Hate to call it a diet but

So, today starts my kind of diet.

I've been baking way to many delicious cupcakes lately.  Yeah they're vegan, but they are still loaded with sugar and fat so, my husband and I are basically going to be eating only fruit, and vegetable, and rice and some beans.

I'm not cutting out caffeine though, that is crossing the line.

Today so far I've had two cups of coffee and a bowl full of grapes and half a banana that I shared with my baby.

I plan to have a  fresh cranberry smoothie with left over cranberry that I froze from Thanksgiving.  I'll probably post the recipe.

I'm going to use the cranberries, some frozen bananas,  some lemon juice and maybe some coconut yogurt and some vanilla and maybe non dairy milk to blend it.

We'll see how that goes.

I'm also going to make veggie fried rice  and an asainish salad with broccoli slaw and raw cashews and some other things.

I've been eating a lot during the day, when the baby is sleeping and then with her again when she has lunch.  And then there's the late night treats.  So,  even though most of what I eat is healthy and vegetarian and even vegan, I've been over doing it.  And haven't felt great for the last few weeks.  I know I need to amp up my excercise routine as well.  I'm trying to add more cardio.  I'm open to advice if anyone has any in regards to easy workouts or food advice.

So, we'll see how this week goes.
My husband and I pre-partied with wine and fancy cheeses Saturday night knowing we wouldn't be doing that for awhile and since the holidays are here I'm sure I'll be indulging again soon!

Good luck me, and anyone who is attempting the same

Poor Mom's Fried Rice

So, if you like fried rice this is super cheap and easy.  And with the ingredients you buy you can make this multiple times!  Great for a family on a budget who wants some tasty Chinese that's quick and vegetarian!






Ingredients:

3 cups cooked and chilled brown rice
1 stalk of celery diced
1 peeled and diced carrot
1 garlic clove minced
1/2 of a white onion diced
1/4 cup or less frozen peas thawed
1 tsp red pepper flakes
oil for frying
Soy sauce to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Cook some brown rice earlier in the day and stick it in the fridge.
Saute carrots, garlic, and onion for a few minutes until onion is turning clear.  Add in the peas, pepper flakes and rice.  Turn up the heat and cook the rice til it starts to brown.  Add in some soy sauce and stir to coat.
Dish it up!

I like to add extra soy and red pepper flakes to make mine spicy and salt and pepper of course!

Sooo good!

Go make it now!

Chickpea Artichoke Sandwich Spread and more Smoothie Goodness

I just had some ingredients and threw them together and this yummyness came about!

Here's what I used

1 can of chickpeas drained not rinsed
1 small jar of marinated artichoke hearts, just the artichokes and a small drizzle of the liquid
about a tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tbl spoon of mayo or veganaise
tsp of dried thyme
dash of red pepper flake
dash of paprika
1 tsp of garlic powder
dash of onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Pulse in a food processor to a chunky consistency.

Add more seasonings if you like


You could put this on anything, I had some flour tortillas so that's what I used.  I topped it with 2 chopped grape tomatoes and some leftover salad that had olives, onions, and spinach, and more.

It would be good with some parm cheese on some crusty bread with crunchy veggies or whatever you like.  It's creamy and delish! And yeah the baby like it too, so double score!
Hope you try, let me know if you do!


So, more smoothie goodies

I kept thinking I needed a juicer, but I really don't.  I can "juice" in my blender.  Sure it's a little pulpy, and you can stain it if you want, but I don't mind the pulp.

So, I've been whipping up some yummy veggie/fruit smoothies for the babe and I.

She loves them, and I don't really give her juice otherwise so she gets pretty excited.  She now comes running when i start up the blender.

here are a few recipes I like, but really the possibilities are endless.  I usually do 2 to 1 for fruit to veggie ratio.

Green Smoothie:

Half a peeled cucumber
small handful of kale
small small handful of cilantro with stems
1 stalk of celery
1/2 peeled lemon
2 kiwi
1 or so frozen banana
a chunk of pineapple
1 a peeled orange
enough water to get the consistency you want

Hey vegetarians need some B12 in your life?  Try this tangy gem..

Lemony yogurt smoothy

half container of vanilla coconut yogurt
half peeled lemon
1 apple
1 frozen banana
enough water or coconut milk for the consistency you like

I do some form of this next one the most..only because I have most of this on hand most of the time.  Oh and i buy a ton of bananas and freeze when ripe cause I use them as the base of almost every smoothie.  And icecream

Orange Twist

1 or 2 peeled carrots
1/2 cucumber
1/2 peeled lemon
1 frozen banana
1 apple
chunk of pineapple
enough water to blend

So, don't think you cant make veggie fruit smoothie just cause you don't have a juicer.  So, look up some recipes and experiment!!

Kale Chips and more...

Okay so this is not the best picture, but if you haven't jumped on the kale chip bandwagon you should!  They're sooo sooo good!  My husband thinks they taste like potato chips, and the baby loves them as well.   You can season them with an endless list of things, kale is really cheap and good for you!

