Highlights of the Week

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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.

Trader Joe's Gingerbread Coffee Canister

Inside Canister of Gingerbread Coffee

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…

Open coffee maker with coffee grounds all over the place

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

Banana-Mango Oats in bowl topped with sliced banana

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

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

With Salad Dressed with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing

Salad Dressed with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing

And made Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups for Dessert

Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cup split in half and stacked
 Close up of inside of Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cup

Monday there were Cherries in the House

 Woman wearing black apron with cherries on it

With a Massaged Kale Salad and Sweet Potato Fries

Kale Salad with mixed vegetables
Stacked Sweet Potato Fries

And Chocolate Chia Pudding for Dessert

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Tuesday I made Raw Vegan Chocolate Turtles

Hand holding one Raw Vegan Chocolate Turtle
Underside of one Turtle

Wednesday was Tribute Post Number 1 where I featured the Food Pictures & Links from Readers who’ve made my original recipes

Kale Chips spread out on tray

 

Spoonful of chia seed pudding
 

Thursday there was an A Shopping Trip to Lululemon

Woman wearing Lululemon attire

And the Details on My New Espresso Machine

Espresso Machine
Digital Display on Espresso Machine

And Vegan Lattes & Carmel Macchiatos for all!

Vegan Latte in mug
Overhead of Vegan Carmel Macchiato in mug

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

 Oatmeal Raisin-Chocolate Chip Raw Cookie Dough Balls
 

To Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as a Doll Skirt
Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as a Doll Skirt
And I also made & indulged in some Raw Chocolate Coconut Snowball Action

Raw Chocolate Coconut Snowball in container with scoop taken out
 Raw Chocolate Coconut Snowball in bowl

And here are a couple Great Salads I’ve enjoyed.  Mixed greens, tomatoes, cukes, carrots, peppers. 

Green salad with mixed vegetables
Close up of Salad with Mixed Vegetables

And massaged kale with brock, cauli, asparagus, tomatoes and Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing

Kale Salad with Vegetables and Homemade Slaw Dressing
Up close of Kale Salad with Vegetables and Slaw Dressing

Yoga Today is Marichyasana A.  Make sure to keep your quads active and engaged, and your foot flexedToes point to the sky, no floppy feet.

Woman doing Marichyasana A yoga pose

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

 

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