And She’s Back

AT SCHOOL–

So i’ve been back in Arizona for over a week now, and have finally gotten my laptop back after a 3 week repair. It was some huge ordeal that was supposed to take 5 days, at most. Joke. Luckily, my campus offers rental laptops for those in need but cuts you off after 5 or 6 days. Thankfully, I have nice friends who checked another one out for me under their names–so that I wouldn’t be laptop-less for several days. My mac just needed some fine-tuning, and I wanted it performing at its best for the new semester! Ya dig?!

But anyways! I’ve got my baby back (baby back baby backk) and am so excited to finally post the last of my at-home eats! Ya knoww you love it.

Oats, (nuked) frozen berries, cinnamon, stevia, raw & salted cashews, with maybe some agave?–it’s been a while

FAVE DINNER EVER

This meal became a go-to for jeany and me. Except she’d sub the ch-ch-cheetahs for some freezer-section, curly fries  :)

In le (grilled) wrap: Lettuce, Amy’s Texas Burger, Salsa, Hummus & Tj’s Chile Sauce

Um, everyone needs to try this “dessert” I frequent ASAP:

moan-worthy

Apple sauce  + almond butter (heated in micro for 60-90 seconds) + tons of cinnamon, a sprinkle of Kashi Go Lean Crunch (graham crackers work too) and carob chips

Gah, this post is making me miss home so much! Memories and food people, memories….

Toasted bread with some veggies, tofutti cream cheese, dash, tofurkey and mustard

apples for dessert!

Never fails: Newman’s Own Spelt Pretzels + Tj’s Temptation Trail Mix & Wasabi Peas

overnight oats!

Overnight: 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 a banana, 1/2 cup water, cinn, stevia, 1/2 cup oikos

Added in da morn: Sunflower seed butter, more cinnamon and a blob of this…

Black Cherry Preserves--love

i adore these oatmeal pancakes so so much

Kath’s recipe (with 1/2 cup portions) and added banana slices, blueberries, peanut butta and agave

Since most of my friends had already returned to school, I spent a majority of that last week with my fam. Therefore, plenty of cute date nights with my mama and papa were in order! One of the nights, Jeany and I cooked up an easy dinner, saw “It’s Complicated” and got our fro yo on. I miss her sweet face already!

started with a salad...

Romaine, bell pepps, carrots, cucumber, sprouts, cherry toms and some of Tj’s Jalapeno & Cilantro hummus + Tj’s Chile Sauce for dressing

I. Love. This. Company.

X2--we split that bad boy down the middleee and smothered it in chile flakes

We adored the movie and thought it was totally cute and hilarious. Everyone should see it with their fam! It’s funny because since returning i’ve realized that most of my friends did a mother/daughter date night and also loved it. It’s really cute, promise.

Post-movie desserttt

A ‘gasmic trio: Vanilla + Chocolate Espresso + Snickers Peanut Butter (!!). ‘Nuff said.

The next morning I woke up “in the morning feelin’ like p. diddy”, hahaha…not really! That feeling is saved for after a victorious night out. But this breakfast was still pretty fab:

Oats, cinn, stevia, one ginormous gala apple, sunflower seed butter and ground flax

Although i’m back to standard, routine meals and the stressful life of a college student–i’m glad to be back with my girlzz! Yes, all 85 catty, viscious, loving, dramatic, hilarious, goofy, wild and lazy of them.

Here’s the sched…i’m crazy, right?

Mondays and Wednesdays: MIS 111 (9-10.15), SPAN 251 (11-11.50), NUTRITION, FOOD & YOU–a science requirement (2-2.50), MIDDLE EASTERN HUMANITIES–a humanities requirement (3-3.50), and ECON (6:30-7:45)

No class Tuesdays. With one 9am discussion on Thursdays and 2 discussion classes on Friday.

Off to get my Thursday on, aka catch up on homework all day!–I shall be eating, drinking, dancing, sleeping, tv-watching and homework-doing all weekend! What are your plans??

XOXOXOXO

-Jess

Trendy?

