Treble Tart

Take Me Home, Country Roads + Whole Wheat Oat Bread

2015-08-06T15:56:00.000-04:00

I remember, quite often, coming home from school to the smell of homemade bread wafting throughout the house. My mom has always been pretty notorious for supplying freshly warm slices of bread, slathered with butter and cinnamonsugar, to us hungry kids right when we need it the most. To this day, just the smell of homemade bread takes me back to being eight years old and running inside from the bus after a long day of "learning" (aka kickball).

The bread I'm sharing with you today isn't my mom's recipe, but it's still pretty delicious!

Since warm, soft bread goes hand in hand with my mom, I thought it only fitting to pair this loaf with one of her all-time favorite singers, John Denver. This song in particular happens to be one of my favorites of his: "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Pull up a seat and take a listen! Perhaps while this loaf of bread is baking?

About the Artist

John Denver was a prolific singer-songwriter of the 20th century, getting his start in the late 1960s and early '70s. He first began performing in New York City with the Chad Mitchell Trio, though his solo career took off after his folk-style songwriting skills came to light; the group Peter, Paul, and Mary recorded his "Leaving on a Jet Plane" in 1969.

Denver, who changed his name from Deutschendorf before signing with Mercury RCA Records in '69, released several solo albums throughout his career, including the very popular Rocky Mountain High (1972), Back Home Again (1974), and Poems, Prayers, and Promises (1971). He was known for his wholesome "good ol' boy" look and folk-pop musical style, and often capitalized on this image in his film appearances that began in 1977.

He was seen often with the Muppets and hosted/starred in several television specials over the years. He also won countless awards for his music and humanitarian efforts, including being named the Top Male Recording Artist by Record World magazine in 1974-75. Tragically, John Denver died in a plane crash in 1997, in which he had been piloting his own experimental aircraft (he had a huge love of flying, second only to his love of music) and subsequently crashed near Pacific Grove, California. He has been posthumously recognized by awards and tributes across the country since his death, and Windstar Records, Denver's own record company, is still in business today. His music continues to be highly influential and admired by many people; two of his songs are now considered official state songs.

About the Song

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" was released on John Denver's album Poems, Prayers, and Promises in 1971 and quickly rose to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He worked with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert to write it, combining their collective poetic musings about the winding roads of West Virginia into the most notable of John Denver's hits.

Danoff and Nivert had originally planned to sell the song to Johnny Cash, but when they sang it for Denver, he fell in love. The three of them worked together to mold it into the popular song it is now, receiving a five-minute standing ovation when they first performed it. It was met with such positive reception that it became the theme song of West Virginia University, and in 2014, was named the official state song of West Virginia. John Denver himself performed the song at the dedication of Mountaineer Field, and it has been covered and quoted thousands of times since then. The Mountain State Brewing Company even has an ale named after a lyric in the song, "Almost Heaven."

Here are just a few of the many, many covers that have been done of John Denver's iconic song:

Olivia Newton-John, 1972

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, 1993

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, 2008

Brandi Carlile and Emmylou Harris, 2013

Whole Wheat Oat Bread

{vegan}

makes 1 loaf

1 C lukewarm water
1 Tbs sugar
1/2 Tbs yeast**
1 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
1 1/3 C whole wheat flour
1 1/3 C rolled oats
1/2 Tbs salt

1. Whisk the sugar and water together in a stand mixing bowl. Add the yeast and whisk to dissolve. Set aside for 5-10 minutes. It should be done when the yeast has created a layer of foam on top of the water.

*At this point, you can pulse the oats in a food processor for a few seconds if you want, but you don't have to.

2. Add the flour, oats, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix with a wooden spoon. Cut the margarine into pieces and add it in.

3. Mix well with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes.

4. When the dough is elastic and smooth, round it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Coat a piece of plastic wrap in oil and loosely cover the bowl with the plastic, oil side down. Let it rise for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size.

5. Punch the dough down and a knead it a few times. Form into a neat ball, fold the sides under, and tuck them under the ball. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another hour, uncovered.

6. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake for 35-40 minutes (the whole house will start smelling delicious!). Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

I know how hard it is to wait, but try to let the bread cool for a little while before you cut into it, or else you'll have squishy, hot crumbs all over the place. The slices are especially scrumptious when slathered with vegan margarine, and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top is "almost heaven."

**You should make sure your yeast is not expired before you use it. If it is, your bread won't rise the way it should (it'll end up looking like mine -- still delicious, but slightly more dense than I was hoping for). Enjoy!

Clair de lune + Lemon Ginger Cookies

2015-06-17T15:17:00.000-04:00

Okay. So. I pondered for quite a while about where to start in this new food/music adventure. I finally settled on sticking with something extremely well-known, but maybe less mainstream than Gaga (let's face it, we're not quite ready for Gaga yet).

Thus, Debussy came to mind! If you haven't heard Clair de lune before, I would be very surprised, but you are in for quite a treat, if I do say so myself. In an effort to keep myself from getting too wordy, I'll just go ahead and share one of my favorite recordings of the piece. Please feel free to hit Play and take a listen while you scroll! The pianist in this video is Thomas Labe.

I think one of the biggest challenges for me is going to be keeping myself from being too wordy when I talk about music. It's hard! There's so much I want to say! However, if you're anything like me, you probably don't want to read pages and pages of monotonous rambling, especially if it's something in which you're not quite as interested as I may be. Therefore, I'll just share a couple of tidbits about this piece and its composer.

About the Composer

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was a French composer and pianist, most often known for his "Impressionistic" style of writing (though he actually hated being referred to as an Impressionist). Russian composers, such as Wagner, Borodin, and Mussorgsky, have been cited as his some of his strongest musical influences. He spent most of his life in France, though he did live in Rome for a few years. In addition to Clair de lune, a few more of Debussy's most famous pieces include Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun (1894) and La Mer (1905). Debussy's music is quite often linked to the paintings of Claude Monet, both evoking a sense of smeared concepts rather than strictly outlined images (hence the "Impressionist" description).

An excerpt from the Britannica Encyclopedia:

"During the latter part of his life Debussy created an alter ego, 'Monsieur Croche,' with whom he carried on imaginary conversations on the nature of art and music. 'What is the use of your almost incomprehensible art?' Monsieur Croche asks. 'Is it not more profitable to see the sun rise than to listen to the Pastoral Symphony of Beethoven?' Elsewhere Monsieur Croche supports the cause of the musical explorer: 'I am less interested in what I possess than in what I shall need tomorrow.'"

Here is another recording of Clair de lune! Angela Hewitt is the pianist, performing live at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. It's so fascinating to hear multiple performances of the same piece, in my opinion; each musician interprets notes on a piece of paper in very different ways. Angela's interpretation is noticeably faster than Thomas's, and she uses the sustained pedal on the piano much more liberally (the notes tend to blur together more). Do you prefer one performance over the other?

About the Piece

Clair de lune is the third of four movements of the Suite bergamasque, which was started in 1890, but revised and published in 1905. "Clair de lune" translates to "Moonlight," and is a vast contrast to the two livelier movements that sandwich it. Brittanica says, "The title refers to a folk song that was the conventional accompaniment of scenes of the love-sick Pierrot in the French pantomime, and indeed the many Pierrot-like associations in Debussy’s later music...show his connections with the circus spirit that also appeared in works by other composers..."

I think Clair de lune has a very bittersweet quality to it, which exudes a somber beauty of sweetness and sting. I created some Lemon Ginger Cookies which I think pair perfectly with the piece! The bite of the ginger and slight tartness in the lemon flavor are coupled with the sweetness of the cookie, which makes eating them while listening to Debussy all the richer.

Before I share the recipe, here are a few links to some different arrangements of Claude Debussy's Clair de lune for you to peruse -- the LSO one is my favorite, though I have to say the jazz arrangement is pretty cool:

Elena Cvetanovska, harp

Emre Sabuncuoglu, guitar

London Symphony Orchestra, cond. by Stanley Black

Praxis Jazz

Lemon Ginger Cookies

{vegan}

makes 1-2 dozen, depending on size

1/2 C vegan margarine, such as Earth Balance
3/4 C brown sugar
1 flax egg (1 Tbs ground flax + 1/4 C water)
1 Tbs unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp lemon juice
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
zest from half a lemon (about 2 tsp)

1. Mix flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Beat the margarine and sugar until fluffy. Add the flax and mix.

3. Add in the almond milk and lemon juice.

4. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger. Mix into the batter. Stir in the lemon zest.

