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!

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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 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…

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?