Fantastic Friday Four

Here are a few things making smile during this heat!

This sign is life.  As someone who has never passed up a tailgating opportunity (and as we get closer to football season!), I had to get this one!

I have a big pile of summer reading, in the middle of this one and loving it.  If you love recent history, and getting some really interesting details about the lives of some very famous people, this is a great read.

I have always wanted a fluffy white comforter.  However, my adorable cat Charlie is black and sheds like you wouldn't believe.  But I finally bit the bullet and got one.  The compromise is the burgundy throw where he actually does most of his sitting (though I do still have to brush off the bed with a lint remover pretty much everyday!)

I'm a sucker for all things rose scented, and this moisturizer from Korres is no exception.  The rose scent isn't super overpowering, so it won't linger with you all day.  The cream itself is really moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling really soft.  I also have the overnight mask in this same formula and it's another favorite!

What is making you smile this week?

Cauliflower "Fried" Rice

I'm posting pictures first as a peace offering for the complete lack of blog posts lately.  Summer has been crazy - in a good way!  But still crazy.  I'm also working full-time this summer for the first time in many, many years - which is also a good thing!  However, that means I've been wayyyyyy behind on the blog posting.

However, I'm hoping the deliciousness I'm about to share will make up for that!

I've jumped on the "cauliflower" rice train with a vengeance (especially now that they sell it already riced - for us lazy people out there!).  After many attempts, I finally perfected my "fake out" cauliflower "fried" rice.  It's got a nuttiness from sesame oil, and I used Bragg's Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce (which you could certainly use!). 

This is a great dish because really, after the "rice", you can throw in any veggie you have on hand. It's a terrific "use up"!  I also love to top mine with Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Wontons because they are AMAZING.


Cauliflower "Fried" Rice
Serves 1 - 3 Smartpoints

1 cup riced cauliflower
1 egg
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 tbsp. Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
1/2 cup chopped snow peas
1 cup mixed vegetables (I've also used Cruciferous Crunch or broccoli slaw here - terrific!)

Spray large nonstick pan with cooking spray.  Over medium high heat, saute riced cauliflower for about 3 minutes.  Add in snow peas and mixed vegetables - cook for 4 minutes or until vegetables are cooked through.  Add sesame oil and liquid aminos and lower to a simmer for about 2 minutes. 

Beat the egg in a separate bowl.  Push vegetable mixture to one side of the pan, add the egg and scramble.  After egg is scrambled, mix in with the veggies and cook for another minute.

Plate up and top with whatever you would like!

200 Miles to Fall Challenge

I'm a big fan of challenges.  It's like I need the goal to get me going!

I did this challenge in the spring / summer, but didn't quite make it to the 200 miles.  And when I say 200 miles, I'm not counting my everyday walking.  I mean either running or walking workout miles.

So I'm giving it another go in the fall.  Anyone want to join me?  If so, here is a template you can download!  What can I say, I'm a teacher - we like to make recording sheets :)

 200 Miles to Fall Challenge Recording Sheet

You can use this sheet to track the exercise miles you do - the goal is 200 by September 22!