Chocolate Treat

I love this treat.  Let them thaw a bit and they're fantastic.  So simple and yummy.

What do you like as your chocolate treat?

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Bikini Abs

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Don't be Afraid

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One Year Anniversary

Sebastian and my one year anniversary was March 25.  However, he was dealing with a death in the family.  So we celebrated late.  We went out to Brazzaz restaurant.  I didn't know where we were going.  I was told to dress up and he surprised me.

They have an amazing salad bar and grilled pineapple.  It was such a delicious meal.

Afterwards, we exchanged gifts.

I painted this collage for him. 

He gave me this gorgeous Michael Kors bracelet!  I love this.

We had such a wonderful time.  He makes my heart full.

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Gratefulness

What I'm grateful for this past week...

April 23 - I am grateful for figuring out a detailed budget by following Dave Ramsey's book and advice.

April 24 - I am grateful for being able to get off work easily when sick.  It's nice to work somewhere that treats be like an adult versus a kid who needs to be scolded.

April 25 - I am grateful for a day of rest and ordering groceries.

What are you grateful for?

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Belated Gratefulness

I'm behind in posts.  This is what I was grateful for during the week between April 12-18, 2015.

I've been grateful for:

April 12 - I am grateful for showers.  It's something that makes me feel refreshed and when I need it, like I'm washing the negative away.

April 15 - I am grateful for discovering Dave Ramsey's books.

April 18 - I am grateful for time outside.

What are you grateful for?

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Buttermilk Pancakes

These buttermilk pancakes are delicious!!  They don't look appetizing while you make them, but the outcome is fantastic, especially drizzled with maple syrup!

I got this recipe from The Diva Dish: Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients:

2 c flour

2 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 6oz water and set aside

2 cups milk mixed with 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar and set aside for later

1/4 cup melted coconut oil, plus more for pan

1/4 cup liquid sweetener (I used maple syrup)

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large bowl sift bowl sift together flour, baking soda, powder, and salt.  Then add in the almond milk mixture, chia gel (with the excess water discarded), melted oil, sweetener, and vanilla.  Mix together, but careful not to over mix because it will make your pancakes flat and tough.

Heat griddle and add a little bit of coconut oil to melt and coat pan.  Pour about 1/4-1/3 cup batter onto medium heated skillet and cook a couple minutes each side, until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.  Top with maple syrup.

I love these pancakes and will definitely make them again.

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No Excuses Workout

Lately, I'll workout for a couple days and then make excuses.  I need to stop.  I don't feel as good as I should and I need to improve my immune system.  I found this workout and it's perfect.

No more excuses.

Let's do this!

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Indulge Yourself

This is important to remember.

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Hanging Out on a Friend's Birthday

I went to visit my friend, Heidi.  We hadn't seen each other in a long time and wanted to get together, hang out and possibly do some crafts.  And it happened to be her birthday!  I felt so blessed to share her day.

At the train station, they have this sign.  I always find it funny.

We went to cracker barrel for breakfast.  I love the store section.  I thought these were too cute!

We exchanged Christmas gifts. She got me one of my favorite holiday movies!  I'm so excited!

Heidi's boyfriend surprised her by sending her flowers.  They're so pretty and colorful!  I love it!

We had breakfast, went to Half Priced Books (my favorite store!), and hung out.  I even had Chipotle for the first time for dinner.  It's actually pretty good.  They have great vegan options including marinated tofu.  So delicious!

What have you done for fun this week?

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Back to Running

It's starting to get occasionally warmer here.  So I need to get back to running outside!  This warm up would be perfect to do along with similar ones.

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When to Hydrate

It's important to hydrate during the day.  But are there specific times of the day that are beneficial?

Cure Joy's website posted an article about just that.  I thought it was an interesting read and figured I'd share the information.

Staying Hydrated

Are you drinking enough water?

