It’s Monday… you know what that means!
Pump Challenge with Chris!!! As usual, he killed us with long holds, long songs and heavy weights! Holding this 15 pounder in the photo had my already-fatigued arm shaking!
Backstory: Karen flirts talks to Chris at our gym and recently asked him if he was “the same cute Body Pump instructor that my daughter-in-law raves about on Mondays.” Turns out he is
She told him all about KERF and that I’d written about him and also that I’d bring my camera and put him on the blog! So I did 
[Hi Chris!]
Post-BP order of business – A shower and a sandwich!
When I arrived at the bakery there was a small mis-formed loaf of Cinnamon Raisin Walnut on the kneading table. I tasted a hunk – hunka hunka!!! Delicious! So I copied Matt and had a Curried Tuna
Wow this combo was awesome. Cinnamon and curry go so well together, and the walnuts – even better!
I mentioned yesterday that I’ve been reading MamaPea’s book – Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love. I’m the first stop on the PEA Virtual Blogger Book tour!! MamaPea’s publisher sent me the book to drool on preview! The book comes out on July 26 (yeaaaah 26!)
First off I’ll say that I just love MamaPea. How can you not!? She is the wittiest person I know, and her posts are always SO clever I am always shocked at how she comes up with the themes and one-liners (although I still haven’t forgiven her for implying Celine Dion is corny this morning 👿 )
And above all, she has branded the cutest pun of all time!!! Still bitter I didn’t think of that one 
I also just love Gigi, Lulu, Pea Daddy, Pea Kitty – reading about them is like a sitcom of laughter, and the book brings continues the story on paper.
In between delicious, creative, healthy recipes are stories and photos about the girls, MamaPea’s life and family. Of course there is more sarcasm than there are oatmeal posts on KERF, so I have really enjoyed reading the segments.
I haven’t had a chance to make any of the book’s recipeas yet, but I’m sure they are good. I’ve tried a handful of MamaPea’s recipeas from her blog. We are similar throw-together cooks (although I think she wins the successful recipea award!)
This was definitely one of the best cookbooks I’ve browsed – from the photography (go Ashley!) to the stories to the variety of recipea content.
I have to say, though, that my favorite part of the book was browsing the index and seeing a “Hugh Jass Salad” in the mix. Hilarity. And so MamaPea.
I am only sorry I did not see Saltines in the index. Because I’m not sure I want to do this again!
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well says
I’m 99% sure I went to college with your trainer!! Do you know if he went to Roanoke?
KathEats says
I’m not sure, but that would make sense!?
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well says
You’ll have to ask him. We lived in the same dorm freshman year and got hypnotized together…it was quite a scene 🙂
KathEats says
ha – I will!! Maybe he’ll see these comments 🙂
Stacy says
@Kristin…when did you go to Roanoke?? Me, too! He looked familiar so I’m curious now, too. 🙂
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
Stacy, I went from 2002-2006. What about you??
Stacy says
I was there from 1999-2003 🙂 I worked in the Admissions/Financial Aid building so I feel like I knew everyone in some fashion. Very small world!
Lisa @ Sunny Seed Stories says
Hm I’ve never tried cinnamon and curry together. I’ll have to do that…
And yay for Mama Pea’s new book!!
Lauren @ Lettuce Eat Cake says
Thanks for the review, Kath! I also love Mama Pea. This reminds me I need to get some nutritional yeast ASAP for some Mmm sauce!
Jackie @ That Deep Breath says
Love Mama Pea! She’s hilarious. And, um…the body pump instructor is definitely a hottie!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
I often put cinnamon in my curries 🙂
Looking forward to getting my hands on that book!
Karen says
Funny (flirting!) story re. your BP instructor and Karen…he’ll enjoy the notority from being featured on KERF, I’m sure!
And, I can’t wait to get my copy of Mama Pea’s book…her witty writing amazes me too! Great tease/review, Kath!
Katie says
I am loving the review! Mama Pea is amazing , she is a genuine, sweet, and I am so happy for her on this book! I can not say enough amazing things about her and about how she really owns her vegan lifestyle, I think its awesome, and how she raises those beautiful girls! The whole Pea Family is so damn cute! Ha!
was pickles in the glossary?! lol! Lulu loves her pickles!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love Mama Pea’s blog — it makes me laugh and it makes me want to have kids so bad. Well, it makes me want to have kids like hers — they are too adorable.
Lisa Fine says
I was wondering when a photo of Chris would make an appearance.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Mama Pea’s book…I have only read one or two books by bloggers, but always love hearing about them.
