ride on

American River, Folsom California

Almost made it to the 1,000 mile mark on Bella yesterday. Ride started off with some breathing allergy-asthma issues but after a brief stop at a coffeehouse and a quick skinny latte, those problems went away and I felt like I could ride forever. Alas,  ran out of both time and daylight.

Plan is for a long walk today while this good weather lasts. I'm going to listen to Kathleen Edwards' new album.



Hope you're doing well with your new year goals & intentions, whatever they may be.

~♥~

nest feathering

New this year -  an entry table.

The amaryllis opened today!

Monday weigh in: 136.4

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look up and see

Tonight's sunset from the walking trail. Enjoying this incredible weather while it lasts.

~♥~

where not to look for freedom

 I love riding my bike to this song.

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it's never too late

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something's a little fishy

One thing about the sugar free challenge, I'm exploring savory snacks. Tried two recently, kale chips and seaweed strips. The seaweed snacks are from Trader Joe's. The texture and flavor took some getting used to. The plain roasted variety was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the wasabi favored snacks were a bit too hot. I could probably develop a taste for either but think I'm going to learn to make my own tasty kale chips instead.

I tried a kale krunch product from Whole Foods - (does anyone know if TJ's has a kale chip snack?). I asked the helpful Whole Foods guy stocking the shelves nearby on the type a rookie should try. He directed me to their most popular seller. Something cheesy. That's cheesy in a good way, mind you. Yum! The only drawback is the price.

 Do you make your own kale chips? Got any tips?

~♥~

Dude, I'll keep this in mind

This is exactly the pep talk I need to get back to pilates.

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real food isn't bad

"Real food isn’t bad. If it came from the earth and hasn’t been tampered with by hormones and tons of chemicals and artificial everything, it’s likely pretty good nourishment. Eat it in moderation. Eat a variety of it. Prepare it with care. Make your plate pretty. Share it with people you love. Put down your fork between bites and make conversation as you break bread. Wash it down with a glass of wine and maybe a little something sweet. Push away from the table satisfied, but not stuffed."

~ Selene Yeager (Fit Chick)

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back to the garden

Each Monday, I receive an email from the Meatout Monday folks. Honestly, I don't always open them but I did this morning because the word "kale" caught my eye. Just happens I have some kale that needs to be used today. This email offered a recipe for White Bean & Kale Stew. Sounded good except for the fennel bulb. Did a quick search of the internets for other recipes with kale and white beans as main ingredients. What I found is they are mostly a variation on a basic theme. Going to try my own variation tonight and see what happens. May even make some kale chips.

Guess what?! I have a renewed interest in trying new clean eating recipes. Do you have a current favorite? I'm also putting together a list of blogs focused on clean eating. Do you have one or know of one to suggest?

For those of you catching the "back to the garden" reference: click here.

Monday weigh in: 137

~♥~