Homemade Granola
Gotta love the crunch!
Last night I made a big batch of homemade granola to send to Kaitlin who won a batch of the crunchy goodness through Tina’s blog bake sale.
After filling up a decorative Tupperware container for Kaitlin, I still had a bunch leftover and enjoyed a bowl of it alongside a cup of pineapple Chobani Greek yogurt for breakfast.
Cho+ 'Nola
A wonderful PBF reader emailed Chobani saying that they saw how much I enjoyed it on my blog, prompting the company to send mea big ol’ case of the delicious yogurt to enjoy. Thank you wonderful PBF reader and Chobani! 😀
I really, really love the pineapple flavor. So tropical!
Though I most frequently purchase plain Greek yogurt, I have a strong affinity for Chobani’s strawberry, strawberry banana and pineapple flavors. They’re thick and sweet and almost taste like dessert. I wonder how they would taste frozen (after stirring them up, of course)?
Dynamic Duo
Check out the pretty bowl holding my granola! I purchased it on our honeymoon in Cozumel. Oh, memories… 😉
Moving right along…
Ask Me Anything Round 14
Now it’s time for long overdue Q & A session. Woo!
Let’s get to it!
Hey Julie! I always wonder whether you would consider yourself a fast eater or more of a slow enjoy-your-food type of person?
I wish I was a slow eater, but I am definitely a very fast eater. In fact, when Ryan and I go out to eat, nine times out of 10, our waiter will comment on how fast we both eat. Apparently we inhale our food.
When (if ever) do you think you and Ryan will think about having kids?
We both definitely see children in our future, but not for several years.
When do you usually have your evening snack?
I usually eat my evening snack between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Typical evening snacks for me include Greek yogurt, an apple with peanut butter, popcorn or a piece of fruit with a handful of nuts.
I think you seem like a very likable person but I know that you’ve also gotten hate comments. How do you deal with people who don’t seem to like you no matter what you do or aggressive people in real life?
Haters are gonna hate! I honestly had no idea what I was getting into when I first started my blog. When I received my first negative comment, it took me a long time to get over it. I couldn’t understand why someone would feel the need to try to hurt me. (Side note: There is a HUGE difference between a constructive comment that may disagree with something I say and a hateful comment that attacks me, my appearance, my relationships, etc.) What honestly helped me was getting my second negative comment. The second comment was, yet again, truly ridiculous and completely unfounded, which helped me rise above it and not dwell on the harsh words. It’s an unfortunate reality that there are people out there who want to see people fail. They wish harm and negativity on others and that is something that can be very hard to understand.
I’ve actually discovered the blog of one of the people who left me negative comments and it became very clear to me that they have a lot of things going on in their personal life. I truly believe that people and who leave comments that are purely malicious and evil have something going on inside themselves. They may feel the need to try to project this negativity onto others. When negativity enters my life, I always ask myself this: “Will this matter in one week? In a month? In a year?” Chances are, the answer is “no,” and it’s not worth dwelling on or getting yourself upset over for too long. Sadly, negative people sometimes want you to feel down, so don’t let them win. Rise above their hateful words and believe in your heart and in yourself and know that you are good.
What sorority were you in?
Kappa Delta.
Would you recommend joining a sorority? I see that only one of your bridesmaids was in a sorority, yet sororities promise the best college experience and having a bunch of close “sisters.”
Though I know sororities are not the right choice for many, for me being part of a sorority was a wonderful experience. I made girlfriends during my time in Kappa Delta that I know I will have for a lifetime. Aside from the fun social events (Woohoo for themed parties!), I think sororities can offer many women a “home away from home” during college. I lived in the sorority house my sophomore through senior year and loved spending times with my sisters beyond crazy nights out. Some of my favorite memories from college involve lazy nights hanging out with my sisters in our Victoria’s Secret PINK sweatpants. (Seriously, we all had them. So cool, I know. 😉 )
As for my bridesmaid selection, I actually had a really hard time only selecting one of my sorority sisters to be a bridesmaid, but Ryan and I wanted to keep our bridesmaids and groomsmen limited. I am still extremely close with my core group of girlfriends from high school and always envisioned my wedding with them in it. Fortunately my sorority sisters were amazingly understanding and still unbelievably supportive and even threw me my first bachelorette party. My sorority sister Merri was the one who made our wedding video!
