Hello Vitality - Life and Recipes

Incase you were not aware (title of blog tends to prevent ignorance here), I am prone to uprooting my life and making big changes, often on a whim, though that is somewhat less the case as I age.  Maybe it's the crazy weather (we're talking 0-60 here), the impending end of my lease and time in Chicago with my amazing Roomy, and the big decision of what to do next.  I tend to get a bit (very) anxious around times of big decision making and kind of freak out.  I don't know anyone who really knows how to handle me when I'm like this, especially no guy.  I don't really know how to handle myself, so I don't blame anyone of course.

I'm making a few big(ish) changes this week.  I chopped off my hair (story of my life), am getting a more permanent addition, which I will divulge more about soon, and I trying to direct all of my energy and attention on myself.  Yeah, just me.  I'm being exceptionally selfish, but I feel a lot of weight for this next move for some reason.  I want it to be the right decision.  I feel like wherever I choose to go next I will be staying for a while.  I need to not be emotionally distracted and I need to kind of go into my own bubble in order to figure out what the best decision is for myself.  Self-hibernation?  Is that the right word?  I don't know.

On another note, I have the recipes from my last workshop!  It went well and we had some great conversations.  20 spritely souls attended and I prepared food in advance so we could do more talking and less waiting and watching me run around preparing food.  I cut things a bit close and completely forgot to take picture unfortunately! But here are the recipes:

Green Juice

1 Bunch Kale

1 Grapefruit - peel and pith removed as thoroughly as possible

1/2 (peeled if not organic) Cucumber

2 Granny Smith Apples

1 inch nob Ginger - add more if you like ginger

Beginning with the greens, turn on juicer on the low setting and juice the first 2 ingredients.  Turn juicer onto high and juice the remaining ingredients.

Breakfast Salad

2 heads of romaine - chopped

1 pint container fresh blueberries

1 ripe Pear - chopped

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

2 Tbs balsamic vinegar

1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

Toss all produce together.  Whisk oil and vinegar and drizzle on top of salad.  Toss to coat.  Consider any fruits to add. Bananas are awesome in breakfast salads.  Also consider a vanilla peanut butter dressing!

Arabic Rice and Lentils (Mjaddarah)

3/4 yellow onion chopped

1 Tbs Olive oil

About 3 Tbs Cinnamon

1 cup lentils (gets 2 cups water)

1.5 - 2 cups Basmati Rice or other long grain rice (gets 3-4 cups water)

Salt to taste

Cumin (optional)

Serve with yogurt

In a large pot, heat about 1 Tbs olive oil in a pot.  Add onions and cinnamon (cumin if using).  Sauté for 1-2 minutes.  Add lentils and cook for another 2 minutes.  Add rice and water.  Bring to a boil then to a simmer.  Cover pot and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes, checking water absorption to prevent burning after 15 minutes.

You can purchase a non-flavored, preferably unsweetened non-dairy or good quality yogurt (key words: organic, pastured, grass fed & finished) if you are eating dairy.  You can also make a homemade Cashew Yogurt by soaking cashews for 3 or more hours and blending or processing with lemon juice.  For a less sour tasting yogurt, add water as well and adjust liquid to get proper consistency.  To get a really smooth texture, I'd recommend a high powered blender.

My Mom's Hummus

1 can Garbanzo Beans, or soaked and boiled (this is a nice link)

Water of the Garbanzo Beans

4 Tbs Tahini

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

Salt to taste

Cumin to taste

Put garbanzo beans in a food processor with the other ingredients, adding the liquid of the beans a little at a time at the end in order to achieve the desired consistency.  For a smoother texture put in a blender.  You may need to make a larger batch depending on the size and shape of your blender. 

Gluten-Free Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Quinoa Pasta - Elbow noodles - cooked as directed on box

Half a jar of dun-dried tomato pesto

Alternative: Make your own

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garlic

Olive Oil

Salt

1/3-1/2 cup Parsley - washed and dried

Bring water to a boil, add pasta and while pasta cooks, use your food processor to combine either the jar of sun-driend tomato pesto with the parsley or the homemade sun-dried tomato pesto with the parsley.  Drain noodles and immediately mix with sauce to prevent noodles from sticking.  Top with Vegan Parm.

Cashew Parm

1/4 cup Cashews

Lemon juice - 1/4 lemon, add more if you prefer

3-4 Tbs Nutritional Yeast (Red Star Brand is preferred)

Salt to taste if you are using unsalted Cashews

Put all ingredients into food processor and process.  Add nutritional yeast if mixture is too wet.

