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. thinking out loud #65 .

February 13, 2014 by Amanda @ .running with spoons. 132 Comments

Heyyy, hey and welcome to Friday’s Friday… also known as Thursday 😉

Thinking-Out-Loud

1. First order of business — tickets for Blend 2014 go on sale this Sunday (February 16th) at 8 PM EST. Be there or be square. Kidding… sort of. Really, though? Please be there so that I can crush your ribs in a hug (note: my upper body strength is laughable and no rib crushing will actually occur).

Blend Retreat

2. Second order of business — WHY is there no Canadian flag in Emoji?!? I was talking about the Olympics with a friend via text the other night, and when I went to insert a little Canadian flag to celebrate one of our golds, it was nowhere to be found! What.in.the.eff?!? I’d feel insulted, but I’m Canadian and we’re too easy-going to get worked up about stuff like this…

No Canadian Flag

3. Also… what.the.heck is this?!? 😯

Salad Stick

I always buy those tubs of pre washed mixed baby greens to toss in my salads, and my last one contained that creepy spiny thing. Never a dull moment in the Spoons kitchen!

4. Speaking of the Spoons kitchen… look what I did! I baked a banana :mrgreen:

Baked Banana

I’ve been a little too lax with my banana supply lately, and one of the dangers of doing this is that you sometimes find yourself in a position where the only available bananas are green 😯 Since I can’t go a day without one and I refuse to eat them when they’re all starchy and nasty, I decided to put the super-speedy-banana-ripening-method to the test. Verdict? It works! Maybe not quite as well as the natural way, but well enough in a pinch. The weirdest part? The skin was still yellow when I took it out of the oven, but slowly turned brown over the next few hours. Weird.

5. You know what’s embarrassing (besides still not being able to spell embarrassing)? I was putting on my makeup the other day, when the phone rang towards the end of my application. I went to answer it, chatted for a little bit, and in the process, forgot that I wasn’t done with my makeup. I was all ready to walk out the door when I took one final look in the mirror only to realize that I had only put mascara on one set of eyelashes 😯 This is why I don’t talk on the phone… and why I have a mirror hanging in the hallway by my front door.

6. Also embarrassing? I burned the inside of my nose by smelling soup… and by burned I mean burned — I was sitting there with cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar in my nose for a good 20 minutes. How’d I manage such an impressive feat? Because I’m Amanda, and these kind of things happen to me more often than I care to admit. But I just wanted to see if my soup smelled good! So I took the lid off, stuck my face over the pot, and all the steam came rushing out after about 1.4 seconds, scorching my nostrils in the process 😯 Thankfully I didn’t burn any of the skin on my face, but yeah… don’t do that. 

7. On a happier note, how.freaking.cute are these Despicable Me playing cards that I picked up on my trip to Universal Studios? Ridiculous.

Mionion Cards

Minion Cards2

Minion Cards 3

8. On a sadder note, I finished up the last of my almond butter and pretzel truffles 😥 😥 Buuuuuut I guess that’s just more reason to get back in the kitchen and bake up something new 😀

The Last Truffle

9. There is no spoon #9 (name that movie!)

10. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! I have no idea what my plans are (the joys of being in a long distance military relationship), so if you find yourself in need of a Valentine, don’t be shy and hit me up 😀

Thinking-Out-Loud

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No questions… just tell me whatever comes to your mind! 😀

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Filed Under: Life in General, Thinking Out Loud Tagged With: almond butter pretzel truffles, Blend 2014, burned nose, Despicable Me, Emoji, makeup, mixed baby greens, quick ripening bananas, thinking out loud

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl

    February 13, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Oh my goodness… I have never heard of burning nostrils from smelling hot soup. I hope the soup was worth it. I wish I could go to the blend retreat, but the timings just not right. 🙁

    Reply
  2. Missy

    February 13, 2014 at 11:43 am

    I’m imagining a nose burn must be one of THE most unpleasant pains — right up there with tongue burn, toe stubs, funny bone bangs, and paper cuts.

    OUCH! )0:

    Also — that banana ripening method. My mind is blown. Blown.

