. WIAW… round seven .
Oooog. You know how I said that I’d probably be home before eleven last night?
Yeaaaahhhh… didn’t happen.
What actually happened was that I walked through my door at around 12:30, eventually got my butt in bed a little after 1, and yet still somehow managed to wake up before the crack of dawn [read: 5:30]. If anyone knows how to reset the timer on one’s internal clock, let me know – I misplaced my manual.
Furthermore, I have no idea how I used to do this sort of thing all the time when I was younger. Throughout my mid-to-late-teens and early twenties, I was basically out every night and it was a rare thing for me to be home before midnight, yet I still functioned perfectly fine… but now? I’m tiiiiiired.
That being the case, the first thing on my mind this morning was this:
Coffee. Beautiful black liquid energy.
And no, I wasn’t so out of it that I needed a double shot this morning (I usually try to limit myself to one cup per day). The second cup was for my dad… honest! As far back as I can remember, me and my dad have always shared a cup of coffee in the morning – it’s our thing. We make a huge French press’ worth and then split it between the two of us. A nice way to start the day, for sure.
Another nice way to start the day? With a [food] party!
… and breakfast, of course. Remember the other day when I couldn’t decide between cookies or muffins? The same bout of indecision hit this morning… Chocolate oats? Vanilla oats?
Ahhh screw it. Chocolate AND vanilla oats.
And thus, half-and-half oats were born. All I did was cook up a regular batch of my eggy bananafied oats, added some vanilla extract, scooped out half into a bowl, threw a Tbsp. of cocoa powder into whatever remained in the pot, and voila – the best of both worlds, yet again.
Oh, and then I dressed it up with blueberries, the other half of the banana, and roasted almond butter.
After that I was good. to. go. Go where, exactly? Grocery shopping! I’ve been slacking pretty hardcore on my usual bi-weekly trips to the grocery store. Actually, the last time I went was probably… over a week ago(?), and I was running out of the essentials everything, so off I went.
Early morning grocery shopping is fantastic because there are barely any people in the store, and no line-ups to speak of. Nevermind that the one person in front of me just happened to be this little old lady who insisted on counting out the exact change from her coin purse – I was in no hurry. Well, that’s not entirely true… I wanted to get home because…
… it was snack time…
A Muffie and vanilla Greek yogurt.
… and swear like a sailor workout time…
Gosh my bangs are getting out of control… time for a snip, snip.
I tried flipping this picture, but then my hair looked all sorts of wrong and it just weirded me out in general… So, for those of us who aren’t dyslexic, that would be The New Rules of Lifting for Women. I’m still very much in love with this book and currently cursing my way through their workout program.
Why does it have to hurt so good…
So that I can appreciate lunch time even more!
Lunch was just some leftover Pumpkin Chilli Mexican Scramble alongside mashed avocado and cottage cheese. I was feeling used, bruised, and abused after my workout, and throwing together a creative lunch was more than I was willing to do. I didn’t even reheat this dish – just ate it cold.
Surprisingly good.
It was another gorgeous sunny day here in my neck of the woods, but I had some work-related errands to run so I didn’t get to spend the afternoon lazing about in the sun. Boo. I did, however, get to come home in time to enjoy an absolutely delicious snack…
A Deep Chocolate Vitamuffin and caramel pudding over vanilla Greek yogurt.
Hello and goodbye chocolate craving. And helloooooooo afternoon energy slump. My late night finally caught up with me, and I ended up taking a 20 minute power nap before dinner…
Yep, I’ve still been eating sweet and savory oats for dinner on a regular basis. Yep, I’ll probably get tired of them eventually. But until that day comes, I’ll be cherishing every moment I spend with them.
Love doesn’t have to make sense – it just has to feel right.
And now if you’ll excuse me, today’s nightly noshings are calling my name…
Popcorn with butter/nooch/salt … lavender/peppermint/camomile tea
… as is my couch/bed – but I’m gonna try to hold off on that one, because going to bed when the sun is still out in full force feels oh so very wrong…
Enjoy your night, loves. See you tomorrow for what I have a feeling is going to be a ranty post 😀
. – . – . – .
Do you get an energy buzz from coffee? I don’t, actually. I wouldn’t say my morning cup wakes me up so much as it makes me smile – breakfast is what gets me going.
Did you get some exercise in today? What did you do? Week two of the program!
Do you always heat up leftovers? I actually prefer most of my food cold… even freshly cooked meals – I usually let them get cold before I dig in.
