Part of my resolution to focus more means to live in the moment. All too often I choose to do or not do something based on the future. I pretty much live in the future, planning life around showers, meals, workouts, appointments. I’m aiming to be more flexible and more laid back.
Faith invited me over for a walk and some yoga today. I jogged about a mile to her house. I actually started out walking but I realized jogging would get me there more quickly, so I jogged. Funny how I was really running for transportation and not fitness!
After talking on our yoga mats for a while, we settled into a 75 minute Dave Farmar podcast. So proud of us for sticking through to the end! I think having a partner really helped with the accountability. Other than crashing down out of crow and a few bursts of laughter from the two of us, it was a great practice. I SO needed some yoga.
My walk/run home was not as fun – it had started to RAIN! I checked the doppler and saw it was just a passing shower and while Faith offered to drive me home, I decided 1 mile in the rain was not a reason to crank up an engine. So I borrowed an umbrella from Faith and set out.
SO glad I walked.
The sun even started to poke through on my final hill home!
Once home – around 2:30 – I was more than a little hungry for lunch!
I have been craving a smoothie since I explained a green smoothie to Karen last night. Matt vetoed one for breakfast, so I made one for lunch. [Yes, we can have different breakfasts but it’s just easier if we have the same thing.]
This smoothie was one of the best I’ve made in ages!! I used ~1 cup of drinkable yogurt instead of milk plus a small banana, lots of spinach, a touch of Vega chocolate powder (KEY!), a half cup of pumpkin with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It was so thick and rich!
On the side a big tasting plate
Some Kashi crackers that I stoke from Karen’s grocery delivery (!!) with veggies.
And a big ole grapefruit. I am loving them lately!
I ended up dipping the carrots into the very ending dredges of my Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter.
This pretty cup is actually a reusable coffee cup by Sagaform that I got for OpenSky a while ago. Sadly it’s no longer available, but you can find it here.
How is it already 4PM and I’m just beginning to digest lunch!! Thinking I might go to Target this afternoon! It’s a long drive up 29 to Target here in Cville, which I guess is good because it means I don’t go spend the big bucks too often! In fact, I’m not sure I’ve been up there since we moved here!
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That smoothie looks yummy! I love tasting plates; variety rocks! 😀
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
That smoothie sounds delicious – and the color is awesome.
Meg says
Hooray for being more relaxed and flexible! Live for NOW 😀 Something I’m trying to embrace as well!
Beautiful lunch to make up for the dreary skies!
Enjoy your day, kath!
Maria says
Lucky you! I wish I lived farther away from Target so I wouldn’t be tempted run in every other day (I live 1.5mi away). And yum to the grapefruit! I just got some in Florida the other day and they’re perfection!
Amanda says
I love the target in Cville. I think it’s over there by Panera. Lots of other fun places around there tooooooo!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
Great lunch! I need to start making some smoothies, they look amazing. I know where I’ll be coming for recipes once I start!
Can’t wait to try the yoga podcasts. My yoga mat needs dusting!
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
I love your “this and that” plate. It’s nice sometimes to just throw something together… basic, simple, satisfying.
Caitlyn (A Spoonful of Life) says
I might just adopt your resolution to be more laid back and flexible. That’s very applicable to me!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
I had a green smoothie for lunch too!! Mine was really early though- around 11:30 🙂 I’m glad it’s a bit warmer because they make great meals!
Meagan says
I had a super late lunch too.. except mine involved pizza and watching football! I like your opinion about being focused. It’s hard NOT to live “parenthetically”
Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers says
The only time I’ve been able to get through a yoga podcast is with you! I always get so distracted when I’m alone with my mat and laptop. Definitely one of my resolutions this year is to try to break that so I can do more yoga for cheap 🙂 Hope you enjoy Target!
Kath says
Ha!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Omg I am on my way to target right now too…kind of dreading the crowds but it must happen.
Glad you got some yoga in your life! Dave’s podcasts are good. Crashing out of crow happens. I think it took me a few years of consistent yoga before I could hold crow without face planting 🙂
Barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) says
That smoothie looks soooo yummy!
I need to check out these podcasts for Yoga, are they free? Eh I’ll figure it out!
Cheers
B
Kath says
Yup! Free on iTunes!
[email protected] says
Sounds like a lovely Sunday. I have a grapefruit in my fridge, thanks for reminding me!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Yummy lunch! It’s far too cold here today to enjoy a smoothie!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
living in the present is something i’m working on more as well. i love how i feel when i travel – so flexible and open to any adventure that i want to cultivate more of that feeling at home.
Kathy W. says
I’m in Target WAY too often…hope you get something fun!