    Reply
  3. cait @ pieceofcait

    February 13, 2014 at 11:39 am

    those truffles LOOK AMAZINNNNNNNG can you send me some?!

    Reply
  4. Karey @ Nutty About Health

    February 13, 2014 at 11:38 am

    OMG, this playing cards are adorable!!!! Ugh, sorry about the burned nose – ouch!! Bummer, I’m going to miss out on Blend again! I have summer classes that I just registered for… I’ll be heavily engrossed in my Microbiology. Blend would be much more fun though!

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 5:12 pm

      The “Whaaaaaaaaat?” one made me think of you 😉

      Reply
  5. Lauren

    February 13, 2014 at 10:18 am

    I love those cards! I have never baked a banana before… I’ll have to try it.

    Reply
  6. Kim

    February 13, 2014 at 10:12 am

    I think it’d be a great opportunity to attend Blend…I don’t know anyone personally so would probably feel extremely uncomfortable though, haha. I may try your banana-ripening method. I bought a green batch on Sunday and they’re STILL green- what the heck?!

    Reply
  7. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs

    February 13, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Sadly, Blend isn’t in my budget this year 🙁 Booo! Becuase I’d LOVE to go.

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 5:11 pm

      Boooness! But maybe the thing in the Rockies is still happening with Jo in the summer!

      Reply
      • Ange @ Cowgirl Runs

        February 14, 2014 at 10:23 am

        I need more infor about this Rockies meet up 🙂

        Reply
  8. Ashley @ BrocBlog

    February 13, 2014 at 9:54 am

    I will have to try that banana thing! I feel like I always buy bananas when theyre too green but then they are too brown by the time I remember that I have them and I use them for banana bread or something.

    Reply
  9. Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run

    February 13, 2014 at 9:45 am

    I love your playing cards! Sorry about your nose 🙁

    Reply
  10. Phaedra @ Blisters and Black Toenails

    February 13, 2014 at 9:35 am

    OMG I’m SO making those truffles. Holy crap. That banana trick is very cool! I’ll have to remember that one! 😀
    Um no CDN emoticon = SO FREAKING WRONG.
    Randomness: One of the bosses at my work is currently trying to set up the TV in our boardroom so we can stream the men’s hockey game. why I love my job reason #43. 😀

    Reply
  11. Caroline Porter

    February 13, 2014 at 9:31 am

    I’m a long distance girlfriend, too, so we can be each other’s valentines! I’m spending mine with a baby and a 4 year old… Might as well give a couple the chance to go out together since I can’t with my real valentine! I plan on forcing the 4 year old to consume massive amounts of sugar with me … This night backfire.

    Reply
  12. Ashley @MilesonOats

    February 13, 2014 at 9:22 am

    Too* 😯

    Reply
  13. Lyric

    February 13, 2014 at 9:21 am

    Oh my gosh that twig is really freaking me out. What the heck? Can you imagine biting into that thing; I’d be scared it was going to cut my mouth. Girl I got your back when it comes to embarrassing yourself with makeup; A couple days ago i went out in public with only lip liner on because I got sidetracked and forgot to but the lipstick component on. It wasn’t until my mom finally asked why just my lips were outlined that I noticed. Yikes.

    Reply
  14. Ashley @MilesonOats

    February 13, 2014 at 9:21 am

    Spoons! Will you be my Valentine?! 😀 If it’s too short of notice just give me your playing cards and we will call it a deal. Cool? Cool 😉 Man, I have a calendar alarm on my phone ready to go on Sunday for BLENDING! Is that too much? I feel like it’s going to be a mad rush like Y2K when people got crazy over canned goods.

    I expect a rib crushing hug when I meet you do, just sayin’!

    Reply
  15. karla @ finding my fit

    February 13, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Ugh valentine’s day…. I will be doing one of two things. Nursing myself back to semi-health with chocolate and wine (totally makes sense…)

    or pretending I don’t feel like I got hit by a truck carrying the plague and go on a date. that would also require the guy i’m ‘seeing’ to ask me. so expect the former to occur 😉

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      Aww boo to the plague! I hope you feel better soon… and I’m pretty sure I’m going to end up cozying up to chocolate and wine as well.