Hello helloooo!! How was everyone’s New Years Eve?! Mine was pretty exciting–and spent with two of my closest friends, at this house party with a bunch of rando college boys. We danced to every popular rap song known to MAN, and hung around till about 1:30 ish when one of my best friend’s sorority sisters got a bit sick. As tweeted, she may have missed the (barf) bag a couple of times… which left me a nice mess to clean up, in the back seat of my car–LOVELY. I’ll make sure to post pictures in the next post!

I never really make any new years resolutions–since I believe that if change is necessary…then i better get on it asap! I mean…it’s a good way to look at things, right? But I do plan on smiling more, stressing myself out less, continuing to work hard and spend enough time with family, friends and myself to stay sane! Amen to that sista!!!!!

There is wayy too much home-cookin’ to recap. So let’s just get to it!

overnight cocoa oats

Overnight: 1/2 a cup of quick oats, 1/2 a cup of greek (brown cow) yog, lots of cinn, 1/2 a banana, stevia & spoonful of cocoa powder

Added in the morn: frozen blues & peanut butter. ‘Gasm.

wrap-a-diddy

This girl gave me the brilliant idea of adding hummus and Tj’s chile sauce to a veggie-filled wrap. It was so good, that I had to have the exact same lunch the next day. Amaze!

Eaten alongside a handful of baby carrots, Tj’s flax tortilla chips, salsa and mustard.

got a little snacky later

My favorite green monster combo, ever: unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a banana, spinach, ground flax, ice & vanilla protein powder! Gettin’ my greens in, ma!

dinner, part uno: a "hugh jass" w/ woodstock dressing

y part dos w/ steamed veggies & sriracha

I lovelovelovelovelove Jenna’s Meatless Sloppy Joes. Jeany and I have used this recipe three times now and are never disappointed. I had it again over the next two days, once in a whole wheat bun and again over a baked sweet potato. We’re obsessed.

and dessert: a baked apple mess

To make: “Bake” one HUGE (go big, or go home!) pink lady in the mircrowave for about 90 seconds w/ tons of cinnamon, then drizzle it with some sunflower seed butter, more cinnamon and crushed graham crackers. YOU WON’T REGRET IT–:)

And here’s a little mother/daughter breakfast side by side:

Jeany's go-to: w/ trader joe's temptation trail mix

My go-to: w/ frozen blueberries, flax, cinn & sunflower seed butter

Which we followed up with some coffee and Beverily Hills 90210….

sweetened with Silk's Pumpkin Spice soy milk!

(source: google images)

Here’s another lunch that was pretty fab too…

a veggie-full omelet w/ red hot blues (tortilla chips), carrot slices & salsaaa

How do you take your eggs? I’m always up for some cafe (or home-cooked) omelets and scrambled eggs with lots of sauteed veggies, possibly some avo, lots of salsa and peppa. This one in particular had sauteed onions, broc, garlic and tomatoes in it! With Tj’s chile sauce and salsa on top.

followed by a sliced pear sprinkled with cinnamon

I’ve  also been pretty into snacking on cereal lately. With unsweetened almond milk and pumpkin pie spice, obviously.

with some Peanut Butter Puffins & sliced naners

or with some Kashi Go Lean Crunch!

There have also been more of Kath’s Oatmeal Pancakes…

with carob chips, sunflower seed butter and mashed naners! YUMM

It’s official. I’ve finally perfected the recipe.

Um, and who has tried these Snap pea crisps from Trader Joe’s ?? I adore them–thanks for the rec, Katharina!!

but here's another fun dinnaa

I basically threw some sauteed spinach, onion, garlic and chickpeas into a skillet with lots of spicy tomato sauce…topped it all with various spices (garam masala, pepper, chili flakes, etc, etc) and called it a meal! Eaten with some Trader Joe’s Naan and an unpictured salad! I love indian food. Apparently this fellow Wildcat has rubbed off on me

And although this morning’s breakfast was a first for me, it has been a blog trend for agess.

pumpkin oats!

