Month: December 2010

Reflecting on 2010

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This time last year I sat down and made a list of 5 things that I really wanted to accomplish in 2010.

1. Eat more raw foods

I feel like I did increase my raw food intake however not as much as I had originally imagined.  I love to be in the kitchen and I find that cooking is a way for me to relax and be creative.   I would like to become more creative in the raw foods world- step out of my comfort zone and work on more raw recipes this summer.

2. Lose some weight

Hiking Long Trail 2010

I don’t keep track of my exact weight so much nowadays but I know that my clothes feel better and that I am getting closer to a weight that I am comfortable with.  I currently started the P90X to jump start my year and get me ready for some intense backpacking this summer with the Hubz.
3. To run a 5K

Well this did not happen. I started the C25K and it was going really well and then I just stopped. I don’t really know why but I know this one one goal that I had for 2010 and will probably end up on my 2011 list as well.
4. Blog more

I have blogged more and not only that I blog with more of a purpose.  I feel that 80% of the time I blog with a purpose and that is at least a 25% improvement since last year which it a success! However there is always room for improvement and I will keep improving my blog. I even wrote my first e-book and I am starting on my second one!
5. Find a job that makes me happy x2

No I am not a fire fighter- I just work for them!

Not only did I find a job in March 2010 that I absolutely love I started a program through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a holistic health counselor. I now not only have 2 jobs that I love plus write a blog I love, I am a housewife to boot!

Over the last 12 months I have left my awful job, found a new job I love, started a health counseling program, became pregnant, moved, had a miscarriage, healed, became more dedicated to my blog and became a happier, healthier person. Stay tuned for my goals for 2011.

Do you set yearly goals for yourself? Do you find that this works for you?

Oats In A Jar, Oats In A Jar, I love me some Oats In A Jar

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This morning was wonderful because there were Oats In A Jar (OIAJ) aka the best breakfast ever! My husband and I actually have an “Oats in a Jar” song which I can’t help but sing (slightly off key) while I make my oats in a jar because its just that exciting; its not every morning that you get to have OIAJ.

This is where it all starts- a almost empty nut butter jar- this morning it was a Peanut Butter Jar

Other items in this mornings mix: cooked rolled oats (1/2 cup rolled oats + 1 cup water; bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until cooked 5-7 minutes), defrosted frozen mixed berries, chia seeds, and a little crunchy granola topping.

Nothing goes better with OIAJ than a nice mug of coffee and an excuse to use my new french press.

My parents got me this little french press for Christmas and it is perfect for those mornings when the Hubz or I are alone and want one cup of coffee instead of making a large french press. Curious on how to use a french press? Check out my how to post here.

Are you a french press, electric coffee maker or instant person? I am a french press person at our house, if we are out I will buy drip coffee but we don’t have an electric coffee maker at home.  I really find that a french press makes the best cup of coffee but that’s just me.

Under Construction

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Cook.Vegan.Lover. is in the process of getting a facelift.  For the past year I have been making a list of all of the features and improvements that I would like to see on this blog and finally I sat down and drew out a template for him to work from.  Now I am not sure when these improvements will begin to show themselves but hopefully within the next few weeks.

On top of working on improving the blog my husband is also working on my health counseling website- which for right now is the one provided by the school.  However it will be updated ASAP and you will be able to sign up for my monthly Healthy Tips newsletter.  If you are interested in receiving this newsletter you can email me now and I will add you to the list: lindsay@gethealthywithlindsay.com

Other things that are going on right now regarding this blog:

– I am in the process of working on another e-book.  I have a number of really dedicated testers who have generously offered to test my recipes and provide feedback so that I can offer you a really wonderful recipe e-book.  This one will feature healthy recipes for the entire family.

– I am still working through the survey that I asked you to fill out.  This survey has provided me with really wonderful feedback and I will be blogging about this soon.

Christmas Eve Party of 4

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This Christmas Eve we had my parents over for a little holiday party with drinks and appetizers. There was also a round of Scattergories, a photo shoot and a movie before heading to bed to wait for Santa to arrive.

Roasted Artichoke Salad: Preheat oven to 400F. Toss 1 package of frozen artichoke hearts that have been defrosted with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Roast for 25 minutes. Whisk together the dressing for the salad: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp dijon mustard, and 1 tsp agave. Toss dressing with warm artichoke hearts and 1 tablespoon of capers; serve room temperature.

Trio of olives: garlic stuffed, oil cured, & Greek Mix

Veggies with Ranch Dip

Crackers with Wayfare Hickory Cheddar Spread

Gardein Chik'n Fingers with Smoked Paprika Dip: For the Dip- 1/4 cup sour supreme, 1/4 cup vegenaise, 1 heaping tsp of hot smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper to taste- whisk together!

Bourbon Spiked Soy Nog

Chocolate Bock Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Spice Glaze

After eating and drinking came photos: