Let’s Play The Question Game!

Hello and happy Saturday! I am so happy it is the weekend. Who’s with me? After reading Amanda’s survey, I knew I had to join in on all of the question fun! 😀

1. Were you named after anyone?
I actually asked my mom this after reading Amanda’s response, and it turns out that like my sister, she wanted another girl with a “N” name, so after much.. headbutting with my dad, I was decided to be named Natalie. 🙂 You know what’s a coincidence? My name means “Born on Christmas” and my birthday so happens to be in December. 😉

2. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday, but I have a legitimate reason on why I did, so don’t judge me. :p

When things get overwhelming sometimes, a girl just needs to express how she feels.

3. Do you like your handwriting?
Haha err- I used too, but lately it’s just like what the heck is she writing?! People say it’s neat and pretty, so I guess it is half decent.

4. What is your favourite lunch meat?
Grilled chicken breast!

5. Do you have kids?
Kid free here!

Fun fact: I volunteer to help blind children perform various fun activities. 🙂

6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
I would be honestly. Although I may be quiet, I am one of the most friendliest people you will ever meet. 🙂

7. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
Maybe.. maybe not.. 😉

Just kidding, I use it so frequently. (In a friendly manner, of course.)

8. Do you still have your tonsils?
I do, I do, I dooooooo. (Please tell me someone got that reference!

9. Would you bungee jump?
Oh heck yeah!

10 What is your favourite cereal?

My all time favorite would have to be Fruity Pebbles. I have ALWAYS loved eating it. It has such a good flavor! 😀

11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
I do not, unless I tied the laces a little too tight.

12. Do you think you are strong?
Mentally: For the most part. I have my struggles, but I get through them.

Emotionally: I’m a tough cookie. 🙂

Physically: If the accident did not happen, then I would say yes, but now I’m just a lazy bum. :p

13. What is your favourite ice cream?
Ooo, this is a toughy. I would have to say I am more of a Cookies n’ Cream kinda gal. 🙂

14. What is the first thing you notice about other people?
Their hair. I don’t know why, but I always notice that first.

15. Red or pink?
Pink.

16. What is your least favourite thing about yourself?
The ability to be able to stress out myself to the point of no return. *le sigh..*

17. Any tattoos?
No, but I have a few ideas in mind. 😀

18. Do you have any hobbies?
I draw, paint, sculpt, read, blog, workout, the usual. 😉

19. What colour shoes are you wearing?
Le pink slippers for this gal.

20. What was the last thing you ate?
Rice cakes topped with peanut butter. YUM.

21. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of my typing fingers and some background noise from the tv.

22. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
An aquamarine.. or coral.. or teal.

A fancy color, of course. 😉

23. Favourite smells?
Victoria Secret perfume, baked goods in the oven, vanilla, a mango-peach combo. 😀

24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My mom when she was checking up on me earlier.

25. Mountain hideaway or beach house?
This is a toughy.. probably the beach because I love the ocean.

26. Favourite sport to watch?
Football with my dad. I also love it when my mom chimes in from the kitchen. So adorable how worked up she gets sometimes. 🙂

27. Hair colour?
Blonde. I’ve had brown, purple, blue, and orange hair. All at different times! Now I’m just sticking to my natural blonde. 🙂

28. Eye colours?
A sapphire blue with a hint of gray.

29. Do you wear contacts?
Nope, this girl wears glasses. Sometimes…

30. Scary movies or happy endings?
Happy endings. I’m such an old school romantic. ❤

31. Last movie you watched?
The Wolf On Wallstreet.

Not what I expected, but Leo is always a fantastic actor!

32. What colour shirt are you wearing?
Gray.

33. Summer or winter?
I hate the heat, yet I get cold so easily. I’m torn.. Can I just say both? 😉

34. Hugs or kisses?
Kisses from loved ones, but hugs always leave me feeling comforted and protected.

35. Computer or television?
Computer. I barely watch tv.

36. What book are you reading right now?
Still on The Jungle. I really need to get in some more reading time.

37. What’s on your mouse pad?
I do not own a mouse pad. I use my laptop. I used to have one with the Tasmanian Devil on it. 🙂

38. What colour is your house?
Pure white.

39. What colour is your car?
This girl is car less. I don’t mind. I’ll be steering clear of driving for quite some time.

That is it folks. You got to know a bit more about myself. It’s your turn. Introduce yourself in the comments! 😀

-What book are you reading at the moment?

-What are some of your hobbies?

-Answer any questions you would like. 🙂

Thinking Out Loud #4 – What A Week

Hey there and happy Thursday! 😀 Today I am doing a little mini dance in my chair, because it’s the day where I get to let some of my thoughts spill out into this blog post. I’ve had a lot of down time and you know what that means? A bunch of thoughts going through my mind! Let’s get straight into this thaaaang! 😀

Thank you, Amanda for hosting!

1. I don’t know why, but I am really excited about this post. I guess it’s because it can be filled with a bunch of randomness and it’s totally okay. 😀 Plus, I’ve had a lot on my mind so that could be a key factor on why I am feeling this way. 😉

2. Guess what I found out today. Did you know that you can remove ink stains with hair spray? I was like whaaaaaat…. that makes no sense, but I tested it out, and IT WORKED. mind = blown. I guess I can finally put my hair spray to some good use considering I don’t use heat on my hair anymore. El natural going on for me. 🙂

3. It’s official. There is a garden in my room. I have now received flowers from my aunt, the lady who had hit me with her car, and my friend that moved to Yuma. I for one am not complaining. The flowers are absolutely beautiful! They add so much color and liveliness to my room. It was a surprise to see them all, so it is definitely making this healing process a bit easier. I’ve never received flowers before, so this first time experience is pretty wonderful. ❤

4. On Tuesday, my family finally had a family night which we haven’t had in quite a while! For dinner, we had a make your own burrito/taco night dinner (like in my mentioned in my WIAW post a while back), and all sat down together to have a movie night. It was so nice to sit down, eat some delicious food, tell stories, and laugh. Afterwards, we watched Jon Don and Bad Grandpa. Probably two of the most AWKWARDEST movies to watch with your family. If you have seen them, you’d understand why.. Any who, that night was just filled with pure happiness and I loved it.

5. I don’t know what it is, but I have not been my smiling self lately. I don’t know if it is the fact I am still in shock or their is another underlying reason behind the culprit stealing my joy. Granted, I am happy to be breathing and living, plus staying positive and optimistic, but since the accident, I barely muster out a smile.. I literally got up and asked both my mom and sister for hugs. I spent about a good 5 minutes hugging them both. I’m hoping that my usual bubbly self will return soon. I miss her.

6. I have been finally achieving that balance with food that I lost a few years back. I am not afraid to just get what I want without weighing it out or tracking it. I choose what I want to eat and enjoy it. I am satisfied and feeling a whole lot less stressed because of it. I am really kicking EDs tooky. 😉

7. Every night now, I have to have a cup of hot chocolate. I don’t know what it is, but it just doesn’t feel right to go to bed without having a big mug of it. Is anyone else like this with either a food or drink? Or am I a lone ranger on this one?

8. I cannot stop listening to the Frozen soundtrack. Literally it has been on replay while doing my homework, getting ready, relaxing, laying down, trying to catch up on my blogging, everything. The songs are just so catchy and I LOVED the movie. Gah, so adorable..

9. Hoodies have been my go to clothing piece A LOT lately. I sleep in them. Lounge around in them. Go out with them. Big comfy hoodies FOR THE WIN. 😀

10. I want to really thank all of you for your kind wishes and prayers lately. Honestly I can’t say it enough. I will be dedicating a whole post on my gratitude come tomorrow. So look out! 🙂

I hope you all have an amazing day. You deserve it. ❤

-What is your favorite song or soundtrack?

-What’s your favorite flower?

-What do you need in order to feel complete about your day?

WIAW – Home Cooked is Always Better

Hey there and happy Wednesday! 🙂 I for one love Wednesday, because it the middle of the week, a short day, and a day where we get to share all of our glorious eats from the previous week. What can I say? I will forever be a foodie at heart. This week is a big week for me, because I chose to step away from the numbers while I am recovering. I cannot handle the stress from numbers while feeling like this. I am happy to say that the pain is slowly going away! 😀 I have been listening too my body and intuitively eating. I am really loving it, to be honest. Enough babble, let’s get onto the eats! 😉

Thank you, Jenn for hosting! 😀

My broccoli chicken alfredo recipe.

Warm oatmeal with ff cottage cheese, almond milk, apple sauce, apple chunks, blueberries, and creamy natural peanut butter with a side of coffee.

Whole wheat penne pasta topped with tomato sauce, 93/7 ground lean beef, and tuna with a side of fresh green beans.

A wrap in a La Tortilla Low Carb High Fiber tortilla filled with spinach + turkey + red bell pepper + onion with a side of red bell pepper, celery, carrots, broccoli, salsa to dip the veggies in, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and a trail mix of dried cranberries & blueberries + cashews + almonds + yogurt dips.

Pork chop, broiled sweet potato, and veggies.

Warm oatmeal topped with almond milk, ff cottage cheese, defrosting banana slices, defrosting blueberries, strawberries, and creamy peanut butter with a side of egg whites topped with salsa and coffee.

A homemade pizza on a La Tortilla Low Carb High Fiber tortilla topped with tomato sauce, part-skim mozzarella cheese, spinach, chicken, mushroom, onion, and broccoli with a side of apple slices, celery, carrots, and the trail mix.

Grilled chicken, broiled sweet potato, steamed broccoli cuts, and mixed vegetables.

Tacos filled with spinach, lean ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, black beans, tomato, onion, and topped with hot sauce (placed after picture) and a side of veggies.

I hope you have an amazing day! 😀

-What were some of your eats from this week?

-Do you like making homemade pizzas?

-What do you like to top your oatmeal with?

Healthy Broccoli Chicken Alfredo

Hey there and happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but Tuesday are usually pretty slow for me. I guess because it’s such an awkward day of the week. Well, to get through this awkward day, I have a recipe to share! 😀

*Side note: I know I keep saying this, and I probably sound like a broken record, but I cannot put into words how much all of your kind words about my accident mean too me. Every time I read a new comment, I can’t help but tear up with pure happiness and gratefulness. You are helping this process become so much more bearable. I cannot put into words how thankful I am, and thank you cannot even begin the describe what I want to say to you (that’s for another post 🙂 ), but for now, just know that you’re all honestly amazing and I treasure each and every one of your kind words. ❤

I remember growing up, I was a girl who loved her pasta. When I say love, that is an understatement. I mean full on grab a huge plate and pile up the noodles and go back for more! I can see why my mom made such large amounts. How could you resist the noodles cooked to perfection, the creaminess of the sauce melted in perfectly to the noodles, and topped with either lean ground beef or all the melted cheese. Oh my gosh.. I got my own mouth watering.

Well, we all know that pasta comes in with a lot of carbs. Don’t get me wrong, I am one who loves carbs, but you can go a bit overboard sometimes without realizing it! Well, I made a recipe that is just as satisfying and filling that is healthy and easy on the nutrition info. It gives you a good sized portion, so you won’t be left hungry.

I give you the recipe of Broccoli Chicken Alfredo. Yum. 😀

*This recipe is for one person!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a spaghetti squash
• 1/2 cup of broccoli
• 1 heaping cup of cauliflower
• 3 tbsp cottage cheese
• 3-4 oz cooked chicken breast (cut into strips)
• Pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the spaghetti squash in the oven. (However you prefer)

2. While that is cooking, steam the broccoli and cauliflower.

3. In a food processor, blend the cauliflower + cottage cheese + pepper until creamy consistency.

4. Take the spaghetti squash, and fill with the creamy sauce, broccoli, and chicken strips. (It may over flow, so you can put some on the side. )

Nutritional info: 334 calories, 4 grams fat, 39 grams carbs, 9 grams fiber, 48 grams protein.

I hope you enjoy! 😀

-What is your favorite pasta dish?

-What is your favorite pasta toppings?

-What dishes do you love to indulge in?

MIMM – I’m Glad To Be Home

Hey there and happy Monday! 😀 I for one like Mondays. (What?! Who likes Mondays? You’re crazy!) Hear me out. I like Mondays, because they are a brand new start to a brand new week. A week filled with new adventures and experiences. They are new beginnings. They are a chance to start over; be anew. They are full of new chances and a day to set new goals.