Made with:

• 1/2 a cup of oats
• 1/3 cup pumpkin (with stevia & vanilla extract)
• 1 chopped gala apple
• cinnamon
• pumpkin pie spice
• Trader Joe’s crunchy peanut butter

Mmm, mmm, mmm. So i’m getting more trendy now, right?! I mean–i’ve tried a handful of things that have become very popular as of late.

But anyways, I must add that this entire post was pounded out while listening to my mom’s new Glee CD -volume 2 (that i bought for her) !! Loooooooove it. Puts me in the greatest mood! And i’m even happier now, because I have some cheetahs baking in the oven. And on top of all that…Desperate Housewives comes back tonight! You know i’ll be watching. Plus, i’m sure Jeany will wanna watch Bros & Sissys afterwards, too. Have a great night all!! And sorry for slacking in the blog commenting–will catch up soon, promise! XOXO

Much Love, Jess

The Latest

Hi lovebugs! Can you believe that Christmas is already done with and ovaa?? Our tree’s still up but will (unfortunately) be coming down within the next few days

I’ve got little recollection of everythang that has been going on this past week, but I do have some food to show! My daily routine typically looks somethin’ like this: wake up (a given), wash face, eat breakfast/watch tv, blog-read, work on my online COMM homework (winter session only), walk Ginny, eat lunch, watch more tv, visit the pop’s at work/shop with friends/run errands with Jeany, eat dinner, hang with my two bff’s, snack, sleep and do it alll ova again! My winter break has been so crazy, right? Whateva, college life is wild enough…i like the downtime over break!

Let’s start with today’s eats and backtrack from there…

best v. yet

I love me some oat pancakes. Thank you, Kath! This batch was made with 1/2 a cup oats, 1/2 a cup egg whites, cinnamon, stevia, 1/2 a banana, handful of blueberries (added when cooked on skillet), tj’s crunchy peanut butter & maple syrupp….oh my gah. Another look–

lovely

If you haven’t tried these yet, I highly suggest you do. The banana slices, blueberries, nut butta & maple syrup are necessary, fo sho.

But honestly, lunch may have been even better. IT WAS AMAZING. I ate everything sandwiched together, also broke that bad boy apart–ate a slice of just soft, hummus-y bread and then others pieces all wrapped up with veggies inside. Apparently I like to play with my food? Moving on…

a veggie-full sandwich, carrots, pita chips & salsa

This sandwich was filled with Trader Joe’s Jalapeno & Cilantro hummus, tofurkey, sprouts, tomato slices, cucumbers, onion & mustard. Make this! Do it now

And as a little intermission (hahaha), i’ll share some glorious Christmas love that i’m sure you all would appreciate:

Anthro mug & bowl, a vegan cookbook!

But for all you twi-hards (as Perez likes to say?), and women who like anything girly…

VS pajama set, Twilight # tres, bronzer, lip gloss & an adorably preppy Anthro headband

oh heyyyy! caught off guard-sware.

So Christmas day was glorious– I loved spending time with my dad & brothers in the morning, then watching movies and relaxing with my mama for the reminder of the day. We barely left the couch but to make baked sweet potatoes, eat cottage cheese & sunflower seeds (together! yum) and hit the b-room.

Fun intermission right?! Now back to the food (I realize the tone of this post may be a bit annoying–i’m just happy to be relaxing on break!!)

There has been oatmeal…

an at-school fave!

1/2 a cup oats + soymilk + flax + mixed nuts + dried bing cherries + cinnamon + stevia

There have been wraps…

In le wrap: Tofutti Cream Cheese, hummus, spinach, mustard, tomatoes & tofurkey…warmed and devoured.

And fruit…

Sandwiches…

Topped with roasted chickpeas! I love these. So yummy to snack on too. The combo was typical (i’ve kind of been obsessed with Tofutti cream cheese & hummus lately…), with Tj’s Everything pretzel slims on the side.

I’ve eaten these roasted chickpeas by the handful, in sandwiches (as seen above), and on top of salads:

look who's in the background!

