RECIPE: Basic Smoothie Bowls

Hi y'all!  So the other day I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, and this amazing article about smoothie bowls popped up. One click and I was literally obsessed. I really needed to step up my smoothie game, so I decided to try it out after getting back from art class today. My favorite thing about smoothies in general is that they're so easy and you can make them with whatever you have. I'll post what I used, as well as a general recipe you can use :)

Smoothie Base: 

+ 1 cup almond milk, or other milk of your choice

+ 2 cups fresh spinach or other greens

+ 1/2 cup frozen mango

+ 1/2 cup frozen pineapple

I really don't like putting berries in green smoothies because it turns this muddy shade of brown, and although it's delicious, it's not the prettiest thing ever!

Toppings: the best thing about smoothie bowls is the toppings because it's like froyo but healthy! Here's my formula: 

+  sliced banana, 1/2 to full depending on size

+  something crunchy, like granola or cereal

+  something fun and totally up to you :)

Smoothie bowls and I...it was love at first blend! I know smoothie bowls will be part of my regular routine from now. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my food/smoothie bowl adventures!

xo, Hima

RECIPE: The Great Wall of Chocolate Trifle Pudding

Hey y’all! So last week, we had a Fathers’ Day,-birthday-graduation brunch (which meant we got their at 11 and didn’t get home until 9 PM) party, and my friend and I were tasked with making dessert.

Let’sbehonest here- what’s better in the summer than a trifle? I had never made anything but a fruit trifle before, so we decided to try our hands at something chocolatey. And oh it was chocolatey. So chocolatey.

The thing about a trifle is that you need a lot of layers, and they need different textures. Smooth and light, rich and heavy, crumbly , and crunchy. Because we had to make do with what we had at home, we made some substitutions, but they turned out well.

Alright, so the layers from bottom to top:

-Brownie: some people prefer to crumble this, but we baked a batch and cut out a circle to go on the bottom of the dish

-Dark Chocolate pudding: with all the sweetness in there, you’ll appreciate this being slightly lighter

-some kind of white cake: We happened to have cinnamon rolls lying around the house, so we just used those and it wasn’t bad!

-More chocolate pudding

-Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse

            -Put together desired amount of chocolate chips, peanut butter, and half and half OR heavy whipping cream into a bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, taking it out to stir every 30 seconds. Adjust ratio of chocolate chips to peanut butter after

-Puppy Chow/Muddy Buddies, whatever you want to call it. I’ll be doing a separate post on this later, but for now, I just linked a recipe. We didn’t have Chex at home, so we used Cinnamon Toast Crunch and it turned out well.

-Chocolate Mousse: Mix lots of Cool Whip into the pudding- and refrigerate: it works, I swear

-Brownie bits: we used the leftovers form our base

-Cool Whip, for color

-Top with a final layer of the peanut butter chocolate mousse and some brownie bits.

Remember to refrigerate this for a couple of house before you eat, because this is at least 17 times better when cold.

Okay, does that sound amazing or what!? Go ahead, pin it (I will love you forever if you do), and make it for your next summer get-together. Everyone will love it, and it’s so easy! If you have any questions, put it in the comment section below, or email me at himahearts@gmail.com.

Xo, Hima

RECIPE: Fluffy Vanilla Pancakes

Hey y'all! Happy Monday/President's Day. Hopefully you have the day off, but if not, you can just stare at these pictures and wish you were at home making these. e

Some of you might have seen this picture on my Instagram yesterday, when I made the best breakfast I've ever had: pancakes. 

Y'all. These aren't just any pancakes. They're actually kinda good for you and they're insanely fluffy. They're not goopy or ridiculously thick like the last time. Just warm, fluffy, and unmistakably delicious. 

 Ingredients:

• 1/3-1/2 cup oat flour (I just ground up some rolled oats in a coffee grinder)
• 1 scoop protein powder of choice
• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 2-3 tbsp milk (I used almond milk)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup greek yogurt
• 1 tsp baking powder (this is what makes them super fluffy!)
• fruit and syrup to taste

Process: 

1. Mix everything except fruit and syrup up in a bowl. The batter will be thick. If it's too thick, add some more milk. 
2. Spray your pan and then put your batter on in big dollops. (is that even a word idk). The batter should be thick enough that you have to use your fingers to spread the pancakes out a bit. 
3. Let cook until bubbles form on top, so 1-2 minutes. Flip for another 1-2 minutes. 
4. Stick 'em on a plate, add fruit and syrup to taste. Instagram it, because this is some of the most beautiful food you have ever created, and face plant. 

