I almost never wake up hungry. I think this is because I’m not naturally a breakfast person.
I suppose my allegiant consumption of oats and/or yogurt messes every morning would suggest otherwise. But, I’m actually an amateur breakfast aficionada. Throughout high school I was an avid breakfast skipper; in college I progressed to a light breakfast eater. Though, if I forgot to grab my morning yogurt or apple on my way out the door, it was no big deal. I’m just not hungry in the morning.
However, since discovering the creative culinary capabilities that lie in each bowl of oats and container of yogurt, I’ve converted. While I still do not wake up hungry, I do rise with breakfast eagerness and enthusiasm. These days, you couldn’t pay me to skip my beloved B.
Except yesterday, I had to.
And, of course, on the one morning I had to skip breakfast, something extraordinary happened. Yes, I woke up hungry.
So why did I have to forego my a.m. fuel? I had an early appointment for a fitness evaluation at my new gym—and I was told not to eat, drink or exercise an hour beforehand.
In retrospect, I should have skipped the silly evaluation entirely because getting pinched, weighed and hit on all on an empty stomach did not set a good tone for my Monday. During my evaluation, I learned that—in the personal trainer’s words—I have “close to zero percent upper body strength.” And also that I “weigh more than I look.” Lovely.
I was frustrated with this for about 5 minutes until I spoke with one of my friends who pointed out the hilarity and absurdity of having “zero percent upper body strength.”
He queried, “How can you have zero percent upper body strength? That makes me think that you can’t even pick up a spoon. Like if someone asks you to hand them something, you can simply respond: ‘Sorry, can’t. I have zero percent upper body strength.’”
My friend’s sound logic assured me that I must have at least one percent upper body strength, and I’m okay with that.
I moved on to breakfast.
(Yea, when I said I skipped breakfast, I probably should have said I delayed breakfast.)
My appointment was only a half hour, and the moment I got home, I reversed any breakfast skippage.
Con cafe
And a pumpkin duo.
Pumpkie Pie Baked Apple Yogurt
Pumpkin Pie Yogurt (1 container plain greek yogurt, 1/2 cup pumpkin, maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice) topped with one chopped, “baked” gala and Fiber One.
It was a wondrous hybrid of pumpkin pie and apple pie—in their most bodacious breakfast form.
After all of your woes with Stonyfield’s Pumpkin Pie flavor, I’ll be sticking to the homemade version—SO GOOD!
My other pumpkin component was an always amazing microwave pumpkin pie.
I forgot to save some greek yogurt for frosting—so I just threw some maple syrup and cinnamon on top.
These 3-minute-in-the-micro, addictively DELICIOUS pumpkin cakes never cease to astound me. If my weakling arms could lug more than two cans of pumpkin out of the grocery store at a time, I’d live on these.
The pumpkin duo did me well on the breakfast front, so I opted for an apple duo as my on-the-go lunch.
New Zealand Eve apple (type of Braeburn) and TJ’s This Apple Walks Into a Bar
I wasn’t really on-the-go, but I’d made a productivity date with my local Starbucks. I’m not sure why, but I’m a much more efficient writer/to-do list crosser-offer when I’m in a comfy Starbucks.
Maybe they pump a little productivity into the pumpkin spice lattes.
I got non-fat soy pumpkin latte. Iced because NYC brought the beautiful weather again. And grande because I’m an animal, and I can kill a tall in one sip.
I’m too awkward to bust out my camera in busy cafe—so I opted for a little sneaky webcam shot.
Success! As you can see, I was already halfway through my monster grande. ‘Twas perfectly pumpkiny—and definitely productivity prompting! I got mucho accomplished—but efficiency isn’t the only reason I enjoy a good Star$ session. It is, perhaps, one of the best people-watching grounds ever. Or, in yesterday’s case, eavesdropping grounds.
I now present to you, Overheard in Starbucks…
- Middle-aged woman on the phone: “It’s ironic that Pilates rhymes with biscotti.” This woman, much like Alanis, was never taught the proper definition of ironic.
- 20-something chica on a coffee date with cute boy: “Yea, I really want to see ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ I heard it’s really gory, but Brad Pitt is supposed to be amazing!” Seriously? Who confuses Where the Wild Things Are with Inglourious Basterds? Poor cute boy.
