Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

August 22, 2011 Arielle

Sometimes people get the notion that my family is weird.

Be what it may, I think when your child is sleeping, playing, panting, and barking in a dog bed, that only means she's purely a genius.

And even when her proportions are a little off, there is nothing wrong with wanting to cool down in a bowl full of water..

It's the same concept as a pool right?

Like I said..Genius.

But what I think is genius, might come off to others strange.

Like the way my family eats.

It might be strange that we drink green drinks...

It's probably strange that I have a fridge full of kale, swiss chard, coconut and soy milk, non dairy cheese, flax seeds, chai seeds, and 75 tubs of hummus.

It's different that my cupboard is stocked with whole grain pastas, nutritional yeast, beans, legumes, nuts, and abnormal amount of dark chocolate.

And it's definitely odd that you won't find tons of packages, boxes of cookies, bags of chips, cans of soda, or frozen steaks buried beneath bites of pizza bagels, chimichangas, and something that rhymes with feggo my beggos.

Some people ask me why I am so concerned with the way my family eats, and if it's really worth it to go through all the trouble of meal planning, prepping, cooking, and sometimes spending more money.

It's worth every second.

When I first decided I was going to really change the way I ate, it wasn't easy. Hubby could down a full 5 dollar pizza in a matter of minutes, and I didn't mind him ordering one, because that meant that I was going to be able to eat some. That was, if I could pry a slice from the wide open mouth of my starving beastly hubby. And of coarse, the pizza was smoothered in ranch, along with a side of my favorite beverage..Root Beer.

It was cheap. It was fast. And it was damn good.

So why would I change a 'good thing?'

Bottom line, I love my family.

I had to face the fact that if I wanted my husband, kids, and myself around for a long time, I had to do whatever it took to keep it that way.

If I wanted my husband alert and ready for numerous hours of studying, internships, all the while being the best dad, and hubby..His body needed the nourishment.

If I wanted my daughter walk, run, laugh, play, and learn new things every day...Her body needed the right nourishment.

If I wanted to cook, clean(still working on that), run errands, live off of 5 hours a sleep, play with my little monkey, and love my family unconditional...My body needed the proper nourishment.

And if I wanted to respect these beautiful temples, our bodies, which God created for us...Then we definitely needed to nourish them properly.

But I think the biggest problem is making the initial change.

Switching from Cheetos to veggies and hummus.

Saying goodbye to fast food, and hello to home cookin'.

It can be overwhelming. It can be really really really hard.

But it can be do-able.

So where do you begin?

Do you like smoothies?

Throw in a cucumber for sweetness, some spinach for veggies. Trust me..You cannot taste the spinach. Especially when you add a banana. Get crazy with flavors. Apple pie, carrot cake, chocolate strawberry..Give them to your kiddos, hubbies, or wives. You can add nut butters, protein powders, healthy fats, veggies, and fruits. Perfect way to start out your morning.

Need some inspiration? Click HERE. and HERE

What about snacks? How do you go from packaged foods to whole foods?

Start simple. Cutting it cold turkey ain't gonna make anyone happy. If you kid loves crackers, switch to whole grain. Make yummy wholesome dips to go along with them. Slowly introduce veggies, and let your children,even your hubby(lol), pick out the ones they want to try. Get the family involved as much as possible.

Where ever possible, add in veggies, whole grains, legums etc..

If you family loves hamburgers, switch half the meat for black beans, lentils, etc. You can do the same with taco meat and meat balls. Puree or finely chop veggies and throw them into salads, burgers, enchiladas, soups, sand whiches, spreads..etc..You get the idea.

Need some more inspiration? Click HERE., and HERE and HERE

And especially, don't forget to add flavor! Steamed broccoli isn't flavorful on it's own. Add seasoning, vinegars, spices, etc..You don't always want to be hiding the veggies in your kids/families meals..so make them taste good! :)

And most importantly...:)

Eat everyday, normal foods that your family knows and loves!

Like waffles :)

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

Vegan, Kid-Baby Friendly, Hubby Approved, Protein and Fiber Full, Delicious!

Ingredients:

2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (could use GF flour, spelt, maybe oat?)

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 TB. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

3 TB. Honey,Agave, Maple Syurp

1 TB. Ground Flax seeds mixed with 2 TB. Water=Flax egg

2 1/2 Cups. Non dairy milk, or organic milk

1/3 C. Canola oil or vegan butter, or organic butter

3/4 C. Organic Natural Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, or Sunflower Butter

1-2 Bananas(depending on how ripe the banana is. If banana is SUPER ripe, add 2)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl mix together wet ingredients until combined. Add wet to dry and mix until combined. If the batter seems to thick, add more milk.

3. Spray a waffle iron with non stick spray, and cook waffle according to desired time. If you like crispy, cook longer. We like about 4-5 minutes, but our waffle iron is new, so it heats/cooks fast. :)

I loooove topping waffles, pancakes, and FRENCH TOAST with fruit! So does Baby Boo, since they get coated with Maple Syrup! Makes them extra sweet!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that living a healthy lifestyle means depriving yourself of yummy food!

If anything, they are the ones missing out!

Especially if you eat things like homemade graham crackers that turned into yummy S'mores!

But we will save that for another day :)

**P.S. If you entered to win Mama Pea's NEW cookbook Peas and Thank You, I have announced the Winner! Just click on HERE, and find out! Thanks to all that participated!!**

Chocolate Chip Garbanzo Bean Peanut Butter Cookies

August 16, 2011 Arielle

My husband has a problem.

It's rather serious.

I try and tell him it isn't healthy, and that he probably should look into getting help.

No body should have that many white shoes.

White shoes that look like he's a drug lord from Miami.

White shoes that point at the end, almost as if they were made to be worn by an elf singing "Up on the Rooftop!"

He could argue that elfs wear green pointy shoes, but..Let's get real..Who is gonna argue with a man wearing pointy shoes?

Santa?

Ok, I kid myself..

But 10 plus pairs of white shoes couldn't be a healthy obsession...

Inheriting over 100 cookbooks from my grandparents, now THAT contributes to a healthy obsession.

I can't WAIT to get cookin' with the PTA!

I can only imagine what went down when PTA mom Mrs. Willows brought out her one of a kind Booz Balls to go around.

I'd much rather have a bite of this Corn and Cream Cheese recipe, if you ask me..

Do you think I could dip my Booz Balls in it?

I probably shouldn't join the PTA...That is unless I bring something a little better to the table..

Maybe say...Chocolate Chip cookies..

But unlike Booz Balls, you will most likely remember these cookies..

Trust me..A little elf told me :)

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter (Garbanzo Bean) Cookies

Ingredients:

1 can Garbanzo Beans(drained and rinsed)

1/4 C. Peanut Butter

10 Dates

1/2 C. non dairy(or reg) milk

2 C. Pastry Flour

1/4 C. Oats

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 C. Canola Oil

1/2 C. Maple Syrup

1 TB. Vanilla

1 bag mini dairy free chocolate chips(or reg)

Directions:

1. In a food processor, blend garbanzo beans, dates, peanut butter, and milk until creamy.

2. Next add Canola oil, maple syrup, and vanilla to food processor and blend until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of your ingredients. Then add wet to dry, and stir until combined.

4. Place on cookie sheet using ice cream scoop, and press down on tops of cupcakes to flatten out a little.

5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 12-14 minutes. {i did 13 :)}

These are really big chewy cookies :)

My hubs prefers flat crips cookies, but then again he dresses like an elf during christmas at the mall...

Funny..I always thought Santa and his little helpers preferred the chewy ones?

Luckily for me, Baby Boo was all over them..

Meaning she was all over them, and NOT her dinner.

I dunno what got into her, but she definitely might have put her self on the naughty list this year..

So finally, I broke down and gave her a cookie for dinner...It had garbanzo beans in it...so it's ok right??

And for a while it made her happy..but then Little Miss Prada got the best of her self, and went from this,

to this...

and then back to this...

Want a better example??

Well..I filmed it! :)

Untitled from The Diva Dish on Vimeo.

I promise..She's happier now..

As for hubs, not so much.. I heard him mumbling something about my name being on the naughty list..

