Flirting with Food, Fitness & Fashion

4th of July weekend Recap

2011-07-06T14:51:00.000-04:00

Hope you had a relaxing 4th of July weekend! Mine was busy lots of long days on the boat - but I loved every minute of it...

Fireworks.

Friends.

Family.

Sunshine. On the Boat. In the water.

I especially love that the work week is half over. Happy hump day!

What I have been up to...

2011-06-29T14:41:00.001-04:00

Enjoying lots of summer sunets on the lake on my new...

Boat! :)

I currently live about .5 miles from 3 lakes and figured I would get a lot of use out of a boat... I haven't even had it for a week yet and we have been on it like crazy!!!

I have wanted a boat for quite some time and have been looking the past 2 summers here and there at boats on craigslist. Now that I am living so close to the lakes and have more room to store it - I jumped on the first great deal that I found.... and I am in love with soaking up the sun, family and friend time and everything else that comes along with having a boat.

I have been terribly sore from tubing for 2 days straight.... so sore I can barely lift up my arms. That has really put a damper on my work outs :(

Garden is in and doing fairly well - my camera is still MISSING so please excuse the cell phone pictures!

Dealing with a sick puppy (his eyes were swollen)... I think he had an allergic reaction to a bug, possibly a spider or bee that he ate? He loves to eat bugs... silly little pup.

Stayed at Hotel Rome in the Wisconsin Dells, and enjoyed some ~~R & R~~ rollercoasters, wave pools, and go karts for 2 days straight. I was more tired when I got home from the mini vacay.

Margarita's on the rocks always hit the spot after a long day or sunbathing :)

Kujo is better now and after a vet visit and some meds - he is back to his old self :)

Kaiya is my tanning buddy - she loves to lay in the sun and soak it up right next to me! :)

Hope you are enjoying your summer!!!

Giving into cravings.

2011-06-16T17:12:00.000-04:00

I have been looking forward to Spinach + Strawberry salads all winter long. I am finally enjoying them daily. nightly.. for lunch + dinner to be more specific.

The real craving hit when I was at Good Harvest Market and I saw goat cheese... how wonderful would that be with my spinach + strawberry salad = it was phenom. :)

I also have been wanting to make some BBQ tofu for awhile.... I have some I needed to use up before my trip out of town this weekend, so use it up I did.

BBQ Tofu in the upper left hand of plate. I used a bottle of Annie's Organics Smoked Maple BBQ Sauce to marinate after pressing the tofu overnight. I sliced 1/2 small sweet onion and placed it on some foil along with the tofu and cooked on top the grill for about 10 minutes on each side or so.

It turned out delightful. Hit the spot! Speaking of using the produce up in my fridge I made some zucchini noodles and mushrooms with marinara sauce. This was fabulous and a very healthy option if you wanted to give into your craving of spaghetti!

I sliced my mushrooms and spiralized my zucchini.

Tossed it into a pan coated with 1 T of olive oil and 1/2 sweet onion.

Cook on med-high stirring often. I didn't want the "pasta" to get mushy - I wanted a bit of warmth but not hot.

I added in 1/2 jar of leftover marinara sauce to the mix and cooked a couple minutes until warm.

Top with a little NOOCH and serve! I really enjoyed this and see myself making it this summer quite a bit. I think I am going to try a raw version as well... should be interesting. :)

Friday is almost here! :)

Nichole

Milwaukee Brewers in First Place!!!!

2011-06-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

I know this isn't a sports blog. I have to show my home team's some support!! The Green Bay Packers won the superbowl and now my Milwaukee Brewers are in first place with the Cardinals sweep! I was happy to be able to go to the Saturday game this weekend and root for my home team!

Too many beers/long island's might make you cut your friends out of your pictures.

Just sayin'.

Let's keep it up Brew Crew!!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was wonderful... lots of dancing, sport watching and eating. My weekends are meant for play. Sometimes I forgot about the workouts. Dancing counts though, right?

This was my super scrumptious dinner yesterday evening. I had a grilled veggie burger with sauteed onions and mushrooms (in vegetable broth) + spinach and strawberry salad with sliced almonds. Light, fresh and filling. Perfection on a summer night!!! I love using my grill.

Fashion for today:

Express shirt and skirt

Fergilicious heels

Have a great Tuesday!

I am looking forward to updating you on my garden progress!!

Nichole

Catching Up

2011-06-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been so M.I.A. lately. I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. I was SO busy getting ready for our Memorial Day party last weekend that I didn't post and then a whole week went by!

I STILL haven't gotten my garden planted because the tiller I had on hand is not working. Bummer. A couple of my green bean plants are wilting but I still have quite a few to work with at least. I am hoping the BF gets the tiller working soon because we don't have much time left at all. :(

So what have I been up to? I spent a lovely and hot Saturday boating with my mother :)

We soaked up some sun and maybe some Bicardi ;)

((See that lovely necklace my mom is wearing? She hand makes the beads & makes the necklaces herself. She has a ton right now and I am trying to get her going on selling them because they are amazing))

And I may have lost my waterproof point + shoot camera...unless the boat ate it -- which then I am hoping we still find it somewhere :(

Saturday night I ventured out on the town with some friends..

I didn't last very long... I was so tired from boating all day (and no nap in between... waaaahhh) that I just couldn't hang like my normal self. I stayed out until about 11pm and then headed home for some much needed rest.

Sunday I went back to Roots Restaurant for brunch ~ I reviewed the dinner I had back in April here.

So sorrrrry... but I forgot to bust out the camera phone. They had a lovely Cream of Asparagus Soup... simply delish. I ordered a tofu scramble, which had tofu + asparagus and some other fixings - it was good but not as good as their dinner. The bloody mary I had was phenom.

After the lovely brunch, I visited my aunt to see her new house she just bought a couple weeks ago and while on that side of town and before venturing back towards home I stopped at Outpost Natural Foods -- I so miss this place! I used to have one 5 minutes from my old house :( sad face. I stocked up on a lot of goodies!!! I got home around 5pm and it was still gorgeous - I played with the pups outside, opened up all the windows to air out the house and started cooking up Emily's awesomely delicious recipe for Mexican Quinoa.

I even ate leftovers for lunch today :) So much protein and I am fulllllllllllllllll. :)

I enjoyed this while watching the MTV Movie Awards... anyone else watch?? Anyone else sick of Twilight winning in every category? Don't get me wrong, I loved the books, enjoyed the movies but don't think the acting is THAT great.... Robert Pattinson is awkard in real life he is no Edward... I prefer some ~~werewolf~~ Taylor Lautner instead. Yup.

Seksi.

What I have been loving lately:

Chia Seed Pudding w/ Blondie Bar

I honestly could drink chia seed pudding with vanilla almond milk after letting it sit for only 5 minutes... love Love LOVE <3!!!!!!!!!!

Massaged Kale Salad

Ever since seeing this on Jessica's blog I have seriously been obsessed. Perfect summer salad - just make sure it make it fresh - since avacado tends to go back quickly and that can make a yucky salad :P

I may know from experience :/

Cheers to a fantastic and warm weather week!!!

** Please pray for me... that my mom finds my camera in her boat... ***sigh****

xoxo

Nichole

Tofu Tacos & Tofu Cream

2011-05-25T16:11:00.000-04:00

Hi friends! Happy Hump Day! Hope your week is flying by at this point. I have some fun recipes to share with you today. :)

Ever since I saw Alicia Silverstone's Clean, Mean Burritos in the Kind Life book, I was intrigued. Not by the burritos but mainly because of the "tofu cream". Seemed easy enough to make. Only 4 ingredients!

Tofu Cream

Recipe from The Kind Life

1-1 1/2 T Umebosi Plum Paste (I found this at whole foods)

6 T lemon juice

3 T Vegenaise

1 package of firm tofu (pressed)

Place tofu in a pot and steam over boiling water for 3-5 minutes.

Let cool.

In a food processor add in remaining ingredients with tofu and blend until creamy.

Chill for an hour then serve.

The results? I think a little too lemony for my liking... next time I will add more vegenaise and less lemon juice. Maybe I can re-blend with more vegenaise to remove from the of lemon flavor.

I did try it on a bean burrito I made last night, and the tofu cream really wasn't my thing. It didn't mesh well with the burrito.

In this burrito: Pinto & black beans, spinach, cilantro, radishes, carrots & tofu cream.

The next burrito I had did not have tofu cream but avacado instead!!!

I have a whole container of this stuff left and not sure what to do with it now....

any ideas?

...............................

On another note I made tofu burrito/tacos on Cinco De Mayo and never posted about them.

They were quite delicious and a nice way to switch up the mexican food fare!

Tofu Tacos

1 package of firm tofu (pressed + cubed)

Taco Seasoning (or create your own like I did)

1 small onion

1 T olive oil

1-2 cloves fresh garlic

Taco Seasoning

1 T chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1-2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

sprinkle of cayenne pepper

In a large pan let your olive oil get warm, add in your onion and garlic.

Let cook for 30 seconds or so and add in your cubed tofu.

Add in taco seasonings right after your tofu. Add water if tofu is sticking to the pan.

To be honest with you I don't really measure how much seasonings I put into it. I know which ones I like and add more. I love to sprinkle on the top of the tofu until it's coated.

Cook until browned, turning over every couple minutes. Total cooking time approx. 10-15 minutes depending on the amount of heat you are using.

Serve Tofu in warmed tortilla and serve with other toppings (whatever you would normally eat on tacos or burritos).

Enjoy!

Question:

Have you ever tried Tofu Cream? Do you know what it WOULD taste better with?

Enjoy the rest of the HUMP day!

Nichole

How Does Your Garden Grow - Tuesdays! Week 3

2011-05-24T22:22:00.001-04:00

I love the idea of sharing the progress of my garden every week! Thanks Cara for the idea on sharing HDYGG (How does your garden grow)! I have not yet planted my garden outside but should be doing that this weekend - yay!

Green beans are growing like crazy!

Check out my other garden posts here and here.

I planted those seeds on May 9th. Most of the seeds say to plant outside within 4-6 weeks - I am pretty much on schedule even though I might have been a week or two late when planting the seeds.... hopefully everything grows and flourishes!

Some lovely smelling lilacs I picked from my mother's house this weekend have brightened up my counter tops and let my time in the kitchen be much more enjoyable!

I am making some Massaged Kale Salad that I saw on Jessica's blog Dishin' About Nutrition.

