this is the song that never ends…
January 26, 2011 You do know what song I’m talking about right? I hope I didn’t get it stuck in your head, like it’s stuck in mine!! Horrible, horrible song. Well, are you ready for the post that never ends? Photos galore! I’ll try to be brief!
This morning I made a luxurious bowl of creamy buckwheat. I ground whole buckwheat groats and cooked 1/2c of them in almond milk + water.
I also added the typical cinnamon/vanilla/flax meal. In the last 2min of cooking, I added 1c of mixed berries and stirred them until they mixture was pretty and purple!
Topped with coconut butter + almonds today!
I went to the doc today an no signs of any infections. Yay! Just a nasty cough that will hopefully be gone soon! I stopped at Whole Foods after, obviously, and picked up some “essentials.” ie: my juicer was coming today and I needed veggies and 21 other things!
1 of the other things I bought were Udi’s Gluten Free bagels. 5 come in a pack and they were on sale 2/$6, plus I had a $1 coupon. All of the gluten free bagels + bread I usually see are so small and don’t have much protein + fiber. These bagels are HUGE and had 6g protein and 2g fiber. Better than 1g of each, like in the millet bread! I was excited but hesitant to try them, because I know the texture of GF breads can be funny.
This was not funny. It was delicious. The bagel was nice and fluffy, with a great soft texture and awesome crust when toasted. The flavor was spot on. I would have never known it was GF. One of the tastiest store-bought bagels ever!
And then I made this monstrosity…
I sautéed 1 large portobella and made 2 fried eggs with a little bit of soy-free Earth Balance. I topped with a sprinkle of salt + pepper.
Oh.me.oh.my.
I was in bread + egg heaven.
Then, exciting things start flying through the door!!!
What could it beeeee?? Sorry, I’m still excited….hehehe
The dogs inspected.
And there it was…a box in a box in a box!!! My precious!!! It has been quite some time since I’ve had a new appliance purchase. I’ve been eyeing this guy up for a year now. Luckily, I had a $50 amazon gift card, so I scored this for $50 out of pocket.
I decided to go with the Compact Breville Juicer, #1 because of price and #2 because of size. It gets amazing reviews too!
It was quickly disrobed and put to good juicing use!
Shorter than a Vita-Mix…
Wider than a food processor…
Something simple to start.
- 2 apples
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
I set the self timer up to take photos while I was juicing. Exciting stuff people…let’s get started!
The juicer actually seemed bigger than I thought it would be. I think it’s just the width though. Really not that bad.
I didn’t realize this was an ut-oh, until the carrot was juiced. Somehow the juice cup shifted!
Carrot + apple juice. BAM!
Celery Juice. GAG BAM!
Mess to clean. BAM!
Juicy juice to drink. Deeelicious. I love the frothy foam on top. Fresh juice definitely has a lot of flavor. For me, it’s been an aquired taste. One that I’m still getting used to. I really liked this combo though.
Very refreshing and oh so pretty!!
Time for Ashley to try to act subtle + cool. Are you ready? I’m not!
Recently, the amazing eco-vegan friendly clothing company, ecolissa, contacted me to try something from their store. Eco-friendly clothing, free? Pinch me please! After checking out the store, I was super excited. The clothing and accessories are super cute, and I totally stand behind the ethical choices they make with their clothing. I would say the only downside is the price tag. However, this seems to be the norm for clothes like these. The good thing is, they are having a sale right now aaaand I have a 20% coupon code you can always use!
To save 20% at ecolissa, just use the coupon code: eco20
Pretty sweet deal, right?
Looking awkward…
I picked out this super cute shirt from the store and was so excited to try it on. I’m a big fan of gray, and love the flowered pattern + off-the-shoulder design. I also like the stylish but comfy look. You can dress this down or up. The best part about it is how insanely soft and comfortable it is, thanks to the bamboo + organic cotton mix.
Could I have picked a worse spot for this photo shoot? Shadows much? Hello door frame!
Trying to look cool to one side…
And then the other…
I’m not good with fashion but felt super stylish in this shirt! Thanks ecolissa!!
And then another package arrived!!!!!! This one is for YOU and ME!! Last year, my husband bought me Terry Walters first cookbook, Clean Food. I absolutely love it. I’ve learned so much from her simple, clean way of cooking. My favorite part is the long intro before the recipes that really teach you about clean eating. It’s extremely helpful and explains details of so many ingredients. I had the chance to host a giveaway for that book last year, and now I get to do it again.
