I LOVE Eating! 4 Days of Healthy, Gluten-Free Snacks- Day 3

Back to the Good Stuff! 

After an over 2 week hiatus from sharing the goods on GF snacks, their Ba-ack!  Now that I've learned a lesson concerning thankfulness, let's talk about what I am really thankful for, F-O-O-D!!!!!

Shout out to Yummy Healthy Easy for this next recipe.  It is a wonderful GF snack, and it was my lunch for a week about a month ago.  When paired with ItWorks! Greens, this lunch hits all the major food groups and does not cause an afternoon slump after over-eating at lunch.  In fact, just writing about it makes me want to make the dip again! So here it is- 

Healthy Black Bean Dip 

Ingredients

• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt (my adjustment)
• ½ - ¾ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1 (14.5-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• chopped tomatoes, green onions and cilantro, for serving if desire

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 1.5 liter baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend together the black beans, sour cream, salt, pepper and jalapeno. Blend until combined and taste. Add salt to your liking.
3. Pour black bean mixture into prepared dish. Pour in drained petite diced tomatoes and stir together. Add in ½ cup cheese and stir together. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Pull off the foil and bake for an additional 15 more minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Sprinkle with tomatoes, green onions and cilantro if desired and serve with tortilla chips or veggies!

 

A Lesson in Thankfulness!

Long Time. No see.

Life over the past two weeks has been CRAZY! I have fallen in amongst the ranks of first-time home buyers, and let me confess, dear reader.  I did NOT mentally prepare myself for this task- whatsoever. . . like at all.

Blessings to all of you who have gone through this experience and come out sane on the other side!  You are now my idol.  I need to learn from you.  Hear your experiences.  Know that I am NOT crazy.

For those of you who do not know- the real estate market right now is terrible.  There is nothing on the market- literally.  Houses are being listed and selling within a matter of days.  Let me tell you- for a self-proclaimed commitment-phobe this market is worse than less than ideal.

And there-in lies the foundation of my emotional-craziness of the past 2 weeks.  Toss in an unmentioned suggestion from a colleague, baseball season, and only a little-over-a-month before AP testing and, well, CRAZINESS!!!!  I haven't even gotten the chance to finish my list of my 4 favorite GF snacks!

Blessing & Truth

Yet in the midst of all the craziness, the still, small voice of God resonated throughout my days.  

Blessings like, "Bring me your weakness, and receive my Peace." [Psalm 29:11] 

Truths like, "Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning." [Numbers 6:24-26]

"Let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day." [Numbers 6: 24-26]

These were not verses that I sought out personally, but instead were truths that met me each morning in my daily devotional.  Words, sent by God, that I did not even have to search for.  They were waiting on me.

Let Thankfulness Begin!

My circumstances have not changed.  If anything, they have simply become more convoluted over the past few days.

Yet my spirit is RENEWED.

And so I choose to be thankful for the big things-

1.)  For a Group of Women that Have Been and Will Be Life Long Friends.  
Sarah, Sarah, Wendy, and Candace.  My journey would not be sane without you sharing yours.  Through your lives, I continue to see how God works out his promises to us no matter where we live- Natchez, Canada, Waco, or Picayune.

2.) For a Job & Colleagues that I enjoy.

3.) For a Family that is Supportive and Willing to Drive All Around the County to Help Me Search for a Home.

4.) For Church Families that Offer Peace & Encouragement.

I also choose to be thankful for the little things-

5.) Beautiful Baseball Nights that Allow Me to Enjoy the Community.

6.) My local gym and the loyal group fitness ladies that work out with me every morning at 5 AM.

7.)  The Therapy that Painting a House Offers [Hard Work Does a Soul Good].

8.) Students that succeed. Students that make me laugh.  Students that show up.

9.) Coffee :)

10.) My ItWorks! Greens!  They keep my mood stable and give me energy for the day.  On top of the full serving of fruits and veggies that I get from them.  Hallelujah!

I LOVE Eating! 4 Days of Healthy, Gluten-Free Snacks- Day 2

My Bread-and-Butter: Chips & Salsa

Great for late afternoon snacks, lunch during the workday, & a healthier alternative to burgers & fries.

Honestly- thank goodness I am not allergic to chocolate AND corn because this is my go-to pleasure.