She recently made the Green Goddess Soup that I posted about, check out her post here.

Massaged Kale Salad

Adapted from Dishin' About Nutrition

1 bunch of Kale washed, dry and cut into bite size pieces

1 small or 1/2 large avacado

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Salt

Toppings such as: cucumbers, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes - whatever you have - any raw veggies are fine!

Cut avacado into pieces toss in large bowl with kale, lemon juice and a dash of salt.

Massage into kale with your hands until avacado is mashed completely and then lick your hands clean!

Add toppings and devour and feel like a Goddess when you are done! :)

I did a 30 minute kettleball workout with Jillian Michaels tonight & another 30 minutes on my eliptical. Kicking my butt! ;)

Fashion over the weekend:

Top: Express

Tank top: Forever 21

Jeans: Express

Shoes: Baker's wedges

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday! Muah! xo

Nichole

Sweet Tooth

2011-05-20T10:18:00.001-04:00

Good morning! I am so happy about the gorgeous weather we have coming this weekend! I have a couple outings with friends planned so excited to hang out in the sun!

As I was catching up on my blog reading I came across Katie's Genius Blondies. A blondie made with chickpeas? Yes, please! I had a sweet craving and decided to make these since I had everything on hand.

Genius Blondies

Recipe from Chocolate-Covered Katie

1 can of chickpeas
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 teaspon baking soda
1/8 teaspon salt
3/4 cup brown sugar (I used 1 tsp of vanilla stevia)
1/4 cup flax seed powder
1/4 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all ingredients until very smooth. Mix in any add-ins at this time (I used carob chips) and scoop into greased 8x8 pan, I used a bread pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

I tried mixing all the ingredients with my food processor, but that was not working. After 10 minutes it still wasn't smooth.

I had enough of that and transferred it to my Vita-Mix. Less than a minute and I have what I am looking for.

I mixed in my carob chips but since the "dough" was so warm from the vita, they melted right away.

(bad picture late at night)

They didn't turn out as pretty as Katie's but they did taste good. I enjoyed with almond milk since they were a little dry, I think I might want to add protein powder next time!

I will be enjoying these for a healthy snack this weekend! I used Stevia and I didn't think they tasted like soap at all (Katie mentioned her friends thought the stevia batch tasted like soap)! I think if you are used to stevia it is hardly recognizable in this recipe.

Have a great weekend and I hope you enjoy some sunshine!

Nichole

The Green Goddess

2011-05-19T13:06:00.001-04:00

Hello to the Goddesses that read my blog :) I have been ranting about The Green Goddess soup for sometime now. I think this soup is such an amazing detox soup, and it tastes fantastic. I finally get to share the recipe with you! I am so excited! My cousin Haley over at The Soup Goddess created this recipe and when I visited her in Florida last April she gave me the recipe. It has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. I like to make at least once a month. I talk about it here, here and here. I honestly make this soup that much. I love it.

I hope you make it.

If you do please tell me! I would love to know what you think, I am sure Haley, The Soup Goddess would too!

Green Goddess Soup

From Haley at The Soup Goddess

3 Tbsp. ghee - (I normally use earth balance or olive oil and it is just as good)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large poblano pepper, diced

1– 1 ½ tsp. cumin

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. white pepper

24 c. chopped greens, such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, mustard greens, packed
(I used rainbow chard, kale and spinach this time) Normally I take 2 bunches of kale, 1-2 bunches of swiss chard or rainbow, and a huge tub of spinach.

4 c. chicken broth, or vegetable

½ c. loosely packed cilantro

½ large avocado, or 1 whole small

In a large stock pot, heat the ghee/olive oil (or Earth Balance to make this vegan) over medium-low heat and add the poblano peppers, and the garlic, heat until the poblano peppers are soft, about 5 minutes.

While the peppers are cooking mix the cumin, salt, and white pepper, with about ¼ c. water.

Once the poblanos are soft add the spice mixture, and cook about 30 seconds.

Add the greens gradually, you will have to add them 8 c. at a time, stirring and letting them cook down to add more.

Cooking down...

Adding Kale...

I use this whole tub of spinach...

Once you have added the last 8 c. stir occasionally until greens are cooked down, I normally add the spinach last it takes the least amount of time to cook down.

Add the chicken/vegetable broth, it should just cover the greens and place heat on medium high.

Add the cilantro and cover, bringing to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer while covered and cook for about 20 minutes until greens are completely soft.

Remove from the heat and add the avocado. With an immersion blender, or working in batches with a standard blender, blend until smooth. Adjust the seasonings if necessary, and return to simmer, 15 more minutes.

The avocado makes it almost like a cream soup...

So healthy and delicious!

I have my soup for the week!!!

We replaced a ceiling fan in the kitchen this week and I just loved the result.

Before:

During:

After:

Much impoved! No?

I visited my mother last weekend, her dog which is a rat terrier and chihuaha mix had puppes a couple weeks ago, they are the cutest little puppies!

My puppy is cute too but has a sassy side.... we are playing tug of war :)

He doesn't look so sweet right here... haha

Here are a couple pictures from the benefit for my friend from last weekend:

Natalie & I...

This is JoJo right before the band serenaded her :)

What I am wearing on Thursday:

Top: A Byer - Kohls

Skirt: Express

Shoes: Peeptoe slingbacks by Guess

Have a great Thursday!! :)

Nichole

Support your Local Farms & Peanut Sauciness

2011-05-18T13:08:00.001-04:00

Good morning! I hope your week is off to a great start!! I have been feeling great this week, lots of work outs and some yoga this morning ~ makes me a happy girl.

Every since using my spiralizer for the first time I have been obsessed.... seriously trying to think up recipes that will let me make some veggie noodles!! I made a Thai Peanut Sauce and drizzled it over zucchini "noodles", carrots and sugar snap peas. Double yum!!!!

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/4 Cup Peanut butter

1/4 Cup Water

2 T Soy Sauce

2 T lime juice

2 cloves of garlic - minced

2 T apple cider vinegar

Averie has a similar recipe but I didn't want any of the sugar from the maple syrup so I improvised.

Heat all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium low heat.

I kept stirring with a fork when it was warming. Once it is smooth, remove from heat and drizzle over any food you shall desire.

I ate these veggies raw, however I think this would be fantastic as a stirfry. Over rice, pasta... the options are endless!

Cara did a post today on Eating Local and she did a fantastic job explaining the benefits and I couldn't agree more! I moved further away from the city of Milwaukee in October to a more quieter suburban area called Wind Lake. We have 3 lakes within a 5 mile radius - Wind Lake, Lake Denoon and Waubasee Lake. I pass farms everyday and love the scenery. I have been wanting to stop here for awhile.

Farm Fresh Eggs for $2.75

I finally did stop and I am so happy that I did. The people that own this farm are so friendly. The have chickens, 1 goose, a baby lamb and a mother lamb.

The lambs are not locked up in there they have access to the green pasture in the backround.

They are free to roam, free to eat whatever they want and they all looked so happy :) It made me SO very happy to know I can stop here and pick up eggs when I want and I know where they came from. Local, organic, free range, cage free.... happy chickens. I don't eat eggs very often but I am going to be making them soon to try these ones out!

Small update on my seedlings:

The green beans have gotten huge!!

Broccoli is doing great - just about everything has sprouted...

It is hard to see but that is a pepper seed sprouting!

Summer Squash hasn't sprouted (on far left).

From left to right:

Summer Squash, Cucumber, Zucchini Squash

Here is my first post on my garden: Garden Virgin

I woke up today with a really scratchy, itchy throat... hoping extra kale and spinach in my smoothie is going to help get rid of it!

What I am wearing on Wednesday:

Tank Top: from Macy's

Dress Pants: Express

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Peep Toe

Blazer: H&M

Not pictured: bracelet from Lia Sophia

Question:

1. Have you ever purchased farm fresh eggs directly from the farm? Do you notice a difference in taste?

I think the yolks are so much MORE yellow. Lots of color, which is always a good thing :)

Enjoy your Wednesday!!

Nichole

Winding Down from the Weekend

2011-05-16T15:57:00.001-04:00

Hellllllllllllo world! Happy Monday :) Monday is never an easy day for me, getting up out of bed is always the hardest on a Monday. I find that a sweaty workout really helps me get through a slow case of the Mondays :D
I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was jam-packed and busy like it normally is. I helped out in a benefit with proceeds going to a good friend on mine on Saturday. It was a great success, lots of people showed up the only bummer was the weather - cold and rainy - so no outdoor activities were able to be done. There was a large bounce house for children but since it was cold and rainy not many kids were participating. I was excited about the bounce house, but I wasn't going in there in the rain in my 4 inch wedges. I have some pictures that I will be able to post later on from the event. Other than that this is what I brought - and there is one tray leftover! (I am eating lots of raw veggies this week).... better to have too much than not enough! :)

I also brought 2 dishes of a Ranch Pasta Salad that were not pictured.

Working on eating those veggies up before they go bad (with hummus of course).

On Sunday I threw together a simple recipe using ingredients I had on hand and that I needed to use up. This dish is very similar to Averie's Cheesy Taco Casserole. With a few of my own adaptions.

Spicy Taco Bake

2 Cups Cooked Rice (I used a box of Spanish Style Rice)

1 Jar HOT Salsa

1 small can of green Chiles

2 cans of beans (I used black and pinto beans)

1 C Vegan Sour Cream

3T of Taco Seasoning (I made my own using a mix of garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin & salt)

Veggies of your choice: I used about 2 peppers (combo of green, red and yellow)

1 onion

Carrots (approx. 2-3)

While the rice was cooking, I combined all the other ingredients in a bowl and mixed it together with a large spoon. I enjoyed eating a couple spoonfuls... I can stomach raw onion though.

Once rice is done cooking (per directions) combine with the rest of the ingredients.

I placed into a large 9x13 baking pan and let cook at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes.

I enjoyed this by itself and it was spicy enough no hot sauce was needed! You might like it in a burrito/taco shell or wrap. It is delcious either way and totally vegan!!!!

Hope you enjoy it! I really did. Especially the leftovers.. yummmmm

I can't wait to update you on my garden seedlings - more have sprouted and they are looking lovely. So exciting. Looking forward to How Does Your Garden Grow Tuesdays the lovely Cara at Chic Meets Healthy came up with!

