What I’m lovin’

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love Sundays! There is just something about them that is so relaxing, lazy, and stress-free. Perfect.

My morning has started off very leisurely and definitely included breakfast in bed with a side of blog reading. Seriously, can you even think of a better way to start the day? I will, however, be put to work very soon…in the kitchen. Time to whip up some amazing Superbowl deliciousness! So in an effort to make this post snappy, I decided to try it Kailey-style…with a theme.

So lets get crackin’…Today’s theme:

Blogger-Inspired Foods:

Janetha’s “yoatgurt”

(1/3 cup oats cooked in 1 cup water, cinnamon, maca, bee pollen, 1/2 scoop protein powder. 1/2 cup Oikos plain yogurt mixed with 1 tbsp chocolate PB2.)

Snackalicious snack plate

(wasa crackers, 2% colby jack cheese, cottage cheese, beloved yellow carrots, grape tomatoes, ‘shrooms, snap peas, honeycrisp apple)

Bowls of veggie goodness topped with delicious “cheeze” sauce (spiralized zucchini, steamed brussels, sauce: 2 tbsp hummus, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, water to thin)

(tempeh with spiralized zuc and same cheezey goodness)

Mama’s Pea’s Crockpot Spicy African Peanut Stew.

 

Averie’s Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

voluminous bowls of ice-cream. This one being Strawberry Cheesecake flavored. Dairy Queen ain’t got nothin’ on us.

Ahh, yes, it’s good to be a foodie.

Time to get going! Go Saints!

P.S. check out Averie’s awesome giveaway here!

Sweet thangs

Hey guys! Happy Sunday!

Hope you all are enjoying the last of the weekend. Why, oh why must they always go by so fast?!?

Rewinding back to this morning, I woke up at my favorite time ever: 9:00. Do you guys have a certain time that you like to wake up at that is just right? 9 is definitely mine. Any later than that, and I just feel sleepy the rest of the day.

I made my way into the kitchen and grabbed my pre-made breakfast…my favorite April combo…Overnight Muelsi!

I have seriously been eating this for breakfast most mornings lately. It is SO GOOD! Very thick and creamy. (insert TWSS joke)

Combined the night before:

• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup “raw” oats
• 1/2 packet stevia
• cinnamon and maca

Once I finished off that deliciousness, I threw together quite possibly the easiest meal EVER, for dinner tonight:

That would be Salsa Chicken. This is my first time trying it, but I have heard great things…I’ll keep ya’ll posted.

Ok, here is the recipe…wait for it…

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Salsa

Directions:

• Combine in crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours.

The end.

HAHA, love it!!! That is my kind of recipe right there. And I’ve got to say, my kitchen is smelling pretty darn good right about now. I’m also going to roast up an acorn squash and make some kale chips to have along with it. And since there will be leftovers, I’m thinking this would make for a nice do-it-yourself Chipotle bowl, no?

After I took 1 minute to throw that together slaved away in the kitch, I made my way to the gym for some cardio. Yesterday was a strength training day and I woke up SORE. I figured a little cardio + Polly’s yoga video would be a good way to work out my muscles. I hit up the elliptical for 30 breezy minutes, flirted up some gym hotties, then headed home to do said yoga video. And i’m happy to report that the remedy did help to alleviate some of the soreness…for the time being, at least.

Lunchie was supa simple:

 

Spelt english muffin with peanut butter and mesquite on one and Polaner blueberry preserves on the other, yellow carrots, and a key lime pie yogurt.

I told you all that I would keep you updated on my new superfood products I ordered from nutsonline.com…well, I finally got around to using Mesquite!

Benefits:

• has been used as a staple food for centuries by Native Americans as a daily staple
• balance blood sugar levels
• good source of fiber
• good source of protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc
• studies have shown mesquite keeps hunger at bay

It is sweet…literally! It has a deep, sweet, smoky flavor that is wonderful. It was great on my english muffin with peanut butter. I can’t wait to try it in oats…I’m sure that would be a winner as well.

Two thumbs up in my book!

 

This afernoon I got to work on some homework:

U.S. History test coming up on Monday, due to the Snow Day we had on Friday.

