The Date

I love dates so so much. Not the awkward date where you end up drinking too much and disclosing too much about your weird life. But the lovely little fruit, of course. I remember going on road trips to Palm Springs or Arizona when I was little and passing by the famous Hadley's Fruit Orchards. I don't think we ever stopped to get a date shake, but my parents would always talk about how delicious they were. I can't believe we never stopped! Mom, please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways, just the thought of a date shake always sounds good to me. I was at the market the other day, and they had a date smoothie with bananas, dates, almond butter, and coconut milk - it was okay. First of all, I saw the young man making my smoothie use almond milk instead of coconut milk. Then, once I tried it, the banana flavor was so strong that I couldn't taste the dates. Also, bananas and almonds are "too hot" for Pitta types, so I already knew there that I maybe shouldn't have spent $8 on a smoothie. But, it did encourage me to buy a coconut-milkish-type "drink"(which is actually really good) and some dates.
This morning, I made my own date shake. I really had no idea how to go about it, but the end product was good, not great, but good. I put I handful of blackberries, about four dates, lots of coconut drink, and some almond butter. Next time, I'll try it with one or two less dates and less almond butter (since it technically aggravates Pitta). Also, I think with more berries and coconut, it would be very refreshing in the warmer months. Give it a try and let me know what you think or how to tweak it.
Oh, and a high-speed blender is definitely needed to break down the sticky dates.

Bierfilzl

I hope I might be getting a bit better at the whole blog thing. Remember when I posted about my favorite coasters? Well, I found the packaging for them; I kept it because I knew that I'd forget the name. They are made by Bierfilzl, and I bought them at Firefly, on Abbot Kinney.

Easter

I made one of my green smoothies this morning, with all the usual ingredients (cucumber, pineapple, coconut water, cilantro, and agave), but I just cut down the portions and added some new tastes: orange and celery. I can't get enough of celery. It adds some earthy notes, and the orange was just enough sweetness and Vitamin C.

And, I realized what a not so spring picture was posted last, so I'll make sure to take a picture of the beautiful happenings with our new season.

Spring Showers

My monthly horoscope said that April will be a huge month for me, personally and professionally. I took most of what it said very seriously, and patiently waited for something to kick me in the ass and put my life in a totally different direction. Maybe my whole life didn't transform immediately, but small changes are beginning to seep through.
I bought a new ayurvedic book, and it is filled with extensive knowledge. It will take me quite awhile to get through it, especially because some things seem to be contradictory to the first one that I got. Nevertheless, it is interesting and it has tons of recipes and sample menus, which I love. I haven't actually delved into the cooking aspect of it, mostly because it will take me a bit of time and money to learn how to make dahls and brews. But, slowly I'm making these changes.
Also something huge: I am officially trying to quit smoking. Yes, I said trying. I am on my third day; yesterday I had half a cigarette. Before now though, I only half-wanted to quit. Now I want to quit. That is huge for me!
I am still looking for yoga teacher training programs. There are so many to choose from, and I have gotten great guidance from friends and acquaintances. It's just a matter of finding one for me, and that I can afford and the timing works.
Okay, so thank you spring. Bringing new possibilities and aspirations.

p.s. I got a great massage the other day. Intuitive massage. I am going back in a couple of weeks and will tell you more then.