Eggless Sweet Potato Spice French Toast w/ Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

August 10, 2011 Arielle

They say to win over a man's heart, is through his stomach.

And the way to a woman's heart is...

I looked this answer up.

Let's just say, no one knows.

And my husband might say, neither do the woman.

But, I have always had a place in my heart for food. And to me, there is nothing sexier than a man in the kitchen.

That's right.

You can bet your bottom dollar that when Curtis Stone comes on TV with that Australian accent that you'll be hearing Praises and Hallelujahs followed by, "Hubby, you just don't understand..."

And we can all guess that if Matthew McConaughey came out with a cookbook,

Well..

It be like my version of a calendar full of shirtless fireman...Wooh! Somebody hose me down!

Ok, so let's rewind to 4 years ago when the Hubby and I were dating.

We had done all the "normal" dates..movies, cuddling, bowling, makin' out, dinner, makin' out...

and we were searching for something different.

So I told boyfriend, future hubs, to make me dinner.He agreed, and I couldn't have been more excited!

I thought of all the possibilities of what it could be.

Salad, Pasta, Bread, you know the typical "guy" meal...what about a pizza? Will there be chocolate? Are we going to watch a movie with Matthew McConaughey afterwards?

Then when I arrived at my sweet little buttercups apartment, a place where you don't use the bathroom, don't look in the toilet, wash your hands after touching everything, and don't ask when's the last time that was washed...

BF/Hubs sat me down at the counter, placed a container of "questionable" syrup next to me and said, "I hope you like french toast!"

And ever since then..that's all it's ever been. :)

Despite it being the only meal that Hubby knows how to make, and that I'm a little worried if I ever leave Baby Boo for a couple days, he makes a mean french toast.

I don't know if it's because it's all he lived off in college, but if you haven't guess already, it's his favorite meal. If he had it his way he would have cereal for breakfast, Taco Bell for Lunch, and French Toast for dinner..Oh and have a heart attack by midnight.

Which is why, as his Wifey I've decided to let the Hubby retire of French Toast making for the time being, and make him a version of his favorite classic, minus the clogged arteries.

Eggless Sweet Potato Spice French Toast with Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

Ingredients:

1 Sweet Potato (Peeled, the microwaved for 4 minutes)

1 1/2 C. Coconut Milk (or other non dairy milk)

2 tsp. Molasses

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

Bread

Directions:

1. After Sweet potato is peeled and microwaved, puree potato with the rest of the ingredients(besides bread( in a blender until smooth.

2. Dip Bread in batter until coated(Do not soak the bread). You can also spread mixture on each side of bread. Since it is eggless, this will cook differently, so make sure you don't soak the bread to much or else it won't cook fully) and place on heated/buttered pan. Cook about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Serve with Warm Spiced Maple Cream Syrup.

Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

Adapted from:Eat Drink and be Vegan cookbook

Ingredients:

1/3 C. Non Dairy Butter or Organic Butter

1/2 C. Maple Syrup

1 pkg. Silken Tofu Firm (I used Lite)

1 tsp. Molasses

dash of salt

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, heat maple syrup and butter until butter is melted. Then transfer to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

2. Next, stick your face in, and inhale syrup until you pass out in a coma.

2. Serve warm with Sweet Potato French Toast.

The.Best.French.Toast.I.Have.Ever.Had.

Sorry hubby.

It was a cross between a Matthew McConaughey cookbook and chocolate.

Ya.

That's huge!

With each bite I screamed.

And with each lick(or slurp) of that Spiced Maple Cream Syrup..my eyes rolled to the back of my head, along with a scream of "HOLY SHIPBALLS."

And then I gave some to Baby Boo..

I cut her toast in strips, because she likes to dip it in the Syrup.

But dipping turned into screaming, because all she wanted to do was stick her hand in the syrup bowl.

Yes..syrup bowl.

And as I looked at hubby, hoping he somewhat loved my version of his favorite food, he kindly replied..

"Can you make this tomorrow for dinner?"

And I've never been more honored to say, Yes.

Vintage Circus First Birthday

August 8, 2011 Arielle

It seems like just yesterday that I was holding my brand new 6 pound baby girl in my arms...

And it's hard to imagine that ONE year has flown by..and I no longer can cuddle with her unless she's asleep..

Now, she is all grown up. Talking non stop, using words like..."Ah..No!" and calling every moving animal, "Dog", but pronounced more in a British accent..Apparently in this past year she has also spent some time over seas.

And then today, as she paraded around church, disrupting the peace with her shiny pink toms and fluffy pink tutu, she started rubbing the older lady sitting next to us smooth shaven legs..up and down..Ooohing and Aaaahhing..

People were staring at me wondering if they had recently seen her on "Toddlers and Tiaras," as I fluffed her ruffles and fixed her abnormally large pink bow, all the while handing her a pink mini purse filled with rings and bracelets...

And I realized that as sad as I am to see her little self turn into this independent little Diva...I couldn't be happier, and more honored to be her Mama. And it was I who was LuCkY to have been given the most BEAUTIFUL, happiest, silliest, and spiciest daughter a Mama could ever ask for. I look forward to cherishing every moment in life with her.

And before you know it, we will both be parading around in Pink tutu's, large bows, and purses filled with diamonds..

Well..maybe only her. I'll be dressed in rags.

Haven't you ever seen Toddlers and Tiaras?

It gets expensive.

So here is to you Baby Boo..

I hope you enjoyed your 1st birthday that you won't remember, but Mama surely will..

But don't worry. I'll remind you every year :)

Vintage Circus Themed 1st Birthday

The Food:

On the menu we had An array of different salads; Green, Pasta, and Fruit. Then we had Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Dipping Sauce and Peanut Dipping Sauce, and PB& J sammy's for the kiddos and...me :). We also had a ton of candy, cupcakes, cake ball cones, and a cotton candy machine..

The Decorations:

With the help of Grandmas, we had Banners, and signs painted with pinks and yellows, peanuts, and popcorn boxes, animals, and circus carts, and girly candles!

The Activities:

Although it was only a first birthday, we wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time, adults included. We had face painting, tattoos, cotton candy machine, balloons for kiddos, present opening (this was pure entertainment from Baby Boo) and then the best part..Baby Boo eating her B-day Cake.

Baby Boo needed some help :)

Overall it was a BeAuTiFuL party :) Great time with Great friends, family, yummy food..

and tons of food babies :)

Happy One Year Birthday Baby Boo!!

I love you!

Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob & Life on the Road

August 1, 2011 Arielle

I wish I could say that I’ve been on a tropical island for the past two weeks.

Sandy Beaches, Refreshing Fruit Drinks, Smell of the Ocean Air, Sun Tanning, and a side of Bradley Cooper spraying me down with oil.

But, the only sand I've seen would be that from the passenger window of my car. And I wouldn't call it sand, I'd call it the last place I want to be.

Also, The only "refreshing" drinks I've been sippin' have been the water from gas stations, most likely pumped from the hose in Sleevless Marky Mullets back yard barn...

The smell of sweet ocean Air was traded for an unpleasant meal choice from Hubby of beans which, if you know how the song goes, it truly is a magical fruit..and the more you eat, the more you..

Unfortunately musical flatulent beans isn't the only thing being heard, because you can always count on a mouse dressed and dancing as the funky chicken to calm a restless baby.

Da na na na na na na ONLY 5 more hours!!

And I've yet to been wiped down with oil from the Brad man, but I've done plenty of wiping my self...of hineys…I promise not the Hubby’s though. He ate Beans. That’s a job for Sleevless Marky Mullets hose.

Then there is this precious angle.

You know what too many hours of driving does to a child..

Ask Satan, he'll tell you.

Actually, I can't complain. Despite the fact that she's been through alot over the past two weeks, she's only had a few tantrums and minor blowouts...

Blowouts of all kind, might I add.

So all together we have driven over 30 hours.

30 hours of Elmo’s world

30 hours of Hubby’s Beans.

30 hours of Gas Station Bathrooms.

30 hours of Cheerios eaten off the car floor due to starvation.

30 hours of Wheels on the Bus and Peekaboo

30 hours of Hubby’s Beans, did I say that already, which I am pretty sure had something to do with the “food poisoning” I got for 10 of those driving hours.

