What a marvelous Monday it is, my friends!
Thank you for hosting, Katie! I will have to be honest with you guys and tell you in plain words: My MARVELOUS today is that I’m having a heart of gratitude!
I know I may seem overly chirpy half of the time, but that’s because I always try to have my perspective filtered through God and His Word. And to show you that it is possible to remain with an attitude of thanksgiving, I have this documented for ya.
For the past few days I’ve been really struggling with my burning stomach symptoms of which nobody knows the cause because every time I get them it’s a different diagnose. Hence, no one seems to know if it’s IBS, stomach flu, too much acid, etc. But thankfully, I feel much better today. Hallelujah!
There’s still some discomfort there but most likely it will be 100% gone by the end of the day. Not to mention, the bloating and extreme water retention that I’m constantly experiencing most definitely takes a toll on my body image, because it makes me feel “big” or like I’ve gained a whole lot of weight. It definitely doesn’t help when somebody asked me if Greg and I are finally expecting!
But you know what? I brushed that off fairly quickly and forgave that person right away, because sometimes we just want to be nice to others and accidentally or unknowingly say something that’s a little “out of line” without even meaning to hurt their feelings. I knew that the longer I dwelt upon that comment and negative emotion, the less I’d be able to focus on God’s true love for me. I know that it is ultimately not about me–and I want to make His Grace over my life worth fighting for.
Having our eyes and hearts focused on the blessings that we have, rather than the negative aspects of life, can bring about a whole different dimension into our lives. We definitely become what we think and feel, and changing the patterns of our thoughts is so crucial when it comes to coping with our daily obstacles. In my opinion, this is one of the very basic steps to living an extraordinary life. To exceed the limits that we thought we ever had, and to reach our full potential in fulfilling the purpose that God has for every single one of us.
I hope I’m not the only one having a marvelous Monday! So why don’t you share with us your marvelous? Remember that struggling with something is actually a good sign! It’s a sign that we are alive and it means that we fight for what we believe is right. 
Healthy and Tasty
Alright, so you might recall when I briefly mentioned that I had a blessed time with my family on the Fourth of July. In addition to many laughs and watching Daniel chasing Orion (our “husky” cat) around the entire night, we also had a variety of scrumptious food.
Our “husky” cat! He likes to study as you can see.
Surprise surprise!
Not really. Because I’m sure that most of you had your fair share of delicious home cooked family meals on that day as well. And I know the world doesn’t revolve around me nor my blog, but if you’re the least bit interested in some delicious, refreshing, summery pasta salad, then this one is for you.
Asian Pasta Salad with Orange-Ginger Dressing
This Asian inspired dressing goes really well with pasta salad or just a plain green salad. Although this recipe includes a good amount of honey as the sweetener, it’s still on the rather healthy side because honey is on the lower end of the Glycemic Index, which means that the blood sugar levels in the body will not peak as quickly as sugar does. Ultimately, this means less “sugar crash” and more energy. Youpi!
Makes approximately 1.5~2 cups
Ingredients
- 1/4 C rice vinegar
- 3 TBSP fresh ginger, no skin
- 1/4 C soy sauce
- 1/3 C sesame oil
- sprinkles of sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 TBSP fresh orange juice (or bottled)
- 2 TBSP orange marmalade (optional)
- 1/3 C honey
- 1/2 TBSP Miso paste (tastes better with it)
- 1 TBSP cilantro
Ingredients for Pasta
- 12 oz. whole wheat Rotini pasta (whole box)
- 1/2 C grated carrots
- 1 C Edamame beans
Directions
- Grab your food processor or Magic Bullet and add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Process until the ginger root is completely pureed.
- Now add the orange juice, marmalade, Miso paste, and honey. Mix for another 30 seconds or so. Finally, add the cilantro and sesame seeds to pulse just a few times. I prefer those ingredients to remain a little more intact and visible.
- Try to dab a fork in the mixture to scoop out any stringy pieces from the ginger root. Now, it is best to refrigerate the dressing for at least a few minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to directions and make it Al Dente. Once it is finished rinse it with cold water. Add the grated carrots, Edamame beans, and chilled dressing.
- Mix everything gently with a wooden spoon and voila, it is finished!
This pasta salad was a real hit with my family! So much so that my brother in law requested the recipe so that my sister can make it for him, and naturally, he took the rest home with him to chow down on it during his lunch break. 
Since I already knew how hectic the Fourth of July would be (hello last minute shoving things in the closet house cleaning and cooking!), I was wise enough to think ahead the night before and got started on this salad dressing. Then, I refrigerated it overnight and I have to say that the longer it’s been chilled, the better it tastes!
As you may have already noticed, I don’t always go back to my recipes and use them up all that often. But that’s because I hate being tied down to one recipe while all my creative juices are bursting out of my brain! Haha.
Nevertheless, this one might be a different story because it’s easy, quick, and healthy enough to eat for days on end. Well, we’ll see about that, so keep me accountable guys! 
What obstacles do you constantly find yourselves fighting to overcome?
How do you change your patterns of thought?
-I ask for prayer, read the Bible, call out Scripture, and just become vulnerable before God!
