Day 1 of Summer Race
Very early splendid breakfast: little floating polenta (puliszka in Hungarian) islands. Topped with cottage cheese, peach, chia seeds and vanilla almond milk. 
Then I started my online summer English class and did a quick workout:
Did some cleaning and I completely reorganized my closet. Yeaahh!! The best motivation to finish a big project like that is if you simply throw everything out in a big pile. Our apartment is not that big, and there is really no room for an obstacle course. So I was forced to get rid of the mountain. I like tricking myself like that when nothing else seems to work 
Then I had this wonderful, nutritious spinach-strawberry salad for lunch (with goat cheese, and some crispy pretzels instead of croutons) before hitting the road: 
Made a whole wheat pepperoni pizza for The Squarehead, so he’d have something to chew on when he runs home for lunch between his math classes:
Then I took that famous food safety training class in Akron with this amazing girl. She loves the Lord and is not afraid to boldly talk about her faith. Love that about her! She just got engaged recently and will be getting married in December. I’m SO happy for her!!! 
After work I was starving!! So I grabbed this delicious snackie while making dinner. All-natural peanut butter on homemade, whole wheat bread. And a side of diced celery. I love PB with celery!!!!!! 
Dinner was this amazing block of melted Amish cheddar cheese. (You can never go wrong with cheese!!) I just mixed in the veggies (corn and peas) and spiced it up a little. 
We ate it with some spinach and a thin-wheat, honey-mustard turkey sandwich (I was really craving some meat today). And some icy cold, fresh grapefruit-orange juice of course. 
A perfect end to a perfectly busy day. I did so many things today that it really feels like it was 2 days in one!! (Do you ever feel like that?)
A little rest and then it starts all over again, in just a few hours 
Business classes in the morning! I’m so hoping for some good professors this semester.
I’d better go get my share of cuddling before it’s too late. ‘Cause the truth is, I kinda like this geeky, math genius fellow sitting next to me. —Can you guess what he’s doing? Yep! You got it! Math homework!! I don’t know. There’s just something about smart guys, don’t you think?
Jolly ramblings
The day started with a house filled with an incredibly wonderful freshly brewed coffee aroma.
I just loooove the smell of fresh coffee! We just got 2 new flavors from my father-in-law (Hazelnut Crème and Crème Brule). He is the coffee provider in this family! Each time we see him he asks how our coffee supply is holding out. So funny. He loves to give, and I/we like to get. So it works out really well 
Breakfast today was a mighty bowl of oatmeal with a half mashed banana (topped with flax and chia). 
Then it was time for a quick workout on the elliptical, and a short walk since the weather was so gorgeous out there. Check out these cute little benches our landlord just got in last week! Love them!
I recently started a new study called “Contagious Joy”. It’s really good. It def. helps me keep my thoughts on the right track and my eyes on Him. 
It was really hot out there. Perfect weather though for some icy cold, freshly-squeezed limeade!
With a yummylicious homemade date-bar (made in my awesome little dehydrator). 
And by then it was time already to run to work.
I made a quickie to-go lunch. Have I ever told you how much I love the Green Smoothie family? All their members. Even the extended cousins!! Yes, I know, they are not very handsome, but oh, what a great company! (I’ve learned a few years ago to not judge a book by it’s cover when it comes to healthy food).
It’s funny because every time I make a green smoothie, it never ever tastes the same. I just usually throw in there whatever I can find in the freezer
This time I used ice cubes, frozen spinach, frozen blueberries, frozen banana, vanilla almond milk, organic honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. It was the perfect lunch to sip through a straw while driving !!
Work today was busy. No, I mean really busy!! I was literally running the whole day. I didn’t even have time to stop for a drink. I seriously burn about a 1000 Calories per hour while I’m there (my watch has a calorie-burn tracker on it, and it’s pretty accurate).
By the end of my shifts I’m tired. But I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to make all those healthy stuff (food and drinks) for our customers. You probably think it’s weird, but I get this really strange satisfaction and incitement when I see others put their health first (HefiA!!!) Because they get it! They get it! And that makes this crazy health-obsessed weirdo (me) very jolly!
♪ Tra-la-la-la-la!!! ♪ 
We had tornado warnings tonight. On my way home I almost couldn’t even see the road. Crazy! All I could think about is how I forgot to close the windows at home.
All our stuff near the windows were soaked by the time I got home 
But this gorgeous salad quickly put the smile back on my face. I mean, how could you not smile when you see those pretty colors?
