Things I'm Loving Right Now

Woohoo, a blog post. No more cat pee on the home page. Last week was our first full week of summer break, but since we had VBS, it didn't really feel like a break. This week really feels like summer. Here are some things I love about summer:

Being home to listen to High Plains Morning on High Plains Public Radio. Yeah, I'm a public radio dork.

Having time to cook healthy, nutritious meals...as well as lots of cake and brownies.

Not having to rush around to get anywhere in the morning.

Not having to get up before 5 to run (unless I want to). Sleeping in until 6 feels downright luxurious.

Other things I'm loving right now (that don't necessarily pertain to summer):

My new Ninja blender. It rocks. Got it for Mother's Day--best present ever! Ryan knows how much I love making smoothies. It's the poor man's VitaMix, and so far it's been up for everything I've thrown at it.

Ellie Krieger's cookbook The Food You Crave. Lots of awesome, healthy recipes. Love this soup recipe!

Kodiak Cakes. Whole grains. Easy to make. 140 calories per serving, and lots of protein. Does it get any better?

Chobani Raspberry yogurt thrown in the fridge for a couple of hours, then thawed just a few minutes in the fridge. Creamy deliciousness.

Fage 2% with strawberry. Like ice cream, only good for you.

Cottage cheese whirled up in the blender or food processor with almond extract and Splenda until it's smooth. Top with strawberries (or get wild and throw them in the blender with the cottage cheese). I know it sounds gross, but trust me, it's yummolicious.

Better Than Crack Brownies. Not at all healthy for you. But delicious. I took them to a church potluck dinner, and Don Foster (who loves chocolate almost as much as I do) asked me what they were called. I told him, and he replied, "Better Than Crap Brownies?" Moral of the story: come up with a new name when serving them to the hearing aid crowd.

Schwan's Bomb Pop Juniors. Great for rehydration after a long run!

Hope you're enjoying your summer, too!