Double Dip

Pumpkin Cider Oats with Sunflower Seed and Raisin Granola

This morning I woke up and there was zero thinking done. I was craving oats, pumpkin and warm apple cider. No talk. No thought. I just assembled the bowl exactly how my body asked for it. While the oat bran got fluffy I slowly added spiced cider, nutmeg and cloves. Before the french press was done brewing I mixed some mashed pumpkin in the oats and let them simmer. Sitting down with a warm cup of hazelnut coffee I took a bite with my big silver spoon...mmmhmm..I guess my cravings were right on cue. This breakfast topped all this week! Thank you lovely body of mine :)

(Where creative breakfast ideas are born)

Truth: I double dip. A tad gross to share with others but nevertheless its the truth. I cook my own meals, eat my own food, so it never really fazes me to avoid double dipping. When I make food for others I avoid it all together but when I make something for myself I'd like to say I can't be bothered.. :) But just a warning...I'd avoid dipping a spoon in my peanut butter!I tag Care to Eat and Honey Nut Lo!
If you haven't already, please check out Operation Chocolate Covered Kindness.

Truth week is nearing it's end and I think it was an amazing idea. Don't you think? I'm really happy to say I've learned much more about the writers behind my favorite blogs. Thanks to everyone that participated. But the fun's not over yet... in a few posts I want to do a FAQ so if anyone has questions please comment :) Have a nice Saturday!

Pesky Persimmons

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast stuffed with Persimmons and a White Chocolate Spinach Shake

Persimmons....persimmons...I really tried to give them a chance. I picked some up at my local farmer's market after seeing so many photos of them lately. I tried them plain, I tried them with sweet things and with savory. I even tried them topped with herb goat cheese but nope nope..just not my cup of tea I suppose. Just a tad too dense..too sweet..too confusing. But I know I probably alone on this since so many people find them to be nature's candy...as for me..I'll stick to bananas and apples :)

This morning I made french toast using up some of the cinnamon swirl bread I bought at Trader Joe's last week. Reading Katharina's truth a few days ago made me realize I too rely for the most part on fresh produce. I often center all my meals around what is the healthiest choice, fruits and veggies, instead of venturing into my pantry. Not saying my pantry is full of unhealthy things but not fresh. This week I really want to try focusing on making a dent in my food supply. I already have my eye on some nori sheets and a bag of penne pasta behind all the dried fruit that has taken over all the shelf space...ideas? Today is going to be a bit hectic at first but later I plan on finishing up decorating my room so that will be enjoyable. I'm really excited actually about this month because I printed out a bunch of recipes I'm planning on making. A few are vegan cinnamon rolls,a dish of sweet potatoes and tahini,"fried" bananas and chickpea fig-tagine. Oh and can not forget what I'm making tonight...tahini falafels with hummus!

To continue with Truth Week...

Truth: I've ate a sweet potato or yam every day for the past month. Once I find something I love its really hard for me to want anything else. Yes...I have that "problem" too :) Lately a warm yam with sunflower butter has accompanied every lunch for the past two weeks. A while ago I bought a massive box of yams at Costco so I've been trying to eat those up while buying ungodly amounts of kabocha and sweet potatoes on the side. I'm probably trying to make up for all the fall seasons that I never ate them in the past ;)
When you find something you love is it hard for you to want anything else?

I would like to choose Spectacles and Beek Eats for truth week!
Please check out Operation CCK!!
PS: Giveaway.

The Good and The Bad

Cinnamon Dry Oatmeal Mess and Basil Pineapple Smoothie

Like my cappuccino sometimes I like my oats dry dry dry! This morning was one of those times that all I wanted was a green shake and a bowl of grains, nothing more nothing less. Well maybe a little something more...I mashed in a few cashew fudge babies. I'm pretty infatuated with basil right now, since when did it become so spectacular? Maybe I was not adventuresome enough before to include it in my sweet dishes. Sweet coconut Thai basil oats? The wheels are turning!

