Catching Up

Currently...

Waiting for Coconut Oiled Sweet Potato Rounds to bake and catching up to some much needed relaxation time. Nothing like eating frozen grapes, listening to Duffy and flipping through old mags and new cook books. Sooo many recipes to choose from!!

What are you doing? Any ideas on what I should cook this week?

My Celebration

This may be random but please bear with me...or just scroll to see the good eats :)

Today I woke up and decided to start celebrating my life. I realized after walking around like a stressed out crazy person for the past month because of my paper I had to write and other life struggles...its not worth it. I feel my photography and creativity is suffering because of my negative outlook on life. I keep thinking that when things go perfect in my life..when things stop being so stressful, then I will have that bowl of banana soft serve I've been dying to try at late hours of the night. Then I will have a pumpkin spice latte and enjoy every sip of it. Then I will have pancakes in the middle of the week just because I feel like it. Then I will finally wear that floral dress I bought just because I want to look pretty for myself.
I decided today to stop living for the future and start living for the present. This has been a huge problem for me and has become the biggest excuse of my life. The reason why I push off everything. I'm too focused on the future that I'm letting lives little bright moments pass me by daily. And to be perfectly honest, I am completely sick and tired of the games I play with myself...time is passing me by. I am finished and I want to start living...now!

I really hope you all do the same with me. We need to take the time to enjoy life as it is now...not how it could be in the future...because honestly time waits for no one. Am I right? To kick off this new found optimism I made PANCAKES! What says happiness more then pancakes?

Whole Wheat Flax Seed Pancakes
I added Coconut Oil, Palm Sugar, Pumpkin Pie Spices and Living Harvest Hemp Milk to the mix.
Thank you Flax Matters for sponsoring my life celebration :) And for this lovely mix, very delicious, fluffy and perfect for a quick batch of week day pancakes. I seriously can't get over how light and fluffy they are!!

How are you going to celebrate your life? Have a great day everyone!

Salted Peach and Herb Olive Oil Salad

Last night in desperate need of a break from writing I decided to try something new. I threw some ingredients together with fresh herbs and ended up with this fantastic salad that I'm sure is going to become a regular on my weekly menu. Please tell me I'm not the only person that lives off of New York Time's articles and recipes...

"Summer is over but the fruit is still fresh" Salted Peach and Herb Olive Oil Salad:
(Inspired by 101 Simple Salads, serves 2)

• 1/2 bag Spring Mix Lettuce
• 2 Red Tomatoes, sliced
• 2 Peachs, sliced
• 4 Baby Yellow Tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 Red Onion, sliced thinly
• Handful of Cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup Edamame
• 1/2 Lemon, juice
• 2 tbsp Tuscan Olive Oil, or any EVOO
• 2 tsp Chili Pepper Flakes
• Salt + Pepper

Mix all ingredients together then top with EVOO, Lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve cold. Optional: you can add avocado for a creamy texture.

Sorry for the messy/blurry quality of photos..I've been really distracted lately. But thanks for every one's understanding. I finished my paper and will be back to posting regularly. After much thought and procrastination I finally decided what field I want to work in...which will be nutrition. It's going to be alot of work but I'm planning on starting classes in Spring 2010. Very excited!! Thank you all again for the encouragement :) Goodnight.

In a Blur

(Cloudy mornings = blurry pictures)
Coconut Chocolate Chip Healthy Cookie with Agave Nectar House Blend Latte
Sometimes a quick breakfast cookie is most efficient for a busy girl. xoxo

Hitting the Books

Lunch today included Homemade Sweet and Salty Nori Roll with a Black Cracked Pepper Hummus Herb Salad.

Thanks everyone for the beyond sweet words...still writing but almost finished! Back Wednesday Morning. Hugs!

Mie ispirazioni

I feel My Breakfast Blog needs a little more inspiration outside of blog world...here's what inspires me the most as of lately. Enjoy! PS: Reader's Choice Breakfast Post was moved to Friday since I will be gone today till Tuesday night studying and writing a huge paper. You can bet frozen Amy's lassagna dinners, bright yellow pj's and starbucks will be present. But rest assured that I've come up with some amazing recipes, raw and vegan, that I'm dying to show you as soon as I'm back. xoxo!


