Cookie dough

Sometimes after a particularly long and annoying day, you just gotta treat yourself.  The hubbster was requesting something sweet and chocolate, and I was only too happy to oblige.  I've been obsessed with the Happy Herbivore as of late and, after purchasing two of her books on my Nook, decided to finally give one of her recipes a go.  I chose her instant cookie dough recipe because it was super fast and I had everything on hand! 

I tweaked it a bit: oats + agave nectar + peanut butter + cocoa powder 

I thought it was just too dry though, so I added a good splash of soy milk but then I felt like I was eating chocolate cereal.  Mike ate his up at this point but I had an idea brewing.  Why not combine the concept of overnight oats with this delicious mix?  I popped this in the fridge overnight and had an amazing, more cookie dough textured deliciousness the next evening. 

Sooo delicious and way healthier than traditional cookie dough! 

Square Cafe and House Cleaning

I woke up later than intended, we went out to the Park House for Mike's birthday celebration and I didn't get to bed until 2:30am - eek! I am too old to be staying up that late anymore! Haha! 

We were both in the mood to head on over to our favorite breakfast spot called Square Cafe, so we threw on some clothes, made ourselves presentable, and headed on over. 

What I love about Square Cafe is that they have vegetarian and even vegan breakfast options on the menu that absolutely rock! 

I also love that they are a-okay with giving you a little cup of soy milk to put in your coffee (which you get refilled a thousand times!) 

I got my old standby that I'm obsessed with - the Veggie Overload Omelet.

Three eggs stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and zucchini.  Served with toast and home fries. 

So... freaking... good...

Mike is more adventurous than I so he tried a new item on the menu: the Square Tostada. 

Crisp tortilla shell topped with chorizo, onions, peppers, two eggs over easy and a spicy aioli. Served with sour cream and salsa.  

He said it was really, really good too! 

After we stuffed ourselves with a delicious brunch, we headed down to the Waterfront to buy some much needed household items from Target.  Boring stuff ya know? Trashcans, a fan, an alarm clock, a lamp, etc. 

Dinner was a haphazard throwing together of things while I tried to cook through most of our CSA veggies.  TJ's Kimchi rice topped with salmon and a scoop of kimchi, served with grilled zucchini and onions.  

I have more laundry to do, ugh. 

The Park House

Now, I'm gonna let you in on a lil secret.  Ever since I turned 21, I have been quietly pining for a low-key, homey bar where I can go and chill, drink beer, and eat some amazing bar food.  I can't handle the loud, chaotic, and pretentious bar scene of most popular and trendy bars.  I want a place like Cheers where when I walk in, the bartender knows me by name and knows my beer order.  My friends, I have indeed found it.  Well almost, the bartender knows Mike's name and his order- but I'm sure if I keep showing up he'll know mine too. 

I'm talking about the Park House on Pittsburgh's Northside.  You walk in and it's a nice, tavern style bar, longer than it is wide with a long bar area and then a row of tables.  They have a great selection of beer, specializing in microbrews and craft beer, and they also have wine and spirits.  While I enjoy an ice cold Straub when I walk in the door, especially with in this summer heat, I have to admit I'm really there for the food. 

You won't find any wings or cheese sticks here my friend, but you will find a delicious array of hummus, gyros, falafels, and grilled chicken- super super noms. 

I was pretty famished when we headed to the Park House after watching a hilarious improv show at the Steel City Improv Theater.  I needed sustenance fast.  Good thing they have free popcorn and peanuts available- I grabbed us a bowl of popcorn and ordered up a glass of ice-cold Straub. 

Mike regrets to tell me that the main cook is still on vacation so it's just fries and hummus available tonight- darn it!!! Nevertheless I'm hungry so we order some spicy hummus served with pita...

....and some sweet potato fries with honey mustard sauce. 

And also another beer. Or two. 

I'll be sure to post pictures when I'm actually there to have a full meal but even better, go there and see for yourself if you can! 

My First Yumvelope - July 2012 Review

After a crappy day of work one day, I came home to another super awesome package!! 

My first Yumvelope! 

Please ignore the awful mess piling up on my front room table. 