- 80-year-old lady to her 85-year-old lady friend: “See you tomorrow, sex pot!” I liked her.
- 6-year-old to her mother: “Why can’t I drink coffee? Is there wine in it?” I really liked her.
I adore entertaining people.
After returning home from Starbucks, I felt sort of gypped in the lunch department. (I’m really not a bar person.) So, I made a quickie turkey and cheese sandwich.
I really wanted a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich—but neither toasters nor microwaves can produce those. So, I settled on a double vegan cheese turkey sandwich. Now there’s a little irony for you.
I’m really loving this vegan cheese; it’s thicker and gets more melty than standard deli American slices.
Dinner included one sliced cucumber marinated in a balsamic, honey and krazy salt combo for 24 hours.
Gah, I LOVE salty and sweet.
I also created the best bowl of savory oats. EVER.
Double Cheesy Egg Scrambly Oats
- I cooked 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats in 1 and 1/4 cup water and salt for 2 minutes. I then added a chopped up Laughing Cow wedge, and heated for an additional minute.
- In a separate bowl, I microwaved spinach, cherry tomatoes and 3 egg whites and another Laughing Cow for 3 minutes—stopping after each minute to stir.
- Plop cheesy veggie-packed eggs over cheesy oats. Top with sriracha. And devour the creamiest, cheesiest, most flavorful bowl of savory oats EVER.
No really, look at that corner. You can see the Laughing Cow melted into the oats.
I kid you not. I oohed and aaahed at every single bite. I’m going to do my best to keep switching things up—but this is, perhaps, my greatest microwave discovery. I’m fairly certain I could be completely content solely eating bowls of this and that microwave pumpkin pie.
As in, I really wish I hadn’t just eaten lunch. Yo quiero esto ahora!
I didn’t think I’d have room for dessert, but alas…
My last bag of Kettle Corn—doused in cinnamon, brown sugar and salt. I’m curious to see how long I can go before giving in and restocking my microwaveable popcorn stash. If I can make it through the week, I will be thoroughly impressed.
Preguntas: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve overheard in a cafe? Also, are you a breakfast person? If so, have you always been one?
Adios,
-Sarah
57 Comments
October 27, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I love the wittiness of your post. Your Starbucks is very exciting. I never overhear such entertaining tidbits when I lounge there.
I’m like you with breakfast. I rarely wake up hungry, but I feel like I need to each to get my metabolism started. Oats or a yogurt mess is always a good and light choice for me.
October 27, 2009 at 2:36 pm
WAIT – a TRAINER told you to not eat before doing a fitness eval, which also included a strength eval?? This is why I do not like trainers, and why I became one. Besides that just being ‘not safe,’ what kind of strength did he think you would have after 8-10 hours without eating?? I understand not eating before body comp, etc. But not a strength eval!!
Ok rant over.
I love the little girl in Starbucks, too.
October 27, 2009 at 2:39 pm
My mom used to shove breakfast down my throat when I was little. It just never sounded good that early in the morning. Which is funny because now I eat at 6 am and am absolutely *starving* when I sit down to eat. I thank my mom every day for forcing food down me…
I love cheesy, savory oats!
October 27, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I’m a breakfast person. Usually I woke up hungry. But I take only one coffee and 2 toasts with butter or peanut butter. Nothing more.
It’s funny what you heard at the café.
Your apple from New Zealand looks really cute. Did you buy it where you live? I wish I could find them in Montreal.
October 27, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Oh and on the zero percent upper body strength thing? What an ass!!!! You shoulda slapped him and said, “Then how come I’m able to do that?!”
October 27, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I think I would talk to that “trainer’s” manager.
I laughed at loud at the Inglorious Basterds and Where the Wild Things Are comment.
I def have to eat breakfast- I might not feel super hungry, but I will be super cranky if I skip! (Food is my caffeine apparently?)
October 27, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I have ALWAYS been a breakfast person…but then again I’m a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, brunch, food anytime kind of person! I just love to eat.
October 27, 2009 at 3:12 pm
bahahaha I loved what you overheard in Sbux. Thanks for relaying it and entertaining me!!
BTW I think the trainer doing the fitness test or whatever on you sounds kind of sketch. Seriously? Zero upper body strength? Because that’s legit and possible for an average healthy young woman…
October 27, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I love your blog!
