so true to herself and not falling victim to Bachelor Fever.  So many times, we've seen guys and girls get caught up in the glitz and glam and not be completely sure.  Brooks got completely raked over the coals for leaving Des' season but thank goodness for Andi setting a new standard for the ladies when she dumped Juan Pablo (on his season!) but let's be serious...

Becca was so honest despite the pressure she must have been feeling from all directions.  She's one strong chica and I love that she kept it real all season.  She wasn't as open and willing to take a risk as Whitney was but she stayed incredibly strong and kept looking out for #1- herself.

When Chris went to visit Becca in her hotel, they sat down for a real talk and Chris asks "Why don't you feel like you're in love with me?"  Ummm...  Maybe because you've been dating 24 girls on a TV show for only a couple of months...  I'm happy for Whitney that she's all in and will up and move and get married and have babies but, you can't blame Becca for questioning what she would even do in Arlington.  I'm a firm believer that you have to be really solid with yourself before you can be solid in a relationship.  It bothers me that Chris kept alluding to the fact that, if Becca doesn't fall in love with him, he'll have to pick Whitney.  If he wants to be with Becca and is falling for her, he shouldn't have to default to another girl.

Chris brought Whitney to the farm and let her see a real day in the life.  He's obviously an incredibly passionate guy but, as much pride as he has in what he does, there is still a lot of insecurity around his lifestyle.  He seemed really nervous to show Whitney his house even though it's a great pad!  Sure- it needs a bit of a woman's touch but it's a promising starting point.  When I met my husband, his dining room table had one purpose- beer pong.  The more time Whitney spent with Chris, the more sure she was that she wants this.  She admitted she's scared and doesn't know exactly what she's getting herself into but, unlike Becca, she's willing to give it a shot and take the risk with an open heart.

It came time for the big day and Becca and Whitney got summoned to the Soules family barn where Chris "raised his very first pig".  Touching.  The barn was actually unreal gorgeous with chandeliers, stained glass windows and candles (fire hazard much?!).

Becca's outfit was total foreshadowing for how things would turn out for her- horrible.  What was that, velour!?  Who wore it best?!  P-Diddy or Becca?  

I know that pickings are probably slim at the consignment shop in Arlington but come on...  Becca is drop-dead gorgeous (did you see her at after the final rose?!) and that dress did nothing for her.  Anywhoo...  That was probably one of the most shocking break-ups in Bachelor history simply because, although sad, Becca seemed relieved.  She clearly felt very strongly for Chris and things probably would have worked out for them but they just ran out of time.  Becca wasn't willing to "go there" so quickly and I think she was ready for the whole thing to be over one way or the other.  No running make up, no ugly crying, not even a "Why doesn't he love me?!".  All class, Becca.

As Whitney pulled up to the barn, she gasped "Holy cow".  I will stifle my commentary...  She was shaking like a leaf with nerves.  Once she and Chris were together she couldn't shut up and wouldn't let the poor guy get a word in.  She's probably gotten used to him "not being allowed" to tell her his feelings but, what Whitney doesn't know, is he's actually just incredibly inarticulate and out of touch with his feelings.  I didn't foresee a ring box coming out of Chris' pocket.  I thought Whitney would get the rose but he would ask her to give him some more time.  What do I know though?!

Chris really couldn't lose with either one of these girls.  Becca was a bigger risk but perhaps a greater reward as well?  

After the Final Rose was tame and without tears.  I would comment on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette but I can't even go there yet.  Britt!?  What?!  Really?!  Two Bachelorettes and the guys get to pick who they want to date??  Um...  nope.  I may, legit, never watch again.  So brutal.

What are your thoughts on Chris and Whitney as well as on the new Bachelorette spin?  Leave your comments below and don't forget to "Like" Midtown Diaries' Facebook page to stay up to date on all the news!  

Women Tell... each other off... And other thoughts on The Bachelor

My sincere apologies for being completely M.I.A lately.  I've been so caught up in things going on at home and at work and Justin Bieber's birthday falling on a Sunday this year really threw me off.

Luckily, I snapped out of my birthday cake induced coma just in time to spend an evening with 20 or so of my closest eliminated Bachelor contestants.

I always get a good laugh out of the "Crash the party" segments where Chris Harrison (swoon) and the Bachelor show up at viewing parties.  I know there must be some sort of pre-plan and the parties know that production or someone is showing up but it is legit hilar.  I don't even care who the Bachelor is.  If Chris Harrison came to my house any day, I'd die.  I've been keeping a journal of things I need advice about just in case I meet him one day.  He is the best.  I really want to find the house full of drunk girls at the end of the segment and invite them to my birthday party.  Seriously though... Chris Harrison is amazing.

There is a villain during every season of The Bachelor/ette but there seemed to be a lot of legit hurt feelings and distrust between this group of girls.  Of course, the first gal up in the hot seat was Britt who truly thought Carly was her friend.  The proof?  Britt: "I was sitting on your bed crying!  I put cucumbers on my eyes from my salad!!".  Obviously Britt has never heard of a frenemy.

