This morning started off with something that I haven’t had in way too long.

A bunch of spinach, a frozen banana, a handful of strawberries, and some almond milk blended into perfection.

A green smoothie made the perfect “Part One” for breakfast this morning. I had to fix something quick that I could chug down while packing up a few special treats that would become breakfast “Part Two” not too long afterwards.

Makenzie’s preschool class had a fall party today and I offered to bring the snacks for this little event. I decided to make two of Makenzie’s favorites – one healthier and one just plain ole cute and sugary.

For starter’s, I did a muffin version of Teri’s Pumpkin Gingerbread.

Full-sized for the adults and some minis for the kiddos.

Then, for the purely kid-fun treat, I made Oreo truffles dipped in white chocolate and turned into either ghosts or pumpkins with the help of edible markers. Aren’t they cute?

I think I have finally figured out the perfect dipping technique!

• stick lollipop sticks into truffles
• freeze truffles so stick sets and so they dip easier when cold
• use a teaspoon of oil to make the chocolate smoother for dipping
• have styrofoam ready to stick the pops into to dry upright

It’s likely old news to many of you, but I had to share my dipping success since it took me a bazillion years to figure it out.

Breakfast “Part Two” most certainly consisted of a muffin and a truffle for me. Mmmmm! And I have quite a few muffins left over for snacks. Although not too many Oreo pops. I shouldn’t be surprised. What would you have picked as a kid?  

Well, unless you’re this kid.

She was way more into the muffins than the Oreos.

Don’t be too impressed. I’m sure she will be begging for her Oreo pop come afternoon snack time. She’s her momma’s kid after all. She loves her sweets, but also enjoys healthier options too. Which is exactly why I went the route I did when choosing snacks for the kids at today’s party.

I don’t want to be the mom that forces food on my own kids, so I certainly won’t take that approach with other children! I think kids can eat healthily without making them – but that’s a whole other topic. I like balance for my kids, so I figured why not approach providing a snack for others the same way? Have a healthier (but still yummy) option and a more standard kid-fare option. Perhaps on some level it’s just going with the status quo, but oh well.

It gives me joy to bring smiles to these faces.

And other kids’ faces…but we’ll let their parents slather their faces all over the internet at their will, not mine. Or I just think my kids are the only ones worthy of space in my post. Shhhh. Hehehe.

Well, it’s time for me to head off for an afternoon six miler! Ciao, bellas!

• What do you think about kids and treats?

So. Um. Wow!

I’m pretty speechless after the response to yesterday’s post. It’s a tough spot to be in because part of me hates to give less to something I care so deeply about. However, I also know that I care more about other things – like my family and my own health. If that means letting go of control in order to have my goals and passions in line with my values, then I know I must. Thanks for everything. You don’t know just how much you all mean to me.

Now…let’s move on. Things may have to change a bit, but I’m for sure not leaving!

I’ve been in the mood to spice things up lately.

Spicing Up The Eats

Remember that fair thing we did this weekend? Yea. I’m sure you do. I only showed 93714854189 million pictures of it. Remember this one?

One of the vendors at the fair had a variety of local, homemade jellies and sauces for sale. For $6 a jar and a portion of each sale supporting a local school fundraiser, I knew I needed to grab some for home. I taste tested about every single one before finally settling on these two:

A spiced apple chutney and a hot pepper jelly. MMMM! I almost went with a FROG (fig, raspberry, orange, and ginger) jam as well that a certain someone always raves about, but the spice called to me on Saturday. Perhaps because I had just satisfied my sweet tooth with a mondo funnel cake and needed to balance it out?

Good thing I went with the spice though. I have been absolutely loving it. I have even spiced up my standard oatmeal breakfast a few times this week. Things are getting crazy up in here!

I’ve been having an omelet with some pesto, feta cheese, and a large handful of spinach in its innards.

Then, spicing it up with the pepper jelly.

Two slices of nine grain and seed bread from the bakery – one with a smear of peanut butter and another with a thick layer of pepper jelly. My mouth was on fire and I was loving every minute of it. I foresee a new favorite in this combo! Maybe for lunch today? You know I can’t go without oats for too long.

Spice Up The Workout (aka I’m Over Bodypump Type Classes)

Yesterday, in the midst of my overwhelmed feelings, I knew I needed to head out for a mind clearing workout session. I didn’t want to have to think much about my workouts, so I headed to the gym for some classes. I did a combo I used to frequent quite often – Group Power class (aka my gym’s Bodypump) and Group Ride class (aka cycle). I had a lot of steam to blow off obviously.

I started off in Group Power class and within 10 minutes of the workout, I found myself looking at the clock to see how much longer I had left. Blech.

I was not smiling like in that ^ old school preggo photo. ^

Here’s the thing – I like Group Power, Bodypump, and other group weights classes for many reasons.

• not having to plan a workout
• mixing things up with the endurance style training
• using a different tempo for exercises for a new challenge

But besides those things I am soooo over it! It’s just so BORING to me! Yea. I said it.

• It’s the same moves every single class.
• I like using different equipment.
• It always feels like I don’t get a great workout because I can never get the “just right” weight. For example, my back and neck make me use lighter weight in the legs track because they don’t like a bar on them for 3+ minutes. That leaves me not lifting heavy enough for my legs to really feel it. And with a sore neck. Grrrrr.

Long story short – I want to find something new for my strength training! I’m getting very bored with the same ole stuff and I want to spice it up!

I’ve tossed around the idea of Jillian Michaels’ Making The Cut or doing one of the New Rules of Lifting workout routines. If I could hire a trainer or afford a Cross Fit gym, I would so be there. Basically, I need a change. A change that doesn’t require me thinking or planning. A change that forces me out of my comfort zone and keeps things new and exciting. I need to spice it up, folks!

• Do you like spicy foods?
• What’s something new I should try to spice up my strength training?