5. Place the dough in the fridge while the oven preheats; set to 350 F.

6. Roll the dough, a spoonful at a time, into a small ball and set on lightly greased baking sheet. Press down slightly to flatten. Repeat for the remaining dough.

7. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

These would be delicious with a nice hot cup of black tea! Maybe some chai? Don't forget to listen to some more Clair de lune while you bake/eat them, too!

A New Beginning

2015-06-10T18:59:00.000-04:00

"Music with dinner is an insult both to the cook and the violinist." -- G. K. Chesterton

This is a quote that I stumbled across back in high school, but it has been one that's stuck with me ever since. It's one of those statements that I agree and disagree with simultaneously. On the one hand, considering when G. K. Chesterton lived and worked (late 19th and early 20th century), it is a completely valid and understandable statement. People tended not to multi-task nearly as much as we do nowadays; they were able and willing to focus on one form of entertainment at a time. I can understand why it would be insulting to attempt to fully appreciate either the food OR the music, while one could simply not concentrate on, and appreciate, both at the same time. Preposterous!

That being said, we live in a time now that is full of "combination art," or combining multiple forms of artwork to present one cohesive piece. Most people don't have the attention span to sit through an entire concert that is only comprised of music (no visual effects, no words, no snacks, nothing to occupy the hands). We also have a lot of trouble eating a whole meal without doing something else at the same time (watching TV, playing a game, scrolling through Facebook). That's not to say we can't do either one, it's just harder to ask people to do so when there are so many other distractions to occupy our time with instead. I've seen a lot of opinions lately about this shift in attention and appreciation, especially in regards to art, and most of them tend to fall into the category of berating the current generations about not being able to enjoy the "simple things" like we used to be capable of doing.

Personally, I think we should be able to grow in our appreciation of art! In the 1800s, we didn't have the technology to fully appreciate multiple forms of entertainment; who's to say the people that lived in that time period wouldn't have taken full advantage of the art we have available to us now? YouTube is here, for one! Pandora and iTunes and Spotify are things too! 19th-century young adults would have lost their minds if they were suddenly introduced to Vevo! I think we should find ways to appreciate the new and old alike, whether that means enjoying them in their purest forms, if that's what we're into; bringing brand new art, which has never been seen or heard or tasted or felt, into the world; or creating new methods of appreciating the same artwork we've been enjoying for centuries.

This is what I think: the way I see it, we already pair so many other art forms together, so why shouldn't we combine food and music?

Whether it's an obvious coupling, like the macaron and Maurice Ravel (both hail from France); or something more abstract, like AC/DC and a chocolate molten lava cake ("Back in Black?"); I think there are ways to highlight musical concepts with the food they're paired with. I also think there are ways to enjoy the preparing and consuming of food and beverage that are a little more dull without their musical counterparts.

Therefore, in lieu of a WILW post this week, I wanted to share with you a little introduction into what you'll be seeing more of around here. I am not abandoning anything I've posted about previously -- healthy living is still important to me! -- but I will be adding to the pot another ingredient that I've been wanting to incorporate for quite a while. I think music is vital to our striving rather than just surviving, so I want to share that part of my life, which is such a huge part, with you!

I hope you're excited to listen to some music with me! You can even stay a while and enjoy a cocktail or slice of pie at the same time!

Stay tuned for my first pairing!

What I Love Wednesday

2015-06-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

Oh hey. Don't mind me, creepin' on in. I know it's been a long time since I've posted absolutely anything (or logged in even; don't judge). It's not that I've been avoiding this quiet space in the Interwebz corner... I just lost my motivation for a while there.

I haven't felt like I had anything interesting or special to say, so I've been shying away from saying anything at all.

Sorry about that!

I've been pondering ways to freshen up this blog and post things that are more interesting, to you and to me! I'm still trying to nail that all down, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share some good ol' fashioned love, since it is a Wednesday after all. Cheers!

1. Are you an emotional eater? I have definitely struggled with this myself, so I promise you're not alone!

2. If you are a runner and have not been practicing yoga, I highly recommend starting. It has significantly changed my abilities to run! Here's a great, short, beginning video to start you off!

3. It's easy to forget how to be a good friend. Tiny Buddha is here to help!

4. Oh my goodness, this is way too fun!! Nostalgia galore!

5. This post goes hand in hand with the idea that happiness is not a goal, but a state of being.

6. If you haven't heard The Fratellis' new song, I invite you to listen. Love it!

7. Because Harry Potter is awesome, and this is hilariously on point.

8. I could probably eat these all day long!

9. Finding Home.

10. Just to leave you with a pleasing sight, here's a picture I took on the way to Seward, Alaska.

How to Run in the Winter

2013-11-24T14:03:00.002-05:00

I love running.

It used to be something I hated with a passion. I would dread the laps we had to do in gym and I had nightmares about finishing last in Track, but somewhere along the way, that changed. I've always struggled with exercise-induced asthma, which kept me from doing so many activities -- I let it dictate what I could or couldn't do. Just over two years ago, though, I decided I didn't want to let my asthma rule me, so I (very slowly!) taught myself to get over it.

My knowledge of breath, which I'd learned through yoga, played a huge role. Essentially, I started by walking a lot, slowly increasing my pace and distance until I felt like I might be able to run. Then I would jog for a block, walk for a block, jog a block, walk a block, and so on -- the whole time, I made sure I was taking slow, deep breaths instead of fast, shallow ones. I could tell if I was pushing myself too hard, because I'd have to stop and catch my breath before I had an asthma attack. What I eventually found was that, through the long process of teaching myself how to breathe and how to run, I fell in love with it! The sunshine, the wind on my face, the smell of the air, the way my legs stretch and pull, the pounding of my feet against the ground, the way it makes me feel like I'm flying... I love all of it! I've found that running gave me back control of my own body. Instead of being a victim who "couldn't" do things, I now know that I can do anything! Running has set me free.

Now... naturally, moving to Alaska has proven to be a new challenge for my running. When we got here, it was still nice enough outside that I ran four or five days a week along my new favorite route and I enjoyed every minute of it, but now that winter has come, I've had to tackle a whole new set of obstacles I wasn't fully prepared for.

Running is important to me. I can tell when I haven't been able to run for a few days -- I get pretty restless and irritable (sorry, Husband!). As soon as "Fall" weather showed up (we're talking 40-50 degrees at the most), it didn't take long for me to figure out what I should wear in order to maximize my runs. However, when our first real snow hit and the temperatures dropped quickly (25-35 degrees or so), I was not a happy camper... I couldn't really run for about two weeks straight because the snow was so deep along my normal route that it was not even remotely fun to try and navigate.

I had no problems running in the snow when we only had a few inches on the ground -- as long as you have the right shoes to keep you from slipping, it's not really an issue -- but once we got over 6 inches of the cold, wet, powder, I had to give up on my route. I tried in vain a few times to run along it, but since it obviously wasn't shoveled, it just wasn't fun. There was snow everywhere and it was too cold to let it just hang out in my shoes and up my pants.

Needless to say, I had to do a lot of research and brainstorming to come up with a plan. There's no way I could go all winter without running at all... I would go insane, and so would everyone else around me. So, I thought I might as well compile some tips that might help my fellow runners if you live in an area that gets "real Winter." I am, by no means, a professional; I just found out through trial and error what works for me and thought I might share, in case anyone else can benefit from my experiences. Here we go!

Winter Running Tips:

1. Clothes! One of the many benefits of taking up running is that it usually doesn't require much equipment to get started. Once it gets cold out, though, it becomes a unique science to figure out what you should and shouldn't wear. The general rule of thumb is always to dress as if the actual temperature is 10 degrees warmer, since your body will heat up quickly as soon as you start moving. I still have yet to actually write out a chart for myself (it's all in my head), but I would recommend coming up with a somewhat standard outfit for every 10 degrees. That way, you can just look up the temperature, check your chart, and grab the pile of clothes you'll need. For example:

40-50 degrees -- t-shirt, running jacket, shorts, ear band if it's windy.
30-40 degrees -- t-shirt, running jacket, tights, shorts, ear band, beanie.
20-30 degrees -- long-sleeved shirt, running jacket, tights, pants, ear band, beanie.
10-20 degrees -- long-sleeved shirt, running jacket, tights, pants, neck gaiter/scarf (to cover nose and mouth), ear band, beanie, thin gloves.
0-10 degrees -- long-sleeved shirt, running jacket, parka, tights, pants, balaclava, ear band, beanie, two pairs of gloves.
-10-0 degrees -- long-sleeved shirt, running jacket, coat, tights, pants, balaclava, ear band, beanie, two pairs of gloves.

