Postive, Pizza, Protein

She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful and life was so short.

This Maryland weather is driving me nuts! It was 76 degrees on Friday and now they are calling for 5-8 inches of snow tonight. In my next life can I please be a weatherman? I promise I'll get it right 60% of the time.

Have you ever tried writing down positive affirmations? It's funny how something so small can manifest into something bigger. The "I can't run long distances" voice in your head can easily turn into "I am strong and I will conquer those 3 miles on the treadmill today". They don't only work in your personal life. I know many successful professionals who visualize positive in their lives to encourage positive changes. A few of my positive affirmations today are:

Challenges help me grow.
Challenges bring opportunities.
Today I choose love.
I can find balance in my busy life.
I am strong.
I accept myself for who I am. And I love me.
I am worthy. 
I am resilient.
I believe in success.
I am doing my best.
I am confident.
I am beautiful.
I can let go of the negative.
I can make healthy choices.
I can follow a healthy lifestyle.
I can create positive changes in my life.

I also thought I was having a good hair day today. Which, in my opinion, should be celebrated...by a little photo shoot! I am making a hair appointment this Saturday for a good trim and highlight. My hair never photographs the same - one day it looks light, the next dark!

It's funny to think 3 years ago my hair was up to my chin. Now I feel like Rapunzel. Although, if I were her I would have never let any man climb up my locks and risk breaking my ends. That girl had some guts! Speaking of hair, my loving boyfriend told me today I should cut and sell mine. Whatever happened to donating {which I wouldn't be able to do since I dye mine}. Boys and their silly ideas!

Tonight I made my first ever homemade pizza. It was simple and delicious and mega filling! I think the best thing about making your own pizza is you get to decide what toppings to put on it, how much cheese you want piled on and how thick you like your crust. I decided on tomatoes {rather than pizza sauce}, garlic powder, spinach, onions, mozzarella, chicken meatballs and for Chris - mushrooms. Sounds amazing right? It was. And there are leftovers so if anyone wants to make a drive out to see me, it is calling your name!

Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza Crust:

1 packet of yeast
1 cup warm water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey

If you don't have wheat germ you can grind up flax seeds or even almonds. I used my magic bullet to grind the almonds.

Directions:

Combine the ingredients together and knead into dough. Cover with a towel and let the dough sit for 30 minutes in a warm area. Next, use whole wheat flour to cover a rolling pin and parchment paper. Roll out to desired thickness. Transfer to a pan and drizzle olive oil and garlic powder on top. Heat oven to 375 and cook for 7 minutes while you prepare your toppings. Add toppings once complete and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until your cheese is nice and bubbly.

I found some delicious recipes for homemade protein bars I am going to check out this week! I also want to replicate Chris' moms tofu banana bread. Moist, tasty and vegan! Check, check and check!

Day 24: Something you’ve learned

The biggest thing I have learned relationship wise is not to resent. Resentment will kill a relationship. It is selfish and unhealthy to hold grudges and let harsh feelings bottle up inside of you. You can never move forward if you are constantly looking in the past. Thankfully I learned this pre-Chris.

In life, hard work always pays off. Believing in yourself is the right step towards success. I know I say this often, but God would never bring you to it if he thought you couldn't get through it.

I have also learned a lot about myself by blogging. I have learned to hold myself accountable in making healthy decisions. You can't expect change without changing your outlook and habits.

ps. Snack attack GIVEAWAY – enter for a chance to win a bunch of healthy snacks! Check it out http://bit.ly/ezphnc

pps. A Healthy Passion: The Real Food Diet {who has awesome photos} is having a giveaway also! Check it out here:  http://ahealthypassion.com/2011/02/19/the-real-food-diet

xoxo,
Cara