Happy #thinkingoutloud Thursday! No idea what I’m going on about? Click here!
1. I miss chewing gum like whoa. It’s been about 3 weeks since I had my last piece before giving it up for Lent, and it’s not getting any easier! The second week wasn’t actually too bad, but the cravings came back with a vengeance in the third week. All I can say is that there better be gum in my Easter basket because it’s looking better than chocolate at this point! Said as I finish off a brownie batter breakfast bake for dinner…
2. Speaking of dinner, if you’re looking for a more traditional one, then head on over to Savory Style and check out my recipe for the Spinach and Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole that I mentioned the other day.
3. Since we’re already on the topic of food, we need to talk about an unfortunate realization that I’ve come to. My body does not like orange food. I haven’t tested this theory on things like Cheetos, Doritos, or orange Skittles, but whenever I eat anything like: carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, kabocha, butternut, papayas, mangoes, etc, my stomach is a mess for the next few days. And I don’t even have to eat a lot of them — even one serving will do it. This sucks big time because… I love orange foods!
4. Another thing I’m not a huge fan? New mascara. Even if it’s a kind that I love, I almost never like it when I first start using it. I think it’s because I prefer my mascaras on the thicker/tackier side, and it takes about a week or so for them to get to the consistency I like. And in case you’re curious which mascara I’m currently using, it’s this one right here…
5. …. which (in keeping with the selfie-every-ToL-post theme), you can see on my eyeballs eyelashes here…
And I have no idea what I’m looking at or why I have such a stank face. RBF FTW.
6. Maybe it’s because of the fact that I failed to read the [not-so] fine print and accidentally bought a baby spinach mix instead of baby spinach greens. I’ve been adding spinach to my morning smoothies on occasion since I’m not the biggest fan of salads in the winter and it’s a lot harder for me to get my greens in, but let’s just say that the added bok choy and kale make things a little greener than I’d like them to be first thing in the morning.
7. Speaking of smoothies, I’ve run into a small dilemma… Do I or do I not pack a blender in my suitcase for my trip to Hawaii? I know it sounds a little crazy, but I average 2 smoothies a day so the thought going without one for 10 days makes me die a little on the inside… especially since the fruit in Hawaii is ah.maze.ing. And I wouldn’t be taking my high-speed blender — just my teeny, tiny Magic Bullet, which basically takes up as much room as a pair of shoes. Totally doable. Doing it.
8. And on that note… I’m leaving for Hawaii tomorrow! I didn’t preschedule any posts because I really wanted to be able to disconnect and take a mini vacation from blogging, but I’ll still be popping in for ToL and Link Love while I’m away, plus maybe an As We Speak or WIAW post thrown in there as well. If you want, you can follow me on Instagram to see updates and pictures from my trip, and if not, then I’ll see you on Sunday for some Link Love! Happy Thursday, friendly faces!
No questions… just tell me whatever comes to your mind! 😀
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Love that you are taking your magic bullet on vacation! I use mine daily and just bought a vitamix too! Jealous of your Hawaii vacation, have a blast!,!
You’re so funny, packing your blender! There are a ton of great places to get smoothies in Maui but I’m sure that could get a little expensive so it’s probably better that you’re bringing it.
I hope your travels go smoothly and that you have an amazing time!! I can’t wait to live vicariously through your photos. 🙂
Don’t pack the blender!!! I think it was actually you (I could be wrong) who wrote a post about how recovery means not packing a million snacks and meals for trips and visits to family and just eating what is around. Go with the flow–eat what the locals eat. You’ve got this!!
And I gave up gum cold turkey about a year ago and I am SO glad I did. I still occasionally chew a piece here or there but that took MONTHS for me to be able to do. It just messes with my stomach and becomes like a safety blanket for me. It’s so much nicer to not be chewing it all the time. But I totally get that you’re dying for a piece….been there!
There’s still room to squish me into your suitcase for your Hawaii trip! Bring me instead of the Magic Bullet 😉
Love that mascara on you! I absolutely cannot tolerate mascara – my eyes are thee most easily irritated.
Whoa on the orange foods 😯 . Do you think you could manage holding off it completely?
Oh and I was looking over your soft and chewy pumpkin granola bars [and salivating] . What would you think would be a suitable replacement for the flax? Could I get away with quick oats or oat flour?
I think I could manage if I had to. Or at least keep it to small quantities. It’s not that it’s crazy painful or anything — just uncomfortable. And I’m sure you would be fine with subbing the flax with some oat flour in those bars 🙂
That Spinach and Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole sounds yummy! I’ll have to try it! I love chewing gum too! That would be tough to give up. Good luck!
I’m actually allergic to oranges so I totally feel your pain! I’ll echo everyone else’s sentiments – take the mini blender!!! 🙂 So jealous of your trip. I was supposed to go there in June but they change the dates of my school program so I can’t now…. UGH! maybe next year! Enjoy!!
Amanda–if you enjoy sweet potatoes try getting your hands on the Japanese ones. They’re red skin and white flesh or the purple ones–neither are orange! Worth a try!?
That’s a great suggestion, Heather! I’m going to look into those when I get back…
Have you tried eating mints in place of the gum? At least you will have that clean mouth feeling after you eat a meal.
