Oh how I missed coming up with blogging titles 😉 Seriously though, you all are amazing! Granted, I already knew that BEFORE my post last night, but I just thought I’d reiterate it because I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support, advice and just plain niceness!
After reading through all of your comments this morning, of course I was inspired to do a little food journaling today! One of the best parts about being in AZ – other than chillaxin’ to the max with the fam – is the time zone difference because I post at night (after many of you are in sleepy mode!) and wake up to see all the sweet comments that you leave me. I can’t express how much I appreciate and am grateful for every comment I receive. There really isn’t a better way to begin the morning – except for perhaps a bowl of oatmeal 😉 Or Coffee Cocoa?!
BREAKFAST
Speaking of that early morning meal, today I woke up to find mi padre had done a bagel run! Back in high school, he used to do a bagel or donut run – yes, donut run! – every Sunday morning. My favorite was the Long John donut with chocolate icing and rainbow sprinkles. I had those suckers at least every other week. I know some of you are cringing right now 😉 But today’s bagel run brought back fond memories!
But my tastes have differed slightly – this one was a whole wheat bagel 😉 I can’t believe I used to like plain white bagels – they seriously have no taste to me now. Whole grain has so much more to it! I topped my bagel with Barney Butter (more on that later) and also enjoyed it with a mug of Coffee Cocoa.
LOVE this mug. My mom and I found a whole collection of them at our local grocery store. They actually have a groove at the top where you can stick a lid so it becomes a to-go mug.
After breakfast, my dad, brother, Bobby (Yay! He’s here!) and I went to the driving range to hit some golf balls. We had a putting contest, too – my bro and I tied for second and my dad took first place. And that leaves Bobby in Dead. Last. Muahaha 😉 We might be kind of competitive…
LUNCH
All that competition certainly wore me out, so we came home and watched Brett Favre win his first game with the Jets (he’s my fave player ever, even if he ditched the Pack), and we made some lunch.
I started out with a so fresh ‘n so clean salad made with romaine lettuce, black olives, tomatoes and cucumbers and topped with a miso viniagrette.
It was yum. Then I had 1/2 cup cottage cheese with another 90-calorie pack of Barney Butter.
I think that means it’s time for a review – wouldn’t you say?
~*~
Barney Butter
I was more than thrilled to be given the chance to review Barney Butter on my blog, especially considering the rave reviews that it’s been getting from Tina over at Carrots ‘N’ Cake and Gina, The Fitnessista. I’d like to give a big THANK YOU to Jennifer Barney for making it possible!
After doing some research on the company site, I realized that Jennifer created Barney Butter in her own kitchen – what a great story! And now they have moved into an almond-only facility, which is great news for those looking for an alternative to peanut butter due to allergies, etc.
Ingredients: Almonds, Evaporated Cane Juice, Palm Fruit Oil, Sea Salt.
Review: I’ve been using the 90-calorie packs in pretty much everything I eat – they are SO. GOOD! The evaporated cane juice adds a slightly sweet taste, making it a lot different from other almond butters I tried. In fact, I wasn’t a big fan of almond butter until I tried Barney Butter! I love raw almonds, but thought the texture of some of the other brands was a little off. I like the fact that Barney Butter comes in both creamy and crunchy and is no-stir, so I don’t have to worry about oil on the top of the jar.
Here are just a few of the ways I’ve been using Barney Butter:
1) On top of plain Greek yogurt with blue–raspberries.
2) In Friday’s oatmeal – yes, VeggieGirl guessed the mystery ingredient!
And of course, I also used it in today’s breakfast AND lunch, as you just saw 🙂 I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked on Barney Butter! Thanks again to Jennifer for creating a great product and sending me some to try for myself. I hope it makes it into stores near me soon!
Nutrition Information (per 2 tbsp.):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g
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WORKOUT
After that filling lunch, my brother and I headed to the gym for a great workout. I did 40 minutes on the elliptical plus some ab moves, including V-Ins thanks to Kelly T. over at Grounded Fitness.
We came back and refueled with another mug of Coffee Cocoa – hey, caffeine may help ease sore muscles! – while watching some more football – I. love. football! And I also love polka dot pajama pants!
DINNER
Another successful meal from Papa Bender. What a chef 😉 Tonight’s treat was Kobe beef burgers, black beans and corn on the cob (!!).
The burgers were extra flavorful thanks to the addition of ground pepper and onion salt. I topped mine with meunster cheese, tomatoes and pickles and decided to forgo the bun in favor of some fresh whole grain bread from the grocery store.
