Leftover Lunch

I had a bunch of fresh green beans nearing the end of freshness in my fridge and I needed to think of something quickly. I vaguely remembered a side I had while in Japan - green beans drizzled in chili oil - so I decided to recreate it as best and as healthy I could.

I used the following for my lunch Sunday (and leftover lunch Monday), but you can substitute whatever you have on hand:

• Previously cooked plain Quinoa (I always a batch have some kind of grain in the fridge to speed up meal prep) Any rice would be a good sub as would rye berries or kamut.
• Previously grilled chicken thighs
• Fresh green beans
• Fresh white onion
• Bragg's liquid aminos (soy sauce works well too)
• Fresh garlic
• Chili Powder

I sliced the onions and sauteed with a tiny bit of olive oil, garlic, and Bragg's. Once the pan was hot and the onions had softened I added the green beans and let the mixture simmer until the green beans were soft. I then generously sprinkled chili powder and mixed. Bragg's has a decent amount of salt so I didn't add salt, but I did add black pepper.

I threw the mixture over the quinoa and added the chicken. Quick, easy, delicious and healthy. 

Here are a few swap ideas if something doesn't sound good to you:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: swap chicken for tofu 
• Want more veggies: mushrooms, peppers (bell or spicy) would make a great addition.
• Not sure about quinoa or don't want rice? Soba noodles would also be amazing. 
• Sliced almonds would also add some great crunch.

*I never claimed my food would be pretty*

Flower Saturday

I love playing with flowers. Channelling my inner florist is something that is both relaxing and creatively fulfilling. I did the flowers for my besties wedding last year and ever since, I get excited any chance I get to do a little arranging. Today we had both a birthday party and a dinner to attend so I had two reasons to head down to wholesale flowers and grab some bulk blooms.

With a little fall in the air I was ecstatic when I found these beautiful warm colored roses. I also bought hydrangeas, dahlias and Star of Bethlehem. I really prefer sturdier flowers. The dahlias were a little flimsy for my liking and I am always afraid of bruising the hydrangeas, but I think they are so pretty I get them almost every time. I kind of like just heading in there without a vision, picking what I like, and seeing what comes of it. Such a fun and relaxing way to start the weekend.