Quinoa & Roasted Shrimp

So when I came back from a vacation of fish and chips, housemate pasta and lots of champagne, I knew I needed to get back into my clean eating and food prep business. 

So, I got the rice cooker going for my multi-colored quinoa, and the oven pre-heated at 375 for my veggies and shrimp. 

To prep:
Peel and slice rainbow carrots
Chop zucchini to match the size of carrots.
Pour into a ziplock bag with olive oil, crushed garlic and salt.
Massage, then spread on a baking sheet.

For the shrimp, it's fine if still frozen, just make sure the tails are off and it's deveined. Season the same as with the veggies, but add some extra garlic and maybe some dried basil.

I like to season my food simply so that I can change up the dressing depending on my mood. Mexican, Italian or Asian influenced. Just add salsa, balsamic vinegar, siracha or gluten free soy sauce!

After the veggies baked for 10 minutes add the shrimp. Those will stay in the oven together for about 20 minutes. If the shrimp is pink, then you're done! Here it is undressed, because when I portion my meals, I leave them that way so that I can decide on my mood the day I get to enjoy it!

Well this past week has been one of the most satisfying, interesting and a sure sign of what is yet to come for my future.

I am in full swing of my new position at work, Office Assistant and Curriculum Coordinator. Tackling a new curriculum program, making it work with my school culture and needs. Exciting and fun! Getting everyone on board, excited and willing, is a slightly different challenge. 

I went back to school FULL TIME. CSULB has proven to meet and exceeded my expectations. I didn't realize how proud and excited I am to be a student. There is something to be said about making it one's own personal goal and need instead of family and society expectations. 

Today I met a dear friend who has recently changed her life journey and began to study something new in NYC. As I reflected on the fact, that she and I don't let life happen to us. Well we used to perhaps. But then something lit inside and pushed us toward change. No one can do it. It has to be an inner journey.

This inner journey has been an exact year for her, and mine is just starting. In this moment I can truly say that I'm proud of myself. And her. And on the day of graduation, I don't know of two people who will more proud of each other than us. Even though we are now miles apart our love and support for each other is necessary. Everyone needs that person, and while I of course have my wonderful husband and super supportive parents. But it's this journey that we are going through together that makes our connection special. 

Cheers to friendship, to perseverance and to being a go-getter

Favorite Stuffed Peppers...you can't even tell they are Vegetarian and Gluten-Free

They could be Vegan but I love cheese too much...

This all began when I completely cleaned out two bell peppers and decided not to cook them. So I thought, hmmm what can I whip up now and bake in the am. When I have energy to deal with cooking another thing.

In my fridge I always have a container of drained black beans, as I throw them on salads or nachos. I also always have fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes and frozen corn. Luckily though, I had a can of Fire Roasted tomatoes, if you don't have that, then add your favorite salsa. Oh, and add cooked quinoa for some extra fiber and protein. 

 

Here's the list:

• 2 peppers cleaned out, if they don't stand up
• then slice a little from the bottom
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 10 or so quartered cherry tomatoes
• A bunch of spinach
• 1 cup of corn (frozen or fresh
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 1 cup cooked quinoa

Bake for 20 minutes at 450, then remove peppers

and add cheese, pop in for another 5 and enjoy! 

Toppings can include fresh cilantro or avocado, 

I took mine to work and heated up for 2 minutes.

It was the perfect filling but not heavy lunch!

Morning Necessities...and the best pill ever

So, I'm not one to openly talk about my gas issues. But, do to my diet based on fruits, veggies and nuts, I have gas. Until this magic little vitamin came into my life, thanks to my mom. Who in all honesty could have been the first health guru as all of her knowledge and lifestyle choices that she has had over the last 25 plus years is now TRENDY. Anyways, my point is to share my knowledge since it's not a topic one diseases over a glass of wine with their girlfriends, but most google or search pinterest to find a solution (speaking from experience)

So every morning, when I drink my warm lemon water with honey, I take this Pro Biotic, and of course my morning cup of black coffee, because I am a mom and teacher after all. 

From a post I found, health begins in the gut...

• boosting immune system.
• prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
• improve digestive function.
• heal inflammatory bowel conditions like IBS. ... 
• manage and prevent eczema in children.
• fight food-borne illnesses

Check out this awesome article as to why I began drinking my warm lemon water...

http://www.davidwolfe.com/20-incredible-things-that-happen-when-adding-warm-lemon-water-to-your-morning-routine/

Tuna salad re-vamped

I love tuna, ahi style. I was always grossed out by the canned version. 

