Trail Mix Banana Oats
It’s Fr-Fr-Friiiiiiiiiday!!!!! 
I’m so happy that the work week is just about over! And, I think today is going to be relatively low-key for me. I have one meeting and just a few tasks that I need to finish before I leave for the weekend…. and then it’s off to the Big Apple! I’ve only visited NYC a few times in my life, so I am super-duper psyched to spend some time there again! Plus, all of those NYC bloggers (Arielle, Kate, Betsy, etc.) have such a blast there– I want to see what I am missing! 
My morning bowl of oats was delish… but honestly, when is it not!?! My favorite combo of oats is banana with Barney Butter (or peanut butter), so throwing in a little trail mix made them even more enjoyable! The trail mix is Hannaford’s brand from their “serve yourself” bins. I forget the exact name (it’s something like “Mountain Mix”), but it includes peanuts, almonds, raisins, and sunflower seeds. It’s your “basic” trail mix.
Slicing the banana into small, thin pieces adds lots of “fluff” to the oats. The consistency is much more light and creamy than my regular bowl. Love it!
Leaving on a Bus
Mr. Mal and I are taking the Bolt Bus down to NYC this evening. Supposedly, it has wireless internet, so I should be able to blog from the bus. (Kinda cool, right!?) If not on the bus, I can probably blog from my friend’s place tonight and/or at the hotel on Saturday. Either way, I’ll make sure to share some of our excellent NYC adventures!
Question of the Day
What do you like best about reading food blogs? What keeps you coming back for more?
Posted by: Tina 43 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:05 am
i learn so much.
fyi – your “fun food fact” scared the shit out of me today!!!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:05 am
Have fun in New York! There’s so much to do, I could spend a year that and still not get to everything I want. I like reading food blogs for ideas. Cookbooks are interesting, but seeing what food people produce in real life is really interesting to me and has given me tons of ideas!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:07 am
I like the positivity. Have fun on the bus, and in NY!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:11 am
That is so exciting. I have only been to NYC when I was 3, so I don’t remember it! Have a blast!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:12 am
I think it is so interesting to see what people who are healthy eat. I am healthy and love to eat so its great learning about people like me!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:12 am
seeing new food combinations, products, and recipes. The creativity in this food blogging world is inspiring! have such a fun weekend.
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
My favorite part of food blogs is seeing what other healthy woman are eating. I love hearing how they incorporate healthy meals into every day life, which is a lot of validation for me. I also love good, healthy food, and I connect with those who share the same interests as me. I love the ideas I get!! love food blogging!
Have a safe trip to NYC!! Is it snowing there?! IT’s snowing here in Philly!!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
HOORAY FOR FRIDAY & NYC!!!
I LOVE learning about new recipes, meal ideas, and products from fellow bloggers; and making new friends!!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:22 am
I love getting recipe ideas, learning about new produts and seeing how other healthy women live!
Lee – It’s not snowing yet, but we’re supposed to get flurries!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am
i just find it interesting. at first i thought all of you were a little off your rocker, but after reading for awhile, i was hooked. (and that you live in boston/some what near me interests me as well) i also enjoy that you eat real food, have “slip ups/bad food choices” sometimes and that you LOVE TO BAKE!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:41 am
seeing new recipes and products I’ve never tried, oh and people’s “isms” like their quirkyness
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:44 am
Lisa,
Haha, me too! I love the “isms”!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:46 am
Great question, Tina.
What I like in a food blog:
- Good quality pictures of meals and snacks
- Healthy versions of recipes
- Relevent commentary about excercise, eating, and real life situations
- Realism. Acknowledging when you make mistakes and slip up- nobody’s perfect.
-Humor and honesty. If a blogger takes herself/food/life too seriously, it can be boring to read. Also, sometimes recipes don’t work out, and a blogger should acknowledge this, instead of saying “Hooray” for everything.
Your blog definitely meets all my criteria, which is why it’s my fave!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:53 am
Have fun in NYC!!!!! I’m sure it will be such a blast!
I love food blogs for new products and recipes, and I like reading about peoples lives…I guess I’m a bit nosy! I also love the positivity of food blogs. It’s comforting to know that there are other women out there feel the same way I do about fitness and eating healthy, but fall off the wagon from time to time too. It makes me less hard on myself.
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:55 am
I like getting ideas for new recipes and comparing what I like next to what other women (usually) do.
Have a great time in New York!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:59 am
I am trying to get new and healthy food ideas.
Can you tell me how you make your oats? They always look so good!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
Laura,
My oats are fast and easy to make! Here’s what I do…
- Measure 1/2 cup dry oats
- Pour into large, microwavable-safe bowl
- Add fun toppings (fruit, nuts, etc.)
- Add 3/4 cup – 1 cup water or milk
- Nuke in microwave for 2 minutes
- Stir, let cool, and enjoy!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Oh yay! Weekend Vacay! (it rhymes
)
Blogging from the bus, eh? How hi-tech, convenient, and waaaaay cool!