"No matter the weather - always bring your own sunshine"

xo HUGS xo

Nichole

Garden Virgin

2011-05-13T20:28:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday world! Hope you are planning a fun or relaxing weekend ahead. I am very busy this weekend with a benefit for my girlfriend, Jojo. She is 4 months pregnant and just 2 months ago her fiance was struck and killed by a drunk driver. We are having this benefit tomorrow at a bar she bartends at Sheperd's.
All the proceeds are going to her and the baby. I have never planned a benefit like this and it definately does take some planning. A group of girls including myself collected donations for items to be raffled, are cooking food for the event and will be donating our time during the event. I am bringing raw vegetables and a ranch pasta salad tomorrow. Lots of pasta and veggies in my house right now :) Hopefully I make enough. If you live in the area and would like to attend that event please let me know and I would be happy to give you the details.

I made this delicious Quinoa Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms the other day when I was in the mood for a healthy italian inspired dish.

It first the first time I got to use my spiralizer!!!

It took my a minute to get a hang of it but once I did - it was kind of fun ;)

If you want to make this you will need:

1 C Quinoa

1 jar tomato/spaghetti sauce

1 T Garlic minced

1/2 onion minced

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 C water

1 T Italian Seasoning

1/2 C mushrooms

In medium saucepan place Quinoa, garlic and onion and toast for about 5 minutes or so. Add in the water, spaghetti sauce, mushroom, italian seasoning, and salt and pepper bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until water and tomato sauce is absorbed by quinoa.

Spiralize your raw veggie for raw veggie pasta!

Toss Quinoa mixture on top of your "noodles" and serve.

I sprinkled mine with nutritional yeast and a little bit of vegan butter. I always loved butter on my spaghetti when I was little and thought it was just as good in this!

What I have been reading...

Learned some interesting info about composting - which I just started as well :)

I thought these greenhouses looked easy to use..

I planted ALOT on Monday, May 9th. I know I am a little behind but hopefully my plants do well...

Add water and the pellets expand! Interesting.

Here is my set up.. 3 greenhouses and another 4 trays of seedlings.

Day 1 (May 9th)

May 12th (broocoli and basil)

More broccoli and 1 spinach I spy...

May 13th

Grow Plants Grow!!!!!

Wish me luck :) I will need it!!!

Nichole

Heat Wave

2011-05-12T15:43:00.000-04:00

There has been a heat wave in Wisconsin. It has been really warm this week and this girl is NOT complaining. Bring on the heat :) The warm weather has me addicated to Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding lately.

I use 2 T of Chia Seeds

3/4 C Unsweetened Almond Milk

10 drops Vanilla Stevia

Add in ideas - fresh fruit!

I always feel so refreshed after chowing down on this for dessert or breakfast!

Lots of greens into the Vita for a delicious green smoothie :) Nothing tops a sweet smoothie packed full of greens. Makes me feel great all day long.

I have a super healthy and delicious recipe that I will be sharing later today or tomorrow...

Quinoa Tomato Sauce w/ Zucchini Noodles

Eating the leftovers for lunch.

I hope you are enjoying sunny warm weather wherever you are!

Took this picture while walking the dogs 2 nights ago...

Nichole

Back to Business!

2011-05-04T17:33:00.000-04:00

I am proud to say that I am back on the right track. Last week went fairly fast and I even like to say my mood has improved quite a lot!! It is amazing how a little exercise can go so far.

Nothing but smiles :)

Saturday I had a great workout followed by this super green monster!

After coming back from a week long vacation I really had no motivation after coming back to this yucky weather we have been having lately. Thank goodness the sun is (finally) shining today and it was all weekend :)

This was taken from my office window in downtown Waukesha. The grass is green but there are no leaves on the trees yet!

I am eating lots of greens (sorry about the horrible picture).. these are greens (Rainbow Chard, Kale & Spinach) being cooked down for Green Goddess soup.

I also made Emily's Black Bean Hummus for my little cousin's 4th Birthday Party! I whipped this together in no time and it was a huge hit, even the kids liked it. I brought carrots & tortilla chips to serve with this.

I also made my cousin Haley's at the Soup Goddess Black Bean Soup (pics to come)! I really enjoyed this soup and have apparently been on a black bean kick!!!

Baby Silas had a fun time at the birthday party this weekend too! He is getting so big & so handsome <3 LOVE!

I have been jamming to a new playlist during my workouts and I had to share!

1. You Used to Hold Me - Calvin Harris

2. Here We Go - Beldina

3. Hold On - Rusko Feat. Amber Coffman

4. Lights (Bassnectar Remix) - Ellie Goulding

5. Starry Eyed - Ellie Goulding

6. Big Fat Bass - Britney Spears Feat. Will I Am

7. Ghosts n Stuff - DeadMau5

8. Move For Me - DeadMau5 & Kaskade

9. S&M Remix - Rihanna & Britney

10. Dirty Talk - Wynter Gordon

Besides this playlist I have been rocking out to Girl Talk's album All Day - pretty random mixes but it defiantely can keep your attention - google it, there is a free download out there and it will be a fun & upbeat listen for anyone who likes rock & hiphop.

Alyssa at FashionFitnessFoodie gave me the Versatile Blogger Award and I have to give out 7 random facts about myself... sounds easy enough?? haha

Here goes nothing...

1. My 2 dogs had 9 puppies 3 years ago (I did not try to get this to happen - just bad planning on my part)

They were some really cute puppies... my aunt has one of them and a couple other friends took some so I get to see them all grown up from time to time :)

2. I am a huge Red Hot Chili Pepper fan, I scored front row tickets a couple years back when they were in Milwaukee right when their album Stadium Arcadium came out.

3. I was inspired to start my blog after I became a vegetarian and my cousin Justine started Confessions of a SAHM (she isn't currently blogging right now - but I hope she returns someday).

4. In 5th grade we hatched baby chicks and baby ducks. Some people in class were able to take a baby home to take care of it overnight and on the weekends until they were ready to go back to the farm. I got really attached to my baby duck and it wouldn't even sleep unless it saw my face! My grandparents had a farm and I ended up being able to take it to their farm to live his life out there. For awhile he was still very friendly with humans, he would come into their home and swim with us in the pool. After a few months went by eventually he had bonded with the other geese and was afraid of us :(

5. The first time I made tofu it was in a stirfry and I ended up throwing away the leftovers because I couldn't even stomach it. I am not sure if that was me not being used to it or not knowing how to cook it, but I am sure it is a little of both.

6. When I first became a vegetarian a little over 2 years ago I lost about 15lbs - however this was due to healthy lifestyle changes as well, not just food.

7. My bedroom is decorated "old school hollywood style. Lots of James Dean & Marilyn Monroe pictures. Black & Silver decor.

Have a great Wednesday!

Nichole

Stuck in a Rut

2011-04-27T15:33:00.001-04:00

Hey friends. I haven't been feeling all that well lately. Since I got back from vacation I have been seriously stuck in a rut. Not working out, not eating the best, drinking too often, sugar binges.... etc. I have started to notice my attitude, outlook, sleep habits, and eating habits starting to evolve into a way I wasn't proud of. After all it has been a whole month since I have been back from California. Well enough is enough and I need to stop making excuses & get back to business. If I can make an excuse, let me tell you this - I have been to 4 funerals in April and I believe we got a total of 5 days with sunshine (maybe less)? Needless to say it has been quite the depressing, ugly month. However I am ready to get back to the correct swing of things that worked for me.

I am back to drinking my hot lemon water in the morning before exercising on my eliptical for 40 minutes. (Today was day 2)
I am back to my clean eating ways and have cut off drinking alcohol (excessively during the week).

I made some delicious detox soup and hope I feel better in a week or so and can get back into weight lifting soon.

Don't let these cute faces decieve you. The one on the left (Kujo) thought it might be fun to chase some geese while I was walking him on Easter and pulled me down and hurt my shoulder. It's been really sore for about 3 days now and seems to be getting better. I am hoping so since I am eager to lift some weights :)

I made some really delicious tofu yesterday - all I did was let it marinate for 1-2 hours in Teriakyi and Honey - (after pressing water out + slicing) and baked at 425 degrees for 25 minutes - flipping once.

I love the leftovers on a sandwich!!!! Veganaise and mustard, tofu and spinach - yum!

Wish me luck in the next couple weeks that I can get back on track and keep my progress updated here :)

Question: What do you do to help you get out of being in a rut?

Baby Silas says "Hi" <3

Nichole

Spring Tease

2011-04-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

Happy freaking Tuesday. The weather here is absolute crap. All day hail storm. Someone pissed off mother nature and it was not me! haha Thanks for coming early spring and teasing us here and then leaving us so abruptly.
Today was very somber for me. I had a family funeral to attend and the weather did not help the mood. At least I stayed dry in my new rain boots. Love these bad boys. I wore them out on Friday night, it was severe rain as well, not sure why I ventured out in that but at least my feet stayed dry.

What a conversation piece these turned out to be. Everyone wanted to comment on them and talk about them, touch them... strange... odd.. maybe they just haven't seen rainboots before???

Anyways, moving on I had a fun weekend with my girlfriends. We went out downtown Milwaukee and hit up some of the local establishments..

It was a very good time!

Last week I indulged on some new make up from my 2 favorite places :)

MAC pigmet in Rose

MAC shadows in Cranberry and Mythology

Bronzer by Too Faced, Eye Shadow by Too Faced, Smokey Eye Kit by Sephora (LOVE!)

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara... LOVE.

I love makeup and I definately have a collection but I always like to try new styles as well so you could say my collection is building! :)

I made some interesting vegan fare as well lately. Recipes to come soon.

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts

Vegan Sheperd's Pie

I have some Teriakyi Tofu in the oven & it smells delicious!! Have a great night :)

Nichole

It's FRIDAY!!!!!

2011-04-15T16:29:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! I am excited for this weekend!!!! I get to hang out with my girlfriends all weekend since the boyfriend is out of town. I was going to go with him but had to work and was unable to find anyone to watch my pooches.

So sweet....

I ordered a ~~couple~~ few pairs of shoes online from Macy's because they were having a great shoe sale. I got some rain boots...and some high heels... I wasn't thrilled with all my purchases at first so I was going to take some back but after trying them all on - I loved them all in their own unique ways... so I am keeping them all :)

I went to the mall with the intentions of returning some items but instead purchased a bunch of makeup.

Sephora just so happened to be doing free express makeup applications so I had a smokey eye done. This is really drastic for me and I never go this dark when I do my own makeup.

