Getting Big is Marvelous

August 26, 2013 By Laura

This weekend was especially marvelous.

Not that all weekends aren’t good.

After several weeks in a row of go-go-go, it was nice to be in town and left to my own devices. One might say it was absolutely marvelous.

Click the image for Katie’s Marvelous Monday link up!

Saturday I had brunch with some friends from grad school. We had a great time catching up and resolved (again) not to go some long without a reunion.

On my way home, I stopped at The Fresh Market and picked up a few treats. Apparently I was feeling ginger?

Then I hit the gym. Hard. I am finally feeling comfortable lifting again, and seeing some good progress. A guy I don’t know, but had seen around for a year or so know agreed… he stopped to tell me I was making some good progress and looked a lot bigger than I did a year ago. ~~I almost hugged him.~~

Just a couple of years ago I would have killed someone for telling me I look big. On Saturday I was flattered and thrilled. So much so that I had a photo shoot in the locker room… paying no mind to the lady changing and giving me the “WTF?!” look. #sorryimnotsorry

When I got home, I had a package. The timing couldn’t have been better. It was a delivery of my favorite protein powder from Growing Naturals!

I immediately busted out the vanilla and made a smoothie with spinach and raw sweet potato. It was good, but I want to perfect before sharing.

That night I went to see an artist I used to listen to in college – Melissa Ferrick. The group of friends was totally random; they all responded to my plea for a concert buddy via Facebook. Crowd sourcing concert buddies. 🙂

The venus is a listening room where there are tables and a full menu. I brought my own food in. It was really good! And I saved some carbs to have a Guinness. The best part about bringing your own healthy food to a show? Coming home to a healthy dessert in an almost empty Greek yogurt container! This was my favorite Carrot Cake Protein Batter, topped with granola and cocoa powder sauce.

Sunday I got up and made my Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes and a broiled grapefruit. Is it just me or are pancakes are the perfect way to start the day?

I semi-homemade my own syrup. It was 1 tsp sugar-free syrup, 1 tsp peanut flour, cinnamon, and a little water to thin. I’ll be doing that again!

There was a little snafu. I left to run errands and forgot to turn off the stove. The black beans I was cooking for the week turned to a char. Oops.

No matter! I had a date with some new friends to run sprints up Stone Mountain! Even more fun was getting to introduce them to my favorite market, where I bought some things to make the dish below.

I will share later. Bwhahaha…

***

In other marvelous news, it was actually sunny and warm in Atlanta most of the weekend. A nice change after our monsoon season.

What do you do with a “do what you want,” agenda-free weekend?

What was the last thing you burned? After burning those beans, my condo smelled like a giant fart. 🙁

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

August 16, 2013 By Laura

Cauliflower is surprisingly versatile.

Or maybe I’m surprisingly strange?

Either way, these are good. Cauliflower may seem like a strange thing to make pancakes with, but it’s one of those veggies (like spinach) that doesn’t have a strong taste.

I had to do a few trials, but persistence paid off. My first trials were without the oats, but it does need that addition to thicken properly.

What results in a super-fluffy pancake hiding a little extra veggie punch that NO ONE will ever guess is in there. I added a quick blackberry syrup and decorated with some toasted sunflower seeds, which added a nice crunch to every bite.

A couple of tips:

Cut the cauliflower into small pieces to so that they will blend smoothly
Make sure to grease the pan well to make flipping easier
Don’t touch the pancakes until they are ready to flip. If you mess with them, it will take away from the fluff factor.

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

For the Pancakes:

2 T oatmeal
100g (~2/3 C) cauliflower
1/4 C egg whites
1 T (1/2 scoop) vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp butter extract (optional)
5-6 drops liquid stevia

For the Blackberry Syrup:

1/4 C blackberries, mashed
1 tsp sugar-free syrup

In a blender (I used a Magic Bullet), pulse the oats into a flour. Place in mixing bowl.

Place cauliflower in the blender cup with egg whites and mix until smooth.

