A few weeks ago, I was on a list to take a meal to a friend who had a baby.   As I was skimming the list to make sure I wasn’t bringing a duplicate meal, I saw “sloppy lentils”.  Since, I already had a bunch of lentils from my last Azure Standard order, I […]

How and why (far more important) to make sweet potato chips. PMS, which I like to refer to as Present Monster Syndrome, presents a set of challenges almost every month not the least of which are the cravings.  C.R.A.V.I.N.G.S.  Cravings, if not managed, will leave unwanted additions to my thighs every month and over time, […]

If you can see past the smog, keep your sanity in traffic, avoid gangs, and don’t mind earthquakes then southern California is a pretty great place to live.  Not only do we have amazing weather but in our smallish town, we have almost two Trader Joe’s (I say almost because one is being built), multiple […]

I’ve not kept it secret that I enjoy the taste of junk food, especially pizza. I’ve also shared my food ideals and reality.  Most days, I pass on junk food including traditional pizza.  However, deprivation isn’t any fun (and can lead to a binge) so to satisfy my junk food cravings I make healthier substitutes.  Not long […]

I’ve mentioned it before but I’m not crazy about vegetables.  I like vegetables and will choose to choke down a plate of plain swiss chard because I know it’s good for me.  However, if I didn’t know the things I know about food, I’d probably eat things like fish & chips or pizza (and I’m […]

Like motivation, inspiration comes and goes. Sometimes, I go weeks eating the same thing day after day. Then suddenly, I’m inspired and spend the next 3 weeks experimenting and creating new recipes all crazy like Willie Wonka…but without the sugar…and the top hat. Here is one of my newest recipes.  It’s easy and healthy.  I’m […]

Over the years, I’ve moved away from the regular use of protein powder.  I still use it for the occasional bowl of “cookie dough” or a shake but, overall, I make the effort to get my nutrition from whole foods. Recently, I put together this simple power breakfast (or pre-workout meal) when I was training […]

What do kettlebell certifications, microwaves, and raccoons all have in common? They make me nervous.  Tomorrow is my second official taekwondo tournament and I’m a bit nervous.  Okay so I’m really nervous. Considering MMA Mama beat me in the last tournament giving me a nasty bruise adding injury to insult 😉 , I think my nervousness is justified. […]

How to Make Whey, Cream Cheese, and Lacto-Fermented Beets. It’s not everyday you wake up and decide it would be a good day to start increasing your gut flora. A few days ago it was such a day and on that day I made whey. Move over Miss Muffet we got a new poet in […]

I love Trader Joe’s.  LOVE it.  I love it so much that I have been seen waiting outside 15 minutes before they open their doors with the other crazies.  I’ve also said many times that I couldn’t live in a town where there wasn’t a Trader Joe’s.  That’s not spoiled, that’s being realistic.  However, believe […]