But one day I had an amazing tuna sandwich on a whim, at Dory Deli. It's by the pair in Newport Beach. Check it out, it's fantastic.

Anyways, I suppose I disliked the idea of tuna in a can, since it's well, in a can. But also since typically it's mixed with mayo. I not a fan of mayo...

But this sandwich had tuna with balsamic vinegar, mixed greens, fresh tomatoes...things I love.

So, my tuna salad varies depending on the fresh produce I have on hand. But usually it goes like this:

1 can drained tuna

About 10 sliced cherry tomatoes

1 can of sliced olives

4 slices, quartered cucumbers

Fresh lemon juice

Now, that's the minimum, add some chopped bell peppers, olives, capers...

And any mixed greens you like.

The dressing:
1 heaping tbsp of Dijon Mustard
2-3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
Some italian seasonings...

Meet the new School Office Assistant!

I have been a pre-school teacher for ten years already! But I felt the need to move on, go back to college and finish that bachelors degree and see what else I am meant to do in life. Because of this change, and my need to work part-time, I was given the opportunity to do something I've always (secretly) wanted to do, work with the administration in my school. I am also the school curriculum coordinator, that will be a topic of conversation soon.
But for now my first order of duty was to change ALL of the hallway boards, so

Parent Welcome Board

Disciples Making Disciples, An interactive board where parent's can leave their child's knowledge about God on the board

A board for Ms. Julie & children's quotes about her

Lastly, my favorite! The library board with photocopied book covers as hot air balloons. And we also happened to have left over treasure boxes to use as the baskets!!
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Bulgar, the Mediterranean Whole Grain

So, we (my mom and I ) found this new whole grain. Whoever it's not new, it's been part of the Mediterranean culture for thousands of years, and seeing as how I basically follow the diet of my Mediterranean ancestors, I had to check it out. 

It is considered a cereal grain, it's baked, and that's it. So very minimally processed, and it has loads of protein, one cup of cooked bulgur has 151 calories and 5.6 grams of protein! It also has fiber, iron and vitamin B. 

So here's my salad with bulgar in it! The bulgar grain was easy to cook, boil water, then let cook for 15 minutes. 

The dressing was simple, olive oil, flat leaf parsley, lemon and a kick its cayenne. 

The grain and dressing was marinated with cherry tomatoes and tossed with spinach, arugula would be delicious as well!
And of course, I have my go to Trader Joe's Organic Chardonnay!

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Thank you Jennifer

Instead of listening to the tabloid shows on T.V, read the article yourself.

It's good
It's honest
and it also made me reevaluate my own perception of myself.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/for-the-record_us_57855586e4b03fc3ee4e626f

There's the link...check it out.
As for me, I love to exercise, eat healthy and give myself facials. I take care of myself for me. Not for everyone else's perception of me. So sharing my ideas, things I love, exercises is sharing me and what I love. Not to make anyone else feel like they have to do what I do, or to compare themselves to me. And I believe that Ms. Aniston takes care of herself for her, not for the photos she anticipates being taken, or for the appearances she encounters. She looks good, probably feels good, and is comfortable in her own skin for herself. And that is golden.  

Let's Chardonnay and Chill

Someone please tell me why this photo shows a nearly empty glass of wine?

Perhaps the number two reason as to why I go to the gym...I need to justify my wine consumption. Choosing your calories and sugar intake mindfully is important to balance out your diet and your mental health. I chose wine over dessert, and if I must eat a little something, a handful of nuts pairs perfectly with this fave organic wine...so drink up ladies

Eat your Colors: stir fry style

Today I started dinner late, so I needed to quickly cook something healthy, clean, gluten free and delicious. I already had brown rice cooked (which we always have to go with either my husband or son's chicken).

Anyways, here it is:all of which are Trader Joe's ingredients,

Sautee olive oil with one cube of frozen garlic, yes you read right...
Add 2 carrots, 1 zucchini (both fresh and chopped) then frozen corn, edamame, and sliced bell peppers, lastly the "rice cauliflower". I like my carrots a little al dente, si I recommend to cook to your carrot preference or cook them longer before you add the other veggies. Add some tasty (and clean)  Mr. Lou's Stir Fry seasoning (found online) and done!

So the thing is, of course it's better and tastier to have all things fresh, but I didn't have a lot of time and when looking at how boring my fresh zucchini and carrots looked I decided to add more colors but with the frozen produce I have. I just added some Siracha before eating and it was perfect! Full of texture, fiber, nutrients and totally satisfying!