Add oats back in, along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until combined.

Cook in a well-greased skillet (I used PAM).

Meanwhile, mix together syrup ingredients in a small bowl. Place in the microwave for ~10 seconds to warm and “melt” the berries.

Plate the ‘cakes and drizzle with syrup. I also added sunflower seeds as a crunchy garnish.

Serves 1.

How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

This week has certainly been strange… it’s so cool in Atlanta it feels like October! Normally this would be awesome, but I’m crossing my finger for a little warmth because I’m supposed to try paddle boarding for the first time this weekend!

What is your favorite way to sneak in extra veggies?

Do you like to make pancake breakfasts? Or are you an oat/egg/yogurt/other person?

Georgia Running Trail Review + Pancake Fuel

May 30, 2013 By Laura

Starting out on the right foot is important.

Yet so often I forget…

Kat’s post today is all about trail running, I thought I’d share a quick pancake recipe (sorry if you saw this on Instagram already). She talks about hiking fuel at the end of this post, but my recipe would be good for pre-hike fuel!

These cakes have a great mix of carbs and protein to start you off feeling the right amount of full! I really loved how moist they were (yes, I used the word moist) thanks to the cottage cheese. Leaving some larger pieces of the oats gives it a fabulous chew, especially if you use a mix of grains (mine is oats and millet).

Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

(Inspired by Morganne)

1/4 c oats
1/3 c egg whites
1/4 c cottage cheese
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp butter extract
1/4 tsp baking powder
Stevia or other sweetener, to taste

Place all ingredients in a lender (I used the small Magic Bullet container) and briefly mix, allowing some larger pieces of oats to remain. Cooked in a pan over medium heat, flipping half way through.

Top as desired. I used raspberries, strawberries, and peanut butter syrup. My syrup mix consisted of sugar-free syrup, peanut flour, caramel extract, and a little water. I didn’t measure… but just guess and adjust as you go.

I’ve babbled enough! Here’s Kat!!!

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Mega Trail Heaven – Trail Reviews!

Since I last wrote, yes, Law School Graduation happened! It was a crazy day, and yes, it’s true, family drama cannot be kept at bay. I did have friends and family visit from all over, and it ended up being completely AWESOME. I am especially grateful to my friends who came from out-of-state, and even from locations 8 hours away.

And afterwards, we went out on the town. Dancing with Mom and Grammy was awesome!

After the fancy cocktail party, we went to a local club to dance the night away. Grammy I think won us all over, and my friends dancing with Grammy was also not too shabby… the pics below are not even the highlights but I don’t want to really embarrass anyone. 😉 (Editor’s note: Yes, let’s not ruin any political careers…)

And, in honor of celebrating graduation and my little break before bar review, I am having a little fun! (Editor’s note: WELL deserved!)

First, I got a new bike! She is a Scott Plasma tri bike, and she rides like a Porsche! I took her out on Friday for our first ride together! (Editor’s note: What’s her name?!)

Second, I am trail running like crazy! I have hit over 5 different trails in the last week for some long, much needed and deserved runs. Here is an overview of some of the trails and my personal “Trail Review.”

1. Sope Creek trails

Sope Creek is located just outside the Atlanta perimeter (285). A short drive for local Atlanta folk, and they are GORGEOUS. These trails are easy to navigate with maps at every turn. There are not many hills, and most of them are also suitable for mountain biking! There are also some cool old paper mill ruins.

(Editor’s note: I grew up RIGHT there and went to Sope Creek Elementary!)

2. Yeti Trails

Saturday, I went over to the Tributary and got a good run in on the Yeti Trails, which are located near Sweetwater State Park. (Editor’s note: I love these trails!)

These trails are pretty mild with some incline and decline, but no mountains, that’s for sure. They’re well-shaded and provide scenic views of water crossings and the river. You can also throw in some steeper hills at the power lines and gas lines, if you desire! (All before I went car shopping! You will get to see my new car next time!)

