As promised, I’ll be finishing up my Blend recap today with some random thoughts from the trip, all #thinkingoutloud style! No idea what I’m going on about? Click here!
1. You know that feeling that you’ve forgotten something important that hits you when you’re all packed up and ready to head out the door for a trip? I get that all the time and it usually turns out to be a false alarm, which is probably why I didn’t think much of it when it hit me as I was getting ready to head to the airport to catch my flight to Utah. Unfortunately, I did end up forgetting something this time around — the lunch I packed for my trip. Luckily, my dad was driving me on his way to work and I was able to ninja his lunch. Thank goodness because it was pretty much the only savoury meal I had all weekend — it was all oats, nut butters, bars, dried fruit, chocolate, and yogurt. Fresh veggies were kind of hard to come by, and I heard the same thing from other people. The baby carrots I picked up from whole foods ended up being worth their weight in gold.
2. Speaking of Whole Foods, lookit what I brought home with me!
It was one of the few chocolate bars I came across that didn’t contain traces of peanuts, and thank goodness for that because it sounds freaking amazing. And deadly.
3. Another thing that made its way home with me was this mug…
My flight back home included a layover in Seattle, and you’d better believe I made a beeline for Bux as soon as I stepped out of the gate. One of these days I will make it out to Pike Place Market…
4. Can we talk about my last flight home for a second? The one from Seattle to Edmonton? It was on a plane that had propellers…
I’ve flown on smaller planes before, but this one definitely took the cake for being the smallest. Imagine my shock as I walked through the gate only to have to walk down a flight of stairs, out onto the runway, and up a set of stairs to my teeny, tiny plane. The flight itself was surprisingly smooth (if a little freaking LOUD), but the landing was a whoooooole other story. Thank goodness I’m not a nervous flyer.
5. It was wonderful to see these again, though…
My Rockies 😀 The mountains in Utah are different from the mountains we have here in Alberta… more gentle, less… well… rocky. Still a blast to be up in, though. I’ve been bitten by the hiking bug and was planning to head out to Banff or Jasper this weekend, but the weather is supposed to suck so I pushed it back until next weekend. Fingers crossed that the sun comes out!
6. The elevation in Utah, though… holy shitake mushrooms. Park City is 7,000 ft. above sea level — Edmonton is 2,200 ft. Let’s just say that breathing was an interesting experience… as were the constantly dry/burning lips and the dry/bleeding nose. I have no idea how people run in that air and on those hills. I was dying.
7. Speaking of dying… remember my fruit fly problem? Well, they disappeared for a little while, but I made the mistake of leaving a banana out on the counter while I was gone and there was literally a cloud of flies surrounding it when I got back. That’s okay — I was prepared. Enter a little bowl of ACV mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Let’s just say it really does work…
The only downside is that your kitchen smells like ACV, which I’m not a huge fan of.
8. I’m also not a huge fan of the fact that Justin’s almond butter apparently isn’t peanut-free anymore.
Imagine my disappointment when I hit up the Whole Foods in Park City all excited to finally get my hands on some almond butter, only to discover that none of the jars of Justin’s AB had the “peanut-free” label on them anymore. What gives?!?! They didn’t have the “may contain traces” label either, but I didn’t want to take any chances. I’ll have to e-mail them and ask. Actually, I think I’ll do that right now. Be right back…
9. Ok, back — keep your fingers crossed for me! Wait, wait… already got my reply (this is what happens when you sporadically sit down to write your post throughout the day). And the verdict isssss….
Success! Now I’m seriously kicking myself for not stocking up. Anyone wanna send me a jar? Or… 10? I wish I was kidding 😯
10. And because I really love you guys, and I know you guys really love Quest bars, I’m ending today’s post with a giveaway that I think you might like. Quest was one of the sponsors at Blend, and they hooked us up with our very own box of bars…
Awesome, right? Yes! Well… except for the fact that I can’t eat them because of my allergies #peskypeanuts 😡 But my loss is your gain because I’ll be giving away my box to one of you guys!
Up for grabs is a box of 12 assorted bars. The giveaway is international so anyone can enter, and I’ll be announcing the winner next Thursday, June 19th. Good luck!
No questions… just tell me whatever comes to your mind! 😀
More places to find me!
E-mail — [email protected]
Twitter — runwithspoons
Facebook — runningwithspoons
Pinterest — runwithspoons
Instagram — runwithspoons
Bloglovin — runningwithspoons
gah! i’ve been wanting to try quest bars for a while now…would love to win a whole box since i’m too indecisive to buy/try just a few flavors!
I don’t like the take of and the landing, but other than that I don’t have a problem with flying. And luckily I don’t have any food allergies.
I was the least nervous flyer when I was a kid, but over the years I’ve gotten more scared of flying (probably started happening once I realized I’m not immortal!). It’s not horrible but I definitely don’t love being on a plane like I used to.
Not a nervous flyer at all… but I have a stupid shrimp allergy. It’s the worst!!
I actually love flying and traveling but I think it’s just because I’m always excited about where I’m going!
I wish they had any good bars here but nope. The healthy snack market in Japan is pretty much non-existent. A company made some kind of date bar but it’s tiny, hard to find and not particularly delicious. Very few products from abroad can be found in import shops and they are usually so overpriced, I try not to buy them because, if I get hooked on them, I’ll be broke in no time. A Clif bar is $2.50 and a jar of Skippy chocolate peanut butter is $7 or more (a quick google check told me it’s $2.68 in Walmart…). So we both can’t have nice things but for different reasons.
