How I Get Through My Day

Sorry for being gone so long.

We are finally back from vacation.

Which means we have tons of laundry, cleaning 

and sleep to catch up on. 

Makeup Remover

When I packed for vacation

I totally forgot to pack my makeup remover.

This is my all time favorite,

I missed it so much.

Poor guy, being left all alone at home.

Earth Science Eye Makeup Remover.

I love it because it is gentle on the eyes.

I have zero eye lashes, so when I put on mascara 

I put on about ten layers.

This stuff is the only remover I've used 

that gets the mascara off without a fuss.

Organic Produce

I'm passionate about organic produce.

For more reasons than one,

I think it is so important to shop organic.

Unfortuatly, our budget doesn't allow us 

to shop exclusivly organic right now.

So I follow these two lists 

put out by the Environmental Working Group.

The Dirty Dozen

This is produce that must be bought organic 

because they absorbe pesticides.

Apples

Bell Peppers

Carrots

Celery

Cherries

Grapes

Kale

Lettuce

Nectaries

Peaches

Pears

Strawberries

What is great about this list is that 

it includes berries that I don't buy all year long.

Since it does include lettuce and kale, 

I go a step further and buy all my leafy veggies organic.

Such as swiss chard, watercress, and spinach.

The Clean 15

This is produce that is fine to buy 

when grown conventionally.

Asparagus

Avocados

Broccoli

Cabbage

Eggplant

Kiwifruit

Mangoes

Onions

Papayas

Pineapples

Sweet corn

Sweet peas

Sweet potatoes

Tomatoes

Watermelon

See a pattern? Most of these have thick peels 

or hard shells to protect them from pesticides.

Running

I'm so proud of myself.

While on vacation, I started running again 

with my sweet cousin, Rosalia.

It totally helps to run when you have 

a great partner who pushes you.

We were both on runners high all day 

with the extra energy boost our workout gave us.

When I started running, my husband bought me a pair of Asics 

which are the greatest thing that has happened to my feet.

I love them so much, that I asked my husband 

if we could name our first son Asic.

And when I go long periods of time without running,

I look at them longingly.

Oh Asics, you make running so comfortable.

The same shoes isn't right for everyone.

My hubby took me to a running specialty store, 

where they have you try on shoes,

and you do a lap around the store 

to find out which is right for you.

Whole Grain Salad

When I was visiting family in Washington

my aunt made this salad.

Talk about fantastic!

So delicious and satisfying.

All my cousins raved about it 

and they were right!

Perfect for a hot summer day.

And it's super easy. 

Just cook the quinoa,

chop the veggies,

mix and eat!

I love that it's made with quinoa.

Quinoa is a superstar in the food world.

Full of protein and fiber, you can't go wrong.

Black Bean, Corn, and Quinoa Salad

1 cup water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup quinoa, well rinsed
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon minced scallions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 15-ounce can no-salt black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ear fresh corn, cooked, kernels removed (about 1 cup kernels)
1 small tomato, chopped
(about 3/4 cup)
3/4 cup chopped bell pepper
(red, orange, yellow, or a mix)
2 tablespoons canned diced
green chilies
1 cup chopped fresh mango or peach
Lime wedges

1. In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, and simmer on low heat until water is absorbed, 10–15 minutes. Cool.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, cayenne, scallions, and cilantro. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, green onions, beans, corn kernels, tomato, bell pepper, green chilies, and mango or peach. Add olive oil mixture and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until cool. Serve with lime wedges.

Looking forward to what the rest of summer hold for us in our home.

So far we are plagued with Adventure in Potty Training.

All day my toddler had accidents all over the house.

Finally, this evening she told me she needed to go, and went in the potty.

Success!! Sigh. It does actually work to be persistent. 

Thank goodness! I'll be ready again tomorrow to clean up the puddles

and reward the flushes.