Halfway Through the First Week

Yesterday was the first day of my Master's program. It was a pretty hectic day--a lot of running around but it was exciting to be back in the action.

I packed my lunch in my owl lunchbox.

I had an almond butter and grape jelly sandwich, fruit leather, string cheese, Goldfish, and Milano cookies because they're basically my weakness.

After running around from 2:30 to almost 6, I was finally able to take a breather and enjoy the outdoors. It was such a lovely day--highs in the upper 70's/lower 80's. Most first days of school are so hot you feel like you stuffed yourself in an oven over and over again. But yesterday? Just nice.

After seeing the signs outside the garage that read "LOT FULL" I was all but ready to throw in the towel. I circled back and saw a couple of cars leaving so I took my chance and got the world's most perfect parking space. It's on the third level and a stone's throw away from the tunnel (on the left) that leads to campus. I don't even know why this happened. I'm usually not this lucky. (I certainly wasn't today).

The Saturday before school started, I helped my dad pick out some clothes because he started training this past Sunday. We're both 'back in school' at the same time. Of course, it's not a proper shopping excursion until Starbucks is involved. And that furry thing is my dog.

Image above via Pinterest

I'm still really nervous about all of the things I'm required to do but I feel extremely blessed that so many intelligent people believe me to be fully capable of handling such tasks! It's been tiring, but I realize I'm not only going to school full time, I'm working too. But instead of having to commute two places, my school and work are in the same place! Another perk! By the way, this outfit was inspired by a Pinterest look. So therefore, I really am still pinning and doing. Woot!

Skinny Taco Dip

 

Skinny Taco Dip

Okay, so I've done it again. I'm guilty of creating another Pinterest recipe. I saw this recipe and intended to make it according to the ingredients but I had my own modifications in mind and ultimately ended up just improvising.

My aunt Judy brought this dip to Thanksgiving and I couldn't get over it. You start with refried beans, follow with a layer of sour cream mixed with taco seasoning (I used fat free), then top with lettuce shreds and cheese. The sour cream and taco seasoning really make this special, in my opinion. Que delicioso!

I only made this last night and it's already half gone.

Fortunate for me, my energy is way down just in time for a day off work to celebrate Independence Day. I sort of just woke up from what may or may not have been a four hour nap. The extreme heat makes for itchy eyes and troubles with allergies. We really need some rain!

Muffins & Maladies

Banana muffins

All right, I've been at it again. The 100 degree+ temperatures, lack of rain, and phantom ailment on my left side has left me cooped up indoors. So, what do I do? Yes, I make muffins. But these are no ordinary muffins, you see. They are made from a couple bananas, Greek yogurt, oats, sweetener, and a bit of baking soda. The recipe called for baking powder but I was all out so I just added a bit more baking soda and they turned out all right. 

I am in love with these muffins. They actually stick together when you hold them to eat, unlike crumbly, floury muffins. Anytime I can avoid flour, I do. The recipe said you could add any sort of sweetener but I opted for regular old sugar because at least my body knows how to digest it. Aspartame and such still sort of freaks me out. 

I will end my nearly week-long house arrest tomorrow at 5:30AM when I leave for work and where I will continue to work everyday this week except Wednesday. I may die but at least I will be moving again. I figure all my house lounging is preparation for the long hours of work I'll have to put in as a T.A. next year (I already saw my schedule and it includes some Saturdays). Hoping the phantom malady disappears soon...

Pin & Do

This summer I have made it my mission to actually DO the stuff I pin on Pinterest. Because yes, I pin a lot. I was inspired by the lovely Siobhan of Hello Flower and her feature 'Pin & Do." I realized it really is pointless to pin unless you actually use the stuff. Otherwise you're just collecting digital clutter. Which, as an aspiring minimalist, I shudder at. So far here are the recipes I've made:

 

Black bean and quinoa burgers with avocado spread on toasted whole wheat buns

 

Chana masala with basmati rice

 

Chickpea salad wraps

 

Greek salad

 

Trisha Yearwood's 'Chickless' pot pie

 

Crock pot mac & cheese

Derby pie 

And tons of great tips like how to keep a sliced apple from browning! 

 

Was also inspired to buy some of these containers to use in the fall

 (Since the meal plan is longer mandatory for me!)

I've also created a few things too. Here they are:

 

Colored thread to keep iPod cords from tangling

(Though mine turned out a lot less appealing... I used two purple colors and a light pink, ran out of string before I finished, and the little spirals aren't as uniform as the ones above. I might take it all off and try again).

Glitter paper clip magnets 

(Couldn't find any silver glitter or light light blue or green. I made a turquoise one and dark blue). 

I also put gold glitter+clear nail polish on the top of my house key. It's so pretty. I don't have the Pinterest link anymore, though. 

Not inspired by Pinterest (for once), I tie dyed to my heart's content the other day. I made the blue one for my dad, the purple/blue and pink/blue for my mom and the one I made for myself is being modeled by Jet above. I have also been dying to tie dye my white bag for like two years and I finally did it. The colors are kind of runny and I'm considering splattering some bleach on it to break it all up but overall, I'm happy with how everything turned out. 

Yesterday mainly consisted of making the crockpot mac&cheese, Derby pie, and catching up on my summer reading. I've been pretty much cooped up in the house since I've been on pain meds for my phantom abdomen malady and because, as I'm sure most of you know, it's like 104 degrees out. Actual temperature there. I like the little 'ecard' that says, "Who turned the thermostat to HELL?" It pretty much feels like it.

I realize that I don't feel content unless I'm making something. I have done so much cooking and trying out new things this summer. I love to know there are things that work, some things that don't, and some things that are just okay. The mac&cheese was delicious--I should've turned it off earlier but the recipe called for 3-4 hours. I think it was done by 2 when I took it out at 2:30. I'm more of a creamy mac&cheese gal. The Derby pie was pretty good too although the crust will never compare to the real thing...

The black bean and quinoa burgers are surprisingly filling. My mom wasn't feeling well and I heated her up a couple for work and she said they gave her so much energy and made her sick-feeling go away. We named them the 'Magical Healing Burgers.' The avocado spread on top is basically a healthier version of guacamole that I've made three times this summer with avocado, sliced tomatoes, paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt. 

The Greek salad was another hit. Next time I think I'll include less onion and chop up the tomatoes a bit more. Also, don't add the cheese, croutons, or dressing until ready to serve!

I'm sort of on the fence about the chickpea salad wraps. They were good but not great. I think there was just too much celery, onion, and dill for me.

The chickless pot pie was delicious. Who knew you could make a hearty pot pie with vegetable stock and soy milk? I tried making homemade pot pie before and failed because the gravy refused to thicken. Not so in this case! The gravy was so thick and delicious. You could barely even tell it was vegan.

Up next, I think I'm going to try a couple of foot-improvement remedies and a recipe for muffins that only need Greek yogurt, bananas, oats, and like, baking powder. I love foods with the least amount of ingredients possible. I hope to eat more 'clean' and closer to nature in the future but right now I'd say I'm at a good start!