Girls' Day

I'm so glad to see you all enjoyed the banana split brownie recipe! I thought this recipe turned out so well that I even gave it to my yoga teacher. She's going to make it for a party she's going to and joked she would send me a picture. Well, if she does, I'll make sure to post it. This world can never have too much chocolate. 

However, instead of making brownies this weekend, I spent time with my mom. Because of our ever busy and differing schedules, my mom and I don't always have lots of time to spend together. Luckily, we make every moment count, hugging each other and exchanging smiles at every opportunity. This weekend, though, we got to enjoy a full-out girls day out. What constitutes a girls day for us, you ask? Manis, pedis, yoga, and endless chit-chat. Although I love all of these things, nothing compares to a good relaxing chat with my mom. Not to mention talks can't be smudged in yoga like my new paint job. (Let's just say yoga right after a pedicure isn't the best idea; chatarungas don't exactly get along well with them.)

We both choose our colors but quickly changed our plans when I spied a beautiful color on my manicure artist's hands. After inquiring what it was, we both decided we had to have it. Like mother like daughter, I guess. 

Although I didn't snap a picture of our matchyness, there is a glimpse of my new coat in this picture. I thought it was only appropriate to take a picture of it with my new spoon and kabocha mash. Talk about lots of favorites all in one!

In true PMS fashion (that's an allusion to Katie's blog, incase you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about), there was definitely chocolate included in the girls' day.  Sure, these weren't for us, but they still count, right? My mom originally passed her love of baking onto me. For that, I will be ever grateful. In true baking spirit, I made my mom mocha cupcakes with a mocha mousse frosting for her new coworkers (she just got a new job---congrats again, Mom!). 

Also honoring my mom's love of the kitchen, I packed her lunch for her new job. I used Emily's black bean burger recipe, changing it only slightly with red peppers and sunflower seeds. 

Since my mom's job doesn't allow for much down time, she was thankful that this lunch held her over for hours. She also said it was extremely delicious. 

I vouch for that as well since I tried one. For mine, I used a variation was a bit closer to the original (I didn't use red peppers), but it turned out drier. No matter, I really enjoyed it anyway. It was especially good with lots of steamed veggies after a long yoga practice. (Speaking of that, I apologize for the odd lighting in these photos. Many of them are taken after the sun has set because of my yoga strange yoga schedule.) 

These burgers have been given rave reviews all over the blog world. If you haven't tried them yet, go for it! The spice combination is so unique and will have you rethinking the generic bean burger (my love of cinnamon might have something to do it). 

Speaking of cinnamon, no food is off-limits when it comes to this lovely spice. What's your favorite way to use cinnamon? If you're not a cinnamon fan, what's your favorite spice and application? 

More traditionally, I've combined cinnamon into pancakes and oats. First were carrot cake pancakes (similar to these, with one small grated carrot replacing the blueberries). 

Can I just mention  how happy it made me to include this organge veggie in my breakfast? My hands definitely show that it's not like I need another excuse to consume it. Anyone know a remedy for turning orange? Honestly, I would have a hard time giving up orange veggies. They're just too good! 

Adding steamed carrots inspired me to eat these taco-style. Naturally, I also doused them with cinnamon, too. 

I also made blackberry oat bran with LOTS of cinnamon. Honestly, I sometimes worry that I consume near-lethal amounts. Did you know it's physically impossible to eat cinnamon by itself? Well, I'm kind of happy it is because otherwise I might have to worry I'd try that, too :P. 

The blackberries were so fresh and juicy. *Swoon*

With a less traditional take on cinnamon, I made chai-spiced French lentils. I wasn't really feeling savory lentils so I just thew in some cinnamon and went with it. To round out the flavors, I added cardamom, nutmeg, and allspice. It was like drinking chai tea... almost. Maybe next time I'll drown it in a little almond milk. I've yet to meet a lentil I didn't like, but these just took it over the edge. There's something about warming spices and lentils that are just so comforting. What warms you from the inside out?

Spending time with my mom definitely makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. I am so happy that I was able to spend some quality time with her this weekend and hope we will have another opportunity soon. No matter what, my mom is always in my heart, whether or not we are able to be one-on-one. I love her unending positivity and continuing support of me and those around her. What's your favorite thing about your mom? Do you have a favorite thing to do with her? What would your perfect girls' day be?

And last but not least, what would all women be without their team-behind-the-team? For us, this means my mom's loving fiancee, J. He's a big coffee drinker and chocoholic so it was natural for me to honor him while making the cupcakes mentioned earlier. If you're reading this, J, you have a surprise waiting for you when you pick me up for yoga. Well, I guess it's not a such a surprise now, but I still think you will like it. 

Goodnight everyone... or perhaps it is good morning by now? I always get so confused due to my night-howl tendencies. Are you a night-howl or morning dove? 

Have a lovely day! 

xox, 

Mandiee