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…
I am definitely grateful for all the wonderful people I've got to know through blogger. I truly believe my life is now richer because of it :)
How long have you not been eating meat for? I only just started eating meat again after going veggie when I was 14, so I never learned how to cook meat! Up until recently I could only cook chicken breast on my george foreman grill :P I'm impressed you could cook up turkey for the husband.
it's such a blessing to know such a compassionate and loving person. Your posts always make me feel warm and comforting (sounds silly, but 'tis true!) I hope you had an incredibly Thanksgiving, you deserve no less!
I am grateful for the generic things: my family, gingie, friends, my body and it's capacity to move and embrace the ones I love :) and of course, the blogging community!
Love you honey!
BIG HUG!!! you're so awesome girl :) and youre a wonderful blogger who is super creative! hope you had a fabo holiday
Awww!! I love your everyday eats!!!
Loved reading what you are thankful for too!! After learning about water scarcity in Environmental Science, I definitely realized how much more grateful I should be for those simple things in life. I cant imagine having to go thirsty somedays!! We watched a movie about it and it was SO eye-opening.
So cool that you had a blogger meet-up the other day as well!! They are so much funnnn.
I think I could look at your raw cookie dough everyday………eat it too, but that's another story.
HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Great post, Averie:) Happy Thanksgiving! That's so nice to think of your husband for Thanksgiving and making him a turkey.
I am thankful for my family, my husband, my home, my finances, my job, my dog, and so much more.
Oh there is so so much to be Thankful for, isnt there :)
I am thankful to call you my freind :) For great food, family, MY BODY, my freinds, water, books, makeup ;-)
enjoy your day. xoxo
Averie I am so sorry this is a day late – yesterday was insane and I didn't get much computer time (to myself!!) I want you to know that your comment on my blog made me smile from ear to ear. Words cannot express how truly thankful I am to have you in my life. I admire you so much – your honesty, your peace with the world and your body, your values and how firmly you stand by them, your beauty (both on the inside and out) and all of the advice, support and love you've brought to our friendship. I truly feel as though I've found someone I could be friends for life with, despite the fact that we've never met.
Thank you Averie and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Oh I am so grateful for so many things. Actually, the fact that I can realize that and appreciate it every day is a great thing to be grateful for. I've always known that I was luckier than most people on earth. I have always had clean water, lots of food, a roof over my head, healthy friends and family, my own health, a great education and plenty of extra stuff to make me smile. Many people in this world can't say the same thing. When I feel grumpy about not being able to afford some frivolous object, I remind myself that there are people who can't even afford necessities. So I shut up, stop whining and remember that life is good!
Bautiful, beautiful post! I loved every gratitude-infused word. You make so much sense, you wise wise yogi :) Love your tips of the day.
Today I am grateful for…your raw vegan chocolate chip cookie dough. Oh yes I am! Made a batch of your cookie dough balls today (made 5 dozen…a big batch of balls! TWSS) for afternoon tea and we practically inhaled them. I am also grateful for non-cookie-dough things like hubby and 5 kiddos and a wonderful happy home and life :)
Thanks for putting such a fantastic, inspiring, groovy blog out here for all of us to enjoy and learn from. And thanks for the raw chocolate chip cookie dough recipe :)
XO!
Sheri (Green & Crunchy)
Great post! Im really grateful for the people in my life for sure. They have really helped me in a huge way this past year and I will never forget it=) There are so many things to be thankful for and I try to remember these everyday. Especially on the days I start comparing myself to others. (I sometimes tend to do this) but I remember what I have and what Ive accomplished and I feel very blessed! I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday!
Good morning! Thank you for the vita mix tip! Vita mix is next on my list….It may be under the tree for me this year ;) thank you santa!!
Mmm I just love agave and I think it would be great in a nut butter!
I know doll, I need to get my butt down to warm climates. I have always wanted to go to Arizona, and we know someone with a place there so maybe I can come and visit! We usually do San Diego in Feb and Palm Springs in Sept/ Oct…..ahhhh beautiful!
Have a great day love!
XXOO
I hope you guys enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving!! I'm thankful for the blogging world for the same reasons you are – it is definitely a positive influence in my life :)
Happy belated Thanksgiving :-)
Yummmm, my friend, your food is soo good – always!
I love your list! I really liked the one referring to living in a hot climate. I believe I should have been born somewhere hot! We are always in Palm Springs or San Diego to get away a few times a year!! I need it :)
Happy Thanksgiving Bella!
Talk to you soon
XXOO
Kris
What a sweet post :) That is awesome that you made up some special thanksgiving foods for your man! I am thankful for family, friends, and health! Hope you had a great day
Hi girl! I am so grateful for my amazing family, but also for the *friends* I've met through blogging, like you! :)