It’s Monday once again, but it’s of course a marvelous day still!
Spring Things
March 11, 2013 by
Things I Love…Right Now
March 3, 2013 by
Happy Sunday!
Good morning beautiful people, I hope your weekend is turning into a fabulous one!
What better way to cap off a Sunday than making a little love list. You can never have a bad attitude when you’re listing things you love, no matter how small those things may be.
Clearly, I’m super behind on posting this, since you know Valentine’s was basically a month ago. It’s never too late though…
1. Valentines Candy I Love: Shockingly enough, I’m not in love with Valentine’s related candies, since I feel like most of them are in the form of those candy heart messages and gummies and I really, really dislike both those things. I hate when things are overly chewy, ick. It’s a teeth phobia thing I have.
Mini Moments
January 28, 2013 by
Happy Monday friends!
Hopefully you enjoyed your weekends more than I did. My sore throat finally caught up with me and I ended up feeling awful the entire weekend. You could find me wrapped in a blanket on the couch with a huge cup of tea by my side. Living it up over here.
I was in need of a pick me up, so I went straight for a cookie. Well not quite a real cookie, but it was 7 AM so you can’t blame me for having a breakfast cookie (applesauce instead of banana) instead. It’s safe to say I’m obsessed with these now. [Read more...]
Recipe Updates and Happenings
January 7, 2013 by
Good Monday morning friends!
Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was pretty darn good.
Right now, I’m sitting here with a big cup of coffee, a comfy blanket, and planning to get a few errands done after this post gets finished.
This weekend consisted of lots of friend time, little sleep (what’s new), and some celebrating.
I also, finally returned to my workouts. I missed them too much. I found it really hard to go the whole week resting, but I do feel a lot better now. It still sucked mentally though.
We got a spin bike, so it has been nice to have that option at home now too! Especially because the bikes are the same we use in class, so it works out nicely.
For now, I’m still eliminating HIIT from my routine, so pilates has been my saving grace.
I also ate some very delicious food this weekend.
It’s really surprised me how great I’m doing with eliminating all dairy and eggs from my diet. I thought the eggs would be nearly impossible since they were such a staple, but honestly it hasn’t been that bad.
The first few days were the worst, but now since I’m feeling noticeably better I’m so happy with how things are working out!
Some eats from the weekend…
Roasted kabocha squash.
This addiction is still going strong.
When kabocha goes out of season, I will be very sad. Even though, I’m pretty sure you can get it year round around here…at least that was the case last year.
Let’s hope it continues this way. Especially because it’s the best squash…I think I may even like it better than pumpkin.
That’s saying a lot.
I also ate lots of vegan pumpkin fudge.
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (slightly melted)
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (liquid)
- about 10 drops liquid stevia
- 1/4 cup pumpkin.
Mixed together and thrown in the fridge for about 2 hours, or quickly freeze it for 10-20 minutes.
Yum, it makes the perfect snack.
I’ve been experimenting with some more single serving recipes made (obviously) without dairy and eggs. I’ve had mixed results. Some have turned out miserably…I should say they really just didn’t turn out at all. A few have tasted really good, but still need to look more appealing. Those should happen shortly!
It’s a bit tough to be baking with all vegan ingredients, especially because I can’t work with flaxseeds either. I’m slowly figuring it out though!
It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually posted a recipe, I swear it will happen soon.
*****
I can’t forget about my veggies…
Roasted vegetables, tempeh, with a vegan cheese sauce.
I’ve been making my usual vegan cheese sauce, but can no longer use the same ingredients because of the intolerances I’m facing now.
I simply switched the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter and am happy to report, it’s just as delicious!
I always forget about my sunflower seed butter. I’m not a huge fan of the taste by itself, but mixed into a sauce like this is simply awesome.
*****
Here are some pictures from a few weekends back over the holidays.
{ Grandma, Me, Sister }
I always forget about my digital camera since I use my iphone so often, and I finally remembered to upload them.
Oops.
{ Me, Aunt, Sister }
Since we only manage to see our whole family maybe once or twice per year, it’s nice to have these photos to look back at and remember.
I miss the family already.
Yes, we have a very small family.
