Hullo friends! 😀
I know that I come across as positive and upbeat most of the time, but that doesn’t mean that every day is all sunshine and rainbows around here. Nuh uh. While I’m definitely in a good mood 99% of the time, there are still those days where I find myself in a funk that I just can’t seem to get out of.
Yesterday was one of ’em – hence my absence.
I try to keep this blog a positive space, because that’s how I like to see life – through rose colored glasses. I briefly entertained the idea of posting anyways, because I try to keep it as real as possible and don’t want anyone to think that I never have a bad day (because I definitely do), but in the end I decided against it. I needed some time and space just to dwell in my funkiness.
So I did.
And spent far too much time playing WoW and reading…
Escape at its finest 😀
I used to beat myself up whenever I found myself in a bad mood, because I felt like it meant that I was failing in my attempt to maintain a positive outlook on life, but I’ve learned that there’s no sense in berating myself for something that’s beyond my control. Funks happen. They’re basically unavoidable and when they hit, it really helps to just accept them as part of life and ride them out.
So I did.
And today was back to good. Heck, today was back to very good.
1. Breakfast tasted extra delicious…
[Eggy bananafied steel cut oats topped with roasted almond butter and chocolate pudding. And the answer to the chocolate question is: “However much makes you smile”]
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2. I was actually looking forward to today’s workout and rocked it out of the park… Which probably had more to do with the fact that I went back to my tried-and-true pre-workout snack…
Don’t mess with a good thing. Banana + AB = energy up the wazoo.
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3. I decided to throw a little twist on my favorite post-workout smoothie…
Fresh cherries, pitted and frozen.
… and was pleasantly surprised by the results…
[In the mix: ¼ cup almond milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 serving silken tofu, 1 tsp. chia seeds, ½ cup frozen cherries]
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4. Nicky, the absolute sweetest thing in the world, solved my chocolate muffin dilemma by coming up with a recipe that’s just flippin’ amazing…
Vita-who?
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5. I spent a gorgeous afternoon at the park with one of my best buddies…
… who’s back to her crazy happy self
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6. One of my foodie dreams came true – we’ll now have Greek yogurt variety in Canada…
Up until this point, I’ve only seen 2 brands of Greek yogurt up here in The Great White North. Liberte and The Greek Gods. I stuffed myself with Fage a few summers back when I was vacationing in Europe, and was heartbroken to find that they didn’t sell it back home (back then there wasn’t any Greek yogurt over here). Thank you for finally starting to wake up, Canada.
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7. I channeled my inner child with some fun foodie finds…
Growing up is overrated. And dried bananas are amazing.
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8. 26 more days until I move. EeeEEEEEeee!!
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Do you prefer when bloggers keep everything positive? Or when they share some of their struggles and hardships?
I like to see different sides of all bloggers. I do like reading blogs that have more positives than negatives, but we have to remember that all of us are only human, and here to support each other. If everything was positive all the time, it wouldn’t be much of a supportive community, which is part of what I love about blogging. Of course, glad to hear that you’re out of your funk!
I prefer when bloggers are REAL, yes I obviously don’t want to read a pessimistic blog, but I know not everything is sunshine and rainbows in life so I like to see that bloggers are human too and aren’t just putting on an act.
That said, I’m glad to hear you’re outta your funk again today- I admit yesterday was an off day for me too, just kind of woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was a little tense, but hey, without the off days the great ones wouldn’t seem as fabulous, right?
I absolutely love the honesty and heart that you put into your posts, Amanda. Quite frankly, the blogs that I feel are falsely positive are the ones that I’m more likely to stop reading haha.
Realistically we ALL have issues and struggles, its just a matter of whether or not were willing to post about them
ANDDDD– have you ever put silken tofu in oatmeal? Just curious 🙂
Omg omg omg what? We’re getting Oikos in Canada now?! This just made my day! 😀
I’m glad you shared that you had a bad day with us – it always feels good to get something like that off your chest. 🙂 Plus I think that by revealing both the good AND the bad, it makes bloggers seem more real and easy to relate to.
Haha omigosh I love how like every Canadian commenter so far has been super excited over the Oikos – I squeaked myself when I saw that flyer. Just goes to show you how deprived we are up here!
I’m sorry you were in a funk yesterday, but I’m glad you are out of it now! I think it’s great for bloggers to share good and bad times. However, I think that if a blogger was always pessimistic then they probably would lose readers. But we gotta keep it real- life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows as you said! I’m kind of in a funk right now. I just got back from Florida earlier this evening and I’ve been shoving my face with junk food. I wasn’t even that hungry…bahh. Oh well- tomorrow will be better! I’m so glad you’re getting greek yogurt there!