Also, easy to make.  There are tons of recipes online, I do it a really easy way.

Preheat oven to 350
Wash your kale very well and tear leaves from stems
Pat dry and place on cookie sheet
Sprinkle with olive oil
Bake up to 10 mins, usually 9 is my magic number.
You will want to check on them and not let them burn too much
Once they are done, transfer to plate lined with paper towel and season with salt, or garlic powder or whatever you like.
Then eat, and try not to eat them all!  We are on our third bunch of kale this week, it's Thursday.
Did I mention it's cheap.  I buy a bunch ranging from ,99 to 1,29
Money is real tight for us, but we can swing that

So, go kale chip it up!

So...ready..wait for it...
Spicy Kale Chip Wrap

I really recommend, sooo tasty!!!

Make the kale chips as mentioned about I used 2 large leaves for myself.
Once done sprinkle with a little cayenne or a lot and some salt
Heat up any wrap you like and fill with your favorite ingredients
This time it was basic homemade salsa (tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice)
Add some vegan cheese and sour cream or avocado, hummus whatever you like
The kale isn't dense so you can add a lot, and just munch whatever you have left.

Okay, so I'm not a chef, not a photographer.  We don't have a lot of money to spend so I try my best to make healthy food from what I can for my family.

It's easier than you think

Eat More Fruits and Vegetable!

Vegetables are great cause they all taste good together.  Get online and do some research, think about the foods you like now and how you could add veggies to them.

We eat all kinds of things. Mexican style food seems to happen a lot. Brown rice and beans with a ton of raw veggies, salsa, spinach.  Add greens to smoothies, you won't taste it if you start with a little.  Try eating vegetarian for a few days a week.  
Veggie pizza, Make your own veggie burgers, quesadillas, stir fry with or without meat substitutes.

You can do it!! There is so much information online, there is no excuse not to at least feed your children healthy food!  Any budget can do it!
The more healthy you eat and notice how good you feel, the more you want to get into it.  Cooking your own food is really rewarding.  Especially when your husband or whoever gets excited and loves what you're cooking!!

Made these last week
http://www.fannetasticfood.com/recipes/sweet-potato-black-bean-veggie-enchiladas/

And these this week http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/07/cashew-cheese-kale-enchiladas-rojo.html

These are also great blogs to get yummlicious and healthy recipes.  You don't have to follow recipes exactly, I always throw my own spin on it.  There more like a jumping off point

Best Scramble Ever and Smoothie Treats

So, as I've said before, I only use eggs from chickens I know.  They come from my mother-in law, and those are some happy and spoiled chickens.  So,  I was watching The Chew the other day and Mario Batali was talking about how he makes scrambled eggs.  So, I watched and I learned the best way, and the only way I'll ever make them again.

It's super easy, but the result is way better than what I've been doing, and maybe this is nothing new here.  Just new to me.

So, in a bowl I add however many eggs I need, a little non dairy unsweetened milk, some herbs, and some cheese if you want.  Other than the milk, what you put in is your choice.  So, then whisk it of course, but once you put the mixture in the pan keep whisking until they are done!  Makes them awesome, less eggy, and amazing in taste and texture.  Salt and pepper to taste of course.  Above I had mushrooms and spinach in the pan before I added the eggs. So good, try it next time you make up some scrambles!

Okay so smoothies...

I saw online that you can freeze coconut milk, you know that comes in a can not a carton.  So, I had some frozen and i put it in the blender along with frozen bananas, vanilla, unsweetened cocoa, tiny agave, and a dash of cinnamon.  Then used some drinking vanilla coconut milk just to blend to the right consistency.  Oh my yumminess!!   It's so good.  The frozen coconut milk makes it taste like a shake.  I've done this with fresh blueberries, and blackberries and strawberries as well.  You can add some kale of spinach and flax seed oil for some extra healthy and you don't even taste it.  Start out with just a little.  The baby loves them all!

So, freeze a can of full fat coconut milk in ice cube trays and add to your next smoothie!!

Dairy Free "Cheesy" Potato Omelet

Obviously this is not a vegan dish, however I have said before that I only use eggs from my mother in-law because I know these chickens.  I know they're happy and well taken care of, and I suggest if you eat eggs you try to find someone local to get them from.

The cheese substitutes were really good, and just as satisfying as real cheese.

Here's what I used. One slice inside when the omelet was almost done, and about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Then, another slice on top once I flipped it.
If you use nutritional yeast make sure you find a brand that is vitamin B fortified, especially if you're vegetarian.

