Thursdays make me smile 😀
1. A warning before we begin… Don’t ever (ever, ever) try mixing Puffins and Bunnies — just don’t do it. I somehow [accidentally?] ended up with one of each in my mouth at the same time the other day, and it was pretty much the beginning of the end for me. Holy.deliciousness. Aaaaaand now you’re going to try it just because I said not to, aren’t you? Well… don’t say I didn’t warn you…
2. Since we’re on the topic of food, let’s talk about old-and-forgotten-but-recently-remembered food obsessions. First up? Coconut butter…
I used to adore this stuff, but after polishing off a jar forever ago and not bothering to replace it (don’t ask me why…), I kind of forgot about it… until a few days ago when I was in Homesense and came across a jar that was basically 50% off. Snatch — no second thoughts required. Since then I’ve been enjoying it on oats, toast, dates, and spoons.
3. Next up? Raisin Bran…
This obsession goes all the way back to when I was a kid. It was one of my favourite cereals growing up (along with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Corn Pops, and Mini Wheats), but as with tonnes of other foods (besides oats, yogurt, bananas, almond butter, and chocolate), my obsession waxes and wanes. Currently, though? Definitely waxing… especially when a handful of chocolate chips just happen to innocently fall into the bowl.
4. Not on the foodie love list lately? Flavoured coffee. I used to be all about the fancy caramel/chocolate/ice cream flavours, but lately I’ve found myself craving plain old medium roast coffee…
And please don’t ask me why I put a used K-cup in a vase of twiggy things — I have no answer other than it seemed like a good idea at the time.
5. Another thing that seemed like a good idea at the time? Turning the bar counter in my kitchen into a stand-up desk.
I spend a lot of time working on the computer, which means I potentially spend a lot of time sitting down. After reading a few too many articles recently about the health hazards associated with too much sitting, I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend a little more time on my feet. I like it so far, with the exception of one tiny detail — I’m basically within 3 feet of my fridge and 5 feet of my pantry. No wonder my supply of dried fruit, cereal, and almond butter is disappearing at a faster-than-normal rate 😯
6. At least I have this to kind of offset my munchies…
It’s a mini rebounder. I’ve had for years and years and years (read: 10+), but I left it at home when I moved out and it got banished to the abyss (read: the basement) and forgotten. I came across it [buried under a pile of winter coats] this past weekend, and decided it could use a new home — fingers crossed that the people living below me can’t hear me bouncing off the walls…
7. I’ve been losing sleep because of a book again. The culprit this time around?
Red Rising
8. Some spam makes me giggle big time…
9. As do some tweets…
… because that sounds totally legit 😆
10. And I’m pretty sure I say this every week, but I’m totally looking forward to reading your guys’ random thoughts. Happy Thursday! 😀
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I have yet to try Coconut butter, I feel I should probably get on this. But I also feel that your first jar should be free too :D. Omg raisin bran is the sh*t! I couldn’t get enough of this stuff when I was a little kid, and to this day, if it is in the house, I will eat it for every meal. I swear they put crack or cocaine in it. It’s way to addictive.
Very proud of you for taking the leap to the stand up desk – but..uhm..we may need to discuss the location. I’m pretty sure if my stand up desk was in my kitchen I would 1 – eat everything or 2 – try to make random combinations of everything and end up with some really gross things. I may, however, keep my kitchen much cleaner if I was in it all the time. Although, I’d have to look at my GREEN counter tops. Like..seriously. WHO puts green counter tops in a house?!
I need to try this dried fruit + almond butter combination. It sounds fabulous.
Also, I’ve never had puffins and now must seek them out.
In my defence, there’s no other place to put it! Also — yes to dried fruit and AB. It’ll rock your Christmas socks off.
You always have such good book recommendations – I’m so excited to hear about this one!
Also, you just got yourself major coffee connoisseur points for loving medium roast! It’s what allows the flavours to shine through best. 🙂
Since you’ve been enticing me with those little bunnies for the past few weeks, I went out and bought some on Saturday. As of last night…the box is completely empty (and I didn’t even share with Justin)! Boy are those little bunnies the tastiest things ever!
