There’ s no better way to start a summer day…
![IMG_8292 IMG_8292](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8292.jpg)
Man oh man was this morning’s Green Monster good!
Guess where this kale came from?
Just my veggie garden, that’s all. No big deal. ;) I’ve clearly advanced from a Black Thumb to a Brown Thumb.
![IMG_8294 IMG_8294](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8294.jpg)
Milli Vanilli Green Monster
Ingredients:
- ~ 1 cup kale
- Handful spinach
- 1.25 cups almond milk
- 1 tbsp Vega Vanilla Almondilla Shake & Go Protein Powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 frozen banana
- 4 frozen mango chunks
- Handful blueberries
- 4-5 strawberries
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 ice cubes
![IMG_8302 IMG_8302](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8302.jpg)
This was absolutely delicious. And it rekindled my love for Vega Vanilla Almondilla Shake & Go! I go through protein powder phases all the time. For a while I was in love with the Vega Choc-o-lot Shake & Go and then I got sick of it. Now, I ‘m using this one and also Vega Smoothie Infusion (120 kcals and 14 grams protein per serving). This Vanilla Almondilla has 11 grams of protein per serving. You can click the picture below to enlarge.
![IMG_8305 IMG_8305](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8305_thumb.jpg)
So back to that crazy kale!
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Major growth has been going down over the past couple weeks. It’s crazy that I’ve only had my garden planted for just 5 weeks now.
Kale, May 23, 2011:
![IMG_6100 IMG_6100](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_6100.jpg)
Kale, June 29, 2011:
![IMG_8180 IMG_8180](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8180.jpg)
I’ve started harvesting kale this week. I can’t get over how fresh and crisp the leaves are. They also aren’t as bitter as I’m used to.
![IMG_8182 IMG_8182](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8182.jpg)
The bell pepper plants seem to be getting ready for a little pepper sprouting action!! So cute.
![IMG_8179 IMG_8179](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8179.jpg)
I HAVE PEAS!
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“When the pea pods are swollen (appear round) they are ready to be picked. Pick a few pods every day or two near harvest time to determine when the peas are at the proper stage for eating. Peas are of the best quality when they are fully expanded but immature, before they become hard and starchy. Peas should be picked immediately before cooking because their quality, especially sweetness (like that of sweet corn), deteriorates rapidly.” [Source]
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The two cucumber plants continue to grow like weeds…
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See the little yellow flowers?
The first yellow flowers appearing on the plants are male flowers that provide pollen. These flowers normally drop off after blooming. The small cucumber is evident at the base of the female flower (even before it opens) and should develop into an edible fruit if properly pollinated. Anything that interferes with pollination of the female flowers reduces fruit set and yield, including cold temperatures and rainy weather that hamper bee activity or improper use of insecticides that kill bees. [Source] <—That would explain why there are so many bees around my garden!
The romaine is HUGE. I’m going to make a Caesar Salad tonight!
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Onions! (Apparently I planted these way too close together)
![IMG_8200 IMG_8200](/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_8200.jpg)
An animal dug up one of my tomato plants and it died. :( My other two tomato plants were also disturbed, but they seem to be bouncing back with a little TLC.
In conclusion, I have no idea what the heck I’m doing and somehow it’s working out. :)
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By the way, I have 108 recipes entered and counting!
You’re learning to garden the only way to do it – just dig in. Nothing tastes better than the literal fruits of your own labor! Nothing.
I want some of your romaine!!!! It’s soo greeeeeen!
It makes me wish I didn’t live on the 9th floor of a big building! –> Garden Jealousy
I would LOVE to have my own garden! When I was little, I had my own small piece of garden. Now I’m a student and have no garden at all :( Maybe when I’m older :D
I am hooked ( of course )on your green monsters with spinach! BUT I am still working up the nerve to try it with Kale. I know it probs will not even taste different :)
Congrats on your garden!! My kale plant from LAST summer survived through the winter and is still going strong. :)
This post is so cute, Angela! I’m growing my first garden ever this year and I get TOTALLY excited when I see everything growing. I went out last night to water & just wander around looking at all the little plants and I saw OMG I HAVE A PEA!!! Yay! So it made me laugh to see you doing the same thing. :o)
haha I totally screamed when I saw the pea pods! I never thought they would grow I guess.
Yay for a green thumb (don’t sell yourself short!) I’d loveee fresh kale.
congratulations on your beautiful garden and green leaves! :-) xyx
That is one gorgeous green monster! Congrats on your flourishing garden!! :) So exciting to see things grow like that.
I love your garden. I am so wanting to move to a place where I have plenty of room and a garden. At least I have your pictures! All that kale…YUMMMM!
Now that is a great Green Monster~ Oh lord!
The garden is looking fabulous! Everything is growing out of control here in Ohio too because of the wet weather. Now that we finally have sun we can start to enjoy it!
I discovered Kale chips earlier this summer. Everyone in my family (including my two year old) devours them! You garden is inspirational!
I am so very impressed by your veggie garden!!!
I started my day with a GS, too. Unfortunately, I used the last of my spinach on it. My garden spinach needs to grow faster!
Where do you buy Vanilla Almondilla Shake & Go Protein Powder? I have never seen it before and would love to try it. Love your blog, it is beautiful.
Superstore and bulk barn :)
My grocery store finally carries kale!!!! I have had it for 48 hours and have probably searched different 48 recipes wondering how best to eat it haha. I think I’m safe with this one yayy!! :)
Your garden is gorgeous!
gah! i wish i could grow a garden! it’s such a big dream of mine. but i don’t live in a house with a big enough backyard. the perils of a new college graduate…;)
Your garden is beautiful! I love having home grown veggies around the house…they taste better knowing so much work went into them!
Congrats on your recipe page! :)
I LOVE YOUR RECIPES ANGELA!!!!! Your blog is one of if not THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
haha thanks ;)