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Happy Spring, all!

Whether you’re still snowed in, or starting to see signs of improving weather, one thing we can probably all agree on is that we’re happy for the extra hour of light each day, and, happy that warmer temperatures are on the horizon sooner than later.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “favorites” post, so here are a few of the things I’m enjoying lately. Warning: These are all over the map and not at all similar, not unlike daily Twitter trends. Or, in other words, #random.

Dandy Blend Instant Dandelion Tea. It’s funny, as homeowners, we spend considerable effort trying to eliminate dandelions, which have plenty of health and nutritional benefits. I fell off the no-coffee bandwagon a bit while I was on vacation – mostly due to the time zone differences AND daily savings time change – but am happily back to my coffee alternatives. This instant dandelion tea is great, and I use it in the mornings instead of coffee. It’s made from dandelion root and packed with trace minerals, which most of us don’t get enough of through diet alone. I find dandelion tea a little on the bland side, but this Dandy Blend is much more robust and reminiscent of coffee. I have traded in my daily Teeccino for Dandy Blend, at least for now!
Sprouts. If you missed my post on sprouting, mosey on over here and have a look. I’m a sprouting fool right now! It’s fun to watch sprouts grow, and they are more filling than just about any other food (at least to me).
(Slowly) Returning to Jogging. If you’ve ever been sidelined from something you enjoy, you know how good it feels to get back to it, even in small doses. I am finally cleared to do a return to run program, which is modest at best, and has been incredibly challenging. I never thought I’d be to a place in my life where jogging for 4 minutes would be a huge victory. But, I know this is the first step to getting my active life back. I’ve been doing this for about a month and up to Stage 5 in the below protocol, which would also be good if you need a kick in the pants to get active and haven’t been running in a while.

Stage 1	Walk 4 minutes, Jog 1 minute, three times
Stage 2	Walk 4 minutes, Jog 2 minutes, three times
Stage 3	Walk 4 minutes, Jog 3 minutes, three times
Stage 4	Walk 4 minutes, Jog 4 minutes, three times
Stage 5	Walk 3 minutes, Jog 4 minutes, three times
Stage 6	Walk 2 minutes, Jog 4 minutes, three times
Stage 7	Walk 1 minute, Jog 4 minutes, three times
Stage 8	Jog continuously for 15 minutes

Podcasts. I love podcasts and listen to them while I’m working onchores around the house, on the treadmill, or commuting on days when I have to go to work. If you like the band Train, and you like music in general, the “Patcast” is a great podcast. He gets a variety of guests on from all genres of music, and they’re really great. Another perennial favorite for healthy living/ living your best life type of topics is The Rich Roll Podcast. Finally if you like TED Talks, the NPR Ted Radio is a great one as well.
The Good Wife. As I mentioned in the post about frozen hot chocolate, sometimes I can live under a rock and miss a good thing. A friend turned me onto The Good Wife, and I’m hooked. It’s free to stream via Amazon Prime, which makes for easy viewing of an episode here and there when I can find 45 minutes.

And lastly, a bit of an update. I have had a few requests lately to review the new Ninja Ultima Blender. I originally wasn’t going to review this model, because I am totally happy with my Ninja Mega KS, but, I hear you loud and clear. I’ll get to work on this in the coming month or so and let you know what I think of the new design as compared to existing models.

What are you enjoying for Spring?

