And you know what that means!!
...
APPLE BUTTER!!!!
I bought my first jar of apple butter from the farmers' market yesterday. Mmm. : ] Happy place.
So, I woke up early this morning and made muffins so I could slather them with delicious apple goodness. Complete with coffee, it was the great start to my morning. It fueled me for my test and put me in a great mood for the day.
Today should be just splendid. After class I'm going to take advantage of the 25% off bulk items sale at Earth Fare in addition to my 5% student discount. I need to get some oatmeal, beans, nuts, and such. Then I get to pick up my CSA veggies from the UT Gardens farmers' market. I'll probably make some eggplant and rice stir fry for dinner just because it's easy, delicious and I have lots of Japanese eggplant left from my CSA.
I've been thinking of a wish list since the holidays are coming up and of course I can only think of cookbooks that I want!! Haha. I feel like I'm missing out on a bit of vegan culture since I don't own Veganomicon. But I was also reading a review of Super Immunity the other day by the same author of Eat to Live. These books sound great to me, being a health food vegan and all.
Speaking of health food.. I noticed one of my friends and fellow nutrition majors wearing five colored bracelets the other day. They were red, yellow, green, orange, and blue. She wore all five on once wrist at the start of the day and said she moves one to the other wrist each time she eats a serving of fruit or vegetables. I thought that was genius. Its a very good reminder. I don't really like to eat a lot of fruit but I would love to implement the idea to remind me to get different colored veggies and to do other things that I want to get into the habit of doing daily, like stretching before bed and various exercises.
I think I may go buy some colored rubber bands and try that method out for a while. I'll let you know how it works for me. It's kind of like tying strings to your fingers as a reminder.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Feeling Foodie
It has been a while since I've posted. I would apologize but I can honestly say I'm not sorry about anything that has happened this past few weeks. I've been having a great time and can't believe that I just am happier with my life each and every day.
I have been cooking a lot more now that I am not working quite so much and I don't have to just cook for myself anymore. Making food is so much more rewarding when you get to share it with someone, especially when it's a healthy meal.
I've been trying to make new things and also bringing out some of my favorite recipes to share with Ben. Last week I made my favorite dish, Spicy Almond Stir Fry, which is now Ben's favorite dish. Even though the recipe is not mine, it still makes me glad to hear Ben say it's the best thing he's ever tasted. We also made a sweet potato lentil soup last Friday with a bunch of veggies all that had been harvested no more than a week prior. The best part about it may definitely have been the fresh celery that I bought that day from the farmers' market. It was a beautiful dark green and had the best aroma I've ever experienced from a vegetable. It was so disappointing when I had to buy celery from the grocery store yesterday, even though it is organic and still really good. It just doesn't compare.
Last week I got a HUGE butternut squash in my CSA box. Actually, it was so big that it was halved. So, yesterday I roasted that with some of the many yams that I have and made a Yam and Squash Curry soup from The Everyday Vegan. I paired it with wild rice and enjoyed the punch of nutrition it gave me. I'm not sure if you've ever noticed how much heat squash and sweet potatoes hold but I splashed some of my soup onto my wrist and I think I may have a 2nd degree burn from it. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but it was definitely painful.
I really was into the cooking mood yesterday and made some Apple-Hemp Muffins after work. I have been meaning to make muffins for a long time because it has been such a struggle for me to wake up in time to make oatmeal for breakfast so I've been skipping breakfast (my nutritionist side yells at me every time I do). So I finally got some healthy muffins made so I have something to grab and take with me in the mornings.
Tonight is going to be another Stir Fry night but it will be Broccoli and Cashew Stir Fry. I have some gorgeous broccoli from my CSA and some peppers, also. It's so nice to have a boyfriend that is so excited about all of the vegan food I make. I've never met an omni that voluntarily eats so many vegan meals (he eats tofu more than I do!).
I'm also going to cook up some Chipotle Two-Bean Hummus tonight to spread on some AWESOME bread I bought yesterday from the farmers' market. I have some tomatoes and greens that I need to just plop on a sandwich so they don't go bad first.
I have a bunch of eggplant still so I think tomorrow will be a day for some of that spicy eggplant dish that I make. It's really simple but I do love it. And Japanese eggplant is absolutely delish.
I'm so glad to be able to cook more these days. I was really missing being in my kitchen and having freshly prepared meals to eat. I love the pizza and sandwiches Ben makes me at Mellow but some local, fresh veggie meals just can't be topped.
: ]
On a non-food note, today is going to be awesome with some Disney movies, wine night with the girls, seeing a show downtown, and picking up my new bag that I bought. Also, I'm pumped to see my daddy even though my mommy won't be home and I can't see her until Friday night.
All in all.. my life is stupendous, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Well, off to do some homework so I can have a carefree evening when I'm done with classes today.
