Not Made of Stone

Hi friends ๐Ÿ˜€ How are you? Hope youโ€™re having a beautiful morning.

Last night was a lot of fun ๐Ÿ™‚ I did a Bodyrock workout + some ab domination at home before getting ready for the evening. It was a good friendโ€™s birthday โ€“one who was in Valdosta with us and is now stationed in Tucson! The A-10 family is close one- so the partay was at her casa.

I decided to bring one of my favorite easy vegetarian appetizers:

bruschetta

BRUSCHETTA! (<— said in my best Giada voice)

bigger giada-enthusiasm1 Source

Bruschetta is a pretty awesome on-the-fly recipe. You toast some bread, mix some tomatoes and whatever you feel in a bowl, top said bread with said topping and Voila! Bruschetta. ๐Ÿ˜€

The breads of choice were Rosemary and Multigrain, both from Joe the Trader.

bread

(Bread is soooo beautiful. It makes my heart swoon)

Toasted up with some olive oil:

bread (2)

and then broiled with sliced goat cheese on top.

cheese

Like fancier grilled cheese ๐Ÿ˜‰

cheese (2)

For the topping, I rolled with a mixture of roasted shallets, sliced organic grape tomatoes, garlic, sea salt, a little cayenne, olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, sliced roasted red peppers and fresh basil from the plant that one guy gave me ๐Ÿ˜€

topping

All together now:

bruschetta (2)

A colorful and festive dish indeed ๐Ÿ™‚

The party was at the new base housing, which I was super impressed with.

base

Theyโ€™re BEAUTIFUL! Very different from the base housing in V-town. We usually prefer not to live on base because itโ€™s nice to get a little distance, but itโ€™s good to know that the ones here are pretty amazing. At the party, there were friends to catch up with, new babies to snuggle, vino to drink and black bean burgers to munch ๐Ÿ˜€

Youโ€™re probably wondering what in the what my title has to do with this postโ€ฆ

so here ya go.

almond butter

Yeah, I gave almond butter up for Lent and Lent ends next Sunday. I didnโ€™t make it, even though I was sooooo close!!!

Yesterday was a day where this girl needed some almond butter. I spent part of the day in between crying spells because the Pilot left before I had the chance to get used to him being around again. Heโ€™s safe and in the states, which Iโ€™m so thankful for, but having him back for a short amount of time was a legendary tease.

Please donโ€™t feel bad for me, instead just make some of this broccoli slaw with chickpeas and spicy almond butter sauce:slaw

Spicy almond butter sauce = 2 T almond butter, 3 T almond milk, garlic, sea salt, pepper, cayenne and a little honey

Itโ€™s not always a good idea to eat your feelings, but sometimes food really is the best medicine.. along with a thousand Bella kisses and a big hug from the madre <3

bella

Off to b-fast with the fam and then to yoga. Bellaโ€™s already practiced today ๐Ÿ˜‰

Have a lovely morning and Iโ€™ll see ya laterrrrrr.

xoxo

Gina

Upcoming on the bloggy:

-New recipes!

-a video post (let me know if thereโ€™s anything youโ€™d like to see this week)

-Giveaway ๐Ÿ˜‰

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61 Comments

  1. Sara K on April 17, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    Yum! That broc slaw looks delicious! You seriously always have the most mouthwatering concoctions in your posts!

  2. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine on April 17, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Aww Gina, I’m sorry to hear that the Pilot is gone again ๐Ÿ™ Hoping that this is a quick trip and you’ll be reunited soon! And don’t worry about the “cheating”- I gave up desserts for Lent but cheated out the wazoo a few weeks ago at the NYC Veg expo ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Carla on April 17, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    I cant wait for new recipes! and is there a brand of goat cheese you like better than others? im headed to traders in just a little bit ๐Ÿ˜‰

  4. Sarah @TheExPat Bride on April 17, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    At least you have adorable Bella there! Sorry Pilot’s gone again :/ I know that distance sucks, but it least it keeps things interesting when you do get together! lol

  5. Jessica on April 17, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    That bruschetta looks ridic! I have this goat cheese that would be perfect… I think I’ll make that tonight! Nobody is made of stone, and it’s ok that you caved. As much as we like to have it all together, sometimes they fall apart and it’s all you can do to keep your sanity. Have a great Sunday ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. mel on April 17, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    hang in there sweet Gina!! He will be home sooner than you know it!!! Your food looks great and who gives a flip about the AB. Glad you enjoyed it!!

  7. tina on April 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Gina…
    it’s ok that you cheated a little…you are actually allowed to eat what you gave up for Lent on Sundays so just pretend it was Sunday when you ate it….it was Sunday somewhere!!! Thanks for all your fun recipes I have actually been having my own love affair with almond butter lately and I’m definitely gonna try the above one!!!!

  8. Krystina (Organically Me) on April 17, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I thought he would be home for at least 3 years? ๐Ÿ™ I’m sorry you guys are apart again. Enjoy your almond butter and infinite Bella kisses!

  9. Holly @ The Runny Egg on April 17, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I love bruschetta — so easy and so delicous. I too love bread!

