Please pardon the lame-o post title. The creativity is apparently running on empty over here today.
I’m glad to see you guys are enjoying the resort review. I’ll be posting another one tomorrow, but I still have to decide which one to do next. Hmm, decisions decisions!
So how’s everyone’s Monday going so far? Mine has actually been pretty productive, which is awesome, because I was starting to feel like a bit of a slug. I squeezed my workout in at while at work this morning, which ended up being a pretty killer circuit workout; oh and you know I’ll be sharing it later this week!
Once I got home, I put away some more stuff from vacation, paid some bills, took down the rest of our “winter” decorations (I’m so over it), and even made a few blog updates. I updated my Workouts Page and my Recipes Pages, to include some of the latest and greatest, so feel free to give ‘em a peek!
In between all of that, I was also able to fit in a couple of pretty delicious meals too…starting with breakfast.
Today’s craving was for oatmeal, so I made a batch of Peanut Butter & Banana French Toast Oatmeal, complete with Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter. Gosh, I had missed my PB2 (<—speaking of which, make sure to check out the bottom of this post – DEAL ALERT!).
But even more exciting…how awesome is my new bowl? I actually bought this down in Mexico for $10.00 from one of the vendors that was set up by the pool (I had to bargain with them a bit to get the price down).
As soon as I saw the vendor cart, I knew that I needed something, but then I saw this bowl and immediately loved how bright and colorful it is!
I realized that it would be just perfect for cereal and oatmeal, and so far I’m happy to say that it’s doing a pretty good job of holding up its end of the bargain.
Fast-forward a few productive hours later, and it was time for lunch. I had actually been moving around so much that I didn’t even think to have a mid-morning snack. Luckily, breakfast held me over really well, so it wasn’t even missed.
Lunch today came together quick and easy, thanks to my prep work from yesterday.
I heated up a big bowl of spaghetti squash (to see how I cook my spaghetti squash, you can check out this post) and topped it with some of my roasted veggies, diced tomatoes, a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese, and a drizzle of Italian dressing.
On the side, I had a Cara Cara orange for something sweet.
It was good…but it was no lunchtime dessert buffet.
*****
**iHerb.com Limited Time Coupon Code Offer**
For a limited time, until Wednesday, February 29th, iHerb.com (<—affiliate link) is offering $8.00 OFF your first order! All you have to do is enter SAZ564 in the shopping cart, before checkout, for your instant $8.00 savings.
So basically, you could get two jars of PB2 for about $2.60 + shipping. OR, if you spend $20.00, you get FREE shipping! Either way, it’s a great deal!
ALSO…
*I still have yet to hear from the winners of my Fudgy Chocolate VitaCakes Giveaway AND my BodyMedia FIT CORE Armband Giveaway. Please be sure to check out this post to see whether or not it was you! If I don’t hear from the winners within 48 hours, I will choose two new winners.
And one more side note…
I picked up two boneless pork chops yesterday and am planning to cook them up for dinner tonight, but I have no idea on a recipe. If anyone has any to share, feel free to link ‘em up!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I love that bowl! It’s so pretty! :) I never know how to cook a spaghetti squash properly so I’m definitely going to have to check out your post. It’s a nice alternative to pasta.
Caroline says
Love that bowl from Mexico! I’m on the hunt for new colorful bowls! And thanks for the iherb.com heads up :)
Helen says
A great go to recipe for pork chops that we often cook would simply be to marinate them in italian dressing and either cook them on the grill or sear them in a pan :)
Brigitt says
I saute them in a very hot pan with a neutral oil like canola. Just get the pan and oil very hot, put the pork chops in, turn the heat down a little, and let each side get a nice and crispy crust. I like to whip up a dijon sauce to go along with them–some dijon mustard, heavy cream (or Chobani!), chicken broth, and optional white wine is all you need.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
That bowl is SO pretty! I love buying things like that while I’m on vacation- things I’ll actually use so I’m reminded of a good time! :)
Traci says
Pretty bowl! Mexico sounds like fun and just what I could use right now. I actually had pork chops for dinner last night marinaded in a bbq sauce with chopped mango. My exact recipe is at home right now, but shouldn’t be too hard to recreate with just bbq sauce and chopped mango.
