Hey hey! Happy Leap Day! Is there anyone out there who has a birthday and/or anniversary on leap day? (I know my friends Brian & Mal have their dating anniversary today!) I’m curious if people who have leap day as a special day for them feel honored or shafted by only being able to celebrate once in a while? I’m actually not sure how I’d feel?
Although, I do know how I feel about one thing…I am not so psyched about the snow falling outside right now.
Booooo. I’ve been spoiled so far this winter with it being so “dry,” and I’m not quite ready for it to start up just yet. Call me crazy but I’d much rather be back in warm and sunny Mexico.
*****
So this morning, I had a longer morning shift at work, which meant that I needed to bring breakfast with me. I didn’t snap any photos because a) it was early and b) it was sort of ugly. I made a batch of Overnight Oats in a Jar last night so I’d have something that I could quickly grab and go with today. It really did look sort of gross (overnight oats usually do), but if you want to see how I made it, it was pretty similar to this batch, minus the raspberries.
On my way home, despite it being past noon time, I still wanted coffee. Wouldn’t you know, the first commercial on the radio once I got in my car was advertising for Dunkin’ Donuts’ Caramel Turtle coffee. Ummm, yes please!
The only thing I don’t like about getting those sort of drinks at DD is that they really load up on the caramel and chocolate. So I improvised…I ordered a Toasted Almond coffee (which is what they use in the caramel turtle) and came home to add my own chocolate and caramel (which we just so happened to already have at home).
I simply added 1 tablespoon of each (chocolate and caramel) to my toasted almond coffee with skim milk. Had I not already gotten the toasted almond flavor added, I’d probably add about 6-8 drops of my English Toffee flavored stevia.
*By the way, today is the last day to get $8.00 off your first iHerb.com order, using my coupon code, SAZ564. Perhaps a bottle of English Toffee stevia is in your future?
This coffee turned out tasting absolutely scrumptious, my friends. Improvising AND saving unnecessary calories, for the WIN!
While I sipped on my gloriously delicious coffee, I cooked up some lunch…errr, should I say breakfast #2?
I was craving some eggs, so I whipped up a quick scramble using some of my leftover roasted veggies. I had planned on making it into a burrito, but I ended up with WAY too much filling. So I added in my provolone cheese slice and sealed it up, quesadilla style.
Unfortunately, I saw that going TOTALLY different in my head, and this thing ended up being a hot mess. Literally.
Luckily it still tasted awesome, so I had no problem gobbling it all up.
Once that finishes digesting, I’m planning on getting my workout in for the day. Surprisingly enough, I’m actually still motivated, despite the fact that it’s the middle of the afternoon. Now if I could just decide what the heck I want to do? Right now, I’m thinking my Full Body Circuit Workout may do the trick. We’ll see how it goes!
Question for the Afternoon:
When do you find that you’re most motivated to work out? Mornings? Afternoons? Evenings? Never? hehe
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
wow that coffee sounds amazing!!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
I’m most motivated to work out in the morning – I like to get it done and out of the way. Also, the snow is beginning to fall here in NH too…we’re supposed to get 8-12 inches. I’m actually kind of excited since we’ve barely had any snow this season!
Paige says
Ughhhh the girl at DD totally talked me into that drink today! She went pretty light on all the sweet stuff though so it didn’t end up being that overwhelming…but it did end up being freaking delicious. I kind of wish I had hated it so I wouldn’t be tempted to get it again!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
That coffee sounds absolutely delicious! I’d love to try making that at home. It’s healthier to control how much of what you are putting into the coffee plus it’s much cheaper! Thanks for the idea :)
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
I now want coffee even though I know it will make me unable to sleep if I have it. And why did I not know about that flavor of stevia?
Steph @ StephSnacks says
I definitely have more motivation in the morning, and it puts a great spin on my entire day — but I admit that it’s difficult to wake up so I generally work out after the work day, anywhere from 6:15-6:30.
Lena @Fit on the Rocks says
I’m usually never motivated to work out, so I force myself to get off my lazy bum and go lol. I prefer to go in the afternoons because I am definitely not a morning person.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
That coffee looks great!! So much simpler than I thought it would be!
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says
Im definitely most motivated in the evening, which luckily is currently when my training is. Im just not a morning person so it was always hard for me to get up for my morning workouts when I had to do that, though I prefered to workout in the morn because it always made me feel better throughout the day PLUS it was out of the way so nothing could come up and ruin it for later (plans, etc)
Kim @ The Family Practice says
You’re not crazy! Its snowing here too and everyone is so happy (skiing, woohoo, etc) – except me, I’m soooo ready for it to be hot and sunny!
Traci says
I usually end up avoiding their lattes for the same reason. Recently, I started asking for two flavors of regular coffee. This morning, it was half cinnamon half hazelnut. So good! You just gave me an idea to try half caramel half toasted almond.
Lynn says
I love the combo coffees!
Traci says
Haha, glad you agree! I meant to also add before: sounds weird, but mixing chocolate protein powder into coffee seriously makes it taste like a mocha and it actually stirs in really well.
Courtney says
Interesting!