Also, stupid fruit flies. I really can’t imagine putting a cup of vinegar in my bathroom. I use spray every now and then but they don’t disappear for long.
If you have a chance, go see Seattle. It’s really pretty. That’s the only place in the States I’ve visited but I loved it.
I’m so lucky to not have any food allergies to the foods I really enjoy, but I know that new allergies can develop every 5 – 7 years…I pray that I never develop an allergy to seafood, nuts, or coconut!
I’m a somewhat nervous flyer….. I’m getting better but still afraid the plane is going to fall at any sign of turbulence!
And, I’m lactose intolerant… Not allergic, but it makes eating ice cream and pizza a less than pleasurable experience :/
I’d say I’m pretty lucky on both fronts: no pesky food allergies and no fear of flying!
I’ve been wanting to try Quest Bars for a long time! I’m thinking I need to just buy a box already 🙂
I’d consider myself an almost expert traveler when it comes to plans. My (ex)step-dad was a pilot, so I think his calm and laid back approach to flying definitely rubbed off on me. My tricks are to make sure I have plenty of snacks, a good movie to watch, a book to read, and WATER. =) Glad you can commence your Justin’s addiction again. I’ve been wanting to buy some, but it is so expensive! Ps, jealous of your Bux mug AND we should meet up in Seattle. Dreamed of visiting there for about forever.
I am a nervous flyer! Something about being so high up just scares me… even if I know there’s a rare chance of anything bad actually happening.
I’ve never flown before! The views would be great but I’m thinking looking out the window would amplify my fear of heights!
Funny I have that same mug, I was sent it in a blogger exchange last year! I’m not a nervous flyer (thank goodness!) but my sinuses suck so I always end up with terrible headaches as the pressure changes in the cabin.
These pictures are beautiful!!
Ugh that’s the worst. My ears would randomly start hurting when I was in Utah, which I have a feeling had something to do with the elevation.
No anaphylactic allergies, but I have some food intolerances and sensitivities.
I do get a bit nervous with flying, but even more than the flying part, it’s the small enclosed stuffy space that makes me anxious. I am very claustrophobic and big on personal space. It’s the worst when the person in front of me decides to recline their seat all the way back. I feel like I can’t breathe!
No allergies, fortunately, and not a nervous flyer either!
I’m generally not a nervous flyer. I am also lucky in that I do not have any known allergies (food or otherwise!).
i’m not usually a nervous flyer, but sometimes on the landing i get really, really hot and have to close my eyes/zone out to forget about that whole weird stomach dropping sensation…living across the country from my family means having to deal with it pretty frequently, though!
I love Justin’s but making my own in the food processor has changed my life!
Those views are AMAZING! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Luckily not allergic to anything!
I love to fly!
I’m actually off to Utah end of the month…. Might be able to pick some up for you.
Awesome giveaway!
Gorgeous pictures! I’ve never been to Utah or Canada, but I really want to go! Weirdly enough, I’m not 100% sure about the food allergy thing. I have been having annoying skin irritations for a few months, and I am trying to figure it out on my own. I’ve ruled out a banana and oats allergy, but my next test needs to be avocado or eggs. The only problem is that I can’t convince myself to stop eating either for long enough to see if they are the culprit! 😉
I am such a nervous flyer!
Aww man. Your almond butter situation sounds bitterly disappointing. I would totally send you some!!
I’ve never been in an airplane with propellers, but that would probably make me nervous. Those Rockies look AMAZING though. I want to go hiking with you!
I have a spare room. Just sayin’ 😉
Very nervous flyer!!
I love to fly and I have no food allergies. Just being honest 🙂 I’ve heard so much about Quest bars and I’ve never tried one. I HOPE HOPE HOPE I win 🙂 If I don’t, I’ll console myself with some of those muffins you just posted, they look to die for!
No food allergies (luckily — and a sometimes nervous flyer!
Not really a nervous flyer but I do get air sick occasionally during landing… Not allergic to anything but lactose intolerant…
As a fellow Edmontonian I’m surprised you’ve never been on a prop plane before – I often travel back and forth to Calgary for work so I get to enjoy those bad boys all the time 🙂
See that’s the smart thing to do. I usually make the 3.5 hour drive 🙄
I don’t have any allergies! I am very grateful.
Flying doesn’t freak me out but it is always a little nerve racking.
I’m not usually a nervous flyer…just when it gets really bumpy!
Number 8 had me so sad for you… thank goodness they are still peanut free.
I am not a nervous flier, but I have a mild allergy to cantaloupe and carrots 🙁
I am a very nervous flyer
I just found your blog the other day and I am in LOVE (not in a creepy weird way) with it! You’re such a fun person :). I luckily don’t have any food allergies, and I’m also pretty calm when I fly. Unless there is a ton of turbulence…that can get iffy. I’m now a regular reader and I look forward to your posts so much :).
Awwr thanks for your sweet comment, Hannah! Totally made my morning 🙂
i remind myself it’s safer than driving!!
Surprisingly I’m not a nervous flyer, nor do I have any food allergies. Unless you count my hatred for meatloaf… –> I love your blog by the way! 🙂
Nope, no allergies over here – and I love flying. I better love it, I’m half way around the continent from ALL of my family. (California to Newfoundland)