If you’ve been reading my blog long enough, you know that burgers aren’t typically a Bender food, but my dad is quite talented on the grill, so I am always up for trying whatever is on the menu. These didn’t disappoint!
The black beans were delicious thanks to more ground pepper, onion salt and chili powder. My dad also threw in some finely chopped green onions and turkey bacon.
And corn on the cob was as delicious as always with a squeeze of Smart Balance.
A meal doesn’t get much more exciting than that!
DESSERT
Unless, of course, you add dessert 😉 And this dessert was exceptional…
Dreyer’s Slow-Churned Pumpkin Ice Cream!! I love limited edition flavors like this one, but I had never tried the pumpkin one before.
It’s heavenly! In my opinion, it tasted like creamy, cold pumpkin pie! There was definitely a prominent cinnamon flavor throughout, too. If you are an ice cream fan and see this one in stores – get it!
One final thing to note – I finished the second book in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series last night! At this rate, I really don’t think it will be much of a problem for me to finish the series before school starts. Then I can reread them over winter break. Yes, I am obsessed!
Have a Monday, everyone! 🙂
I’ve gotta get my hands on some of that Barney Butter…everyone loves it!
Oh, and you’ve totally got me craving fresh corn on the cob now!
I went through a variety of emotions during reading this post. Let me share them with you.
(1) Nostaligic: My dad used to get donuts on Sunday, but I would ask for a chocolate chip muffin and nestle quick.
(2) Happy: You get to spend time with Bobby.
(3) Jealous: I have no Barney Butter. The only small packets of almond butter I saw at Whole Foods was Justin’s brand and they were all flavored. I just want almond butter.
(4) Pleasure: Cute corn on the cob home.
(5) Envy…Anger: If I have to go another fall season without finding that damned pumpkin ice cream I am going to scream.
Have a great day. 🙂
yay for benders fabulous food journal!!!
I gotta get me some Barney butter!!!!!!
Wow so much to comment about. I totally used to eat 2 or 3 bagels EVERYDAY when I was little. I adored them.
And wow those beef burgers look AWESOME…as well as PUMPKIN ICE CREAM!? I need to get my hands on some!! Ooooo…the Fall and Winter months are always really tough…but thanks for reminding me that I have seasonal teas and treats to look forward to! I LOVE the Bigelow tea flavors that come out!
And yay for Bobby boy being there! that is SOOO FUN!
Have a wonderful Monday my deary!
Oh my gosh- pumpkin ice cream? I’ve never tried this either and may be getting some tonight. Sounds heavenly! That is great that Bobby is there- I hope you two are having so much fun 🙂 I love that you’re competitive with him- thats awesome (especially because you won ;). I enjoyed the barney butter but thought it was a bit …too sweet? Maybe I’ve just gotten too use to the real natural PB with like no sugar in it? In any case, I think its an awesome topping on many items, especially ones that need that sweet kick!
Like everyone else, I’m ready to try that barney butter. YUM!
Your dad sounds like one awesome chef! Kobe beef? I’m impressed! Your dinner looks incredible! It’s great that your fam is down with the good eats…and donuts are included in that category!
I loved this post! 🙂 It made me smile. Thanks for brightening my day Jenn!
I love that Barney Butter comes in individual packets — seriously brilliant and perfect for portion control. 🙂
I MUST try that pumpkin ice cream. I made a frozen pumpkin pie last year that was delicious and from your description, this seems like a similar taste — yummy!
Wow your food looks amazing.. and glad to see you OBVIOUSLY enjoyed the barney butter. And yoru killing me with the pumpkin ice cream I have been searching for the pupkin spice kisses… I am def going to be making some healthy desserts this fall with pumpkin!
HOORAY FOR FOOD JOURNALING!!! 😀
My Dad and I used to get bagels every Sunday too (after he’d pick me up from ballet practice), when I was little!!!! 😀
That mug is TOO CUTE!! Love it.
What a great, competitive round of golf you guys played!! Poor Bobby though, haha 😉
HOORAY!!! I GUESSED RIGHT ABOUT THE BARNEY BUTTER!!! Hehe, sorry, it made me excited 🙂 Sounds like a great nut-butter!! Can’t lie though, I’m still partial to Futters Nut Butters.
So glad that you’re still enjoying the Twilight series!!
HAPPY MONDAY, MY FRIEND!!
My goodness your photos are beautiful! And I am so glad you’re back to journaling all of your food when you want to. I read every word of this post – I was hooked. You are a great writer!
LOVE the mugs in this post! The first one is so cute, and SO true. And of course anything with a Starbucks logo makes me happy!
