So how’s the first half of the weekend been for you so far? Mine’s been interesting. The stars have not exactly been aligned for me today. Why? Well, I got up early to go to an 8:15 A.M. yoga class, had a couple toddler calamities as I was heading out the door and managed to hit every light wrong on the way to the studio and unfortunately arrived at 8:17 A.M. and was locked out of the building. No amount of knocking on the door or begging the Zen Gods was gonna open the locked door. So, no yoga studio yoga for me today.
I practiced at home but was really looking forward to the group spirit. I have to say, it’s been more than 5 years since I was locked out of a class. The entire time we lived in California, that never happened, so that’s why I know it’s been more than 5 years.
But never fear, I was close to TJ’s and I had read a great note from Julie telling me that the TJ’s Gingerbread Coffee is something I might like. So, I picked a can of it up.
I came home and was all excited after my at-home yoga practice and shower to drink my coffee.
I turned the coffee maker on, showered, and came back to this…
Lovely. Apparently it is one of those coffee blends that the coffee grounds really expand. Whoa, Nelly! I did salvage one gritty cup and the flavor is awesome. The next pot, sans grounds, will be even better, no doubt!
But, I saved the morning with a some Banana-Mango Oats
1/2 c dry oats
1/2 banana mushed & cooked with the oats
handful of dried mango pieces cooked with the oats
2/3 c lowfat vanilla almond milk
Garnished with the other 1/2 of banana
Stirred in Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract
And then I headed out for some retail therapy. I went to Nordstrom Rack, another place I rarely go and you’d never know we were in a recession from the droves of people shopping. I picked out a few casual duds, not sure what I’m keeping yet, but it was fun. But you know what, I’m not a rooter and rumager and always feel a bit disorganized and chaotic in those kinds of places, but in general shopping is always fun for me, so no compliants!
I’m glad you enjoyed the Reader Tribute Post, Take 2 that I posted yesterday. Thanks again to all the readers who read my blog, make my recipes, and who sent me the links to their posts. It was sooo awesome featuring all those recipes that you all made. It made me feel so warm-n-fuzzy that people actually make my recipes. Wow, I’m honored!
But let’s get to this week’s recap, and if you missed last week’s recap, check it out here.
Sunday I made Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
With Salad Dressed with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing
And made Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups for Dessert
Monday there were Cherries in the House
With a Massaged Kale Salad and Sweet Potato Fries
And Chocolate Chia Pudding for Dessert
Tuesday I made Raw Vegan Chocolate Turtles
Wednesday was Tribute Post Number 1 where I featured the Food Pictures & Links from Readers who’ve made my original recipes
Thursday there was an A Shopping Trip to Lululemon
And the Details on My New Espresso Machine
And Vegan Lattes & Carmel Macchiatos for all!
Friday I paid more Tribute to Readers Who Sent in Their Pictures of My Recipes that they’ve made.
Everything from
Oatmeal Raisin-Chocolate Chip Raw Cookie Dough Balls
To Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as a Doll Skirt
And I also made & indulged in some Raw Chocolate Coconut Snowball Action
And here are a couple Great Salads I’ve enjoyed. Mixed greens, tomatoes, cukes, carrots, peppers.
And massaged kale with brock, cauli, asparagus, tomatoes and Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing
Yoga Today is Marichyasana A. Make sure to keep your quads active and engaged, and your foot flexed. Toes point to the sky, no floppy feet.
Tip of the Day: Heather has a GiveAway!
What’s your shopping strategy in stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and the like where there’s not really any order to the merchandise? Can you find things or is it all just such a hodge-podge that you really can’t see the forest from the trees? I have to say, I’m pretty much the later. But, in the spirit of finding good deals, I thought I’d give it a whirl today. Fun, and there were deals no doubt, but a bit too chaotic I’m thinking for me. What’s your take?