Speaking of which, if you find a tan purse with writing, “I love Organic” on the side of the freeway in Arizona…Don’t open it.

But as hard as the driving was, it was harder to know the reason for the driving. We said our final goodbyes to my grandpa, and buried him in Utah, where he wanted to be buried. The ceremony was perfect, and it was so great to see the Veterans put on a special ceremony for him.

More importantly I thought of all my bloggy friends whose kind and supportive words stood behind me :)

Now, I wish I could say the driving was all over, and at this very moment I am sitting on my couch with a box of chocolates catching up on Bachelorette, Housewives, and Paula Dean…

It ain't happenin'.

I’ve got 3 more days till I’m home. We did a final stop at the Lake for a quick family vacation, which means..

3 more days of Beans…

3 more days of, “Elmo loves his goldfish and his crayon too.”

3 more days of still not knowing what happens on the Bachelorette!

And as I was looking out my car window, seeing shrubs,(and I swear I saw Justin Bieber), I couldn't help but think of the fair. I'm not sure if it was Marky Mullet who reminded me, or the fact that every bathroom, just like the fair, at gas stations have Chester the Molester's name written all over them...But I couldn't get one thing off my mind.

The corn.

I remember it hot off the grill, so warm and sweet and crunchy..I wanted.

No more beans..No more hose water...No more stale cheerios...

So the first thing I did when we got to our vacation spot...

Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

Cilantro Lime Butter

Ingredients:

1/3 C. Non Dairy Butter or Organic Butter (room temp..not too cold) OR 1/3 C. Coconut Butter (Ragnhild from Vegan Aphrodite tried coconut butter and she said it worked great!!)

1 bunch cilantro, (no stems-I just rip the top part off)

zest of one lime

juice of half a lime

dash of sea salt

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients in food processor, then set aside.

P.S. This is the most amazing butter! The ideas are running through my head as to what you could use it on!

Grilled Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob

Adapted from:Pink Pistachio

Ingredients:

Corn

Cilantro Lime Butter

Sea Salt.

Directions:

1. Rub down corn with desirable amount of butter. Wrap in foil or the corn husk, and place on grill, rotating each side every 2-3 minutes.

After about 10-14 minutes, the corn should be done.

2. Remove from wrapper, and sprinkle extra sea salt if desired.

3. Chomp away.

Cilantro & Lime on Corn....

Is better than any corn on the cob I have ever tasted!

This takes away all those 30 hours..

Those Elmo's songs...

Those funky chickens..

Those Justin Biebers in the desert.

And the best part about this corn...

It may be magical...

but there is nothing flatulent about it. :)

Chocolate Cherry Basil Ice Cream

July 25, 2011 Arielle

Obsessions.

We all have them.

Some we admit..Some we don't.

And if you follow me on Instagram (speaking of obsessions), you may find a picture evident of things we shouldn't admit.

Like my Barbie collection that I found at my Mom's house.

A Barbie collection full of shirtless kens, that is.

That's probably because their only other wardrobe options were these shiny things...

Next we have Slore Barbie:

Either she's wearing kens shirt, or she is missing pants..You tell me.

And is that tinsel in her hair??!!

I secretly wanted that done at the fair.

Along with a feather.

I know..I want to be just like Barbie.

Only problem is, Barbie doesn't eat..Or at least she doesn't look like it.

And I like to eat..More like slurp..

Because right now, I am obsessed with my Mom's garden.

Especially the amount of Basil she has.

Which is why everyday since I have been here I have started out with one of these:

So. Refreshing.

Even Barbie couldn't turn it down.

Basil Cucumber Smoothie

Almond Milk, Frozen BlueBerries, Frozen Banana, 1/2 Cucumber, 1/4 C. Basil, Oats, Sunflower Seeds, and Vanilla.

To be honest, I am really obsessed with 'cold' foods right now, due to this heat!

Like Ice Cream.

Any Sort of Chocolatey ice cream works best to my satisfaction :)

You see, today is my Grandpa's Funeral. And, I wanted nothing more than to replicate a dessert, (with my own twist) that reminded my of him more than anything...

When I was younger, I used to go to my Grandparents for a few days and visit, and every night my grandparents and we would eat fudgesicles!

Remember those??

I think I would always ask if I could have another one..In fact I think I always ate more than two..

That's all you need to know.

Chocolate Cherry Basil Ice Cream

Ingredients:

14 oz. Can Light Coconut Milk (Can use full fat for a creamier texture)

2 bananas

1/4 C-1/2 C. Basil (I like mine with more Basil...)

1/2 C. Dark Cherries

1/4 C. Dark Cocoa Powder (If your not a fan of dark, use reg.)

2 TB. Vanilla

2-4 TB. Agave (optional) I didn't add any because I like my chocolate more dark then sweet.

Directions:

1. In a high speed blender(turned off) add your coconut milk.

Oh and you must ALWAYS use a PINK can opener..or else the recipe won't turn out :)

2. Next add your chopped banana, basil, and cherries.

3. Then add cocoa powder, vanilla, and sweetener, if using.

4. Blend all ingredients in blender until completely pureed and creamy.

5. Next, using an Ice Cream Machine*, follow the directions on the machine.

6. Once machine is done, you will most likely have to freeze the ice cream for at least an hour.

*This recipe, I am assuming, could be done without an Ice cream Machine. Just blend all ingredients and place in a bowl. Freeze until solid, then scoop out. Or add a bunch of ice to blender for a thick shake/ice cream.*

I ate mine right by the pool :)

I had to eat fast though, because Ice Cream+100 degree heat=Well..delicious, but you get it.

It tasted like a grown up version of a fudgesicle...

Because...I AM all grown up now :)

"Says the girl with a box of Barbies."

But if being a kid means Playing Barbies with Baby Boo and Ice Cream...

Then I don't want to grow up.

Avocado Chocolate Cake Donut Ever + A Cupcake Too!!

July 19, 2011 Arielle

Everybody loves Donuts.

If you don't, then you probably hate chocolate too.

And if you hate chocolate, then your probably one of those people who would prefer a taco instead of a a double chocolate fudge cake.

Yea! I'm talking to you Hubby!

Anyways, back to us NoRmAl peeps.

When I was in elementary school, my grandpa, not the one that just recently passed, used to pick me up from school once or twice a week to hang out with my brothers and I.

Every time after school we went to 'The Donut Shop.'

It was this hole in the wall place that was family owned, and this sweet older lady worked there every day.

She had candy, and chocolate milk, and THE BEST strawberry cheesecake ice cream that I have ever had...Or at least that is what my 8 year old self told me.

And every time we went to the Donut shop, I would order a my favorite ice cream, or a chocolate cake donut with tons of jimmies sprinkles.

Oh, and she always gave me double scoops on the ice cream.

I have her to thank for my awkward/embarrassing weight in middle school, but that's a different story.

Ever since then, I've had a place in my heart for those round rings of goodness.

And not that there is anything wrong with indulging on a delicious donut every so often, but

I find it best to make my own at home.

Baked not fried.

Wholesome not Questionable.

Natural not Fake.

And Green :)

Chocolate Avocado Donuts with Peanut Butter Avocado Frosting

Cake Recipe adapted from HERE

Ingredients: (For Donut)

1 1/2 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1/3 C. Cocoa Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Avocado Mashed

1 Cup Vanilla Soymilk

3/4 Cup 100% Maple Syrup (this could be reduced,-

but you would need to increase liquid, maybe with milk)

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

(chocolate chips optional)

Ingredients: For Frosting

1 avocado

1/2 lb. powdered sugar(more or less depending on desired consistency)

3-4 TB. Soymilk

2-3 TB. Agave

2 TB. Vanilla

2-4 TB. Peanut Butter

Directions: (donut)

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients until combined. Make sure avocado isn't lumpy.

2. Add wet to dry.

3. Pour into a greased donut pan, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 22 minutes (give or take). The cake donuts are very moist. You don't want them hard or dry.

4. Once donuts are done, remove from oven and let cool. Now you can prepare the frosting.

5. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until creamy.

