Coffee + fresh fruit + bridal mags = perfect rainy day morning
I literally can’t get enough fruit lately. It’s practically all I crave (aside from hummus, I mean). Around the clock. Every hour, on the hour. Strawberries, pineapple, and apples – oh my!
Which do you like more, my voracious apple-tite (#2 before 11 am), my cheesy desktop background photo, or my stunning steel colored nail polish?
For me, it’s a toss up. Apples are simply THAT good, and judging by everyone’s comments on yesterday’s post, it sounds like I’m not the only one in an apple-loving phase.
You thought I was joking, didn’t you? Not so much.
Hello insulin? The massive-fruit-consumption-induced spike in my blood sugar was just what I needed to get my booty in gear (note to self: cheek marks in the couch past noon is just plain unacceptable).
GYM time.
I did 8 miles on the elliptical and they flew by – evidently fruit is my Ritalin. By the end of it I was sweating bullets and it was fergalicious. My body stay vicious, I be up in the gym, just workin’ on my fitness.
As if my day wasn’t already fabby enough, I got home to find senor mailman hooked a hippie up!
Exhibit A: Nature’s Pride 12 grain and 100% whole wheat bread. Thanks Foodbuzz!!
Exhibit B: My artsy, creative boo’s hand made card. Adorbz, no? And 100% accurate, to boot. Love.THIS.Girl.
As distracted as I was, the grrrrr of my stomach couldn’t be denied, so I figured it was high time I got some non-fruit in my system.
I went with a seitan and tofummus wrap. I guess my wrapping skillz aren’t quite up to Jay-Z standards yet, because sh!t fell out. I rolled with it, though (puns intended) and savored each bite.
If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know about my gift to mankind tofummus – get famil! It’ll change yo life :) I’m like the match.com for the chickpea and the soybean…so glad they found each other!
After my late lunch, I decided to take my chances with the weather and get a little fresh air before physical therapy. (OF COURSE) the second I stepped out of the subway station the downpour began. Stormy weather = boo!
What to do when the rain starts? Rihanna?
SHOP! (There really is no better way to stay dry). I got a new dress at H&M for this weekend (we have an engagement photo session in the Park). Unfortunately, it didn’t take too long for me to get burned out (being soaked from the waist down tends to do that). So, I just showed up at PT 30 minutes early to dry off. Despite being a little drenched, I had another great session. My neck and back are definitely getting better, and with such small changes!!
What happens when you are stuck downtown in the rain and it’s already 7:30 pm?
…a Whole Foods dinner date. It was well after 8 by the time Kyle and I met up in Columbus Circle, and I was in one of those super indecisive moods, so it took another 30 minutes before I sat down to enjoy the (above) smorgasbord. It was good, but not as inspired as my typical WF meals. I don’t like the Columbus Circle hot bar as much. Unlike the Union Square and UWS locations, they don’t label things as vegan/vegetarian on the top of the labels, nor do they have the allergen info at the bottom. It can be exhausting (and VERY time consuming) reading each and every label for the ingredients (this annoys Kyle far more than me, but still). By comparison, at the other stores I can do a quick scan and narrow down my options in 5 minutes because they say “contains tree nuts” or “contains soy” or “contain dairy” or “contains wheat” right on the label (as well as vegan or vegetarian or raw). It’s the little things…
We walked part of the way home, so I was ready for dessert upon arrival. In addition to the bowl full of carob/crispy/nut chunks, I made a Jay Robb chocolate protein shake with 1/2 a frozen banana, 1/2 cup soymilk, 1/4 cup water, 3 ice cubes, and a few drops of NuNaturals’ vanilla extract. Mmmmm…
Being so late in the PM, it was a bit too much food for me, but since Kyle was still working from home, I stayed up ridic late watching Gossip Girl and emailing with my boo, so no harm no foul. I have Tuesday off of work, too 🙂
Question: I am being REQUIRED (as in , Federal Law) to get the flu shot AND the H1N1 (Swine flu) shot for work, and I’m NOT thrilled about this. Last week, a coworker had a pretty crazy reaction and had to go to the ED, and with similar stories all over the news, can you blame me? What are your thoughts on this? I understand for the elderly or immuno-compromised, but I’m a healthy 20 year old. I don’t think working in the hospital environment necessarily increases my exposure. I don’t work in the Emergency Department, either. Hmmm. I guess in the end, I don’t really have a choice. For now my plan is to wait ‘til the deadline, so they can work out all the kinks before they get to me. Have you gotten the flu shot this season? In the past? Will you? Can’t I just eat an extra apple a day to keep the MD away? At that rate, I’d be going through a bushel of apples each week!!
