Sickness Stiring? And Noodless Veggie Lasagna

As much as I hate to admit this, I fear I may be feeling an illness coming on. It started a few days ago when I noticed a slight tickle in the back of my throat. I tired to ignore it, in hopes that it would just go away, but then yesterday, I felt it again, only this time slightly more noticeable. I woke up in the middle of the night with swollen glands and all day, I’ve had a soar throat and just feel a bit off.

Luckily, I rarely get sick (probably once or twice a year) and I owe most of this to the fact that I am extremely conscious of taking proper care of my body; but sometimes, the common cold is just unavoidable. However, I always seem to be cursed with gaining these nagging little colds, right around the time when something big or exciting is happening (Christmas, Vacations, Birthdays…etc.) Figures, that we are going to California next week.

So I am actively taking care of this thing before it gets any worse, plenty of H20, rest, and lots of vitamin C. Good thing I just stocked up on my citrus! Does anyone else have any good remedies when they feel a cold coming on?

On a more enlightening note, I am very excited about a new book that I am reading. It’s called “One Month to Live- 30 Days To A No-Regrets Life” by Kerry and Chris Shook. We recently did a series in our church based on this and I’ve been meaning to pick up this book ever since. It truly is a empowering read and emphasizes the ideals of living each day as if it were our last. The book states that we have little control over many things in our lives, but the one thing we do have control over is what we make of each day. It teaches to stop focusing on the things that ultimately carry little meaning and start to live by four essential principles for a purposeful life- Live Passionately, Love Completely, Learn Humbly, Leave Boldly.

One thing I read today that really hit home, personally, was the idea that taking time for ourselves is crucial before we are able to exert compassion and love on others. Often we get engulfed in the process of production-we must produce in order to gain results, and we only feel as though we’ve accomplished something when we see those results. I fall into this lie wayyyyyy too often!!! I am so bad at doing nothing and often forget to rest, mainly because when I am not moving or doing something, I don’t think I am getting any done and have nothing to show for it. The book says that “there is great freedom in learning to operate with an eternal perspective and not just by the watch on our wrist.”

Okay so here is a challenge question for you…
As quickly as possible, without thinking too hard or too long, make a list of 5 things you would change about your life if you knew you only had one month to live.

I’ll be sure to share more insightful tips as I continue reading this book. But I highly recommend this read if anyone is looking for a powerful and exciting new perceptive on living the everyday.

I was more than ready to leave work today and run right up to my room to change into some comfy sweats. It’s one of those raw, rainy days so nothing feels better than a cozy pair of pants and some fuzzy slippers when the weather outside is frightful.

As promised, I continued on my mission to unload the vegetable drawer this week by creating another veggie-filled dinner. I have a really great recipe for a Veggie Lasagna that is quick and easy and versatile. (I usually end up just using whatever vegetables I have on hand and it always turns out superb)
I did forget to buy the noodles for the lasagna, so mine tonight was noodles. Really, I think I prefer it this way. I’m not the biggest fan of plain pasta (only on occasion) and would rather make more room in the pan for extra veggies.

Here is my recipe for…

Noodless Vegetable Lasagna

1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
1 small eggplant
5-6 portobello mushroom slices
Spinach
Cottage cheese
Parmesan cheese
Capers
Parsley
1 can of tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes

I slice the veggies lengthwise and then sauté them in a hot pan for just a few minutes to get them soft. In the meantime, mix the cottage cheese, parm, capers and parsley with salt and pepper to season. Once the veggies are slightly cooked, remove from pan and soak up excess liquid with paper towels. Mix the diced tomatoes in the sauce and layer the bottom of a dish with some of the sauce (enough to cover the bottom of a pan). Layer the veggie slices, spinach, cheese, sauce and repeat until the pan is filled. Top with the remaining sauce and parmesan cheese. (You could also incorporate more cheese with mozzarella but I am not a fan of this cheese so I didn’t use it). Bake in a 375* oven for 30 min.

Toly’s mock lasagna was Mac and Cheese inspried with combo of leftover ground turkey (from last night’s chili), Veleeta Shells and Cheese, and more shredded cheddar and mozzerella, with diced tomatoes.

I love a good comfort meal every so often. :)

(Layering Process)

(Pre-Baked)

(Toly's Mac and Cheese Lasagna)

Okay, now I must force myself into bed at a very reasonable time tonight. Sleep is always the best cure for any illness.
Hope you all had a wonderful wonderful day!

“Life isn’t measured by the breath we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Anonymous