I just cut up a few leaves of Romaine, grilled an egg, sliced up a couple of black olives, made a quickie creamy avocado spread and sprinkled all of it with goat cheese crumbles. Mouthwatering!! 
Washed it down with LOTS of icy water. (I was so dehydrated that I was starting to get a headache).
But now I might have to put some diapers on for the night. 
Nothing planned for the night. It’s nice. (Especially because summer semester starts next week. I’ll be taking 3 classes. Crazy. I know. But I want to be done SO badly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
So right now just chillin’ with the Boy. He did yard work at his parents’ house the whole day, so he’s exhausted too.
Church tomorrow. I love Sundays!!
I miss my parents. It hits me about 3-4 times a day.
Breakfast Egg Burrito and a new job for me!!!
No preschool today. We’re off for a few days. But life still races at the same speed. Busy-busy day ahead again!!
And the best way to start it? Yep. You got it! The morning breakfast-ritual with TS. He does the drinks (juice + coffee) , and I do the bites (fruits/veggies + grains/eggs). What a teamwork! You should see us. So funny I think! It really does look like a memorized ritual.
But how else could you whip up a beautiful breakfast like this in such a short time?
Sharing responsibilities is a key factor of a blissful marriage! We even do the dishes together! I do the washing and he does the drying. Yep. My Buddy and I get along pretty well when it comes to house chores 
We do have different preferences though when it comes to food. We learned to work around that too over the years! I usually make 2 different versions of the same meal. That way everyone is happy
So, this morning…
For mine: I just scrambled 2 egg whites & mixed in some Greek spice for taste. I grilled it on medium for about 3-4 minutes until it got firm enough to shape it. I added some pre-cooked veggies (onion, mushroom & carrots) + goat cheese, rolled it up, and grilled it an additional 5 minutes (I like it a little crispy).
For him: I used the egg yolks too and added some pepperonis w/ smoked cheddar and some cayenne. He loved it! 
And if you want a perfect duet in texture, eat these wonderful spongy burritos with some fresh crispy pears, flat-leaf spinach & tomatoes.
What a feast for the senses! 
Then some smoochies and sad goodbyes: homework for me and office work for him. Fascinating, huh?
Lunch was leftovers today. TVP spaghetti sauce (on thin whole grain noodles and goat cheese), sided with a pretty pile of curly leaf spinach ( I love spinach!!), bell peppers, white cabbage and sliced peaches. 
And I saved the good news for last. OK. Here we go. Ready to hear? (….drumrolls….)
I haven’t told you this yet but …. I got a new job!!!!!!!!
Why did I need a new one? Good question! Well, since I will be doing my student teaching practicum in the fall, very soon I will have to say bye to my little preschool friends and co-workers at my current job. So my last day of employment there will be the 27th of May. Sad, I know. I don’t even want to think about it yet.
Anyways. After months and moooooonths of: job searching, prayers, filling out heaps of job applications, job interviews and turning down a couple of job offers….I’m happy to announce that a few weeks ago I said yes to a position that will 100 % satisfy my passion and love for healthy eating and living. I am SO excited!!!!!!
I obviously can’t reveal the company’s name here (for security reasons), but what I can tell you is that I will be making fresh, local, all-natural, organic breakfasts and lunches at an awesome healthy eatery, using only natural , healthy ingredients of the highest quality!!!
What a great opportunity to learn more about healthy eating/cooking while promoting healthy living in the community!!! I’m SO thrilled!
I went in a few times already for trainings (there’s sooo much to know!!) and I will be there today again. So wish me luck that I don’t make huuuge booboos.
Here is my outfit for the day. You can tell when a girl is excited about going somewhere if her clothes are picked out the night before.
I love my new athletic medical shoes!! I’m glad they are comfy, because I will be doing a lot of standing from now on. Supposedly they help tone muscles and improve posture too. That’s what I’m talking about. Triple bonus!!! Plus, they were on sale, so I got 2 pairs!!
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, off to work I go. 
See ya!
Quick & Delish Spaghetti Dinner Recipe
“A very wise man (my husband) said this once: “The point of good experimentation is good documentation.” I’m pretty sure he was referring to his nerdy scientific experiments, but I right away applied it to my own little “adventures” in the kitchen. Why not? The guy is a genius, so he’s probably right! What’s the point of creating an awesome recipe, if you can’t make it the 2nd time? People often ask for my recipes when we go to brunches and I’m always so embarrassed when I’m not able to recall more than 3-4 of them. Well, this has got to change! So here is to new beginnings! Cheers!