Truth: I am a huge day dreamer. Often I will completely zone out either purposely or not. When I was little it was a coping mechanism to escape from reality but now I guess it just comes by naturally. Sometimes I forget where I am when I come back...odd but equally tranquil.

Chelsea and LilVeggiePatch want to share some truth with us?
Please check out Operation CCK!!

PS: Thanks for all the encouraging words from last night...I was feeling quiet depressed and for once I felt I needed to express that feeling to others. Love ya all!

Always leftovers

Preparing dinner I always think of you,
I nibbled on spare salted noodles,
You cooked lasagna.

Homemade Garemia Mesa with Mashed Curry Yam and Roasted Vegetables. Topped with Sunflower Butter and Tahini.

I wait anxiously for the oven timer to chime,
Throwing spices here and there,
I make extra in case.

Kettle Corn Scented Candle

Layering each flavor as you once taught,
Your phone calls always seem so promising,
I set the table for two.

Persian Roasted Vegetables and Pears with Goat Cheese

I dream of conversations filled with reminiscing,
So many blanks need to be filled,
My eye glances at the door.

Fire Roasted Green Chili Garemia Masa with Brown Rice and Hummus

Each bright headlight shines on my face,
I end up eating a whole sweet potato,
Sadness turns into guilt.

Goat Cheese Basil Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

Preparing dinner I always think of you,
I make extra in case,
I set the table for two,
My eye glances at the door,
I end up eating a whole sweet potato,
There are always leftovers.

Breakfast Trends: Brown Rice

Vanilla Nutty Brown Rice with Pears

Sometimes oats don't cut it. Sometimes I wake up and want a nutty bowl of brown rice. This morning I had a huge bowl of leftover rice in the fridge so it was the perfect opportunity to get to some creative working. Being that brown rice takes up to a hour to cook I love to have it made the night before that way I can reheat and enjoy whenever I feel the need to! For breakfast this morning I mixed some warm brown rice with plain hemp milk, nutmeg, cinnamon and protein powder. Someone asked me yesterday what brand of powder I use and I honestly swear by Nutribiotic vegan vanilla rice protein powder. It's very plain but creamy and the ingredients list is impressive, its just wonderful! Then I added another level of sweetness with melted banana mixed in and topped with dark chocolate chips. My favorite addition was some roasted leftover pears and crunchy almond butter. I felt like I was in Paris enjoying a dessert while I was eating this. I am begging you to try this combination, it will send you to another world!
What do you think the next breakfast trend will be?

I am very glad all of you love the idea of truth week. I think it's really going to be fun and hope it continues longer then a week!

Truth: If I could be an animal I would be a lion. Since I was young I always related to cats. I admire their agility, focus and strength. As I've grown older I have a new found respect for bigger cats, mostly lions, they are such awe inspiring creatures. I take inspiration from them as I too protect my loved ones, stand strong in the face of fear and do courageous things daily. Not to mention I have the long blonde mane of one too...just throwing that one in there. ;) But in all seriousness I adore lions and what they represent. I often find myself drawing them on a regular basis, the sketch above was finished last night. Thank you Anthropologie for the canvas and picture frame...aka wrapping paper and cardboard box!
Leaving paper flowers all around my room..

Nora and Lexi will you share some truth?
Please check out Operation CCK!! xoxo

Eating Whole

Vanilla Protein Old Fashion Oats with Dates, Cardamon and Coconut Milk. Spoonful of Almond Butter

Speaking of almond butter, I've been reading Heather's blog lately and have really been admiring the way she eats so balanced. I love how she eats "whole" foods with the most amount of nutrients and staying power, for fun but most importantly for fuel. I know with my low blood sugar levels that its the only way I can eat too....long lasting grains, good proteins and a variety of vegetables are vital. Skimming through old archives I have been trying some of her latest recipes this week and I'm actually convinced I need a jar of Tahini! Anyways if you have not already go check out her blog , she has such a wonderful perspective on eating.