  10. Errign on April 17, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Hang in there Gina! The Pilot will be back before ya know it. And if nut butter is wrong, I don’t wanna be right. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I was wondering if you could do a little video/post about the BOSU ball – we have a couple in my gym on campus and I don’t know how to use it without looking like a goon & you are usually pretty informative & up front! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Joelle on April 17, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Be thankful he’s safe like you said. But I’m sure it’s still hard. Time will fly!
    Love broccoli slaw and thanks for the sauce idea. I have all the ingredients, so it’s on tonight dinner menu ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait to see the new recipes you’re posting soon.

  12. Lindsey on April 17, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    Oh no! He left again! Major hugs, girl.

  13. Chelsea on April 17, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    ahh i’m a bodyrocker as well! you should post which workouts you like to do and which are your favorite, etc ๐Ÿ™‚ My favorite is the 550rep massacre!
    Mmmm that bruschetta looks AMAAAZZZZING <3

  14. Pam on April 17, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    aww don’t feel bad about the almond butter! Your heart was in the right place when you chose to give it up, and that’s all that matters. I think the big guy understands ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. Danielle on April 17, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    I love bruschetta!! So tasty and refreshing!!

  16. aj on April 17, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    Such a bummer that you have to be separated from the pilot again! My man is coming to town for the whole week! I’m excited, but it’s getting harder to say goodbye everytime he leaves : (. Luckily the pilot will be back in a few weeks, right? My guy will be back FOR GOOD in June and I’m counting down!

    I love that you love slaw in various formats! I am a slaw addict and regularly have heads of cabbage, apples and raisins a TJ’s poppyseed dressing in the kitchen for my fave version. My sister just doesn’t get my love of cabbage and calls my slaw “gas salad”. haha. Whateves, I love it!

  17. KimLivesHealthy on April 17, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    Those solar panels on the base houses are pretty sweet ๐Ÿ™‚ And what kind of a life is a life without almond butter anyway?

  18. Felicia (A taste of Health with Balance) on April 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    sorry he’s gone ๐Ÿ™ but i do believe almond butter does cure a sad heart, worked for me plenty of times. you made it this far thats all that matters! ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Allison @ Food For Healing on April 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    your strong! dont forget that.

    that bruschetta looks fab!
    and bella is as cute as ever

  20. lauren @ sassy molassy on April 17, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Gina, that bruschetta looks amazing. Definitely a great thing to bring to parties! Hang in there girl. You’ve done this before and you are strong.

  21. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on April 17, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    With that reasoning, I think an early indulgence in the AB was entirely justified Gina!! I know I’ve said it before but I can’t imagine what it must be like to be on your own so much. HOWEVER, I know you’re super strong and you can do it!!! PS. The bruschetta looks lovely ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. Kate on April 17, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Ha, that Giada poster made me crack up. So true.

    That sucks that the pilot is gone. Hopefully he’ll be back before you know it ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. Cait @ Beyond Bananas on April 17, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Bread makes my heart swoon too! If i wanted to, I could eat that whole loaf! Brushetta looks delish!

  24. Ann on April 17, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    That slaw looks fantastic! Kind of like a variation on sesame noodles, sans the noodles!
    You are such a strong woman, I know you’ll sail through this time like you did before. And food is good for nourishing your soul, in addition to your body, sometimes.

  25. Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles on April 17, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    Alright, I’m definitely trying that spicy almond butter sauce. YUM!

  26. MMiller on April 17, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    That looks amazing! And on the brighter side, the pilot won’t be away for months and months this time! I know, I know…doesn’t help your missing him feelings at the moment! But you will be together before you know it!

  27. Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition on April 17, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    Yum! That brushetta looks delicious and easy to make. I’m on a detox now (no wheat, meat, dairy, caffeine, alcohol ) so that bread made me drool a little bit ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. kristi (sweet cheeks) on April 17, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    We are all here for you Gina!! I can’t imagine how tough your situation is but at least you’ve support from your family and friends and many many blog readers. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for the almond butter sauce recipe…sounds like a winner!

  29. Ruth on April 17, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    We (your readers) will hang with you and help you out while the pilot is gone, just like you help us through things. Cheesy but true! ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. Suzanne on April 17, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    aw, sorry to hear that the Pilot is gone again. But, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

    Glad to see you’ll be doing another video. A topic I’d love to see is something about back pain/back exercises. Do you have any pain that prevents you from doing exercises? If so, how do you handle it? I have had chronic back pain for years. It has gotten worse lately because I sit in front of a computer 8+ hours a day.

    I work out regularly, but when I try to strengthen my core or do any ab work, my back pain prevents me from doing it with good form. I don’t feel like I’m getting the most of the exercises. Any advice? Thanks!

  31. Ashley @ Feeding Ashley on April 17, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    I’m sorry you’re sad the pilot left. My boyfriend just left (we’re doing the whole long distance thang) and I feel super sad. I need almond butter.
    Bella is such a cutie. Can’t wait for the video and giveaway!