Quick and Easy Banana Cream Pie

1 Pie crust - pre-bake (see recipe or buy frozen)

3-4 bananas depending on size

16 oz non-dairy yogurt of choice

1 can coconut milk

1 Tsp Vanilla

1-2 Tbs Maple Syrup

Place can of coconut milk upside down in the fridge.  Allow to set for at least 2 hours.  Prepare Pie crust and allow to thoroughly cool.  Mash bananas and mix with yogurt.  To be quick, throw both ingredients into a food processor, but this will result in less texture.  Pour mixture into pie crust.  Open can of coconut milk from the bottom of the can, which should be facing upwards since you flipped the can over when you put it into the fridge.  Pour out water or retain to add to other dishes in the future.  Scoop out the cream and whisk with vanilla and maple syrup.  Scoop on top of pie and either refrigerate to allow to set or serve immediately.  Consider drizzling with chocolate sauce or adding coco powder to the coconut cream for a chocolate topping.

4 Months

I have 4 months to make some bigger decisions. Story of my life right?  What happens in 4 months?  In 4 months my lease is finished.  My amazing time spent in Chicago with my roomy will be over.  My heart will break many times over when this happens.  Chicago has been one of the best years of my life.  I will always remember it fondly and love it so so much.  So what lies ahead?  What is my next adventure?  My next home?  I have 3 destinations in mind.

New Zealand

This spot has been on my radar for a year or so now.  I had initially been talking about going there with my Ex, Miguel but that obviously fell through.  The thought and desire has remained though.  I'd like to go to New Zealand.  This is a great time to do that too.  They have a Work Holiday Visa for people under the age of 30 to travel and work for 1-2 years.  It sounds just perfect for what I need right now.  And I need to get out of the country again.  I'll be taking a trip to Europe in the summer or fall, so that will be nice regardless.

New York

There are friends and family and many memories populating this lovely area.  I have some opportunities that may or may not present themselves in the near future.  There is a clearer path of where things may lead if I go back to the east coast.

California

I've had it in my mind to go live in Cali.  It seems like a place I would love to live.  I'd be starting from scratch again, like I did in Chicago.  This isn't the worst thing in the world, but I'm starting to think like this: if I'm going to go somewhere to be somewhere new that is more health and environmentally aware, why not go to another country?  I do have other draws to Cali, romantic ones, I'll admit that freely.  But California is feeling less right for my NEAR future.  It is seeming like something I'd want to look into in a few years from now.

No decision has to be made now.  I do understand that, but I am feeling the weight to make one soon.

Where Did The Week Go?

Wow!  I can't believe it is already Thursday!  I have no idea where the time went. I guess that's what happens when you work at a fast-paced restaurant.  I passed my waitress test on Tuesday and today was my second day as waitress.  I really missed waiting tables.  I know that may sound silly, but I really enjoy it.  I always did.  I remembered it fondly and love taking care of the people who sit in my section.  I get all section proud and want it to look perfect all the time.

This is a quick post because I have to grab some coconut oil before teaching my class tonight.

I'll use this as an opportunity to let you all know about my food workshop on Saturday!

It is called Foundational Foods!  Hopefully I'll see some of you there!

Healthy living has a foundation in food, which affects our mood, our energy levels, our ability to focus, and can even affect the way we view ourselves. With so much culture, tradition, and nostalgia associated with what we eat, how can a person change to live a more wholesome lifestyle? Come by for some tasty cooking/uncooking demonstrations, where you'll learn interesting tips and tricks for your everyday kitchen needs, plenty of eating, and great discussions.

We'll be going through the foundations for a healthful food lifestyle, dipping our toes into a few major eating styles like the Standard American Diet, Veganism, Paleo, Raw, and Gluten Free as well as how to foster positive relationships between food, body, and mind. We'll even discuss juicing, cleansing, and what it all means. The goal is to have you leave with a better idea of what you want from your food and how you are going to get it into your life.

This is a open environment where all beliefs and ideas are welcome. The only requirement is that you COME HUNGRY!

Monday Memories

I've decided to make Monday Memories a thing now. They will be picture posts with little blurbs to show the weekend's endeavors. I don't like blogging on the weekend; I prefer to just live and go with the flow. So I thought this would be a fun thing to do to start the week too.

I'm also trying to figure out how to post pictures and write blurbs underneath them using the Blogger App. Does anyone know?

Well, I discovered a new cool sandwich place that advertises that it has Vegan and Gluten Free foods, which alway attracts my attention. It's called Hannah's Pretzels. I got a yummy sandwich obviously. It was supposed to have truffle oil, but I didn't taste any. It tasted very fresh, but not very flavorful.

