Breakfast Blob

In the spirit of starting a new chapter in my life today, breakfast today was something new as well. I have a few leftover eggs from last week's FML brownies (which, by the way, was one of my favorite posts ever), so I decided to try one of Deb's microwave protein muffins.

Instead of following her recipe exactly, I used:
  -  1 large mashed banana
  -  1 scoop vanilla Sun Warrior
  -  1 tablespoon Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder
  -  2 egg whites
  -  1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  -  2 packets Truvia

I was a little apprehensive about how things would turn out using protein powder instead of flour, but I figured I had nothing to lose. Or compare it to. Thankfully, it turned out really, really well! I mixed everything up and microwaved it for about 3 minutes on high. The result:

(Blobby things don't photograph too artistically. My apologies.) I was surprised by how moist and dense this thing was, and the flavor was actually really good too! I'm interested to try it with flour and see how the two compare.

While this was really filling, I didn't realize how low-calorie it was until I reread the original recipe post. I ended up eating a small bowl of Kashi GoLean with peanut butter, as well. Cereal and something new? Win.

I've mentioned before that I really despise handling raw eggs, so separating the yolks from the whites was a big deal for me. I might have gagged a few times, but I'm glad I'm finally becoming a big girl.

* * *

Said breakfast came after a crack-of-dawn workout. I started off with an intense elliptical workout:

And then moved onto lower body:

In hindsight, perhaps that pairing wasn't too intelligent of me. Here's hoping I can walk tomorrow...

First day of culinary school today! It's just orientation stuff so I don't get to start learning (or wearing my hot outfit) until tomorrow, but I'm still super stoked. Talk to you later!

What foods gross you out more than anything? I'm actually not very squeamish when it comes to most foods, but the texture of raw eggs just gets to me.

Awkward Friend

I must confess that I always feel really super awkward working out alongside someone I know. You wouldn't expect that, since I have no complex about what I look like with strangers, but I just don't want to offend my friends with sweaty stench and unflattering faces.

This morning, Chelsey and I got up and hit the gym. We did half an hour of cardio on the elliptical, followed by lower body exercises: squats, lunges, deadlifts and the like. Thankfully she still seems to like me alright, despite the fact that I wore a super old pair of gym shorts that were inappropriately brief. What a friend.

Afterwards, we came home and had breakfast! Oatmeal for her, protein cereal for me. Surpriseeee.

You know what's always really sad for me? Finishing my breakfast. It's such a bummer to get to the end of the bowl...and unfortunately, this happens every single day. It's upsetting.

(I finally have someone here to take awkward solo shots of me and yes, I'm totally taking advantage of it.)

Off to do the tourist thing. Have a wonderful day!!

Working out with friends: fun or awkward?

Home Sweet City

Home...

Sweet...

City.

So my little corner of the city may not be quite as beautiful as my big backyard in Pennslyvania, but it's mine. And I'm glad to be back! Unfortunately, last night I didn't sleep too well...I feel like that always happens when I change up my sleeping routine or location a bit. Nothing a good breakfast couldn't fix!

A few months ago, Love Grown Foods sent me a few bags of their amazing granola to sample. I already tried two of their flavors, and today I dug into the last bag: raisin almond crunch.

I had a mugful topped with almond milk with a banana on the side. I loved that it was absolutely full of raisins, almonds and coconut- it's such a disappointment when there are only a few "good" bits.

I'm giving this granola 24-36 hours, tops, before it's gone. I am the granola gremlin, remember?

I've got some important things to take care of this morning. See you in the afternoon!

Where do you feel most at home?

From Here to There

Today I'm going from here...

To there...

From here...

To there...

From here...

To there...

Wheeeeee!! Initially the plan was to only be home for a few weeks, but a few things popped up and "a few" weeks turned into eight. I'm happy I spent time here, but I can't wait to be back in the action of Manhattan!

* * *

For breakfast this morning, I cut myself a few pieces of yesterday's summer berry bread, then topped them with Justin's maple almond butter and a sliced banana.

This Justin's nut butter is quickly becoming my favorite. According to the side of the jar, Justin himself likes this flavor the best, too!

Gotta run- busy morning!

What was the last trip you took- no matter how big or how small?

Last Day in PA

It's my last full day at home for the summer! I'll be heading back to the city tomorrow afternoon. Crazy how the time has flown. I've been back for eight weeks now, and while it's been kind of boring at times, I'm glad I got to see lots of old friends and spend one last summer here. Truth is, I have no idea where I'll be or what I'll be doing one year from now, so this is likely the last "summer vacation" of my life. Weird!!