Enjoy the cool, rainy day. : ]
I have been cooking a lot more now that I am not working quite so much and I don't have to just cook for myself anymore. Making food is so much more rewarding when you get to share it with someone, especially when it's a healthy meal.
I've been trying to make new things and also bringing out some of my favorite recipes to share with Ben. Last week I made my favorite dish, Spicy Almond Stir Fry, which is now Ben's favorite dish. Even though the recipe is not mine, it still makes me glad to hear Ben say it's the best thing he's ever tasted. We also made a sweet potato lentil soup last Friday with a bunch of veggies all that had been harvested no more than a week prior. The best part about it may definitely have been the fresh celery that I bought that day from the farmers' market. It was a beautiful dark green and had the best aroma I've ever experienced from a vegetable. It was so disappointing when I had to buy celery from the grocery store yesterday, even though it is organic and still really good. It just doesn't compare.
Last week I got a HUGE butternut squash in my CSA box. Actually, it was so big that it was halved. So, yesterday I roasted that with some of the many yams that I have and made a Yam and Squash Curry soup from The Everyday Vegan. I paired it with wild rice and enjoyed the punch of nutrition it gave me. I'm not sure if you've ever noticed how much heat squash and sweet potatoes hold but I splashed some of my soup onto my wrist and I think I may have a 2nd degree burn from it. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but it was definitely painful.
I really was into the cooking mood yesterday and made some Apple-Hemp Muffins after work. I have been meaning to make muffins for a long time because it has been such a struggle for me to wake up in time to make oatmeal for breakfast so I've been skipping breakfast (my nutritionist side yells at me every time I do). So I finally got some healthy muffins made so I have something to grab and take with me in the mornings.
Tonight is going to be another Stir Fry night but it will be Broccoli and Cashew Stir Fry. I have some gorgeous broccoli from my CSA and some peppers, also. It's so nice to have a boyfriend that is so excited about all of the vegan food I make. I've never met an omni that voluntarily eats so many vegan meals (he eats tofu more than I do!).
I'm also going to cook up some Chipotle Two-Bean Hummus tonight to spread on some AWESOME bread I bought yesterday from the farmers' market. I have some tomatoes and greens that I need to just plop on a sandwich so they don't go bad first.
I have a bunch of eggplant still so I think tomorrow will be a day for some of that spicy eggplant dish that I make. It's really simple but I do love it. And Japanese eggplant is absolutely delish.
I'm so glad to be able to cook more these days. I was really missing being in my kitchen and having freshly prepared meals to eat. I love the pizza and sandwiches Ben makes me at Mellow but some local, fresh veggie meals just can't be topped.
: ]
On a non-food note, today is going to be awesome with some Disney movies, wine night with the girls, seeing a show downtown, and picking up my new bag that I bought. Also, I'm pumped to see my daddy even though my mommy won't be home and I can't see her until Friday night.
All in all.. my life is stupendous, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Well, off to do some homework so I can have a carefree evening when I'm done with classes today.
Enjoy the cool, rainy day. : ]
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Back Down to Earth
I've been floating in the clouds lately. I've been having a great time and enjoying my life so much the past couple weeks. However, it's time to get back to my school work and such before I get into a big whole. I've been pretty unmotivated to study for the past week or two and after being out of practice of studying, my focus has been slacking hard core.
But, tonight I got the motivation that I needed to bring me back to center and remind me that I'm striving toward a goal, one that is noble and will help other people.
One of my co-workers came up to me and asked if I would like to buy a soy candle to help her and her sister raise money to pay for her mom's funeral, who is sick with cancer. She was given 3 months to live and has only about a month remaining from that prediction. Hearing her ask for help burying her mom really made my heart ache. I plan to buy a few candles and help her raise money, but I also gave her the we site for the Gerson Institute and told her that she really needs to look up their treatment. Hopefully people will be helping to pay for funding for her mother becoming well, rather than for her funeral.
I have been thinking a lot about how I want to approach my entry into med school. I've been considering waiting until later than April to take the MCAT like I had planned and then perhaps getting a job and some experience in the medical field before applying to help with gaining acceptance. I would really love to intern or something at the Gerson Institute or in some treatment facility. I could find a Gerson satellite to intern at. I have also thought about going ahead and getting my RD so I have another credential to help pad my application. I just really want to do this right. I want to take the MCAT when I'm ready for it. I want to apply to med school feeling as confident as possible. And I want to get some extra real world experience before I'm again stuck with my nose in a book for another four intense years of school.
So, I'm again seriously contemplating important steps in my life that will hopefully lead me to where I want to be.
Step one I accomplished tonight: I put in my 2 weeks at the Rush. Regular sleep may be a real part of my life again very soon.
