Thursday already… Loving these short weeks! 😀
1. It’s official – I’ve broken out the pumpkin:
I usually try to wait until at least September hits before cracking open a can of the orange stuff, and now that summer is unofficially over with the coming and going of Labour Day long weekend, I’m free to start working on my orange glow by eating pumpkin to my heart’s content. I started the pumpkin-ing with a recipe experiment, which I’ll be sharing with you guys tomorrow.
2. Since we’re on already on the topic of the orange glow, let’s talk about another contributor to that phenomenon…
Roasted kabocha. I’m in love. Unfortunately, this little guy just so happens to simultaneously contribute to another phenomenon known as “squash belly,” but what’s pleasure without a little pain 😉 I kid, I kid. I’ve actually gotten a lot better at keeping my serving sizes more reasonable and avoiding the infamous squash belly. Fingers crossed that it stays that way!
3. And fingers crossed that the amazing batch of apples I picked up at the store the other day was just the beginning of things to come. You know when you come across those huge boxes of freshly picked orchard apples that haven’t even been waxed to make them look pretty?
Swoon. Pumpkin and squash tend to steal the spotlight around this time of year, but let’s not forget that apples are in season as well! Especially because they taste amazing right now. I whipped up a batch of applesauce using aforementioned orchard apples, and it was easily my best one to date.
4. Riddle me this… Why does my Starbucks only brew decaf coffee until 11 AM? You would think that more people would want decaf later in the day, so they would have it more readily available. Nay. Come after 11 and they have to brew you a special cup. And yes, I’ve been drinking decaf… or at least half-caf. I noticed that I was waking up with this annoyingly mild achey head, so I cut back on the caffeine (even though I was only drinking a cup a day), and it seems to have helped.
5. Speaking of Starbucks, did you know that this year marks 10 years of the pumpkin spice latte?
Neither did I. Confession time: I’m not a huge fan of the PSL. I know, I know… blasphemy. They’re not bad, but I definitely don’t wait around with bated breath for them to come out (the famous red cups, on the other hand… hurry up!!). Then again, I’m not a huge fan of sweet coffee drinks in general… or lattes.
6. Does this happen to anyone else?
I was out for a walk the other day, and when I looked up to see a group of policemen walking towards me, I seriously stopped for the briefest of moments and caught myself wondering if I was doing something illegal. Walking. On the sidewalk 😯 I blame this paranoia on the fact that I had my fair share of bad experiences with the police back in my not-so-legal street racing days. Hard to shake.
7. Also, does anyone else ever get an e-mail or text, start coming up with a reply in their head, and end up thinking that they sent it out when they actually didn’t? Maybe I’m just getting old or something, but daaaang… this has been happening to me more and more lately. So if it takes me forever to get back to you, it’s not because I’m procrastinating (okay, it might be)… it’s because I probably think I already did.
8. Random post, random [but good] tunes…
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nQCxwneUwA&w=560&h=315″]
You can’t fill your cup until you empty all it has
You can’t understand what lays ahead
If you don’t understand the past
You’ll never learn to fly now
‘Til you’re standing at the cliff
And you can’t truly love until you’ve given up on it
9. Reading these facts about Candy Crush makes me incredibly happy that I lost interest in the game. Spending thousands of dollars on lives/cheats? A rehab program? Yowza.
10. And, as always, I leave you with some random facts. Have a happy Thursday!!
1. I believe it.
2. That’s… a good practice, I guess? But also somewhat disturbing.
3. 😆 There are definitely days where I suffer from that…
4. Maybe they need to start putting warning labels on the box…
5. Good to know my music obsession comes with benefits.
. – . – . – .
Will you be working on your orange glow this year too? 😉
What are some of your minor pet peeves? Loud breathing? Chewing? Swallowing? Sipping?
Are you ticklish?
I am so in love with pumpkin, and the fact that my grocery store always has it in stock means it is ALWAYS pumpkin season! (When I lived in the UK it was so hard to get ahold of it that I hoarded cans like a weirdo.) But now I can start bringing pumpkin pie to dinner parties without seeming a little out of touch with the seasons…
“Squash belly” is such an accurate term for that issue! I’d never heard it before but it basically describes my entire life from September to January. Always worth it, though. I have no self restraint, especially around roasted Chestnut Squash (my personal favorite).
