Tag Archives: health valley

Winter Days

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Many of you asked me about the brown rice cream in my last post. The company Erewhon makes it and you can order it online or check to see if it’s at your local grocer. It’s a really great 100% organic creamy cereal that’s a bit heartier than cream of wheat and is also gluten-free.

On the topic of answering questions, if anybody has any others for me regarding anything, don’t be afraid to ask! I’d be more than happy to answer.

The heavenly smell of the caramelized banana was wafting through my apartment.

This bowl = Oikos yogurt + Udi’s Hawaiian granola + caramelized banana + Sunland’s banana peanu butter. Let me remind you what’s in the Hawaiian granola (which is my favorite by the way)… ginger-toasted macadamias, pineapple, and coconut. I also did something special to the yogurt–sweetened it and also added a bit of coconut extract to give it an extra tropical flair. Yuuuuum!

I quickly put together this lunch before my Literary Journalists class.

The rest of the Health Valley vegetarian chili mixed in with bulgur wheat, hickory smoke sauce, corn, and mushrooms. I also had a side of steamed kale tossed in olive oil.

Something new to try...

Remember when I found the new caramel Oikos flavor in my last post? My first thought when I saw it I was disappointed because it looked like the plain yogurt. But then it occurred to me that it was probably at the bottom of the cup. Correct-o-mundo! First I tried it alone and I have to recommend this to everyone! There was nothing weird or funky about this. The caramel and the Greek yogurt blended together smoothly and tasted so yummy together. It’s sweet indeed, but it didn’t have an artificial taste.

Then it hit me--combine a diced jazz apple with the caramel Oikos...

And another idea hit me!

I wanted nuts but also something crunchier. Solution? Top it all off with vanilla & almond granola. Caramel apple much? This was refreshing and full of flavor!

For my to-go dinner I used a Sabra to-go cup and mixed in some pesto and cumin.

Thanks to my friend for giving me these Sabra to-go cups--mixed in some pesto and cumin.

Trader Joe's handmade flour tortilla + pesto & hummus + veggies + cilantro

I had to go to photoshoot that night for a Valentine’s Day ad for a hip restaurant around here. I’ll let you guys know when the pictures come out! It was very different to be the one in front of the lens, but so much fun!

The other day when I saw hot cocoa in Holly's post I made some that night and I stumbled upon something I miraculously forgot!

Maya’s homemade marshmallows she sent me awhile back! How did I forget I still had some left? Well I knew just what I wanted to use them for. I already knew they were delicious alone and with hot cocoa, so I wanted to incorporate them into my favorite meal of the day. I made a bowl of oatmeal with chocolate protein powder, hot cocoa mix, coconut oil, and topped them with the lovely marshmallows. On the side I also had a sliced apple with Sunland’s caramel peanut butter.

They started to melt right in!

I made a tzatziki sauce with of Oikos plain Greek yogurt + other various ingredients.

The recipe can be found here! I also added in a bit more garlic because I’m a lover.

Such a refreshing lunch... in the middle of winter!

I made a falafel wrap and a salad on the side–both topped with fresh and creamy tzatziki. The falafels I made the other day were definitely winners!

So. Good. I literally stopped everything to just sit and enjoy every bite of this wrap.

More snacking on the go!

I got back in touch with autumnal flavors with the Maple Pecan Boomi Bar. I was asked to go shopping with a guy friend of mine. He said he needed a lady’s expertise to find the right button-down shirt. Too funny!

Strike a pose!

And then I was asked if I could be treated to coffee. Yes please!

We both ordered soy cappuccinos and I dusted mine with the dolce spice. Not sure what it is, but it sure smelled good!

I love foam!

After finding the perfect button-down and some other things we headed back home, but he had to make a quick stop at Trader Joe’s. What?! I got to go twice in one week! One of the cashiers swore he saw me riding my bike on a road I know I probably wasn’t cruising down recently. I’ve been told many times that I have a doppleganger walking around. Hmm?

I woke up to this today!

Matilda had on three layers for her morning walk.

Check out my super stylin' babe!

Blinded by the light!

A whole new world.

She kind of looks like a little old man hehe.

Matilda is so tiny!

At some point Matilda let us know that walking time was over so I picked her up and ran back home to warm my poor baby up.

Then I started to prepare a hearty meal for us--perfect for a snow day.

Such a comforting meal.