I have a makeshift stand-up desk – empty boxes stacked on my actual desk 😉
And I honestly really want one of those little trampolines (though I don’t know the correct name for them..) – jumping is fun and an awesome exercise!
I will definitely order those bunnies next time I shop on iHerb.. ’cause we don’te have them here in Brasil…
Now.. AMANDA!
I made your thick chocolate smoothie this morning, as my post workout breakfast… what can I say? AMAZINNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just died and went to smoothie heaven!!!!!
I followed the exact recipe, with all the “optionals” included (Almond butter, chocolate protein powder, instant coffee)… and OH MY GOD!
I actually came late to work because I spent a little too much time scraping the blender, cause I didn’t want to miss a single drop of that deliciousness haha!
It was really really thick, so I had to eat it with a spoon!!!!!!!!! That’s too much love!!!
Best smoothie ever. I’ll definitely have it again. Later today. And tomorrow. what more can I say, I traded my oats for this!
Ok, enough. But really, THANK YOU! hahaha
Traded in your oats?! Now that’s love right there. I’m glad you liked it, Mayra! 😀 I hope it gives you a lovely refresher from the heat, and if not then you’re more than welcome to send some warmth and sunshine my way!
LOL @ the spam reply! I got the notification and was like, “What?” I figured it was spammy but still hilarious!
I always have Artisana coconut butter on hand. I just finished a jar, but had purchased another last since I knew I was running low. Always gotta be prepared!
My dad thinks this whole “sitting is the new smoking” thing is a fad, but I still like to stand with my laptop at the counter like you. Sitting for too long actually makes my hip flexors (and butt) hurt, so being up on my feet definitely helps keep the blood flowin’!
Oh my gosh Raisin Bran!! That stuff was my jam when I was younger too. I kinda miss it actually…maybe I’ll revisit it soon 🙂 And I’ve never tried coconut butter before, only coconut oil. But I’ve head great things about the butter version, like melting it and drizzling it on cold ice cream or smoothies to make a magic shell. That’s a selling point for me!
I made the mistake of mixing Puffins, Annies, almonds and peanut butter chips together to make a trail mix for a road trip…it didn’t last very long :/
Ps. OH!!! I finished The Fault In Our Stars & immediately downloaded every John Green book I could find. So, so good.
I wish you weren’t allergic to peanut butter, because I know you’d love it. I really want you to try my new fav brand. It’s so good – I’ve been averaging a jar a week for the past month. Speaking of your PB allergy, last night while I was packing I thought to myself, “If Amanda comes to stay with me, what am I going to make for meals? I’ll have to be extra careful not to poison her with PB”
Seriously though. I have a 2 bdr condo now… so… start getting excited/start planning something. As of April, I’ll be free to hangout whenever.
I wish I wasn’t allergic to PB too! 😛 IT would make life a whole heck of a lot easier. And April?! SERIOUSLY!? GAH! They still have boarding in April! Expect to find me on your doorstep… or in your backyard. Yeah. I’m not a creeper 😯
Homesense must have a giant pile of coconut butter somewhere – I got a jar from there last weekend!
And Red Rising just got added to my GoodReads ‘to read’ list. It sounds interesting!
I love my bookshelf-standing-desk. Sitting for long periods just makes me feel antsy, so if I can combat that and it’s better for my health anyway…definitely a good way to go.
When I was a kid I wanted a trampoline more than anything in life. I never got one, but I suppose a mini one would have done the trick…
Not gonna lie — the big ones are definitely more fun, but the mini ones are perfect for the days you’re stuck at home and need to get some movement in. The only thing you need to worry about is making sure you don’t jump too high and brain yourself on the ceiling 😯
My mom used to run on those trampolines for years growing up. I remember her doing it before bed while watching a show and I used to LOVE playing on them when she wasn’t around haha as for the puffin/bunnies combo- yep. Now you made me want to try it. I think I’d do it with the cinnamon puffins. My mouth is watering just thinking of the possibilities!
