I wrote to Maggie earlier that I took a break from looking at food blogs for a bit. It’s silly really, but it made me crave all those wonderful veggies and fruits you guys all put together… EVEN MORE! I’m not into the idea of chewing my arm off ; how would I write these posts?! Anyway, I was very interested by the feedback I got from you all in my last post. Eliza had made a very great point! She said, “but we all deserve to eat the way we enjoy.” This is so true. Although this past week and a half really made me realize that my situation wasn’t that bad, I know that when I can then why not? When I have money to get groceries I make a list, but if something interesting catches my eye then into the cart it goes! Thank goodness I do this because when I thought I had nothing, I had plenty! But in general, I do a really good job of saving money and not spending mindlessly.
A few nights ago, my friend invited me over to watch a crazy BBC documentary called “America’s Most Hated Family”. It was about the people of Westboro Baptist Church. They’re the ones that picket outside of soldier’s funerals with very distasteful slogans. It was mind-boggling and interesting to watch. Afterwards, we turned on Julie & Julia. We didn’t get to finish it, but I really want to!
- This little set-up was waiting for me when I got there!
Don’t you just love how hanging out with friends can make problems magically disappear? I never tried Sake before and I learned that heating it up is actually an insult to the artisan. Basically, heating Sake up is like adding salt to a dish that’s been served.
- Breakfast!
For breakfast I had something different! I toasted a Rudi’s Organic English muffin, one of the samples sent to me by the company. My roommate’s boyfriend asked what I had made in the oven. It was just an English muffin! Well, not just an English muffin. This one happened to be incredibly yummy! Especially with cashew butter and some raspberry preserves. I also had a ZenSoy Vanilla Soy on the Go and a hemp brownie bite. A what?! Okay first let me say that these soy milk-to-go packets are genius and make me feel like a school kid again. Now back to the hemp brownie. I was sent some samples of French Meadow Bakery products and those were one of the goodies sent to me.
- The motherload! Please pass on some sandwich recipes.
The hemp brownie bite was awesome! Brownies are something I’m picky about, but the texture of this one was just right. And the taste? As funky as a hemp brownie sounds, there was nothing off-putting about it!
- More bread and a chocolate protein shake with some coffee mixed in.
I tried another slice of Rudi’s bread, but this time I chose the Cinnamon Raisin bread. I spread on some coconut oil. Well I do love the thick slices each load seems to have, but I think the cinnamon flavor could’ve been stronger.
- Creme of Almond and Date spread made this just right.
- I’ve also been sampling some sweets.
Since the incredible package of Newman’s Own Organics came in at the right time, I thought what better way to munch my way through the days with some cookies!
First up are the Champion Chip Cookies! The flavors I got were Double Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Espresso Chocolate Chip. I’m not a big fan of the Chocolate Chocolate variation, but the rest are right up my alley! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the Double Chocolate Mint Chip cookies!
Second batch? Hmm… let’s go with the Hermits. I tried the Original and Cinnamon flavor. Both are good, but I personally preferred the Original ones. Not sure why though. I bet the Ginger Hermits are delicious – I love ginger!
Now on to the Fig Newmans! The only difference between the two I got is that one is fat-free and the other is low-fat. There’s was no apparent difference to me as far as taste goes. So I guess it’s just what you prefer as far as fat-content goes.
Last but certainly not least are the Alphabet Cookies. Maybe I’m boring when it comes to cookies, but these were my favorite! They’re so simple but so good. I want to spell my full name out, including my middle name, and then eat it. Thank goodness I’ve got a really long name.
- Breakfast this morning…
This time I tried a slice of Rudi’s 100% Whole Wheat bread. I love love love the thick slices. I usually buy artisan bread, but I really think Rudi’s makes great bread for morning toast. And we can’t ignore that indulgent looking cup in the back! That, my dears, is a ZenSoy Chocolate/Vanilla Swirl pudding cup. I’m turning into a kid again and if eating these pudding cups are a sign, then I don’t mind one bit. More please!
Aside from it being a glorious day because it’s Friday, I was able to get groceries today!
- I didn’t cook at all, but I fully enjoyed!