I like it when bloggers share their struggles. It makes me realize I’m not alone, and that’s nice. Especially when I’m connect with so many other things you say or have said in the past. We may not ever talk and I read your blog from a far, but reading about your personal struggles makes me feel like I’m your friend, and that you’re sharing this vulnerable side of you to me, that you’re entrusting me. I’m also sure it feels good for you to get it off your chest!
I’m happy to see your puppy is all back to normal! What kind of dog is she?
We’re not really sure. We got her at the shelter, and she was part of a littler of stray puppies that came in. We’re thinking probably some border collie (some of her brothers/sisters were black&white) and maybe some husky or elkhound.
I like to hear both the good and the bad from bloggers. You can celebrate the good times and then sympthasize and grow from the bad.
Almond butter + Banana’s are amazing. Talk about a fuel boost! I love how you play WoW and I have to ask-do you play any other games? Good luck with your upcoming move-your own place is really exciting! I’m actually moving into mine tomorrow 🙂
Tomorrow?! I’m jealous! Although I’m not done packing, so I guess having to move tomorrow wouldn’t be good for me lol. And WoW is pretty much the only game I play these days. I used to play more, but now WoW pretty much takes up any extra time I have left over for gaming.
I think sharing some hardships help people understand they are not alone. No one remains positive 24/7, no need to pretend!
Bah, Canada is terrible at getting with all of the food trends! I desperately want to find peanut flour, but with no avail. I guess my peanut butter addiction won’t be going high protein any time soon.
I like when bloggers are able to take a bad day and put a positive spin on it :).
I love when bloggers are honest about bad days…it makes me feel more normal! I find inspiration in a lot of the bloggers I follow, and when they post about struggles, it’s a reassurance that everyone is human. It’s not that I relish in other people’s distress, but it’s definitely a good feeling to know that even the seemingly “happiest” people have problems too. Obviously, I do not want to read a blog that has a general hateful and self-loathing attitude. That’s different. When a blogger is simply open and honest about their life, I like that. It makes me actually believe the person behind the blog is real, rather than someone pretending to be perfect.
It’s refreshing to hear bloggers kind of break down, actually. It shows they’re real, you know? I know that sounds strange..but everybody has bad days and if they put on a positive face for the sake of the blog, then that’s just lying. And we’re not here to be lied to! We’re here for support. Most likely, we’ve gone through the exact same thing and know what they’re going through anyway…so it’s nice when they actually let us in to their *real* life.
With that being said, it’s not good to tell every negative detail. I can’t stand bloggers that complain all. the. time.
I lovehow you are always so honest you are with your readers! We are all human and definately will have gpod and bad days!
I am so excited for your new apartment – Only a few More days!
Those muffins look fabulous- and cherries in a smoothie great combination!
Have a relaxing weekend!
:)aim
I like hearing about struggles and hardships as well as their happy times. I know I share both on my blog, because… no one is perfect, no one only has happy times without any hardships.
This makes me excited that we’re getting more variety of Greek yoghurts, however I’ve definitely been exploring A TON of Liberte’s flavours lately (my new favourite being the caffe latte, and I HATE coffee!)
Hope the end of your day last night was better, nothing a little WoW and reading can fix 😉
Samantha
http://flavorator.blogspot.com/
Be REAL as you always are! Sooo what are your other foodie dreams??
Don’t take this the wrong way but….do you have a job?
I do indeed, but who likes to talk about work?
I like when people are honest on their blog – we all have bad days, let’s not even pretend we don’t! Blogging is a good way to get through those things.
I don’t always share my bad days though, sometimes I just want to let myself be cranky/sad whatever and then come back to being my usual self when I do.
How cool you get oikos! That’s my fav yogurt brand 😀
I like bloggers who show a whole range of emotions. Probably to balance out my perpetual Debbie Downer attitude…
And I’m not a big fan of cherries, but that smoothie turned out really pretty 😀
I do like to keep things positive, but doing it 100% of the time on the blog isn’t honest and isn’t real. I would never want others to think that I lead a perfect life where I never get sad or have horrible days!
so with you!! i always like to share my down days on my blog.. well not all but some! esp when i was going thru my increased appetite anxieties! loveee da pics!
People who are happy like 100% of the time freeeeak me out. Bad stuff happens- so its unnatural to never be In a funk or less than stellar mood-IMO.I like bloggers to be honest about how they’re feeling, good or bad. BUT it really depends on how things are worded,and if EVERY post is negative I get turned off as its just a bit of a downer.
I’m glad you are feeling less funky, got your workout mojo going, and got your bake on- I know what ill be baking next:)
The only type of greek yog I can get is fage 0%- so I totally understand your excitement over finding a new kind*jelous*, its the little things in life right?
Beeeeeeauuuutiful pictchas!