However I did buy the "Smokey Eye" Kit they used and hopefully I can re-create this dramatic look this weekend when I am out with friends!

I also dined at PF Changs (first time since I have been a vegetarian) and let me tell you that I was pleasantly surprised! They have lots of vegetarian options and they are so famous for their chicken lettuce wraps - they also have Tofu lettuce wraps ... they were delightful. I don't think my meat eating boyfriend would know the difference... honestly.

Looks like chicken... too bad it's NOT! hahaha

I also enjoyed some coconut curry tofu and veggies with brown rice - yum! Would love to re-create this sauce at home.

I can't wait to try more of their Tofu dishes!!! Good job PF Changs.

CHEERS to a great weekend!!!! Even though weather here is crap (40's and rain) I am going to make the most out of it and bring my OWN sunshine wherever I go! And I hope you do as well!!

Nichole

Blue Skies Ahead

2011-04-14T15:28:00.000-04:00

I have been non-exsistent lately...... in the blogging world anyway. I have been keeping up on reading blogs just not commenting and not posting! Bad blogger :(

I have good reasonings... busy schedule, studying for insurance exam (which I passed today)! SCORE!, work, work and more work. However not that my studying is done I am hoping to get into the habit of posting a lot more and being able to have some fun!!!! We had some great weather in Milwaukee recently a couple days of 70 and 80 degrees which is really uncommon in April for WI weather. Getting ready for the summer months really bring a smile to my face!

I did finally get to try out this amazing restaurant in Milwaukee called Roots Restaurant & Cellar. This place is really great. I enjoyed every delicious bite. It has been a couple weeks since I was there so I am going to do my best and remember what these dishes were:

Parsnip "Ribs" Appetizer

Tempeh Taquitos

Coconut Oil Popcorn, Pickled Veggies and Chili flavored Chickpeas

My main course - Roasted Cauliflower over Balsamic Cream and Lentils.....Oh yes it tastes as good as it sounds :)

I love this place - so many creative and interesting options to choose from and they have a great wine selection as well. I can't wait to go back. They also have a rewards card for frequent patrons, which I think is a great idea!

They also have a nice view of downtown Milwaukee...

I made some delicious tofu that I had to use up last night for dinner.

I pressed the tofu with my wonderful tofu press.

Melted 1 TBSP of earth balance in a pan

added 1/2 yellow onion - once translucent add tofu (sprinkle with salt and pepper)

add Green pepper, mushrooms, broccoli etc

I enjoy cooking the tofu with all the ingredients so it absorbs the flavor.

I also added in a bunch of kale and spinach. Once the spinach and kale is cooked down and soft & my tofu is browned - I am ready to eat!

Added this into an Ezekiel Tortilla with Salsa & hot sauce!! Yummmmm....... flavors are so good!

I have also been busy with a few sporting events in the past 2 weeks..

Milwaukee Brewers for the WIN!

Milwaukee Bucks also for the WIN!

Kaela (my step sister) and I decided that we are lucky charms for sporting events. They always WIN when we go!!!! :)

Since I was so horrible with the 30 day Challenge I am going to try to do as many questions as I can to get this done and over with ASAP!

DAY 60 20: Nicknames: Nikki, Little Foot, Chicka, Colie

DAY 21: Favorite ALL TIME picture of myself?

This would be my most recent favorite that is easily accessible to me :)

Taken on St Patrick's Day :)

DAY 22: What's in your purse?

Not overly stuffed today but I always have my wallet, makeup bag, lip gloss, right now I have some coupons from bebe in there, a mini deoderant, bronzer, business cards, tanning goggles, mints, a camera, change, and a lighter. Random.... lol

Cheers to a great weekend and blue (summer) skies ahead!!!!

Nichole

Eats

2011-04-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

While I was in California, I did indulge on a few things. I ate seafood again for the first time since January. I also had some cheese for the first time in a few weeks. The first night in Malibu, CA we went to a Greek restuarant called Tony's. They served an amazing bread & dip, that was endless and so incredibly hard to stop eating. I believe it was some type of caviar dip with avacado. I ordered "Vegetarian's Paradise" and out came 2 huge plates of food.

Hummus, Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata, Tabouli, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Feta Cheese, Horta... some of this was eaten the next day for lunch :)

Our 2nd to last night there we went to the Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch. I really really loved this place. It was hidden and you can hike from here to vinyards for wine tasting. They had delicious food & tasty drinks. I had calamari in steak strips for the first time and even though they look like fish sticks they were really good. I shared all of this with my brother.

Crab Wontons

Our very last night there we had sushi and also stopped at In N' Out Burger to just to try it. I had the veggie option, which is basically just veggies on a grilled bun. In and out reminded me of Wendy's.

Super fabulous rum drink mixed with pure agave

Mojito - best I ever had

Great times!

Back to Reality

2011-04-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Why hello there!! It has been quite awhile since I have posted and I missed reading blogs as well!!! I was in California for a week... and I am in LOVE with California. My first time ever to the west coast and it was AHHHH-MAZZZ-ING. I soaked up the beauty of the Pacific Ocean... the night life of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Malibu unfortunately doesn't have much of a night life, but does have some decent shopping :)

Here is some pictures to show off the fun and amazing scenery that was enjoyed while I vacationed.

Hiking to Vinyards

For wine tasting

Explored the walk of fame :)

View from a Santa Monica parking garage rooftop lol

I have some more pictures to share but this is all I could do at the moment... lalalalalove CALIFORNIA. Thinking I could live here in the future ;)

Nichole

Packing...

2011-03-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

I hate packing. It is not fun... making sure my bag is under 50lbs. Not an easy task.

Thank goodness my brother is a light packer and I can fit some extra stuff into his bag.

And thank goodness for my matching carry on - that I can stuff a bunch more crap into :) Especially snacks and healthy ones like this that I am stocked up on...

I know I overpack... but considering how cold and windy it is supposed to be in California when I get there, I took out a bunch of shorts and replaced them with jeans and sweatshirts.... blah. I am praying for sunshine not rain while I am there.

I had a package of sprouted tofu that I needed to use up so I made my favorite tofu stirfry, I had to throw in whatever was not getting used... spinach included.

I am freezing the leftovers and will be enjoying the rest when I get back.

I am off to get some sleep... long day of travel ahead of me tomorrow. Have a great week and hope to be blogging as soon as I am back in Milwaukee.

Cousin Melissa & I

The lovely JOJO <3 Love her...

Going to miss some friends while I am gone but surely will be returning soon enough ;)

Nichole

Malibu Bound

2011-03-21T15:50:00.000-04:00

Hey friends. Happy Monday..... I am happy since it my last day at work before a much needed vacation!!! So excited to have some time off and go somewhere warm. I leave tomorrow morning and most likley will not be blogging while I am gone.

I went all out on St. Patty's Day... used a 3 barrel crimper on my hair, had knee high socks and the green beads :)

I know I broke a fashion rule by wearing socks with flip flops... but it was all about being crazy and that's what I did! :)

The weather was warm and in the 60's - so it was great getting out and hanging with friends!!

Stay tuned for some vacation pictures!! Have a great week and Happy Spring!!

Nichole

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T14:16:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! How is your week going? I haven't blogged in over a week. There has been a lot going on in life and I had to be there to comfort a very close friend going through a very hard time. Over the years I have come a lot closer with some friends and grew apart from some. It happens. I am happy to be there for my friends and family that I have close to me :-)

Happy St Patrick's Day! Are you irish? Are you going out to participate in any bar hopping or green beer drinking today? I did buy some cute green clothes soooo I think I will have to go out for a little while and partake in some celebrating today! I am not a fan of beer really so not sure what will be wetting my whistle :P
It has been over 60 degrees yesterday and today in Wisconsin so I am ready for spring and warmer weather... please!!!!

Last week I posted about the acrylic make up organizer that was on the Kardashian girls show. I really loved the look of this and had to have it. Unforunately it was over $300 & there was no way I was going to shovel that out for a plastic box (basically). I searched and searched and finally found a deal on ebay. I love ebay. I am a new proud owner of a gorgeous makeup organizer... check it out...

Looks great on my vanity...

Please ignore my messy bed with no sheets on it... in the process of washing them haha

I made a yummy pasta dish that Angela created a couple weeks ago and ever since I saw her post about it I knew I had to make it.

I used 2 servings of brown rice pasta and cooked the pasta in boiling water w/ some salt and olive oil for 10 minutes. Drained the pasta with cold water and added the delicious avacado topping to the pasta.

~ 1 Avacado

~2-3 T minced garlic (I love garlic)

~2 T lemon juice

~2 T olive oil

~salt & pepper to taste

Process these ingredients in food processor until smooth and creamy.

Add to cooked pasta. Since I rinsed my pasta it was cold. I reheated in a pan on the stove until it was hot and devoured. Oh so yummy.

I plan on eating something green today in honor of the irish :) I know that I will not have a lot of time to cook up a storm so it will be something quick and easy.

I got some highlights in my hair yesterday to brighten me up before my vacation to California next week.

Weird angle but I wanted you to see the top of my head where you can see the color the most.

Also check out these amazing pics at dusk I took while on a drive around the lake.

Such pretty colors of pink and purple. Can you believe these were taken with my android phone?? While in a moving vehicle at that?? haha!!

30 day Challenge Continues:

Day 17: Something you’re looking forward to- My Californication (LOL) next week

Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat - Wasabi (fantastic veggie sushi with black rice + fresh wasabi root) located in Brookfield, WI, Cafe Manna in Brookfield, WI (Vegan, Raw Cafe), Casablanca's in Milwaukee, WI (hookah bar + amazing food).

Day 19: Something you miss - I miss being a child, which can mean quite a lot. I miss long summer vacations. I miss playing with my little brother and cousins all the time. I miss not having to worry about money or paying the bills. I actually miss school and all the fun that went into it as well.

Enjoy the day!

Nichole

My FAT Tuesday Recap

2011-03-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

Did you do anything fun for Fat Tuesday? I enjoy this day to it's FULL potential since I always like to give something up for lent. I decided to give up EGGS. I still eat them on occassion but not for the next 39 days. I really like to give up junk food in general. Here goes nothing! :)

I went to Maxie's Southern Comfort for dinner with friends. I have always wanted to try this place & I am happy that I did! They do have an entire vegetarian menu however since it was a special night "mardi gras" they had a special menu. They had fried pickles - I didn't try that however I did have their Vegetarian Jambalaya -- which was amazing. It had smoked tofu, pecans, spinach, & red beans in their zesty creole sauce. It came with a very large serving and I took most of it home, and have been lunching on it for the past couple days. Yum. Can't wait to go back and try some of their other options for vegetarians like Organic BBQ Tofu Plate & Grilled Portobello.

