Paleo Gluten-free Chocolate Mousse (Vegan too!)

The worst is when you buy a bag of big juicy avocados and within a day they're all going too soft. So this recipe is win win because it's Paleo and you get to use up your avocados!

This recipe is Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and just really good for anyone.
Yes you can taste a bit of the avocado, but that's not a bad thing. Obviously if you hate avocados don't make this recipe.

Paleo Chocolate Mousse 

Ingredients
1 Large Ripe Avocado
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
1Tsp Vanilla Extract

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Refrigerate before serving if you prefer more cold and firm or eat right away if you don't. Works great as frosting for a cake, a topping for berries, or just as in out of the bowl.

Pairs well with red wine :)

Yes. I believe wine is Paleo.

Nurses Are Like That Species of Monkey That Preys, Kills and Eats Their Own Kind

I have been a registered nurse for about 4 years, and I have to say that I find myself relating less and less to this type of "person". From my personal experience I can confidently say that nurses are like that species of monkeys in Africa that prey, kill and eat their own kind.

But why. Why aren't nurses kind and caring and helpful to other nurses? Isn't that what everybody thinks they are?

It's beyond me. I know that nurses have a very positive perception, but when you are a nurse yourself, you know otherwise.
Maybe it's the areas that I have worked in? Maybe it's only the nurses that I have worked with?
All I can say is that I find myself becoming more distant to this profession because of how it treats its own.

If you are a nurse, when you go to work next, see if you can identify a bully and then identify the victims. It's usually pretty hard to stand up to nurse bullies. They are usually very senior, have been working in that place for over two decades, and have a big possy. But if you are a victim it can be so bad that you don't want to come to work, you feel depressed when you go home, or you even lose your job.

I'm not sure what I want to get out of this, but I just want people to be aware that nurses aren't magically nice and kind. They can be mean and nasty.

Wait a Minute. I'm a Condowner...in Vancouver?

It's probably not surprising to anyone that lives in Vancouver or near Vancouver or even far away from Vancouver that housing prices are crazy. For most people the idea of even owning a "home" is out of reach. I have been planning and saving for this basically since I finished high school. And with all the money that I have in the world, I just bought myself a condo.

So am I a homeowner? Nope.

I'm a condowner!

To a lot of people the idea of paying half a million for a condo is absurd. 

But maybe it's not so bad. 

So I don't have a front and backyard, instead of a have a courtyard :)

So I don't have a mailbox, instead I have a little mailbox in the midst of a few hundred other mailboxes. 

So I don't walk up to my front door, instead I take an elevator to my front door. 

So I can't mow my own lawn, instead I pay fees to have someone else mow the lawn in the courtyard. 

So I don't have privacy, okay there's really no comparative to being sandwiched between hundreds of other people. 

So I don't have the freedom to renovate however I want, okay again there's no real comparison. 

So I don't have actual physical property, again, nothing compares. 

So I don't have stairs and multiple levels, instead I have an emergency exit stairwell. 

I've already made this comparison before, and I will say it again. I feel like I live in a beehive. I'm a little bee with a little house in a big beehive. I just wonder, who's the queen bee? Maybe the strata? Maybe me? I guess I can be the queen bee and I can pretend that the strata is my worker bee. 

That feels better :)

I probably will not be able to afford a house in this current market, but maybe one day I can sell my condo and get a house instead. In the mean time, I'm happy being a condowner. 

And look how beautiful it is :)

Paleo Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal

I have recently injured my foot so I've had to change my calories and food consumption for the day. I used to do yoga about 5-6 times per week and I would run about 1-2 times per week.

Since I can't really do any exercise now, I give myself about 800-900 calories per day.

For breakfast I have created this yummy little Paleo Gluten-Free Cereal. Honestly since converting over to Paleo about 3 years ago, the one thing that I miss is cereal. I used to love to eat bran and oats and even quinoa for breakfast. 

But I've created something even more delicious and with huge nutritional value. 

This is great for breakfast, or before a workout, or even as an afternoon snack. I've never tried heating it up but that might be yummy as well. 

I make a big batch of this and then keep it in a mason jar in my fridge. I have about 1/2 cup of it for breakfast with 1/2 fruit and almond milk. 

Paleo Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal

1/2 cup organic chia seeds

1/2 cup organic hemp hearts

1/4 cup organic flax seeds

1/2 cup organic ground flax

1/2 cup organic almonds (whole or flakes)

1/3 cup organic almond meal

1/3 cup organic dried goji berries 

1 tbsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Transfer into large mason jar and store in fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

Add approx. 1/2 cup almond milk and fresh fruit, and 1/2 cup of cereal mix and enjoy! 