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes says
your smoothie looks perfect!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
suki @ [Super Duper Fantastic] says
i love staying indoors when it’s gloomy or rainy out, but then there’s another side of the world that you’re seeing when you take that walk through the rain. 🙂 are the yoga podcasts free? i might have to look into it.
Kath says
Yes, they’re free on iTunes
Dorry says
I love those Kashi crackers! So tasty. We’ve had smoothies yesterday and today to get in some goodness amongst our heavier celebratory New Year’s meals. 🙂
[email protected] says
Cute cup! And there is a Target less than 5 minutes from my house, which is indeed quite dangerous!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I never get out of Target without spending waaaay too much money.
Natalia - a side of simple says
Good for you for making an active effort to live in the moment. It’s something I try to do constantly, making the most of each moment and really appreciating where I am, when I am, rather than wishing it away or letting it pass me by. Yoga sounds like a perfect way to really breathe in life, as does a little run/walk in the rain 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
In some ways I wish I lived further from Target. I might as well just hand them my paychecks…
stacey-healthylife says
I too am trying to live in the moment. It’s the OCD side that takes over and can kill the fun sometimes.
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I love Target! I could spend hours there 🙂
Bethany says
I had a smoothie today too, except mine was pink (apple, banana, strawberries, blueberries). One thing I plan on doing this year is making green drinks. I haven’t seen a good recipe yet. I can’t have dairy and everyone seems to but some kind of dairy in.
Also, this morning I finally tried to make my oatmeal more like yours. It was gross and I didn’t eat it. Then I found your video where you make the oatmeal. I did it all wrong and will try again. Unfortunately, I can’t have milk so I hope just using water will work.
Thanks for the daily inspiration. I love reading your blog.
Kath says
Bethany,
Alternative milks like soy, almond, and rice will work for these recipes too
Christine (The Raw Project) says
I tend to live in the future too, planning is great for organization, but not always for fun. Lunch looks great and just wow on the color of your smoothie!
The Robertsons of Mumbai says
I am a lurker, but decided to comment today, as your mention of living in the future struck a chord with me! I also tend to do this (well, more than “tend”…), while my husband lives in the past most of the time! One of my mini-goals is to be more mindful as well!
One possibly ridiculous question: Do you have a maid? I don’t seem to hear you mention having to clean very often! Lol! I assume you have a very neat and organized hubby, though! 😉
One more thing: I recently watched your Google Calendar tutorial and I am now on board, and so is my husband! It is geat so far – no more scraps of paper with To Do lists all over the apartment! Thanks so much for the tutorials!
Jennifer
Kath says
OMG what I would give for a maid!! I definitely do not have one, but I do think that when our budget has a bit more wiggle room that I might invest in a once-a-month-deep-scrub kind of thing. My house is ALWAYS dirty! It’s always neat but it’s never clean, clean. A constant struggle for me! I feel that I talk about the dust the accumulates quite frequently 🙂
Glad you like G-Cal!!
The Robertsons of Mumbai says
Well, the house shots are always beautiful! The camera does not show the dust! 😉
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
I had a thick green monster too for lunch!
And I went to Target… great minds think alike. 😉
Alaina says
Your neighborhood looks like something I would see around southern MA. 🙂
I love having tasting plates. Your’s look really delicious.
I think I may live in the past too much. I need to start living more in the present.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Your lunch looks wonderful!! Grapefruits are the best during winter 😀
carlee says
That is one greeeeeeeeeeeen smoothie! Did you put dye in it? haha
Lisa Fine says
That green smoothie makes me crave one. I haven’t made any type of smoothie in ages, since I don’t usually eat them much in the winter. Maybe this week though…
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
That smoothie looks SO thick and rich!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels says
I often run for transportation . . . errrrr that is I run to the bus stop EVERY morning!
Paige @Running Around Normal says
I think that’s a great New Year’s resolution. I, too, base what I do on what’s next or what I need to finish or do. It’s no way to live!
Jess says
Oh I have the same problem with living in the future rather than in the present. That smoothie is something I would like to have in the present, though 🙂
Gill says
Hi Kath!
Your smoothie sounds amazing and I love the reusable cup! I’m a British blogger – are OpenSky stores able to be used by people outside the US?
ps. i’ve just started my blog, and yours is a huge inspiration – thanks!
Kath says
Unfortunately they don’t 🙁
Gill says
Darn – maybe i should invent a UK version! (actually, it probably already exists and i just haven’t been web savvy enough in finding it!)
