tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10261461049460904022024-03-13T14:42:04.201-07:00Healthy LifeLiving a healthy life through food and exerciseStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.comBlogger1258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-63507709981229639802011-10-30T14:10:00.000-07:002011-10-30T14:25:51.245-07:00Double chocolate chip brownies<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><br /></b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b>Double chocolate chip toasted coconut pecan brownies.</b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AP_0BIKJsFM/Tq29OIwCKsI/AAAAAAAAGtw/ja_oce2q3_0/s1600/DSCN4668.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AP_0BIKJsFM/Tq29OIwCKsI/AAAAAAAAGtw/ja_oce2q3_0/s400/DSCN4668.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Semi homemade brownies at there finest!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(It's a very grey day here so the lighting is not the best)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McgKo6AQ_zI/Tq29OQxHAhI/AAAAAAAAGuA/TOCz3dBu-4E/s1600/DSCN4660.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McgKo6AQ_zI/Tq29OQxHAhI/AAAAAAAAGuA/TOCz3dBu-4E/s400/DSCN4660.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used a box of double chocolate chip brownie mix.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdkyRC4KNIs/Tq29PN3WemI/AAAAAAAAGuM/889IUgSfpaQ/s1600/DSCN4662.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdkyRC4KNIs/Tq29PN3WemI/AAAAAAAAGuM/889IUgSfpaQ/s400/DSCN4662.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Topped with a delicious frosting! I toasted some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span> sweetened coconut under the broiler for 2 min., tossed and toasted for another 2 min. Then I toasted some crushed up pecans and mixed both in with some vanilla frosting and spread it on top of the brownies, yum.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zqJsAUTBn8/Tq29PqdMIjI/AAAAAAAAGuU/zZgO3umC1HE/s1600/DSCN4669.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zqJsAUTBn8/Tq29PqdMIjI/AAAAAAAAGuU/zZgO3umC1HE/s400/DSCN4669.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">The frosting is amazing! Semi homemade is the way to go sometimes. You get all the ease and convenience from the box, but then you can switch up the recipe to make it your own unique creation.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">These will be sent off to a friend to enjoy, and boy are they delicious!</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-17270550853955820762011-10-26T18:13:00.000-07:002011-10-26T18:44:08.461-07:00Baked nachos<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdDjipxB6P0/TqiwZbeQOiI/AAAAAAAAGtA/72OdYwfi0CE/s1600/DSCN4632.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdDjipxB6P0/TqiwZbeQOiI/AAAAAAAAGtA/72OdYwfi0CE/s400/DSCN4632.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">There's nothing as yummy and comforting as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nachos</span>. These <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nachos</span> are healthy and delicious and super easy to throw together on a Friday night enjoyed with a movie, or served at a party for your friends to enjoy.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhAMdT42UQ/TqiwZr2it6I/AAAAAAAAGtM/5PiMI077xFc/s1600/DSCN4633.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhAMdT42UQ/TqiwZr2it6I/AAAAAAAAGtM/5PiMI077xFc/s400/DSCN4633.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Start with a base of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">refried</span> beans of choice, I used vegetarian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">refried</span> black beans. Topped with a layer of lime flavored Food should taste good chips, more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">refried</span> beans, black beans, salsa, grated carrot, Greek yogurt mixed with taco seasoning, more chips, reduced fat cheddar cheese, and diced tomato.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZ2vmN6J20/TqiwaH39utI/AAAAAAAAGtU/w4l5kpRIWqc/s1600/DSCN4636.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZ2vmN6J20/TqiwaH39utI/AAAAAAAAGtU/w4l5kpRIWqc/s400/DSCN4636.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFyzBZ9HUQ8/TqiwaIfCxsI/AAAAAAAAGto/lMLrempFUxI/s1600/DSCN4638.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFyzBZ9HUQ8/TqiwaIfCxsI/AAAAAAAAGto/lMLrempFUxI/s400/DSCN4638.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">Serve topped with a little more salsa, some more Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">I promise that these baked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nachos</span> will go quickly if served at a party and will be a crowd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pleaser</span> for sure!</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-28333170737346949482011-10-09T14:31:00.000-07:002011-10-11T18:18:28.055-07:00Devil dog cake<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb4L4UlUEkM/TpISrH9MnhI/AAAAAAAAGso/8v6RAXNyshQ/s1600/DSCN4641.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb4L4UlUEkM/TpISrH9MnhI/AAAAAAAAGso/8v6RAXNyshQ/s400/DSCN4641.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkins have always been my favorite. From decorative pumpkins, to actual pumpkins, and pumpkin flavored foods.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little pumpkin was the inspiration behind the "best ever chocolate cake".</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6nF7EZkElU/TpISrcPdTKI/AAAAAAAAGsw/aEH_8MQV34g/s1600/DSCN4626.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6nF7EZkElU/TpISrcPdTKI/AAAAAAAAGsw/aEH_8MQV34g/s400/DSCN4626.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I just learned recently about a snack cake called a devil dog. What is a devil dog you ask? Well it's a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chocolate</span> snack cake with a whip cream frosting inside. And of course it's shaped like a hot dog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I ran across a recipe for a devil dog cake on the pioneer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">woman's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">website</span> I knew it was a sign I must make this. For the man who's favorite #1 treat is a devil dog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/02/devil-dogs/">You can find the devil dog recipe here including the frosting.</a></b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMJ14bMuqKU/TpISrmitqsI/AAAAAAAAGs4/IRPZP1mm4hc/s1600/DSCN4630.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMJ14bMuqKU/TpISrmitqsI/AAAAAAAAGs4/IRPZP1mm4hc/s400/DSCN4630.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I decided that a hot dog shaped cake WAS NOT an option. I needed something much cuter then that. So after baking the sheet cake I cut it in half. Frosted one half, topped it with the other half, and then free hand cut out a shape of a pumpkin. Once it was cut out I ditched the scrapes for snacking later and wallah. I had a pumpkin shaped devil dog cake. Please don't judge my pumpkin shape. I swear it's better in person, and I guess it has some character, right?</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I got so excited about the end product and getting it ready for shipping that I forgot a final picture. I shipped this cake that I was so proud of across the country to New York city. For it to be enjoyed by someone special! And enjoyed it was! </div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-48750382555310208532011-10-01T18:23:00.000-07:002011-10-01T18:38:05.498-07:00Fall soup<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEr8mgEYOUs/Toe9JhP0yaI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/izjYJluN30Y/s1600/DSCN4621.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEr8mgEYOUs/Toe9JhP0yaI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/izjYJluN30Y/s400/DSCN4621.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love cool <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crisp</span> fall days with a hint of drizzly rain, its perfect for soup.