And although meals are fun and all, there have also been plenty of snacks…

cottage cheese, a sliced apple, cinnamon & tj's honey wheat (?) pretzel sticks

soy hot chocolate!!!! (soy milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, stevia)

and last night's treat: a sliced pink lady, cinnamon, kashi go lean crunch! & carob chips

Now i’ll close with one of Jeany’s best meals, I love ittt:

quinoa, steamed veggies & BAKED TOFU

Mmm. I love home. She da, she da best!

Oh, but before I go–can I just say how adorable Robert Pattinson is? I’m watching him on Ellen right now and he’s just so modest and cute. I love British boys!

Now i’m off to make myself a snack, and then hang with my girls later on! They head back to school this weekend, so the next two weeks should be filled with even more family time. I guess this means i’ll be playing more Bananagrams with Jeany babes. I know this girl agrees–the game’s legit.

PEACE LADIES! XOXOXO

MERRY CHRISTMAS (EVE)!

So I’ve got a crazy day ahead, but couldn’t be happier! I just love the holidays

I just finished watching some Falalala movie (on Lifetime) with Jeany babes, and soon i’ll have to start wrapping presents, eat some lunch, get ready for tonight’s Church service, head to my dad’s for a mexican feast, and then back to my mom’s boyfriend’s family’s house for some games + dessert. Complicated?–nahh, I love it!

There have been many eats gone unpictured (aka cereal bowls at friend’s houses, some amazing restaurant-made “tempeh tacos”, and the best avocado & veggie sandwich eaten out with some sorority sistas from my hometown–love)….but there have also been many pictured!

Get ready for a quickie (recap, duh!):

un bagelette, salsa, carrots & tj's tortilla chips

This may have been the best bagel sandwich i’ve ever had. Made with tofutti cream cheese, a thick layer of mustard, tomato + cucumber + onion slices, a sprinkle of dash and tofurkey all smushed together. And inspired by this gorgeous foodie.

oh my gahhh, i need to make this again...asap

Later that day–a two-part dinner…

smallish salad w/ Annie's Honey Mustard dressing: round uno

pizza wrap: round dos!

And a how to: toast each side of wrap for several minutes at 350 degrees, then remove from oven and slather with tomato sauce, pepper-jack cheese (or whateva else you like), sauteed veggies (brocc, zucchini, onion, garlic & bell pep), then sprinkle with lots of chili flakes and throw it under the broiler for a few more. This was very messy to eat–but so, so good.

A typical breakfast:

berry-beautiful, no? muhahaha

Made with 1/2 a cup of oats, stevia, blueberries, cinnamon, van. extract, almond butta & agave.

Another super satisfying, simple lunch:

a biggie

In the bowl: Romaine, tomato, brocc, carrots, bell pep, Trader Joe’s Jalapeno & Cilantro Hummus and a drizzle of Balsamic dressing

+ Pita chips & salsa…a very addicting combo

a snack ALMOST too pretty to eat

Oikos (w/ cinnamon & stevia), fresh figs and graham cracker crumbs

semi cocoa-y oats

A spoonful of Cocoa powder + frozen berries + vanilla protein powder+ stevia + cinnamon + oats + agave + peanut butter makes a good bowl…but not a very chocolate-y, delicious, ‘gasmic one. Should I have added more cocoa??

I may have loved THIS snack even more...

Trader Joe’s Blueberry Bran Muffin, a sliced gala, Oikos (with stevia & cinnamon)

lovelovelovelovelove

which became this…

warmed and mixed...dreamy

Last night’s dessert platter was also inspired by anotha gorgeous girl:

only a mere REPRESENTATION ...who doesn't snack when they're plating their food??

Fresh figs, carob chips, almond butter & some Trader Joe’s (sweet) pretzel sticks

And lastly, i’ll leave you with this morning’s festive (well, maybe more festive if it was Thanksgiving…) breakfast

PUMPKIN OATMEAL PANCAKE!!