It's tragic that Britt believes she would still be with Chris if it hadn't been for Carly.  Britt clearly isn't a mean spirited person and I don't think she's trying to be fake.  I do believe that she got a bit wrapped up in the show and in the glamour of it all.  She has a very intense personality and I don't know if Chris would have been able to keep up with her.  Britt was quick to blame production and Carly for tainting her love story.  I think Carly is hilarious and I admire her quick wit.  That being said, she did get busted a few times last night for saying funny but hurtful things about several of the girls.  She may have learned to be more gentle and kind with her humour last night.  

Can I just say one more thing about Chris Harrison?  How adorbs was it when he was sitting on the couch making sure Britt was okay during the commercial break?  There she was crying all over the place and he just sat there and listened.  I mean...

Kelsey, Kelsey, Kelsey...  what is left to say about Kelsey?  One compliment I will give is that girl can rock a jewel tone!  Her new bangs kept falling in her face which drove me friggin' nuts.  If Kelsey was my kid's guidance counsellor, I would find another school district.  Even the tiniest tad of humility could serve her really well.  Kelsey appeared to be a front-runner in the beginning.  She seemed sweet, sincere and did have a touching story about losing her husband at such a young age.  That being said, her "greater than thou" attitude rubbed everyone the wrong way, including Chris.  

Kelsey was sniffling and snuffling through her whole interview but was missing one key ingredient in crying- tears.  When Chris Harrison (yum) asked Kelsey why she thought that girls don't like her, her answer was "I hear they don't like me because I'm condescending and I use big words."  She somehow found a way to be condescending while trying to tell us she's not condescending.  Uggg.  She is clearly misunderstood and, although she was given lots of chances to explain and clear things up, she really just dug herself deeper holes with all of the girls.  Who cares what KardAshley thinks really because she was just as mean, if not more so, to and about Kelsey.  But it's safe to say Kelsey won't be appearing in many Instagram after-party selfies this morning.

We finally get a chance to catch up with Ashley S. and she has gone back on her meds after her health insurance must have run out when she came to L.A.  Holy moly...

There's no denying that Ashley is batshit cray odd but she did show (a bit) more of a "normal" side to her last night.  She told Chris that she found it difficult to take the process seriously with all of the cameras and drama.  She enjoys riding bikes and being silly so it was her natural reaction to block out out of bit of the crazy with... well... crazy!  I think she was really out of her element but also probably messing with us all too.  I will likely tune in to the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise just to see what goes down.  Way to try and boost ratings, ABC!

Being dumped right after hometown visits is the ultimate diss.  If I was Jade, I would go on a rampage with my family being like "What did you say to him?!" "Why did you show him the picture of me with a mullet in grade 5?!" To be fair, the girl with the normal house and lower to middle class family rarely makes it to the fantasy suite.  Vienna was the rare exception in Jake's season.  She lived on a friggin' alligator farm (which later appeared on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians).  There's always a sibling to blame and Jade's brother referring to her as a "wild mustang" was a pink flag if not full out red.  It was just so opposite to what Chris had seen in her personality (or lack thereof).  

People can absolutely grow and change but Jade is 28 and likely in that "been there done that" stage when it comes to partying and posing nude for Playboy...  That being said, Chris probably realized that maybe he didn't know her well at all and he saw a more deep rooted connection with Becca, Kaitlyn and Whitney.

Kaitlyn was the last girl eliminated before the Final Rose ceremony.  She really does seem awesome.  She's smart, funny and has a great spirit.  I didn't love her abrupt style of humour at first but she grew on me as the season went on.  I love her confidence and can see her as the next Bachelorette.  She reminds me of both Andi and Ali.  She's fun-loving and confident, nice but sassy.  I also want her and Jillian Harris to team up on a design show, mostly because they're both from Canada.

Finally, the man of the hour, Chris Soules comes out to face all of the women he's dumped in our living rooms over the past few months.  He was so nervous that his facial muscles were twitching.  He is seriously the worst communicator ever.  I know it's a lot to be confronted by all of these girls with the cameras on your and a live studio audience but this guy makes a French Canadian hockey player sound like Shakespeare!  Chris dodges questions and uses cliche lines that are more offensive than helpful.  When Kaitlyn asked what happened and why she was sent home, he told her, at that point it was like "throwing darts in the dark".  I guess she got the bullseye.  Brutal.  

I don't have high hopes for Chris' relationship with Whitney or Becca.  He is a nice enough guy but he's a bit of a snoozefest and doesn't seem all that tuned in to women's emotional needs.  I was much more of a fan when he was on The Bachelorette.  He's just not willing to move or compromise.  His greatest asset is the dowry of farm animals his parents could offer up.  The women, in this season, are expected to give up so much more than Chris is and, to top it all off, they had to suffer through really shitty trips and dates.  The Badlands- America's Romance Capital.  Come on now...

My best bet is that Chris will pick Whitney in the finale but he should pick Becca.  I don't foresee an engagement as this back-to-Iowa-to-meet-the-Soules will bring out every insecurity Chris has about Arlington and making the right decision.

The Women Tell All ended on a real Dr. Philism as Chris Harrison promoted his new romance novel coming to a bookstore near you in May.  

Looking forward to watching the finale and hearing what you all have to say along the way.  Please leave your predictions below or follow along on Twitter @midtowndiaries.