Upcoming Recipes From My New Favourite Blog

I found another clean eating food blog that I love!
It's called the Naked Kitchen, and it is a great source for recipes. I have already selected and printed off a few that I will be trying in the next few weeks (I may even tackle some this weekend as it looks like it's going to be cold and rainy), including:
-Creamy Potato and Onion Soup-->I love creamy soups so I'm really looking forward to this one
-Parsleyed New Potatoes-->These look like they may be the perfect side dish.
-Peanut Butter Cookies-->For Mike of course.
-One Pot Stew-->Another one for the slow cooker.
-Slow Cooker Lasagna-->Mike is always asking me to make him lasagna.
-Asian Slow Cooker Chicken-->Because I love me some Asian flavours!
-Sweet Potato Beer Fries with Roasted Tomato Ketchup-->I haven't eaten ketchup in probably about 6 months, so I'm excited to try this natural form  of it.
-Lemon Poppyseed Muffins-->I started loving lemon poppyseed muffins after having those gigantic ones from Costco, so I'm SO excited to find a clean recipe.
-Crispy Garlic Chicken Tenders-->I love anything that is chicken and breaded.
-Spicy Crispy Chicken Wings-->Mike gets wing cravings from time to time so this one should be great.
-Toasted Cashew Chicken-->Absolutely love cashews and chicken together!

Like my fave clean eating blog The Gracious Pantry, there are tons of recipes, meal plans, and tips on clean eating.

A lot of the recipes call for "raw coconut crystals" so I'm going to try to find these somewhere. I also still haven't located whole wheat pastry flour and have just been using regular whole wheat flour. This may be a perfect time to finally visit the Whole Foods that opened near Square One!

Stay tuned for my reviews on these recipes, I can't wait to try them all!

LYM Challenge: Week 5

Wow I can't believe it's already week 5! This challenge is going very quickly, but I think that's mostly in part to me not focusing so much on practicing yoga EVERYDAY.

Week 5 challenge
Practice karma yoga by volunteering 1 hour this week at any organization whose cause you feel passionately about.
What is Karma Yoga? Check out this link to find out.

I'm still looking for somewhere to volunteer this week. It's been difficult because most if not all organizations require you to apply and go through a screening process to become a volunteer. I do volunteer at the studio 4 hours a week, but I somehow feel that's not really volunteer work because I am getting to practice for free whenever I want.
The studio has a chalk board where they write the challenges each week, and theirs was different. It said something about writing a letter to someone, I'll have to check it out the next time I'm there. I'm not sure why they have a different challenge though?

Supersize challenge: Contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters and begin the process of becoming a big brother or big sister to somebody in need, or get involved with another charity on a long-term basis.
I won't be looking into Big Brothers, but I have already applied to Victim Services of Peel to volunteer on a long term basis (they require a minimum of 1 year). They accept applications until the end of June and then they will review them all and contact only those who they will be considering. Fingers crossed that I get a call!

LYM Week 4: My Random Acts of Kindness

This week I was able to perform a Random Act of Kindness each day, what a great challenge!

Day 1-Tuesday

After dinner today I decided to take the pup for a long walk to give Mike a chance to have some time to himself before he had hockey.

Day 2-Wednesday
Everyday I make Mike's lunch, and today I decided to drop in a photo with a note on the back.

I also had a work function to go to this evening and my manager wasn't able to come at the last minute. It was for a "date night" with our Network-drinks, appetizers, movies and popcorn. Instead of cancelling, I decided to ask one of my best friends (who I hadn't seen in a good few weeks) to meet me there. So free movies, AND we get to hang out! She was very appreciative that it was a free night for us to hang out and see a movie. LOVE this random acts of kindness business. It feels good making people happy!

Day 3-Thursday

I decided to leave Mike another lunch box note today as one of my acts of kindness.

The note is a quote that says "6 billion people and I just want you"

Day 4-Friday
Today my act of kindness was baking some Happy Friday cupcakes and bringing them to the guys at work. Anytime I bring in treats they're always trying to look in the pan to see what I've brought. And most of them will come up to me during the day to let me know they were good.

I also stopped to talk to a retired man on our morning walk. You could tell he was somewhat lonely because he kept talking and talking. Normally at some point I would have interrupted him (because I am on a tight schedule in the mornings) but today I just chatted with him until he was ready to continue on his walk.

Day 5-Saturday

Today Mike, Mowgli, and I went to the track so Mike could ride his dirt bike. A few of his friends ended up not being able to go with him and he doesn't like going alone in case he gets hurt. So I decided to give my Saturday to him as an act of kindness. Although I had laundry, cleaning, and errands to run I wanted to spend the time with my boys. 