I followed Kath’s recipe using 1/2 cup portions The canned pumpkin made this even fluffier, which I loved! Topped that bad boy with almond butter, agave and some sliced bananas…the pancake itself was good once again…but could have been sweeter–any suggestions?? Maybe i’ll add more stevia to the batter next time… hmmm

Oh! And before I forget–here’s yesterday’s ‘fit, snackface-style

sooooooo cozy: plaid, black skinnays and brown (f)uggs

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!! XOXOXOXO -Jess

aww, such a sleepy girl...

Semi Obsessed

Hi friends! Glad everyone enjoyed the video. And yes–i’m aware of the fact that I am a complete DORK who talks with her hands, reps a very hoarse voice (ever since sorority recruitment!) and has a very hot mama (taller, blonder and tanner than me) by the name of Jeany!

Many requested an encore presentation…but what about?? Anyone have some ideas? Questions?? Q  & A time?? Shootttt!!

This post may or may not be rushed since i’m going Christmas shopping with friends in an hour or so, stocking up on some cute thangs for my mama, papa, bros and their wives! Phew–good thing they know i’m a college student without a job, pressure’s off (thank the lawwwd).

Ya’ll ready for some food porn…hey! this is a G-rated blog, okay!?

I finally tried Kath’s Oatmeal Pancakes! Loved–having them again tomorrow.

everyone must try this combination. noww

I followed her recipe and used 1/2 a cup of oats & egg whites, with some added stevia, baked apple chunks and sunflower seed butter on top. Woww–the pancake itself was pretty plain, but paired perfectly with the added toppings! Make this when you’re craving pancakes. Make this when you’re craving oats! Best of both worlds, ya mean!?

A Grilled Cheese- for this I simply toasted two slices of whole wheat bread, spread a hefty layer of mustard on each side, added a bit of horseradish, tomato slices and some good ol’ pepper-jack cheese.

Done and done.

cuties for dessert!

You probably can’t tell…but that’s definitely some old school Beverly Hills 90210 in the background. We’re on season 7 (of 10, maybe??). Are we obsessed–definitely.

Snacks…

Sarah…these chips are the BOMB. So cinnamon-y, sweet, crunchy and addicting satisfying. With an obligatory GM on the side (banana, unsweetened van. almond milk, flax, ice cubes, spinach & vanilla protein powder).

Several hours later I had a two-part dinner before meeting up with ma girlzz.

Steamed brocc w/ Tj's Jalapeno & Cilantro Hummus

And Kailey-this may be the best hummus I’ve ever had! I’m obsessed.

This sweet potato was bigger than the size of my head (no lies–refer to said video for PROOF), but paired perfectly with some ketchup, mustard and bbq sauce for dipping alongside an Amy’s Texas Burger (j’adore).

And here’s yesterday’s lunch, one that has been incredibly missed:

subliminal message right thurr--BUYY TOFURKEY....... hahaa

A Wrap! Filled with Tj’s hummus, spinach, tofurkey, tomato slices and a sprinkle of dash. Simple & delicious. I proceeded to add a ridiculous amount of salsa to this bad boy and even heated up half to taste it in all its glory. Tofurkey is amazing when HOT! Amazing.

yum.

+ a cinnamon-y pink lady for dessert!

I also tried a new product out with last night’s dinner (alongside an unpictured hughhh jasss salad):

not as good as the real deal, OBVS...but still delish

Pizza Bagels!! Followed this girl’s recipe to a tee. It turned out soooooo good. So good.
Oh, and other recent obsessions?? Just this beautiful fruit:

figs!

And in between finding time for old friends, family and some much-needed sleep (such a hard life, right?)–I tried Amy’s Cereal Cake!!

365 Honey Bunches of Oats + Tj's Roasted Almond Butter

To all of those who adore mushy, flaky cereal topped with some type of nut butter…you’ll love this! And refridgerating the cereal mush for 10 minutes kinda hardens it up (TWSS?)–which is fun!

ready to eatt

Although last night’s dessert was quite delectable, this morning’s breakfast tasted just as dessert-like. I’m obsessed with overnight oats. Honestly.

Best concoction to date–> Chillin’ overnight:

• 1/2 cup Oats
• 1/2 cup Brown Cow Greek Yog
• 1/2 cup water
• cinnamon + stevia

Added in the morning:

• a spoonful of Tj’s strawberry preserves
• sunflower seed butter
• ground flax
• more cinn!