By the way – have you ever thought about/been offered a book deal? (Not sure if that’s too private to ask.) 🙂
KathEats says
A book is on my radar, but I’m not sure I will ever have the time to write!
Baking N Books says
I was going to ask the same – would you write recipes or based on your “life” stuff? – or both too I guess.
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
A mis-formed loaf? Darn, guess you’ll have to eat it 😉 And Mama Pea cracks me up. I need to buy that book.
Cait's Plate says
Aw yay – this just made me even more excited (if that’s possible) for her book!
And holy crap – look at those muscles on Chris! That is INSANE!
Ashley says
LOL!!!!!!!! The saltines!!!!!!!!!! hahahahaa I’m so excited about MP’s cookbook!! It was insane to see my name printed on one of the first few pages, noting where my photos can be spotted. I’m so honored to have been involved with this cookbook. Glad you’re enjoying it!
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
Aaahhh I am so jealous you’ve got a copy!! I cannot WAIT to get mine – I adore MamaPea’s recipes and writing (her recipes are top of my blog-go-to list :p) so yeah..excitement about to bubble over here 😀
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
He’s a hottie. For sure! I’ve been married 10 years but I am not blind. Not yet anyway 🙂
Mama Pea’s book….I need to get my hands on it. Agreed, her one liners, her witty prose, her sarcasm, her deadpan dry humor that is perfectly delivered on blog posts, of all places (a hard medium for dry humor I find!)…I am amazed, too.
And her recipes aren’t half bad either 🙂 Or her adorable girls!
Shayla @ The Good Life says
Wowza!! I wish we had hunka hunka Group Power (Body Pump) instructors that looked like that at our gym!! I’d be there all the time! 😉
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
umm, I think your instructor is wearing a head band?
I have thick hair (but much longer) like him, I need a headband that can hold a thick hunka hunka hair like that, lol!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I think I would be fairly motivated to attend every possible Body Pump class if he were the instructor. I’d even drive long distances
Balancing Sylvia says
That’s so great about Mama Pea’s book. She’s so awesome! I’m glad it got a great review although honestly, how could it not? So is Matt going to start doing Body Pump soon? 😉
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
my book just shipped today – I cannot wait for it to get here! I love M. Pea too too much.
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
Hooray for Mama Pea! I’ve pre-ordered her book, and it is *supposed* to arrive on the 28th from Amazon. I am holding out hope that it *might* arrive sooner, however. 🙂 It was great to get a sneak-peek of it from you!
Holy muscles, Batman! 😉
~
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me says
I so want to read her book! I think it will be a refreshing change of pace to similar cookbooks.
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
Will be getting Mama Pea’s book tomorrow. Can’t wait!!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
One day when I have kids, I hope they’re as cute as Mama Pea’s!! Great review Kath! 🙂
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble says
I think the curry chicken salad sounds great. I need to give that a try at home!
Katherine says
Can I please come work at the bakery? Legit, I freaking love everything you post about it!
Christine says
Yea! A pic of Chris! Can’t wait to get Peas and Thank You
Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews says
That’s funny about Karen and the trainer! That sandwich looks fresh and yummy!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
excited about mama pea’s book! i always love her recipes.
Jo says
I discovered Mama Pea’s blog thanks to you Kath, and now I read both your blogs! As you note, she is very witty and come on, you know she’s right: Celine Dion IS corny!
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites says
Kath, I cannot wait to read Mama Pea’s book!! You did a great job selling it!! haha 🙂 That sandwich looks amazing…. something to consider as a special menu item at your bakery??
Happy Monday! It is flying by!!!
rumfunandsun says
Helllooo Chris “The Body Pump Guy”!!!! I totally thought he was the hunka hunka you were referring to! LOL! Thanks for the eye candy I needed that today ;-D
[email protected] says
Mama pea is so entertaining!
Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy says
Lunch sounds fabulous! I think I also need to pick up a copy of Mama Peas book!
Christine (The Raw Project) says
Gorgeous lunch! So jealous you have the book, I can wait to check it out!
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Mama Pea is the greatest! The book looks great.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I can’t wait for her book! It looks so nice a clean. 🙂
[email protected] Flying ONION says
I love the look of the new Peas And Thank You book!! So excited for this one. Her blog always delivers a good laugh and a great recipe. I don’t know how she manages to make each new post exciting and fresh, but she does. 😀
Love the looks of that lunch! Yum-O! 😀
Hillary says
1. That sandwich sounds oddly incredible. My bf got me hooked on egg & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagels, so I bet I would love this, too!
