30 Day Challenge: Day 5

Day 5:

Spin.

Do I spin? Yes, I spin. In circles? Sometimes. The spin I am referring to is the revolving, rotating and the turning over and over, around and around, thoughts, pictures and decisions that have mirrored and shaped me in designated ways. I am a designated driver, driving my life with seriousness to exactness, yet desiring and longing for a gentle pellucidity to existence; however my frail humanity interferes daily with the quest to live this simple life of challenged humility. A challenge with in a challenge: To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. It is a rotating of position, a turning from temptation, and a revolving to destination.

Today was my cardio day. I went to spin class early this morning due to the business of compacting so many things into a Friday, it is the only time I can go. I have so much respect for those determined to make a difference and to see a difference in their health. These many lives in one large mirrored room, share a morning anonymously together and yet, though we don’t know each other’s names, we know we experience a cheering on of one another, under our breath,  pain, and exhaustion.

Image credit:http://www.therapy-counseling.net/

Mama in a half shell…

Ok, so many know that my first attempt to sew, were my Toms that were trashed. Well, second attempt, a Ninja Turtle costume.  I am not a fan of Halloween, for more than one reason, but as I ventured out in the torrential rain fall with two kinder, come on, really? No costume’s at the most significant costume places in the world? Granted it is 2 days before the haunting event, but we are in the land of abundance! I decided on the way home that it might be better to make something. After picking 1 up from home and listening to her rationalize it is better to spend money on a costume than food or a toy, I decided after spin class, we are going to make it a family tradition to make costumes instead of buy.  Our costumes…Raphael, the ninja turtle and Elizabeth, the Paper Bag Princess. Now that I am done with my handy work, it is time to eat my dinner, popcorn!! I can’t wait, it was the only thing I could think of when spinning!

Black is back…

 So, my 30 pound weight challenge continues.  Since it is Friday, my weigh in day, I currently weigh 189.5.  I am relieved that I am no longer in the 190’s, but still have more to go, 23.5 pounds more to go. I was speaking with a friend last night and shared with her that I am not eating differently from what I’m used to, it was just when I was pregnant, I was eating 3 bowls of President Choices Chocolate Crackle ice-cream every night.  I haven’t had ice-cream since July.  When 3 came out, I was done with not only pregnancy, but ice-cream, too.  So, the consequences to my pregnant eating has now left me with a closet full of clothes that still don’t fit me the way they used to. This is ok.  Spin class here I come, and no, I learned my lesson last time, I am not going to wear light color clothing again, black it is.

Fake Valentine’s Pumpkin Loaf

So, I have just brushed my teeth, it is my controlled way of saying to myself, “No more food, big guy.”  Spin class was as usual intense, but rewarding.  Being that it is Valentine’s tomorrow, instructor L. gave us treats at the end of class.  They were seriously so good, that I am going to make the “Spin Class Specials” this weekend and post them.  My kids 1,2, and 3, think it is Valentine’s today, so I am not going to worry about sweets for tomorrow.
My fake Valentine’s baked good today is this…a Pumpkin Loaf inspired by one of the most unique and hip blogs I know, Post Punk Kitchen.  I am going to share with you this spectactuar recipe, however, I have changed just a couple of things for personal reasons.

1/4 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons boiling water, divided (see note)
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sucanut
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose spelt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup walnuts, chopped

How to Play:

Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease and flour an 8 inch loaf pan. Also, boil some water in a tea kettle.

Put applesauce, coconut oil and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, spices, baking soda and salt.

Measure out 1/3 cup boiling water and pour into the bowl with the chocolate mixture, mixing quickly to make a smooth chocolate sauce. Add pumpkin, sucanut and vanilla and mix well.

Pour half of the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture and gently stir just to incorporate, then measure out 1 tablespoon of boiling water and stir again. Now add the rest of the flour mixture and another tablespoon of boiling water and stir just until smooth. Take care not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan.  Sprinkle the top with sugar and chopped walnuts.

Bake for 55 minutes to an hour.  It is yummy both warm and cool.  I like to serve it with coconut oil and I just can’t get enough.  This is one of my kids most favorite treats too, and they love coconut oil as well.

Enjoy.