Mustang Sally

If you’ve wondered where I’ve been all week, here’s your answer:

As sweet as that ride is, I’m anxious to move to Sacramento as soon as possible so I can reduce the amount of time I spend in the hot rod. The country has been lovely and all, but spending $300 + a month on gas to commute to and fro from Sacramento is killing me. Also, waking up at 5:30AM in order to get ready for work and commute an hour to arrive by 8:00AM definitely chips away at my valuable daily time.

I have my fingers crossed that I may be able to rent an incredible loft apartment at a discounted rate where I work, which would shorten my hour-long, traffic saturated commute to just a mere walk across the parking lot. An option that would be much greener, and ridiculously convenient.

In other news, I made some wise and long-anticipated purchases this week:

I had to restrain myself from squealing out-loud with delight at the Natural Food Co-Op nut butter section. Nutzo is no new phenomenon in the blog world, but it was new to my pantry. The blend and variety of nuts provides a delightful crunchy texture. As for the flavor…it left a little to be desired. I like my nut butter salty or sweet, and this was kind of bland for my personal taste. I think Nutzo is perfect when incorporated in toast, oatmeal, and veggie dipping. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for blending in smoothies or banana soft serves in which a smoother blend of nut butter works best, at least in my opinion!

Carrot and Celery Cuts, Nutzo

Nutzo, Mixed Berry Preserves, Sliced Banana, Cinnamon, Whole Wheat Toast (Arnold's Double Fiber)

I’ve also discovered that adding a cup of Kefir probiotic yogurt smoothie to a green monster makes for the perfect smoothie in a bowl:

2 Cups Spinach, 1 Cup Kefir Strawberry Smoothie, 1/2 Frozen Banana, Ice Cubes, Topped with Galaxy Granola (Cranberry Orange)

Immune system boosting pro-biotics and 13 grams of protein in addition to all the green smoothie goodness? I’m sold on these Kefir smoothies!

Though I’ve been a busy bee for the past week, I’ve still found time to make at least one wholesome, home-cooked dinner for my Dad and myself:

For this chicken entree, I simply coated 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts with Italian Seasoning and pan-seared them in a cast-iron skillet for 7 minutes on each side. Once the chicken was cooked through, I topped them with a slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato slice, and basil leaf. I allowed the cheese to melt for about 3 minutes while the chicken was still in the skillet, then served the chicken alongside steamed kale.

It was incredible! I’ve been eating a lot of Italian inspired dishes as of late (which on a sub-conscious level could have a lot to do with the fact that while unemployed I was watching The Sopranos marathon style…)

While I cannot pinpoint the source of my Italian eating inspiration, all my taste buds can say is a simple grazie to whatever it is.

What’s your favorite Italian dish?

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