Step two: Get caught up in all of my classes and continue to make good grades on my exams.
Step three: Develop relationships that will help with me gain good references.
Step four: Research to keep my interest sparked and passion fueled.
Fun may be put on hold for little while but I can say, I don't think there are many circumstances that can make me feel less than the happiest girl in the world. : ]
Stay healthy. For more than just yourself.
But, tonight I got the motivation that I needed to bring me back to center and remind me that I'm striving toward a goal, one that is noble and will help other people.
One of my co-workers came up to me and asked if I would like to buy a soy candle to help her and her sister raise money to pay for her mom's funeral, who is sick with cancer. She was given 3 months to live and has only about a month remaining from that prediction. Hearing her ask for help burying her mom really made my heart ache. I plan to buy a few candles and help her raise money, but I also gave her the we site for the Gerson Institute and told her that she really needs to look up their treatment. Hopefully people will be helping to pay for funding for her mother becoming well, rather than for her funeral.
I have been thinking a lot about how I want to approach my entry into med school. I've been considering waiting until later than April to take the MCAT like I had planned and then perhaps getting a job and some experience in the medical field before applying to help with gaining acceptance. I would really love to intern or something at the Gerson Institute or in some treatment facility. I could find a Gerson satellite to intern at. I have also thought about going ahead and getting my RD so I have another credential to help pad my application. I just really want to do this right. I want to take the MCAT when I'm ready for it. I want to apply to med school feeling as confident as possible. And I want to get some extra real world experience before I'm again stuck with my nose in a book for another four intense years of school.
So, I'm again seriously contemplating important steps in my life that will hopefully lead me to where I want to be.
Step one I accomplished tonight: I put in my 2 weeks at the Rush. Regular sleep may be a real part of my life again very soon.
Step two: Get caught up in all of my classes and continue to make good grades on my exams.
Step three: Develop relationships that will help with me gain good references.
Step four: Research to keep my interest sparked and passion fueled.
Fun may be put on hold for little while but I can say, I don't think there are many circumstances that can make me feel less than the happiest girl in the world. : ]
Stay healthy. For more than just yourself.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Birthday Blog
I very well could be the happiest gal in the entire world. : ]
Not only have the last two weeks been extremely wonderful, I couldn't really have asked for a better birthday. Last night started with one of the best presents anyone could give me... a big floppy hat with a bow on it. It was from the new special someone in my life. He's so sweet. <3 Then I got to go out with some new friends, some old friends and my favorite friend of all... my daddy. We had a couple drinks, some laughs, and a good time.
This morning I woke up early and I couldn't have asked for better weather. Brisk, fall morning. Ben and I went to Panera for pumpkin spice lattes and sat out in the sunlight and shared memories of when we were kids. Afterward we went to Victor Ashe park to walk around outside and enjoy nature a bit. I stood inside a tree that was hollowed by a strike of lightning and we saw some squirrels cuddle (promptly followed by unmentionable deeds), and jammed out to Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20 all before noon.
I loved spending the rest of the day with Ben and my family watching the Bears game at a bar I'm legally allowed in now, and then having a margarita with my mom at dinner with the rest of my family. I really missed my sister and her husband being there, but was glad to have the people around me that could be here.
Now I'm just drinking tea and playing on my new MacBook Pro reflecting on my life a little and how blessed and happy I am. I do wish everyone could feel like I do right now. The world would be such a nicer place.
I can honestly say I'm madly in love with my life and can only hope that it continues to improve.
Not only have the last two weeks been extremely wonderful, I couldn't really have asked for a better birthday. Last night started with one of the best presents anyone could give me... a big floppy hat with a bow on it. It was from the new special someone in my life. He's so sweet. <3 Then I got to go out with some new friends, some old friends and my favorite friend of all... my daddy. We had a couple drinks, some laughs, and a good time.
This morning I woke up early and I couldn't have asked for better weather. Brisk, fall morning. Ben and I went to Panera for pumpkin spice lattes and sat out in the sunlight and shared memories of when we were kids. Afterward we went to Victor Ashe park to walk around outside and enjoy nature a bit. I stood inside a tree that was hollowed by a strike of lightning and we saw some squirrels cuddle (promptly followed by unmentionable deeds), and jammed out to Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20 all before noon.
I loved spending the rest of the day with Ben and my family watching the Bears game at a bar I'm legally allowed in now, and then having a margarita with my mom at dinner with the rest of my family. I really missed my sister and her husband being there, but was glad to have the people around me that could be here.
Now I'm just drinking tea and playing on my new MacBook Pro reflecting on my life a little and how blessed and happy I am. I do wish everyone could feel like I do right now. The world would be such a nicer place.
I can honestly say I'm madly in love with my life and can only hope that it continues to improve.
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