Things I love, love, love
PB choc. chip LARABAR
Almond butter (I love it for breakfast, on bananas or in protein smoothies).
La Croix coconut sparkling water. Yumm!
Strawberry Shortcake flavored coffee.
Cuties! My favorite to-go snack.
Pistachios. A staple in this house.
Goat cheese. Love, love, love it on almost on anything!
Marinated Vegetable Platter
Lunch today was chilled, pickled, full of flavor and totally random 
Three beans salad, Beets, Manzanilla olives, Pickles, Artichokes, Red Cabbage, Salsa, Sour Cream & Whole grain chips. Total deliciousness!
Photo-Food Log
| BREAKFAST: Whole grain bran flakes with almond milk. Toppings: strawberries, blueberries, sliced almonds, coconut and a half blueberry-acai yogurt. |
| LUNCH: a packed fruit-salad (apples, pears, strawberries, oranges, bananas and honeydew) |
SNACK: A wedge of whole-wheat homemade bread, topped with melted goat cheese and fresh curly-parsley. Juicy peppers on the side, rustic-style  |
| DINNER: Shrimpies and mashed veggies, left from last night’s dinner, with an amazing Blue cheese-Apple Salad and a blueberry tea. |
Innovative Cookie Operation
Oh no. I wanted to go for a quick roller-skating adventure today after work, but this silly, wishy-washy Ohio weather totally messed up my plans. Oh well. If there’s a will, there’s a way, right? I believe there are always alternatives for someone who wants to move.
So I’m actually on the elliptical right now, typing away!
Yeah. Working with little ones definitely prepares you for multitasking. 
Last night we had a big, innovative Cookie Operation going on in our kitchen!
We made 3 things: a big mess, a pile of spicy peanut butter oatmeal cookies (for TS) and a batch of brownies for my classmates tonight. 
Now, I know, you’re probably wondering what’s so innovative and ground-breaking about making some traditional, average-looking, plain ol’ cookies?
No, no. no my Friend! You don’t understand. These were not jut some ordinary cookies, BUT cookies made by The Squarehead!!!! Because for the 1st time in history HE (not me!) was in charge of the kitchen operation last night!!
Halleluia!!!! Finally the time has come for me to leave the stage and let him shiiiine!! ✸
And guess what? Special bonus: the kitchen didn’t catch on fire, nobody got injured and the cookies turned out AWESOME!!
I can’t tell you how proud I am of him!!! He’s definitely a hero! MY HERO!!
By the way, penny for your thoughts! Why do you think men feel intimidated by kitchen duties so often? What do you do to help your man shine in the kitchen?
I almost gotta run to class, so here is a quicky “menu” of my eats today:
Meal #1: Whole grain bran flakes with low-fat cottage cheese, topped with strawberry jam, sliced peaches and chia seeds. And coffee. Duuh 
Snackie: A small bowl of fruits 
Meal #2: Homemade whole wheat pita bread, loaded with a spiced-up, grilled scrambled egg and TONS of veggies. Soooooo good! 
Meal #3: Onion-flax flatbread (made in my new dehydrator last night)…. 
with Tofutti soy cream cheese… 
…and some nutritious veggies. I highly recommend the cream cheese-red pepper-olives combination! Honestly, it really, really tasted like more! 
But self-control, right? As the famous Julia Child said: “Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health.” And she was right!
Everything with moderation. Even exercise. So, it’s time for me to jump off this squeaky Iron Beast that I love so much and get some things done before school.
Hope you’re staying healthy! 
><((((º> Reka at Ѽ HefiA
“When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no ‘I’ll start tomorrow.’ Tomorrow is a disease.” V. L. Allineare
Tuna Spread (Dip) Recipe
And here is finally the promised famous tuna spread (or dip) recipe!!