Those comments in Starbucks are great. My favorite is the little old lady one maha.
Those cucumber slices sound great!
October 27, 2009 at 3:28 pm
omg that old lady is too funny. “sex pot” – i love it!
i am a HUGE breakfast person… i am normally not hungry until a hour or so after i wake up, but then it’s on!
October 27, 2009 at 3:29 pm
hahah i love listening in on other peoples convos! it can be ridiculously entertaining!
Also, loving the pink scarf! so cute!
October 27, 2009 at 3:55 pm
ZERO% upper body strength??? Ummm, yeah I agree with your friend, that makes ZERO PERCENT sense haha…
I looove people watching and especially at places like Starbucks where you constantly overhear funny convos without even meaning to… you apparently went on a reallyyy good day for that haha
Your savory oats are kindaa pushing me to want to try them!! I still haven’t yet! They sound like such a good idea though..
I’ve always been a breakfast person for as long as I can remember. I NEED breakfast the minute I wake up.. its weird haha, but I love alll breakfast food so that could also explain it! Oats, cereal, toast, eggs, love em all and need them in my belly ASAP in the A.M.
October 27, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I used to hate eating in the morning when I was younger. Now I eat it everyday and feel bleh and weak if I don’t. And yes, sometimes I do wake up hungry!
I love people-watching!
October 27, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I could eat breakfast all the time. It’s what I dream about, basically
October 27, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I used to always skip breakfast in high school too and then could give or take it in college. Now I’m a cranky chica without it!! Weird how we change our habits as we get older!
Ok, so you have converted me to savory oats! I’ll post about it soon!! I tried the first kind you made and now I’m going to have to try these!! They are amazing and well, pretty much life changing!!
October 27, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Okay, okay. You’ve sold me on savory oats. I have to have it.
October 27, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I am frequently told that I am heavier than I look. I’ll take it. It’s better than looking heavier than you actually are.
I am like you, not really a breakfast person but I have become accustomed to it. In high school, and college, I would frequently skip breakfast, or worse, eat something ridiuclous like a toaster strudel or leftover (cold) pizza. On a good day, maybe a banana?
October 27, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I really need to hop this savory oats bandwagon. That bowl looks amazing.
I love overhearing conversations in coffee shops (creeper much??). They are always so entertaining. People have the strangest convos.
October 27, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I should keep a notebook of all the things I’ve heard my work (a coffee shop) the list could go on and on. I can’t wait to try the pumpkin pie a la microwave.
October 27, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Im totally a breakfast person. Wake up starving usually and either way, my first action of the day and turning on my coffee pot. Anyway, I need to make that pumpkin pie a la microwave! Looks great!
Love your nails color(s) in the photo. You are fineeee miss Sarahhhhh <3
October 27, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Your friend had just the right reply to that upper body statement! And don’t worry about the weight thing–it could be your bone structure or a number of other things. At least he didn’t say that you look like you weigh more than you do, that would be bad!
I love sweet and salty. Live for it.
October 27, 2009 at 6:18 pm
The “overheard in Starbucks” is too funny!
October 27, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Five out of seven days, I wake up and am starving within 10 minutes. I love it. But I was so the same way in junior and high school. If I got hungry, I’d just have a Nutri-grain bar. My how far we’ve come!
The hell 0% upper body strength?! B.S.
I adore listening to others’ conversations! I don’t consider it snooping, I consider it being a curious journalist who’s always looking for story ideas. Am I right or am I right?
I hope your Tuesday is lovely! xoxo
October 27, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Sarahh!! I’m sure your upper body strength is just fine, who needs to lift 938120812 pounders when all one really needs to lift are their groceries?
And I think the whole…”you weigh more than you look” thing is a compliment?! hahaha….
I cannot WAIT to make that microwaved pumpkin pie over thanksgiving break, and the savory oats! Can you believe that I still haven’t tried either?? Just ridiculous.
Love that you people-watched/lurked! That 85 year old is sassy! I want to adopt her as a third granny! hahahha
ps-did i mention i was eating popcorn right now?? that whole food’s natural herb is da bestttt!! all for you
October 27, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Mhmmm starbucks…. and that popcorn looks so good as usual!
