Highlights of the Week

So how's the first half of the weekend been for you so far?  Mine's been interesting.  The stars have not exactly been aligned for me today.  Why?  Well, I got up early to go to an 8:15 A.M. yoga class, had a couple toddler calamities as I was heading out the door and managed to hit every light wrong on the way to the studio and unfortunately arrived at 8:17 A.M. and was locked out of the building.  No amount of knocking on the door or begging the Zen Gods was gonna open the locked door.  So, no yoga studio yoga for me today. 

I practiced at home but was really looking forward to the group spirit.  I have to say, it's been more than 5 years since I was locked out of a class.  The entire time we lived in California, that never happened, so that's why I know it's been more than 5 years.

But never fear, I was close to TJ's and I had read a great note from Julie telling me that the TJ's Gingerbread Coffee is something I might like.  So, I picked a can of it up.

I came home and was all excited after my at-home yoga practice and shower to drink my coffee.   

I turned the coffee maker on, showered, and came back to this...

Lovely.  Apparently it is one of those coffee blends that the coffee grounds really expand.  Whoa, Nelly!  I did salvage one gritty cup and the flavor is awesome.  The next pot, sans grounds, will be even better, no doubt!

But, I saved the morning with a some Banana-Mango Oats
1/2 c dry oats
1/2 banana mushed & cooked with the oats
handful of dried mango pieces cooked with the oats
2/3 c lowfat vanilla almond milk
Garnished with the other 1/2 of banana
Stirred in Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract

And then I headed out for some retail therapy.  I went to Nordstrom Rack, another place I rarely go and you'd never know we were in a recession from the droves of people shopping.  I picked out a few casual duds, not sure what I'm keeping yet, but it was fun.  But you know what, I'm not a rooter and rumager and always feel a bit disorganized and chaotic in those kinds of places, but in general shopping is always fun for me, so no compliants!

I'm glad you enjoyed the Reader Tribute Post, Take 2 that I posted yesterday.  Thanks again to all the readers who read my blog, make my recipes, and who sent me the links to their posts.  It was sooo awesome featuring all those recipes that you all made.  It made me feel so warm-n-fuzzy that people actually make my recipes.  Wow, I'm honored! 

But let's get to this week's recap, and if you missed last week's recap, check it out here.


Sunday I made Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

With Salad Dressed with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing

And made Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups for Dessert

 

Monday there were Cherries in the House

 

With a Massaged Kale Salad and Sweet Potato Fries

And Chocolate Chia Pudding for Dessert

Tuesday I made Raw Vegan Chocolate Turtles

Wednesday was Tribute Post Number 1 where I featured the Food Pictures & Links from Readers who've made my original recipes

 

Thursday there was an A Shopping Trip to Lululemon

And the Details on My New Espresso Machine

And Vegan Lattes & Carmel Macchiatos for all!

Friday I paid more Tribute to Readers Who Sent in Their Pictures of My Recipes that they've made.

Everything from

Oatmeal Raisin-Chocolate Chip Raw Cookie Dough Balls

 

To Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as a Doll Skirt

And I also made & indulged in some Raw Chocolate Coconut Snowball Action

 

And here are a couple Great Salads I've enjoyed.  Mixed greens, tomatoes, cukes, carrots, peppers. 

And massaged kale with brock, cauli, asparagus, tomatoes and Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing

Yoga Today is Marichyasana A.  Make sure to keep your quads active and engaged, and your foot flexed.  Toes point to the sky, no floppy feet.

Tip of the Day: Heather has a GiveAway!

What's your shopping strategy in stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and the like where there's not really any order to the merchandise?  Can you find things or is it all just such a hodge-podge that you really can't see the forest from the trees?  I have to say, I'm pretty much the later.  But, in the spirit of finding good deals, I thought I'd give it a whirl today.  Fun, and there were deals no doubt, but a bit too chaotic I'm thinking for me.  What's your take?  

Any stores you're hoping your relatives hit up for you for the Holidays?  I hope my husband hits up Tiffany for me.  Kidding.  Well, not really, but I can dream, right...

Stay Tuned For A Raw Vegan Cookie that all the Nut Butter Fans are Going to Lovvvvvve...