I was really impressed with how much was stuffed into a standard sizes shipping envelope.  They really stuffed this puppy to the brim!

Included in the bag was: 

• A card with a note from Yumvelope on one side, on the other side a list of the included goodies with coupon codes for 10% off GoPicnic Meals and 25% off Honey Stinger Waffles. 
• GoPicnic ready-to-eat meals: Hummus + crackers
• A granola with coconut Macrobar
• The Good Bean sweet cinnamon roasted chickpeas
• A Honey Stinger Waffle 
• Tulsi organics tea 
• 2 packets of Gogo Squeez in Apple Cinnamon 

I've heard of (and love) GoPicnic products, I had actually ordered a case of the peanut butter boxes a while back and was thoroughly pleased to receive a hummus one in my Yumvelope.  I love that these are shelf-stable and super portable.  I like to keep these in my drawer at work for emergencies and we have one in our glove compartment in the car.  This would especially be great for vegans/vegetarians who travel because sometimes finding fast food that is vegetarian (or remotely healthy) is tricky! 

The Macrobar comes in a variety of 10 flavors, is USDA certified organic, vegan, and macrobiotic.  I received the granola w/ coconut flavor and I am jazzed because I love coconut! This bar has 210 calories, 8g fat, 36g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 5g protein - this would make for a nice breakfast bar for anyone on the go! Other flavors I have my eye on are peanut butter chocolate chip and banana almond- mmm....

The Good Bean roasted chickpeas are sweet cinnamon flavored with a hint of vanilla.  They boast 7g of protein per serving, are high in fiber with 6g per serving, and are gluten free.  From the ingredients list they also appear to be vegan but they don't say so on the label. Other flavors include: Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, and Smoky Chili & Lime- wow I bet the savory ones rock too! They also sell some fruit bars that look interesting. 

I don't know why, but I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the honey flavored stinger waffle. I think it's because it feels so dense and chewy through the package.  It's super flat and lightweight so great for travel, and reminds me of a more dense looking pitzel.  The flavor is amazing, sweet and chewy like a sugar cookie flavored with honey- yum!  On their website, other flavors include chocolate, lemon, vanilla, and strawberry. One waffle has 160 calories, 7g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, and 0g protein.  I'm kind of disappointed that there isn't any protein in it but then, it's supposed to be an energy bar, not a protein bar.  While this is perfect for bikers and those performing high energy, endurance sports or races, I wouldn't recommend munching on these just because "they're healthy."  Save these for their intended purpose! 

So excited for tea! Included were three packets of Tulsi Organics tea: 1 Tulsi & Lemongrass, 1 Pure Tulsi, and 1 Tulsi Chai.  They also have Tulsi Ginger available.  Evidently, Tulsi is a plant used commonly in Ayurvedic medicine in India to promote calmness, alleviate stress, balance metabolism, and strengthen immunity. In English it's called "Holy Basil". Well if it does all that- sign me up!! It's caffeine free so I will definitely be having a cup in the evenings to relax me. 

Last but not least, some GoSo Squeez packets - I'm excited to try these because I love cinnamon flavored applesauce and I'm sure these won't disappoint.  There was also a packet of this in my Conscious Box so I'm glad to have a variety of flavors. As I mentioned before, these are cute and a good option if you're in a pinch without access to fast, healthy food but again I think it's cheaper and healthier to eat an apple and call it a day. Just sayen'.. I like the little cap at the top too- reminds me of a canteen. 

I can honestly say I am very impressed and pleased with the variety of products included and will be continuing my subscription with them- Lordy I can't wait until August now! 

I would also like to mention that I wrote this review of my own accord and received no money, free items, or anything of that nature from Yumvelope.  They didn't ask me to write a review for them, I did it merely because I love the idea, love the products, and think others would enjoy them as much as I do!

