Foodie Friday

The weekend is upon us friends – WOOHOOO!!!! Phil and I are looking forward to exploring the city more this weekend, and of course, enjoying some delicious eats! We’ve been on our best behavior when it comes to sweets, given our lenten sacrifice, so this weeks Foodie Friday is a heavenly dessert that tastes sinful but really isn’t! These open faced cacao banana sammies are both nutritious and delicious and take nearly nothing to make.

Cacao Banana Sammies

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• pinch of salt
• 1 ripe banana (sliced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 graham crackers

In a large bowl mash ripe avocado with almond milk, cacao powder, 3 tbsp honey, and pinch of salt until smooth (use mixer or blender if available). Melt butter in pan over medium heat, add remaining tbsp honey and banana slices to cook for about 10 minutes (rotating 1/2 way through). While the bananas are cooking down, smear the avocado pudding onto the graham squares and plate. Once the bananas are done spoon a few onto each sammie and drizzle remaining sauce over all squares.

I have to admit, the picture doesn’t do them justice…they were awesome! I’ve had the avocado pudding with other things: nuts, berries, hemp seeds, etc… but I love using it with the graham and cooked bananas to really make things interesting!!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Advertisement

Thursday Thoughts

Happy Thursday Friends! With Spring around the corner and New Year’s resolutions slowly becoming distance memories, I’m finding it important to reflect on the concept of making room. For me, especially when I don’t want to deal with something, I fill my day with anything else I can think of just so I don’t have to tackle the one thing I’m dreading…and you can say the same when it comes to food or fitness too. If I eat all these chips, I’ll be too full to eat my salad later OR I can watch this Vanderpump Rules marathon and not go to that yoga class. These are pretty silly examples but you get the idea. In order to incorporate the things we want, in order to experience growth, change, success, etc… we need to make room for it.

I would never have been able to hold Pincha Mayurasana (forearm stand) 2 months ago. I am hyper mobile through my scapula so any balancing on my forearms was unpleasant and something I avoided in practice all together. But I know in order to be a great teacher I need to be able to teach from my experience, so made room in my practice to do the work and now, I can…that feels really good!

Today, I invite you to think about what you want. See if there is something that isn’t serving you or that isn’t good for you and maybe put it aside to make room for this new, exciting change.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Failing or Flying

Hey friends! I hope everyone is making it over the hump with a smile and a spring in their step! I definitely had a harder time getting out of bed then I’d care to admit but the sun is shining and it is going to be a wonderful day! Last night I got some unfortunate news and it certainly creates some obstacles for me but I am determined to move forward…or at least I keep telling myself that.

                                         working towards scorpion – I’ve got to get that chest forward!

How come when you’re going after your dreams it feels a lot like you’re falling flat on your face? Perhaps I’m alone in this, maybe not, but I can’t decide if I’m falling to my inevitible failure or allowing myself the freedom to fly & achieve success beyond my dreams. There is only one thing I know for certain, I am scared – really, really, freaking scared!

As someone who takes rejection, even in business, quite personally, it feels like the hardest thing in the world to put myself out there. Whats more, letting go of this idea that my annual salary is in some way a factor in the definition of my success is also a struggle for me…it doesn’t matter…but living in the most expensive city in the country can sometimes make me feel like that’s all that matters.

At any rate, I need to keep going or I’ll never find out.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Meditate and Motivate

Happy Monday Friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Phil and I really enjoyed our weekend but I think the best part was our bike ride through Golden Gate Park to the beach on Saturday. We ended up riding around 20 miles and just when I felt like I wanted to quit, the road opened up this is……I mean seriously?!?!?!!?!?!? I feel like that has been my reaction A LOT to the sights surrounding my new city…every time I turn around I feel like I see another picture worthy view and I’m overcome with emotion. Each time, I’m reminded of how far I am from home, & I’m also reminded of how far I am from my own personal success. When you move your whole existence thousands of miles from where anyone knows your name you have to rebuild, re-establish, and revive; which is exactly what I am SLOWLY doing. 

It’s in moments when I feel unsure that I turn to a simple but powerful mantra, Soham, or I am. It’s important to take quiet time to breathe deeply and say ‘SO-HAM'(Hum) – Remind myself: I AM enough, I AM strong, I AM beautiful, I AM perfect, I AM powerful, and I can do ANYTHING.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

We’ve made it to the weekend & I for one am super excited for another weekend of beautiful weather! Phil and I have happy hour and a movie date tonight, a long bike ride and picnic on the beach tomorrow, & church followed by brunch on Sunday. I, of course, will be making marvelous meals along the way BUT today I want to share a recipe from last week’s food escapades – Arancini! 

