Procrastination via Organization

Like many of you, I am lucky enough to have today off, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Many of peers are studiously using this extra day off as an opportunity to catch up on work and prepare for the academic rigors of the weeks ahead. But I'm not. Aside from sleeping in and completing a few minor assignments, I decided it would be a much better use of time to organize my pantry! Exhibit A:
I grew tired of having a cupboard full of miscellaneous bags and chip clips to store my nuts and dried fruit, so I invested in a few storage containers. Now my snacks will be fresh, and my cupboard will be tidy. I derive far too much enjoyment from kitchen organization. How do you keep your cupboards neat?

Anyway, here's what I've been munching since Friday's post:

Friday
I was just itching to use some of new frozen blueberries, so I threw them in the blender along with some strawberries, soymilk, and Nutribody protein.
Saturday
I awoke to another frigid morning, so I made sure to warm myself up after my workout with a hot breakfast. I poured heated rice milk over a few crumbled Weetabix biscuits; I had an apple with almond butter as well.
Almost immediately afterward, I headed out to the Duke basketball game, where we were once again victorious:)
I was starving when I returned to the apartment, so I relied on some freezer goodies, namely an Amy's Texas burger. I slapped that on some bread with salsa and served it alongside a salad with pepitas and a few grapes.
Then it was off to the mall...where I was completely unsuccessful at finding a puffer coat. Instead I ordered this one online when I got home. What do you think? Anyway, I made a quick dinner before a viewing of Father of the Bride with my friends: black beans, peppers, and avocado in a whole grain pita, along with zucchini and a couple clementines.
The shake of the evening was creamy and delicious: frozen banana with chocolate rice protein, soy milk, non-dairy ice cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. YUM.
Sunday
I made my usual Sunday morning oatmeal, this time with applesauce, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cashews.
After chapel and a little studying, I made a simple lunch: black beans and onions (with a few spices) atop a bed of spinach, a baked sweet potato, and a dish of peaches with wheat germ and pecans.
By the time I got to eat dinner, I was famished again. I came up with an impromptu version of one of my mom's old dishes: mashed potatoes with ham & cheese. I didn't have any "veggie" ham on hand, so I substituted TVP. Also in the mix is dill and garlic. Delish. On the side, I had brussels sprouts, salad with Woodstock dressing, and a few grapes.
The shake took a decidedly decadent note last night, as I combined a frozen banana, dark cocoa powder, chocolate rice protein, soymilk, strawberries, coconut, and dairy-free chocolate chips (I think that's everything...). Fabulous combination!
Monday
I must be on a choco-nana kick, because I used the same combination for breakfast in my oatmeal: oats, dark cocoa powder, banana, cinnamon, and PB. I felt like I was eating brownie batter for breakfast!
You all must get really tired of seeing this meal every post, but I made another tofu scramble for lunch. It's just so delicious and easy! I combined silken tofu with tahini, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, turmeric, and sliced zucchini and served it with toast and a salad with clementines. Perfection.
Speaking of repetitive meals, I am a little bored with my eats lately. How do you get out of your dietary ruts? Do you have any favorite cooking websites? Recipe suggestions are always welcome!

Enjoy your Monday!

Studying Is Such a Nuisance

I am a tad miffed right now, because I have had to miss out on multiple activities tonight due to a pesky midterm tomorrow. The dining committee was going out to dinner at this cool place called Mez, but I had to turn down the invitation. I had intended on getting my studying done early, but Election Day coverage interfered with that--let's just say I spent the evening glued to the TV with highlighter in hand. An exciting exhibition basketball game is also happening tonight,but I really shouldn't attend that either...maybe the second half?

Anyway, I need to get crackin' on the food reporting; my psychology textbook beckons.

Monday
I have at last broken out my Nutiva chocolate hemp protein! I combined it with strawberries, raspberries, soymilk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Decadence in a big plastic green cup. Classy.
Tuesday
My new-found love of key lime yogurt prompted me to build an entire breakfast around its flavor--I made a tropical parfait! It included: Puffins, key lime yogurt, pineapple, coconut, and chopped almonds.
I had a busy afternoon of meetings and such, so I didn't return to the apartment until late. Translation: the tummy was protesting, LOUDLY. I quickly heated up a cup of Health Valley Split Pea soup and served it with crackers, steamed broccoli, and some applesauce with honey-roasted peanuts. Simple, fast, tasty.PS I've reviewed this soup before here.
In the midst of the election chaos, I broke for dinner...with another meal from a can! I opted for Whole Foods' Refried Black Beans (which I have featured before); I spread a blob on a spinach flatbread and topped it with lettuce, salsa, and olives. It made for quite the substantial wrap! On the side I had salad and some plain yogurt topped with cranberry sauce.
The smoothie consisted of acai hemp protein, blackberries, strawberries, soymilk, and a few tablespoons of Ginger Zing granola...expect a very favorable review of this crunchy goodness in the near future.
Wednesday
I don't think I'll ever tire of CCV's Banana Bread Blender cereal. This rendition featured hazelnuts--definitely a wise decision on my part:)
I had planned on making a veggie pot pie out of my soup leftovers, but I ran out of time before I had to be at the writing studio. It ended up being soup leftovers with a few mushrooms mixed in, plus a big dollop of mashed potatoes. It still tasted good! Alongside it, I had some snap peas and an apple with PB.
Now I am off to tackle some schoolwork. Before I sign off, check out what I received in the mail today:
Nutribody Protein sent me some samples to try for VegFamily, where I am a product reviewer. Anyone heard of it or tried it?

Ta-ta for now.