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Every time that I go to Mexico, I pick up a new ceramic dish. I love the hand-painted pieces–the only problem is that they are hard to travel back with! I’ve had an issue with dishes breaking while in transit!
Melissa says
This is my go-to pork chop recipe. It’s super easy, but feels fancy. A total fake out!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pork-chops-alla-pizzaiola-recipe/index.html
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
I wanted a hand crafted leaf bowl I saw in Jamaica so bad, but when I went back to get it the bowl was already sold, boo! Love that iherb discount!
Rachael @ Ready to Get Sweaty says
Thanks for the coupon code. I’ve wanted to try this forever and now I have no excuse not to :). Now I just need to find some good recipes!
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says
this one was so simple and really good! Im not even a big fan of pork chops and they wre great :)
Crispy Apricot Porkchops
http://andreaoutloud.com/2012/02/20/movie-marathon-snow-pork-chops/
Carolyn says
I actually just ordered some PB2 after reading about it on your site and I love it! I think I’ll have to order some from iHerb… looks like too good of a deal to pass up! :) Thank you.
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says
That bowl is gorgeous! I have to stop myself from buying bowls all the time.
Chelcie @ Chelcie's Food Files says
Thank you so much for the coupon code I need to restock on my PB2!!
Blog is the New Black says
LURVE your bowl!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
Court, my favorite way to make pork chops is to marinate them in Italian dressing, then bake covered in a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. They are really delicious!
Blog is the New Black says
Some super old post of mine, but delish: asiago breaded http://blognewblack.com/?p=1743 or Apricot http://blognewblack.com/?p=1944
Hawaiin Grilled (even though it looked like a steak!!) http://blognewblack.com/?p=5183
and my fav: pork milanese http://blognewblack.com/?p=4628
Kristin says
Ok i am a bit new to your blog so don’t give me the “are u kiddig me” look when i ask this question.
PB2? is it powdered peanut butter : /
thanks
Courtney says
Yup! And it is incredible!
Danica @ It's Progression Not Perfection says
I was honestly just looking to order some chia seeds and pb2 from iHerb so thank you so much for sharing the coupon code!
Kayla says
Thanks for the heads up on the discounts at iherb.com. Just ordered two jars of PB2 – very excited about saving $8.00!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
SO buying that deal!! LOVE PB2!
Lynn says
Do you ever get local peanut butters? I have tried Saratoga Peanut Butter company and they’re good, but my mother recently got me a jar of Peanut Principle’s creamy banana peanut butter and OH MY GOODNESS it is heavenly!! Dangerously so, the jar didn’t last long and I was unfortunately the only one who ate any of it, my husband is always too slow ;) Give it a try sometime, I think you’ll love it.
Courtney says
Oh my gosh, YES! I love both Saratoga Peanut Butter (hello, blizzard butter!!) and Peanut Principle’s cinnamon raisin. They are both AMAZING! I tend to buy them more when I hit up the Troy Farmer’s Market, which doesn’t happen as much as winter as it will in the spring. :)
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I’m hoping they don’t e-mail you… ;)
Rachelle says
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pork-Chops-with-Mustard-Sauce-231998
First meal I made my BF and he loved it! I used Earth Balance instead of butter. I didn’t do this, but you could replace the cream with Greek Yogurt.
Lauren says
One thing, the boyfriend and i make all the time are Ranch pork chops from the Hidden Valley Ranch website…we actually both saw them in a commercial one day and decided to try them and they were delicious and SUPER easy to make!
http://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/v/121/Original-Ranch-Pork-Chops/
Lindsay@FuelMyFamily says
When we wet to Mexico we did some good bargainig with the vendors. It was hard with the language barrier but fun!
Brandi says
I love the bowl! I have been to Mexico several times, and you can find the best pottery there. I came back with tons of stuff!
Um, LOVE IHerb! It’s the best place ever! Online that is..:)
Carrie Purchase says
I was just wanting to order some Nutritional Yeast or Chia Seeds (I’ve never had either one and can’t decide which to try first) but this is perfect timing!! :)
Renee says
Thanks for the coupon code! I headed over and got me some PB2 & chia seeds (never tried them)~so exciting ;)
Stephanie says
Your oats look yummy! I would love to win the VitaCakes :).