I am not a fan of immunizations in general… they kind of scare me. I had a bad reaction to the pertussis one as a baby, and I even ended up getting whooping cough in high school anyway (WTF). I’ve never gotten the flu and I’ve never had a flu shot either. I do eat a buttload of apples so maybe that’s why 🙂
That card is awesome. Homegirl is so freakin’ talented, it’s insane.
It doesn’t sound right that they can require you to get a flu shot. I don’t doubt what you’re saying, but just think that legally there’s got to be a way around it.
Your desktop is cute. I love it. And your nails! Fierce. Mine are not so good right now.
Ive gotten a flu shot every year… just habit, I guess. I’ve seen a lot of protests in the Union Square area about the vaccines, though.
I think you should present to the BOD of Beth Isreal the apple a day method. it’s worth a shot..
umm apple picking?
I want WF hotbar 🙁 I’ve been denied for too long and I’m super jealous of yours.
I’m whining WAY to much in this comment. fail.
I can’t believe it’s actually mandatory for you! Is the regular flu shot mandatory for nurses? I know my mom usually got it (she’s a doctor), but I thought is was an optional sort of thing. Anyways, if they are making the H1N1 vaccine obligatory, that scares the bajeezus out of me. I’m pretty sure they’d have to strap me down to get it in me. Yikes! -Eve
oh me likey the new nail color. what brand/color is it?
homegirl’s artwork is bananas (sorry watching the rz project). i die.
shots in general frighten me, but i think the flu frightens me more (i literally have a fear of throwing up.) however, considering i currently am un-insured there will be no shots in my future.
love the desktop background with kile in it…also i heart the mini fuji apples my mom buys at this teeny corner market by the church she goes to…perfect mini snacks! this year may be the first since i was in elementary school where i get a flu shot, sandra’s already gotten hers…and p.s. can’t wait for the photos! I’m praying for clear skies and loads of sunshine for you! Besos!
YAY the card made an appearance in da post! I almost forgot what the gorgeous H-cubed falafel-chobani sundae looked like!
I am soooo confused why I don’t like Vermont’s apples. They don’t have fujis (sooo depressing) or honeycrisps! I need some steroid apples like Cali. So phat and delicious.
WHOA Cynthia reminds me everyday to never get the flu vaccine. I can’t believe they are making you get it! She thinks it’s a bunch of BS and would rather believe in the stars to see what traumatizing events will occur in her/my life.
SO EXCITED for youknowwhat.
xoxo,
Home [gossip] Girl
you KNOW it!! cant wait, cant wait, cant waitttttttttttt
dude, im HATIN’ on this law. mini-apples are the cutest. love em 🙂
OPI, but i dont remember the name. fashionista fail. guess that goes to show you how my job has eliminated my formerly wanna-be trendy self. now im lucky if my AM routine includes a hair brush.
im watching RZ now too!!! poor brad 🙁
i couldnt believe it either, so i did all this research and evidently they are allowed to mandate it!?! im NOT pleased. the flu shot has never been required in the past, but now BOTH are. ive never gotten it before bc frankly i think its a buncha BS. im still trying to explore my options…i agree though. it does scare the bejeezus out of me.
RIGHT!?!?! i found out last week and since then i have been trying to figure out if its for reals. the exact literature says i can be FIRED if i dont get it. seriously. NOT ok. the only ways around it are documented proof from your MD that there are health implications if you DO get it (ie if you are allergic to eggs). being vegan may work to my advantage in this case…im still doing research. wanna dust off your law school diploma and take up my case?
Hahaha–I was going to suggest eating more apples to keep the flu away, but you are one step ahead of me 🙂 Fresh fruit is the best meal/snack/thing ever!
Courtney
well thats kinda freaky!! ew. more reasons shots skeeve me out!! ill stick with the apples 🙂
word.
You should try roasting those pineapple chunks, so long as you’re eating them anyway… I’ll get around to it eventually! 😉
I got a flu shot last year, but that’s just because my insurance company paid for it, and I wanted to make them pay for another one. (Yeah, I know it’s pennies to them, but it’s the principle of the matter. :p) If they do it again this year, I’ll get one, but otherwise? Not too worried.
