Lately…

March 18, 2013 by

Happy Monday friends! Hope your week is off to a great start so far!

It feels like I’ve been gone forever, in reality it’s been three days. I also missed by first blog anniversary! I still can’t believe I’ve been blogging for a year now! Stay tuned later this week for a giveaway.

If you saw on twitter, my blog was in commission for most of the weekend, or so I thought. Somehow, I managed to block my own IP address from my website. Not even sure how that’s possible, as I don’t know how to black others. Oh man, this would happen to me…

In honor of a new week, let’s celebrate all the marvelous happenings lately. Monday’s are always a great time to reflect on the past week, rejoice the new things, and make new positive commitments. It’s a great start way to start the week, so let’s get to a few marvelous things.

Green Smoothies

green power smoothie

[Read more...]

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Workouts & Recipes & Miracles, Oh My

February 4, 2013 by

Good Morning! I hope everyone has recovered from their weekends and are welcoming this Monday with open arms. Or maybe just with some Breakfast and a big cup of coffee will do.

This morning I couldn’t believe my eyes when I woke up and saw that it was 7:30. That means I got 9 hours of sleep!!! Honestly, it’s been a few months since that has happened! Splendid.

Obviously, I shared a photo of my morning Breakfast on Saturday, now let’s get to that wonderful recipe, yes.

vegan banana pancake

Vegan Banana Pancake for One [Read more...]

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Comfort Breakfast

February 2, 2013 by

Ah, I woke up this morning in a rather delightful mood. I have some fun plans happening tonight, so that helped to put a smile on my face.

Even though it was rather early to be awake, hi 4:45! It still didn’t stop me from having a good morning.

I immediately stumbled out of bed and made my way to the kitchen for some tea and thoughts for Breakfast. Ever have those mornings where you just have no idea what you want? Everything sounds good. Such a huge life problem.

Eventually, I decided to spice things up a bit and make pancakes! Pancakes are always more fun on the weekends anyways.

banana pancakes

I made a batch of vegan pancakes, with some blog reading on the side. Just perfect for a quiet and cold morning.

I’ll just be teasing you with this recipe until Monday, so stay patient.

Topped with blueberries and almond butter. Makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy inside.

My go to flavors for pancakes are always bananas and cinnamon. I love that the cinnamon and banana heat up together and create a delicious combo. Plus, pancakes are one of the ultimate comfort Breakfast foods for me.

Post Breakfast, I got my workout gear on and pilate-d it out. I did this little number x 3. It’s a keeper.

Pop Pilates

Also, I wanted to jump back to my post yesterday where I said I wanted to make some changes. Some people were wondering what I meant by “just do it”.

Firstly, I want to just commit and sign up to take that pilates teachers training. I always worry about things that could happen instead of just going for it. I’ve also been looking into maybe returning to school or finding another job I like more (since my last one was just….not good, to say the least). It’s a tough decision because I have absolutely no idea in the world what I want to do, and it freaks me out. Such is life.

best of life

I’ll figure it out eventually, sometimes I just wish someone could chose what I’ll do for the rest of my life for me. Wouldn’t that be peachy?

Well, thanks for listening to this random rambling for today. Didn’t mean to really spill those thoughts, but I guess I needed to!

Now, I need to plan the rest of my day. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up baking, running a few errands, cleaning (ick), making a coffee stop, and possibly a nice walk with a friend if the weather permits.

What is your favorite pancake flavor?

What are your comfort foods?

Was it hard for you to choose what you wanted to do for work or in school? 

Have a wonderful Saturday friends!

{33 Comments }

Things I Know For Sure

January 24, 2013 by

I’m on Day Five of waking up before 5 AM. Neat? At least this gives me lots of time in the morning to be productive. Nnothing a good breakfast with a side of caffeine can’t fix. I hate to say I rely on caffeine to stay awake these days, but sometimes it just does.

There are many truths I’ve come across in life. So many so that I can’t share them all in one post. With the new year in full swing comes time for change; to grow wiser, stronger, more intelligent, and get more done.

I’ve compiled a fun list of 15 things I know for sure to be true. Things I’ve recently discovered and things I’ve learnt in the past.

overnight buckwheat2

1. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast is always a great start to the day.

kabocha

2. Good food = good mood.

3. “Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

breakfast cookie

4. Breakfast cookies are highly underrated. It makes no sense how it has a cookie dough like texture, but it works.

starbucks americano

5. A big mug of black coffee (provided by Starbucks) makes the day go much smoother.

6. Choose quality, not quantity (friends, food, wine)

pumpkin gingerbread

7. Baking has become a great way to alleviate stress and is now one of my favorite pastimes.

8. Treat yourself how you’d treat your best friend.

americano

9. A smile is the most flattering accessory you’ll ever wear.

 spin bike

10. Spinning makes my heart happy.

11. Always be kind, even when you’re having a bad day. Just because you’re having a bad day, doesn’t mean you should spread that negativity to others.

