Jingle Bells and Gingerbread

Tonight I write to you from the couch, as I sip gingerbread tea and peruse the Williams-Sonoma catalog. Ah yes, life is good.

I had my last exam this morning, and I have been in celebration mode ever since. I finally got to enjoy my little reward that I have been saving all week--the latest issue of Clean Eating. This issue contained plenty of ideas for the next few weeks; I am so excited to get cooking!

Anyway, as a result of waning motivation to study, I've been quite creative in the kitchen these past few days. Check out the goods:

Wednesday
I decided on a tropical smoothie this time: strawberries, pineapple, Nutribody protein, soymilk, and coconut. Delish.
Thursday
After observing my multiple struggles with the pomegranate, my roommate suggested that I try to make purple oats with pomegranate seeds. Genius! I have yet to experience purple oats in my quest to "taste the rainbow" via my oatmeal bowl. Rather than using the pom seeds as a topping, I added them to the oats during the cooking process, in hopes of achieving a vibrant purple hue. The end result was more of a "lavender," but it was a pretty bowl of oats, nonetheless. I also added some almond butter and wheat germ. Lunch yesterday consisted of a "burger salad" and spicy sweet potato fries. I chopped up an Amy's Texas burger and placed it atop a bed of spinach with mushrooms and tomatoes; I used a few tablespoons of Woodstock dressing as well. For the fries, I seasoned some strips of sweet potato with chili powder and garlic salt, then baked them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 375*; I used organic ketchup for dipping. That's a dish of strawberries on the side.
For dinner, I attempted a new flavor combination with my mozzarella-spinach-apple-onion panini. After browning up the onions for a few minutes, I piled all the ingredients on some whole wheat bread and grilled it on my George Foreman. It turned out to be a delicious sandwich! I had the apple remnants and a salad with pecans and more onions on the side. YUM.
The shake last night featured one of my favorite flavor combinations: chocolate and coconut! Into the blender went: frozen banana, strawberries, chocolate rice protein, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and soymilk.
Monday
I woke up bright and early for my exam this morning and fired up the blender. Banana Blender Cereal! I used almonds this time. I have discovered that I enjoy this dish most when it's not quite pureed--the unexpected chunks of nuts and banana make breakfast so much more enjoyable:)
I packed a lunch for my airport exploits today. I made a simple Sunbutter sandwich and packed it with some carrots and hummus. For a snack, I munched on a big red apple and a Vega bar. *Potential Product Review Alert*
Once I returned home, my stomach was beckoning, full force, so I just made a quick wrap. Remember the Turk'y roast I had for Thanksgiving? I froze the leftovers before I left for school, so I heated that up and wrapped it up with avocado, field greens, and cherry tomatoes. On the side, I had a salad, broccoli, and a bowl of leftover fruit I found in the fridge.
Now I must decide on what to wear for the (multiple) graduations I am attending tomorrow--one sister is graduating from nursing school and one is receiving her MBA. Suggestions? Do you have any favorite outfits lately?
I shall return later on Sunday for another feature post. Enjoy your weekend!