I don’t love starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes either, not pumpkin-y enough! I make my own at home and add real pumpkin puree as well as a heaping spoonful of pumpkin spice and a little vanilla stevia (or I use vanilla almond milk.) But you’re right about the red cups! Gingerbread latte, please!
I definitely do not like sugary drinks AT ALL, especially if it’s coffee. Whenever I get a latte, I opt for nonfat milk and ONE pump of the syrup. Give it a go! You might like it because I really, really don’t like sweet coffee drinks considering I love the taste of espresso and coffee! Between my sweet potato and pumpkin love, I definitely get an orange hue this type of year. I definitely have days where I cannot stand the smallest things. I blame being hangry for a majority of them.
I’ve gotten pulled over so many times if I see a cop on the road I freeze immediately. I’m one of THOSE people.
I’m not ticklish. I swear. But don’t you dare ever try to tickle me…. 😉
Why do I always write a book for your comments? lol
Because you subconsciously know that I love to read them 😛 <3
ALL the pumpkin. And I would like to see the reports on that Twister fact. That seems a little unreal, like is Twister still a thing? Anyway, instead of PSLs I like to order coffee with a shot or two of pumpkin. I think it actually tastes better than the lattes! Unless Starbucks got almond milk. Then I might reconsider.
Starbucks actually doesn’t have the pumpkin spice latte over here so I have yet to understand why people rave about it so much.
Working on my pumpkin glow is one of my main goals for fall 😉 and I’ve been doing so ever since spotting the first kabocha in stores a few weeks ago. No day without pumpkin because – at least for kabocha – the season is very short around here. I’m afraid my serving sizes tend to be a bit, ahem … out of the norm :).
And 6.? Most definitely. It happened to me earlier today when a police car just passed by in the street and I found myself rummaging my head to remember if I’d jay-walked earlier. So naughty, right? On a sidenote: I know you’ve mentioned it several times before but I still can’t imagine you street racing or doing anything similarly ‘illegal’. Sorry :).
😆 It’s actually crazy how much of a 180 I went through over the years. The person I am now definitely isn’t the person I used to be. I’m getting boring 🙁 😆
Satellite is the BEST running song. When it comes on I always run just a tid bit faster!
I do like pumpkin spice lattes but sometimes they overdo the nutmeg and that drives me a bit bonkers. I really like pumpkin ale though! I try and find as many varieties to try – some are really good, some are way too spice heavy.
I don’t like flavored coffee drinks either, but I too am a huge fan of the red cups 🙂 and if I’m feeling extra festive, I might toss a little cinnamon in my French press coffee (never an espresso drink though)
I’ve given myself serious keratinosis before by eating too many sweet potatoes and pumpkins! But hey…it’s not actually dangerous or anything 🙂
Lol I will never forget last year when my hands and feet turned orange from eating too much pumpkin and baby carrots. It was bad!!!
I actually don’t like pumpkin spice lattes either…I never understood the big to-do about them!
Also, a couple of my pet peeves include loud breathing (especially at night), people who don’t signal when they are driving, people who walk in a huge group across the ENTIRE sidewalk, and when people come in your room and fail to close the door after they leave lol.
But loud breathing and when people chew with their mouth wide open is SUPER annoying!!
Have a great day!
What is squash belly?
Just the bloated and uncomfy feeling that comes from eating too much squash… or any veggie really. Nothing serious, just annoying.
OK, I really need to hop on the kabocha train. I’ve heard so many people rave about it but I haven’t tried it yet. And to #7 — STORY OF MY LIFE. I always craft texts in my head and think that I sent them, but never did. All my friends/family say I’m a horrible texter and I can’t disagree. You are not alone, my friend.
