whatchu’ want

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Strawberry banana is one of my favorite combinations ever.  Strawberry banana ice cream or smoothie? Yes please.  Back in my Dairy Queen days…blizzards….chocolate + caramel?  No, strawberry banana me!

So I present you with strawberry banana oats.

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OBViously topped with pecan butter.  Obviously.

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I loved the warm bites of strawberry.  This combo never fails to please my palette :)

In the mix…

  • 1/3c Scottish Oats [bob’s red mill – I need to order more!]
  • 1 1/4c water
  • 1/4c milk
  • 1/4c Organic Valley Plain Kefir [makes the oats suuuper creamy]
  • 1/2t cinnamon
  • 1/2 banana
  • 3 medium sliced strawberries

Topped with…

  • organic hemp granola
  • pecan butter
  • peach jam

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I went for a swim today!  I walked to the park…and I think I can FINALLY say that it’s spring!!!  It was actually hot when I was walking today.  I broke a sweat and it was exciting!!

I went for a 40min swim and I totally lost count of my laps, but it doesn’t really matter!

Here is what I do know:

  • I started off slow.  I felt like the water was pushing against me today.  It was really weird!!! 
  • Freestyle for 20min [finally in the groove after about 15min]
  • Breast stroke for 10min
  • Back stroke for 5min
  • Freestyle for 5min
  • Feeling good!!!

Very successful workout.  Distances didn’t matter.  I swam for 40min and it was fabulous…as was lunch!

Low + slow sweet taters!! 

With a pile of veg:

  • 1 whole tomato [local + delicious]
  • ~1/3c refried black beans [organic whole foods brand..not really fried, no oil in the ingredients]
  • salsa
  • ~1/4c plain greek yogurt
  • cumin/salt/pepper

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On a bed of arugula.  YUM.  I had a huge bowl of fruit about 1hr later.  I’ve been suuuper hungry today.  Had a snack before my swim too.  About to go on snack #3 for the day!  Dinner did not hold me over.

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Another butter concoction!!!

Trial #2 Cocoa-Coco Pnat Butter

  • 1/4c coconut butter
  • 2.5T peanut butter
  • 4 blocks of this chocolate [about .7oz]
  • 1/8t salt
  1. Melt chocolate and let cool for 10min.
  2. Combine all ingredients in the food processor and let ‘er rip.
  3. Enjoy!

I really liked this version as well but am waiting for it to stiffen up a bit to compare with Trial #1. 

I gave both trials to Natalie [my SIL] to test.  We’ll see what she says!  I’m going to taste them both tomorrow with breakfast :)  Instead of using cocoa powder + brown rice syrup, with this combo I used an organic dark chocolate bar.  The ingredient list is superb and doesn’t even have soy lecithin in it [score!]. 

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Announcement ONE

The Colorado Blogger/Reader MeetUP II is going to be Sunday, June 6th!  I’m still taking suggestions on which park to have it at.  Pass this along to other CO bloggers/readers you think might be interested.  It will be fun if we can get a big group.  More details to come soon.  Sorry for all who cannot make it!!!  

Announcement TWO

I’m hosting a giveaway.  What am I giving away?  A few things from my own kitchen that you lovely readers always tell me you want to “grab out of the computer screen.”  Unfortunately I cannot send hot bowls of oats…wouldn't that be nice?? 

Why am I doing this? 

I started this blog for myself…selfish, I know ;)  I love cooking + creating and wanted to start a place to document that along with my latest workout regime and food photography.  Now, my readers are a big part of the blog.  You challenge me to try new things in the kitchen and keep me motivated to pursue my love for photography.  Your kind words, telling me that I’ve inspired you, are amazing.  I have gained a fabulous readership and really really appreciate all of your comments, every single day.   

So.  Thank YOU!

I am picking TWO winners that will be able to pick TWO Ashley original creations from the following list!! 

ONE item from this list

and ONE item from this list

I chose these items because I love them and they will hold up the best for shipping.  I might be able to be persuaded to try a new nut butter out as well :)  Everything can be made vegan…if you need GF, we’ll figure something out as well!

The quantities will be: 1-2c for the nut butters : 12 ota.bars : 3c granola : 24 graham crackers

How do you enter?  There’s only ONE way. [Very sorry to my readers in Canada + abroad – I will only be shipping in the US…I hope you understand, as shipping costs are crazy!]

  1. First, tell me which 2 items you would choose from the list.  Then, tell me how you found food blogs and in short if/how they have made a difference in your life.

Giveaway entries END this FRIDAY @noon PST, May 21st!  Good luck + goodnight!

~Ashley