These scrumptious spheres combine some of my favorite flavors and textures to delight the palate and satisfy the desire for decadence. As an Italian Phil loves food from his mother land & these risotto balls are about as authentic as it gets. Before giving these a try myself I was under the assumption arancini would be really hard to make but in reality, it was a breeze. The only time consuming aspect is the risotto; which also isn’t that bad…just put on your favorite playlist and you’ll be done before you know it!

Brown Rice Arancini

• 1 package Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice (heats/fully cooks in 3 min)
• 5 cups stock
• 1 tablespoon EVOO
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 4-6 oz taleggio (or other triple cream/brie cheese) cubed small
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• salt & pepper
• Italian seasoning
• canola oil for frying

Place stock in a pot & begin to heat while placing skillet over medium heat & adding olive oil. Once oil is heated, add shallot and garlic to cook for 3-5 minutes before adding in the rice & continuing to cook for about the same about of time. Then at about 1/3 cup at a time begin to add in the stock – adding more once the previous 1/3 cup is absorbed until all the stock incorporated. Once finished, remove from heat, add parmesan and seasonings to risotto and allow mixture to cool. During this cooling time its important to clean up and prepare to make/bread the risotto balls, so clear a work space and put egg, flour & panko in three separate shallow dishes. After allowing risotto to cool, form into balls & stuff small cubes of cheese into the center of each ball. Dredge each ball through the flour, egg and panko dishes to complete the prep process. All thats left is to fry them – put some canola oil in a large pot over medium high heat and fry the balls about 2 minutes per side until they’re completely golden…serve hot!

These are great for a special date night, small dinner party or fancy appetizer that is sure to please most any palate…enjoy!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Thursday Thoughts

Good Morning Lovers!

We’re one day closer to the weekend and with Ash Wednesday behind us, as well as the lunar new year (also know as the Chinese New Year), its time for some changes. The priest at our new church described a 1-1-1 plan for Lent in his homily yesterday evening and I was intrigued: one sin, one positive and one give up. First, pick one sin to focus on during this 40 day fast/time of reflection. Try to create a greater personal awareness around why you’re committing it and what you can do to work on it. Second, choose one positive activity to add into your routine, and lastly pick one vice and try to avoid it.

For me, I am working on my quick emotional reactions – I can’t necessarily denote the ‘sin’ but can point to vices that include but might not be limited to pride, envy, wrath, and avarice – I’m excited to continue exploring how I can better respond to what life throws my way. Phil and I are both giving up processed sugar which I am super excited about because it gives me an excuse to take a break from the sweets and get creative with dessert options! However, what I think I’m most excited about is the addition of my positive activity…Thursday Thoughts!!!!! Obviously this blog is my thoughts, but this post, each week, will be more of a reflection on the greater lessons of yoga, life, etc..Today is a reflection on my experiences on the cliff across from campus on Hawaii. While completing yoga training in the jungle there were these cliffs where we could go sit and watch the Pacific in our free time. It was in moments there I was reminded of the perfect beauty that is mother nature. From awe striking sunrises to afternoons watching whales, waves and sea turtles every moment renewed this natural connection I’d somehow lost.

We’re all a part of something so much greater than ourselves and everything that surrounds us is a gift for which to be grateful. Remember to be present and appreciative for each moment in time because there truly won’t be another like it again.

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

…And the fun continues

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

So I just finished packing Phil and I to move but sadly it isn’t back to our apartment. This wonderfully spacious palace with amazing views could only be ours for a week, and since there still hasn’t been any progress on fixing the issues at our place, we’ve got to relocate to a one bedroom in Pacific Heights.

