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. thinking out loud #143 .

August 13, 2015 by Amanda @ .running with spoons. 111 Comments

Happy #thinkingoutloud Thursday! No idea what I’m going on about? Click here!

Thinking-Out-Loud

1. The people have spoken! Everyone seemed to enjoy the return of the random facts in last week’s ToL post, so I’m bringing them back as a weekly thing. Be prepared to become everyone’s favourite trivia game partner…

RF Nigglywiggly

RF Chocolate Pudding Fruit

RF Banana DNA

RF Oldest Marathoner

RF Chocolate Syrup

1. Now to figure out how to casually insert that word into more of my conversations…
2. There is! It’s called ‘black sapote’ and it’s my mission in life to try one.
3. Maybe that would explain why I’m so obsessed with them? 
4. Now that just gives me hope. Maybe someday I’ll run one myself. Never say never!
5. Even more reason to love old black and white movies.

2. Can we please talk about the growing string of fails I’ve been experiencing lately? I’m pretty sure it all started on Sunday morning when this happened…

Burned Oats

I burnt my oatmeal 😑 See, I ran out of quick oats and only had steel cut on hand, which wouldn’t have been an issue if it wasn’t for the fact that I apparently forgot how to cook them. I used to be a pro at it, but… it’s been a while. I wasn’t about to wait another 40 minutes for another batch to cook, though, so I scraped off the good bits and ate it anyways πŸ˜† Thank goodness for the masking powers of maple syrup and almond butter. 

3. Speaking of almond butter, let’s move on to Fail #2. I was running low on my supply, so I went to the store to restock on my favourite brand only to see that a 12 oz. jar was $26. Twenty.six.dollars. I know the price of almonds went up because of the drought in California, but… daaaaaaaamn. There’s no way I’m paying that much for almond butter, so I’m going to have to figure out another way to get my fix.

Brand New AB

4. Fail #3. My Keurig broke. Again. This is the second Keurig I’ve had issues with over the last 3 years, but to be fair… it was kind of my fault. Apparently you’re supposed to de-scale them every 3-6 months, and… yeah. I never have. Hopefully I can get it working again, because I’ve been relying on instant coffee that I [luckily] found in my cupboards, and it’s just not the same thing…

Starbucks Via

5. Which brings us to Fail #4…

Expired Starbucks Via

It’s a good thing I don’t put much weight on [most] expiration dates.

6. Fail #5 is not for the faint of heart… See, I’ve been really lucky with fruit flies this summer and managed to go through almost the entire season without really seeing any. Then, one day earlier this week, a swarm of them showed up in my kitchen. A swarm, friends. I walked in and the light dimmed behind the cloud of them that took flight all at once. Ok, so that’s being a little overly dramatic, but there were a lot of the little buggers… as is evidenced by the number of them that got caught in my apple cider vinegar trap. I’m going to guess there are at least 50+ in there 😯

ACV Fruit Fly Trap

7. Aaaand fail #6 is something that’s been happening to me way too often lately and giving me a panic attack every.single.time. You know that moment when you’re trying to sign in to one of your accounts and enter the wrong password not once, not twice, but THREE+ times?! And then start to freak out because you think you got hacked? Uh huh…

Password Fails 

8. But enough with the fails because life.has.been.GOOD. I got my monthly drop from Love Grown (LOVE being an ambassador for their amazing products!), meaning my oat stash has been replenished and I don’t have to worry about any more breakfast fails. Have you tried their Super Oats and Hot Oats? SO good.

July Love Drop

9. I [temporarily] fixed my frayed laptop charger using some electrical tape, meaning my risk of accidentally electrocuting myself has decreased significantly… Always a win.

Temp Fixed Charger

10. Aaaaaaand I spied yellow leaves, meaning that fall.is.COMING!!! #happydance πŸ˜€

Yellow Leaves

Happy Thursday, friendly faces! Make it an awesome one

Thinking-Out-Loud2

An InLinkz Link-up


Signature

No questions… just tell me whatever comes to your mind! πŸ˜€

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Filed Under: Thinking Out Loud Tagged With: burning breakfast, coffee, fails, frayed laptop charger, fruit fly trap, leaves, Love Grown Foods, random facts, thinking out loud

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee

    August 16, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Sorry about the oatmeal!! I just recently had to tape up my Apple charger too because it split on me right below the part that plugs into my iPad. My daughter’s iPhone charger also split on her and so she is using the Mini iPad charger. Guess I will be buying chargers! OY!

    Reply
  2. [email protected]

    August 15, 2015 at 6:41 am

    Apple Cider Vinegar for the win. I actually keep a bottle on hand in the summer solely for catching fruit flies. Also, I’m experiencing a take over myself. While not to your level of swarms, it’s pretty bad. They keep coming in on these beautiful candy tomatoes I’ve been getting in the food share. They’re gorgeous and I want to photograph them but the flies have beaten me to the punch on a few. Bastards.

    Today I shall photograph them and then hopefully eat them all so they are no longer an issue.

    Also as far as that leaves are changing are comment, I’m putting my hands over my ears, humming and chanting, I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you.