I love all versions- 

at my favorite Mexican restaurant
[Shout out to all Mexican restaurants for totally spoiling me and meeting my need for instant gratification. Now, the first thing I look for on menus at other restaurants is chips & salsa because I expect to be fed as soon as I sit down at the table.]
 

Shout out to No Way Jose's in Gatlinburg for their gluten-free menu!!!

On the Border chips & On the Border salsa 
[Mind you not the wimpy sizes that you can find at your local grocery store- those are a waste of money because I can finish them off in one sitting. I am talking the Sams Club size- now that will last me a month.]

Homemade Salsa with Organic Blue Corn Chips
[Now this, my friends, is my favorite version.  I just feel healthier when I eat this salsa because it tastes so ridiculously fresh, and whenever I can, I spoil myself with the organic blue corn chips. It's worth it, my friend.  It's worth it.]

Okay- the cheese. . .not as healthy. . .but it can be left out!

So here's my favorite salsa recipe, dear reader, and I share it with great sentimental feelings welling up inside of me.  This recipe was shared to me by a dear mentor of mine while I spent the summer in Hawaii.  

Enjoy!

Homemade Salsa- Mild

Ingredients  

4-5 vine-ripened tomatoes 
**Make sure the tomatoes are ripe.  If not, a bitter aftertaste will appear in your salsa. **
1/2 - 1 tbs sea salt
A handful of fresh cilantro
1 small, white onion
2 large limes
1 tsp of garlic powder

Directions

After washing and prepping all your fresh ingredients, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend.  Let set in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and allow time to develop flavor.

Day 3 of Gluten-Free Snacks:  Black Bean Dip 

I LOVE Food! 4 Days of Healthy, Gluten-Free Snacks

I love food.

Snacks. Desserts. Meals.  All of it.  One of my favorite reasons to travel is to experience the food of different places.

My favorite rule in my classroom- "You can eat in here because I WILL eat in front of you- just don't expect me to share my food."  

So when my options for food shrank significantly, I had to get creative . . . especially when it came to snacks . . . especially when it came to health.

For the next 4 days, I am sharing my favorite snacks. 

Popcorn. Salsa. Black Bean Dip. Fruit. Enjoy!

 

Day 1:  Old-Fashion Popcorn

This simple, cheap snack is addicting!

1/3 c. Whole, White Popcorn Kernels 
3 tbs. Olive Oil
Salt (to taste)

Check out the different popcorn seasoning flavors they have!  My favorite is white cheddar!

**This is a recipe for stove-top popcorn which requires a specific stove-top pot.   They can easily be found online and are totally worth it!**

Place oil in pot and turn oven eye on to high.
Pour in salt to taste and then add the kernels.  
When you hear the first kernel pop, begin turning the handle on the popcorn maker.  
Continue to turn the handle until you can count 2-3 seconds between each "pop."
Pour into a bowl & enjoy!

Pursing My Passion- Teaching

I am blessed.

I am fortunate to be at a job that I love- a job that I feel called to do.  When Christians think of being called to ministry, it is often in the context of a pastor or a missionary.  However, as a sophomore in college, I felt the distinct call of God to become a high school science teacher.  

I am blessed.

I am at a job that I love- a job that I feel called to do.  My passion for science and the understanding it provides about the world around us aside- each day I have the chance to be a genuine caring presence in the lives of students.  I have the opportunity to demonstrate God's love and grace- a love and grace that does not discriminate against gender, race, stereotype, or status- to 100+ students each day.  I am even in a place to teach students the importance of community service and seeing the world beyond themselves.  

I am blessed.

My job is never the same.  Adolescents are an interesting group of our population- they are funny, emotional, passionate, and most often real.  I have taught Chemistry for 6 years now, and I never teach the content the same way.  Each new group of students brings in a new set of personalities, work ethics, learning abilities, etc.  

I am blessed.

Can you guess which one was $2 & which was $6?

I love my job.  It does not pay much at all, but I don't regret my decision.  Passion > Money.   However, when I was diagnosed with a gluten-intolerance in October, money became a greater issue.  A loaf of bread went from $2-3 to $6-7 AND now has to be kept frozen.  Eating healthy and eating gluten-free just adds to the dilemma. TBH- it's expensive. Plain & simple. 

Add this to the fact that I am looking to become a first-time home buyer this spring, and money has become an issue.

