November at the RGB (clockwise from top left): Crape myrtle leaves on the brick walkway. An almost-ripe Meyer lemon. A Barred Rock pullet. A Plum Crazy rose. Tangerines on the tree. Chive seeds on the pod. Paperwhites in bloom . A bird-pecked fig… and a Splash Marans pullet.
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November was a rockin’ month. I met Martha Stewart. I bought a Vitamix. I went to IFBC (the International Food Bloggers Conference). I took a croissant and Danish class. I hosted a chicken party. I made a wedding cake.
And then I ran a 5K.
It’s not like I just got the mail or I just fed my dogs.
I FUCKING RAN A 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it nearly killed me.
Because I’m athletic like a puppy is menacing. Me and movement; we have a hate-hate relationship. Sweat and I don’t like each other, either. Don’t even get me started on my flat feet.
So why did I do it? To be honest, I don’t really know. Like showing my dog or making a wedding cake, this was not on my bucket list. But it’s an opportunity that came to me. And can I tell you something?
Seizing it kicked ass.
Don’t worry, I’m not gonna get all fitness freaky on you. But I am gonna preach the Vitamix. Me and the VEE; We’re buds. We hang out every morning… and sometimes after dinner.
My super duper fitness trainer (hi, Andy!) gave me this recipe to try after my run.
Try it, I did. And awesome, it was. I encourage you to make one, too.
[K]
Choco-Cashew Peanut Butter Date Shake
Raw cashews, cacao powder, natural peanut butter and pitted dates, blended with pure maple syrup and almond milk.
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~ Makes 3 1-Cup Servings ~
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- ½ cup raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons peanut butter, recommend Koeze brand
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 ½ cups ice cubes
- Water, as needed to desired thickness
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~ Preparation ~
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Pour ingredients as listed into Vitamix blender and mix on Speed 10 until well blended.
Source: Andy Valantine from Zoe Living Well.
Hello, friends!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You go girl! You’re kickin’ ass and takin’ names! Love that you ran a 5k and I love your pictures as always. They give me glimpses into your little piece of paradise.
Ok, I have to know, what is a chicken party?
Good job on the Dana Point 5K. I ran last year’s 10K and hope to run it again next year. Is the finisher’s medal new this year? I received and shirt last year but no medal.
This smoothie looks good, I have cashew butter that I need to use up that would be great for this recipe.
Thanks
I just got a Vitamix too – so far, all I have made are green smoothies – this looks tastier!
I am so glad that you enjoyed the shake! And great job on the 5k – you worked very hard for it and you deserve the accolades. 2012, here comes a 10k!
Wow what a great month! Many things to be happy about! And this shake? Yummy! Thanks for making my stomach growl
I hope you had a lovely Monday. I’m ready to get baking! I have a banana bread recipe that I’m excited to try tonight. Much love from Austin!
DAMN what a month! Congratulations on the 5k and the chicken party.. the other stuff is just lame
p.s. I still hate you for having citrus in your yard!
Amy – wish you were here! My definition of a chicken party is, “get a bunch of friends (and their kids) over to the house where we can go down to the run and chase and pick up my chickens.” Then we went inside and made lunch. Next time, we’ll pass out eggs as take-home gifts, too.