Now available in our Etsy shop this week's meal plan! For $6 you get the meal plan, recipes and a grocery list!
Can it get any easier than this?
Saturday lentil and bulger pilaf, hummus, pitas, dates
Sunday pancakes, vegetarian sausage, fruit salad (April Fools Day backwards dinner)
Monday spaghetti squash with artichoke asparagus sauce, garlic bread, salad
Tuesday quinoa burritos, cilantro lime rice, Mexican chocolate cakes
Wednesday celebrating Passover: sweet potato kugel, baba ganoush and matzo, matzo ball soup
Thursday Baseball Opening Day! Veggie dogs, broccoli slaw, sweet potato and zucchini fries, home run cupcakes
Friday pizza & pasta fagioli, cannolis
Saturday seitan tacos, Spanish rice, refried black beans, agua fresca
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Around the Curves March 30, 2012
Around the Curves
March 30, 2012
Playlist:
Fudosan-Uttara Kuru
Its In Our Hands-Bjork
Skinny Love-Bon Iver
A Heaven in Your Eyes-Psicodreamics
Dear Avery-the Decemberists
Everyday is Like Sunday-Morrissey
Lazy Line Painter Jane-Belle & Sebastian
Roll Away Your Stone-Mumford & Sons
Happy-Public Image Limited
Heads Will Roll-Yeah Yeah Yeah
God Only Knows-Jonatha Brooke
C’est Toi-Edith Piaf
Snow in Woods-Tao of Peace
Harmonic Crystal Bowls-Tibetan Singing Monks
Try this 5-minute morning meditation when you wake up and see if it changes your outlook for the rest of the day!
• Set an alarm for 5 minutes so you do not have to watch a clock. If you can choose the sound, try to find something soft and peaceful, not too jarring. If you can, use an ipod that you can set to play relaxing music to alert you that your time is up.
• Start in a comfortable position you can remain in for 5 minutes. If you know your back is going to ache sitting cross legged on the floor, sit against a wall for support, in a comfortable chair, or lay down! Who says meditation has to be seated anyway??
• Begin by focusing on your breath as you gradually deepen each inhale and each exhale. Label each breath, silently saying to yourself, “I am breathing in, I am breathing out.” This is a way of keeping your focus in the present moment.
• You can chose to stay with this labeling of the breath as your mantra (repetition of a word or phrase) or chose another mantra if you would like, one that describes the kind of day you are going to have. You can say to yourself “I will be relaxed today.” Or “I will remain present in this day.” "I will remain calm in all situations today" " I will be kind to everyone that I encounter." Or any other mantra that resonates with you. Repeating a mantra is way to focus all of your attention on one word or thought, and stay present in the moment. This allows all other thoughts to melt away, and your mind becomes calm and clear. By repeating and focusing on an idea or a theme you want to incorporate into your day, you are putting that energy into the universe. Remember, what we think we create & what we think we become! So think good thoughts!
• Continue with full deep inhales and complete exhalations as you silently repeat your mantra to yourself. If your attention wanders, acknowledge that it has wandered, and then gently guide it back, without judgment or frustration. Even if you find your mind wandering every 5 seconds, try not to get discouraged. Treat your mind during meditation the way you would treat a puppy you are training to sit: with kindness and patience.
Tonight’s flow focuses on the revolved side angle pose (Parivrtta Parsvakonasana) which can improve digestion, cleanse abdominal organs, and enhance spinal flexibility and alignment.
Post Yoga Snack
Mango Mandarin Smoothie
1 c soy or skim milk
½ c diced mango
½ tsp honey
½ c mandarin orange segments
1 banana diced
Put all ingredients in a blender, and puree. Drink immediately
March 30, 2012
Playlist:
Fudosan-Uttara Kuru
Its In Our Hands-Bjork
Skinny Love-Bon Iver
A Heaven in Your Eyes-Psicodreamics
Dear Avery-the Decemberists
Everyday is Like Sunday-Morrissey
Lazy Line Painter Jane-Belle & Sebastian
Roll Away Your Stone-Mumford & Sons
Happy-Public Image Limited
Heads Will Roll-Yeah Yeah Yeah
God Only Knows-Jonatha Brooke
C’est Toi-Edith Piaf
Snow in Woods-Tao of Peace
Harmonic Crystal Bowls-Tibetan Singing Monks
Try this 5-minute morning meditation when you wake up and see if it changes your outlook for the rest of the day!
• Set an alarm for 5 minutes so you do not have to watch a clock. If you can choose the sound, try to find something soft and peaceful, not too jarring. If you can, use an ipod that you can set to play relaxing music to alert you that your time is up.
• Start in a comfortable position you can remain in for 5 minutes. If you know your back is going to ache sitting cross legged on the floor, sit against a wall for support, in a comfortable chair, or lay down! Who says meditation has to be seated anyway??
• Begin by focusing on your breath as you gradually deepen each inhale and each exhale. Label each breath, silently saying to yourself, “I am breathing in, I am breathing out.” This is a way of keeping your focus in the present moment.