. running with spoons . 
NO JOKE the exact same thing has happened to me with the old lady counting all the coins (she was paying all in change…is she for real?)…so annoying haha!
Your morning vanilla and chocolate oats look delicious…yumm
My body does that all the time! Sometimes I just want to sleep in!
You are the shiz. Seriously – half and half oats? Love ’em!
And I don’t know how I did it in college. I would be up until 3:30 ready to roll out of bed for my 8 AM with no problem.
All of your food looks amazing! Thanks for your sweet comment on my post! I love your POV on things! Have a great night resting up for “Thirsty Thursday” 🙂
I don’t feel any energy buzz from coffee but I know that if I don’t have it I am extremely tired and have horrible headaches. My mom mixed up the decaf and regular coffee tins one day….that was not a good day!
I’ve got to get my hands on a copy of this book, it seems like everyone is talking about it 🙂
Ooo I definitely recommend that you do! I love it, and it totally helps motivate me to delve a little deeper into the strength training 😀
I don’t get an energy buzz from coffee, either. I just plain love it! Although, I’m always wondering how on earth I used to stay out until 3am every other night, too :X
Depends what the leftovers are, but usually if it’s hot originally I heat it up 😉
Enjoy your night, catch up on that sleep 😉
You are sooo creative!! bahaha i am doing this tommorow with my oats fo sure. I usually drink tea soooo…. but I dont care whether the food is hot/cold. If its gooood, i will eatteatteat it!!
You really know your avacodos, dont’ you? My dad would be jealous.
I like cold food, too– I ate some of lasts night chili, and I thought it was better chilled! One thing that needs to be hot though? Baked potatoes (favorite food alert!), although I eat those like a piece of fruit next day cold.
I don’t really drink coffee– it makes me have to pee every 3 minutes (TMI?), and I get an awful feeling that can only be described as minor anxiety and panic (my form of the “jitters”). Although last week I tried decaf and was fine– but I prefer breakfast and sunshine as my morning energizers :).
I totally got in some exercise today! The weather was so hot and beautiful that I happily biked on a gravel road for…. 60 minutes? then took a 30 minute detour to explore a cool path I found along the river. I keep finding all these cool places that I never knew were in my town– right before I move! Urrg. Later I enjoyed a little short leisurely walk to a shady place to read. And THEN I had to made a quick treck to the grocery store to pick up something for my family! I know this may sound overboard– but rest assured that I am aware of my high activity and therefore enjoy lotsa foods 😀
Love your chocolate muffin caramel pudding bowl. Yuuuummm.
Totally reaching for some tea now =) Happy WIAW!!! ❤ I hear ya on the internal clock and super sleepiness after a late night out. I used to go out 6 days a week, get home around 3, wake up for work at 7 and go all day… now the thought of that gives me nighmares. I still love a good night out though =) too bad us bloggers aren't all in the same place!
All of your oats are so delicious looking! 😛
I adore NROLFW, that book is the bomb. It rejuvenated my love of weight lifting after I got burnt out last year–it’s so informational, easy to read and just plain amazing!
Glad you had a delicious, successful Wednesday!
I did two classes today: pedal and pump and anti gravity yoga! Killer workout to start off the day!
I like my leftovers cold sometimes. Depends what they are.
You totally inspired me the other day by the way and I rocked some sweet and savory oats! My combo: PB mango chutney veganaise. Surprisingly good 🙂
Oooo loving the sound of that oat combo!
I had some guac in my lunch too! So good 🙂
As always your eats look amazing! I’m coming over for dinner one day, you’ve mastered savory oats 😉
Happy Wednesday 🙂
I’m waay too addicted to coffee, I am a sbucks fiend. At least 2 cups a day, and by two cups I mean two large mug fulls. 🙂 But hey there’s no harm, tons of anti-oxidants.
For excersize I did some power yoga, and walking. It was so hot today.
I didn’t work out today, ya know, rest day. I like some leftovers, like pasta with a wine sauce or tomato soup, cold but if it’s spaghetti with tomato sauce or pizza i like it hot!!! 🙂 I no longer drink coffee because if I used to, then one day I didn’t have it and I felt like CRAP.
I need to get that book!
Rest days are wonderful ❤ And so is the book. Get it, get it! 😀
you’re my inspiration for the half n half oats! I’ve done it with smoothies: half smoothie, half oats, but I tend to end up stirring it together for a full-on insanely delicious effect! thanks for reminding me that I can always have the best of both worlds when it comes to bfast.
