Announcing...Greta!!

Remember when I visited the dog breeder over Thanksgiving? Well, my sister and her husband officially brought home their boxer pup for good on Sunday afternoon, and I have been soakin' up the puppy love ever since. Greta is going to be so spoiled--because her Aunt Caroline is already smitten with her! Here are a few pictures from her first few days at home:
Here's what I've been munching on, between my cuddle sessions with Greta and Christmas shopping:

Monday
I indulged myself a little on Monday by making a Chocolate-Banana Shake with chocolate pudding, frozen banana, soymilk, and chocolate Spirutein. I also had some chocolate syrup on top, which promptly sank to the bottom.
Tuesday
I sampled another variety of Rudi's bagels yesterday morning. This time, I toasted up a cinnamon raisin bagel and spread it with Cinnamon Raisin PB, of course. On the side, I had a peach-blueberry smoothie made with almond milk. Perfect fuel for hittin' the mall!
Amidst my Christmas shopping, I managed to make a stop at Williams-Sonoma, where I got myself a few foodie treats. Oddly enough, I discovered both of these items through food blogs!
For lunch, I made some fajitas with refried black beans, chopped avocado, and salsa. I served those alongside a salad and clementines.
Before heading out for more shopping and a visit with Greta, I made a quick dinner: Coconut Curry Chickpeas from Clean Eating. I made a few alterations, namely the subsitution of broccoli slaw for shredded cabbage. Believe it or not, there are some vegetables I simply refuse to eat, and cabbage is one of them! On the side, I had an Ezekiel pita, salad with Woodstock dressing, and fresh blackberries.
My smoothie last night consisted of a classic combo, strawberry and banana. I combined strawberries, banana, soymilk, and berry hemp protein for a delectable treat.
Wednesday
I was famished this morning after my workout, and nothing fills me up like scrambled tofu. I added zucchini and mushrooms to the usual tahini, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. I had toast and a clementine on the side. Do you have a favorite meal to prepare when you're really hungry?
Today's lunch was a taco salad, consisting of homemade tortilla chips, lettuce, leftover refried black beans, and Smoky Avocado Sauce from ED&BV. I rounded it out with some mango.
I am off to watch the Duke game on TV with my B-I-L Ryan. Let's go Blue Devils!

Be back soon!

Boxers and Brazil Nuts!

My first few days at home have been nothing but relaxing! The first half of the week has been filled with my favorite activities, including breakfast at the Original Pancake House, a trip to Whole Foods, and a quick jaunt through the Christmas section at Target...and that was just Tuesday! Today's schedule consisted of a trip to a dog breeder where we visited my sister's future boxer pup (to be brought home in just two weeks!). On the way home, we also stopped into an Amish bakery, where I loaded up on some truly unique goodies. Check it out:
What you see above: sticky buns, caramel cake, real vanilla extract, honey butter (not actually butter), Amish Style PB, Brazil nuts (for the low price of $3.50/lb!), BBQ seasoning, and paprika.

Here are a few shots of the bread aisle and the entire case filled with pies!
I am most excited about this little gem. I love how the labels say "Praise the Lord."
*Sigh* I love being home.

Anyway, here's what I've been munching on lately.

Monday
After I signed off last time, I was happy to discover one last chocolate soy protein packet, plus an assortment of frozen fruit in the freezer. This tasty mixture featured a frozen banana, blueberries, and almond milk, topped with some chocolate syrup (that promptly sank to the bottom). Delish.
Tuesday
As I mentioned earlier, I had breakfast at the Original Pancake House with my dad and one of his students (hi Josh!). I ordered a big bowl of oatmeal and a side of fruit to which I added some brown sugar. No picture this time.

The afternoon was occupied by grocery shopping and running errands with Mom, so I was famished by the time I sat down to lunch. I found a packet of taco seasoning in the cupboard, so I combined a few teaspoons of that with TVP and diced tomatoes; I placed the mixture atop a bed of mixed greens. I realize it looks like a nice plate of up-chuck, but I swear it tasted good. On the side, I had an apple, tortilla wedges, and some cashew butter.

For dinner, I made a simple recipe that I have been meaning to try for a while: Peanut Butter Noodles. I subscribe to the Vegan a Go Go podcasts on iTunes, and I knew I had to try this recipe when I saw it. I'll use any excuse I can to eat more PB:) I added broccoli and a few shredded carrots for some color and nutrition. I also had a salad and a dish of plain yogurt with ginger, cloves, stevia, cinnamon, nutmeg, and wheat germ for dessert. Yum.
The smoothie last night was the return of an old favorite: mango and hemp!! Unfortunately, using the unflavored hemp instead of the Vanilla Spice made this rendition a little less heavenly. Oh well, the peanut butter granola on top made up for it!
Wednesday
Just before heading out to visit the pups, I made a quick breakfast inspired by Lindsay. I spread whole wheat toast with cinnamon raisin PB and homemade pumpkin butter. I also had two clementines and a dish of plain yogurt with more pumpkin and lots of spices. This made for quite the orange meal! Random side note: Does anyone else share my obsessive need to peel clementines in one piece? (see below)
Upon returning home, I made a quick lunch from pantry staples: sun-dried tomato hummus with mushrooms and tomatoes in a hearty whole wheat pita, a salad with Goddess dressing, plus a sliced kiwi.
I was just itching to use some of my new goodies, so I incorporated a few into my dinner tonight. First, I dredged some tofu slabs in my new BBQ seasoning; I used it like a spice rub. Then, I made a sauce inspired by the BBQ sauce from Veganomicon and smothered the tofu with it. After a few minutes in the oven, I had a delicious meal! I served the tofu alongside a salad with my new Brazil nuts, Brussels sprouts, plus a whole grain English muffin. Yum.
I just finished a sweet treat: an apple with Amish Style PB. I Googled "Amish Style PB," and apparently it consists of marshmallow creme and corn syrup combined with good ol' peanut butter. Not exactly nutritious, but tasty nonetheless.
Lastly, I want to thank Flower for giving me a Butterfly Award! I am so honored that you thought of me for this award. Rather than single-handedly choosing 10 bloggers to whom I can pass on the award, I would like to turn it over to you: who are your favorite bloggers and why?

Another marathon post draws to a close...Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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.