Journey to Jager: Donuts & Dresses

T-minus 31 days to my engagement photo shoot, and all I can think about is:

1. Heaping bowls of cereal

2. Man N Cheese

3. McDonald's

4. Hot fudge sundaes

5. Donuts

6. Cupcakes

7. Chocolate.

Oddly enough, I am also hardcore craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich... shaped like a jack-o-lantern, complete with candy corn eyes and nose. Who says crazy cravings are restricted to the pregnant?

On Monday I gorged on See's Candy whilst watching Dancing with the Stars with my mom and grandma. Excuse 1: it goes so well with my red wine! Excuse 2: Could it be this, too, is a butterscotch square? (I knew fully well it wasn't because there is only one per box... and I had already eaten it... )

Tuesday was the start of some serious buckling down. Not only because my engagement shoot is nigh, but because I am supposed to be stuffing myself in wedding dresses this weekend. Hoooorrraayyyyyy!!!! (to the dresses, not the stuffing. Now I'm thinking about stuffing... )

I have been looking forward to wedding dress weekend since... well, honestly before I was engaged. I confess I am one of those who has watched entirely too many episodes of Say Yes To The Dress. BUT! Unlike that show, I have set a budget. And by god, I'm sticking to it. It's also nowhere near what those girls are able (or willing) to spend.

First stop will be Mary Me Bridal, where my sister got her wedding dress.

[Hartnett gals]

I wanted the first place I went to have extra significance, and knew this place was the one. Also, I'm hoping it'll be a lucky charm: My sister came to her appointment at Mary Me with a magazine clip of a dress she liked. Turns out that Mary Me Bridal had the dress and, even more surprising, it ended up being The One! How often does that happen? The trick is I currently have about 20 pictures. Whoops.

The following day we will be heading East to Bellasposa in Rancho Cucamonga.

A coworker of mine raved about her experience there and, as it turns out, they are having a trunk show this weekend for a designer that I have been eyeing. I've never taken part in a trunk show before and thought, why not? Add to the experiences! I haven't even stepped foot in the store yet and I am already impressed by this salon. Every time I call they are extremely nice and have even gone out of the way to reach out to me to make sure all is square for my appointment. I appreciate the attention to detail.

Hoping this weekend is my lucky weekend! In the meantime, I have been trying out some new clean recipes to help get me back on track, and help me get in those veggies I have been somewhat lacking in my diet lately. I have all sorts of delicious recipes on the list, which I will share in the weeks to come. First up was a dish created by my brother Christian, who has also been taking to the Interwebs as a creative outlet. Check out Christian's Daily Stories, where I got the recipe I am about to share.

[Nerd Alert]

My brother is newly vegan (something we incessantly tease him about since he used to be the guy that consumed 10 eggs a day). Teasing aside, he has come up with some seriously tasty animal-free meals, like this taco recipe. It sounds bizarre, but I swear it's real good.

All you need is the following:

1. Assorted veggies (I chopped broc and cauliflower)

2. Corn tortillas. Be careful what kind you get. Some have all sorts of processed ingredients. I got mine from Sprout's and it only has corn, water, and lime. Keeping it to five ingredients or less is a good rule of thumb for clean eating

3. Brown Rice, cooked.

4. Can o chickpeas, rinsed and ready.

5. Half an onion. I might suggest even a quarter of an onion as it gets pretty potent.

6. Bell pepper

7. Garlic salt

8. Chili Powder

Grab a blender or food processor and dump in ingredients 4-7. This mix is delicious and works well as a topping on tacos or chicken (for some added protein). Grill up your assorted veggies and tortillas and fill. Add avocado or, for the non-vegan, a sprinkle of cotija or other cheese. These tacos are full of flavor, in large part from the kick you get from the chickpea and bell pepper mix, and very filling. Christian adds a spicy pepper to the mix if you want an extra kick. I played it safe.

[This photo is terrible]

I paired my tacos with a refreshing - no sugar and so much fruit flavor! The raspberries and lime really come through, I was in berry and citrus heaven, no joke. For those who have a hard time kicking the soda habit, this is a good way to transition. I have lots of other tasty clean eats to share. Check back next week for more!