{ The four of us – Mom, Sister, Me, Step-Dad }
We finally took the Christmas tree down this weekend, which was kind of sad, but necessary.
Now, it’s time to bring on the next season and work on making the present moments awesome.
Are there any particular recipes you’d like me to create? I’m down for any challenge.
What did you do this weekend?
What’s your all time favorite vegetable?
Hope you are all having a marvelous Monday!
Let’s make this week a great one!
Confessions
January 4, 2013 by
Happy Friday all! The weekend is finally here.
Actually, the week went by pretty fast, so I kind of can’t believe it’s already Friday.
This week has left me filled inspired and full of some new ideas.
It’s been rainy here and it has allowed me to reflect first thing in the morning. Let’s start this weeks confessions.
1. One of my new favorite snacks is cauliflower bites and kale chips.
Oh gosh, I’m officially obsessed with these little nuggets.
They are a perfect little crunch in the afternoon.
2. I think I’ve officially had my last holiday cup of the year.
Sad face.
They just look so sad without their red hue.
3.
This happens to me 98% of the time.
I always just hope people aren’t listening and I can awkwardly stop halfway through my story.
4. I’ve seen this floating around the past week or so (forget from where, sorry) and wanted to share it, simply because it’s awesome.
How true are all those?
I’m definitely putting these into practice.
5. One more reason to celebrate the New Year with a drink or two….this really awesome noise maker that only works after you’ve been drinking.
That’s just weird.
I don’t understand some inventions now-a-days.
6. Oh wait, another reason….apparently partying on New Year’s can make you live longer.
I swear everything can either claim to kill you or make you live longer.
It’s like they decide to switch things up every week., just to keep us on our toes and fear another thing.
7. I’m still candle obsessed.
It kind of makes me think of the holidays, I can’t help but miss them now.
What’s one of your confessions this week?
Happy Friday, have an awesome day!
What I Ate Wednesday
December 25, 2012 by
Good morning everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic day celebrated with lots of loved ones!
I know I sure did.
It’s time for another addition of what I ate Wednesday. Christmas style.
This will probably be short and sweet, since I have festivities to return to!
This morning, my Sister woke me up around 5:30 to open stockings. Oh vey, you would think as we got older we could sleep in just a little;) Maybe next year?
We took our leisurely time getting ready, and I had some breakfast.
Breakfast -
I finally made Ashley’s Pumpkin Banana Buckwheat Bake.
Oh man, SO good!
I’m sorry for the truly horrid photo. Winter sucks for lighting! I need to improve this problem…where do you take pictures during the Winter?
P.S. Why have I not tried this bake sooner?!
I made a few adaptations; using a chia egg, omitting the flax egg/egg, the added buckwheat groat, chopped almonds so instead I added 1 tablespoon hemp protein powder. I later topped it with peanut flour frosting. Awesome.
After some coffee we headed straight for the presents. Let’s say I was pretty darn spoiled this year.
Afterward, I was just exhausted. 4 hours sleep on Saturday, 2 hours sleep Sunday, plus 4 hours Monday night = a very tired person. I was going to say a tired Lisa, but I hate third person talk. Anyways, I was feeling good until yesterday when I overcame the over tired feelings and felt downright exhausted.
After opening gifts, we prepared for Lunch. Or, I did at least. My family still hadn’t had breakfast.
Lunch -
I made my favorite roasted kabocha with a shot glass filled with coconut butter! An old favorite.
Back to the sleeplessness, I figure since the holidays are only once per year! I can survive another week of pure crazy.
I almost feel lack of “sleep drunk”? Does anyone else get that? Ha.
With that all being said, since my body is clearly in a state of “stress”, I will be taking the next week off of exercise.
I know it will do my body good to take a simple week of resting. Easier said than done, but I think I deserve a little break.
Enter in more yoga, walking, stretching and pilates.
We figured Dinner would be a little late this evening, so I broke into a quick snack to eat before the main event.
Snack -
I made my delicious (deconstructed) pumpkin fudge recipe, but used almond butter and omitted the protein powder, since I can add raw cacoa back into my diet! Yay!
After, we mingled with family and friends for a while before the final feast arrived before us.
I didn’t take any photos, but I just had some turkey, brussels sprouts and my Mom made some delicious parsnip, turnip and carrot fries made with coconut oil.