Jen @ Whittle My Middle says
That coffee looks fantastic! Such a simple idea but so yummy.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Hands down first thing in the morning. If I don’t go early, it’s a lot harder to get motivated to move my butt as the day carries on.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I like having the time to make coffee drinks at home. Way easier to control the calories (I buy sugar free syrups) and way cheaper than paying for a soymilk upgrade!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
On many days, never haha. But ideally I prefer to workout in the morning or afternoon. But when I’m working, I pretty much always have to work out at night. Boo!
And your egg creation looks delicious … even if it didn’t go as planned! ;)
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
yum!! great idea with the coffee!
i would say i’m most motivated to workout mid morning after i wake up and my breakfast has settled. i usually workout first thing in the morning because of my schedule though. evenings are definitely the time of day that i’m LEAST motivated to workout!
MCM Mama says
Love how you saved some money AND calories. Always a good thing.
And my lunch often looks like yours, right down to the too much stuff in the tortilla part LOL.
Lynn says
Mmmm… coffee concoctions! Perfect for a day like today, however I don’t think we’re getting nearly the amount of snow as they were saying. This stuff looks like it’s going to be messy and obnoxious and not so much on the pretty or accumulated side. Good news though, my accuweather app is showing temps in the 50’s for next weekend! I love me some winter, but if this is all we’re going to get, then bring on spring! Speaking of spring, I just enjoyed one of my go-to spring/summer snacks… cottage cheese and cucumbers, so cold and refreshing! I’ll just pretend it’s not snowing ;)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
It’s not snowing in Baltimore right now, but it is pouring. I can’t help but wanting to crawl back in bed today and watch a movie!
I’m the most motivated to work out when I have a good show to watch while exercising!
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
Yum! Your Turtle Coffee looks so good! I always make homemade ‘mochas’ using skim milk, coffee, and Hershey’s syrup. Just as good as a $5 coffee shop mocha :-)
michelle kim says
I’m usually most motivated mid-morning (after my breakfast digests and I’ve had my morning cup of coffee).
Breakfast number two looks fantastic!
Toni @Running, Loving, Living says
That coffee looks fantastic and kudos to you for making it home, delicious and a lot less calories!
Laura says
Looks delicious! It seems as if your consuming very little calories though. Are you sure you’re eating enough?
Courtney says
Yes, that’s because I was too lazy to post ALL of my eats today. Typically, I hardly ever post everything I eat in a day (except for WIAW posts), but in addition to that quesadilla, I also had both mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. I like to spread everything out throughout the day :)
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
Definitely morning! It’s sooooooooooooooo hard for me to work at night or after work. If I don’t do it by 2pm, it’s probably not happening! :(
Alaina says
I will definitely be trying this coffee out!
I used to love getting the hot chocolate at DD and then adding coconut syrup. Liquid Mounds! You could probably get the toasted almond coffee and add chocolate syrup and coconut syrup and have an Almond Joy! Yummy! :-P
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I love to make my own special coffees at home! It can save *so* much money and time!!! :)
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
That sounds like a delicious cup of coffee!
Carrie Purchase @Myhealthyaddictions says
Im always pumped to workout after sitting all day at my office! I have time in the morning, but there is something about lifting weights in the morning that doesn’t do it for me!
Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says
I love caramel, but not a huge chocolate fan…love your improvisation though! I want to be a morning workouter so badly, but I can never get out of bed. Night time it is!
Lily says
I could eat breakfast for every single meal! And sometimes….I do :)
Shannon says
I think it’s about time we get a snow storm! I have wanted a snow day for SO long (the only one we’ve had was really just a mental health day). Praying for one tomorrow. :)
Georgia @ Trying Something New says
Hey Courtney! I’m just wondering why you do your workouts at home, when you work at a gym? Or do you do both? :)
Courtney says
That is a really good question! Haha…I actually do both. Today’s workout happened at home because I was too hungry at the end of my shift to wait, and I didn’t have any food with me. But lately, if I’m there, I try to get my workouts in then. :)
Nikki says
I definitely have more motivation in the morning! I don’t uaually have a problem with waking up early to work out, but if I plan to exercise after work it ususally gets pushed off to the next day ;)
Brandi says
I really love getting my workout in first thing, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I feel better in the afernoon, but don’t really like showering twice a day. :)
I will go through phases with a morning or afternoon workout. Right now?? Afternoons. :)
Coffee sounds delicious!!
Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says
Mornings! After a day in the classroom, I can rarely get the motivation needed for a good workout. I think it’s easier in the morning because I don’t even give myself time to think about it. I roll out of bed, lace up my sneakers, and I’m out the door. Plus… nothing beats having it done with before the sun even comes up! :)
Lauren says
Girl, you need to open up a coffee shop with that one. Looks incredibly delicious!
Courtney says
Oh my goodness, looks delicious! :)
Lindsey says
I like to workout in the mornings but not when I have to go there at 6am to get in and out and ready for work by 8am, so I like to workout after work now, it is a great way to end my end especially if it was a crappy day!
Khushboo says
How nuts is this: apparently those born on 29th Feb have to change their birth certificate to 28th Feb to avoid future confusion!