Basil Green with Envy

I wrote to Maggie earlier that I took a break from looking at food blogs for a bit. It’s silly really, but it made me crave all those wonderful veggies and fruits you guys all put together… EVEN MORE! I’m not into the idea of chewing my arm off ; how would I write these posts?! Anyway, I was very interested by the feedback I got from you all in my last postEliza had made a very great point! She said, “but we all deserve to eat the way we enjoy.” This is so true. Although this past week and a half really made me realize that my situation wasn’t that bad, I know that when I can then why not? When I have money to get groceries I make a list, but if something interesting catches my eye then into the cart it goes! Thank goodness I do this because when I thought I had nothing, I had plenty! But in general, I do a really good job of saving money and not spending mindlessly.

A few nights ago, my friend invited me over to watch a crazy BBC documentary called “America’s Most Hated Family”. It was about the people of Westboro Baptist Church. They’re the ones that picket outside of soldier’s funerals with very distasteful slogans. It was mind-boggling and interesting to watch. Afterwards, we turned on Julie & Julia. We didn’t get to finish it, but I really want to!

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This little set-up was waiting for me when I got there!

Don’t you just love how hanging out with friends can make problems magically disappear? I never tried Sake before and I learned that heating it up is actually an insult to the artisan. Basically, heating Sake up is like adding salt to a dish that’s been served.

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Breakfast!

For breakfast I had something different! I toasted a Rudi’s Organic English muffin, one of the samples sent to me by the company. My roommate’s boyfriend asked what I had made in the oven. It was just an English muffin! Well, not just an English muffin. This one happened to be incredibly yummy! Especially with cashew butter and some raspberry preserves. I also had a ZenSoy Vanilla Soy on the Go and a hemp brownie bite. A what?! Okay first let me say that these soy milk-to-go packets are genius and make me feel like a school kid again. Now back to the hemp brownie. I was sent some samples of French Meadow Bakery products and those were one of the goodies sent to me.

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The motherload! Please pass on some sandwich recipes.

The hemp brownie bite was awesome! Brownies are something I’m picky about, but the texture of this one was just right. And the taste? As funky as a hemp brownie sounds, there was nothing off-putting about it!

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More bread and a chocolate protein shake with some coffee mixed in.

I tried another slice of Rudi’s bread, but this time I chose the Cinnamon Raisin bread. I spread on some coconut oil. Well I do love the thick slices each load seems to have, but I think the cinnamon flavor could’ve been stronger.

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Creme of Almond and Date spread made this just right.
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I’ve also been sampling some sweets.

Since the incredible package of Newman’s Own Organics came in at the right time, I thought what better way to munch my way through the days with some cookies!

First up are the Champion Chip Cookies! The flavors I got were Double Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Espresso Chocolate Chip. I’m not a big fan of the Chocolate Chocolate variation, but the rest are right up my alley! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the Double Chocolate Mint Chip cookies!

Second batch? Hmm… let’s go with the Hermits. I tried the Original and Cinnamon flavor. Both are good, but I personally preferred the Original ones. Not sure why though. I bet the Ginger Hermits are delicious – I love ginger!

Now on to the Fig Newmans! The only difference between the two I got is that one is fat-free and the other is low-fat. There’s was no apparent difference to me as far as taste goes. So I guess it’s just what you prefer as far as fat-content goes.

Last but certainly not least are the Alphabet Cookies. Maybe I’m boring when it comes to cookies, but these were my favorite! They’re so simple but so good. I want to spell my full name out, including my middle name, and then eat it. Thank goodness I’ve got a really long name.

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Breakfast this morning…

This time I tried a slice of Rudi’s 100% Whole Wheat bread. I love love love the thick slices. I usually buy artisan bread, but I really think Rudi’s makes great bread for morning toast. And we can’t ignore that indulgent looking cup in the back! That, my dears, is a ZenSoy Chocolate/Vanilla Swirl pudding cup. I’m turning into a kid again and if eating these pudding cups are a sign, then I don’t mind one bit. More please!

Aside from it being a glorious day because it’s Friday, I was able to get groceries today!