My favorite cook books and scarves

Bedsheets

Collages and Sunnies

Plate wear

Jewelry connected to my heart

Inspiration Board and Lu

House Lighting

Sunshine made Veggies

Spotted Fruit

Organic Love

Natural Lighting

Floral, Vanilla Cookies and Silk

Nori Nights

Brown Rice Nori Roll with Pineapple Tofu, Avocado, Carrot and Cucumber. And a Sesame Roll of Cucumber, Carrot and Spicy Tofu.
There is something so zen about squishing steamy hot rice on fishy seaweed (minus the fish). Sushi making is what Sunday Nights are all about. :)

Brown Rice Nori Roll:

• 2 Sheets of Blue Nori Paper
• 1/4 cup Brown Rice, cooked and sticky
• 1/2 Block of Trader Joe's Teriyaki Baked Tofu, sliced
• Sliced Cucumber and Carrots, to taste
• 1/2 Avocado, sliced
• Sesame Seeds

I followed these directions but I made mine with brown rice and topped them with sesame seeds, soy sauce and hot sauce.

Breakfast Trends: Baked Oatmeal

This Breakfast Trends post is about starting a trend. Last week I stumbled upon Foods of April, a food blog, and fell in love with one of her recipes! I thought.."wow this could become a huge thing in the foodie world"...then I thought.."wait, why hasn't it already? ".

Well I'm here today today to introduce you to Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal. Say it with me..baked..pumpkin..oatmeal...sounds yummy right?
It's so simple and delicious that I had to do my own spin on the original recipe.

Baked Pumpkin with Cranberry Oatmeal:

1 cup Oats
1/2 cup Oat Bran
1 1/2 Unsweetened vanilla hemp milk
1/4 cup Liquid Egg Whites
3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 tbsp Ginger
1 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Cloves
1 tsp Baking Powder
4 tsp Palm Sugar
1 tbsp Walnut
2 tbsp Apple Sweetened Cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of baking pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and flour. Mix all ingredients together except cranberries and walnuts Pour mixture into baking pan and top with cranberries, walnuts and extra spices. Bake for 45 minutes until cooked thoroughly.
Tip: Make it the day before so in the morning its already made and it just needs to be warmed. Before eating top with agave nectar and cinnamon!

Start baking your oatmeal girls...overnight oats are so last week :)
What do you think the next breakfast trend will be?

Sweet and Savory

Surprise! I'm back to share a little something special I made for lunch....



How to make the perfect Saturday Sweet & Savory Sandwich:
(Inspired by Amy)

• 2 pieces of Trader Joe's Quinoa Bread
• 1 glob of Garlic Hummus
• 3 Sunshine Yellow Baby Tomatoes
• Baby Spinach
• 1 tbsp Apple Juice Sweetened Cranberries
• Black Pepper

Layer and plate with a side of Carrots and White Chocolate Wonderful PB.

PS: The lovely Mitri awarded me with the....

Thank you sooooo much!!! I must name seven interesting things about myself and nominate seven bloggers.

1) I have a huge love for Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
2) I use to secretly blog for a very popular fashion blog.
3) I find any way to avoid blow drying my hair...so boring!
4) I love to sing all the time even though I have no voice.
5) My first job was at a crepe cafe where they made the best chocolate pb stuffed crepes ever!
7) Chopped, Chefs vs. City and Ace of Cakes are my favorite food shows.

I nominate: 1) Lo from Honey Nut Lo, 2) Veggie Girl, 3) Eliza from Nourishing Mornings, 4) Maya from Pistachios and Rainbows , 5) Bella Eats, 6) Lil Veggie Patch, 7) Leslie from The Whole Plate!!

Hope your Saturday is going great!

Classics

Two slices of French Meadow Bakery Kamut with Raspberry Preserves and Buttered Sprouted 16 Grain Seed Bread. With two chewy prunes and a mug of Tropical Green Tea from the lovely Nicole.
(Yes I eat prunes like they are going out of style!)


