Barley--Try Something New

Are you intentionally trying new foods in 2012? If not, I strongly suggest everyone try a new food at least bi-weekly. Most of the best foods for us are not customary to the Western world. A lot of them are recently showing up in our health food stores and a few of our high end grocers; but many pass right by then. Well, Barley is a super food. A few days ago, this dish was posted on a social network and many had questions about barley. I looked it up hoping for a rather simple nutrition explaining but could not give one. It had at least eight different categories that elaborated on why it's so important to eat that encouraged the inquirers to go to http://www.whfoods.org/. It can substitute rice in your meals.

My dish:

 Barley (cooked just like rice); Green Split Peas (stewed down with onions and garlic); and Soya Chunks as my meat substitute which was soaked, seasoned and sautéed with herbs.

Finally tried Steel cut oats

Steel cut oats and I finally met after decades of eating rolled oats; and to be honest, I did not know it existed. It takes longer to cook and does not get "mushy" like rolled oats; according to people I know. When that statement was made, it got me thinking about steel cut oats so I finally bought some. I've have it for breakfast at least ten times now and it is still growing on me. Perhaps I am not cooking it long enough but I'll get to the bottom of it eventually. Ironically, one of my running buddies make bars with it for her family and she'll be showing me just how easy it is. So, look out for that post in the coming weeks. My oats are simply made with water, cinnamon, nutmeg and flaxseed; there is nothing fancy about it but I do enjoy dressing it up as seen in the picture above.

Spinach & chick peas salad

I absolutely love chick peas even though they were not apart of my life prior to my college days. These were introduced to me by a friend's mom in Raleigh, NC just before she drove me to college in Charlotte. I grew up primarily on lentils, kidney beans and black eyed peas in the Caribbean but fell in love with them eventually. And now, they are a staple in my pantry; one of my favorite beans. I even make homemade hummus with them from time to time so expect to see them in many of my dishes.

In this salad, there is organic salad mix, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, chick peas and crumbled homemade falafel with some vinaigrette salad dressing.

Green Goodness-Drink UP!

Green guck is what most would call this but the body absolutely loves and appreciates it. Don't believe me, simply ask any expert in the wellness profession. I love making green smoothies and smile with every sip most evenings when they are enjoyed or with earthy friends. This smoothie had my greens and protein powder in it that packs 22 grams of protein and 24 servings of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. I usually add at least half a banana and some frozen mango and or strawberry chunks to the mix. I wish it was not as expensive as it is but I didn't expect a vegan, organic and certified kosher mix to be less than twenty dollars (unless it was on sale of course). At any rate, I'm willing to pay more to ensure a quality product. Heck, we get what we pay for, right?

Dr. Oz's Breakfast treat!!!

I  love quinoa and finally decided to try it as a breakfast food. A friend of mine asked me to do Dr. Oz's 2 day cleanse and this was the breakfast we were supposed to have for two days. It wasn't bad even though the non dairy milk was left out (I had used the last of my almond milk on the smoothie we were supposed to drink for lunch and refused to buy any more); however it was still edible. In the future, this breakfast will be made the way Dr. Oz intended for me to enjoy it.

The breakfast included: quinoa, prunes, ginger, nutmeg and non dairy milk. I cheated and added the banana. This recipe was found in the O Magazine for February. It's loaded with nutrients so you can remain satisfied until lunch.

Pancake dazzle-Love it!!

I'm certain the vast majority of our society loves pancakes; I included. But, I had to find a pancake mix that was vegan friendly and packed with goodness. Until I begin to make my own, Red Bob's Mill Organic 7 grain pancake mix is the best thing since stoves were created.

I do not have this breakfast treat; yes it's a treat often because I find myself having it for a minimum of 2 days straight. It's never eaten without fresh fruit, raw nuts and organic maple syrup. You've got to try his line of products which includes gluten free. Finding and loving a long-term company known for top quality is very important. I went online to research whether it was cheaper but quickly discovered it wasn't; however, I got introduced to several dozen products that all can be incorporated into my lifestyle. A few that stood were the bread mix, cake mix and various grains to name a few. Just knowing I have a trusted vegan friendly product in the event I want a "regular" staple is key. Naturally, I'm most happy when I eat pancakes for breakfast. And of course, it is always enjoyed with some kind of hot tea.


So, what breakfast food makes you happy?

President's Day Concocted Lunch!!

Awwwww!!! I love this dish concocted by my "right hand" foodie's house on Monday. It was nutritious yet totally delicious. Even the youngest sampler of five had seconds; well she requested from her room to be brough more of the bok choy only and a drink. Hmmm, of course she was ordered to the kitchen to receive her requested items since we did not offer room service. Her little face was too bright and excited as she clearly made her request again. I just had to fulfill her request (LOL).

Our dish: 
Two diced up red potatoes with thoroughly washed canned chick peas curried (add all your fave spices). And in another pot, we sauteed snap peas, bok choy, red onions and mushrooms.

A Breakfast Fave

Most people will not appreciate having plain ole bran flakes for breakfast. Why? Well there is 1/3 less sugar in it than most cereals and its well "boring"; there is nothing in the box but the flakes. Ironically, I love them perhaps for that particular reason. It's free of artificial coloring and flavors along with preservatives. Almond milk, raw nuts and half a banana is normally added to this cereal to make it pack more nutritional power usually after weight training. A few months ago, I was adding almond or peanut butter for extra protein.

