Easter reminds us that hope must never be lost for as dark as the road may seem, there always lies light at the end of it. May all your prayers be fulfilled.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Almond Pear Sandwich
My co-worker and I are currently doing a lunch exchange program (that's a topic for another blog post), and this is the sandwich I brought for us today.
I was skeptical of the recipe at first; goat cheese, apricots, almond butter.. what in the heck? But the mix was delightful for my taste buds and made me wanting to go back for more. This will definitely become one of my lunch go-to's in the future.
The best part? 10 PP+ per serving. Not bad for a gourmet lunch that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients:
The best part? 10 PP+ per serving. Not bad for a gourmet lunch that satisfies every craving.
Almond Pear Sandwich
Ingredients:
1/3 cup almond butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
8 slices 100% whole grain bread, I used sunflower red fife bread
1 pear, preferably Anjou, thinly sliced
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
2 oz semi-soft goat cheese, crumbled
Directions:
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
8 slices 100% whole grain bread, I used sunflower red fife bread
1 pear, preferably Anjou, thinly sliced
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
2 oz semi-soft goat cheese, crumbled
Directions:
In bowl, whisk together almond butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and honey. Spread almond butter mixture on 4 slices of bread. Top with pear slices, apricots, goat cheese, and remaining bread slices. Slice in half if desired.
Serves 4
recipe from alive.com
recipe from alive.com
Enjoy!!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
My First Blog Milestone!
5,ooo page views! Wow!
It's nice to know that all the time spent writing my posts does not go unnoticed.
I want to thank you for being a reader. It really inspires me to keep writing.
XOXO
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Hang In There.. Baby
Gemma Correll - one of my favourite artists posted this drawing on her Facebook page the other day.
I've since then printed it, and hung it up in my cubicle. It is my motivation to get through busy season at work.
It's the little things in life, right?
What motivates you when you are in a stressful situation? How do you cope?
p.s. I highly urge you to follow Gemma on her FB page. If you are a cat/pug lover she will make you belly laugh on a regular basis.
I've since then printed it, and hung it up in my cubicle. It is my motivation to get through busy season at work.
It's the little things in life, right?
What motivates you when you are in a stressful situation? How do you cope?
p.s. I highly urge you to follow Gemma on her FB page. If you are a cat/pug lover she will make you belly laugh on a regular basis.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
My Erin Condren Planner Review
I've been eager to write this post ever since my Erin Condren planner arrived. But, I wanted to give it a few weeks until the novelty wore off and most importantly to give me the time to thoroughly use it.
Well, I still have nothing but excitement and love for my new daily life planner. It has made my life so much more organized!
I came across the life planner when reading blogs one night. I knew from the excitement of that blogger that I just had to have one too. I immediately grabbed my credit card and went to the website to buy one. Well, I was sticker shocked frankly. The 2013 life planners cost a steep $50 and up, depending on your add-ons. The sticker shock lasted a whole 5 minutes or so, and then I bit the bullet and added one to my shopping cart. What I learned shortly after was that shipping was $39.95 to Canada. $39.95 friggin dollars!
I was devastated.
I couldn't. There is no way I was spending $90+ of my hard earned money for daily planner. I would be stupid to (so I thought). I ended up bookmarking the website, and dreaming that one day they would go on sale or something.
Over the next following weeks I started to approach my busy season at work. I've always considered myself to be organized, but with some flaws. I have always been an obsessive Outlook calendar guru. But recently my office started to utilize the calenders publicly among the staff, so I found it difficult to use it for my work, personal and financial agendas. I then started to use outlook for business appointments and reminders. I used my iphone for personal items. I also had a physical calender at home for family reminders.
This process was not working for me. I was forgetting items frequently and my brain was spinning like a hamster wheel at night. I knew I needed to do something to get my life my organized.
Well, being the accountant that I am I convinced myself that the planner was not that pricey after all. I figured it out to be only $7.5/month to get my life organized and back on track. Not that bad when you think about it that way right? (This is the crazy Krysta inside me talking.. don't judge, I'm sure you all can relate!)
Ok, I digress... let's get back to how awesome this planner is!
When I ordered online they gave my an estimated shipping date of only 5 days from ordering. I thought that was amazing for a customized product. What was even better was that $39.95 shipping I paid for was expedited.
When the box finally arrived I was over the moon. Even the box and inside packaging was adorable!
As I was going through my package everything met, if not exceeded my expectations. That was until I saw the photo stickers I ordered... the photo's I received were not my family & friends. Sure they were cute and all, but I couldn't use them... that would be a little awkward. I contacted EC right away and they deeply apologized for the error. They expedited the correct photo stickers that I ordered and they arrived within the week.
Now let's get to the meat & potatoes of the planner..
The front & back cover is laminated, which I love. I will be carrying this planner with me everywhere so I need it to be durable.
It is spiral bound with a 1 inch metal spiral. Again, very durable for daily use.
