back to reality & a peanut butter, berry, & banana protein drink

Well, fun's over -- we're back from vacation! We had the best time ever in St. Augustine, Florida this past week. It was the most relaxing, stress-free, wonderful vacation I could imagine.... I didn't put makeup on the entire week. I didn't bring a blowdryer or a straightener. I pretty much only communicated with one human being -- Ryan -- the entire time. We spent nearly all day every day on the beach. It was just what we needed :)

We ate delicious food (and yes, I ate whatever I wanted), drank beer on the beach every day and wine on the patio every night, slept in, explored the adorable town of St. Augustine, and just enjoyed our laid-back time together. I have to tell you... we said multiple times during the week that we see ourselves living by the sea in a sleepy little beach town like this one day. It feeds my soul.

the life.

breakfast on the patio each morning.. ahhhh.

no 17 day diet here.

relaxing.

my favorite view in life.

pretty floridian sunsets.

again..... no 17 day diet here :)

st. augustine marina.

taking a beach break for some Stella and fish 'n' chips.

I thought it would super depressing to come home after this wonderful week, especially since I'm going to spend much of the next 6 weeks studying for my qualifying exams that I take at the end of July. Honestly though, it felt pretty nice to get back to our cute little Baltimore rowhome. While it's a fraction of the size of the beautiful home we stayed in in Florida, and it's missing most of the perks (pool out back, ocean nearby, screened in porch), it's comfortable and adorable and it feels like *home* to us right now. The week actually left me feeling rejuvenated and relaxed and ready to get back into the productive lifestyle I'm used to. 

So don't worry: I'm getting right back to the clean recipes and healthy living posts you guys are used to :) While I was gone though, I hope you enjoyed the awesome guest posts -- Emma from bevy richmond brought you turkey and rice stuffed peppers (so good) and my good friend Brittney shared how to make a DIY rustic crate bookshelf. Check them out!

So, back to the healthy goodness: the day after we returned, I got right back to clean eating and hitting the gym -- and my body was quite happy. After my first trip to the gym, I was craving a protein smoothie to feed my muscles, so I made this tasty little peanut butter, berry, & banana protein drink. Delicious! I love pb&j's with banana slices and this drink really brings in those flavors. Also, if you haven't tried PB2 yet, you must! I get it for just a few dollars at Walmart. As for the protein powder, I used Dr. Mercola's, recommended by my good friend, but any kind will do. 

Here's how to make it:

Peanut Butter, Berry, & Banana Protein Drink

For 1 serving

Ingredients

-1/2 cup frozen blueberries (rasberries or strawberries would be good too!)

-1 small banana

-1 tbsp PB2

-1 cup unsweetened plain or vanilla almond milk

-1 tbsp vanilla whey protein powder

-Optional: add ice if you want it to be more protein smoothie-ish and less protein drink-ish

Directions

-Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!