I get stomach pain with oranges veggies too! Too bad since they are delicious. Looking forward to a day off so I can make your wild rice casserole. It looks divine! Wild rice, spinach, and mushrooms are three of my favorite foods so this dish has my name all over it. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I went a day without eating at least one (and usually all three) of these delights. Wild rice is my absolute favorite grain. (technically the seed of a grass, I know) and so under appreciated. Have you had the leftovers cold? i am thinking I will make this and take it to work. I am summing it is just as good, if not better, the next day eaten cold or at room temperature. Kudos to you and your kitchen prowess!
Thanks Sarah! I totally agree with you about wild rice being under appreciated — I love the taste and texture. And I have tried this as cold leftovers and think it’s one case where I actually prefer it warm because it makes the cheese nice and melty again.
Have an awesome trip! I hope you enjoy the chance to unplug and relax – I’m sure you need it! 🙂
Squash sometimes does something funny to my stomach too, but I think it’s mostly when I eat the skin. I hate the extra step of peeling it off, but I don’t think my body likes all that extra fibre too much haha.
I only tried eating the squash skin once and I about died. I used to peel mine before roasting but it got to be too much of a hassle so now I just bake it in the skins and cut it off after. Works like a charm!
I’ve bought that mix SO many times thinking it’s spinach it’s ridiculous. Either way I eat it. No one turns down greens in this house 🙂
I love chewing gum when i run, but I never chew it otherwise…weird huh? Maybe I should and I’d eat less haha!
I would pack the blender for your trip. I always bring my vitamix when we go camping. I have to get my smoothies in, especially when camping, because we always eat so badly! (chips, brats, smores, etc)
I’d say DON’T bring the blender! Just drink some local juices and call it a day. Have SO much fun!! 🙂
Good call on that one, Ashley. It’s what I ended up doing 🙂
Would not judge you one little bit for packing a blender for your vacation! However, I bet there are some amazing smoothie joints.
It’s funny because I think I’m the opposite when it comes to mascara, I love when it’s super fresh!
Have a great trip!! And I’m so with you on the mascara. I have to give it some time for it build up on the brush before I’m happy.
I gave up gum a while back, too, for recovery reasons and it. is. HARD. But you can do it! Only a few more weeks of Lent!
True story! It’s going to be hard on the airplane though, since I always chewed gum to keep my ears from plugging up…
Put the blender and Nutri Bullet down. You’re going to Hawaii, they have smoothies and acai bowls in abundance! You’ll be fine, promise! Enjoy your vacation, I am so jealous…even though I was just there 6 weeks ago! I love new mascara, I feel like a brand new woman! Your spoon is way too freakin’ cute! xoxo, ganeeban
I’m laughing about your green smoothie predicament. I’ve done kale plenty of times before (and you definitely know it’s there), but bok choy is a new one for me. You’re can’t let it go to waste either. Hee, hee.
I’d ditch the bullet and eat all the fruit fresh. That way you really get to taste and savor each delicious morsel, and it won’t get lost in a blended concoction, says the girl who packs way too many shoes. 🙂
I like these ToL selfies.
In all fairness, it’s BABY bok choy so the flavour is a little milder, but I’ve definitely had to toss in more dates than usual to mask the taste. And it’s cruel of you to laugh at the person who brought chocolate smoothies into your life. I take back what I said about getting you onto rice bowls…
Still chuckling. 🙂
Now you have me craving a brownie breakfast bake. Have a great time in Hawaii!
Have the best time in Maui, you lucky lady, you!!
Speaking of orange foods, I just ate my body weight in smoked salmon.
I HATE new mascara too! It takes about 5 applications to get the thickness I want.
Brownie batter for breakfast and a trip to Hawaii? Life is good, my friend.
Did you try calling the hotel/resort you’re staying at in Hawaii? They might be able to supply you with a blender! Plus, I’m sure you can find a place which makes smoothies near your hotel! Did you try Googling it??
By the way… foureightfoursevenninefournineoneeightfive. 😉
I know the room we’re staying in has a kitchen and I -think- they have a blender in there, but my issue is that I don’t know what people have put in there in the past, which doesn’t sit too well with my allergies since I know lots of people like to use PB in their smoothies 😕
I’m totally with you on the mascara thing! I HATE new tubes for the first week and then immediately love them after that. They just build better! As for your blender, I say take it if you want it! Have fun on your vacay! 🙂
Hawaii! Fun, enjoy your vacation! So jealous!
That’s such a cute little spoon that you own! Bon voyage on your trip to Hawaii, looking forward to seeing some sweet pics!
Totally support you taking the blender to Hawaii! OMG have fun! Can’t wait to see pics and hear about your trip!! Love my mascara on the thicker side too! Funny how that happens right?
Another commenter said that’s why she liked drugstore mascara best — because it was thicker. Totally makes sense!
glad you decided to take the blender – that was gonna be my recommendation! have such a fun trip and hope you have some fun goodies to read / listen to for the flight! thanks for hosting 🙂
I know I don’t need to say it, but have fun in Hawaii!
Also i have heard that leaving the cap off your mascara for a day or so can help with the new mascara problem!
Oh wow. A whole day, eh? I might have to try that with a drugstore mascara!
Enjoying your eats, especially that brownie batter bake. Yum! Have fun on your trip to Hawaii! And, it’s totally acceptable to take your blender 😀
Orange foods are some of the best foods – I hope they stop causing you problems :/
I am SO the same way about mascara. It’s too wet and uncontrollable at first. It needs to age a little before I’m satisfied with it.
Have the best time in Hawaii! Enjoy the break 😀