my happy list

via Pinterest

Lately there is a spring in my step, an extra cherry on my day, a bigger smile on my day.  There's no particular reason, I'm just happy.  And, it feels good.  If you're ever in a funk, smile.  It just makes you feel good.

Here's some things that have made me smile:

trying this oatmeal recipe, my belly thanked me :)

having a student say, "I love you", and then step on my toes as they gave me a hug

coming home from work with absolutely no homework to do (one more week till Spring semester starts)

spending an extra 10 minutes on make-up for a night out

making a phenomenal dinner for the parents, I even surprised myself

spending the weekend in my Tom's

sipping coffee in bed while having a lazy morning with the husband

having an amazing therapy sesh with my hairdresser (she's more like an angel)

curling up on the couch with a bowl of banana freeze

discovering The Civil Wars, one word....BEAUTIFUL!

face timing with friends

warming up my tummy with a big mug of Chai tea :)

running into family at Trader Joe's and getting to see my adorable niece smile 

starting my weekend off right with a 6 mile trail run

having dinner with my amazing friend and her husband, nothing is better than girl time!

getting a new book in the mail

I hope you smile today!

let's get together!

for the love of quinoa

To kick start the new year I thought I'd share a healthy recipe that I love, and share about one of my favorite seeds!

Yes, it's a seed!

This beauty is quinoa (keen-wha).  It took me a long time to finally say it right.  It's a little intimidating at first, but once you figure out how to cook it there is not turning back.  I've been eating and cooking with quinoa for a little over a year now and am in L-O-V-E.  It is SUPER healthy, filled with tons of amino acids, and is packed with protein.  

Go here if you don't believe me.  

How to prepare:

On the stovetop, add 1 cup dry quinoa to 1.75 cups liquid, bring up to a simmer and cook covered for 15-20 minutes or until fluffy and tender.  The seeds will sprout tails, and you will know it is done!  Then season and serve on its own, or mixed together with beans, veggies, or tofu – the possibilities are endless with this versatile grain.

I like mine both cold and hot.  I will make a big batch of quinoa with fun mix-ins, eat it warm, and then throw it in the fridge to enjoy cold the rest of the week.  

Today I want to share how to make my favorite mediterranean version with quinoa.

You'll Need:

1 cup dry quinoa

1.75 cups water

1 cup diced cherry tomates

1/2 cup diced artichoke hearts

1/2 cup roughly cut kalamata olives

1 tbsp. olive oil

2. tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice

salt to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare quinoa at the stovetop following the above directions.

2. Place all of your chopped veggies in a large bowl.

3. Mix the cooked quinoa in with your veggies.

4. Stir in olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with salt to taste. 

5. Enjoy!

It is super easy and crazy versatile, it all depends on your mood! 

If I had feta cheese of crumbled goat cheese I would have added that to it as well.  OH, and toasted pine nuts...just mix and match what you like!

Here are some of my favorite recipes I have made with quinoa that even my husband asks for over and over again! (That is a true testament to how good they are.)

Quinoa Tabouli

Mediterranean Quinoa

Mexican Quinoa with Black Beans and Avocado

Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa

I hope you try out one of these fabulous recipes and let me know how it goes!