Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal & Mexican "Rice"

As usual... it has been a while.. I am so so so sorry!

I swear school has been drowning me in project, presentations,

homework, and essays!! But, luckily after today I'm free until

Wednesday! Thank the Lord! I need a little break... where are

you Thanksgiving?!? Not to mention its almost 85 degrees here!

But, at least my pumpkin coffee and oatmeal feel a little fall festive!

 

Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal

What girl doesn't love chocolate and raspberries together?!

Or...at least chocolate.. the fruit just helps us feel a

little better about eating the chocolate..guilty!

 

I've started making my own premade oatmeal packets like

you buy at the store to save on time in the  mornings.

I blame the time change.. I cannot get of bed anymore!!

It's super simple and definitely worth it to sit down and

knock out a whole bunch in one afternoon!

____________________________
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
Cinnamon To Taste
Handful Of Raspberries
1 Chocolate Kiss
____________________________

For one of my presentations today the topic is Diversity..

so naturally my "attention getter" to start off my presentation

is a bag of yummy, assorted Christmas Chocolate..I know Genius!
& So again, one just naturally decided to join my oatmeal this morning!

 

 

Mexican "Rice"

 

This is another new recipe I decided to try last night.

With recommendation from my sister, I knew I wanted to try it!

She found it off of this blog (click) -->  Peace + Love + Low Carb

I changed mine a little up, just because I can never make anything

like I'm actually supposed to. (That's probably why hers looks

a lot prettier than mine..but its still super delicious!!)

______________________________________
Ingredients:
1 Head Of Cauliflower
1 Can Mexican Mild Rotel
2 Cups Chicken Stock
(I Used Chicken Base&Water)
1 Onion
2 (Rather Massive) Garlic Cloves
1/2 Packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
Cumin To Taste
Chili Power To Taste
Salt To Taste
______________________________________

 

I started out this process by "ricing" my cauliflower in a
ninja, make sure to do it in sections so you get it all in even pieces.

Then, I started to saute my onion and garlic in a pan with a little bit

of water until translucent. I then stirred the drained rotel to mix in with the

onion and garlic. Then, I added in the chicken base, two cups

of water, and mixed until incorporated. Following all of that, I added

all of my cauliflower and put on medium heat for 30 minutes with a lid.

For the last 10 minutes I took the lid off and turned down to low heat.

Mine came out a bit wet, when I try this again I may take her advice in

adding the cauliflower be the liquids, and reduce the amount of stock.

However, it is still delicious and so happy my sister showed it to me!

 

 



Laptop Lunchbox #21 & Halloween!

 

 

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Hope y'all all have fun plans for tonight!

 

Seriously.. is that not the cutest dragon you've ever seen?!

Luckily my apartment complex is having a pet costume

contest so I can show off his cuteness enter him in it...

No but seriously.. no one stands a chance!

Laptop Lunchbox #21

 

 

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Ingredients:
2 Cups Of Romaine Lettuce
1/3 Of a Cucumber
1 Serving Light Italian Dressing
Feta To Top
2 Homemade Salmon Patties
^Click For The Recipe ^
1 Orange
________________________________

 

Also would like to remind everyone to keep the East Coast

in their prayers with the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy!

Sending lots of prayers to everyone and hope they are safe & with their family! 

My boyfriend is on his way there for work to help repair the aftermath,

He's been sending pictures all morning, such a pretty drive up the east coast from Texas!

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!

<3 AL

 

 

 

GoRaw! & Laptop Lunchbox #20!

 

Happy Monday ya'll! Hope your a little warmer then me

this morning! Gotta love walking to class when it's 39 degrees!

 

But, on a happier note, last week I was so excited to check my mail

and receive my awesome GORAW! <-click Package!!

Seriously, so many items! All natural, raw ingredients

you know and can actually pronounce! 

Even Braxton liked them! He decided he wanted

to sneak one of the granola bars when I wasn't watching him!

Found him under my desk trying to open my pumpkin granola bar!

Sneaky little puppy! I haven't tried them all but you should check them out!

 

Laptop Lunchbox #20

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Ingredients:
2 Cups Romaine Blend Salad
1 Romano Tomato
1 Serving 2TBS Light Italian Dressing
Feta To Top
1/2 Cup Deer Sausage
1/2 Peach
___________________________________

 

Since Halloween is on a Wednesday we decided to

celebrate this weekend! The cold front came just in time too!

Lots of Halloween Cupcakes!

Loved going to the pumpkin patch and seeing all of the

little kids so excited about getting to pick their own pumpkin!

After the pumpkin patch Ryy&I decided to carve the

ones we bought & had a contest to see which was better!