Enter ItWorks!

About 3 weeks after being diagnosed as being gluten-intolerant, I met a now good friend of mine named Lizzy.  Her and her husband  (also a teacher) were first time home buyers with a little girl, and Lizzy had just joined this company, ItWorks!  Over the next 4 months, I became more and more intrigued with this company.  

I Witnessed. . .

Lizzy get a $20,000 BONUS in January, and another $30,000 BONUS this month.

The excitement does not end there. ItWorks! was started by a high school teacher and his stay-at-home wife who were looking for financial security (sounds like my story, doesn't it?).  They simply wanted $500 more a month to supplement his salary.  When they started ItWorks!, they chose network marketing to promote their product because they wanted to provide the same opportunity- financial freedom- to others.  

So Lizzy doesn't get these bonuses in lump-sum amounts that will be heavily taxed and easier to spend on frivolous things. 

With these bonuses, Lizzy has guaranteed her and her family an extra $2,000 a month for the next two years!

But I am not a good sales person. . .

I will be honest with you.  While financial freedom is exciting and tempting, I am NOT a good sales person.  I have tried network marketing 2 other times and failed.  

So why would I join ItWorks! .  . .

I have also witnessed the affects of the ItWorks! products in my life.  

Greens in the morning help me through the day.

In November, I became a loyal customer (only a 3 month commitment- which is why I joined in the first place.  I am a HUGE "commitment-phobe" and 3 months is not that bad.) and began taking Greens.

Within 2 months, I noticed that my energy level throughout the day had gone up, and my internal mood and stress-level had stabilized.
 
Greens offer your body a full serving of fruit and veggies as well as a pro-biotic.  For me, this was a win-win situation.  Green veggies are the hardest things to work into my diet each day, and my gluten allergy is an intestinal allergy. 

Left: Before Right: After one wrap.

In January, I used 3 Wraps to jump-start my post-holiday detox.  The wraps, along with a healthier diet, helped me lose within 1 week and keep off 2" around my waste!

Now, I have added Gluten-Free Core Nutrition vitamins to my diet.  

 

 

I am so excited!!!

God's timing is perfect.  

My goal with ItWorks! is to simply increase my monthly income by $300 so that I can buy the groceries that I need to be healthy.

Interested in learning more about ItWorks!? E-mail me.  Send me a Direct Message via Facebook or Twitter.  Click the ItWorks! Logo above to head to my web-site!

 

Next Blog Topic- Gluten-Free Snacks!

Snowed In & Ready for Spring!

I am a high school teacher, and I am a BASEBALL fan! 

Can you hear the frustration and sadness in my tone when I exclaim, "Jaguar Baseball was suppose to start 2 WEEKS AGO!!!!"?

I am ready for the smell of the grill, the sound of kids playing tag, the taste of sunflower seeds coated in ranch, the feel of spring air, and the sight of the baseball diamond.

Winter 2K15 has been an ordeal!  Our district voted on Wednesday to make up 2 of our 4 snow days on Saturdays in March and April, and now we have had 2 more snow days.  Adios and farewell Saturdays of Spring!

So I am snowed in again for the 3rd time this winter-

My soul is craving beautiful baseball evenings.

My body is itching to work out.

All I can think about are these images that I have seen on Facebook of a former student contorted into some MASTERFUL yoga poses.

I WAS and AM INSPIRED.

So Tuesday night, as I was missing baseball (notice the sweatshirt in the picture) and trying not to stress about missing 6.5 days of school in my AP Physics class, I went to a yoga class.

BEST DECISION EVER.

My relaxation increased, and the next day, my high-intensity cardio class was better because my muscles were stretched and ready.

So now, on my 3rd set of snow days, I am surfing the internet (after posting on online assignment for my AP students- Yes.  I am THAT teacher. Desperate times, people, desperate times.), and I stumble upon this-

 

I am taking the challenge- 30 days of Yoga with Adriene.

And 

I am adding my own challenge- 30 days of Cleansing My Body using ItWorks! Greens.

Winter 2K15 got you down???  Won't you join me??? 

Message Me for links to Adriene's Videos & Info on the Greens!!!

#SummerBodiesStartToday

Snow Days, Snow Men, & Hot Sriracha!

After 2 weeks, we finally got good snow! 