While it is a beautiful neighborhood and the apartment is nice, its not right for us and it is that much further for Phil to commute to work. My hope is when I meet with our property manager tomorrow, she will have a solution/game plan. For now, I’m going with the flow, remembering each day is a blessing, & just breathing…I can’t say things have gone as expected but they certainly could have been much worse. I guess I need to keep reminding myself to let go of expectations…I’ll keep working on that.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Valentine’s Weekend Fun

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Today is the first day since I’ve been in SF that the sun isn’t shining. It’s still going to creep into the 60s this afternoon & given the exceptional weather this weekend, I really should be counting my blessings! Phil had off for President’s day so we had a long weekend to explore the city, hang out with friends, and of course, celebrate Valentine’s Day!The ever romantic Phil bought me those beautiful flowers, a bottle of my favorite champagne, a pair of shoes, an adorable romper & the sweetest card…he spoils me! I lined up an entire day of delicious eats and treats to indulge his inner ‘fat kid’ and shower him with love! We went on a sunrise walk, enjoyed mimosas and eggs on our deck overlooking the water, lounged with an Italian charcuterie lunch, indulged in stuffed mushrooms and arancini hours devour es for cocktail hour and savored spicy cioppino for a true San Francisco dinner. Of course no meal is complete without dessert so I made sure to have choices: banana’s foster bread pudding, chocolate covered strawberries & bananas, and coconut macaroons…ya know, to keep it healthy! 😉Its a good thing there are so many hills around us because I could really pack the pounds on with all this yummy food!!! I hope everyone else enjoyed their long weekend as much as we did!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Foodie Friday is back my friends & I am super excited to share my very first one from San Francisco. Today I am sharing last nights dinner concoction which turned out much better than expected! 

I whipped up Fish Po-Boys with sweet potato chips and a cilantro lime slaw that were out of this world…and I’m not ashamed to say so!

Ingredients

• 1/2lb cod
• 2 limes
• organic mayo
• olive oil
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1 bunch cilantro
• cabbage (purple and green)
• 2 carrots
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 gloves garlic
• 1/4 c cheese (cheddar, mozz, jack…)
• fresh bread
• salt, pepper, seasonings

Fish Marinade: 4 tbsp mayo, 2 tbsp white wine, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil with salt, pepper, cayenne, & seasonings to taste.

• Marinate the fish for a few hours (or overnight) & pop in the oven at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Sweet Potato Chips: 2 sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp oil, seasonings

• Slice thin discs & toss in 1 tbsp oil w/salt, pepper, chili powder & cayenne. Lay flat on foil and bake at 350 for about 30min (flipping half way through & turning the oven up to 375 of the last 5 min) or until they begin to crisp.

Slaw: Shred 2 carrots, finely chop 1/4 sm. head of green & purple cabbage, 1/4 c chopped cilantro,  1/2 lime (juiced), a splash of white wine vinegar, & salt/pepper to taste.

• Toss everything together in a bowl & you’re good to go!

Spicy Cilantro/Lime Aioli: 1/4 c mayo, 1 lime (juiced & half zested) 1/4 c chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, & salt, pepper, cayenne, chili power & seasonings to taste.

• Combine the mayo, oil, & lime juice until uniform and thick, then fold in cilantro, minced garlic & seasonings.

For me, what makes it great is shredding some cheese over the bread and tossing it in the oven for the last 5 minutes so the cheese melts into the bread & the ends get all toasty. Now I must warn you, these po-boys are not for the faint of heart, hahaha – its gonna get messy!

Once everything is all hot and toasted and delicious, lather on your aioli, pile on some slaw & top it all off with the deliciously flakey cod for a dinner that’s sure to delight! Oh, and don’t forget to add some of those spicy sweet potato chips for good measure!

‘Til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

It’s Official

As I watched the colors of this morning’s sunrise dance over the bridge and listened to the seals sing their morning song it officially sunk in, San Francisco is my new home. The last 12 days have been spent flying, finishing my yoga teacher training (more on that later), and moving into a second temporary apartment in San Francisco. If I have learned anything through my transition it’s that flexibility is a necessary survival skill. Those who know me well understand how difficult it can be for me…sure I can fold up like a veritable Gumby but ask me to switch seats with you on the plane or move out of the apartment I just started to settle into and I can become a bit rigid. I am using this transition as an opportunity to shift my perspective and be flexible – it has been making a world of difference…I’m definitely not perfect but I’m working on it 😉

I owe a lot of that shift to my yoga training and the Yoga Medicine family! I was blessed with the chance to share a week with 50+ incredible yogis and experience each one of their unique gifts. I have learned so much from our time together and am excited for all of us to continue to grow. I can’t wait to start sharing my gifts with the world as a Yoga Medicine 200hr Vinyasa Teacher. 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