It was a delicious meal.
Now, I’m sipping on some tea before I break into another snack and get myself bed at a decent hour!
There’s no denying that this Christmas was simply awesome! I love my family so much.
I’ll be back tomorrow with an update on that news I was talking about on Monday! Maybe a vlog? Or I can do a written and vlog, since I have a lot to say.
What’s your favorite holiday meal?
What do you do when you can’t sleep?
Any of my Canadian friends going Boxing Day shopping?
Beliefs and Blog Challenge
December 11, 2012 by
We have a lot of thoughts that come to us throughout our day.
Did you know we have the ultimate power over those thoughts?
As people, we have the decision to determine if we will listen to that negative or positive thought.
Just because we perceive something to be true about ourselves, doesn’t mean we have to believe it.
* favorite oat bran and banana breakfast; oat bran, 1/2 banana, chia seeds, flax seed, egg whites, blueberries and cashew butter *
Instead of accepting everything that you think is true, how about examining those thoughts further.
They may seem true to you because you’ve been programmed to thinking a certain way for so long, but is this thought helping you or harming you?
You have the power to chose which thoughts you will rid yourself of, and which thoughts you believe and accept.
Really think deeply on these. Is this thought/belief empowering you? Does it make you feel bad about yourself?
* typical car picture with my coffee while my Mom got gas, it’s fun when other people look at you odd *
If any of your beliefs are in fact making you feel not worthy as you are right in this moment, accept that and let that thought go.
You deserve to treat yourself better! Your thoughts do not define you, but how you chose to handle them is another story.
When we believe negative things, we attract negative situations and people. I don’t know about you, but if I see someone who’s a negative Nancy, I’m not going to want to be around them.
Ultimately, once we change our beliefs into positive ones, we will attract people who will better our lives.
Our minds truly are powerful. Naturally, we will continue to attract people who support our beliefs.
Be aware of your thoughts. If they happen to be negative, replace them with thoughts that empower you instead of hinder you!
We have to choice to believe what we think, and change those beliefs to better us!
*******
One more special announcement.
The lovely Rita, who designed my blog, is having an AMAZING 12 month blog improvement program. You can check out all the details here!
Enrolment for the program opens on tomorrow and I highly suggest you take advantage off this awesome challenge.
Since Rita is so amazing, she’s offering you all a coupon code that I’ll have for you on Wednesday! Make sure to check back here for that code.
This program truly sounds incredible, I’d highly suggest signing up.
Plus, Rita is such a gem to work with! She continues to help me with a lot of stuff. It’s slightly embarrassing how many questions I ask her and she’s still absolutely kind and helpful along the way. She really knows her stuff.
Here are some details from Rita’s site.
The Blog Improvement Challenge is a 12 month, online training program that combines powerful offline organization tools with online learning to show you, step-by-step how to create the blog, and audience you’ve always wanted. Every month has a learning section and a task section. You learn the why along with detailed instructions of exactly what to do. There are never more than 6 to-do items a month so you can actually accomplish your blogging goals around your schedule. One topic per month to help you focus on real change while each month builds on the skills you’ve already learned.
Read more about the challenge here. I got to have a sneak peak at the calendar, it’s so detailed and incredible.
As an organization lover, she really has everything planned perfectly!
If you really want to improve your blog, don’t wait! The time is now. I’m so thankful I didn’t postpone giving my blog a makeover and the earlier you know about all of this the better!
Are you going to join the Blog challenge? What do you love about yourself? What’s a powerful, positive thought you believe to be true? Happy Tuesday friends!
Easing Into December
December 3, 2012 by
Good Morning friends! Happy Monday!
I missed posting this weekend and instead enjoyed the weekend off working on some upcoming things, just get ready for better things happening over here:)
Can you even believe December is already here?! Insane. I’ll have my November favorite things post up tomorrow, so stay tuned for that.
I excitedly welcome this Monday, since I have a few plans for this week that I’m quite looking forward to. It’s also fresh start Monday, so leave those troubles in the past and focus on all the positive happening right now!
I started the weekend with one of my favorite fresh juices.
