Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Being Serene

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Sunny weekends seem shorter.

 

I never want them to end!  

Before diving head first into a crazy week, here are the top 5 highlights that I remembered to take a picture of:

 

1. Serenbe Cooking Demo

While at my team’s retreat we were treated to a cooking demo by the founder of Serenbe, Marie Nygren.  Serenbe (“be serene” spelled backwards) is a small sustainable community just outside of Atlanta.  It reminds me of Seaside (where The Truman Show was filmed), but without the ocean.

 

Marie led us though a short cooking demo in her home.  She prepared collard greens two ways, kale, and cabbage.  It was all delicious… and her house was GORGEOUS!

 

 

2. *Almost* Justin Timberlake Sighting

Justin Timberlake is in Atlanta shooting “Trouble With the Curve,” with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams.  Below is the camera crew.  No Justin… but I swear I saw Jessica Biel walking down the street the other day.

 

 

3. Softball Sunday

My team won!!!  The second game.  

Our problem is that we aren’t morning people.  We don’t wake up until half way through the first game.

 

My groin woke up too early thanks to play at first base.  I did a full split and caught the ball for the out.  And pulled my groin.  Ouch.

 

 

4. Powdered Hummus?

On my weekly trip to Whole Paycheck Foods I came across hummus powder in the bulk bins.  The instructions say all you need to do is add is water and olive oil.

Does this sound awesome or weird?

I haven’t tried it yet, but will report back soon!  They also had a powdered black bean dip.

 

 

5. Green Thumb

I’ve mentioned before that I have killed every plant I have owned.  I even killed mint.  Yesterday I helped my mom plant flowers.

 

They are so pretty, right?!  I hope my black thumb doesn’t affect them.


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I miiiiight be allowed to try running again tomorrow.  I go back to the doc and he’s going to give me the green light.  Or not.  I’m a little nervous since by the end of softball today it was a little sore from running bases, but nothing like before.

This week was a little light on workout intensity… and the clean eating… but I’m not going to kick myself too hard over it.  Sometimes you just need to take it easy.

 

Workout Recap (3/26 – 4/1):

  • Monday – This BodyRock, stationary bike, 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – This workout by Lori, 100 push-ups, 20 mins of P90X Cardio… then quit in favor of playing tennis. 🙂
  • Wednesday – P90X Tris/Chest, Ab Ripper X
  • Thursday – This Pinned Workout (3x), 100 push-ups
  • Friday – Rest
  • Saturday – This BodyRock, Back/Bis, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday –  Softball 2x, P90X Plyo, 100 push-ups

 

***

I totally forgot it was April Fool’s yesterday.  We should have the whole month to mess with people!

Did you play any April Fool’s Pranks?

Have you seen powdered hummus before? Is it good?

 

Manic Monday

By

I wish it was Sunday…

‘Cause that’s my fun day.

There was not an inch of free space on any Atlanta patio yesterday.  The weather was perfect – 70 degrees and clear blue skies.

My softball team, Laid Back, had our first games of the season.  We lost both by 1 run… but we had a great time!  I got to do my signature split off of 1st base.  I think I pulled my hip.

Super-old pic!

Here are a few more things that made this weekend fabulous:

1. My Sister, the Rockstar

Have a listen to Goose & Fox’s (my sister’s band) new song, “Fearless.”

 

2. iHerb Delivery

This was my first time ordering from iHerb.com and I was really pleased!  I ordered Sun Warrior vegan protein powder (my favorite) and more peanut flour.  They even threw in a sample bag of tea!  Orders over $40 receive FREE 1-3 day shipping.  I had my goods the NEXT DAY.  Perfect for someone who expects instant gratification.

Additionally, I got $10 off my order because it was my first time.  If you are interested, here’s the code: USO924.

3. Monday Night Brewing

Just when I thought I knew ever beer in Atlanta, I found this local craft brew from Monday Night Brewing at a local pub called Augustine’s.

The glass reads: “Weekends are Overrated.”

I should have stolen this glass.

It is called “Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale.”  A little smoky with notes of chocolate, I instantly loved this cleverly-named  Scottish-style brew.  Tasty beer and the company was even better. 😉

4. Tattoo Consultation

I have been planning this tattoo forever.  After procrastinating on the design, I finally asked my best friend’s husband, Greg, to sketch it out for me.  He did a great job on the sketches, and I had a clear vision to bring to the talented Danielle at Only You Tattoo.  It’s really special to me that Greg drew it; he and my bestie mean the world to me.

