Nourish and Flourish

Creamy Soup and Crazy Snow

I love grocery stores.

My family and friends joke that I could spend days perusing the aisles and not get bored. I tell them they're right.

(recycled summer 2010 pic)

Except it turns out that maybe they aren't. A few nights ago I spent almost seven (unvoluntary) hours in Social Safeway, and by the end of the night, I could not wait to leave.

This is by far the coolest grocery store I've ever stepped foot in.

We're talking a 24-hour Starbucks, gelato bar, sushi bar, nut bar (yes, an entire counter filled with gourmet nuts and nut butter machines!), and a huge room with a gigantic fireplace and floor-to-cieling windows. Yeah, it's that nice.

nut bar

I often spend late nights at Social Safeway...not socializing, but studying, caffeinating and taking advantage of the free wifi.

DC was hit with a HUGE storm late Wednesday afternoon, which left thousands without power and thousands of cars stranded on the streets.  Earlier that afternoon, I'd decided to get a head start on my school work, and headed to Safeway to put in a few hours of studying.  Two hours later, when I was ready to leave, a few burly firemen strolled in and told me that driving conditions were trepid. The five minute drive home woud take 2 hours, they said. Or worse, I might not make it home at all!

So I made myself comfortable in Safeway and began chatting up the firemen.  I also visited with a self-proclaimed 60-something political expert (that means nothing in this city!)  who tried to coerce me into friending him on Facebook. A fellow chocoholic (she bought 5 bags of Snickers Peanut Butter Squared bars because apparently "they're the most orgasmic chocolate ever!") lectured me on the health benefits of cocoa.

(For the record, I tried a bite of the Snickers Peanut Butter Squared...It doesn't quite live up to her hype).  I think Christina would agree. ;-)

I didn't take a picture, but found one for you...

Even though my new Safeway friend would disagree, I'm pretty certain you won't reap any health benefits from Snickers Peanut Butter Squared, besides a sugar-induced endorphin rush. :-)

Speaking of food...the nicest thing about being stranded in a grocery store is that you have unlimited access to it. After spending three hours in the Safeway, my stomach started growling, so I began prowling the store for a decent snack option.

In the freexer aisle I found a Garden Lights Spinach Souffle. I've eaten this souffle numerous times, but it  only goes down with some doctoring, so I bought  provolone cheese and added a slice halfway through cooking.

Souffle + provolone = cheesy green goopy goodness!

It tasted MUCH better than it appears, I assure you.

Company websites always make food look more visually appealing than it really is!

Garden Lights Spinach Souffle

The rest of the night actually passed quickly .I was so glad I’d brought my laptop and power cord because I was able to get some school work done. I had to review an article about triathletes and disordered eating, which was quite interesting. Not surprisingly, there is a direct correlation between female athletes, food restriction, and body dissatisfaction.  

Studying away!

Around midnight--after spending seven hours in Safeway and drinking three cups of Starbucks coffee on the house---I'd had enough of grocery storedom and mustered up the courage to drive home. I almost slid off the road four times and ran a red light, but managed to make it back safely.

The next day, still recovering from the exciting events of the previous evening, I was craving comfort food. So I made a pot of this:

*Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup*

 2 (14.5) oz. cans chopped tomatoes

½ c. tomato sauce (from a can)

1/2 t. minced garlic (optional)

¼ c. fresh basil leaves (you can use dry basil as well)

½ c. 2% milk (or substitute soy, almond etc)

1/8 t. salt

¼ c. light cream cheese, softened (makes it veleveety and delicious!)

black pepper

1. Heat the tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic and basil on the stove until warm.

2. Pour tomato-mixture into a food processor and process until smooth.

3. Return mixture to pot and stir in milk, salt, cream cheese, and pepper.

Pour soup into a bowl, top with parmesan and leftover basil leaves, and bask in your culinary prowess!  

This soup only takes 10 minutes to prepare, and it's sooooo good!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! I'm going to be spending mine doing LOTS of studying, but I'm hoping to take a break to see Black Swan. It looks disturbing, so I hope it won't give me nightmares!

One more thing...

My friend, Ashley, is spending the year teaching third grade at a school in Cairo, Egypt. If you haven't heard, the country is experiencing lots of turmoil right now. Please keep Egypt, and everyone living there, in your thoughts...There is so much power in prayer!

xoxoxo

Have you ever been stranded in a snow storm?

What soup screams "comfort" to you?

 

HOMEmade

Goodness, where does time go?! More than a week has passed since I last posted, yet it feels like two days!