Vegetarian Jambalaya - it would be a lot of fun to re-create this dish at home...

Enjoying some cocktails after dinner :)

30 Day Challenge:

Day 14: A picture of you last year – how have you changed?

This was taken in April of 2010 when I was in Miami. My hair isn't so blonde anymore and I am not as tan :)

This is one of my first business card pictures most likely 2004-2005?

Another business card picture 2006-07

Most recent business card picture also taken in 2010

I thought it might be fun to see how I have changed over the years... haha
Day 15: Bible verse John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"

Day 16: Dream house: my dream house would be nestled into the woods, away from neighbors and on it's own private lake... how spectacular would that be?
Not sure I can find a picture for that one :)

It's almost Friday!!!! :)

Nichole

Easy Button?

2011-03-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Hope the week is off to a great start. I had some sweet cravings yesterday and some coconut butter that expired on or before Sept 2010, however it still tastes good to me so I don't think it has "gone bad". I remember seeing Katie make "Coconut Butter Melties" & I had a sweet tooth after dinner. I popped my Artisana Coconut Butter and Cocoa Bliss into the microwave to warm them up for about 20 seconds and took a spoon and pushed the butter's into the molds, popped them into the freezer for 30-60 minutes and delicious candies are born!!!

These were really fun and EASY to make, I only ate 3... haha.

Next up -- organization.

I am trying to be more organized at home & work.

I recently organzied at work and ~~threw away~~ recycled a bunch of old paperwork, flyers, pamplets that were all old news in the mortgage business. Feels good to get rid of the clutter. It seems a bit easier to focus now at work, which is a good thing :)

For a couple weeks I have been trying to locate a cheaper but just as pretty and useful makeup organizer just like the one seen on the Kardashian shows.

I want to be able to keep all my makeup neatly organized while being able to see it and know exactly where everything is... the only problem this organizer which is acrylic is really expensive.

http://www.theclearcube.com/

Prices range from $290-$340!!! Crazy!!!!

Check out this website for a cheaper version but still rather expensive ---> starletsandharlets

I have been searching on Ebay to find something similar...

Thus far everything is that over $100 that I really like. I can't seem to justify spending that amount... so I am turning to you.. any tips for organization for makeup? I have a pretty vanity that I want things to look nice and organized and not all just thrown into baskets like they are now. Too bad this wasn't that easy.

Thanks for your help!!!

30 Day Challenge:

Day 13: Goals--

I have a lot of goals...

1. I want to be self employed someday and own my own real estate rental property company. I want to own a few different properties and be able to collect rent and retire on that money someday. I also want to pay someone to manage the properties for me.

2. I want to pay off my car this year .

3. I want to travel to another country within the next 2 years.

4. Spend as much time with the little ones in my family before they grow up :)

5. Stick with Vegan food choices 99% of the time

(I had sushi for the first time since 2010 today and I did fabulous with vegetable rolls)!!

Have a great day!

Nichole

Happy Monday!

2011-03-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

Today has been a great Monday! Something you will not hear me saying very often... haha. It is only 11am here in Milwaukee, however I am pleased to say the my day is off to a great start.

I already got in a 30 minute cardio session and quite a bit of work done, which feels nice, the sun was out earlier and spring is in the air. Also 2 weeks until my vacation is also nice... :)

So how was everyone's weekend? My Friday night consisted of a little gambling at Potawatomi Casino (my first time there) and we dined at RuYi which is a Japenese style restaurant. Needless to say I was not impressed. We had sake which was good, they were out of the pot stickers so we couldn't get the appetizer sampler as we wanted. So we ordered Spring Rolls which were $9 for only 2 of them! I ordered a seaweed salad, which was tasty, and a side of stir fry veggies as well as a side of tofu.

My side of stir fry veggies had small pieces of tofu already in it, if the menu had stated this I probably wouldn't have order the additional side of tofu (see left hand side of picture). This dish had very large, mushy pieces of tofu that I did not care for. I like my tofu browned and a little crisp on the outside. I also thought the flavors were pretty bland. I figured I could make a much better dish at home. Most likely will not be going back to RuYi.

Sunday was a day of healthified junk foods for me... I ate some Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin bread with Vegan cream cheese since I was craving bagels, I went the healthy route.

I made Vegan Pancakes.

Healthy Mashed Potatoes

(Mashed Cauliflower)

2 T unsweetend almond milk

2 T vegan cream cheese

1 T Earth Balance or Vegan butter

salt & pepper

1 T Nutritional Yeast

1 head of cauliflower steamed until soft

Combine all ingredients into food processor and process until smooth and creamy!

Yummmmm.........

Getting ready for the trip to Malibu in 2 weeks I stocked up on some cute dresses from BEBE.com during a sale they were having... check out the gorgeous-ness below...

Just like Christmas...

This is a tube top (above)

Dress on left and tank on the right.

Can't wait to wear these fun new dresses!!!!

Back to the 30 Day Challenge:

Day 10: Something you’re afraid of - Spiders.... and Solar Storms in 2012. I am stocking up with water and food in my basement...

Day 11: Favorite tv shows - True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, Kardashians, anything on the Food Network

Day 12: Something you don’t leave the house without - my purse... ever... which holds all the essentials... money, lip gloss, keys, phone etc... however there are times when I go on runs and my purses stays at home, so I guess my phone would be with me then... I can listen to music with it and have it in case of an emergency.

I hope your week is started off on the right foot as well!!!

Nichole

Vegan Cream Mushroom Soup

2011-03-04T13:29:00.000-05:00

I made the most delicious *Vegan* Cream of Mushroom Soup the other day... the results were amazing & I can't wait to make it again!!!

The recipe was found on the amazing Joy the Baker's recipe page.

2 T olive oil
1 medium yellow onion chopped
3 garlic cloves
1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 T soy sauce (I also used Bragg's Amino Acids)
1 T Worcestershire sauce (Vegan)
about 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (I went overbaod and my soup had a real kick to it - but I loved it - I think it gave me heartburn so my tummy did not enjoy)
3 C vegetable broth
salt to taste

Cashew Cream:

1/2 Cup cashews and 1/2 Cup Water

I pretty much followed Joy's recipe exactly. No variations - I didn't have to mess with it because it was that great!!

In a large soup pot let olive oil heat up, add onions and cook until translucent, add garlic, then add the mushrooms.

After cleaning and slicing a pound of mushrooms and trying not to eat them all....

After mushrooms begin to cook down add pepper and vegetable broth and cook at a summer until mushrooms are soft.

When soup is cooking, prepare your cashew cream. Blend water & cashews together until smooth. Pour into a cup and set aside.

After mushrooms are soft transfer the soup to blender in batches (I did 3). After blending I placed into a large bowl, and stirred the cashew cream in.

The recipe said to strain the soup with a mesh strainer, which I did not do. I got a couple small chunks of cashews but I think the Vita-Mix did a great job and there wasn't that many. If you don't have a high speed blender I would probably recommend straining your soup.

This soup is amazing as Joy's blog is as well. My mouth is watering thinking about it...

Thank goodness I have a cup of it for lunch today ;)

This soup will not dissapoint!!!

So I have been wanting to try the Brazilian Blowout on my hair for awhile now. I know some people who got it and loved it. I didn't think it would do much for me since my hair is straight when blow dryed. I thought it might help some of my fly aways and I figured what the heck.

Before:

After:

Really not much of a difference but it is a little more sleeker and doesn't require any flat ironing which is a plus. It was fun to try and is supposed to last 3-4 weeks but I am not sure if I will be doing it again. Considering my hair type I don't think it is really necessary. But I am enjoying it while it lasts!

I recently one Emily's first giveaway on her blog One Sweet Vegan.

She made me Shirley's Famous Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (VEGAN)

These cookies were amazing and Emily is a truly gifted Vegan cook!!!

I couldn't stop eating them and I can't wait to make them myself!

Thank you Emily!!

One to the 30 Day Challenge:

I haven't been doing good with posting everyday, but at least I am playing catch up now :)

Day 7: Favorite movies - Titanic ( I saw this in theaters about 10 times), Fight Club,

Day 8: A place you’ve traveled to - Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, Arizona, Key West, FL, Laughlin, NV, Michigan, Indiana, Chicago, IL.
Soon to be added Malibu & Santa Barbara California!

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend - One of my best friends Natalie & I on Halloween -- loving our outfits..

Have a great weekend bloggies! I am going to the casino tonight to gamble... hahaha

Nichole

Talkative Tuesday

2011-03-01T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! It seems like it has been awhile since I have posted, and that is because of the wild busy weekend I had.

It was filled with lots of fun, shopping, eating and drinking :) Nights out with good friends and mornings with hungover headaches and cravings for fried/greasy breakfast foods are what your mid twenties are all about, right? Ha.. I do a pretty darn good job at moderation ;)

I purchased entirely too much makeup from Sephora + MAC at the mall on Saturday however I had so much fun getting ready with it all... so it was worth it. My biggest complaint - it doesn't look like I am barely wearing any makeup in photos, and I really don't like the super dark racoon eye look... oh well.

I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner on Saturday and tested out their Eggplant sandwich.

Prior to this I had a bunch of their delicious bread and avacado eggrolls so when this giant sandwich came out, I ate about 2 bites and took the rest home. It was good reheated the next day and still enjoyable. Mozzerella cheese melted over roasted peppers and eggplant.

I woke up early on Sunday and picked up my favorite boy...

Who was exhausted from our shopping trip at Target.

Always sad to take him back home to his momma (my auntie), miss him like crazy. Because of Silas I realized that I want a boy and one just like him <3.

I haven't done the last couple days of the 30 Day Challenge so I am catching up here...

Day 4: Your parents -

My mother Judith

My stepfather Mel

Christmas 2009 - my hair isn't that white anymore haha

Day 5: A song to match your mood - Coming Home - Diddy Dirty Money

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy -

This guy...Silas

I can't help but smile everytime I see his little face...

Nichole

Protein Boost

2011-02-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hey ya'll....Happy Friday!!!!! It was a long week hey? Started off bad for me and turned better around hump day. I plan to take it easy this weekend, get in some good exercise and stay on track since I am going on vacation in less than a month! That means I need to buckle down and stay focused on my exercise.