{ Tip: Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. It’s a small act, but makes a huge difference in how you perceive the day. Most of the time it’s not our day that is the problem, but our attitude. }

coconut ice cream

12. Coconut is good in any form. Flour, butter, milk, oil, ice cream, lotion…

13. Sometimes not working out is just what the body needs.

almond butter with toast

14. Carbs don’t make you fat.

15. Everybody has a unique story. Have compassion for each person you meet, no judgement necessary.

What are some things you know for sure?

What’s your favorite carb?

Hope you all enjoy this fabulous day!

{46 Comments }

Embrace the Holidays

December 13, 2012 by

Hi friends!

I’m still in disbelief by how fast this month is passing by me. Let the Christmas countdown begin.

Today I feel like it’s officially acceptable to go all out in holiday cheer! It may or may not have to do with the fact that I finally made a Christmas recipe. Coming up soon!

Not only is the holiday season finally upon us, is seems to also be the season of stress. Lots of stress.

Instead of putting my focus into feeling stressed, I’m choosing to embrace the cheer and joy that surrounds me everyday!

coconut flour pancakes* my version of perfect protein pancakes; made with oat bran instead of brown rice flour, topped with a little greek yogurt to spread plus un-pictured cashew butter *

There’s no doubt, that this time of year can be stressful. The past few Christmas’ have been incredibly hard for me. Not only was I so fearful of all the food, parties, alcohol (aka excess calories and weight gain); I was in a horrible place with my recovery and eating issues.

The disorder stole all the joy I used to feel around the holidays and I’m not willing to accept that. In the past, I was anything but cheerful.

When I began to look at the past I felt a little disappointed, but then I stopped myself. I’m not here to live in the past. Feeling this way will only feed my ego, it won’t make me feel better.

grateful mornings* Today was exceptionally chilly. Even though the sun was out, there was a slight nip in the air. It was the perfect holiday-esque morning where I was able to comfortably settle in on the couch, mug in hand, while wishing that big snowflakes would fall down as I looked out the window. *

I’m embracing the positives; I’m healthier than I’ve been in quite a long time. I’m proud of myself.

This year, I’m putting focus into gratitude. My heart is filled with happiness, there are blessing all around us each and everyday.

From my morning coffee to my bedtime tea, there are many little moments in life where beauty surrounds us.

Every morning this December, I’ve committed myself to light some candles, sip my coffee, grab a notebook and list 3 things I’m grateful for.

starbs

* I’ll always be grateful for coffee….always. And I’m embracing the fact that I’m a coffee addict *

Mornings are my favorite time to do this. It’s a fresh and peaceful start to the day, where I’m able to focus on how I want my day to look. Without letting any outside emotions from others make there way into my thoughts.

It sets the tone for how I will approach events and thoughts that may come my way throughout the day.

With Christmas around the corner, some people can get a little selfish (myself included). We may want a lot of things, but we should become aware and grateful of all the many blessings in our lives.

Being grateful and putting focus on all the things we have, instead of the little things we don’t, is a great gift we can give ourselves this year.

*******

Remember Rita’s incredible blog challenge I told you about on Tuesday?

blog improvement challenge

Well, the coupon code is finally here and registration if officially open!

Click this link to receive a nice discount when registering! And have a blast with this program, it’s going to be great! Click here for more details on the challenge if you missed the post!

The coupon is good from December 12 – December 19, until 11:59 (Mountain Time).

Do you tend to get stressed this time of year?

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Would you be willing to make a gratitude list each morning?

Have a beautiful Thursday!

{31 Comments }

Weekend Highlights

November 19, 2012 by

Hello and Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a swell weekend!

It went by far too fast in my opinion.

With all my lovely American friends getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I really feel the holiday spirit picking up and I couldn’t be more excited.

Anyways, here are some things that got me excited this weekend. After a workout, I turned on the stove to make some delicious hot pancakes.

Topped with a little greek yogurt and some almond butter.

Thanks to the recommendation from Laura and the recipe from Heather.

Next time you have pancakes on the menu, make these! So delicious!