I have a can of pumpkin in my pantry that has been staring at me in the face lately- but with todays weather in the low 60s, I’m pretty sure today is perfect time to bust into that baby. I am notorious for not responding to emails/texts- I always respond in my head and then totally space on actually doing it! Bahhh oh well, something to work on. Hope you have a terrific thursday!
I’ve also broken out the kabocha…and the pumpkin. To be fair my kabocha consumption was still going throughout the Summer as well. Oops.
Can’t get enough, but luckily I don’t seem to get the squash belly!
Also can’t wait for this pumpkin recipe, I’m positive I’ll be all over it.
Oh and I also don’t like the PSL so I feel you on that one, I actually kind of hate it…but it doesn’t have actual pumpkin in it, so I’m assuming that’s why 😉
Don’t even get me started of being ticklish, I’m pretty much ticklish everywhere and it’s the most uncomfortable feeling ever! Ah.
What is squash belly? I’ve never heard of it. I love pumpkin drinks at starbucks 🙂 I am actually ready for fall this year!
Never? Oh lucky girl! It’s just the bloated and uncomfy belly that comes after eating too much squash (or any veggie, really). Nothing serious, just super annoying.
Squash belly. Ugh. One of the only bad things about those delicious things.
I’m super excited for pumpkin/apple season. I just love baking with them! I actually was going to make a pumpkin recipe last weekend when I was home but thought “eh, too soon.” Now I’m regretting that decision. Just over two weeks until I’m back in my kitchen for a weekend 😀
How do you explain to people why you forgot to text them back? Because that seriously happens to me all of the time. It’s kind of ridiculous. “Whoops! I thought I replied but I really didn’t…” that just sounds like a horrible excuse.
Misophonia- me if you also include people who chew gum loudly or slurp their beverages in that uber creepy way. I hate tickling so I can totally relate to those tortured individuals.
Hehe it does sound like a horrible excuse, but it’s still the reason I give… either that or I just don’t say anything at all. The people that know me know I’m horrible with it, so I like to think [hope] they understand.
You know I love me some PSL! The 10-year thing is cute, I had no idea either.
Tickling IS torture. I freak out whenever I’m tickled. I have no control over my limbs and take no responsibility for what may happen to the person doing the torturing/tickling.
If they get whacked by a flailing limb, I like to think they deserve it 😛
I’ve actually never heard of squash belly. Weird.
I’m a bug Dan of pumpkin recipes and can’t wait to see what you made!
I also love Rise Against, they’re one of my favorites to run with.
I really love pumpkin soup! I’d never had anything pumpkin until I studied abroad in Spain, but pumpkin soup is amazing. I usually make butternut squash soup here because I don’t want to go cutting up a pumpkin and I can never find canned pumpkin. Sorry I just wrote the word “pumpkin” this many times.
Fall apples are the absolute best. So, so, so amazing. Mmm.
I always feel guilty when I see the cops. I get all awkward and try to look nonchalant, but I end up looking guilty and weird. It’s great.
In my job I work with police, firefighters, etc etc and every time I’m around them I get nervous! I know I didn’t do/am doing anything wrong but it’s the uniform.. I blame the uniform! I love me some pumpkin. My fav way to use it is in mac and cheese.. mmmm.. I may have to make some this weekend!
While I haven’t bought pumpkin yet, it is officially on my grocery list for Saturday :-p I did roast up some fabulous squash yesterday though! Obviously no pumpkin spice latte for me, but I do tend to drink pumpkin spice tea all season.
And the fun facts number 1 – considering how i feel when Eric gets anywhere near my feet I’d believe it…and number 4 – I would hate to be the person who explains that death to the parents. Awkward. And as for little pet peeves like that…when people slurp their tea or soup. If it’s so hot that you have to slurp it, just hold on a damn minute!! Grrr.
😆 😆 Amen to that. But at the same time… I’m totally guilty of not being able to hold off on something that hot and completely destroying either my tongue or the roof of my mouth.
Yay, I am so excited to eat boatloads of pumpkin :). I had it in my oatmeal for breakfast thi morning and it was perfect, I can’t wait for pumpkin cookies, breads and muffins. I love kabocha, I’m horribly not thinking about the squash belly and just stuffing my face with it.