Nom-y.

And FYI–I just had the most delicious bagel sandwich for lunch, which shall be revealed in the next post Off to shop! Have a great Monday girls!

*Please note that all food & snacks were NOT documented and that most lunches/dinners are usually accompanied by some unpictured pretzels, pita chips or crackers Love you all!

XOXO, Jess

My Very First Incredibly Hectic VLOG

Hi everyone!! So I have a little video for you all (and it’s pretty short–promise!)–let me just reiterate that I AM in fact a college student. Even though I may call the freezer a “fridge”, and my speech tends to get a little sloppy throughout! Such is life Not gonna lie–that freeze frame is pretty hot too. Hahaha

Oh, and get ready for some celebrity guests. And lots of groceries!! Enjoy. Try not to laugh at me and my awkward-ness too much. K thanks! XOXO

And feedback is always appreciated! If you have any questions or requests, feel free to comment about it down below Be back tomorrow with a delicious day of eats! Duh.

Shoutouts–> mis amigas: Sarah & Kailey

Dunzo

Dunzoooooooooo!!! As Kristin Cavallari would say–I am officially DONE with finals. And halfway through my sophomore year of college! It’s surreal, honestly.

I have spent oh, a majority of my week studying. Just discussing tedious concepts, memorizing flash card after flash card, answering study guides, reading and more memorizing. This past week has been WAY more intense than any finals week I’ve had thus far in college. But now it’s over! So let’s not dwell on the all that ickiness this past week has brought about. I mean, hello…I spent over 11 hours (in one day) studying with friends for this morning’s Communications test. Redic, right?! Oh well, it’s in the past and Winter Break has officially begun!

I should be home tonight, around 7…and have three and a half glorious weeks ahead of me. I have my fam and friends, good food, movie nights, shopping, Christmas, and New Years to look forward to! It’s gonna be amazing!

Food, your fabulousss blogs, tv, a fun last weekend out with friends and Christmas movies have made this week a little more enjoyable. Except the semi-relaxing nights ended by Tuesday. Ha!

many snack platters

Picture 5 billion of these (yes, 5 billion) with more pita chips (trader joe’s!!!), more hum-daddy (sorority house’s home-made), veggies, fruit and rando bowls of beans or somethin’ somethin’.

oikos + gala apple + cinn + ezekiel cinnamon raisin granola

Many yogurt messes

liked this!

yogurt + trader joe's granola w/ almonds + almond buttaaaa

lots of sorority house salad-bar salads

composite in the back!! --sneaky.

Picture lots of kashi crackers, pita chips, and/or Newman’s spelt pretzels with most of these salads

pb & j oats: blueberry preserves + almond butter

soooo much oatmeal

dried bing cherries + pumpkin pie spice + raw, lightly salted cashew pieces + soy milk

fruit!

whole wheat english muffins with moree pb

half-eaten. oopsie

And now I’ll leave you all with pictures from last weekend–goodbye Arizona! See you in a month, bebe.

random homeboy wanted a picture with the ladiess

yep--this house had a CHRISTMAS TREE in the back room. we obviously had to pose with it.

With that–i’ll wish you all a merry weekend (okay…someone’s really in the christmas spirit) and know that i’ll be seeing you all soon! Meaning, expect many delicious posts over the next couple weeks. Get excited–we all know I am!

Question: I’ll be doing the obligatory grocery run with the mama this week, so fill me in! Any new and amazing products out there, that I must try? At Trader Joe’s? Whole Food’s?

XOXO, Jess

Shameless.

Hi bloggies!!

Okay, i’ve got some updates for you all.

1. You can now follow me on twitter! I may have had one a few months back–neglected it, got over it…but  now i’m back, and ready to update ya’ll on the daily (since I get so MIA when at school) ! Find me under jesslikesithott. With two t’s! Someone’s already registered under my original blog name!! Weird, right??

2. Finals week begins Monday. Meaning, I get to see these precious faces in just two weeks:

Ginger, aka GINNY!