Yeti Trails

3. Hiker Hostel

Then I headed up to the mountains and stayed at Hiker Hostel, a cute little hostel that allows dogs! So we could bring pups up to hike AND I could run some trails.

Hiker Hostel is great because it’s family owned by a husband and wife who are super friendly, and they have their own bees for honey, and their own chickens! Such an adorable home. If you are ever in North Georgia, it’s a great place to stay! They also have a fully equipped kitchen downstairs so you can make your own dinner.

They have chickens to provide eggs for your breakfast!

They also sell their coffee by the pound, and with a message!

4. Vogel State Park

This cute get-away allowed us to first go up to Vogel State Park where we hiked the Bear Hair Trail with the dogs, and I got to go for a run on the Georgia Death Race course.

The hike on Bear Hair was awesome – lots of beautiful plants, including “flaming azaelias,” a local wild flower, and plenty of water crossings. There were enough hills to make it a difficult hike, but a fun couple of hours with the pups.

Vogel State Park

Then, I hit the Appalachian Trail… a bit easier to run here than on Bear Hair, and not QUITE as much scenery. The trails are pretty rocky, with some water crossings. I had never seen these trails during the day!!! I also had a cathartic moment where I revisited the location where I sprained my ankle.

5. Woody Gap

Monday morning I went for a run at Woody Gap, a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) between Vogel and Amicalola Falls State Park. These trails are comparable to the AT by Vogel but has better scenic overlooks and is a bit rockier.

They are a difficult run, but worth the beauty. I also ran into a bunch of hikers, surprised to see a runner out there! (Editor’s note: further proof you’re a bad ass.)

Woody Gap

6. Amicalola Falls

Then we went to Amicalola Falls on Monday afternoon for some more hiking. While you can also get on the Appalachian Trail for running from here, we stuck to the park area, which was over-crowded due to the holiday weekend.

The park definitely had a more peaceful feel to it with all of the water (Editor’s note: the falls are gorgeous!), and the hiking was actually pretty difficult. I was pooped after just a few short miles. The dogs were ready to go too!

Amicalola Falls

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Overall, it was one of the best Memorial Day weekends I have ever had!! 5 sets of trails AND a bike ride in 5 days – BLISS! This was all followed by an adjustment on Monday night with Nate, who also adjusted the dogs! (Editor’s note: Whaaaat?!)

With all of this activity all over the trails, it’s important to care for your body! The trails do it for the mind and soul – they make me happy… but how about fueling this type of outdoor activity?

My favorite trail foods are usually foods that provide the right amount of sugars and carbs to keep me going, with just enough protein (Editor’s note: Yay, protein!) to fill me up!

Like Laura’s What I Ate Wednesday, I’m going to give you a “What I Ate on the Trails”:

First, I always fuel on Lara Bars, especially the Cashew Cookie. I also enjoy the Peanut Butter Cookie. They have none of the crap that many other bars have. They are simple ingredients of nuts and dates, unless you get fancier versions, but still few ingredients are added.
Typical trail food also includes potato chips and gummy bears! (Editor’s note: These hot summer months are the time when I’d be with you on the salt!!!)
I also enjoy the following raw veggies as fuel on the trails – these items don’t squish in your pack, and they take a bit longer to digest, so you get a constant supply of the sugar and carbs you need to keep going:

Apples
Sweet Potatoes
Sliced Beets
Packets of Honey (you can make these at home)
The puppies enjoyed some beets while hiking

However, even more than eating just right, it is very important to hydrate! Sunday, I drank over a gallon of water between breakfast and dinner, and I was still thirsty! It’s getting hotter, and this is my plug about being smart with hydration (and it doesn’t hurt to throw in some electrolytes like coconut water) so you can go all day and not feel bad!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and are enjoying the warm summer weather!

***

Just when I think I’m active… I read Kat’s post. 😉

What are your favorite outdoor sports? Any favorite trails?

Do you like to run or hike with your dogs?