My First Conscious Box - July 2012 Review

So I have caught wind recently of this really awesome trend where people are subscribing and having awesome packages send via snail mail to their homes.  They have ones for food, beauty products, and I found a vegan, eco-friendly one that I have been absolutely ecstatic about finally getting!  The company is called Conscious Box and they are AWESOME!! I'm so pleased with my experience I've had with them.  Everything from quick processing of my order, to speedy delivery, fun updates on Facebook from them, and the box is so great and chock full of things I like! I also feel I definitely got my money's worth (something that was lacking with my Healthy Surprise box..)

Conscious Box tends to stuff their boxes with a theme, this month's theme is about enjoying the simple pleasures of the summer season in July.  

I have to confess, I was so excited to look through my box I opened it up and immediately started unpacking  all the goodies so I can't show you how genius they were about packing so much into this modestly sized box! I tried 5 times to get everything back in and I just couldn't.  Whoever works there must really rock it out when packing their clothes for vacation... 

I do remember that, lying on top of the goods was their signature card, explaining everything that was in the box for July.  Underneath it was a cute post card with an uplifting quote on it... I have to be honest though. I'm not sure what the photo is of- is that bamboo?

Reading through the list of items, I became super excited to see products from Aura Cacia!! I love, love, love their aromatherapy products and am so glad I signed up in time to get this box! 

Included in the box was a vial of sweet orange essential oil and a deck of Aromatherapy cards.  

These cards are so great!! They have three sections: Essentials, Benefits, and Formulations.  The essentials cards go over basic, commonly used scents, how they're procured and their common uses. The benefits section goes over common ailments that can be helped through aromatherapy (headaches, PMS, lethargy, etc.) and suggestions on what aromas to use to treat them.  The formulations section has great recipes and ideas for use, such as mists, bath gels, lotions. Also- a dollar off coupon was included! Woohoo! 

Next up was some makeup! They can't go wrong there, especially for me! They included eye shadow from The All Natural Face in the shade of Lemon Ice which I felt complimented my skin tone very well and had a lovely shimmery after-effect.  The shade seemed very forgiving for many skin tones actually. I think it would make a great highlighting tone to sweep over your brow bone. They also included a 20% off code! 

Also included was some "Muscle & Joint Therapeutic Cream" from Jadience Herbal Formulas. I haven't tried this yet but I'm all for more natural treatments so when in need- I will be trying this out. Skimming through the ingredients I see burdock root, goji berry, chinese foxglove, aloe vera, and jojoba oil.  The active ingredient is camphor (a topical analgesic).  Mike has had some issues with his knee recently, maybe we'll try it out on him next time and see how it does! 

As if I weren't already suspicious Conscious Box was eavesdropping on me and taking note of items I need and love, they also included a sample of "Naturally it's Clean" by Enzyme Fresh Home. I was literately just looking a few days ago for a natural cleaner for hardwood that wouldn't leave streaks or sticky residue. Directions say to mix this packet with a 1/2 gallon of water and mop as per usual. Safely cleans hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, cork, bamboo, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and any water washable flooring. 

Next up we have a "Just Great Stuff" bar by Betty Lous in superberry acai flavor.  This bar is vegan and gluten free, made with goji berries, acai berries, and raspberries. The bar is also USDA certified organic.  The benefits of this bar include antioxidants and dietary fiber, as well as unsaturated fatty acids.  Sometimes I'm a little leery of these health bars because I've seen some with as many as 350 calories!! Yipe! I was pleasantly surprised to find this bar only has 180 calories with 7g fat, 24g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 5g protein. Not too shabby- this would make a nice snack or even breakfast on the go! Also a plus, I recognized all the items on the ingredients list as food. 

St. Claire's Organics Peppermints were an exciting find also, I'll be tucking these goodies in my purse! They are also USDA certified organic, allergen-free and vegan. The ingredients include organic molasses granules, organic evaporated cane juice, and organic peppermint essential oil.  They smell super strong and minty, I could smell them from the conscious box before I even opened it! They taste similar to an Altoid but not quite so overwhelming, and what's even more fun, there's a nice saying on the inside of the lid to inspire you every time you grab a mint.  I won't spoil what it says, buy a box and find out

I'm an avid lover of coffee and tea (hot or cold, on a boat, with a goat, etc.) so any tea samples will be welcomed with open arms. I've never heard of Tea Forte before, so I was thinking it was merely a sample of green tea in various flavors.  Then I noticed the heading of "Skin Smart antioxidant amplifier teas" which was intriguing.  How cool is that- they hone in on ingredients that help prevent skin cell oxidative damage to help prevent aging.  I'm not overly concerned with my skin, though I should be, but who doesn't want to keep their glowing, healthy, young face?  The flavors sound super yummy too, cucumber mint, cherry marzipan, and honey yuzu- nom!! Also included was a dollar off web coupon.  After meandering over to their website they also offer a myriad of other delicious sounding teas- especially the rare tea: jasmine pearls!