J has a standing desk at his office and really likes it! It adjusts from sitting to standing.
That book will go on my to read list! So many books not enough time!!! argh!
Speaking of books I picked up The Alchemist a t Target the other day, can’t wait to read to start it.
Happy Thursday!
I JUST did a blog post dedicated to coconut butter : http://www.bareandbalanced.com/2014/02/02192014-wiaw-cuckcoo-for-coconut-combos.html
Check it out and see how… intense my addiction is. O.o. I love its versatility! Also that rebounder looks like way too much fun. I should likely get one of those.
I have been looking at those Annie’s bunnies for a while! The other day, I was sick and took NyQuil (so I was drugged) and my boyfriend was tucking me in (cue: aw). Anywho, I ended up saying this in my half asleep drunken state:
“Good night baba… Baba? I want to try bunnies”
“What?”
“Chocolate and cheddar”
“Ew, what?”
“Annie’s”
“Go to sleep Caitlyn”
Then next morning I was questioned… hehe
Awesome post.
Must. Find. That. Book. And read it. I’ve been wanting a standing desk at work for a while. I’ve thought about taking my exercise stability ball to sit on, but I’m afraid it will get stolen. Lies. I’m more afraid of the looks and questions…
😆 I sit on a stability ball when I’m not working on my laptop as well. It definitely helps me sit up straighter — I’m a sloucher big time.
Ooooh I bet that would be good, as cereal ALWAYS is. I have a similar setup to you with the desk…..although mine is definitely not standing, I can always see my kitchen food from where I sit…sometimes I swear I black out and the next thing I know my hand is in a bag of peanut butter m and ms and a handful are already in my mouth! Hahaha
As for coconut butter, never heard of it! I have such a problem with my coconut oil, in fact I havent been able to use it the last 3 times as the jar gets stuck as it melts and then solidify again with temperature, I literally cant get it open! Maybe butter would be better! Yum!
I used to love my trampoline, I’ve never tried a mini one but sure would love to!
Omg I’ve had the biggest craving for raisin bran in the past few weeks and almost picked up a box of raisin bran crunch over the weekend but didn’t for some reason…now I have to do that on Saturday 😛 That puffin and bunny mix sounds amazing, and I can’t wait to check out Red Rising. I’m almost done with the numerous books I checked out from the library a few weeks ago, so that’s getting taken out next 😀
Do it, do it, DO IT! I seriously forgot how amazing Raisin Bran tastes… especially with the chocolate 😉 And YES to Red Rising as well! I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good, but it rocked my socks off.
totally looking forward to reading that book. sadly I have a ton I am working through right now but I swear it is added on them. you reminded me how long it has been since I have had puffins or coconut oil. sad face.
Part of the reason I never replaced my coconut butter is because I had nothing to replace it with. I didn’t really go through it that quickly which was a huge reason. If I had gone through it faster and missed it I guess I would have replaced it ha ha.
Chocolate chips in Raisin Bran sounds like the best idea ever. You are totally a cereal developer! That’s your true calling!!
Love your Thursday posts. I also adore Thursdays, kinda my favorite day. From one Amanda to another we really do have great things to offer the world. Haha, I kid although I really am enjoying your blog. Thank you for the stand up computer idea! I am going to look into this since: A.) I am starting to dabble in the blog world soon B.) I love standing – I mean…I am a nurse I have no choice C.) I feel lazy sitting at my computer for hours even after doing two gym classes or a long run. Also, I have made Puffin-Bunny Muddy Bunnys and they are AMAZING. I’ll have to write the recipe down although you really can’t screw it up. Happy Thursday!
Hahah I was like why is that coffee in a plant? I like it though…it’s colorful. I also like your make shift stand up desk. I need to do that! But, like you, the only place I could would be the kitchen and that seems like a recipe for disaster haha. Have a great day!