I just started to cook things that I felt would be delicious together. I cooked some bulgur wheat. Then sauteed onions and garlic with curry and cumin. Then I added the water and red lentils, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, green peas, hickory smoke, vegan Worcestershire, and red miso paste. After it was all done simmering I mixed the bulgur wheat, lentils, and swirled in some coconut oil for the final touch.

Here is some exciting news that I have to share with you all. Remember in my last post I talked about being very busy but enjoying what I’m doing and trying new things? Well recently I went to a model call for a local boutique around here. They’re hosting a fashion show featuring local talents and what not. I decided to give it a try and people of all sizes could come! I seriously thought I wouldn’t get a call back because I was lacking that “model attitude” when I did my walk, but maybe they saw something in me because I got a call back and I’m in!

I hope all of you are enjoying your weekends whether you’re snowed in, bundled up, or soaking up the sun even! Tonight I plan on going bar “crawling” through the snow with some friends. Should be fun!

Letting Things Happen and Trying New Things

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Erewhon's Brown rice cream + pumpkin + vanilla protein powder + coconut oil + spices + molasses + brown sugar + Sunland's caramel peanut butter melted in.

Nothing’s better than a bowl of yummy creaminess on a cold winter’s day.

A sort of platter

I was inspired by this recipe. I caramelized the apples and walnuts, baked the brie and sesame Italian bread. For the kale I just steamed it till the green turned vibrant.

So delicious... the bread was crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside

Winning combo!

Greek yogurt + pumpkin + raisins + maple syrup + cranberry & walnut granola

I let the raisins soak in the Greek yogurt overnight–I actually forgot about doing that because when I saw it in the morning I thought my yogurt started to grow mold. You can imagine I was like, “how does this happen overnight?!” Then the “a-ha” moment was had and I remembered, “oh that’s right those are raisins.” So I happily enjoyed this for breakfast without worry of possibly contracting some sort of illness. Anyhow, I love the crunch of the granola and nuts mixed with creamy yogurt and chewy dried fruit. It’s a nice balance of textures.

When you're in a hurry, readymade food is a blessing!

I knew that can of vegetarian chili from Health Valley would come in handy some time in my semester! I added some of my own touches to it by melting in some dark chocolate and maple syrup. Then I threw in some peas and bulgur wheat and garnished it with cilantro and voila! On the side I steamed some kale and tossed it in olive oil and sprinkled on some salt and chopped almonds. Such an easy meal and tasty as well!

And look at what caught my eye at the store the other day!

A jazz apple!

It was just too pretty not to put in my basket.

On the go snacking...

Lately, when I’m in the comfort of my own home I’ve been snacking on a mixture of granola, soymilk, and peanut butter put it in the microwave. If you like to eat delicious things then I highly recommend this! However, sometimes I’m not at home when snack attack hits me. This is when I rely on dense and full of flavor bars like Boomi Bars. I luckily still have some from when I was sent a box to review. I know I’ve raved about them before, but I really have to do it again. Personally, I think bars with less ingredients taste way better because the flavor doesn’t get lost among the list of unnecessary ingredients. Not to mention, these are more satisfying and filling–just what I need!

While I was on the go I stocked up on some goods...

I got some new things to try!

I got the Gardein “buffalo wings” with the freebie coupon they sent me, so I will let you guys know how the taste testing goes. I’ve never had buffalo wings before so we’ll see what I think! I also finally found two items I’ve been on the lookout for. I’m pretty sure I will love the Sunshine Burger breakfast flavor because which flavor have I not loved so far? Seriously my favorite store-bought veggie burger. Lastly, luck was on my side when I spotted the new caramel Oikos flavor that some bloggers out there have also stumbled upon. I can’t wait to try this out!!

I also made a Trader Joe's stop as well--Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are basically next to each other so it works out beautifully.

I finally got some of their frozen yogurt to see what the dealio is. Well now I know and I must say that I really enjoy the tartness. Let’s see… I spy various fruits and veggies (some frozen) and some handmade flour tortillas. I also got manchego cheese–I have a recipe in mind for this.

Soon after I got home I set out to make some falafels.

I loosely followed this recipe.

I decided to bake them instead since I'm always afraid of burning myself when frying.

Then I made a random dinner.

Up close and personal baby.

I sauteed some mushrooms, red onions, and garlic and reduced it all in balsamic vinegar. Then I assembled the handmade tortilla like so: melted mozzarella, pesto, smoky chipotle and sun-dried red pepper hummus, sauteed veggies, and cilantro. I must say, this was quite the wrap. Randomly delicious.