What you’ll need:
▶1 (7 ounce) can white tuna, in water (I use the water too)
▶2 spring onions, chopped
▶1 small carrot, shredded
▶1/2 stalk celery, chopped
▶1/2 small bell pepper, chopped
▶1 tablespoon Earth Balance (healthy) mayonnaise
▶1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
▶1/2 tablespoons horseradish
▶2 teaspoons water
▶1 pinch of black pepper
▶1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
▶1/2 teaspoon paprika
▶1/4 teaspoon sea salt
What you’ll do:
1. Mix tuna with all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Add all the spices and blend on high. Chill and serve.
3. Spread tuna mixture on : lettuce/toast/crackers/sliced cucumbers….
…..or just use as a dip.
Bon Appétit! 
Health benefits:
Tuna is an excellent source of protein, potassium, selenium, the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. It also contains niacin, phosphorus and magnesium! All very important, needed minerals!! So make sure you don’t skip eating tuna (or other healthy fish)!
If you’d like to read more about the benefits of tuna, go to this awesome website. It has tons of wonderful, health-related information.
Have a wonderful, healthy day!!!
Remember: your health first. Always!
Another “antwacky” day I guess
☂ So rainy out there! Yuck. But how are ya? シ
Wow. Is it really getting dark out there already? I just got home, can you believe it? Where did the day go? This week is moving along super-duper quickly for some reason.
I had a mandatory school meeting this afternoon and I didn’t get anything done yet. So this will be a quick one. I’ve got so much to do! The kitchen is a mess, TS doesn’t have any lunch for tomorrow yet (he won’t be home the whole day), and I’ve got a TON of homework that is due!! Yeah, life is busy as a beaver arounf here, but no matter how hectic it gets, I always, always make time for a nice, sit-down meal I really hate don’t like eating on the go from boring white plastic containers. Some people eat all their meals like that, every day. Not me. Nope! U-uh!
♨ I hope that TS and I will always find time to light a candle and eat together
Breakfast today was a slice of toasted whole wheat bread with Tofutti soy cream cheese and strawberries.
For an in-between snack I had this (I always carry fruits and/or veggies in my purse): 
Then, a quick stop at home for lunch: a big salad (Romaine lettuce, pears, carrots, red bell peppers and cabbage) with a mix of spicy beans and lentils, for some needed protein. It was SO good. A perfect combination of tastes! But do you wanna know what was even better? 
This beauty!!! Dark chocolate almond milk. I’m not a big chocolate milk fan, but this I really, REALLY like! Thumbs up for Silk!!!!!!!!! 
And a quick, light dinner: an open-face “sandwich”!
Homemade tuna salad with cut-up spring onions, bell peppers and radishes on Romaine lettuce leaves. With a side of juicy organic Jonathan apples. Doesn’t seem like much, but it was very satisfying. Very delish! I’ll post the recipe for it this week sometime if you’re interested. 
And for the rest of the evening: homework, cooking, dishes/cleaning, and exercise (while watching the Biggest Loser show for some extra motivation!). 
One of the reasons I like writing this blog is because I love challenging myself to learn/use new English words. I love looking up new vocabulary and trying to use them right away in conversations. Sometimes I make awful, TERRIBLE mistakes, haha, but that’s how you learn a language, right? By trial and error. I especially love American expressions and slang.
So here is a fun slang that I have never, ever heard before:
antwacky (adjective) Meaning: old-fashioned or unstylish. Usage: “There’s no way I’m buying that antwacky dress.”
I’m gonna go now, put on my “antwacky” pajama and get comfy
Nighty-night! ☾
Ѽ HefiA
I was made to love you ♪ ♫ ♬ ♪ ♫ ♬
I drive 20 minutes to work every day, and 20 minutes back. Oh man. So bo-riiing. It’s really not my cup of tea!! 