I can’t wait to get reading her latest book. From quickly flipping through, the recipes look great! This book also includes simple, stunning, photography. Heads up fro another giveaway next week!
And then….my chia seeds came!!! I bought three whopping pounds of chia seeds. I wonder how many actual seeds are in this bag!?
I slowed down my chia consumption recently, for no real reason, but I honestly love these. They’re packed full of healthy fats, calcium, fiber and protein.
The best price I’ve ever seen, found by my bro-in-law, is on amazon. Here’s the link!
Okay…now I’m done. I told you there was a lot happenin’ today!!
~Ashley
Reader Comments (112)
I have the urge to rip off some of that bread and mop up the runny egg! I LOVE runny eggs :)
Love your photoshoot! so cute! :) that Clean Start book looks amazing. So does your pretty breakfast and juice!
Omgggg!! That top looks soo cute on you!!
Wow, it was a big delivery day today!!! :) Love all this stuff. Cute top. I'm going to have to start browsing their clothes soon.
This post makes me think it would be nice to have a juicer. I do like making smoothies so juicing would probably be good too. I wonder if the cost of buying enough fruit and veggies for cooking and juicing would be expensive up here in Canada. Hmmm...
I buy my chia seeds online from chia seeds direct-- 2 pounds for $25 bucks. A major deal in my books! They last forever and are SOOO worth the money!
I'm jealous you got a Breville juicer. Mine is super duper old and is a pain in the butt to clean. Not sure if I want to scrounge up another $200 for a kitchen gadget though :)
aaah I love your new buys! your juice looks magnificent :). I got my Vita last week and am still stoked haha. my stomach/body just has to gets used to drinking a bif amount of concentrated veg I think because everytime my stomach acts up. or maybe its just a psychological thing?
Hooray for a juicer! They are a pain to clean but I love mine.
If you're juicing greens (kale, spinach), it helps to pack them all up tightly then put an apple or other heavy fruit/veg on top of them, and juice on the slowest setting.
Also if the juice is too bitter, a squeeze of lemon or lime will lighten it up.
And when you're getting used to the taste, putting an apple in as you did there is a great way of keeping the sweetness :)
You gotta try some ginger (about a thumb-sized, peeled) in a juice too - zingy! And beetroot makes your juice look like blood, it's rather funny...heh!
That top is adorable on you (P.S., you do not look like you've been sick at all)!
I love adding lemon or lime to my juices... so good! My juicer separates the foam and I can't figure out why.
I got that same Breville juicer a few weeks ago. LOVE it! (and yes, there have been a few messes from the pitcher shifting...)
Love the shirt -- great modeling! ;)
YAY for a Juicer! I can't wait to see your uses for it. :)
Love that outfit. It's truly perfect for you. So stylish but comfortable and calm. Just how I imagine you are. :)
Have a great day lady!
One of my favorite cafes in NYC has a carrot-ginger juice that tastes amazing, and your juice is totally reminding me of it. So good! Lucky girl to have both the Vita and the juicer....I'm still begging for the former to anyone who gets me birthday/Christmas gifts :)
Holy packages today! I get so pumped when I get home and there ar epackages on my doorstep. I need to invest in the following: food processor, juicer. My little mini processor isn't cutting it anymore!
I love the color composition of the oats in that bowl! The blues, greens, and purples look great together! Ummm super jealous about that juicer! That was a great deal! I think that all jack lalane juicers should be on sale in his honor:)
Cant wait for the book giveaway, i love cookbooks:)
I really want a juicer now! :)
That top is so cute on you! Love the headband, too.
What a fun day of deliveries!!! Love the shirt.
I loved my juicer but I just couldn't afford the fruits and veg on my minimal student budget. Even with costco and bulk purchases it ws too much, but I did love it while I had it!
I'm glad you got your juicer! Im excited that your doing a Clean Start giveaway. I've been wanting to read Terry Walter's books.
very cute shirt! i love things that are suuuper comfy yet look like you actually tried :P
i also love the clean series of books...never fail me!
What a lucky lady!!! I'd take any pne of those items and be totally stoked, no wonder you were excited!
Thanks for the chia seeds link! Those ARE good deals. :)
I second the thanks for the chia seeds link! That alone will save me many of trips across town to Whole Foods.