OVER THE PAST 2 WEEKS, I HAVE ONLY SEEN MY STUDENTS FOR 2 FULL DAYS.  

COUNT THEM- 2 FULL DAYS & 3 HALF DAYS. 

THAT'S 10 DAYS, IN THE MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY, AND ONLY 3.5 DAYS OF INSTRUCTION.

 

I AM BEGINNING TO FORGET THEIR NAMES, THEIR FACES, THEIR PERSONALITIES. . . HECK, I AM BEGINNING TO FORGET WHAT I WAS TEACHING! :)

MAY I BE THE FIRST TO LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET-

WHILE TEACHERS ENJOY SNOW DAYS- WE ALSO ENJOY TEACHING & I AM BEGINNING TO MISS MY STUDENTS.  (I KNOW RIGHT?!, SHH. . . IT'S A SECRET!)

WINTER STORM 2K15 HAS BEEN LIKE A PRE-SPRING-BREAK SPRING BREAK.  MY COUSINS AND I HAVE HAD LOTS OF FUN. . . MAKING 5 SNOW MEN, TURNING THOSE SNOW MEN INTO GIANT SNOW BALLS WHEN THEY BEGAN TO MELT, SLEDDING. . . 

BUT LAST WEEK WHEN WE GOT ICE INSTEAD OF SNOW, WE HAD FUN COOKING!  PINTEREST AND I HAVE BEEN BEST FRIENDS THIS MONTH, AND I HAVE FINALLY HAD TIME TO TRY NEW & DIFFERENT RECIPES.

HERE'S ONE OF MY FAVORITES, COURTESY OF CREME DE LA CRUM:

HONEY SRIRACHA CHICKEN

Ingredients

ADD STIR FRY VEGGIES FOR A WELL-ROUNDED MEAL

3-4 chicken breasts, diced

** I ADD ONE BAG OF FROZEN STIR FRY VEGETABLES**
⅓ cup cornstarch

sauce
1 cup water
2-3 tablespoons sriracha (depending on how spicy you want it)
5 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup sugar
2-3 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you want it)
2 tablespoons corn starch + 2 tablespoons cold water
optional: crushed red pepper flakes, cooked rice for serving

Instructions

 

In a small-medium sauce pan, combine the 1 cup of water, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and honey and stir. 

 

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. 

 

Whisk together the 2 tablespoons corn starch and remaining 2 tablespoons of water until dissolved. 

 

Add to sauce pan and stir until thickened. 

 

Reduce heat to low.
*Cute Little Chef not required.* :)

 

 

 

 

 

Add diced chicken and ⅓ cup corn starch to a large plastic bag. 

 

Seal the bag and shake to coat chicken. 

*This step is way more fun with help from cute chefs**

 

Drizzle a large pan or skillet with oil over medium heat. 

 

Add chicken and sauté until browned and chicken is cooked through. 

 

Add the sauce and stir to coat. 

 

Sprinkle with crushed pepper flakes if desired and serve over warm rice.

 Check out Creme de la Crumb's blog for more delicious recipes!  This one was wonderful.  I've already made it twice, and my family has made twice since, too!

Creme de la Crumb's Blogspot

FOR A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE: 

 

Substitute the chicken for an additional bag of stir fry veggies.
Substitute the honey for 2-3 tablespoons of Stevia.

COOKING IN THE SUMMER OR FALL?  

 

Why not check out your local farmer's market for a fresh alternative to the stir fry veggies.

 

WANT A LOW-GI ALTERNATIVE?

 

Substitute the white rice for brown rice. (Note: Brown rice takes twice as long to cook so plan ahead.)
Substitute the honey and sugar for Stevia.

MEAL PLANNING- AM I REALLY DOING THIS?!?!

WEEK 3 OF MEAL PLANNING: SNACKS ARE A NEW ADDITION! :)

LET ME BE VERY HONEST-  

I HAVE ALWAYS HATED THE IDEA OF MEAL PLANNING. 

I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHY.  THE IDEA OF IT SEEMED TOO ORGANIZED, TYPE-A, AND HIGH STRUNG FOR ME.  ASSUMPTIONS, I KNOW, BUT VERY REAL IDEAS THAT PREVENTED ME FROM EVER CONSIDERING IT.

