French Toast – Bam!
I don’t know if it’s a craving for a blend of eggs and carbs for breakfast or what, but I am just loving this combo!!
Cinnamon Swirl topped with seared banana, coconut and Barney Butter. Yay.
Today was my first day back to PUMP CHALLENGE! Unlike what some of you first guessed, this was not a breast pumping issue. It was my return to my Body-Pump-like class at the gym. It’s like Body Pump only that we use the same equipment, but Chris doesn’t let us stop for a rest, and we do a lot more boot camp style lifting than real Body Pump does.
The class was hard, but it has always been hard. What I found most interesting-yet-not-surprising was that the exercises I modified during pregnancy (abs, chest) were hard and the ones I didn’t (shoulders, triceps) were just about the same as they were 2 months ago. Guess keeping up for those 9 months paid off in some places.
Mazen enjoyed kids’ zone (as evidenced by another nap) and I took advantage of the babysitting and showered at the gym.
Then we raced home, nursed, and went out to meet Karen for some Thanksgiving grocery shopping and errand running. Her car was being repaired, so we spent the day together. Shopping and baby watching are more efficient with two!
{Annnnd the rest of this post is all phone photos – giant camera + diaper bag are not compatible!}
First, lunch at Whole Foods. I had a great salad with lots of veggies, chickpeas, some grain-based salads, a curried fish, a potato and PLANTAINS! <—dessert!
After we stocked up on some essentials, we headed to Tradeeeeeeeeeeer Joe’s!! Wheee!
It was busy and Maze was itchy, so I didn’t get the full experience, but I spotted some of my favorites!
Karen and I also shared this for dessert, but it was surprisingly disappointing. Didn’t have much flavor at all!
Maze didn’t know what to think about TJs…
Bor-ING mom!
We headed back to Karen’s to drop off the groceries and nurse and then to the bakery to pick up Matt and then to TOYOTA
Where we jumped up and down in our car outfit because…
We are now the proud owners of a Toyota Highlander!!! I could not be more excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a much-needed yet very big and scary purchase. I’m planning to do a follow up to my Kia Sorento post on BERF on why we chose the Highlander. Bottom line: it had the most bells and whistles, the best reputation, was the right size for our needs and had the best drive.
We wanted to test out our new wheels, so the three of us went out to dinner to celebrate. We chose somewhere couldn’t walk: Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie, a famous pizza establishment.
Glass cup of vino
An excellent spinach salad that Karen and I shared. The spiced pecans were the best part – and lucky me I have some at home!
We shared a pizza with Italian sausage, portabella mushrooms and kalamata olives. It was a salt explosion, but oh-so-good. Whole wheat crust!
Doodlebug (Karen’s nickname that I can’t stop using) was well behaved in his father’s arms.
And on the way home, I discovered the Broadway station on satellite radio (we get a 3 month trial).
CATS was on first followed by Beauty and the Beast – yesssss!
Elisabeth says
Congrats on the new vehicle. I’m a Honda girl myself (on my 2nd Accord now), but Toyota makes a nice car, too. 😉
lisa fine says
This morning I made eggs and toast with honey, and right as the eggs were done cooking, I thought, “Damn! I should have made French toast!”
Maybe tomorrow morning.
Mom says
The Broadway Station! I’d be in heaven. Congrats on the new car!
Philippa says
I think I’d move to the US just for Trader Joes!! Sigh.
Your boy looks so much like you in some photos! Glad to see life as a mum is treating you well Kath 🙂 x
Patty says
Congrats! I am turning 33 soon and have YET to buy my own car, always had hand-me downs. I bet that was super exciting!! Also your phone pics look great!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Maze will grow to appreciate TJ’s, I’m sure!
Rosie says
My boyfriend had a Toyota Highlander for years and then when it came time to replace it, he decided on a 2nd one! He loves it and it’s very fun for me to drive too — great car!! Congratulations Kath, Matt and Mazen on your new purchase!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
You’ve just reminded me I have pumpkin butter in the pantry! Also THANK YOU for also thinking that cookie butter candy bar is basically overrated. I said that once and people thought I was a weirdo. The chocolate overpowered the cookie butter and it wasn’t worth the calories to me, I’d just have each separately and call it a day.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Yay for your new set of wheels! 😉 Love it! Toyota makes such a great vehicle. We have a Toyota 4Runner and love it! I can’t believe how big Mazen is getting either – what a cutie!
mamawass says
Maze looks so big in the pictures with Karen!! Even though I don’t know you, it’s fun to watch Mazen grow since he is just one week older than my little Benny!
