Monday, March 21, 2011

Nourish Your Mornings

vegetarian egg scramble

I've been in a bit of a cooking rut over the last few weeks.  This kind of happens to me when a new season comes along.  Last Monday it snowed and I vowed that would be my last pot of chili until next fall!  By the next day it was nearly 70 degrees and I couldn't even get myself to eat the leftovers.

My husband and I spent some time together at the bookstore over the weekend.  We love to grab a bunch of magazines and hang out in the coffee shop.  He reached for house and design magazines while I was drawn to the cooking ones.  And after an hour of sifting through them, I felt reinvigorated to get creative in my kitchen.

In the last few days I made a southwestern salad with avocado-lime dressing, soba noodle salad with ginger-peanut dressing and tonight we are having black bean and toasted corn soft tacos. (All recipes from Vegetarian Times' special Quick & Healthy 30-Minute Meals magazine.)

I've got kale chips in the oven...oops...is that what I smell....?

Ok...I'm back and happy to report the kale chips aren't burnt and actually taste really good!

After beginning the green smoothie challenge on Sunday, I've changed up my morning routine a little.  I start each day with one large green smoothie. And then a few hours later I have a late breakfast.  Here's an easy, healthy and super yummy egg scramble that I made up yesterday.

vegan egg scramble 2

Vegetarian Egg Scramble
2-3 eggs
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/4 cup diced red pepper
salt & pepper to taste
fresh avocado (optional)
whole grain English muffin (optional)
(I used an organic spelt muffin.)


Scramble your eggs like you normally would.  I don't use much dairy in our house so I mix a little almond milk in with my eggs.  Right after adding the eggs to the skillet, add all the other ingredients (except avocado).  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Top the egg mixture on a toasted English muffin.  Yum...


kestans smoothie

And this little guy can't get enough green smoothies!  He was sick yesterday and his cold is completely gone.  He's rarely sick and never stays sick for long, but man, I'm sure the smoothies aided in his speedy recovery.   

If you would like to join us for the green smoothie challenge, read my last post for details.

Your Personal Reflection:  How do you nourish yourself at the start of your day?

(I took these photos today after feeling inspired by Darrah Parker's photo class going on at the Wish Big E-camp.  So many creative beings in the world...(like YOU)!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Seeing Green

green smoothie

I wanted to send you a little green today as we invite the first day of spring our way!  Woo hoo.  I know so many of you are ready for this time of year, and even though it may not be spring where you live, no matter what season it is, I'm sure you can feel the energy that comes from change.

Many of the past Inside Out explorers and me are starting a green smoothie challenge today.  We signed up here where we'll receive free inspiration for the next 14 days.  Then, we'll share how we feel on our private class community.  I did one of these last year and I loved the way it made me feel. (Talk about energy...)

If you'd like to join us, sign-up to receive the daily emails from the Green Smoothie Challenge site.  Then, simply enjoy one green smoothie, preferably for breakfast, (and using organic produce if possible) for the next 14 days.  You can share how you feel on my Flickr Free Spirit Knits group page - upload photos there and join the discussion!

Here's the smoothie I started with today.  Don't be scared - it's so good!  (And my 3 year old loves it, too.)

Green Banana Smoothie
6 large romaine leaves
2 bananas
2 cups of water

Put all the ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.  Drink and enjoy!

Ready...set...green!

Your Personal Reflection:  In what ways can you welcome the new change of season into your life?

Reminder:  The Wish Big E-Camp starts tomorrow!  Are you ready to kick your spring into high creative mode?  No art experience necessary.  Check it out here.

And come back for a visit on Wednesday as I have a very special Free Spirit Spotlight interview to share with you!