Impromptu Vblog Post - Dealing with Nerves

Hi, guys - hope you're having a great day!

This probably sounds strange, but I didn't record this to share . . . it was more a "gather my thoughts together, convince myself moment". he-he! 

I decided post to this, though, because it's me in the raw/unedited version; and most importantly, I want to know your tips for handling those events in life where things can get a little nerve racking. :p

I tend to find that after an anticipated event I can look back and give myself better advice than I can before so that's why I'm trying to think "end result". 

So, what are your life performance tips & techniques? :) 

A Dare to Dream

Life is a dare. A dare to dream. What are you dreaming about???? :-)

"The journey that you're on has just begun. 

Be the best at what you were made to be. 

If you can dare to dream to you can do anything!  

There are no limitations to what to you can do except for what you think you know is not true." 

Ok, so maybe I'm an Elizabeth South-aholic at the moment, but her songs are so faith packed and totally awesome!!!

"You simply got to renew your mind!" To what? The Word of God!!! 

"Don't give up!" 

Go. fight. for your. dreams. :) 

Love the LORD your God with ALL your heart, mind, 

soul and strength and then go do what you want!!!!!!!!!!!

Fresh Friday Link-Up

#1 - lights switches that work! (the power went out yesterday and you would not believe how many times I kept flipping switches . . . wow, habits are strong!) 
#2 - cozy comfort on cold winter day w/ sister sweet
#3 - rose water spritzed fresh

It's Friday which means means it's time to focus in on 3 brights spots from the week! Your "fresh perspective" doesn't have to be big, it doesn't have to be revealing. It can even be something that only makes sense to you. :)  Just share!

So, let loose - what are the top 3 that made your wk FRESH and FANTASTIC? Comment and tell me or leave your blog link!

{Looking for a button? Click here.}

Irresistible Banana Bread

It's cold outside today! I went to feed my horse this morning and found the watering trough beautifully glazed over with a thin layer of ice. :)

With the weather so gorgeous and calling for something cozy, I remembered a banana bread recipe my friend Lauren had sent me that I've looked forward to trying.

Today was finally the perfect day!

The recipe she sent me was already a healthier version of banana bread, but I still made a few modifications and added a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Bananas are a great natural sweetener, providing you with lots vitamins and minerals. Bananas are best know for their potassium which helps to keep our blood oxygenated, regulating heartbeat rhythm and blood pressure. Very important!

{Don't forget to smash your bananas for this recipe. It makes the mixing just a little bit easier.}

The nutty batter! :p

DIRECTIONS:

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven.
2. Preheat to 325 (honey can burn easily so you'll want a low temp).
3. Grease loaf pans.
4. Mix honey, applesauce and butter in large bowl.
5. Stir in eggs until well blended.
6. Add mashed bananas, buttermilk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
7. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt just until moistened.
8. Add nuts (optional).
9. Pour the delightful mixture into your prepare pans (or muffin tins).
10. Bake 30 to 1 hr for loaves or 15 - 30 minutes for muffins. 
11. Cool completely before slicing.
12. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 4 days (or refrigerate and they'll keep for up to 10 days!)

Fresh slices just baked. :)

{I hope everyone was finished reading the paper because it's retired now. he-he!}

How do you like your banana bread - cooked through and through, a little moist or gooey? 

Salad Egg Scramble

This is a rather unusual dish. I mean, scrambled eggs on your salad?  Believe me, though - it's good! So simple, too. :)

Ok, to make - you will need:

2 eggs (or 1 egg, 1 egg white)
diced red onion (1-2 tablespoons) 
1 teaspoon coconut oil
mixed greens
fresh salsa
Ranch dressing

That's it! Just fry up the diced onion in the coconut oil before adding the eggs to your pan. Toss onto your salad plate, garnish with a little fresh salsa and use Ranch for your dressing.

The finished product!

The eggs added to the salad today were inspired by my attempts to get in some more protein. I'm not really a meat eater so if I'm not careful my diet can consists of just salads and carbs. he-he! Workin' on that. :p

Organic kale for the green smoothie today! Kale is one of those things that, if possible, you want to eat organic because it's subjected to high levels of pesticides. {Click here to learn more}

Just over a 3.5 mile run this morning. :) It was a slower run for me, but I was okay with that because my right leg was not happy with this run and felt more like a muscle strain. Did you workout today? If so, what did you do? 

I got outside for a few minutes mid-day. It's always a refreshing experience to look up at the sky! Wouldn't you say? :) 

My snack for the day. :p {Hopeless apple lover . . .} 

How's your wk coming so far? 