As you know (or maybe you don’t), I was in an accident where I was riding my bike and was hit by a car. I was hospitalized and am in a pretty serious condition right now. (You can view the details in the post.) I open with that, because that is what this post will be centered around. What?! A post full of marvels centered around a traumatic experience?! Like I said, hear me out. Read on and you will find the marvels that came out of this event.

Post:   https://lovenataliemarie.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/i-am-blessed-to-be-alive/

Thank you, http://www.healthydivaeats.com/  for hosting this marvelous Monday!

1. Marvelous is having your family surround you in the hospital bed full of love and support. I could not of asked for a greater blessing than having my family by my side while facing all of the x-rays, CAT-SCANs, an MRI, blood work, and all of the medication. I felt more at ease knowing they were there next to me. I appreciate how they took time off of work to stay with me through the pain and tears.

2. Marvelous is my aunt surprising me after my MRI with flowers and a balloon. I didn’t expect any of my other family to come. After laying in the machine for an hour and 20 minutes, it was a surprise I very much treasured.

3. Marvelous is knowing my prayers were answered and knowing I had a guardian angel over me. I was praying to God for hours to be alright and to stay alive.

4. Marvelous is finding out after two days that I was able to go home. Although I had to get stitches, facing the pain of road burn + cuts + bruises, a swollen ankle, and a fracture spine and neck, I am honestly grateful to be home. I hate hospitals.. they scare me.

5. Marvelous is being able to eat fresh fruits and veggies again after not being able to eat for 24 hours due to a neck brace and some hospital food that didn’t sit well with the medication.

6. Marvelous is all of the support and care I received from family, friends, the trainers at my gym, and you guys. I cannot put into words how thankful, grateful, and blessed I am to have received what I have. It honestly means so much to me.

7. Marvelous is being able to sleep a lot lately. My body needs it and I can’t complain. I love sleep.

8. Marvelous is being alive. Do I need an explanation?

I hope everyone is having/has an amazing week. You deserve it. ❤

-What was marvelous about your week?

-What are you blessed/thankful for?

-What goals or plans do you have for the new week?

Spill it Sunday – TV Series

Hello and happy Sunday! I hope everyone had/is having an amazing weekend. I for one love the weekends (I mean, who doesn’t?) A time to unwind and do what you want! This Sunday post is all about television. Ahh- a beloved topic by most. 😉

I also want to thank each and every one of you for your loving comments on my last post. I was literally in tears reading them. Thank you so much. I am truly blessed and grateful. You are all amazing. ❤

Thank you, http://thebigmansworld.com/ for hosting!

(Before the accident because wearing this brace isn’t too attractive. :p )

Commence the selfie!

-> What was your favourite TV series growing up?

-How can I choose just one?! There were so many I loved growing up.. From Rugrats, to Courage the Cowardly Dog, to That’s So Raven, to so many others.. I was all about the cartoons and the classics growing up. You best believe I was up bright and early every Saturday morning with a big ol’ bowl of cereal. So cliche.. yet so true.

-> What is your current favourite TV series?

-I have two.. Pretty Little Liars and Sons of Anarchy. Two complete opposite shows, yet I love them both so much. So full of suspense and surprises.

-> If you could guest star in ANY TV show, which would it be?

-Probably Adventure Time. Even though it is a cartoon, they go on some pretty epic adventures that I’d love to join in on. 😀

-> What genre of  television do you enjoy the most? (Reality, Action, Drama, Comedy)

-Comedy. I love getting a good laugh from Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, etc. They always know how to put a smile on my face. 🙂

-> Which TV series do you think should NOT have been renewed after it’s first season yet had?

-Not to be mean, but most of the new shows on Disney Channel.. I know I know, times are changing, but they will never compare to the classics. It seems as if they are trying too hard.

-> Which TV series do you think deserved to be renewed yet was not? 

-Hmm.. that’s a toughy. I don’t really know. What shows didn’t air after their first season?

-What is your favorite tv show?

-Do you watch any of the shows I watch?

-What classic cartoons did you used to love and watch?

I am BLESSED to be ALIVE.

Hey there. I’ve been away from the blog world for a few days due to being in a pretty serious accident.