Any stores you’re hoping your relatives hit up for you for the Holidays? I hope my husband hits up Tiffany for me. Kidding. Well, not really, but I can dream, right…
Stay Tuned For A Raw Vegan Cookie that all the Nut Butter Fans are Going to Lovvvvvve…
Those cookies look SO good!! I need to try some vegan baking – it always looks fantastic!
Not to be a total cheese ball, but I'm thankful that I found your blog Averie! I'm striving everyday to do more yoga and eat more raw foods, you're inspiring! Thank you!
happy thanksgiving averie! thank you for the sweet comment on my site. i, too, appreciate your friendship, your blog, and your ever positive disposition. i hope you have a wonderful day with your family. all my best wishes!
I loved your list, I am thankful for thankful friends! I think it's so important to be grateful and recognize the wonderful things we have going for us.
And I'm totally with ya on cloth diapers and not much grossing you out anymore.
Happy Thanksgiving giving doll face – lots of love coming your way!
I'm a new reader– just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and tell you how much I've enjoyed the recipes over the past 2 months since I found your blog. I made your vegan no-bake pumpkin pie for today's dessert and it was heavenly. Thanks for all the recipes you share!
I like your last paragraph – I had a similar reflection on my latest post – when you find yourself reflecting on the things you don't have or the "not enoughs" , stop and ask yourself "How is this attitude stopping me from enjoying the things I already have?". We can't appreciate the good fortune we DO have if we are constantly searching outside of ourselves for more and more. Namaste.
i LOVE all the things you are thankful for..and even all the simple things you said that we so very often take for granted..
im so thankful i have a college i love, parents who pay for me to go there, people that love me, and a straight path to take in the future!
thank you for answering my question! you certainly look VERY much so in shape..thats why i asked!
Happy Thanksgiving, Averie! I am so thankful for my family, my boyfriend, and my adorable pets. They all make me so happy. :)
I always try to remember to not compare myself to others, but it can be difficult at times. I'm sure each and everyone one of us has something to be grateful for, and we should all remember that!
Im grateful for you too Averie!! Im so glad I stumbled onto your blog one day. I have learned so much and consider you a friend. I hope you and yours had a super holiday!! Im looking forward to your pics :)
What a beautiful post Averie! I just love how you put your husband first today and was fine with making him a turkey. You obviously have a understanding, loving relationship, and I am so happy for you! :)
I'm simply grateful for each any every day I wake up healthy and in charge of my life. I truly feel like I can do anything my heart desires, and that feeling is irreplaceable.
xxoo
Heather
Awesome gratitude post! I'm grateful for many of the same things you are.
And I'm grateful that I'm old enough to know myself.
But every day things come into sharper focus (even as my eyes start to go). For example, through blogging I've really come to realize that I am outwardly motivated, not inwardly motivated. That's why I love school and work because I'm constantly being motivated and encouraged by others.
So today, in my yoga class which I would NEVER have done on Thanksgiving Day EVER if I weren't so inspired by others, I thought of you and HEAB…and my friend Sally who, little did I know, was at her own yoga class this morning.
I am grateful for that insight about myself and for people like you who encourage us all to be better people.
:)
Happy thanksgiving, Averie! I think that's amazing you made a turkey for your husband even though you're vegan. That's so considerate and honorable of you! I love your thankful list, too. I'm thankful for family, friends, the opportunity to visit them, my healthcare plan, and the chance to pursue an education I am passionate about. And the blogging world! :)
I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can't wait to hear about it, hopefully next week!
I'm VERY grateful for my life, my family, and my health.
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Thank you Averie…I am grateful for finding my new home right where we wanted to…I never dreamt it would happen so soon…Sometimes we are blessed when we least expect it…It is a life changing experience…
Amazing post Averie! I find that I have an easy time finding and practicing gratitude. I have always been extremely grateful for what I've been given and try to be mindful of that each day. I just wrote my last post on this and it's very similar to this. Thank you for the reminder and the wonderfully written words!