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Amen! I think we could all use a reminder to slow down and live in the moment now and again. THANK you! 😀
Your yoga session sounds fab! I’ve just begun doing regular yoga/strength training with my mom and can totally attest to the fact that it’s awesome having a workout partner. 😀
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That’s an awesome resolution! I constantly live in the future too. It’s something I really need to work on because I want to be able to enjoy myself in the present.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I have the same problem of not living in the moment although I’ve gotten a lot better at doing so these past few months. Life passes by too quickly, you don’t want to miss it because thinking of the future.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Well, I guess it was an interesting afternoon of fitness. It is so much better to workout with a buddy! I did two different workouts…one with my husband and one with my son. Perfect workout day!
Amanda says
Could you explain the green smoothie? Can you taste the spinach?
Kath says
Adding the greens is a great way to increase the nutrients – but I think I add them because I love the green color 🙂 You CANNOT taste the spinach AT ALL!!!!
Kale is a different story..
Emily says
That smoothie seriously does look incredible and so green! I love all the different ingredients you added to it. I have been trying to find a smoothie recipe that works for me lately and I just can’t seem to get it down. Some of them are too citrus-y for me and others are too bland.
I don’t know how you live so far from a Target! Ours is ten minutes away and without it I am lost sometimes 🙂 Hope you had a great afternoon!
Lindsay says
Love your resolution…I need to make the same one. I am ALWAYS thinking one step ahead and sometimes that hurts the present.
Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life says
Kath, Being more flexible is a great goal. When you are schedule-driven and thrive on getting things done, it can be really hard to step back and take a deep breath–but it can also be really rewarding! Somewhere I read that the days are long and the years are short–which, for me, is a great reminder to take it all in!
Camille says
That is an especially beautiful smoothie! It is so thick and vibrant!
Lew (ashandlewplus2.com) says
Kath, Where do you buy your Vega chocolate powder? We have made many Green Monster Smoothies (http://ashandlewplus2.com/2010/09/04/green-monsters-and-greek-yogurt/) but this looks interesting..
Lew
Kath says
Mine was a sample, but I will be buying more. Likely from Amazon or Whole Foods: http://www.amazon.com/Shake-Smoothie-Chocolate-Sequel-Vega/dp/B003SG0MI8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1294017219&sr=8-7
CoCo Wray says
Love your outlook for the new year! I was just wondering, do you carry your big camera everywhere you go?? 🙂 How do you carry it when your go on your jogs ect.
Kath says
Today’s jogging photos were from my point and shoot, but I take my big camera whereever I go with a purse
Maryann says
I just bought some Chocolate Vega and will be trying this smoothie recipe soon. Yum!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
I’ve spent my weekend totally going with the flow, and as a usually schedule-binded person… it feels SO good!! I am going to work on making this type of mindset stick around for 2011 🙂 Also, green smoothies are totally delish. Your blog was one of the ones that introduced them to me a while back and i love Love LOVE them! Have even gotten some family members to start to eat them, too. So thanks!
alana (at) the food says
i bought that exact mug for my niece for christmas and she gets compliments on it wherever she goes! (also a score because i got it for $3!)
Marissa @ HealthyNOLA says
must be so nice to live in a walkable community! i can’t wait to get back to my daily green smoothie this week. i got out of the habit over the holidays and could feel the difference!
Hannah says
I just bought myself a Vita-Mix and am planning lots of green smoothies (so far I’ve just had fruit smoothies and banana ice cream). I wish I knew of a *single* good-tasting protein powder here in Australia, though!
hemp jogger says
it IS a hike up there, but almost always worth it 🙂 i consistently walk out w/ more than intended, but fun buys. luckily one of our offices is in the plaza, so i tend to ‘need’ something every tuesday evening…
hope karen is feeling better!
ashley nicole says
cuuuute cup! the colors are so pretty. i ate a grapefruit for snack the other day…they’re a BEAST for me to eat. your perfect wedges make me want to try again 😉
Heather says
I love hodgepodge lunch plates! Your cup is so super cute!
Amalfi Girl says
I haven’t had grapefruit in forever, now I’m in the mood for it big time.
Nellie says
I always like working out with a friend rather than alone because it really makes you push yourself and helps with accountability.
Your smoothie looks amazing!
Erica says
I once had an English teacher tell me – “Blessed are the flexible, for the they get the least bent out of shape.” 😉 I really try to remember that when I am feeling particularly UN-flexible. I used to live in the future as well until my diagnosis, when I came to realize that not any of us are promised tomorrow and that I should plan (of course) but not to the point where I discard today…because today is very worthy of it’s own time and energy. Now I try to focus and enjoy each day I am given, because it is truly a gift.
I hope Karen is feeling well and healing quickly! I’ve kept her in my prayers:-) (hugs)
Dee says
I totally agree with you. Living in the present is so difficult when you’re used to looking forward or backwards.
I love the cup!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
I have that same coffee mug! love it!