Meatless Monday: Mediterranean style!

Here at the Beris household, we have decided to participate in Meatless Monday! You're probably wondering "Why the heck would you do that?!" Well, going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel. So it's good for you AND good for the planet... Score!

Now, my husband is a meat eater. He would eat meat with a side of meat if he could. And he was a little less than thrilled with the introduction of MM. BUT when you make meals that are super yummy and filling, you don't even miss the meat.

This week we decided to take a Greek spin on chili. We used canned beans/tomatoes this time because we were short on time, but you can always use fresh! Since I have to eat gluten free, we used a Mediterranean blend of quinoa and it was DELISH! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cans garbanzo beans
2 cans diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onion
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
8 cups spinach
1/2 feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Add in spinach, cooking for one minute or until wilted. Sprinkle with feta and serve with quinoa, rice, or couscous. Serves 4 (1 1/4 serving)

Enjoy!

Happiness is more.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
Denis Waitley

Favorite things: Winter 2013

It's been a while since I've posted some
"favorite things" but I have a few to share, so feel free to indulge : ) Pictures/where to purchase these items are at bottom of post.

1. Perlier's Caribbean Vanilla Line

This stuff is like a taste of paradise, which is perfect this time of year when it's cold and dreary... a temporary escape! The scent is nice and light, too. I love the scent roller... I just throw it in my purse! Speaking of purses....

2. Dana Buchman Me-Me Tote

I have never been a "small purse" type of girl, so this tote is just right for me! Mine is actually brown with a black patent-faux-leather front pocket and silver-tone hardware. I love that it goes with almost everything and it's great for carrying all of my essentials!


3. Sally Girl Lip Gloss
These are so fun! They come in a variety of shades, and they're only $.99! Just the thing for trying out new/different shades. I bought a nude/pink colored one and it's my new fave : ) They are also hydrating, which is nice when the air is dry.


4. Old Navy Belted Cap Sleeve Dress
I wasn't quite sure about this dress at first... It's orange. I don't really do orange. But I quickly fell in love and so did everyone else! For $8, you can't beat that! I have never had so many compliments from strangers as I did when I was wearing this. Well worth the purchase and taking a risk on the color! I toned it down a bit with black sweater/tights but it's fun to wear a pop of color in the winter.

So that's that. Like what you see? Here's where you can find them : )

Perlier:
http://www.perlier.com/product.php?productid=616
Dana Buchman Tote: http://m.kohls.com/product/prd-1088874/dana-buchman-me-me-tote.jsp
Sally Girl Lip Gloss: http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-SA-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=SALGRL7
Old Navy Dress:
http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op330134022&dv=1&pid=330134022&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.savingsaidsimply.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fcrowdtap-old-navy-dress-sample-share.html%3Fm%3D1&cid=86263&vid=1

I am so grateful for the love of my husband.

“The funny thing is that although we place so much energy and importance on our wedding day, it isn't the biggest day of our life. The biggest day of your life is every day thereafter. Because it's not the pledge to love someone that matters, but the act of fulfilling that pledge that is most important. In other words, it's only just begun.”
― Laura Wolf, Diary of a Mad Bride

Monday Motivation: Fresh start

I kind of love Monday. Fresh start, fresh perspective. Grab today by the horns and know that everything will be alright ; )

Say Yes

“ When you say 'yes' to others, make sure you are not saying 'no' to yourself. ” ~ Paulo Coelho

I have to start saying yes to myself. At first, I thought that was a pretty selfish way to think. But then I realized... If I am not the best version of myself, I'm neglecting my end of any relationship. If I don't like me... Why should anyone else?


So, I'm going to say yes to myself a little more often. It doesn't mean I'll always say no or that I'll say no to everyone, but if it takes away from being the best version of me? I'm not going to do it.

It's not selfish. It's anything but...

It's for God. It's for my husband. It's for my family. It's for my friends. It's for ME.

It's for anyone who deserves the best of me.

Monday Motivation: Be happy!