This Sun Warrior supplement looks rather intense... I was nervous this was for a power lifter or someone who clearly works out more than me (not that that's a huge feat). The warrior blend: a protein powder of pea, cranberry, and hemp protein (clearly all plant-based) also boasts being gluten free, soy free, dairy free, hypo-allergenic, and non-GMO.  Directions say just mix with 8-10oz of water, rice milk , or favorite beverage.  It wasn't outrageous in calories or powder- I would definitely use it just to supplement my diet in protein.  This puppy will be going in a nice cold glass of soy milk the next time I need a boost of protein! 

I thought that the GoGo Squeez mango flavored applesauce packet was a cute idea.  This is supposed to be a portable, quick way to get some food into your kids (or yourself). Ingredients: apple, mango, banana, and apple juice concentrate.  I guess if you're in a pinch and this is as healthy as it gets- go for it.  However, I still think it's so much better (and cheaper) just to eat an apple, get for fiber, and call it a day.  I'm really grateful for the chance to have sampled one though! 

Now that it's been in the 80-90's range here in Pittsburgh, I have been craving a nice tall glass of iced tea and BAM, thank you again conscious box!  A sample from Mighty Leaf Iced Tea is just what the doctor ordered.  Included was one sample of whole leaf tea in a silken pouch, Calypso Mango flavored and it smells amazing. $1.75 off coupon included seals the deal. 

To "sweeten the deal", Madhava Natural Sweeteners samples were included! One of organic light agave nectar and one of organic coconut sugar.  I have been a fan of Madhava's agave nectar for a while and use their products regularly, but I actually haven't tried the coconut sugar so I'm super excited to give that a go! A coupon was included for both items, a dollar off each product. 

Also included in the box:

• 20% off coupon for Maple Hill Dryer Balls 
• $1 off coupon for Naturally it's Clean (available at East End Food Co-op)
• $1 off coupon for Jovial Einkorn Pasta.(they also have a free shipping code on their website!)  

Last but not least, for an extra treat since I posted on Conscious Box's facebook page, a Powbab super fruit chew! This little chew boasts immunity strength by providing 100% daily dose of vitamins C & E, and a good source of vitamin A.  It also contains this fruit I've never heard of called a baobab, known as the "Tree of Life" in Africa. I'll let you know how this tastes..

Whew! Hopefully this peek into the Conscious box has caught your attention and interested you in giving it a try- I highly recommend because it ROCKS!!! 

Oh FYI- I have subscribed to Conscious Box of my own free will, have not accepted any money, free items, or anything of that sort from them, and am just freely offering up my time and opinions on the box because I truly enjoy their product.  Conscious Box didn't even ask me to review it- I just did it BECAUSE I CAN!!  

:) 

Friday Dinner with Friends

Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm a tad superstitious, I wear my lucky necklace every day, believe in spreading good Karma, carry crystal quartz in my purse, and run screaming from black cats. Okay, just kidding about the last one, I run towards cats because they're so fluffy and cute! My point being - I figured Friday the 13th would be seriously awful and catastrophic seeing as how that's the rep it has.  I was envisioning everyone malnourished in the state of PA flooding into the hospital all needing nutrition intervention STAT!

After an uneventful (Thank God) day at work, Mikey and I did some super-speed grocery shopping and then headed over to our friends place for dinner to celebrate their very recent engagement!  Appetizers were already laid out on the table- some fruit kebabs with adorable marshmallow stars at the top!!  Hilarious note- the creator of this dish noticed someone messed up the spiral design in the dip and ran to bust out a squeeze bottle of green gel to rectify the situation.  I've never seen her move so fast. 