Of course, this is just an example from my own closet. Socks, sports bra, underwear, and shoes are things I wear no matter what the weather is, so I left them out of my lists. The coat I like to wear is lightweight but warm, and it has plenty of pockets, so if I get too hot and sweaty (like with a second pair of gloves on), I can just take something off and stick it in one of my pockets.

2. Shoes -- you should probably wear them. You don't necessarily need a fancy new pair of shoes for running in the winter, as long as you have some way to help with traction if the ground is slippery. Many people invest in chains (like these), but I went ahead and purchased a new pair of shoes, since my old ones are getting pretty worn anyway. I'm a big fan of Saucony, so I stuck with a brand of winter-specific shoes that I absolutely love: these! Not only do they have excellent traction on snow and ice, but they have an extra layer of protection that keeps moisture out. They're a little heavier than regular running shoes, so that took some getting used to, but I've never slipped once and my feet have never gotten wet while wearing them. I highly recommend them if you live in an area with lots of snow and ice.

3. Check the weather. I always double- and triple-check the weather before I head outside. Many websites and apps will vary greatly between one another. I've seen up to 10 degrees difference between two sources! When we're talking about dressing for cold weather, 24 and 34 are two very different numbers! It's also nice to know whether you should put some goggles on if it's going to be snowing like crazy during your run. Along the same lines, it's a good idea to be aware of road conditions if you plan on running on the pavement -- don't run on the street if the roads are "Black." Even with a good pair of shoes or trusty chains, there's still a good chance you'll slip and fall, which would be very bad.

4. Take your phone with you! Luckily, I haven't had to use mine in an emergency, but you never know what can happen when you venture out in adverse conditions. Whether you fall and hurt yourself, or you run into a moose on the trail (really!), it's never a bad idea to have a way to call for help if you need it. This is also where the coat with many pockets comes in handy: plenty of room to keep my phone just in case!

5. Stay in your neighborhood. In my case, the route I usually take is covered in almost two feet of snow right now, so it's simply a matter of convenience to stay by the house during an outside run, since the snow on the roads is packed down so tightly that it's pretty easy to run on. But generally speaking, when you're running in temperatures that are below freezing, being able to quickly get back home in the case of an injury or if you get too cold, is very important. The street we live on is a giant loop, which makes it pretty easy to just run laps whenever I feel like it. I've figured out that one loop is half a mile, so I like being able to stay close to home and still keep track of my mileage at the same time.

6. Watch your extremities. Running in negative temperatures is not ideal, I won't lie. Even with almost every inch of my body covered (I don't usually have something covering my eyes, unless it's snowing heavily), it still hurts to inhale. If you blink too slowly, your eyelashes freeze together and you have to warm them up with your hands before you can see again. The biggest issue I've had to deal with, however, is keeping my hands from freezing. I've finally found the perfect combination of gloves/mittens in our house that do the job well, but the first few runs I went on in -10 degrees were not enjoyable -- after only half a mile, my fingers would start to hurt and I'd have to wiggle them all around and ball my hands into fists (while holding dog leashes at the same time). I didn't start freaking out until my fingertips would start to go numb, at which point I'd just run back home as quickly as possible and hold them under warm water until they thawed. I am horribly afraid of getting frostbite, for whatever reason, so ever since I started experiencing the numbness in my hands during runs, I tend to go a little overboard with gloves and mittens. Frostbite is very serious, especially when it's so cold you can't even see your breath, and it is definitely important to make sure it doesn't happen to you! Wearing a balaclava or neck gaiter over your nose and mouth will help immensely, as will making sure your ears are completely covered as well. The biggest issue with your hands in negative temperatures is to make sure you don't touch any metal (like your keys or doorknob!) without having at least one pair of gloves on. So far, I've been lucky enough not to experience contact frostbite, but I hope that doesn't change any time soon.

7. Don't stay out too long. The experts say you shouldn't stay out in extremely cold weather for longer than 30 minutes, so plan your runs accordingly. This is also where staying close to home comes in handy -- when you're done, you're done. There's no need to push yourself when it's cold out. If you hit that 30-minute mark, it's time to go back inside. Because it's cold out, it's easy to forget that you still need to rehydrate after your run; drink lots of water! The other thing to remember is to wear clothes that keep sweat away from your body (try to avoid cotton and wool). If you sweat a ton while you're running, it's harder for your body to keep itself warm, so not only do you have to be aware of dehydration, but hypothermia as well. When I run outside, I don't typically stay out any longer than 20 minutes. I also try to time my runs so that I'm out when it's the warmest part of the day. Since we are losing daylight very quickly here, I think it's important to take advantage of what little sun we do get.

8. If all else fails, run indoors. We had two days in a row last week where the temperature dropped to the -30s. Just walking outside was painful, so there was no way I was about to run when it was so cold out. That's when my new treadmill comes in handy! Although I definitely prefer running outside, sometimes you just have to settle for what will be safer and more beneficial to your body. Treadmill training is much less exciting, but at least you know you'll get a consistent run in without worrying about freezing or slipping on ice. If you're curious, the treadmill I got (and love!) is the Gold's Gym Trainer 410. It's relatively quiet and it fits nicely in the living room for now, so I can distract myself by watching TV while I run. If you don't have a treadmill or don't want to fork out the cash to get one (the one I got was a display model -- super cheap!), check out your local gym. (Just FYI: if you have a military ID, you can use the gym on post for free!)

I hope these tips have helped shed some light on running in the winter. It's a unique beast to conquer, that's for sure! If there's anything I've left out or if you have any questions at all, please feel free to leave a comment. I don't have all the answers, but it's pretty fun to explore the possibilities of cold weather training!

What do you think? Do you have any helpful tricks for running in the snow? Are there any Spring races you're getting pumped for?

Cap'n Crunch Cookies

2013-09-23T19:47:00.000-04:00

It snowed yesterday.

By the way, yesterday was the first day of Fall, in case you didn't know. So far, I'm liking the colder weather, but I feel like my body isn't quite sure what to do with it being snowy and in the 30s in September. Luckily, it doesn't really feel that cold out, since it's not a biting, wet, eat-your-bones kind of cold. Still. Alaska's a little weird.

Speaking of being weird, I was on my way to get some scrumptious coffee drinks at one of the many coffee carts yesterday when I spotted an amusing sight! There was a man on a scooter/bike thing (it was a scooter, like the kind you stand on, but with bike wheels on it) riding down the sidewalk. He had two dogs hooked up to harnesses that were pulling him along, so I assumed they were probably training for dog sledding or some such. The funniest part, however, was what he was wearing. Keep in mind it was snowing outside. He had on a pair of tennis shoes, bright pink shorts, a winter coat, and one of those full-face ski masks.

I have to admit I giggled quite a bit, and I may have slowed down considerably so I could watch his dogs pull him on his scooter bike. It was pretty interesting! Once I got bored, I eventually got our coffee and headed back home, only to consume a billion of these delicious cookies I made!! Bam-segue! Actually, I was going to say these aren't that far off topic anyway, because they're kind of weird. Delicious, yes! But a little weird.

Also, if you were wondering, "Cap'n Crunch" cereal is totally vegan. It's not good for you or anything, but it is plant-based! I wanted to get creative, since I've been making and eating chocolate chip cookies for a couple weeks now, so I thought, "Hey! We have cereal! I might as well make some cookies with it, instead of eating it for breakfast! Yay!" Thus, I found a recipe and the rest is history.

Cap'n Crunch Cookies
adapted from CapnCrunch.com
{vegan}
makes 2 dozen

1 1/4 C whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 C vegan margarine, softened
1/2 C raw sugar (or less! These cookies are pretty sweet.)
1 flax egg (2 Tbs flax + 3-4 Tbs warm water)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 C Cap'n Crunch Crunch Berries cereal

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Beat the margarine and sugar in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Add the flax egg and vanilla. Beat well.

3. Gradually add in the flour mixture on low speed. Stir in the cereal, crushing some pieces with the back of your spoon.

4. Roll the dough into balls and flatten onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned. Cool for 1-2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

What I Love Wednesday

2013-09-03T14:00:00.000-04:00

Alright, so it's not actually Wednesday yet. Unfortunately, it actually took me a minute or two to remember what day it is. Oops! Nonetheless, I was feeling anxious to post something, because I've missed you all so much (!), so I decided to just bite the bullet and give you an early WILW post! I figured you probably wouldn't object.