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3_z02Jzzws/Toe9J8MsptI/AAAAAAAAGsY/TQj1N578hkk/s1600/DSCN4616.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3_z02Jzzws/Toe9J8MsptI/AAAAAAAAGsY/TQj1N578hkk/s400/DSCN4616.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">And when it's made in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">crockpot</span> it makes everything that much better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGFwXkdURTI/Toe9KPODB4I/AAAAAAAAGsg/rsZPNy9buY4/s1600/DSCN4620.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGFwXkdURTI/Toe9KPODB4I/AAAAAAAAGsg/rsZPNy9buY4/s400/DSCN4620.JPG" /></a></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><b>Broccoli potato soup</b></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">3 cups organic non fat milk</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">2 cups chicken or vegetable stock</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">1 package <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Applegate</span> farms turkey hot dogs (sliced into pieces)</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">1 package shredded hash brown potatoes</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">1 package frozen broccoli </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">1 small diced baby onion</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">1 diced red bell pepper</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">seasonings: 1 tsp. each of basil, oregano, garlic powder, chili flakes, sea salt, and pepper </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><i>Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. Add one cup of reduced fat cheddar cheese to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crockpot</span> and simmer for one more hour.</i></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><i><br /></i></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><i>This soup get's even better the next day.</i></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-6063737194484692612011-09-14T17:35:00.000-07:002011-09-14T17:54:02.553-07:00Marrionberry cobbler<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXgeMH-rhxo/TnFIWNHplxI/AAAAAAAAGr4/2VH49LTFsPI/s1600/DSCN4609.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXgeMH-rhxo/TnFIWNHplxI/AAAAAAAAGr4/2VH49LTFsPI/s400/DSCN4609.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">When it's the end of summer and you have an abundance of blackberries sitting in your fridge, what else should you make but cobbler.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6bch3Rp8aE/TnFIWFqY2XI/AAAAAAAAGsA/jQQk65-pbfw/s1600/DSCN4610.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6bch3Rp8aE/TnFIWFqY2XI/AAAAAAAAGsA/jQQk65-pbfw/s400/DSCN4610.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't had cobbler in such a long time, years. I tend to be more inclined to make a crisp over a cobbler. I mean a crisp has a crunchy oat topping, yum and is so easy to make. And a cobbler is much more complicated.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That was until I made this cobbler. It was so easy and very delicious, as well as not too sweet.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTM-sVUkxMk/TnFIWTZ0V1I/AAAAAAAAGsI/0JruSbidkpA/s1600/DSCN4611.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTM-sVUkxMk/TnFIWTZ0V1I/AAAAAAAAGsI/0JruSbidkpA/s400/DSCN4611.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I made this <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mixed-fruit-cobbler-10000000226370/"><b>mixed fruit cobbler recipe from cooking light.</b></a> I used spelt flour for the filling and the topping instead of the whole wheat and white flour. I also cut the sugar in the filling down from 1 and 1/4 cups sugar to just 1/4 cup of sugar. Even with a 1/4 cup of sugar it was slightly too sweet. Thank goodness I didn't use 1 and 1/4 cups sugar, oh my! I also used all marionberries for the fruit filling.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">This cobbler was amazing and perfect for summer, and so easy to make. Move over <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crisp</span> you have some competition from the cobbler.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-83602583118567022232011-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:002011-09-03T18:17:31.250-07:00Shredded chicken<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Happy Labor day weekend</span></b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWjzxTynTdY/TmLLIv8GbRI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/tC_z9EBcX0w/s1600/DSCN4601.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWjzxTynTdY/TmLLIv8GbRI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/tC_z9EBcX0w/s400/DSCN4601.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are looking for something to make for this Labor day weekend then this is the meal to make. It's quick, easy, and can feed a bunch of people without requiring a lot of time in the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Shredded <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BBQ</span> chicken</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 chicken breasts</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tomato</span> paste</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BBQ</span> sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 sliced onion</div><div style="text-align: center;">spices: 1 tsp. each cumin, smoked paprika, basil, oregano, garlic powder, chili flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">dash salt and pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine everything in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crockpot</span> and cook on high for 3 hours.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once done shred chicken and serve</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzx4LPLUX_E/TmLLI1MRKrI/AAAAAAAAGrY/N9kdru2HsZE/s1600/DSCN4597.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzx4LPLUX_E/TmLLI1MRKrI/AAAAAAAAGrY/N9kdru2HsZE/s400/DSCN4597.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can't have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BBQ</span> chicken without a nice crunchy slaw. This one is perfect with a seasonal summer twist with the addition of nectarines. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Summer nectarine slaw</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 bag shredded cabbage c<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ole</span> slaw mix</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 sliced red bell pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 diced nectarines</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dressing</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1.5 tsp. garlic gold oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1.5 tsp. sesame oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. rice vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. soy sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. raw honey</div><div style="text-align: center;">juice of 1 lime</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix dressing, cabbage, red pepper, and nectarines together. Let marinate for 1 hour or longer. If you would like a crunchy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cole</span> slaw I would suggest marinating for an hour. If you would like a soft more traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cole</span> slaw marinate for 2-3 hours. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Toss and serve.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYnO-9BhZHI/TmLLJDq_qmI/AAAAAAAAGrg/Jmye9EIvSwA/s1600/DSCN4605.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYnO-9BhZHI/TmLLJDq_qmI/AAAAAAAAGrg/Jmye9EIvSwA/s400/DSCN4605.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Served with a side of creamy millet grits. This was an amazing summer dinner. The best part, it was so simple to create and would be perfect for a picnic or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">BBQ</span>.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgIHJ8C0ch0/TmLLJWnG75I/AAAAAAAAGro/iuSWgjkGH9M/s1600/DSCN4603.