Innnnncredible!

Happy Humpday! On the downhill we go………wheeeeeeeeee!

I whipped up some cottage cheese banana oats today – awesome!!

 The-Office-Kevin

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Today’s blend included two new highlights:

Some medjool dates I picked up from the store. SOO big and juicy and roach-like.

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And a surprise from the nut butter tinkerbell!!

I’ve seen Justin’s in stores when I travel for AGES and haven’t ever tried this maple almond butter. The company sent me two flavors to try (the second one, which I’m saving for a bit) is really cool!! The flavor is reallly almond buttery – very pure and not too sweet. But very rich and creamy and the mapleness is subtle but makes the flavor linger. Love it!

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So today’s oat blend was…

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In the pot:

  • 1/4 cup Scottish oats (1 serving)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • PINCH SALT!!
  • 1 medium banana
  • 1/2 tbsp chia seeds (I measured today and realized that I usually eyeball about HALF a tbsp – just FYI)
  • 1 big chopped date

Stirred in at end:

  • ~1/3 cup cottage cheese
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla

Toppings:

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You won’t believe who I found in my coffee today!!

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Mr. Incredible!!!

IMG_5579 (640x427) Incredible cartoon

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New to OPEN SKY:

The Built NY lunchbox that I’ve been using for two year and absolutely love:

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Herbal water!

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And  a whole slew of Naturally Nutty!!!

Naturally Nutty - Chocolate Butter Toffee Peanut Butter - 2 Pack Naturally Nutty - Chocolate Cherry Peanut Butter - 2 Pack Naturally Nutty - Chocolate Sunflower Butter - 2 Pack Naturally Nutty - Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter - 2 Pack Naturally Nutty - Vanilla Peanut Butter - 2 PackNaturally Nutty - White Chocolate Cherry Almond Butter - 2 Pack

Pretty sure there are still a few 10% off golden tickets available: KATH10.

Have an incredible day!!

by Kath on February 10, 2010

in Other

{ 92 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jessica @ How Sweet It Is February 10, 2010 at 6:45 am

Haahaha I said awesome in Kevin’s voice and laughed out loud! Got a good morning chuckle. :) I love me some dates!

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2 Rose-Anne February 10, 2010 at 6:47 am

On this sleepless morning, your post cracked me up! Thank you :-) Mmm, sweet juicy roaches…

By the way, your bowl this morning is lovely.

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3 Kiersten February 10, 2010 at 6:50 am

I wish they sold jars of Justin’s here in Charlotte! The maple almond butter is SO good.

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4 Estela @ Weekly Bite February 10, 2010 at 6:51 am

I love dates!! What a great bowl of oats! And Mr. Incredible coffee ;)

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5 Madeline @ Greens and Jeans February 10, 2010 at 6:54 am

Justin is a nut butter god! That one is my favorite!

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6 Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 10, 2010 at 7:04 am

I just have to say – great minds think alike! For the first time in FOREVER (before reading this post), I dug out my square bowl AND my flaked almonds – then 3hours later you do the same! Amazebugs :) Havea good day!

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7 Tamicka February 10, 2010 at 7:16 am

Hey Kath,
I saw that you liked the built lunch tote, but have you tried there extra relish tote? This thing is huge and comes with straps so you can be hands free when you carry other items.
And I was wondering how does the cottage cheese effect the texture and taste of your oatmeal. I was thinking of trying it but wasn’t %100 sure yet. Thanks!
-Tamicka

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8 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:34 pm

I haven’t seen those totes, but I love mine!!

Cottage cheese makes it a bit runnier, which I love. And cheesy tasting.

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9 Karla February 10, 2010 at 7:17 am

Haha i love the shapes in your coffee. Crack me up every time!
I loove dates! They add such great sweetness to oats! Have a great day!

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10 Tiffany February 10, 2010 at 7:26 am

I love the Kevin reference. :D And those dates do look like roaches!! Your Mr. Incredible coffee was really spot on, too. Have a wonderful day!

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11 christie @ honoring health February 10, 2010 at 7:37 am

I am so glad that lunch box is in your open sky store, I have been looking everywhere for one of those!

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12 Kim February 10, 2010 at 7:37 am

Ok, I seriously need to find some maple almond butter around here, it sounds AMAZING!

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13 Annie @ stronghealthyfit February 10, 2010 at 7:39 am

That almond butter looks amazing. I just bought the same lunchbox- just decided on it by looking at different ones on amazon. I absolutely love it- the size is perfect!

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14 katherine February 10, 2010 at 7:40 am

I’ve really got to find some of this herbal water!! Even though it’s a bit pricey to have all the time, I bet it’d be a great treat once in a while!