The time has gone to SCHOOL, that's where. I am now a full-time graduate student, already averaging ten pages of written work each week Let's hope that average doesn't increase! 

I typically like to have a theme or specific direction when I write, but so much has been on my mind, I have no idea where to begin! So, please stick with me while I unload. :-)

Since I last posted I've...

...Done plyometrics in my pajamas every morning.

I started this routine last April, when Janetha hosted a Wake-Up challenge. The habit stuck, and now I do about three minutes of plyometrics (jumping jacks, jump squats, butt kicks etc) after I roll out of bed. It gets my heart pumpiing and revs up my energy! If you tend to drag in the morning, I highly recommend giving plyometrics a try.

...Been drinking instant Christmas coffee

I KNOW...the holidays are over...But I'M NOT over Starbucks Via Christmas Blend! Nor am I over Starbucks Christmas cups! (The white ones are soooo boring), I always save paper cups from coffee shops because I like the lids...They keep beverages warm and that's important. I also feel virtuous about recycling used cups This one lasted five days and about 10 refills. :-)

...Discovered a replacement alternative for Laughing Cow cheese

Rondele Light Garlic and Herbs is super creamy and delicious.

...Fallen in love with carrot chips 

New find: Boalthouse Farms carrot chips! Perfect for dippage! (in this case, hummus and Rondele).

Side note: I've also been eating off of my new Valentine's plate, found at Target, every day...Now I just need to find a Valentine to eat WITH! Less than a month to complete this mission! ;-)

...Purchased a new lip stain

Color Sensational lip stain in Bitten Berry

The former picture makes the color look purple, but trust me, it's more berry. I am obsessed with anything bright and shiny I can apply to my lips... Gloss, sticks and stains are by far my favorite beauty accessory.

(I always smile with my mouth open...Always...Keeping my lips closed feels fake!)

...Made Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallot Soup

AMAAAZING. Roasting the squash and shallots gives the soup a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor.

...Painted my toes for the first time since November

In the winter nobody sees them, so I have little motivation to keep 'em pretty.

Can you believe I've only had TWO pedicures in my entire life? After reading about infections from un-sterilized tools, I've been scared to go back!

I used this color, which exploded in my toiletries bag when I flew back to DC a few weeks ago.

O.P.I. makes the best nail polish!

...Learned that my body requires MUCH more energy than I thought

I recently purchased a BodyMedia FIT Armband, which tracks sleep quality, energy burned, steps taken etc. during the course of the day. It's an amazing tool--similar to a heart rate monitor--but more complex. I wear it on my arm during workouts, and occasionally for an entire day. At night I plug it into my computer and see a spreadsheet with an analysis of my day.

I am BLOWN AWAY by how efficient my body is! I typically eat about 2200-2500 calories/day because that's what I'm burning! (And that's doing no more than 40-60 minutes of weight lifting OR cardio on any given day).

You've probably heard it, but may not believe it: Our bodies often need MUCH more energy than we give them! It took me years to TRUST my body and feed it well...In turn, it now TRUSTS me and uses fuel efficiently. :-)

...Made HOMEMADE hot chocolate

I usually call on no-sugar-aded Swiss Miss to satisfy my cocoa cravings, but in keeping with my effort to eat whole foods, I decided to make it from scratch.

*Homemade Hot Cocoa*

1 T. cocoa powder

1 c. milk (skim, Almond, Soy, 2%, whole, half and half...whatever you desire!)

Liquid stevia, to taste (real sugar or Splenda would work well too)

1/4 t.  Vanilla, Peppermint, Coconut or Mint extract (adds a little something extra!)

Dash of instant coffee (for a deeper, richer flavor)

Heat milk on the stove or in the microwave

In your mug, mix cocoa and instant coffee (if desired).

Slowly stir in hot milk.Add liquid stevia (or sweetner of choice) and extract.

Stir well and enjoy!

So warm and comforting when it's 10 degrees outside!

Almost gone!

I'm not usually an advocate for milk, but it really does make a great snack. For a long time I avoided all caloric beverages, but milk offers 9 grams of protein, Vitamin D and 30% of your RDA of calcium. Not bad!

...Continued my obsession with sweet whipped cottage cheese and peanut butter

My brother recently brought me that cute pinch cup from Turkey!

swirled together

Guys, this combo is SOOO good. It tastes like cheesecake!

...Finished my last Zing Bar

LOVE these!