That being said, I'm so stoked to go back to the city! More to do and lots of friends to see. I've got a few things planned for this week/weekend, then next week a very special blog friend will be visiting! Although I will miss my parents and Maggie- especially the latter :)

In any case, this last day is shaping up to be gorgeous. The quiet of being outside is one thing I always mis in New York!

For breakfast this morning, it was only fitting that I have what has become the breakfast of the summer: protein cereal with Kashi GoLean, chocolate Sun Warrior, nut butter (this time it was Justin's maple almond), blueberries and unsweetened almond milk.

I wonder if I'll get a new favorite when I'm back in my apartment?

Alrighty. Time for the gym and packing- and I've got a baking project I want to work on, as well!

I know I've asked this question before, but since my answer seems to change depending on my mood, I'll ask it again: city or country?

The Fourth

Today I'm celebrating two very important birthdays...America's and my brother Luke's!

I've always been slightly jealous of Luke's birthday- I think this is the best holiday to be born on. You never have to go to work or school, everyone's partying, and it's not so big a holiday that people forget about you.

My mom calls Luke her "Fourth of July firecracker." Seeing as how he used to catch snapping turtles, feed me crayons and terrorize my friends, I'd say that's an accurate statement. We used to not get along so great ("MOM!! He's on MY side of the car!!"), but I'm glad that as we've gotten older, we've also gotten closer. He always reminds me not to take myself too seriously.

So happy birthday Hoss! I hope you have a good one.

* * *

Last night, I went out to celebrate my friend Jillian's actual birthday. It was a really, really fun night! We stayed until last call and I didn't get to bed until 3, so I'm pretty tired now, but it was worth it :)

I was DD, so yay for not being hungover! For breakfast, I had a mixed-up bowl of cereal: Kashi GoLean crisp, Kashi GoLean crunch, sunflower seeds, raw oats, a banana, blueberries and almond milk.

No red in this meal, but I've got the blue and white covered!

Nothing too spectacular planned for today- just lunch and dinner with friends. Happy Independence day!!

Any exciting plans for this holiday?

I'm A Barbie Girl

June passed way more quickly than I thought, so I need to light a fire under me if I want to finish the picture project in the next few days! Here's the end of 1997 and beginning of 1998:

Halloween '97. I was a witch, in a costume my mom made me.

Playing the piano in our elementary school talent show! I look so little.

1997 Christmas card. I wonder how my parents bribed Luke to put his arm around me and half smile.

Horrible picture quality, but I got a book about the Titanic for Christmas. So exciting.

Luke, this picture is payback for the turtle incident.

Getting my hair braided in Punta Cana. Cute face.

Doing a dance to "Barbie Girl" by Aqua at the Club Med in Punta Cana. Is it weird that I still remember the choreography to this? Seriously, I do.

Doing the splits with my cousin Eric, who's now like 15. Crazy!

My 8th birthday party was smiley themed. I even wore a yellow and black outfit. That's embarrassing.

Hunting for Easter eggs with Luke! Like my shoes? I remember thinking the platform was soooo cool.

This was the last picture ever taken with my dad's SLR. Because approximately two minutes later, I stepped on it. RIP.

Luke broke his collarbone and got breakfast in bed. And then my mom made him pose with it. Evil.

* * *

For breakfast this morning, I actually made a smoothie!

Into the blender went:

• 1 banana
• .5 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop chocolate Sun Warrior
• 1 spoonful Hershey's special dark cocoa powder
• large spoonful crunchy peanut butter
• 1 scoop chocolate Amazing Grass
• squirt of agave
• lots of ice

I didn't use a lot of milk so the smoothie would come out really thick and creamy. Success.

Time to face the day. Have a good one!

Most embarrassing outfit you ever thought was cool? I had bell bottoms embroidered with the words "Bubble Girl" on the bottom. Yeah, I don't even know.

June Recap

Wow- June 30th already? Where has the time gone?! It's one of life's great injustices that the summer months seem to pass three times more quickly than the winter ones.

June has been pretty uneventful for me, but still fun! Over the past month, I:

• Started my photo project (which I only have a few days left to complete!)
• Went on a baking fest
• Celebrated my friend Maggie's 21st birthday
• Remembered how awesome my dad is on Father's Day
• Created recipes for raspberry Nutella pie, chocolate cherry walnut butter, cashew pesto hummus and salmon pasta salad
• Caught up with some high school friends for two birthdays
• Went to the Jersey shore for the weekend
• Celebrated my dad's birthday
• Went through some life changes...for the better :)

Overall, a pretty good month! I'm excited to get back to the city next week. Home has been good, but I'm ready for more excitement!

* * *

This morning's breakfast was the usual. Surprises abound!

Recycled photo, because now I'm even getting too lazy to take pictures, let alone change things up.

Hope you have a great day!

What was the highlight of your June? What are you most looking forward to in July?