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15 Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 10, 2010 at 7:41 am

Haha…I love that you found Mr. Incredible. Your imagination always makes me smile. :D

Thanks for the review on the almond butter! I’ve seen it around in the stores, and now I’m going to have to actually buy a bottle. Sounds delicious! :D

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16 Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind February 10, 2010 at 7:41 am

I wonder how many people check their coffee for shapes after discovering your blog…

(I totally do it. :) )

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17 Teri [a foodie stays fit] February 10, 2010 at 7:47 am

hahaha. I love the Kevin reference.

And thanks for the idea to add cottage cheese – I need more protein and that’s a sneaky way. I love your blog and all your tasty idea! :)

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18 Jaime February 10, 2010 at 7:48 am

They sell Justin’s at multiple stores where I live, but it’s waaaaay out of my price range. It’s always tempting, though.

Speaking of tempting… those oats. Mmmmmm.

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19 amanda February 10, 2010 at 7:49 am

I love Justin’s brand!! They sell little sample packets at Whole Foods in my area. Last time when I went on a road trip I had one packet a piece (for my hubby and I). He put his on a Kashi go Lean bar and I used mine with an apple. Perfect!

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20 Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 10, 2010 at 7:49 am

I can hear Kevin’s voice in my head and I love it! :D What a great way to start the morning!

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21 Lauren @ eater not a runner February 10, 2010 at 7:53 am

You pretty much pointed out why I can’t handle dates, they look like giant bugs! TOTALLY freaks me out!

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22 Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) February 10, 2010 at 7:55 am

Too funny with the Mr. Incredible coffee =D

xo
K

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23 Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 10, 2010 at 7:57 am

I’m surprised you’re even able to EAT dates with how roach-like they are!! :-)

I LOVE Justin’s maple butter! So good, but not overly sweet!

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24 Katy ( The Balanced Foodie) February 10, 2010 at 8:07 am

I honestly don’t know how you come up with your coffee characters every morning, seriously impressed! I’ve always loved your Built NY lunch bag, exciting that it’s now in the store! Also, i really want to try Justin’s now!

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25 Simply Life February 10, 2010 at 8:11 am

i love using my own lunch bag!

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26 Maya February 10, 2010 at 8:17 am

Love Justin’s! The to go squeezable packs are really convenient.

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27 Jenn @ Livewellfit February 10, 2010 at 8:18 am

I love the Incredibles!!! Could watch it over and over with my niece if she let me. :)

I think it might be time for my oats as welll…waiting for tons of snow in Boston!

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28 Nutritious Foodie February 10, 2010 at 8:19 am

I have never tried Justin’s Nut butter(s).

Hmmm oats!

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29 Kaite@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle February 10, 2010 at 8:30 am

Creative find in the coffee! The Maple Nut Butter sounds awesome- I’ve been enjoying PB&Co Bees Knees with a little hint of honey. I like the subtle hint of flavor!

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30 Marisa (Loser for Life) February 10, 2010 at 8:33 am

Dates do look like roaches! Ick. But, at least they taste yummy :)

That looks like an epic bowl, Kath!

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31 Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 10, 2010 at 8:34 am

I LOVE those built lunch boxes!!!

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32 Sarah February 10, 2010 at 8:46 am

Built makes such cute products – I love their laptop sleeves.

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33 Sami Rivard February 10, 2010 at 8:48 am

Hello Kath,

I haven’t commented on your blog in awhile, so I want to say, “hello!” Central Kentucky is on its second snow day today, and that has given me lots of blog-reading time! On another note, I’ve been looking for Barney Butter and I can’t find it anywhere. Do you know of any stores that carry it besides Amazon? Thanks so much and have a great day!

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34 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:34 pm

Fresh Market has BB here.

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35 Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 10, 2010 at 8:55 am

The almond butter sounds delicious!! Kinda like PB & Co’s Mighty Maple but with almond butter.. yumm!!!

And I have two questions..
1. Do the chia seeds change the texture of your oats? And the taste?
2. How do you freeze bananas for use in oats?

Thanks!!!

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36 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:35 pm

1) Chia def. affect the texture – it’s thicker and a little gelled. No taste!

2) I just peel them, break in half and put in baggie.

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37 Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 10, 2010 at 9:20 pm

Thank you so much!!

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38 Sophie @ yumventures February 10, 2010 at 8:59 am

I’ve seen those lunch boxes around, I might have to get one! =)

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39 rustique February 10, 2010 at 9:06 am

I love Scottish oats best of all! And Justin’s Maple Almond Butter is magical stuff.