I can't find Zing bars in Washington DC, so I stock up when I'm home in Boise. I ate this slowly so that I could savor every bite! I've only tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor (naturally--gotta love that combo!), but have heard the others are awesome too.

...Purchased a one month membership to Arganica Farm Club!

I'll be receiving a weekly box full of fresh, locally grown produce during the month of February!

...And last, but certainly not least...

...I FOUND A NEW HOME!

My new apartment is just steps away from my favorite shopping street in DC...UHH OH. ;-)

The move will happen next weekend!

I'm off to make dinner and watch The Bachelor with my friend, Elaina. I'm not a huge fan of Brad, but I've been a loyal Bachelor viewer since the show began years ago! Can't jump ship now!

<3 Thank you so much for reading . As always, your comments, feeback, advice and love are so appreciated!<3

When smiling for a picture, do you keep your lips closed or do you flash your pearly whites?

What's your favorite lip prouct? (Help feed my obsession!)

 

 

Comfort Me With Coconut, Chocolate Chunks and Billy Joel

When life doesn't go as planned, a great way to  ease dissapointment is to surround yourself with your favorite guilty pleasures. Except let's not call them guilty because something that brings a smile to your face should be embraced and celebrated (as long as it's not illegal). Ha.  :-)

To make a very long story very short: I was all packed and ready to move this weekend, however the lease fell through Friday afternoon--just one day before I was supposed to move! 

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, however I'm not going to lie and pretend that I wasn't extremely BUMMED. I threw myself a pity party, shed a few tears and then snapped myself out of it with the assistance of some of my favorite things....

**Guiity Pleasures That Promise a Smile**

Bily Joel Tunes

"Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me."

Rocking out to Billy pop is RAD and makes me smile. No shame. I'm a product of the 80's so it's totally legit.

 479 Black Truffle and White Cheddar Popcorn

Pure comfort. This is by far the best popcorn I've ever tasted. If you love truffle oil and cheese, you'll fall out of your chair when you take a bite of these crunchy morsels. Once you go black (truffle), you won't go back. ;-)

Reece's Mini Peanut Butter Cups

 

New find! Cheap chocolate and peanut butter in miniature version. Much more fun than "fun size."

 Vosgue's Woolloomooloo Bar

 
Chocolate for chocolate snobs. Or people who like to eat foods with ridiculously silly names. :-)

Tiffany & Co. Suede and Leather Reversible Tote

I indulged in online therapy. This classy Tiffany bag was in my virtual cart for a few hours, but unfortunately had to be left behind at checkout. When I'm rich you'll see this slung over my shoulder.

John Travolta aka Danny

First Billy Joel, now John Travolta? I sense a theme here...What is it with my attraction to old men?  But I'm talking about the hip-thrusting, dancin' in skin-tight pants, hot bod Travolta of the 70's. Especially in this song.Watch and you'll know what I mean...or maybe you won't. ;-)

 

Side note: between the ages of 9 and 11 I choreographed numerous dance routines to Greased Lightning in my basement and invited friends, family and random neighbors over to watch.

LUSH Flosty Gritter Bubble Bar

Product description:

A sparkly, sexy bath for a night on the town. Flosty Gritter is a party bath. Its blend of balancing lavender and sweet vanilla makes an irresistibly attractive scent. Don't be surprised if people are drawn to your pink sparkles and stay within sniffing distance for the rest of the evening.

Even thought my night on the town consisted of a trip to Target with the roomie and perusing apartment listings on Crigslist, I felt foxy.

Trashy Gossip Magazine

Ryan and Sandra are together! And poor Taylor...I know you draw lyric inspiration from dramatic breakups, but maybe ease up on the serial dating?

Creamy, White Foods like Cool Whip and Fluff

I know they're "bad" and have no nutritional value, but they're so delightful!

PB & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful

 
I can't think of a better way to cope with dissapointment than to eat this by the spoonful...with Fluff.  :-)

After "indulging" in most of the above items, my day was looking much brighter...

And then this happened....

 
I FOUND THE NEW LUNA FLAVORS!





My bar fast has officially ended! I went an entire week without Lunas, which felt great, but as promised, the bars are back in my diet upon finding Chocolate Dipped Coconut and Chocolate Chunk.

 



My thoughts:

Chocolate Dipped Coconut: Reminds me of a Samoa Girl Scout cookie, except sans caramel. It has a crunchy-chewy contrast that's very satisfying, and contains small shreds of real coconut (as opposed to coconut "flavor" found in many coconut-flavored candies and cookies).