Xxx
amen girl. and you know what, accepting that you aren’t feeling good one day is so important…even if its two days in a row or more. sometimes we always have a feeling that we need to be ‘up’ or ‘on our game’ and that when we feel bad we always analyze what put us there and how we should get out of it as quick as possible. its so easy to get down about feeling down! the best thing is to say “you know what, i don’t feel good, so today i am going to show myself some love…read a book, take a bath, lay in the sun, watch funny movies, and simply take care” 🙂 🙂
xoxo <3
I think the best way to go is just keeping it real. If you have a bad day, sometimes blogging about it helps get you out the funk. (You don’t even have to post it, save it as a draft. ) Struggles are a part of everyday life, no judgement should be passed upon anyone for trying to get them out.
But I am very glad you had a lovely Friday and your pup is back in good health/spirits!
I’m very similar – I tend to be pretty upbeat and sometimes feel like I don’t show that I’m not always that way very well! It’s just that when I get upset over something – unless it’s really serious – I don’t usually let it effect me so much that it drags on for hours and ends up affecting how I feel by the time I get to blogging. And if it does, well, I probably won’t feel like writing anything, and just don’t.
I don’t think life is meant to be all rainbows and sunshine, anyways 😉
I’m ALL about keeping it real.
I read the blogs I do because of the person who writes them.
I like those people.
I like you.
And I want to know about you and stuff. Not just the good.
PS- EeeEEEEEeee!!
I like you too <3
i think one of the great things about blogging is being able to be open/honest and real. and real people have bad days sometimes. we all get down/sad/frumpy and sometimes it helps to let it all out. whether thats on a blog or calling a friend or whatever your portal is.
i dont think anyone expects anyone to be happy 100% of the time. that would just be weird 😉 but i or anyone doesnt need to give you permission to have a bad day youre just flat out entitled to it!
glad to see that youre back on the happy track though, you are such a positive person so its hard to see you upset!
oh. and your oats.look.delish.
along with the muffins. nicky is just so crafty like that!
I think I prefer when bloggers are honest and talk about how they really feel. Thanks for opening up about your feelings girl!
Mehh lousy days are the worst – but we all come across them. I do like to see when bloggers share some of their bad times- because it shows that we are all human – that no one is perfect – even the most positive people can feel down i the dumps!! However – I would not like ready negative posts on a regular basis!
Loving the frozen pitted cherry smoothie! I bet that was delicious! Glad you are feeling much better today, hun ! xoxo
It’s so much more real, when bloggers share their ups and downs. But to each their own!
You shouldn’t feel like you have to post every single day, esp. if you want to just play WoW & read. 🙂
ps. Ill be looking for some Oikos next safeway stop!
I saw the Danone yogurt at Superstore today. I was so very excited. They also have Liberte 0% with strawberries!
I think it depends on the blogger, eh? Like, I keep things positive while sharing things I’m working on. I don’t want people to think I see myself as perfect or something, but I also don’t want things gettin’ funky. You know, the bad kind of funky. Har.
I think it’s great to share with people things you’re bettering, but I do get a little sad when the majority of posts are sad or something of the sort. But a little in the mix keeps things fresh! Freessshhhhh. That’s a nice word.
EEP! Sorry, I’m getting hungry. I want some steel cutters but they’re packed away for my move tomorrow (DFBMDHFGMDZ WHEEEEE! Counting down your days, too!). Hmm. Maybe I’ll just unpack them. I’m that crazy.
Oooohhhh how are the muffins! They look so delicious on both your blogs. I want to try ’em!
And oh my, how great an escape WOW is. I haven’t played in a bit since all my gaming stuff has been put away this summer (pffft, play on a laptop with a shrimpy little mouse? Hand me my weighted mouse, macro’d keyboard, headset, and 24 inch screen PLEASE!)
<3 <3 <3
Moving tomorrow?!? Ack I wish it was me! Well… maybe not since I’m nowhere near being packed, but that’s so exciting 😀 I expect a full tour of your new place!
Of course! Same goes for you, love! Tour tour tour! You know I’ll be rockin’ dat vlog 😉
I try to keep my blog positive (especially because that is the way I am in real life), but sometimes I think it’s important to share our challenges, too. Bloggers are only human afterall, and sometimes we can help each other if we just let it be known. When I was in Greece for an international exchange, I LIVED off yogurt. They didn’t know what vegetarian meant (let alone vegan), so I ate greek yogurt and greek salad (aka cukes and tomatoes) with fresh honey and beautiful olive oil respectively. Yum!
It depends on the goal of the blog.
if you are a person who blogs about your whole life, then yes, I think it is important to be honest and real, even when it’s negative.
BUT, if you are someone who focuses more on posting about your niche/topic and talk less about the ins and outs of your daily life, then I don’t think the hardships/struggles are as necessary. It all just depends I suppose!