Perfect Sunday morning fuel. (This is actually a recycled picture, and not of her pancakes, since quite honestly I was too hungover to picture them. Oops.)

I made more of my favorite chili to fuel my night of movie watching on Friday.

I used butternut squash instead of sweet potato, and I think this version is even better! Yum.

Clearly, you need some fuel before sitting on the couch all night.

Going out with friends on Saturday was an obvious highlight.

It ended up very convenient that my dress had pockets. Perfect for holding my ID.


 We started talking about the whole 2012 debacle. Anyone else totally forgot about it?

I sense a lot of people are going to go slightly berserk in the next few months.

On a less serious note, I think I need to dye my hair again…possibly go a little blonder.

Random note: Did you all know I used to have (basically) black hair before?

Yes, that has certainly changed a lot.

I saw this lovely gem when I was browsing the web, and I really wish we were drinking these pumpkin pie shots.

Instead we went with a less classy drink.

Let’s be honest, these are absolutely adorable and look amazing!

I think…I’m actually not sure what I make of this, I’m guessing it’s something you either love or hate.

But, I’d be down to try.

Parsnip fries have been making an appearance in some of my meals lately as well.

Sorry about the awful iphone picture. Darn you sun for going down at 4 PM.

I cook them the same way I do rutabaga fries.

Just slice them up, toss them in a generous amount of coconut oil, a dash of pink himalayan sea salt and roast them up at 375 for about 40 minutes until crispy.

Perfection.

I basically lived in my gym clothes this weekend.

 It was awesome, but possibly gross at the same time.

I completed a workout at home…per usual and had to photograph my bright pink pants, just because I love them so.

I went to Lululemon last week and saw they had purple ones, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be needing a pair shortly.

Well, I’m off to do some meal prepping for the week!

Do you believe in the ending of the world in 2012?

What was the best thing about your weekend?

Hope you are all having a marvelous Monday!

{51 Comments }

To eat or not to eat…

November 15, 2012 by

Minds are funny things aren’t they?

My body may be begging me for rest, relaxation or food but that doesn’t stop my mind for trying to tell me that I’m in fact not hungry. In an argument of my mind versus my body, it’s rare that my mind will actually win in the end.

Even though time and time again my body proves to be smarter than my mind, it doesn’t stop trying.

It’s full of untruthful thoughts and beliefs to try and overcome my bodies cues.

247049643388850633_190311299

* pancake with protein frosting *

My mind can very well try and pose as an impostar, convince me it’s my body telling me I need less food when in reality, it’s the reverse. As clever as we believe the mind to be, our bodies always know what’s best for us.

I know how these games go. Being worried what my body is telling me because I’m far too concerned with how I look, when really my image is all in my head.

* I love that I can enjoy coconut ice cream now, instead of thinking it will make me get “fat” *

There’s constantly a conflict going on between my mind and body, when they are meant to be connected to each other.

The belief begins in the mind and the body follows through with actions to make us believe those thoughts are true.

My mind has come up with some pretty interesting ideas, some have been destructive to my well-being.

* I hate to remember the times where nut butter was forbidden because of the fat content. Fat doesn’t make you fat. * 

Bad thought: Always make time for fitness, you can sleep when you’re dead.

“Forget about that extra hour sleep, exercise must be completed everyday”.

When I ignore the exhaustion my body is facing, I’m left feeling unmotivated, fatigued, anxious, and ill. My workouts end up being pretty crummy in return. It’s amazing what adequate amount of sleep leave you with; energy, happiness and motivation to complete workouts.

Bad thought: When hunger appears, ignore it or eat vegetables.

When I had hunger pangs, I did everything to not be hungry. Coffee, water, celery, broccoli and carrots. I was a volume eater. Basically, eating a huge amount of vegetables in order to feel “full”, thus avoiding eating.

* Yah, I used to think eating a giant bowl of zucchini was exciting… *

Not only did this usually leave me in horrible pain, I was also plagued with even more fatigue, bloating, and constant thoughts of food. It seemed logical at the time.

“Why would I eat a few almonds when I could eat 3 cups of vegetables instead.”

Eating only vegetables and fruits is NOT healthy. You miss out on so many other nutrients. A body can’t live alone on vegetables and fruits.

We need an adequate amount of healthy fats, clean carbohydrates, high quality protein, and of course, room for indulgence. It’s safe to say my mind could learn a lot from my body.

* I’ll take vegan pumpkin fudge over mountains of broccoli please! *

With each day that I allow myself to be in tune with my body, and allow my body and mind to truly connect, the negative thoughts diminish. Maybe my mind is finally catching up with my body, realizing it won’t come out victorious.