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgIHJ8C0ch0/TmLLJWnG75I/AAAAAAAAGro/iuSWgjkGH9M/s400/DSCN4603.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">So many yummy things you can create with a bowl of shredded <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BBQ</span> chicken. </div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">Hmm what shall I create.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-1865782666715102842011-08-09T19:22:00.000-07:002011-08-26T17:11:01.393-07:00Life changing thoughts<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4D9cZ2zGP0/TkHrZaj6vYI/AAAAAAAAGrI/AHbRQLZfqoU/s1600/DSCN0764.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4D9cZ2zGP0/TkHrZaj6vYI/AAAAAAAAGrI/AHbRQLZfqoU/s400/DSCN0764.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Journey part 3</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">Life is a constant journey. Filled with changes, tough times, growth, and learning opportunities. I have definitely had my fair share of them this past year. Lately I have been working more on my inner health as well as my outer health. Focusing on how my thoughts translate into actions in my life, both positive and negative. I've always believed that in order to be truly happy you have to have all parts of yourself focused on improving and developing.</div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><div>I've always believed that the attitude you have affects those around you as well as your own life. Positive people usually surround themselves with other positive people. People that look at the world and see all the amazing things in it and work to achieve those things. Those with a negative outlook usually are stuck in that outlook and surround themselves with people who feed into that perspective. Often feeling that the world has been unfair to them.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><div>I also believe that the thoughts and actions you project into the world are reflected back into your life. Recently I have begun to learn so much more on how this is so true. It's amazing how every thought you have can determine your day as well as your future. It's incredible what can happen when you create a mind set of looking on the brighter side of things, staying positive, and re enforcing within yourself what you want and deserve in your life.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've found some good resources that I'm using to dig deeper into this subject and I'm learning a lot of life changing information. I always had a positive half full kind of attitude but this information takes it to a new level. Re affirming what I already believed in as well as developing the theory of "what you think is what is reflected back into your life".</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As I learn and develop more on this subject I will share some of my key learning's with you. I have started by creating a list made up of the characteristics of what I would like in life and what I'm looking for in a partner to share in that life. It is a constant involving and changing list, as I grow and develop and fine tune what those things are that I desire in life. As part of directing my inner thoughts I look at the list daily as well as think about those things that I desire and channel those thoughts into the universe. Even in just a few weeks I can see a difference in how I feel inside and my outlook on life, it's been pretty amazing.</div></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-82471928240993736622011-08-03T15:49:00.000-07:002011-08-03T16:15:51.371-07:00Summer berry bars<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u1_AVGyXXM/TjnQgrZAEjI/AAAAAAAAGqk/d_w7Pn5dG5E/s1600/DSCN4576.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u1_AVGyXXM/TjnQgrZAEjI/AAAAAAAAGqk/d_w7Pn5dG5E/s400/DSCN4576.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love summer. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Everything is</span> so colorful and warm and all my favorite foods are in season, nothing better!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2dqIs8GLNU/TjnQgk8MGuI/AAAAAAAAGqs/eIOD5-m1uow/s1600/DSCN4573.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2dqIs8GLNU/TjnQgk8MGuI/AAAAAAAAGqs/eIOD5-m1uow/s400/DSCN4573.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a ton of berries and I've been eating them in everything. From my oatmeal, pancakes, salads, and anything else. Today I made some delicious oatmeal bars and gave them a summer twist by adding in some giant blackberries.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdUbz3SJ4o/TjnQg5L9O8I/AAAAAAAAGq0/jK-cqJegm5E/s1600/DSCN4571.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdUbz3SJ4o/TjnQg5L9O8I/AAAAAAAAGq0/jK-cqJegm5E/s400/DSCN4571.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Summer blackberry oatmeal bars</span></b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><a href="http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/2010/08/baking-for-fall.html">(Original recipe found here)</a></b></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">They are so delicious. I wish I would have added a few more blackberries or added some raspberries also. I was afraid the berries would cook down and release there juices making the bars too wet. But actually the berries stayed whole and the bars turned out perfect. I just want the delicious flavor of more berries. So next time I will add a cup of berries instead of half a cup.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-30740795298710988122011-07-25T18:10:00.000-07:002011-07-25T18:14:18.528-07:00Best summer<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bWualuZ7_0/Ti4UDz3RH-I/AAAAAAAAGqM/sQ6EJ_QXKcE/s1600/DSCN4569.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bWualuZ7_0/Ti4UDz3RH-I/AAAAAAAAGqM/sQ6EJ_QXKcE/s400/DSCN4569.JPG" /></a><br />This summer has been the best summer of my life, literally! It's amazing how last year at this time I was having the worst time of my life. In one year things have completely changed for the better and in every way.<br /><br />This summer has included LOTS<b> </b>of running and biking. I just went to <b><a href="http://www.ci.bend.or.us/">Bend</a></b> this last weekend, where I biked <b>17 miles</b> the first day and<b> 20 miles </b>the second day, it was <b>AWESOME!</b> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> becoming quite the cyclist, who knew, but I love it.<br /><br />It's been a VERY rainy cool summer here. Which has made me loose a lot of my motivation and enjoyment for cooking. With all the fruits and veggies running low and behind in the growing season it has really killed my creativity. It's also been raining so much that I haven't been to the farmers markets nearly as much as I usually do.<br /><br />But I do have some great recipes on the horizon and I'm ready to get back in the kitchen and put my skills and love for recipe creating back to work. So stay <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tuned</span> as I present some very delicious recipes.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-85744694404531464422011-07-03T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:03:29.744-07:00Festive dessert<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJcS2-dIpSw/ThEoplrFtnI/AAAAAAAAGpY/ogawgW3eXSA/s1600/DSCN4547.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJcS2-dIpSw/ThEoplrFtnI/AAAAAAAAGpY/ogawgW3eXSA/s400/DSCN4547.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I made a trip to the farmers market. I've been hitting the farmers markets twice a week picking up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whatever is</span> in season. Today I grabbed some organic cherries and raspberries. The raspberries are a little small since it's the start of the season. But they are still very tasty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I picked up the berries for one purpose and that was to make a delicious, healthy, and festive summertime dessert to serve at a 4th of July BBQ.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZor2G8BAvQ/ThEop0MQeRI/AAAAAAAAGpg/J36j3i_6oq4/s1600/DSCN4555.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZor2G8BAvQ/ThEop0MQeRI/AAAAAAAAGpg/J36j3i_6oq4/s400/DSCN4555.