2. Cannot wait to flip through MP’s book! You just pulled me in even more ; )
Khushboo says
Check out your trainer’s guns! No wonder you love the class 😉
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
You’re teasing me!! I can’t wait to get my hands on that cookbook!
By the way, you’re looking buff 😉
kristi (sweet cheeks) says
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of mama pea’s book. looks great!!
way to go for rockin’ out at pump! it’s my current favorite form of strength training.
Mama Pea says
Thanks, Kath.
Sorry about the Saltine oversight. Book #2. With a foreword written by Celine.
<3
KathEats says
Hahaha
Ling says
saw the book in Barnes and Noble!! so exciting!!
katie @KatieDid says
Wow, well if those muscles are any indication of how difficult his classes are, I am now a firm believer. Not that yours didn’t make me believe too of course!
The book looks so well put together and as adorable and funny as her blog, I’m sure it’s a great read. Can’t wait to see some recipes you pull out of it!
Sweet and Savvy says
I’d love To read this book!:)
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Hahahahah wait I love it, I can’t wait to get my copy!!! BP instructors area ALWAYS the most delicious. 🙂
Eileen says
Not at my gym! If they were, I’d probably go to Body Pump a lot more often!
Kath, this is one of the cutest, funniest entries I can remember. I LOVE that Karen flirts with the BP teacher, and that he made it onto your blog. Also, your affection for Mama Pea is very genuine and sweet. I, too, love her sense of humor and those gorgeous little girls!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I can’t wait to read Mama Pea’s book!!
Christine @ Burning It Off says
No wonder you like that particular Body Pump class 😉
Laura @ prettylittlewords says
So jealous you got your hands on a copy so early!! 🙂
JDM says
I agree with you about Mama Pea and her blog. I am a big fan, too!! So clever and great recipeas.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I can’t wait for Mama Pea’s book to come out tomorrow! Her blog is the source of many laughs and delicious recipes. I love that the picture you took of the index has “Crack wrap” on it 🙂
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
Dangg Chris is ripped! lol. I can’t wait to get my very own copy of Peas and Thank You in these little paws! Sooo excited! 🙂
Molly @ RDexposed says
Fact: my arms will never look like that. I will settle for oogling at your buff arms.
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
No matter how tired or busy I am, if I see a Peas post pop up in my reader just have to read it. She is so entertaining and makes a lot of tasty looking recipes! I can’t wait to read her book. 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Woah! lookin buff!! ( in a beautiful way haha) I wanna get the Peas book! love her recipes ( who doesnt?!)
Hannah says
Can’t wait to read this! Wheee!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Way to get your body pump on! ….What a love shout out to Mama Pea! Everyone is pumped for the book! 🙂
[email protected] says
Eeeeee the book sounds pretty amazing! I like that it’s personal and comical all in one 🙂
Molly says
I love Mama Pea’s blog & all her delicious “recipeas”
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
ahhhh that PUMP challenge sounds hard!!!
Looks like that book is great 🙂
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Yes, Chris is hot. Thanks for that!
Laura @ Backstage Pass says
I’m totally jumping on the “I’m in a relationship, but am not blind” bandwagon, haha – Chris is a very handsome fella!
I love Mama Pea and can’t wait to pick up her book tomorrow! I will be purchasing three copies, one for myself and two for gifts for some healthy food loving mamas in my life.
Jill says
Sign me up for that BP class STAT!!! 🙂
Brittany @ Eating Bird Food says
I’m so excited for Mama Pea’s book!
Allison says
The book looks awesome! Can’t wait to pick up a copy of my own.
Rachel @ the Avid Appetite says
Love love love Mama Pea! I’m not vegan, but always drool over her recipeas!
M. Carter @ the Movies says
Sorry, but I gotta side with Mama Pea on this one — if I hear “My Heart Will Go On” one more time, I’ll explode. She’s a bit melodramatic for my taste.
becca (bellebottoms) says
ok…I’d got to that class if he taught it here in Dallas! 🙂 haha…hunka hunka is right!
and on a separate, less creepy note…that sandwich looks bombin!! 🙂
hemp jogger says
so funny you put chris on the blog. his headbands crack me up. it may not jive w/ your schedule, but he teaches an athletic conditioning class on thurs morns at 6am that is KILLA. i’ve been able to go since they switched my office, and its so worth it. fun but hard, just the way i like my classes (and men?!) ha, have a good one!
ps–great review on mama pea. her book looks gorgeous, and her blog in incredible.
KathEats says
SOMEDAY I will go to that class with you 🙂 I bet it’s killer!!
Gail says
Here is another positive Mama Pea review
http://mynaturallyfrugalfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/peas-and-thank-you-review.html