#6 – totally happened to me just this morning while walking my dog. Cop car drove by and I was like OMG! hahaha.
I think you’ve convinced me to put pumpkin on my grocery list!! I never got into Candy Crush because it was alllll people were doing. It scared me and I have too many other addictions on my phone to have my time competing with another one lol
I am so not a latte person, so the PSL is not for me. Pumpkin spice coffee, on the other hand, is my absolute favorite coffee drink. That with a little hazelnut cream = love. So glad it’s September!
“not-so-legal street racing days” — This is the best thing you’ve EVER SAID. WHO ARE YOU!!!?
Hahahah I love it!!!
I love putting pumpkin spice in my own coffee, but not a fan of the starbucks version – it’s way too sweet. I don’t know if it’s the coffee or the syrup, but their drinks always give me a massive headache.
My pet peeves are feet shufflers, mouth breathers, people who don’t cover their mouth WITH THEIR ARM when they cough, mini vans….
😆 Oh girl the stories I have from my youth… And you and your mini vans… I’ve met people who don’t like them, but never someone who has such a vendetta against them 😛
That is really weird about starbucks. It should be the opposite! Who DOESN’T want caffeine in the morning? I’m currently looking for pumpkin recipes so I’d love to hear what you do with yours 🙂
“Also, does anyone else ever get an e-mail or text, start coming up with a reply in their head, and end up thinking that they sent it out when they actually didn’t? ” –> this happens so often to me it’s actually not even funny. It actually happened just the other day, when someone asked if I got their text and we had an argument for like 5 minutes on if I had replied or not. (I swore I did…) Then I looked at my text history a day later and realized I never did…and I’m with you on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I think they’re good, but they’re definitely not something that I drool over and count down days to. Maybe that makes me a bad Starbucks-goer…
That makes me feel a little better… Maybe it’s not because I’m getting old and senile 😉
Yup, I always feel guilty when I drive by a cop. I’m not always speeding, but I have a mini freak-out just because I might be. Oh, and I’m also alllllll too familiar with squash belly!
I hate squash belly and basically all veggie related bellies. It happens to be every single day and every single day I swear I won’t eat vegetables again yet I continue. Ugh, it is the worst! lol. Love pumpkin and apple season – I am quite excited that not only are the delicious apple varieties available but they are at great prices starting now too!
😆 You too, eh? I always tell myself this is the LAST time I’ll do it, and then when I feel fine again? YOu better believe I’m repeating my mistakes 😉
Haha, I am totally one of these people who feel unbelievably guilty when they see a police car. But I guess that’s mostly due to me having done something “bad” a few minutes ago – like walking over the street though the traffic light was still red or something like that. This morning was especially bad. Somebody decided that it would be a good idea to built a building lot on my usual running route. Since I really didn’t feel like searching for another way I a) ran over a red street light and b) on the street side, since the side walk was blocked, and passed a police car on they. I was quite surprised when they didn’t chase me down… probably because I ran that fast 😀
Thumbs up for getting all the pumpkin, apples and cinnamon out! Finally, I cannot wait to make a huge batch of apple sauce.
My candy crush addiction is still going strong, sadly. I am kind of embarrassed to admit it, but I did take about a month long break from it and now I play during commercials and while waiting for a class to start. I love that you mentioned the orange glow. I don’t like squash or pumpkin (unless it’s roasted+salted seeds) so I don’t have that problem, but with carrots? My skin is permanently orange as a result. At least I can have a slight tan year round? I guess that makes my answer to the PSL question pretty obvious… none for me!
I definitely can not drink these sweet latte drinks. I feel so heavy and full after like if i had a meal! On the other hand, pumpkin – YES ! i bet I turn into a little buttersquash this year.
I am awful when it comes to loud breathing or sipping etc. I even wake Sandro up when he breathes too loud. Of course I tell him he was snoring :-)can’t really tell him to stop breathing, right? But seriously, I am not very flexible when it comes to these kind of sounds….
😆 You and me both. There are times where I’m better with it, but things like swallowing and chewing loud REALLY get to me.