There are beautiful quotes throughout the entire planner and they truly just make me smile.
At the beginning of the planner there is a designated birthday and anniversary calender listing. This is an amazing way to see all of your special friends and family days in one place!
There is a two page large spread for each month. It has a side panel for your monthly goals and to-do's. Again, there is a super cute quote at the top of each month. Each month has a laminated tab for easy access and organization.
Following the monthly spread, each week has its own spread where you can organize your items into Morning/Afternoon/Night. I find this much better than your typical hourly spreads. Each week also has its own goal and to-do listing.
Following the calendars there are lined and unlined sheets bound into the planner. This is great for notes, lists.. and anything else you can think of.
Each planner comes with standard stickers for special event and reminders. I am finding these super handy!
Near the end of the planner there is a folder where you can "Keep it together". I've been storing important receipts and current pay stubs in there. This is great because these items always ended up at the bottom of my purse.
The last page is a handy dandy clear pouch. It has more personalized labels and cards. I've been using it to store my winning "Roll up the Rim" tabs.
Like I mentioned, I have been using this planner for a few weeks now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The colors make my seriously happy, and the overall cuteness just makes me smile.
If you are like me and like your lists and paper and are having a hard time converting to the digital world, I really think you would love it.
They also have a range of other products like wedding planners and teacher planners.
And - if you have Facebook be sure to like their page! They frequently have coupon codes and discounts.
To sum it up. Yes, the $90 was well worth it. I'm now an EC junkie and cannot wait to buy my next item!
Well, I still have nothing but excitement and love for my new daily life planner. It has made my life so much more organized!
I came across the life planner when reading blogs one night. I knew from the excitement of that blogger that I just had to have one too. I immediately grabbed my credit card and went to the website to buy one. Well, I was sticker shocked frankly. The 2013 life planners cost a steep $50 and up, depending on your add-ons. The sticker shock lasted a whole 5 minutes or so, and then I bit the bullet and added one to my shopping cart. What I learned shortly after was that shipping was $39.95 to Canada. $39.95 friggin dollars!
I was devastated.
I couldn't. There is no way I was spending $90+ of my hard earned money for daily planner. I would be stupid to (so I thought). I ended up bookmarking the website, and dreaming that one day they would go on sale or something.
Over the next following weeks I started to approach my busy season at work. I've always considered myself to be organized, but with some flaws. I have always been an obsessive Outlook calendar guru. But recently my office started to utilize the calenders publicly among the staff, so I found it difficult to use it for my work, personal and financial agendas. I then started to use outlook for business appointments and reminders. I used my iphone for personal items. I also had a physical calender at home for family reminders. This process was not working for me. I was forgetting items frequently and my brain was spinning like a hamster wheel at night. I knew I needed to do something to get my life my organized.
Well, being the accountant that I am I convinced myself that the planner was not that pricey after all. I figured it out to be only $7.5/month to get my life organized and back on track. Not that bad when you think about it that way right? (This is the crazy Krysta inside me talking.. don't judge, I'm sure you all can relate!)
Ok, I digress... let's get back to how awesome this planner is!
When I ordered online they gave my an estimated shipping date of only 5 days from ordering. I thought that was amazing for a customized product. What was even better was that $39.95 shipping I paid for was expedited.
I was creeping my order status everyday, and when I finally saw that it shipped I squealed at my desk. It was estimated to arrive the NEXT day all the way from California! Expedited shipping is totally worth it.
When the box finally arrived I was over the moon. Even the box and inside packaging was adorable!
They even included personalized gift labels which I totally love!
As I was going through my package everything met, if not exceeded my expectations. That was until I saw the photo stickers I ordered... the photo's I received were not my family & friends. Sure they were cute and all, but I couldn't use them... that would be a little awkward. I contacted EC right away and they deeply apologized for the error. They expedited the correct photo stickers that I ordered and they arrived within the week.
Now let's get to the meat & potatoes of the planner..
The front & back cover is laminated, which I love. I will be carrying this planner with me everywhere so I need it to be durable.
It is spiral bound with a 1 inch metal spiral. Again, very durable for daily use.
There are beautiful quotes throughout the entire planner and they truly just make me smile.
At the beginning of the planner there is a designated birthday and anniversary calender listing. This is an amazing way to see all of your special friends and family days in one place!
There is a two page large spread for each month. It has a side panel for your monthly goals and to-do's. Again, there is a super cute quote at the top of each month. Each month has a laminated tab for easy access and organization.
Following the monthly spread, each week has its own spread where you can organize your items into Morning/Afternoon/Night. I find this much better than your typical hourly spreads. Each week also has its own goal and to-do listing.
Following the calendars there are lined and unlined sheets bound into the planner. This is great for notes, lists.. and anything else you can think of.
Each planner comes with standard stickers for special event and reminders. I am finding these super handy!
Near the end of the planner there is a folder where you can "Keep it together". I've been storing important receipts and current pay stubs in there. This is great because these items always ended up at the bottom of my purse.