He won.. by a sad landslide of 6-1 :( My poor Frankenstein!

 

 

Hope everyone had a perfect halloween weekend!

Enjoy!

AL <3

Roasted Cauliflower Laptop Lunchbox #19

 

 

This past week has been a crazy one!

Full of exams, projects, and perfect 21st birthday festivities!

But, more importantly I am so blessed to have such great people

in my life to help me celebrate another birthday!

Seriously my friends are perfect!

& of course so is this boy! <3

 

Okay, enough mushiness back to food!

Today's delicious breakfast was some cooked,

warm apple oatmeal! Can you tell I'm so happy it's Fall?!

Cooked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Oatmeal

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Calories:214
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 TBS Sugar
2 TSP Brown Sugar
1/2 Honey Crisp Apple
Cinnamon To Taste
1/2 Cup Of Dry Oats
Water For Desired Texture
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Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add in sugars, stirring

constantly until completely dissolved. Add in apples and cinnamon

to taste and let cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes stirring

every once in a while so the sugars don't stick and burn on the

bottom.Turn down heat to about 3 and let cook for an additional

20 minutes without stirring until apples are cooked to desired softness.

 

 

So, for some reason lately, allll I've been wanting

is some warm, roasted vegetables! I think it's probably

because here in Texas it's still in the upper 80s in October!

So late last night , after realizing I still hadn't made my lunch

for today I decided I would use the head of cauliflower sitting in my fridge!

 

Oven Roasted Cauliflower

_________________________________
Calories: 424
Ingredients:
1 Medium Head Of Cauliflower
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
~4 TBS Of Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
*Garlic Powder, Onion Powder,
Salt & Pepper To Taste!
_________________________________

Start by preheating your oven to 350. Place your washed

cauliflower florets into a 9x13 casserole dish, and top with your EVOO,

parmesan cheese and *desired seasonings. Cover with foil (or a lid)

& bake for 25 minutes. My cauliflower was not tender enough for me,

so I then put it up to 400 degrees for an additional 20 minutes.

I also wanted a nice color to them, so I took off the foil, and

put them back in for 5-10 minutes with the broil on high!

Laptop Lunchbox #19

________________________________
Calories: 381
Ingredients:
Oven Roasted Cauliflower
Vanilla Chocolate Chunk Chobani
1/2 Cup Of A Honey Crisp Apple
________________________________

 

Enjoy!

AL <3

 

Oven Roasted Cabbage & Laptop Lunchbox #18

 

 

I cannot believe its only Wednesday!!

The week goes by so slow whenever your birthday

is on a Thursday! YES! 21 tomorrow! Happy girl!

 

However.. someone else isn't as thrilled as me..

Poor sleepy puppy!

So excited for a birthday spend with my sweet friends,

boyfriend, and family this week & weekend!

Not to forget a perfect bridal shower!

Since I know this weekend will be full of lots of food

I knew I needed to keep my lunches full of veggies!

 

Oven Roasted Cabbage

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Ingredients:
1 medium head of cabbage
2 Slices Of Bacon
~3 TBS Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper To Taste
_____________________________

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees, and start preparing the cabbage.

Remove the two outer leaves, and then wash thoroughly.

Slice in about 1/2-1 inch thickness so all of the oils can absorb into the

cabbage and soften the leaves. Drizzle the olive oil to coat the top

of all the rounds, add cooked chopped bacon, salt and pepper. *the next

time I make this which I will it was amazing! I will probably try

wrapping them in foil to get more moist, soft leaves. Bake for about 30

minutes on 425, then turn down to 350 for an additional 20 if the leaves

 aren't soft enough. I believe the foil will cut down on cooking time as well!

Laptop Lunchbox #18

 

_____________________________
Ingredients:
1 Serving Oven Roasted Cabbage
2 Homemade Salmon Patties
^Click For Recipe^
1 Cup Baby Carrots
1 Serving Garlic Hummus
_____________________________

 

Enjoy!

AL <3

 

 

Salmon Patties & Laptop Lunchbox #17

Well..needless to say it has been a while!

School sort of took over my life for a good week!

Last night while trying to figure out what to pack for

my lunch out of my bare pantry and fridge I found two packets

of Salmon, and remembered my Mom talking about how she used

to always make Salmon burgers when we were little, so I thought why not?!