    Reply
  3. Brittany

    August 13, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    Ohh my dear sweet friend…not only are you succumbing to VIA’s, but VERANDA!?! That roast is garbage. HAHA. OK I’ll keep my other thoughts to myself. HOLY ALMOND BUTTER. nope.

    Reply
  4. Kara {MaineGirl2Runs}

    August 13, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    Well, cheers for fall-crisp cool mornings and chilly nights! My favorite time of year! Those oats look good! Was that part of a subscription box? Thanks for hosting this link up!

    Reply
  5. Jade

    August 13, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    oh my gosh that’s so many fails! But I’m glad you got to end on a good note. I’m so ready for fall.

    Reply
  6. She Rocks Fitness

    August 13, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    AHHH $26.00 for almond butter! And WOW to fall leaves already coming in and that awesome box of Love Grown Foods…Win Win!

    Reply
  7. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner

    August 13, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    You are supposed to de-scale your keurig??? Definitely didn’t know that. Surprised mine hasn’t broken down yet then!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      It’s crazy because mine worked just fine until one day it didn’t at all. They say do it every 3-6 months, but I went about 2 years with no problems.

      Reply
  8. Arman @ thebigmansworld

    August 13, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    Omg could you complain anymore? Just kidding. Burnt oatmeal…Now that’s a sign someone’s been on the smoothie wagon for quite some time. NO BLOODY SHAME.

    Also. Fruit flies = high protein.

    Reply
  9. Marcia

    August 13, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Boo to burnt oats but viva la oat stash! We’ve got a few leaves turning brown and falling already, probably because it’s been so hot and dry here. I’m not one to rush the seasons along but I could do with some cooler temps.

    Reply
  10. Zin

    August 13, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I saw yellow leaves in the last week but I tried to tell myself that the tree was diseased and it was NOT a sign of autumn/fall but it’s almost 9pm now and it’s dark so I think I should probably comes to terms with it now…

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      It’s not so bad! Fall is gorgoues… as long as you don’t think about the winter that follows it πŸ˜†

      Reply
  11. Brie @ A Slice of Brie

    August 13, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    I’m not going to lie – I’m looking forward to fall too. I just can’t accomplish much when it’s 30+ degrees outside! Plus, I LOVE boots and sweater season. Even when I am paying attention to my steel cut oats, I almost always manage to still get some burnt to the bottom of the pan. And I am not above scraping them out either πŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Melanie @ Runner Girl in a Rocking World

    August 13, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    $26?! Holy smokes!! That’s no joke for some almond butter. I love your random facts. If bananas are so close in DNA to humans, then why do they give me such bad heartburn. πŸ™ Shouldn’t my body like them better?!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Oh noes! Does that happen with all bananas? Maybe you’re trying to eat them when they’re not ripe enough yet? That can sometimes cause me stomach woes.

      Reply
  13. Jessica

    August 13, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    Have you ever tried making your own almond butter? If you have a sturdy food processor, it is really easy and tastes amazing. We get bulk almonds, making them a bit cheaper, and make just plain almond butter – no added sugar or anything else, which has been difficult for me to find. Maybe something to consider! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      Thanks Jessica! I make my own AB from time to time, but it’s still pretty pricey for me since I can’t buy bulk almonds — too risky with possible cross contamination from peans. Definitely wouldn’t cost me $26 though! Eesh.

      Reply
  14. Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder

    August 13, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I would so not buy almond butter for $26. That’s ridiculous. There are so many things I would like to buy but don’t because they are super expensive. And most of them are healthy foods. That seems backwards doesn’t it? McDonalds has a dollar menu and a jar of almond butter is $26.

    I’m hoping fall temperatures start coming soon because trying to train for a half marathon is brutal here in Florida in the summer!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      They’d rather have people save money on crappy food and spend it on health care later on down the road 😑

      Reply
  15. Shawna

    August 13, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    a box of Love Grown stuff at your door – swoon! lucky gal. i love their granola but haven’t had the oats yet. $26 for almond butter? what?! i complain about paying over $10!

    Reply
  16. Ms. J

    August 13, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    Hey now, I deem it a mighty good move to disclose those little fails with us. Because a fail shared is a fail….uhm, lightened or something. Never mind my brain fudge; about them fruit flies – I have to admit I’ve taken to muttering curses at the scheming little buggers. They blooming get into things!! I think I’ve gotta butch up and set the vinegar trap, ick πŸ˜† .

    Reply
  17. Amanda - RunToTheFinish

    August 13, 2015 at 11:38 am

    60% with a banana…I’m not sure how I feel about this. I mean 60% with chocolate or peanuts, well ok then.

    YEAHHH for the monthly love drop!! hubs eats the oats, i eat the power o’s!!

    Reply
  18. Bethany @ Accidental Intentions

    August 13, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Have you ever made your own almond butter? SUPER easy – 2 c. dry roasted almonds, 1 tsp. salt, honey to taste (I vary between .5 tbsp and 2 tbsp, depending on my sweet tooth πŸ˜‰ ), toss it in the food processor, turn it on, wait 10ish minutes, voila. Almond butter. I don’t know how much almonds go for in Canada, but I can usually get them here for $6.50-$7.00/pound, and that recipe makes enough almond butter to last 1.5-2 weeks (kept in the fridge). I’ve never found almond butter at the store cheaper than I can make it at home, and I’ve actually found that I MUCH prefer the taste of homemade almond butter to any store bought brand I’ve ever tried.

