Lately

Annnnd we’re back with a life post! Crazy, right? I haven’t done one of these in for-ev-er, but I kinda miss being all open and personal and stuff.

I’m really really excited for spring and summer. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about warmer months. I’m totally fine with the cold weather, and I usually hate being hot. But there’s something about this year that just makes me so excited. Like, happy dance excited.

Yay vacations and watermelon and cookouts and bonfires and sun dresses and sunshine!

But before we get to all of that, here’s what I’ve been up to lately!

reading: I’m actually reading a few things at the moment! I know my dad is going to roll his eyes at this one, but I’m currently reading a book called, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F—.” It’s by a blogger named Mark Manson, and for some reason, the way he writes just really resonates with me. The book is about holding on to what’s really important to you and then letting go of everything else. Perfect for the gal who thinks she can do everything and make everybody happy (where you at, Type As? ?).

I’m also reading “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink because I’m really fascinated by the way the human mind works. That’s why I loved “The Power of Habit” so much. This book is sorta along the same lines, but it’s about right-brainers. Super interesting so far!

Also wanting to read “The War of Art.” It’s a heavy book, but it’s something I feel like I need to read right now.

eating: Smoothie bowls on repeat. I am obsessed with this Ginger Banana Green Smoothie with a mountain of Lemon Chia Seed Granola on top. The smoothie is thick enough to be a bowl, which is what I typically do in the morning.

I’ve also been eating a ton of roasted broccoli with a hummus-hot sauce dipping sauce. It’s literally just a glob of hummus with some hot sauce (Frank’s, always) mixed in. Totally hits the spot.

What else. Oh. I just had some KILLER lettuce wraps for dinner just now! They’ll be coming to the blog soon!

AND avocados. Kinda totally lame answer, but I have some serious love for avocados. I really like sprinkling the Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning on top (it’s the same seasoning I used for these pretzels)!

drinking: Kombucha! When I first tried the stuff, I seriously hated it. But the flavor grew on me, and I’ve been looking forward to having one in the morning (I got a case of it from Costco). Super fizzy and refreshing. And I bet it would make an excellent cocktail…

Also: I have been obsessed with this Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea for years. We sold it in the coffee shop I worked in when I was in high school, and I’ve gotten so many people hooked on it since. Not a huge fan that it contains artificial flavors, but YOLO. It’s delicious.

Aaaaand…juice! I was a huge apple juice person as a kid, but I haven’t really touched juice since. Mark LOVES juice, so I’ve slowly been getting into it. I love making it at home and throwing a big hunk of ginger in for good measure (try making this Cucumber Ginger Juice or this Blood Orange Ginger Juice – you don’t need a juicer for either!).

ALSO. Mark did the cutest thing for me for Christmas. He got me like…three cases of Coconut LaCroix for Christmas, and then he decided to hide a few around the apartment just so I could be surprised by them. I found one just the other day, and it instantly put a smile on my face.

planning: A NEW BLOG!! Sort of. Fooduzzi is getting a facelift soon, and I can’t wait for you to see it! I’ve been able to geek out over code, which is something I haven’t really done since college, so it has been a super fun process. Once it launches, I hope you guys will give me any feedback you have!

wanting: To travel. So bad. I work from home, and most days I don’t even leave our apartment unless it’s for a walk or to get the mail. I’m certainly not complaining (it’s awesome), but I’m feeling the need to jazz up my days a bit. I might try to plan a mini-trip somewhere (close) soon – I have a fun way it can apply to Fooduzzi as well!

I’m also (sort of) wanting to dye my hair a little lighter for summer. I’ve never done anything like that, but I’m feeling a tad bit rebellious. And by rebellious I mean dying it .001% lighter because I’m totally terrified I’ll hate it.

On that note. Does anyone have any naturalish hair dye recommendations?

struggling: I think I’m struggling with a bit of burnout. And with a possible Netflix addiction. When I should be getting out and, oh, I don’t know, talking to actual people and spending time with said people, I’m on the couch watching reruns of Scandal. I’m turning halfway to 30 this year, and I feel like I’ve wasted a bunch of my 20s by playing it safe and sitting on the sidelines couch. Womp womp. I’m definitely an introvert, but enough is enough, you know?

I’ve been trying to break out of my shell recently, bit by bit, and it’s been working, so yay! Hence this whole traveling/dying my hair thing. Any advice about this is definitely welcomed!

making: I can’t stop making this Vegan Black Bean Ceviche. I make it every week, and it’s always so satisfying. Sometimes I like to throw quinoa in the mix as well, and it gives the dish a nice protein boost. Yummm.

I also made my Best Damn Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies last week when I visited by friend Gretchen, and I was instantly reminded why I (and you!) love them so much! They. Are. Crazy. Delicious. I made the recipe over on my Instagram Story, and I really enjoyed it – I hope to do more of those cooking demos on Instagram if you’re interested!

thinking: About writing a cookbook/ecookbook *gulp*. I’ve wanted to write a book since I was like…5 years old. I’d love to make that dream a reality in cookbook form.

What do you think? Good idea or not so much? What would you want the focus to be?

wondering: Are lettuce wraps actually hand salads? Surely you’ve heard of this hand salad phenomenon, yes?

ALSO. Wondering if I’m going to jump into the recipe video game (aka. those Tasty-style recipe videos you see all over social media). I’m totally eh about it right now. I also liked vlogging, but I haven’t kept up with it in the past month or so. Are these things you want to see from me?

wearing: I tried Stitch Fix! Thanks for your feedback on this post when I asked if any of you have tried it. I seriously haven’t gone clothes shopping in at least a year and a half…maybe more. I just don’t enjoy it, and I don’t really know what my style is.

BUT Stitch Fix sent me the cutest bright blue button up and I love it! Especially with grey leggings. EEP.

Also, I need a new pair of black Toms. I had a pair, but then I dropped a sweet potato on one of them and it left a big orange spot. #foodbloggingprobz

buying: Omg guys. Mark and I went to Crate & Barrel (I had some gift cards), and we bought the best stuff. My favorites are:

• These wine glasses – in love
• This coffee jar – the cutest
• These beer glasses – we use them for water, and they rock
• These measuring cups – so random, but they’re awesome

loving: My job. Warmer weather. Working with the windows open. Birds chirping. Maya’s new way of begging for food in the morning. Playing with Maya right before bed. My guitar. My new photography board. Wearing flip flops. Long walks. Yoga. Lemons. Soft and chewy cookies. Tacos. And you.

Thanks for sticking around, friend. Back to recipes next week!

ps. here’s a kitten pic for the road:

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