The last page is a handy dandy clear pouch. It has more personalized labels and cards. I've been using it to store my winning "Roll up the Rim" tabs.
Like I mentioned, I have been using this planner for a few weeks now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The colors make my seriously happy, and the overall cuteness just makes me smile.
If you are like me and like your lists and paper and are having a hard time converting to the digital world, I really think you would love it.
They also have a range of other products like wedding planners and teacher planners.
And - if you have Facebook be sure to like their page! They frequently have coupon codes and discounts.
To sum it up. Yes, the $90 was well worth it. I'm now an EC junkie and cannot wait to buy my next item!
Monday, March 11, 2013
May Cause Miracles
I wanted to share with you all the current book I am reading:
Now - I've never been one for self help books, or reading for that matter. But this one is changing my life and the way I view things on a daily basis.
I was introduced to this read after talking to my Chiro during one of my adjustments (Hi Erica!!). I have always had a problem with stress and more importantly have always dealt with issues of self love. I continuously judge myself in a negative way and it influences how I think of others. I'm jealous, bitter and generally unhappy with myself.
I purchased this e-book about a month ago and am currently on day 9 of the 40 day program.
The way it works is each morning you are given a daily affirmation and reading. You are told to set reminders throughout the day to keep you focused on your affirmation. At noon you have your "Miracle Moment" where you can take a minute and reflect on your daily goal. During the evening you are assigned a task to work on in your journal which takes you deeper into developing and deconstructing your self change.
So far this book has helped me identify my fears in life and I can see why I act a certain way and view thing the way I do. This book is all about changing your life and living each day to its fullest, positively.
My current daily affirmation is "I am willing to let go of my self doubt. I surrender to self love."
Powerful words, right?
What I love about the author, Gabrielle Berstein is that she is young and relatable. She wrote the book in an appetizing way for the 20-30 year old age group. Plus she has a great sense of fashion! Check her out on her FB page.
If you are looking to live your life in a more positive way and centering yourself in a way you never thought possible. I highly recommend picking up this read.
Now - I've never been one for self help books, or reading for that matter. But this one is changing my life and the way I view things on a daily basis.
I was introduced to this read after talking to my Chiro during one of my adjustments (Hi Erica!!). I have always had a problem with stress and more importantly have always dealt with issues of self love. I continuously judge myself in a negative way and it influences how I think of others. I'm jealous, bitter and generally unhappy with myself.
I purchased this e-book about a month ago and am currently on day 9 of the 40 day program.
The way it works is each morning you are given a daily affirmation and reading. You are told to set reminders throughout the day to keep you focused on your affirmation. At noon you have your "Miracle Moment" where you can take a minute and reflect on your daily goal. During the evening you are assigned a task to work on in your journal which takes you deeper into developing and deconstructing your self change. So far this book has helped me identify my fears in life and I can see why I act a certain way and view thing the way I do. This book is all about changing your life and living each day to its fullest, positively.
My current daily affirmation is "I am willing to let go of my self doubt. I surrender to self love."
Powerful words, right?
What I love about the author, Gabrielle Berstein is that she is young and relatable. She wrote the book in an appetizing way for the 20-30 year old age group. Plus she has a great sense of fashion! Check her out on her FB page.
If you are looking to live your life in a more positive way and centering yourself in a way you never thought possible. I highly recommend picking up this read.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Quinoa and Black Beans
I hope you are all ready for a party in your mouth - because that is exactly what this dish is. All I can say is YUM!
My Naturopath had me start a gluten free diet this week to help deal with some minor ailments I am working on. I was really put off at first, because carbs and everything gluten is my addiction. I've had a serious food addition most of my adult life and the thought of giving it up almost devastated me. But, after hearing all of the health benefits and talking to a couple gluten free friends I knew I wanted to commit to this.
I'm happy to have a husband that cares and supports any wellness journey I take. And to my surprise I came home to this dish he researched and made for me tonight. I went back for seconds because I've never had quinoa with this much flava-flav before.
Ingredients:
1 tsp EVOO
1 small chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
My Naturopath had me start a gluten free diet this week to help deal with some minor ailments I am working on. I was really put off at first, because carbs and everything gluten is my addiction. I've had a serious food addition most of my adult life and the thought of giving it up almost devastated me. But, after hearing all of the health benefits and talking to a couple gluten free friends I knew I wanted to commit to this.
I'm happy to have a husband that cares and supports any wellness journey I take. And to my surprise I came home to this dish he researched and made for me tonight. I went back for seconds because I've never had quinoa with this much flava-flav before.
Quinoa and Black Beans
Ingredients:
1 tsp EVOO
1 small chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in
the onion and garlic, and sauté until lightly browned.
Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth.
Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a
boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,
Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer
about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.
He served this side-dish with a lean cut of steak that was broiled in the oven.
Friday night gluten free perfection!
Enjoy!
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