This all came about because I bought two bags of romaine lettuce instead of one last week when I was planning for Deidre’s visit. I was thinking, wow, I really need to use that second bag of lettuce. I was not really in the mood to deal with meat. Yeah, I’m 26, and I still think raw meat is gross and avoid touching it at all costs. I was trying to come up with something a little more hearty and a plan began to formulate in my mind to incorporate brown rice. This one’s for you, Joanie! 
That photo is about as close as we’re ever going to get to looking like a “real cooking blog” – so enjoy it while it lasts. I started things off nice and early with the brown rice. I went ahead and just threw it on the stovetop after I was done cleaning up breakfast. I like to multi-task my cooking so it’s nice to get a few steps done ahead of time. Later, I dumped in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a few jalapeños (optional: we like it SPICY). 
Bottom layer: brown rice mixture (still warm!). Cover that with the lettuce. On top, basically you can put whatever you want. I chose avocado (mixed with the lime juice – THE LIME IS CRUCIAL), green onions, red onions, red pepper, plain greek yogurt (in lieu of sour cream), and salsa. Do you like how my bowl changed colors midway through the collage? I forgot which one I was photographing as I was preparing these for Kevin and me.
What are those lovely desserts, you ask? Broke out the ramekins again! Blueberries & cream ramekins via Tish’s Place.
Divide berries into ovenproof ramekins, top with a tablespoon (or two) of non-fat vanilla yogurt, sprinkle with brown sugar. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and broil until sugar is caramelized (abt 5 minutes).
I had to use some minor substitutions. I only had plain (blah) greek yogurt in the house so I mixed in some sugar-free vanilla syrup (for coffee) + truvia with it. It turned out excellent! Such a sweet & simple treat. Honey, I would like to say that I successfully completed this entire meal without getting anything stuck in the garbage disposal. WIN!!!
After lunch we spent some quality time with Boyd. LOOK AT OUR ROOSTER DOG!!!!!!
One last thing…
Wedding-themed iPhone 4 case! I knew I was missing just one last detail on the wedding day!!!
Stay cool, kids!
I am soooo making that salad for us some night soon!
It was so good. It totally tasted like Chipotle. And it made great leftovers! Maybe not with four! I guess you could just make more. Do your kids eat vegetables? Kids are tough to cook for. I always give up and just make them their own party pizza so I can enjoy my adult food. Lol.