Because I'm predictable and unoriginal, I brought my standard brie, jam, and crackers. Everyone seemed to enjoy it though!  Note to self: make sure you remove all the plastic from the cheese before putting the jam on- oops! Evidently the men were having issues cutting the cheese (haha) because they put little strips of plastic on the exposed sides to help the wedge keep it's shape. 

I have to say though, the star appetizer of the night was the hostess's creation of tuna tartar with fried wontons... this seriously looks like it's from a restaurant.  She made two and they were devoured in 5 minutes each- super, super noms and so beautiful!

Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures for the rest of the meal (which was delicious) because as we sat down for dinner, the hostess handed me this: 

Now in my happy, ditsy little world- I'm thinking oooh- party favors!  She mentioned that she'd already given  the other gal hers, and this is definitely something creative she would do so I thought nothing of it.  

Inside was a note: 

Now clearly here, I was slightly suspicious of what the question would be, but wanted to make sure I was absolutely correct so as not to create awkwardness or an idiot of myself so I feverishly went to work on the puzzle you can see in the upper right hand corner.  I was pretty nervous while I was putting the puzzle together because everyone was watching me and I suck at puzzles, plus my mind was going a mile a minute.  I was beginning to think it might say like .. will you be my best buddy or.. will you... go do something with me...who knows. I think I was just in disbelief and too modest to think, because I've never, ever been asked to do something SO AWESOME BEFORE! 

FINALLY after much encouragement (and help) I got the sucker put together and YAY!!! 

I was so elated and excited to be included in their special day, I started crying haha! But that's also par for the course with me.  I'm so excited because Mike is also in the wedding and I was trying to think how we would plan that day out if he were with them and I went separately to the wedding/reception area.  Looking back, I'm fully aware it was blatantly obvious to everyone else- but I was just too retarded and afraid to assume until I had it directly in front of my face.  I'm so excited to be included and help such a wonderful couple plan one of the most important days of their lives. 

Ahh I'm such a romantic. <3 

And a foodie: dinner was fantastic- roasted potatoes, a red cabbage/fennel/carrot slaw, grilled chicken, and caprese salad.  Everything was super tasty- I definitely polished off the plate of potatoes while they were ridding up dishes. I have no shame. 

Dessert was a.. I think raspberry pie with vanilla ice cream and whipped topping- but I forget because I was 3-4 beers in and still excited about being asked to be a bridesmaid!! Oh, I guess it's matron now - what an old sounding word!! Booo hiss!! I'm still a fresh young, starry-eyed teenager with the world as my oyster! 

Anyways, what a great way to put my suspicions about Friday the 13th to rest! 

Mad Mex

Mike and I went to dinner at Mad Mex tonight and I was super impressed with their vegetarian options!! They have a vegetarian option for every section on the menu (soup, taco, quesadillas, taco, burrito, etc.) They even had a vegetarian appetizer- seitan wings!!! I've never had seitan wings out at a restaurant so I had to give them a try. They delicious! I like that they let you pick from any of the sauces that go on the regular wings.  I wish the sauce was dairy free but I don't imagine too many people order that so it wouldn't be cost effective for them. They do offer Daiya cheese for their entrees though! COOL! 

Mikey ordered the Carnitas Burrito which was pork slow roasted in garlic, cilantro, chipotles and Dos Equis with roasted chillis inside, it also had a side of blue cornbread and pico de gallo. 

Now I don't even get what all was in this blue cornbread, but it was so.. amazing. It just melted in your mouth and was so wonderful and delicious. I wonder if I could just get that as a side next time- it was a winner for sure!! 

I feel like I haven't been doing a bang up job on protein lately, so I ordered the grilled fish tacos, it's my standard meal when I go.  I have to be honest though, the beans and rice were the best part! I think I'll have to try the vegetable quesadillas next time!  Oh well! 

Oh, I also ordered a Big Azz Margarita which was half price during happy hour. It was 22oz... bad choice. Oh well! 

Ole!