Leftovers are my everything!! Making 2 plates of one dish so I can eat one bowl tonight and the other tomorrow at lunch? so genius. it just makes sense to enjoy your leftovers.
have a happy rest of your week, girl!
I love that you always satisfy your cravings and don’t deprive yourself! Inspirational girl!
Life’s too short to say no to good food 😀
You food ALWAYS looks oh so delicious 🙂 And I’m loving the half-and-half oats! Why deprive ourselves of what we’re craving. Just have it all 🙂 – I’m a big fan of chocolate and vanilla combined.
Sometimes I get an energy buzz from coffee, but most of the time I just get extremely jittery. If I’m tired, the caffeine still manages to keep me up. I’ll just be extremely tired the next morning.
Depending on what the leftovers are…but most of the time I do heat it up. I think its a habit from when I was younger. I know it’ll taste just as good cold, but I just feel the need to nuke it. Your leftovers this afternoon don’t even look like leftovers! It looks so good!
They had a lot of work done behind the scenes 😉
I love how you said “beautiful black liquid.” It sounds strange, but so funny at the same time! I honestly don’t feel any difference between before & after my morning coffee. Whether it works or not, I can’t resist the aromatic, delicious flavor of coffee alongside my breakfast.
About leftovers, I unfortunately have difficultly re-heating them because…I don’t have a microwave!!! I end up eating them cold (especially in the summer) because I usually get too lazy to reheat them on the stove.
p.s. Did you say you were Polish-descendent? I hope this is not an excuse to say, but you have a really unique facial feature! You look more like an Asian beauty 😉
Haha I don’t have a microwave either! Actually, they kind of skeeve me out 😯
And thank you for your sweet words 🙂 I am Polish, but a lot of people actually tell me I look more Asian. Gonna have to ask Mom about that one 😉
Thnx, for the reply!!
I just came back to say that I meant “I don’t mean to be rude.”
LOL, my English is so bad I wrote “I hope this is not an excuse to say,” – but glad that you understood what I meant 😉
I always end up waking up EARLIER the later I stay out. It’s crazy. That internal alarm clock is handy for the daily schedule but NOT when you want (and NEED) to sleep in!
You just reminded me that I still have yet to open my Costco-sized box of Vitatops in the freezer. I’ve had it for months now. HOW do I forget these things?!
Coffee, I never really feel much of a boost. Maybe mid afternoon it stops me from slumping over but generally I feel pretty immune to its caffeine ways.
Exercise, I was actually going to take the day off but I got a sudden kick of energy at 9 tonight and was just craving a run! So I did a run/hill walk on Teddy Tready. It was lovely!
Leftovers, I rarely heat them up. I like them cold 90% of the time.
That is so cute that you and your dad have that routine. I want that with my dad. Except I don’t want to have to wake up at 4am to do so.
And your food always looks so good!
Lol I’m usually the first one up, so I’ve always gotta wait to make my coffee. Grrr.
Yeah I stayed out until 4 am on Saturday night and I’m kinda feeling it a lot now considering I only slept 4 hours that night… 😛 I don’t drink coffee but when I do it has strange effects on me so I stay away from it. However, I LOVED coffee flavoured things…is that weird? Coffee flavoured chocolate is my fav 😉
I haven’t done any exercise today. I just got home from work so I’m going to go for my daily walk soon 🙂 It’s something I look forward to everyday!
It depends what the leftovers are as to whether I’m going to heat them up or not. If it was a dessert like a crumble I wouldn’t. I like eating leftover desserts cold. But a dinner for me has to be warm UNLESS it’s cold meat and potatoes. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM XD
xxx
Lavender, peppermint AND camomile tea…altogether!? I can’t even imagine such a flavor combo 😛
It’s wonderfully calming 🙂 Probably not the best choice when I was so sleepy though 😆
I feel the same way about sleep. I used to stay up till all hours of the morning and have no problem staying awake and alert all day but now if I have less than 8 hours I’m like a zombie all day. Speaking of which, I should probably get to bed so I can go to early morning yoga. Coffee is so weird for me. Sometimes it gives me SUCH a buzz. I literally feel like I’m on the brink of insanity my brain is going so fast and other times I can’t even feel it. I was just writing about this one someone’s blog but I’m a overheater and need my food to be piping hot. Except if I bring leftovers somewhere, I’m okay with them being room temp.