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40 megan February 10, 2010 at 9:07 am

that almond butter looks so good. I seriously need to branch out in my nut butters. I eat Jif every day!

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41 brandi February 10, 2010 at 9:14 am

i love that maple almond butter, but I’ve only ever found it in the little sample packs.

Happy Wednesday!

I love the picture of Kevin :) He’s one of my favorites.

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42 Jocelyn February 10, 2010 at 9:26 am

Yum I love Justin’s nut butters…I use the to go packages :)

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43 Lisa February 10, 2010 at 9:27 am

i soooo want to try cinnamon vanilla naturally nutty!
i was sent a few samples of hers to try- but wasn’t crazy for them. the white chocolate coconut was actually a big letdown- i thought it was going to be much better!
justins maple looks yummy tho!

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44 Meg February 10, 2010 at 9:29 am

I love medjool dates! (And Mr. Incredible :P )

Have you ever tried them stuffed with peanut butter? YUM!

Enjoy your day!

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45 Cynthia (It All Changes) February 10, 2010 at 9:30 am

Your coffee skills are like staring at the clouds on a warm spring day :-)

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46 Lindsay February 10, 2010 at 9:32 am

Ahh I’ve been searching for a great lunchbox for weeks. I have an idea of what I want in my head and cannot find it. Does yours keep even yogurt cold?

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47 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:35 pm

With an ice pack it does :)

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48 Allie (Live Laugh Eat) February 10, 2010 at 9:40 am

I’ve only had Justin’s Maple in individual packets and I’m pretty sure that’s the ONLY way I can have it! I eat that straight up. Squeezing the ab straight into my mouth. SOOOOOOOO good.

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49 Cole February 10, 2010 at 9:47 am

Haha. Love The Office. And mmmm….dates

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50 Shannon (The Daily Balance) February 10, 2010 at 9:48 am

Justin’s Maple is the best – they sell little individual serving packets at whole foods – SO convienent for traveling!

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51 Paige(Running Around Normal) February 10, 2010 at 9:49 am

Mm I love that But butter! Justin’s is SO good.
What a slew of ingredients in your oats today!!!

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52 Paige(Running Around Normal) February 10, 2010 at 9:49 am

Nut butter I mean! gah! haha

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53 Meg @ Be Fit Be Full February 10, 2010 at 9:50 am

It’s amazing how many different nut butters are available! And it’s amazing how many you’ve tried. Weird how your coffee really does look like Mr. Incredible!

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54 Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle February 10, 2010 at 9:51 am

hahaha those dates do look like roaches

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55 Lauren February 10, 2010 at 9:52 am

Can you believe I’ve never tried a date before? I’m going to be on the lookout for some next time I’m in Whole Foods. I feel like I’m missing out on something great!

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56 Heather February 10, 2010 at 10:00 am

wow I am amazed you have so much time to make all of that stuff in the mornings! I usually grab a granola bar and some nuts and go lol!
although, this morning I did try Greek Yogurt for the first time!

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57 Ally (Exercise and Pies) February 10, 2010 at 10:02 am

finally hum day!

What a peppy post, kath. I just woke up (college life) and this was a fun first blog to read!! I’m feeling optimistic that today will be a grrrrrrrreat day! haha

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58 Run Sarah February 10, 2010 at 10:03 am

I need to try that Naturally Nutty – all the flavours look amazing!

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59 Heather (Heather's Dish) February 10, 2010 at 10:20 am

as soon as i saw kevin on the top of your post this morning i was happy :) that nut butter sounds really good!

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60 Allison K February 10, 2010 at 10:22 am

ooooh. I might have to get one of those nut butters!

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61 Brittany February 10, 2010 at 10:23 am

Your oats look fabulous- per the usual. And, date roaches are so sweet and yummy – love them!

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62 Joelle (The Pancake Girl) February 10, 2010 at 10:40 am

Haha I love The Office! I need to get in the kitchen and make some oats of my own this morn!

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63 Heather February 10, 2010 at 11:01 am

Enjoy your day!

I will have to get some of the Justins Almond Butter for my husband to try – I am always trying to get him to try other nut butters since I can’t!

Love the Mr. Incredible – what a great movie.

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64 Leslie @ Chomp! February 10, 2010 at 11:03 am

ahahaha mr.incredible. i love it!
i’m jealous of your new almond butter. i just ate the last of my marantha… and might go without it for more than a WEEK!!….. ahhh….

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65 Kristilyn (My 29th Year) February 10, 2010 at 11:12 am

I always use my dates for homemade larabars, but maybe I should chop one up for oats one of these days!