AND THEN I FOUND MYSELF ON A 13 HOUR ROAD TRIP . . . BY MYSELF. . . AND ON A MEDIA FAST. . . 



AND ALL I HAD TO DO WAS THINK, CONSIDER, AND PRAY.





THESE TWO QUESTIONS FLOODED MY BRAIN:

1. HOW DO I EAT HEALTHY & GLUTEN-FREE- ON A BUDGET????

&

2. HOW DO I BALANCE THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY IN MY LIFE WITH MY VERY REAL NEED OF LIVING - ON A BUDGET????? [I AM TWENTY-SOMETHING A SOCIAL LIFE IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO GIVE UP.]

 

AND THEN MY VERY AWESOME FRIEND, SUPER-MOM, & HIPPY-IN-THE-MAKING FRIEND, M, LET ME HANG OUT WITH HER ONE AFTERNOON WHILE SHE MEAL-PLANNED AND SHOPPED FOR THE MONTH.

SHE MEAL PLANNED FOR A MONTH.

I MEAL PLANNED FOR A WEEK.

AND HERE'S WHAT I DISCOVERED:

 MEAL PLANNING IS NOT THAT DIFFICULT.

ACTUALLY, FOR SOMEONE WHO LOVES FOOD AS MUCH AS I DO,   

MEAL PLANNING CAN BE FUN.

 

MOST OF MY LIST IS FROM THE PRODUCE SECTION!

SO IT'S WEEK 3 OF MEAL PLANNING & IT'S THE LAST WEEK OF THE MONTH.

GUESS WHAT??? 

I STAYED WITHIN MY GROCERY BUDGET THIS MONTH- THAT INCLUDES EATING OUT WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY.

THIS ALSO INCLUDES-

• BUYING FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES. 

 

• COOKING FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY.

 

• BEING ON A ROAD TRIP THAT TOOK ME DOWN THE STATE & BACK UP.

 INSTEAD OF MEAL PLANNING BEING ANOTHER CHORE TO ADD TO MY LIST OF THINGS TO DO, I FIND MYSELF LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING IT-

BECAUSE IT OFFERS ME A SENSE OF FREEDOM.  WITH A PLAN IN FRONT OF ME, I CUT DOWN ON BUYING GROCERIES THAT I DO NOT NEED OR BEING TEMPTED TO JUST GRAB SOMETHING ON MY WAY HOME.

THIS ALLOWS ME TO BUY QUALITY & HAVE A LITTLE FUN WITH IT- 

AND NOT FEEL GUILTY!!!

 

THINGS I'VE LEARNED AFTER MAKING 3 WEEKLY MEAL PLANS-

~MAKE IT FUN.  MEAL PLAN ON SOMETHING THAT WILL HOLD YOUR INTEREST.   

PRACTICAL ME WANTED TO MEAL PLAN ON CALENDAR ON MY MAC, BUT I QUICKLY GOT BORED WITH THAT IDEA.  I FOUND THAT CREATING A QUICK, CUTE WEEKLY CALENDAR ACTUALLY MOTIVATED ME TO PLAN.  IF THE IDEA OF CREATING SOMETHING STRESSES YOU OUT, THEN MAYBE A NOTEPAD AND A PEN ARE ALL YOU NEED.

~IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME, TAKE STOCK OF WHAT'S IN YOUR PANTRY.

THIS HELPED ME PICK BETWEEN RECIPES THAT I HAD & HELPED KEEP ME WITHIN BUDGET FOR THE MONTH.

~MARK DOWN THE EVENTS THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT FIRST.

THIS HELPS MAKE THE TASK SEEM LESS DAUNTING.

~PLAN FOR ONE NEW/FAVORITE RECIPE EACH WEEK.  I LIKE TO TRY A PINTEREST MEAL OR TWO.

THIS WAS A TIP MY FRIEND, M, GAVE ME, AND I LOVE IT!  IT KEEPS THINGS CREATIVE & FUN.  SHE ALSO GAVE ME THIS TIP- IF IT'S A RECIPE YOU LIKE, WRITE IT DOWN.  THEN DELETE IT FROM YOUR PINTEREST BOARD SO THAT YOUR BOARD DOESN'T BECOME OVERWHELMING.

 
  

#Health&Freedom

BUDGETS- JUST TYPING THE WORD TURNS MY STOMACHS IN KNOTS.  