Danielle is a talented woman – April 28th was her first available appointment.  I’m 1 month away from new ink!

5. Whole Foods Hot Mess Bar

A little Sunday evening dinner treat.  The bar was LOADED with vegan options tonight – BBQ seitan, tofu cacciatore, vegan mac & cheese, vegan spaghetti with “meat” sauce… and raw kale salads galore!

I also ran into one of my favorite singers in the produce sections… I didn’t say hi…. but it was cool!

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Last week I mentioned that I may have found the root of the problem with my knee.  I was told to take it easy this week… I kind of did.  Against advice, I did run in the softball game.  It was just short sprints between bases… but I didn’t feel pain!  *crossing fingers*

 

Running makes me feel more sane.  It’s my release.  Saturday morning 5Ks give me something fun and athletic to look forward to every weekend.  If Dr. Justin fixed it… I’ll set up a shrine to him in my room.  LOL!

Workout Recap (3/18 – 3/25):

***

I’m speaking to a bunch of MBAs at my alma mater today about post-careers… nervous!!

Have you tried peanut flour yet?  What are you waiting for?!

What do you do to keep your mind healthy?

Better-Than-S’mores Brownies

By

It’s Weekend Recap Monday!

Saturday I got to see the now 1 week old Jackson – how cute is he?!

That’s my massive-looking finger he’s holding!

Mommy, Daddy and baby are all doing well.  They are all so cute together – I can’t believe the girl I used to run around the softball field with now has a baby.  Totally surreal.  

Of course, I couldn’t drop by empty-handed.

I brought the new parents some of the treats I made to take to a friend’s beach volleyball party.

These baller-friends built a sand volleyball court right in their own backyard.  It stays there year-round.  Coolest.  Idea. Ever.

We braved the heat and played for hours.  I was impressed at the skill level of my friends!  After a few rounds (and a minor injury), I decided to play it safe and spectate.

My thumb is a hard-core shade of purple today.

Volleyball = not one of my many skills

The Chipotle Corn Hummus made an appearance at the party.  

Heat + charred, sweet corn + hummus = Mmmmm.

Oh… did you want to know about that treat?

I put the Edge Brownie Pan mom gave me a few years ago to a whole new use.

S’more Brownies.  Complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to sneak “secret” ingredients into foods.  (I swear by these brownies).

Betcha can’t guess the secret in S’more Brownies…

I used brownie mix.  Don’t judge me.

Rather than adding the called-for water and oil, I added a can of Diet Coke.  You can stop there, but I added an egg to achieve a fudge-ier brownie that would be a bit more reminiscent of melted s’more chocolate.

The chocolate chips in the batter give it added texture and make this even more sinful fantastic.

This may be one of the best desserts I’ve ever made.  (And I make a lot of desserts.)  They’re your childhood s’mores on crack made better.

I can never make these again.  

For at least a week.

S'mores Brownies

S’mores Brownies

Crust:

  • 1.5 C crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 C + 2 T Earth Balance (or butter)

Brownie:

  • 1 box brownie mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Diet Coke
  • 1/4 C chocolate chips (mine came in the brownie mix)
  • Marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 and grease brownie pan (I used the edge brownie pan).

Mix together melted Earth Balance (or butter) with crushed graham crackers.  Press on to bottom of brownie pan.  Bake for 8-10 mins.

*Here’s where I stopped and froze mine overnight.  #1 I didn’t have time to make it all at one and #2 sometimes freezing a crumb-y crust help it to crisp up/not be too greasy.*

Mix together brownie batter (except marshmallows).  Add the soda in fourths to be sure batter doesn’t get too runny.

Pour batter into the brownie pan on top of the crust.

Bake at 325 for 35-40 mins, until batter is set.

Set over to broil and top the brownie with just enough of the marshmallows to cover (they will expand as they warm).  Place in oven for 30-45 secs, until marshmallows are browned.  Watch them closely!!!

Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

***

I love how desserts can be re-thought and made even better than the original.

What is your favorite dessert re-make?

Do you re-create them on your own or try them in restaurants more often?

Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

By

How in the world was I exhausted at 10 pm last night?

I’m a night person!  Then I remembered I left the house at 730am to play in a softball tournament and only came home long enough to shower and shovel one of these in my mouth.

My team didn’t win the tournament, but the game we lost was one of the most memorable I’ve had.  We went into overtime and lost… but the adrenaline and the plays made by my team were over the top.