Strange But Good: Bacon, Eggs, and Coffee (Pancakes)

May 24, 2013 By Laura

I’m not a huge coffee drinker.

Morning energy is key though.

Since having my morning cocktail everyday, I’ve simply not craved coffee. Combine that with my mental block for some reason I think coffee takes far too much effort to make (yet I will spend time making breakfasts like this… no logic, I know), and I rarely make coffee.

Anyway, I decided to make coffee on Monday morning (I was still dragging from the post-Blend excitement!). when I do prepare coffee, I always make extra to have during the week. With my leftover coffee, I make things like Tiramisu parfaits and pancakes!

This pancake creation hit all the high points when it come to breakfast: it is possible to have your bacon, eggs, and coffee all in one bite!

It may be a little strange. It definitely is a lot good! We all know how I like my waffles at Waffle House. That may not be the healthiest way to eat breakfast, but this creation is one you can feel good about.

Fluffy, protein-rich cakes made silky with coconut flour. These were laced with mocha coffee goodness and filled with blueberries that burst in your mouth. Their syrup is a delicious egg yolk that pops with flavorful bite of bacon sprinkles. Breakfast porn at its best!

Coffee Pancakes

2 T raw oatmeal
1 T coconut flour
1/2 scoop (10g) protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp no-salt baking powder
2 T egg whites
1/4 cup brewed coffee (I used a mocha flavor)
1/4 tsp maple extract
6-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia
Optional: blueberries, runny egg, bacon sprinkles

In a small bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir to combine.

Heat pan over med-high, spoon batter onto pan, and cook until done (~3-4 mins each side). Add blueberries half way through, if using.

While your pancakes are cooking, prepare your toppings. I amped up the #strangebutgood with a runny egg and bacon “sprinkles.” The egg rocks because the yolk becomes your pancake syrup!

How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?

The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends!

Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

I am look forward to an amazing long, relaxing weekend with friends... and my new CAT!!! Lucy is picture shy as she acclimates, but stay tuned...

What are you looking forward to this long weekend?

What's your favorite way to enjoy yolk porn? 😉

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

May 13, 2013 By Laura

A weekend without plans never happens for me.

I have such good intentions to relax…

This weekend it happened. And it was because I made a mistake. I thought for WEEKS that this weekend was the Food & Wine Festival. Last year it was on Mother’s Day weekend. This year it apparently is NOT. So suddenly I had a whole weekend, wide open. And it was marvelous.

Of course I worked out. My kickboxing streak continued with a lunchtime class on Friday. I rocked some shorts that may have more personality than I do.

I received these funky green bottoms from YMX as part of being a FitFluential Ambassador. More than the unique look, what makes YMX workout gear special is the fabric they use. It’s called MadKool fabric. It’s meant to regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm in cool weather and cool when you’re hot. The boxing gym is HOT. The fabric was as-advertised… AND it was so light and comfortable I felt like I wasn’t even wearing bottoms. Strange… but good. 😉

Totally asked the instructor to take a pic of me. At least I waited until AFTER class! #shameless

To get your own naked-feeling YMX gear click here. You move like a butterfly and sting like a bee comfortably too! Try this quick circuit:

100 jab-crosses
10 burpees
100 upper cuts
50 mountain climbers
20 Side kicks (each side)

Repeat ~~until you pass out~~ 3-5x.

After that you should refuel! To be honest I was a little mad at Lindsay when I received my first order of Healthy Bites. They are so amazing… I was pissed she didn’t MAKE me try them earlier. I swear I’m not just saying that.

These bites are the most delicious snack I’ve had in recent memory. They are filled with good, clean ingredients, they’re low-sugar, and they’re gluten-free.

My custom order included a protein-laced Reeses flavor, Cinnamon Biscotti, Coconut Caramel, and Birthday Cake. They are all amazing… but the Reeses were my top pick. Or the Cinnamon. Tough choices!!!

They are almost gone. Whoops!

Sunday I hung out with my amazing mom and grandmother. Mom is truly a rock. I owe my passion for food and for being active to her.