I chose the crunchiest and crispiest things to munch on as far as fresh foods go. I love carrots and apples with peanut butter. I also had a delicious Southwestern Sunshine Burger and munched on some Newman’s Own Organics pretzel sticks. Nom nom nom!
Later on…
- More apples!
I sliced up 2 apples and crumbled on a Cinnamon Hermit, and into the microwave it went.
I try not to dwell on things, so I just went about my rainy days looking at fashion magazines and going to my classes (of course). Aside from the dreadful weather the tropical storm has caused over here, I’ve been trying to remain positive. This brings me to my truth of this post.
The weather deeply affects my mood. During the winter I embellish the idea of this season by reminding myself of all the cute clothes I get to wear and this is season of giving. I’ll snuggle with Matilda even more, but the truth is that deep down inside I just don’t feel the same. It’s like I allow some part of my spirit to escape me. I just can’t help but feel like it’s me against nature when I walk out the door – not a good feeling. What do you all do to keep a positive outlook during the bittercold months? Or does it even bother you at all?
I’m sorry that the weather affects you so. I love autumn and winter, but I do have a hard time adapting to it. I love to curl up under a blanket, sipping hot tea, eating comfort food. That always makes me feel better. And so does watching snow falling, or how foggy is outside, and I’m warm inside
I hope you feel better, don’t let your spirit get away during these cold months.
Love,
Marina
Just posted about how I feel better, since I too am negatively affected by the seasonal changes.
Hello beautiful girly,
i read this while eating my dinner haha and it made it so much easier, you are just so fun to read and look through 
!
aw thank you for mentioning me lovie, that made my night!
ahh that documentary sounds so interesting, i must look into it! i love documentaries so much.
hemp brownies YUM! and i just got the ginger hermits yesterday, i think i am going to have one tonight
love you so so much
xx
Eliza
oh to answer your question…well i hate the warmer months, so i like this season and the winter is okay…but the weather effects me so much its crazy!
during the winter it is a bit depression for me because i was in IP during Xmas 2 years in my life, and have so many bad memories around xmas music and stuff…but i try to take a positive outlook and enjoy the season and going into the city.
i think this season is hard for a lot of people. sometimes when its really gloomy out it makes me in a sad mood, and also in the summer i always tend to have a relapse :’( which i hate! 3 years in a row..but i am determined to break that cycle..now that i think about it, the winter in the past i tend to not be felling well emotionally either ed or not related…and memories of IP on the holidays in the past..get to me.
and a puppy!
but we must try to find things to make us happy! when the weather is getting to us..like a hot cup of tea or hot cocoa
well, missy,i love your eats as per usual! those hermits! i just bought them! the name alone is so cute! and every time i am in dean and deluca i try to find that almond date spread! i am determined to find it, sounds to die for! and the hemp brownies! omg ymm!
have a great Friday! that documentary i must watch!
love you so much!
xo
maya
your sweets sampler looks like “tea time” — you are such a little princess
i have seen the french meadow products all over blogworld — they sounds amaaaazing!
and I don’t know what it is about the Rudi’s EMs but they really are INCREDIBLE! almost like a cross between an english muffin and a bagel!?
bah, gloomy weather definitely puts me in an iffy mood
I try to stay positive with affirmations and yoga… it proves me light and brightness when mother nature doesn’t want to 
ha ha! i don’t need to battle my way through the cold and bitter winter month
hurray! well you know there is always a room for you here in my house. so if you really can’t stand it there. COME HERE!! i promise i’ll buy you fresh produce monday to sundays 
i am so jealous of all your goodies you lucky girl! i love bread. since my low fiber diet started i have been eating so many roggenbroetchen! do you know roggenbroetchen? so good and apparently roggen is easier to digest and tastes amazing with almond butter or any other nut butter.
oh of course oyu can also have some of them if you come visiting me NOW! haha
i’ll facebook you some of veganomicon’s recipes today okay???
happy cooking sweetie
xoxo
love you
It really looks like you were able to survive the week without veggies and fruits quite nicely. Way to put those great product sampling to good use. The bread looks very tasty.