BUT. Turn on some awesome Christian music, crank up the volume way, waaaay high, and suddenly it’s a totally different story. Part-ay tiiiime! All of a sudden it really doesn’t matter anymore how many red lights I hit or who cuts me off. I just lift my hands (Don’t worry, only one at a time!) up high, and sing as loud as I can!!! Soooooo uplifting. Have you tried it before? You got to! You really do! Well yeah, of course other drivers will look at your weird, but who cares?! Having true joy from the Lord is so rare nowadays. But it’s honestly the BEST feeling in the whole world!! You can take my word for it. ♪ ♫ ♬ ♪ ♫ ♬
This morning on my way to work I happened to hear one of my favorite songs on the radio: Made to love by Toby Mac. Do you know it? Oh, it’s soooooo incredibly awesome!!!! You have to listen to it! I love the rhythm and the words especially. I love it so much that I was singing it the whole day, over and over again!! Even now I’m humming it. It’s crazy. What can I say? I grew up in a musician family.
“I was made to love You, I was made to find You, I was made just for You, Made to adore You, I was made to love, And be loved by You!
You were here before me, You were waiting on me, And You said you’d keep me, Never would You leave me, I was made to love, and be loved by You…♪ ♫ ♬
Click here if you want it to be stuck in your head too
Or here:
My eats today:
A mini fruit pizza on a whole wheat pancake, with some pears:
Dates with some all-natural peanut butter and coffee: 
A yummy fruit bowl (bananas and strawberries) with some homemade Nut Butter, dark chocolate chips and sliced almonds: 
And an awesome spinach-lettuce-celery salad, topped with homemade tuna salad (I will post the recipe for it this week) and warm beets. 
A quick work-out session and toning with kettle bells and stretch cords: 
Shower, homework, then run to classes.
Ⓠ: Do you ever feel like you’re sooo sick of the same routine you can’t take another day? Well, that’s kinda how I feel right now. I think I need a break! Desperately. Good thing God’s presence is a never-ending power supply
“Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.” Eph. 5:1-2
Rigatoni fashion!
Ciao bloggies! ♡
This morning we completely overslept!!!! Heelp. I really have no idea when the alarm went off. I was in deep, deep LaLa Land “Where is my purse? Where did my shoes go?? Have you seen my coat?” I’m def. not a morning-person! TS knows the best how I don’t like to rush or be rushed. Ever. Especially not in the mornings. Not when it comes to my hair But I’ve learned a very valuable lesson over the years: No matter how late you are, never, I mean, NEVER skip breakfast! Your body needs the fuel for a healthy metabolism. 
My morning fuel today was a fruit-pizza-like whole wheat pancake (with grapefruit pulp and some pear wedges), 3 giant strawberries, a cup of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and some vanilla biscotti coffee. Quick and tasty! 
Today we “visited” Italy with the kids and learned some cool, useful Italian stuff, like “Ciao, bellissima!” (Hi beautiful!) and “Telfonami quando sei pronto” (Call me when you’re ready). No, just kidding! Haha! Preschoolers don’t need to know pick-up lines yet!!!!!!!!
But we did get to make this cool Rigatoni necklace!! 
It’s funny, because this it’s totally me!! It’s def. something I would wear “not-just-to-preschool” places! Special bonus: it even matched my dress and hair ribbon. I know, I know, I’m SO girly, but I can’t help it
Lunch today was a beautiful homemade, spicy tuna salad (I love tuna!!) on brown rice cakes and iceberg lettuce. To drink I had a green tea with honey and LOTS of lemon. I could’ve eaten more but I don’t like to be stuffed. I try to eat often (about 5 times a day), and smaller portions than I used to. That way I never go hungry and my metabolism never has the chance to slow down. Also, I usually try not to eat anything after 7 (“3 hours before bedtime” is the rule of the thumb) so I don’t overwhelm my digestion system for the night. ☞ By the way, I have been sleeping so much better ever since I’ve been applying that simple rule! It’s amazing. Try it!! 
OK, it’s time now to do some serious homework action. Yikes! I have SOOOOOOOOO much, it’s not even funny! The spring semester is almost over, so all the projects, presentations and essay papers are due these coming 3 weeks. Plus all the studying for the quizzes, tests and exams!! Blah! 
Wish me luck.
Good thing I have this beauty and exquisiteness to keep me company/cheer me up in my long, lonely hours of “bookworming”
Iced Mocha with nutmeg spiced-apples, bananas, dates, dried plums and almonds. 