We were down by 5 with 2 outs.  One girl got hit in the nose with the ball, bled a lot, and then came back into the game to bat so we didn’t have to take an out for her spot in the lineup… and she got a great hit!  Sadly, we still lost by 1. 🙁

In keeping with my new weekly recap tradition, here’s was last week looked like:

Workout Recap (7/4-7/9)

  • Monday – Peachtree Road Race – 10K – 51:08 mins
  • Tuesday – Yoga for Runners, stationary bike 30 mins, 84 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Biceps/Back, 5K run, 84 push-ups
  • Thursday – Intervals (2 mile treadmill, 1 mile elliptical), 84 push-ups
  • Friday – Tris/Chest, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Saturday – 5 mile run (in 40 mins!!!)
  • Sunday – Softball tournament, 84 push-ups

NuNaturals was nice enough to send me some goodies to test out.

The package came with recipes, but I’ve had my eye on these Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies from Gracie @ Girl Meets Life.

It’s not often something so good for you tastes so decadent.

These are gluten-free and vegan.  The added bonus is that they are low-sugar.  If you omitted the chocolate chips, they would be sugar-free – you could do that and thrown in come walnuts for banana bread cookies.

NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia drops worked like a charm.  My cookies were appropriately sweet and I didn’t notice an aftertaste.

Coconut flour has been a recent addition to my pantry.  I’m loving it.  You have to be careful as it has a different feel than “regular” flour, but it adds a smooth, almost silky texture to baked goods.

Some benefits of coconut flour:

  • Good source of fiber – At 58% insoluble fiber, it has the highest percentage found in any flour
  • Guilt-free baking (nearly… the other ingredients are your business 😉 ) – Insoluble fiber means your body doesn’t digest it (translation: your body can’t derive calories from it); these fibers basically magic eraser their way through you intestines doing what fiber should do to keep your digestive system healthy
  • Gluten-free and hypoallergenic – Many people without a serious gluten allergy and moving towards a low-gluten diet.  Subbing coconut for some of your regular flour is another way to cut down on gluten intake.  For those that do have an allergy, you can use this with rice flour to improve textures.

Be warned that coconut flour is very dry and doesn’t bond well.  Remedy this by adding binders like bananas or eggs to your batter.  This can also be accounted for by using subbing in place of just 1/4 to 1/2 with a “regular flour.”
Keeping that in mind… welcome to cookies so silky and light you won’t be able to stop eating them.  Which is fine, as they are pure doughy deliciousness at only 86 calories a pop.

 

Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • 3/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 medium banana, well-mashed
  • 14 drops NuNaturals Pure Liquid vanilla stevia
  • 1/2 T coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract
  • 1 C unsweetened coconut milk (So Delicious-style)
  • 1/3 C dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Set aside.  
 
In a medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.  Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring as you go.  Fold in chocolate chips.
 
Scoop out 2 T of dough on lined baking sheet, pressing down lightly.
 
Bake for 25 mins, until cookies begin to brown.  Allow them to cool completely (they are crumbly!).
 
Makes 11 cookies.

Approximate nutritional info: 86 calories, 4.2g fat, 11.1g carbohydrates, 3.8g fiber, 4.9g sugar, 2.1g protein.

***

Important Announcement: it’s my BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!!  Woot!

What is new to your kitchen as of late?

Breakfast Apple Cupcakes (Recipe)

By

Bicycling seems to be the next big thing.

Safety first!

Bloggers are into it, cyclists are rampant on Atlanta streets, and my friends all seem to have taken up the sport.

Naturally, I had to try it.

My friend Summer agreed to lend me a bike (along with a helmet and padded shorts) and take me out for a trial run ride.  I was really nervous because my Achilles was killing me and I’m running a 5K this morning… followed by a softball tournament and then my high school reunion.

Definitely don’t want to be too injured/sore to run/play/party!  But I broke out the KT tape and away we went!

It was the only color left in the store.

Pedaling Cycling is much harder than I expected.  Summer did say this was a hilly course, but whoa.  Thank god I’m not new to exercising – I refused to walk the bike up a hill!

You can’t tell me this isn’t hilarious.

What I should have been more nervous about was the storm!  We made it 11 miles and realized we were about to get hit.

That last 4 miles we were going as fast as we could into the wind.  I literally almost got blown over!  Lightening, tree debris hitting us in the head and littering the path, crazy temperature changes… I was running on nothing but adrenaline at the end.

Recap:

  • 15 hilly miles
  • 1.5 hours
  • Near death experience
  • Celebration beer and a sandwich

I’d totally do it again.

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After a long week I like to “treat” myself with a fun breakfast.  Nothing says fun like cupcakes!

