Good afternoon! It’s FINALLY raining here in California after one of the worst droughts to date. And it’s coming down… I just threw all of my houseplants outside so they can get a nice long drink! And speaking of drinks, I keep meaning to post my favorite afternoon milkshake that I enjoy before I head to my 4:30 Ashtanga class at Harmony House. Yes, I drink milkshakes! But the Yummy Yogini kind of course… filled with nutrients, spices and clean ingredients.

This here is my Sweet Potato milkshake, sans the dairy, “milk” and sugar. I know what you’re thinking but come on, sweet potatoes need to be enjoyed outside of Thanksgiving and in pies! And besides simple starches, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, Vitamin A and C, and potassium. They also have been ranked one of the highest foods in nutritional value compared with other starchy foods. And they’re naturally sweet! What’s not to love?! I picked up these gorgeous sweet potatoes at the Farmer’s Market yesterday where there was a violinist and a harpist playing… what a wonderful treat! My Ma plays the harp too… cool huh?!

Farmer’s Market Harp Concert!

I need this little treat especially after the morning I had. I started off with a 6 a.m. spin class, followed by 7 a.m. circuit class, and then I finished it off with a one hour TRX class at The Edge, in Pismo Beach. If you haven’t tried TRX training yet, you must! It’s a total body workout! Also, my circuit trainer and friend Amy Harper leads a “Move Your Ass” circuit workout at Kennedy Club Fitness in Arroyo Grande. I’ve been taking the class twice a week for the past year and the results have been phenomenal! Even if you’re not a KCF member, you can still join!

______________________

Sweet Potato Maple-Cinnamon Smoothie- serves two 

Ingredients:

-1 large sweet potato

-1 small banana

-1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

-1 T maple syrup

-1/2 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger

-ice cubs

Directions:

1. Peel the sweet potato and chop it up, then place it in a large pot with water and bring to a boil. When the potato is soft, place the chunks in a strainer.

2. Add everything into your blender, mixing well. I added ice cubes since my potato was hot, but if you cook it ahead of time, you can skip this step.

3. Place in a large glass and sip away!

_____________________

So, I’ll leave you with a little throwback Thursday shot of me in 1990 getting my ears pierced. It was my 10th birthday gift from my Ma and she took me to the Canary and the Elephant (now known as Claire’s) and I picked out a little pair of rhinestones. And yes, I have big hair! And no, I don’t care!

Niccola Piccola.