All that studying makes a girl hungry! So eventually I broke for a snack:

(1/2 scoop protein powder, cocoa powder, 1/4 cup pumpkin, 1/2 sliced naner, cinnamon, mesquite)

A little mixture I made by grabbing whatever I saw and mixing them together, hehe.

I also had yet another April creation:

Low carb sweet bread topped with Barney Butter. It was yummy…not like I would expect anything less from my girl, April. She  is one baking genius!

And now I’m just hanging out…probably going to catch up on my shows that I missed last week. I watch them on the internet since I don’t have a DVR…I’m green with envy to everyone who has one! Birthday present maybe? Real World, One Tree Hill, Biggest Loser, and Ugly Betty are on the to-do list. Man, I think that is my favorite to-do list that I’ve posted on here yet.

What are your favorite T.V. shows at the moment?

I’ve been lovin’ me some Bachelor, Biggest Loser, Grey’s, and Private Practice. (okay, so really my list is longer than that but I don’t want to look like a total t.v. junkie. shhhhh)

Have a wonderful day bloggies!

 

Kristi

An Ode To Amazing Grass

I can say it’s a pretty good bet that mostly all of you have seen or heard about Amazing Grass. It has definitely made it’s way around the blogworld for a while now. Ya’ll know it is super good for you…but I wanted to do my own review and talk a bit about my experience with Amazing Grass.

I recently got the pleasure of trying out all of the lovely Amazing Grass products. Some time ago, I decided to try their Amazing Meal protein/superfood product, when Jenna gave us all that great coupon code to use. I loved knowing I was nourishing my body every time I used it…and couldn’t help but want to try more of the products!

From the website:

• The most organic greens per gram of any leading Green SuperFood
• A delicious drink powder to help you achieve your recommended 5 to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables
• Naturally balanced source of antioxidants, B- vitamins, carotenoids, phytonutrients, enzymes, dietary fiber and essential fatty acids
• Sustains energy naturally and boosts your immune system
• Featuring Sambazon Organic pure Acai Powder, high in antioxidants.
• Organic Maca, revered for mental clarity, vitality and stamina.
• FOS ,a pre biotic from chicory root.
• New enhanced digestive enzymes and pre and probiotic active culture blend.
• 100% Vegan.
• No Soy Lecithin fillers.

On a protein kick? They’ve got you covered:

Amazing meal rocks! 10 grams of vegan protein per serving? Count me in.

On the go all the time? Not a problem:

The bars are quite possibly my favorite of the products. You get that same great nutrition as you would from the powders, only in a yummy sweet (chocolately!) bar!

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein bar is my favorite:

Want to see my new lunch dessert?

I kid you not. I have been shaking up a packet with 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and drinking up. Although I have the wheat grass pictured above, I have to admit that the  chocolate is my favorite. It’s healthified chocolate milk at your service! Perfect way to take care of that pesky chocolate craving…as you all know how much I like my sweets!

But drinking it plain is FAR from the only way to consume it…want some awesomely healthy ideas?

How about chocolate pancakes?

Katie’s got you covered with an awesome recipe that can be found here.

 

Or perhaps you’d like some chocolate cheesecake ice cream?

This time, it’s May whose got your back. Find out more about the delicious bowl here.

I swear, I definitely notice an increase in energy and concentration after consuming any of these products…which is MUCH needed for me right now since I seem to have a tough time paying attention in my classes. History? Snooooze. Amazing Grass to the rescue!

I also feel like my skin is getting clearer and is much more glow-y. I hear Superfoods will do that to ya! I know this stuff isn’t exactly cheap, but plain and simple, you get what you pay for. If you want to feel amazing, go for some Amazing Grass.

Have a great Saturday!

 

Kristi

Snow Day

Guess who got to sleep in today?

 

Yours truly!

My highschool finally decided to go easy on  us and let us enjoy a beautiful day off from school due to this pretty snow. I don’t mind it at all, seeing as how I’m snuggled up under my heated blanket, mug of green tea in hand. Ahh, warm and toasty.

This worked out way too well because now I have all weekend to study for my U.S. History test that was supposed to be today. Whew.

After sleeping in until the glorious hour of 9 o’clock, I knew right away what was needed next…

Why, some warm chocolatey, snow covered Almond Joy Oats, of course!

It was delish.