Before I left her house, my mom and my grandmother asked me to make them overnight oats to have in the morning! I made an oatmeal version of my Cherry Ginger Smoothie.

I’m a terrible blogger and forgot a pic… but I’ll ask her to send me one to post on Instagram tomorrow. 🙂

Speaking of IG… I also reached a marvelous milestone. My 2000th picture on Instagram!

Eggs from my local farmer’s market. If you’ve never had a farm-fresh egg, you must hunt them down. The difference in taste is astounding. They are more flavorful, the yolks are bright orange, and they make the best runny yolks.

These eggs were first used in my favorite way… #yolkporn! I cracked one into half a pre-roasted kabocha squash and put it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Served over a bed of arugula and smoked salmon with Greek yogurt cream cheese (made by Atlanta Farm Fresh, purchased at Whole Foods).

They also make killer pancakes. The creamy, dreamy pancakes below are laced with local strawberries and hints of lemon and then topped with sautéed berries and toasted coconut. I die.

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

2 T cornmeal
1 T vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp sodium-free baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 egg (or 1/4C egg whites)
1/4 C fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
2 T water
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/4 butter extract (optional)
6-8 drops lemon liquid stevia (or preferred sweetener)
2 large strawberries, mashed
Optional toppings: syrup, toasted coconut, strawberries

Heat a non-stick pan medium heat and coat with cooking spray (I used coconut oil).

To a medium-sized bowl, add cornmeal, protein, baking powder, and cinnamon and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg white until foamy. Add yogurt, water, extracts, and stevia and stir well.

Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in mashed strawberries.

Spoon batter onto pan and cook 3-4 mins per side or until they begin to bubble on top.

Add toppings and enjoy!

***

It’s also Meatless Monday! Check out all the links at Heather’s blog using this week’s ingredient: Dark Chocolate. I’m linking my #strangebutgood Chocolate Avocado Cookies from Friday!

Have you ever had farm eggs?

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Spring is Marvelous

April 8, 2013 By Laura

Something about Spring makes life better.

Until the pollen hits.

Last week I was in a bit of a funk. It was rainy and cold, I was tired… but spring arrived just in time for the weekend! I want to carry over this weekend weather high into the week, and Katie’s Marvelous in My Monday link up is my favorite way to focus on the good and start the week out right!

Almost everything involved the outdoors – something I’d forgotten how much I love!

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There’s only one right way to start the weekend – pancakes! I made Heather’s Peanut Butter Cookie pancakes and topped them with a fresh strawberry sauce. My only change to her recipe was to omit the rice flour and reduced the liquid to 1/3 C. They were perfect!

With the spring berries on top, it was like PB&J cookies for breakfast.

Those pancakes fueled the best workout I’d had in DAYS. This week in the gym I had just not been feeling it. I’d be half way through a workout coaxing myself with post-workout foods if I finished.

Not only did I have a great shoulder/glute day in the weight room, but I was feeling so good I decided to run some sprints before heading home. Those sprints are great for the glutes and I could feel it the next day!

After than calorie torch, I made myself a massive Carrot Cake Smoothie… I needed some cool-down fuel because I then met Carol and her puppy for a 6 mile walk in the park!

I don’t know how we walked so long – I was already tired. We just started talking and the time FLEW by!

We parted ways and I headed home for a (much-needed) shower before meeting a friend for dinner.

I don’t know about you, but my #1 favorite thing about spring is patios. Sitting outside with my flip-flops on, a teensy sunburn, and a margarita makes me happy. Simple pleasures.

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Sunday I woke up early (read: before 9am on a weekend) to play softball. We won both games! Our team is undefeated in a men’s league. Hahaha! 🙂

I didn’t have time to make Sunday morning bacon… but my favorite meat-treat still managed to make a cameo.

Sunday is also my grocery store and meal prep day. I hauled my sweaty, dusty self (#sorryimnotsorry) to the farmer’s market and Whole Foods for the weekly stock up. No real diet changes yet, but the competition is coming up fast and next week it will be lock down time.