I’m with you on the winter blues! I don;t remember if I’ve told you this before, but there is a song by Ben Harper called “Shes only Happy in The Sun” and I swear its my theme song to life!
Keep that beautiful smile going as long as you can, even in the midst of the fridgid temps! Trust me, that amazing smile of yours will keep you warm!
Positive outlook in the winter months? I made a lifestyle choice and a huge decision when I was 23 never to live in cold weather states again and have spent the last 10 yrs in NC, SC, CA, and now AZ where we will be here to raise our child. I cannot cope with cold or dark, so I changed my life. No amount of little changes can compensate, we needed to go all out
My hubs feels the same way so we’re good that way together 
I know that may not be realistic for you, but I totally “get” the mood thing, to the point of doing what i just explained.
The weather also has a huge effect on me.. especially when the skies are grey and it is raining! I think the best picker upper is a fun happy song (i have a “happy” songs playlist on my i tunes) or making the most of the cold/ wet weather by snuggling under some deliciously warm blankets with some tea, hot cocoa and puppy!
The other option is to plan a little vacay somewhere bright and sunny if you have a few days off!
Ha! That is so funny you say that about adding salt to a dish after it’s been served. I told my husband (since he had no idea) that many nice restaurants don’t put salt and pepper on the table because the dish is supposed to be ‘perfect’ when it’s served. So salting it or adding pepper to it is an insult to the chef. I don’t know if he believes me. I know his dad does it all of the time! Kinda makes me nuts. I think you did pretty well without fresh produce this week but I’m glad you got to go shopping.
I would have to agree with Jenny, when the weather gets to me (which it will for the next 5 months), I try to get into a hot yoga studio and sweat it out. Or, I go shopping for warmer weather clothes
I hope you feel better, Katharina!
I love that elephant teapot! adorable!
To keep a positive outlook in the colder months, I turn to a cup of hot tea. That is always the cure in my opinion!!
girl i know what you mean about the colder months..i have such a hard time being positive about them but i try to focus on the good things! like hot coffee, christmas time, being able to get warm after being freezing, hot baths, hottubs!! my mom even has a “happy light” she sits in front of for 30 min every morning during winter! haha! we ordered it from the tv!
So much to comment on…so little time! But your eats are creative as ever even without the produce! Very glad your channeling the inner child with pudding….I have the same kind..sometimes I like to slurp them like a kid would
I know exactly what you mean about the colder seasons…I too am a true blue summer girl! I try to keep warm and keep my mind on warm oats and cups of coffee..that way I don’t go insane!! 
But always remember tis the season for kabocha! haha.
Love,
Maggie
i grew up on the east coast, and used to think i was affected by the weather….but i still have down days in los angeles, where it’s warm and sunny all the time. i think it’s more about not wanting to leave the house when it’s cold out, and that is not good for my brain or body.
Gorgeous meals! I love all the toasty bread and delicious cookies, you’ve totally got my tummy growling over here!
Well, here in Saudi Arabia the winter months are the only decent months. The sun is still out (360+ days a year!) but the weather finally cools off. From May to October we have 120F with 90% humidity which means we are trapped inside. But the winter is gorgeous, in the 60′s and 70′s with cool breezes. So, it is when we spend the most time outside.
During university I went to school in London for a few years and eventually had to leave because of the weather! London has always been my favorite city, but I just couldn’t take the gloomy weather. It really drains me and even a few days in a row of rain and gloom has me feeling mopey and hopeless. My best suggestion for fighting it is to work out a lot, that keeps all the endorphins flowing, and do as many things possible that make you smile!
Ah, Eliza. Genius. We DO deserve to eat what we enjoy, otherwise food would serve no purpose. We should eat what we want, what we feel nourishes us, and what we feel that we actually LIKE to eat.
Great product reviews- girl, you always get the hook up.
i dont think it is the darkness of the weather that gets to me…but being cold really makes me depressed!! esp. when I put on SOO many layers!! it’s just harddddddddddddd
Loving all those eats! Mmm…
I’m exactly the same during these cold seasons! I try to look at the positive things: christmas, candles, blankets, reading books, fire.
But still, I would love the sun!:)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
great stash of breads you got there!
jenna