Is there anything you enjoy eating for breakfast that the average person may not enjoy? Pick your brain a little bit and see what you come up with and do share it; I would love to know.

Lawd Have Mercy on us with Student Loans!!

I finally decided after 12 days to find out how much, if any my LS's actually moved and it instantly depressed me. I got sick to my stomach knowing that after doubling my payment not the entire second payment went totally to the principal.Thankfully, majority of it did while the regular payment was devoured by interest.

Yeah, yeah it will get better over time but "good God almighty" this is totally unbearable. It's so bad that some days I wonder if going to college was even worth all this headache. You know they say higher education will ensure a higher salary than those with only a high school diploma, right? Well, right about now with the economy the way it is, the educated folks seems to have the wrong end of the stick.

Don't believe me, look at it this way then; if one person from each world gets laid off, who has more debt to pay? Who may have more bills left over once the unemployment income finishes? Who may have to cut more extra curriculum activities to survive? Let's face it, traditionally, people tend to spend more as their income increases; hence they will have a more dramatic fall than others in "my" opinion. I intentionally excluded the notion that they have savings or emergency accounts since most Americans do not and yes we all should.

Now back to the ridiculous things many people have which, by the way, may be twice there income. I'm shouting it loudly, I hate having student loans and by God it's turning my stomach as I compose this post. I know my AP and I just had a chat via text to bring me back on the bright side and I said it was time for bed; however, I had to get this foolishness off my chest until next month. And ironically, I was so excited about throwing two payments at it and did up until I decided to see what if any difference it made. I made those payments on the tenth of February and I finally checked the difference tonight hence this post.

What is my solution to paying off my student loans currently? Well, eating as much bean, veggies and drinking plenty of water because everything else might just be a treat.

Yes, I am Earth Vibez and SL's payments should be forgiven and/or the payees should get tax breaks like the Wall Street greedy Corporations.

I fell in love....

I recently celebrated a special "birth" day and it was simply wonderful. At this point in my life, I'm very specific and intentional as it relates to certain wants and desires; so this celebration was second to none. The morning started with a 5K Walk/Run to help raise money for a running buddy's close friend lung transplant. It was simply an honor to do so. Next it was unto having a perfect breakfast (organic seven grain pancakes with raw walnuts, fresh strawberries and organic mango green tea). A massage and foot scrub was the next item on my agenda before having a few earthy friends like myself over for a night of making homemade body butter, a plant based meal and numerous smoothies and freshly made juices. If this was not enough, we headed uptown for a two fold celebration; this brings me to my very first vegan cupcake seen here. I not only loved it, but the baker was there and beamed as I marveled over my huge treat (every bite was devoured and chump up as heavenly calories-sweet icing). It was brought out by the owner followed by several dozen guests singing happy birthday. I enjoyed the moment as I strained to hear my treat singing to me LOL. By far, it was one of my most meaningful and fun filled celebrations. And those massages, I have already made my next appointment. I thank God for the life I'm able to live and the people he allows me to share it with. 

Real Friendships-

Do real friendships still exist? Is it becoming a rare commodity in our selfish society?

I've posed some great questions about an invaluable bond that may be getting the back burner most of the times.

Well for me, I've heard if you have at least one true friend consider yourself blessed; and I agree with that statement. In 2011, I decided to live more intentionally and that mindset did not exclusive my friendship relationships at all. Every now and again, my inner voice reminds me just how awesome it is to have such relationships. The Lord knows I praise him for them daily and I do my best to ensure they know I appreciate them.

Having true friends are a blessing and an added bonus is living near a few them; hence making quality time for them is crucial in this self absorbed frenzy we now call "life". My heart is always filled with happiness after being with them.

On last Saturday, I stopped by a close friend's home after another friend's baby shower and left well after five hours. We caught up on each other's lives, made and enjoyed a bean dip and watched television on her oversize king bed. It was my most relaxing Saturday of the year and perfect. I've concluded that being able to do nothing with a friend yet have a great time speaks volumes about your bond.  With that being said, I find myself reminding others to honor, acknowledge and appreciate the true friendships they have very often.

True Friendships=healthy lives~~~

SUPER BOWL==FOOD!!!

So the Super Bowl is going down this Sunday!!! Yayy!!

It's great if you: want a new "big" T.v or need some groceries; why, will many stores are having price reductions (well every sale isn't really a sale). Most people have already decided their Super Bowl plans well before anyone knew who were going to the Super Bowl on Feb. 5th. Now that it's officially 60 hours away, it's on and poppn' for millions of Americans to find the "perfect" foods to have at their super bowl parties.

Well it's very obvious that 99% of people will not be concerned with the money spent or calories  consumed on this weekend..Lets face it, Americans love to EAT!

So, what are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday? Are you hosting a party? If so, what are some of the staples on the menu? And, if you're not hosting a party, are you attending a gathering to watch the game? If so, what is your goal as far as food is concern?

A. Eat and be merry with everyone else.
B. Sample a few things and fill up on water.
C. Eat a balanced meal before hand and carry a healthy dish 
D. Write in your answer