Face masks & Plank

The look of them certainly freak my boys out, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Oh and I was able to do a fast 20 minute workout while wearing my mask and listening to Beyonce.
50 squats
25 lunges
15 mountain climber
20 second plank
Downdog
Done!

I love Korean facemarks! This one is fabulous because you first put essence all over your face and neck, then wear the mask for about 20 minutes, then finish with the eye cream. My discolored skin from pregnancy looked remarkably less and my skin glowed!

Endings and Beginnings

Today is an emotional day for me. My Pre-K class is graduating, while I usually tear up during this event, this one in particular is special, sad, and everything in between

This is my last year teaching Pre-K.

My first year as a curriculum coordinator.

My last year having my son, who also graduates, at my school.

His first year of Kindergarten and at a new school.

My last few days of having a four year old toddler.

And soon my first few days of having a five year old boy. 

My excitement, nerves, hopes, loves, dreams, fears are all there out in the open today. I know there are no readers yet for my blog, but boy does it feel good to type that out.

My day with food:

Breakfast...

Gluten-Free Trader Joe's Oats from my overnight jar mixed with Unsweetened Traders Joe's Almond Milk and cinnamon. cooked overnight in a jar
High fiber, low fat, low sugar and super filling...

Lunch...
Tuna Salad made with balsamic, olive oil, roaster red peppers, olives and parsley. Tossed in mixed greens. Protein, vitamins, delicious!

A pic with lunch and snacks...
Watermelon, celery (with hummus I already had at work) and a portioned out package of nuts (almonds, cashews and cranberries to be exact).

So my point it, if you think about it, plan it and do it, eating is a lot easier and way less guilty. So later on I will happily drink my new fave cocktail, tequila with grapefruit soda, yum!

The Healthiest Me (Because I HAVE to)

So, I've always TRIED to be healthy. Diet, exercise here and there. I have two issues that are basically forcing me to watch what I eat. I discovered at 19 that my blood sugar was on the high side of normal, fast forward to my pregnancy and I had Gestational Diabetes. I also have Psoriasis. It's ugly, itchy and basically sucks. 
So a low sugar, gluten free diet has basically saved me. Psoriasis is a disease where your body produces too many white blood cells due to INFLAMMATION gluten causes INFLAMMATION. Hence, no gluten. Also, I don't eat meat. Sometimes seafood, if it's wild caught.

Oh and I've also been on a great workout regimen thanks to my husband who's always been fit and has this disgusting self motivation to WANT to go to the gym. Sure we all want to look good, but how often do we actually do what it takes. That's another post. Today is about this pic:

Better than a smoothie, costs about the same... WaY less sugar,
 more protein, notice this drink has caffeine from the black tea can we say BONUS!

End of the Year Gift for your teacher!

It's that time of the year again, the end of one school year, beginning of summer. It's busy, exciting and costly! Paying for camps, vacations and in my case, my sons birthday party. We will get to that another day :)

But I came up with a cute, personal and cheap gift for my son's Pre-K teachers. A sparkling flavored water wrapped with a magazine. One teacher just bought a new home, so of course she got a decor one, and the other is into cooking, so cooking for her! Cheap and Cheerful! 

Organized boys room by being a minimalist

This weekend I was talking to another mom about the importance of organization and minimalism. It keeps our sanity and always looks pretty.

Also, our children develop a better respect for their belongings! My son doesn't have many toys, and he seems to do just fine! In fact when he really wants another hot wheel or Lego set, he has to earn it and then when he gets it, he has to say "good bye" to something else, either multiple cars or Legos he no longer plays with. 

The result, is neat, tidy and appreciation.

Notice the shoe rack 

holds bulky random items,

and the drawers are labeled with my son's 

favorite color! (Also helps with pre-reading skills)

My wonderful classroom this year has maintained it's cherry and refreshing environment. Since I am there equally if not more often then home, I prefer my class to feel that way, my home away from home

Above is the writing center, where children 

can build those fine motor

skills and be creative. Once in a while I post 

an example with new materials I add

just for inspiration (insert wink)

Don't you just love that rug?!?

Note the small square table tucked on the side,

that's holding my new light table top. Such a great sensory

experience for clear building blocks, magnatiles and even science!

So it's been a while.

I actually think about writing a post every now and again, but then I can't seem t muster up enough brain power or energy. But my good friend and Matchmaker Millionaire star, David Cruz retweeted my blog.

So here I am. 

What got me so busy was this kid:

The third place one, that was his last
third, he's been racing and winning ever since.

So while I am still a teacher, and a lover of cooking, beauty products and fashion; there may be some BMX mom life stuff going on...