Before I get on with the things I love, I did want to let you know that we made it to Alaska safe and sound (in case you hadn't deduced that already by the fact that I'm posting this)! It's already a little chilly here, and we're ready to fill our house with all our furniture and such (today is the day!), but regardless, we love it so far! We haven't spotted any moose yet, although we did see some reindeer, sheep, and bison on our way here. Pretty exciting!

Okay, I know you're anxious for the list of greatness, so I won't postpone it any longer. Here we go!

1. For all the college kids starting school right about now, check out these hacks for dining hall meals.

2. Did you know September is National Yoga Month?! Here are some great poses to help with pain and anxiety!

3. If you suffer from butt-consciousness too, you might benefit from this set of workouts.

4. Who knew Epsom salt was so useful?

5. I love to explore new blogs! Especially when they're as beautiful and informative as this one.

6. Have you tried making your own salad dressing yet? You really should! Leanne can help!

7. Living in Alaska means I'll have to get used to running in the cold. What about you? Do you run in cold weather?

8. Let's fix our poor posture together!

9. Are you interested in making a greenhouse? Try this one!

10. You should come visit me. :)

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

2013-08-12T12:52:00.001-04:00

I know, I know. I disappeared for a while there. In my defense, I've been a little preoccupied with moving and such. We're hanging out in Kansas for the time being, but will be headed northwest on Sunday! It's hard to believe we're actually going to be in Alaska in just over two weeks! My, how time flies.

Because I have nothing better to do than try out new recipes and relax on vacation, I have a delicious recipe to share with you on this fine August Monday. Have your breakfasts been boring you lately? Fear not! I have the perfect solution to change up your morning routine - Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! They are 100% vegan and super duper scrumptious (not to mention easy to whip up). I didn't make the cream cheese icing this time around, and the pancakes were sweet enough without it, but you can try them with the icing if you so choose. I definitely think you should try them... What can it hurt?

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

{vegan}

makes 6-8 pancakes

Cinnamon Filling:

4 Tbs coconut oil, melted
1/4 C plus 2 Tbs packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pancakes:

1 C whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 flax egg (3 Tbs ground flax + 1/4 C warm water)
1 C almond milk

Cream Cheese Icing (optional):

2 Tbs vegan cream cheese, room temperature
4 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, room temperature
1 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

1. Mix the coconut oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Transfer the mixture to a small ziplock bag and set aside.

2. Combine the flax and water in a medium bowl and let sit for a few moments. Add the oil, vanilla, and almond milk. Whisk to combine. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir to combine.

3. Heat a skillet on medium heat. When the skillet is warm enough (test with a few drops of water - if they bead up, you're good to go), use a spoon to transfer the batter to the skillet.

4. Cut the corner off the ziplock bag and squeeze the cinnamon filling onto the pancake batter. When the batter starts to bubble, flip it over with a spatula and leave on until cooked.

5. To make the icing, whisk together the cream cheese and Earth Balance. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla; whisk to combine. Drizzle over pancakes just before serving.

My Veg-iversary + Homemade Sandwich Bread

2013-04-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

Let me start off by saying I'm sorry for not being around much lately; I've been busy living life instead of writing about it. :/ Nonetheless, I do still care about this corner of the internet and all my lovely readers (hi Mom!), so fear not! I'm still here and I will most likely be here more often from now on! Yay!

Now that we've got that taken care of, I want to tell you about something amazing that happened this weekend! But before I get to that, how about we back up to the beginning?

Two years ago, I weighed in at 198 pounds. I was tired, lethargic, depressed... I didn't have any energy or motivation to move my body, and I had very little self-esteem. It took me a few more months of reading, researching, and pondering various forms of inspiration before I took my first step towards change, but I knew something definitely needed to happen in order for me to be happy in my own skin. I stopped eating meat in August of 2011 and immediately noticed a difference in my energy levels -- I actually wanted to exercise, because I had the energy to do so! That's also when I decided to try and start running, despite a lifetime of struggling with exercise-induced asthma.

I lost about 15-20 pounds just from cutting meat out of my diet and exercising a little more. Noticing such a difference already, I kept reading and experimenting with different foods in order to find out what my body likes. By December of the same year, I had given up all dairy products. My skin cleared up, I didn't have stomachaches anymore, and I continued to lose weight almost effortlessly! I ate my last egg on April 12th of last year and have had no desire to go back to animal products since then.

Two years ago, I wore a size 17 jeans and could barely run a block without wheezing. This weekend, I ran in my first race -- 5 whole miles! -- and finished first in my age group! I weighed in at 139 pounds this morning. My jeans are a size 7. It has been one year since I started following a purely plant-based diet, and I feel AWESOME!!

I cannot tell you how happy and excited I am to be where I am today, especially with the knowledge that you can do it too! And I'm not just saying that. I thought there was no possible way I could ever be in shape -- I used to think I just wasn't made to be "thin" -- but the truth is anyone and everyone can be healthy and fit. All you have to do is evaluate your fuel (because that's what food is!) and see if you can find something that works better for your body. I'm not saying everyone should follow a plant-based diet... I just think you should give it a try and see what works for you.

This journey has opened my eyes to so many delicious foods I had no idea existed, and so many methods of living I never thought I could dabble in. I make just about everything from scratch now, and I've even started growing my own food!

Of course, one thing I've never wanted to do with this blog, or in general, is to sound "preachy" or like I have all the answers. I just wanted to share my story with you in the hopes that it can help inspire you to evaluate your lifestyle choices and maybe try some new things that are outside of your comfort zone. Really, what can it hurt?

Homemade Vegan Sandwich Bread
makes 1 loaf
adapted from Veggieful

1 3/4 C warm water
3 1/4 tsp yeast
2 tsp raw sugar
pinch salt
1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
5 C all-purpose flour (white or wheat)

1. Combine the water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside until the mixture starts to foam.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and olive oil. When the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.

3. Drop the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead with your hands until it forms a smooth, elastic ball (about 7-10 minutes). Alternately, you could knead the dough in the bowl of an electric mixer, with the dough hook attachment. I like getting my hands dirty, though!

4. Clean out the bowl you used to mix your dough and lightly oil it. Place the ball of dough inside and cover with a tea towel. Set the bowl in a warm place and let it rise for 30 minutes.

5. After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead a few times. Shape into a loaf, tucking the ends under. Transfer the dough to an oiled bread pan, cover with the towel, and let it rise another 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 F. When the bread has risen, cut a slit into the top of the loaf and bake it in the top 1/3 of the oven for 30 minutes. The house will smell amazing!

7. Once the bread is done (it should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap the top), let the bread rest for half an hour before taking it out of the pan. Cool completely before slicing.

What I Love Wednesdays

2013-02-27T14:11:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon! It's been nothing but rainy and cold here for two weeks, so the sun is a nice reprise today. I shouldn't complain too much, however; the Midwest has gotten hit pretty hard with their Snowpocalypse lately... yikes! If you're in that neck of the woods (or anywhere else that's got you bundled up in blankets and sipping hot cocoa), don't venture outside unless you have to. Of course, you should also check out these links. I'm hoping they'll warm you up a bit.

1. No more excuses! If you've been saying for years that you've wanted to learn a language, but haven't gotten around to it, this is the year. Check out these great resources!

2. Check out these great tips for shopping at the grocery store.

3. What a great post about quality of life. I hope this makes us all stop and think a little.

4. Who knew there were so many great uses for coconut oil?

5. Need some tips on how to be cool? Check out these hilarious ones.

6. You'll never have to buy these foods again!

7. Apps are all the rage right now. Why not use them to help motivate yourself to stay fit?

8. Have you tried to make something you found on Pinterest and failed miserably? Hopefully your creations didn't out like these!

9. Here is some really fantastically helpful information about buying the right running shoes!

10. Who doesn't love cookies? Here are some great Cookie Baking Tips!

What I Love Wednesdays

2013-02-15T14:54:00.000-05:00

I keep meaning to post something new, you know. I'm not totally ignoring you. But sometimes life happens and I get distracted and busy with other things, and then this corner gets slightly neglected. For that, I'm sorry! To make it up to you, I've got some splendid links this week (even though it's not Wednesday; don't judge). Enjoy!