These are so easy to make – simply core an apple and top with your choice of deliciousness.  Choosing your icing topping is the best part.

I iced mine 2 ways:

  1. Mixture of Greek yogurt, almond butter, and chia seeds, topped with chocolate cookie crumbles
  2. Vanilla whipped cottage cheese (see recipe below), with chia seed sprinkles

Yes, I picked the cookie off and ate it first like an impatient 5 year old.

Fun fact: My mom used to call me Tinkerbell… hence the mug. 🙂

Both were fantastic, but I think the whipped cottage cheese was my favorite.  It was almost cheesecake-like!

The vanilla and apple sweetness was perfect with the tangy cheese and lemon combo.

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Apple Cupcake

Vanilla Whipped Cottage Cheese

  • 1/2 C cottage cheese
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 packet of Stevia
  • 1/2 T chia seeds

In a blender (I used the Magic Bullet short container) combine all ingredients.  

Blend until the cottage cheese becomes smooth (you may need to stop and scrape down the sides).

Enjoy as a snack or as icing on your favorite treat!

***

This may be TMI… but my butt is SORE.  And now I must go run.  Wish me luck!

What is your favorite “treat” breakfast?

Do you bike?  Any tips for a novice?!

Balsamic Asparagus Pizza

By

Have you guys been watching Extreme Makover Weight Loss Edition on ABC?

 

I’m shamelessly addicted.  Watching these people lose massive amounts of weight in a year… I can’t imagine how hard it must be – at 400 lbs – to get started and get it done.

Last night’s contestant, Dana, lost 203 lbs in a year with a torn ACL.  Interestingly, he was already trying to lose by taking water aerobics.  Chris Powell (the trainer) told him that weight-less exercise wasn’t going to cut it and started him on a program that used his body weight to work out.

 

Timely encouragement/reminder that there others dealing with things much bigger than I am.  Why?  Because I think have jacked up (technical term) my Achilles tendon.

It hurts.  Sharp pain walking down stairs. *wine* *whine*

I’m not sure what happened.  I felt fine running Saturday’s ACS 5K race, and then as I was walking down the stairs to my car a few hours later I noticed it was sore… and it has gotten progressively worse since.  Playing ball Sunday probably didn’t help.

 

In hopes of catching it at the beginning I visited the chiropractor on my way home from work tonight.  It didn’t help. I was instructed to take it easy, ice it, and massage the area.  My calf even aches.  Bollocks.

 

Maybe if I take the week off of running (and walking down stair cases) it will be better by the weekend?!

Tonight’s workout was an easy 45 mins of shoulders and P90X Ab Ripper X.  I hate being limited.

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Good thing dinner was not limited.  It was quite tasty!

 

Yesterday I was craving pizza something fierce.  The opportunity to sate that craving didn’t present itself, so tonight was declared Monday Socca-Pizza Night!

It was late when I got home to eat… pics are going to leave something (i.e. light) to be desired.

My Pizza:

  • Socca base (I used herbs de provence this time)
  • Morels
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Balsamic asparagus


 

The real stand-out here was that balsamic asparagus.  It is the easiest thing you’ll ever make; however, the balsamic reduction coating it will give it a decadent taste.  I ate the extra pieces standing up over the stove.

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Balsamic Asparagus

  • 1/2 bunch asparagus, hard bottom snapped off
  • 1 tsp good-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 C yellow onion, diced
  • Juice from 1 lemon wedge
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat medium skillet over medium heat.  Add in asparagus, onion, and balsamic vinegar, tossing to combine.  Allow to sauté for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally.  

When the asparagus just beings to soften, remove from heat and top with lemon juice and pepper.

Serves 2.

***

Have you ever injured your Achilles?

Have you been forced to slow down for an injury?

Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

Post-Race Strategy

By

My pre-race strategy for the Sweetwater 420 5K was flawless.

Since I didn’t do the first 5K Saturday morning, I decided to walk to the 420 race.  It seemed like a fantastic idea when I started; however, I failed to realize it takes a LOT longer to walk 4 miles than to run it.  The last 1/2 mile I was basically sprinting in order to make it to the start line!  No matter, it was a nice warm up.  🙂

Those Carrot Cake Overnight Oats held me over like a champ.

They haven’t posted the official times and I never actually saw a) the race begin or b) the actual start line.  I think I finished in about 28 mins – slower than my last 5K, but it was a hilly course and I’d just walked/sprinted to the start.

After finishing the race we all received a beer and a bagel.  A true breakfast of champions.