Last night I ended up whipping up a really quick, but delicious spaghetti dinner. And guess what I had in my hands the whole time? That’s right! Paper & pen!!!! It will take some getting used to, but it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility
To make it, this is what I used (in this order) :
▶ Whole grain thin spaghetti pasta
▶ a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
▶ 1 medium size onion, chopped
▶ 2 pounds lean ground beef/turkey/soaked TVP (whichever you prefer)
▶ 1 1/2 cup warm water (until meat is covered) 
And some condiments/spices:
▶ 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (mine was already salted a little)
▶ 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
▶ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
▶ 1 teaspoon salt
▶ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of Marjoram, Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary)
▶ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
▶ 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper 
For toppings and decorating you can use:
▶ Fresh oregano, cilantro or basil leaves
▶ Sliced, pitted black olives
▶ Shredded cheese of your choice
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Set aside and cover to keep warm. 
2. In a separate pan sauté the onions with a little olive oil and add your choice of meat. Cook until meat is brown.
3. Add warm water and cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. 
4. Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes into meat mixture. Add the rest of the ingredients as well. Bring to a boil while stirring it occasionally.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. 
6. Serve hot over noodles, with sour cream and/or cheese.
It tastes even better with a side of fresh strawberry-spinach salad! TS would def. agree with that statement. I mean, just look at the guy! You would think that the poor fella is never ever fed!!
Served with my cute little hand-painted Hungarian spatulas. Aww. A little piece of home 
7. Garnish with olives and fresh herbs if you’d like.
Or just wear it on your back. It’s entirely up to you how you choose to serve it.
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
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
Ds 4 Ds :)
It feels so amazing to be home after a long week of work and school! I usually don’t like to be by myself a whole lot, but right now it feels SO awesome! I’m listening to some soothing tunes of smooth jazz by Jane Monheit and Renee Olstead (wonderful artists!) and enjoying this delightful, colorful source of nourishment: butternut squash soup (seasoned with Cayenne), sided with the perfect veggie nest (sliced carrots and iceberg lettuce). For toppings I used: raisins, sesame seeds, smoked TVP and some juicy orange wedges. Not just cleansing and nutritious, but outstanding combo of flavors, if I may say so myself!!
To be completely honest with you (you won’t get upset, right?), I didn’t really feel like doing a post today. I usually can’t wait to sit down with my laptop, edit some photos and update you about my day, but today I have a huuuge business test to take online. So that means that I’ll probably be on the computer for hours studying the online materials! Blah! That’s way, waaay too much online time even for a net-junkie like me! 
However, I can’t help but think of the two/three of you, HefiA fans out there who constantly ask me about the next post and always wait for it so anxiously. I just want you to know that I SO appreciate your interest and support in my blog and my whole journey to health. You’re the BESTEST fans and support group ever!! So give yourself a pat on the shoulder! You sure deserve it! 
This morning my detox breakfast consisted of some fresh cleansing fruits (grapefruit and kiwi), celery, raw garlic (to be swallowed in whole), plenty of water and a mix of cayenne pepper & diluted apple cider vinegar drink—these stimulate digestive juices and help cleanse the colon. A perfect way to start a new day
“Donuts for Dads” (Ds4Ds) was a big hit today I think. We played with our awesome toys, made some cool crafts (mini puppet stage, flag stand and bird feeder) and shaved our very patient dads. Funfunfun!!!!!!
Then we made coffee (by the way, coffee makers are so awesome!!), and had lots of sugary choices, like punch and soft, sweet donuts……
…but I was good and had this instead: 
Now it’s time to hit the gym in my lovely “I love my husband, because God first loved me” T-shirt. I love wearing it to the gym where all these macho, all-muscle guys are looking for young, single chicks to impress. Sorry boys. I’m taken. Fish somewhere else.
If you’re European, you might think it’s a lame trick to wear a shirt for “safety” reasons, but here, in America people actually read each other’s shirts!! Weird, huh? 
Then, for the rest of the night I will be studying for the exam. Exciting? Not really!
Anyways, wish me luck! I need to get an A! 
See you tomorrow. Hope you’re Friday evening is more adventurous than mine. Are you doing anything interesting that I should be jealous of?
<º))))>< Reka