I'll say it again, I really love the buttery sour dough flavor of the kamut bread. I seriously pair this bread with everything...Italian...Indian curry..french toast...you name it. I just keep wondering when they will make kamut english muffins! As for the sprouted grain seed bread, this is the first time I've tried it and its quiet extraordinary. Ezekiel sprouted bread has always had my vote but this bread took it up a notch! Just imagine baking soft earthy seed bread at home and that's basically it. You can taste all the grains and seeds...exactly what I want out of a sprouted bread! I would have to say its more of a hardy sandwich bread then a breakfast bread but I love it nonetheless. Looking at the French Meadow Bakery website I noticed that this Sprouted 16 Grain Seed Bread isn't even on the market yet. But when it does come out...you seriously must try it!

Now I'm off to photograph some special stuff for a post I am putting together about my current inspirations.
Have a fab Saturday :)

Cashew Cookie

Currently....

(Cell phone photo)
Sitting at a local book store, eating a Cashew Cookie Lara, drinking a Soy Vanilla Latte and studying.

Later tonight I'm planning on going to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and getting Banana and Taro Fro yo with the Family :) How are you spending your Friday night?

Best for Last

Breakfast included the last of my Pumpkin Walnut Bread with a cup of Decaf House Floral Coffee with Skim Milk. There is something about end pieces that I absoultly love.I'm a crust person so maybe that is it?

I'm really looking forward to this weekend...some great posts coming up and the Reader's Choice Post is Monday...don't miss out! Hooray its friday!

WDME: Going Out Night

Tonight I was super excited to eat the Whole Food's Cranberry, Feta and Kale Salad I picked up earlier.

I topped the salad with Savory Tofu, Yellow Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinaigrette.


This salad had really yummy parts and really icky parts. I enjoyed the cranberry, feta and kale combination but the beets competed with the cranberries. Also the lemon dressing that came with the salad was not good at all. I would probably not buy it again but I do really love the idea of cranberries in salad.

Later I had a tiny square of 80% Dark Mint Chocolate while I watched Ace of Cakes. Mmm best things in life! This was really fun! I think I should share more pictures of my days more often. Maybe a "Lifestyle Blog" post once a month? What do you think?

Now if you will excuse me I have some Living Raw Food cookbook page bending to do. Goodnight :)

WDME: Going Out Afternoon

I decided at the last second to save some money and make myself a lunch to go.
I threw together the tastiest and quickest meal possible...



Thai Cashew and Hummus Veggie Wrap
If you haven't tried the Trader Joe's Thai Lime Cashews you really must..they are super spicy but they are addicting.

After singing loud as possible to basically every song on Colbie Caillet's new cd I found myself at one of my favorite thrift shops. And somehow its right next store to Whole Foods... what a coincidence :)
I fed the street meter with nickles and ended up only having enough money for forty minutes. I thought that was reasonable but after I left the store I realized I had only two minutes to get to my car!! With floral silk scarfs in hand I literally power walked to my car...haha!

I re parked and walked back to Whole Foods to pick up some "necessities". I will say it again and again..its like home away from home. The Bohemian floral incense aroma and carrot ginger soup smell always reminds me of all the memories I've had there.

While bronzing through endless aisles I was allured in to a free sampling of vanilla animal cookies...being that they are basically my favorite cookie I HAD to buy some. I also grabbed a Apple, Pineapple, Ginger Juice for the road.

Sitting in traffic I made an actual method to making Ginger Snap Animal Cookies:

First, sip juice. Then while your mouth is burning from the overly ginger juice eat cookie. Then repeat until you are free from annoying random traffic and your mouth has cooled down.

I may or may not have had to dodge a cop because I was going five mph over the speed limit...

Here's the loot:

Dried figs, cranberries, prunes, one nectarine. Savory tofu, Amy's Tofu Lasagna and Amy's Indian Mattar Tofu. Herb salad mix, yellow tomatoes and a cranberry feta salad for dinner tonight. I also picked up a Dark Chocolate 80% Mint Bar, Vanilla Animal Cookies and Annie's Peace Bunnie Pasta.

Once I got home I reorganized my Oatmeal and Cereal Cabinet...yes "they" have their own cabinet.

(all pictures taken with cell phone..sorry for quality)

Currently I am hanging my grandma- perfume- infused silk scarfs in the laundry room until I Drysal them. Listening to Jason Mraz. Drinking much needed water. I'm happy as a calm.

I'm "house" hunting right now so I'm gunna go out for a bit. Be back tonight!

WDME: Going Out

Good morning! Guess what!

