βEnjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.β
-Robert Brault
How true is that quote? I mean seriously, if we don’t appreciate each day’s little things, then what exactly are we getting up for each morning?
Here are a few of the things that have been making my days lately…
The fact that so many of you guys are interested in trying Spinachy Oat Bran!
Yesterday wasn’t the first time it’s made an appearance on the blog, but each time I make it, like here and here, it’s a little different!
Basically, just use your favorite cooking method for your oat bran, throw it in a blender or food processor with a big handful of spinach and a little S&P and press the button labeled
“Make me a delicious bowl of green oats!”
Also known as: “blend”
Seattle’s Best Cinnamon Coffee
And truth in advertising…
Not that I can remember MY grandmother ever baking cinnamon rolls! π
Finding gems at (of all places) Wal-MartΒ
I checked out this protein powder when I found a coupon in the paperΒ and after a look at the nutritionals, I figured what the hey…THEN I tasted it!
Ahhhhmazing!
And over one POUND of rich and creamy PB for UNDER 3 bucks?!
Don’t mind if I do!
Incorporating two of my loves in ONE breakfast
WHILE sneaking in more veggies!
Spinach isn’t the only thing I’ve been trying to eat through lately…
Zucchini Bread Protein Oats: (serves 1)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 medium-sized banana (thawed from frozen, or sliced very thin)
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
1. Combine all ingredients, stir well, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until oats reach Β Β Β Β desired thickness/consistency.
2. Top with shredded coconut, raisins, granola, and a big ol’ spoonful of peanut butter!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s WIAW post, I’ve been having lemon water every morning before breakfast andΒ I’ve been lovin’ my Pampered Chef lemon juicer…
It definitely beats having to squeezeΒ the hell out of them by hand!
The fact that rice really DOES help if you…I don’t know…happen to let your iPhone take a dip with you in the bathtub!
12 hours in some arborio rice (knew I bought that stuff for something ;)) and she was as good as new!
And the fact that a year ago, if you told me to run 5 miles, I would’ve laughed in your face…
Now I own a pair of barefoot running shoes, a sports watch, and I’m working on a bit of a running skirt collection! π
What are some of the little things that you’ve been lovin lately?
zuc bread=my favorite thing to make with zuc’s in the summer π i always add chocolate chips, with a little poppyseed and lemon zest! should totally do that version in oatmeal form. you just inspired me π
Ohhhh, lemon poppyseed bread meets zucchini bread? Sounds absolutely heavenly!! NOW I’m gonna have to try that!
Eggs and spinach are my staples π
That is CRAAAZAAYY about the rice thing! I had no idea. Lately I’ve been loving free time (because I just ended my summer job). It’s nice to relax before going back to school.
So happy your iPhone is dry and working again! The whole rice thing is sooo cool, not that i want to try it out, i like to wreck my iPhones by cracking the screens π
I MUST have that lemon squisher π
love this list! and i had to laugh as i imagined you taking pictures of yourself squeezing a lemon, with the squeezer thing in your right hand. i’ve been there. it usually doesn’t end as well as yours have π
so…i went to try on vibrams yesterday…and i loved them…but they didn’t have my size in the ones i wanted! major bummer. i almost got the “other ones,” (just tread difference) but talked myself out of it. if I’m going to spend that much on a pair of shoes, i want them to be the style i want! maybe i’ll order online. though…i’ve gotta say…now i forsee you “forcing” me to get a 305 π
Haha! I’m totally twisting your arm, huh? After reading all the reviews on it, I couldn’t NOT go with the 305…it really seems like it can go above and beyond all models…and I know I’ve barely scratched the surface…
Definitely wait for “the ones”…I almost did the same thing, but ended up driving down the road about 20 minutes to another store to get the ones in my size. If they hadn’t had them though, I would have waited…that’s quite the investment…you don’t want to just settle.
And yes, it was actually pretty humorous trying to take pics with a huge honkin’ camera with my LEFT hand, but I just couldn’t get the right lighting with my right! Haha!
spinachy oatbran? I’m loving it! and I actually bought that whey the other day….yes WAY!!
i’m lovin it!
