Recall my presentation this afternoon on stevia? It went pretty well. It helps when you bribe people with brownies…
Lucky for me there were leftovers. I gave the staff I see every day on my way to class the leftover “good” brownies (the ones from the box with sugar) and ended up with a couple of the stevia “brownies” left. In the mix: applesauce, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla and flour. I took the recipe from a site I searched out on google even though it didn’t get the best reviews. Simple. Not really dessert, if you ask me.
More like snack…
I was hungry before my hair appointment today so I went for it and had one of the goodies. I liked it, even if most of my classmates were not quite as into them. 
In the past, a brownie for a snack never would have happened. Today, it did. And if it had happened in the past, you know what would have happened? Not the “bliss” I’d expect (the emotional soothing) but probably self loathing or a binge. While the brownie didn’t bring me bliss this afternoon (I don’t think even the best brownies in the world could do that), a couple of things did:
- getting rid of my mullet
- a sweet ass run (again in my sports bra, because it was beautiful and because I am beautiful)
- a really good smoothie for dins (pumpkin, yogurt, soy milk, flaxseeds, pumpkin pie spice, and spinach, topped with oats)
- an evening at Starbucks with an impromptu study partner (a friend from the gym who has a knack for bringing my stress levels down and making me laugh)
- a mocha (’nuff said)
- finishing a project that’s due tomorrow
- getting my last source for my article that’s due tomorrow (thank god for helpful people and admitting that you’re a student journalist in a bit of a pickle/rush!)
- TMI warning!!!!! … a visit from Aunt Flo, NO PILLS/RING/ANYTHING required
- not letting myself get stressed right now even though I “should” be
a little extreme, but you’re laughing. and it’s true.
- tomorrow being Friday!
Your take-aways from this post:
a) Focus on the positive.
b) Eat brownies.
c) Liberate yourself. Cut your hair, run in your sports bra, do something that makes you different.
d) Put spinach in your next smoothie.
e) Smile.
What brought you a little bliss today?
Have you ever baked with stevia?
Cheryl!! Yay! I am so happy that aunt came- cheezy or not I just have to say that I am happy that Flo has come! After our talk on the bike this is great news! Your body has realized hormone potential and realigned itself hormonally, and now you are back on the right track. Congratulations girlfriend! An amazing step towards total health, female-power and strong healthy bones and body! LOTS OF LOVE! Keep up the great (natural) work! xoxoxoxo
awe shucks thanks girl. i am so glad we had that bike ride and the chit chats on Facebook after. you’re an inspiration/leading by example
glad to call you a friend!! 
Those brownies look awesome! It must be neat working in a lab full of creations and smelling all the goodness. I work at a health food store every weekend and I love smelling the bakery items every morning! I tried baking a cookie with stevia today. One word: FAIL! Lol, but anyway I am so happy that you always take into account how far you’ve come and appreciate all that you can do. It is so important
!
1. YOUR HAIR IS ADORABLE!!! The pixie cut really works for you – I’m super jealous, it does NOT work for me haha.
2. yes to spinach smoothies and mochas
3. CONGRATS AGAIN on recieveing your monthly gift!!! you’ve been working hard for it! Go do something womanly to celebrate, like shop! Kind of funny TMI story – when my sister first got her period (like first ever, not first after ED), my mom was like “omg you’re a woman now! we must celebrate!” and bought her a gift. she did NOT do this for me. Apparently she felt/feels bad about this because recently when I was having a “wtf is my body doing???” day, my mom was like, “You know what Kate, when you get your period back, we’re going to celebrate and I’m going to buy you a present”. hahha. Okay so where I’m going with that is, buy yourself a present!!!
hahha! I can’t wait for you to get your monthly gift AND your real life gift!
I’ve been meaning to go to lululemon, so I just might have to get there today
Ahh congrats on Flo/Tom/the crimson tide/your monthly gift/the curse/whatever you want to call it returning!!! That just goes to show what a healthy, balanced, and happy place you’re at now. I’m sooo glad for you!
I’ve never baked with stevia before because I’m a bit iffy about it. I know it’s natural and all, but I don’t know if there are any side effects that haven’t come out yet. Also does it have an aftertaste?
From someone who knows how hard it is to get back a period, I am super freaking excited for you. What a wonderful gift, in a strange way but so true!
so would you recommend that brownie recipe or was it just “meh”?
I loveee your haircut! Not many people can pull that style off but you totally can!