Today was also the Sangha Soiree at my studio to celebrate being half way through the challenge. They also celebrated their one year anniversary, and the 30 day challenge because a lot of challengers were missing at that party last month. One of my best friends Jenny came with me. I was only able to stay for about 2 hours but it was a nice little party they had going on.
I also made some friends of ours a handmade card to thank them for all of their help with Mowgli in the last 6 months. Along with the card I made a s'mores package so they can enjoy a little date before their baby is born. I'm going to give it to them tomorrow. 

Hand made S'mores kit

Day 6-Sunday

Today I had a surprise baby shower to go to, as well as a second bridal shower for a wedding I will be in this summer. Unfortunately they overlapped, but I was still able to make it to both for a bit. Busy day! I was beyond excited for the baby shower because I am just so thrilled for the couple, who we have become closer to in the last 6 months or so. They also have a German shorthaired pointer, and we originally bonded over puppy play dates and talking about the dogs. Now I think of them as good friends, simply because they are just good people. Very supportive of what we are doing in our lives, just as we are with them. It feels good to have good people in our lives! 
For her shower gift, I handmade a card, and also did my own wrapping paper and decorated it. 



My hand made wrapping for the baby shower gift

 Day 7-Monday

Today I sent a hand written note to a friend in Calgary. We haven't spoken in awhile, so I wanted to let her know I think about her often and miss our talks. It's been over two years since I've seen her, but we keep in touch by facebook, cards at Christmas, and the occasional phone chat. 


Pretty note card/envelope to send a letter to a friend (I got them at Michaels 5/$1.50)

This was also my first shift at Moksha as a trade. I was there from 6:30-10:30pm. My duties are pretty simple: clean the studio in between classes. I mop the studio once all the students have left, tidy up the change rooms, sweep the floors, do laundry, and just general organizing if things are looking out of place. I am able to go to the 5:30pm class if I want before my trade shift starts, but I haven't decided if I will do that simply because then I don't have time to go home and eat. We shall see.

I was unfortunately unable to get the supersize challenge completed like I had wanted to. Our week was just too busy for us to both get out to a class together, and my friends were busy working or just busy in their lives as well.

I really enjoyed surprising people with notes and hand made goodies this week, and will definitely continue the random acts of kindness after the challenge is completed. It feels really good being kind to those around me, and I got the feeling that they felt loved and happy when receiving these acts of kindness.

Quick and Tasty Clean Summer Marinade

I'm always looking for new marinades, and I actually came up with this one myself the other day. It's very light, yet full of flavour, and best of all it's EASY. I marinated some chicken in it for about 30 minutes and then Mike grilled it up on the bbq. Because it's so light it is the perfect summer marinade for any meat, poultry, fish, or even veggies.

Here is the recipe:

-3 tbsp honey
-2 tbsp low sodium tamari
-1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
-1 clove garlic (or 1/2 tbsp garlic powder)
-squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Enjoy!

I used the marinade on chicken and grilled it. Sides were 1/2 a baked sweet potato and steamed broccoli and mushrooms with balsamic vinegar/olive oil/garlic powder/onion powder

LYM Week 4 Challenge

Week 4 is here, and I am half way through this 7 week challenge!
Week 4's focus is Sangha support, sangha means community. I'm really excited about this week's challenge:

LYMers, your challenge this week...practice 1 or more Random Acts of Kindness every day.

What is a random act of kindness and how do we practice it? Check out this link to find out more!
I can't wait to get started on this challenge. The wheels are already turning in my head as to what sorts of things I would love to do. I will definitely be writing a few hand written letters, or making home made cards to send to friends/family.

Supersize-Share the benefits of practice with a first timer-from May 22-28 bring a friend who has never practiced Moksha Yoga for free.

Awesome! I am going to check in with my studio to make sure they are participating in this and then I will recruit anyone who would like to try Moksha Yoga. Mike hasn't been to a class there, only a partner yoga workshop, so I'm hoping he will want to come with me. Anyone else interested in coming to practice with me at the studio to try it out? Let me know!

Here are some more links that were included in the newsletter:
29 Random Acts of Kindness - This is a great list for me to get ideas for the challenge. I've already found a few on there
Kindness  
Free Hugs! - I remembered this youtube video from quite a few years ago. It is such a simple idea that probably made a difference in many people's lives. Hugs are pretty meaningful, even when they come from a stranger. They can definitely brighten up your day:)

I'll let you know at the end of this week's challenge what my random acts of kindness were, I'm looking forward to it!

LYM Week 2 Challenge Journal

Welcome to my Week 2 Journal!

It is here that I have recorded all of my thoughts about active listening day to day, as well as my thoughts on the "supersize" challenge this week. I have also included some recipes, and other things I had going on this week that I felt important to report about.

Tuesday May 8th

I had an early morning workout at the gym today. I've been waking up at 4:40am to get myself to the gym for 5am. I'm tired when I first wake up but once I'm at the gym I'm ready to go surprisingly.  