<3 <3
Eek, REQUIRED to get the shots? Ehhhh, that sounds lame to me. I think you’re right to just put it off and see what happens meantime.
That card is too fantastic for words.
im geting the flu shot. i don’t buy the neg. hype. my mom is a doc and my dad is a nurse- they both get em.
I got the flu shot and will get the H1N1. I’m in nursing school but they haven’t required us to get them even though we’re doing our clinicals. I do live with my grandparents though so I figure I’d get it for their sake. It hurt when I got it! I swear the woman hit bone. I didn’t get a reaction to it. I hope you don’t either!!!!
Strawberries and pineapple are the best fruit combo ever. I learned all about it in bio, it’s a scientific fact…..
My favorite thing about apples right now? They’re not horse food! Now Nature’s Path is your drug pusher – slather the hummus, you know you want to.
Woohoo for shopping and PT sesh! Glad you’re feeling the benefits!!
K doesn’t do needles so no flu shot for me – what about that mist/nasal spray thing for H1N1?
I am OBSESSED with apples. I’m up to like 5 per day right now. They are just so damn good! Isn’t is weird that I didn’t crave fruit at all during the summer, yet now that it’s getting colder I can’t get enough!? It seems backwards to me.
That card is adorable! So perfect too.
I will not be getting a flu shot, never have never will.
And PS–there is NO SUCH THING as too many apples!
Courtney
Love Brooke’s card! And loving the apples…best thing about fall (and pumpkin, of course!)
AHEM. YOUR gift to mankind…don’t forget who sent you the recipe 😛
I don’t like the Union Sq WF (*gasps*) I think I am so used to CC it just seems small to me? Though it feels fresh and airy and it’s never been as packed as CC (that place is NUTSO at lunchtime). I need to do the UWS before I reach a verdict…and admittedly, have never eaten at the food bar! Fo’ shame!!!!!
Do we get to see the dress, huh?
I work in an emergency room, so it’s mandatory for me to get the flu shot as well. I honestly believe everyone should get the vaccine especially because the new strain of flu primarily targets younger people, rather then just the elderly or babies.
To answer your question on my bloggie you asked, my hubs takes my yoga photos. Girl I aint that talented with a camera.
Those little vegan energy squares are still elusive to me here at the Phoenix/Scottsdale WF. And yeah, it totally bugs when allergen info isnt given on a hot bar. That would pretty much preclude me from eating anything….ridic amount of cross-contam issues. I cannot do gluten, soy, dairy, or eggs b/c of food intolerances. And I’m vegan. So I’d have to just walk out and take a pass. I hear ya.
On the flu shot. Girl, don’t get me started on vaccinations. To each person and parent, do as you see fit after doing your hundreds if not thousands of hours of research. We don’t vax but I completely respect everyone’s choice. It’s so personal and there are no “right” answers that fit all people all the time, ya know.
But as for your situation…I would take the the immune building herbs of astragalus, echinachea, Vit C, flax (or fish or cod liver) oil, garlic, up your probiotics like mad, more zinc, possibly yarrow, elberberry herbs. Email me if you want my post-vax protocol I got from one of my holistic parenting boards…situations where kids had to be vax’ed and how to gently support the body post-vax.
I cannot believe that legally have to do this. Gosh this sounds ACLU’ish to me 🙂
x0x0
averie
Brooke is the cutest, most amazing human being ever. That card is perfection!
Just like the copious apple eating. I am in full support of this!
I am not, however, in full support of flu vaccines. I’ve never had one in my life, so this need to get the H1N1 vaccine really freaks me out. I just don’t like putting foreign substances into my body. (Ew, do with that sentence what you will, haha.)
PS. I LOVE your computer background. SOOOO F-ING CUTE!!
I’m not a big fan of vaccinations. Like you said, I’m young, healthy, take care of myself, etc. I just don’t like the idea of having something foreign injected in my body!
I am NOT a big fan of vaccinations. Do I really need to inject something foreign into my body when I’m healthy, young, etc? I don’t think so…
i usually get a flu shot every year. not sure if i will be getting one this year though (just because my mom still schedules my appointments for me 🙂 ha love being in grad school and still being able to sponge off their insurance)
everyone and their momma got that bread… too bad I just bought myself a whole new loaf – ah well, too much bread is definitely a problem I don’t mind having.
