The Enchantments

Introduction:

Words cannot properly describe, and no photo will ever do justice to the landscape and experience recounted below. It is something people must see for themselves. Without first-hand experience The Enchantments is something a mind cannot comprehend. 

About Love...

I have these ideas about love. What it is, how I like it, and what I do to show it.

Before I get going, I’ll remind you that this is a blog…’nough said?

I have loved a lot of people, and there is a good chance if you are reading this that I love you; or you love me…maybe the feeling is mutual? This blabber-fest does not pertain strictly to “romantic love” mostly because I do not truly believe in it as a separate form…But I shall delve into that later.

 

Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry-Coconut Frosting

Look! Cookies!

It has been a long time...

I haven't written since last year. I don't really know why. My mind and body kind of went off the rails and I am trying to find my way back.

I figure I’ll start back up with something that everyone likes…COOKIES.

Spicy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

It’s been a while…but I have a headache and I can’t focus on anything…So I am going to scratch down a recipe.

2 Acorn Squash (Or other sweet/tasty squash)

1 can Coconut milk (other milks are fine too, but straight up coconut adds a layer of flavor)

Onward and Downward!

Go here, buy stuff.

A few photos to show you all where I found myself at 5 weeks from show day. I had a good pinch. I have been guided by great people and decide to pay for the lovely Dani Taylor from veganproteins.com to handle my meal plan for the final 6 weeks. Instead of spending my weekend determining what to eat and when I completely rely on someone else to use their knowhow and genius to help shed the layer of fat I’m trying to ditch!

The Important People

Most of the people we encounter come and go; friends, pen pals, some family, teammates, loves…the fact that all of these people do not remain constant does not make them any less important. Everyone we encounter helps shape how we develop and the choices we make in our everyday lives.

Brussels Sprouts

Tossed and Covered

My mom is always saying, “I found a new Brussels Sprouts recipe.” My first question is always, “Oh yeah, how many ingredients?” I like most of my vegetables pretty simple…just how they come, with some salt and pepper…I eat sprouts 3-4 times per week regularly. They are just so freaking good, and easy. Here is what I do…

Raging

Oh Lord...

So, I struggled. 6 weeks of painful, self-inflicted mind games and loads of bullshit. My body was out of whack, my mind followed, and my focus seemed non-existent. I spent that time going through the motions. (Albeit important, load bearing, fat burning motions…but in a heartless and gutless manner, it seemed.)

*NEWS FLASH*

Triple X-Posed

Chest is looking good, legs look a bit better.

Because I knew you were sitting at your computer, or browsing FB on your phone thinking..."I haven't seen Stephanie standing around half naked lately...

I'll get to that...

First check out plantbuilt.com and donate some money...or read the athlete profiles. Yep. Anything helps.

But first you have to look at some random photos of food and other random things.

Losing It

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I've gotten lost a bit in the past 3 weeks. I am drowning in all of the commitments I have made to different people and organizations. I feel restless inside my living situation, and am generally overwhelmed.

I am sitting at work, just waiting for e-mails to roll in...so I'm using the time to write this shit for the world to read. For whatever reason, I think it might help.

Berry Cobbler

I made this the other day. It was a treat. I did not regret eating it, even though I know I shouldn't have.

Protein Pudding

I love protein shakes...BUT in an effort to get creative with my snacks I looked up different protein puddings and such. Many call for nut butters (teehee <--Not mature enough) and other ingredients...Too much fat, too many calories, and too much effort!!!!

Cajun Crusted Soy Curls

Soy Curls are amazing. If you have never had them, I highly recommend ordering some. (Unless you live in the Portland area you can pick them up at tons of places.)

Creamy Lentil and Broccoli Soup

I just made this up...It was delicious.




Makes 2 large servings, each worth:

186 Calories
31g Carbs
3g Fat
12g Protein

Mini Update

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They say a picture is worth 1,000 words...

The lighting from the middle photos (2 weeks ago) is better and I like them better, even though I'm technically fatter.

Honesty

I was watching too much TV recently and made this note in my phone.

There is too much dramatic irony on TV. It teaches people to create it their own in lives.

Do right by yourself; be forthcoming with information and details. This does not mean say whatever is on your mind at all times, but rather present facts so that people have the ability to make decisions based on whole truths.

It will help.

Progress…The Saga Continues

Ok so, I need to post about stuff that happened a week ago. I think you’ll survive. Its like the olden days…with really old news; like when you see someone reading a newspaper…and all you can think is…”No? No internet, television, or radio? You need day old news?”

The SLAW Formula

Standard Slaw Fixin's

I have this thing for slaw. I think of something to make for dinner, and then have to decide what will accompany it, many times it is shredded vegetables in some sort of dressing. I love slaw. It is so simple and sweet, tangy and tasty. I mix up tons of different things and call it slaw…but here is my basic formula:

Progress; Plus Lunch

Ok Folks! I am combining the progress and planning results. So you are going to see the food and my nearly nuuuuuudness…so I apologize in advance.

Getting (Bike) Dressed

 I should be filing…but…

1.       It makes my back hurt, and

2.       It’s boring as hell

So I am going to write about how I get dressed to go biking in cold weather. It was super nice yesterday, which required only shorts and a jersey…but the weather for next week looks lame, so it might be back to the sleeves, pants, jacket, and gloves.