Nikki says
Courtney,
I am new to the blogging world and just the other day I found yours; I must say that I love it!
Your oatmeal looks delicious, can’t wait to try it!! :)
Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says
Sounds like you are getting back into “real life” groove with all the productive things you did today! I am def getting some PB2. YUM!
Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre says
I used Julie’s recipe a couple times and LOVE it (http://www.pbfingers.com/2011/01/11/sugar-n-spice-pork/)
Olivia says
Pork chops – sear in a pan after rubbing with a little dijon mustard, then after cooking, add a little olive oil to the pan and sautee diced apple and onion then top the chops with that! – it’s so goooooood!
Presley (Run Pretty) says
Thanks for the code!
I love spaghetti squash… It’s one of Bonefish’s seasonal veggies so it’s served up next to almost everything. So many people scrape it to the side and pass on it. They are missing out!
Lena @Fit on the Rocks says
I’m so boring with pork chops, but I love them! Simply pan-fried with salsa is a tried and true way to go :D I love the recipes with apples and honey mustard as well.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I love that bowl!! I’m always looking for colorful bowls around here. Unfortunately, the thrift store’s only full of ugly ones..but Pier 1 has some nice ones!
Erin says
For pork chops I love doing a mustard, maple syrup, and bourbon glaze. Its so delicious!
Ruthy says
Now I am really craving for this kind of food…Thanks a lot for sharing it with us here..
Caroline says
LOVE the bowl! (and the oatmeal in it!) and I’ve been dying to try PB2! For sure getting some, thanks for the coupons!! :)
Brittani says
I have been wanting to try PB2! I just got one of each, thanks for the discount info!
Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says
Two jars of PB2 for $2.60?!?! I’m on it. Thanks for the info!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I just may have to take advantage of that coupon & finally purchase some PB2!
Maggie @ Running on Fro-Yo says
Those bowls are so pretty! And I’ll definitely be using the iherb code!!
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and FAbulous says
That bowl is gorgeous!! Thank you for the awesome iherb coupon. I’m heading over there now to order some PB2! Whoop!
Cait says
totally took advantage of that offer! trying the pb2 and glee gum!
Khushboo says
No better time than now to try pb2- thanks!
rene@personal trainer brisbane southside says
OMG my mouth is watering thinking about Honey Cinnamon peanut butter. Wow, and on oatmeal, what an awesome combination.
You have inspired me to change from my usual muesli morning treat. That just looks so good thanks.
Jessie says
Your porridge looks lush!!
I like mine with banana, honey, walnuts and poppy seeds. YUM
Brittany V says
Do you do anything special to roast your veggies?
I just tried a new recipe for pork chops the other day – apricot jelly and breadcrumbs :) It came from here: http://notsodomesticated.com/crispy-apricot-pork-chops/
Courtney says
I usually just coat them in a little EVOO, salt, pepper, and garlic, and roast them on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Sometimes I’ll increase the temp and decrease the time if I’m in a rush.
Kati Mora, MS, RD, Kellogg's FiberPlus(R) Wellness Advocate says
I love how colorful your lunch is – perfect match for such a bright and vivid bowl! It looks not only appetizing, but nutritious as well!
Jodi says
Thanks! def using this coupon!
Emmah says
could you please write a post or make a video showing how you get your pb2 so thick and yummy looking? Mine always looks like thin gravy…Yuck! -thanks
Courtney says
Hmmm, I’ll have to see what I can do. But when I do make it, I start with very little water/milk. If I’m doing 2 tbsp PB2, then I usually start with a little less than 1 tbsp liquid. Then I add from there depending on the consistency I’m looking for. How much liquid are you usually using?
Christie says
thanks for the coupon!
can’t wait for my 2 jars of pb2:)
Melissa says
Thanks for the iHerb coupon! I just ran out of both my regular and chocolate PB2 and was about to order refills, glad I waited! :)
Erin says
Thanks for the head’s up about the deal on PB2! I’ve been rationing my jar because I can’t find it near me and it’s expensive to order usually!