Chocolate Chunk: Tastes like a chocolate chip granola bar with that familiar "Luna flavor". (All Luna bars have a similar taste to me, which I attribute to the soy protein nugget base).

Loved both and will definitely be buying them again. :)

********************************************************************************************************************************

Weekend lesson: Even though I am dissapointed about the apartment situation, I realize that life throws curve balls. Rather than feeling sorry for ourselves in times of uncertainty, we should make the most of our days by ENJOYING all that we've been blessed with--even small things like cheesy 80's music, cheesy popcorn and Luna bars. :)

Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

What's your guilty pleasure?

 

 

 

Better Than Bars: Blueberry Coconut Muffins

What’s a girl to do when Blueberry Bliss Luna Bar cravings begin to kick in at 3:00pm and there are no Luna’s in sight?

Answer: BAKE Bluberry Coconut Flour Muffins, that’s what. ;-)

I would have never guessed that reducing my Luna Bar consumption would be so difficult. In my last post, I shared my January goal with you: eat more whole foods and cut back on convenience staples. I had no intent of completely cutting specific foods out of my diet, however I quickly realized that keeping bars in the house is like dangling cheese in front of a mouse.  If the bars are there, I eat them.

So, I’ve gone cold turkey, just for kicks…I want to see if I can do it. This is not about deprivation, it’s about challenging myself to eat outside my comfort zone. I’ve eaten a Luna bar nearly every afternoon since high school.

Is that a rut or is that a RUT? ;-)

My goal is to go bar-less until one of these arrives in the mail.

Chocolate Chunk Luna Bar and Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bar

Did you know Luna is debuting two new flavors this winter?

About a month ago, I received an e-mail from Luna, asking whether I'd like to sample one of the new bars. Ever since, I've been waiting anxiously for it to arrive in the mail. I don't know which flavor it will be, but when it arrives, I'll certainly let you know.

But let's talk about those MUFFINS!

Ever since discovering coconut flour last spring, I've been curious about using it in baking. However, I've heard horror stories about the crumble factor...Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid than all-purpose flour does, making baked goods dry.

I found this recipe for coconut raspcberry muffins, and replaced half the butter with applesauce. I added an extra tablespoon of applesauce for additional moisture.

Blueberry Coconut Muffins

(Makes 6 muffins)

3 eggs room temperature - important! (or 3/4 cup Egg Beaters)

1/3 cup coconut flour

2 T. butter, melted

3 T. applesauce

½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar substitute equivalent (I used about 30 drops of liquid stevia)

½ teaspoon baking powder

2-5 Tablespoons water (see below)

½ cup blueberries

 

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Spray a muffin pan with cooking spray.

2. Whisk or beat the eggs until whites and yolks are well-mixed. Stream in the butter while continuing to whisk. Add salt and vanilla and mix until combined. Add liquid stevia or sugar.

3. Mix the remaining dry ingredients: coconut flour, baking soda, and sweetener if using powder.

4. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together. Now you will whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time. The coconut flour will absorb the liquid from the wet ingredients like crazy. You want to get it to a consistency that will hold up the berries, but not be too thick. I ended up using 4 tablespoons of water.

5. Gently mix in the berries and divide among 6 muffin cups. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until slightly golden on top.

 

These make a satisfyingt snack or breakfast treat. Each muffin contains about 4 grams of fiber, which helps stave off hunger until your next meal. :-)

Ok, I'm heading to campus for my first class in graduate school! (I have a muffin packed in case I get hungry!)

 

***Tell me about your favorite muffin!***

While I LOVE bluberry, banana nut muffins have my heart.

 

 

 

 

Dip for Dinner and One Simple Resolution

When it's 20-degrees outside, I crave hearty, nourishing meals that warm me up inside. Sure, crisp salads are refreshing any time of year, but they don't quite cut it. I need meals that stick to my bones! ;-)

Casseroles and thick stews are my comfort foods of choice, with one exception: CHILI.

I've never been much of a chili girl.

However, my opinion changed a few nights ago when I tried a new-to-me dish:  

CHILI DIP.

Holy beans it was gooood!

The inspiration came from my roommate Brett, whose diet consists almost entirely of Oreo Cakesters, Cheez-Its, and copious amounts of Mountain Dew.  In other words I don't have to worry about him stealing my food, and he doesn't have to worry about me stealing his. ;-)

However, he may now have to worry about me stealing his ideas. Ha.

When I arrived home a few nights ago, I saw Brett eating something that smelled incredibly delectable. (Let's face it, chili NEVER looks delectable!)