What I like about food blogs, esp yours: very pretty photos, cool products I want to try out, yummy looking (But somewhat easy) baked goods to try, and reading what kinds of cool new workouts are available. I think your blog is awesome Tina! I always enjoy reading it
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hey Tina, have an awesome time. I can’t wait to go home in a couple weeks, I miss NYC. Ask your friend if he knows about the “Alligator Lounge” and “Barcade” in Brooklyn. It’s only one metro stop into Brooklyn and both of those places are around the corner from each other. If you have time, you have to go…
By the way, I got your Teddie butter and I LOVE IT. It’s one of the best I’ve ever had, the texture is thick and creamy and perfectly salted. I’ll be posting about it in the next day or two. Thanks! I’m hoping to be able to find some of it when I go home, maybe in NYC?
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am
Have so much fun in NYC! I’m so jealous!
I’ve taken the BoltBus so many times now and it’s great, but be prepared that usually the “free wi-fi” is basically “free internet at the speed of dial-up (or slower).” The speed depends on how many people use it, so hopefully you won’t be on a bus full of people using their laptops!
I’m a sucker for good pictures (and lots of them) on blogs! I’m like a kid who only wants picture books!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:26 am
Have fun this weekend! Bring lots of pictures back, I’ve never been to NYC!
I love food blogs because I love that they are a real story of life, plus you get new recipes and new products. I would have never tried a lot of stuff if it wasn’t for the blogging community. Plus it forces me to be creative because I know people are going to be reading!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:27 am
Yummy oats!
I like food blogs for 2 main reasons:
1- I enjoy “meeting” and keeping up with people who are similar to me (enjoy exercise, health, and nutricious, delicious food!)
2-For all of the fantastic recipes and ideas others come up with–like your oatmeal this morning, for instance
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
This is my first comment since beginning to read when Metro featured your blog, Tina!
I keep coming back for more because I like seeing the PICTURES of food, getting ideas for tasty new dishes, and getting workout ideas. It also serves as a reminder that life is a balance, and when it comes to food, it is important to be both healthy and satisfied. (I tried eating oatmeal in the mornings with banana and have been at it for a week with new combos, too!)
I also like the Boston places, as I live in the area. =)
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:37 am
So far, my favorite thing about reading all the blogs is the fantastic breakfast ideas i’ve gotten! I’d never think to put such interesting stuff in my oats!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Be forewarned: Bolt Bus is better than the Chinatown buses, but not all it’s cracked up to be. The bathroom is still gross and the seats not that comfy.
Have fun in NYC but dress warmly… TIGHTS under jeans always works!
I miss my NY while living here in D.C… nada can compare…*sigh*
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I love seeing new stuff to do with foods! And it keeps me on track exercise-wise, if I see everyone else running then I’m definitely not slacking!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
horray for NYC! enjoy, tina
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Have fun on your trip! sounds like so much fun! Be sure to bundle up
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Never been to NYC, but it sure looks cool on TV! Have a great time.
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Have fun in NY!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I definitely keep coming back for the new food ideas, recipes, and product reviews. Reading about food experiences firsthand is fun!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I love blogs with high quality photos of the food. It definitely helps to spark creativity when you are in a food rut. And I love the honesty and vulnerability that comes with putting yourself out there for the world to see. I really appreciate and respect that. Thanks Tina for doing such a great job!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
delicious healthy recipes!! and snack ideas
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
HAVE FUN IN NYC!
I’m interested to hear how the bolt bus is, i almost did it down to philly, but then the boss was paying so i went fast 
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Tina, you and Kath were the first blogs that I followed and also my inspiration to write my own blog. I love your eats, specially oatmeals ideas and how sincere you share with us all your thoughts.
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Have a GREAT time in NYC! The best thing about food blogs is that it’s like reading a fitness magazine – it gives you new tips and ideas to modify your diet, work out routine, and lifestyle to reach your goals. Except it’s easier to relate to a food blog, especially when you know the blogger.
Keep up the good work! You’ve helped me out so much!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Good Question!
I don’t know many people, none really, who are as health-oriented as I am. It’s great to have a place to relate to others.
Oh, and recipes! I am definitely baking your Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf within the next few days!
Enjoy your trip!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I mostly love reading food blogs for all the wonderful recipe ideas you guys have! I ultimately add my own twist to everything but you guys are all so creative! What I love about your blog in particular are all the restaurant reviews and brand reviews. Keep up the good work!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
It’s nice to see that I’m not a total freak and others have a passion for food like I do… Sometimes my friends think I’m weird! lol… I also get tons of great ideas for meals. Being creative is key to eating well on a tight budget!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Thanks for the recipe – I will try it!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I just read your stats and it’s SO refreshing to read about someone like me- 5″4 and around 130. I have always felt like a freak for not weighing 120, which it seems is the norm in health mags. But I’m fit and toned now!
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I like reading food blogs for all the great ideas and to learn about other food items out there.
on Nov 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
I love the connection food bloggers share…I love seeing how others incorporate healthy eating into such diverse lifestyles, I love the honesty of loving health and cookies, hehe! I get great ideas and have been exposed to new products and have learned a ton from reading food blogs.
Have fun in the big apple!