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Almond short cakes</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mix together in a bowl the dry ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups whole wheat flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup spelt flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup evaporated cane juice</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">dash salt and cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">separate</span> bowl mix the wet ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup applesauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup almond milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TB. melted Earth balance butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. vanilla or even better 1 vanilla bean</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine wet ingredients into the dry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ingredients and mix until combined</span>. On a non stick coated baking sheet make giant drops of dough. Sprinkle over the top raw sliced almonds and a sprinkle of raw sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 min.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhufhfo7i4/ThEoqd-QBEI/AAAAAAAAGpo/cJryCkPnKwQ/s1600/DSCN4560.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhufhfo7i4/ThEoqd-QBEI/AAAAAAAAGpo/cJryCkPnKwQ/s400/DSCN4560.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Served with a heaping scoop of berries.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVWOAceEeJw/ThEoqaA-VdI/AAAAAAAAGpw/VjDD6fLdMAQ/s1600/DSCN4567.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVWOAceEeJw/ThEoqaA-VdI/AAAAAAAAGpw/VjDD6fLdMAQ/s400/DSCN4567.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">You could make it even better and serve a scoop of vanilla bean frozen yogurt or ice cream on top. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">This would be the perfect dessert for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BBQ</span>. It would be easy to make and serve for a small or even a large group.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-67030057356286966942011-06-22T20:34:00.000-07:002011-10-25T20:45:48.636-07:00Start of summer<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I've been trying to enjoy the nice summer day's that we've had here and there. It's been nice to get in some additional running, biking , and gardening.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbuoln-ACsc/TgK0PivkuxI/AAAAAAAAGo0/iPNA7tzSNzk/s1600/DSCN4517.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbuoln-ACsc/TgK0PivkuxI/AAAAAAAAGo0/iPNA7tzSNzk/s400/DSCN4517.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Today was the first day of the farmers market where it hasn't been pouring down rain. So I biked on over to pickup some strawberries. The market was packed! I guess the whole neighborhood was excited that it was sunny out. I also found some local organic cherries. I can't wait to enjoy all these delicious berries for breakfast tomorrow.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOsgVwnc40o/TgK0QS1-bhI/AAAAAAAAGo8/NfEvgf-YGb4/s1600/DSCN4515.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOsgVwnc40o/TgK0QS1-bhI/AAAAAAAAGo8/NfEvgf-YGb4/s400/DSCN4515.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I also picked, by yours truly some raspberries today, also organic and delicious. They really need another week or two to hit there peak but they were still tasty.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-36441948243480856312011-06-19T17:41:00.000-07:002011-06-19T17:51:14.952-07:00Happy father's day<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TsKq6P36ms/Tf6XQdGEobI/AAAAAAAAGoI/ExwsX0NRZdk/s1600/DSCN4509.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TsKq6P36ms/Tf6XQdGEobI/AAAAAAAAGoI/ExwsX0NRZdk/s400/DSCN4509.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every dad needs a plate of cookie's for Father's Day. Nothing say's I love you like doing a little baking.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpEsxTH_BJc/Tf6XQpUWwrI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/SoUjlRV6XNk/s1600/DSCN4503.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpEsxTH_BJc/Tf6XQpUWwrI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/SoUjlRV6XNk/s400/DSCN4503.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Especially when they are blondies! I did take a little help from a box mix, I'm not gonna lie. So I don't have a recipe to share with everyone. But they were organic and I did add my own special twist using applesauce for some of the butter and also added some giant milk chocolate chips to the mix.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wdbdOBLDI8/Tf6XRGqFlrI/AAAAAAAAGoY/YORxS90lcaU/s1600/DSCN4512.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wdbdOBLDI8/Tf6XRGqFlrI/AAAAAAAAGoY/YORxS90lcaU/s400/DSCN4512.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">You can't have blondies without some chocolate chips in it. I was shocked that the mix didn't have them included. So I took it upon myself to add some in. And boy was it a good idea, yum.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Thank you to my dad who always fixes my car, house, and life. He's definitely clocked in some time on all three in the last year. Thank you for everything you do and I know you will continue to do. Oh and your current list of home repairs is still waiting for you. :)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Love your daughter.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-77398144641281087742011-06-14T20:12:00.000-07:002011-06-14T20:28:04.187-07:00Summer salad<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RQZJ0R4qEY/TfgjD92b8EI/AAAAAAAAGnE/sRVTIwD82jQ/s1600/DSCN0867.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RQZJ0R4qEY/TfgjD92b8EI/AAAAAAAAGnE/sRVTIwD82jQ/s400/DSCN0867.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">If your hosting a summer dinner, attending a BBQ, or heading to a picnic this is a great salad to serve.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTLTmmc38zc/TfgjEC30V1I/AAAAAAAAGnM/CJ9umJxJL58/s1600/DSCN0868.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTLTmmc38zc/TfgjEC30V1I/AAAAAAAAGnM/CJ9umJxJL58/s400/DSCN0868.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been growing my own lettuce and boy is it growing fast. I harvested some and chopped it up for the base of this summer salad. The greens were a mix of spinach, romaine, mixed greens, and red leaf lettuce. Topped with sliced strawberries and some lemon thyme. The thyme is from my herb garden and one of my favorite herbs. The hint of lemon is delicious.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbU7GLjz5nM/TfgjEbxxswI/AAAAAAAAGnU/tikjUmAh3ZY/s1600/DSCN0869.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbU7GLjz5nM/TfgjEbxxswI/AAAAAAAAGnU/tikjUmAh3ZY/s400/DSCN0869.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">Topped with some balsamic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">vinaigrette</span>, given it a toss, and served up.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><b>There's so many summer variations to this recipe:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>* </b>feta</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>*</b> fresh grated white cheddar</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>*</b> sliced almonds</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>*</b> pistachio's (something unexpected)</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>*</b> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">raspberries</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">instead</span> of strawberries, or maybe both!! </div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><b>*</b> sliced peaches or nectarine</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">* other herbs such as dill or basil</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">Since it's summertime just make sure it's fresh, local, and in season fruit for that special over the top flavor.