I like how Canadians call it a rebounder and us in the states call it a trampoline. I am calling it a rebounder from now on.
😆 We call ’em trampolines too, but I call the mini ones rebounders.
Love Raisin Bran. Always did. I used to keep a box at my desk years ago for the days where you couldn’t get out for lunch and brought nothing with you…And, I am guilty of seeking out the raisins, especially from a box with those cluster things….Puffins and bunnies is genius. You created a deadly snack mix…And totally hear you on working near your kitchen. Makes you think you need a bite every 10 minutes just because you are near food.
Ah wish we could get coconut butter here in the UK, fingers crossed it will appear somewhere like Whole Foods soon. Just coconut flour, oil and water at the moment.
Might check out that book, loved the Hunger Games series!
You’ve just reminded me of a jar of coconut butter sitting in my cupboard – I can’t get the lid off! I’m going to have to stop being stubborn and ask for man-hands to help me…
Coconut butter – oooh yes! I didn’t have it for months while I was at my parents’ – though I’d promised my mum to make her some … sorry! Now it’s a must for my morning oat bran again, a quick after work snack, stirred into soups … What can I say? I’m making up for lost time :).
I -wish- I had a stand-up-desk. Sitting all day doesn’t ‘sit’ [no pun intended, actually] so well with me and right now I can’t even take my walking lunch breaks.
A rebounder!!! We only had a small one as children but the family my sister was an au-pair for had a huge one. Don’t ask who had more fun: the kids or us?!
Seeing as you mention a new book: How was Cruel Beauty? I had a quick look at it after you mentioned the book and it sounded interesting.
It was just -okay-. The concept was interesting, but I didn’t find myself making a connection with the characters, the dynamic between them was a little weird, and the ending just felt off. Not a bad read, but nothing to write home about.
I used to have a mini trampoline and it was seriously my favorite thing in the house haha
I’ve had a standing-desk for a long time and love it 🙂
OOh coconut butter is pure gold! I started using it in chocolate sauce/magic shell and swoon! so good!
That “K-cup in a vase of twiggy things” is cute – specially those “twiggy things” 🙂
Awesome idea to stand and work! Your mini tramp reminded me of mine – its buried deep in a closet and you have inspired me to dust it off – it used to be so much fun!
And another celebration of randomness I cannot join 🙁 so sad to miss out, cannot wait to hop back in in two weeks! But I still enjoy your ramblings and they are a welcome distraction between website conversion rates and the creation of strategic guidelines. Some of my recent snack-obsessions: pb (or ab in your case) and pretzels. When I finally make it home in the evening, I plant myself with a spoonful of nut butter in my bed and start dipping away – heavenly! And stand-up-working? Girl you are craycray, I wouldn’t get anything done this way 🙂
Good luck with your thesis, lovely lady! <3 I hope it's going well for you!
Puffins and Bunnies are two of my favorite snack items but never have I mixed the two. Now, I’ve been warned!
Yes I will be trying the Puffins and Bunnies together.. after I break into your house and steal them that is! It may be easier to order them – but ordering food over-seas sounds like a dauntingly complicated move.
A WAXING food obsession doesn’t sound very appealing I must say hahaa. And my gosh those sneaky chocolate chips! The nerve of them creeping into your bowl of innocent Raisin Bran!
Oooh you have a trampoline, how fun! Inside too *gasp*..you need to be careful you don’t go through the roof more than anything else 😉
I’ve got to read Red Rising! I was late to The Hunger Games.. thought I wouldn’t like it until my family convinced me when they said Katniss reminds them of me. I was hooked from the word go 🙂
Oh my….I secretly hope I still have my baby trampoline hidden underneath the family home- epic memories. Also, how we weren’t allowed the big one growing up out of fear of ‘falling off’ lol.
And as IF that coconut butter was 50% off. Sharing is caring. I need to send you my spam list. Too much ‘fake gucci louise vuitton’ and some X rated stuff…
I had a big one as well when I was younger, and I -did- fall off — multiple times. It hurts 😆