Tell me, have you ever eaten scrambled eggs on top of salad? 

Did anyone watch the inauguration? :) 

The Wk's Workouts

Phew! What a great week. :) How was your's! Any good invigorating workouts or noteworthy nutritious eats?

Comment and tell me!

 Remember, perfection is NOT the goal - progress is. :)

Today's 4 miler was just a little bit faster pace than last Saturday's - makes me happy! :P Speaking of which, question for you runners out there. Have you experienced soreness just above your ankles? Sometimes it's like - ah, ouch! I really felt it today towards the end of my run this morning.

I think winter is such a great season to eat brown rice! Brown rice is a great place to get your B vitamins from (the energy vitamin!) and also a healthy way source of complex carbs. Not that I have problems getting in carbs. I mean, they seem to like me or somethin' and find their way on my plate without much effort . . . lol!

Friday night was late with a game of around the world ping ping. Have you done this? It's a blast although I'm terrible at it -  ha!!

Lunch was leftovers. :) I need to do a recipe post of this turnip/carrot/cabbage stew - so easy and absolutely delish!

I made a remake of Wed's lunch, but this time I warmed it under the broiler and added kidney beans for protein.

More hangin' out with friends this evening. Man - I love laughing!!! Don't you?! Just got back and I'm tired so to bed I head. See you Monday! Easy stew recipe to come. :)

Fresh Friday - Wk 11

#1 - my mom!
#2 - 1,000 gifts (if you want to know how gratitude can revolutionize your life - you need to read this book.}
#3 - cozy den fires. :)

Tell me your's! {If you're looking for a button - click here!}

Happy Friday, folks! Enjoy this beautiful clip from Muriel Anderson! To me, it's a song with incredibly powerful lyrics that speak to the hard parts of life - looking forward to the bright future that we must focus on! I have to say it both ministersto my soul and also gives me that "exciting" feeling on the inside. You know that feeling of "something great is about to happen"? That kind a feelin'. :)

So, what is life- "a celebration of grace"? "a dare to fully live where you are, right where you are" ? I think so. :) Tell me your thoughts! 

"To live is to build a beautiful thing . . . "

Cloudy Skies but a Sunny Heart

Yesterday was a cloudy day but my heart was far from it. It was one of the best days. ever! Why? Umm, right - I'm supposed to be telling you. :) I could be vague but I already spilled here so I'll share the FANTASTIC news simply because I can't contain my joy!!!

We just received a great report back from the doctor on my mom. Thank you, dear Jesus, for healing!!!

I don't think I realized how anxious and uptight I was just waiting for the test results to come back. When you consider how much the future depended on this, though- it's understandable. I've both dreaded and look forward to this moment so it's a relief that it's finally here. I'm thankful!

This may sound strange, but I feel a physical release of tension in my body. I think I am more relaxed right now than I have been in a long while.

Do you ever find that you don't fully realize the intensity of a moment until after the fact - you're out of it,  and looking back think "wow, that was pretty scary!"?

I just have to say - my mom is so strong. Should I repeat that? There isn't an adequate way to describe  the strength, dignity and sheer determination she's brought to this fight. I've watched her not just survive an incredibly intense physical battle I've seen her thrive. I love you, Momma - no one compares in my mind!

Prayers for continued health are appreciated! And, I want to know - how do you process stress and those big moments in life? Have any of my readers been personally affected by the "c" word? 

The majority of the day for me was spent in the doctor's office waiting for the detailed report. :-) Time passes quickly when you recall good memories, talk about future plans and also laugh. Yes! Laughing is one of the best medicines!!!! Be sure to do some of it each and everyday for optimal health. :)

My dad dropped Mom & I off at the door for the appointment before parking the car, and mom led the way - heading straight for the stairs, walking right past the elevator. But, that's what I love about her! It's not like she really thinks about it - it's just who she is. A fighter, a "stair climber" (if you get my meaning :). It's also an incredible testimony to Jehovah Rapha (the God who heals) - after 3 major surgeries and 14 chemo rounds later (in just 15 months) it's pretty unusual to see a patient bounding up flights of stairs to meet her doctor!

Ok, now onto some things that absolutely do not matter - wonderful, trivial things in life that make this blog interesting. :P I don't think that last sentence made much sense at all . . . lol!

This was a portabella mushroom sandwich from lunch on Monday. :) I like to use mushrooms as a meat sub on sandwiches. :) I don't know of anyone else who does this so if you do - I want to meet you! :P

I made French toast for supper last night. Yum, yum!