Despite having bags of groceries from 2 stores, I made it up to my condo in one trip. I saw this on Pinterest, which perfectly captures the moment. Please tell me I’m not the only person who is this stubborn:

I also bought myself flowers. Flowers go a long way in brightening up my week, especially when I work from home. It’s nice to look over and see their natural brightness after staring at a computer screen for hours!

Besides, if I waited for someone else to do it I’d be waiting a looong time. 😉

Another favorite of mine in the warm weather is watermelon. After a long 2 days in the sun, I was happy to have a refreshing watermelon salad… and finally, my Sunday bacon.

Sweet, salty, and a little earthiness from the beets. It’s the perfect spring salad! #strangebutgood

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Watermelon, Beet, & Bacon Salad

1 C watermelon, diced
1/4 C beets, roasted and diced
2 strips crispy bacon
Cilantro, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

***

My teensy sunburn got worse on Sunday. I forgot that with spring comes the need for sunscreen. #fail

Do you ever buy yourself flowers?

What is your favorite part about spring?

Marvelous in My Random Monday

March 25, 2013 By Laura

Warning: This post is totally random.

Making it reflective of the thoughts that run through my head.

I’m really loving the idea of focusing on why life is good on my (former) least favorite day of the week. Katie’s Marvelous in My Monday link up is a great reminder to keep the good weekend-vibes up!

There was a lot of awesome this weekend. Most of it is completely unrelated… if you aren’t a fan of unfocused posts this will drive you nuts. #sorryimnotsorry 😉

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At the end of last week I was inspired by a FitFluential twitter chat to make my own standing desk at work. I’ve long been a fan of sitting on a stability ball at work, but I still dislike sitting ALL day. In a big company it’s hard to get approval for a fancy standing desk, so I did a little improv:

Much better use of those Girls Scout cookies, no?

Side note: I made it through cookie season only having eaten 1/2 of a Samoa. I would have eaten a Tagalong, but never did find a box of those lying around. No one wanted to share the best flavor ever?!

Saturday morning called for pancakes. I finally got around to trying out the Strange But Good pancake recipe Alina shared a couple of weeks ago. Her Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes were inspired by my Oatmeal Cookie Shake! I loved the creativity. Please overlook my inability to make brown food look appetizing. These were amazing.

(Shameless plug: Go back and check out last Friday’s link up – it was the biggest one yet!!!)

My only modifications were to replace the 2 T of banana with more pumpkin puree and to use carob chips instead of chocolate chips. The nutritional yeast in these (and the shake) may sound strange, but it makes the recipe!

I topped them with sugar-free syrup, but they honestly didn’t need it. Next time I’m eating them plain like a cookie.

After my workout, I did a little shopping. I don’t know what happened, but over the past couple of years I have totally lost interested in clothes shopping. I’d rather buy workout clothes and fun groceries! Saturday’s goal was to buy new clothes for work, but instead I found a jacket and some lip plump.

This jacket was on sale and then an addition 40% off at Banana Republic – $180 jacket for $90. Score.

Photo from bananarepublic.com

And the lip plump… that was an impulse buy at Sephora. It added a little more pout to lips, but it tingled more than anything!

I’m pretty sure I bought this for the name alone.

Saturday night I had a date with my best friend for the first time in MONTHS. I really missed her! We had a fabulous meal at Miller Union. One of my favorite ways to eat is to order a bunch of small plates and a single entrée to share. I have to try everything!

This is round 1 of the small plates. A kale salad with pecans, fennel, and orange and grapefruit segments, massaged with creme fraiche dressing. In the middle is a feta cheese dip with fresh veggies. And wine.

Sunday was going to be a rest day… but I got restless. ~~And I had some wine to sweat out.~~

I popped in my old DVD standby – P90X Plyo. After all that bouncing I had to get a calf shot. My trainer has had me doing weighted calf raises 3x a week to elongate my calves… but I never really believed it was possible. Now I think it actually worked!