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-79880674585701014692011-06-09T18:31:00.000-07:002011-06-09T19:05:20.045-07:00Way to a man's heart<div style="text-align: center;">They say the way to a man's heart is with food. Well I hope so cause I'm taking that one all the way. I made dinner the other night for my date.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dVECLj3REA/TfF3wt_-mZI/AAAAAAAAGmw/V_SUBz7J9SI/s1600/DSCN0880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dVECLj3REA/TfF3wt_-mZI/AAAAAAAAGmw/V_SUBz7J9SI/s400/DSCN0880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616401889173084562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For an appetizer I made some fresh homemade guacamole. I've never made guacamole before but I figured it would be simple enough. But out of desperation and since I was already stressing about making the perfect dinner. I decided to take a little help from my favorite friend, Trader Joe's. I picked up a kit that included avocados, lime, tomato, shallot, garlic, and jalapeno.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xSCBLx1C3Y/TfF3wa_fJAI/AAAAAAAAGmo/tY5a7NmotyQ/s1600/DSCN0876.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xSCBLx1C3Y/TfF3wa_fJAI/AAAAAAAAGmo/tY5a7NmotyQ/s400/DSCN0876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616401884070749186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> easy to make. You <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">literally</span> dice 2 ripe avocados, 1 tomato, 1 jalapeno, 1 shallot and 1 garlic (it came with 2 shallots and 2 garlic cloves, but I thought that was a little much), with 1 lime and then you add your own salt and pepper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once assembled in a bowl you just mash and serve with Trader Joe's organic corn tortilla chips. I would declare these chips the BEST ones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well the guacamole was a hit and my date declared it the BEST guacamole he has EVER had. Coming from this foodie guy that was the VERY BEST compliment I could have ever received on my cooking. He does enjoy food which makes me want to keep on cooking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like the cookies I have in the works for this weekend. He's fixing my bike so it's the least I can do. Well that and I know he has a major weakness for cookies. So I'm going to use it to score some major points! Foods always the way to a man's heart, remember that!</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-54477556066243813412011-06-01T17:28:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:42:55.850-07:00Full agenda<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Dating sure seems to take up a lot of my time. But it's so much fun!!!!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><a href="http://www.thecircuitgym.com/">Indoor boulderin</a></b>g was so much fun last weekend. It was also really hard, but I actually did really well. I was just sore for a few days after. This weekend's plan's include some biking, hiking, and a trip to the zoo.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">My meals have been kinda thrown together lately. Although random and not so pretty they have met all my nutritional needs.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-MKzfk4_Y/TebZQCPAGyI/AAAAAAAAGlM/7j7W6CK9hfo/s1600/DSCN0844.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-MKzfk4_Y/TebZQCPAGyI/AAAAAAAAGlM/7j7W6CK9hfo/s400/DSCN0844.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">But I did make a quick and easy Mexican casserole with cornbread on top the other night.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPtjTAY5kCM/TebZQY1pQzI/AAAAAAAAGlU/Q8ikQgpLY0w/s1600/DSCN0851.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPtjTAY5kCM/TebZQY1pQzI/AAAAAAAAGlU/Q8ikQgpLY0w/s400/DSCN0851.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The base is vegetarian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">refried</span> beans, salsa, and black beans. Topped with Bob's red mill cornbread mix and some reduced fat cheddar cheese. Served up with some lettuce for a veggie and some Greek yogurt for a good source of added protein.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGH4xL0lu2o/TebZQS0Vu5I/AAAAAAAAGlc/kiDFvZ92FQI/s1600/DSCN0856.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGH4xL0lu2o/TebZQS0Vu5I/AAAAAAAAGlc/kiDFvZ92FQI/s400/DSCN0856.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I also made some granola bars for a good go to snack or easy breakfast.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hogGv4bf8ps/TebZQkged2I/AAAAAAAAGlk/Kn9jezQzjRI/s1600/DSCN0863.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hogGv4bf8ps/TebZQkged2I/AAAAAAAAGlk/Kn9jezQzjRI/s400/DSCN0863.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><i><b>Mix together:</b></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1 cup spelt flour <i>(my new favorite flour for baking)</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1.5 cups oats</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">3 TB. sliced almonds</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/4 cup dried cranberries</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/4 cup dark chocolate chips</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/2 tsp. baking soda</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/2 tsp. baking powder</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">dash salt and cinnamon</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><i><b>In a separate bowl mix together:</b></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/4 cup honey</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/4 cup almond milk (our milk of choice)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">1/4 cup applesauce</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">2 TB. coconut oil</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><i><b>Mix together dry and wet ingredients. Bake in a non stick pan at 350 degrees for 15 min.</b></i></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-35803670845393213812011-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:002011-05-25T16:11:55.326-07:00Fitness dates<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGn8RlI2snw/Td2HrBdTkFI/AAAAAAAAGkg/blD1Bldrr4g/s1600/DSCN0833.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGn8RlI2snw/Td2HrBdTkFI/AAAAAAAAGkg/blD1Bldrr4g/s400/DSCN0833.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I've been gone for the last few weeks. So I'm offering up a plate of homemade cookies to say I'm sorry. I haven't been sharing all the fun and exciting things I've been doing in my time away. But first up let's talk about these cookies. These are the kind of cookies you don't have to feel guilty about eating.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_9N6MEa6Ps/Td2Hrqz0T7I/AAAAAAAAGko/GtT7VlYCvzo/s1600/DSCN0836.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_9N6MEa6Ps/Td2Hrqz0T7I/AAAAAAAAGko/GtT7VlYCvzo/s400/DSCN0836.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Healthy sour cherry dark chocolate chip cookies</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Mix together dry ingredients</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups spelt flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup oats</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup dark chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup dried sour cherries</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup sweetened coconut</div><div style="text-align: center;">dash salt and cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. each baking soda and baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. evaporated cane juice</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mix together wet ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup applesauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup raw honey</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TB. coconut oil</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix together wet and dry ingredients. Form into small balls and bake on a non stick baking sheet for 7 min. at 350 degrees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I've never made cookies with spelt flour before. But they were light, soft, and had a much milder flavor then whole wheat flour. These cookies are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> good.