10 Tiny Fingers, 10 Tiny Toes......

It has been a while since I blogged and my husband has been telling me to get back into it.  Well, a final assignment for a course I am taking was to create a blog so I figured this may be the perfect time to get back into the swing of things. 

What better way to get back into blogging than to share some exciting news......  Jeff and I are expecting our first little peanut this May (a boy to be exact) and we are thrilled! 

How cute is this little man?!  I am biased of course but my goodness that little face!!!

I found out I was pregnant on the second anniversary of our engagement and was shocked.  So shocked that I took 4 tests just to "make sure."  You would think a scientist would have faith in the positive results of ONE, but nope...I had to take 3 more!

As soon as the news sunk in and the results said BOY I eagerly and feverishly began  searching Pintrest for decor ideas.  I knew I wanted something that he could grow into that wasn't the typical "baby" themes you see a lot of and the scientist in me wanted lots of contrasting colors to aid in brain development.  Yes, it's a thing!!  

**Shameless science plug: Research shows that calm, neutral colors is equivalent to putting a blindfold on your baby...they simply can't differentiate the shades.  Babies need bold contrasts like black and white to stay engaged!  

What I came up with was an outdoorsey, colorful nursery scheme with 3 different walls.  One wall is done in chalkboard paint so I can leave little messages for him and when he get's bigger he can have an area to create!  The wall where his crib will go is a mountain- scape done in varying shades of gray with black "snow capped" peaks.  Finally, the wall with his dresser is decorated in black crosses and pine tree decals with a bright, kelly green dresser that I found in a thrift store and refinished!  

His nursery is still a work in progress and I can't wait to share more pictures when I am done!  Do any other mommies-to-be have any decor preferences?  

Why I Went Vegan

After reading T. Colin Campbell's book, The China Study.....a MUST read! (link here) Long story short, after years and years of studying protein consumption vs plant based consumption, it was determined that the long term effects of the average, animal protein, based diet led to a plethora of diseases and health implications. Soooo after reading AND loving that book I decided to go back to my vegan ways (but doing it at 80/20) because let's be real, sometimes a girl needs a slice of cheesy, bubbly pizza!!! mmmmmmm!!

I wanted to quickly talk about why I originally went Vegan.  Growing up I  never liked to eat meat. I thought it tasted awful and I was lactose intolerant so basically I was pretty much born a "natural" vegetarian!  Anyways, once I was in my 20's, I started eating more meat and dairy based products, mostly because it seemed socially impossible not to and YES I totally fell in love with some of it, hence having baby back ribs at my wedding!  Along with the obvious weight gain that comes with eating and drinking whatever I wanted, I ended up getting really, really sick last winter....I was honestly sick for around 3 months straight, would get better for a month or so and get sick again...I was even sick on my wedding day and all throughout my honeymoon.  I had every test imaginable to figure out what was going on and everything was negative!! 

 I started to connect the dots backward to try and figure out what was going on by myself so I started an elimination diet that I had learned about from one of my gf's.  After giving up the meat and the dairy I felt AMAZING!  My skin was glowing, my hair was healthier and I felt like I could't conquer the world.  I also loved the way it challenged me in the kitchen.  While I know a vegan lifestyle isn't for everyone it is what works for me and makes me feel my absolute best.  I don't follow it every day because it isn't very practical when trying to dine out so I call myself an 80/20  vegan.  I eat vegan 80% of the time and the other 20% I eat whatever I want.  I think anyone looking to jump start a nutrition program should try a one week vegan cleanse to see how they feel!

My Sweet, Sweet Spirulina

Behold the magic of Spirulina Powder!!!!

Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and salt water, more specifically, it's a bacteria called cyanobaerium (commonly called blue-green algae) and it is so incredibly good for you.  It is packed with nutrients that can have powerful effects on your bran and body.  A single tablespoon of this stuff has:

4g Protein
11% of your daily Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
15% of your daily Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
4% Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
21% Copper
11% Iron
Also contains plenty of Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese and many other vital nutrients.

Now, I must warn you, this stuff does NOT smell good......it's basically pond scum if that gives you an idea!!

Here is how I have been drinking it and its SO good!

