Things I’m Loving “Monday” 4 (Tuesday)

Hey all!

It’s been a hectic past few days and weekend, so I didn’t have time to post my things I’m loving segment yesterday, but here it is!

First of all a recap of my last few days – it was a gorgeous weekend with amazing weather! I got a chance to go to the beach, hang out with friends, family biking, and had new pet visits with my friends brand new kittens (so cute!) Yesterday was a crazy looooong day at work. Meetings after meetings pretty much, and my sickness (talkin’ an elephant standing on my head) did not help whatsoever. Then my night consisted of lesson plans for my wellness programming in the school board. WOW! But not I am feeling a bit more organized and relieved.

I can also take this time to share with you my favourite workout of the weekend!

This is again thanks to the wonderful PBFINGERS blog! If you take a look under her workouts tab there are plenty of routines that are good to give a try. I like this one because you can challenge yourself and get what you put into it. The hardest part for me was actually the push ups, I need to work on those!

Now let’ s get to the things I’m loving…. 🙂

• Catching up with old friends and laughing your toosh off

Who doesn’t love this?? By random chance, my elementary school best friend messaged me on Facebook and it turned into a conversation with another one of my old friends, Laura, this went on for over an hour and we just reminisced together over old times and traveled down memory lane. It was actually the best timing too because I was having a rough day. It’s crazy how reaffirming connections and your relationships with others can re-instill your feeling of purpose and love in your life! If you’re ever having a rough day just give an old friend, new friend, family member a call! It will make a HUGE difference.

• Free stuff!

I am the Queen of free things. I love free stuff. But I especially love free things that actually will bring purpose into my life. My work team had a community showcase over the weekend where I was able to collect multiple wellness tools that I will use! I’m talkin water bottles, snacks, vegan soap, new agenda, and there were also a number of free draws to enter! Fun stuff!

• The fact that the PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE IS BACK! 🙂

I do not even need to explain nor justify my happiness for this… Pumpkin everyday!

• Baby kittens!

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These are the cute kittens my friend just got! They have yet to be named. They’re sister kittens, anyone have name ideas?

• Cauliflower crust pizza recipe

Pizza in general is amazing, we all know that. But putting a healthy spin on it is always good and makes us feel better about the indulgence. I found this recipe which actually wasn’t too difficult and turned out so deliciously! The hardest part I found was actually grating the cauliflower. If you have a good blender (which unfortunately I don’t) it would make it much easier I’m sure!

Ingredients:

1 cup raw, grated (or chopped in food processor) cauliflower*
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp parsley
(may add other Italian spices as desired–such as dried or fresh basil)

Any other desired toppings

Directions

Makes 4, 1-slice servings. Can be doubled for a larger pizza

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray or use parchment paper. (Optional: Use coconut oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before laying dough onto baking surface. Increases calories but I like health benefits of coconut oil. Some in this forum may not appreciate using this oil.)

In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower, egg, mozzarella and all desired spices. Press evenly on baking pan or pizza stone.

Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes (up to 20 minutes if you double the recipe). You may turn over once if desired.

Remove the pan from the oven. To the crust, add sauce, then toppings and cheese. (Get creative and top with chopped apples and cheese or your own combinations of whatever you like on a pizza. Some examples to choose from are jack cheese, onion, fresh or dried tomatoes, artichokes, shredded/cooked chicken, turkey pepperoni, pineapple, mushrooms, marinara sauce, bell peppers, whatever peppers you like, fresh mushrooms, fresh basil…your imagination is the limit.)

Place under broiler, on high heat, until cheese is melted.

Reheats nicely and can still be held in the hand, even the next day. (If you don’t press “dough” too thin, make small rounds and add enough egg to hold together.)

Pizza crusts can be frozen after the initial baking and used later.

*If using frozen cauliflower, prepare according to package directions. After cooked and slightly cooled, shred cauliflower with a cheese grater, (or grater blade on food processor) and then measure for the recipe. (An “unpacked/loose” cup.) Be sure to drain WELL.

Guestimate~Approximately 2 1/4 cups of 1″ cauliflower would grate into one cup of grated (or riced) cauliflower.

For lower calories, substitute two egg whites for whole egg and low or no fat mozzarella cheese.

Don’t spread this too thin or it will fall apart; if it’s too thick, it’s doughy in the middle.