Mybreakfastblog.com is going out with me for the day. But before we go out here's a little breakfast I started my day with...





A Sprouted Bagel with Crunchy Almond Butter, Raspberry Preserves and Warm Banana Slices
Just when I thought Hemp Bagels stolen my heart...then these bagels sprouted up, pun, haha I crack myself up!! I really loved the hardy and versatile flavor these have...I could easily use them with savory or sweet dishes. I can't wait to pair them with some Vegan Marshmallow Fluff, Carob and Ginger Butter..mmm smores. Ohhh or thinly slicel bagel onion chips? I'm getting on a bagel tangent here... Hands down, French Meadow Bakery bread is the only type of bread I'll buy!

Bits of pieces of what I am wearing...

Urban Outfitters Silver Flats and Arwen Evenstar Pendant
I haven't worn this necklace since junior high but I felt like I need to start giving my other clothes and jewelry some face time. Re wear, reuse, recycle..right?

Currently snacking on... Pumpkin Walnut Bread

Today's plans include finding vintage silk scarfs...buying Amy's frozen dinners and getting a ginger juice of some sorts. Will post pictures when I get back :)

PS: I'm currently searching for an mouth watering Halva recipe...anyone?

Craving Pie

Hiya, today is the Healthy Cookies giveaway day! But before I get to the winner....

I need to be completely honest...I caved and went to Whole Foods last night and got a huge salad!! I know...I'm horrible :) But I only spent seven bucks for two huge salad boxes. Maybe I was undercharged? Something about going to Whole Foods is like home away from home...I always feel warm and fuzzy inside. So I guess going their once in a while won't hurt!

Anyways on my way upstairs for dinner I passed by a bunch of freshly baked gluten free pumpkin pies. I almost bought one but right now I have to save, pretty hypocritical since I went their for dinner, to get my hair colored and cut next month. Ramble ramble..the point of this story is I'm craving pumpkin pie like its water!! I NEED my pie!

I decided to go home and use what I had in my kitchen and make something fall worthy...I came up with Pumpkin Walnut Raisin Bread using this recipe. I added walnuts, raisins and cinnamon to the recipe. I also only used 1/2 cup of cane sugar and a bit of agave nectar. This stuff is highly addicting...maybe you should make two loafs... :)

The obvious choice for breakfast was....

Can you blame me? Best bread I've ever made!

Later for a mid morning snack I made a bowl of all the extras from the bread....

Agave Sweetened Greek Yogurt with Pumpkin Spiced Puree, Walnuts and Raisins. (Deconstructed Pumpkin Bread)
Chobani you did it again..I L.O.V.E the plain yogurt. Nothing like a clean creamy tasting yogurt to mix your favorite toppings in. So far I've tried the pineapple (yum), peach (yumm) and pomegranate (soooo yummy). My favorite would have to be the pomegranate (full of flavor and seeds) and the honey (very sweet and earthy). The only flavor I'm not to fond of is the strawberry..which I kinda found disappointing since I love strawberry yogurt. Oh well maybe I'm old fashion. But I loved that all the fruit flavors were real and they tasted like a trip to Greece!

Without further rambling....the winner of the Healthy Cookie giveaway according to random.org is....
#28 Lainie from Deliciously Fit
Congrads girl!! :) Email me your info and I'll forward it to the company.

And the winner of the Reader Choice Post is.....
Eliza from Nourishing Mornings!! Seriously, you picked my exact favorite color yellow and my second favorite color peach!!
Please email me what you would like me to make for breakfast and I'll post it Monday morning.

I wish everyone could win but thanks for your participation!!

Italian Waffles

Happy first day of fall everyone!

Sweet Vanilla Italian Waffles Made with Palm Sugar
(My Dad's secret recipe)
Being Italian there is nothing like a sweet vanilla waffle and an espresso to start out your day! I love the contrast of bitter roasted coffee with sweet tooth waffles. love love love.

Thank you Navitas Naturals for sending me these wonderful products. The palm sugar is definitely taking the place of cane sugar in my house! I love the sweet earthy flavor! I'm planning on using it in my baking too!! Who knew palm sugar was better for you then agave? Yum!
I hope you all have a great Tuesday. By the way, to be a reader's choice winner guess the answer to this question..."What is my favorite color?"