How do you start a new exercise routine? When you first start, how much time does it take you to get over the soreness and be able to do the whole thing?
I remember when I ran my first 5-mile race during the fall of last year. I was working out regularly, but hadn’t run more than 3 miles straight for several months. Tackling 5 miles during a race made me push myself more than I otherwise would have if I had been running 5 miles by myself. The very next day my legs were sore. I actually found this soreness motivating. I wanted to train myself to recover faster and feel less sore during my next race.
I must say that for me, soreness from running and soreness from strength training are completely different. When I am sore from a serious leg workout, my hamstrings are so tight which can make standing up feel slightly painful. To recover from soreness faster, I typically do lots of stretching after the workout. If it is time for my next workout and I am still sore, I will typically still workout, but I may decrease the weights or the level of intensity. For me, keeping up with my fitness regimen is the key to recovering faster and lessening the soreness after a good workout. Also, please remember that I am not a fitness professional. My thoughts expressed above are simply based on my experience and you may find that soreness and workout recover time varies for you!
What tips do you have for someone who isn’t sure they want to join a gym because it’s expensive? What total does your gym and fee come to per year (or per day you go)? What do you recommend for someone who doesn’t want to belong to a gym?
I don’t want to get into the specifics of my personal gym due to safety, but my advice for people who are not joining a gym due to cost is to shop around! There are two gyms close to my apartment that offer monthly rates of $25 (less than a dollar a day). If you’re moving, check out the gym at different apartment complexes. They may not be huge and glamorous, but many apartment complex gyms have free weights and several cardio machines which is more than enough to get in a good workout!
That being said, you do not need a gym to be fit. Running, biking, rollerblading and walking may all be done without belonging to a gym. Investing in some free weights to keep at home can help with toning, as can work out DVDs that focus on strength training, pilates or yoga.
Why doesn’t Sadie wear a collar most of the time?
Vizslas as a breed have very sensitive skin. Every collar that we’ve tried on Sadie has left her neck irritated. We’re actually in the market for a collar that doesn’t rub or irritate the neck of a dog with a very sensitive neck. Recommendations welcome!
Do you take it easy on your exercise routine or otherwise do anything different when you’re on your period? I’ve heard some of the high intensity exercises or certain yoga positions aren’t good for you when you’re on it.
My exercise routine stays the same for the most part. If I’m feeling particularly crampy or bloated, I find that workout out actually helps. My cardio workouts may be less intense if I’m simply not feeling it, but that holds true for me any time, not just when Aunt Flo is in town.
How do you get your exercise clothes to fit so flatteringly without unsightly bulges or the elastic cutting in? I’m a 4/6 and even when I try larger sizes the elastic still digs in and causes bulges!
I buy almost all of my running shorts a size too big! I seriously hate feeling restricted and can’t stand when clothes dig into my sides. I simply roll the shorts to make them fit in the butt and I’m good to go!
In one of your posts you mentioned that you were once injured and unable to run. What exercises did you do when you couldn’t run?
I love weight training and was fortunately able to continue with that when I had a bruised heel and hip bursitis. I also tried to keep my cardiovascular fitness in check by using the elliptical, the arc trainer and stair master. Spinning classes were probably my favorite way to get an awesome workout without putting stress on my hip when I had bursitis. Also, I want to make sure to say that if you are truly injured, sometimes NO exercise is best. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and do not push yourself. That will only lead to more injury and an even slower recovery. No bueno.
***
And that’s that!
Feel free to email me at pbfingers@gmail.com with any questions you may have or click here to ask me an anonymous question. If you asked a question that I did not answer above, it’s likely because I already answered it before. You may check out my previous Q&A posts here:
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I tried Chobani for the first time yesterday and I’m in love! 🙂 I should try the Pineapple kind! Sounds good! 🙂
Good Q&A and great answers! 🙂
Plain Chobani+peanut flour=awesome dessert. That you can eat for breakfast.