Still image from my video. Click the link below!

Knowing it All too Well

I have some exciting things that I can’t wait to share with you all. Although this semester I’ve already experienced one of those weeks where it feels like it’s too much effort to even breathe, I’m doing and learning about things I enjoy. Not to mention, I’ve also been doing some things on the side and really immersing myself with new things and giving things a chance. I don’t think I can say it better than the lovely Neela herself, “sometimes in life you don’t know where things are going–right now it feels even better to NOT know where it’s going!” In a way that’s how I feel right now. I’m doing things to experience them mainly without expecting anything back, but I’m okay with that. Going out there and doing new things in itself, brings me fulfillment.

Let’s Make a Toast

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18

Let’s start this post off on a sweet note because that’s how I usually start my day. ‘Tis true that chocolate is usually the first thing I eat in my day. When did I become such a choco-aholic?

Something to savor

I finally tried the last kind of chocolate cup the folks at Newman’s Own Organic sent me. Three come in a package so that worked out very nicely for my family. Everyone approved – more than approved! This was the dark chocolate caramel cup. The dark chocolate melting  on my tongue and the gooey caramel! How could one go wrong?

Peach Cupcakes with Peach Buttercream Icing

Peaches are one my best friend’s favorite things! So these cupcakes sounded perfect to satisfy her incredible sweet tooth for Christmas! Do you see the bits of peach in the frosting?

I led her up to them with her eyes closed and I think she was very happy!

I usually don't like icing, but if it's homemade and like this - oi!

We had cupcakes with coffee and she got to try the vegan banana coconut cheesecake I shared in my last post. I was nervous about her trying it because it’s hard to satisfy her sweet tooth. I was stunned when she said she really liked it!

Some new things to try!

My dad noticed this seasonal flavor of Kefir at the local healthfood store. Sounds interesting, right? Personally, I wasn’t too keen on it. It just tasted fruity and not even tart. It doesn’t taste bad by any means, just not what I’d imagine cranberry creme brulee to taste like. I also got some Pico de Gallo tortilla chips by Garden of Eatin’. These looked like they’d be the most flavorful. They have this mild smokiness that I enjoy – even better with melted pepper jack cheese! I haven’t tried the chili yet though.

Lazy night

I had some chickpea dish my dad got at the Indian store with a methi paratha. Lately I’ve been loving raw collard greens.

Perfect drink to have before you drift off to sleep.

Just to make sure I would only have sweet dreams that night. Homemade hot cocoa with the delicious homemade marshmallows Maya sent me. One little thing I like to do to my hot cocoa is melt in real chocolate. I also made cups for my parents too because nobody wants nightmares!

I tried a new flavor!

I used another freebie coupon the people at Oikos sent me. Some of the things I like about Greek yogurt are its tartness, texture, and it’s high in protein!

This flavor was really yummy!

No weird artificial tasting flavor here! I even found real blueberries in it! So good.

Tortellini with Eggplant and Peppers

I used a four-cheese tortellini for this recipe I spotted in the Real Simple magazine the other day.

For dinner I made a recipe inspired by one that sparked my appreciation for capers.

Four-cheese tortellini with eggplant, tomato, roasted red peppers, and capers with Rice parmesan sprinkled on top. And the whole thing was drizzled with olive oil for extra flavor.

What a delicious landscape - where have we landed?

After dinner I went to go watch the movie Nine with some friends.

At the theatre they had a claw machine where you could win watches instead of stuffed animals!

My friend remembered her white cheddar seasoning for the popcorn - good thinking!

Today is the last day of 2009 and usually I find myself not coming up with a resolution because throughout the year I am constantly reevaluating things and see what I want to change. However this year I decided to make one. I want to practice more patience with my parents. Sometimes when they offer to help me, I usually brush it off because the thought of having to explain everything to them makes me anxious. But does taking a few minutes out of my time to go over something really need to be a big deal? No. I think the reason why it’s so hard for me to be patient with my parents is because I have patience for everyone else – and parents are unconditionally there for you. But I will work on that because I know that it also makes them happy to be able to help me out in any way. “Patience is a virtue, Virtue is a grace; both put together make a very pretty face.” Do any of you have any resolutions?

I plan on ringing in the new year with a bottle of this

and a box of chocolates! No matter what your aspirations or resolutions are for the upcoming year, I hope they help you seek more fulfillment in your own life. Not just seek but actually attain!

p.s. the next post is a fun one!