Into the vitamix went spinach, a little kale, cucumber, 1/2 an avocado, a splash of fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, water and 1/2 an apple.
I love apples this time of year, but since finding out I have a mild allergy to them, I’ve had to ease up on my intake.
The only way I seem to be able to tolerate them thus far is blended.
Dinner on Saturday. Ugly, yes. Delicious, yes. Spaghetti squash, and roasted broccoli slaw in my vegan cheese sauce.
It’s so easy to make and fantastic for a vegan meal option.
Vegan Cheese Sauce (one serving)
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons cashew butter
- 1.5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- a little pinch of paprika
- 1 tablespoon water
First, combine the coconut oil, cashew butter and water in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds (until slightly melted). Next, combine the rest of the ingredients until a thick sauce is formed. Once your vegetables are done cooking, add them into the finished sauce.
How cute is my cat?
I found her huddled up in a random blanket on the floor. I heart her.
*******
In honour of cleansing my mind from negativity, I happily got my meditation on. As much as I don’t always have the motivation to meditate when I’m in that headspace, I come out feeling a bazillion times better. For real.
I was feeling very anxious about some upcoming things; instead of sitting in that negativity, I connected with my inner self, slowed my mind, relaxed and flowed in the positive energy for the rest of the day!
Just like my beautiful friend Heather would say, “stop, drop and meditate.” Love that girl to pieces.
* this has nothing to do with meditation, I’m just trying to fill the picture-less void *
The whole idea of meditation can be intimidating if you haven’t practiced before, but I promise it gets better everytime you engage with your authentic self.
I mean, let’s face it the holidays can be stressful, so it really is the perfect time to introduce some yoga or meditation into your lifestyle!
Speaking of Christmas time, we finally finished decorating around the house.
Now we just have the outside to decorate.
I also posed with my Starbucks coffee cup in front of the tree, because we all know I’m really awesome. And obsessed with Starbucks.
Maybe I need some sort of coffee intervention. And yikes, I need my roots done.
My sister wouldn’t be in the photo with me, because she’s too cool for that.
On Sunday, after easing into December with decorations and a bit of holiday baking (stay tuned for more on that). I let myself get totally emerged in the holiday spirit by watching my all time favorite Christmas movie, Elf.
Let’s be honest, anything with Will Ferrell is instantly hilarious. I swear even just seeing his face makes me laugh because he is just so darn funny.
You better bet I’ll be watching this movie more than once before Christmas.
*******
On another tangent, for Christmas I really want to ask for a better camera. You know, so I can stop using my i-phone/digital camera. And so that my picture quality can improve, plus you can enjoy my blog and pictures more this way!
Does anyone have any good camera recommendations? Also be in mind I’m not really camera smart. So a “professional camera” that’s easy enough to use for someone completely camera dumb would be amazing;) Let me know!
What were some happenings about your weekend?
Favorite eats?
Do you practice meditation?
Check out my lovely friend Katie’s blog for more marvelous happenings!
Have a beautiful day!
What I Ate Wednesday
November 28, 2012 by
Why hello there Wednesday, we meet again. Time for the usual foodie fun.
I tried to mix things up more this week, but I’m such a creature of habit I can’t help myself from returning from the old favorites.
My day started off bright and early with a not so new workout, spin class. Even though I go twice a week, I love that each class is different from the last. Intervals are the best.
This morning I realized just how cold it has gotten over here now, ick. I guess that just means I get to load up on coffee and my favorite teas. Fine by me.
I returned from spin starving so breakfast was had as soon as I walked in the door.
Breakfast -
Pumpkin oat bran always tastes amazing in the morning, plus it’s ready as soon as I’m home….so they’re back once again.
Hey, if it works it works.
Since I dropped my bottle of molasses over the weekend, I made my way over to the store bright and early to get there before the crazy later morning crowds arrive. And made sure to stop for coffee as well!
Classic selfie.
It was perfect timing, the store just happened to be dead. I picked up a few necessities and came home to get my baking on.
I also picked up 5 kabocha squash I found at the store. They re-stocked so that was a pretty pleasant surprise.
Yep, I’m cool like that.
I got home and did a little work before breaking into my next meal.
Lunch -
I decided I wanted to make some sort of pizza, but didn’t have any tortillas or crust. Easy enough to fix.