6. Spread some love on those donuts, and sprinkle with some jimmies!

Let me say this!!

THE BEST MOIST CAKEY CHOCOLATE DONUT I HAVE EVER HAD!!

It is soo hard to find a vegan cake recipe that isn't dry, or the texture isn't wierd.

BUT THESE..AMAZING!!

Oh..also, you could easily prepare a different frosting. Get crazy! Of coarse Baby Boo would have to disagree.

I couldn't get that spoon away from her :)

And just in case you were wondering, these work perfectly as cupcakes as well :)

Does that say moist and fluffy or what??

My favorite part of photographing these cupcakes!

Eating them :)

Take THAT Donut Shop Lady!

Boo-YAA!!

How to: Cake Decorating Rosettes

July 18, 2011 Arielle

In the mood to laugh? If you haven't already, don't forget to check out this video of Baby Boo I posted on Friday! It is SuRe to bring a smile to anyone's face :)

I feel like I am in a whirl wind.

Maybe not a whirl wind, because I don't really know what that means. I'm feeling more along the lines of being trapped in a tornado.

Ok, no wrong again, because that would mean everything is spiraling out of control, and that isn't happening either. (P.S. It took me 7 tries to spell spiraling.)

So if I am not in a whirl wind, nor a tornado, then where am I in life right now..?

I am right here.

Here, where I am supposed to be.

The past few days have been hell, to say the least. With my grandpa passing, my husband gone, Baby Boo teething plus catching Hand Foot and Mouth Disease..(what is that??-No she hasn't been sucking on other children's hands, feet, or mouths..That we know of :\) I have had a hard time adjusting to right now in life.

And then today, when I was trying to come up with ways to play with Baby Boo, I realized that I have been so busy with this and that, I haven't taken time to enjoy the simple things, like teaching Baby Boo how to play with Dolls.

Weird, I know, but everybody is always trying to get Baby Boo to rough house, and kick and throw balls, and do boy things..when she clearly is ALL girl. :)

She was in much need of doll time.

She did well with Ba-Ba feeding...

But then she got stingy.

We are still working on pushing the stroller.

And handeling with care.

But, I can definitely say she is improving.

I realize that...I love enjoying the simple things.

Like Cake.

Pretty Cake to be exact.

Want to learn how to make said cake...Pretty?

It's actually reeeaaallly easy, and you can impress any one with your sick wit' it skills!

Begin with a cake.

Frost a thin layer all over the cake with a thick and sturdy frosting, such as a buttercream.

Next, grab your tip.

I use a Wilton Star tip#1M. This one works best for what we are trying to accomplish.

You have to be careful with this tip, because those little star edges easily bend..aka, if you drop or step on them.

NOT that this has happened to me. But trust me, your tip will pipe funny-ly(word?-it is now!) if it bends :)

Then, put the star tip in a piping bag, the fill with the rest of your frosting.

Next, started on the top of the cake, start piping a circle, any size, but instead of connecting the circle, continue to swirl the frosting towards the middle.

Continue to do this all around the cake.

I wasn't trying to make this cake look perfect, so as you can see the centers are a little crazy where I lifted up the piping bag.

If you don't like this, just make sure to smoothie pick up the bag when done with you rosette.

Also, when piping the rosettes, make piping bag pipe close to the cake, and not holding the piping up higher.

Once done, you can leave the cake as is, or you can bedazzle it up, like me :)

I took a bunch of dragees, or pink silver balls, and put them randomly through out the cake. Although I mostly put them in the centers of the rosettes, where the piping had ended.

And there you have it.

Super easy.

You know what else I am loving right now??

Donuts!

Recipe tomorrow my friends :)

I guess living in the right now isn't so bad after all! ;)

4 Minute Microwave Green Breakfast Muffin

July 8, 2011 Arielle

New!! If you notice, I have a new menu!! It's a Recipe Menu! I haven't got all of the recipes loaded up, but I figured you could check out what I have so far!

Also, there is a tutorials menu as well, for random tutorials! Check that out as well!!

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Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think about is food.

Actually, I lied, first it's, "Baby Boo, why are we getting up SO flippin' early?!!"...

And THEN I think about food.

I open the fridge.

Then I open the cupboard.

And then I become overwhelmed. There are so many options, and I want to have a little of everything. A breakfast buffet if you will.

I want toast, and eggs, and pancakes, and fresh juice, and fruit, and green drinks, and muffins, and PB, and chocolate...

"Lay off me I'm starving!!"

But, I usually, almost always have a green smoothie.

I know it's boring, but as much as I would love to whip up my dream breakfast buffet, I have about a 5-10 minute window to make something and then be on Mommy duty. I have to save "special" breakfast for day's like Mother's Day and Birthdays.

I know. Lucky Right.

But sometimes there are more important things to do, like play with your daughters hair.

I know that little rat tail may mean nothing to you, but when your daughter has been bald for 11 months, this is a big deal.

I'm already thinking about curling irons, and braids, and pony's and buns, and bows and bobby pins..

Simple pleasures, you know?

Too bad I don't put that much effort into my hair.

Or my appearance for that matter.

See..no time for breakfast buffet!

So what's a Starvin' Marvin' supposed to do when a whippity quick Green drink ain't what you cravin'? (Where on earth did that slang come from?

5 Minute Green Muffin (Microwave)

Adapted from the ever so intelligent: Stuft Mama

Ingredients:

1 egg

2 TB Coconut Milk(or other)

1 TB. Vanilla

1 C. Spinach

1 Banana

1/3 C. Frozen Peaches

2 TB. Coconut Flour

2 TB. Coconut Finely Shredded

1 TB. Chia Seeds

2 TB. Oats

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Directions:

1. Easy Peasy. Blend egg, milk, spinach, peaches, and vanilla in a blender.

Make sure it's nice and blended :)

2. Next mix your dry ingredients in a bowl, once combined add your wet ingredients.

3. Then, take a regular coffee/cocoa mug and spray with cooking spray. Pour your batter in the mug. Make sure it's a big enough mug.

Or, if your like me and drop it all over the floor, your mug can be teeny tiny since most of the batter is now trash :)

4. Next step/Favorite Step. Place mug in microwave. Turn on microwave for 4 MINUTES!

5. It's done. Plop on plate.

6. Dress it up and Make it Perty.

I topped mine with Sunflower Butter, Coconut, Raspberries, and Blueberries.

Oh..and if you have never had sunflower butter (ground sunflower seeds)..You MUST! I almost...love it..more than...Peanut Butter..

(These also make for GREAT kids breakfast/snacks as well!!)

Ok, so I may be one of the few who dreams of stuffing my face from the moment I open my eyes, but I promise you, I am doing my body a favor.

Did you know??

Eating a healthy and well balanced breakfast in the morning:

-Helps boost your metabolism, thus helping you loose your jiggly bum bum.

-Gives you the energy to start your day, avoiding fatigue-ness by lunch.

-Less likely to crave 'unnhealthy' foods to snack on to curb those hunger pains.

-Helps you think and focus better.

All pretty important I think.

Especially the part about fatigue-ness.

I MuSt have enough energy to keep up with this little one...

hmmm...

Is it morning yet?? I'm starving!!

Minty Kale Salad

June 22, 2011 Arielle

Things are getting a little silly around here :)

You may notice things look a little different/a little off.

No need to worry, The Diva-Dish is getting a MUCH needed pampered makeover.

Within the next 24 hours, things are going to be looking a little classier...So please bare with the craziness, and the randomness :)

But I promise, you will love it!

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Way back when, salads were my go to kind of food.

I thought it was the 'healthiest' thing to order on the menu at restaurants, and would gladly down a cup of ranch dressing to go along side that.

Oh..

And if the restaurant had bread, you can guarantee that I dipped my bread into my gallon of ranch, all the while using that bread to lick my nutritious delicious salad plate clean.

Now hold on a second, because I'm not saying eating a salad with ranch and bread is sending you straight to the 'worlds unhealthiest eater' prison. If that's your favorite kind of salad, then by all means dip and lick away. Living every once in a while, and eating our favorite foods in moderation (deep rich chocolate cake anyone?) will keep us sane..trust me. You wouldn't want to know me if chocolate wasn't allowed in my life.

