Now & Then.

1970's 'Organic' Knit Sweater ($1)

1970's Red Shorts (Thrifted, $?)

Brown Tights

Faux Lace Ups ($26)

I know, I know.  Brown boots again?  Yep.  Have to.  I want to wear them constantly really :).  This is really my first time dabbling in the whole 'shorts as a skirt' deal.  I can't say I'm convinced, but I can say I'm comfortable.  I just think the whole thing looks a little funky..  What do you think?  And now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure if I've EVER seen a shorts/tights combo that I did like.  I'm not sure what possessed me, but what's done is done :).   

Ohhh, my.  This sweater is super soft!! 

I went to the cinema last night and saw 'Rum Diary'.  It was OK.  I won't go into details about what I liked and disliked (so as not to ruin it for you), but I can say I probably won't be watching it again :).  Although, there was an awesome quote:

-Humans are the only creatures on earth that Believe in a god, yet they are the only creatures on earth who Behave like they don't.-

Well said sir, well said.  

Have I told you how in love I am with animals?  I absolutely adore them.  All of them.  I could be having the worst day of my life, and a deer could walk by, and I'm back to smiling with tears of joy in my eyes. 

The other day I was driving down a side street on my way home from work, when I stopped at a stop sign.  A girl was walking a big, sweet dog, which immediately made me smile; when I looked at the car coming from the opposite direction.  The woman inside was looking at the dog and smiling; and I mean a genuine, heartfelt smile.  It's hard for me to explain the joy that that moment brought me. 

Why do we forget how much happiness we get from nature and all of the wonderful things it has to offer?  I was listening to a meditation yesterday where the speaker suggested being aware of one thing in nature that your grateful for everyday.  What a fantastic idea.  Maybe if your out of the nature loop, this means you have to seek a small walk, or maybe take a trip outside to sit under a tree you see out of the window everyday.  Or just sit outside in the grass and check out the insect life going on all around us.  But man, once you get in the habit, think of the smiles you could give yourself?  And endless amounts of memories to hold with you. 

So, remember that uber-healthy banana muffin recipe I told you I would post ages ago?  Well, the time has come!  I've been making mini muffins..  which is never a good idea if you don't have anyone to share them with.  But the AWESOME thing about this recipe, is that it has no fat (unless you add nuts), no sugar, and contains all high quality, healthy ingredients.  So if you do end up scarfing down the whole batch ::ahem::, it won't be too much of a blow.  Now, I'm reciting this from memory, and am 99.9% I've written it correctly :).  This makes 24 mini muffins or 10-12 regular sized muffins.

:::::Ally's Healthy Vegan Banana Muffins:::::

350 degrees.

1 c. Whole Wheat flour

2 Bananas

1 t Vanilla

1 t Cinnamon (or to taste really)

1/2 t Baking Powder

1/2 t Baking Soda

2 T Agave

2 T Applesauce (organic & sugar free)

1/2 t salt

add in any nuts you like (i.e walnuts, sliced almonds, etc.); really adds some bite.

Process wet ing.  Mix dry ing.  Add wet to dry, stir & then pour into your muffins cups.  Bake for 12-15 min (but please just keep checking!!!!  Don't just set a timer and let them go!)

And there you have it!

Have a good weekend friends, and don't forgot to get some fresh air :).

ally.