Going Bananas

Top of the morning!



Banana Nut Bread Creamy Oats
(Oat Bran and Unsweetened Vanilla Hemp Milk. Over riped Banana and Raisins. Walnuts, Cinnamon, Nutmeg)
I really think a over riped banana always makes a bowl of oats that much more creamy and amazing. Yay!! Did you notice the hemp milk is back? I went with the obvious choice of Living Harvest Hemp Milk and it was delicious! Ever since I tried some six months ago I've been hooked and this brand was no disappointment either. Hemp has that nutty and earthy flavor that balances out the sweet banana..which makes the perfect bowl of oats no matter what you put in it! Thank you Living Harvest for the samples...I can't wait to try the original flavor!

Things to look forward to this week:

• Reader's Choice Post
• Food Trends Post
• WDME Going Out Post

I'm doing a reader's choice post on Sept 23 after I announce a winner of the Healthy Cookie Giveaway. One reader will be able to choose what I make for breakfast!! All you gotta do is guess my favorite color...simple enough right?

xoxo Have a fun Monday :)

Bowls of Comfort

Sometimes reading about other's memories triggers your own memories and emotions. Which in turn triggers the urge for comfort foods. When I think of comfort I think of my mother. I think of warm spicy pumpkin pie, salty lasagna noodles and big bowls of southern style buttery grits. My mother was quiet a cook but it took until now for me to fully appreciate how she put so much effort in even the little things. When I was very young she would sit me on the counter while she cooked. I got to experience each ingredient individually before she put them all together to create something fantastic. I can remember the day I first tried lasagna noodles before they were layered between Italian cheeses and an authentic homemade tomato sauce. I honestly never knew how one ingredient could stand on its own and be so delicious. Today I still apply that in all my cooking...tasting each ingredient on its own and allowing, when possible, them stand on their own in the dish.

Another big comfort food for me is grits. Coming from a very southern background my mother, although a very healthy cook, kept some foods traditional. Once in a while we would have buttery southern grits topped with a sunny side up egg and maple sausage. For me, at the time, this was the ultimate comfort food. When homework kept me up late...or quarrels with friends happened...whatever it would be...I would wake up to a big bowl of buttery goodness and all my problems would melt, hehe pun, away!

Now that I don't have that bowl of comfort nor my mother waiting for me when I wake up after a hard night I have to comfort myself all on my own. This morning I decided to turn on my favorite singer, Taylor Swift , wear my favorite Sunday morning PJ's and make myself some...

Oat Bran "Grits" with a Easy Over Egg and Soy Sausage:

1/4 cup Oat Bran, 1 cup Water, 1 tsp Salt
Cook until really thick then add your favorite type of butter. I used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Then add an egg, pepper and soy sausage. Before digging in, allow yolk to run on top of the "grits" and butter....instant bowl of comfort!

Whats your comfort food?

WDME: Saturday Part 3

I was debating on whether to go to Whole Foods and spend money making a salad or heading to Trader Joe's and buying a few things to create my own at home. I decided on the lather since I have a sleep over planned for tonight.

Last of Summer Salad Bar

• 1/2 Bag Trader Joe's Organic Herb Salad Mix (love the sprigs of dill!!)
  
• 3 Sun dried Tomatoes
  
• 5 "Skinny Trees"....asparagus
  
• 3 Mushrooms
  
• 1/2 Trader Joe's Savory Tofu
  
• 2 Spoonfuls of Garlic Hummus

I threw the tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms and tofu into a pan with a little EVOO and garlic. After I sauteed them, I laid them on top of a bed of herb salad mix and topped with a little balsamic and olive oil. Pepper. Salt. Hummus. Check check check. Oh so delicious and I didn't spend $16 bucks on one salad...only for a weekend of groceries!
I just decided to break into the Kettle Korn and topped it with Cinnamon, Salt and Dark Chocolate Chunks.

Now if you will excuse me I have a movie to watch about a childhood favorite young detective in 1950's style clothes...very excited :)
Ps: Thank you all again for your lovely comments! I never thought I'd love food blogging so much until now...your comments truly make my day that much brighter and inspire me to put together new things! I'll cya Sunday morning!!

Don't forget to sign up for the Healthycookie giveaway! Ends Sept 23!