Meal Prep Essentials

We are one week into the TIU Summer Series (it is not too late to join, if you are interested check out the details here) which was formerly called the TIU Bikini Series. I have done a good job with regard to working out but need to make some improvements, going into week two, with regard to my nutrition. My goals for this week are NO fried foods and a LOT more water. I tend to stick to the nutrition plan for meals one through four but struggle with meal five (dinner).

I wanted to list some TIU essentials for a success meal prep:

1. Maple Syrup (This goes into a lot of the muffin and donut recipes. The muffins, donuts, pancakes and waffles from the Tone It Up nutrition plan are truly the reasons why I have been successful on this meal plan.)
2. Coconut Oil (for baking and cooking)
3. Almond Flour
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (For the shots in the morning to kickstart your metabolism!) 
5. Nuts (Almond, cashew, and macadamia nut are three of my favorites.)
6. Lemons and Limes
7. Tone It Up protein and bars (They are currently having a sale for 20% off!)
8. Quinoa and/or Cauliflower Rice
9. Greek or Coconut Yogurt
10. Oats
11. Veggies (I have found that asparagus should not be made ahead as they just don't taste as good but broccoli, sweet potato, and brussels sprouts keep well. It is also nice to have frozen peas and carrots as they are quick and easy to make and add to various meals.)
12. Chia Seeds
13. Almond and Coconut Milk
14. Leafy Greens (I like kale for the texture and arugula for the peppery taste.)
15. Protein (I am pescatarian so it is tuna, sprouted tofu, or tempeh for me.)
16. Seasoning and Herbs (Cinnamon, Himalayan salt, garlic, turmeric, and rosemary to name a few.)
17. Olive Oil (Gotta massage that kale!)
18. Seeds (I add sunflower seeds to all of my salads for crunch!)
19. Beans (Garbanzo, kidney, and black beans are staples in my pantry.)
20. Rose (All day!)

ESPRESSO MUFFINS

(Inspired by the Tone It Up Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe, pictured above)

3/4 cup Almond Meal

3/4 cup Tone It Up Cafe Latte Protein Powder

2 tsp. Espresso Powder

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 Egg

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup Date Paste soaked in water

3/4 cup Almond Milk

1 Banana (mashed)

Mix all ingredients together, scoop into muffin cups (I also use muffin cups so I don't have to worry about the batter sticking to the muffin baking tray) and bake for 22 minutes at 350 degrees. 

~meg

A New Year's Resolution...complete!

I completed my first New Year's resolution! I am a couple days behind schedule but I finished...hooray! As you know, from this post, I split my resolutions into three month increments. The first set of three months was dedicated to finishing two crochet projects from the Edward's Menagerie book of crochet birds. I completed both projects on April 8th - the flamingo and the dove. The birds are for two of my friends who recently had babies - the flamingo for RC and the dove for LA. A little behind schedule but feeling motivated and ready to tackle the next resolution (April - June).

Next up, I will be creating a wall adornment on a weaving loom SP made for me. I have watched a couple of YouTube videos so have already warped the loom. Yep, already using weaving terms. The warp refers to the yarn that has been strung vertically on the loom from one peg to another. I warped the loom over a year ago...so let's not be too impressed. It has been sitting on the fireplace mantle for over a year but I now finally have the motivation to move forward in the process. I will be referring to the The Weaving Loom by Kate, as her guides are user-friendly and easy to follow.  
What are your 2019 New Year's resolutions? Did you split them up over the span of the year? Let me know in the comments below.

~meg

Finally Friday

It's been a rough week...like, I want to sleep all weekend and hide underneath my covers kind of week. So, on my way home from work yesterday, I took the long route and drove alongside the beach listening to the waves and taking in the sunset.

Aaaannnndddd I did some online window shopping - a retail therapy of sorts. I did not make any purchases yet! Here are some of my favorites. What are yours?

Top Row: Madewell Gemma Mule (L), Kelsi Dagger Amory Pointed Toe Flat (R)

Middle Row: Universal Thread Whisper Woven Slip On Mules

Bottom Row: Toms Honey Leather Jutti Mules

Top Row: Dolce Vita Jali Heels (L), Halogen Violet Leopard Print Mule (R)

Middle Row: Dolce Vita Santo II Booties 

Bottom Row: Universal Thread Aviana Microsuede Block Heeled Mules

Top Row: Free People Cedar Clog (L), Swedish Hasbeens Marit (R)

Middle Row: Lotta from Stockholm Classic 

Bottom Row: Kulikstyle Swedish Clogs

Have you been to Target recently? I love slowly browsing the aisles while sipping on a Starbucks coffee (at a 5% discount when you use your red card)...I hate when a Target run has to be cut short and/or rushed. Anyway, last time I was there I discovered all of these new shoes from Universal Thread - I love them. And I also love the new Foam Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks...it is heavenly. 

~meg