Juicing this morning. :)

Lunch was a new recipe that I made up. :) A sun dried tomato basil wrap spread with mayo and piled high with organic spring mix salad. Toss a little chunky salsa on it and drizzle with a little Ranch dressing and you've got a quick and easy meal!

What did your day look like? I hope it was a good one!

Positive Thinking =)

Good morning, blogging friends!

With the New Year up and running I think it has all of us motivated and excited to see where we will go in 2013!  It's almost January 15th and statistics show that most people have given up or broken their "resolutions" by this date. How are your's coming? 

I have lots of things that I'm excited about and working towards for this year. :) Hint, hint - look for an announce on this blog in the next couple of of months! I just feel like I need to get a grip and a little further down the road before I share. :) Plus, my business partner (who happens to be my amazingly talented sister Kristen!) and I have a pact - lips are sealed for a bit. So don't feel left out - ha-ha! This deep, dark secret will not be withheld forever. :P 

I'll let you in on a few things, though. Here are a couple things I'm focusing on for 2013- all having to do with mindset: 

This is a shot from my "vision board". I have it hung up in a prominent place so I can see it multiple times daily and I just love it! I don't know about you but those potentially "great" ideas get lost if I don't write them down!  What is it? "Write the vision, make it plain on paper" -Habakkuk 2:2! 

So, here they are:

#1 - believe. i need to focus more on believing the promises of God and telling myself the truth in my thought life! 

#2 - forgive. it's all about letting go of the past and reaching toward the future. You can't live today if you're still on yesterday, right? 

#3 - look up. in all honesty, this moment is all we have. I want to release, be present, fully engaged and open my arms towards heaven with gratitude for this very second. 

#4 - raise my standards. this relates back to #1. :) it's incredible for me to think that i am valuable simply because I am loved by the most valuable Being that exists. my actions or the results of my actions don't define my worth - the blood of Jesus Christ does and THAT'S why i'm called to a high standard. praise God for grace! 

What are your thoughts on positive thinking? 

In a real sense - we choose our state. 

I'm becoming more consciously aware of how what I think about is what I feel about and it's interesting to watch what that brings about. A lot of results in life are totally predictable just by examining our thought life!

Just take a look at your thoughts for a moment. Have you ever felt depressed? Sure, we've all experienced some form of what that word means. What were you thinking in that moment? Super happy and getting a lot done? Think about your thoughts-I bet they're polar opposites compared to moments of frustration!  

Let's relate it back to health: 

For example, let's say one of your New Years' resolutions is to eat less sugar. :) You can look at passing up weekday desserts or white bread in one of 2 ways:

A. "I feel deprived", OR 

B. "I love making healthy choices! Eating healthy gives me the energy to pursue the purpose and passions I was born to fulfill!!!" 

Do you see the difference? On the one hand you're convincing yourself that you're missing out on something. On the other - you're embracing an energetic spirit, a mindset that makes you feel like a winner and ultimately - allows you to embrace the future and reach your goal! 

You're also waaaay more likely to stick to your commitment of making healthy choices if you choose to think the thoughts of the 2nd example vs. the 1st. :) Same circumstance - two different ways of looking at it. This doesn't just go for food - it's all areas of life! 

Let me know your thoughts! I'm ready for 'em and want to hear. :-) Sunshine and I hope you have a fantastic start to your week! 

~ Katherine 

PS: Here's a link to a great article from a fellow blogger on How to Change Your Habits. Check it out! 

Fresh Friday Link-Up :)

#1 - brahms scherzo in e flat minor. i think I'm in love :)
#2 - connecting with other health foodies during the green smoothie challenge
#3 - warm winter weather

On a side note (which relates to #1:), I am so pumped from yesterday's piano lesson!

You know those things you work really hard for and then how exciting it is to see them take shape? I think I've practice piano more this week than my whole life put together! :P Ok, slight exaggeration but you get the point . . . lol! In recent days there have times when I thought my arms would fall off because of the crazy intense chords. :) Anyone else a classical pianist? 

What top 3 made your week fresh & fantastic? {If you don't have a blog just participate in the comments form!}

70 Degrees in January

It's was so beautiful outside today. With the sun shining and almost 70 degree weather I thought this called for a happy dance!  :PI know, crazy for January- especially when I keep wishing it would snow and turn into a blizzard! But, what is it they say? Make hay while the sun shines and be grateful for what you've got!



