MIMM: Apple picking

When I lived in North Carolina, I went apple picking and loved it. First off, I love apples, especially Fujis. Secondly, I love the old-timey feeling of the farms.

We had meant to go apple picking today (#1 ON MY BUCKET LIST!) but hadn't made plans.

Also already have pumpkin candles! I'm on this!

Mom and I quickly packed into the car and drove an hour and a half to Riley's at Los Rios Ranch at the foot of the mountains in San Bernardino, in a cool-named city called Yucaipa.

The weather was marvelous for the long drive.

There were only 3 varieties to choose from: Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious. :( Though farm-picked apples tend to be good anyways.

Mom wanted me to take pictures of her, but she doesn't like to smile for them.

The Granny Smiths were tart and more of a baking apple - look for apple recipes! The Golden and Red Delicious apples were quite good.

Afterwards, we drove back down the mountain and to Oak Glen Village. It consisted mostly of a restaurant. We decided on apple cider and mom wanted an apple loaf.

Verdict: We got apples, not what I expected though. The farm wasn't as nice as described - I didn't see the BBQ, the store, or anything besides a couple of kiosks at which to buy bags. We got a peck for $20, which was not much considering I'm sure I bought 1/2 bushels for the same price or less!

I won't be going again. The drive is too long. We'll find somewhere else or just buy our Fujis from the store.

Though if you're ever in Western North Carolina, I suggest Justus Orchard in Hendersonville. I wrote the only review on their yelp page, complete with pictures!

We came home, grubbed on chicken salads, fell asleep, showered, and I went for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

All this fun and I forgot to clean. I remembered to clean my mat while I was showering :) and finally painted my nails.

Oh, don't forget it's...

+

Check it out here!

Have you ever been apple picking or picked any fruit?

Muscle-Building Meal Plan Monday

Breakfast
hemp waffle + 2 egg whites
oatmeal protein pancakes
clean strawberry cheesecake pancakes
Halloween pumpkin cheesecake protein pancakes

Lunch/Dinner
leftover rotisserie chicken
chicken sausage
chile lime chicken burgers
tuna
shrimp
+
salad
spring rolls
Sonoma tortilla wraps
quinoa
+
sweet potato
avocado
carrots
garbanzo beans

Snacks
pumpkin goo
homemade pumpkin Greek yogurt

popchips tortilla chips
vanilla caramel protein cookies
string cheese

P.S. I totally think all those pumpkin cheesecake mousses have helped me gain muscle!

I mean, okay, my arms don't look like it, but I can feel the muscles.

My legs are short and stumpy but also muscular. :) Though this post about jello-y inner thighs resonates with me even though I'm not a runner.

First fall Saturday

This morning, I knew I would regret working out at night yesterday. My body was slightly sore but not so much that I couldn't move. I actually prefer working out sore because it hurts so good. :)

Less than 12 hours later I was back in the gym, did my thing in TurboKick though jumping wasn't happening because my outer thighs are the sorest, and then showered again.

I've thought about trying Batiste Dry Shampoo ever since I saw it everywhere and found some at TJ Maxx. I wash my hair everyday and it gets dry and frizzy. I can't avoid it because I sweat buckets.

Since I woke up too late for breakfast, I made a pumpkin pie spice latte protein shake, which was essentially coffee with protein powder added and blended with ice.

Afterwards, I still wanted breakfast and more pumpkin! I made Spoonful of Fit's pumpkin spice protein pancakes.

Her recipes are simple and clean, and not too bad in the taste department. They weren't as fluffy as my usual oatmeal protein pancakes.

Another protein recipe I'm always looking for: microwave protein cakes. Everything requires oats and I'm not a fan of whole oats in anything but oatmeal.

Yesterday night, I found A Dash of Meg's lemon coconut microwave cake. I used peanut flour instead since I couldn't find my coconut flour then used a regular packet of stevia for my own

I'm about to head to work. :( At least they didn't schedule me too early.

First, a trip to the library and the brand new Whole Foods. :)

Tonight is all about studying, and I bought garbanzo beans for the endless amount of raw cookie dough recipes.

Tomorrow's word is clean...

• my car. Organize my shoes - all my shoes reside in my car!
• my yoga mat
• my gym towels
• my nails. I bought a e.l.f.'s light beige polish for the fall

Oh, and studying... and learning to save money still. I did okay today - I spent money on garbanzo beans ($1), Power to the Greens ($2), and sweet potatoes ($2) + $5 cash back because I never have cash on me. Total: $10. Yet lots of gas. :/

What nail polish color are you using this fall?
Do you keep shoes in your car?