"Brett, what is that?"

"Chili dip."

"Chili DIP?"

"YEah...it's really good."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

"Hmm...what's in it?"

"Chili, cheese and sour cream."

Oh no.

"That sounds reeeeally yummy! Can I try it?" 

"Of course."

Guys, Brett's dip was cheesy, melty heaven in my mouth. I wanted to finish off the entire plate, but wasn't too excited by the fact that the chili he'd used contained ingredients I'm not too fond of.The dip also had a very thick layer of cheese and sour cream. Hearty? Check.  But a bit too heavy for a meal.

I knew what I had to do.

Enter healthified chili dip ingredients: Amy's Medium Chili with Vegetables, 2% cheddar, light sour cream.

I recreated Brett's dip with inredients I had lying around. Next time I'd like to try Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream for a protein boost. 

Healthified Vegetarian Chili Dip

1 can of your favorite chili (I prefer Amy's or Health Valley)

1/4 cup-1/3 cup light sour cream OR Greek yogurt

1/2 cup shredded cheese of choice

 

1. Pour the chili into a shallow baking dish

2. Spread sour cream or yogurt on top

3. Sprinkle with cheese

4. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. (Or use the microwave, for a 3-minute meal!)

Garnish with guacamole, salsa, diced onion and any additional toppings of choice. Serve with veggies and/or chips.

Chili dip portrait

A little bit closer now...All doctored up!

If you're pining for something super easy and satisfying for dinner tonight, give this a try!

Okay, now on to a more meaty topic...

I realize it's a bit late to be posting resolutions...we're already a week into 2011! However, I also believe that resolutions can (and should) be made any time of year. About a week ago, I began creating my list for 2011. However, last Sunday my pastor said something that made me re-evaluate what I'd written down.

"If you are going to make one resolution," he said, "consider re-committing yourself to your walk in faith. Spend more time with God. It will bring the peace and happiness that you're searching for in all those things you wish to accomplish."

SO TRUE!

Since returning to DC, my life has been go-go-go, and I've become lazy about spending time with God. It's incredible what difference reflection and prayer make in my life, and slacking in that department has allowed stress and anxiety to occasionally get the best of me. I've noticed that I've been eating mindlessly, sleeping less and worrying more. When I'm close to God, I'm at ease with the world--I'm buoyant and able to go with the flow. I walk with a bounce in my step because I know that He's got my back. :-)

SO, instead of a long list, I have ONE RESOLUTION FOR 2011: TRUST and grow closer to God; re-commit myself to prayer, community and charity. 

I know that the stresses associated with starting grad school next week may make this resolution difficult at times, but that's why I'm posting it here. Sharing it with you helps hold me accountable.

Even though I have just one resolution this year, I've decided to set an additional goal each month.

Yes, resolutions and goals are different! I think of resolutions as commitments, wheras goals are a means to a desired, but not 100% necessary, outcome.

January's goal: eat more WHOLE foods

When I'm short on time, I turn to convenience mini meals for fuel--usually "healthy," albeit tasteless" items that leave me feeling sluggish and/or unsatisfied.

This month I'm going to do my best to eat simply, but heartily. Fewer Luna bars, more almonds. Less processed cheese, more parmesan (and goat, blue, feta etc). Fewer diet rootbeers, more ice water with lemon.

You get the idea ;-)

Last night, in the spirit of kicking off off January's goal, I made seared scallops. Instead of using PAM spray, I sauteed everything in a tablespoon of olive oil. Oil makes good food taste AMAZING. Don't be afraid to use a little more!

Seared Scallops with Asparagus and Crispy Garlic

4 oz. large sea scallops (FRESH!) 

small bunch of asparagus

2 garlic cloves

sliced mushrooms

lemon slice

olive oil

salt & pepper

1. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.

2. Microwave the asparagus for 30-40 seconds. Slice lengthwise and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan. Wait till the pan is hot; add garlic, seasoned asparagus, and scallops.

3. Squeeze lemon over everything.

4. Once scallops are cooked through and asparagus and garlic are slightly crispy, transfer to a plate and serve!.

I ate half of a leftover sweet potato on the side, but pasta or rice would probably be a better accompaniment. :-)

Delicious and nutritious!

Which convenience food is hardest for you to resist?

BARS for me! I have a super sweet tooth and justify eating sugar by chosing "healthy" alternatives. I often eat 2-3/day!

AND/OR

What's your favorite chili brand? If you have or know of a great recipe, please share!