Hi Bloggies! Remember me? Posting apparently wasn’t in the plans this weekend. Despite the beautiful 80* blue skies and sunshine, I wasn’t able to take advantage of the warm weather as much as I would have liked. I did squeeze in another outdoor run [~4 mi.] and gave my car a bubble bath. I also enjoyed roaming the famer’s market, sipping an iced latte or two, and dinning al fresco with my aunt and uncle last night at Sierra Nevada Brewery… so, I didn’t totally miss the summer teaser.
However, my priority for the weekend was to wrap my brain around Organic Chemistry – and make as much sense of it as I could – before today’s [4th!] exam. I actually had a nightmare about today’s test and, unfortunately, my dream may come true. That is to say, I did not have the greatest day at school:
It was an awfully long Monday. The pre-rain weather was stuffy – cloudy yet warm – and I got unusually nauseous in the afternoon. Then my evening bus ride home felt like eternity – goodness!
Before I get too ahead of myself, however, let’s talk about today’s eats:
I started my morning with a bowl of whipped banana coconut pecan oats – something ya’ll have seen before. I can’t get enough of this tasty combo.
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 c. rolled oats
- 1 small banana – “whipped”
- 1/2 T ground flax
- 1 T pecans
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. unsweetened coconut
I didn’t have much in the way of school snacks to bring today, nor did I have time between my morning ritual and cramming for chem, so during my “lunch break”, I took a stroll downtown to Pluto’s. [Enter salad: spinach, apple, gorgonzola, onion, candied walnuts, raisins + balsamic vinaigrette]. My post-meal craving for something sweet was no different today; I needed something to polish off my savory salad. Luckily, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe was a convenient stone’s throw away.
Hello beautiful dark chocolate sea salted caramel!
…as was Peet’s and the paper:
This is indeed the front page of my school’s [award-winning] newspaper. [Our president is thankfully recovering; I actually saw him out and about this weekend.]
What’s your preference: Peet’s or Starbucks?
After picking up TP at Target, I put together a simple dinner with whatever I could find in the fridge: 1/2 can baked beans + 2 tofu dogs + raw carrot & cucumber sticks. I was pleasantly surprised to see that 2 Smart Dogs = 16g of protein!
I can add color to anything!
Healthy, satisfying dinner… definitely necessary after such an indulgent weekend! Have I mentioned that I consumed fro yo, banana coconut pecan stuffed French toast, a handful of homemade chocolate chippers, and onion rings in the course of just two days – YIKES! After reading this article, I’m persuaded to pull the reigns on the sweet treats. I know it’s mostly a mental addiction. Any tidbits on an anti-sugar regimen?
That’s it for now, lovely readers. I’m about to crawl into bed and read Pollan’s In Defense of Food.
Look for a POM post soon…
Ta ta for now,
The Nutrition Nut
P.S. Happy Golden Birthday, Caitlin!
What gorgeous photos!!! Those flowers are gorgeous!
I’m so impressed with people that understand organic chemistry! I’m sure you know more than you think you do. Also make sure to let us know how you like Pollan’s book; I’ve been wanting to read it!
Organic chem <– blechhhh :? Seriously, around here if you're an Engineer you have a "tough life" and "the worst work load”. I mean, granted being an engineer is a lot of work, but what about nutrition majors? lol I feel like we get jipped!
I hope things get better for you & enjoy that beautiful weather you're having :D
Your campus is gorgeous!
I had a sea salted chocolate caramel at a wedding last Fall. It was seriously amazing.
Ohhh my goodness, sea salt + chocolate + caramel = heaven!
I hope your test goes okay! And lucky you, you have wonderful weather :)
I like your “I can add color to anything” attitude. I do the same thing! I’m always like, I think I could add veggies to that… hmmm!
I’m glad you managed to enjoy some of the sunshine and warm weather. I hope you managed to understand Organic Chemistry. I don’t understand Chemistry at all, so I admire you!
I can’t wait for the POM post. I am about to get some and need ideas for what to do with it.
Still waiting on some anti-sugar regimens, myself! More water? Distractions? HELP!
No Happy Birthday to me :(
You are so clever with your blog…the writing is diverse and catchy (I like all those alliterations), the photos are beautiful, and the design layout looks very clean and professional! You rock! I know, I’m your mom, so of course I think that, but really, I know a lot of others out there think the same thing :)
Sure glad I got some gardening in on Sunday, cuz today we got 2″ of rain AND some hail! I’m ready for a stretch of sunshine!
I don’t know which I like better, Peet’s or Starbucks, but I’ve never heard bad rap about Peet’s like I have Starbucks. Personally, I like to support the small, local coffee shops and little drive-thrus. Even though it’s only $3 here and $3 there, I feel like it goes more directly back into my community when I shop the little local places.
xoxoxo, mom
Yes you do rock, Hilly. I’ve never cared much for Starbucks (too strong) but love Pete’s Columbian roast or Kona – sooo smooth!
And I like your new format. Keep it up – in between your studies of course:)
XXXXOOOO