Kula, my kitty...whata handsome man he is

plus all my fam and friends, of course! Can’t waittt. It’ll be madness though, since i’ll only have four days to get all of my Christmas shopping done!

3. I hoard. Big time.

My sorority house stocks our kitchen with this big bowl of fruit, everyday… but on weekends we tend to run out and the fruit hardly lasts past 3 pm….soooo, I tend to hoard a bit whenever I get the chance! Whoops. And yes, that is a sweet potato right thurr as well. One of my roomies generously bought some for the rest of us! So cute.

Alright, time to hit the bottle books. I’ve got two finals this week and two the next! Good luck to me.

Don’t forget-follow me! I’ll try to be as annoying update as much as possible

But before I go…

Fave christmas song?? this–hands down! Best. Christmas. Song. Ever.

Fave Christmas movie?? Definitely Love Actually or White Christmas. Classics!

Love you all, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! xoxo

The Magical Ingredient

Shooo girls, I can’t believe that i’m already heading back to school in just a few hours! I’ve had such a relaxing week, and couldn’t have asked for a better time with my fam and friends.

Let me sum it up in just a few words, since i’ve got lots of food to share (finally, right??).

So I enjoyed plenty of good food, New Moon (team Edward!!!, but was def feelin’ Jacob after that haircut…ooooh la la), snugglin’ with ginny poo (my dog), glee & cooking with my mama, a meditteranean feast out with my dad and brothers, nail paintin’, just a tiny bit of homework, coffee and lots of laughs. Loved it!

But now, without further ado-the food.

Had to satisfy a craving…

…with a Tofu Stir Fry (made with some olive oil, mushrooms, broccoli, onion, garlic, dash seasoning, a bit of Bragg’s, tj’s chile sauce) and ch-ch-cheetahs! With lots of ketchup. Very necessary.

and a fuji

new bowls (!)

love anthro.

my new favorite cereal in my new favorite bowl.

365 Honey Crunches & Oats cereal + almond milk + vanilla protein powder

mmmm best. dessert. ever.

A warmed La Tortilla Factory Wrap w/ melty sunflower seed butter, carob chips and a “baked” pear all stuffed inside.

gloriousssss

A blog-worthy breakfast….

X 2!! Obvs.

Vegan Pumpkin French Toast!! My mom and I followed the recipe to a tee, except subbing sunflower seed butter for agave. The warmed apples make this recipe, especially when topped with sunflower seed butter! Please, try this.

Lunch…

if you can't tell...that's GLEE in the background.

This wrap of grilled deliciousness was filled with hummus, bbq sauce, a Dr. P’s Tex Mex burger, mustard, onion & spinach! With a side of those FSTG Lime Chips; so GOOD.

just some frozen berries. lunch dessert

And a fab, new dinner…

salad + annie's honey mustard

sorry, icky lighting!

Spaghetti Squash! With lots of tomato sauce, some meatless meatballs and sauteed mushrooms, garlic and broccoli thrown into the mix. J’adore!

But you can’t have “pasta” without some garlic bread….

toasted sandwich thin + garlic & butta

Dessert…

another new fave.

New love: cocoa powder + greek yogurt + stevia! Tried first with a “baked” pear, some crushed grahams, cinnamon and almond butter.

Another classic breakfast:

overnight oats!

but with an added, magical ingredient…

SILK NOG! gah!! so glad it's back. its sweet, egg nog-y and perfect.

Overnight: 1/2 a cup oats, 1/2 a cup water, a few splashes of Silk Egg Nog, 1/2 a sliced banana, cinnamon, 1/2 a cup oikos and stevia (you must go out and buy THE NOG, immediately)…

Added in the morning: a few more splashes of Silk Nog, cinn and almond butter!!

And now, i’m currently enjoying a cup of coffee

w/ soy milk, stevia & pumpkin spice

Although Thanksgiving’s dinner (and several others) went unpictured, know that it was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed! I was all ova the vegan mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts and my mom’s butternut squash casserole, as promised. But in a few hours, I’m actually heading back to school!