But I believe that there are 'better' ways to enjoy the foods we love.

We can up the nutrients, the fiber, the vitamins, the protein, and everything else if we play around with recipes to have them include beneficial ingredients that will help our bodies stay strong and healthy.

With that being said, let me introduce you to,

Minty Kale Salad

*Kale Greens are a great alternative to regular lettuce and even Spinach. It has an amazing source of Fiber, Antioxidants, Vitamins K, A, and C, and aids in Digestion. For best taste results, remove stems from leaves, because the stems are the bitter part of the Kale Plant.*

Ingredients:

Creamy Mint Dressing: Recipe from OhSheGlows

1/4 C. Coconut Milk

1/2 C. Mint Leaves

1 TB. EVOO

3 TB. Lime Juice

2 Tsp. Agave Nectar

salt, pepper

1/2 tsp. Arrowroot powder for thickening (optional)

Ingredients for Salad:

1 Large Bunch of Kale (Read * above for health benefits)

Tomatoes (Great source of Lycopene, which aids in fighting cancer, and Vitamin C)

Avocados (Fight cancer, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure)

Garbanzo Beans (Great Sources of Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber, and Protein)

Peaches (Great source of Beta Carotene which helps with eye and heart health. High fiber and high potassium)

Pecans (Heart healthy, natural antioxidants, lower cholesterol, aids w/ weight control, nutrient dense)

Goat Cheese (Easier to digest than cows milk, metabolism boosting, high in protein and calcium, nutrient dense)

(Everything optional, so add what ever you like on salads. If you a non-vegetarian, feel free to add maybe a lemon chicken. If your a vegetarian stick with the garbanzo beans and pecans for the protein, and if your a vegan, opt out on the goat cheese)

Directions:

1. Make the salad dressing by blending all ingredients in a blender and set aside. Gather Kale bunch and pick off leaves, and discard the stems. Put the leaves in a bowl and drizzle with desired dressing. Massage dressing into Kale Salad until FULLY coated. Let sit while preparing additional ingredients.

2. Once ready, throw additional ingredients on top. Sprinkle with coconut if feeling spontaneous.

3. Dig in!

I think I will be purchasing mint on a regular basis, because this was seriously the most refreshing salad I have ever had. It reminded me of summer!

And I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my extra mint leaves when I woke up this morning..

That was until I found this:

I don't even have a green thumb for pre-grown foods bought from the grocery store..

Just pitiful.

Oh well, it definitely didn't stop me from continuing on with what I had in mind :)

Minty Green Drink

Ingredients:

1 Cup Coconut Milk

1/2 Cup Coconut Water

1 Heaping Cup Spinach

1 Heaping Cup Kale (no stems)

1/4 Cup Dead Mint Leaves

1/3 C. Frozen Cherries

1/3 C. Frozen Blueberries

1 small frozen banana

1 TB. Chia Seeds

1 TB. Walnuts

1 TB. Vanilla

Ice

Directions:

1. Blend till Creamy and Serve

Thanks again for your patience with the blog change.

I know that things can get a little silly and out of hand around here some times, but I appreciate those that visit often and continue to support this journey on living life the healthy way :)

Or maybe...You just keep coming back because you want to see more of this little Chickpea:

That's ok :)

It's completely healthy!

Dresser Redo

June 20, 2011 Arielle

Let's talk about style.

There is different looks, different themes, different era's, different patterns, different fittings, different everything..

Yet, certain people can take those different things and combine them together to create something beautiful.

That.Is.Not.Me.

I wear sweats 99.6% of my day..the other 4% is when I am in the shower.

My house looks like a preschool/messy restaurant kitchen/a messy cluttered teenage girl bedroom.

I'm really talking myself up here huh? My husband must be super lucky? What's that? You want to be my friend?

All joking aside, everything is true :)

But that's the life of a mom right?

Wrong!

You see there are SUPER cute stylish Mom's out there, who can pull themselves together, and manage to leave their amazingly decorated house looking adorable. Why can't I? I guess I am still in that phase..what's it called..Lazyness??

But I am gradually moving forward, and doing what I have to do to make my house, and myself presentable. I have gotten a lot of inspiration from blogs, (go figure lol), giving me that extra Ummph I need to get off my tushy and put effort into things.

For example, Recently I have really focused on my house. For some reason, I just FEEL better when it LOOKS better..although I cannot argue with the preschool look..

So this past weekend when Baby Boo was away, I finished a project that I had been meaning to do for a while but never had the time.

I turned this dresser that I got at a thrift store...

Into this:

For all I know this could be the fugliest dresser anyone has ever laid eyes on..

Work in progress folks.

Want to know how I did it?

It was actually super easy..So for those for those of you with crappy furniture lying around, don't be afraid to get creative. If I can do something like this...A caveman could do it :)

Dresser Re-Do: Drab to Diva

Start with a fugly dresser:

Remove all hard wear, and wipe down any dusty/dirty surfaces.

Then sand your dresser.

This may sound difficult, but I didn't go crazy with this step. I just sanded it down a little to give the paint something to stick too..

Next prime your furniture.

I use the brand KILZ primer Spray. It's fast and effective.

Once again I just primed the furniture lightly, (see below). Just so the paint would have something to stick to, since the look I was going for was a brownish white.

Next, paint your furniture.

I only did one coat of regular white paint. I didn't want it to be solid white, because of the look I was going for.

I love how I keep saying, "the look I was going for," like I know what I am talking about..

Next step, glaze your furniture.

For this I used a Faux Glaze from BEHR, and a sample of brown paint.

I basically poured a little bit of glaze(which is white-ish in color) in a bowl, then added a little brown paint to it, until I got the color brown I wanted.

Then with that mixture I painted on my newly white dresser...

EEEEEEEKK don't worry!!

Then take a damp towel, and wipe away the brown,

And leave a little bit behind so it's looks old.

The brown paint will also stick to the cracks, holes, and indents in the furniture making it look old and rustic...slightly dirty?

After you have finished glazing and everything is dry, put back all the hard wear on and assemble the dresser back together.

I was going to spray the handles, but I thought they went well with the rest of the dresser..

I was ALSO going to re-do the inside of the drawers, but the original lining seemed to go along too..

That, and I was too lazy..

Seems to be a re-occuring problem.

Here is the final project:

Pretty cool?

For now the plan is for this to be in Baby Boo's room. I just have to paint and redecorate in there, and then I, meaning Hubby, will bring it up.

SO at this rate, her room will be done by the time she is 45..

I seriously need to stop exaggerating.

Let's be real, maybe 14 years old?

Just a rough estimate though.

You may also remember THIS drawer from a previous post back:

I did the same thing that I did with the dresser, only using green spray paint, and I tinted the glaze black.

Oh, and I know your thinking that my smart lil brain came up with this all by my self..well, sadly no.

A MUCH MORE talented lady gave me inspiration.

Brooke from All Things Thrifty does AMAZING projects, and I am always OOing and AHHing over them. You should check her out FOR SURE :)

As for now, I am going to sit and watch Bachelorette, even though I have yet to unload the dish washer from yesterday.

Maybe because I am avoided the 67 dishes in the sink that need to go in it, or maybe because I am lazy.

I don't know..

I'm just a Diva.

Lentil Taco Salad

June 15, 2011 Arielle

Tomorrow is my birthday...

I think.

You see, at this moment I'm lost and confused as to the day, time, my name, when the last time I washed my hair, If I ate breakfast this morning, and what load of laundry I am on..I think it's number 6.

To say my life is organized and completely under control is like saying I'm 6 ft. tall with blond hair, voluptuous lady lumps, and a great sense of style..

And if you didn't get that last part, I'm 5'3" with brown hair, no lady lumps but one huge hump, and I've seriously considered hiring a personal stylist.

And then today...

I've locked myself in the garage 2 times, and almost a 3rd.

442061-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Locked-Out-Businessman-Trying-To-Open-A-Door

. The first time was a close one, and Baby Boo was sleeping. Luckily for me I caught myself before I did. The second time I officially locked Baby Boo and I in the garage for a good hour until hubby got home, so we entertained out selves with the water hose...