I think I’m beyond ticklish! Unlike my boyfriend who is only ticklish when you give him jumper cables! I love the pumpkin chai at my Caribou Coffee, and that’s about it! I’m going to try to make my own pumpkin syrup to have at home so I can save a little money.
I love, love, love pumpkin! I haven’t broken out the can of pumpkin yet, but I will be this weekend! Last year I ended up roasting my dad’s pumpkins and making my own pumpkin puree. It’s a lot of work, but tastes sooooo amazing. I think better than the canned stuff! Actually, I think I may still have some in the freezer…yes!
I love the pumpkin lattee, but my stomach does not. It upsets it so much I only get one pumpkin lattee for the year and that’s it. My Candy Crush addiction is still going strong. I’m up to level 206.
Ohh boy I need to get my hands on some pumpkin or squash and roast that bad boy up STAT- that bowl looks divine :)! I’ve never tried pumpkin spice lattes but truth be told, I don’t love Starbucks flavored coffee much at all. In theory they sound fabulous but they always end up being too sweet/artificial tasting. Call me boring but I’m thrilled enough with a soy capp or latte. You don’t want to get me started on my pet peeves- it could take a while. A few that come to mind are drivers who honk when the traffic clearly isn’t moving, loud eaters, tea slurpers, lack of punctuality…and that’s just the start of it!!
I think that’s part of my problem with Bux flavoured drinks as well – they have this strange artificial aftertaste to them. And if you’re boring then so am I… capps are easily my favourite thing 🙂
Believe it or not – I have never had a pumpkin spice latte…am gonna try one..soon…but, I do LOVE pumpkin – I adore it in baking (seriously pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are so yummy), soups, and pies and oooh…you get the picture 🙂
Yes- very ticklish and I don’t see why it’s not employed as a form of torture still!
Woa-crazy candy crush stats – I wasn’t into it either, but I was into bejeweled blitz – it’s a good thing I have an out of date dumb phone or I would be playing it during meetings and getting in all kinds of trouble! 🙂
When I see blue police lights in my rear view – even if they are in another lane – I think they are coming after me! I didn’t even street race so have no idea where my guilty conscience comes from 🙂
Girl, I eat pumpkin ALL year round!:0 Farmer’s Market Organic canned pumpkin has BPA-free liners, which I love, and you can buy them anywhere, even online! I don’t keep my pumpkin consumption to just fall:) I love it in smoothies, homemade pudding, etc. Plus, it’s such a beauty aid!:)
I’m a huge squash fan myself. Never heard of “squash belly” though. Must say I’m curious now, so feel free to enlighten me:)
Happy Fall!:)
Never?! Oh you lucky girl! Squash belly is just the bloated and uncomfy feeling I get after I eat too much squash – which sometimes I can’t avoid because it tastes so good! It doesn’t seem to be a problem when I keep my portions more reasonable, but sometimes that’s easier said than done 😆
Ha! No, I don’t get it. In fact, squash is one of the RARE foods that don’t give me that problem. I get the same thing with fruit. Almost ALL fruit is a huge no no for me, or I’m in pain for hours!:) I guess that goes to show all of us are different!:)
I typically make my own pumpkin lattes! Love the fall and all of the squashes! I too have an orange glow from way too much Kabocha but it’s soooo good! Does it not agree with you- curious what you meant about squash belly! It makes a wonderful morning porridge topped with egg whites and almond butter!
Yeah it doesn’t always agree with me if I eat too much… I end up feeling super bloated and uncomfortable for a while, but I don’t seem to suffer any negative consequences if I keep my portions more reasonable 🙂
Oh I can’t wait to see the pumpkin recipe tomorrow! I’ve already gotten in to pumpkin bread (and it may still have been august when i did) i love apples in the fall- pumpkin and apples are going to be my jam for the next few months and im so excited. also thats weird about starbucks -when i go in after noon or 1 i always get decaf. they usually have it already made, thats so ridiculous that they wouldnt. the afternoon is when people want decaf! also also- my candy crush addiction is fading big time. and thank goodness considering the possible alternative 🙂