Thursday, August 22, 2013

Breaking out of the lunch rut...

Lately my lunches have not been satisfying me.  I am usually eating lunch at work, so it has to be something convenient.  I do enjoy Tofurkey Hickory Smoked Deli Slices or PB&J, but they get old after awhile!  Once again, Angela from Oh She Glows did not disappoint with her Easy Flaked Almond "Tuna" Salad.     
 
 
 
It was super easy to make and it was devoured in a matter of minutes.  The base for this recipe are soaked almonds.  Who would have thought?!?!?  I enjoyed the added celery, which gave it a nice crunch, and definitely helped bring back memories of the tuna I used to eat.

 
 
I also had the juiciest nectarine ever!  This "tuna" recipe will stay on my menu rotation, for sure!  Anything that I can throw together in five minutes, is great.  The added bonus is how YUMMY it is!
 
 
Now I'm off to make some chocolate covered strawberries...
 
 
 
 
I am determined to turn Kyle into a chocolate covered strawberry lover...I don't know how a person could not go crazy for these beauties!

 

My love for grocery shopping...

On my days off, I look forward to some uninterrupted grocery shopping time!  Whole Foods is like a little slice of Heaven to me  :)  It may sound weird, but I could spend hours at a time there, just looking for new items and reading labels.  The regret starts to set in once I get to the checkout and start bagging all of my goods, realizing that I have three flights of stairs to get to my apartment.  But all of this deliciousness is so worth it...

 
 
 

Then I get to put it all away and reorganize my fridge!!!  I love opening my fridge and seeing tons of beautiful fruits and veggies.  In the pictures above, you'll see some of my recent obsessions. 
 
1.  Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips-  OMG...amazing!!!  They are vegan, corn free, gluten free, and non-GMO certified!  They come in different flavors like sea salt, pico de gallo, and nacho.  When I recently found out that Stacy's pita chips were owned by Pepsi, I had to find a better alternative.  Well, here they are!
 
2.  Hope Hummus-  Locally made in Boulder, this hummus is off the charts good!  It's organic, non-GMO, and sooooo flavorful!  My fave is the original recipe, but Kyle loves the spicy avocado. 
 
3.  Califia  Farms Almond Milk and Coffee Drinks-  Funny story...Kyle and I kinda became addicted to Starbucks.  Not so funny when I realized how much we were spending at Starbucks!  Califia Farms makes iced coffee drinks,both double espresso and mocha.  They may have just saved my life, and my wallet!  They are non-GMO certified and vegan...I'd say that's a step up from Starbucks!
 
4.  I saved the best for last...KALE!!!  We simply cannot get enough steamed kale into our bellies!!!  My first encounter with kale was only a year ago, and it did not go so well.  Once I learned the tricks to preparing and cooking it (only a couple of months ago), I began to crave it regularly.  Fortunately, Kyle enjoys it as much as I do. 
 
By the time I finished putting away all of my groceries, I was starving.  Don't worry, I'll be letting you in on my lunch details later!


 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Meet Big Bertha...

I have always enjoyed baking...but now, I absolutely can't wait to get in the kitchen and bake my little heart out!  This is where I introduce Big Bertha...



Yep, she's a beauty!  I have always wanted a Kitchenaid stand mixer, but didn't want to cough up the dough for one.  However, the planets aligned and allowed for me to acquire this gem.  Can you tell how excited I am?  :)  Naturally, I had to name her!  After unpacking Bertha, I just had to make something immediately. 




A tab bit crunchy around the edges, warm and gooey in the middle, chocolate chip cookies.  One word...yum!  This recipe is from Oh She Glows.  I have been following her blog for a couple of years now, and cannot wait for her cookbook to come out!



Needless to say, I am SO looking forward to all of the baked goods in my future!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Relaxing Weekend...

A couple of weeks ago, my hubby and I were lucky enough to have three days off together, which rarely happens.  We definitely took FULL advantage.  We relaxed, went to the movies (one of our favorite things to do together), and of course, ate some delicious foods!  Each morning, we would make an awesome breakfast and enjoy the nice breeze on our patio. 

 
 
 
 
These are the easy to make Apple Cinnamon Pancakes from the Skinny Bitch cookbook.  To die for...
 
 
 
 
 
Don't worry, every morsel of goodness was gone before we left the table!  If only every weekend could be this wonderful!
 
 
 
 
 
I almost forgot to mention these adorable little vintage glasses that I found on Etsy.  They totally coordinate with my Corelle dishes that are pictured (my MOST favorite hand me down, from my mom).  You'll be seeing a lot of them!




Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What a difference a year makes...

At this time last year, my husband, Kyle and I had just started discussing making a big change in our lives.  We both felt as though we needed some new scenery.  Our goal was that within four months, we would have a concrete plan, and be on the road to our new home.  We laid out all of our options...Oregon, Maine, California...

...or how about COLORADO?!?!?

Our guts told us that Colorado would be the perfect place to settle down.  So, four months later, we started the three day trek to Denver.  My in-law's graciously helped us with this move.  With a ton of boxes, two cars, and a doggie, we definitely appreciated everything they did. 




Within three days, we arrived in Denver.  I was amazed with how beautiful everything was.  I had never seen mountains, or snow!!!  This Winter Wonderland was so much more than I had anticipated.  

Once the snow started to melt, we could go out and explore a little more.  Our first venture was to Red Rocks.  Let's just say that the second I stepped out of the car and looked at our surroundings, I knew this will probably be our "forever home".  

 
 
 
In the months that we have been here, I feel like I have found so much happiness.  Our main objective with moving, was to simplify our lives, let go of all the unnecessary stress, and start to truly find joy in the little things. 
 
That brings me to this blog...I've always wanted to do this, so why not?!?!?  I hope you're ready to hear about the delicious vegan foods I eat and the shenanigans that my little family gets into  :)
 
Until next time, my friends...