Yes WHEY! π I love you, Linds!
I made spinachy oat bran once and I loved it, but god was that a pain in the ass to clean out of the blender!
Aren’t Garmins amazing?! I swear mine changed my life. I love knowing exactly how far I’m running… I may be a little obsessive with hitting an exact mileage every time I run π I love my running skirt, but I can only wear it on short runs. Major chub rub happens if I wear it on long runs!
“Chub rub”?! Bahahaha! I really need to look into some of that body glide stuff…I don’t seem to have a problem with my skirts/shorts/leggings, but I swear most all of my tanks have a serious vendetta against my underarms! :-/ Grr!
And I know! I’ve only used the Garmin twice now, but I am beginning to see an addiction forming…and yes, I am MAJORLY obsessed with exact mileage! I will run in a circle till I get an even mile if I have to! Haha!
Damn, I still haven’t emailed you! I’m on it, I’m on it!!
I love finding gems in unexpected places. [Wal-mart, World Market, and TJ Maxx all have sweet steals on occasion.] I’ve been loving a LOT of things lately…but especially COCONUT BUTTER!!! I just can’t get enough.
Oh. And pancakes.
Ah yes, pancakes…I could NEVER get enough! Howabout pancakes AND coconut butter? Now we’re talking! π
AH!! I’ve missed reading your blog!
1. I love running skirts.
2. speaking of those, I need to get back into running.
3. spinach oat bran? I could knock it, but I haven’t tried it…
4. hope I never have to try the rice-electronic trick but if I do, good to know it works, eh?
5. I tried on vibram shoes today (not the 5 finger ones), loved them and passed up their $100 price tag in favor of finding them online? Love them though and for a sock not lover, they’re great!!
Hannah!! I’m so behind in my blog reading that it is utterly pathetic! So glad to “hear” from you! π Hope you’re doing well!
I didn’t even realize that Vibrams made other shoes! That’s cool! And hey, I’m all for saving pennies if you can find them online! π
i want to try bread pudding oats sooo baddly. and that dollop of PB looks amaze balls.
I’ve never tried oat bran, but that big bowl of green goodness looks awesome! I’ve heard that rice trick works, glad to see it being confirmed. And yay for running goodies. I’m running a race called the “Skirt Chaser” in October and alas, I have no skirt! Major problem.
I got my first one at TJ Maxx for super cheap and I fell in love with it…the fabric is similar to the Under Armor material so it’s super light and breathable! If you have a store like that in your area, you should definitely check ’em out!
that oatmeal looks lovely! i NEED coconut.
Ooh, I haven’t seen that Great Value Peanut Butter yet! Is it the same nutritional info as Skipppy or JIF Natural?
Yes ma’am! No hydrogenated oils and the sugar is only 3g per serving! And fyi, it melts in the microwave waaaaaaaay better than the Skippy brand! I have been in melty peanut butter heaven lately!! π
I love lemon water, but i’m lazy and buy the bottled lemon flavoring to squirt into my water bottle π
yay! So glad the rice trick worked. I’ve never dropped my phone in water but seeing that your iphone survived and the rice trick worked I’ll know what to do if it ever happens to me (cause well it’s bound to happen eventually)
Lately I’ve been loving wheat bran! I haven’t tried oat bran yet but it’s on my list π
Sooo….if I keep this up, I’ll be running 5 miles in a year? Awesome! π
You very well could be m’dear! π
No love for it yet. I’m still in the “can I make it a mile without dying” phase π But I am beginning to feel pretty proud of myself. We increase our distance next week! Shooting for 1.3 miles XD
I remember that exact phase! Haha! Good luck!
I’ve been LOVING fresh Greek salads this summer. So refreshing, and I love knowing that most of the ingredients come from my garden!
By the way, I’m not sure if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, but it’s the only place I ever stock up on PB – it’s only $1.79 for a 16oz jar. Not bad – sounds like it’s about equal in price to the big Walmart jar, but I have to say I’m inclined to trust TJ’s here π