Apple Pie Smoothie + NaPoWriMo Day 7

I know that it is evening, and almost time for bed in some countries (like mine), but I am presenting you with a breakfast recipe today. Why? Well, because you need to go soak some almonds for this one and I want you to be well-prepared so that you can enjoy your meal tomorrow morning!

This is a very, very tasty and addictive smoothie. It combines the sweetness of ripe banana and crispy red apple with the creamy goodness of blended almonds and soy milk, ending with a dash of cinnamon which brings it all together so well! A flavour explosion in your mouth! Good enough to be served as dessert. Ridiculously healthy. Need I say anything else?

Now, I must warn that this ‘smoothie’ serves as a filling breakfast meal, and to do so it contains oats and All Bran Flakes. This results in a very thick texture (almost like wholewheat Pronutro). So I eat it with a spoon. Don’t like thick smoothies? No problem – simply omit the grains. It will not be as filling, but will still taste amazing!

So go soak those almonds and get ready to start your morning the right way! 🙂

APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

• 150 ml unsweetened soy milk
• 15-20 raw almonds, soaked overnight
• 1 ripe banana + 1/2 frozen ripe banana
• 1 medium crispy red apple
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup All-Bran Flakes
• 1 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp flax seed (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Place all the ingredients into your blender (I start with the fruit and soy milk first, then blend that for a few seconds before adding the nuts, raisins, and seeds, and cinnamon. I add the grains last).
2. Serve topped with All Bran and raisins.

It really is that simple. Enjoy!

NaPoWriMo Day 7

As per the NaPoWriMo website’s daily prompt, which I have quoted below, it is time for the unveiling of my poem for day 7.

“Speaking of which, here is our optional prompt for this, the seventh day of NaPoWriMo. I challenge you to write a poem in which each line except the last takes the form of a single, declarative sentence. Then, the final line should take the form of a question. With any luck, this will result in poems that have a sort of driving, reportorial tone, but with a powerful rhetorical finish. Let’s hope so, anyway!”

I chose to write the following poem because I read a very interesting journal article about the conflict that exist between most people’s values and their actual path in life. For instance, an executive may profess to value family, yet he spends all his time and energy at work trying to climb the corporate ladder, whilst his wife and children are lucky to see him for a half an hour in the evenings. This led me to contemplate my own life, and how many times I allow (either consciously or unconsciously) my true values to take a backseat in an attempt to get all the other pressing things in my life done. Now, I know that it is unrealistic to stop doing everything in life that we feel is not ‘fun’ or that takes up time we would rather be spending somewhere else, yet I do believe there is a need for balance.

It makes me think of the Scripture in Matthew 6:21 where Jesus warns us “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

What is it that we truly value? What is it that you would give everything up for? And why is it so difficult to pursue that passion?

I do not believe the answers are easy or quick to come by, yet I do believe it is something worth contemplating.

And that being said, it is equally important to be able to find the joy and beauty in every day life – to rejoice in that which we have and  perhaps model Paul’s example where he writes to the church in Phillipi and says “…for I have learnt in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil 4:11b.

Alive?

The alarm clock sounds.
It’s ten to five.
She gets dressed, makes food, locks up, leaves.
The new week starts.
She reminds herself to breathe.

Phones start ringing.
Emails filter in.
Deadlines are looming.
Productivity is booming.
She’s locked in one position.

The sun sets.
It is time to go home.
Dinner will be leftovers.
She hardly puts down her phone.

Projects are completed.
Energy is depleted.
The alarm clock gets rebooted.
The day is done and she survived.
But is she truly alive?