I refueling with an old favorite: my Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie. Xanthan Gum is one I’ve used for a long time to thicken smoothies up, but after this Butternut Banana Shake post I took several of your suggestions and bought Guar Gum to use too. What resulted was a creamy concoction so thick I ate it from a bowl with a spoon.

Xanthan was great for getting smoothie thick, but that Guar really amped up the creaminess. Definitely worth a try if you don’t already use it!

After my workout I heard a massive thud. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I live in a city. I have become accustomed to tuning out noise. I’d totally forgotten about it until I left for the farmer’s market. That noise was this happening:

After days of rain storms, this huge old tree split at the base. The marvelous part? That building is abandoned and no one was hurt!

Finally, one of my favorite activities. Kombucha brewing! I love kombucha, but it does get pricey. Months ago I purchased a Brooklyn Kombucha home-brew kit on Open Sky and I brew my own stash every week. It’s unbelievably easy. Click here to head over to Open Sky if you’re interested in starting!

Recycled ACV bottles are perfect to store it in!

This week’s flavors:

Blood orange with cinnamon and ginger
Rosemary with cinnamon and ginger
Chili pepper and ginger

***

One more marvelous: today is leg day with my trainer. #hurtssogood

Does sitting at a desk drive you nuts? How do you stay active at your job?

Do you like kombucha? What flavor would you like to brew?

Strange But Good Breakfast

March 15, 2013 By Laura

If left to my own devices, my natural “awake” time is 10am to 2am.

I blame my mother. It’s hereditary.

The only reason I get excited for morning to come is breakfast. It’s the most ~~delicious~~ important meal of the day, you know. With very little effort, it can also be the strangest meal of the day.

This weekend was the beginning of softball season. I received a 6:30am wake up text from our team captain Sunday morning. We had a tournament starting at 8. It’s a good thing I had breakfast planned, because I am pretty sure I was still asleep on the drive to the field.

You’ve all heard of overnight oats in a jar, I’m sure. I had an almost empty jar, but no oats! No matter – I remembered my TVP “Oatmeal” and made Overnight TVP in a Jar! Made just like a traditional recipe, but using TVP rather than oats. Strange… but good!

I was going to eat this in the car, but was too tired so I ate it at the field… and earned a couple of strange but good stares. That coffee was GONE by the time I got to the park though. 😉

Overnight TVP in a Jar

1/2 C TVP
3/4 C unsweetened almond milk (or other liquid)
2 T peanut flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 banana, mashed
Almost empty nut butter jar

Mix everything together in your jar and place in refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, remove from fridge and devour!

Note: If you like your oats warm, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute. You may need to add more liquid though.

Enough of my strangeness… one of my favorite Instragrammers and new blogger, Alina, took my Oatmeal Cookie Shake and turned up the strangeness. She made Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes… with the nutritional yeast from my original recipe!

Alina was kind enough to send her recipe to me so I could share it with you all. Check this deliciousness out, and make sure to go to her blog – it’s full of creative, delicious dishes!

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes

2 T coconut flour
2 T pumpkin puree
1 tsp nutritional yeast
1/3 C egg whites
1 T vanilla whey protein
2 T mashed banana
2 T almond milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp butter flavor/extract
2 stevia packets
1/2 tsp baking powder
Dash salt
1 T mini Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (optional)

Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.

Scoop onto griddle or heated pan sprayed with some coconut oil. Yes, the batter is super thick but just spread pancakes to desired thickness and be patient while they cook up!

Flip once until cooked through.

Optional toppings: 2 Tbsp cottage cheese + 1 Tbsp chocolate pb2 , and Walden Farms chocolate syrup.

What’s strange but good in your kitchen this week?

The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above.

In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

Another strange but good – going to have a gluttonous dinner with your trainer post-leg workout. That happened last night. #strangebutgoodshamelessness

When do you tend to make your strangest creations?

What is your favorite overnight oats combo?

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