That’s too funny about Mr. Incredible in your coffee!

K

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66 Erin @ Big Girl Eats February 10, 2010 at 11:32 am

I’m so jealous, I loveeeee Justin’s Nut Butter!! And the dates, yum!

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67 Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 10, 2010 at 11:34 am

I LOVE Justin’s maple AB! I like to use the squeeze packs on toast with mashed bananas and cinnamon. Seriously delish!!

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68 Crystal February 10, 2010 at 11:38 am

I love Justin’s nut butters! I’m really fond of their honey almond butter…it’s really good on bananas and apples.

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69 Catherine February 10, 2010 at 11:49 am

Haha I love Kevin from the Office! This totally made me smile. Maple almond butter sounds awesome – I’ve never tried it before!

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70 Ashley February 10, 2010 at 12:13 pm

Kath! Your energy at what…5am??…is incredible! The oats sound so so so goooood. I can’t believe how long your morning posts are with pictures from cartoons + the office + even a nut butter review. You are FABulous!

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71 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:36 pm

:) xoxo

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72 Ellen February 10, 2010 at 12:20 pm

LOL Finally someone states the obvious! I’ve always thought dates (love them!) look like roaches….

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73 Bree@beeskneeslife February 10, 2010 at 12:27 pm

I am obsessed with dates! I wish they were a little cheaper around here, because I go through a container a week. I found Justin’s at Whole Foods. I tried a sample packet of the maple and it was great! My husband has a thing for anything maple flavored :)

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74 Rachael February 10, 2010 at 12:45 pm

WHY would you compare them to roaches?!?! AHH I HATE ROACHES!

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75 Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me February 10, 2010 at 12:46 pm

LOL I love the office!

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76 Katie February 10, 2010 at 12:46 pm

You’re so creative with the things you find in your coffee!

I have the same Built NY lunch box and agree that it’s fab.

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77 Christy February 10, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Roach-like dates… how appetizing! :razz:

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78 Katharine February 10, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Oooh I might have to go check out that lunchbox. I’ve been wanting one just like that forever – does it hold a lot? I pack a lunch and LOTS of snacks each day :)

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79 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:36 pm

Yes, it holds a ton because it stretches!

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80 Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope February 10, 2010 at 1:10 pm

I am obsessed with Medjool Dates! And OMG that is hilarious about Mr. Incredible… I totally see it!

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81 Jil February 10, 2010 at 1:19 pm

hahaha I love that you called the dates roach-like. I wouldn’t have noticed that before…but now that I see it, I’ll see it every time I look at ‘em (dates, that is)! haha

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82 Hannah February 10, 2010 at 1:52 pm

The only Justin nut butter I’ve tried is the Honey Peanut kind, and I was really underwhelmed – couldn’t taste honey at all, nor even much peanut butter deliciousness. Did I just get a bad batch??

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83 KathyR February 10, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Pretty excited about that pinch of salt! ;-)

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84 Lauren February 10, 2010 at 3:01 pm

I totally think of roaches too when I use dates to make larabars, chocomole… :D hahah It always grosses me out to pit ‘em.

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85 AnnQ February 10, 2010 at 3:06 pm

Seriously? Chocolate Butter Toffee Peanut Butter?!? OMG…sounds amazing!

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86 Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries February 10, 2010 at 3:19 pm

beeeen dying to try that justin flavaaah!

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87 Tara February 10, 2010 at 3:44 pm

I posted this earlier but I guess it didn’t go through. I was just wondering if there was a great functionality with the lunchbox that I am missing. It isn’t exactly the most stylish thing (by my taste!) so I am wondering why it is so popular!!!

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88 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:37 pm

I think it is very very stylish!! Looks like a purse. Not a big cooler. It just holds a lot and flattens when empty, which is a big plus for me. So is the washing capability.

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89 Tara February 18, 2010 at 10:23 pm

Good point. I’ll never forget when I bought a new lunchbox and ran into an old elementary school friend. She stared at my lunchbox the whole time. So embarrassing!!! But I gotta say, I LOVE the envirobag lunch bag from “old school KERF” days. Not insulated, but so cute!

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90 lynn (The Actors Diet) February 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm

love justin’s nut butters! my husband calls it crack.

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91 Fallon February 10, 2010 at 7:18 pm

Awesome!! Just ordered myself the Artisana cacao bliss and some vanilla almond butter. I must say you have the best selections in your open sky store. Keep it up!

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92 Kath February 10, 2010 at 8:37 pm

Awesome! thanks!

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