Thank you guys so much for all the sweet comments on yesterday’s post about my new journey. The future can be exciting and scary at the same time, but I’m ready to jump on that ride with my eyes open at every loop-de-loop!
With so much going on over the last week, I almost forgot that I wanted to do my first restaurant review for the blog. This place is one of my favorite places to eat, and knowing that, it is where my mom took me the night following my accident…it definitely helped to cheer me up!
Hananoki is a Japanese steakhouse in Clarksville, TN and Paducah, KY (very similar to Benihana)that has some of the best Asian cuisine I have ever tasted and with their skilled chefs and teppanyaki style cooking it is definitely an entertaining experience!
I think their prices are pretty reasonable…usually I get out right under $30 including tip and although that may seem a little high for one person, you will NEVER finish your meal without taking home leftovers!
Some clear soup for starters
The salad…it is ALL about the dressing…full of spicy ginger goodness!
Dishing out the dipping sauces.
I have no idea what is in these, but the white horseradish-type sauce is,
I swear, laced with crack!
And then the “show” starts!
Wait for it…
Onion volcano!
A little veggie and shrimp action
The best fried rice EVER!
Mmm!
Cooking up the entrees…shrimp, chicken, salmon, and steak
Watch the plate grow…
Cabbage and bean sprouts, glazed salmon, fried rice blanketed in luscious white sauce, mixed veggies, and steak
Hello my friends! It was so fun reading all of your endings to the phrase, “Keep calm and _______” from yesterday’s post. I love all the different takes on it.
This morning, I woke up a little early and went for my first jaunt around the neighborhood. There are a TON of hills in my new subdivision so I kept it to a brisk walk, but I definitely still got my heart rate up…I was sweatin’! After about 20 minutes (it started raining), I came in and finished up with some light upper body, jumping jacks, and crunches. It felt great to finally get in some exercise that wasn’t lifting and moving heavy boxes/furniture!
For breakfast I was craving another bagelwich, but this time I put a little spin on it…
Instead of cheese, I made my sammie with one of my favorite combos…sunflower butter and nutritional yeast. Oh my sweet and savory, it was sooooo good!
Served alongside my first (bargain) Stonyfield yogurt. WOW! Even though I’m not usually a fan of any yogurt that’s not Greek, this was amazing! Totally hitting up Kroger the next chance I get to buy them out of their stock get a few more of these!
After breakfast, I finished getting ready, made my lunch and then Andy and I were off to work! On the way there, I realized something…
This place is finally starting to feel like home!
I think it has to do with getting up and starting a routine. There was just something about the waking up, working out, making/eating breakfast, getting ready, making lunch that really made it sink in…this is MY home!
I know I usually keep everything here on the blog pretty lighthearted, but I just have to get serious for a minute about this sudden mix of emotions. I made mention in the beginning about how the house I lived in before belonged to my ex. This house is more than just a “new place” for me though…it is me moving on and starting completely fresh and new! This is a whole ‘nother chapter…heck, another BOOK in my life and I am both nervous and excited when thinking about the future, but at the same time feeling little pains in my chest when remembering how I got to this point.
It’s been almost eight months since my divorce. I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty independent person, but in these past eight months (and for some time before), I have really grown and come to understand a new sense of independence. No way in the world would I be where I am today without the constant love and support from the Lord and my friends and family.
I am so excited to share this new journey I’m about to begin with all of you! I have made so many new connections and friendships since starting this blog only a little over 4 months ago. You guys have no idea the amount of support and motivation I’ve felt over this time. I love you all!
Hope you all had a very restful and relaxing Sunday!
So, my “free” wi-fi decided to be no more tonight…but instead of stressing, I took this as an opportunity to bust out the ol’ Starbucks gift card (thanks Cat!) and treat myself to a little iced decaf coffee while typing up today’s post! I’m actually sitting outside and it feels AMAZING! Better soak up the nice temperatures while I can since I hear a bad storm is coming in for tomorrow!
Fate didn’t make liar out of methis week, so you guys know what that means…
Happy Pancake Sunday from the new Casa de Broccoli!
1. Stir together flax and water and allow to set for 2-3 minutes.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together to break up any lumps.
3. Add wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir to incorporate.
4. Stir in poppy seeds and zest
5. Pour batter into a greased skillet and cook over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side.
These pancakes are gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free!
I topped my 3 small cakes with a swirl of Sarena’s coconut cream, more poppy seeds and zest, and a little coconut. I loved the light color of the cakes…it went perfectly with the “pop” of color from the lemon zest!
This was my first time creating a gluten-free pancake from scratch. After doing a bit of research, I learned that the addition of xanthan gum is an absolute MUST in gluten-free baking to get the batter to stick together. Next time, I may fiddle around with the ingredients to see if I can make them fluffier like Alex’s because, I don’t know about you, but there are few things in my life that top a stack of big fluffy pancakes! 😉
The kitchen has officially been christened!
A pancake batter tear of happiness! 😉
After breakfast, I did a little catching up on some blog reading. The other day, Janetha shared a glorious cheese-loving casserole recipe in her post“Keep Calm & Make a Casserole” (if you are a cheese fiend like me, I suggest you go take a gander at that beauty)!
Her post got me thinking about the “calm after the storm” that I’ve experienced today. I spent the day doing light stuff around the house…I got all my clothes unpacked and put away and both bathrooms are stocked and organized! Quite a change of pace from the last few days. Honestly, I think there’s just something to be said about taking the time to make a special breakfast on a Sunday morning (or any day for that matter) that can set the mood for a relaxing day!
I mean, c’mon, if I had lost internet service a couple of days ago, I wouldn’t have thought, “Hey, I’ll just go to Starbucks!” I would have thought, “Ohmigod! I don’t have internet! My life is OVER!!” Yeah, I wish I was kidding. 😉
So, I’d like to steal Janetha G’s question…
Finish the sentence according to your mood today:
“Keep calm and _________.”
My name is Heather! I'm a southern gal with a passion for food, fitness, and photography...and alliteration if you didn't notice! Here you'll find a mix of random musings, delicious recipes, and hopefully a chuckle or two! Check out my "About' tab to learn more!
Some clear soup for starters
The salad…it is ALL about the dressing…full of spicy ginger goodness!
Dishing out the dipping sauces.
And then the “show” starts!
Wait for it…
Onion volcano!
A little veggie and shrimp action
The best fried rice EVER!
Mmm!
Cooking up the entrees…shrimp, chicken, salmon, and steak
Cabbage and bean sprouts, glazed salmon, fried rice blanketed in luscious white sauce, mixed veggies, and steak
What’d I tell you?