(I add a splash of egg whites if I know I'm going to have a long day and need more protein)

Yield: 12-14 servings

My 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge - Week 1

My 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge - Week 1

Starting weight: 118lbs

Current weight: 116.7lbs 

Okay, so this week has been pretty up and down. I feel like I have been really ontop of my workouts. I even did a boxing class on Tuesday, which was totally new for me and a really good challenge! I did quite a bit of yoga, both hot yoga and power yoga. I only missed 1 day out of a whole week.

But for some reason the weight isn't falling off.

It used to.

So what's happening?

Well my boss gave me some good insight. It's basically all about diet, it's like 70% diet. And I totally understand, I mean if I actually want to loose weight then my intake has to be less than output.

So I've tightened up my belt, yes, even more. I've somehow noticed a difference in just a few days. And I must say it's very tricky at my office because there are some opportunities to break the rules. But I am dedicated and super motivated.

Bring it on week 2!

Starting weight: 118lbs

Current weight: 116.7lbs

My 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge - Day 1

Day 1

Today just happened to be day 1 of my weight loss challenge, and it also happened to be a Monday. Surprisingly, it was a great Monday. I only got about 5 hours of sleep but I felt super rested, and I didn't even take a nap after work!

It felt like a really balanced day. I worked this morning, and then after work I met my best friend for coffee at my favorite coffee shop, then I came home and did some work on a new project that I have coming up, and then I went to yoga.

In my brain this translates to: professional, social, and health.

Now lets talk about my diet. Here is what I ate today...

Breakfast: 
Smoothie - mix of fruit, egg whites, almond milk and flax.
Coffee with almond milk

Treat: 
1 chocolate covered caramel

Lunch: 
Roasted lamb with a green salad
Coffee with almond milk

Snack:
Almond milk latte
Vegan carob almond butter bar

Dinner: 
Almonds
Herbal tea

Okay so clearly I need to drink more water and less coffee. But not bad!

And I've decided to weigh myself in the morning, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. But I have a good feeling that it will either be down or the same.

Overall, day 1 was a success!

My 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge: December 2014

November 30 2014

Well it's December again and just like every year, I take this time to kick my own butt into gear. It's so easy to let things slip by and indulge into the goodies and sweets and treats and drinks, so that's why I want to make a conscious effort to keep things in line.

For me personally, I work a lot harder at goals if I am kept accountable for them. So here goes. I want to post every night and keep a diary of how the day went.

Obviously I will be focusing a lot on my diet, but I want this to be more holistic. I will be looking at diet, physical exercise, mental exercise, professional development, stress levels and fun levels. I really hope it goes well!

So to send off November I will be having a lovely dinner with my parents, and yes, I will have a nice plate of delicious Persian rice. And tadeeg. mmmm....

Starting weight: 118lbs
Goal weight: 110lbs

The Nibbletron: Nibble Your Way to Happiness

You know those days when you come home from work and you're super tired and just not feeling like you can even muster up the energy to do anything except pass out. Well...all you need is The Nibbletron!

Okay, all you need is someone to come at you really fast and nibble at your face, neck and ears. It's literally the most hilarious thing. It will give you energy, make you laugh, make you smile, and probably make you giggle.

Imagine how nice it would be if instead of greeting people with a handshake, we could nibble each other!
"Oh hello madame!" *nibble nibble nibble nibble*

Sometimes I want The Nibbletron more than anything. I want it more than a bowl of popcorn, I want it more than my favorite Chanel eyeliner, I want it more than double smoked bacon, and even more than an online shopping spree with Forever21.

If you want your life to be simple and happy and fun and perfect, get nibbling.

Goodnight future Nibbletrons!

How Do I Know How Much You Care?

  

As I sit here in my bubble bath with candles and a warm cup of tea, I wonder "how do people show they care towards others?" Do I have a certain way that I show affection? Do I like certain things over others, or is it just about the thought that counts. Do I like material things or is it more about the gesture?

I have to say that if you asked me this question 10 years ago my answer would be very different than what it is now.
I truly appreciate the small things. And I know it's such a cliche, but it's so true.