What are your favorite pasta salad recipes? Dressings?
Do you make your own dressing at home?
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Ellie! It was a post similar to this that brought me to your blog in the first place, so you have to know they’re helping at least one person! Sometimes, obstacles can be an un-Godly force at work trying to keep you from something that may be great! The hardest things in life usually yield the most satisfying and happy-inducing results! I find that the more trouble I have with something, the greater joy it gives me to overcome the trouble and succeed with it. I’m glad you’re having a good day today, and I hope you continue to get better!
Thank you for your insight! Yes, definitely the enemy does not rest but our God is at work even more. muahahaha.
You are a treasure Lauren!
Ellie ssi, I absolutely love this post! I really needed to read this! I, too, have been feeling really bloated and disgusting lately. I’m not sure if it’s the herbal medicine working (oh I’m keeping my fingers crossed), but I’m downright miserable. Nonetheless, I am trying to eat as much as I can, whereas the old me would have probably starved myself. I stepped on that darn scale, don’t ask me why, and when I saw that I gained more than 4 pounds, I nearly had a melt-down. However, you’re absolutely right! I need to change the patterns of my thoughts! I feel much better today..It’s such a roller coaster ride, and I hope I can get off of it someday. But right now, I’m going to hold God’s hand and take it one day, one step at a time. You rock, my beautiful lady! Can we seriously meet one day?
ahhh thank you for sharing about your experience Min~I’m so proud of you for hanging on to Him and changing your perspective. Stay strong and courageous, do not be afraid for the Lord God is with you wherever you go….<3 Love you sista! And I know I really would love to meet. Somehow????
I love to make my own dressing because I feel like I always have no clue what they put in theirs LOL. I want to know what I’m eating lol and yea please pleas please take care of your health! healthy diet, yoga and running is where its at. I hope you feel better! PS come visit me on my blog again I miss you!
Yesss I agree that it is much better when you know what’s in your food! lol. I miss you too girlie! yes ma’am, I’ll definitely keep in touch.
Ehem. You are NOT chirpy, you are amazing. I’d absolutely love to live in a world where everyone has your positive outlook and optimism. And I’m so sorry about your mysterious stomach syndrome! I had strange symptoms going on too at one point, but I cut down on my overall gluten and carb intake and I have to say- I felt much better. That could easily just me, but it’s just a thought.
Hope you feel 100% soon!
aww Kelly dearest! Great to see ya around~And thank you for the support.
I always do wonder if gluten has anything to do with my tummy aches! I mean, it’s not ALWAYS that I get aches/indigestion after bread and gluteny foods. But, oftentimes it does happen. Perhaps I’m more sensitive to it but not “intolerant”? I’ll look into it Kelly. Love you!
“Finally” expecting?! For crying out loud, you only just got married! Don’t people know that it’s lovely to spend a little time enjoying each other’s company as a Mr and Mrs before as a Mum and Dad? (At least, I’d assume so?)
Mystery ailments are the worst; I’ve had five issues in my life that doctors haven’t been able to figure out. Sending you wonderful thoughts for a speedy recovery! xo
hahaha I know!! We truly would like to wait at least 1 year from now because things will def. change later on! Thank you for the love Hannah. I hope you’re doing well yourself. <3
Love the positive attitude! It’s definitely easy to lose sight of the fact that the bumps in the road are still a part of the road. I like the melding of Italian and Asian fin the salad! Looks great.
Thank you Val! It’s always easier to see the positive when we see through other people’s eyes too
I am not usually a big fan of dressings, but I like the sound of this one – and the edamame bean inclusion in the pasta! I also like your positive perspective, it does make such a difference.
The edamame did make it tasty! And it needs protein ya know?
Pasta salads are awesome for summer. They always make me feel like I’m on a picnic.
Hey Ellie! Your asian pasta salad looks delicious! I love pasta saIads, including macaroni salad and the greek pasta salad. I can’t wait to make it once I get back to the States. I’ve been traveling around China and I still am.
I really hope your stomach problems get better. It’s good that you feel better the day you posted this. My mother also has stomach problems and doctors don’t know what the problem is.
I really hate the water retention and bloating. I’m experiencing that right now in China. Always going out to eat, not enough water to drink. I can’t wait to try out that back on track workout you posted. It’ll help me shed the extra pounds I probably gained from traveling and It’s so nice to finally hear your voice. You should speak Spanish too. I’d like to hear you speak Spanish.
I’ve read your past posts about your nephew. How is he doing now a days?
Umm what do you mean FINALLY expecting? Youve only been married a few months! lol Thats the most annoying question I get. Im like hey people, Im 23 years old. I know Im married, but does that mean I have to start popping out kids too? gosh!
Hope your tummy feels better girl!
dearest ellie, i struggle with bloated stomach and water retention too. have you thought about cutting sugar out? look up the candida diet and try that for a couple of weeks. you’ll be surprised at how much better your stomach feels!
Pasta salads are so perfect for summer! This would be such a great difference from the normal olive oil based ones too. I will be trying this soon for sure.
{ 1 trackback }