My goshhh that card is the cutest!!! Haha, is it weird that if I had to make it card for you (which would not be nearly as artistic) I would also probably put the same foods on it?!?!? Haha we food bloggers are an odd bunch but I love it.
This whole mandated flu shot biz seems against your civil liberties and I’m a bit freaked out to be honest….
Hey girl!
Love the fresh fruit–I don’t care if its the dead of winter, there is nothing as crisp and delicious as a good old apple. I also love those carob spirulina chunks o’ energy. So decadent tasting, yet so healthy.
Sorry about the rain…its the worst, isn’t it?
Have a good one!
I totally hear you on the apple front. I definitely bought a bag of gala apples yesterday and finished the bag an hour ago. A whole 3 pound bag in a 24hr. time period. Gotta love fall!
mmm today i had a huge fruit craving too! i had like 3 bags of frozen fruit as snacks 🙂 love the salad bar pics from whole foods – my favorite!
I NEED those strawberry and grape bowls in my life. Seriously to die for. Homegirl made you such a pretty card!
As far as flu shots go, I’m avoiding them. When I was younger the nurse giving it to me literally held her arm back like she was about to stab/kill someone, and then drove the needle into my arm. Needless to say, my little bro did NOT want to get his shot after that and put up a mighty fight!
Good luck with it! I hope you don’t have the same reaction as the coworker.
I’ve got to say that it’s pretty refreshing to hear someone who works in the field of medicine to say they don’t want a flu shot. I’m the only one in my family and group of friends who hasn’t gotten one, and EVERYONE is giving me crap about it. I expect it from my parents or brother or friends, but two of my aunts are nurses and I was surprised that they aren’t a teensy bit skeptical. Okay, didn’t want to get all ranty, but that sucks they are making you do that and Sarah Lovin’ seems right – it seems as if legally they can’t make you do that, but I’m sure they find ways around all of that jazz.
I’m with you on the True Blood withdrawal! For now, I just say “Sooookieeeee!” in my best Bill Compton voice about 500 times a day.
I was all nicey bloggie bloggie and then you wrote the flu shot part, and I was like WHA????????? Just the “you HAVE to” part raised my hackles up. WTH?
I went through some crazy situations in NY with legalities – it was the ONLY place & time in my life when I had to hire a lawyer. It was crazy-making so I guess, in a way, I’m not surprised.
I used to get flu shots and then heard more and more about how they guessed the wrong strain, etc and now I don’t get them. I’m the healthiest person in my office (I also don’t fly for work, which I think helps). I’ve taken maybe three sick days in 2.5 years and 1.5 of those were for migraines. Just sayin’
Hope you get to do what you want to do.
As you can see I am WAAAAAY behind on your blog at the moment, but when I read the flu shot discussion I had to chime in.
I did get the flu shot a few weeks ago (2nd time EVER) and my arm killed and I definitely was sick for a few days.
As for the H1N1 vaccine the jury is still a little out for me, however we did have a guest lecturer on campus yesterday about H1N1 and the epidemiologist that gave the talk was great with lots of good info.
1. The vaccine was prepared and tested on the same amount of people as the flu shot is every year so the only difference is the virus
2. The mist has the live virus but the shot has the dead virus … this means I am shooting for the shot if I get it
3. H1N1 isn’t a factor for older people because there was an outbreak of an H1N1 virus back in the 40s so anyone over 65 is believed to have immunity to this H1N1, that being said, H1N1 has been targeting younger adults (he said up to 25 and we are slightly older than that, but being nurses will put you at some increased risk.
4. Since the H1N1 outbreak this spring, no other influenza strain has been seen in the US, they don’t know if this is because it hasn’t been the typical flu season, or if H1N1 has something to do with it
5. This piece is specific to you … the guy said that because New York has so many outbreaks in the spring, there are some predictions that there may be a level of immunity there already. However, if it is going to reach true pandemic/epidemic level, they are predicting this winter.
I am still not sure what I am going to do, however I haven’t heard that I am required to get it. That might be because I am still a student and not truly associated with a hospital yet, but who knows.
Not sure if that info helps, or if it is coming too late.
thx lanie…they recently (i think) removed the mandate for hospital staff…im still not convinced its a shot i need, so im going to pass…for now