I simply made my own from 2 tablespoons ground flax, 1 tablespoon coconut flour and 1 egg, which I fried up in a smidgen of coconut oil.
Topped with tomato paste, spinach, roasted brussels and goat cheese. Baked in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese was melted.
For last minute making, it was delicious.
Later, I whipped up a snack…
Snack -
Pumpkin coconut frosty. Oh my, I forgot how superbly amazing this snack is.
Even though I was freezing after it was well worth the pain. I realized I have an absurd amount of canned pumpkin and coconut milk, so I had to get to work on using those up.
I had some time to kill, so I quickly met a friend for coffee at Starbucks. Double coffee day don’t mind if I do.
When I got home, I wanted something fast. This meal came together in no time.
Dinner -
Socca, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, broccoli slaw, fresh dill, crushed red pepper and avocado.
I’m socca-obsessed these days.
Clearly, I had a burning issue in the kitchen tonight. Oops. I always forget that I have things on the stove or in the oven and leave them in too long.
This meal was nothing to rave about, but it did the trick.
I’m writing this after dinner, but I already know what I’ll be snacking on later…the usual
Evening Snack -
Protein muffin, coconut cream, and un-pictured peanut flour paste (it was far too ugly to photograph).
Now, to catch up on Dexter from Sunday with a cup of one of my new favorites; cocomint tea.
What are some weird food combos you love?
What’s your favorite tea?
Enjoy your Wednesday!
Weekend Festivities
November 26, 2012 by
Morning all! Welcome to a fresh start to a brand new week.
This is why Monday’s rock!
They are always a day to reflect on the past week and make adjustments to how you want to live life this week.
Let go of last weeks thoughts, accept those anxieties you had and allow this week to be full of compassion, joy and positivity!
How did everyone enjoy their weekend? This weekend was kept pretty low key, since I’ve been busier the past few and wanted to take in a little more relaxation.
Mine included:
Fresh Eats
Roasted veggies, chicken, goat cheese, a “cheese” sauce made with coconut oil, nutritional yeast and cashew butter and a side of simple homemade ketchup (just 2 tablespoons tomato paste and a little bit of stevia)
Wonderful Workouts
On Saturday I just did a little circuit workout that I repeated a total of 3 times for a nice arm burner (I used 12-15 pound weights).
Round 1:
- 15 bicep curls
- 1 minute jump squats
- 15 hammer curls
- 30 seconds jump squats
- 15 bicep burners (pulsing curls)
Round 2:
- 15 x tricep extensions
- 1 minute jump rope
- 15 x tricep dips
- 30 seconds jump rope
- 12-15 x tricep push-ups
Round 3:
- 15 x skull crushers
- 1 minute high knees
- 15 x bent over rows
- 30 seconds high knees
- 10 x plank rows (each arm)
Finished with 20 burpees. And my arms fell off in pain.
Coffee Love
On my way to enjoy Starbucks with my sister. We usually always head to Starbucks together on the weekends.
Tasty Treats were enjoyed too!
More pumpkin fudge.
I’m seriously obsessed with this stuff!
So yummy.
More pumpkin bread.
This time I un-veganized it and replaced 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/2 cup egg whites.
I dropped my new bottle of molasses on the ground (sad times), so didn’t get the chance to make gingerbread. Instead, I resorted to more pumpkin bread.
Like I need more pumpkin in my life.
The slices were nice and thick and the bread is super hearty, which I adore.
Cozy Tea
Holiday teas were a necessity, especially while listening to Christmas tunes and decorating the tree! Plus it was super cold outside, so it’s always better to be inside with the fire blaring and hot tea in your hands.
Decorating
Check out this sexy Santa.
How could you not want him to come up into your house and deliver you presents every year?;)
I think Santa needs a little help in the fake tanning department.
Not a good look buddy, didn’t anyone tell him that orange is not a great look.
We also listened to some old school N’Sync. Not going to pretend that I hated it.
They had some good Christmas tunes, please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks so?
Check out more marvelous happenings on the lovely Katie’s blog today!
What were some fun things about your weekend?
Did anyone get into the holiday spirit like me?
Enjoy this beautiful Monday!