      Reply
  16. Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon

    February 13, 2014 at 9:12 am

    I did not know about the apple cider vinegar tip for burnt inner noses- I should definitely be checking that one out for soup steam!! Seriously killer though- glad you survived 😉

    I am going to spend the weekend debating about Blend- I want to go and am happy you are going, but many bloggers I follow aren’t able to go this year and it is really expensive. I may try to drive but it’s still a 7 hour drive from Denver, which stinks and I would have to take 2 days off of work. We shall see! More debates to continue in my brain.

    Reply
  17. Meg @ Meg Go Run

    February 13, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I did not know of your long distance military relationship! I only semi recently discovered your blog buttttt…. now I feel like a bad blog reader!

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

    February 13, 2014 at 8:42 am

    Awww your poor nose!! Maybe that’s why we waft things? 😉

    I want those playing cards!!!

    Also embarrassing is a hard word. I literally just misspelled it haha! How embarrassing?!

    Reply
  19. Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal

    February 13, 2014 at 8:29 am

    I have found those little weird sticks in my salad before too. What’s up with that? I never heard of baking a banana before. I’m like you in that I have one just about every day. I tried making my own version of banana ice cream yesterday but it was kind of a fail. Any tips?

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      I think I already answered this in the comments section of your post, but it helps if your bananas aren’t too ripe when you freeze them — the starchier they are, the fluffier your ice cream will be. I usually freeze mine when they’re either all yellow or just starting to show a few brown spots.

      Reply
  20. Jade

    February 13, 2014 at 8:29 am

    I totally have done the “missed part of my make up” routine and headed out the door. I didn’t line one of my lids and all day, if I had gone to the bathroom looked at myself in the mirror, I just felt something was off but just couldn’t put my finger on it until the end of the day washing off my makeup and then it was oooooohhhhhhh.

    Reply
  21. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat

    February 13, 2014 at 8:19 am

    Well, I can say for sure that I’ve never burnt my nostrils before smelling soup, but it sounds awfully painful! I certainly will be careful smelling soup from now on. Ouch!

    On Sunday evening, I’ll be at a birthday party, but we’re going to have to make a point to be home before 8 p.m. I want to be ready! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles

    February 13, 2014 at 8:16 am

    So teeeeeechnically I already have a Valentine….but I think I can take on another :-p
    And that’s awful on burning the inside of your nose! I had no idea that was even possible…probably because I tend to hurt myself in stupid ways (read: was in a drum class at the gym the other day and smacked myself in the foot with the drumstick) and that hasn’t to me yet. Just give it time…
    And I also failed at spelling embarrassing when I just commented on Carly’s post…and then just failed at it again. Yup, that’s what almost 6 years of post-secondary education will get ya 😉

    Reply
  23. Rebecca Jo

    February 13, 2014 at 8:13 am

    At first I was like, “There is no #9” – that’s in a movie… but then I got it. Hello Keanu…

    Those cards are EVERYTHING!!!!!

    Reply
  24. Beth @ Mangoes and Miles

    February 13, 2014 at 8:02 am

    I’M GOING TO BLEND!!!!!!!! I have a rooming situation worked out and everything; I’m so excited. I can’t sip on (alcoholic) cocktails with y’all because I won’t be 21 till August, but I still can go and that’s all that matters!!

    I totally thought your banana was a weird variety of squash when I first saw the picture. I didn’t know baking bananas was a thing…we tend to usually have the opposite problem at school, though–most bananas are a little on the “too ripe” side. 🙁

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Eee! I can’t wait to see you there!!!!

      Reply
  25. Kelsey @ Ramblings of Change

    February 13, 2014 at 7:52 am

    I just don’t think Blend can happen for me this year, which makes me so so sad! I could do the registration & everything, but the flying would do me in…especially since I don’t have a “real” job yet!

