Even the title of this post is boring — if not cliche. I know. It’s just what I need to do to get back on the bandwagon of posting here. Seriously, though? It’s DANG difficult to write a food blog when you’ve hit a WALL in your food, cooking and kitchen creativity.

I’ve just been trying to get myself together after the big “I’m-Quitting-the-Blog” fiasco. I was THIS close to quitting this blog, too, but then I cooked this and that, and kept thinking “OH, the GORGEOUSES WOULD LOOOOVE THIS!” One of these days I’ll get to posting those recipes. Hopefully next week.

I’ve just been taking a bit of a break from my manic blogging lately — and from my manic EVERYTHING, including cooking, and even grocery shopping. It’s just ENOUGH with the PRESSURE, you know?

So, I haven’t forgotten about this blog, and I do plan on posting here more regularly when I start COOKING more regularly and (dare I hope) passionately again!

THAT SAID, I’ve been focusing A LOT on feeding my kids interesting meals lately — mainly lunches. I want to be one of those moms who makes great, fun meals for her kids. I want the kids at school to be envious of MY kids’ lunches! But, I’m lazy! And, there’s only so much cooking (AND cleaning!) one can do in a day!

Anyway, lately, I’ve been making an effort, and it’s paid off. Both my kids have been eating really well. Hallelujah! And, really? The effort isn’t that major. Lately, it’s called WRAPS — hummus wraps! egg wraps!…

…and it’s called muffins from a box (organic of course — and reasonably priced), with a sneaky little mashed up banana and maybe even a half-cup of cauliflower added….

…and it’s called FINE ART….

It’s AMAZING the difference a FLOWER DESIGN or HAPPY FACE can make to a plate. It’s the difference between the monkey REFUSING to eat and the monkey EATING EVERYTHING on her plate, I tell you. AND, there’s an added benefit: my monkey’s the only one in her preschool class who can draw a face. And, it’s ALL because of MY culinary artistry — I can make a happy face out of ANYTHING (ketchup is my fave medium, though).

I’m planning a big chicken dinner (that I don’t eat, unfortunately) for tomorrow. If it’s good, I’ll post it fashizzle.

ALSO! You haven’t seen Lori the nutritionist here in a while. THAT’S because she had a baby! CONGRATULATIONS, LORI! She’ll be back soon with brillers informative posts and to answer your questions!

LOVE!
xo Haley-O

PS! I HAVE to start remembering to turn comments on! I think a setting’s on or something. SORRY! And, thanks for your emails! Comments are on now….

As I talked at length about at Cheaty Monkey, I’ve finally realized that, after two pregnancies, I’ve let myself go. AND, I’m making the commitment NOW to put myself back together again — kind of like “Humpty Dumpty,” but the soldiers are hott and Humpty’s 1000x skinnier in the end.

Anyway, I’m using this space, at least today, to figure out what I need to do tomorrow, when I start my new diet FOR REALS.

So, NEW binder is open.

Let’s figure this out together….

Breakfast: LORI’S SHAKE TO GO (totally yum….)

Lunch: Ezekiel bread, Wild salmon (canned), Mayo, veggies.

Snack: STARBUCKS CHAI TEA LATTE Raspberries, Cottage Cheese, Walnuts.

Dinner: 1/2 cup quinoa, 2 eggs, veggies….

Snack: Rye crackers, almond butter, lowfat cheese.

Exercise: Yoga, Dusk Walk.

Ugh, ugh, UGH…. NOT FUN. But, I’ll get used to it…. I’m motivated now. Time to get GORJ!

And, yeah, it’s hard, and PLAIN, and rigorous. But, I have 35 pounds to lose. When those pounds are GONZO, I’ll slowly incorporate more of everything into the diet.

Still thinking about poultry…. I think I need it in my diet — if not because the vegetarian version of this diet is RUTHLESS and because vegetarianism takes mayjah planning to do right. Sigh, will go to ORGANIC butcher for free-range poultry….

The other day, I was feeling a little adventurous, so bought a package of whole-wheat wraps. AVID lover of bread that I am, I’ve never really gotten into The Wrap. I mean, what’s the point — other than shaving some carbs off your daily count? But, this weekend, I discovered the beauty of The Wrap: it’s not the wrap, but what’s inside that counts. Packed properly, with the right combo and placement of filling, the wrap can be a very delicious thing.

ACCORDINGLY, I am addicted to this little wrap concoction of mine, so I thought I’d share. It involves a LITTLE washing-and-slicing-of-the-vegetables, of which I’m not a fan, but the end result is worth it. And, it’s vegetarian, so no animals were harmed in it’s making. Check it.

Ingredients:

- Whole Wheat Wrap (for all the dieting Gorgeouses out there);
- Avocado
- Tomato (I use a small plum tomato because I pretty-much LOATHE the tomato; but it works here)
- Lettuce (one big leaf is plenty)
- Low-fat cheese (shredded if available)
- AMY’S CALIFORNIA BURGER (WHICH, if you haven’t tried it, is so YUM — and it’s sans soy….)

So here’s what you do:

1. Spread the avocado on the wrap (pretend it’s butter — really really HEALTHY butter).

2. Spread all the other ingredients in a line in the centre of the wrap, like so….

Eww…. It looks pretty GNARSTY in picture. So, you’ll have to trust me that it’s great.

3. Roll it up.
4. Cut in half so you can see the pretty cross-section….

Look how PROFESSIONAL!

5. ENJOY!

Et voila! The perfect wrap. Try it! And, let me know how you like it!