Music Monday

She's back from her Spanish Trek and ready to go again.
Meet her at the Platform for Music Monday.

Music Monday

April's Music Monday, by Adrienne.... Who should be home this week! I absolutely cannot wait!!

Music Monday

Happy Middle-of-the-Month Monday! Another great mix by my lovely sister, who is currently wandering the El Camino de Santiago. Kisses, Sis!

Music Mondays are Back!

photo courtesy of The Library of Congress

Thanks to my lovely sister, Music Mondays have not died!  However, we have cut down its appearance to only once a month. You now have Adrienne to thank for the sweet sounds, awesome photos and clever playlist names. 

Without further hesitation...Happy Monday!

Salads made Simple: Day 4

 How are your salads coming? We're already at Day 4! Are you through all your ingredients yet or have you divided them up properly? For a change of pace, I sometimes like to cut my salads with a pizza cutter. You mix everything in the bowl and add the dressing. Then, run your pizza cutter through several times to make a chop salad. It really helps the lettuce to soak up all the flavors and makes it easier to eat at your desk.

  

Salad No. 4

Salad:

Few handfuls of spinach

3/4 handful of carrots and red pepper combination.  

Garbanzo beans 

4 to 6 grape tomatoes, halved

Sprinkle feta

Sunflower seeds

Ground pepper

 

Dressing (in a separate, no leak container)

1 part balsalmic

2 parts olive oil

 

Meal time: 

Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy.

 

For Shawn's complete shopping list and other tips and tricks, see the first post of the week here.

 

 

Salads made Simple: Day 3

Onward with Day 3. I didn't have any lemons, I tried using a lime instead. Made for a tasty change of pace!

Salad No. 3 (same as No.2, but mix up the greens)

A few handfuls of greens

3/4 handful of chopped carrots and red pepper

4 to 6 grape tomatoes, halved

Feta

Sunflower seeds

1/4 thinly sliced apple

Ground pepper

Dressing (in a sperate, no leak container)

Minced garlic with lemon juice (maybe a table spoon) and olive oil. Shake and let the flavors mingle.

Meal time: Drizzle dressing and enjoy.

Salads made Simple: Day 2

We're back again with Day 2 of Shawn's simple salad recipes. Yesterday, she showed us her shopping and prep list, which you can find here. Today's recipe has a little sweet and sour taste with an apple and a zesty lemon dressing. Enjoy!

Salad No. 2

For the salad:

Few handfuls of kale.

3/4 handful of chopped carrots and red pepper

4-6 grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 apple, thinly sliced

Feta

Sunflower seeds

Ground pepper

 

Dressing (in a separate, no leak container):

Minced garlic (as much as you can stand) with about a tablespoon of lemon juice and tablespoon of olive oil. Shake and let the flavors mingle.

 

Meal time: Drizzle dressing and enjoy.

Salads Made Simple

I'm so excited for this today's post. My very good friend Shawn, who has been a longtime inspiration, mentor and wealth of knowledge is going to share some of her favorite salad recipes. Over the years, we have spent hours and hours of trading recipes and cooking tricks. On top of working nights, she rides her bike to work (20-30 minutes each way) so having food that is easy to make and transport, healthy and won't bore you is incredibly important. So...take it away Shawn!


Over the years, I've found that getting a good mix ingredients and dressings is key to making a salad a successful meal. At the beginning of each week I purchase my ingredients. I prep the ones that need cleaned and chopped, then I set them in individual containers (note: carrots and peppers are fine to mix). This will take a little time, but it's worth the lack of stress when it comes to putting together your lunch each day before work. 

Before you go to the store, make a list of what you'll need. I have a few standing items that are always included in my salads (carrots and red peppers) other ingredients changed based on the season. Same goes with the leafy element. My standby is romaine lettuce and red or green leaf. But, since it's winter those cost a little more so I've switched it up to kale and spinach (which each pack in a lot more vitamins and minerals). 

Shopping List:

Kale (two bunches)

Spinach (one bunch)

Carrots (one bunch)

Red pepper 

Grape tomatoes

Feta

Braeburn apple

Sunflower seeds

dressing (if you aren't ready to make your own)

Lemon (if you want to make your own dressing)

What I have at home:

1 can Garbanzo beans

Olive Oil

Balsamic vinegar

Dijon mustard

Fresh garlic

Ground pepper

Wash and chop greens (kale in 1/2 inch strips). Place in container with a lid.

Wash and dice three carrots and the red pepper. (I typically cut the apple day of so it won't turn too brown.) Place in a container with a lid.

 

 

Salad No. 1:

In large bowl grab a few handfuls of spinach. 

Grab 3/4 handful of carrots and red pepper combination.  

Garbanzo beans (I typically use quarter of a can or so)

4 to 6 grape tomatoes, halved

Sprinkle feta

Sunflower seeds

Ground pepper

Dressing (in a separate, no leak container)

1 part balsalmic

2 parts olive oil

Meal time: Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy.

 

Like this recipe? We do! Stay tuned for more salad recipes throughout the week!