Sorry about the funk! I was in one myself today ha -hence my absence- but I’m glad you and Kaiah were back to the norm today! 😉 And HOORAY! for greek yogurt. I haven’t tried Oikos yet! Fage has stolen my heart
I have absolutely fallen in love with freeze dried fruit. I’m going to pick some more up tomorrow. I can’t get enough of that stuff!
I like when blogs do both. It seems more real and sometimes you just need a place to vent/get support
YES! Safeway is stocking Oikos? I might have to run over there right now… Liberte is a bit expensive, but I do like it – hopefully Oikos is cheaper!
As far as bloggers and positivity, I think honesty is the best policy. You come across as a wonderfully happy person, but it’s nice to know – as you said – that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows 24/7, even for you.
One question coming your way – what kind of protein powder do you use? I’m a fellow Canadian, and even at Whole Foods, our selection seems quite limited compared to the US. Any recommendations?
You have a WF over there? I’m jealous! We don’t have one in my neck of the woods, and I’ve never been. Boo. As for the protein powder, I use Proteins+ by Genuine Health. It’s one of the most natural ones that I can find locally, basically every store carries it, and it tastes good 😀
I’m in Vancouver, so we’ve got three (or maybe four). There’s one half a mile away from me, so I go WAY too often 😉 OK, fantastic! I think my WF does carry that brand – I’ve tried Vega but it just tastes nasty to me unfortunately… Awesome, I’ll have to give it a try 🙂
Bummer hun, sorry to hear about the funky day. 🙁 I’m just glad today turned around for ya! That breakfast looks delish, I’m coming over to steal kaiah’s gorgeous fluffiness, I’m stoked you’re getting Greek yogurt, and I’m jumping up and down excited for your condo move!!! 😀
I don’t mind when bloggers vent about a bad day, like you said they’re inevitable and I think it helps to get out the crummy emotions 🙂
Have a great night!!
Eeeee you made them!!! I hope they’re okay! 🙂
Whilst I do like to read positive blogs and I try to keep mine positive most of the time, I know that it’s not the reality of life. I think sometimes it’s important share some of the struggles that you have because I’ve found that it’s a good release to get them out and the support from the blogging world is simply amazing. Not only that, but it also makes readers see that it’s normal to have these sorts of struggles and be able to relate to them so we can all help each other out. But overall, life should be as happy as possible because we only have one life so we might aswell make the most of it and have fun, even if it means joking a little about the struggles after they’ve been and gone 🙂
They were amazing, girlie. You definitely know your muffins. Between me and my parents, there are only 2 left 😆 I’m gonna have to stash them in the veggie drawer, I think. Or just make more 😀
Glad you’re back to feeling better today! Personally, I like blogs to be positive most of the time just because they make me feel better when I’m in a funk lol. But I think it’s good to share that even the most positive person can have a bad day as long as that one bad day doesn’t turn into a bad week and then a bad month.
Whenever I have a bad day I just try to think about how lucky and blessed I truely am, I have an amazing family, an awesome dog, a roof over my head, and enough food to properly fuel my body. And if that doesn’t work, I will curl up in bed with my dog and watch movies alllll day 🙂
I appreciate reading about the struggles – it helps me connect to the writer more! And yeah, bad days are a part of life – learning to accept them and let yourself have them is the best way to get through them! I’m glad today was a turn-around for you 🙂 and OMG fresh cherries are amazing right now! I’ve been putting them in smoothies with avocado and cacao nibs!
Another brand of greek yogurt is coming to Canada?! I’m so glad you informed me of this, I hope they come in Ontario too! When I go to the states I eat Fage likes it’s the only food on earth…I was so glad when I FINALLY found greek yogurt here. I think the people around me in the grocery store thought I was insane, I’m pretty sure I did a little jump and hand clap when I first discovered it! 🙂
I’ve always wondered if being a debbie downer turns readers off. I think personally I do enjoy reading a bit of struggles and hardships, as long as it’s not every day. So far I’ve never been turned off after reading a post about struggles or hardships. So I think everything is good in moderation 🙂
I still remember the first time I saw Greek yogurt here too. It was in ONE store, and they would only get like 5 or 6 tubs at a time, so you basically had to be there when they were stocking or they’d all be gone. I was lucky because I knew the manager, so he’d always put a couple aside for me. Hehe I guess it pays to be a foodie 😀
I think it’s so important to share good AND bad things on your blog – you never know who can really turn your negativity INSTANTLY into positivity as well as people who can relate that you can talk to and work through things 🙂 Life is meant to be shared, discussed and that’s what friends are for, too. I consider bloggers “friends” because I know I always have someone to share my feelings and opinions with and get so much amazing feedback.
Here’s to a new and happier day for you, lady 🙂 Much, much love.