It's getting cold in Chicago again. I woke up to a 12F morning. Not too excited about that. See, lovely friends and family , the Bay Area may be chilly but it never does rediculous things like this. Point made. If some of you didn't know, I have a plan to move to Berkeley California in the near future. More details to come.

I discovered that Karyn's Cooked now sells doughnuts! They look just like the ones from Fritz Pastry! I had to try it with my favorite Ron's Salad for lunch.

And studying for my new waitressing job while sipping yummy foamy drinks!

And Delilah snuck into the warm spot on my bed after I woke up. Roomy and I have been thinking about getting her a friend. We'll see if anything comes of that.

Wonderful Wednesday

Source

I just HAD to share this recipe for Gluten-Free Vegan Tagliatelle with Winter Greens Pesto from one of my favorite blogs, Manifest Vegan.  Allyson Kramer recently published a book and her recipes and standards for her food is high, so do check her out.  The reason I felt so compelled to share this recipe with you all, my lovely readers, is because it caters to the season.  This is not a pesto made from handfuls of basil, but a lovely sauce made from a mixture of hardy winter greens.  I think getting a variety of dark leafy greens into foods during the chillier months, I'd say cold, but it was 46F in Chicago today, is the hardest and best thing you can do for your ability to get through to summer in one sane piece.

And for those of you who have been wondering: I am not jobless anymore.  I had my eye on a brunch spot right near the yoga studios I teach at where the money is good and the shifts are long, my feet can attest to that more adamantly than my perception, but end with plenty of daytime to spare.  I love mornings.  After persistence and some very wonderful acts at the right time, it all fell into place; I got the interview and the job in the same day.  Don't you love it when that happens.  No going home analyzing your responses and wondering if you were too peppy for a brunch waitressing job.

Today was day 2 in training.  The people are just lovely, even the moody ones.  I'm really excited, and a bit nervous, to get out on the floor by myself with my own sections and my own mistakes, which I'm sure I'll make at least a few of.  I do love waitressing.  I love the customers and how your sections become like your own little world that you're in charge of running smoothly.

My first day, my trainer happened to be the only other vegan on staff and we happen to go to the same gym.  I have a feeling we may hang out there sometimes.  I'm looking to start swimming again.  For some reason it seems like a good idea in the winter?  And there may be a dance class on the horizon too.  More to come on that.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Monday Memories

My time back home.

Had many a coffee date with my mom.  We talked on our phones next to each other.  That's true bonding.

We actually hung out, I just caught a candid when she wasn't paying attention to me.

My brother's girlfriend designed this screen print

My dad surprised me with these butterflies hovering over my lamp!

Giant cupcakes! I love Oreos!

Lots of tea

Back in Chicago before my work starts, I enjoyed the BBQ Vegan Ribs at Chicago Diner.  How have I not known about these before???

With my good friend Jared!  I gave him a haircut (after dinner) and a resume review to get him ready for job hunting, along with a very tasty Vegan Reuben.

Welcoming me home!  Delilah.  My one and only love.

Colored my hair back to a brown.  Luckily the red is still visible, though muted.  (Got a new job, had to change my hair!)

And Delilah wearing the gift my mom got her!  It's always good to end a picture post with an adorable critter!

Resolutions? They're More Like Guidelines

I don't usually set New Year's Resolutions for the simple reason that I don't think the new year is any more of a perfect time to set goals than today or yesterday or later this afternoon.  As I stated in my last post, I see the New Year as a great opportunity and reminder to take a moment to reflect on the past year of your life and see what was important and what needs tweaking.  I thought it would be fun to make a goal guideline list-thing as something to check in on every month.  The hard part of making general goals for a whole year is that I don't really know where I'll be or what I'll be doing for the whole year.  I have a plan for what I'll be doing through the summer, but what of the other half of the year?

I watched this great vlog on Kris Carr's inspiring and peppy site.  There were some great points about the whole resolution/goal setting thing.   First of all, that you have to really want that change.  If you don't really, seriously in your heart, want something about you to change then it won't.  Forget the "should."  Maintaining the desire is the key to actually accomplishing a habit change.  The spark has to be there, but so too does the fire with the hot, slow-burning, coals.  Another point made in the video is that you shouldn't worry about tomorrow.  Think about today and set a daily intention.  If it is a harder addiction that you're trying to break or change then just focus on staying present that very hour; just get through the next hour.  Take it one step at a time.  "The key is the subtle shifts."  So true!