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I didn’t cook at all, but I fully enjoyed!

I chose the crunchiest and crispiest things to munch on as far as fresh foods go. I love carrots and apples with peanut butter. I also had a delicious Southwestern Sunshine Burger and munched on some Newman’s Own Organics pretzel sticks. Nom nom nom!

Later on…

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More apples!

I sliced up 2 apples and crumbled on a Cinnamon Hermit, and into the microwave it went.

I try not to dwell on things, so I just went about my rainy days looking at fashion magazines and going to my classes (of course). Aside from the dreadful weather the tropical storm has caused over here, I’ve been trying to remain positive. This brings me to my truth of this post.

The weather deeply affects my mood. During the winter I embellish the idea of this season by reminding myself of all the cute clothes I get to wear and this is season of giving. I’ll snuggle with Matilda even more, but the truth is that deep down inside I just don’t feel the same. It’s like I allow some part of my spirit to escape me. I just can’t help but feel like it’s me against nature when I walk out the door – not a good feeling. What do you all do to keep a positive outlook during the bittercold months? Or does it even bother you at all?

What if you’re having fun and you want time to slow down?

Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I have quite a few goodies in store for you. Thursday night I stayed up late watching TV with my mom and worked on my post. I have so much fun writing these up. I really enjoy thinking about what I would like to share with you all. So let’s get to it!

Mom and I knew that we’d be waking up early today for a kickboxing class – 8:30! But I know there are some people who take cycling at 5:30. Imagine having the energy to do a cycling class at 5:30. Do any of you get up super early for a workout? After we came back, despite having a big pre-workout snack, I was so hungry! I didn’t have to wait to cook anything though because I had a bowl of muesli I had sitting overnight in my fridge. My mom made a pouty face and said, “you didn’t make one for me?” Aw man! I quickly made a bowl of muesli for mi madre.

Pomegranate seeds, a baby banana, sultanas, and some plums
Mom’s bowl consisted of pomegranate seeds, a baby banana, sultanas, and some plums
I had pomegranate seeds, plums, sultanas + honey & peanut butter
I had pomegranate seeds, plums, sultanas + honey & peanut butter

Do you see that beautiful pink and green fruit on the side?

A guava! You can eat the skins as well.
A guava! You can eat the skins as well.

My mom also put peanut butter and honey in her muesli. I love how she tries whatever I’m having!

After lounging around some we got ready for the beach and packed a lunch. Oh my gosh! The weather was beautiful, but the wind + sand = painful.Then we went swimming in the water and I saw a huge sting-ray and a big fishtail + chunk of fish floating around. Gross! So we battled it out in the sandstorm for a bit, went back in the water, then headed home. Atleast I got my tan on though! When we got home I took a shower and tried to get as much of the sand out of my hair as I could. After I got ready it was time for an outing with my dad. And I looked up recipes for tonight’s dinner while he drove.

I highly recommend the cookbook on the left! Both are great, but the one on the left is my favorite.
I highly recommend the cookbook on the left! Both are great, but the one on the left is my favorite.

We went to the local health food store called Tunie’s. It’s a really great place with so much selection. They sell a lot of things that are hard to find – even in places like Whole Foods. Not to mention, they have some of the cheapest prices around – even cheaper than Vitacost sometimes. So let me show you some of their selection…

Check out all the seaweed!
Check out all the seaweed!

I instantly thought of Katie and grabbed a bag of arame. Okay okay, I will warn you guys. What I’m about to show you requires your full attention and a moment of silence.

The Land of Milk and Honey
The Land of Milk and Honey

Those are jars upon jars of nut butters. Did you know that Maranatha has dark chocolate spreads – like dark chocolate almond.

So this is what I got:

Dulse and Arame
Dulse and Arame
So good!
So good!

This pasta made out of quinoa sounded interesting. My favorite BBQ sauce (thick style) and my favorite pumpkin butter. Replenished my coconut oil supply. I’ve never tried hemp protein powder. My dad also noted that I can use it in baking to add some protein. Brilliant! I also got some sample packets of other kinds of plant based proteins. Don’t worry I didn’t forget the jar of cashew butter! If there’s a word to describe cashew butter I think it would have to be… sophisticated. I know that’s a weird word to be describing a nut butter, but it’s so subtle yet delicious.

