Hi! The week is off to a great start over here. It’s 66 and sunny. As soon as I hit publish on this post I’m going to head out for a run and walk the pups.
The pups were reunited this weekend after spending a week apart and they’ve been inseparable ever since. I am dying over the very ferocious picture of Zoey in the bottom right photo.
I had a pretty great weekend. I worked a lot but it was totally fine since I had most of last week off on the retreat. I worked until about 8:30 p.m. on Friday night and then sat on the couch and enjoyed this cheese plate with a glass of wine before passing out early.
My Saturday morning consisted of a bunch of yoga, as usual. It was a great morning of teaching and taking! I had lunch at Whole Foods. I wandered around feeling equal parts hungry and totally uninspired to eat anything on the salad or hot bar and finally ended up with this salad. The Whole Foods salad and hot bar have definitely lost their appeal after a few years of eating the same things over and over.
What I did feel inspired to do on Saturday was bake! While I was at Whole Foods I picked up some granola making goods and whipped up my first batch of homemade peanut butter granola.
I also baked peanut butter coconut banana bread. What can I say? I really missed peanut butter while I was away! 🙂 I will be sharing both recipes very soon!
On Saturday night I went out for dinner and a movie. We saw Wild. I read the book years ago and have been dying to see the movie. The verdict? As always, the movie was nowhere near as good as the book because they just can’t do the character development the way the book can but it was still enjoyable and got the point of the book across. It also threw me off a little that they cast Reese Witherspoon in this role. It was a little distracting to be honest and took away from Cheryl’s story a little bit. Still…I would recommend the movie (and the book!).
After the movie we went out for Thai food. I had soup and a tofu dish served with cabbage leaves for wrapping.
It was 34 degrees and freezing rain on Sunday (we have the WEIRDEST weather in the South…it was 34 on Sunday, 66 today and will be 40 and raining again Tuesday and then 75 on Wednesday). Anyway, I decided to try the Starbucks coconut milk latte after teaching yoga as a Sunday treat. I wish I could say I loved it but I kind of hated it. I much prefer their soy milk lattes. I don’t know if you’ve been following the Starbucks coconut milk debate but Starbucks recently debuted coconut milk as a non-dairy milk option. The Internet has been in an uproar because it’s “not real coconut milk.” It’s a processed, watered down version of coconut milk instead of the canned, thick real stuff so people are talking a bunch of crap about it.
The funny thing is that it’s the same type of coconut milk sold in the refrigerator section of the grocery store that many people (including myself) buy for smoothies, cereal, drinking, etc. I only use the canned stuff when I’m cooking or baking things that call for real coconut milk. The only really questionable ingredient in Starbucks coconut milk is the carrageenan. I typically try to avoid it when buying milk alternatives but that’s another story for another time.
I worked on the computer for a few hours after teaching before heading to the gym to train a client, teach deep stretch and workout. I usually don’t see clients or teach classes at the gym on Sundays but last week got my schedule all messed up. I went to Trader Joe’s after leaving the gym to “get a few things” and left $115 poorer. I did make it home with three bags of frozen figs along with my first bag of kale sprouts so we’ll call it a win.
I made turkey, black bean and butternut squash chili for dinner and then caught up on the latest episode of The Walking Dead (which was the episode from two Sundays ago…I can’t wait to see what happened last night!!!!). I can’t believe I’m still committed to this show. Ahh!
Okay, off to soak up this sunshine. Have a lovely evening!
Have you read or seen Wild?
What’s your opinion on the new coconut milk option at Starbucks? Have you tried it?
Does anyone else leave Trader Joe’s much poorer than planned? (I have a feeling I am not alone in this!)
Whole Foods is really dangerous too in terms of leaving poorer!
uh…yes. i fell into that trap last week when i got home from vacation.
I love Trader Joe’s, but it can be dangerous for my wallet – especially when they get a bunch of new items in stock – I want to try everything. The new salt & pepper pistachios are so good! I am curious to hear about how you prepare the kale sprouts.
oh thanks for the recommendation on the pistachios. i think i’ll just roast the kale sprouts with olive oil and sea salt.