Basil Date Spinach Shake
It just reminds me of how I need to keep taking in real foods and less sugary things for my health. A few months ago I was on a mission to regain all the weight I lost in the past year and I bulked up my meals with even more protein/carbs/fats. For a while it was working, I was getting stronger, but it seems my body adjusted and plateaued, it's possible. I knew once I moved it was time to get busy working on my health again. I decided to quit the gym , take up Pilate's and focus on strength and nourishment for my body even more so. That being said this month is all about feeling my best and finding that balance that my body needs. I encourage all my readers to do so too..even if it means adding more green vegetables or maybe replacing your old standby bread with whole wheat or sprouted seed kinds. Whatever it may be, I want to make it my goal to get healthier for my physical and mental well being and I'd love it if you do too! Life is all about growing and changing and I think that there is always room for improvement, right?

Back to yummy things!! A few good eats I've been enjoying include basil date spinach shakes and old fashion oats with protein powder. Who knew basil could taste so delicious with dates? I received a jar of my Mama's special "brew" for breakfast this morning...I felt I was at a spa enjoying a special beauty concoction...it was just that replenishing. I also have been adding vanilla brown rice protein powder in my oatmeal, it just adds that level of creamiest that nothing else can! I actually went to grab some yogurt to top off the bowl but realized I'm all out. Boo! Another awesome food I've been consuming is...

PB&J LaraBar!
Because the ingredients are so simple I'll keep my review real simple: Tart, Nutty, Playground, Smiles. This bar exceeded my expectations, cherries in a Pb&j?? Genius. And I finally ate a whole one, pretty happy about that!

Fun things on my to do for today list includes:

Hanging wall art.

Lighting this candle.

Finishing my sketches.
And buying another kabocha. I'm off to go find Lu a new walking harness but before I go here's a bit of my truth to start your day!
Truth: Many of the posts I write I delete because they are a little too emotional and personal. Call it whatever you like, I constantly question myself as to what I should and shouldn't post but I guess I'm very protective about keeping the integrity of my blog. It works out as a positive thing though because often my feelings change in the morning when I post.
Today I tag Katie since she does some sweet things with fudge and babies...confused? Check out this! Mmm making some today! And don't forget to visit OCCK!

Truth and Chocolate

Hiya! How did your weekend go? Mine was a bit fun, hectic, relaxing and full of decorating. Finally I can see the bottom of the floor in my room...ok I'm being dramatic...you know everything has been measured, cleaned and organized by color. I'm crazy like that!
Saturday morning....



Pumpkin Sunflower Butter Pancakes with Vanilla Ginger Coffee

While eating breakfast Sunday I thought about how reading all of your positive feedback excites me to share more of my world with you all. Just like when I visit other blogs, I too want to know more about the person behind the eats....so I thought the perfect way to do so would be a "truth week"! The concept is simple and it not only allows others to know the person eating those delicious meals but allows you to learn more about yourself. Who doesn't need a bit more truth in their life?

Sunday morning...



Egg White Goat Cheese Pocket with Roasted Kabocha and Sunflower Butter

Every day for a week post one truth about yourself...something you haven't shared before. It can be simply a few words or many sentences...all up to how much your willing to share. Easy enough? Every time you do so choose one person to do the same. And so on.

And just a side note that if your willing please link up Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness and the end of each truth. We must give a little to get a little.

To kick things off I'll go first...


Truth: I smile every morning in the mirror at myself, no matter how I feel, because I deserve it. Can't find a reason to? Read this.


Sicilian Roasted Vegetables and Quinoa. A side of Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Sunflower Butter.

Today I tag: Miss Karina and Miss Mitri ,will you share some truth?
Please check out OCCK! Oh and regular morning posting will resume..things are relaxing a bit over here again. Lulu is begging for a walk, cya later! Do you like the idea of truth week?