 

Salmon Patties

Recipe Adapted From Chicken Of The Sea

___________________________________________
Calories For Entire Recipe: 431
(Mine Made At Least 8 Small Patties) 
Ingredients:
2- 2.5 Oz Packets Of Salmon
(I Used Chicken Of The Sea)
1/4 Chopped Onion
1/2-3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs
(I Used Italian For More Flavor)
4 TBS Egg Beaters
Salt & Pepper To Taste
1/8-1/4 Cup Of Skim Milk Until Desired Texture
___________________________________________

I started off by emptying both packages of salmon into a

mixing bowl, then adding the bread crumbs, followed by the

onion and eggbeaters. Completely incorporate those 4 ingredients until

it starts sticking together.Add in salt & pepper along with any other

desired seasonings. Then, slowly add the milk until you are able

to get a chunky texture where you are able to form patties in your hand.

Heat a skillet to medium heat and spray your pan with cooking spray.

Since salmon is already cooked, you're just looking for color and

the break down of the onions. I did about 5 minutes each side.

 

 

Laptop Lunchbox #17

_______________________________________
Calories: 447
277 For Lunch & 170 Snack
Ingredients:
1 Serving (2 TBS) PB2
1 Banana
2 Homemade Salmon Patties
1 Serving (7) Tricuts
1 Light Baby Bell Cheese
(Cheese & Crackers Afternoon Snack)
1/2 Can French Cut Green Beans
_______________________________________

 

Enjoy!

<3 AL



Vanilla Caramel Coffee & Laptop Lunchbox #16

 

 

Already Wednesday...the week is flying by!

Not that I'm complaining at all!

I cannot wait for my best friend & boyfriend

to come to San Marcos on Friday!

 

Vanilla Caramel Coffee

Here's to another attempt of mine to keep liking coffee.

It seriously is freaking me out how I actually like coffee,

and not forcing it down my throat to stay up for finals!

Maxwell International's coffee definitely helps!

______________________________
Calories: 60
Serving Size: 1 1/3 TBS
______________________________

 

I left mine at work so if I ever forget it I can

easily make it since all you need is water!

I also love how filling it is for only 60 calories,

add an apple for my breakfast & I'm good to go!

 

Laptop Lunchbox #16

I must admit I have a little crush obsession with my

laptop lunchbox.. So needless to say I was a little extremely

upset whenever my mom called me 2 hours from home while

driving back to school to let me know I had forgotten

my lunch box...Lucky for me I order "Bento Buddies" too!

Although my actual lunchbox made for a lot easier transportation.

______________________________
Calories: 323
Ingredients:
2 Egg Whites
3 Baby Whole Dill Pickles
1 Serving (2 TBS) Garlic Hummus
1/2 Cup Of Cucumber
1/2 Cup Of Carrots
1 Cup Of Lettuce
1 Light Baby Bell Cheese
1 Serving (7) Triscuts
______________________________

 

 

 Enjoy!

AL <3

 

 

 

 



Patsy's Potato Soup!

 Alike yesterday's Pumpkin Bread (<- click), I was

still in the "fall mood" since all of the rain and cool

weather crept in this weekend! It's been so perfect!

&that is why October is always my favorite month!

(doesn't hurt its my birthday month too!!)

After my shopping spree trip to target to get only soup bowls,

and a new table set of plates, bowls, some heels, and

a new umbrella, we decided to sit outside & enjoy the pretty day!

& since weather was so nice we had to have a (mini) photo shoot!

Look at that precious pup smiling & posing!

But to the point of the perfect weather, it needed

some delicious, warm, and healthier potato soup!

Patsy's Potato Soup!

 

________________________________________

Calories: 210 Per Cup
Ingredients:
6 Potatoes With Skins
1 Package Mild Italian Sausage
*Mom Uses 2 Packages
1 Cup 2% Milk
*Mom Uses Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Onion
3 TBS McCormick Italian Herb Grinder
2 TBS McCormick Italian Perfect Pinch SF
1 TSP Oregano
Salt & Pepper To Taste
*Mom Adds 2 TBS Butter
________________________________________

 

Start by removing the skins and completely browning your

Italian Sausage. *It's best to brown them in the pot you

plan to boil your potatoes so you get alllll of the great flavor!

While the sausage is browning, slice or cube the potatoes

into desired thickness. Be sure to leave them at least 1" cubes

or ~1/2" slices so they don't all disintegrate while boiling.

As well as chop or slice the entire onion into preferred size bites.

Drain the grease from the sausage and put into a small bowl.

Add potatoes, onion, all of your seasoning and enough water

to cover the potatoes.Bring potatoes to a boil and let them

cook until soft.~20 minutes just keep checking until

they are soft. *I like to add 1/3 of the sausage during the

boiling process to get more of the flavor throughout the

soup. After potatoes are cooked to preference, add all of the

 sausage, as well as 1 cup of 2% milk to give it a creamier texture.

Simmer for about 15-30 more minutes to bring back up the temperature.

Enjoy!