Koda doesn’t wear a collar usually either… I joke that she prefers to be naked!
Love in AOT 😉
😀
I really love your blog. I’ve been reading through it the past couple of weeks. Your recipes are amazing.
I tried to eat Greek Yogurt a few months ago but didn’t like it. Maybe I need to try the one with flavors.
YES. definitely try a flavored greek yogurt. plain can be too tart for many people.
Pineapple Chobani is my favorite flavor. I cannot get enough of it! That granola you made looks fantastic!
I’ve been reading your blog for the past month and I absolutely love it! Not to mention I am a Kappa Delta as well! AOT sista!
I love Q&As! I’m sorry you get hate comments, I don’t see why anyone would do that!! You’re funny and sweet, and I love reading your blog! (I only read 3 blogs and yours is my favorite :)).
thanks, sarra! i’m fortunate in that they’re very rare. it was one person over & over again for a while, and i learned how to block them. phew!
Dang I was hoping you’d say where your gym is so I can come snatch Sadie when your walking! haha just kidding, I just think she’s so cute… we had a dog named Sadie but we called her “the dog from hell,” she actually chewed on the door frame and the Christmas lights ha! Great post, can’t believe you got hate comments, who does that?!!
haha i love the answer ‘haters are going to hate!’ so so true, and i just love how you rise above it!
You are so lucky to have a gym nearby that costs only $25/month. Most of the gyms in my city cost a minimum of $50/month. With that type of financial commitment, it is especially important to shop around and find a gym that has the right equipment, the right classes, and the right location. And sometimes, you have to compromise. Currently, I have sacrificed classes for the right location and equipment. I love being able to go to the gym in my building after work. I do miss Body Pump though … such a great class.
Gotta comment: YAY for sororities! 😉
College wouldn’t have been the same without my sisters. 🙂
I still wear my pink sweats, I can’t get rid of em’! I sometimes where my sweats with my sorority sweatshirt with my letters…I feel 19 again lol
Great question and answer round! I think your answer to the negativity question was very well put.
i wore mine to the dog park last night!
I can’t find the collar our Daschund wears, but it’s kind of a breathable, soft, wide type kind of thing… I’ll take a pic and email it to ya. She loves it.
I read a quote from the Dalai Lama the other day that said something along the lines of, “When some one is rude or tests your patience, be thankful for them. With out those people, you wouldn’t have the opportunity to practice the virtue of patience.”
I love how personable, happy, and upbeat you are. Your blog was the first ‘healthy-living’ blog I found and I am hooked! Thanks!
Great questions and even better answers! I especially love your reply to “hate comments.” You are strong, smart and beautiful!
I just started reading your blog and I’m already stealing your holiday pretzel idea to bring over to my in-laws. Thanks! 🙂
Loved what you said about the negative commenters. I’ve gotten a few recently and the first one definitely hurt more than the second…now I kind of just feel bad for the people who leave them, if they have to stoop that low to make themselves feel better. And they’re still actually reading my blog so in the end, it’s their loss.
Hope you have a great Friday!
Great Q & A! I can relate to the running injury question..unfortunately! I recently pulled a muscle in my groin..I think. I had been trainging for my first half-marathon…the only thing I can think of that caused it was switching from running outside to the treadmill when it got cold. I think I run faster on the treadmill, my strides different, idk! I just woke up one day after running and had severe pain in my groin, but then it went away throughout the day. So a couple days later I ran again, and the next day I woke up w the same pain. Thats how it’s been for the last few weeks. I was taking Aleve around-the-clock and took a week off of running & it happened again. I’ve now decided to just take 3-4 wks off completely from running. I’m really depressed though, I was really excited about my first half-marathon & now it’s just stressing me out…wondering if the pain is going to start during the race or not!! I’m hoping BodyPump & spinning will keep me in shape though! Sorry for the ramble!
Yay for rising above the haters! I don’t understand how some people could say such hurtful things to people they don’t even really know or to anyone for that matter. I LOVE your blog btw :).
Also, I’ve been looking for chobani everywhere! Whole foods said they could order me a whole case but I thought that would be a little over kill lol.
