mmmMonday

I'm so glad last week is over. There was way too much heartbreak throughout the nation in such a short amount of time. I'm happy to be starting a new, more positive week. If you are interested in donating to any of the victims of the many tragedies, you can find information herehere, and here.

I've really been enjoying trying new recipes, so to give me some motivation to keep it up I'm going to start a new weekly series, mmmMonday. In this series I'll be posting my favorite diet-friendly recipes that I've tried throughout the week!
This week, hands down, our favorite meal was this vegetable quinoa stir-fry. It was quick, simple, and most importantly it left me feeling satisfied, which so many diet-friendly recipes fail to do. Before I made this, I made a large batch of quinoa that I could use in recipes throughout the week. Just like regular stir-fry, this works best when the quinoa is made ahead and cooled before using. I also just used veggies that I had on hand, but I'm sure this would be good with pretty much anything (carrots, peas, mushrooms, etc). 

Vegetable Quinoa Stir-Fry
adapted from: Damn Delicious

Ingredients:
1 T olive oil, divided
1 zucchini squash, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups quinoa, cooked
1/2 bag of Gardein beefless tips, cooked according to package directions

Instructions:

Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil in a medium skillet. Scramble eggs, and set aside. 

Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil in a wok on medium high heat. Add onions and broccoli florets, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Add zucchini and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until veggies are tender.

Add 2 cups of cooked quinoa and scrambled eggs to the wok. Cook for an addition 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Add cooked beefless tips, and soy sauce and sriracha to taste.

Makes approx. 4 servings.

Some good news! After last week I've officially completed all of my classes for my interior design certification. So I'm at least somewhat legit now, right? I'm still struggling hard with whether or not I pursue a degree in interior design, or if I try teaching again. Decisions, decisions... 

instagram updates

After being sick for the past three weeks, I finally feel like I'm on the mend. While I was sick this guy was pretty neglected, so this week he is getting pampered at the groomer and getting lots of long walks. Sorry, Tobias!
We got outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend at Third Monday Trade Days
 I scored this gold faux bamboo bar cart for only $30! My favorite part is that the top comes off and can be used as a serving tray. I'm going to give it a fresh coat of gold paint and then decide if I'm going to keep it or sell it to one lucky person.
Even after spending all day outside we weren't quite ready to go indoors, so we decided to have a little Starbucks date on the patio.
 Can I just say I was more than a little excited to see this show up in my instagram feed!
My instagram used to be private, but since I share most of them on the blog I've decided there isn't much of a point to this. So, if you'd like to follow me it's @stacyandcharlie! Also, I'm trying to get better about twitter, so follow me on there, too :)

sadness + a little celebration

First of all I want to say how incredibly sad I am about what happened yesterday during the Boston Marathon, especially on an occasion that should have been so happy for so many people. I hate that we live in a world where someone would willingly try to harm another person. There really are no words. This is another reminder to be thankful for what you have in life, and never take anything for granted.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." - Fred Rogers

Before the sadness of yesterday's events I was incredibly excited to see our living and dining room featured on West Elm's blog, Front and Main. It is nice to see that all of the hard work we've put into our apartment is finally being seen by others!
If you didn't catch it, check out the post here!