Getting Back

Hello friends! It has been awhile since I have gotten back into the swing of things since my big move, about a month ago. It seems like longer than that. I haven't so much picked up a dumbbell in the last month...(or 2). Until today.

I did some personal training with Jackie Warner this morning. It literally kicked my butt- all 40 minutes. My glutes were shaking with fear. And walking up the stairs to get into the shower was a chore. I really need to get back into the habit of working out because when I am I really enjoy it. It is definately hard when you go through a big change (change is good!) to get back to old routines or even sticking with new routines. I find myself organizing and trying to get other things done because I don't feel fully settled into the new place. Either way I am determined to get back to my old self! Also I am not a 5 minute drive to the gym like I used to be. So when I want to work out it's going to have to be planned on the way home or during lunch on work. A minor setback but nothing that I can't handle. Something just irks me about driving 20 minutes to go the gym.

What are your gym habits, workout routines if any?

You know what is finally back in the stores after a 3 month hiatus?

KOMBUCHA how I have missed you!!!!!!! This will definately help me GET BACK!!

I made Averie's Carmelized Chick Peas for a quick afternoon snack.Very easy to make and definately satisfies the sweet tooth.

I think these will make a great topping on salads.

I made another version of my Eggplant Parmsean, this time I breaded it and baked it instead of grilling it. That may have something to do with the tempature change.

For the breading I used:

1 slice of ezekiel bread, toasted

1 teaspoon italian seasoning

(I still marinated the eggplants overnight)

Dipped them into the breadcrumb mixture and brushed with olive oil.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Not a very thick breading but enough for me. I suppose you could get more breadcrumbs on the eggplant but brushing with olive oil beforehand. Topped with Marinan and Daiya Mozzerella cheese this is a HUGE hit in my kitchen again.

Eating some leftovers today...

I actually like this "soup" better, now that it has sat a couple days and I think the flavors have really come out more.

Hope you have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Nichole

 

Cold Weather Meals

Happy Friday!

Less than a week until Thanksgiving is here and I can't believe it snuck up so fast this year!

Look what I found in my garage... well actually Kujo found it.

That is a salamander. Didn't think they could survive the winter months in Wisconsin??? Either way I couldn't find myself to put it outside, I actually let it be, not sure if it will live or die?!!?

Moving on to some yummier things....

My favorite meal in the winter...

Vegan Chili, lots of veggies (lunch portion)

Find my Chili Recipe HERE.

I had some sweet potatoes that I needed to use up as well as some other random ingredients that went along very well with Averie's recipe for Savory Pumpkin, Potato & Carrot Soup.

I used what I had on hand and didn't follow her recipe exactly but I am sure it was pretty much the same soup. 

I used 3 Sweet Potatoes (chopped)

1 can of pinto beans

and 1/2 can pumpkin that I had leftover

1 C carrots (chopped)

Cumin

salt & pepper to taste

Red Pepper flakes

and some other spicy/savory seasonings on hand

4 C of water

1 cup of vegetable broth as well was mixed in

A great cold weather soup. Couldn't taste pumpkin at all.

Delicious!

Nichole