um half chocolate + half vanilla oats = SO CLEVER. i definitely would not have thought of that. i need to get crafty like that next time i cant make a decision!!!! haha
i used to not really ever “need” coffee for the energy buzz (during the school year) but now that im working and rising SUPER early, i feel like it does give me a LITTLE buzz and it helps jumpstart the day… though i think i could function without it, i do like how it makes me feel =) not addicted though.
today i actually took the day off from work and went on a beautiful 12 mile hike with some friends to the beach/waterfalls… sooo amazing – i wish that were my form of exercise EVERYDAY
I LOVE how you share you coffee with your dad! And I LOOOVE those double-coloured oats! So clever idea:)
I don´t drink coffee anymore, but when I did, it never “woke me up”, I just liked the smell and taste. It was a part of my breakfast.
I did a workout DVD to have a bit of “relax” while studying:)
I never heat leftovers – I like them cold a lot more and usually I could heat them only in the microwave, but I never used this device, so cold is the way to go 🙂
That chilli you had for lunch looks amazing and I love the idea of half and half oats! I don’t drink coffee too regularly so when I do have it I really feel the buzz! It usually depends on whats leftover but I prefer most grain dishes cold the next day, yum!
Half an half oats is GENIUS?! I want your brain! And yaaaaaay that book is on its wayto me RIGHT NOW and I can’t wait to read it!! 😀
And ditto I NEVER heat up leftovers!! They’re so much better cold 🙂
I loooooooooove coffee, it’s my life blood- I actually need it just to not have a headache (my tolerance is too high), plus I love the smell and taste. Coffee is something I share with my dad too- except he’s crazy with his 10+ cups per day and I try to limit myself to a maximum of three.
Lovely eats Amanda 🙂 As always 🙂
I like my food cold too! When Im going to have oats in the morning, I cook it the night before nad eat it cold the next day. Same goes for grains- love them cold. I feel like food tastes more when it is not piping hot!
I just got up so I havent done any exercise yet. But the plan is to either run or do Body Pump + take a longe walk in the amazing weather 🙂
I neeeeed to make some of that pumpkin mexi stuff. I made a pumpkin chili one night that was super awesome, but it had too many steps. I need a new recipe.
I too eat cold leftovers. Not always, but sometimes. Lasagna is pretty good cold, in my opinion.
Nah, no coffee for me – it makes my heart race.
Did I do exercise today… I did 27 dances in a big competition… does that count? 😉 My feet, legs, core, and arms say yes, hahaha.
Same here! I like to heat up the leftovers but then let them sit for a bit so they’re colder.
Ahhh I just love love how you just eat what you feel you’re craving – if it’s two things you just mix them up and it just always seems to work! It’s amazing!!
I love going grocery shopping in the morning too because not only is it quiet, but it means all the shelves are full. I hate going later on in the day and everything has gone and it feels like my trip was wasted because I couldn’t get everything I needed – totally bums me out!
Coffee doesn’t give me a buzz at all. I think it’s maybe because I drink too much diet pepsi (I know..shame on me…a habit not yet broken..) so I’m always full of caffeine anyway.
This morning I did my usual cardio intervals in the gym and later I’m getting some training with the weights 🙂
And I never heat up leftovers, I always make things from scratch for every meal!
Haha oh my gosh, I know what you mean about sleep. Back in 2nd year of university I would be out at the bar until 3 am and somehow get up for my 8:30 classes! I’m pretty sure I was still drunk when I went to them! 😛 But now if I’m not in bed by 11 pm I’m so tired the next day!
That’s such a cute routine that you and your dad have with the coffee! My mom and I do the same thing when I’m at home. I don’t need my coffee for energy – I just love the taste of it!
If you only knew how much I envy you! Well, you already know 😀 . It is pitch black here at 8 p.m. and it’s just so annoying.
Do you get an energy buzz from coffee?
Even though I am addicted to the scent of coffee, I can’t drink it. It gives me more than an energy buzz. Actually, it makes my hands shake, my heart beat like crazy and my mind run at a pace I can’t follow. Not fair…
Did you get some exercise in today? What did you do?
I did exactly what I do everyday. An insane amount of sit-ups, some push-ups, a little balance exercise and, last but not least, the daily hardcore bicycle riding ’cause I’m just too cool for public transport 😀 . Then I overdosed on ice cream.
Do you always heat up leftovers?
I hardly ever do. In the summer I sometimes even cook in advance and stuff the food in the fridge until it’s cold enough to eat.