HERE'S WHAT I AM LEARNING ABOUT MYSELF THROUGHOUT THIS JOURNEY: 

I AM A TYPE-A PERSONALITY.

THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME PERSONALLY ARE PROBABLY THINKING, "DUH!" BUT LET ME DEFEND MYSELF HERE.  I HAVE WORKED WITH AND LIVED WITH TYPE-A PERSONALITIES, AND WHEN I COMPARED MYSELF TO THEM, I DID NOT SEE MYSELF AS TYPE-A:

•  I CAN STAND A LITTLE CLUTTER.

• SOMETIMES I HAVE NO LAUNDRY BASKETS ON LAUNDRY DAY BECAUSE  CLEAN LAUNDRY IS STILL OCCUPYING MY BASKETS.
  [WHO AM I KIDDING, THERE IS NO DESIGNATED "LAUNDRY DAY." IT'S WHENEVER I AM DESPERATE FOR CLEAN CLOTHES. ]

• I AM PERFECTLY OKAY WITH SOMEONE ELSE BEING IN CHARGE AND PLANNING THE EVENTS.

• I HAVE TO MAKE MYSELF ORGANIZE AND EVEN THEN I ONLY DO IT TO KEEP MY HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN LIFE/SCHOOL GETS BUSY.

HOWEVER, AS I WRESTLE WITH FINDING ANSWERS TO ALL MY QUESTIONS, I AM LEARNING THAT THE REASON I HAVE FAILED WITH BUDGETS SPECIFICALLY IN THE PAST IS BECAUSE I HAVE A HARD TIME DOING SOMETHING AND NOT BEING PERFECT AT IT.  CLASSIC TYPE-A PERSONALITY- RIGHT?!

OVER THE PAST MONTH I HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAT BECAUSE I AM A TYPE-A PERSONALITY, SATAN ATTACKS ME BY POURING ON THE GUILT.  BUT GOD DOESN'T OFFER BELIEVERS A LIFE OF CONVICTION AND GUILT.  HE OFFERS BELIEVERS A LIFE OF CONVICTION AND FREEDOM.

AS THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY COMES TO A CLOSE, 

                LIFE WITH GOD AND A BUDGET HAS GIVEN ME A TASTE OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM:

 NOT FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN THE SENSE THAT MY DEBT HAS BEEN LOWERED, AND NOW I HAVE MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON MYSELF.

 

FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN THE SENSE THAT I HAVE MONEY AFTER SAVINGS THAT CAN BE USED TO HELP OTHERS.

 

 

 I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE CHANCE TO RECEIVE GRACE AND TO EXTEND GRACE.

SO THIS MONTH MY GIRLFRIENDS AND I ARE TAKING SOME OF OUR "EXTRA" MONEY FROM THE MONTH AND RUNNING/WALKING IN THE

WE ARE COMMUNITY GLOW RUN 5K

 ON FEBRUARY 28TH AT 7 PM.  ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE LOCAL CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER IN OUR COMMUNITY.  THIS GROUP OFFERS PROTECTION AND COUNSELING SERVICES FOR THE CHILDREN IN OUR AREA.

WHY DON'T YOU JOIN US? 

 

Eating- A Love Language Among Friends

MY FRIENDS ARE AN AWESOME, ECLECTIC GROUP OF PEOPLE . . . 

                     WHO LOVE TO EAT.  

AMONGST OUR GROUP, WE  HAVE-

                     ITALIAN COOKS
                    THE NEXT TOP CHEF
                    VEGANS
                    CARNIVORES [WHO ARE SOMETIME OMNIVORES IF BREAD IS AN OPTION]
                    A GLUTEN-FREE DIET
                    & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

LIKE I SAID, WE LOVE TO EAT- EAT OUT & EAT IN.

HERE IS A SIMPLE DISH THAT I CAME UP WITH A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO TO ACCOMMODATE THE VEGANS & GF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP.  IT CAN EASILY BE ADJUSTED TO SATISFY THE CARNIVORE'S DIET AS WELL.  IF YOU'RE ALL EATING TOGETHER- THE MEAT COULD BE COOKED ON THE SIDE AND USED TO TOP OFF THE BURRITO BOWL.