Oh my goodness...that sandwich looks amazing!
I'm glad you're enjoying the juicer! How exciting!
Ahh noo! The song is SO in my head now ;)
Gluten free bagels?!?! I need to find those ASAP! They look delicious!
Love that shirt, you look so cute!
xo
What an exciting day! You're a model. :-)
cool new juicer! i have one too but i never use it cuz it's huge and is a pain in the you-know-what to clean.
love the new shirt :)
that is an incredible deal on chia seeds!! I have to drive all the way across town to get them now and they are twice that price. I have been out for months ! (hi, I'm lazy) thanks for the link!!
Also, I'm absolutely going to have that song stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Now to pick who I'll be sharing my misery with :)
Yay for juicers! I use a toothbrush to clean the filter component and that makes clean up so much easier. I read you are not supposed to juice kale too much because of the oaxalate it contains.
i loooooove getting packages in the mail! and you really got some good ones today. :) also, you don't look awkward in your "model" photos! very cute clothes.
I really love Clean Food, I haven't gotten Clean Start yet though! I can't wait to see how you like it! And, congrats on the juicer, that is so exciting!
Can't wait to see what juices you come up with. I got Ryan the big Breville for Christmas and we've made a few juices...but like you said...it's definitely an acquired taste. I probably need to drink MORE so I can acquire it Faster!
I got the exact same juicer for Christmas and have been juicing like a mad woman! I'm planning to do a full review soon but I need to take photos and my kitchen only gets good light at a very specific time of day - IE, when I'm at work!
My juicer came with this awesome book - The Big Book of Juices and Smoothies. http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Smoothies-Vitality/dp/0007662394/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296140230&sr=8-1
Tons of recipes and ideas for juices for different ailments. Everything has been delicious so far!
UHHHH.. I always wanted one of those machines, but they are so freakin' expensive!!! have fund with it!
Hi! Omigod, I love that top! And chia seeds are a definite favorite of mine :)
It has been fun following your journey with the last couple of weeks and great recipes!! I have a crazy question but am thinking that the wheat in my diet is causing bloating as well. Can you have oatmeal and oatbran? Or do you have to buy the gluten free oatmeal? I am going to try the buckwheat groats too. ALso do you think having an allergy to wheat could cause more fatigue in the afternoon after you eat it. Have you experienced any of that. It is hard trying to figure this out but I love reading about your journey and great recipes!!
Heather
I could totally gauge your excitement from your post : ) So fun!
1) I want a juicer now.
2) that shirt is uber cute.
3) cha cha cha chia!
I love that colors in that bowl above. My first pound of chia seeds is in the mail right now - I can't wait to try them!
breakfast looks amazing..as usual. CUTE OUTFIT TOO!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. So much happening! I love bamboo clothes. They're amazingly soft. :-)
I'm going to have to order those chia seeds. I love you blog too. I'm a fairly new follower. I was introduced to Clean Eating a year ago. It was completing a 180 from how I was eating before. I fell off from it back into old ways, but this year with new resolutions I'm back to it!
I remember how yummy chia seeds were. Can't wait to get some more!
~Kandi
Damn you! Now I have had that song stuck in my head for the past 20 minutes!
Ashley, where did you find buckwheat groats? Our Whole Foods doesn't stock them, and the only other source I've found is on Amazon (for Bob's Red Mill). Thanks for any ideas.
I enjoy your blog. I've been eating raw for almost two months, and I feel lean, green and fab! Donna in NC
I would LOVE to win Clean Start. I have a bookshelf in our living room that stretches the entire wall [14 feet long, 5 feet high] FULL of nutrition books :| I love to read!
You had a very, very productive day. Glad to hear you like your juicer and loving the ecolissa top!
I need to get Terry's first book, I have heard such great things about it!
Getting packages in the mail is so much fun! Such a cute top :)
I've never had freshly made juice, but it looks so refreshing!
So much in this post!!! First, that egg sandwich made me drool -- no joke. Second -- your juicer looks like fun! My mom is giving me their old one soon, but I doubt it's very powerful. We'll see. Third -- you look SO PRETTY in your eco-clothing. Lovely, lovely girl!
congrats on the juicer! when i first got mine, i was equally stocked! it will change your life :) now i just gotta get my hands on a vita-mix and all will be right in the world!
yay for juicing!! i can't imagine life without my vita + juicer :)
Just bought some chia seeds -- thanks for the link!