1. Sometimes we just need a little inspiration to help our fellow human beings.

2. Check out this great cheat sheet!

3. I love this documentary in progress about our agricultural system and how it's making us sick.

4. The human body is so cool!

5. You can never have too many mug cakes, yo.

6. Something we all struggle with when we want to start something new is how to take the first step.

7. Joy the Baker rocks, especially with her blogging tips (part 2)!

8. This is a fantastic article about positive thinking!

9. I don't know about you, but I'm all about some awesome DIY projects.

10. Let's go to Paris.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad + Food for Thought

2013-02-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

Food for Thought:

Something I've been thinking about lately is body image. We (especially women) tend to overlook our physical assets in favor of wishing we could somehow overcome our "faults." Why is that? Does it have to do with the way society judges us? Or is it a more deep-rooted issue stemming from self-consciousness?

As you probably know by now, I work at a very well-known coffee shop, where I see thousands of people come through every week. I always find it very interesting, and even fun, to notice all the different sizes, shapes, and personalities of each individual. So many people are much more similar than they realize, and yet each one is their own unique self! How cool.

What got me thinking about body image, though, was overhearing some of the conversations between customers recently. Our store is near a pretty large gym, so we get a lot of customers who have either just finished their workouts or are getting ready to head over there. The other day, there were two women who came in separately that were dressed in workout clothes. Apparently they knew each other but hadn't seen each other in a while, because they started talking about how long it'd been since they saw one another and so forth. At one point, one woman said to the other, "I can't believe how skinny you look! I wish I looked as skinny as you do."

They proceeded to stay on the "skinny" subject for a good 5 or 10 minutes, but I just thought it was very interesting that they were complimenting each other by putting themselves down. By wishing they had a flatter stomach or more muscular arms, for example, one person was telling the other that they admired their body. Hearing their conversation made me wonder: do we really have to insult our own bodies in order to appreciate someone else's?

I don't think we do.

I know it's much easier said than done, but can't we start changing the way we think about physical appearance? If we begin to spread the concept of really loving ourselves the way we are, in a healthy state, I think we can alter the way we judge or don't judge others. Who says we have to want someone else's legs in order to appreciate them?

I like my own collarbone; but can't I like yours too?

What do you think? Can we change body image for the masses? By letting "society" dictate our opinions, aren't we denying that we are society?

As you ponder these ideas today, I also have a delectable salad I'd like you to chew on. Don't judge it just because it's got Brussels Sprouts in it; give it a try!

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
{vegan, gluten-free}
Makes 1 serving, or more as needed

a few leaves of Romaine lettuce, torn in pieces
kale leaves, torn in pieces
5-8 baby Portabello mushrooms, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4-6 medium Brussels Sprouts, shaved and diced
5 green olives
1 Tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper

1. Combine the veggies in a bowl and toss.

2. Sprinkle the olive oil on top. Feel free to use more or less, depending on your taste. Top with sprinkled black pepper.

What I Love Wednesdays

2013-01-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

How are those resolutions coming so far? Hopefully you've come up with some really great, realistic goals for yourself; it's such a wonderful feeling when you reach them!

The links I have for you today are all about vegan/vegetarian/plant-based lifestyles. What better time than a brand new January to make some changes in your diet? You can be healthier, and it's not that hard to do! Check out these great resources I've gathered for you.

1. There are so many beautiful blogs out there dedicated to healthy eating! This is just one of many.

2. In the spirit of New Year's, try this vegan hangover cure from Alicia Silverstone.

3. This is kind of a blunt article, but an interesting read nonetheless; the most important part of following a vegan lifestyle is knowing WHY you want to do so.

4. I absolutely adore this post about why Kristy became vegan.

5. One of the most common excuses I've heard people use for not following a plant-based lifestyle is that they "can't" give up dairy -- here are some delicious substitutes you should try!

6. Kids can be vegan too!

7. It's a new year! Why not try a new meal plan?

8. Let's squash some vegan myths!

9. This is a wonderful vegan cookbook full of super scrumptious meals. Why not give it a try?

10. Day 2 of 365 Photos: choppin' some green peppers!

Happy New Year!

2013-01-01T11:53:00.005-05:00

I've noticed that many of my posts begin with some sentiment related to how quickly time has flown (ie: "Can you believe it's..." or "Wow, it's already..." and "Dang! 2013?!") -- maybe I've just been relishing in the goings-on around here instead of focusing on what day/month/year it is? Nonetheless, it does amaze me how fast the time flies by when you're having fun, whether that's cliche or not. That being said...

Dang! 2013?!

Before I launch into the expectations I have for this new year, I hope you won't mind my taking a moment to reflect on the year we just left. It was one of epic proportions, I think. Some highlights include: performing a duo concert with my good friend Scott at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (including a marvelous rendition of my percussion/piano duet with awesome lighting!); getting to showcase my 4 years of education to family and friends at my senior recital; graduating from college (!!!); creating a couple new recipes (don't worry, there will be more to come); taking a mini road trip to Georgia to see my brother graduate from Army Basic Training; finding out my bestie got engaged (!!!); becoming a barista; seeing my hubby graduate from WLC (and finding out he's getting promoted!); fighting for a good cause; believing in health; loving.

And just because we all love visual aids, here are 12 pictures from 2012:

What a year it has been! And now it's officially 2013, wherein we can hope and dream and wish for things to happen, or we can take action and make them happen! In place of a traditional New Years' Resolution, I've decided to make a list of things I ~~want to~~ will do by the end of the year -- sort of like a 2013 Bucket List, if you will. I hope to add more items as I think of them, and to cross off the ones I've done as soon as I do them. Here we go!

In no particular order:

1. Learn a new instrument.

2. Write a book.

3. Build an igloo.

4. Feed the homeless.

5. Climb a mountain.

6. Run 13.1 miles (a half-marathon).

7. Read a book in a foreign language.

8. Knit something useful.

9. Visit a different country.

10. Take [at least] one photo every day.

11. Enter a contest.

12. Write a brand new piece.

13. Play my drumset in front of an audience.

14. Learn French.

15. Eat something I've grown.

16. Make someone's life easier.

Here's to 2013!

What are you resolving to do this year?

Day 1 of 365 Photos:

New jeans for a new year!

What I Love Wednesday

2012-12-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's almost Christmas?! It feels like just yesterday that I was decorating the yard for Halloween! Boy, how time flies.

What kind of fun things do you have planned for the holiday? Baking cookies? Opening presents? Singing carols? Eating good food with friends and family? Hopefully all of the above!

I have a nice fun list for you to peruse this week, and I hope you look forward to #10, because it's a brand new (delicious) recipe full of holiday cheer!

1. Why not start 2013 off right, by feeling more alive??

2. We should all take the time to meditate each morning before we embark on our day.

3. I love this fantastic idea for a hanging garden! It's especially great if you don't have enough room for a traditional one.

4. On a much more serious note, I hope you decide to partake in this incredible idea to honor the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary.

5. Who says we can't daydream about living in trees?

6. Let's try this first thing in the morning! It's quick and easy!

7. Need some ideas for your holiday baking?

8. I might just have to try some of these tricks to enhance my mind. What about you?

9. These are great life lessons! Let's get out there and DO something!

10. I made some Cranberry Blondies just for you!

Cranberry Blondies
{vegan}
makes one 9x13-inch pan

1/3 C Earth Balance margarine
3/4 C unsweetened almond milk
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2-3 tsp vanilla extract
2 C all-purpose flour
2 C fresh or frozen cranberries

1. In a stand mixer, beat together the margarine, almond milk, and brown sugar until combined.

2. Add the baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour until just combined, then stir in the cranberries.

3. Press the batter into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the blondies cool slightly before you cut them, then serve warm!

What I Love Wednesdays

2012-11-28T16:31:00.002-05:00

Soooo... I totally had a post ready to share for WILW last week, I promise. However, I got confused and forgot what day it was about 3 times during the week, and then Thanksgiving happened, and then I realized I had completely forgotten to share the great list of loves with all you wonderful people! Whoops.

This week, though! This week I have some amazing things for you. And in honor of the past and upcoming holidays, many of these things are related to giving and loving -- two wonderful ways to show you care during this holiday season!

1. The first step is always the hardest!

2. I've been really interested in self-sufficiency lately; check out these 5 easy steps to start homesteading.

3. With these 77 (!) benefits of yoga, there are no good reasons not to do it!

4. Since I work for "The Buck," I thought I would pass on this handy info sheet about everyone's favorite holiday beverages!

5. This is a very interesting article about living well on only $11,000 a year.

6. Happiness is a choice!

7. Rather than focusing on what we want this holiday season, maybe we should try some of these suggestions to help other people get what they need.

