Spring has Sprung

The weather was beautiful here today!!  It felt like spring/summer.  My body has been craving the warm sunshine!

Since it was so pretty at lunch, I wanted a nice big salad.  I didn’t want anything hot.  This always occurs when the weather turns warm.  I want fresh juicy foods instead of warm and comforting foods.  Are any of you this way??

Anywho, I have been craving hummus, so today was my perfect opportunity to make some!  This is my go-to recipe for hummus, and I love it.  I like it so much better than store-bought, because you can add whatever seasonings you want to it.  Plus, it is a heck of a lot cheaper!  (and no weird ingredients!)

Hummus

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained or 1.5 cups cooked
• 1 Tbsp tahini
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp garlic
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/3 cup of water

Add all ingredients into a food processor.

Process until smooth.  You may have to stop your processor and scrape down the sides a few times.  I did.

Feel free to add more water if you want a more creamy texture.  I wanted mine a little thick to eat on chips and veggies.

It looks like the warm weather is here to stay for a bit.

Luvy and I broke out the grill tonight.  I wish we had some patio furniture so that we could eat on the deck.  That is a must-get this year!! (notice: this is a hint, Luvy)

Luvy grilled the asparagus and tilapia, and I took care of the quinoa and cauliflower.  The tilapia was to die for.  Luvy knows how to work the grill!

After dinner we went for a walk in the neighborhood.  I’m sure I scared all my neighbors with my bright white legs.  Yikes!

Hope you all enjoyed the fantastic weather like we did today!

Berry Heaven

I have more strawberries than I know what to do with!!

My friend Jenna and I went to Huber’s Farm to pick strawberries today.  I came home with 2 huge flats of beautiful and very tasty berries!  

Tomorrow, I’m going to Whole Foods to find some natural fruit pectin to make jam!  :)  Yummy!  That is if I don’t eat them all tonight. They almost melt in your mouth.

I completely forgot to take my camera with me to the farm, but we both worked our backs and tushes off trying to get the prettiest berries.

Today has been very productive here at our house.  Luvy worked all day and got some school work done.  I went to pick berries, got produce from Passifiume’s, cleaned the house (mopping and all!!), and Luvy and I grilled out.

Actually, Luvy is the master on the grill.  I just prepped the veggies, roasted the beets, and made cilantro- lime quinoa!

We have both decided that we like to eat tilapia at home better than out at a restaurant.  He had it on vacation at Roastfish and Cornbread, and I had it at Truffles.  Ours here is MUCH better than what either of us had out.

Today, I added in another “red” food on my LEAP diet.  I have always loved quinoa, because it is an extremely healthy grain that is packed full of protein.  So far, I feel okay.  I know I need to cut back on my soy intake.  Vacation didn’t allow for a rotation diet, so I have had wheat, soy, oats, and several other foods everyday for the past 2+ weeks.

I am feeling quite swollen and lethargic.  I know I have gained weight, which was much needed, but this seems to be water or something else.  I’m not feeling great, so after this weekend I’m going to clean up the diet a bit.  :)

I say after this weekend, because there are a few things that I need to eat up before I change anything drastically.  :)

Luvy and I have a leisurely Saturday morning planned.  Then, it’s back to the races!

I can’t wait for things to slow down so that I can get a little more relaxed.  I have a feeling that life is only going to get busier…  :/

Do you all tend to put too much on your plates??  I certainly do!