More green tea, please:

Although I have the morning off from school, I will still be trying to treck my way to work this afternoon. It shouldn’t be too bad though…because seriously, who is going to want to willingly go by the bank on a day like this? So my “work” afternoon will most likely consist of browsing on the internet and buying things I don’t need.

And now I’m off to get some cardio in with a little treadmill workout. I have to admit, I have REALLY slowed down on my running. At one point, it was all about running every single day…and I loved it. But that’s when the weather was nice..unlike now, where this a foot of snow on the ground. I like running outdoors. But today for some reason, my legs are itchin’ for some movement, so that is what they shall get.

 The plan: run one song, walk one song. Repeat, etc. Easy peasy.

What is the weather like where YOU are?

 

Kristi

You. Better. Work.

Hey guys! Happy Sunday!

You know, I really wish I had more time to blog, especially during the school/work week…but things are still just as hectic as ever! I’ve got 4 more weeks until this trimester of school is over and things will hopefully settle down a bit after that. I do, of course, make time to read blogs though. Its an addiction; I’m sure ya’ll can relate.

I took some pics of some awesome deliciousness throughout the week but when I went to load them on my computer, they were all blurry!! I must have had a smudge on the camera lens.

So unfortunately I don’t have  a lot to show you, but I did get the smudge off of the lens so I could snap a pic of breakfast:

Looks gross. Tastes delicious.

This is a Fitnessista combo that I knew I had to try. I changed it up a bit though.  It contained:

• 1/3 cup oats
• 1 1/3 cups water
• cinnamon, vanilla
• 1/2 mashed banana
• 1/2 serving vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 tsp Spirulina
• 1/2 tsp Maca powder

Major healthiness right there! I ordered some fun products to try from one of my favorite online stores: www.nutsonline.com

(Warning: this is one of the blurry pics)

The Loot:

• spirulina
• bee pollen
• Mesquite
• xanthan gum

I’ll do reviews/benefits and whatnot soon! I will say that I loved my breakfast and did NOT taste anything weird from the spirulina. Awesome!

Another recent online purchase that I was quite excited about was my new target purse.

Cute, right?

Well I love it and hate it. The straps are just not big enough. I can barely get it on my shoulder and it is a straight up no-go if I have a jacket or coat on. I know its probably meant to be carried on your arm, but I think that is uncomfortable. So unfortunately, I will have to part ways with this beaut. Sad day indeed.

But if anyone else is interested, you can find it here.

I’ve gotta make this post snappy…I’m going to the gym to Do. Work. aka get my strength training on. You guys, I have fallen in love with strength training and weights. I love how it makes me feel and I am already looking more toned and strong. LOVE IT!!!

I’m going to start posting my to do list on here more often because after I did it in my last post, I was so much more productive! I had everything organized and felt like I was being held accountable by you guys. Gotta love productivity!

So here we go…

 

Today’s To Do List:

• blog (check!)
• gym- strength training
• Target return
• make quiche for next week (recipe to come!)
• manicure
• finish book
• use crest white strips  (haha, yes I need a reminder for this)

Alrighty, I’m out!

 

Kristi

Something To Do: Go get your secret bloggie valentine gift!!

Hardcore productivity

Hey guys! Hopefully you all are enjoying a day off for MLK day…and if not, well, good for you for bringing home the bacon. (tofu-bacon, preferably)

This  morning, I tried a new breakfast that has been catching me eye on April’s blog for the past few days now…

• 1/2 cup Oikos, plain
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup raw oats
• stevia

Combine the night before, and devour the thick deliciousness in the morning. (or at midnight cause you just couldn’t wait)

The Shiz.

Guys, this is crazy good. You’ve gotta try this combo asap.

After my strength training shenanigans yesterday, today was dubbed Cardio Day.

I headed to the gym for some Around the World action. Here’s what went down:

• 10 minutes on the stair master, level 7
• 15 minutes elliptical
• 15 minutes bike

And before I knew it, I was done. I like spreading out my workout and not just doing the same exact movement the whole time. Makes for much more of a fun workout.

Came back home just in time for lunch. It was extra delicious and GREEN.

Green Monster with protein:

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• sh!tload of spinach

spiralized zucchini with peanut sauce:

Peanut sauce recipe courtesy of HEAB! It was be found here.

 

Yummy.

Then after I got a good workout and delicious lunch under my belt, I decided to keep the productivity going with my much neglected To-Do List.