Coconut girl?
Coconut girl?

So much So Delicious action going on here. I had a coupon for the ice cream and yogurt, and I’ve never tried to kefir.

Duh!
Duh!

I got the Purely Decadent Blueberry Cheescake. This was so good! I loved the little blueberries and just everything. I announced to my family that dessert was coming after dinner. This was before I even started making dinner!

Yay! My mother what could she do to help.
Yay! My mother asked what could she do to help.

My dad turned on some Best of Simon & Garfunkel and poured us glasses of wine.

What a little coquette.
What a coquette.

Recipe? Measurements? I'll just eyeball it! As usual.
Recipe? Measurements? I’ll just eyeball it! As usual.
Baked butternut squash (ketchup in the background
Baked butternut squash (ketchup in the background), avocado, and hot sour chickpeas

Deeelicious! I went out with my friends later on Friday night, and I’ll be posting those pictures up next. It was definitely an eventful night; but when you’re in Miami, when is it not?

I made the FAQ video on Friday but  due to some technical difficulties it’s just not available right now. Sorry!

p.s. thank you for the compliments on the dress! I bought it awhile ago at none other than… Anthropologie.

*For some reason my comments were disabled but I fixed it!

We Eat What We Like

Remember that from the Apple Jacks commercials? Anyway, I will start off this post the same way I start off my days

Some green tea!
Some green tea!

And another one of my favorite beverages

A refreshingly thick vanilla, banana, and peanut butter smoothie.
A refreshingly thick vanilla, banana, and peanut butter smoothie.

Oh my, I was a little hesitant to try this simply because of the unappetizing color.
Oh my, I was a little hesitant to try this simply because of the unappetizing color.

In this smoothie is a packet of Amazing Grass Chocolate Meal Shake with a frozen banana and some vanilla. It actually wasn’t too shabby. I definitely could taste the greenness of it, but the banana helped balance it out.

Lots of ground flaxseed!
Lots of ground flaxseed!

In the background you can see a little bag of Hazelnut Sweet Chips from Kay’s Naturals. These were so yummy! I mixed some in with my yogurt and blueberry puddle. I also enjoyed these with another treat that I’ll be sharing with you in another post. I also tried something new with my yogurt. The people at NuNaturals sent me some items to sample and review. Thanks guys!

Stevia baking product, vanilla stevia extract, and plain stevia.
Stevia baking blend, vanilla stevia extract, and plain stevia.

I put a few drops of the vanilla stevia in my yogurt. It was a nice addition to my blueberries, and just the right amount of sweetness. There was no weird aftertaste either. Stevia is such an interesting sweetener. I went to a garden once and I picked off a stevia leaf and I could taste the familiar sweetness. My roommates parents actually have a stevia plant, but we’re not sure how to use that. Does anyone else know?

Okay, I’m not quite sure where to start with my eats… so let me just randomly choose! I hope you’re in the mood for something Mexican.

Some mini soft tacos with a side of red cabbage with coconut oil and applesauce.
Some mini soft tacos + pepper jack with a side of red cabbage + coconut oil + applesauce.

I wish I could eat cabbage raw without suffering the gaseous consequences. I would probably make so many different kinds of slaws.

Now let’s move on to some buns!

Zucchini with white beans and garlic.
Zucchini with white beans and garlic.
Snobby joes with cauliflower, corn, and avocado on the side.
Snobby joes with cauliflower, corn, and avocado on the side.
I baked a loaf of Irish soda bread for my roommate.
I baked a loaf of Irish soda bread for my roommate.

In my old place when I first moved in, I would bake this bread and it was fun because I could shape it however I pleased. However, I just didn’t feel like baking it anymore. I think it might’ve been because I felt in some weird way… unappreciated. The only person who really showed any appreciation was Kim, and I thought it would seem strange to bake a loaf for only us two when three other people were living in the house. But I promised Kim that once we moved to the new place I would bake her loaf since she loved it.

