Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Batteries Not Included

My laptop is working again! It no longer has a battery, so it always has to be plugged in, but that doesn't really bother me. I have never taken my laptop anywhere. I always see people in coffee shops typing away, and I wish I could be one of those people, but I find it hard to focus and concentrate in public.  Compressed air did the trick with the keyboard issue, and as far as the other issues, they all stopped once the battery was taken out. I am so beyond relieved to have a working laptop again. I really thought this thing was done for good!
The other day I was in the grocery Outlet neighborhood, so of course I had to stop in. I always have to see what's going on in Outlet world!
Candle cafe Empananda, Go Veggie chive and garlic spread, and chocolate!
I only grabbed one box of the Candle Cafe Empanadas, and I really wish I would have grabbed more! Tempeh isn't always my favorite, and either is cooked zucchini which is the first vegetable listed. I shouldn't have scared myself. These things are incredibly delicious. Like, I almost want to cry because who knows when I'll have these again. The vegan cheese they use is the best tasting vegan cheese I've ever had. It's not daiya, and the ingredients don't say what brand. They probably make it themselves. They have a mild chili heat, the perfect amount of vegan cheese, and best of all the tempeh flavor is so subtle, it's barely there! These were way better than I ever expected!
The cheese that was inside reminded me of some non vegan cheese-y food, but I cannot for the life of me remember what the heck it is. I would so serve these at a party with a mixed crowd. I wouldn't even mention vegan or tempeh until people tried them and begged to know where you got them!
String???
I've been drinking green juice again. I weirdly found a great deal on apples so it's made green juice affordable again. I cannot drink the super bitter veggie tasting green juices. I need lots of apple or pineapple to sweeten the deal. This juice had kale, apple, ginger, turmeric and spinach.
Last night for dinner I made a pizza using Trader Joe's pizza dough. I had a deep craving for one of my favorite pizzas in my pregan days, which was just cheese and banana peppers. My favorite two toppings. Usually when I make a pizza I try to put lots of veggies, and some type of bean on it to make it healthy. I decided to allow myself my craving and just use daiya and banana peppers. I threw a little green onion and garlic on there just to make it extra good! I've been sweating my arse off doing these hardcore workouts and doing my best to eat a healthy diet, and yet my jeans feel the same, so I said eff it to eating healthy for one night. It was worth every empty calorie!!

Pizza!

Although I really do love veggie heavy, no cheese pizzas, this pizza took me back. It was definitely a nice treat. I realized that I got kind of trapped in the HCLF world for awhile, and while that is how I eat most of the time, I don't want to get restrictive or obsessive about my diet. I know how I like to eat to feel my best, but I've come to realize that feeling my best includes some meals where I throw broccoli to the wind. I was raised in a house where every freaking thing was whole wheat, and it sometimes took the fun out of pizza night. Or soft pretzel night. They just aren't as good made with whole wheat flour! I appreciate the healthy start in life and all of that, but for me I like to be a little flexible and have fun with food every now and again.
Happy Wednesday!

12 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh that pizza!!! It looks like perfection! How do you keep it at a normal thickness? WHen I use TJs pizza dough it puffs up like crazy. The empanadas sound yummy too, it'll be a great splurge item for you!

    Awesome job on the workouts too! :)

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    1. I spread out the dough to where it looks like it almost has holes in it and is too thin. Otherwise, you're right it gets too puffy and thick. I also find the longer you let it rest befor using it the less puffy!

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    2. Thanks for the tip! I'm glad you got your computer working again! Tech troubles are so frustrating!

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  2. Hooray! I am so glad you've got it working again. And I am jealous of the Candle Cafe empanadas, they sound amazing. I lived in Chile for a few months in the late nineties and worked at a school. I got addicted to empanadas but I wasn't veggie then so they were the meat kind. I wish we could get Candle Cafe stuff here. I went to Candle 79 in New York for my 40th birthday and it was amazing and I have the cookery book. PS - I am doing the 30 yoga challenge from the link you sent me. I'm really enjoying it and it is just the right level.

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    1. I don't think I had ever had an empanada before these, and they're so delicious! I'm going to learn how to make my own!
      I'm so glad you found some yoga that you like! I love both of those channels so much!!

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  3. What a relief the computer situation was an easy fix! Those empanadas sound fabulous!! I've had empanadas before (from empanada mama here) but those sound better- looks like whole foods sells them -although certainly for much more than grocery outlet...

    Congrats on sticking to your killer workout routine! I'm sure you are feeling more fit and toned, for me working out is really more about what it does for my mood and energy than anything else.
    What a great pizza meal! Also does wonders for the mood and mental health :))) I can't remember who said it but the quote is something like "everything in moderation. Including moderation. "

    Ttrockwood

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    1. I seriously would pay Whole Food prices for these empanadas! The cheese alone is worth it! I'm so happy the computer could be fixed. I was really scared there for a day or so!
      I am feeling strong, and my mind feels clear and strong. I just need to keep reminding myself why I'm doing this. It's for my health, not so I can look a certain way. It's just easy to get sucked into that trap sometimes.
      I love the moderation quote. I think it is soooooooo true.

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  4. I enjoyed the Candle Cafe frozen entrees so much. I hope they are continuing to sell well, although being at an outlet doesnt bode well.

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    1. I thought the same thing at first, but I mean their food is so delicious, I can't imagine it not selling well. This is the second or third frozen food I've tried from them, and it's all been stellar!

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  5. Have you done Lemon Ginger Blast YET? Check out Dan McDonald on Youtube!

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