Jem
October 27, 2009 at 7:42 pm
LOL! I take sneaky webcam pics too! I still haven’t tried the pumpkin spice latte but I keep reading about it. I dunno why but I usually don’t like Starbucks stuff. But I feel like I have to give this one a chance
If my gemela likes it then I probably will to. I am definitely a breakfast person. It’s my favorite meal of the day 
p.s. I love the name of that TJ’s bar – so cute!
XO
http://www.ohonemorething.wordpress.com
October 27, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Holy ridic great eats!
That pumpkin pie in the micro action was noted on Elise’s blog yesterday by me. Somehow I missed it on yours and I am sooo into that!
The vegan puppy chow has been a hit around my parts today, thx for the inspiration that set it all off
Starbucks…love the commentary LOL
xoox
October 27, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Um, dying.
First of all, I was howling with laughter over the “zero percent strengh” comment – I acutally read it aloud to my hubby and we laughed out loud together.
Also, everything you ate looks too good for microwave food. I think maybe you should just stick with this “no kitchen” thing. ANd lastly…that cucumber combo is something I will have to make so soon.
October 27, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Hahaha sex pot – that cracked me up. I hope I am that awesome in my eighties!
October 27, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Yup, I’m a breakfast person and have always been. I’m a meal person in general….if a meal time exists then I’m all for it!!
And as for that trainer…..el no es inteligente. (did I say that right?)
October 27, 2009 at 9:52 pm
ughhh that trainer makes me angry. He/she seems like a real winner- a big inspiration if you will.
Ok a hybrid between pumpkin pie and apple pie? Thats just too good to even imagine. I can’t believe how well that vegan cheese melts- fantastic.
Overheard in starbucks= hilarious.
Enjoy the pilates!
October 27, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Stupid fitness eval! I had one of those when I belonged to a gym and I left feeling similarly discouraged. Glad you were able to make light of the comments and move on. I also just have to say that I LOVE that you pointed out that the song most of us were obsessed with (or at least I am speaking for myself in 7th or 8th grade) didn’t make any sense! Come on Alanis! BTW your sandwich pic is a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
October 27, 2009 at 10:16 pm
wow, all your food looks so good! i need to try those pumpkin cakes and some savory oats. and your starbucks overheards made me laugh =)
October 27, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I always wake up famished, no matter how much I’ve stuffed my face the night before.. always been that way, since I was little. Bfast is my favorite!
I LOVE doing work in Starbucks for that very reason- people watching is hilarious.
-Joelle (The Pancake Girl)
http://www.joelygolightly.wordpress.com
October 27, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I have yet to try savory oats. Must do so soon.
I’m assuming you’ve seen this website: http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/001912.html, but if you haven’t, there it is!
And yes, I am *now* a breakfast person; however, in high school, I *refused* to eat breakfast, or do anything else in the morning that would necessitate me getting up any earlier than I actually needed to. The breakfast thing started in grad school and has gotten worse since I became an oats person. Mmmm, oats…
October 28, 2009 at 1:00 am
your posts crack me up!! & I am such a breakfast person… especially since discovering yogurt messes through the blogging world, not even going to lie.
I had a fitness eval over the summer to test my resting metabolic rate & it really messed w/ my head..sometimes those things are bad i think!
xoxox,
shelley
findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
hope you check out my blog
October 28, 2009 at 1:21 am
i love hearing random stuff. my fave place to eavesdrop is on kids on field trips. they’re such know-it-alls and are totally hopped up on freedom from school.
October 28, 2009 at 2:15 am
1. this was absolutely/hands down the funniest thing I read today.
i think i may have to make some tomorrow or thursday. avocado, cheesey, eggy oats? with hot sauce. nom nom.
2. i overhear so many odd things on busses and city trains. The Starbucks in my ‘hood is less quirky. so maybe I should venture out to find these eclectic Starbizzle coffee drinkers….
3. i think those oats would become even more outstandin with the addition of avocado
4. siracha = fireworks in my mouth. I need a new bottle ASAP.
xoxoxoxooxoxoxox
Lo
October 28, 2009 at 8:24 am
hahaha you crack me uppppppppppp! come to the fitbloggin conference in baltimore
pleasssssse!
