Not Made of Stone
Hi friends 😀 How are you? Hope you’re having a beautiful morning.
Last night was a lot of fun 🙂 I did a Bodyrock workout + some ab domination at home before getting ready for the evening. It was a good friend’s birthday –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! (<— said in my best Giada voice)
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. 😀
The breads of choice were Rosemary and Multigrain, both from Joe the Trader.
(Bread is soooo beautiful. It makes my heart swoon)
Toasted up with some olive oil:
and then broiled with sliced goat cheese on top.
Like fancier grilled cheese 😉
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 😀
All together now:
A colorful and festive dish indeed 🙂
The party was at the new base housing, which I was super impressed with.
They’re BEAUTIFUL! Very different from the base housing in V-town. We usually prefer not to live on base because it’s nice to get a little distance, but it’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 😀
You’re probably wondering what in the what my title has to do with this post…
so here ya go.
Yeah, I gave almond butter up for Lent and Lent ends next Sunday. I didn’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. He’s safe and in the states, which I’m so thankful for, but having him back for a short amount of time was a legendary tease.
Please don’t feel bad for me, instead just make some of this broccoli slaw with chickpeas and spicy almond butter sauce:
Spicy almond butter sauce = 2 T almond butter, 3 T almond milk, garlic, sea salt, pepper, cayenne and a little honey
It’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
Off to b-fast with the fam and then to yoga. Bella’s already practiced today 😉
Have a lovely morning and I’ll see ya laterrrrrr.
xoxo
Gina
Upcoming on the bloggy:
-New recipes!
-a video post (let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see this week)
-Giveaway 😉
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Yum! That broc slaw looks delicious! You seriously always have the most mouthwatering concoctions in your posts!
Aww Gina, I’m sorry to hear that the Pilot is gone again 🙁 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 🙂
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 😉
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
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 🙂
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!!
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!!!!
I thought he would be home for at least 3 years? 🙁 I’m sorry you guys are apart again. Enjoy your almond butter and infinite Bella kisses!
I love bruschetta — so easy and so delicous. I too love bread!
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. 🙂
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! 🙂
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 🙂 Can’t wait to see the new recipes you’re posting soon.
Oh no! He left again! Major hugs, girl.
ahh i’m a bodyrocker as well! you should post which workouts you like to do and which are your favorite, etc 🙂 My favorite is the 550rep massacre!
Mmmm that bruschetta looks AMAAAZZZZING <3
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 😉
I love bruschetta!! So tasty and refreshing!!
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!
Those solar panels on the base houses are pretty sweet 🙂 And what kind of a life is a life without almond butter anyway?
sorry he’s gone 🙁 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! 🙂
your strong! dont forget that.
that bruschetta looks fab!
and bella is as cute as ever
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.
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 🙂
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 🙂
Bread makes my heart swoon too! If i wanted to, I could eat that whole loaf! Brushetta looks delish!
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.
Alright, I’m definitely trying that spicy almond butter sauce. YUM!
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!
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 🙂
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. 🙂 Thanks for the almond butter sauce recipe…sounds like a winner!
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! 🙂
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!
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!
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. 😉
Wow that multigrain bread looks amazing!
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! 🙂 In other news, that bruschetta looks amazeballs (<- the words of a wise, wise woman 😉 )!!
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 🙂
The bruschetta looks wonderful, too.
🙂
Love the bruschetta idea!!! thanks 🙂
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 😉
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
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!
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? 🙂 that’s important.
Mmm… LOVE the idea of brocolli slaw with almond butter! Yum!
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!!
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!
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.
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!
That’s so frustrating he’s gone so soon! You deserve a lovin spoonful of almond butter for sure!
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!
marscapooooooneeeee! 🙂
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!
thanks so much for saying hi 🙂
glad you liked it! i had to have it again for dinner tonight 😀
xoxo
Love Giada pic! 🙂 The bruschetta looks wonderful! Totally understandable on almond butter, hang in there! The slaw looks great.
That totally stinks that the pilot is off again! When do you get to see him again?