And the third time, hubby was home and I again managed to lock myself in, so I banged on the door so loud that China could hear me..Except my hubby. Sports center was on..And men can only focus on one thing at a time..At least that's what my mom always taught me.

Then to top it off I stepped in gum earlier in the day, and judging by it's size, it was chewed by Godzilla.

And without noticing, I got in my car, starting driving, only to find my foot sticking to the peddles...Due to the Gum.

Everywhere..

And I won't lie, I'm a little worried to scrape it off in fear of catching rabies or something like that..

(Have I ever mentioned how dramatic I can be?)

And now that I am sitting here, really praying for a hot warm bath, I can't help but look forward to tomorrow. Because birthday's are special..

Birthday's mean spoiling..

And birthday's mean..

Taking Baths.

Oh..

And eating everything that I want..All MY way :)

What I Ate Wednesday, BIRTHDAY addition..

MY WAY Taco Salad

Serves two

Ingredients:

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Avocado

Goat Cheese

Roasted Pepita Seeds

Roasted Corn (Recipe Below)

Lentil "Taco Meat" (Recipe Below)

Cinnamony-Cumin Salad Dressing (Recipe Below)

Directions:

(Roasted Corn)

1. Take an ear of corn and lightly coat with butter, 2 tsp. chopped garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

2. Wrap corn in tin foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 min. Then undo the foil, and put back in the oven for another 15 minutes. When done, take a knife and cut down the sides of the corn to get the little corn off. Set aside.

(Lentil "Taco Meat")

1. Take 1 TB. Chopped Garlic, 1/2 C. Diced onion, and 2 TB. EVOO. Heat oil in pan, then add garlic and onion. Cook and stir for about 5 -7 minutes, or until a little golden. Lower heat to medium-low, then add 1 1/2 C. cooked lentils into pan with 1.5 TB. Taco Seasoning.

I made homemade seasoning, recipe from HERE.

2. Cook for an additional 5 or so minutes, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, remove from heat, and set aside.

(Cinnamony-Cumin Salad Dressing)

recipe from: Eat Drink and Be Vegan

1/4 C. EVOO

2 TB apple cider vinegar

2 TB Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients into a blender.

Salad Assembly

1. Start with the lettuce, avocado, corn, tomato, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and Lentil Meat.

2. Drizzle with dressing.

This Taco Salad was made MY way, but obviously you could do it YOUR way. Add what ever toppings you desire, such as sour cream, cilantro, chips, Peanut Butter (i dunno)..etc

I also paired this salad with Butternut squash seasoned with cinnamon and cilantro.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to eating my weight in watermelon.

Oh..

and a slice of Chocolate Cake at every meal.

That is unless...

I get stuck in the garage again..

Spirulina Fruit Bowl

June 13, 2011 Arielle

I love pink.

I love pink paint, pink toenails, pink ruffle bottoms for babies, pink clothes, pink makeup, pink household items, pink decorations, pink parties, pink glittler..

And pink food.

I am starting to notice a trend..

Pink Macaroons

Pink-ish Chai Chia Pudding

Ok, so it's more purple..but whatev.

Pink Beet Hummus on Lunch Wraps

Pink Ingredients in Smoothies, Like this Chocolate Covered Berry Green Drink,

or this Cherry Chocolate Milk Shake.

Then there is Pink Wedding Cupcakes

Pink Parfaits

And Pink Baby Boo's

My husband calls me crazy, especially when I asked him If I could spray paint this beat up side table that we found at a garage sale for 3 dollars...

Pink.

He drew the line.

So I finally decided on a color that we both agreed on..

It went from ugly beat up brown to this...

And then to this,

Lovely Lively Green.

It's so vibrant, so fresh, so..ME??

Could Green Be the New Pink??

Green Muffins

Green Chai Milkshake

Fresh Squeezed Green Juice

Are you overloaded??

And then..

For breakfast this morning I had A Green Fruit Bowl...

Disgusting looking yes?

Delicious tasting..

Of coarse..

Green Covered Fruit Bowl

Slightly Adapted from : The Kind Diet

Ingredients: (Fruit)

2 C. Mixture of Seasonal Fruit of Choice (I used strawberries, peaches, mangos, and blackberries

1/4 cup cereal (Recipe called for Kamut, but I didn't have it, so I used a blueberry crunch cereal that we had)

2 TB. Coconut

Ingredients for the Green Dressing:

1 tsp. Spirulina

1 1/2 TB Non Dairy Milk

2 tsp. Peanut Butter

1 TB Orange Juice (I didn't have so I used Mango Juice)

1-2 TB Pure Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Add fruit and cereal in a bowl and set aside.

2. Mix dressing ingredients together until smooth/creamy. It shouldn't be super thick or super liquidy.

3. Pour dressing over fruit, cereal and coconut and stir until everything is coated.

4. Enjoy The Green!

This has got to be my favorite thing besides Green Drinks...

Seriously?

Am I feeling okay??

Could GREEN be the new PINK??

Don't Cry Baby Boo, Mama was just making a joke...

I think?

Chocolate Raspberry and Lemon Blackberry Macaroons

June 10, 2011 Arielle

What happens when you live a little?

You don't worry so much about picking up the toys on the floor 57 times a day. Instead you relax, sit on your hiney and play.

And while your sitting on your hiney, playing with toys you notice something in the nooks and craneys of the floor all covered with hair and dust...

Your toothbrush, which ironically has been missing for two days..

Living a little also means skipping on teeth brushing..If you didn't know.

And then there is your kids.

We hussle and bussle them, making sure they know their ABC's and 123's, are coloring in the lines, and prompting them to keep their food in their mouth and not on their shirt or the floor..

But do we let them live a little?

Hopefully so.

If that means letting them eat edible play dough even though you will most likely have to dig out a big chunk stuck to the roof of their mouth...

At least they can say they have done it.

Then at that time you will realize you can let them feel grown up and feed themselves, rather than spoon feed...even though without teeth there still isn't much finger foods safe enough to eat...

And surprisingly you will learn things, while living a little.

Like the fact that your daughter loves tofu, and so do you. It's soft, safe, and edible to eat which in turn makes you one happy Mama.

Now, while your Baby munches Tofu, you suddenly crave sweets.

You really want to bake, but you keep thinking about this hot summer weather, and the fact that you are going to have to get into a bathing suit sooner or later.

It can not be avoided no matter how hard you try.

But you keep thinking about sweets, and you don't care what anyone says, nibbling on carrots just ain't gonna cut it.

And then you realize.

Life is about living.

And you know that if you deprive and restrict your self 100% of the time, your setting yourself up for failure.

The more you tell your self NO, the more your going to feel YES.

And eventually you break in...give up...and fail.

So you say to yourself..

Today, I am going to live a little..

Today I am going to Bake and Eat...

Blackberry and Lemon Macaroons

Recipe By: Raxy

Changes to the original recipe: Subbed coconut extract for Lemon essential oils.

And you won't stop there because you can't have a day of 'Living a Little' without some chocolate!

Almond Chocolate Raspberry Macaroons

Adapted from Blackberry Lemon Macaroons

2 C. Unsweetened finely shredded coconut

1/2 C. Almond Flour

1 TB + 1 tsp. Cocoa Powder

1/4 C. Coconut Oil

1/2 C. Maple Syrup

1/3-1/2 C. Mashed Raspberries

1 TB Coconut Milk(or other Non dairy milk)

1 tsp. Almond extract

dash of salt

Directions:

1. Blend all together and form into balls. Dehydrate 4 hours @ 105. OR set oven to lowest temp setting and watch carefully while macaroons bake.

And then your day is complete... :)

Well...Your day is, but it seems someone else still has some party left in her...

Go to town Baby Boo..

Because today is:

LIVE A LITTLE FRIDAY :)

Don't forget to indulge today!

*This will be a post among many having to do with 'Live a Little Friday' or LALF! It's about not stressing over the calories, or the veggies, or the diets, but giving your self a little something to enjoy in life. Everybody needs to taste chocolate...and enjoy it!*

Pumkpin Chai Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Raspberry "Ice Cream"

June 7, 2011 Arielle

Glass is half empty..Not half full..