Our bodies will tell us when they are hungry or full, they want us to listen. Learn to listen and trust these cues, not resist them.

*Don’t get me wrong, I still love vegetables and eat them daily, but I dont worry if I consume other food groups and I don’t stress if I’m not eating mass amount of vegetables everyday.

What’s your favorite healthy fat?

Have you ever had trouble listening to your body?

Do you ever have a hard time knowing if you are truly hungry or not?

Hope you all have a great Thursday! The weekend if almost here!

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Saucony Review and Forgiveness

November 5, 2012 by

Happy Monday to you! Hope you enjoyed the weekend!

It was sad to finally take down the decorations from Halloween, but that just means I can put up my Christmas decorations up now, right?

How did everyone adjust to the change in time?

I admit, it was nice to wake up at what I thought was 7, which turned out to be 8. Haven’t woken up to that time in forever!

Since I was sick over the weekend, I didn’t get up to too many exciting things. How unfortunate.

I was able to go for a walk outside this weekend and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery, despite my flu like symptoms.

The wonderful team at Saucony; thanks to a great partnership from Fitfluential, sent me these lovely runners.

The release of these shoes kicks off Saucony’s new Find Your Strong campaign. It is a very motivational one too, it’s about believing in your achievements. I wore them during my walk, and really liked the way they fit my feet.

They were also extremely comfortable, with lots of support and a cushioning feel to them.

I have very flat feet, so I appreciated the support and I like the fact that they aren’t “heavy” running shoes.

The colors are also pretty darn cool as well. They’re super bright, which always makes things more fun.

I’ll update again when they have more wear in them!

Whenever I feel under the weather, I rely on coffee to perk me on up.

Usually people avoid coffee when their ill, but it works for me so I’m sticking to it.

I lit my new candle from Bath and Body Works, sipped my coffee while I sat down to get in some writing. That candles is good stuff, it made the whole room smell like Winter.

How obvious by the name of the candle.

I’m so awesome at describing things.

Pancake Sunday! Sundays always call for pancakes, right?

I made these pancakes with a mix of brown rice flour, egg whites, a bit of pumpkin, cinnamon and baking soda, with protein frosting.

The protein topping is a mixture of a frozen banana (that I melted in the microwave), with vega vanilla protein powder, and a touch of melted coconut oil.

Um, divine!

*******

Each Monday, I’m going to introduce something I would like to improve in myself, and focus on improving throughout the week.

This week I want to work on forgiving myself.

One quality about myself is that I am very forgiving.

I’ve gone through lots of up and downs with friendships and family, but no matter what I believe in second chances. In some cases, I believe in third chances.

However, when it comes to myself, I’m not so forgiving. I am very hard on myself, from appearance, eating, exercising, thoughts, and a lot of other things, and I expect to do the best at all times.

You could say this is a good thing in some ways, but in my case it’s not always. It can hold me back from actually going out and doing things I want to do.

I want so badly to be perfect that I’d just rather not try at all than risk saying I failed. There is so much I’m capable of doing, yet I hold back based on fears I’m holding onto.

It’s time to embrace my flaws, forgive myself for thinking this way, take the qualities I have, and accomplish things I strive to accomplish in life. I’m not letting fear hold me back anymore.

Do you have any goals that you set up for the week?

What is your favorite breakfast on the weekends?

And I also want to ask what YOU would like to see more of here?

Feel free to leave anything you’d like to see; vlogs, certain topics, questions you have for me, anything really.

**Also the winner for the Wild Harvest Giveaway was announced. Check out the original post and see if you’re the lucky winner!

Have a marvelous Monday friends!

{14 Comments }

Happiness

October 25, 2012 by

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” – Mahatma Gandhi

How true is this quote?

Happiness is something I struggled with in the past. I used to feel that I was getting pushed and pulled in so many directions on how I needed to look to be happy with my life and myself.

* Happiness is making perfect pancakes for breakfast in the morning. *

True happiness comes from within.

Instead of putting the focus into everything I’m not able to do, I now appreciate all that I’m able to do.

I don’t eat healthy to look like a celebrity, I don’t exercise hard to look like someone else. I do these things to benefit my body and mind.

Focusing on trying to be someone else is false happiness. How can you truly be happy with yourself, if you are striving to be someone else?

* Happiness is a pumpkin frosty for snacking on. *

It won’t make a different in your happiness if you feel you “need to lose 10 pounds” and lose it.