1. tackle the monster of a laundry pile. Check.
2. fold it. Negative.
3. sweep/dust/organize room. Half-Check.
4. get school stuff ready for tomorrow. Check.
5. lay out clothes for the morning. Negative.
6. upload new songs on Ipod. Check.
7. Make shrimp pasta for dinner. Check.

Still got a few things to work on. Slowly but surely I’ll get ‘em done.

Snacks of the afternoon included…

a protein pancake covered in Oikos plus 1/2 banana

And some fruit a little later on.

Frozen mangos and blueberries nuked in the microwave for a minute. LOVE. I’ve been having this for dessert a lot lately. It is just so sweet and refreshing.

You guys want to see my dinner?

SHRIMP PASTA!!!!

Recipe can be found here.

Before I can feast on that glory, I need to finish up that dreaded to-do list.

Have a great evening!

Something To Check Out:

Fitnessista’s Winter Shape Up! I’m participating…are you???

Healthified Shrimp Pasta

 

• 1 large (26 oz) can of your fav spaghetti sauce
• 1 large (14.5 oz) can diced tomato
• 1 can of Cream of shrimp condensed soup
• 8 oz (or 1/2 16 oz) jar prepared low fat alfredo sauce
• 1 clove minced garlic (I keep a jar of it on hand)
• Oregano or other spices to taste
• 1lb raw frozen shrimp
• 1 14.5 oz box of whole grain penne pasta prepared per package instructions

-In a large pan mix the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, alfredo and cream of shrimp.

-Add in garlic and additional spices.

-Mix in cooked penne. Simmer for about 15 mins to allow flavors to mingle.

-Add raw shrimp at very end and cook until done (when shrimp turn pink), 5-10 mins max.

jumpin’ on the wagon

Happy Sunday! I’m glad you all liked the veggie chili recipe I posted yesterday. Its simple but very tasty on a cold day!

This morning I started my morning off with none other than…

OIAJ! It’s obligatory on the weekends.

There really are oats in there…

See?

Although I can’t say I wouldn’t mind just having a jar of peanut butter for breakfast…

Then I set off to get a great workout in. My workouts have been somewhat relaxed and “easy” lately which definitely is NOT a bad thing. But I felt the need to really challenge myself today. Which leads me to the title of this post…

I’m jumpin’ on the strength training bandwagon.

It’s been going around the blogosphere…especially with Caitlin’s Intro to Iron Pumping (just typed pumpkin, mmm) Challenge.

I definitely know how to get my cardio on, but I have been lacking in the strength training area as of late. Part of it has to do with my new gym membership because:

1. I have been lovin’ up on their awesome cardio equipment (cardio while watching The Real World = amazingness)

2. I have been intimidated to go over to the “other side” aka the weight area

So my new personal goal  is to get my butt over the coveted “other side” the next time I go there to workout. And hey, if I don’t know what the heck I’m doing then wouldn’t that be the perfect opportunity to holla at one of the yummy muscle men to help me “figure” it out? If that doesn’t sound like a good plan, I don’t know what does.

So back my workout for today…done in the privacy of my own home.

I basically made up my own workout by doing whatever came to my head at the time. The gist of the workout is basically this: pick 2 exercises. Perform 1 set of each, back-to-back. Continue switching back and forth between the two exercise until 3 sets of each have been performed. Then move on to another combo of two exercises.

Combo #1:

• wall push-ups: 15 reps, 3 sets
• exercise ball crunches: 20 reps, 3 sets

Combo #2:

• the lunge and lift, ala Fitnessista: 12 reps each leg, 3 sets
• shoulder press: 12 reps, 3 sets

Combo #3:

• exercise ball push-ups: 12 reps, 3 sets
• V-glutes: 12 reps, 3 sets

Combo #4:

• chest press: 12 reps, 3 sets
• plie squat: 12 reps, 3 sets

And I rounded out the workout by taking jaci for a brisk walk OUTSIDE! This was my first walk outside in…I don’t know how long. It felt AMAZING and has me so ready for some nice summer weather. Can I get an amen?!

I fueled up right after I got back with a little protein smoothie action:

• 1 cup Almond Breeze, unsweetened vanilla
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• spinach

A little later on it was time for a lunch break.