When it rains..It freaking pours.

Not just raining on my parade, but snowing, windy, tornado-ing on my freaking parade.

And..

Blah Blah Blah ain't gonna happen unless a Fat Lady is singing her great big heart out..

I'm a drama queen.

Laugh all you want, but if there is a scratch on my shin you bet your little hiney I'm wining to my Mama telling her how I will never ever ever be able to wear shorts again, and most likely should never leave the house until that scratch is gone.

Is that a true story?

I dunno, I'm kind of an exaggerator too.

So you see, yesterday I set out to bake brownies. ME of all people should be able to bake brownies.

But then, I got a little crazy and started throwing in random ingredients that most brownies don't have,(but, I think should) and the end result came out okay...

BUT Hot Dang All Mighty they sure didn't taste like a brownie.

So of coarse I cried, not over spilled milk, but cruddy brownies, and swore to everyone who could hear me that I would never ever ever cook again...

Unless a fat lady was singing.

And as I dramatized the whole scenario for my Hubby when he got home, he in no way humored my dramatic rant and instead told me ,"Honey, why don't you try and look at the positive things in life..instead of all the negatives."

Slap.In.The.Face.

Why are husbands always right??

(SHH DO NOT tell him I said that.)

How can I sit here and complain about poopy brownies, when I am so incredibly blessed to have the things that I have?

Slap again.

SO I quickly gathered what pride was left of me, and told my Hubby in return for is words of genius-ness I was going to make him the best afternoon snack he had ever had.

Fat lady singing or not...

Chai Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Raspberry "Ice Cream"

*For the Pudding*

1/2 C. Pumpkin Puree

1/2 C. Non Dairy Milk

2 TB Chia Seeds

1 scoop Vanilla Chai(or reg. Vanilla) Protein Powder

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

1/4 tsp. Ginger

1/4 tsp. Allspice

*For the "Ice Cream"*

1 Frozen Banana

1/3 C. Frozen Raspberries

1 C. Spinach

2 TB. Non Dairy Milk

1 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients for the pudding in a bowl until combined then set in fridge.

2. Blend "Ice Cream" ingredients into food processor until creamy. Remove Pudding from fridge, and get a tall glass/bowl.

3. Layer Pudding and Ice Cream until all are gone. Sprinkle with coconut if desired.

I prayed that this would make up for my little "episode" earlier..

And Luckily For me...

It did.

Coconut Vanilla Chai Milkshake

June 2, 2011 Arielle

A lot of people ask me what I do during the day as a stay at home mom.

For starters, I appreciate you asking me and not my husband, because according to him I'm relaxing.. :)

Which is funny because this morning at 530 a.m., I spent a good 30 minutes washing a Baby from an unpleasant diaper change, all the while Mr. Know It All is snuggled up cozy in a warm bed snoozing away...

And I don't know if you heard that first part..

530 a.m.

For a while Baby Boo woke up a little after seven, but then decided that there just needed to be more time in the day to play, so recently it's been 530.

I guess 530 wouldn't be so bad, if I went to bed at a decent time and didn't stay up to watch Monday's episode of the bachelorette. (Any one else find the cellular phone salesman a little QT) Don't worry, my husband doesn't mind, he's sleeping.

It's been somewhat of a struggle for me to switch from Ari mode to Mom mode, and things that amuse me, really don't amuse Baby Boo. (She's not all that into Cell Phone Guy..)

But somehow we manage, and some days I look at the clock and say, it's ONLY 11! And other days Hubby comes home and I'm still in my PJ's, Baby Boo is nakie, and I am far from what you would call Pleasant smelling.

On the other hand, this little one masked any smell that may have come her way with a sweet scent of cinnamon.

The Cinnamon Challenge was so 6 months ago for Baby Boo.

She clearly finds joy eating it straight out of the Bottle.

Don't even try and take it away from her.

You will pay the price.

Roughly 5 bucks, because that's how much it's gonna cost to buy more cinnamon once it's spilled all over the floor in a tantrum rage to retrieve it back.

Luckily for me I had used the cinnamon for my breakfast prior to the Ms. Cinnabuns craving.

Coconut Vanilla Chai Milkshake

Inspired by the Amazing/Talented/Beautiful Mama Pea: Coconut Chai

1/2 C. Coconut Milk

1 frozen Banana

6 Coconut Milk ice cubs

1 tsp. Ginger

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice (or Allspice)

1 TB Vanilla

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until creamy. Reduce milk for a creamier shake, and add milk for a less thick shake.

Thank you Mama Pea for your inspiration.

Best. Drink.Hands. Down.

But then..As they always do..Things got a little crazy.

Since I was making this for breakfast I decided I needed a little bit of Greeeeennsss...

Coconut Vanilla Chai Green Drink Milkshake

Ingredients:

Coconut Vanilla Chai Milkshake

2 C. Spinach

2 Dates

Directions:

Blend until creamy and green :)

I HAD TO.

I'm sorry.

I know you are probably Green Drinked OUT..And EnOuGh with the milkshakes already!

Am I right??

Last one I promise..

Some of us just can't take it anymore...

Fresh Summer Green Juice

May 31, 2011 Arielle

Yesterday was a BeAuTiFuL Day!

I hope everybody had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. I am so grateful for this country we live in and for those who have served/are serving allowing us to enjoy the blessings of our free country.

This weekend we took time to smell the roses, and others took time to eat them..

We enjoyed the outdoors and played in the grass,

And then wished we hadn't because grass makes you itchy..

We sipped fresh sqeezed juices that made us dream of summer,

Fresh Summer Green Juice

1 large cup watermelon

1 large cucumber

2 gala apples

1/2 inch ginger piece

2-4 stalks swiss chard (preference-more if desired)

And then every morning I found joy in making Green Smoothies for willing family members we were visiting,

Pumpkiny Green Smoothie

1. C. Non Dairy Milk

1/3 C. Pumpkin Puree

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 C. Spinach

2 Dates

3 TB Oats

2 TB Chia Seeds

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice (or combo of cinnamon and nutmeg)

ice

I even got a little creative and added frozen carrots...

Carrot Green Smoothie

1 C. Non Dairy Milk

2 C. Spinach

3 TB oats

2 Dates

1 Frozen Banana

1/3 C. Frozen Carrots

1/3 C. Pumpkin Puree

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 TB Walnuts

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

Ice

Things may have gotten even a little out of hand when I made No Bake Energy Cookies with SwIsS ChArD in them...

But crazy is ok with me, because we couldn't get enough of these cookies.

I even tried baking them and they turned out better than I imagined!

These cookies were so tasty and delicious, yet I am debating whether or not to post the recipe.

(Do people really want Swiss Chard Energy Cookies??)

And last but not least Baby Boo got a Pink Car from G-ma and G-pa...

(I'm a little against the whole car thing, but as long as it's pink.... :) jk jk)

Everyone is a little nervous she is going to turn out to be a driver like her Mama...

For the most part, I would say things are looking up?

Wouldn't you?

Butternut Squash Pizza Crust-Healthy AND Gluten Free! :)

May 26, 2011 Arielle

Let's talk about Pizza.

I tried to make pizza one time when I was in middle school..

To this day my family hasn't let me down from the shame. Want a little cooking tip?

'When a recipe calls for a package of yeast, that means a little teeny tiny package...

NOT a costco size package.'

Ever since then, I just can't get pizza dough right. I let it rise, but it never does.

I use whole grain flour but it's too whole grainy.

And it's never flaky..it's more like a dense brick of carbs.

It really tickles me off, because I love pizza, but I most definitely don't want to resort to a $5-10 Hot N' Ready To Go To Your Thighs Pizza...

So what's a diva to do..(Diva/Drama Queen-Same Thing)

This question, along with my prayers, were answered when I was on Jess from Healthy Exposures blog (Beautiful Girl.Beautiful Pics.Yummy Food.Check her out!) She talked about this sweet potato pizza crust that she found on Rawxy (Foxy Raw to be exact! She is amazing! Delicious Recipes too! Check her out also!!)

I was in AWE...To say the least. I had to make it.