In the end you are still the same person, minus a few pounds.

This is where my eating disorder really took over, I just kept on going.

“In 15 pounds I’ll be happy…wait, I’m still not happy, just another 10 pounds. Oh hey, still not happy. Another 5 pounds”…until you can’t go on anymore.

* Happiness is being okay that I prefer peanut flour over peanut butter! Yep, it’s true. *

The only thing I was changing was my weight.

Not my thoughts or actions, which made me remain in this constant state of unhappiness.

Happiness is fulfilling myself with positive affirmations, and being present and appreciating the good moments that happen everyday. Big or small they are happening daily, we just need to sit back and realize it.

* Happiness is making coconut and almond crusted turkey burgers to enjoy with Dinner. *

Create happiness from within yourself.

It takes patience and time, but it is worth it. You are worth it.

We don’t obtain happiness from others, we create our own happiness. First in our mind and then in our actions.

What makes me happy may not be the thing that makes you happy.

* Happiness is having the ability to workout at home and get fit without a gym. *

Don’t take on other peoples thoughts, be aware of your own thoughts and don’t judge them. Appreciate your version of happiness.

Be happy that you have the ability to eat healthy and exercise to nourish your body, not to manipulate the way your body looks.

* Happiness is drinking my favorite green juice daily. *

We may suffer from false beliefs in what happiness means, but we have the ability to change those thoughts and create our happiness based on where we are now and what we want our lives to look like.

If we aren’t happy in our minds, our overall happiness will be absent.

You’re only a thought away from happiness.

What makes you happy?

What is making you smile today?

Have a great Thursday!

{39 Comments }

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

October 23, 2012 by

Morning!

Would you look at this, I’m not having oat bran or buckwheat this morning. What a crazy change up over here.

I made this pancake last night, so I’d have it ready this morning.

Clearly, I’m just not a fan of having to make breakfast the morning of.

I just cooked up a batch of pumpkin pancakes made with some oat bran, coconut flour, egg whites, baking powder, stevia, cinnamon and pumpkin which I cooked in coconut oil. After I topped it with a small dollop of greek yogurt and un-pictured pumpkin seed butter.

*******

I almost forgot about that recipe I promised last week. I’ve been in the kitchen far more than usual. I’ve been loving getting downtime ands spend it cooking and baking. It must be the crispness in the air. A family favorite of ours has been anything cheesecake like. For my birthday I never wanted regular cake or ice cream, always cheesecake.

What better than to make healthy “cheesecake” bites that contain my favorite Fall ingredient, pumpkin.

Don’t be too surprised.

Fall is officially here, and Halloween is right around the corner now. Plus, I have a weakness for anything with coconut and pumpkin.

These are decadent and melt in your mouth. So basically, they’re amazing.

This recipe also happens to be gluten free, vegan, sugar free, and no bake!

Raw Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites (makes 4)

Bottom Layer:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
  • 1/4 cup protein powder (I used sun warrior, vanilla)
  • and 2 tablespoons coconut milk (I used full-fat from a can)

Top Layer:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut butter and
  • 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • liquid stevia drops (until reached desired sweetness)

Oh gosh. These are so good.

Directions:

  • Combine the bottom ingredients together (it will be a little thin, but don’t worry it firms up in the freezer) and distribute evenly into 4 muffin tins.
  • Combine the topping layer ingredients together and slowly add stevia (or other sweetener of choice) until well combined and again distribute evenly into 4 different muffins tins. Feel free to smooth out the topping with a spatula.
  • Freeze for at least 2 hours before eating

They made an absolutely amazing afternoon treat.

Feel free to indulge on these anytime for a scrumptious, yet healthy treat.

Best served with a hot cup of tea…so you don’t freeze while eating them:)

I’ve been trying to add more plant based protein sources into my diet, instead of relying on greek yogurt every single day, and these still get a good dose of protein from the sun warrior protein powder.

I especially like it because it uses great ingredients, instead of some funky ones. Not saying we should be consuming mass amounts of protein powder, but it’s a nice change.

I’ve also been making sure to consume other protein rich plant based foods, like nutritional yeast, beans, some tempeh (if my tummy allows me), nuts and seeds both raw and in buttered form, quinoa, kale, oat bran (clearly lots of different options).

I’m not entirely vegetarian and still enjoy my chicken, turkey and eggs too though! I’m just trying to add in more variety to my diet!

What’s your favorite plant based protein option?

What’s your favorite type of healthy treat?

Favorite indulgences?

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

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