Veggie goodness:

plus cottage cheesey:

the whole sha-bang:

After that workout, my body was shakin’ more than jello, so I took that as a cue for some laziness this afternoon. I earned it…right? I watched a little Real World, with a side of Biggest Loser. It was lovely.

Some snacking occurred…

April’s protein brownie batter! Super simple and completely delicious. I just mixed together 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 scoop of 100% cocoa powder, and added water until I got a good consistency. Floating around in there would be some Naturally More.

Also eaten was another Raw Revolution bar:

Hazelnut and Chocolate flavor = to die for.  Yumm-ay.

And now the family and I are getting geared up to watch our usual Sunday nights shows, Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters. Good stuff right there! Dinner plans are up in the air though…we shall see!

Enjoy your evening!

Some Q’s…

• Are you more of a cardio goddess or a strength training buff?
• Do you have Monday off from school/work?  I DO! Woot woot.
• If you could go on a vacation right now, where would it be? Sign me up for Hawaii. Aloha bloggies!

Veggie Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp EVOO
• 2 bell peppers (I used red and yellow)
• 1 1/2 cups mushrooms
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped celery stalks
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 cans pinto beans
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• cilantro (topping)

In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add peppers, onion, mushrooms, celery, and garlic. cook for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Add spices/powders, and cook 5 minutes more. Add beans and tomato. Stir occasionally while letting flavor mingle for around 30 more minutes. Serve and top with cilantro.

Nutritional Info:

For a 2-cup serving: 230 calories, 5 grams fat, 12 grams protein, 35 grams carbs, 12 grams fiber.

The Foodie Return + Raw Revolution Review

Hey guys!

It’s been a while hasn’t it? Darn school and work for getting in the way of my blogging!

Those two things have definitely been keeping me busy. This is my hardest trimester of school this year so i’ve got to give it my all. Ya’ll understand.

Despite being bus-ayyy, I have of course made time for some delicious eats. Priorities I tell you!!

My version of Reeses Oats:

• 1/3 cup oats cooked in 1 1/3 cups water
• cinnamon
• vanilla
• 1 tsp Maca Powder
• 2 tbsp 100% cocoa powder (cause I’m a choco freak)
• 1/2 packet stevia (NuNaturals brands)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter for a nut-butter blanket

FAB!

Salad beasties have also been consumed:

MorningStar pizza burgers rock. period.

More lunch action…

veggie chili, spinach mozzarella roll up, cuties

snackaroos:

Raw Revolution was kind enough to send me some of their bars since I don’t have access to them around here. This Chocolate and Coconut bar is the first one I have tried, and simply put, I was impressed. I mean come on, CHOCOLATE and COCONUT?! Two of my favorite foods right there….and the taste definitely did not disappoint. They are very similar to a Larabar, but with less sugar and a little more protein. That is awesome in my book! Although they do have slightly more calories than Larabars, they also keep me full longer, so I’m really not too worried about that. I also love the variety of flavors that they have. Definitely a little more unique than Larabars as well. Now, I’m not hatin’ on my beloved Laras…I would gladly take either one of these bars and be happy. It’s a tie!

Moving on…

Oikos plain greek yogurt with POM seeds!

Snack plate of deliciousness.

And here I present you with one of the best dinners I’ve had in a while…Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan’s Chickpea Confetti Casserole:

You all NEED this cookbook! It is amazing! I’ve got their Cocoa-Coconut Chili bookmarked and am planning on making that later today. Mmmmm.

A little dessert action has been devoured as well. (Duh)

This would be one of April’s Cocoa Pumpkin Bars. And they just happen to taste like chocolate cake. No big deal.

So there you go. A little glimpse of what has been going into these Sweet Cheeks.

Plans for today:

• Grocery shopping
• baking
• workout at new gym
• read my new book! (Something Wicked by Gratz)

Then tomorrow is my sister’s 21st birthday…there will definitely be some shenanigans going on…and I hear a trip to Coldstone is also in order. Ummm, can we go NOW?!?

Question of the Day:

What is the one food item that you have been eating over and over again lately?  For me, It has been sweet potatoes. I have been craving them seriously EVERY night! You can bake ‘em, make fries with ‘em, simply stick them in the microwave…the possibilities are endless. Oh yeah, and they taste amazing, especially topped with nut butter, right April??