</i></div><i><br /></i><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahnm_5fliM/Td2HsEP_wsI/AAAAAAAAGkw/Cr6b4SkgwT0/s1600/DSCN0808.JPG"><i><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahnm_5fliM/Td2HsEP_wsI/AAAAAAAAGkw/Cr6b4SkgwT0/s400/DSCN0808.JPG" /></i></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay back to what I've been up to lately. I've been doing a lot of biking around town and even in the downtown Portland area. I've become a regular biker and I'm getting pretty good at it. I'm definitely not as scared of the traffic as I was a few weeks ago.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAxNefaSurw/Td2HsQDeSPI/AAAAAAAAGk4/1Dnf7dRRqk8/s1600/DSCN0769.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAxNefaSurw/Td2HsQDeSPI/AAAAAAAAGk4/1Dnf7dRRqk8/s400/DSCN0769.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">The reason I've been biking so much lately is because I've been going on these "fitness" dates. Which is my kinda dating. It involves a really attractive fitness minded guy and a lot of biking, talking, and lunching. I love these "fitness" dates. It's much easier to have a good time, get to know each other, do things that both people are interested in, and the bonus is you get a workout in. But not too much of a workout, we don't want to get gross and sweaty on these dates.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">This weekend I'm doing <b><a href="http://www.thecircuitgym.com/index.php">indoor bouldering. </a></b> It's basically indoor rock climbing but without all the ropes and gear. You use your own muscles to pull your self around on fake rock boulders. And the bonus is my dates done this before so he's going to help "instruct" me, if you know what I mean.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and give a recap. I'm really excited, this is on my list of things that I've really wanted to do.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-75659938762189602052011-05-11T14:56:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:42:50.417-07:00Biking around town<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owLVOzDw2AE/TcsGKubnegI/AAAAAAAAGhM/WbniKM92SaU/s1600/DSCN0769.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owLVOzDw2AE/TcsGKubnegI/AAAAAAAAGhM/WbniKM92SaU/s400/DSCN0769.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I biked to the gym!!!!! This was the first time I have ever done this before. I've never lived close enough to my gym to bike there, but I do now. Due to all the rain I hadn't tested out the gym route yet. But today it was dry and I felt like it was the perfect day to give it a go. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I biked the two miles there, did a full body workout, and then biked towards home.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_6qUlAP8n0/TcsGLMFgbsI/AAAAAAAAGhU/w22MYrzxZ4g/s1600/DSCN0770.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_6qUlAP8n0/TcsGLMFgbsI/AAAAAAAAGhU/w22MYrzxZ4g/s400/DSCN0770.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">But not before biking a few extra miles to the local coffee shop <a href="http://www.uglymugpdx.com/"><b>U</b></a><b><a href="http://www.uglymugpdx.com/">gly mug </a></b>for a very small soy latte. I hung out reading two of the local newspapers and checking up on all the local entertainment happenings. I then biked home pretty quickly because it looked like it was going to start raining .</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">It's opening day of the neighborhood farmers market today. I had planned on walking there with my mom and then having dinner afterwards together. But it's raining really hard, so we will probably skip this weeks market and I'll catch it next week.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-37679575278036133272011-05-10T19:41:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:52:17.268-07:00A new fitness adventure<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQove2MvXJI/Tcn3dpU_pFI/AAAAAAAAGg0/RPalBUpDgX0/s1600/DSCN0754.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQove2MvXJI/Tcn3dpU_pFI/AAAAAAAAGg0/RPalBUpDgX0/s400/DSCN0754.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The other day I laced up my shoes and tried out a new fitness activity.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVx8uZKDKLI/Tcn3dzDeKDI/AAAAAAAAGg8/hOXCDBQ-zR0/s1600/DSCN0757.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVx8uZKDKLI/Tcn3dzDeKDI/AAAAAAAAGg8/hOXCDBQ-zR0/s400/DSCN0757.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I tried out <b><a href="http://www.barre3.com/">barre 3 </a></b>which is a combo of ballet, yoga, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pilates</span>, with a LOT of stretching thrown in. I wanted to try it because I have been really missing my Wednesday dancers workout class. The instructor has been on maternity leave and there is no other class at my gym similar to that class. Basically Danielle was the only one who taught it. My legs and abs have REALLY been missing the intense deep muscle conditioning. I thought <b><a href="http://www.barre3.com/">barre 3</a></b> would be along the same lines as dancers workout and worth trying.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0RPbksJx5E/Tcn3ev7FstI/AAAAAAAAGhE/XdLh8rbdgc0/s1600/DSCN0756.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0RPbksJx5E/Tcn3ev7FstI/AAAAAAAAGhE/XdLh8rbdgc0/s400/DSCN0756.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">It was way too slow paced for me with too much stretching throughout the class and not enough time working the muscles. I have a new member 3 time trial membership. So I have two more times to try it out. But I did enjoy trying something new.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-12137560442924402682011-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:002011-05-08T14:08:06.077-07:00Mom's day<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbJG22QQZ4/TccEipmBuUI/AAAAAAAAGgk/uVh2j0Asc3k/s1600/DSCN0759.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbJG22QQZ4/TccEipmBuUI/AAAAAAAAGgk/uVh2j0Asc3k/s400/DSCN0759.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Mother's day to my mom. Thank you for always being there for me when life is challenging. Thank you for giving constant support and encouragement and always being unconditionally understanding.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For long time readers you know that I have had a VERY challenging year, even more then you know. But all you need in life to get through it is a good mom and best friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So happy mother's day to both of my favorite mom's. Happy mother's day to my mom and to my best friend <a href="http://michelle-thenextchapter.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> (it's her first year officially as a mom).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlK2fhfawzc/TccEi2a1GKI/AAAAAAAAGgs/_qYAonmP9YI/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlK2fhfawzc/TccEi2a1GKI/AAAAAAAAGgs/_qYAonmP9YI/s400/DSCN0761.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Thank you for everything, I love you.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-89486186258445350852011-05-04T17:57:00.000-07:002011-05-04T18:20:21.357-07:00Spring showers bring May flowers<div style="text-align: center;">The flowers are in full bloom around here and the sun was shining bright this morning.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EQXOV5KopY/TcH2Zf1O_KI/AAAAAAAAGgc/BYqNVm7IaiM/s1600/DSCN0747.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EQXOV5KopY/TcH2Zf1O_KI/AAAAAAAAGgc/BYqNVm7IaiM/s400/DSCN0747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603030329327549602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I went on a great long run this morning. I passed lots of other runners, walkers, and bicyclers. Lot's of people were out walking to all the local coffee shops. But I was on a different mission. Today is the only sunny and dry day this week. So I wanted to get in a good long hard run, and boy was it. It was so hard but I was so glad I did it. The rest of the week will be indoor gym workouts, so it was nice to get outside.