Tropical Spirulina Protien Smoothie--Vegan

2 scoops Vegan Vanilla Protein powder...This one's my Fav (link here)
8 oz Trader Joes Vanilla Coconut Milk
1 TBS Spirulina Powder
Handful of frozen pineapple bits

Mix in blender and top with 1 TBSP hemp seeds and enjoy!!

Spicy, Vegan, Chickpea "Burgers"

I made these the other night and not only were they FANTASTIC but they took no time to make!  Did I mention they are also Vegan and Gluten free?!  

INGREDIENTS

1 can chickpeas, drained, well-rinsed, and mashed

½ onion, finely diced

1 small zucchini, finely chopped

3 tbsp finely chopped parsley

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Sriracha Sauce

2 tbsp natural peanut butter (I prefer the chunky)

1 tsp cumin

    1 tsp Garlic Lovers seasoning from Flavor God.. it's the BEST (link here) regular garlic powder will work as well!

2 tsp black pepper

½ tsp sea salt

½ cup Gluten Free quick oats

2 tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Lightly oil a grill pan and heat over medium-high heat

Mash chickpeas in bowl with a fork or use a food-processor (much faster).

Mix with the rest of the ingredients

Form into patties and place on grill pan about 3-5 minutes each side.

I served mine over a kale and broccoli slaw salad topped with dates and sunflower seeds dressed in a lemon, turmeric vinaigrette (recipe here)

Motivational Monday!

I think Monday's get a bad rep and should be treated with as much excitement as Friday's do!  Here are a few inspirational pictures and quotes to kick start everyone's week!  Happy Monday!!

Zucchini Lasagna

I've gotten a lot of requests for my zucchini lasagna recipe and have been slacking with posting, so here it is!  I got my recipe from SkinnyTaste, one of my favorite blogs!  Link here

Zucchini Lasagna
Skinnytaste.com 
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8 • Points +: 9 pts • Smart Points: 9
Calories: 345 • Fat: 17 g • Carbs: 16 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 36 g • Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 801 (without salt) 

Ingredients:  

• 1 lb lean turkey meat (optional...I prefer no meat)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 onion
• 1 tsp olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes.......feel free to use AMS (already made sauce)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick
• 15 oz part-skim ricotta
• 16 oz part-skin mozzarella cheese, shredded (Sargento)
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 large egg

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked drain in colander to remove any fat. Add olive oil to the pan and saute garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30-40minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.

Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8" thick slices, add lightly salt and set aside or 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel.

On a gas grill or grill pan, grill zucchini on each side, until cooked, about 1-2 minutes per side. (optional) Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture. 

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well. 


In a 9x12 casserole spread some sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Then place some of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. Top with sauce and mozzarella and cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes covered at 375°, then uncovered 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Our First Home!!

It's official....my husband and I just purchased our FIRST home together and we couldn't be MORE excited!!  Our house was originally built in 1890 and completely renovated two years ago.  When we began our home search, my husband had his heart set on a new, open concept type house and I wanted something with old-school charm.... so this home couldn't have been more perfect for the both of us!

Now that I have this fresh pallet to do stuff with I've been playing around with different looks.  Jeff told me I'm free to furnish and decorate as I wish.......(Jiminy Cricket was right.....dreams really do come true!!)  HAHAH! 

For the kitchen I want to lighten the cabinets and I'm thinking of doing our island a different color like a deep blue or gray.  Oh, and I'm OBSESSING over brass hardware..that's definitely happening.  I'm also kind of loving the bottom right photo where the upper cabinets are white and the bottom are a blue/gray.  We are also going to be doing a whitish granite, and I'm deciding if I want to do a full back splash or go with something different....decisions decisions! 

 Our current living room furniture is a dark brown so I was thinking of doing the walls a pretty shade of blue/gray.  I think it will really make the white trim and large windows pop and add a cozy feel to the room.  I also like the idea of doing the walls a light gray and sneaking in a pop of blue like the picture in the bottom right.  

 For our master bedroom, I really want to give it a hotel/get-a-way feel, like a place you look forward to escaping to.  I'm loving all of these rooms and how cute is the bottom left picture with the wedding date canvas??!!