Every morning I wake up with a mug of hot lemon water. Gave up my morning coffee a couple years ago I (sometimes) exercise (or not) and then proceed to get ready for work. Before heading out the door I normally make a Green Smoothie and drink that on my drive into work (normally 20-25 minutes). I like to take my lunch around the noon hour unless for some reason I can't. I normally eat lunch at my desk & either work or read as well. Ahhh multi-tasking.. how I love thee. I might have a snack depending on how filling my lunch is - since I normally bring it from home, I am usually good until I get home. Depending on my work day I can get home anytime after 5pm unless I have later appointments or after hour meetings. I generally have a pre-workout snack (crackers, salsa, hummus, etc) and jump on my eliptical for 30-45 minutes (minimum). I also do some weights after my cardio workout unless I am sore... then I like to take it easy and do yoga or pilates. Normally I would prepare and eat dinner and spend the rest of the evening relaxing, doing housework, playing with the pups etc. Then do it all again (Repeat).

I really need to join a gym. Since I moved in October the closest gym is now about 10 miles from me and it is not a very big one so I am not sure about it.... I think I need to test it out. There is a really nice gym about 15 miles away, it is huge, expensive but really nice... I just hate thinking about the drive there & back. I guess it's not too bad however I used to be about 3 miles away from a gym and it is getting hard to adjust for me.

I was busy in the kitchen yesterday evening and made 2 very delicious recipes that I need to share with you. First off I made Averie's Ketchup & Mustard Lovers Protein and Veggie Mash with a few variations. I left out the potato (since I didn't have any), added in onion and cauliflower.
Ingredients

1 C sprouted green lentils
1 C dark red kidney beans
2-3 C diced Veggies (I used carrots, broccoli & cauliflower
1/2 C unsweetened ketchup
1/3 C yellow mustard
1/3 C Agave Syrup
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 onion (diced)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/3 C salsa
salt & pepper

Cook lentils in a large pot on stove, after cooking add in remaining ingredients and cook on medium for about 20-25 minutes stirring occassionally or until carrots are starting to tenderize.

All in the pot... flavors coming together.

I really enjoyed this recipe, definately a great protein boost for vegan and vegetarians alike with the lentils and kidney beans, and thank you to Averie for the inspiration!

I had this for lunch today and it was even better than I remember.

I also made some Chocolate Protein Energy Bars and they turned out great! I can't believe how easy and delicious these turned out to be... so decadent.

Ingredients

1.5 C Oats
1/2 C Peanut Butter
2 Scoops Chocolate Protein Powder
1/2 C Vegan Carob Chips
1/2 C shredded coconut
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C Agave Syrup
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp Flax Seeds
dash of cinnamon
splash vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together.

Once mixed together, press into glass pyrex dish or tupperware, cover and freeze for 2 hours. Cut into bars and freeze individually.

I wrapped mine in foil since that is all I had on hand. They are the perfect mid day snack. So delicious and healthy for you!

You can see the flax seeds and coconut right on the bar... yum. (Please ignore my horrible manicure... I am scheduling a new one right NOW.)

On to the 30 Day Challenge!

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name - I became a vegetarian or prescatarian in Jan 2009, and when I started my blog in November of 2009 I was flirting with the idea of becoming vegan. Basically I try vegan recipes here and there but I am not a full blown vegan. Flirting with Food, Fitness and Fashion was born with the thought of trying new things and "flirting" with these new ideas. Reading that first blog post makes me think about how much I have changed in these 2 years. It is quite crazy actually. I don't eat fish anymore and never buy cheddar by the brick anymore either.
Definition of flirting: to court triflingly or act amorously without serious intentions

Day 3: Your first love - My first serious boyfriend I dated in my junior and senior years of highschool, 2 years or so, was my first love. He was a great person and we knew eachother through mutual friends. We still have mutual friends but I do not talk with him today.

I hope you enjoy the recipes I posted about today, and I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Nichole

Delicious Vegan Pancakes

2011-02-23T23:51:00.000-05:00

I had breakfast food for dinner and it was fantastic. Super easy Vegan Pancake recipe that is so easy to whip up!!

All you need is (LOVE):

1 C whole wheat pastry flour (or any flour you have on hand)
1 T Agave (or any sweetener of your choice)
2 T baking powder
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1 C of almond milk (or soy, rice etc)
2 T coconut oil
(any other add ins) I added in blueberries

Combine ingredients and whisk until there are no lumps

Not the prettiest picture but they were great, and since I didn't feel like grocery shopping or eating hommus and salsa all night - they worked for dinner. Enjoy :)

Speaking of Hommus and Salsa.... I picked these up the other day and the Jalapeno hommus is great and I think I see a homemade version in my future and the Lisa's Salsa is also delicious and spicy!!

First day of the blog challenge:

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts

Well if you are reading my blog you know that I am Nichole, I have been blogging off and on for a little over 2 years - basically after I learned about the whole blog world I was really intrigued and interested in so many amazing blogs out there. Also it has made me more aware... and I figured it would be interesting to show my vegetarian eats from time to time.

A recent picture of me:

15 interesting (or not) facts:

1. I bought my first house when I was 20

2. I love to play volleyball

3. Been a Prescatarian for over 3 years, haven't touched any fishies since 2010

4. Love Marilyn Monroe and James Dean

5. I drive a Jeep

6. My closet used to be color coordinated, now it is by type of clothing

7. I want to have kids of my own someday, just not sure when

8. I want to travel to Europe, Australia & Fiji

9. I hope to learn more about photography

10. I believe in retail therapy

11. I dislike really cold weather but still live in Wisconsin

12. I have a really big family and love it

13. I work at a bank - doing residential mortgages, I do enjoy my job

14. I am 5'1 tall

15. I am slowly learning how to meditate :)

There ya go... interesting or not???

I have had a long, tiring Wednesday and I am ready for bed. Good night, world!

Bring on Thursday :D

Nichole

Finding Motivation

2011-02-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hey, how YOU doing? I am doing better today then yesterday that is for sure. It was a No Good Monday. Tuesday is looking better and I am trying to find inspiration for my exercise. Lately, I have been working out at home and not going to any gym. I think I need to switch it up and that might help the motivation.
You know what else always helps me? New workout gear.

I love my sparkley Nike Shocks.

You would think I would be motivated when I make poor decisions regarding food however, it seems like I tend to get down on myself MORE for that and then it makes me NOT want to work out. Make sense? Not really. However when I am making good decisions, I feel like I am on the right track and therefore I am more motivated. Complicated, no?

Music is a great motivation for me, I like loud music and I like beats to be fast so I can get my cardio on and sweat it out. Here is a playlist I made last year for my workouts

1. Toca Me - Fragma

2.Bulletproof - La Roux

3. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas

4. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk

5. Unstoppable - Drake

6.Fergalicious - Fergie

7. Summer Love - Justin Timberlake

8. Backstabber - Ke$ha

9. Starstruck - Lady GaGa

10. LaLaLa - LMFAO

11. Feeling So Real - Moby

12.Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit

13. Funhouse - Pink

14. Rude Boy - Rihanna

15. FMLYHM - Seether

16. Joker and the Theif - Wolfmother

17. Kerosene - Miranda Lambert

18. 3 - Britney Spears

19. Place for my Head - Linkin Park

20. Viva La White Girl - Gym Class Heros

A widespread collection but all upbeat and fun songs to keep me motivated during a workout :)

I saw a few of the 30 day Challenges around the bloggie world and I decided that I would also partake in this fun challenge...

Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you’ve traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you’re afraid of
Day 11: Favorite tv shows
Day 12: Something you don’t leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year – how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you’re looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?
Day 22: What’s in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite Movie
Day 24: Something you’ve learned
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

I think this will keep things interesting on the blog and let me open up a little bit more... I will try to post each and everyday with these fun little interesting posts.

I am trying to tone up my abs, lower body and arms for the summer. I increased my weights from the 5lbs to 8lbs and hope this really helps and so far so good as 8lbs is not easy!!!!

I hope to have these babies toned up in no time...I know it will take hard work and dedication, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Lots of sweaty workouts..

Post workout picture

Lots of willpower for indulgences...

But still allowing myself some from time to time ;)

What do you do for motivation on days where you just don't feel like exercising?

Nichole

No Good Monday

2011-02-21T23:21:00.001-05:00

Today was kind of a drag for me... the weather was horrible (hello ice storm), the first day back to work after a weekend is always a little lackluster but still... I am thinking is has something to do with spring fever... all the snow melted with the warmer temps and now it's freezing again and we are getting more snow. I am tired of snow and ready for sun and warmth, but hey this happens every year, right?

I did have a nice package waiting for me which definately cheered me up. I ordered some awesome products from iherb.com

My big box of goodies...

Free Samples are always nice..

Multi Vitamins

Amazing Grass

Wheat Grass powder, haven't tried this stuff yet but it was much cheaper than the Amazing Grass so I thought I would give it a shot...

Have you checked out iherb.com? If you do use this code XUT690 and save $5 on your first order.

I really like to compare the prices and I have noticed I am saving a lot more with ordering certain products online.

How was your weekend? Mine consisted of a low key Friday night, where I made some Vegan Lasagna that turned out wonderfully... no pictures unfortunately.

Saturday night I went out with a friend to Casablanca's which just happens to be a hookah bar & fabulous middle eastern restaurant. We had some delicious appetizers...

Falafels, hummos that was amazing, tuboleh salad, potato salad and baba ganoush with amazing pita bread.... I want more, now...

We also tried some hookah.. and I believe the flavor was "Cactus"

I am not a smoker but I had fun with this, and the flavor was really good.

Good times were had ;)

Now it's back to the grind once again... it was hard to get motivated to workout today, I still did it but it was tough to stick with it. I hope tomorrow is better! Have a great week loves!

Nichole

Spring Fever

2011-02-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

I must say that I love Fridays. Sping is definately in the air here in Wisconsin. The weather has been warm(er) and the snow has been melting. So much that there is a lake (what used to be a field) behind my back yard.

If you look into the distance and see the shed to the left - you can see the lake.... lots of snow melting... haha

The warmer weathe the sun shining definately gives a girl spring fever and ready to take a vacation!!!

I am happy this week is coming to an end, it has been a busy, eventful week with a day full of training, a meal celebrating love, a full day at a mortgage conference for work and the rest of the days catching up.