On Thursday, January 23, 2014, I was hit by a car. I was riding my bike to the gym. I was about 10 minutes into my bike ride when I came to a stop light. The sign on the crosswalk was go, so I just kept riding. I didn’t think any cars were coming until this car came speeding around the corner. In about a fraction of a second, she ran right into me. The impact flew me from my bike, to the top of her hood, and onto the street. When they say you see your life flashes right before your eyes when experiencing a traumatic experience, they are completely right.  As I hit the car, I saw a bright light and all of these memories flashed before me.

I was dazed and confused crying on the ground in agonizing pain. A cop was on scene and saw the entire thing. What I do remember, is the lady came running from the car yelling for her daughter to call an ambulance. Somehow I ended up on the sidewalk. I couldn’t move my arms or legs. I was told I gave the cop my information, but all I remember is seeing blood on the ground and hearing sirens. The people from the ambulance strapped me onto the board and put a brace around my neck. All I could do was cry. My vision was blurry and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even muster out a groan when going over the bumps. In my mind, all I did was pray to God that I was going to be okay.

My vision was blurry but I could hear everything going on around me. I heard the questions being asked, the beats from the monitor, and just so much commotion. They clipped off my clothes for x rays. I had full body x rays done and I had to get stitches on the major cuts on my face, arms, and legs. I couldn’t move at all due to the pain in my neck, back, head, and ankle. There was swelling in my legs and ankle. I was put on another brace for my neck and back. I was then taken to another room to get x rays on my neck done. SO. MUCH. PAIN. Before going in, all I did was cry. Cry because I wanted my parents. Cry from all of the pain. Cry from not knowing how things were going to turn out. Cry because I was praying to God. This lady saw me and comforted me. She didn’t even know me, but she stood there by me comforting me. It helped a lot. After the x-rays, I got a CAT-SCAN done.

After those x-rays, I got to see my parents. I just broke down there to see the looks on their faces. Being in their presence was all I wanted. We couldn’t get ahold of my sister at the time, but eventually we were able too. I wouldn’t let go of my mother’s hand. It was all I wanted. I had some more tests done and was eventually taken up to a room 3 hours later. It was a nice room with a tv, internet, a bathroom, and a space where my mom could sleep next to me. I wasn’t allowed to have anything to eat or drink for 24 hours due to the neck brace. All I could do was stay hydrated from the fluids from an IV and swab my mouth with water. I had a lot of pain medication. I was scheduled for an MRI at 12 that night, but that changed until 7 yesterday morning, but I got it done at about 4:30 pm. I got no sleep that night. I watched Despicable Me and Brave that night with my mom. The nurses came in frequently to give me medication through my IV.

The next day, I was able to see my sister and dad. I couldn’t help but cry. I cried when they came in, but they were so supportive. I was told I had to get the MRI and I had the option to either wait to eat until it was over so I could be sedated or I could eat and drink without being sedated. I chose to eat and drink, because I thought I could handle being in the machine for a while. I was given ice cream, a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with lettuce and tomato, potato soup with crackers, peaches, a chocolate chip cookie, and water. It felt so good to have some food in my stomach. I left to get more x-rays done for my back. It was my first time walking, and was it painful.. My legs are all cut up and bruised. It was so painful to stand their for the x-rays, but the nurses were so sweet so that helped a bit.

I came back and then was given more pain medication and a muscle relaxer before I went for the MRI. I said bye to everyone and went on my way. I had to wait about half an hour before going in and I was praying to God for positive results. I was in the MRI machine for an hour and 20 minutes. I was scared, but I stayed strong. It was loud, but all I could do was think positively. I had to wait another 40 minutes before I could go upstairs. When I got to my room, my dad and sister were gone, but my aunt came. She brought me flowers and a balloon. It was the sweetest surprise. My dinner came up and I had to eat in my brace still. It was really uncomfortable, but it needed to be done. I got a salad with cherry tomatoes, enchiladas, fiesta rice, and steamed asparagus. My mom helped me drink my water and my aunt cut up the food for me. It was so nice to just be able to somewhat relax, eat, and be in the presence of the women I love. 