• You can chose to stay with this labeling of the breath as your mantra (repetition of a word or phrase) or chose another mantra if you would like, one that describes the kind of day you are going to have. You can say to yourself “I will be relaxed today.” Or “I will remain present in this day.” "I will remain calm in all situations today" " I will be kind to everyone that I encounter." Or any other mantra that resonates with you. Repeating a mantra is way to focus all of your attention on one word or thought, and stay present in the moment. This allows all other thoughts to melt away, and your mind becomes calm and clear. By repeating and focusing on an idea or a theme you want to incorporate into your day, you are putting that energy into the universe. Remember, what we think we create & what we think we become! So think good thoughts!
• Continue with full deep inhales and complete exhalations as you silently repeat your mantra to yourself. If your attention wanders, acknowledge that it has wandered, and then gently guide it back, without judgment or frustration. Even if you find your mind wandering every 5 seconds, try not to get discouraged. Treat your mind during meditation the way you would treat a puppy you are training to sit: with kindness and patience.
Tonight’s flow focuses on the revolved side angle pose (Parivrtta Parsvakonasana) which can improve digestion, cleanse abdominal organs, and enhance spinal flexibility and alignment.
Post Yoga Snack
Mango Mandarin Smoothie
1 c soy or skim milk
½ c diced mango
½ tsp honey
½ c mandarin orange segments
1 banana diced
Put all ingredients in a blender, and puree. Drink immediately
Monday, March 26, 2012
Chana masala
Chammak Challo
One of the great benefits of being vegan is eating a lot of ethnic food. One of my favorites happens to be Indian, which sadly, doesn't really exist in Sioux Falls. Coming from the Princeton, NJ area with 9 excellent choices along my commute and Indo-Pak supermarkets all over the place, it's been sad.
Many years ago, I was the store manager for a high end kitchen product retailer. My staff were mostly Indian housewives, who felt sorry for me that I was single and lived alone. As a result, I had a lot of food brought in for my lunches and dinners.
One of my favorites was Chana masala.
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 large tomato diced
1 c chopped onion
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp ground red pepper
1 c vegetable broth
1 minced garlic Clove
Handful fresh cilantro
1 tsp fresh Ginger
Vegetable oil
Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add chickpeas, Ginger, broth, tomatoes and seasoning. Cook over medium heat until tomato is softened. Remove from heat, add cilantro. Serve over rice, with soy yogurt sauce, cucumbers, spinach and chutney, with a side of naan bread.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh2K9VlGj9Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
One of the great benefits of being vegan is eating a lot of ethnic food. One of my favorites happens to be Indian, which sadly, doesn't really exist in Sioux Falls. Coming from the Princeton, NJ area with 9 excellent choices along my commute and Indo-Pak supermarkets all over the place, it's been sad.
Many years ago, I was the store manager for a high end kitchen product retailer. My staff were mostly Indian housewives, who felt sorry for me that I was single and lived alone. As a result, I had a lot of food brought in for my lunches and dinners.
One of my favorites was Chana masala.
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 large tomato diced
1 c chopped onion
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp ground red pepper
1 c vegetable broth
1 minced garlic Clove
Handful fresh cilantro
1 tsp fresh Ginger
Vegetable oil
Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add chickpeas, Ginger, broth, tomatoes and seasoning. Cook over medium heat until tomato is softened. Remove from heat, add cilantro. Serve over rice, with soy yogurt sauce, cucumbers, spinach and chutney, with a side of naan bread.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh2K9VlGj9Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Quinoa Porridge
I tried something new for breakfast this morning: quinoa porridge. Quinoa, a south American grain is (according to Wikipedia)
Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it a complete protein source.[13] It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.
I usually make burritos with it, but decided to try breakfast today.
1 c sunflower milk
1/2 c quinoa
1/4 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp almond butter
1/4 tsp agave nectar
2-3 dates
Bring milk to a boil. Add quinoa, cook 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Add dates, agave & almond butter. Stir well. Serve hot.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Around the Curves Yoga!
A new offering at East Bank Yoga (8th & Railroad, Suite 220) is Around the Curves Yoga. The hour long class on Fridays at 5 pm is designed for a larger person who might not have considered yoga before.
Led by Dee DiMemmo, a 25 year practitioner of yoga, the class features poses to gently stretch muscles and increase flexibility. "If you are larger, it's intimidating walking into a class with smaller, more flexible folks", DiMemmo states. "It can cause a lot of people to give up or never come back."
Around the Curves offers a "warm, friendly environment to learn the asanas or poses properly". The class starts with warm ups and then moves into that night's flow. Each pose builds on the previous one, to allow students to learn proper alignment and feel comfortable in the pose. The hour long class concludes with a guided meditation.
Classes are $9 for a drop in, with discounted pricing for a punch card. There also are additional discounts for senior citizens, employees of 8th & Railroad and members of the Harrisburg Explorer PTO. For additional information email deelightfulgreen@gmail.com
Led by Dee DiMemmo, a 25 year practitioner of yoga, the class features poses to gently stretch muscles and increase flexibility. "If you are larger, it's intimidating walking into a class with smaller, more flexible folks", DiMemmo states. "It can cause a lot of people to give up or never come back."
