Ever-Changing Aromas

I was finally able to go on a run outside this morning (it was a "chilly" 82*). There is one house in particular that I notice every morning on my run, because it always emanates some funky odors. Most of the time it smells like rotting fruits and vegetables--sometimes it's cabbage, sometimes it's citrus-y. Regardless, I figured that they have a compost heap that they use in gardening. Lately, however, this house has been expelling more eccentric fragrances. Last week, I swear I smelled sausage hiding somewhere in the lawn, and this morning, the odor of the day seemed to be pizza crust. Either I am going crazy, or these people are feeding their plants their leftovers.

Anyway, I write to you earlier in the day today, not because I was so eager to rant about stinky landscaping, but because I have two tests tomorrow: a nutrition exam and my anatomy lab final. I'll likely be frantically studying this evening, so I figured I would post now. Plus, it gives me an excuse to procrastinate:)

Monday
After my last post, I got to work on preparing a recipe from my new Cafe Sunflower Cookbook, the Southern Black Bean Cakes. I served them along with salsa, a side salad, and some spinach. Honestly, the recipe instructions were less than stellar; yes, it was concise, but I had to do a lot of guess-work. They didn't even taste that good. Bummer.
For my shake, I (finally) used a different variety of hemp protein: the berry pomegranate flavor. I've decided that I will love anything with frozen cherries in it, so I fully enjoyed this concoction.
Tuesday
Another bran muffin breakfast! I had two of those with fresh strawberries and my beloved almond butter. I want to try hazelnut butter but don't know where to look. Whole Foods? Online? Veggie Girl probably has a few suggestions:)
After class, I wanted something quick so I could get started on studying. With no leftovers to speak of, I turned to the freezer and found a box of Amy's Bistro Burgers. I heated one up in the m-wave and put it on whole wheat with mashed avocado. A side salad with mushrooms and scallions and a bowl of grapes added some cancer-fighting produce to the meal.
Last night for dinner, I made another recipe from the Sunflower Cookbook, the Pacific Quinoa Salad. I didn't have all of the ingredients so I substituted here and there, and I added edamame for some protein. The dressing was great--think pineapple juice+ginger. I also had a salad with raw cashews. In the ancient Northwestern mug is some almond milk with dark cocoa powder and stevia (I know Jenn will appreciate the wildcat pride). Also note my new chopsticks. Ever since my friends taught me how to use them, I love eating with them! I bought them at Crate & Barrel last weekend in an effort to slow down my eating.
My shake/smoothie last night was the return of a favorite: vanilla hemp and mango! This is the combo that tasted like cake batter to me the last time I tried it, so I wanted to recreate it. Pumpkin flax granola makes it quite delectable.
Wednesday
Another breakfast parfait (or maybe more like a breakfast trifle...). This one had two crumbled bran muffins, plain organic yogurt, and fresh blueberries. Tasty, as always.
Well, I guess my procrastination session has reached a close. I will leave you with a picture of Fred chillin' in my mom's duffel bag.