Good morning everyone! It’s back to work – bumskies – but I really can’t complain, as it’s already Tuesday and this long weekend seemed to last forreeeever – we did so much!
Sunday afternoon before Ben and I saw Angels and Demons, we went shopping and I picked out this pretty yellow blouse
It’s not as “Look at me, I’m wearing yellow!!!” as it appears in the picture and I never buy yellow, so I was pretty jazzed! However, the irrational Kristin inside me never tries on clothes before buying them, so of course it didn’t end up fitting! I didn’t stay bummed for too long though, because I took back the blouse and got something waaaaaay better – a mini mouse!
Isn’t it the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?? I got it at Best Buy and could not stop giggling about how cute and tiny it was. The checkout guy was like “umm…this thing is as big as my thumb” – which is exactly why I got it.
Have you ever bought something and then wondered how you ever lived without in the first place? Yeah…that’s this guy for sure. It’s the perfect size for my hand and I feel like my web surfing capabilities have just about tripled since I got it…it’s my new obsession!! 8)
For breakfast this morning, the mini mouse and I – just kidding – I made oatmeal for breakfast! I hadn’t had it all weekend, so I was happy to be reunited! I made a delicious bowl of:
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup each of milk and water
- 1 medium banana
- 4 dried, black mission figs
- toasted coconut and almonds
- drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup

Per usual, it was oh-so-sweet, creamy and delicious.

Oatmeal, how I have missed you!

Look at those textures – fabulous!

For lunch, I decided to whip up another VeggiePatch Falafel salad! In the mix:
- Mixed greens
- Sliced red onion
- Tomato
- 4 VeggiePatch falafel balls
- Sprinkle of Lemon Pepper
- Plain yogurt based dressing (recipe here)
This salad keeps me full for hours thanks to the protein-packed falafel balls. And the dressing honestly could not be simpler (or more delish!) This is a GREAT lunch!
Super cool and refreshing dressing:
I also packed some leftover fruit salad that Ben’s Mom gave us – so sweet and fresh – this was honestly some of the best pineapple I’ve ever had!
Today I’m scheduled for a 3.5 mile run, per my training schedule, but it’s supposed to be raining all day – darn! I’m going to take my gym bag in the car with me so if it is indeed raining when it’s time to run, I can hit the gym…which I really hope it doesn’t come down to. Like I said before, it’s really hard to go back there after running outside!
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So the mini mouse is probably my favorite purchase I’ve made in a while…What’s your most favorite recent purchase?! Are you saving up for anything special at the moment? I’m saving for a new, nice purse. I’ve never bought myself a really nice purse – which I’m pretty sure might be a federal offense in most parts of the country – so I really want one!!
Hope your day back is great!


































mmmm falafel!!!
loved what you said about Jon n Kate! she was awful to him!! ugh, I just want them to be a big happy family!
Haha, glad you love the mouse. It’s so cute! That falafel looks so good! And I hope the rain clears up
I love designer handbags… I am a complete addict and I am actually saving to buy another Louis Vuitton handbag!! I love designer handbags because they just last longer than the cheap bags that you can buy at target, walmart, or kohls!!
I love the yellow blouse, so sad it didn’t fit!!!
Your oats look pretty today.
I am the same way – I HATE trying clothes on. Most of the time I’m okay – but every now and then it just doesn’t work. So frustrating.
I love my Garmin – which is one of my more recent purchases. It’s a wonder how I ran outside without it before!
For my thirtieth birthday I bought myself a necklace from Tiffany & Co. to mark the occasion. It is one that was designed by Frank Ghery the architect. I love his work and the fact that when he was in architecture school people told him he was no good and he should quit…but he didn’t and now he designs the craziest and in my opinion beautiful buildings.
Before I found your blog I never knew a bowl of oatmeal could be so beautiful! haha :-p
I am treating myself to new running shoes TODAY!
Yay! FYI – TJ Max usually has awesome designer handbags! I’m so cheap that I refuse to buy them full price. But TJ Max has them at discounted prices…so I tell myself it’s OK!
My favorite recent purchase were a pair of GAP white pants (for summer). I’m wearing them today. The clasp came off, and now I’m just sitting here hoping that nobody comes into my office and sees my pants almost undone.
They’re being returned, tonight.
Also. I’m SAVING for a car! YAY! Soon!
Saw a candle at Pier One this weekend that smelled like figs. J and I thought about you and your fig fettish!
Fav recent purchase: Dr Seuss bathroom set for baby/guest bathroom. Oh, and maternity cami’s. I’m real adventurous these days!
Hi! I have been reading your blog for a while. It is very interesting. I am getting married in 3 months and really enjoy all of the cooking tips. My favorite purchase recently is a new house! This may be a stupid question… But, how do you make fruit salad? Do you put anything on it? How far ahead can you make it?
Thanks!
My favourite recent purchase is my Garmin Forerunner 305. I love it! It makes me want to run everyday.
http://islandgirleats.blogspot.com
Easy Fruit salad is to just get every fresh fruit you want at the store and chop up into about 1 inch pieces if needed. I usually try to mix the colors but easy pics are any combination of : red + green grapes, strawberries (cut in half), cantelope, watermellon, pineapple (fresh is awesome but canned chunks in a pinch), mango, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, oranges or whatever is on sale. Then just buy a can of dole tropical fruit salad and pour over all. It keeps it fresh and no browning of the fruit for days! or if you use canned pineapple ( in real juices) just use that over all.
I bought dates all because of you. And… I LOVE them!!!! Yum, yum! I’ll try them in my oats tomorrow. I have had them stuffed with pb and they’re great that way!
I am saving up my money for a netbook! I’d love a pink one but they cost more… We’ll see.
You copied my mini mouse!! Hahahahaha!! You were obsessed!!
I really want to try those falafel balls, I hope I can find them at my grocery store!
[...] mini mouse peaced out a couple weeks ago, and I’ve been using the sensor pad on my laptop – which [...]
Awesome – so glad you’ve been reading! I just cut up all my favorite fruit and mix together. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days!
FIG CANDLE?! I’m there!!
Hahahaha – oh no!! Bummer about the pants!
Hi Jessica! If you can’t find them at the store – try this recipe: http://iowagirleats.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/fun-with-falafel/. So easy – SOOO good!