 

Do you have a special pancake recipe you think I should try? What's your experience with protein pancakes like? Let me know in the comments below!

xo, Hima 

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

This week was trying, to say the least. A plethora of tests (WOW look at that vocab), combined with mounting extracurricular stress and life drama made life difficult this week. Hence, the lack of blogging. BUT I’m back, and today is the beginning of a week-long break, so I can finally talk to all y’all again.

I haven't responded to comments from LAST week yet, and my eyes are closing on me as I type this. The title of this post is reflective of this week. It may have been one of those weeks all through, but it ended on the sweetest note possible. And that's not just because of all the sugar that was ingested today.

 So in case you haven't been notified by my Instagram already, my Valentine this year was my bio textbook. Look, we even #twinned! ;)

Just kidding, my Valentines were my lovely friends.  

Every year (starting last year), our school ASB does a hearts project. Over the past couple of weeks, we've been cutting out individual hearts for every student and staff member and making posters to stick on the walls. Today (Vday obviamente), we stuck them up around the school and people could write nice things on each other's hearts. Overall it was just a really fun/positive experience, and I'm really proud of our class for pulling it off.

It also happened to be my wonderful friend Neha's birthday, so we obviously ate some sugar. Tell me, does this not look beautiful? It tasted amazing, fyi. Happy Birthday Nehbb ;)

I also received a cupcake surprise, from one of my best friends, Somya, but my ability to take acceptable pictures was nonexistent by the time the day ended, so I'll get those to you soon. 

I missed you! :) How was your Valentine's Day? Who did you spend it with? Oh yeah, and will you be my Valentine, you wonderful blog reader?

xo, Hima

RECIPE: Overnight Oats in a Jar

Hey y'all! Happy Hump Day!

Today I'm talking about something near and dear to all of our Pinterest-loving hearts: mason jars. 

Everyone knows that mason jar makes life a billion times cuter, whether used as centerpieces, DIY candleholders, or for your breakfast. 

After 4 days of trial and error, I think I've put together the perfect mason jar oats recipe. Something about the simplicity of oats and yogurt and fruit just gets me every time, and I love that there are 29423094823049 combinations that you can make with this- you have something new every day!

Oats Base Recipe: 

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp egg whites
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• half a scoop of your choice of protein powder (optional)

Add the water to the rolled oats in a bowl and microwave for approximately 40 seconds. Add the egg whites, almond milk, and protein powder and mix it all up. In the picture above, I used vanilla and added a few drops of raspberry extract for a "raspberries and creme" flavor and it was delicious. Then microwave again for 30-40 seconds. Mix it all up again. 

Assembly

This part is entirely up to you. I usually do 1/2 cup greek yogurt mixed with a couple drops of stevia and some berries. Then I just layer it all up until I get to the top! Refrigerate over night for the fruit to melt and the yogurt to thicken and be wonderful. 

because blue food coloring and sprinkles make life happy. 

This was a chocolate coconut parfait, and I think I liked it even better than the raspberries and creme!

There are endless flavor combos, which is what makes this recipe so wonderful. Have you ever tried overnight oats? What's your favorite way to do it? 

Before I peace out on y'all- funny/embarrassing story. Yesterday I went to Trader Joe's and asked for defecated coconut. As most of you probably know, that is not a thing. I was looking for desiccated coconut. That was embarrassing. Oh well, you learn something every day right? Any embarrassing word mishaps on your part? 

Peace out, girl scout. 

xo, Hima

How to Starbucks

I know what you're probably thinking. 

How to Starbucks? What does she even mean?

or something more along the lines of 

HA please. I am the Starbucks queen. Hima is a mere peasant. 

I've come to tell you a secret that will change your life. 

We all know that Starbucks between the beginning of November and the end of January is the best time ever. I mean, it's the return of the red cups!

pair it with a good book like Divergent, and you're golden!

Also, we all know that Skinny Peppermint Mochas are where it's at, right? More of a Gingerbread Latte person? Or the straight "I need my coffee just give it to me?"

Me? SPM. (I don't know if that's a thing, but PSL is, so SPM is now too!)

Red cups are great, but I've just discovered the secret to an amazing Starbucks experience. Ask for your drink "for here." 

Happiness will ensue. 

(Yes I know it's a terrible photo, but it's the best I've got. Thanks Sneha!)

Good god, that looks amazing. 

Moral of the story: Always ask for your drink "for here." Let me know how that works out for you!

Also, there's a super cool swapporunity going on that all you bloggers should sign up for!

Basically, you get to switch blogs with someone for a day, gaining more exposure for yourself, and making new blog friends. 

What's not to like, right? Go sign up here!

Happy Wednesday y'all. We're halfway there. 

xo, Hima

Let them eat [mug] cake!

I had a lot of homework this weekend. What is a girl to do when she is stuck at home slaving away analyzing Native American Oral Tradition and deriving relative rates? 

As Marie Antoinette once said, 

"Let them eat cake!"

