Even though spring officially started last weekend, to me, it never feels like spring until Easter. That cliché new beginnings, fresh start thing is real on Easter and very far from a cliché. No matter your religion, I think this time of year is a great time to “begin again,” so to speak.
While I don’t think we need an external event to incite change in our lives, why not use this season for what it’s for? That’s the beauty of seasons in general, with spring bringing a natural inclination to welcome the new and clean up the old (literally and metaphorically speaking). Diet, habits, closets, rooms, cars, finances, appearance, attitudes. Even if you don’t want or need to change anything, just taking a look and evaluating where you are can be helpful. We can always work on ways to grow as a person (something that’s true but somewhat annoying to hear).
Enough lame broad life-talk, I know you want specifics.
If we were acquaintances I would tell you that I’m going to “spring clean my closet.” I could honestly end this post here and my mom would be thrilled! But since we are more than acquaintances I will dig a little deeper. *In addition to cleaning my closet,* I’m going to 1) embrace this new stage of my life and 2) work on being the best version of me.
Technically this stage of life been “new” since I graduated in December but, to be honest, I’ve been in limbo land. Until a few weeks ago I was in a constant mindset of “this time of my life doesn’t count.” I felt guilty, confused and stressed for being in “funemployment,” which is confusing in itself because I *should* be stress-free. Only recently have I started to accept and embrace the fact that this IS real life. So what if this is a temporary stage in the job-sense, there aren’t any take backs or do-overs.
With that acceptance, comes the responsibility to “nourish” and “grow” the best version of me. How, exactly? For me, it’s simple, little things.
-Immersing myself into things I enjoy (writing, running, reading)
-Taking advantage of ample time with family
-Treating myself with kindness (good food, exercise, rest)
-Recognizing when I need some TLC (or introvert recharging)
-Pushing myself in a loving way (yes, it’s possible)
I’m not too sure if this makes any sense but it’s therapeutic to “immerse myself into things I enjoy” (see above). I’d love if you shared in the comments what you want to work on this spring!
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To reward you for reading my rambles, here is a spring power bowl. I’m all about keeping it simple (if you couldn’t tell) and this is a quick, delicious way to pack in nutrients. The base of cauliflower rice is made with coconut milk, lime and basil so it tastes tropical and fresh. The avocado is a given and the fried egg on top is becoming my new go-to food move.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 1/2 can of coconut milk
- 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup of basil
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 egg
- String beans
- Wash and chop cauliflower into florets, removing as much of the stem as possible.
- Place florets in food processor and pulse until rice-like consistency. (Easier to handle in smaller batches).
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add coconut milk to pan and cook until liquid is absorbed. 5-7 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper, lime juice, basil and almonds to skillet. Mix and let cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Place rice in a bowl once it has reached desired heat and consistency. Total: 7-10 minutes depending on stovetop.
- Add toppings of your choice.
- I bought the cauliflower rice in a bag from Trader Joe's. Major time saver!
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PIN THIS SPRING POWER BOWL FOR LATER
I LOVE this idea, Emily! This is something I’m absolutely going to do next week and I’m sure I’ve done without even thinking. Cauliflower rice is always my favorite, but with these toppings it’s still light while being taken to a whole new level! These pictures are goooorgeous too
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Best Dang Guacamole
Cauliflower rice is a hit or miss for me. But with toppings and flavors (coconut milk is a winner) I love it!
Love that cauliflower rice in there! Love that you added in coconut milk too! have a happy Easter :)
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…18 Gluten-Free and Vegan Brunch Recipes
The coconut milk masks the cauliflower taste a little :)
Such a creative power bowl and perfect for this time of year! I have been all about power bowls lately so this looks so great. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…{Friday Favorites} 3/25
ALL ABOUT BOWLS. Nothing better ;)
This looks SO good! I love egg and avocado together. I will definitely try this!
Me too! One of my favorite combos as of late.
This looks amazing! I love food that gives energy and keeps me full. I’m always trying out new healthy recipes!