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX4CF0daqiA/TcH2YwIkD2I/AAAAAAAAGgU/1X7x-lAbqDY/s1600/DSCN0737.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX4CF0daqiA/TcH2YwIkD2I/AAAAAAAAGgU/1X7x-lAbqDY/s400/DSCN0737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603030316523720546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner tonight was my first meal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AL</span> fresco meal since moving to this house. I've been here for about 5 months now, but it's been raining non stop. I picked up this cute set of patio furniture at the local hardware store last weekend. I was walking by on my way to the grocery store when I spotted these chairs. They had all kinds of colors. I was torn between a bright green and this pale yellow. I settled on the yellow because I thought I might hate the green down the road. The whole set is made out of recycled material and it's very durable and comfy. </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZOQ7TkmoMk/TcH2YloPtqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/djcMXGN8etg/s1600/DSCN0740.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZOQ7TkmoMk/TcH2YloPtqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/djcMXGN8etg/s400/DSCN0740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603030313703814818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">While relaxing I enjoyed an ice cold glass of lime sparkling water with an extra squeeze of lime.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFRbhnjHtWs/TcH2YSuqnZI/AAAAAAAAGgE/URm7yeDpxFs/s1600/DSCN0735.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFRbhnjHtWs/TcH2YSuqnZI/AAAAAAAAGgE/URm7yeDpxFs/s400/DSCN0735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603030308630470034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner was as bright and cheery as the furniture.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rkerk8C08I/TcH2YEs7vPI/AAAAAAAAGf8/yY5IaIOJPHE/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rkerk8C08I/TcH2YEs7vPI/AAAAAAAAGf8/yY5IaIOJPHE/s400/DSCN0736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603030304865107186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped at Trader Joe's and the produce stand today. While shopping I had the idea for dinner to be something bright and summer inspired, with lots of fruits and veggies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The base is brown rice topped with black beans, roasted sweet potato (seasoned with sea salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic), shredded carrot, red bell pepper, mango chunks, avocado, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Greek</span> yogurt, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tj's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chipotle</span> lime salsa, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tj's</span> spicy black bean dip, and a squeeze of lime.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This dish just kept growing as I added each ingredient. It was a massive pile of veggies, but it was one of the BEST dinner's that I have had in a long time. You just can't go wrong with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lots</span> of fresh produce. I love summer, I can't wait for even more fabulous fresh meals like this.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-29600588622881521762011-05-03T19:39:00.000-07:002011-05-03T20:01:12.013-07:00Spring is in the air<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">What I love about spring are morning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">runs</span> in the bright warm sun. Biking and walking around town to run errands. And wearing a lot less layers of clothes. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">But what I really love are all the fresh fruits and veggies coming into the markets. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQX0Djf154E/TcC8bNVSHCI/AAAAAAAAGfc/LKt-gw3eHzs/s1600/DSCN0723.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQX0Djf154E/TcC8bNVSHCI/AAAAAAAAGfc/LKt-gw3eHzs/s400/DSCN0723.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asparagus is in season and a veggie that I love when it's fresh and at the peak of it's season.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288WQYYLe_8/TcC8bYqS5gI/AAAAAAAAGfk/nTKpaNgP8Co/s1600/DSCN0726.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288WQYYLe_8/TcC8bYqS5gI/AAAAAAAAGfk/nTKpaNgP8Co/s400/DSCN0726.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I also love getting out and gardening once again. This year I planted some pots of spinach, several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">varieties</span> of mixed greens, romaine, lemon cucumber, regular cucumber, basil, lemon thyme, cilantro,and dill.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrZBpv3R0SM/TcC8bhHYlhI/AAAAAAAAGfs/8rBJR5teqXg/s1600/DSCN0733.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrZBpv3R0SM/TcC8bhHYlhI/AAAAAAAAGfs/8rBJR5teqXg/s400/DSCN0733.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw <a href="http://www.katheats.com/grilled-surprise#comment-326093"><b>Kath's asparagus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">frittata</span></span></b></a> last night and knew I had to make it really soon. So after I got home from the gym and showered I walked up to the store to get the freshest asparagus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Asparagus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">frittata</span></span> for one:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 egg whites</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritional_yeast">nutritional yeast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">dash garlic, smoked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">paprika</span>, salt, and pepper.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p8IfHADr-g/TcC8b0rHYsI/AAAAAAAAGf0/1I8q7Nz8I0w/s1600/DSCN0730.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p8IfHADr-g/TcC8b0rHYsI/AAAAAAAAGf0/1I8q7Nz8I0w/s400/DSCN0730.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Topped off with some cheddar cheese and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Parmesan</span> cheese. Served with two little slices of Great Harvest nine grain bread topped with a very small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">smidge</span></span> of Earth balance butter and some Crofter's raspberry all fruit spread.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">frittata</span></span> was good, but not great. For whatever reason this season I just haven't found my niche with the asparagus. Last year I loved it and couldn't get enough of it. Oh well there's plenty of other produce coming into season.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-69006533934463473942011-04-27T16:02:00.000-07:002011-04-27T16:24:37.503-07:00Earthy roots<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I've officially embraced my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hippy</span> side today. I went to a local co op called <b><a href="http://www.peoples.coop/">People's</a></b> for the first time today. It's interesting how a co op works. It's owned by the customers, everything is super earthy, and you can even work there (not for pay, just for a discount).</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISfpCH9SV1U/TbiglMGGk6I/AAAAAAAAGe8/rM0RtjfiHds/s1600/DSCN0715.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISfpCH9SV1U/TbiglMGGk6I/AAAAAAAAGe8/rM0RtjfiHds/s400/DSCN0715.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had a lot of bulk stuff. Anything from herbs, grains, soap, laundry detergent, herbal remedies, and lots of raw products.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4tjpWBg3kA/TbiglWwjX9I/AAAAAAAAGfE/UTuOmYjpUzw/s1600/DSCN0717.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4tjpWBg3kA/TbiglWwjX9I/AAAAAAAAGfE/UTuOmYjpUzw/s400/DSCN0717.