Okay, I admit it: I really enjoy shopping. Whether I'm searching for winter running gear, new snow boots, or - my favorite - something to read, I am always happy to "be on the hunt," as they say. With a decidedly shrunken income, I have been trying to shake my shopping habit a bit. While taking advantage of my wonderful local library has helped considerably, I still jones for a little book shopping every now and again.
It seems my salvation may come through the art of secondhand shopping. Today, for instance, I was able to purchase three books for $4.00! Here's what I got:
Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella (lightweight, fun fiction) .... $2.50
The Student's Vegetarian Cookbook by Carole Raymond ... $.75
Under the Tuscan Sun (fabulous memoir) by Frances Mayes ... $.75
I found these treasures at the library's bookstore (proceeds support the library! yay!) and at the local Goodwill. Not only is secondhand shopping economical, but it puts good use to something that someone else no longer wanted. Better on my bookshelf than in the trash!
I have two recipes for you today. One, I made up on the quick this morning. The second, I got from my handy dandy new (well, old) Student's Vegetarian Cookbook. Enjoy!
Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie
This sweet treat takes seconds to make and, despite the sugar content of pumpkin pie filling, isn't completely horrid for you. Adding the protein powder helps prevent the spike in blood sugar that might occur without any protein in the mix (I learned this in my recently finished copy of Skinny Chicks Don't Eat Salad by Christine Avanti). Enjoy!
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/3 cup pumpkin pie filling
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk
- splash water
- 5-8 ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until completely mixed and frothy. serves 1
Dreamy Chocolate Microwave Rice Pudding
As mentioned above, I adapted this recipe from The Student's Vegetarian Cookbook by Carole Raymond. Be sure to use a microwaveable bowl LARGER than you think you need because the mixture can easily puff up and leak all over your microwave (happened to me!).
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or 3 packets Splenda)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup cooked short-grain brown rice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash cinnamon
Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch in a large microwaveable bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and whisk vigorously to combine (no lumps!). Add the remaining 1/2 cup milk and stir again. Cover and microwave for 1.5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave, stir again, and add the brown rice, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Cover and microwave for an additional 1.5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (it will thicken as it sits) before chowing down. serves 1
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After a full day of bargain shopping, I am looking forward to hanging out with my friend Emma. The plan is to do two Yin Yoga videos (see below), eat some leftover curry (see yesterday's post), and maybe watch some Curb Your Enthusiasm (funniest show ever).
I'm looking forward to some hip, heart, and back opening - - and, of course, the company of friends. If you've never heard of Paul Grilley or Yin Yoga, check out the link below. He is a great teacher and the practice is a great alternative to other forms of yoga.
Yin Yoga: The Foundations of a Quiet Practice by Paul Grilley
This challenging and deeply effective yoga video was introduced to me by my friend Emma. She swears by this technique - which encourages practitioners to hold each pose (usually a supine or seated posture) for 3-5 minutes. The practice emphasizes a minimum amount of muscular effort and, instead, focuses on stimulating the fascia and connective tissues of the body. You can immediately feel the changes in your body after doing this practice. Check out Paul's official website here.
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