Another fun bowl of oats!

Today started out with a bang! It seems that’s how a lot of days end. What caused this explosion? I swirled some boysenberry jam in my oatmeal and it reminded me of a PB&J sandwich. I want to share Heather’s favorite bowl with everyone. It’s one of the best ideas ever! This “bowl” had another inspiration in it. I boiled my oats in chai tea just like Jemima. Yummy idea, girl!

Oats were served with peach slices, blueberries, and some special sauce I made.

I finally got around to baking something! I was looking through recipes and I settled on Angela’s doughnut recipe. However, I opted to make doughnut “holes”. I made a vanilla apple glaze for them. These were delicious! I can’t wait to try out some more of her recipes.

I

Cooling down.

Fully dressed and ready to go out on the town, or in my belly!

A wrap stuffed with beans, corn, eggplant, and tomato.

Can you feel the love?

A little pecan pie.

I saw the cutest little idea for a date the other day in a post from Erin on Care to Eat. A mini “pecan pie”! Let’s just say I wanted to go on another date, and another, and another… I basically ran out of dates. Uh… I should probably find myself a real boyfriend, huh?

My favorite grilled cheese sandwich recipe!

I discovered the most wonderful recipe in a magazine a few years ago when I hosted a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich party. Since I didn’t have pumpernickel bread, I just used what I had on hand.

Grilled Cheddar Cheese Sandwich with Mango Chutney

2 slices pumpernickel bread
1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon mango chutney

1. Assemble the sandwich and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

I mixed avocado oil and balsamic vinegar for the tomato slices, which were topped with a ginger “rose” and fresh oregano. In that cup on the left hand corner is an incredible protein smoothie my dad made. I’m not sure what was in it, but it was awesome! On the other plate is a Wasa rye crispbread with peanut butter spread on top and some blackberries.

And some delicious honey to smear on top of my peanut butter!

Tomato slices topped with chopped macadamias, fresh oregano, and an oil/vinegar blend.

I looked through my box of samples to look for the perfect pairing for my veggies.  I decided on the Crispy Parmesan flavor to go with some TJ’s horseradish hummus. Since I’m doing a review I think it’s only fair to be honest. I wasn’t a big fan of this particular flavor. It just seemed to be lacking something, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Zucchini and almonds are so delicious together! My plate is making a face at me.

Goat cheese crumbles on top of the beans were a wonderful last minute decision.

I planned on going to the beach today, but I was too lazy to drive. Too lazy to drive? What is that you say? Instead I just lounged around by my pool and started reading the sixth Harry Potter book.

Matilda is my little poolside buddy!

I am now trying to even out my tan, no thanks to these shoes. They also happen to be my favorite!

365 Everyday Value®

So I thought buying things from the bulk bins were supposed to be cheaper than packaged items. Well, yesterday Whole Foods proved me wrong. Their private label 365 Everyday Value® is $3.00 cheaper per lb. for cashews. I don’t understand why, but it is what it is. I even checked online, and they were actually cheaper per lb. than any other website. I’m not sure if it’s like that for their other products, but I’m going to go back to Whole Foods to find out! I need to stock up on nuts anyway.

I made a chocolate banana shake using one of the samples Sun Warrior sent me.

The verdict? I wish I had more!

I found out that the folks at Sun Warrior are practically my neighbors. Convenient? Yes. Coincidence? No – just meant to be! I have yet to try the vanilla flavor.

I spot a TJ Maxx find.

I wore this shirt with my new shorts.

I met up with my best friend, Pilar, for coffee.

I usually don’t drink cold things, but today I was so glad they had iced cinnamon dolce latte… with soy! She ordered an iced chai latte. We walked to the library with a mission. I had to find Roald Dahl’s Matilda. I also picked up Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About when I Talk About Running.

I figure it's time to read the book one of my favorite movies is based on!

Matilda is one of my all time favorite movies. I’m not sure how many times I’ve watched it, but it never gets old! As a matter of fact, one of my projects in my first year of college was to recreate a movie. I suggested this movie to my group and everyone was okay with it. On top of that, they said I should be Matilda! Here’s the trailer I made for the project. I’m wasn’t too happy with the final outcome, but I had fun making it. And yes, my doggy is named after her!

Today when my mom came home she announced something that surprised me, and I still can’t believe it. Michael Jackson died earlier today. I know a lot of people are quick to judge him, that’s a part of human nature, but I try not to do that (with anybody). I can’t imagine the life he had and how I would’ve led mine if I were in his situation. I’d imagine I’d be very confused, but proud at the same time. Unfortunately, we lost a legend, but he had such an impact to the world of music and so many other things as well.

Jenny inspired to come up with a concoction to go along with these yummy So-Delicious sandwiches. I found the neapolitan flavor the other day, and without question, I put it in my basket! This reminded me of a fresh banana split, but where’s the whipped cream? That would’ve been perfect.

Enter Iowa Girl Eat’s PURE bar giveaway!

Guess what tomorrow is?