Last night, Ed and I ran to Target to tackle some birthday gifts and pick up something on my want list that I have been anticipating for awhile now.
It is now in my possession.
We popped up some homemade microwave popcorn and popped the blu-ray in for a date night in. Ed had never saw this movie before and we both enjoyed the classic touches the movie had throughout. I had to explain to Ed that the castle at Disney World was Cinderella’s castle and we would be running through her castle in January. He had no idea. 🙂 I specifically enjoyed the orchestral music throughout the movie. You don’t hear real, live instruments like this in movies anymore. It was an enjoyable and nostalgic night.
This morning, Ed and I woke up and split up before 7:30AM. Ed had a “Men’s Breakfast” (and yes, you should say this with a deep and manly voice at all times) at church this morning and I headed to the park for a different change of scenery.
A solid start to the morning.
Three miles of my run was spend on the trail head which made things a bit more challenging, but enjoyable. Being in the trees away from the morning sun glare was helpful.
When I got home, I showered and made a fall inspired smoothie to cool myself from the sweat of the morning. Even my hair was soaked when I took it out of the ponytail.
I was inspired by Julie’s Pumpkin Protein Smoothie and tweaked it with what I had in my kitchen.
Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie
1/4 – 1/3 cup of pumpkin
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup milk
1 frozen banana
1.5 tsp. pumpkin pie spice plus some for sprinkling
5 ice cubes
Blend and serve.
The thickness was perfect and I opted for a spoon instead of a straw. It tasted more like a pumpkin milkshake. Yum!
Yes, I am one of many that includes pumpkin in my diet throughout the season and at points throughout the year too. I love pumpkin flavors! Thank goodness for all the health benefits!
What is your favorite pumpkin recipe? Are your pumpkin goodies sweet or savory?
I’m not the best baker around. I do well, but there are few things that I do really well. Pumpkin Iced Cookies are my specialty though. They are requested throughout the season for both Thanksgiving and Christmas for events or bake sales and I enjoy making them. The recipe came from All Recipes originally. The cookies are light and cake like which always has people coming back for more. (I’ve already made 2 batches for events this week.) I am looking forward to sharing the recipe with you soon!
Sand Between My Sneakers 
That smoothie sounds good! I’m trying to get myself to appreciate pumpkin this fall, so I’ve made protein-packed pumpkin bread and pumpkin crunch granola. Both were winners, so I’ll have to try your recipe. 🙂
I have your pumpkin crunch granola in my email right now. I can’t wait to try that one!
That smoothy sounds yummy! I only have a chocolate whey protein drink in my house, though because I don’t like vanilla alone. Might be worth it to make this, however! 🙂 I make a yummy pumpkin bread (or muffins) http://atlantamomofthree.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/pumpkin-muffins/ They are my one year old’s favorite treat at present (no nuts or raisins). 🙂
I have been out of chocolate whey for too long now, but vanilla is good too for smoothies like these. I’m not a big fan of it alone either. I’ve also heard of cake batter protein powder. That just sounds dangerous!
I commented on your pumpkin muffins post 😉
I will have to try this smoothie (minus the protein powder). It sounds really good.
You have a great writing style. It’s very entertaining to read and I just find myself at the end of the post without realizing how I got there! It’s awesome!
Thank you! That is so sweet of you to say. Please keep letting me know what you like. I’m still learning and taking in the whole “blog world” thing. 🙂