I definitely need to find some of those Barney Butter packs—I’m totally a ‘spoon in the jar without my permission’ kinda girl so those preportioned packets would be PERFECT for me!
I also need to get some of that pumpkin ice cream–I love pumpkin anything (Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks–yayy!!)
I’m so jealous that you are still at home relaxing while I’m back at school—but don’t worry, come June I’ll rub it in your face ; ) Just kiddingggg!
i’m salivating from all of the delicious food in this post…
the BARNEY BUTTER (i’m so glad you liked it!), bagel, amazing salad, the whole grain bread and pumpkin ice cream (pumpkin flavored treats are my #1 favorite thing about autumn!) all look incredible!!! what a fantastic collection of eats 😀
i’m stoked for winter break- then i can read the twilight series as a glorious break from academic reading and i’ll BE IN AZ!!!! (i’m way jealous you’re there right now and i’m stuck in georgia) 3 months!!!!!
tell kierland commons hello for me 😀 when do you go back to school??
man, i gotta get me some barney butter!! at least they come in individual packs 🙂
it was fun to have football back… buuuut i just can’t get over favre on any team but the pack. boo. it’s ok, i’m a giants fan!
hmm, i’d seen the pumpkin spice and candy corn kisses, spooky z-bars, but i guess i didn’t look in the ice cream isle!
All you food looks absolutely wonderful.
-I wish I could get my hands on some of that Barney Butter. I would love to try it in my oatmeal!
-I love both of the mugs in your post!
-Pumpkin ice cream sounds yummy right now. I used to get some that had pieces of pie crust in it and it was delicious!
Yay for food/meal blogging! Great post, Jenn, I am super jealous of your Barney Butter, I need to find me some! I like almond butter but the way you described the BB as having a slightly sweeter taste makes me think there is more to it than I thought!
Those Papa Bender burgers looks scrumptuous, I am a meat person (I keep the red stuff in check) but I definitely savor a nice steak/burger from time to time! Good call on the whole grain bread rather than a bun, that piece looks divinely chewy and fresh!
And finally, about the Twilight series-so glad you are a fan! They are my obsession, you know about the movie coming out in November right? It’s gunna be HOTT! haha 😉
WOW THAT LOOKS DELISH! (THE ICE CREAM)
AHH!! Pumpkin Ice Cream is back! I haven’t seen that in stores around here yet.
I’m cracking up at your salad title 🙂
So far I’m about halfway through the last Twilight book… they’re so addictive!
My dad made those weekend bagel runs! Your bagel looks delish!
Plain bagels are on tasty/acceptable if they are in the form of an everything bagel. MMMMM bad breath.
Love your journal, as always.
Great food journal. You’ve got me craving some good almond butter – maybe I’ll find some Barney butter soon! And, pumpkin icecream is the best. I’m so excited for fall.
the books just keep getting better. j.k. rowling style. sooo good.
Everything on this post made my mouth water. PB, bagels, football, burgers. I think AZ must mean heaven.
sweets&sweats.wordpress.com
1. i fell in love with your mug at first sight.
2. i am seriously, seriously fuming because god knows when the uk will catch up to barney butter – i feel like i’m really missing out on a lif-changing food
3. i love your smart food choices – forgoing the bun for wholewheat!
4. pumpkin ice cream????
5. clearly, i love reading and seeing your daily eats!
I am SO jealous of this whole Barney Butter craze. Sadly enough though, it’ll probably be ages if not FOREVER until it reaches Canada. I seriously feel like I do nothing but complain about the lack of awesome products that we have here that I keep seeing in the food blogging world. So sad.
I’m also jealous of your dad’s master chefery skills. Everything he makes looks completely mouth-watering.
And yet again, the jealousy bug bites when I see that PUMPKIN ice cream. What a wonderful, WONDERFUL flavour idea. I doubt I’ll ever be able to find something like that either. Maybe I should try to create my own… hm… Now if only I had any skill or knowledge whatsoever in ice cream making… hah.
Anything with almond butter (or pumpkin, for that matter,) is high on my list!
How ironic that you mentioned donut/bagel runs…my family seems to have started a little habit of getting bagels every other weekend or so. Hooray for fun traditions!
That almond butter looks delicious on the Greek Yogurt! I’ll have to try that!
Never had barney butter but ive been eating cottage cheese with peaches all weekend. i love the idea of it with PB.. what a classic throwback!
Love the mug!
Squirtable peanut butter?! Cool! What will they think of next?!
I loovveee pumpkin ice cream and look forward to it every year! Hubby and I just discovered a new combo, combined with some coffee ice cream it tastes just like a pumpkin latte. Yum!