8. Check out this amazing yoga resource!

9. Pay it Forward Day is only 147 days away! Try making a list of ways we can be kind to others - a great holiday activity!

10. Dogs are so cute.

What I Love Wednesdays

2012-11-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

Whew. These past few weeks have been a couple of doozies. (Does that even make sense?) The hubs was gone for 19 days at a training course (woot Distinguished Leader Award!), I've been working like crazy (hooray for holiday drinks!), and I've got a deadline for this concerto I'm writing (yay drums!). I didn't mean for that to sound like I'm complaining at all, because I'm not; I just thought I might've owed you a little explanation for why it's been so silent around here lately.

That being said... can you believe it's November already?! Thanksgiving is in, like, two weeks! Where has the time gone? I guess I should start thinking about Christmas presents or something...

In the meantime, I want you to see some of these amazing links I have for you this week. They're glorious.

1. Homemade lip balm! And peppermint, too! Just in time for the holidays.

2. What if money didn't matter? Are you doing what you love?

3. This is usually the time of year when we find ourselves in motivational slumps, especially when it comes to exercise and eating well. Maybe this can help!

4. Check out this awesome coupon site! Who doesn't love a good bargain?

5. This is a very important video, not just for our children's benefit, but for our own health too!

6. If you're looking for a great new workout to strengthen your core, try this one!

7. Who knew there were so many hidden abilities of animals?!

8. I love this list of ways to combat rising food prices.

9. What a fun idea for Christmas presents.

10. Check out this gorgeous blog I can't stop reading!

Happy November!

Pumpkin Pound Cake with Maple Glaze

2012-10-16T12:39:00.000-04:00

I used to be a Summer girl. For as long as I can remember, Summer was my thing: lemonade stands, running around barefoot until it got dark at 9pm, playing in the sprinkler, no school, even walking outside and immediately sweating. I lived for Summer!

And then I discovered the magic of pumpkin. Granted, the pumpkin obsession has reached an all-time high in our country, everything imaginable being offered in a pumpkin flavor (coffee, scones, cake, muffins, candles, cookies, cupcakes, oatmeal, casseroles). But despite the overload, I still can't get enough. I tend to hoard cans of pumpkin puree throughout the year, so I can bake with it all through the month of October.

I don't know when exactly I switched from a Summer girl to an Autumn girl, but I am definitely a gigantic Fall fan now! It's partially because of the chunky sweaters, chilly air, and crunchy leaves, but it's mostly the pumpkin.

I'm even looking forward to the cold of Winter, which I have always hated with a fiery passion. I think it must be because I've lived in the South long enough... bring on the blankets!

This cake is one of the many things I've been experimenting with, pumpkin-wise, so I wanted to make sure and share its deliciousness with you! I combined a few different recipes, "veganizing" them in the process, and this was the result. It's so good, you might not be able to share with anyone. And that's okay.

What about you? Which season is your Love? Are you a pumpkin hoarder too?

Pumpkin Pound Cake with Maple Glaze
{vegan}
makes about 12 servings

1 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (or homemade, if you wish)
1/3 C raw sugar
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C Earth Balance margarine, softened
4 Tbs ground flax
1 C warm water
1 tsp vanilla
3 C whole wheat flour (all-purpose works too)
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 C unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)

for the glaze:

1/3 C unsweetened almond milk
1/4 C pure maple syrup
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
2 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp baking soda

1. Preheat the oven to 350* and spray a bundt cake pan with cooking spray. Mix the ground flax and warm water together in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Place raw and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, along with the 1/2 C margarine. Beat on a medium speed until blended well. Beat in the flax and water mixture, followed by the pumpkin and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture and almond milk alternately to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.

4. Spoon the batter into your prepared pan. Bake at 350* for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on the rack.

5. For the glaze, combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Drizzle the hot glaze onto the cake. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 238 calories; 4.4g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 319mg sodium; 45g carbs; 6.7g dietary fiber; 23g sugar; 1g protein; 1321mg vitamin A; 66mg calcium; 1mg iron

What I Love Wednesdays

2012-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:00

I'm a day late again, but what else is new? I do have some really great links for you, though. I hope your week is going splendidly! It is almost the weekend, so at least you've got something to look forward to. Enjoy!

1. Here is a rather accurate depiction of how food affects our bodies and minds. It's fascinating how much of an effect nutrition has on everything!

2. Why buy chemical-laden household cleaners and cosmetics when you can just make all-natural ones at home?

3. And I thought having 4 dogs was a lot!

4. Are you in need of a killer ab workout? I've got one for you!

5. Of all the people you could take advice from, I think this woman may be one of the most reliable.

6. I figured we could all benefit from some handy tips on tipping.

7. Here are some gorgeous photos for you to peruse.

8. Let's eliminate GMOs from our diets, shall we?

9. In case you needed some inspiring quotes for the week ahead.

10. One more bit of inspiration to motivate you:

What I Ate Wednesday

2012-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

Hello fine people! I hope you're doing swell. I have a fun, slightly different post for you this week, just because I like to change things up every now and then. In lieu of a normal "What I Love Wednesday" post, I thought I'd bring you into my kitchen a little more and share what I ate today instead, with a little help from Instagram.

Thus, "What I Ate Wednesday" is born. This isn't necessarily a new feature on the blog; I just thought I'd try something different. If you hate it, you can tell me. It's okay. I won't get mad.

For breakfast, I had:

one "everything" bagel slathered with some vegan "cream cheese" (garlic and chive flavored)
a small bowl of coconut milk, half a banana, and a handful of raspberries smashed together
the other half of my banana, all by its lonesome
a cup of coffee, of course (with coconut milk creamer)

For lunch, I enjoyed:

a grilled PB&J (Have you tried this?! It's amazing!)
some grapes
a handful of carrots
a little Thai Coconut Curry hummus

It was my day off, so naturally I had Starbucks. Teehee. It was a delicious soy vanilla latte.

And unfortunately, my phone decided not to save the picture I took of dinner, and by the time I realized the photo was gone, I had already scarfed down all of it. However, I will share this lovely photo from Heidi's blog, because it just so happens that this is what I had! Mmm, Baked Farro Pasta.

So there you have it! My eats for the day. It was kind of fun to document, honestly. Maybe I'll do it again sometime...

How to Eat Out on a Plant-Based Diet

2012-09-23T18:17:00.000-04:00

You know what's interesting? I've noticed that many omnivores seem to think it's nearly impossible for people who follow a plant-based diet to eat at a restaurant that doesn't cater to their lifestyle. I think this notion might stem from the common idea of a plant-based diet as "restrictive" or difficult to follow. (It all comes back to the question, "What do vegans eat?") Well, fear not! I have compiled a handy little guide for you to refer to in case you're not sure how to trust a complete stranger with the preparation of your food.

Because there are so many restaurants in the world, it would be a daunting task for me to simply list veg*n-friendly menu items for every diner and cafe I come across (that's what Happy Cow is for -- it's a wonderful resource if you haven't checked it out yet). Therefore, this list primarily features suggestions for ordering at various restaurants, some easy (and easy to find) joints with veg options readily available, and popular chains you may need to stop at when you're in a pinch and need some food before you pass out. I wouldn't recommend picking up McDonald's on your way home from work every day, but every now and then, it's necessary and/or nice to splurge a bit. Some of these suggestions might be especially helpful if you're just starting a transition to a plant-based diet and aren't completely comfortable cooking whole, healthy foods at home for every meal yet. Let me know if you have any questions or additional suggestions I may have missed!

1. Don't be afraid to customize. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say "I can't order it like that, because that's not how it's listed on the menu." You're paying for it, aren't you? You can order it however way you want it! I would recommend at least being nice about it, but if you see a "Grilled Chicken Penne with Basil Pesto and Artichoke Hearts" that sounds really good to you, but you don't want the chicken or the parmesan they sprinkle on top, just say so. Most of the time, the waiter or waitress will be more than happy to help you out. And if they give you a weird look (like the time I ordered a chicken wrap with no chicken at Buffalo Wild Wings), just tell them you're allergic, which brings me to my next point...

2. Even if you don't have an allergy, fake one. I've noticed that restaurants take your special orders much more seriously if you tell them you're allergic to one of the ingredients. It's unfortunate that it takes an allergy for some people to want to please their customers (or avoid a lawsuit), but if I ask for no cheese because I'm allergic to dairy (even though I'm not), I can almost assure you it will come without cheese. If I ask for no cheese "just because," it will still have cheese on it about 50% of the time. Another way to make sure you're not ordering something with hidden eggs or dairy is to ask for an allergen menu as soon as the waiter or waitress gets to your table. That way, you have time to peruse the menu for something you can safely eat before it's time to order, and it's also a not-so-subtle way of letting your server know you're allergic, whether you actually are or not.