The next twenty days will be filled with 5 final exams, 2 papers, plenty of review sessions…lots of christmas music, blog reading, and movies…to keep me sane, of course! And since classes end next Wednesday i’ll have my fill of stressful, busy days….and days with little to do. Can’t wait (note the sarcasm). Wish me luck!! Love you all, and “see” you in a few weeks!!

But I must ask, before I go: What is on your Christmas list, this year?? I may or may not an iphone in mind….XOXO

-Jess

Be Thankful

And…she’s back!! Hello everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving! The holiday is officially 10 minutes away and at this moment, I couldn’t be more joyous or content (the holiday season gets me in the habit of saying joyous, cheery, jolly, etc….you understand).

How is everyone’s week going?! I’ve now been home for almost 15 hours and am lovingg it!

To put it lightly…Jeany babes and I did some major grocery shopping this morning. We hit up, oh…4 different places. I justify such actions with the need for things that cannot be eaten at school/new blog-inspired finds/cooking ingredients for tomorrow night’s dinner. Fair enough, right?

The day started with a standard bowl of quick oats + soy milk (new addition/obsession?), some cinnamon, a banana and cinnamon raisin swirl peanut butta. The flight was quick and easy, and within minutes of  landing I was out the door and headed to Whole Food’s with Jeany.

After a few hours of grocery shopping, we were equally starving and ready to feast. Soooo, we promptly assembled lunch!

A la snackface…

Let’s call this the….jalapeno popper, remix.

This had the suggested:

• tofutti cream cheese
• mustard
• spinach
• (trader joe’s meatless meat-) balls
• Tj’s chile sauce (love!)

Plus the addition of….hummus! I know this lady would approve of that last minute decision. It was everything you’d expect and more. I obviously adored it, since we all know I like it hot…I mean, er, SPICY!

+ obligatory post-lunch apple w/ cinnamon

Between lunch and some Glee-catch up, I actually took a nap! This never happens, so clearly I needed it.

And since sleeping works up such an appetite….I woke up to another new, lovely snack! Umm, THANK YOU AMY for recommending this cereal. I legitimately ate Honey Bunches of Oats every morning my sophomore year of high school. Was absolutely obsessed. But finding the Whole Food’s version?!! Even better.

As per her suggestion…I had it with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and some pumpkin pie spice. The perfect mid-day snack (or even dessert), in my opinion!

After proclaiming my new-found love for the 365 Honey Crunch & Oats , I took a nice walk with my mom and Ginger. California’s weather is perfection right now! Warm during the day, and crisp, but bearable at night.

Dinner was another bloggie-inspired affair:

Started with a salad

And ended with a burrito (inspired by this girl), lots of salsa, some steamed broccoli and chips. GOOD chips.

I’ve been craving the FSTG lime chips ever since seeing them on Sarah’s blog, a few weeks back. They were lime-y, crunchy, a little salty and goood. As they should be! They reminded me of those Tostito lime chips, but better-tasting and better fo’ you!

A post-microwaved, oozing, delicious shot:

After my mom and I decide to creep her friends & colleagues on facebook, dessert was had with a side of more Glee (had to catch up!). Mama’s offish obsessed.

Microwavable pumpkin pie, anyone??

In the bowl: 1/2 a cup Whole Food’s organic pumpkin, 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites, pumpkin pie spice & cinn microwaved for 3 minutes, topped with crushed grahams and sunflower seed butter. Mmm!!!!!! Make this. Or try jeany’s version, and top it with granola!

But now, it’s time for bed. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone, and be thankful!! I just know that you are all loved so much, by so many people. So appreciate that, leave the guilt behind and do whatever makes you happiest. Thanksgiving’s about family and good food. So remember that!

I must ask:

Of what are you thankful for?? And, what shall you be feasting on today/tonight?! I’m thankful for my loving, supportive family who always knows how to put a smile on ma face! Looooove them. And you know i’m excited for my pop’s (vegan) mashed potatoes, my mama’s butternut squash casserole and whatever else my bros and their wifeys whip up!

XOXO, Jess