What do you usually do with the frozen figs? Put them in smoothies?
yep!
Just saw those kale sprouts…curious about them! What do you think?
i haven’t tried them yet but i am going to roast them with olive oil and sea salt. i’ve heard good things so i am hopeful.
Sounds good,On my list, will most likely do the same!
I’ve heard really good things about the Wild book, and mixed reviews on the movie. The book is now on my list to pick up at the library.
it’s a great read!
Hi there! I don’t comment often but I have an answer to every question lol.
I did see Wild. I haven’t read the book so I can’t compare. I love Reese Witherspoon and hiking so the movie appealed to me. I did like the movie but I felt like something was a bit off. Maybe I need to read the book.
Once upon a time I’m worked at Starbucks so I’m always eager to try their new drinks. I thought the coconut milk left a weird aftertaste. The coconut milk Starbucks uses comes from Sumatran coconuts which I like to joke is the reason for the aftertaste. Imo Sumatra coffee tastes like dirt *gag* though some will say it’s earthy.
I always spend more at Trader Joe’s. I was there today and spent less than $40 which is is a record low. I am thankful Trader Joe’s is a smaller store or I’m sure I’d go bankrupt there! Please update on the kale sprouts, I’ve never even heard of those.
Oh and Walking Dead takes a crazy twist and that’s all I’ll say about that! My husband and I resisted watching Walking Dead for years because, frankly, I thought a show about zombies had to be stupid…boy was I wrong.
haha! thanks for taking the time to comment. you should read the book. i think you’d really enjoy it.
i agree that the coconut milk left a weird aftertaste and i love your take on why. ha.
i caught up on sunday’s episode last night and it was kind of a let down…nothing really happened? interested to see where they take this one.
Those Kale Sprouts are SO GOOD!! I roasted them last week with a little drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper. We ate half off the roasting pan before dinner 🙂
awesome! i can’t wait to try them. that’s exactly how i’m planning on preparing them.
I LOVED the book, but honestly have no desire to see the movie, because like you said, I think it is really hard to capture the character development. Your weekend sounds very similar to mine and I was okay with it, because I got so much done. I just can’t believe how quickly it went by!
I live in TJ, I am trying to cut down how many times a week I pop in there because even though they are cheap, I am spending too much!
haha, i know. my grocery budget is a little out of control but i do eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at home most every day.
Whole Frozen Green Figs? How do you use them??
smoothies!
My husband and I have our chiropractic office located directly behind a TJs… love that place 🙂 I don’t care how much I spend there.
Have NOT tried a coconut milk latte or anything @ Starbucks. I’m on a sabbatical from Starbucks through Lent… ugh… I am more addicted than I thought.
Loved “Wild” in book version; not so much in love with the movie. I felt like the annoying person stating the book was better to everyone, but it’s so true. I think I might be confused watching the movie w/o the background from the book.
i totally agree with you on book v. movie. and you are so good to give up starbucks for lent!
I always leave the grocery store muchhh poorer than I went in being! People that stick to a budget need to teach me their ways! The pups look so happy to be reunited – melts my heart!!
haha, it’s all about making a menu plan and a list…something i do on and off but not of late!
this post reminds me of two things i need to do: see wild and try a starbucks coconut latte.
let me know what you think of both when you do!
I love when the “baking bug” strikes, your granola and bread look super yummy!
I am somewhat glad that TJ’s does not exist in Ontario, it would be a dangerous place for me too!
me too! having time and creative energy to bake is so much fun. do you have anything similar to TJs?
Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Lululemon (and probably Target) are my black holes. I just can never seem to stay within my budget! Those recipes look AMAZING- I’m all about peanut butter 24/7.
emily – yes to all of those places. no budget exists!
I’m curious to know why you avoid carrageenan. I’ve seen the word before and not in the best light, but I haven’t really researched it.