3. Check out online menus. Technology these days is amazing! You can ask your phone to find nearby restaurants for you, order take-out from your iPad, and even customize your meal long before you get to the restaurant. If I know ahead of time that I'm going somewhere for dinner that I've never been before or am unfamiliar with their menu, I always look it up online first. If they have a website, you can almost guarantee they'll at least have some form of the menu posted online. (If they don't, you might want to avoid eating there.) Many places will also have not only the menu they give you in person, but also nutrition and allergen info available -- bingo! I always use this method to decide what I'm going to order long before I even leave the house; that way, I don't have to waste anyone else's time trying to find something I can eat, and I know for sure that what I'm choosing is safe.

4. Mexican or Asian cuisine is usually a sure bet. Most restaurants (and when I say "most," I mean somewhere around 90%) that serve Mexican, Chinese, Thai, or Japanese food have a separate section on their menus that's labeled "Vegetarian." They make it very easy for you to narrow down your choices and pick something tasty and within your personal dietary boundaries. The tricky part about Mexican restaurants, I've come to find, is the cheese that they tend to put on just about everything. Fortunately, they usually have a taco salad or bean burrito that you can order without cheese, and then you're golden! Vegetable Lo Mein or Vegetable Fried Rice are both delicious options when you're ordering Chinese, as are Spring Rolls (not Egg Rolls) -- just make sure if you order any fried wontons that they don't have crab in them. Thai restaurants are just as good, if not better in some ways, at offering veg-friendly dishes; a basic Pad Thai is usually safe and scrumptious! Japanese food is a little trickier, since most places nowadays cater to the "Steak and Sushi" crowd. It's still pretty easy to find fish-less sushi (avocado and cucumber is my favorite combo), and they typically have more than just that to choose from.

5. If all else fails, stick with salad. Sometimes you end up going out with a group of friends who aren't interested in the new raw vegan place in town, so you suck it up and head to a local BBQ joint instead. What on Earth do you do in this situation?! Whine and complain that you're starving while everyone else is enjoying a nice, hearty meal? I should think not! First of all, if they're really your friends, they'll at least take you somewhere that serves a salad. If they take you to Punky Patrick's Pork Palace, where literally the only thing on the menu is "Pig... and lots of it," and they know you don't eat meat, then you should probably get some new friends. That's an extreme case, though. In almost any other situation, you can at least have a salad. Just make sure you ask for the dressing on the side (balsamic, red wine, and Italian vinaigrettes are usually safe, but you should always check to make sure) and find out whether it's served with cheese or not. More often than not, the salads are so big anyway that you'll be good and full by the time your friends finish their stack o' ribs! Trust me. I went to Texas Roadhouse once and ended up just ordering a side salad with no cheese, because it really was the only thing on the menu I could have. The good company made up for it.

6. Have a few places in your pocket to fall back on. I know that, wherever I go, I can eat at Panera, Subway, Jimmy John's, and Chipotle with little to no hassle, and all four of them serve much healthier options than other "fast food" chains. At Panera, the Black Bean Soup, Tomato Soup, and Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (with no feta) are all vegan, as well as the baguettes (did you know you can ask for Whole Grain instead of French?), apples, and chips they offer as sides. At Subway, I always get the Veggie Delite with no cheese, which I just load up with veggies and a little Sweet Onion Sauce. The Sweet Onion, Vinegar, Oil, Mustard, and Buffalo sauces are vegan, as are the following bread choices: English Muffin, Hearty Italian, Hearty Oat, white Italian, Roasted Garlic, Sourdough, 9-Grain Wheat, and the Wrap. The options at Jimmy John's are a little more limited, but they do have a vegetarian sandwich, that can be made vegan by asking for no cheese and no mayo (it's the #6 on the menu). Chipotle is one of my favorite veg-friendly restaurants, because you can get anything vegefied (is that a word?) -- salad, burrito, or burrito bowl -- and all you need to avoid are the pinto beans (cooked in bacon), sour cream, and cheese! This page makes me so giddy. Why don't all restaurants do this? Basically, my point is that, once you find a few go-to spots that you know you can get something delicious and healthful, keep an eye out for them whenever you're on the go and need a quick bite to eat. It beats trying to order a burger with no meat.

7. Don't rule out pizza. It wasn't until recently that I too thought vegans couldn't order pizza from such staples as Pizza Hut, Little Caesar's, Domino's, or Papa John's. You know what? I was wrong! It's actually quite easy, and relatively common, to order a veggie pizza with no cheese. They don't typically add eggs or dairy to their crusts either, making for a completely vegan pizza (always double check their nutrition information to make sure there aren't hidden ingredients). And in case you were curious, the plain breadsticks and the ever-popular Garlic "Butter" from Papa John's are also 100% vegan (although you should be forewarned that the garlic butter is really just a lot of seasoning, oil, and soy derivatives -- not the healthiest choice, but it sure is tasty). Also, if you haven't already, you should definitely check out Mellow Mushroom. They offer great vegan and gluten-free pizza options, complete with Daiya "cheese" if you so choose!

Bonus: As you may know by now, I recently started working at the ridiculously well-known coffee powerhouse called Starbucks. I was a little distraught to discover that allergen info is not publicly available for their beverages, with the exception that Starbucks does post on their menus that whey protein (which comes from cows' milk) is added to their smoothies. I have had to actually hunt down original ingredient labels to determine whether or not I can drink this or that, and it shouldn't be that way; dairy allergies are kind of a big deal. Anyway, I thought, since I am in a unique position to know, I would share with you which options are not vegan, and how to order some veg-friendly alternatives to a few favorites. (I hope this is helpful... if not, you can tell me, and I'll stop rambling.)

A couple things to keep in mind (that the baristas will probably not tell you unless you ask):
-- a Caramel Macchiato, Caramel Frappuccino, Salted Caramel Mocha, and Caramel Apple Spice come with caramel drizzle on top
-- ALL Mocha drinks (including White Mochas and Frappuccinos) automatically come with whipped cream
-- lattes do not come with whipped cream unless you ask you for it
-- the Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple Spice, Cinnamon Dolce Latte, and Hot Chocolate all automatically come with whipped cream
-- soy milk is the only available non-dairy option, but it IS sweetened with vanilla
-- all smoothies are made with bananas (in case you're allergic)
-- the only pastry items that are vegan are the plain and multigrain bagels (with no cream cheese or butter)
-- everything can be made with soy, including the smoothies (just ask for no protein powder)
-- the Coffee Frappuccino does not come with whipped cream, but every other Frapp does.

These ingredients are NOT vegan:
-- caramel drizzle sauce
-- pumpkin spice syrup
-- white mocha syrup
-- Chai tea concentrate (doesn't contain dairy, but is made with honey)
-- whey protein powder

Here is how to order vegan versions of some popular drinks:

Instead of a Caramel Macchiato, order a soy Caramel Latte with the espresso shots affogato (on top).
Instead of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, buy the Pumpkin Spice Via packet that you make at home. Unfortunately, there is no dairy-free alternative to the coveted PSL, but the Via version is vegan. Plus, if you make it at home, you can use almond, coconut, or rice milk instead of soy!
Instead of a White Chocolate Mocha, order a soy, no whip Mocha with 2 scoops of vanilla bean powder.
Instead of a Chai Tea Latte, order a soy Chai Latte with tea bags instead of the concentrate.
Instead of a Salted Caramel Mocha, order a soy toffee nut, no whip Mocha. If it's Fall or Winter, chances are they have the salt topping you can ask for, as well.
Instead of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, order a soy, no whip Cinnamon Dolce.
Instead of a Caramel Apple Spice, order a steamed Apple Juice with half cinnamon, half caramel syrup.
Instead of a Chocolate Smoothie, order a soy, no protein powder Chocolate Smoothie with half the amount of Mocha syrup and a packet of nuts.

Whew! That was a doozy. I hope this post has helped shed some light on the possibilities of eating (and drinking) out when you follow a plant-based diet. If you have any questions, or if there's a specific drink at Sbux you'd like me to veganize for you, just leave a comment. I'd be more than happy to offer any help I can give. Happy Eats!

What I Love Wednesday

2012-09-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

Crickets have overrun the blog, it seems. Lots and lots of crickets. I tried to buy a few of those bug-be-gone candles, but they just melted before they could work on all those crickets. Next time, I'm investing in some Raid...

