Friday Favorites 10/11/14

Happy Friday! Hope you all had a fantastic and productive week. Mine was definitely productive and a bit crazy at times between clients, classes, meetings and an exciting project I can't wait to share with you all.

But don't worry, it wasn't all work and no play. Last weekend we went to Clemson for the football game and got to reunite with college friends who we don't often see. Totally worth waking up at 4:30 to drive into town and secure a prime tailgating spot and braving the ice cold (errr, 50 degree) winds we were completely unprepared for. On Wednesday night, I had a break from meetings and played with our kickball league, whose gone from losing all but one game last season to winning every game by about 10 points. Let me just toot my horn for a minute because I'm pretty sure I was the star player 

: ) I contributed two of those runs and stepped in as pitcher for two innings, allowing zero earned runs. Pretty impressive for the girl who always got the purple last place ribbon in athletic events as a child, so let me brag when I can! 

Now, enough about my week cause I'm about to make yours with all these delicious recipes! For recipes and inspiration throughout the week, follow me on twitter and facebook.

Photo Credit: McKel of Nutrition Stripped

You Won't Believe It's Not Alfredo (Nutrition Stripped) --> How rich and creamy is this? I thought my cauliflower alfredo was delicious, but these pictures have thoroughly convinced me a vitamix is a need.

Sweet Potato and Kale Mac & Cheese (The Foodie Dietitian) --> This will absolutely be gracing our table on Thanksgiving. Kale and sweet potatoes are soul mates. 

Photo Credit: Kara Lydon of The Foodie Dietitian

Cumin-Roasted Carrots with Adobo-Tomato Sauce (Healthy Aperture) --> I despised cooked carrots, until I discovered roasted carrots. They're basically vegetable candy. I'm loving all the sweet and spicy going on in this recipe.

Photo Credit: Gretchen Brown of Healthy Aperture & Kumquat 

Roasted Fig Tartines with Almond Cottage Cheese (Le Passe Vite) --> What a fantastic way to use up leftover almond pulp from making milk. I literally kicked myself after seeing this recipe because I just threw away leftover almond pulp I didn't know what to do with. 

Photo Credit: Le Passe Vite

Skillet Baked Steel Cut Oats with Maple Apples (Feasting at Home) --> Without even tasting this, I can guarantee this will be the best oatmeal I've ever had. 

Photo Credit: Sylvie of Feasting at Home

Quinoa Sushi Rolls with Miso Sesame Dipping Sauce (Oh My Veggies) --> We established early on that I lack the hand-eye coordination to make sushi rolls, but these have inspired me to try again. 

Photo Credit: Lindsey Rose Johnson from Oh My Veggies

New Phenolic Compounds Found In Beer, Barley (Science Daily) --> I knew my craft beer was good for me. 

A Family Meal A Day Could Keep Obesity Away (Science Daily) --> Yet another benefit to savoring delicious food with the people you love. Eat with your family. They're pretty cool, at least, most of the time. 

Eating Mindfully (Kath Eats Real Food) --> How you eat is just as important, if not more important, than what you eat. These are simple steps to start eating mindfully. 

How A Double Amputee War Vet Landed On The Cover Of Men's Health (Yahoo Health) --> What an amazing story. It takes such strength and perseverance to pick yourself up from hopelessness and depression, even more so when you're missing two limbs. We all have our struggles. Let this man be an inspiration. Plus, he's kind of a hunk. 

Why Thinking You're Ugly Is Bad For You (TED) --> Please, every woman reading, listen to this TED Talk. Imagine what all we can accomplish and achieve if we stop worrying about our looks...