Totally Jelly

I'm obsessed! I made a new flavor while experimenting: mango jalapeño. It came out so well. We had a departmental breakfast in my office this week and the jellies were a huge success. 

I'll be trying new flavors soon and plan to see how long they can sit out. I'm going to make an empire out of them! Ok-not really but I do want to sell them. 

Jammin'

I made some jelly today. It's so simple and much better for you than most store bought brands.

Ingredients:

Frozen fruit of choice

Chia seeds

Maple syrup (if you want it sweeter)

Put fruit in a pot on medium heat

Cook it down so it defrosts, breaks apart the fruit and becomes syrupy

(it can take between 10-20 minutes depending on fruit/pot size)

Once syrupy, add 1/4 cup of chia seeds

Stir and put in a container

Refrigerate for 2 hours

Things I Love Thursday

Marty Robbins' western songs

Experimenting with new foods

Jacarandas in the spring (on my daily hike)

Family photos from Bro & Arin's wedding

Non chemical cleaning solutions

Overnight Oats

You guys - I'm obsessed! This is a revelation and I'm so excited to tell you about it. I am way behind the times but for those of you who haven't heard of them, I had to share it with you. Overnight oats is an easy breakfast solution for vegans and non-vegans, health nuts and non-health nuts. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is a healthy alternative to sweet breakfasts like a parfait or pancakes. I use a mason jar but you can use a bowl, cup, Tupperware, etc. and can be covered or uncovered. The recipe can vary to taste but it is just rolled oats with whatever additions you want. Here is what I include:

1/2 cup dried rolled oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp homemade sugar free jelly
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup coconut water
1/4 cup water
Lots of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
*If you are looking for more protein, you could add Greek or coconut yogurt
**To cut down on sugar, replace banana with no sugar added applesauce

Add all ingredients and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning the oats are soft and ready to eat. I add slivered almonds to give it some crunch and more protein. You could also add berries, granola, agave, etc. It's perfect after my morning runs or to keep you fueled up for a long day. If you try this treat, let me know what you include in your oats.



Early AM REI Sale

I went to another REI Garage Sale this past weekend and I have to say it was a completely different experience from the previous sale. I wanted to get a new pair of running shoes but really didn't need anything. I got up much earlier this time, made it to the store by 5:45 and sat in line until 10AM!!! Crazy I know but it's fun to experience the thrill of a good sale.

No one was camped out this time and I claimed my spot as third in line! Luckily I had a blanket with me because it was pretty chilly! I made friends with the guys in front and in back of me so they held my spot so I could run to get a tea and use a restroom. Peet's Coffee has vegan cookies so of course I ate one for breakfast!!

I managed to snag some pretty good things but once I tried them on, not everything fit. The shoes I ended up buying were actually too big (and pink) so I gave them to my mom which means I am back to square one but I'm sure I'll find a good deal soon. The snow boots were pretty great and half off. In the end, I purchased over $300 worth of gear and got at least a 60% discount. On the way home, I celebrated with a slice of vegan pizza from Whole Foods!!!

Forever 21 beanie, sunglasses and jacket, pashmina from Paris, Burton gloves, The North Face running pants, Brooks running shoes, Nene Bags purse

Salomon running shoes, The North Face snow boots, Merrel pullover, IronMan socks, Smartwool socks

LA Life - I Annoy Myself!

I have gotten back into bikram (hot yoga) again. I had taken some time off due to Buster, moving, the holidays, etc. I am thrilled to be practicing again and love how it makes me feel. This past Saturday I went to the 8AM class to start my day. It was one of the best sessions I had had in a long time. Afterward I hiked Runyon Canyon in Hollywood, which if you haven't heard is extremely popular with celebrity sightings. It is entirely too crowded but a decent hike. When I got home, I made a healthy smoothie to round out my morning. It was very vegan and consisted of :

2 tbsp peanut butter

1 whole ripe banana

1/2 cup silken tofu

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup coconut water

2 tbsp chia seeds



I used my new-used blender from the private estate sale as well as an old mason jar. I was so sickened by feeling like the epitome of LA life, I read a couple chapters of Proverbs then drove down to my parent's house in Orange County. :)

Things I Love Thursday

 Cadbury mini Easter eggs

(I love them but try not to buy them or else they'll be gone in an hour!)

Ladybird Dawnson's baby shower

(she is a beautiful mama to be)

Free iPhone apps that waste time

Hanging out with Jep in Hollywood, errr anywhere

Hiking Runyon Canyon



Best New Soup Recipe

I made the best soup last week and was able to enjoy it for days. It was so simple, I had to share it.

Ingredients:

(1) bag of Trader Joe's 10 Minute Barley

(3) cups vegetable broth

(5) cups water

Chopped vegetables of choice - I used broccoli, zucchini, shredded carrots

Spices to taste - I used onion powder, red peppers, rosemary, 21 seasoning salute, salt and white pepper

(1) tbsp vegetable based bouillon

Prep:

Bring broth and water to a boil

Add barley, vegetables, spices and bouillon

Simmer for 15 minutes and serve

Enjoy :)

Best day ever!

In December I posted about moving to a new place and being really excited to decorate. Well it's been a lot of fun with all the painting, DIY projects and organizing. But one thing I hadn't done was get a couch. Well now I have one! I found it on Craigslist for only $50 and texted my brother to help me pick it up the next day. Based on the pictures it was perfect. Vintage, floral, long, different-so I was really hoping it would be as good in person....It was better!!! Amazing condition, in the same house for 20-30 years, vibrant fabric and dirt cheap. They were actually getting rid of a love seat as well so I came away with two couches. I let my brother keep the love seat as I didn't need it.

I didn't know what to expect when we were driving to the house but hoped for the best. The home was a large ranch house on a huge lot tucked away in an old neighborhood of north Orange County. Before we saw the couch, the two of us wondered who would be selling it and why. I assumed it was an old couple that passed away and family was trying to sell their belongings. I was right! The house hadn't been lived in for 3 years because grandparents had passed away and now the grandson was selling things off slowly. The couches were amazing while walking through the home, I saw a bunch of other things I wanted. They said they were selling just about everything so we asked if we could look. They said yes so we spent the next TWO HOURS sorting through the entire home. It was like our own private estate sale. Luckily they were very sweet and knew that we were appreciative so it didn't bother them. I looked through every single kitchen cabinet, searched shelf, linen closet, garage, the backyard and more. It was amazing and I scored some great pieces. Pyrex, milk glass, a blender, iron skillets and more. I spent $120 and got about $500 worth of goods. My brother bargained $250 worth of tools and parts.

And what is best is they are starting an organization for pet owners with medical bills for their fur babies. I, of course, told them I would love to volunteer so hopefully I will be able to support them sometime this year.

Vintage sweater, vintae Harley Davidson t-shirt, Forever 21 leggings, Zara booties

After all that "shopping" I stopped into a vegan restaurant Free Soul Cafe near the home. Best desserts!!!!

Once home, I went through all of my new prizes. The day was so great:

finally got a couch

met some new friends

hung out with my brother

scored some great home goods

ate delish vegan food

Things I Love Thursday

Visiting with old friends and their kids

Reminders of how food can affect you (both good and bad)

Sunsets on my walk home

Probiotic shots
Pajama parties with my nieces