Teehee.

In other news, I've got some really fantastic links for you guys this week! I also wanted to make sure you read about the awesomeness that is mentioned in #10, if you're interested in some new fitness programs. And one more thing: keep an eye out for a fun post coming soon, all about vegan options when you're eating/drinking out!

1. This is a hugely fascinating video about the link between food and Alzheimer's! Nutrition really does affect so many aspects of our lives.

2. As if I needed another reason to eat chocolate.

3. Can I call it Fall yet? Technically it's been in the low 80s lately, which is basically cold for South Carolina, so I think that means it's Autumn. Time to celebrate with food!

4. I love these nutrition strategies for optimum athletic performance.

5. Mmm, cinnamon rolls. I know what I'm making this weekend!

6. There are some really great suggestions here! I had a grilled PB&J for lunch yesterday, in fact.

7. These vegan coconut macaroons look so delicious. And they're not bad for you, either!

8. Some cuteness for your day.

9. What an interesting article this is! All about body language.

10. Okay, so... do you know about Beachbody? They are the geniuses behind the P90X and Insanity fitness programs, if those ring a bell. Well, today, I'm excited to share some links with your lovely selves for some brand new programs they're coming out with this Fall! Here's what you have to look forward to, if you're anything like me and love trying out new ways to stay fit:

Insanity Asylum Volume 2: Insanity is a very intense, difficult workout that gives you amazing results if you can stick with it! I haven't tried the Asylum series yet, but if it's anything like Insanity, I'm really excited to give it a shot (and to go to bed super sore every night)! From the Beachbody website: "The Asylum Volume 1 taught you the fundamentals of sports performance. The Asylum Volume 2 gives 30 days of advanced training techniques, used by pro athletes, and is designed to get you leaner, faster, and stronger."

Les Mills Combat: This would be a fantastic program if you're into MMA, Kickboxing, Karate, or other similar activities. It's like a boot camp series, but focuses more on the entire body as a whole, similar to how Pilates works. "Combines moves from karate, taekwondo, boxing, muay thai/kickboxing, capeoira, and jiu jitsu -- whose moves are specially combined for the ultimate total body fat loss and body shaping for your ultimate transformation."

Brazil Butt Lift Master Series: This is the series I'm most excited about! My flat butt and I can't wait for this program to come out. Seriously. ;) It's all about toning your glutes, abs, thighs, and even your triceps, biceps, and pectoral muscles as well! "The 30-day Brazil Butt Lift Master Series program includes intense, targeted workouts to increase your booty-lifting while also tightening your core and toning your upper body. These advanced workouts are designed to get you the round booty, lean thighs, and toned core you'll feel great showing off in your favorite bikini!"

I definitely think you should head over to the Beachbody website and check out their programs. They are extremely effective! There's also this really great tool on their homepage that tells you the best program options for you specifically, based on a few basic stats you can enter about yourself (gender, age, fitness level, etc). Let's get fit!

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Oatmeal

2012-09-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

The past few days have been insane, full of family, emotions and good times. My ~~little~~ all-grown-up brother is a full-fledged soldier of the U.S. Army, and I got to see him graduate on Friday! I am such a proud sister, it's not even funny. The hubby and I drove down to Ft. Benning on Thursday and spent a couple of hours with him (he had to be back at the barracks by 6:30) and our parents, who drove all the way down from Kansas. Friday morning, I took about 300 photos during the graduation ceremony, and then we got to hang out the rest of the morning and all afternoon, since he needed a ride up to the Atlanta airport and hey, we were headed that way anyhow!

He's on leave in Kansas for the next two weeks, and then he'll be in Germany for 3 years. I'm bummed we only got to spend less than 2 days together, but at least I got to see him at all. We're planning a Christmas extravaganza, though, in which we will both (hopefully) be visiting home at the same time!

It's been such a weird process, seeing my brother go off to Basic, writing letters back and forth for 14 weeks, and watching him graduate; especially because I've done it all before. It's been 5 years since my husband graduated, and I still remember experiencing it all for the first time. I hadn't realized how much I've learned about the military, and specifically Army, life since then -- it's quite a lot! In fact, hearing all the stories my brother told, in letters and in person, has made me start thinking about joining the military myself, but I don't know if I'll actually end up doing it. Sometimes it's okay just to be on the sidelines.

On a not-so-completely unrelated note, I have a recipe I'd like to share with you this morning. Thinking about the military and wanting to push myself even further to really get my body into peak condition, I've been on the search for filling, fueling breakfast options to start my day off right. Sugary cereals, toast, and Pop Tarts are not healthy choices (in case you were unsure), but this oatmeal is! It literally takes about 5 minutes to make, and it will fill you up until lunch time rolls around. It's also one of those tricky dishes that tastes like dessert, but isn't! So sneaky.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Oatmeal
{vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free}
makes 2 servings

1/2 C GF old-fashioned oats
1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 C water
1 Tbs natural peanut butter
1 small or medium banana
1/4 C vegan chocolate or carob chips (optional)

1. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, and water. Mix carefully, so the cocoa doesn't fly out all over the place.

2. Dice the banana into small pieces, or if you don't mind getting a little messy, use your hands to tear off small chunks and toss them into the bowl. Add the peanut butter and chocolate chips, if using them, and stir to combine.

3. Microwave the oatmeal for 2 minutes, or until the water is gone and everything is warm and cooked. Separate into two bowls, or eat it all yourself! Just be careful not to burn your mouth.

Note: If it's not sweet enough for you, you can add a spoonful of agave nectar or maple syrup before sticking it in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 195 calories; 7.1g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 3mg sodium; 32g carbs; 7.4g dietary fiber; 7g sugar; 8g protein; 2mg vitamin A; 4mg vitamin C; 21mg calcium; 2.7mg iron

What I Love Wednesdays

2012-08-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the blog silence the past few weeks! We've been busy and sick lately, which is not a great combination, I'll have you know. Nonetheless, I still do have some wonderful links to share with you this week. I hope you like them!

1. I love Oh She Glows, so it's no surprise that this compilation of fantastic vegan snacks would make my "love" list.

2. Let's get our strength training on! And what better place to start than with some tips on how to start?

3. I am loving this lemony tea lately.

4. 30 days of yoga is nearing its end; here's a great video for an afternoon energy boost!

5. I'm game for anything chocolate-covered, but especially fruit! It's good for you, right?

6. Loving yourself is so important.

7. Knowing what to eat before, during, and after an intense workout is hard, but luckily these are some great tips for your next cardio session!

8. I'm really enjoying reading this classic, especially now that I'm old enough to understand all the big words!

9. Don't forget to eat breakfast!

10. Oh. My. Goodness. These look so delicious!

What I Love Wednesdays

2012-08-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! So why am I sharing a Wednesday post with you, you ask? Well, because I promptly forgot to post on Wednesday. Yeah, oops. To make up for it, however, I have added a few extra "loves" for you to peruse. I hope you don't mind.

1. In honor of the Olympics that are taking place in London right now, I thought I'd share this very interesting article about athletes following vegan diets.

2. Cut down costs and chemicals with this list of homemade cleaning recipes!

3. NPR has kindly compiled a list of 100 Teen Books you should definitely check out (whether you're a teenager or not). I've read many of them myself!

4. I want this book.

5. If you don't have a gym membership or haven't wanted to drop hundreds of dollars on a set of free weights, you should try out some of these exercises that only require your own body weight as resistance!

6. Need a mood booster? Try out some of these suggestions.

7. For my fellow military families, here is a wonderfully useful list of 152 companies, restaurants, and stores that offer military discounts!

8. As if you need another reason to ditch chemical-laced household cleaners, this post offers tips about adding vinegar to your laundry!

9. Another Olympics-related link: check out this workout by gold medalist Allyson Felix!

10. Did you decide to branch out and buy some tofu at the store this week, but you're not sure how to use it? Here are a few easy, delicious tofu recipes to try out!

11. 89 fantastically awesome swaps to help improve your life. Let's challenge ourselves and pick one swap from each category (fitness, health, and happiness) to work on this week!

12. What an intriguing article about a stoplight-style food labeling system: do you think it would work in the long run?

13. Here is a humorous take on maturity. I think we could all learn some valuable lessons from these goats!

14. This is a great list of 10 "Best" Exercises for Women, according to a professional volleyball athlete/healthy lifestyle coach/writer.

15. This is hilarious. And also, I love cats.