October 28, 2009 at 9:37 am
hahaha some people talk about the weirdest things! And man…savory oats. I don’t know why I’m so nervous to try them! I have some LC’s so maybe I should make it…
I’m definitely a breakfast person. I love waking up really hungry, as I often do. I go to bed just excited for what’s coming in the morning. I’m only a little weird I swear
October 28, 2009 at 10:04 am
What a tool. He obviously has mad flirting skills too, if he thought telling you that you weigh more than you look would result in you jumping into bed with him. Why are guys so lame?!
And I’m loving your friend’s response to the zero UB strength comment. Hilar. I probably only have 1% upper body strength too, and I’m okay with that.
Hahahahahah, loved the eavesdropped convos. People never cease to amaze me. Love it.
October 28, 2009 at 10:17 am
That fitness assessment would have driven me crazy! However, I do love all of the pie-ish eats. I really need to try the microwaved pie!!
I like the 80 year old’s comment! Fierce ladies like that make me feel better about aging
I’m a breakfast person for sure. If I don’t have my morning fuel it’s bad news bears!
October 28, 2009 at 10:37 am
i am pretty sure all your starbucks overheards are amazing. i am also much more productive away from home (aka distractions). i don’t even know where to begin – i am loving all your food so much. and yes, screw stonyfield pumpkin yog. homemade pumpkin yog is where it is AT!
love you mama!
October 28, 2009 at 10:59 am
i used to never be a breakfast person, but now if i don’t eat it, you might as well just stay away from me!
I totally love the starbies sneaky photo. i do that ALLLLL the time. sooo adore girl!
http://saladdiva.wordpress.com
October 28, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Yay I love listening to other people’s conversations haha And people watching…one of my favorite things to do!
October 28, 2009 at 12:49 pm
[...] Pie! Saw this on Sarah’s blog, and was dying to recreate [...]
October 28, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Okay, so the hybrid pies look really awesome. I wanna try. But after I’m done can I eat real pies too?
I can’t wait for holiday pie love.
October 28, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I loved the little Sbucks recap! I think I have heard people on a first date, which was oh so awkward!
October 28, 2009 at 2:52 pm
hahaha those overheard convos really made me laugh…I like the one about the girl confusing where teh wild things are with inglorious bastards haha…ohh poor cute boy is right
I can’t believe the trainer told you you have 0% upper body strenth. this is not correct at all, that does not even make sense!
I totally love watching people on 1st dates, and you can totally tell when they are…the convo is all broken up and awkward….when I am with my BF we remind ourselves what our first date was like, yes vvery awkward
October 28, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Popped over here from Whit’s link & I must say that Starbucks overhear-age made my day – thanks!
October 28, 2009 at 5:03 pm
LOL – the Starbucks quotes – soooo funny. I like the one from the 6-year old the most!
Your breakfasts look intriguing – and LOL turkey and double vegan cheese.
October 28, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I could spend all day in starbs eaves-dropping on people.. one of my favorite passtimes, in fact.
eh, so maybe you are not destined to be a professional arm wrestler. Fortunately for you your hilarious, gorgeous and make the most amazing food I’ve ever seen.. so I think you’re alright
hugsssssss!
October 28, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Sarah (great name, btw), I must try your pumpkin pie a la microwave! How on earth did you do this?!?!
I used to work at Starbucks, and I have stories I could tell for days about customers. SO entertaining!!
I just started up my own blog and would love if you could check it out!
http://saraheatsbythebay.wordpress.com
I will definetely keep reading your blog girl! It’s great!
xoxo, Sarah (best name evaahhhh)
October 28, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Oh my goodness! I LOVE those conversations you overheard. Especially the little kid and the old ladies. FUNNY!
October 30, 2009 at 4:33 pm
[...] about modeling it for you guys–but ultimately decided against the whole MySpace webcam thing. So not my style… [...]
November 18, 2009 at 8:28 pm
[...] reading, Z-Bar and apple eating, coffee sipping chugging and eavesdropping—hoping for some good Overheard in Starbucks material. Unfortunately, I think I was the most eccentric character in Starbucks yesterday because [...]
December 11, 2009 at 7:15 pm
[...] You would die at all the great stuff people are loudly spouting. Decided to share with you a la Sarah. A [...]