TOTAL COST: $8.50

 THE BURRITO BOWL

INGREDIENTS

1 C BROWN RICE 
DASH OF SALT
1-2 TBS FRESH CILANTRO
1 SMALL WHITE ONION (CHOPPED)
1 TBS OLIVE OIL
1 CAN ROTEL DICED TOMATOES [MILD OR MEDIUM DEPENDING ON TASTE PREFERENCE]
1 CAN ORGANIC WHITE CORN (DRAINED)
1 CAN ORGANIC BLACK BEANS (DRAINED)
1 BAG BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS (OPTIONAL)
*OUR LOCAL GROCERY STORE HAS HAD THESE ALL NATURAL TORTILLA CHIPS ON SALE RECENTLY FOR $2.50.
*I USED SRIRACHA WHILE COOKING FOR ADDED SPICE.
*THE PICTURE ABOVE INCLUDES 1 LB OF GROUND BEEF COOKED IN TACO SEASONING & CHEESE AS A TOPPING.   

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 50 - 70 MINUTES 

SERVINGS:  MAKES 6-8 SERVINGS.

DIRECTIONS:     

COOK RICE, CILANTRO, AND SALT ACCORDING TO STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS.   [EITHER ON THE BAG OR IN A RICE COOKER.]

NOTE: BROWN RICE TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 45-60 MINUTES TO COOK.

AFTER RICE HAS FINISHED COOKING, SAUTE ONION IN OLIVE OIL UNTIL ONION BECOMES TRANSLUCENT.

ADD ROTEL, CORN, AND BLACK BEANS TO ONIONS AND COOK FOR AN ADDITIONAL 3-5 MINUTES.

ADD IN THE RICE AND SRIRACHA (TO TASTE) AND COOK UNTIL THE DISH IS WARM THROUGHOUT.

FOR A VEGAN/GLUTEN-FREE MEAL-
SERVE ALONE OR ON TOP OF BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS.  
TOP WITH SALSA [IF YOU COOKED WITHOUT SRIRACHA].

FOR A GLUTEN-FREE MEAL- 
SERVE ALONE OR ON TOP OF BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS.
TOP WITH SALSA [IF YOU COOKED WITHOUT SRIRACHA] & CHEESE.

FOR A MEAL :) -
SERVE ALONE, ON TOP OF BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS, OR ON TORTILLAS.
TOP WITH SALSA [IF YOU COOKED WITHOUT SRIRACHA] & CHEESE.

**IF INCLUDING MEAT, ADD YOUR CHICKEN OR BEEF IN ALONGSIDE THE RICE.**
**COOK THE CHICKEN OR MEAT ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS ON YOUR TACO SEASONING.**

At Least I'm Not Allergic to Chocolate! Living as a Gluten-Intolerant, Socially Conscious Twenty-Something

AT THE  BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH. . . I FOUND MYSELF SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF A MEDIA FAST. . .  AND. . . A 13 HOUR DRIVE.  NOW STOP FOR A MOMENT AND CONTEMPLATE THOSE TWO SITUATIONS-  HERE, I'LL HELP.

IN THE FORM OF AN EQUATION 
[JUST LIKE MY AP STUDENTS DID A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO TO PROVE THAT GIRLS, IN FACT, DO EQUAL EVIL- THAT ONE WILL HAVE TO BE INCLUDED IN A LATER POST]

MEDIA FAST = NO FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM

                                      &

MEDIA FAST = NO TELEVISION OR RADIO

                                     SO

MEDIA FAST = ME + AN ALL SONS & DAUGHTERS CD

                                   NOW

13 HOUR DRIVE = JUST ME + MY CAR, SASHA 
**YES, MY CAR IS NAMED IN HONOR OF J.D.'S SCOOTER IN SCRUBS.  THANK YOU, J.D., TURK, AND DR. COX FOR GETTING ME THROUGH 4 YEARS OF BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY CLASSES IN COLLEGE**

            PUT THE EQUATIONS TOGETHER

MEDIA FAST + 13 HOUR DRIVE = JUST ME + MY CAR, SASHA + AN ALL SONS & DAUGHTERS CD

                          WHICH MEANS

MEDIA FAST + 13 HOUR DRIVE = PLENTY OF TIME TO CONTEMPLATE LIFE

NOW THESE 13 HOURS OF UNINTERRUPTED CONTEMPLATION ALLOWED FOR MANY QUESTIONS TO FLOAT THROUGH MY MIND.  QUESTIONS LIKE-

• HOW DO I BECOME BETTER AT FOLLOWING A BUDGET?  [AS A TEACHER, I HAVE ACCEPTED BUDGETING AS A NECESSARY PART OF MY LIFE THAT ALLOWS ME TO PURSUE ONE OF MY MAIN PASSIONS IN LIFE]