Except I'm not planning on beheading anyone. At all. I just like cake. 

And so I bring you: Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven. 

Ya'll. Heaven. in. a. mug. 

Here's my recipe for those of you who want to experience this amazingness. It's so easy it's dangerous. 

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• enough chocolate chips to satisfy your craving. Don't forget to pop a couple while you're making it!

Melt the butter in a small bowl, and mix in the peanut butter. Then, combine the egg, vanilla and sugar in the mug and mix until you feel like your arm is going to fall off. Combine the dry ingredients, add them in, and mix it all up until it's smooth and even. Pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (1 did 1:10 on on and 1:30 for my brother- I liked the 1:10 better!) and top. Recipe for the topping is down below this beautiful photo. 

To make this amazing topping that will have you licking the spoon like a fiend (although who doesn't always lick the spoon?), melt chocolate chips and slowly add in almond milk, mixing every 1/2 tablespoon or so until desired consistency is released. 

NOTE: Be careful not to add in all the almond milk at once- the chocolate will seize up and be gross. Mixing is your best friend. 

Top with powdered sugar to make it pretty. 

Enjoy! Doesn't this look ah-mazing!?

Also, this recipe makes a pretty big cake! My brother and I ate half each and stuck it in the fridge for the next day. Still delicious. 

Apart from eating cake, I did a lot of homework, like I said. My parents, however, attended a beautiful gala and got all dressed up. I pulled out my camera and took a few pictures, one of which I am totally in love with!

This shot of my mommy makes me so happy! What do you think?

I hope your weekends were more exciting than mine, although I got some pretty amazing food. 

(and a sweet new watermark- thanks jamie!)

What do you think of the mug cake movement? Yes, I just called it a movement. 

Let me know!

xo, Hima

In a Mug

You guys. I've discovered something that could potentially be dangerous. It's the epitome of "Murica. 

Desserts in a mug. 

It's like taking all the "I'm too lazy" out of baking! All you need is a microwave and a small portion of the regular ingredients. 

Here are some of my favorites: 

This Chocolate Chip cookie in a cup from No. 2 Pencil sounds divine!

This chocolate peanut butter mug cake is killing me. 

This microwave cheesecake is great for when you don't want to ingest 23094823094 calories in one sitting. BUT it does require 60 minutes of cooling, in which case I might as well make a real cheesecake. 

This mocha brownie is the easiest thing ever. 

I couldn't leave without posting a red velvet cake. FAB. 

And of course, here is a directory of 57 tried and true mug cake recipes from Kirby's Cravings. 

Thank me later. 

Have you ever experimented with mug cakes? Do they actually live up to the hype?

xo, Hima

Lace Lovin'

It's Wednesday!

(Tell me, how many blog posts that you have ever read have started like that? "It's [insert day of the week here!]"

As if every day is their favorite day. 

Ha. 

The fact that it is Wednesday means two things: 

1. It's the middle of the week. (booo.)

2. It's time for my first Outfit post. 

Disclaimer: I am by no means an outfit person. When I'm not wearing jeans and a top, it is necessary that I document it. 

So cute, right? 

I'm totally obsessed with the whole polo on harem pants effect. 

JUST KIDDING. 

Here's my real outfit: 

Face looks weird, so 'twas covered. It happens. 

There you have it. 

Sidenote: my hair is getting long! I'm so eggscited! It's totally punny. 

Oh yeah, and I made this amazing pizza this weekend. 

How amazing does it look? 

Literally the yummiest thing ever. 

Wait...isn't some of it still in the fridge? 

YESS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORK. 

Sorry guys. Just thinking out loud there. 

love you all!

RECIPE: Dark Chocolate Pumpkin French Toast Roll-up.

I was lacking inspiration for breakfast after my workout on Sunday morning. 

So I turned to my favorite resource for all things food. 

Instagram and the fitfam. 

@pbeechie came to the rescue! 

A little bit of adaptation and 20 minutes later, thus was born the

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin French Toast Roll-up. 

I died. 

And came back to life to eat this. 

SO. GOOD. 

And the best part? It's pretty darn healthy!

Ingredients: 

• Roll-ups
• 1 tortilla
• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 2 tbsp milk (almond or regular)
• 10 drops stevia
• Cinnamon + nutmeg to taste
• Chocolate Sauce:
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• Pumpkin Spice Sauce
• 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt
• cinnamon + nutmeg to taste
• A tiny bit (1/5 scoop?) of protein powder
• Water to liquidify. 

Cooking: soak the tortillas in the mixture for 3-5 minutes each side and cook in a shallow pan until egg whites are cooked. Plat and pour your sauces. Devour in five minutes flat.

Let me know if you try it!

xo, Hima

I'm hungry. And you will be too!

Since it's the middle of summer, my friends and I have a lot more time to go out and eat all kinds of fun food- delectable desserts, fantastic fruits (Farmer's Market, anyone?), and just a ton of food. 

Obviously, we work out a lot more in the summer ;)

With all of this eating, planning to eat, etc, I've decided to start a food bucket list of sorts. 

Why not keep it all organized, right? So without further ado...

1. CREAM. 

Okay, technically I have tried this at UC Berkeley, but another one opened in Palo Alto and I want to compare!

Warm, fresh-baked cookies and storemade creamy ice cream. Have I sold you yet? 

2. Macarons. Just haven't tried 'em. They're also on my life bucket list. 

3. Black Bean Brownies

I think I might make some next weekend- watch out for a recipe post!

They're a healthy twist on brownies and supposedly delicious!

Has it hit you that I have a serious sweet tooth yet? 

4. Salvadorian Pupusas. 

Basically a Salvadorian calzone. 

So unhealthy I'm gonna die. 

tell me that doesn't look amazing. 

5. @pbeechie's (Instagram) La Tortilla healthy poptarts. 

Literally the most appetizing post-workout/late night dessert ever. 

That's what is on my immediate bucket list- This will definitely be a post series!

What is on your food bucket list? Anything that I should put on mine? Let me know in the comments below!

xo, Hima

El Fin de Semana

It's time for my favorite link-up, Weekend Shenanigans!

Basically I get to tell you about all the stuff I did over the weekend, and you tell me what you did, and we have a big ol' party thinking about all the fun or not-so-fun stuff we did!

Friday: After work, went to a karaoke place with some of my coworkers. That was fun. Lots of Avril Lavigne, Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff- really throwin' it back!

The only part I didn't like was that the room was dark, so I couldn't get any pictures. 

1. Luis wore a penguin suit to work on Friday. Again, I love my job. 

2. Pretty flowers in the front yard on Sunday!

3. Frozen Blueberries. OH.EM.GEE. 

We bought 2 pounds of blueberries last week, and I finished them all! They're insanely expensive at the Farmer's Market ($8 a pint? NOT happening!), so Costco came to the rescue.

I just wash about 1/2 a cup and throw 'em in the freezer for a few hours. 

The end result is godly. 

4. I like it. 'Nuff said. 

5. And this is why I live in CA. 

What was your weekend like? I want to hear about all the fun stuff I couldn't come with you to!

xo, Hima

RECIPE: Banana Chia Waffles

Soooooo.......

I made these on Saturday and they're pretty much the best things in the world. 

I had a lot of good food this weekend (that I didn't take pictures of- bad blogger!), but these definitely take the cake  waffle. 

Here's the recipe!

• 1 whole wheat flour
• 1 finely chopped banana
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
• 1/3 cup applesauce (there is no butter in these, but you have to spray the waffle maker!)
• A TON of chia seeds (gotta get that protein!)

Mix it all up, pop it in the waffle maker, top with whatever you have laying around, and enjoy!

You need waffles in your life. I really want to try savory waffles! Has anyone tried them? What do you think?

Also, totally off topic, but the TransAmerica building is very tall.  

San Francisco was amazing, as always. Just didn't get to take pictures b/c I couldn't use my phone. 

Sorry for the short and rushed post, ya'll. 

I'll make it up to you tomorrow!

How was your weekend? 

xo, Hima

Kids Say the Darndest Things + Big News!

Aaaand I've branded myself as a middle-aged school teacher. 

Wonderful. 

But it's true- kids say the craziest things!

At Breakthrough, the program I'm teaching at this summer (confused? catch up here), the teacher are pretty young too- high school and college students. Last Friday was Thrift Shop Friday, and us teachers really pulled out all the stops for that one. 

harem pants are wonderful. 

Yesterday was Wacky Tuesday, and we were REALLY wacky!

This is me and a few of my students of my Block B biology class. 

I love 'em.

While grading, I came across a few gems that I thought I should share. 

Enjoy!

This was from my journalism class. The students were supposed to interview a teacher for their reaction to the SFO Asiana Crash last weekend (Sidenote: my mom was supposed to be on that flight. SO THANKFUL!), and this is what I got. 

"Rahul is better than Hima." 

great.

"Is there anything else you would like to say or ask?"

"HI MOM!" - Joseline, age 20.

Budget cuts- the universal excuse. 

The article was a total spoiler. What a pity. 

BIG NEWS!

Can I get a "What-what!?" 

No? 

Oh, okay. 

I finally got my act together and started my food Instagram!

Follow me @healtherrific for amazing food pictures. 

Because we all love a little food now and then all the time.

Intrigued? Check my Instagram to see what these are!

Happy Wednesday, ya'll!

xo, Hima