A Perfect Pairing

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I tend to get on kicks when it comes to food, but I mean, who doesn't? You've got to change it up to prevent boredom!

Lately, greek yogurt is one of my favorite snack choices! Something about its super thick, creamy texture makes it feel like I am seriously indulging, when I am really providing my body with healthy energy. Who doesn't love that?! Over the years I've tried numerous brands, but these days I am loving Chobani non-fat vanilla greek yogurt with sliced strawberries.

Now I know, I know, strawberries are not actually in season and I am almost always against buying produce that is not in season. But while grocery shopping this week I made an exception because they were calling my name, not to mention they were reasonably priced and looked tasty!

I should also mention that Chobani was recently featured in Clean Eating magazine as the best greek yogurt! Take a look at the label for yourself. (these are for the nonfat vanilla variety)

Mmm...enjoy!

Hello Sunshine!

I must admit to you, my blog neglect the past few days has been due to the glorious weather we have been having in sunny California! Admittedly, I would much rather be outside, soaking up the sunshine than inside on a computer. This, by the way, is why we adore living here, it's been 70 degrees and sunny in mid-February! It definitely explains my super cheery mood today. Well, that and a delightful sushi date I had with some sweet friends last night!

I hope your weekend treated you well! If you were lucky like me, you had Monday off in honor of Presidents day, which was a wonderful way to end a lovely weekend!

A little peek at our Valentine's day~

Like I mentioned, we opted for a low-key date, which included: homemade paninis for lunch, a little shopping, an afternoon nap and dinner, followed by watching Fireproof on the living room pallet we set up to feel like a "slumber party" (my idea, because I always want to stay up late watching movies, but have to go to bed early for work!). Of course, this was all topped off with delicious chocolate covered strawberries we picked up at Whole Foods! I'm not gonna lie, it was a pretty fantastic day!

Love.

Tasty panini fixings!

A simple favorite of ours, because who doesn't love Trader Joe's Vodka pasta sauce?

How cute is the little tuxedo strawberry?!

Have a perfectly delightful day!

Have a Very Sweet Weekend!

Hello Lovelies! What are your plans for the weekend?

I am looking forward to being pampered this afternoon with a mani/pedi and have hopes of stopping by Anthro to pick up something cute for the weekend! Although Saturday is completely booked with renewing my CPR certification, I fully intend on enjoying the rest of the weekend with my sweet valentine! There will definitely be some delicious cooking involved, I was thinking maybe homemade cinnamon rolls...mmm. Then we have a wonderful, low-key date planned for the rest of the day. And I won't stress about waking up early Monday morning because I have the day off work!

Wishing you an extra delightful Valentine's weekend full of sweet treats and lots of love!

All In Good Health

image via

This week I have tried two new soup recipes from the new Eat Clean Cookbook and both have been absolutely fantastic! I'll have to post the curry soup next week, but I just had to steal a minute from our lovely evening to share tonight's dinner with you.

I'll be honest, when I read through the ingredients list I was a bit skeptical about this soup having enough flavor. So I promise not to be offended when you skim through the recipe and think to yourself, "This looks too healthy". But I was most pleasantly surprised by the wonderful combination of spicy flavors and hearty textures. It was nothing short of delicious. Give it a try! I'm already looking forward to the leftovers!

Clean Eating Meal in a Bowl Mexican Soup
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 large purple onion, peeled and sliced thin
2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into ribbons
2 chili peppers, coarsely chopped
5 fresh meaty tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup fresh corn kernels
2 cloves garlic, passed through a press
3 bouillon cubes
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 19 oz. can beans, red kidney or black
dash Tabasco

Place stock in a dutch oven or stockpot. Add all vegetables (excluding beans), bouillon cubes and spices. Bring to a boil, Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add beans and heat through.
Serve with Tabasco and a little dollop of low-fat sour cream. Enjoy!

V-Day Favorites!

In honor of the upcoming "Day of Love", I wanted to share some favorite finds for the occassion!

To wear~

This oh-so-feminine Recital Cardigan is from my favorite store, Anthropologie.

As are these pretty earrings.

Naturally, painted nails are a must for V-Day. I am loving this Chapel of Love hue by OPI.

To hear~

Sinatra's greatest love songs.

To taste~

Chris and I will definitely be popping open our bottle of Chandon's sparkling red wine this weekend! It only seems appropriate.

Hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries from Shari's Berries. A-mazing!!

To feel~

Heavanilli massage bar from Lush.

To see~

And finally, I have fallen in love with this I Heart You photograph by pinkiesister.

Have a lovely day!

Inspiration: Pizza Garden

A huge reason Chris and I look forward to having a house one day is the endless possibilities for a garden! Just imagine: fresh herbs, plants, flowers and of course, a Meyer lemon tree!

For now we are perfectly content with our potted plants and little, overflowing herb pot, but some day I plan on borrowing this idea from Better Homes and Gardens and planting a pizza garden!

How perfectly fitting for us since homemade pizza is a staple in our kitchen!


They even grid out where to place the various veggies and herbs. Leave it to Better Homes and Gardens to be so clever!

A. 2 'Husky Cherry Red' tomatoes
B. 1 'Golden Jubilee' tomato
C. 2 basil
D. 1 'Keystone Giant' bell pepper
E. 1 'Jalapeno' pepper
F. 1 oregano
G. 3 onion
H. 2 rosemary
I. 5 thyme

Spring

I got home from my hair appointment last night to find a lovely bunch of purple tuilps sitting perfectly on my bathroom counter. That sweet husband of mine!

While I was getting ready this morning, I couldn't help but long for the beautiful, sunny days of Spring. There's nothing like tulips to get me wishing for warmer weather!