    Reply
  26. Becky @ Olives n Wine

    February 13, 2014 at 7:46 am

    BLENDDDD!! Tickets go on sale while I’m in Jamaica so if there are any available when I get back, count me in 🙂

    Reply
  27. Mayra

    February 13, 2014 at 7:29 am

    There’s no Brasil flag either!! 🙁
    I curious about the banana baking! Did it taste like baked banana or it just made it ripen??
    I love bananas in so many levels I could easily start a new obsession. But considering the insane heat we’ve been up to here, for now I’ll stick with the frozen bananas allllll day

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      It tasted like normal banana, probably because I didn’t leave it in long enough for it to bake, and it was super starchy to begin with so it just sweetened it up a tad. And honestly… frozen bananas are the best thing there is.

      Reply
  28. Julie

    February 13, 2014 at 7:25 am

    I’ve never tried that with bananas! I don’t eat starchy, unripe bananas either so this would work for me. I’m also intrigued by burning the inside of your nose – never heard of that either! Those cards are adorable!

    Reply
  29. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl

    February 13, 2014 at 7:17 am

    I am SO glad to hear that the banana trick works pretty well! I”ll have to try that out when I encounter an emergency situation ;).

    Reply
  30. Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life

    February 13, 2014 at 7:15 am

    I noticed the lack of Canadian flag emoji! Christian is Canadian so he’s laidback, but I’m American so I get worked up about it. I think it’s hilarious 😉

    Reply
  31. Kelsey

    February 13, 2014 at 7:11 am

    I adore those playing cards! I thought you would find this interesting since you just visited Disneyland… http://www.travelsmrt.com/gallery/5378/what-secrets-is-disneyland-keeping

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 4:54 pm

      Okay now I seriously want to go back and do/look for all those things!

      Reply
  32. Juli @1000lovelthings

    February 13, 2014 at 7:11 am

    Poor you! The soup incident could have happened to me as well :-/
    That blend retreat sounds so great! I would love to go there!
    Okay I think I NEED to make these almond butter and pretzel truffles this weekend! Have a great weekend 🙂

    Reply
  33. Ashley

    February 13, 2014 at 7:09 am

    One time, I found a dead beetle in my “prewashed” spinach leaves. Now I just make sure I inspect each leaf before eating it!

    Reply
  34. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

    February 13, 2014 at 7:08 am

    I want to go to the Blend Retreat so badly! I still need to pitch the idea to my parents, so wish me luck on that one. Although I’ll technically be an adult by the time the retreat happens, I DO still live under their roof, and they ARE still paying for college. 😉
    I would be someone to burn my hose smelling soup too. I’m glad you didn’t get too injured by the steam!
    I loveee those Despicable Me cards. Confession: I still need to watch that movie!!
    Have a great Thursday, Amanda!

    Reply
  35. Natasha

    February 13, 2014 at 7:06 am

    Wellll I’m single, so my Valentine’s Day will be pretty mellow as well 🙂

    And I actually had a similar burning experience the other day – I was leaving my house and went to blow out a candle I had lit on the coffee table (which is a very low to the ground table). I bent over and was hovering above the candle when I blew it out. Once I blew it out, ALL THE BURNING WAX splashed on my face and in my eyes…OMG worst experience of my life. LOL. I was also home alone, so while it did hurt, it was pretty funny, but I had nobody to share a typical “natasha-ism.” I swear, stuff like that always happens to me…

    And ya what the heck, why is their no Canadian emoji?!?

    It also feels very weird being in the USA during the Olympics when I’m obviously rooting for Canada because I’m from Toronto. You best believe I’ve been rocking my Canadian olympic gloves all over campus!

    I hope you have a great day and an equally great Valentine’s day tomorrow, despite your long distance relationship!

    Natasha

    Reply
    • Amanda @ .running with spoons.

      February 13, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      Burning wax in the face?! That’s seriously a huge fear of mine and why I’m always super careful blowing out candles. And yesss to the Canadian gloves! I got mine from The Bay 4 years ago and I heart them so.

      Reply
  36. Heather @fitncookies

    February 13, 2014 at 7:04 am

    Genius! I never knew you could bake bananas to get them ripe. I’ve tried numerous other methods but if you say this works, I have a bundle of green bananas to attend to, ha. I’m totally hoping to get to some blogging conference this year, but these plane tickets are absurd, ha

    Reply
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