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      I’ve made my own AB a few times, but it still tends to be pretty pricey for me since I can’t buy almonds in bulk — cross contamination with peanuts is too risky πŸ™

      Reply
  19. Shannon

    August 13, 2015 at 11:09 am

    Sometimes I like burnt oatmeal. The crispy pieces are soooo good! And I must find that fruit! I have never heard of such a thing.

    Reply
  20. Abbie

    August 13, 2015 at 10:55 am

    I am so sorry you had so many fails… I so feel you on the password one. I’ve had to reset my Google password more times than I can count because I keep forgetting it! I finally did the big password no-no and made it the same as another one. And I’ve seen that Outlook screen too many times. But if this makes you feel better, I’ve made several of your recipes this week, and they’ve all been WINS! So even if your failing at home, you are winning here!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Aww well thanks so much, Abbie! That totally brought a smile to my face πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Pat

    August 13, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Well, as we say in the South, bless your heart!

    Reply
  22. Hollie

    August 13, 2015 at 10:36 am

    Sorry your kurig broke again! That sounds awful and I know I would be trying to replace it immediately! It sounds like everything else has been enjoyable lately. I’m glad to hear!

    Reply
  23. Annette @ Sweating Through Life

    August 13, 2015 at 10:29 am

    I love to know that I am not the only one who ignores a lot of expiration dates!!

    Reply
  24. Melissa @ Mango About Town

    August 13, 2015 at 10:28 am

    That’s what my fruit fly trap looks like too! They’re ferocious this year.

    Reply
  25. Jo @ Living Mint Green

    August 13, 2015 at 10:11 am

    I really like Love Grown’s Power O’s! They’re the only product I’ve tried by them, though. That instant Starbucks coffee is surprisingly good – I take it camping with me all the time & it gets the job done.

    I’m not ready for fall yet!!! πŸ™ πŸ™ πŸ™

    Reply
  26. Emily @ Out and About

    August 13, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Wow, I will never look at chocolate syrup the same way ever again! Amazing how much special effects technology has advanced over the years, no?

    $26 for a jar of almond butter? GOOD LORD. I’ve heard a lot of folks say they make homemade almond butter with a good blender. They swear by its simplicity. With prices like that, maybe it’s worth a shot?

    Those fruit flies are super creepy. I’d never heard of the apple cider vinegar trick until now. Note to self for the future!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      I do make my own almond butter on occasion, but it still tends to be pretty pricey for me since I can’t buy almonds in bulk — too risky with cross contamination from peanuts.

      Reply
  27. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut

    August 13, 2015 at 9:50 am

    Fruit flies are the worst!! So little and creepy and always see to come out of nowhere!!

    Reply
  28. Sarah @ SarahRuns26

    August 13, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Fruit flies are the worst! We had them for awhile here as well!

    I use most things after they have expired. The expiration dates really don’t mean anything. If it looks good and tastes ok, go for it! There is a really awesome video by John Oliver about this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xwLWb0lLY

    Have a great day!!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      That’s always been my approach as well! I go by what my nose and tastebuds tell me — a lot more reliable than some number.

      Reply
  29. Cailee @http://hellohealthyeating.com

    August 13, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Ahhh!! This is so fun!! …oh my word! Those facts though! Def didn’t know them! The first one is so funny! LOL and who would have thought… chocolate syrup for blood?! And I can’t believe that!!! $26 for almond butter!! OH MY! That’s pricey!!

    Reply
  30. jordan @ dancing for donuts

    August 13, 2015 at 9:20 am

    it actually makes me happy that you chose not to buy the almond butter (aside from saving that $26 and buying like, groceries for 3 days?!), as someone who lives in california! i’ve stopped buying them myself since learning how much water is necessary to make them!

    Reply
  31. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run

    August 13, 2015 at 9:15 am

    My puppy chewed my laptop cord a month ago. There was no taping that baby. It was shot. And Mac chargers are EXPENSIVE.

    Reply
  32. Mattie

    August 13, 2015 at 9:14 am

    I (unfortunately) have an apple cider vinegar trap set up in my kitchen currently. I just deep cleaned the kitchen, too! So I thought with the trap and the cleaning they’d be gone…then more showed up. $26 almond butter is outrageous!

    Reply
  33. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job

    August 13, 2015 at 9:13 am

    That almond butter price is ridiculous. I always make mine at home so I am never without! That’s also the same combo I used to eat my oats with as well: maple syrup and almond butter! So gooood.

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      August 14, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      I make my own sometimes as well, but it’s still pretty pricey since I can’t buy my almonds in bulk because of possible cross contamination issues with peanuts.

      Reply
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I'm Amanda - health coach, cookbook author, recipe developer, photographer, makeup junkie, and the blogger behind Running with Spoons - a blog dedicated to proving that healthy snacking doesn't have to be tasteless or boring, one delicious recipe at a time. More about Amanda β†’

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