I broke my goals up into 4 categories for simplicity's sake.

FINANCIAL

Stabilize.  One thing that comes with moving around a lot is lack of stability.  Surprise.  So, I'm getting tired of being broke, another surprise, and my goal for this year is to commit to a job.  I'm actually quite good at saving my money, not a perfect saver by any means, so sticking to a job and a place would be a welcomed shift for me.  I don't know if that would mean a normal job or if it would mean something that I create.

BUSINESS

Personal.  Yup, I'm talking about the blog, my soon to be live website, and my yoga and food classes.  I want to actively grow this part of my life.

HEALTH

Consistency.  I want those healthy habits that I preach about and that make me feel so great to be part of my lifestyle.  They have become stronger habits every month and every year and I want to cultivate that more.  Small steps lead to big changes, so that's what I've been doing for years.  I just want to keep it up. Yoga. Gym. Food. Fun.

PERSONAL

Fun.  This ties into that important word at the end of my last blurb.  Fun.  Play.  I want to enjoy hobbies.  Roomy and I got rid of our internet in the apartment, so I have plenty of time to do things I love without the lure of Netflix or other virtual distractions.  I've been working on a puzzle, which I brought back for both of us to play with (when was the last time you did a puzzle?  It's so rewarding and meditative!).  I have a big book that I've been reading.  And I have a forgotten paint-by-number I'd love to finish.  There are some bigger hobbies I'd love to get involved in as soon as possible.  Dance and video editing.  The things I loved and spent so much time on in high school.  It has been too long.

I'm satisfied with these overview goals.  Each month will have subgoals that compliment these big ones and help me get closer and closer and closer....Until!  Until what?  Until I feel more balanced, stable, and grounded.  That's what I'm working toward at this time in my life. What is the point of your goals? What are you working toward and why?

Reflections on 2012

Sojourning is not just about global travel or moving to new cities, which I love to do, but also about the little moments and adventures that keep life fresh and ever-changing.  I've been having a month of broken routines and blowing with the breeze (frigid though the breeze has been), and now I am back in Chicago, in my lovely apartment, with my lovely roommate, and it is time to get my plans in order again.  Create a bit more stability for the coming year, so I can continue to have adventures of course!  Let's take a look back on 2012 then, appreciate where I came from, and then move forward.

I don't specifically assign such novel acts to the New Year.  I think it is always good to have goals and dreams and things to work toward every day, every hour.  This time of year is a consistent marker to take the opportunity though.  It's time to take a look back on 2012 then, appreciate where I came from, and then move forward.

January

Roomy's Dachshund

• Hung out with my current roommate for the first time

February

• Graduated from Yoga Teacher Training
• Started working at the front desk at the yoga studio part-time

March

• Made my move out of a place that didn't make me happy and gradually moved in to my current apartment

April

• Began working with Edible Alchemy, a food co-op that is wonderful and the people there are absolutely amazing.  Though I only worked with them for the month, I helped create the food shares from local farmers and help collect the huge orders from the farmer's market
• Started doing private cooking classes as a trade with a couple

May

• Met my current Boyfriend (as a friend first)
• Quit my job at Starbucks and became full-time at the yoga studio - happy camper I was!
• Started teaching yoga at the studio

June

• Turned 24!
• Ran my first paid food workshop

July

• Visited Helen, my nanny from when I was a wee little baby!
• Started teaching at 2 yoga studios
• Did my first professional grocery store walk through and private lesson on labels and marketing

August

Burning Man!

• Taught yoga to kids for the first time
• Taught kids about food for the first time
• Went on my first long bike trip
• Went to Burning Man!

September

• Went to Mind Body University and learned about running a small business sparking the entrepreneurial flame.

October

Me, Sarah, and our trail guide Mo, Wisconsin wedding

Mo, Grace, Me, Sarah, Alaska adventure

• Went to my trail friend's wedding!  We backpacked together through a camp for a few summers in a row and spent 40 days backpacking through Alaska with 2 other lovely ladies, and I was able to go to her wedding
• 1 year Chicago move anniversary (Officially the longest I've been in place by my own choice that is not school)

November

• Ha!  I got my wisdom teeth out
• Took my first hooping classes!

December

• Ended my job at the yoga studio
• Went home and saw my wonderful friends & family
• Job interview for a summer position (more info to come hopefully soon)

If you stuck it out this long, you're amazing!  I'd encourage you to make a list like this to see what your year consisted of and also to take note of which events are important to you, and which you don't think important enough to make note of.  That says a lot about who we are and what makes us happy.