I am planning a small vacation in mid March and have been taking my workouts & eats very seriously as of late. Only about a month away & I want to be in tip top shape.

Since the beginning of 2011 it has been a major goal of mine to stick with a mostly GREEN diet meaning lots of vegetables each and every day. I must say that I am definately surprising myself and it really is not that hard to re-train your taste buds to enjoy a healthier diet. I have a very clean diet lately, I can't remember the last time I ate processed foods... besides Boca Vegan Crumbles in my chili... does that count?

I have been using my eliptical DAILY. No excuses there. I use it a minimum of 30 minutes and sometimes a full hour. I am pushing myself and keep increasing the intensity of the workouts to make sure I am actually getting something from the cardio. I find that my upper body tones up pretty easily (such as my arms & chest) but my thighs, hamstrings and glutes take longer... I am sure many struggle with this. I have been focusing a lot more on abdonminals lately as well. I did a 20 minute Body by Jake "Rock Hard Abs" workout a few times this week as well as some YogaWorks Fit Abs. I love Jackie Warner's upper body workout as well.

(Getting ready for the at home workout session)

My diet has been 90% vegan and I feel great. I haven't had any fish since I used the last shrimp from New Years Eve to make Shrimp Alfredo. No Friday fish fry for this girl. To be honest I haven't missed it. I would rather eat a dish with cheese in it then fish at the moment. However I also haven't been out for sushi in a longgggg time and hopefully I can be satisfied with a veggie roll :) I knew it would take a little time but eventually I would be done with fish for good.

I tried a new Kombucha flavor today and I must say Mystic Mango is my new favorite.

I was craving some "tacos" and had everything to make them but could not find my beloved Ezekiel wraps anywhere when I stopped at the local grocery store.

I made a taco salad instead.

Black & Pinto Beans mashed with spinach, tomato, poblano pepper, onion, jalepeno, vegan veggie cheese shreds and vegan sour cream with a couple blue chips crumbled on top for some crunch. I have an abundance of vegan sour cream since it is VERY rare that they have it at the regular grocery store.So I stocked up... I think some vegan taco dip is in my future... haha

I also had to use up an avacado so I made this incredibly delicious guacamole.

Poblano Guacamole

1 avacado mashed

1/2 tomato chopped

onion

fresh jalepeno

1/2 small poblano pepper chopped

salt to taste (I normally don't add in salt)

lime juice

I really thought the poblano brought out an interesting taste and I love spicy food so this worked out great for me! I was also trying to use up what was on hand...

I hope your Friday is going great and I hope you enjoy your weekend!!!

Nichole

A Valentine Dinner Recap

2011-02-16T12:55:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! Happy hump day! I am enjoying the heat wave (laughable) in southeastern Wisconsin. It has been in the single digits here the last couple weeks after the blizzard. In the last few days it has been in the mid 40's and sunshine has been abundant. Snow has been melting... and I have some serious spring fever!!!!! I think a vacation is in my near future.

I wanted to give you a recap on my fabulous Valentine's day dinner at the always wonderful Cafe Manna. They had a 4 course Valentine's Day special that of course I had to try... all of the pictures were taken with my phone.....

First course was a salad with Taro Root -

Loved this salad and never had Taro Root before... I am sure many people wouldn't know the different between this and a potato.

They also had a Cream of Spinach soup which was not vegan but certainly delicious.

I had some organic fair trade green tea = great tasting.

Palate Cleanser 2nd course vegan Sorbet.

My main course was a Vegetable Torte

It has lots of veggies and a potato custard with plaintains. This was much larger than it looks and I could only eat half of it... saving room for dessert...

My date has the calzone which I also tried and it was great. He is not a vegetarian and prefers to eat meat. However he did enjoy this meal and left with a stuffed tummy :)

Dessert!!! Raspberry Sauce, Fresh Raspberries, with a Raspberry Sorbet in between those cookie type cakes. They were chewy and hard so I dipped pieces of them into the sorbet and it was delicious.

Gorgeous!

Loved the dinner and loved that I had leftovers!!

Nichole

Happy (Belated) Love Day!

2011-02-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

I hope you were able to find time to show love, feel love and appreciate love in some sort of way yesterday. I am a kind of an ANTI-Valentine's Day girl, but not really. I think that is just when I am single. hahaha.

I have been extremely busy catching up on work, I have had a a lot of studying for an insurance exam, a lot of seminars (2 this week) and in between trying to obtain new business.
It's been a little stressful. Happy to say that I have been keeping up with my fitness, regardless. I make sure that I make time for myself to be healthy. And I also make time for the girls........ who I love so.........

I was able to sneak in a date with my best girls and we had a great deal of fun...

I also went to a disco themed party... I waited to the last minute to find a costume, then couldn't find anything so threw this together...

I had to show the shoes, check out my giant platforms!!! Ha - these added quite the height to my small self.

Have a great week!!!! Eeeeekkkkk... tomorrow is Wednesday (feels like Tuesday) since I was at a seminar on Monday at work.

I have a few special items that I want to make in the next coming week, hopefully I have the time to share!!!

I will be sharing my Valentine dinner at my favorite vegetarian cafe very soon... Twas a 4 course meal that was amazing!!!

Nichole

Chili Overload?

2011-02-09T14:34:00.000-05:00

I have been eating vegetarian chili since Superbowl Sunday. I eat it at work, I eat it at home, I even eat a few cold bites while I am packing it for my lunch, hehehe.

I am not really complaining... I love leftovers. And chili is the one thing I can eat and eat more of. My veggie chili is packed with lots of beans (chili and kidney), lots of veggies (celery, onion, tomatoes, green peppers, poblano peppers, broccoli, carrots and mushrooms)... it is packed with flavor and I believe the longer it sits the better the taste. I love to add a scoop of vegan sour cream to my chili and I even love making use of leftovers by making chili cheese dips (perfect with my favorite blue chips).

Are there any foods that you just can not eat leftovers of? Eggs come to mind for me... I have eaten re-heated Tofu Scrambles and they were just as delicious!

Happy Hump Day! It's all down hill from here!

Nichole

Winner!!

2011-02-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

Let me just start out by congratulating the Green Bay Packers on their Superbowl win and welcome home the trophy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here I am in my Green and Gold gear :)

We even did shots for every Packer touchdown!!

I last posted about a Giveaway on my blog & I wanted to thank those of you who entered!

The winner I choose through random.org random number generator.

The winner was Liz and I will be sending Liz the email with the gift certificate code!

Congratulations Liz and thanks to all who entered. Hopefully I will be able to do another giveaway soon!

I got my hair colored last week and I went with some low lights. Blonde makes me feel really washed out in the winter... maybe I will go completely dark in the near future... :D

What do you think?

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Even though the sun is shining on my hair in the first picture and I am not smiling in the 2nd - I assure you it is quite darker. I like it a lot and it makes me want to go much darker since I can see it on myself :)

Have a great week!

Nichole

Giveaway!!

2011-02-03T11:23:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends. Hope you are having a great week. Most of the midwest had a huge blizzard very recently and some very cold temps. We got a snow day yesterday (just about everything was shut down from all the snow). We got a total of 23 1/2 inches of snowfall between Tuesday - Wednesday. Crazy, insane blizzard I tell ya.
I will share some of my pictures at the end of this post, since this is all about the giveaway!

In order to win a $40 Gift Certificate from CSN Stores you have to follow my on this blog, or follow me on twitter (@nicholemarie84). That is all you have to do to enter.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need from wall art and decor, fitness equipment and even lovely dishes!

The giveaway will end Saturday, Febuary 5th at 5pm. Just make sure to follow me on the blog or on twitter (@nicholemarie84) and if you are the winner I will contact you via email and send you the gift certificate for $40!

Here are some pictures from the Milwaukee Blizzard of 2011.

I am hoping we don't get any more snow for a long time. The temp is about -10 with the wind chill right now, I am dreading stepping out for work... but really 1 snow day is enough for me. They didn't plow till after 1am today and the majority of the snow fell Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I think my Jeep would have made it to the main road but I didn't want to chance it, besides shopping can wait... haha.

Good luck on the giveaway!

Nichole

Snowtoriously Snowed In

2011-02-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Don't ask where I came up with "snowtorious" but since I am snowed in for most likely the next 24 hours it seemed right.

We got about 1 foot of snow on the ground already and it was snowing all morning. I went in to work early and there was definately a calm before the storm, since it stopped snowing from around 2-4pm (in Waukesha County anyway) but we are supposed to get another 9-14 inches until about noon tomorrow (Wednesday). There are 50 mph winds and it is quite crazy out there right now. There are snow drifts about 5 feet deep in my back yard.

I attempted to take a picture outside not too long ago and this is all I got.

Way toooooooooo windy....

All the snow is stuck in the screens to the windows, so you can barely even see out the windows and doors.

What a great night to blog, watch a movie and eat some delicious vegan food.

Tonight I made Tofu Stir Fry & it turned out great thanks to my tofu press.

It was my first time buying and cooking with Bamboo Shoots - they tasted great in the stir fry and I also added in bean sprouts to the brown rice - amazing.

I made a Veganized Version of Stacked Vegetable Lasagna yesterday evening got the recipe from Alyssa at fashionfitnessfoodie.

Layered in the pan...

Olive oil - coat your pan

Cauliflower (trimmed and sliced through the diameter into very thin slices) - this is the bottom layer

Thin Slices of Eggplant on top of cauliflower

Portabella mushrooms

Red Onion slices

Zucchini slices

Add tomato slices

Top with Cheese (I used Daiya Vegan Mozzerella Shreds)

Pour sauce over this and more cheese. I also used a little bit of salt & pepper, and Italian Seasonings for more flavor.

Alyssa let hers sit under the broiler for 10 minutes, but that didn't seem to work to well for mine. The Daiya started to (almost) burn, so I baked it for about 15 minutes at a low temp of about 350 degrees.

Besides I wanted the cauliflower to be soft.

This was a great dish and definately something different. I enjoyed it and plan on making it again in the future!

I hope you enjoy and let me know if you decide to make it!

Nichole

Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal

2011-01-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed your weekend and are ready for what the new week brings! The new week is brining 10-20 inches of NEW snow to southeastern Wisconsin.Yuck.

We are supposed to get snow off and on today and tomorrow with most of it coming Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Snow day? I am hoping.

I made a yummy creation over the weekend something along the lines of Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal. It was enjoyed by kids so it was definately something worth posting about.

Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal

1 serving of oats

1-2 T chocolate coconut butter

2 T peanut butter

1 T brown sugar

Blending with a splash of non-dairy milk

Garnished with carob chips

I also made a healthy version for myself

1 serving of oats, blended with 1 T almond butter and 1 T chocolate coconut butter

topped with coconut butter and cocoa nibs.

I love eating oatmeal in the morning or after a workout because it really keeps me full for 3-4 hours.

And there are so many variations of oatmeal that we can try!!

I hope your week is off to a great start and hopefully you check back this week because I will have a giveaway from CSN stores!

Nichole

Thank God It's Friday?

2011-01-28T15:50:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! Hope your Friday is off to a great start. I love Friday's and the weekend however this weekend I am getting down and dirty. Working on the rental, for the last weekend (for awhile - hopefully). I have it rented and the renters are moving in the beginning of February. This is going to be a relief to have this burden done. However, I still have the upper unit to worry about. UGH.

I am going to be having my first giveaway on the blog, sometime next week! CSN Stores contacted me and offered to give one of my readers a $40 gift certificate to use on their website.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be wall art and decor, fitness equipment, or even cutsie cookware and dishes!

I will be featuring the post next week sometime so be sure to keep reading and find out when and enter for your chance to win.

To enter you will simply have to become a new follower on my blog and my twitter page (@nicholemarie84).

Today for lunch I enjoyed once again a delicious Tofu Sandwich.

I ate this at work, at my desk. Hence the keyboard.

I am really digging this sandwich, tofu marinated with honey and teriakyi sauce, warmed in the microwave for 1 minute, add to my spinach, tomato and veganaise sandwich. Seriously yummmm....

Some leftover and warmed up Edamame please... delish...

Peanut Butter Cookie Larabar (purchased box from Target).

Have a great weekend!!!

Nichole

Have you ever seen one this BIG?

2011-01-27T00:29:00.000-05:00

An avocado the size of your head?

I found this bad boy at the grocery store and couldn't help myself - I had to get it. It had a much sweeter taste to it than the smaller ones. Never had one this big! I am thinking the bigger the sweeter????

Breakfast today was some blueberry oats and I also sprinkled chia seeds on top.

I did 30 minutes of eliptical before work and 30 minutes after. Also a 40 min ab work out with the wonderful Jillian Michaels. I am beat. Ready for relaxation.

I haven't posted much about Fashion on my blog, really at all. Lately I find my food habits a bit more interesting since I have been struggling with veganism for some time now.

However I plan to get more into the fashion aspect because I do live for it!

"I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet."

Can't forget makeup..

Lots of eye shadows, a girl needs her options...

until next time!!!

Nichole

Tofu Scramble

2011-01-25T22:40:00.000-05:00

Hello all! 1 Day closer to spring. I can't wait for some warm sun on my skin. In the summer I love getting my Vitamin D soaking up the rays. I believe in moderation and I can burn fairly easily. So I like to use natural sunscreen.

I recently posted about the Tofu Express that I purchased and I made a tofu scramble for breakfast the other day and absolutely loved it. I even put some in the fridge and heated up the next morning for breakfast and it was still great.

First thing I pressed the tofu overnight.

I chopped it into small squares and melted some Earth Balance in a pan.

I added my broccoli, onions, and tomato into the pan first, and the tofu second.

Heat until tofu is turning brown.

Add in spinach or use YOUR veggies of choice.

Wrap up in YOUR favorite wrap/tortilla etc. I love Ezekiel brand ANYTHING!

I garnished with avacado and salsa, so delicious and I could get used to eating this over eggs.

I also made some tofu in the oven and this is what I was eating on that sandwich.

Marinated in a Honey & Teriakyi flavor for 1 hour.

Baked at 375 degress for about 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy! I am becoming quite the tofu lover lately. Exciting!

Have a great week!

Nichole

Congratulations Green Bay Packers!

2011-01-24T13:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! What a wonderful way to start the week in the state of Wisconsin. We are going to the Superbowl!!!!!!! It was an intense playoff game, and fun to watch! This is what victory tastes like!!!!

I am hosting a superbowl party and I decided that before I knew Green Bay was going for sure. Either way I always watch the superbowl, mostly for the hilarious commercials!

I am having family over to see my new house and enjoy watching the game on my new 55' LED tv.

How was your weekend? I got some much needed house cleaning done, grocery shopping done, lots of exercise in and I am feeling it today in my shoulders. I did a 25 minute kettleball workout with Jillian Michaels on Exercise TV on Demand. Also 45 minutes on the elipitcal machine of mine.

There's been some snow build up here in Wisconsin as well, enough that we made a snowman...

My camera died before we got the head on. hahaa

I also made a great purchase last week, the Tofu Express.

I feel like this works best when the tofu is pressed overnight.

However I really enjoy using this and think it will get much use in my kitchen. Great product!!

You will see lots of new tofu recipes from me thanks to the tofu express!

I hope you have a great week and enjoy the last week on January!!

Nichole

This Friday Night...

2011-01-21T13:41:00.000-05:00

I am staying in... that is because it is -2 degrees outside (says my car's thermostat) but it feels like -18 degrees (says mr. weatherman).

This snow isn't going anywhere with weather like this.

It's okay, I love my house. I can get to work on my e-filing my taxes in my home office.

Love this used, giant L-Shaped desk. Also have a matching credenza which is great for filing.

Or I can pamper myself or organize my makeup collection on my new vanity.

Love this! Pier 1's Hayworth collection.

I can also get my workout on with my new Gold's Gym Eliptical.

How awesome is the scotch tape holding my pink ipod on the trainer? hehehe

I purchased my new television, maybe we can watch a movie on HD.

Just in time for the Superbowl. GO PACKERS!!!!!

At least the sun is shining today, -18 or not. I love the sun.

More lunching at work...

Asparagus Soup Recipe from the Soup Goddess.

Have a great weekend!

Nichole

Taco Twist

2011-01-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! Glad we are over the hump! It definately feels like this week is flying by to me since I had Monday off of work.

I wanted to share a new twist I did on my classic bean "tacos", ~~trying to clean out the fridge~~ on the kick of getting more vegetables into my diet for 2011.

I present you with Fajita-Tacos....

First I sliced some onions and red peppers and lightly tossed them in some olive oil and in a pan for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat. I just wanted to add some warmth and keep the crunch.

I threw in some spinach and cooked just a minute or two.

In the meantime prepare Vegan refried beans

Layer in wrap of choice, with guacamole of course

Add in some (homemade) salsa

Roll it up and devour.

......Ezekiel wrap of course. LOVE THEM!!!!

Happy Thursday!

Nichole

Fueling on Plants, Lunching at Work

2011-01-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

Hello Bloggies!!

I hope your 2011 goals and intentions are going strong. I have been doing really well by staying active, eating healthy and trying to get as much GREEN into my diet as possible.

I like to start my day off with a a very GREEN shake in my Vita-Mix.

Jammed pack full of greens - Spinach + Kale

I absolutely LOVE Amazing Grass products, they make me feel, well amazing! I make sure a scoop of Amazing Meal is in my smoothie as well as the Wheat Grass powder I just purchased from iherb.com

When I have more time or am real hungry I opt for some oats instead.

Rolled oats cooked on the stovetop, splash of almond milk, walnuts and coconut butter

SCRUMDILLYUMPTIOUS!!!!

Sometimes I fit in my workout before work and others after work. Do you prefer a AM workout or a PM workout? For me I guess it always depends on the day and my mood. Also if I am rushing to get to work, or if I overslept you better believe I am working out in the PM :)

Here is a yummy salad that I created last week:

Kale, Cuke, Spinach, Carrots, Tomato + Sunflower seeds

I have also opted to bring my lunches to work from now on, I am eating leftovers from tofu to chili to stirfry. We have a microwave at work so it definately works out nicely.

Re-heated Vegan Chili, I think next I am going to add tofu to my chili.

Savory Sweet Potato Soup

re-heated Tofu StirFry

Today it's a "TST"

Tofu, Spinach, Tomato Sandwich

I baked some tofu this weekend and have some leftovers - I thought why not on a sandwich??

I warmed the 3 slices of tofu in the microwave and placed on my pre-made and brought from home sandwich, complete with Ezekiel bread, Veganaise, yellow mustard, spinach & tomato.

This was way good! I will be posting the tofu recipe soon!!

I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Nichole

Vegan Chicken Parm

2011-01-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Hope you are staying warm today because it is snowing and cold here in Wisconsin.

A few weeks before Christmas, I tried my hand at a Vegan Parmesean. I actually used a vegan "chicken" breast that I found at Good Harvest Market in Waukesha.

I used a flax egg to have the homemade italian breading/crumbs stick to the mock chicken.

Place in pan with hot olive oil for a couple minutes

Place "Chicken" in baking dish, and cover with marina

Top with some Daiya and place in oven to bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 Minutes

I also had to make some real chicken for some non vegans.

I enjoyed this over some brown rice pasta and it was fantastic.

Nichole

Weekend Indulging, New purchases & Raw Cookies

2011-01-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. I like to indulge a little on the weekends, but it's back to business during the week, regarding my eating habits, of course. Sometimes I take a break of exercise and relax a bit more on the weekends, sometimes that is because I am staying up too late and exercising my arms, by drinking! hahaha. All the more reason why I should exercise but, sometimes I just don't feel like it, so I just don't.

Last week I had a sweet craving so I indulged a little in some Raw Oatmeal Cookies. Recipe from Averie at Love Veggies and Yoga.

Combined everything in the Vita-Mix

and roll into balls

Then I like to flatten them with a large spoon, with raisins on top.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1/2 C Oats

1/4 C pitted dates

1/4 C raisins

dash of cinnamon

I used Vanilla Stevia as well (very small amount)

Put oats in blender first, blend.

Add Dates and rest of ingredients and blend again

Take our your cookie dough and shape into balls.

These defiantely satisfied the sweet tooth and are a healthy snack!

You can refer to Averie's recipe here and follow her directions if you like.

As far as other things I did this weekend, I had my new couch delivered. I thought this giant wasn't going to fit into my living room. But it did and I love it. Now I need to buy a new tv.

This couch is a monster, it has a pull out bed next to the chaise lounge as well.

The dogs will not be sleeping on this. I am making sure of it. Keeping them out of that room when I am at work during the day (they have a bed down in the basement, that they sleep on during the day) and making sure they aren't hopping on it when I am home. haha

Hope you have a great week!

Nichole