My aunt had to leave as soon as my mom came back from the cafeteria, and about 30 minutes later, I found out everything that was wrong and that I was able to go home! 😀 I did have to get stitches, road burn, a lot of bruises and cuts, and I do have a fractured spine and neck. I am in a brace, but I am so happy to be home. I left the hospital around 9 pm. I got home and went right to sleep.

I am blessed that I am alive. I am beyond grateful for all of the support and prayers I received. I never thought this would happen, but it did. PLEASE be aware when driving. PLEASE be aware when being a pedestrian. PLEASE do what you love and live your life the best you can. Life is unexpected. I never thought this would happen to me, but it did. I am stay positive because I am alive. I had a guardian angel over me. I am blessed.

-Have you ever faced a traumatic experience happen to you?

-What are you grateful for?

-What are you blessed to have?

Thinking Out Loud #3 – I Have A Twin?!

Hey there and happy Thursday! This has to be one of my favorite days, because I can let my mind run wild and you get a sneak peak into my random thoughts. 🙂

Thank you, http://www.runningwithspoons.com/ for hosting!

1. All I can start off with is.. wow. It’s already Thursday! Last time I checked it was Monday (figuratively speaking of course 😉 ). This week has been flying by! Where has the time gone? I guess I can’t complain since the weekend is approaching at a rapid pace. Let’s just hope the weekend slows down so we will be able to enjoy it. 😀

2. So, I’m taking 3-D Design (sculpting) right now and I sit by a true artist. She has the most amazing drawings, like ever. We have to create a sculpture based off an artist that has inspired us. I chose to do a Tim Burton based scultpure and she chose to do a nude woman’s body. Her sketch came out perfect. What. Anywhooooo, she told me today that I reminded her of Tinkerbell. I’ve actually gotten that a few times lately. I guess my “twin” got all the fame and glory while I’m here doing my thang in good ol Arizona. (Lucky…)

3. I’ve been on a real reading kick lately and I am loving it! I actually have the time to lay down and enjoy some reading time. I love reading. It takes me away from all of the stresses from reality and lets me experience all new worlds. Although I may not be reading the most.. mystical read.. I am enjoying it. It really pulls at my heart strings and is a real eye opener.

4. Let me just say that biking 5 miles to the gym after a leg day is not the best idea. I love biking, don’t get me wrong, but my quads were on FIRE. They were locking up, and you know those muscle spasms that give off a sharp pain? Well, I so happen to have gotten one while waiting at a crosswalk. Let’s just say I think the viewers in the car got a pretty good kick at my facial reactions..

5. On a more deeper note.. I know we really shouldn’t be so called judgmental on the lives of other people, but the health of my sister has been a really big concern of mine. She doesn’t eat that healthy and is sedentary on the exercise. She has been immune to some pretty serious sicknesses lately and it really scares me. I want to have a talk with her about it, but I don’t really know how to come about it in a way in which she’ll really get how much I care about her and is concerned. Any suggestions?

6. I found out I am moving once again. I haven’t even been settled in this house for 6 months and my parents have already decided we are moving to another town. On the flip side of it, they are going to open up their own restaurant and follow their true dream. I’m so proud of them. Even though I don’t want to move, I am okay with it because my parents are following their dreams. They’re specialties are breakfast and food from England, both of which are right up my alley, and I am helping them whip up a menu. 😀

7. Although it sucks not being able to see your significant other in a long distance relationship, I think it is well worth it. Honestly, I find it so meaningful that he takes the time to Skype (even after his long days after his shifts) and call me every day. He leaves me the sweetest messages everyday. He is stationed in another state, so he can’t travel much. We’re working on visiting each other soon. Can you say I am beyond excited? 😀

8. Today, my friends and I got into the topic of love and relationships. We all shared our fair shares of heart break and our views on love. We all got hurt in similiar ways, some more than others. My friend said she is slowly giving up on love, but the perfection artist gave some really good advice. “There will be trial and error when in relationships. Yeah, it sucks getting your heart broken, but eventually you will find the one that makes it all worth it. It’ll take time. Don’t give up on love just because some guys are jerks. If you give up now, you might push away the one that is the one.” She was on point.

9. I can’t think of anything else, so for now, I wish you an amazing Thursday! 😀

-What books have you been reading lately?

-What’re your thoughts on long distance relationships?

-Have you been told you look like a cartoon character before?