When my dad picks me veggies from his garden and puts them in a bag for me to take home, I know he cares.
When my mom tiptoes around the house in the morning so that she doesn't wake me up, I know she cares.
When my grandma cries on the phone just from hearing my voice, I know she cares.
When my brother gives me advice for building my future, I know he cares.
When my roommate wakes me up with coffee in the morning, I know she cares.
When my best friend invites me to her annual awards gala, I know she cares.
When my best friend talks to me for hours on end, I know she cares.
When my friend comes over to make me dinner because my attempt was absolute garbage, I know he cares.
When my man makes me a bath with candles and tea, I know he cares.
And when he gets me a toothbrush, I really know he cares.
When my favorite coffee shop has almond milk, I know they care.

I just find that having little loving gestures means a lot more to me than having one grand gesture. I feel more safe and happy. I feel cared about and loved. I feel calm and content.

This is probably the sappiest writing I've done but I feel like I don't tell these people how much I appreciate what they do.

We all hear the saying, "tell the people around you how much you love them", and it couldn't be more true. But you don't have to literally tell them that. You can do it in little ways to make them feel loved.

Whatever it is. Show your love.

Love.
Kitten.

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

I started making these Paleo Brownie Power Balls for my co-workers and it soon became a weekly tradition. They were a huge hit when I first brought them in and I have perfected the recipe and put my own little spin on it.
The only downfall is that they are so good that no matter how much you make, there are never any left over for the next day :( But I guess that's every chef's best compliment :)

Another great recipe for Paleo desserts is Paleo Banana-Coconut Cookies.

Please put your own spin on the recipe and let me know what you did! I always love to try new creations.

Paleo Brownie Power Balls

1 1/2 cup walnuts

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cup pitted medjool dates

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp cinnamon powder

1/4 cup egg whites

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

In food processor add walnuts and cocoa powder. Process these until they are coarsely mixed, but you don't want to over process because then the walnuts will start to become like a butter. Add dates, vanilla and cinnamon. Process until everything is mixed together in a big clump. Add egg whites to soften everything. 

Remove mixture and put into a large bowl. In a smaller bowl put coconut flakes. Measure out a tablespoon of the mixture and make them into bit sized balls by rolling them in your hands. Then dip these balls into the coconut flakes. 

**sometimes I like to dip my balls into other ingredients like hemp hearts, ground flax, and cocoa powder**

Place all of your balls into a cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Put in freezer for at least two hours, and then you're ready to enjoy!

I love to keep my balls in the freezer because I love the frozen hard texture, but some people prefer to store them in the fridge. They will last up to a month in the freezer, and about a week in the fridge. 

The amazing thing about these bite sized balls is that they are SO satisfying, they taste like they have chocolate in them, and they have protein as well. Great as breakfast, pre-workout snack, and that perfect guilt-free pleasure. 

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 0 min

Yields: 30 balls

Daily Skincare Routine for Beautiful Healthy Looking Skin (Photos)

 Skincare has always been a big part of my life. I know it's funny to say, but it's true. Growing up my mom introduced me to the Clinique 3-Step Skincare System when I was in grade 7. She said that I need to take care of my skin, it's the first thing people see.

I couldn't agree more.

Take a look at my daily skincare routine. It will make your skin beautiful, healthy, and radiant. Either try the whole thing or take pieces here and there. Enjoy!

I believe in skincare the same way a dentist believes in brushing and flossing twice a day. Your skincare routine is also done twice a day. And I promise, it will only take 5 minutes to make your skin the most beautiful that it can be.

My skin type is combination oily. I breakout every now and then but my skin never feels dry. My major skin concerns are discoloration and dullness and preventing aging. I do not have any sensitivities.

Here is my skincare story:

1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - $35.00 CA

2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser - $52.00 CA

3. Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener Enriched - $64.00 CA

4. Shiseido The Makeup Facial Cotton - $11.00 CA

5. Chanel Le Jour - $90.00 CA

6. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector - $59.00 CA

7. Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum - $96.00 CA

8. Chanel CC Cream - $59.00 CA

Here is my makeup story:

1. NYX concealer wand (in lavender CW11) - $5.00 CA

2. Clinique Even Better Compact Makeup (in golden neutral 8) - $36.00 CA

3. Chanel Powder Blush (in reflex) - $48.00 CA

4. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer (in medium 02) - $40.00 CA

5. Estee Lauder Double Powder Makeup (in ivory beige 3N1) - $44.00 CA

6. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (in ethereal light) - $52.00 CA

7. Chanel Ecriture de Chanel Eyeliner (in noir 10) - $42.00 CA

8. Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara (in black) - $23.00 CA

9. Chanel Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil (in brun naturel) - $30.00 CA

10. Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick (in copper pink N9) - $23.00

I know this looks like a lot, but promise it's not!