Veggie Tales: Month One

I am SO excited to report that I have made it through the first month of my vegetarian journey! It can only get better from here. The first three days was a struggle, but after that it's been easy sailing.

I have included a few pictures of some of the dishes that I made during this month.

A Day With The Animals

Life has been busy since the fall semester began. But somehow I found time to visit the zoo. The young children from my church went on a "field trip" to the Houston Zoo about a week ago and I decided to go along as a chaperone. I was very excited, maybe even more excited than the kids, because I love the outdoors as well as the animals. My favorite are giraffes and elephants. If I could've taken them home with me, I definitely would have. Maybe one day. ;)

Back to School

Today was my first technical day of going back to school for Fall 2012. To say the least, I wasn't thrilled. But, I have to get it done. So I trekked on back to the familiarity of cold classrooms, long walks, and intense concentration.

For all those who are in school, have a great semester!

Love,

Rita Lynn

Veggie Tales: Tomato x Mozzarella Tart

I am so excited about this dish! This was my first time making a tart, but it turned out great! I got the idea from Elsie & Emma's blog A Beautiful Mess, which I absolutely love! It's definitely one of my favorite blogs. My tart is a little different from theirs, but that's always okay, it gives a unique touch to it.

What I Used:

- 1 puff pastry sheet

- 1 tomato, thinly sliced

- pesto, enough to cover the entire sheet

- mozzarella, about 9 slices

- olive oil

- salt & pepper

I laid out the puff pastry sheet, spread the pesto and tomatoes on, and then filled in the empty spaces with mozzarella. I love mozzarella, it's my absolute favorite, so I used a lot. You can use more or less depending on how cheesy you want your tart. Then I drizzled a little bit of olive oil over top and topped it all off with a bit of salt and pepper (season to your tastes). I baked it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.

I wasn't really sure what to expect because I had never tried anything like this before. Also, I'm not very fond of tomatoes either so I was a bit nervous about that. Thankfully, it turned out great! I loved it, tomatoes and all! I don't know if it was the pesto, or the olive oil, or what but the tomatoes were extremely yummy. I will definitely be making this again.

If you decide to try this, let me know how it turns out!

Love,

Rita Lynn

Veggie Tales

One of the desires of my heart is to be a vegetarian. This desire has gotten immensely stronger within the past two years and I gave it a try in November 2011. It only lasted until January 2012. I was proud of myself for resisting meat for that long though. I don't like meat. I would eat it because it was readily available, and if I didn't a funny look would be thrown my way. During my short period of being a vegetarian, I was harassed almost every day about how I should eat meat from my parents, who are avid meat lovers. After hearing that every day for two months, I was tired of fighting, so I gave in.

I'm ready to embark on this journey again though, because frankly, I don't like eating meat. My body doesn't enjoy the consumption of meat. As a Virgo, my stomach is sensitive. One of the things it is sensitive to, is meat. Sometimes, I would get sick. Other times, I would have these episodes where I felt like was going to vomit and pass out. Needless to say, those were VERY scary and not pleasant. So, I think I'll be able to go through with my vegetarian lifestyle all the way. I'm excited about it.

My official begin date was yesterday, August 15. I'm going to chronicle my journey with you all, even the times I fall (if it comes to that). I'm an all-or-nothing type girl so I completely kicked all meat to the curb, all at once. To kick off things, I tried a new dinner idea. That's what I love about being a vegetarian, it forces me to be creative in the kitchen, even though I don't consider myself creative in that area. This dinner is probably not new, at all, but it's new to my household (unfortunately I was the only one who tried it). I made Southwest Burritos. I came up with this along the way of searching for something to cook. As the ingredients came together, it occurred to me that it was a southwest style dinner so that's what I named it.

It was simply black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, and salsa; wrapped in a flour tortilla. Quick, easy, and delicious.

It turned out great and I utterly enjoyed them, all by myself. If you have any tips or you are a vegetarian, please share!

Love,
Rita Lynn

Epistle of Love

The sea of my love nest in the gloom of night
Radiates with glory,
For I will wait for you.
I lie awake pondering the possibilities
Only to shut my mind off and send praises up to the Most High,
Because I will wait for you.
I think about you every day now,
More than ever before.
You tempt me with tender kisses and warm embraces
But the time is not nigh.
I will wait for you.
In His time, He will give us the desires of our souls,
Meeting together to form an eternal bond before Him as soul-mates.
Until then..
I will wait for you.
I am paying the price,
You are worth it,
He is Worthy,
So I will wait..
                      for you.

In A Land Far Away..

Yesterday I was supposed to just clean, but there was a change of plans. My best-friend and cousin, April'el, invited me take a little road trip to meet some loved ones in a town in the middle of nowhere. The adventure that ensued..

A well-deserved and much needed break from the cares of life. Food, fun, nature, bowling, and love. What else do I need? I had a blast and I can't wait to do it all over again.

Love, Rita Lynn