Ingredients:
3 medium red potatoes
1 or 2 tablespoons evoo
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
3 farm fresh eggs
1 tbl spoon nutritional yeast
2 slices of vegan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 diced tomato (optional)

Heat large skillet to med-high.  Coat pan with olive oil.  Dice potatoes. Fry em up for about 20 or so minutes.  When you see them starting to brown, turn them down to medium low.  Add your spices.  Meanwhile, beat your eggs and add a little cold water. Dice up a tomato to top it at the end if you want.  Add the beaten eggs. Using a silicone spatula, push around the edges and stir the middle gently until the eggs are mostly set.  Pull one slice of cheese in strip and add to the middle, along with the nutritional yeast.
Flip one side over with bigger spatula to make your omelet.  Top with another slice of cheese, and cover to allow time to melt.  Plate it and top with tomato and salt and pepper and oregano.
Eat!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Whipped Cinnamon Vanilla Cream Cheese

 

So, after our wedding we couldn't take a honeymoon.  However, I am determined that we will some time.  But, my husband got a few days off work, so we had some extra family time which is always great!
So, I told him I would make a special breakfast, and this is what we had.  Not your everyday healthy start, but it tastes amazing!!
This is an easy easy version.

The way I did it was totally vegan.  You wouldn't be able to tell, and you won't miss the animal products in this tasty treat, promise!

Pancakes:
Makes 4-6 (Very Filling)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
dash of salt
dash of cinnamon
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup almond milk or any non dairy milk you like
2-3 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips. (Ghiradelli semi-sweet)

Preheat a large skillet on medium with some canola oil.  In a large bowl add all dry ingredients and stir.  Then, add the rest except chips and mix well. It will be thick which will make for some awesome and filling cakes.  Lastly, fold in a couple of tablespoons of the chips.

Cream Cheese:
1 8oz tub of Tofutti Cream Cheese
2 tsp vegan butter
1ish tsp of cinnamon
1 ish tsp of vanilla
1-3 tablespoons of sugar

I used some short cuts on this to save time.  Put all of the cream cheese in a medium bowl and microwave for a few seconds to soften.  Add the butter and micro again for another 10 or so seconds.  Then, you can even skip the mixer and whip with a whisk!  Whip until smooth and combined.  Add the rest of ingredients, and sugar to taste.  Whip again until mixed.  Use a spatula to get all the goodies out of the whisk.

Make your pancakes and I like to add a few more chips when they are cooking and some to garnish, and they get all melty!  The pancakes won't bubble like normal cause they are thick, so just watch them.  Flip them when they are golden. Serve right away, enjoy!!

What's left of my beautiful wedding bouquet!  Designed and arranged by my mother!

Neutral Ombre Nails and Bachelorette Party

I used a nude opi color and a yellow nail art.  This look requires some layering and a little work, but looks really good if you take the time.
Start by applying your nude base coat and allowing it to dry.

Then, apply your yellow color to a sponge thats cut small so it doesn't make too big of a mess on your hands. Then, just apply it from one side to the other.
Then you need to layer.  So, you will get another sponge and dip it in some nude color and start layer on where the nude already is and overlapping the yellow a bit. This creates the gradient effect.  Do this with the yellow and then again with the nude.  You don't have to let the polish dry for this.
Once you are done put on a few coats of a shiny topcoat!  Then, just dip a q tip in polish remover to clean it all up.  That's it! Lasts a long time and looks really good!

So, my bachelorette party was so fun!
Here's me and my beautiful momma..

I had some yummy vegetarian food at an Asian restaurant

Then went to a comedy club and a nightclub, it was a great night!

Zucchini Squash Basil Noodles

Really easy and yummy!  Baby and I loved them.

Okay, I haven't blogged in a few weeks because we have had internet issues.  Oh yeah, and we got married last weekend!  I'll be posting some pics, it was a beautiful day, and I got to marry my best friend! I know a lot of people say that, but he really is my best friend and yeah he will admit it.

Just get some yummy looking yellow squash and Zucchini and peel them lengthwise until you get to the seeds.
Then, toss with olive oil and some fresh grated garlic.  Steam or boil like noodles for 5 or so minutes.  You want them soft, but not falling apart.
Finally, put back in the original bowl and add some freshly chopped basil and a little salt and pepper. Toss, and Enjoy!!

Cute Nail Gradient Tutorial

This is a super easy and cute pink and silver nail tutorial.  I imagine Jem doing this to her nails. You know from Jem and the Holograms?!  Yeah, I love that show, and my daughter watches it.  Okay, anyway here it is.
Here are the polishes I used, plus a clear topcoat that's not pictured

From left to right Sinful Colors: Purple Diamond, Folly, Dream On.  I also used a silver glitter nail art.
This is the order I did the gradient also. Lightest to Darkest.

Cut a sponge to about nail sized, swipe on first color and start at base of nail and cover well.  It will get all over your nail, but just clean it up later

This is the purple diamond, it's very sheer but adds nice shimmer to the whole look.

Then do the next color overlapping and covering a little more of the nail

Use the same sponge.  I got all these colors at the drugstore. I think they were a dollar.

Then do the last color.
Then do the same thing with your silver except just sponge on lightly near the cuticle.

Then, add a clear topcoat.  Soak your hands in water to dry and break up the mess. Once dry clean up with a qtip and polish remover.