Monday Meal Planning:: Healthy Meals

Wheeew, it's sure been a week! I was taken out for a few days with health issues which led to some unexpected take-out and less exercise. Bleh. Time to get back on the ball. I'm looking forward to some super healthy meals this week. We had some family over for a BBQ Friday night and I made those tasty black bean burgers from a few weeks ago with some slight modifications. I also made a few pies for the occasion. This week has to be less about pies and more about produce (and quinoa)!

Quinoa Fruit Salad w/ Honey Lime Dressing

Doesn't this look like a sweet, refreshing light dinner? Something to be eaten in the backyard with iced green tea?

Spinach Parmesan Quinoa

This recipe was already tested out on some recent visitors. It proved such a big success I'm revisiting it this week!

Baked Eggplant Burgers

I loved the homemade black bean burgers so much I'm looking to expand my meatless burger options. This eggplant-based burger looks delish and it's vegan!

Kale Pesto

Mmmm, pesto. Now that I know I can make pesto, I'm seeking out healthier versions of our new favorite. Pair it with pasta and we've got a meal.

Ginger Fish with Chickpeas

We're trying to eat more fish after reading Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory diet. This one-dish meal looks healthy, simple, and tasty. What more could you ask for?

a moment of zen

source

Fashion Saturday:: Long Skirts!!

Okay, okay, okay, I forgot to put up my post yesterday. So Fashion Friday is a day late this week. My bad. Anyhoo, on a thrifting adventure with the fella last weekend, I found this terrible skirt my 15 year-old self would have flipped her lid over. Floor-length, black, perfectly paired with combat boots and some band t-shirt. For $2 I could afford to indulge my inner goth girl. I can always wear it around the house if I don't feel brave enough to venture outdoors in such a get-up. Who am I kidding? Of course, I'll end up wearing it out somewhere.

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For the Home:: Bohemian Sensibility

Still settling into the new place but it's moving along. The art is finding the right places on the walls. The tchotchkes are all finding their proper nook. Everything is coming together. Now, I need to work on refining those spaces from their functional present to their transcendent potential. This week, as with many others, I seek to draw from bohemian-styled spaces to create an eclectic and inviting home.

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Mid-Week Motivation

I need a refresher.

I might drop some green tea bags and essential oils in my yet to be used bathtub and forgot that I exist in a temporal place... for a couple minutes.

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Idea Day:: Crafts with the Kiddos

My nephews are visiting from NY. I've been trying to think of fun things to do with the kids. I have a few ideas stewing. Allow me to share...

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Monday Meal Planning:: Food for Company!

My brother and his family are heading into town this week. My brother would just eat burritos the entire time he was visiting if not for his charming and lovely wife. There will still be burritos involved, but a few more meals at home than might otherwise be the case. The fella and I are having our families convene at the new place so food for a crowd is in the works. Here are a few new things I'm working into the schedule for the upcoming week!

Cheese & Chive Biscuits

I might make some oven fried chicken to go along with this biscuit recipe I've been meaning to try. Would make for a tasty south(west)ern meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian food is pretty awesome, as is my slow cooker. I'm up for any opportunity that combines the two.

Lemon Garlic Spaghetti

I've been in a lemon mood lately. I think this dish will pair nicely with asparagus which is sometimes the only recommendation I need. I love asparagus.

Lemon Cheesecake Pie

As I mentioned, I'm in a lemon mood. Company means dessert at our house (sometimes). It's a safe way to ensure that no leftovers remain for late night falterings.

a moment of zen

It's hard to feel zen when overcome with menstrual disgruntledness (it's a word now, dammit).

I am trying.

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Mid-Week Motivation

Wellbeing isn't just about taking care of the body.

It's the grand trinity of body-mind-spirit that must be nourished in order to achieve a true & whole wellness.

Or so the kids keep telling me. 

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Idea Tuesday:: The Happy 50%

Apparently there is a happy gene. Well, at least, women have a happy gene (see more here at Science Daily). That is not to say that one's level of happiness is contingent solely on the presence of a particular genetic trait. There are ways to improve your level of happiness (other than rampant drug abuse... kidding, kidding). I've also discovered that there is all sorts of information about how to be a happier person should you happen to be one of the unlucky bastards that got shafted by the gene department.

Here are some links for all you happiness seekers...

The Secret of Happiness 

How to Be Happy: Tips for Cultivating Contentment from Mayo Clinic

WikiHow promises they can explain how to do anything. Happiness included. Here are 12 Steps to Be Happy. 

WebMD also offers their path to happiness in five fewer steps for those of us short on time in their article on Choosing to be Happy.