X,
Cristina
cristinawashere.com
Thanks, Cristina! It’s perfect for a spring meal.
So happy you’re taking advantage of this time. Using my two months after the bar to indeed think about what I wanted once “real life” began with my job made me realize that every day is real life. Life is now, and we want to make the most of it, and it’s tough to do without having the time and space to figure out what you want from it :)
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Blueberry Vanilla Muffins
Exactly what I’m feeling! Life is now. Thanks for always saying what I need to hear :)
As much as I love (the versatility of) cauliflower, I have yet to jump on the cauliflower rice train. This looks so satisfying and fresh!
As for me, I want to (literally) clean out my closets this spring as well as clean up my diet (less refined carbs and more meals like this!).
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…Thoughts On Being a Working Mom
The first few times I made cauliflower rice I hated it because I didn’t add enough additional flavors. With a sauce/broth/spice, it makes it much more palatable :)
This looks delicious! I’ve never had cauliflower rice before but I’m going to have to give it a try. This spring I want to really focus on living in the now and not being too caught up in looking forward to what’s to come. I feel like I’m doing that a lot right now because there’s a few fun trips/weekends coming up. I don’t want to lose sight of what’s happening right now!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…15 songs that get me through speed workouts
I need to have a sauce/liquid with the cauliflower rice (vegetable broth, coconut milk, etc.) or else it’s too cauliflower-y for me. I am the queen of looking forward to “what’s next.” It’s hard when there are exciting things that deserve the anticipation!
I love this girl! First of all, this power bowl looks perfect! But secondly, I love the honesty!! I hear ya, I tend to think in terms of the future, and sometimes fail to be present. This is just what I needed to read today!! Yay for TLC and pushing ourselves in a gentle, loving way! (And I appreciate that your mom would love you to spring clean you closet! I just cleaned mine and my mom was thrilled)!!!
I’m glad it resonated with you, Cailee. Oh you would win child of the year in my house if you already had your closet cleaned! Doing mine this week :)
I am totally pinning this bowl, yum! I agree, Easter is such a time of new beginning and “rebirth.” I want to work on taking care of myself more and making time for things I enjoy.
sarah recently posted…Currently: March
Especially with the end of the semester I know it’s tough to carve out time for TLC. Good for you for wanting to work on it!
I think spring is a much more natural time for new beginnings than the new year… at least for those of us with real seasons ;) I love thinking about how I want to change bits of my life looking forward, and I’ve definitely taken some time to do that recently. It can be overwhelming, but if you do it intentionally, it’s all exciting and refreshing. Aaand speaking of refreshing, this bowl looks to die for! I love eggs with cauliflower rice!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 03/25/16
Good point! Unless you have an intention (with a positive root) it can be overwhelming. I’m choosing to see it from the exciting/refreshing side!
Simple but oh so delicious! I loveeee rice and avocado so I bet cauliflower rice would be perfect too!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Easter Celebrations, Ghosts and Guns
But really, anything with avocado is perfect :)
Looks delicious! Happy Easter. xx
Yesss I iust discovered cauliflower rice and I love it!
Molly recently posted…Easy Cauliflower Rice & Greens
I was late to hop on the train too! So versatile.
Omg! Never thought of making cauliflower rice with coconut milk. You used the whole TJ bag of cauliflower rice and 1/2 can of coconut milk? I’ll have to try that next week. Thanks for sharing!
Lauren recently posted…Two Scoops
Yes! Exactly what I did. It will take some time for the rice to soak up the milk (it took me a little less than 10 minutes. Will probably be faster if you have a better stove than I do!).
Everything tastes better in a bowl! My husband and I LOVE avocado/egg bowls. They are so filling and just delicious! I need to try it with a cauliflower rice base.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Simple Herb Vinaigrette
Your first sentence is my life motto (and I think a lot of bloggers would agree :))
This looks HEAVENLY! I’m always looking for ways to switch up my cauliflower rice, and this is perfect! Never tried adding coconut milk with it before — definitely trying this soon! XO