Your comment prompted me to look at the ingredient lists of the 3 different non-dairy milks currently in our fridge (yes, 3!). Silk coconut milk has it, but Silk cashew milk does not (this stuff is creamy awesomeness with no sugar and only 25 calories a serving!). Publix unsweetened soy milk has it also. Hmm…
Nothing beats a soy latte from Starbucks. I prefer soy milk in my coffee as opposed to coconut or cashew milk, but I’m curious to taste their new coconut milk lattes.
i only avoid it because what i’ve read on it and the fact that there are brands readily available that don’t include it. do a little bit of research and decide for yourself. i really try not to be fanatical about this kind of thing and tell people what they should or shouldn’t be consuming.
i haven’t tried the cashew milk yet…you just convinced me to!
Yes on the Trader Joe’s issue! Ha. I’m also obsessed with whole green figs, and the almond butter. I haven’t tried the kale sprouts but I’ll be adding them to my list asap!
I agree that Wild the movie wasn’t nearly as good as the book. And I like Reese Witherspoon, but I’m not sure if she was quite the kind of character I was imagining Cheryl as in the book. I went to Trader Joe’s today to buy four things and bought about 10. 🙂
yes…reese witherspoon did a great job with the actual acting of the role but she is just NOT what i pictured for cheryl.
Seeing all of your pictures of those two makes me want to get a second golden so bad! My golden will be four this month and I’m kind of in denial that he’s growing up. They really are the best (and cutest!) dogs ever!
it’s a lot to have two (double the hair, double the food, double the mess) but so worth it for how much they love each other!
Oh no! I really want to try Starbucks coconut milk latte, as having a non-soy option would be so amazing for me (soy = migraine!). Disappointing to hear it’s not as good as I’d hoped – will still have to give it a go!
I didn’t read Wild and thought the movie was good…I know it’s a true story so the ending wasn’t going to be insane, but it was a bit of a let down. Aside from that i really enjoyed it!
We just got a puppy (chocolate lab mix) and have an older dog also. Wondering how your pups interact? I sometimes feel like my only job is referee!! It’s nice sometimes that they tire each other out, but sometimes it seems they never stop!
hey kate! i think you should definitely try it for yourself. you may like it. everyone’s tastes are different.
my pups love each other. they play a lot but they rest a lot together too. when it gets to be too much i just put the puppy in her crate to chill out. the crate has been an amazing training tool for us.
I left Tjs poorer this morning, too! I never leave without 3-4 bags of frozen figs. And I love those kale sprouts…my new favorite veggie! I think you’ll really like them. I prefer them sautéed in coconut oil with S&P over roasted. Delicious.
thanks for the cooking tip! i will try them sauteed too! 🙂
We have a Trader Joe’s (the first one in the state!!) going up around the corner from Whole Foods which is about 5 minutes from my house. My wallet is in serious trouble!!
oh lord! good luck! 🙂
I read Wild and saw the movie and I agree with both your statements. I don’t think Reese was the best choice for Cheryl, but I did love Laura Dern as the mother…(I think that’s her name).
yes, she was wonderful as the mother. totally lovable and heart-breaking character.
I would die for a whole foods or trader Joe’s! I want those stores so bad I can taste it. I can’t tell you how many times I want to make a recipe or buy something that my husband and I would love and I read-you can buy it at your local whole foods! It makes me very sad. Lol. I live in a small town in western Pennsylvania. If I can’t get it at giant eagle or Wal-Mart I’m out of luck. Oh. And don’t get me started on when I read-you can find it at your local Asian or mediterranean shop! I would also love those! And food co-ops!
My hubby and I are going to utah in May. I told him if there is a whole foods, trader Joe’s, Costco’s, Asian or mediterranean shops, or a vegetarian restaurant, we are going. To all of them. But a whole foods would be the coup de grace! Ha. Watch there be none of them!
hey lisa – i grew up in a small georgia town and didn’t have access to nice stores until i was out of college. i totally understand. it is a completely different shopping experience. i hope they have at least one of those stores for you! 🙂 fingers crossed!
I love seeing pictures of your pups!! So cute 🙂 Sometimes, I wish Bernie had a little playmate, but right now one pup is enough!
Looks like a wonderful weekend. Sometimes weekends that aren’t too “wild” are the best!