I didn't have too much interaction in terms of conversation today, because I wasn't feeling well. By the time I left work I had a killer headache. Mike and I discussed our days as usual, and I tried to ask as many questions as possible. We also email throughout the day so sometimes when we get home we have already talked about a lot of the things we need to in terms of daily stuff. Because I wasn't feeling well I didn't talk to anyone else once I was home.

I made kamut pasta and clean spaghetti sauce with zucchini, mushrooms, orange and green peppers, and onion for dinner because Mike was starting summer hockey and likes to have a dinner that is full of energy (aka carbs). The spaghetti sauce was actually store bought, but no preservatives and all natural organic ingredients. It is the first time I have bought a jar of sauce in over 4 months (mind you it's a glass jar and no preservatives)! I just threw whatever veggies I had in the fridge into the sauce and voila, easiest dinner ever!

Supersize-Non violent communication-A Deeper understanding-audio clip
This was a really interesting clip. I liked the example of the person almost getting hit at the crosswalk, and the different ways you can read what people say and their reactions. I'm going to think about that example the next time someone cuts me off, or does something that bothers me.

Wednesday May 9th

I went to the gym this morning.

I applied for the Energy Exchange program at Moksha Brampton today! The exchange program consists of me giving 4 hours a week (same shift each week) of my time in exchange for unlimited yoga. As you know from my previous posts, I have had a hard time affording yoga, so I felt that this was a perfect opportunity for me. We shall see what happens but wish me luck! I also sent in my application to volunteer with Victim Services of Peel! I completed my second practicum at the Victim Assistance Unit with the Calgary Police during my Social Work Diploma studies, and I absolutely loved it. It was both challenging and rewarding, and I really wanted to start volunteering again. I had actually applied to the Victim Services of Peel before Mike and I moved out west, however I then found out we were moving and had to decline the interview, so it's only fitting I apply again. I'm really hoping to be contacted about an interview so fingers crossed!


I made these ricotta and spinach chicken quesadillas for dinner last night, minus the beans. They were yummy!


I noticed while talking to Mike at dinner today that I felt more connected to the conversation. I wasn't browsing on my phone, or distracted by other things, I was just focused on him and what we were talking about. It felt really nice.


Supersize-The Philosophy of Non-Violence, Mahatma Gandhi-video
Check out this video.
I mean come on, it's Gandhi. What is there really to say? Everytime I read or hear something he has said, the lesson is so obvious and logical. I truly agree with his philosophy that only weak people use violence.

Thursday May 10th
I went to the gym this morning.
I noticed today in talking to my Manager that he repeats his stories a lot. I obviously hadn't been actively listening because I never noticed this until this week. Interesting.
I also realized that when Mike and I talk in the evenings, it's generally about all of the things we need to get done over the next few days. We are constantly scheduling, planning for who will be watching the pup, and thinking ahead. We both agreed we need to squeeze in a date this weekend, just the two of us. Since this week's challenge is focused on communication, I also decided that we need to start having conversations that aren't centered around the dog or our busy schedule. I found these lists of conversation starters online, and plan to use them. Maybe we will focus on one question during dinner each night.
20 Conversation starters for couples
More conversation starters for couples

I had guacamole with stoned wheat crackers and a big salad with cherry tomatoes and almonds for dinner today. Yum!

Supersize-Non Violent Communication-Peaceful Communication-Video
I've always been very fascinated with Buddhism. I thought the opening statement was very moving, when he was asked if he is from the North or the South. He said if he is from the North, then he is anti-American, if he is from the South he is anti-Communist. He said "I am from the centre". I may have to try to find this documentary online somewhere!

Friday May 11
I went to the gym this morning before work.
I received an email from Moksha Brampton requesting me to come in for a meeting/interview after they had received my application for the energy exchange program. I couldn't be more excited, and I'm thinking positive that it will all work out.  
I took Mowgli to the dog park close to our house for over an hour, and chatted with some of the other dog owners. It's interesting the little dog community that forms at these parks. You see the same people often, and it's nice to have someone to chat with while we're there.
We met Mike's dad at the big dog park in Mississauga this evening. He loves to come hang out and play with Mowgli, which makes us really happy:)

Supersize-Non Violent Communication and your Workplace
Read this article if you wish.
This was an eye opening article that I think everyone should read! It outlines the 4 areas of NVC as being:
1. observing-recognizing what is actually happening in the moment, rather than voicing your opinion about it
2. feeling-what feelings are arising in you, and what sense do you get about the feelings arising in others
3. needing-what needs you and others may have in the situation
4. requesting-asking to have those needs met

"The four-step NVC process for communication encourages you, just as yoga does, to let go of your emotional reaction to some imagined outcome and simply watch the situation. And if you're really practicing Nonviolent Communication, you learn to be honest with yourself and others about the feelings and needs that a situation evokes."

