Like I said in the last post, there is just something about springtime that jacks up my happiness level to an ultimate high. I can't deny that the weather is definitely part of it, or it could be that I'm a spring baby. Either way, spring time in Colorado gives me a high that is all natural, baby.

On this particular day, I told my sisters to come to Denver for the day to have a little lunch date. Inspired by the spring weather and blooming flowers here is what I created: 

Veggie reuben: 

Whole Foods pretzel buns

1 large heirloom tomato

cucumber

banana peppers

avocado

sprouts

spinach/arugala mix

vegan thousand island dressing

swiss cheese

- First, put the sliced tomato on the bun. Then layer the cucumbers, banana peppers, and then swiss. Melt in the broiler. Then add avocado, spinach/arugala blend, sprouts and top with thousand island and bun. 

Healthy banana pudding:

your favorite vanilla greek yogurt

bananas

honey

-Layer the yogurt, then slice banana's, drizzle honey over it. healthy desert made easy peasy. 

This was a day that was filled with mimosas, laughter, and love. It's the little things in life that make the world go 'round. Make the most of a day off, eat up the sunshine, share some laughs, be positive for one whole day- there is literally always something to smile about. 

Happy Thursday everyone! Cheers to the freakin weekend! I am just so happy lately that it is finally spring in Denver. Which, for me, means picking up the latest fresh veggies at the local farmers market, coming home to be inspired by the chosen ones, and then enjoying it over a glass of rose wine on the patio! Pure bliss.

This post is for my friend, Bean. Speaking of happiness, she seems to always be. She is truly an inspiration to me and my life. After realizing that her high paying accounting job was not for her, she realized her passions and became a lower paying, over worked teacher. If that doesn't scream follow your dreams, I'm not sure what does. Cheers Beanie, I love you.

I believe any time of year is a prime time to start following your dreams. However, spring, especially, is a perfect time to get out of your winter cocoons and comfort zones, and branch out! Many people are afraid to cook certain vegetables because they seem foreign, in a way. Beets may seem intimidating, but in reality, they're very easy to cook, here's how:

cut the green leafy tops off the beet but nothing else. if you chop the beet up first then you lose all the nutrients in the boiling process.
place beets in a large pot and boil until fork is tender.
then, use a spoon and just peel off the skins, they should come right off.
next, chop or slice into discs and serve. see, easy!

Roasted beet, tomato, and buratta salad:

2 large yellow beets, boiled then chopped
4-5 compari tomatoes...or whatever tomato looks great that day
1 head of roasted garlic
1 bunch of arugala
lemon dressing
ball of delicious buratta
salt and pepper

lemon dressing:
olive oil
dash of lemon juice
dash of canola oil
dijon mustard
fresh garlic
salt and pepper

whisk the dressing together and then toss the beets and tomatoes with the dressing. then chop up your roasted garlic, sprinkle all over salad, salt, pepper, and top the buratta with your favorite olive oil, roasted garlic, and enjoy. serve with some of your favorite bread and you have a delicious hearty spring time meal! grab your loves and enjoy out on the patio with some great vino!

Happy Spring!