No progress on the back yesterday. The pain was much pretty similar to Monday but I did rig up quite the set-up on the couch so I could comfortably lay down and work on the computer at the same time.
For all you back-pain free people out there don’t take for granted things like brushing your teeth, watering hanging plants, shaving your legs and emptying the dishwasher. They all become quite the task when leaning over and bending sends sharp pain down your back. To quote Ulysses last night, as I tried to contort my body in front of the bathroom sink to brush my teeth: “what the heck are you doing? You look like your taking a shit!” He’s so sympathetic isn’t he? Picture this, legs spread apart, knees bent, squatting down with one elbow resting on the sink counter top to take the weight off from bending forward. Quite the sight!
Anyway, I’m really trying my best to not dwell on this. It’s easy to get negative quickly when I start thinking about things like how 3 days ago I was running 4 miles and today I could barely walk to the mailbox. I’m trying to push those thoughts aside and just tell myself I will get better eventually but it’s not easy. I wish I could bottle some of the energy & desire I have right now to work out for when I am feeling better and lack motivation. Wouldn’t that be nice!?
Let’s move along to happier things shall we…
Things like delicious fruit smoothies on a 95 degree summer day.
Remember the strawberry nectarine bellini from this weekend? Well, I still had a ton of both strawberries and nectarines in the house and after the aforementioned attempt to walk to the mailbox left me sweating from the heat outside, I instantly thought about creating a fruit smoothie with similar ingredients. This concoction however is sans champagne. It was still the middle of the workday after all. 
I thought about making this my lunch and adding protein powder and yogurt to amp it up but the thought of dairy with this heat kind of grossed me out so I stuck with pure fruit + ice + club soda. It was perfectly refreshing and a great way to get a couple servings of fruit in.
No reason to be tied to nectarines here, I think this would be great with peaches, mango or pineapple too. Use whatever you have on hand.
Notice anything different about these shots?
I finally got a decent photography area set up this past weekend.
Welcome to our formal living room that has never been used as such. Our house is a traditional colonial layout in that it has a dining room, formal living room and family room. The family room is right off the kitchen and has our one and only TV in it. We spend all of our time in there and never use the living room on the opposite end of the house. I don’t ever envision us actually using the formal living room either so now it’s become the photography area thanks to an extra small table my parents had at their house. The room has great natural light from about 10am-6pm giving me a good window for photography. It was nice to not have to lay on the floor taking pictures for once. 
Strawberry nectarine lime
smoothie
Makes 1 large smoothie
- 10 small strawberries
- 1 nectarine
- 1/2 cup club soda
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 tbsp simple mint syrup
- 2 cups ice cubes
Directions:
Put everything into blender and blend on “ice crush” setting.
What’s your favorite smoothie combination?
Fruit smoothie or dairy smoothie?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Um. I love your photography area. I’ve been meaning to make something like that. It probably won’t be necessary until I upgrade from my lousy point and shoot though!
Hope you back feels better ASAP!
Haha your description of trying to brush your teeth and your mans response to it had me laughing away at my screen, Luke thinks i’m insane! :/ Joking aside it must be absolutely crap feeling so limited
I’m sure you will get better really soon though luv and don’t rule out that idea of having a little bell to ring for when you need something! 
Sorry Ulysses! 
I think the key to not having back pain is having strong supporting muscles. Luckily I am good in that department
Yep that definitely helps, although I’ve worked hard at keeping my core strong through planks, ab work, etc. and this still happened. Sometimes genetics just takes over
Fruit smoothies are the best! Especially in the Summertime. They are so refreshing and taste like ice cream!
Thanks for sharing, Gina! Hope your back pain goes away soon!
That looks freakin’ amazing, especially right now with the heat wave!
I am sending quick healing vibes for your back!!
How refreshing does that look!? Oh yum!
Hang in there! Keep nursing yourself! You’ll feel better in no time…but I DO know how you feel! Believe me!!!
Sorry to hear about your back!!! I’ve pinched nerves in my back before and I know how painful it is — and I know how awful it feels to just go from laying down to sitting up! Just hang in there. I know it is tough!
Smoothies: what I make most often is this: almond milk, ice, vanilla protein powder, 1/2 banana, chia seeds.
Great place to take photos and the smoothie looks like a good cure for a backache, at least in theory. Hope you feel better, Gina!
your smoothie is seriously jumping out of my computer! it looks so refreshing and delicious. i would love it if you could do a post on how you set up your new photo station. all your pics look stunning!
This looks so good! I bet the lime adds so much fresh flavor to it!
Beautiful photo area! Green’s my favorite
First, wanted to let you know that your comment on my blog post from last night got be out of bed this morning. You are right, I am lucky to be healthy right now and I have to take advantage of it! So, thank you.
Second, this looks DELISH. We got an amazing blender a few weeks ago as a wedding present and I have become smoothie obsessed, but mainly for breakfast so I’ve only made them with dairy to keep me full. What protein powder do you like? We don’t have any yet.
Finally, love the photo taking area. Have you taken classes or just learning as you go? Also, what kind of camera do you have?
FEEL BETTER!
I am so cheap when it comes to protein powders I usually buy the cheapest one! haha Right now I have vanilla & chocolate Deisgner Whey. It’s pretty good, but to be honest I’ve never found a protein powder I totally love. Glad my comment could help you out in the motivation dept
I am so jealous. You don’t even know. Your new phone area rocks. I need to set one up for P’s monthly photos.
Ahh so sorry about your back..that drinks look delicious though!
Okay. I’m going to come over and you’re going to teach me how to take such beautiful pictures, deal??
That looks absolutely amazing.
You poor thing:( I hope your back starts to loosen up soon!
That smoothie looks incredibly refreshing!!
Wow I cannot get over your photography skills! Your pictures looks so professional
A rather perfect treat during this heat wave
Hope you feel better now!
Anyway, your Strawberry nectarine lime smoothie looks absolutely delicious and very refreshing.
And great photos, you got a natural skill in photography. Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing this post! A wonderful reading indeed!
This is a really delicious looking recipe, although I don’t usually have nectarines in the house. I will be sure to pick some up at the store next time I see them. By the way, I really like your photo set up, I need to make one of those for my food blog!
How refreshing does that look!? You are right, I am lucky to be healthy right now and I have to take advantage of it! and this still happened.
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