I took a break about 1 o'clock for lunch: Organic salad topped with freshly grated carrots, sprouts and  banana slices with sunflower butter on the side. :) How are you healthy lunch aspirations for 2013 coming so far? 

Yesterday's lunch was inspired by Monday's visit to Chipotle. :)

I keep getting positive feedback on the recent green smoothie challenge so I have to share with you guys!

• Michelle shares a delicious sounding orange creamsicle recipe and how she's sad the challenge is over!
• A report of a first green smoothie monster
• If you're both a chocolate and green lover you'll want to check out this from Stephanie! 

Hearing back from my readers makes me happy! {Does healthy eating make you feel better? I want to know! Comment and tell me or shoot me an e-mail to share your story} 

I thought you would enjoy these quotes from last week's green smoothie challenge! :-)

I started to write this post earlier this afternoon but was feeling rather uninspired. I'm back, though! :P With that in mind - I want to know what you do when you need inspiration. Do you leave it alone and come back later? Muscle through? Scream? Laugh? Party? What?! I can say I've done all those . . . lol!

Day 7 of 7: Green Smoothie Challenge

Photo credits:

1, 2, 3, 4

4, 6, 7, 8

9, 10, 11, 12

13, 14, 15, 16

Congrats, challengers it's Day 7 of 7! A "great job!" to each and everyone of you. :-) Wasn't it a blast?!

As promised - here is the collage from the participants. :)  {This is by no means everyone, but definitely includes the links sent to me and a few more :0 } 

I had SO much fun hosting this challenge and I'm really proud of all of you. Seeing the pictures of your green smoothie 'experiments' and reading your blog posts is inspirational, to say the least!

Yesterday was my little brother Sam's birthday! Quesadillas & homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies made up the party food. :-)

The sermon at church yesterday hit home, for me! I came away with a lot, but this was especially refreshing: "We don't come to God because we're good, we come to God because we need grace." I really feel the truth of this at the moment. What do you think about this? 

Dinner was with sweet friends last night!

It's plain awesome to have those people in your life that you can laugh with until my stomach hurts, isn't it? Tim Hawkins and Brian Reegan were subject topics . . . enough said. :P Oooh, and then us girls had a lil' fun with an old fashioned Rogers and Hammerstein record. Hence, the picture. :)

This morning I fit in an invigorating workout - 2 mile run, 20 min DVD + stretching.  And, then here is my last green smoothie of the challenge! Did you drink one today?

Lunch was Chipotle! I hadn't been in forever- a real treat. :)

I snapped this picture as the sun was coming up this morning- struck by it's beauty. Just thinking about this gift is an incredible thought!

I don't do anything to make the sun rise but yet it does - everyday. How many things in life are like this? We experience the benefit/blessing of so many things that we never invested in, like a sunrise. I think wealth is a state of mind, a heart issue, which has absolutely nothing to do with stuff or money. {Now, I'm thinking . . . "I've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night" . . . }  

I thought this frosted crusted leaf was exceptionally pretty. Don't you just love the "crunch" of the ground after a frost? :) 

So with that: How's your first Monday of 2013 coming off? Last day to enter the Sun Warrior protein powder giveaway!

Also, if you are a green smoothie challenger - I want to know what parts were the best and hardest for you. :) Do tell! 

Sunday's Smoothie {Mango Banana Green Smoothie: Day 6 of 7}

It's Day 6 of 7 for the Green Smoothie Challenge! How's it coming for you guys?

As a note to my other readers who aren't directly participating, don't feel like you have to "do the challenge" to join in on the discussion. :) We need people to cheer us on so thanks for being our support system! Your job is important and we couldn't do it without you.

Plus, just the fact that you're enjoying reading this and getting exposed to the idea of a nutritious & delicious green drink is a step forward! Most of the time- we have to see and hear about something several times before we'll actually give it a try. :) 

I'll be hosting another easy 7 day green smoothie challenge in the future. Just SUBSCRIBE here so you can get the 'heads up' as to when the next challenge will be running. :) 

Now, onto the latest concoction! 

Mango Banana Green Smoothie 

(Gluten-free, Vegan + Refined Sugar-free!) 

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of your choice)
• 1 organic banana, preferably frozen
• 3/4 cup frozen mango
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1 handful ice (if your banana isn't frozen)

{Recipe adapted from: Tasty Yummies}

Mangos are full of antioxidants, and are a great source of vitamin C & fiber! Did you drink your greens today? :-) 

Tomorrow is the final day of the challenge! Participants: send me your green smoothie pictures so you can be included in the final celebratory collage! 

