Today was a bit of a sad day.
For one, a favorite hangout of mine in town (Borders Booksellers) is closing its Bloomington location. As if this fact isn't sad enough, the store is now covered in hideous "EVERYTHING MUST GO!" signs and full of bargain-seeking Christmas shoppers that wouldn't know Stephen King from Deepak Chopra. It's so sad. I ended up spending quite a bit of money, for numerous reasons...a) I was depressed that they were closing, b) everything was 20% or more off, c) I had just bought a $20 membership to the store to save an extra 10% on everything I buy, and d) I felt territorial over my store. If anyone was going to save money spending (what an oxymoron!) in my favorite store, it was going to be me! I ended up with:
- the latest Michael Franti & Spearhead album, The Sound of Sunshine (fabulous)
- three cookbooks by Robin Roberton (she's awesome): Vegan on the Cheap, Party Vegan, and Vegan Planet
- a cookbook by Deborah Madison: Vegetarian Suppers from Deborah Madison's Kitchen
- a new cookbook by Alicia Simpson: Vegan Celebrations
- a bundle of veg-friendly Kiss My Face travel toiletries
I know. It's alot. But my store is closing! Cut me a break!
In other (more serious) bummer news, I was fighting with my roommate today and heard some sad news from a yoga friend. I am a really (perhaps overly) sensitive person and I have trouble recovering from arguements and figuring out how to deal with sadness. What do you say in response to sad news? How do you react to a fight?
The fight was resolved fairly quickly with my roommate. I sent a supportive message to my friend. But - somehow - it doesn't feel like enough. I almost wish I could absorb some of the hurt I've caused through fighting...or absorb some of the sadness of my friend. But it's impossible - and unrealistic. I guess the best course of action is to be supportive and always let friends and roommates know that you are there for them and that you care. No matter what happens to us, it seems better to continue forward rather than give into the weight of sadness or strife. I think that a friendly gesture, or kind words, can help keep that forward trek possible and bearable when we walk through rough periods of life.
While this may sound enlightened, it's actually just inspiration that I've drawn from Crazy Sexy Cancer - the documentary about Kris Carr (the subject of yesterday's post). The film came through Netflix today and I immediately popped it into my DVD player. I was impressed with the honesty of the documentary...and how Carr dealt with her cancer. It is a truly inspirational example of turning your inner turmoil, bad luck, sadness, and all the other negative crap in your life into something positive. I really recommend the film (and Carr's diet book!).
Speaking of diet, I ate well today (as usual). I was courageous and made up a few recipes of my own. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think. My roommate is a picky eater, so his feedback - while appreciated - is taken with a grain of salt ;)
Chocolate Cream of Wheat with Bananas
This isn't really a recipe, but more a combination of flavors that work really well together. The creaminess of the wheat and the rich taste of chocolate make this breakfast feel decadent - even though it is quite healthy.
- 3 tablespoons Cream of Wheat
- 1 1/4 cups almond milk
- 1 square dark chocolate (I used Endangered Species brand 88% cocoa)
- 1 packet Truvia, or other stevia-sweetened brand of sweetener
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal
- 1 banana, thinly sliced
Combine the cream of wheat and almond milk in a small saucepan and heat over high heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture bubbles and boils, reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring until the milk is absorbed and the wheat looks plump and creamy.
Pour the cream of wheat into a serving bowl and add the chocolate, sweetener, and flaxseed meal. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sweetener is mixed in. Garnish with the sliced banana. serves 1
Steamed Cauliflower & Edamame with Miso Gravy
This is also a really easy recipe. Miso is a great flavor enhancer and a perfect thickener for gravies or soups. I love its unique and salty flavor. Feel free to add more sugar (maple syrup) if you prefer the gravy a little sweeter.
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
- 1/2 cup frozen edamame
- 1-1.5 tablespoons yellow miso paste (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Bring a small pot of water to bowl. Dump the frozen cauliflower and edamame into a steamer basket and place over the boiling water. Cover and steam until the vegetables are defrosted, tender, and heated through.
Meanwhile, whisk the miso paste, lime juice, water, garlic, and maple syrup in a serving bowl. Make sure the miso is completley mixed into the liquids. The miso is very salty, so taste as you go. When you reach a flavor that you like, add the cooked vegetables to the serving bowl and toss in the gravy to coat. Eat immediately. serves 1
That's all for today, folks! If today hasn't been your best, find something that will either inspire you or make you smile. Or, better yet, confide in a friend. A five minute gab session goes a long way on a bad day =)
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