AL <3

 

 

Wedding Weekend & Homemade Pumpkin Bread

Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!

Such a fun wedding, along with rainy, cool 

weather making me so ready for fall!!

Since the weather was soo rainy and

finally starting to get cool around Texas

(hopefully for good!) I was craving some

warm, delicious, spiced pumpkin bread!

 

Amanda's Spiced Pumpkin Bread

 

I decided I would try creating my own recipe just

to see how it turned out, and I must say it was pretty

tastey! However, it could have more of that pumpkin kick!

 

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Calories:137 Per Slice
*I Made It Into 15 Slices
*Without Optional: 117 Calories
-2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
-1 Cup Pack Brown Sugar
-1 TBS Baking Powder
-2 1/2 TS Cinnamon
-1/2 TS Nutmeg
-1/2 TS Pumpkin Pie Spice
-1/4 TS Baking Soda
-1/4 TS Ginger
-1/4 TS Cloves
-1 Cup Pumpkin
-1/2 Cup Almond Milk
-2 Whipped Egg White
-1/3 Cup Light Sour Cream
-1/2 TS Almond Extract
-1/4 Cup Walnuts (Optional)
-2 Boxes Of Raisins (Optional)
____________________________________

-Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl mix flour, brown

sugar, and baking powder & soda along with all of the spices.

Stir to combine. In a separate bowl, with your mixer, whip

egg whites until they are a white and foamy texture.

 

After eggs are whipped, mix pumpkin, milk,sour cream,

almond extract, nuts, and raisins. Until combined.

Mix the dry ingredients in with the wet, only stir to incorporate.

Try not to over mix! Spray your pan with PAM, then dust

 with flour,and add combined mixes into the bread pan.

 

Bake for about 1 hour, mine took about 50 minutes.

Making sure to use a tooth pick to check the consistency!

 

 

Enjoy!

AL <3

 

Laptop Lunchbox 15 & Skinny Funfetti!

 

It's my weekend!! TGIT! :)
However, today will be a loong day!

Work & School 7:00a.m - 3:20 then a nice,

extremely boring 4 hour drive home for a wedding!

 

Chobani, Banana & Coffee Breakfast

 

______________________________
Calories: 350
Ingredients:
Suisse Mocha & PB2 Coffee
^Click For Recipe^
1 Strawberry Banana Chobani
1 Banana
______________________________

This high calorie and protein packed breakfast will

be spread out throughout my morning since my lunch

will primarily (not the tacos) be for the road trip home!

Laptop Lunchbox #15

 

______________________________
Calories: 323
Ingredients:
1 Cup Of Baby Carrots
1 Veggie Laughing Cow Cheese
1/2 Cup Of Cucumber
1 Pineapple Chobani
2 Wonton Tacos
^Click For Recipe^
______________________________

Since last time I went home my sweet boyfriend surprised

me with roses, I decided I'd do something in return!

Skinny Funfetti!

Ryan and I are the complete opposite whenever it comes

to food. He could eat McDonald's everyday, while I

won't touch the nasty, fake stuff! Anyway, he absolutely

LOVES funfetti cake! He doesn't like chocolate (crazy right!?!)

or anything with cooked fruit like cobbler or pie..like I said

definitely opposites when it comes to food!! So I decided to try

and sneak in a healthy recipe on his favorite dessert and see

how it turns out! He'll probably notice, but hopefully he will

like it! I mean, at 110 calories per cupcake... it's perfect!

If you're like me & pintrest all day frequently, I'm sure

you've seen countless different alternatives to this

originally weight watcher recipe! Check out my

pintrest <-click to see the ones I found most helpful!

First off you will need only 4 ingredients! Healthy

cheap and easy?! Who knew that was possible?

______________________________
For The Cale:
1 Box Funfetti Cake Mix
12 oz. Sprite Zero
(Or Any Light Diet Drink)
For The Icing:
1 (1.5) SF FF Vanilla Pudding
1 (8oz) FF Cool Whip
______________________________

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the Funfetti & 12 oz. of Sprite Zero together

in a mixing bowl. It going to look pretty funny,

and fizzy,but I promise that's right! Keep mixing,

by hand or a mixer until all of the lumps are out.

After greasing and flour dusting your pans, pour the batter

all in. Set your timer for ~18 minutes for cupcakes

or if you doing a cake, my two heart pans took about 25.

While the cakes are cooking, start mixing together your

icing. All it takes is dumping both ingredients in a

mixing bowl, and combining until they are smooth!!

Poke with a toothpick after the timer goes off to make sure

they are completely done, let them cool, icing & enjoy

your delicious low calorie, low fat funfetti cupcakes or cake!

 

Enjoy!

AL <3