Green Smoothie Challenge: Day 5 of 7 {Sun Warrior Protein Powder Giveaway}

Yesterday's lunch! Spinach leaves, organic tomato cubes, red onion & a few walnuts for garnish. And then, an organic apple on the side with an unhealthy amount of addicting almond butter. :P 

Give me a banana and I'll go bananas. :P This has been a favorite snack of late! 

Dinner last night was roasted chicken, spinach salad w/ sesame ginger dressing, and whole wheat toast drizzled with honey and coconut oil. 

  

So guess what? I missed my green smoothie yesterday. Oops . . . sorry, peoples! Thanks in advance for your forgiveness. :P It was about 10:30pm last night when I realized what had happened and there was no fixin' it then! 

But, today's green smoothie was REALLY good. :-) Can you believe it's Day 5?! Wow- over halfway  through!!! What's been your favorite part so far?

Super Sweet, Super Delicious Green Smoothie

1 orange, peeled and segmented

1/2 large banana

6 strawberries

2 cups spinach

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 cup ice

{I found this recipe off 2 Peas & Their Pod.}

Self-portrait! This smoothie was super sweet, to me, so I added a few more greens to slow down the sugar and shared some with a friend. :) 

Check out the thoughts & experiences of these Green Smoothie Challengers: 

• Andrea writes about overcoming green smoothie skepticism 
• Sara says, "Green smoothies incorporate some sort of leafy green vegetable in them . . . You can't even taste it - I swear! I never thought I'd be drinking carrots and spinach for breakfast . . . much less loving it. You should try a green smoothie, too! 
• Stephanie, "I promise, with the right combination of fruit, you really can't taste the spinach. Use honey or even a little vanilla extract to sweeten the smoothie as needed."

{Have a link, too? Shoot me an e-mail so I can share with everyone!}

Also, I'd like to send out the call: I will be putting together a collage of pictures from the challengers as something fun for Day 7 of 7. I want to see yours! So, e-mail me your green smoothie pictures from this week so I can included you!

Enjoy this Sun Warrior protein giveaway! As a side note, I don't get anything out of this one - it's just for you guys. :) Have fun! I did a review on Sun Warrior earlier this year so if you have any questions - refer here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Fresh Friday!!!

I'm super excited about this week's Fresh Friday since it's right in the middle of the 7-day Green Smoothie Challenge! Talk about somethin' "fresh". :)

#1 - bright blue skies!

#2 - Les Mis music *sigh*

#3 - succulent green smoothies :-) 

What are your's? Link-up and tell me! (if you don't have a blog, use the comment form below to participate. :)

*New (to me) green smoothie recipe coming up tomorrow!*

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

There's a lot to pack into this post so hang tight! :-) 

Several green smoothie challengers are blogging about their experiences, check 'em out!

• Kathyrn gives insight into her 1st green smoothie experience! 
• Sarah talks about starting the New Year w/ green smoothies.
• Michelle and her husband Bob are teaming up for the challenge! 
• Sara is blogging about Mean, Green & Clean smoothies. :) 

{If you're blogging about the challenge - send me the post link so I can share it with everyone! 

I want to hear what you are loving most about this challenge, the hard parts, what recipes you're using, thoughts and everything in between. :-) } 

Vacation is obviously over and this week is totally about getting back into the swing of things. :) Since Tuesday was "the 1st" - I decided to take it literally and tried a "new" food. This was an organic baby kale chicken sandwich on wheat bread. :) Tell me, have you ever treated baby kale like salad lettuce?

So, my T2i Cannon camera was out of commission for several days because I left my charger at an event. It felt like forever until I could go back and get it! Hence all the iPhone pics. :P I have to admit, I love the convenience of the iPhone but there's something I really love about my T2i. :) 

Dinner last night was chicken tortilla soup. Delish as aways, Ms. L!

For Day 3 of 7 for the Green Smoothie Challenge, I made a new recipe!!! A delicious strawberry spinach smoothie - check it out! Have you had a green smoothie today? Are you finding any tasty recipes? 

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe:
1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
3 handfuls spinach
1 cup frozen strawberry slices
1/2 - 2 Tbsps honey
1 cup ice

Blend and enjoy!

{Recipe inspiration: AllRecipes.com}

My workout this morning was on top of soreness from yesterday. :) I need to come up with a running plan for this year. Any suggestions?

Last day to sign-up for the Amazing Meal giveaway so hurry while time lasts!  Tomorrow is Fresh Friday - I hope you all will link-up for the fun. :) See you then!