Around the Curves offers a "warm, friendly environment to learn the asanas or poses properly". The class starts with warm ups and then moves into that night's flow. Each pose builds on the previous one, to allow students to learn proper alignment and feel comfortable in the pose. The hour long class concludes with a guided meditation.
Classes are $9 for a drop in, with discounted pricing for a punch card. There also are additional discounts for senior citizens, employees of 8th & Railroad and members of the Harrisburg Explorer PTO. For additional information email deelightfulgreen@gmail.com
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Surprise dessert
My husband and son went to a monster truck rally thing tonight. As a result I had my mom over to work on our Etsy empire (check out the store here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mommychronicles?ref=si_shop) and I made a super yummy vegan dinner for us out of tofu stir fry and for dessert, chocolate cake in a mug.
I first tried the recipe when I interviewed the Happy Herbivore, Lindsey Nixon, for the Mommydom Chronicles and its been a favorite ever since!
Check out the interview and recipe here:
http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-herbivore.html?m=1
I first tried the recipe when I interviewed the Happy Herbivore, Lindsey Nixon, for the Mommydom Chronicles and its been a favorite ever since!
Check out the interview and recipe here:
http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-herbivore.html?m=1
Weekly Meal Plan
Sunday:
Breakfast-soy yogurt, berries and granola, coffee with coconut milk creamer
Lunch: calzones, salad, fruit
Dinner: pasta fagioli with Italian bread
Monday
Breakfast: tropical smoothie
Lunch: tofurky wrap, salad, orange
Dinner: pasta topped with Italian stir fry, garlic bread, salad, fruit
Breakfast-soy yogurt, berries and granola, coffee with coconut milk creamer
Lunch: calzones, salad, fruit
Dinner: pasta fagioli with Italian bread
Monday
Breakfast: tropical smoothie
Lunch: tofurky wrap, salad, orange
Dinner: pasta topped with Italian stir fry, garlic bread, salad, fruit
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Pasta fagioli
It's cold and snowy on the northern plains. All day yesterday we dealt with ground blizzards because of strong winds. Ive been here 7 years now and I still am not used to the wind.
This time of year, to me at least, screams out hearty soups. One of my favorites is pasta fagioli. Every Italian grandmother has her own variation on it, then there's mine. Note to all: I myself, am not Italian I merely married one. One day my sort of Italian soup will be passed down through generations (I hope!)
In the meantime I will pass it to you!
1 can light red kidney beans, drained
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 can cannelini beans drained (if you can't find omit)
1 can chick peas, drained
1 box vegetable broth + 8 c water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried basil
Dash red pepper
1 c uncooked pasta
Optional: escarole or kale
Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add broth, water and other seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add beans, reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45 minutes. Increase heat, add pasta (and greens if using) and boil for 15 minutes.
Serve with rustic bread and Parmesan cheese.
This, and other healthy recipes, can be found in my cookbook, Vegan Deelight, available as a Nook download
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vegan-deelight-dee-di-memmo/1107989173
This time of year, to me at least, screams out hearty soups. One of my favorites is pasta fagioli. Every Italian grandmother has her own variation on it, then there's mine. Note to all: I myself, am not Italian I merely married one. One day my sort of Italian soup will be passed down through generations (I hope!)
In the meantime I will pass it to you!
1 can light red kidney beans, drained
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 can cannelini beans drained (if you can't find omit)
1 can chick peas, drained
1 box vegetable broth + 8 c water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried basil
Dash red pepper
1 c uncooked pasta
Optional: escarole or kale
Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add broth, water and other seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add beans, reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45 minutes. Increase heat, add pasta (and greens if using) and boil for 15 minutes.
Serve with rustic bread and Parmesan cheese.
This, and other healthy recipes, can be found in my cookbook, Vegan Deelight, available as a Nook download
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vegan-deelight-dee-di-memmo/1107989173
Monday, January 2, 2012
Karma Chameleon
It's a new year, and one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to let go of negativity and anger. Start the year right by making a conscious choice to live happy and in peace.
Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Think about how what you do can impact others-both good and bad.
Take positive steps towards health, wholeness and healing body, mind and spirit.
A good place to start is a karma cleanse guided meditation. You may have one of your own. If not, I've linked up to one that I use weekly as I practice my sabbath. It's a good way to let go of the stress and general ill will towards others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc2YfUKRqcM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Take a few steps today towards cleansing your karma and living in peace and harmony in your life.
Namaste
Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Think about how what you do can impact others-both good and bad.
Take positive steps towards health, wholeness and healing body, mind and spirit.
A good place to start is a karma cleanse guided meditation. You may have one of your own. If not, I've linked up to one that I use weekly as I practice my sabbath. It's a good way to let go of the stress and general ill will towards others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc2YfUKRqcM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Take a few steps today towards cleansing your karma and living in peace and harmony in your life.
Namaste
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