Saturday May 12

We took the pup for a hike this morning. Mike wasn't feeling well so we didn't talk too much as his throat was sore. After the hike, a friend came over to do some crafts for her wedding, and we also went to try on my bridesmaid dress which had finally come in. It was great to spend time with her and just chat about the upcoming wedding and whatnot. Always nice to have some girl time! I worked on my active listening, and tried to talk less and ask more questions. I noticed some things during our conversation: I don't make as much eye contact as I should, I stopped myself from interrupting a few times to add my input until after she was finished speaking,  and I noticed that even though it may be hard to get a word in sometimes, it's better to listen completely and be patient for my turn. I also noticed that it can be difficult to actively listen AND remember all of the points/thoughts I want to get across. I figure that I will remember the important points, and then rest was probably just filler anyways.

I made some clean eating beef stew and she stayed for dinner which was also nice:)

Mike and I were supposed to have our little date tonight, but because he was sick we opted to just stay home and watch a movie together. We don't get to do this very often because by the time we're both finished everything we need to each night it's pretty much time for bed and we have less than an hour to watch any tv together. We both fell asleep on the couch, but it was still a nice little night!

Sunday May 13

Today was a busy day for us. I woke up to find flowers and a card for Mother's Day! What an awesome surprise, even though I'm not technically a mother. Mike had gotten them for me from Mowgli:) The card had a puppy on the front and inside he (Mowgli) thanked me for all of the walks, hikes, and playing I do with him. How sweet! It is cheesy, but I love Mike for doing that. We then had puppy class, and then went to his parents house to celebrate Mother's Day with his family. It makes me happy that the summer is coming and we will get to spend lots of time with his family at the cottage.

Monday May 14

I had a morning workout at the gym, and then a 45 minute walk/jog with the pup. I always feel great when I get my workout done in the morning, it frees up so much time after work to take my time making dinner and relaxing with Mike and Mowgli.

I had my interview/meeting with Moksha for the energy exchange program today. It went great, and I will be starting my new position on the 28th. It will be the same shift every Monday evening, which will work well in our schedule. This will help me tremendously with the expenses that come with hot yoga, and I'm glad I will have the studio to motivate me to practice more often. During the meeting, I was asked what my expectations were, and it felt great to simply say "I don't have any expectations, other than to do what it is you need me to do". I think I need to bring this into other areas of my life, especially when it comes to relationships and friendships. I shouldn't place my expectations on those around me because I don't know what they may be dealing with, and if my expectations aren't met then I become upset or feel let down. It will be better for me to just go with the flow and let others offer up what they wish. This is especially true for friendships. I feel that because I place so much energy or time into a friendship that I should get that back in return, however it is rare that I do. But that may not be because that person doesn't care about me, but maybe just that they are extremely busy in life. I think communication and active listening come into play here. If I feel that someone isn't putting enough effort into our relationship/friendship, I need to just tell them, or I will continue to feel disappointed when really it's not warranted.

Mike took Mowgli for a hike while I was at my meeting, so we didn't do a sit down dinner together like we usually do, and therefore we didn't have much time to talk. We have been using some of the conversation starter questions at dinner though which has been fun. I've learned that we would love to go to Australia, that he wants to go skydiving (eeek), we want to drive to Eastern Canada because it's the only part of the country we haven't been to yet, and we both would love to visit California. A lot of our talks are centered around travel as you can tell, but it's good to just be talking about our dreams and "bucket lists".

Week three is all about going green...excited!

Clean Eating Portobello Mushroom Burgers

We invited some friends from out of town over for dinner while they were visiting and since it was a work/week night and I wasn't going to have time to cook something that took a lot of time, we decided to have a bbq. Bbq's are quick but amazing! I love the taste of grilled veggies, chicken, and pretty much anything else that can be grilled. I originally thought that because this week's challenge was to eat vegetarian, I wasn't going to get to eat much at this bbq other than veggies and potatoes. BUT then I remembered this great recipe I had found awhile back and decided this was the perfect time to try it. 

Sadly I forgot to take a photo of the finished product, but here is the recipe. It is the perfect alternative to a regular burger at a bbq because portobellos are like steak in the mushroom world. They're hearty, and juicy, with lots of flavour!

Here is the recipe. And here is what I changed:

-I didn't do the alfalfa sprouts or dressing, simply because I didn't have the items on hand and just grabbed the mushrooms on a quick trip to the grocery store. 

-No tofu...I just don't like it

-I used PC Blue Menu thin whole wheat burger buns

-Instead of baking them in the oven, Mike threw them on the bbq and grilled them up for that added flavour of summer.

They turned out great! I just put a little Dijon mustard on my bun but next time I will try the avocado for sure. 

Mike even added the leftover mushroom onto his regular burger and said it was great!