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also got some dark chocolate chips, only because I needed to restock my supply and they carried the kind from Italy that I get. I was also a sucker for these raw dark chocolate coconut haystacks. It's just unsweetened coconut, maple syrup, and dark chocolate, OH MY!!!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZXle6DJ3Nk/TbiglTtDGCI/AAAAAAAAGfM/jnu64qZzWX0/s1600/DSCN0712.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZXle6DJ3Nk/TbiglTtDGCI/AAAAAAAAGfM/jnu64qZzWX0/s400/DSCN0712.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I also found a great deal on coconut oil, crofter's all fruit spread in raspberry and apricot, and garlic gold. I was so excited to see garlic gold products. It's all the rage on all the blogs and I've been wanting to try it. It's olive oil and roasted garlic pieces. I hear it makes a great homemade salad dressing.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d2A9X7rhZk/TbiglplK0bI/AAAAAAAAGfU/nkEzO6syqeg/s1600/DSCN0705.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d2A9X7rhZk/TbiglplK0bI/AAAAAAAAGfU/nkEzO6syqeg/s400/DSCN0705.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">And to top off my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hippy</span> times I stopped at<a href="http://www.laughingplanetcafe.com/"><b> Laughing plant cafe for lunch. </b></a> It's got a hippy vibe and everything is vegetarian and then you can add free range chicken, tofu, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tempeh</span> to any dish. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I got the<b> Cuban bowl:</b> <i>brown</i> <i>rice, black beans, sweet potatoes, plantains, and salsa.</i> I added some free range chicken and a whole wheat tortilla on the side for making my own little burrito pieces. I got it to go so when I got home I added some lettuce on top for a dose of healthy leafy greens. I ate half of the bowl and half of the tortilla. I'm saving the other half for dinner. </div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-89228628156430271122011-04-26T19:49:00.000-07:002011-04-26T20:11:14.061-07:00Ready to go snacks<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PjuUQv4ziE/TbeEWMyEAfI/AAAAAAAAGek/jqI9i4WUmMI/s1600/DSCN0701.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PjuUQv4ziE/TbeEWMyEAfI/AAAAAAAAGek/jqI9i4WUmMI/s400/DSCN0701.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Snacky</span></span> balls!!!! I know, not the best description. But they are tasty and perfect to have around for a quick pick me up.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNAuzgHyW7A/TbeEWZJdDII/AAAAAAAAGes/4O8KL3aY-uw/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNAuzgHyW7A/TbeEWZJdDII/AAAAAAAAGes/4O8KL3aY-uw/s400/DSCN0698.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Oats</b></i> <b><i>and any and everything else balls:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Base:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b>1.5 cups oats</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup raw honey warmed up for a few seconds</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup natural<b> </b>nut butter of choice<i> ( I used a mix of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pb</span></span> and almond butter</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup non fat powdered milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">dash salt and cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then after that you can add anything you'd like. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I added:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup raisins</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TB. ground flax meal</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TB. ground almond meal</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup dark chocolate chips <i>The best part!!!!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr94ZKi1VC8/TbeEWniLGzI/AAAAAAAAGe0/fAmm6LcTB-c/s1600/DSCN0699.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr94ZKi1VC8/TbeEWniLGzI/AAAAAAAAGe0/fAmm6LcTB-c/s400/DSCN0699.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Mix together and roll into balls. For best results resist temptation and let them sit in the fridge overnight before enjoying. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">I like enjoying mine straight from the fridge so that they are nice and firm.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-75646934101544635262011-04-23T20:03:00.000-07:002011-04-23T20:14:11.157-07:00Welcome to spring<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raVdtnAb-TU/TbOTRU4unxI/AAAAAAAAGeY/J3pItYh9wYA/s1600/DSCN0675.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raVdtnAb-TU/TbOTRU4unxI/AAAAAAAAGeY/J3pItYh9wYA/s400/DSCN0675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598980687625363218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We've finally had two day's in a row of nice sunny weather. Perfect for getting outside and reuniting with nature.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNiVf4gpm0s/TbOTRCn-UvI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/W_RUexFWJDA/s1600/DSCN0677.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNiVf4gpm0s/TbOTRCn-UvI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/W_RUexFWJDA/s400/DSCN0677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598980682723250930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I picked up some herbs to be planted in a patio pot today. Some basil, cilantro, lemon thyme (one of my favorites), and dill. I'm also planning on planting some veggies too. But I'm waiting until it warms up just slightly. We've had a couple really cold nights lately.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW4ixQS6QPM/TbOTQ9433HI/AAAAAAAAGeI/E8Tnqdva9tA/s1600/DSCN0673.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW4ixQS6QPM/TbOTQ9433HI/AAAAAAAAGeI/E8Tnqdva9tA/s400/DSCN0673.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598980681451953266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This evening I went on a bike ride and then came home to enjoy a bowl of Julie's organic chocolate frozen yogurt. Topped with fresh organic strawberries, it was perfect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight's bike ride was my first since moving to my new neighborhood and my first ride in about 3 months. Man my legs were feeling it, but it was so fun. I forgot how much I liked my bike. I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> going to be doing more biking in the upcoming months.</div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026146104946090402.post-35513302358528549672011-04-22T17:52:00.000-07:002011-04-22T18:03:32.271-07:00Giving back to Mother earth<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnaiXuRxoGk/TbIi3nhYAOI/AAAAAAAAGc4/vlEWLy9l-1U/s1600/DSCN0328.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnaiXuRxoGk/TbIi3nhYAOI/AAAAAAAAGc4/vlEWLy9l-1U/s400/DSCN0328.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Happy Earth day!!!</span></b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><b><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Some way's</span> that I help the environment and reduce my foot print on the world are:</b></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Using re usable bags for everyday shopping as well as groceries.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Biking, walking, and running!!!! It's one of the reason's I picked the neighborhood I live in.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Buying local</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Planting flowers and tree's.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Recycling.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Using reusable travel cups and dishes.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Using <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pyrex</span> storage container's for leftover's or for transporting my lunch to work. Instead of little baggies or foil.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><i>As well as so many other things.</i></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748394519788644793noreply@blogger.com2