almost raw zucchini noodles

Looking for a super-healthy, gluten-free way to enjoy pasta? Try these almost-raw zucchini noodles!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 garlic clove chopped
• 1 Tbs. olive oil

• 1 small tomato diced
• Your favorite pasta sauce

1. Take your zucchini & use a vegetable peeler, mandoline, or julienne peeler to slice the entire squash into long, thin strips
2. Put the garlic and olive oil in a skillet & heat it up over medium heat
3. When the garlic is cooking, throw your zucchini "noodles" into the pan and toss them in the oil until they're heated through
4. Top the noodles with your favorite pasta sauce & some fresh tomato for garnish. Tonight I used my homemade pesto, but a marinara or vodka sauce would be darn tasty too. Yum! :)

friday's fave 5: baseball games

the rockies season may be over, but I had so much fun at baseball games this summer, I'm already looking forward to next year!

1. I love finding meatless meals at Coors Field- at this game we got garlic fries and a veggie panini, but you can also find pizzas, hot dogs, and burgers, all meat-free!
2. Big cheers to baseball beers! Icy, cold brews were the perfect beverage on a hot, summer day
3. Dad & I have been going to Rockies games since I can remember- it's always a lot of fun, but just spending a day with my pop is always the best part♥
4. One of my favorite traditions is keeping a score card- it may not be perfect, but it's darn close!
5. Oh yeah. And baseball! You can't forget that part, can you? ;)

The Rockies may not have won every game this year, but that doesn't matter! I'll still be back next summer for beer drinking, veggie dog eating, and perfect score card keeping!

basic green smoothie

it might look like you're drinking pesto, but green smoothies are a great way to get more fruits & veggies in your diet & they're super tasty too :)

Ingredients:

• 1 apple chopped
• 1 banana chopped
• 1/2 cup rice milk
• 1 cup chopped kale

• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup water (optional)
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional)

1. Place the apple, banana & rice milk into your blender & start blending!
2. With the machine still running, add the spinach & kale
3. If your blender needs more liquid, or you like your smoothie a little thinner, add the water
4. When everything is combined, add the protein powder if you're using it, grab a glass & pour out your smoothie- slurp!

world vegetarian day 2012

Three years ago to this very day, my parents and I decided try going meatless for just one month- for our health, for my weight, and for a fun challenge to boot. After 31 days, we were hooked, and we haven't looked back since. Becoming a vegetarian is one of the best decisions I've ever made & I'm excited to celebrate World Vegetarian Day, on a Meatless Monday, on the first day of Vegetarian Month. It's like all the veggie planets are aligning :)

So break out your favorite recipes & invite your friends & family to share. Say it out loud. I'm meatless & I'm proud! :)

friday's fave 5: Tour de Fat

New Belgium Brewery's Tour de Fat is one of the best excuses to put on a silly costume, ride your bike around & drink too much beer. 

1. At the Ft. Collins tour, our group costume was a murder of crows- beautiful, feathered, fabulous crows!
2. In Denver, Julie & I dressed up as never nudes- it was a little obscure, but completely hilarious! I'm pleased to say we both make extremely unattractive men.
3. I loved these cute, printed, wood coins. I would have saved one, but they just so happened to be the beer tokens, and I was in need of a cold beer on a hot day
4. Giant jenga, live music, circus performers &  strange contraptions were just part of the festivities in the park
5. And of course, you can't forget all the cool bikes. Everything from old fashioned high wheelers, to new wacky models with tennis shoe tires- the crazy homemade bikes alone could entertain you all day

Tour de Fat ran through Colorado earlier this month, but the tour dates go through the end of October. If you have the chance to check it out, I highly recommend it. SO much fun :)

baked tofu

looking for a simple way to spice up your tofu? bake it! yummm.

 Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu- drained/pressed
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. onion powder

1. While your oven is preheating to 375° F, combine the soy sauce & onion powder in a bowl & stir well to combine
2. Take your block of tofu, cut it into bite-sized cubes & toss it with the soy sauce mixture
3. When the oven is hot, place the tofu on a baking sheet & place it in the oven for 10 minutes
4. After 10 minutes, flip the tofu cubes & bake another 10- maybe longer if you like your tofu a little crispier, or your oven is ghetto like mine
5. When the tofu is baked to perfection, pull it out & add it to your favorite stir fry, salad, or soup!
Enjoy :)

friday's fave 5: fourteeners

With fall quickly approaching, I'm already thinking about some of my favorite moments from this summer- 

hiking my first 2 fourteeners definitely makes that list!

1. The views were outrageous. No matter how many photos I took, it still doesn't seem to do it justice
2. I love spending time with our furry friends- maybe just not that close next time. Ha!
3. Getting to see some places I've never been before-the Grays & Bierstadt areas were both new to me!
4. Spending quality time with wonderful friends is great, but accomplishing something awesome with them makes it even better ♥
5. A tasty meal on its own, our homemade burritos tasted even better after reaching the top

I'm super proud of my hiking skills this summer, and I can't wait to keep it up next year! Any recommendations for our next big hike?