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Self Care

I am a strong advocate for self care.  I used to put myself on the back burner.  I would be focused on school, friends, family, relationships...taking care of other things or people first.  What I have learned the hard way (by getting both physically and mentally sick), you need to take care of yourself first.  Once you have met all your needs, it is easier to take care of others.  You feel more open and confident.  As life goes, however, circumstances, situations, environment, relationships and lifestyle change.  So you have to take the time to plan how to take care of yourself.  You constantly change as you grow and get older (same as everything around you).  So you have to take your thoughts and feelings into consideration.  What will make you happy?  What will make you healthy?  What will help you become the best version of you?

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Gratefulness

This week I am grateful for...

April 5 - I am grateful for a wonderful Easter with Sebastian.  We had a fantastic meal at Chicago Diner and watched Here Comes Peter Cottontail and Harvey (my Easter movies).

April 8 - I am grateful for a fantastic day with my friend Heidi.

April 9 - I am grateful for a clean apartment, errands done, and for a wonderful night with good food, my guy, and Big Bang Theory.

April 10 - I am grateful for Jordanna as a friend.  I'm grateful for my mom always being there for me when I need her most.  I'm grateful that, even though I'm sick and have a long road in curing it, it's not worse and can be fixed.  I'm also grateful for a night out with Sebastian for a belated celebration for our one year anniversary.  I love my family.

What are you grateful for?

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Errands and Studying

I was out running errands and I passed this in a store window.  I thought it was pretty cool and knew my mom would love it.  It's so different.  I love seeing art around the city or when you least expect it.

I then spent the day studying, drinking tea and having a Hobbit marathon!!  I love that I have all three movies now.  I love that series so much!

What are you doing today that makes you happy or that brings you closer to a goal?

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Burn 1000 Calories

Want a simple, straight-forward way to lose 1,000 calories?  This is perfect.

Start doing this daily or at least three times a week and you'll see a difference.

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Thai Quinoa Casserole

I saw this recipe on Pinterest.  It sounded and looked amazing.

This is what I figured it would look like when finished.  But mine looked like this:

It wasn't bad.  It actually was excellent, but more for a side.  Possibly make it for a large party as a side dish.  (It's a lot of quinoa!)  I'd also add more vegetables than was asked for.

Ingredients

1.5 cups quinoa
2 red bell peppers
3 small jalapeno peppers
2 minced cloves of garlic
1 15oz can of black beans
1 15oz can of coconut milk (I used regular coconut milk and that might have been the difference.)
2 tbsp of coconut oil
1/2 tsp of salt
1 1/2 tsp of curry powder
Dash of cayenne powder
Dash of chili powder
1 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Directions

Preheat oven to 350
Rinse quinoa thoroughly and boil for 7-10 minutes.
In a large skillet, cook garlic in coconut oil on medium heat.  After a minute, add red bell and jalapeno peppers, cayenne, curry powder, and chili powder.  Cook for 6 minutes.
Add the sauteed mixture to the quinoa in a separate mixing bowl.
Stir in the black beans, cilantro, coconut milk, and salt.
Transfer mixture to 8x11 dish and cook for 30-40 minutes.
Add garnishes if you want.  Serve immediately.

I hope if you make this, yours comes out better than mine.

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BE

Stop talking and start taking action.  Be it.

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Gratefulness

March 29 - I am grateful for a clean apartment and for finally having a table to eat on. (Something simple that I haven't had for years.)

March 31 - I am grateful for my life: job, relationship, friends, family and for who I am.

April 3 - I am grateful for time to get things accomplished and to relax.

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New Decorations

I wanted a change.  Something new to brighten up my apartment and my mood when entering a room.  I figured that the bathroom was the cheapest and easiest room to redecorate.  I got a new shower curtain and bath mat.  I love the colors and makes me smile when I walk in.

What can you do to brighten your day?

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Down Dog

I absolutely love this.  I cannot way to try it.  I love how it works your whole body.

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