A cold bowl of sweet red bean soup with tapioca pearls and almonds.
A cold bowl of Chinese sweet red bean soup with tapioca pearls and almonds.

I tried my leftovers with toasted coconut, and I loved it! These red beans are so small and adorable!

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A new cereal to try!

Have you guys heard of Erewhon? They’re a part of U.S. Mills (which has so many breakfast grains to choose from). This is the Strawberry Crisp cereal, and for anyone with gluten allergies this is a gluten-free cereal. Usually, I don’t eat cereal because it’s not very filling but sometimes I just want something refreshing. The only thing I have to say about this cereal is that it could be a tad bit sweeter. I am surprised at how many dried strawberries actually come in the box. I find that most cereal with dried fruits shouldn’t even claim to have them! If you like cornflakes, then I think you will enjoy this. I know that I’m enjoying my box!

Instant oatmeal with soymilk!
Cinnamon Raisin instant oatmeal with soymilk!

I’ve also tried another U.S. Mills product from Uncle Sam. Instant oatmeal is perfect for a college student, and anyone else with a busy lifestyle. But when was the last time you guys saw one with soymilk? That’s right! This was so delicious! They also have a French Vanilla flavor. Yum! Moreover, I got to enjoy this in a most delicious jar of almond butter with crumbled graham crackers.

IMG_7476And what’s the fruit concoction to the right?

Strawberry-Kiwi Salad with Basil
Strawberry-Kiwi Salad with Basil

It doesn’t look too pretty, but don’t judge a book by its cover! I followed this recipe, but I didn’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand. I’m sure it made a difference, definitely in color!

I’ve also noticed a lot of you guys putting pretzels in your wonderful oat creations. I wish I had thought of that before I finished my Kay’s Naturals sample!

The last of my Kay's Naturals goodies - and boy was this good!
The last of my Kay’s Naturals goodies – and boy was this good!

This is turning into a breakfast post!

Plain yogurt with kiwi and strawberries and some ground flaxseed.
Yogurt with kiwi and strawberries and some ground flaxseed.

I also toasted some cinnamon raisin swirl bread. That slice on the left is topped with… Cacoa Bliss! I had graciously gotten these adorable samples of Artisana nut butters from Tristan awhile ago . I finally busted into some of them. Let me just say now that this is just as amazing as everyone has been exclaiming!

Army of deliciousness.
Army of deliciousness.

So far I’ve tried Cacao Bliss, Cashew Butter, Pecan Butter, and the Macadamia Butter. I really don’t think words can do these nut butters justice. You just have to try them! I’m so grateful to the people who sent me this generous package. Thank you for introducing me to something new and taking me on another food adventure. I think my mom would love the Macadamia Butter since they are her favorite nut.

The mothership!
The mothership!

Let’s see… what other breakfast goodness to I have to share?

These had a Manager's Special price tag on them!
These had a Manager’s Special price tag on them!

I just added corn and served them with apple sauce and sour cream.
I just added corn and served them with apple sauce and sour cream.

No one makes latkes better than my dad though. I’ve even tried sweet potato latkes at a restaurant once, but my dad takes the potato on these!

Okay so I’ll show you guys something that’ll help you digest!

When I went to the James River the other day.
When I went to the James River the other day.
My friend Clinton sitting on a big rock.
My friend Clinton sitting on a big rock.

And now for my crazy dog lady picture from when my friend, Sway, visited.

She's so freaking cute!
She’s so freaking cute!

Close encounter with another kind.
A close encounter with another kind.

Special Alert!

If any of you are interested in winning samples of the Crofter’s spreads, they do giveaways regularly on Facebook and Twitter.

Twitter: Croftersorganic
Facebook: Crofter’s Organic

p.s. Last post featured an array of yummy creations thanks to Sullivan Street Bakery. I found an article on them that I thought you all might enjoy!

Super Bowl Party Sandwiches

p.s.s. Gorgeous Justine had the brilliant idea of a giveaway. Well, right now I’ve got something in the works. I’m really excited about it because I’ve never hosted a giveaway before, and what’s more wonderful than sharing?