 

I just realized those of you not in the South may not be familiar with Sweetwater Brewery.  They are based out of Atlanta and they make some delicious beer – my favorite is the deliciously hoppy IPA.


Lee came out after her very successful 5K in another part of town.  It was fun to meet up and share a beverage!

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Post-post race my friends and I headed to glory that is the Dekalb Farmer’s Market to pick up ingredients for dinner.  This “market” is difficult to describe (and they don’t allow picture-taking).  In short, it is 140,000 sq feet of foodie heaven.

Source: Mother Earth News

 

One of the many goodies to discover at the market is the cheese.

My selections:

 

  • Tomme de Savoie – Good.  It was a nutty cheese, made from cow’s milk.  The cherry-filled Cabernet we opened was a bit too big for it – I’d like to try it again with a Malbec or Cotes du Rhone.
  • Irish Cheddar w/ Red Wine – Delicious.  Rich cheddar.  The flavor only got better as I chewed.  It paired really well with the vino.
  • Cypress Midnight Moon – Upon Matt’s recommendation, I was sure to pick up this up.  I’m a huge fan of nutty cheeses and this goat’s milk cheese hit the spot.  It was probably my favorite of the night.

 

We served these as appetizers with hummus, carrots, and pretzel chips.  I also added a hunk of the basic feta I bought to use in the burgers.

 

For the main event, Dallas and I prepped sliders to be grilled on the Big Green Egg.  His were a tasty blend of ground beef and ground pork.  Mine were lamb.

In my sliders:

  • Ground lamb
  • Feta cheese
  • Kalamata olives
  • Fresh dill
  • S+P

 

I also made an impromptu tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, dill, mint, garlic, olive oil, and lemon + zest.

Add to that an arugula salad with cucumbers and grapefruit, grilled eggplant and sweet potato rounds… and by 10p we had a meal feast!

I was so excited I forgot to take a pic. 🙁

 

Annnnnddddd… by 11p we needed dessert.

These Chocolate Chip + Pretzel Cookie Bars by Michelle @ Brown-Eyed Baker have been saved in my Delicious bookmarks for just such an emergency.

 

 

This salty-sweet deliciousness hit the spot.  3 times.  That’s what she said. We “iced” them with honey-peanut butter (one of the best decisions I made all day).

My only complaint is that the pretzels don’t hold their crunch.  Any suggestions???

I want to do these again when I’m feeling more creative and make a few adjustments.  I’m thinking toffee or peanut butter chips or chocolate-covered pretzels…

 

Add to this a Sunday morning 3 mile run and a sunshine-filled afternoon playing ball…

…and you there you have my post-race strategy!

***

What is your favorite summer drink?  Has anyone outside of Georgia heard of the Sweetwater Brewery?

Happy Tax Day to all!  May your returns be plentiful.

 

Blueberry-Pear Overnight Pudding

By

It is safe to say that warmer weather is here!  *knock on wood*


This means (but is not limited to meaning):

  • Living in the park (even the homeless dudes think I reside there)
  • Braves games
  • Sun burns tans
  • Softball season
  • LOTS of patios

 

Softball season kicked off Sunday morning.  I got 2 doubles, 2 singles, a walk, and a RBI.  I’ll take it!

Unfortunately, the Braves didn’t experience the same success… we lost to the Phillies (yo).  Not that this stopped us from smiling while earning the first sunburn of the season.  Despite several coats of SPF50.

The post-game Avett Brothers concert did me in – my shoulders are pink red.

If you haven’t heard of them before and you like good, well-written music, I strongly suggest checking them out.  Here, let me help ya…

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Warm also means the return of cold breakfasts.

I have made banana-chia pudding.  I have made overnight oats.  Both are fantastic warm-weather breakfasts.  Naturally, I don’t want to wait to eat either one… so last night I thought to myself: “Self, why not have your cake and eat it too?  Just combine them.”


Then I thought: “Duh.  Sometimes you can be pretty slooooow.”

Then myself rolled my eyes at me and went to the kitchen.

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Blueberry-Pear Overnight Pudding

  • 1/2 medium pear
  • 1/2 C blueberries
  • Juice of 1 lemon slice
  • 3/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 C oats
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • Stevia, to taste (I used 1/4 packet)

 

Mix everything together, mushing the pear and blueberries a bit.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from fridge in the morning, stir, and enjoy!

***

What are you looking forward to now that warm weather is coming/here?

Do you like being out in the elements when it’s hot? I’d much rather be sweating than shivering!

 

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