Motivation Monday
…translate your determination to succeed to work, gym and life…
Sweat More. Think Less.
Mexican Casserole
Oh mexican food, how I crave you at least once a week. There is something filling and so satisfying about tacos, burritos and other carb-ridden mexican food. I’ve made a couple enchilada casseroles back when I would include chicken and ground meat, but haven’t attempted one since. There are tons of recipes out there, layering all of the staple foods like tortillas, cheese, beans, hot sauce, corn, tomatoes, rice, etc. But I am more of a throw-everything-into-a-bowl-and-mix-it kind of girl. So last weekend when I fell victim to my weekly mexican food craving, I did just that. I grabbed several ingredients from my cabinet and fridge, tossed them into a bowl, mixed and baked. I was pretty proud of myself because it turned out great. I know something has passed the test when my husband eats a second helping!
If someone makes this and gets it to photograph as beautifully as baked goods and other colorful, layered meals, it would be appreciated. Casseroles don’t seem to do so well in front of the camera, so you’ll just have to take my word for it when I tell you its good! 
Ingredients
8oz. can tomato sauce
16oz. can refried beans
15oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)
4oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 tsp agave
3/4 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp chili powder
3/4 cup vegan cheese (i HIGHLY recommened Daiya)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
3-5 corn tortillas
mix everything in a bowl
layer one…
add tortillas and layer two…
crushed chips and cheese…
baked to mexican-food perfection!
What to do…
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Yup, throw everything (besides the tortillas, chips and cheese) into a large bowl and mix it.
2. Line a 13×9 pan with a dab of coconut oil (just so it doesn’t stick!). Pour half of the mixture into the pan and spread it to cover the bottom. Cut the tortillas in half and layer them to cover the mixture. (If you place a whole tortilla in the middle and cut the rest in half, lining them with the outside of the pan, it’ll cover with 4 tortillas)
3. Pour the rest of the mixture over the layer of tortillas. Sprinkle it with the crushed tortilla chips, then the cheese. I won’t lie, I grabbed a couple handfuls of chips straight from the bag and crushed them right over the mixture. It was quicker than measuring anything out! Cover the pan with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and back for another 7-10 minutes until the cheese bubbly.
*I highly recommend Food for Life Sprouted Corn Tortillas. They do not contain corn meal or flour. Once I tried them I haven’t eaten any other tortillas.
*I have been on the hunt for a good vegan cheese, and on a blog somewhere I read the Daiya brand. I was very impressed and will be using it from now on. The other vegan/soy cheeses don’t melt or taste the way real cheese does, and this one is definitely my new fave! Try it!
This&That
Face wash, face lotion, eye cream, anti-aging serum, wrinkle-fighter, makeup remover, blemish cream… It’s all ridiculous. And so expensive. And personally, I think it’s too much for the skin. If you eat well and eat your antioxidants (think berries!), and use a couple products with limited chemical make-up, your skin will likely look better than if you used all the anti-everything crap that’s out there. But don’t get me wrong, the manufacturers do a phenomenal job. The more you use their products, the more you need them, and the more you buy! Especially if the items “balance” each other and require you to use an entire line of product. It’s a great marketing ploy. The manufacturers are actually pretty smart. And rich because of us! {shame on them} *hop down off my soap box and continue*
I often look in health magazines for their top picks for ‘beauty’ items. They’re a great source of information and testers explain exactly what does and does not work, and why they prefer a particular product over another. A Chicago-based health mag is exactly where I got 3 of my favorite things within the past year. I’ve tried a lot of ’face stuff’ but like to stay as natural as possible. Along with washing my face with coconut water before bed and using the oil cleansing method periodically, there do happen to be a few commercial products in my bathroom cabinet that my face approves of!
Alba Botanicals Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser $14
why? not tested on animals, hypoallergenic, no phthalates, no parabens, no SLS, contains skin-brightening enzymes to wash away impurities and take care of skin dullness…oh, and it smells fantastic.
Burt’s Bees Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizer $17.00
why? contains Salicyclic Acid to help treat acne, witch hazel to tone the skin naturally and control oil, doesn’t clog pores, paraben free, not tested on animals…although a little more expensive, it’s totally worth it to me because a TINY bit covers my face and I’m not left having to reapply throughout the day
Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Rollerball Spot Stick $9.99
why? the rollerball reduces bacteria because you don’t use your hands to apply, petrolatum and paraben free, containts Symrise which helps reduce redness, Lycopene which is an anti-inflammatory and Salicylic Acid to help heal blemishes
***I think these items are decently priced. I prefer to spend a little more on important items, as I have learned the “cheap stuff” contains all kinds of chemicals and irritants, and don’t usually live up to their expectations. I honestly don’t purchase these often, and since you don’t need a lot of product you probably won’t find yourself having to replace them frequently. I look online for coupons and use the Ulta Cosmetic coupons/sales if I’m buying something because it’s actually a great store to save some money!***
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