• HOW DO I FOLLOW SAID BUDGET WHILE MAINTAINING A GLUTEN-FREE DIET?  [THIS ONE IS VERY NEW FOR ME BECAUSE I ONLY DISCOVERED MY ALLERGY LAST OCTOBER.]

•  HOW DO I FOLLOW A BUDGET, EAT GLUTEN-FREE, AND EAT HEALTHY? [IN PREPARATION FOR WINTER STORM 2K15, I RECENTLY PURCHASED A $4 LOAF OF GF BREAD WHICH IS HALF THE SIZE OF YOUR STANDARD LOAF OF BREAD.   BUT NEVER FEAR, READERS, I AM STILL ALOUD TO EAT CHICKEN-FAJITA NACHOS WHENEVER I LIKE- AND DON'T FORGET, CHOCOLATE!]
  
• HOW DO I FOLLOW A BUDGET, EAT GLUTEN-FREE, EAT HEALTHY, AND STILL ENJOY THE FELLOWSHIP OF FAMILY & FRIENDS WHILE EATING OUT?  [IF YOUR FRIENDS ARE LIKE MY FRIENDS, EATING IS YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE ;)]
  
• HOW DO I FOLLOW A BUDGET AND MAKE ETHICAL CHOICES ABOUT WHERE MY PRODUCTS  ORIGINATE? [AM I A CONSUMER THAT SUPPORTS FAIR WAGES FOR OTHERS OR AM I A CONSUMER THAT SUPPORTS COMPANIES WHO EMPLOY SLAVE OR CHILD LABOR?]
• IF I AM GETTING READY TO PURCHASE A HOUSE, HOW DO I MAINTAIN A BUDGET WHILE DECORATING A HOME THAT IS WELCOMING FOR OTHERS WHILE STILL LEAVING MONEY AVAILABLE TO INVEST IN OTHERS IN NEED? [THANKS, JEN HATMAKER, SEVEN HAS CHANGED MY LIFE- FOR THE BETTER- BUT I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS TO WRESTLE THROUGH!]

THESE QUESTIONS AND QUITE A FEW OTHERS  FLOATED THROUGH MY MIND THROUGHOUT THE 13 HOUR TRIP, AND I'LL BE HONEST WHILE 13 HOURS SEEMS LIKE PLENTY OF TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS AND FIND ANSWERS.  I STILL HAVE VERY FEW ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS.  

THAT'S WHERE THIS BLOG COMES IN-  I AM A TWENTY-SOMETHING OBVIOUSLY ON A JOURNEY.  AS I BEGAN TALKING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS, I REALIZED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE ASKING THEM.  

SO HERE'S MY STORY. MY JOURNEY.  I'LL BE SHARING-

• INEXPENSIVE GLUTEN FREE RECIPES THAT I'VE FOUND OR CREATED
• MEAL PLANS FOR THE WEEK
• INEXPENSIVE CRAFT IDEAS FOR HOME DECORATION
• SIMPLE WORK-OUT PLANS 
• MY STRUGGLES ALONG THE WAY

HOPE YOU CAN BE ENCOURAGED!   HOPE YOU ENJOY!

LUNCH FOR THE WEEK ($4 DOLLARS PER LUNCH)

INGREDIENTS:

5 MASON JARS 
DRESSING OF YOUR CHOICE
4 OZ OF BROCCOLI FLORETS 
1 PKG OF CARROT STICKS 
1 CAN ORGANIC WHITE CORN
1 CAN ORGANIC BLACK BEANS
1 PKG GRAPE TOMATOS
2 AVOCADOS (PITTED & DICED)
1 HEAD ROMAINE LETTUCE
** MEAT OF YOUR CHOICE COULD ALSO BE ADDED**

IN A MASON JAR, LAYER EACH OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THE ABOVE ORDER.  PLACE IN THE FRIDGE FOR UP TO 5 DAYS.