it's here, it's here, it's here!!!

I got a special package todayyyy!!! But we'll get back to that later. First, let's talk breakfast!

Kashi Go Lean cereal with pumpkin almond milk :)





To make the pumpkin milk blend together almond milk (or milk of choice) with canned pumpkin. I added a little agave syrup because my cereal isn't very sweet and a touch of cinnamon. I finally got a hold of some pumpkin pie spice at Trader Joe's today so I'm excited to introduce that into my pumpkin recipes.

For lunch:





A blurry burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, cheddar cheese and pickled jalapenos (that I added after picture taking) with a side of Greek yogurt and green salsa. Greek yogurt is a healthier, more protein-packed version of "sour cream"! This particular bowl had too much rice in my opinion. Oh well!

Even though my goal is $50-60, I never feel bad if I spend a little more because I know I save so much money by bringing my lunch :) Bringing lunch also means I KNOW what I'm eating! No guessing game here.

Foodie Challenge Shopping List:


You may remember that I posted my food challenge earlier in the week. I thought I would share a shopping list for the weekend menu. I went shopping after work today and made some small substitutions that you can choose to make or not. Whatever you want.

• steak (I bought tri-tip but if you can splurge, go for the filet!)
• parsley 
• red wine vinegar
• lemon
• garlic
• cayenne pepper
• mushrooms
• red wine
• asparagus (I bought broccolini)
• loaf of crusty bread
• red velvet cake mix (I bought chocolate)
• 8 oz block of cream cheese
• butter
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• bacon
• goat cheese
• pizza dough (I bought lavash bread)
• tomato sauce
• mozzarella cheese
• arugula
• strawberries (the strawberries at TJ were very sad looking :'( so I bought pomegranate seeds)
• maple syrup
• small container of strawberry (or pomegranate) greek yogurt

I know this SEEMS like a big list but this is assuming you don't have ANYTHING. I had quite a few things on this list like goat cheese, bacon, maple syrup, eggs, butter, garlic, vanilla extract, etc, etc, etc. Also I will talk about healthifying the meals and additions you can make that are not accounted for on this list. I also made some swaps since I last posted the menu but those will just have to be surprises for now! 

Like Christmas Morning!


There's really no other way to describe how I felt as I tore open the big box I picked up between work and Trader Joe's. It's my new...



FOOD PROCESSOR!!!!!!!!!!!!





Look at all of those attachments! A french fry disk, what what??? And I happened to have bought some sweet potatoes today at TJ's, hmmmm....

As I was taking things out, putting them together and washing them all I could do was exclaim, this is the COOLEST thing I've ever bought myself! It does so much, even doubles as a citrus juicer and emulsifier. I can't wait to make ceviche and emulsify the bejeesus out of stuff :)

What's your favorite kitchen appliance? I think this might be mine. Let's hope the honeymoon period never ends!