Black Bean Quinoa Tacos

I’ve been a grad school widow most of this weekend, but I’m hanging in there because I know that once Kevin finishes this paper – he’s off for a week! Hooray!

Love this dinner because it’s simple and healthy but has nothing in it that makes Kevin roll his little eyes. Not that he’s a big eye roller. But I’ve seen it when sweet potatoes or kale are involved!

I made the quinoa the other night so it was all ready to go. I was inspired by Sometimes I Veg, but here’s how I did it:

• 4 servings cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans – we used the kind with jalapeño & lime
• 1 packet Simply Organic taco seasoning mix*
• Avocado
• Salsa
• Romaine lettuce
• Life Balance tortillas

Mix & heat quinoa with taco seasoning and black beans. Assemble as you would normal tacos. *By the way, Simply Organic has won my heart forever since they sent me a really nice email last week regarding my bragging on their ranch seasoning packets. And posted my blog on their Facebook page. That’s really all it take to gain a lifelong customer.

The best part? Tomorrow these tacos will be come taco salad!! I rarely eat tortillas because I always want to have chips, and I figure I’d better make cuts somewhere. But I had one tonight it, and it really hit the spot. What kind of tortillas do you buy? I’m always scouring nutrition facts and not finding myself very impressed. I know what you’re going to say. I should make my own.

Sadly, I think Kevin James was most excited about this smashed Oatmeal Cream Pie. I snatched it for him from the break room in the office on Friday, and I hadn’t looked in my purse since. He claimed that he’s eaten much sorrier ones on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters. What a tough guy.

Last night Kevin and I spent some time at Barnes & Noble. While he worked on homework,  I hung out in two sections:

Like that was a surprise.

I’m also brushing up on my teacher skills. Here’s a bonus for the teachers – a way to provide some hip positive reinforcement to your students:

Your students will love youforever if you do that. I guarantee it!

After church today, Kevin and I stopped by an old friend - Saj Mediterranean Grill. I can’t believe we haven’t been there since August, but you know how we love to try new places!

Sorry. I dug in right away. I was starving! Man, I love that hummus. I relinquished half my bread to Kevin immediately because I had plenty of carbs on that plate. But I enjoyed every tasty bite. So good. I can still taste it now. Seriously.

On the way home, we saw a sparkly SUV!!

Of course, I immediately texted that picture to Joanie!

I think Boyd was actually sad to see me leave to go to the gym this afternoon!! Kevin is boring when he’s just sitting at his laptop.

The gym was so fun today!! I had the place practically to myself and I took full advantage!

3  rounds for time -  via Wod Shop
21-15-9x reps

• Bottoms Up Kettlebell Thrusters (2o lbs)
• Box Jumps
• Burpee broad jumps

Time -14:39

I USED THE TALLER BOX TODAY! Nobody was watching so I felt braver to try it! No prob!! I did all 45 reps without chickening out once! I need to measure it and see how tall it is because I’m not sure it’s quite up to 20 inches. The burpee box jumps were quite the treat too. 21 is all the way across the basketball court and half the way back.

Are you braver to try new things when no one’s looking? Totally. I remember when I had to hold Kevin’s hand to jump on that box once! And one of the personal trainers was watching and kind of made fun of me!!! In a nice way. But I was still embarrassed.

What’s your preferred tortilla? And you like the crunchy kind? Kevin says that’s what he grew up with. I think I’m scarred for life from them a little bit because once I got the jaggedy edge stuck in my throat. Ow!

Favorite Little Debbies snack? I’m not promoting them. Haha. It’s not good to eat things that have a longer shelf life than you. That said, we did freeze the valentine hearts and save them from February until our June wedding. We used to be able to buy those things at Budget Mart for 25 cents!!!