i scream. you scream.

As promised, I wanted to share a really great homemade ice cream recipe with you. That's right! I made my own dairy free ice cream and it was just delicious. Not only that but the recipe called for 3 ingredients. 1. 2. 3. That's it! No sugars - no artificial flavors - no artificial sweeteners or colors! I made... Coconut Mike Ice Cream and we loved it!

Now please keep in mind that it's still not calorie free (what ice cream is??!) but it really is an easy alternative to the bought stuff that I craved and I felt so much better about eating it. I have to admit, after really thinking about what is in my ice cream it kind of grossed me out. Sure it tastes great but what am I putting in my body?

Ingredients:

2 large whole eggs or 4 yolks (I used 2 eggs of normal to small size from a local farmer)

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (I used honey that we also picked up for a local farmer)

2 cans full fat coconut milk (not the light or reduced fat)

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl 1 to 2 minutes, until they are light and fluffy.

Whisk in the honey (or maple syrup) until well blended.

Pour in coconut milk and whisk again to blend well.

Freeze according to your ice cream machine instructions.

Servings: 1 quart of ice cream

I froze the freezer bowl for 16+ hours before making the ice cream. After the freezer bowl was frozen it took about 20 minutes for the mixture to become creamy and ready to eat. The whole process took (maybe) 30 mins.

Tip: Shallow, flat containers are best for freezing and storing ice cream to promote an even consistency.

feet first

It was a wonderful week of lounging and loafing. My mom was so happy that all her kids were able to come together for a trip to the Outer Banks just like old times (except now with spouses and children). It's been years since this has been able to happen and we spent most of the trip playing "remember when."

I feel a little sad that our final summer vacation is wrapped up but it will be good to get back to my regular routine of working out and eating healthy foods. While each couple took turns preparing home cooked, unprocessed dinners each night (rather than going out) I still can't say that I was particularly healthy. I was careful to watch portion size, snacking, and listen to my body but it was vacation so I wasn't going to be all over myself about it.

But I'm back now and I'm really excited to jump back to what makes me feel great - regular exercise and consistant healthy eating. I'm actually craving normalcy in my diet and it's a really great feeling.

I've decided to remove dairy from my diet for 2 weeks. My friends LH and LA (as well as my husband) have been trying to get me to do this for a good bit but I kept thinking that vacations wouldn't allow me to fully devote the focus I would need to do that. They all say that they feel great without dairy and don't even miss it. I really love my ice cream but LH assures me that there are plenty of substitutes (including homemade recipes!) out there and I certainly trust her. Honestly, I'm so excited to try this new approach!

Today will be day 1 and I'm planning to head to Whole Foods and the farmers market in a bit to gather my ingredients for the week. I'll certainly be sure to share my plans, recipes, and results.

just dance

A dancer I am not. Not even a little bit... I do like to bust a move at the occasional wedding or in my car when Lady Gaga is singing it to me straight - but I'm not aaaannnyyy kind of dancer in real life. Ellen DeGeneres described my skills pretty well when she said that everyone has about 5 dance moves and they cycle through them w/ slight tweaks to extent the repertoire. That's me. I've got probably 5... mayyybe 6 but that depends on whether or not alcohol is involved.

This weekend we watched our friends say their I Do's before it was time to dance our asses off. The dj was ready - the bridal party was moving - the guests were out of their seats. Mr. C is no stranger to the dance floor (another reason I love him so much). He is a dancing machine and his 5 moves are done with tons of gusto making it all the more fun! As we were all enjoying the music I paused to think about the cardio workout I was getting. Then it hit me that I had probably done about 3 million liberties (ok - so my opposite leg wasn't that high in the air but you get it) and probably just as many calf pumps! I'm not joking when I say I was just waiting for Thriller so I could get in an arm workout (palms facing the floor!).

Sigh... Lithe of the party!

50

Yay! I celebrated my 50th class with a beeeeaaaauuuutiful Skinny Mini w/ Krista! Wow, I just can't believe that it's been 50 classes already. This is a really cool, personal goal. This morning I was trying make a list of Things I've Enjoyed Doing 50 Times. Let me tell you, I'm not sure I would have ever expected working out to make that list. While I never really hated working out - it was never something I necessarily looked forward to either. I looked at it as something that needed to get done - like brushing your teeth (you don't have to brush your teeth but it will be pretty nasty and unhealthy if you don't... hmm maybe not the best example but you get what I'm saying)!

I feel great! I feel strong! I'm excited about the friendships I've made and the new respect I have for my curves. Best of all, I'm learning to treat myself as I would treat a loyal friend.

Here's to 50 more!!