Sorry for the very long comment but I want to ask something. I’ve always been curious about vitamuffins. What is it that makes them so special?
Hi! I’m new to blogging 🙂 I just found yours- it’s freaking awesome! just wanted to tell you that haha
All your food looks so good! The pumpkin chili scramble has me seriously hungry right now. Amazing!
Do you get an energy buzz from coffee? Not if I drink just one cup in the morning. If I have another cup later in the day I get a little hyped up.
Did you get some exercise in today? What did you do? I took my dog on a super quick run in between storms. I plan on doing a workout dvd later tonight. It’s just too stormy to head to the gym.
Do you always heat up leftovers? Never! I like cold food too.
love your eats! i want to copy your yogurt, pudding & vitatop mix- sounds amazzzzzing!! anddd i still need to mimic your savory oats
i heat up leftovers, but i guess it depends on what the leftovers are.
i’m going to the gym later (i hope…..)
i have actually not been drinking coffee because my apartment for the summer doesn’t have a coffee maker and i’m loving feeling like i don’t need it !
I drink coffee, but don’t notice any effects of the caffeine…..I just love my coffee!!! 😀
There are so many good things going on in this post, I’m not sure where to start!
First, I love that you and your dad share a French press each morning. What a wonderful tradition…Coffee truly brings people together and creates better bonds. 🙂
Second, The New Rules of Lifting is a book I’ve had my eye on for a few weeks. Your plug had convinced me to bite the bullet and make the purchase. I’m hoping they have it at the airport bookstore today so that I can read it on the airplane. Hey, I may be sitting for six hours, but I can at least begin mentally preparing for the future burn!
Your Pumpkin Chili Mexican Scramble looks to die for. I want a bowl right now. Topped with lots of guacamole, just like yours.
Hope you got some quality rest last night! ❤
I drink coffee practically everyday but it has never been an energy booster. If anything it makes me tired, but I just love it o so much!
I love that you and your Dad have coffee together every morning – what a great ritual!
What brand of caramel pudding do you use..it looks so yummy on top of a Vitatop!
I use Belsoy, and it’s very yummy 😀
Just letting you know that I always read your blog and I really do love it.
The way you enjoy your food and don’t fear it or worry over calories is really inspiring to me!
You eat so healthy, the way I wish I could, but certain things still do freak me out (like avocado.. or two helpings of pb in a day)..
So I went from anorexia to binging.
Now I’m trying to find the balance. But you seem to have it down so well.
Anyway, just thought I’d let you know that I look up to you, and I look forward to my continued reading of your blog 🙂
To answer the ?’s! … No, I don’t drink coffee.
yea, I ran 7+ miles this morning, and I’m swimming later. 🙂
No, I like my food cold sometimes, too!
Aww thanks girl 😀 It’s definitely not always easy, but it helps to stop and look at just how much happiness your fears and rules are robbing from you, and to try and refocus your attention on how good freedom feels 😀
It’s sad but I need coffee to function, not for the energy boost! I’m currently obsessed with popcorn/peanut flour/cinnamon blend. It’s getting out of control. Confession: I’m bad at leftovers! They never seem appealing for some reason the next day.
Half and half oats…now THERE’S something I’d love to try! I basically love everything about this post…your lunch looks amazing! I love avocado so much…I could eat it everyday with NO problem at all, that’s for sure!
I sure miss coffee! I never really noticed that it woke me up or anything… it never really seemed to have any effect on me. I just LOVE the taste… but its been so long now that I’m starting to forget it! Eep!
Those oats remind me of a black and white cookie–except better. 🙂
Mmm… craving POPCORN now.
I know what you mean about the light, though! It feels so wrong to sleep when there’s light outside. Maybe that’s why we get up so early? Sometimes I swear my life is dictated by the sun! In the winter time, if I have no where to be, I’m usually in my PJs by 6pm. Now in summer, I don’t even get back from my evening walk until after 8!
All of your eats look wonderful! I love the chocolate and vanilla oats idea,
Yummm everything looks delicious. I love when you don’t have to pick between vanilla and chocolate 😉 Popcorn is a great nightly nosh, nom! 😀
I never even though of sweet and savory oats…..I’m intrigued!! Glad I found your blog!!!
I love the ying yang type look of the oats! Very sneaky 😉
and yes, I have to have my coffee! But one cup a day?! My minimum is two, but when I work maybe like… 6+ haha. it is healthy though, there have been studies… that’s what I tell myself. Plus it is GOOOOD!
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Scott