So I did! I didn't have sweet potato, but I had butternut squash, so I tweeked it just a tad...And You want to know the best parts!!

Completely Delicious!

SUPER easy!

Super Fast!

Delicious!!

Butternut Squash Pizza Crust with Veggie Toppings and Raw Parmesan Cheeze

Adapted from Rawxy

*Gluten Free, Vegan*

(For the crust:)

1 Cup Butternut Squash Puree

1/2 cup Coconut Flour (Can sub any other flour, but the amounts may be slightly different)

1 cup Brown Rice Flour

1 TB EVOO

1 TB Baking Powder

1 TB Dried Rosemary

Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into food processor with dough blade. Combine until a dough ball forms. Roll out dough on prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. You can use all the dough, or wrap half up and save it for later.

2. Then top with desired toppings. I started with a homemade cilantro avocado hummus.

Then an array of veggies, and of coarse olives. I also included shredded zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, and chickpeas.

Next, I added the most amazing and delicious Raw Parmesan Cheese, recipe also from the amazing Rawxy!

1/8 cup pumpkin seeds + 1/8 cup cashews + 1/4 cup nutritional yeast blended together into fine crumbs..A-maz-ing!

When ready, bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are brown/crispy.

Pretty much the only way I want to eat pizza from now on :)

Tonight was girls night since my Hubby is knee deep in studying, so I shared some with Baby Boo because the crust was perfect texture for her little gum-less mouth! She loved it!

Now we're off to do more girly things..

I don't care how little hair she has, I'm gonna find a way to curl it! :)

Sugar Coated Coma and Wedding Cupcakes!

May 15, 2011 Arielle

This post may seem a little off,

Because it's not often we talk about 24 boxes of powdered sugar.

Or the fact that I have enough vegetable oil to drive to china..

Can you drive to China?

Doubtful

Oh and there is butter...

Probably enough butter to make you as big as China.

Or about the same amount of butter Mrs. Dean adds to her mashed potatoes...

Either way, Big as China.

Which is how I feel after this weekend. No, I didn't just call it quits and say 'Forget This' when it comes to living healthy and add a stick of butter to my morning smoothie...

(Would that even taste good? I dunno, ask Mrs. Dean)

I actually had a purpose to this madness..

A purpose of about 200 cupcakes AND a wedding cake!

And for two days every time I opened my fridge I found this...

Drool..

THEN, only to shut the fridge, and have the rest of THIS bad boy screaming 'Eat Me Now you Sissy La La!'

No thank you, this carrot taste delicious!

Baby Boo was probably the hardest to contain self control. Every time I turned around , she tried to sneak a snack in here and there..

Like mama' like daughta'

And...Actually to be truthful, I wasn't the least bit tempted to eat every single cupcake..I was too sick from testing batters and frostings, that the thought of sugar made me want to..

Eat a carrot..

And I technically wasn't allowed to since the cupcakes weren't all for me..:)

Dang..

They were how ever for some really great friends of ours who got married this weekend! I was SO nervous to bake for a wedding..Not something I had ever done!

But I think everything turned out pretty good..

It was one of the most beautiful weddings I had ever seen. Every single touch was handmade and done by the family, or someone that the family was close with.

It made everything very special and very personal.

Even the hubby and I(besides making the cake) got to be apart of the wedding..

Baby Boo's dress was AlMoSt as poofy as the brides...

Almost.

But she most definitely won the Biggest Flower on the Head prize.

We even got to sit at the 'Big Kids' Table since we were apart of the wedding party...

And to think he is 5 years older than me :)

Much.Better.

It was a beautiful day despite the 4 hours of sleep and Frosting tid bits strewed about my bangs.

I am much more relaxed knowing I was able to accomplish such a great task!

As for now I am starting a two week detox tomorrow. I'll give the details more later, but what I can tell you is that Chocolate is NOT included...

I think I just shed a tear..

Also coming up is a no fail no boredom treadmill routine and some great Mama and Baby Workouts, along with a bunch of other random goodies :)

Have a great rest of your weekend my little cupca...

Wait..I am definitely not going to finish that word..

Bleh! Too soon...

Chocolate Peanut Butter & Ganache Birthday Cake

May 11, 2011 Arielle

What happened to the days when we were kids and all we did was play and run around?

We would ride our bikes, play games, sports, you name it...

We were active.

Then, I guess somewhere in time we grew up. We got jobs, we met boys, we were busy with school, and the term 'play' only happened a couple times of year when we had vacation.

Some of us continued to stay active, working out after classes and jobs, and even keeping active in other recreational activities...but that slowly disappeared when real life hit us smack in the face with families and kids.

Then the time we used to keep active simply went to diaper changing, taking care of kids, and making dinner..

And then before you know if your here:

And those once used often running shoes sit in the corner of the floor...

Alone. Abandoned. Stinky.

And then we do silly things like buy new workout clothes, because we think it will motivate us to get back into the swing of things...

When in reality instead of sweating it out on a nice run outside, it's stuck being worn indoors mopping floors, that are coated in powdered sugar.

Powdered sugar that was used to make 300 of these,

And then this, which has been staring at me in the face all day!

Hubby's Birthday Cake. Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Cake to be exact.

Every time I walk by I want to face plant right in and inhale its delicious goodness..

Plop!

The every day hustle and bustle of life has a way of pushing important priorities to the side because there simply isn't time.

Time to exercise is what I am talking about.

I wasn't always one of those people that would say, "I don't have time to work out."

I would simply think, "Well, make time!"

But now with every day responsibilities, I find myself finally sitting down at 930 at night thinking.."Where did the day go by. I didn't even accomplish half of what I wanted to...

And if there is something I have learned with exercise and being a Mama, is that It's harder to focus on ME when my life/my whole day is spent focusing on everybody else. How can I possibly take time out for me, when I have a million things to get done at home?

Sacrifice.

If there is one thing you should know it's that Mama=Sacrifice.

Sometimes sacrificing showers, makeup, new clothes, clothes with out Boo Doo Doo, time with your husband, time with friends, meals, exercise...etc..

Sacrificing HouseWives of O.C and staying up until 12 to watch it, just so I can get up in the morning to go work out.

Sacrifice.

Sacrificing computer time so I can accomplish what really needs to be done, so I can have time to exercise.

Sacrificing for a purpose to make time. Take a look at your life and find where you could make adjustments to fit time in for you. You will be happier, a better mother, a better wife, and a great example to those around you.

BUT...Remember. Some days are better than others..

Some days, your baby or hubby is sick..

Or your baking 200 cupcakes and making a wedding cake for saturday...

And somedays, your Italian Stalion Juice Head Guido of a Hubby is celebrating his 27th birthday...

Sometimes...Exercise may have to be sacrificed...

For cake.

Because, there is nothing wrong with living a little.. :)

Especially when it involves Chocolate and Peanut butter...

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting & Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:

*Chocolate Cake-Recipe HERE. The only difference I made was add 1/4 cup peanut butter into the batter. I then baked accordingly, except dividing batter into 3 different pans, so I would have 3 layers.*

*Peanut Butter Frosting*

Ingredients:

1 cup Butter(room temp)

1/2 cup Peanut butter

1 TB Vanilla

3-5 Tb Heavy Whipping Cream

4-5 cups Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Beat room temp butter and Peanut butter until Creamy. Add about 4 cups of powdered sugar, vanilla, and 3 TB whipping cream and beat until combined and creamy. Batter will be pretty thick. Add more whipping cream to reach desired consistency. If you think it could use more powdered sugar, go ahead and add it, but u might have to increase the whipping cream.

*Chocolate Ganache*

Ingredients:

2 cups Dark chocolate chips

1 cup Heavy whipping Cream

Directions:

Over a double Broiler, melt chocolate and cream until combined and creamy. Set aside for about an hour.

**Cake Assembly**

1. Start with one layer of cake. Spread some PB frosting to coat top of Layer, then add about 1/4 cup or so of ganache and coat top of frosting. Add second layer of cake, and repeat with frosting and ganache. Add third layer and coat entire cake with peanut butter frosting. Then Drizzle ganache all over cake, then with a spreading spatula, blend ganache with PB frosting, to make a marble looking effect, like so...