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Patricia | 25.03.2014 22:57
Angela, I have been meaning to write but just didn’t get to it. Thank you so much for your blog, your inspiration, your dedication.
I am a hobbyist food artist, Facebook AngellArts, Not too swift at FB, but at least some of my food photos are there. I have decorating, flavoring, design, displaying, and baking skills, usually in sweets, but transferable to savory, a lot of vegan, (often raw), fruit and veggie carvings, and various diet choices by friends and family. Take a look at the full sized watermelon cake, made entirely of just watermelon and some champagne grapes.
Ninja Ultra Kitchen System BL780C0 30
1200 Watts 1.5 Horsepower Professional
Pitcher 72oz(9cups), Bowl 64oz 9cups, 3single Serve Containers, 16 oz, 2 cups
I purchased my NINJA from Costco after raves from my friends. The model number is not listed on the Ninja website probably because of special ordering. The specs are as follows. You will notice the differences in the name Ultra verses Mega and using the word Professional. The wattage seems to be the same as other professional Ninja’s, while the horsepower is a little smaller. The accessories do not include a whip (which I would love to have had-but is not compatible with this machine), the paddle or a little chopper jar which some models have. It does have a dough hook.
I have been testing, experimenting, outlining (blogging?) and some photos like there is no tomorrow and it has so far, neither the machine, nor the customer service has disappointed me. I found what I thought might be a flaw in the dough hook. It had a small line/indentation going across the two bottom blades at the curve. To me it seemed a little flexible, maybe a cut of some sort, and might break under pressure from heavy bread dough. I searched your site and the other sites for any comments on this little line, but did not see anything. I became a little concerned when my model number was not even on the products listed. I called the Ninja Customer company (not Costco) and they were soooo nice! Immediately they said, Oh, you purchased this at Costco. I was relieved in that it wasn’t some knockoff that I received. They said that the line was not a flaw, but would send me a new for free just in case.
I decided to try it while waiting for the new one. I really didn’t want my new machine to break the first try with dough, but impatience and excitement of wanting to try some fresh pizza dough made with only two ingredients, Greek yogurt and self rising flour, got the better of me. The original dough hook worked just great! And the pizza crust had a great flavor! along with the a spritz of avocado oil, fresh basil, pesto, fresh asparagus and grape tomatoes on top! Yum! Maybe try some other ‘flours’ (teff? nuts). I received the new part and it arrived very quickly! The new one also had that little line/indentation in it. At least I now have a backup. If something did happen, I have confidence that Ninja customer service would take care of everything.
I wanted to have the self serve tops with a covering for travel and storage. I saw on one of your comments and Paul’s, (Thanks Paul). that you could order them from Ninja. So I ordered them and they did give me two additional free as Paul mentioned. I asked in advance if they had a solid top and they said yes, good for traveling. OOPS! When they got here, they were the same as came with the machine, with a straw hole in them. Oh well…. If anyone knows of compatible screw on SOLID tops for the single serve, a share would be appreciated.
One other thing is the smell which I can only describe as of burning plastic. I asked all those I knew who had one and also the Ninja customer service and they all said the same thing, it just smells. No one has had any problems with their machines and all love them very much! I love the power and the SPEED! I can literally make single serve ice cream in seconds! I love my avocado, coconut milk and or Coconut creme, sweetened lime juice ice cream! Yum! I have found the 100% All Natural frozen Avocado halves, and Avocado Pulp which I cut into finger sized pieces, transfer to individual snack bags, freeze for individual serving portions which fit into the single serve cups. I have found several restaurant/Chef brands and suppliers, but Costco has the best prices ($4.99 for two pounds where other places charge over $10.00 for exact same brand). It is found in the Mexican Frozen Food section where the enchiladas, burritos are. Costco also has Organic young coconut pieces in the bags in the deli section. I know that some don’t like frozen, fresh is better, but for me the labor saving takes precedence due to some care giving responsibilities. And I LOVE avocados! fresh, frozen, any way I can get them! I have a Pinterest board of just avocado recipes!
The only thing “I think” I miss is a whip. I like to make meringue using meringue powder for ease, but it takes almost 10 minutes to mix! I dislike having to stand there and watch it mix! I don’t want to keep my mixer around just for that. My grandchildren love Macadamia Nut and carob meringues.
While I am on a flavor roll, I would like to share LorAnn flavorings/oils. lorannoils.com found in bakery supply or decorating stores, sometimes even in Ross stores (in the little food aisle, but watch expiration dates). This company has the best flavors, including naturals, GF, K, no dyes(except Red Velvet Emulsion which has some blue), and more. They are highly concentrated and literally a drop is too much sometimes. For persons with certain dietary needs, the use of these flavors can really bring foods to rich satisfying flavors. Add color and design and you will see contented smiles and exciting eyes for those you make things for. They can have the flavor, tastes, without, or should I say, within, their dietary preferences. The list of flavors are endless, like bubble gum, root beer, watermelon, chili oil for chocolate (okay, I heard some say yuck-but the child in some love those flavors) (think hot pink heart shaped natural oatmeal cookies in bubble gum flavor for school children, or bright blue or lime green vehicle or sports shaped cookies with blueberry or other berry flavor). I use Americolor gels for colors and ‘natural’ dyes such as turmeric, beets, etc for other dishes.
I try and blog and post on my Angellarts FB page my recipes I have tried and photos. I have been using Ninjee (which I have affectionately named her because of her power, speed, and ability to pulverize almost anything.) She is my new assistant in the kitchen, almost like a daughter.
Thanks for all that you do. You have been a leader in this Ninja world and it is appreciated. Saved me a whole lot of time, research, and gave me courage and inspiration at the same time. If you or anyone else wants me to try anything with my Ninjee, (Ultra Kitchen System BL780C0 30), please feel free to post. I love experimenting!
With care, Patricia
Reply
- Angela | 27.03.2014 22:57
  Hi Patricia,
  Thanks for your note! It sounds like you are having a great time creating in your kitchen. ? I have heard one can get a good deal on a Ninja and Vitamix at Costco, so you have confirmed that notion as well.
  As you know, I love avocado too! It makes blender ice cream very creamy and smooth.
  Thanks for all the tips! I don’t do a lot of baking, but it’s good to know there is a more natural dye option when it’s needed. I just cringe when my hubby buys cookies with brightly colored frosting.
  Best,
  Angela
  Reply