WIAW – A Very Hungry Girl

Hello and happy Wednesday. 😀 Today is the day where all foodies get to admire the delicious eats that people have consumed over the last week. I for one love looking at others eats. It gives me inspiration and ideas for future meals. Without further do, here are some photos of the meal I have been having over the course of the week. 😀

 

http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2014/01/raleigh-road-trip-wiaw-157.html

Thank you,http://www.peasandcrayons.com/  for hosting the foodie lovers post!

Does anyone else have those weeks where they are just ravenous for food? Your stomach just feels like a bottomless pit 24/7. Well, that was me this week. I was being mindful of how much I was eating, but my metabolism was on fire. I don’t know if it had to do with my increase of weights with my training or it’s because I am a growing girl. Whether the case may be, I have been filling up my plates with some pretty voluminous food. This girl isn’t complaining. I love food. 😀 (Thank goodness for recovery.)

An extra lean turkey burger from Costco (LOVE.), whole wheat penne pasta topped with tomato sauce, with some steamed cauliflower and broccoli. 

French toast topped with 1 tbsp of creamy all natural peanut butter (LOVE.), an egg white scramble with spinach that was topped with salsa, and a fruit salad on the side consisting of watermelon, strawberries, banana slices, and blueberries.

I am a girl who loves herself some breakfast foods (who doesn’t?), peanut butter, and natures candy. 😉

A spinach + mushroom + turkey + fried egg + tomato sandwich on toasted whole wheat bread, apple slices, watermelon, and a veggie salad consisting of broccoli + celery + and carrots. 

Surprise surprise to see a breakfast sandwich. 😉 I also love vegetables. I crave them and can’t get enough of them!

Roasted chicken, steamed bok choy (LOVE.), white beans, and broiled sweet potato.

I love hearty home cooked Sunday family dinners. I can’t go without my broiled sweet potato. 😉

My Chicken Frittata Loaf with a side of watermelon.

Recipe: https://lovenataliemarie.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/chicken-frittata-loaf/

An egg white scramble with white onion, broccoli, cauliflower, red bell pepper, spinach, celery, and carrots that was topped with melted mozzarella cheese and salsa with a side of roasted chicken.

What can I say? A girl has got to eat. 😉 I hope everyone has/is having an amazing day!

-What foods do you love?

-What’s your favorite dinner?

-What have you eaten this past week?

-Do you love peanut butter and natures candy like I do? 

Chicken Frittata Loaf

Hello and happy Tuesday! It was nice having a much needed three day weekend, but now it is back to school and back to the routine. I’ve had some time to experiment in the kitchen, and I made a winner; a Chicken Frittata Loaf. Yumm. 🙂

I didn’t quite know what I was going to make when in the kitchen, but I was craving veggies and chicken. So typical of me. 😀

The loaf is quite delicious and full of flavor. It’ll get your taste buds dancing. The vegetables are baked to the point of where the flavor of the spices are soaked in. This loaf is full of nutrients and protein! One loaf is also very friendly to the ones counting calories or macros. It is a meal and it leaves you feeling satisfied!

This recipe is for one loaf. (I personally ate it all to myself. 😉 )

Chicken Frittata Loaf

Ingredients:

• 80 grams of grilled chicken (finely chopped) – 2.8 ounces
• 1 egg
• 20 grams of white onion (finely chopped)
• 40 grams of broccoli (finely chopped)
• 60 grams of carrots (finely chopped)
• 10 grams of oats
• 10 grams of cottage cheese (I used fat free.)
• 7 grams of cheese
• Dried herbs: chili powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes (to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F/180 C.
2. In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg and the cottage cheese until combined thoroughly. Add in the spices and mix together.
3. Mix in the oats next.
4. Add in the onion, broccoli, carrot, and the grilled chicken. Mix together. *The wet ingredients will coat the vegetables and chicken.
5. Spray a loaf pan and then pour in the mixture evenly. Top with cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Let it cool and enjoy. 😀

Nutrition Information: 256 calories, 9 grams fat/13 grams carbs/26 grams protein/3 grams fiber.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and have an amazing day!

-What recipes are you loving?

-Do you ever just crave chicken and vegetables?

-What’s your favorite meal?