Chobani is THE best. Love it.
I love Q&A’s, I love learning more about the bloggers I love.
I completely agree with you about sororities! They may not be for everyone, but I know my experience in college right now wouldn’t be the same without my sisters. I love your blog!
Love in AOT 🙂
The first one made me laugh. We are a family of fast eaters. The waiter/waitresses comments on it every single time we are out to eat. Ha! I love your blog..you seem like such a sweetie!
I loved the answers, Julie! Especially the hater-comment one. I know it’s inevitable that one day it’s going to happen..but I’m definitely not looking forward to it! :/
The exercise clothes bulges made me laugh. Well first I freaked out and thought “wait did I ask that and just forgot I wrote that?” And then I laughed and was glad other 6’s have that problem too.
I was a Fage girl until my parents introduced me to pineapple Chobani. Oh goodness…
That is really interesting about Sadie’s collar – I hope you find one that works for her.
And I also buy exercise clothes a size too big because I like to MOVE and I hate the feeling of elastic digging in!
I am so excited to get the granola!
just mailed it today (CT address!). i hope you like it!
I’m a new reader, just wanted to say hi 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
Jen
I really love your blog! There are some blogs out there that can be intimidating because of how the blogger talks about certain things. You talk about everything in a way that isn’t intimidating at all, but motivating! Your post on Body Pump really helped me because I’m new to working out and had no idea what I was doing. Your recipes give me great ideas to fit my own crazy lifestyle. And your honesty about things (like your bolognese blunder) makes you so relatable. So on days when those haters out there start to get to you, just remember they are the exception NOT the rule. And thanks for the suggestion on trying flavored Greek yogurt, b/c I so wanted to get on board with the plain but I just couldn’t! Have a great weekend!
thank you for such a thoughtful comment! 🙂 i hope you enjoy the greek yogurt if you give it another go!
KD LADY! I’m a KD from Texas A&M! AOT!
I freeze my greek yogurt all the time and it’s delish!! I mix it w/ PB flour and you got peanut butter flavored semi-frozen yogurt! The whole thing doesn’t get quite frozen, but the outer edge and top part of it does and the inside is super cold and creamy! I let it freeze for about 30 minutes. It’s the best – you gotta try it! 🙂
Getting a case of Chobani? Lucky. We don’t have the pineapple flavor here. I usually get peach or vanilla if I’m not getting plain. I’ve enjoyed the blueberry before, too. I think I’ve also seen strawberry, but I’m not a huge fan of strawberry flavored things. Real berries, yes, but not the fake flavored stuff.
Thank you for your blog. You are such an inspiration, and even though we’ll probably never meet, I feel I’ve learned a lot from you! Thanks for taking the time to share so candidly about yourself.
I made homemade granola last night for a gift too! Great minds think alike. And you might check here for a collar for Ms. Sadie, http://www.etsy.com/people/camillesstudio?ref=ls_profile. I bought one for my dog – she grew up not wearing one and had no problems adjusting. In fact, I think she enjoys wearing it! =)
there is a brand of collars called dublin dog, there collars are made out a silicone type material and they don’t get smelly or stay wet if your dog goes swimming. They are fantastic!!
Hey chica 🙂 Here is a recommendation for a collar/harness for Sadie. These were recommended by our vet and my pup loves them! http://www.amazon.com/Puppia-Soft-Harness-Mesh-Medium/dp/B0013N183G
I love the pomegranate Chobani!
I read momma some of your answers to the questions and we smiled when you wrote, “Will it matter in a week, a month, a year?” So true :). I also love the question about Sadie girl! I think she prefers to be naked too 😉
Good morning!!! I recently discovered your blog and love it. I really enjoy reading about your recipes and daily adventures.
Regarding Sadie’s sensitive skin, have you tried making a collar from a wide piece of elastic? You just sew or glue one into a loop that would be a comfortable size for her and use a sharpie or paint pen to write your phone number and her name on it. It’s not perfect, but it’d be something to help her get home in case she ended up on an, um, unauthorized adventure. 😉
Merry Christmas!
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