  32. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on April 17, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Hang in there Gina, he’ll be back before you know it! <3 And in the meantime, I say go to town on that AB jar. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  33. Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews on April 17, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Wow that multigrain bread looks amazing!

  34. Lara on April 17, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    I am glad you did what was best for you (in regards to the AB). My heart goes out to you while the pilot is gone. You are such a strong woman, mentally and physically, and I’m very inspired by you! ๐Ÿ™‚ In other news, that bruschetta looks amazeballs (<- the words of a wise, wise woman ๐Ÿ˜‰ )!!

  35. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on April 17, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I am glad you had “friends to catch up with, new babies to snuggle, vino to drink and black bean burgers to munch ” — because it sounds like you needed it. And the AB. Needed that too. Hugs honey. That sucks that he had to leave again. Sigh. My heart just got heavy FOR you. I am so sorry…it must be so hard.

    My hubs is gone too so much… and I’m basically a single, FT working mom, too. It’s hard. Very hard and if AB can do the trick, then by all means, have more ๐Ÿ™‚

    The bruschetta looks wonderful, too.

    ๐Ÿ™‚

  36. Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife on April 17, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Love the bruschetta idea!!! thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. Christa on April 17, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    mmmmm, I am definitely making that broccoli slaw this week for lunches! do you think it will keep in the fridge for a day or two, would be great if I can make it ahead for the week.

    I cannot imagine what you go through. my hubby is not in the military but is starting to travel with work here and there. A few days is tough enough for me! You are one strong lady, but sometimes you just need a darn good cry… and yes, all the AB you can handle ๐Ÿ˜‰

  38. Jessica on April 17, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    don’t worry about the slip, I’ve accidentally eaten meat every single Friday of Lent. I had the best intentions, I swear…
    And you deserve a little reward for being a strong army wife xo

  39. Victoria on April 17, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Aw I got a wee bit sad for you because I know how it feels. But seeing that you have a great marriage (of course with some hard times), despite all the distance makes me not worry so much. Though I’m not married yet, my boyfriend and I are about to spend almost 4 months apart which we’ve never had to do before (we’ve been together for 4 years). I’m nervous and sad but seeing you, and others get through it makes me not feel as lonely and worried!

  40. Ellie@fitforthesoul on April 17, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    haha Giada IS quite peppy isn’t she?! and it’s ok about the lent bit!! I think it’s really all about the heart in the end. Whatever happens, are our hearts in the right place? ๐Ÿ™‚ that’s important.

  41. Flo (Coconut Chronicles) on April 17, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    Mmm… LOVE the idea of brocolli slaw with almond butter! Yum!

  42. Katie on April 17, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Super Bummer that he is leaving again BUT at least it will not be for long and you will be out there to see him soon too! Love ya girl!!!

    I am still going strong with no cereal for lent! I can’t wait for next weekend to have cereal back in my life though, will be fabulous!!

  43. Stephanie on April 17, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    That bruschetta really is beautiful! I know how you feel about the pilot leaving. My husband is currently home, for 18 fabulous days. Then he’s leaving again on the 26th and I won’t move out East with him until July. I HATE this year. I can’t wait to move on to the next one!

  44. Jena on April 17, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    It is refreshing to hear you’re ‘not made of stone’. You are such an inspiration, it is nice to see you’re just like the rest of us sometimes too.

    Sorry to hear the Pilot is gone again for a little while:( Just think of this as your last teeny-tiny hurdle until you re-commence what sounds like is going to be a pretty ideal life, new house, and the best part lots of having your man at home with you again once he is officially re-posted!!

    My guy came back in December, and man-oh-man, life is sweet waking up next to him every morning.

  45. Jaime on April 17, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Sorry he is gone again! Hopefully it is not too long. Also, I’m glad I’m not the only one who failed on lent! I gave up sugar, but I had surgery a few days ago and everyone keeps bringing over candy and sweets. I feel bad not eating any of it because some of my friends/coworkers spent a lot of time baking…oh well!

  46. Gillian on April 17, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    That’s so frustrating he’s gone so soon! You deserve a lovin spoonful of almond butter for sure!

  47. Kelly on April 17, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    So honestly…I hate (read: HATE) how Giada uses her accent when she says anything Italian. It is like nails on the chalkboard to me!

    • Fitnessista on April 17, 2011 at 7:26 pm

      marscapooooooneeeee! ๐Ÿ™‚

  48. Kristen on April 17, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Hey – I just happened upon your blog… and apparently just in the nick of time! I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner and I happened to have all the ingredients for your broccoli slaw. Just made it and… WOW. YUM!

    Thanks for posting!

    • Fitnessista on April 17, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      thanks so much for saying hi ๐Ÿ™‚
      glad you liked it! i had to have it again for dinner tonight ๐Ÿ˜€
      xoxo

  49. Christine (The Raw Project) on April 17, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Love Giada pic! ๐Ÿ™‚ The bruschetta looks wonderful! Totally understandable on almond butter, hang in there! The slaw looks great.

  50. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey on April 17, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    That totally stinks that the pilot is off again! When do you get to see him again?

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