I think I’m gonna go for a nice prayerwalk ( I love those!!) later while the weather is nice, then class again on the college campus.
Ⓠ: I like to use my time wisely whenever I can. Do you ever do anything fun/useful/interesting while you jog or walk?
Enjoy the sunshine! ✸
Arrivederci,
><((((º> Reka
✝ Words of might: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Mt 21:22
Productive and rewarding!!
Hello ‘y’all!! (No, I don’t live in the south but I think southern people are pretty awesome!)
Today I had a very productive day (!!!) and the day is not even over yet! So yeah. I kinda feel pretty cool about that!
Made breakfast √
Went to work √
Did some grocery shopping √
Made some important phone calls and was able to set up a few crucial appointments √
Cleaned some and did the dishes √
Had an awesome lunch √
Did some homework and quizzing for my online Business class that are due tonight √
Got my 50 minutes of weight session in (in my living room while listening to this and this √
Cooked a delish, healthy dinner for tonight √
Had a little snacky to hold me over until dinner √
And I even had time to do my nails!!! √
Breakfast: raspberry ice tea with whole wheat hot cereal, cooked in vanilla soy milk and topped with low-fat cottage cheese, apricot fruit spread and chia seeds.
And French toast for my dear Squarehead hubby: 
Lunch for one: a whole wheat tortilla, piled with raw veggies (lettuce, spinach, green pepper, mushrooms, celery and tomatoes), topped with a teaspoon of horseradish, shredded carrots and cayenne seasoning. 
Crunchy snacky: vanilla coffee with air popped corn kernels, sprinkled with sea salt and nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor). 
Dinner on the menu: baked tofu with slow-cooked navy beans, raw celery & tomato, and grilled, spicy veggies.
And now I’m off to classes, in this yuck-yuck weather! 
Q: Are you doing anything interesting or productive on this cheerless, clouded day?
See ya later!
<º))))>< Reka
☼ ☼ ☼ Sunrays in a bowl ☼ ☼ ☼
The weather has been pretty gloomy here in Ohio.
Rain, rain, go awaaaay!
No sunshine? Well, we’ll just have to look for some little sources of joy somewhere else I guess. Like this beautiful bowl of fruity coconut-oatmeeeeaaal. Oh, how I missed you!! It is so good, you will def. want to sing to it! ♪ “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…” ♫ ☼ ☼ ☼
That’s how The Squarehead feels about pepperoni eggs! ♫
Lunch was this (Jonathan apples are my absolute favorite apples ever!): 
Then later, when I got home from work I munched on these: 
By the time I was done with all my homework, TS got home too! I love having him around! He’s so goofy, he always makes me laugh.
In the evenings he always has a big sweet tooth. At about 7-8 pm usually he starts opening the fridge and all the cupboard doors, asking me if there is “anything” (meaning sweet) in the house to eat. The guy cracks me up! So, yeah. Since we’ve been married for almost 4 years, I’m pretty used to pulling out something quicky and yummy from my pockets
So Husband, how about some Crispy Tortillas, Filled With Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter And Bananas??? Topped with whipped cream, almonds and chocolate syrup??? What’ya think? 
And the verdict? He LOOOOOVED it!!!!! 
I know, I know. Not exactly a low-calorie dessert. Ha-ha! But he is such a guy when it comes to calories!!! (No offense to any male readers out there).
Mine was a healthier version though! Of course For toppings I used some juicy strawberries, a few sliced almonds, coconut, shredded dark chocolate and some organic honey. Yummness! I’m in loooove…. ♥ ♥ ♥ 
Since I already exercised and TS is playing video games, I think I’m gonna do some well-deserved reading and emailing tonight. I also want to catch up a little with the blogging foodie world (research new recipes and exercise tips). It feels SO nice to read something other than my textbooks for a change!!!
Have a relaxing evening!
Q: What do you usually eat when you have cravings but don’t want to pig-out? Any tips/suggestions you’d like to share?
<º))))>< Reka
