Hello my little BBQ Balls! Looks like you guys are getting pretty used to my unusual foodie combos…hmm, does that mean I’m free to amp it up a bit? Anyone for a salsa sundae?
Ok, that even makes ME gag! ๐
So, you know how you have those days were it seems like one bad thing happens and then starts a snowball effect until you wish you’d never gotten out of bed?
Well, today the OPPOSITE happened to me!
I recently won a NuNaturals giveaway on Spabettie’s blog and received the package in the mail yesterday. I already knew (or so I thought) what was in the box, so I didn’t think to open it right away. When I saw it on the kitchen table this morning, I decided to take a look while I was waiting for my coffee.
This is what I was expecting to find inside the box
THIS is what was actually inside!
I literally squealed when I saw this!
Cocoa bean extract?!
fa(^$%#shid!
Once I composed myself, I fixed myself a mug of coffee the size of my face
Hey, some of us need a little extra motivation on Fridays! ๐
Then, since I worked 12 hours on Monday for the holiday, my boss let me leave early! (Granted I ran my BUTT off the time I was there…we were crazy busy!)
When I came home, I threw together a fantastic lunch!
Forty spice hummus and jalapeno cheese spread, yellow zucchini, tomatoes, steamed kale, and sprouts!
It’s a wrap! <- Sorry, couldn’t resist!
And then, I made one of the best impulsive decisions ever!
I remembered one of the local pools just down the road from me…only 5 bucks for admission…sign me up!ย I met a couple of friends there and we had a great time soaking up the sun and just playing around! A great way to spend the afternoon, especially when I’d normally be stuck at work!
And the best part? It seriously feels like it should be Saturday, but it’s only Friday night!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to venture into the kitch and see what I can whip up with that cocoa extract! ๐
Any big plans for the weekend?
I’m going to “try” to sleep in tomorrow and then I’m off to check out the new permanent campsite my parents found for their camper! Hmm, maybe I’ll even talk my dad into firing something up on the grill!
Who’s got some recipe suggestions for Stevia? I’m so excited to try out all the different varieties!
No big plans here!! Just relaxation!
Love the vanilla stevia! Just had some in my tea!!
happy weekend! xoxo
Sounds like you had a good day- you deserve it! I would die after a 12 hour shift, especially on a holiday :/
I have to take my parents to the airport at 5:30 tomorrow morning, and then I have a race right after, so I’m hoping my plans for the weekend involve a nice long nap!
Oh yeah, definitely! This is your 5K with your aunt, right? I hope you have fun!
The vanilla stevia rocks my freakin’ world, but I’m dyyyyyyyying to try that cocoa bean extract! Nice win girlie, and I can’t wait to see what you create with it!!!! ๐ Happy weekend, doll!
I have fallen in LOVE with iced hazelnut coffee with some unsweetened almond milk and about 6-7 drops of cocoa bean extract!! So. freaking. good. Other than that I’ve baked with it a few times but am still getting the hang of it. It’s sort of intimidating to me because I’m afraid of using a little bit too much and ruining everything. What I’ve made so far I’ve loved, though! (just…word to the wise…don’t think 3 drops of the vanilla stevia to your iced coffee is “nothing.” I thought that and couldn’t even get it down, it was so sweet! This also coming from someone who drinks hot coffee black but likes just a liiiiitle bit of sweetness in the iced varieties ๐ )
TOO LATE! The first time I ever used vanilla stevia was in my coffee and I put FOUR drops in it! BLECH!!! I ended up mixing it with a whole new cup of coffee just to dilute the taste!
I would have squealed with joy too! If you decide you don’t want it anymore feel free to send it my way ๐ I can’t wait to go to the pool on my day off next week! Except that part where my pale skin hates the sun…
Happy Friday!
Oh girl, I’m right there with you! It kills me when people say, “Oh look I have a sunburn…oh well, it’ll turn into a tan in a couple days!” Yeah, when I burn, I peel, and then SURPRISE! I’m still white!! LOL!
Lol not gonna lie…. the idea of a salsa sundae made me gag a little too, so I’m glad you were kidding on that one.
And I NEED to get my paws on some cocoa bean extract. Why have I never seen it before?! I like adding vanilla stevia to tea/coffee and occasionally to some baked goods, but I don’t really have any recipes for it. Sowwy.
Weekend plans? Hopefully some time in the sun if the weather starts cooperating!
COCOA BEAN EXTRACT??? How have I NEVER heard of this before?
Haha! I knew that was you Victoria before I even saw the name on the comment! I hadn’t heard of it until last week when I saw it on Jess’s blog!
I love Nunaturals stevia. The only products I have are the packets and vanilla stevia drops. I have been looking everywhere for the cocoa bean extract but no luck ๐ One day I’ll find it! Stevia is great in anything: drinks, baked goods, smoothies, etc. Have a nice weekend!
Enjoy your time off, my girl! You sure deserve it ๐ 12 hours is beyond crazy to me. I get like a baby when I work even 8 hour shifts! I’m indeed jealous you had pool time…. it seems more like winter around here. 58 degrees and fog ๐
Wow, really?! It’s been in the upper 90s all week here…I’d be happy to trade you for a few days! ๐
Yay for getting off early and trying out your new ingredients! Enjoy your time off and your weekend ๐
Loved how you said ‘trying’ to sleep in.. I can no longer sleep later than 8:00AM! At least we can get some stuff done ๐ By the way, that wrap sounds delicious! Anything with hummus is good to me.
Usually, I end up getting up no later than 7:15, buuuuuuuuuuut this weekend I was lucky enough to roll over at the ripe ol’ time of 6:15 on BOTH days!! Eh, but like you said, we can get stuff done…I was able to get a good walk in yesterday before the temperature got to be too unbearable!
the other day I came across these amazing flavors of stevia http://www.mynaturalmarket.com/SweetLeaf-Liquid-Stevia-English-Toffee-2-fl-oz.html (english toffee, oh my god) and it’s taking every ounce of will power in my to resist buying them. I’m beginning to waver. ahhhh
glad you treated yourself to a day at the pool, sister friend! you deserve it!
Ohhh, I’m drooling just thinking about it! Can you imagine how good that would taste mixed into pancake batter…oh, or cinnamon rolls?!? Mmmm!
squeeeee! I’m so glad you got some extra goodies… (they always send me extra and it’s so fun!) ๐ and the cocoa bean extract – I have no words. ๐
stevia is fairly new to me, in the last couple months I’ve been baking and cooking with it… the more fiber is awesome too. can’t wait to see what you come up with…
enjoy the rest of your much deserved time off!!
I know, I was SO excited!! Thank you so much for hosting the giveaway Kristina! I’ve only ever used the vanilla creme Stevia drops but I’ve been curious about the other products for a while now!
salsa sundae. Oh man I am so glad you were kidding ๐
I so want to buy that cocoa bean extract. It’s expensive though.. I may just have to splurge one of these days!
Please come up with a recipe using the cocoa bean extract! They sent me some and I have NO IDEA what to do with it! ๐
Score for starting your weekend early (even if I’m late for the horray to you). And BIG score for the cocoa bean extract! NuNaturals makes the BEST stevia extracts… Bet that one is seriously delicious.
How DO you get your wraps so perfect?
Haha! I don’t know, I try my best not to overstuff them (a feat in and of itself) and then I just use the hummus like a glue of sorts to keep it closed. Once I roll it, I give it a lil squeeze and VOILA! Guess it’s my hidden talent! ๐
What?!?! Cocoa extract!!! My mouth is watering with all the yummy possibilitiies! I’ve never seen that before! Can’t wait to see what u whip up!
Glad u had such a wonderful day ๐