Kel says
Congrats on the new car!
Doodlebug – LOVE it!
bethany says
YAY!!!! You will be soooo happy with Toyota. I just got a new Venza, and we have had toyota’s in our family for years! They run forever, the maintence care package is awesome, and they are just the best! So happy for you three 🙂
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
New baby new car new TJs. Life is amazing huh?!?
Amanda @Eat More Rabbit Food says
What a great looking SUV! Congrats on the new purchase. I hate shopping for cars! So stressful! We bought a new car at the beginning of the year only to have it hit and totaled two weeks later. Then I had to go back and shop more! :/ Looking forward to your review!
Tiffany says
Congratulations on the new car! Maze is such a cutie 🙂
I’ve been reading and hearing about individuals who lost weight on a diet of only eating at starbucks/mcdonalds/chiptole and I was curious to hear your thoughts. Is it really just calories in v. calories out to loose weight or does it really matter the type of food we eat too?
Obviously, eating real whole foods gives you energy and good health that fast foods cannot, not to mention there is unhealthy fat linked to eating an unhealthy diet but in terms to strict weight loss does it really matter what a person eats?
It seems this topic has been on the news and online lately and I would love to hear an RD perspective.
Thanks Kath! Wishing you a beautiful Tuesday with your cute little one
KathEats says
It is just calories in versus calories out. But you’re right there are so many other factors to consider that equal more than weight alone. There are some healthy options at a restaurant too . But it would be 1 expensive diet.
Andrea says
Ever seen the documentary Fathead? It somewhat focused on the calories in, calories out notion. I do not agree with the documentary, but it’s interesting!
laurie says
You’ve motivated me to try out your spiced pecans this week! Fun post!!
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says
I was disappointed with that chocolate bar too! You should try the dark chocolate salted caramel coconut one next time – crazy good!
Katherine says
All sorts of awesome on this post! Tjs, babies and new cars oh my! My noahbug loves tjs and the great harvest next to it might i add. When he was about 5 mo old, we were checking out at tjs and he began giggling at the sound of the beeps while we were being rung up! It was priceless. Now (18mo) he sits in the cart waving at everyone and kissing his baby bro in the moby. At great harvest, we always try something new. Without fail, the second he takes a bite of bread or sweet he proclaims “mmmmmmmmmm”. Love it!!
Congratulations!!!
Elise @ Expeditions of Elise says
Glad you made it to Trader Joe’s and got some yummy smoked trout! That speculoos bar looks amazing. Too bad it wasn’t that great.
Congrats on a new car! It was really exciting when I got my new-to-me car last spring, so I feel your excitement.
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
You are going to love having a Toyota!! We have the Rav 4 and Camry and oh my goodness best cars ever! Toyota is so reputable and you can literally drive the wheels off their cars.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Purchasing a new car is so exciting and scary at the same time! Have fun! 🙂
Ray says
I think you mean the four of you went to dinner? Is that a new or used highlander. My mom
drives the hybrid version and loves it.
mandyp says
Can’t wait to hear why you chose the Toyota Highlander over the Honda Pilot… my husband and I have been looking at these two for MONTHS! Someday we’ll make our move and actually buy one. Congrats on the new car!
KathEats says
The push button ignition and touch unlock handles put the Highlander in front for this mom who hates keys. We did love the Pilot though.
laura says
Kath – have you ever considered CrossFit? Just wondering 🙂
KathEats says
I don’t think it’s for me. I’m sure I would get injured! Plus it’s too expensive with my gym membership, which I would never give up for its variety and childcare. But I’m sure it’s an excellent workout.
Leslie says
Love Doodlebug! Still call my 16 year old that, along with Kendallboosky, Kendallboo, Boopeedoo, KKBoo, Boo, KK, and Peanut. Just can’t help the nicknames with her-and she’s used to it-she responds to all of the above! 🙂
marie says
HIGHLANDER for the WIN!! 🙂 So happy you made this choice- we love ours!
Jennifer says
Congrats on your new Highlander! Toyota is a great car and will last a long time. Enjoy it! Is the color black or blue?
Love the Doodlebug nickname. 🙂
KathEats says
Black : )
Jennifer says
Nice! Good choice.:)
Ashley @ LibertyBelles says
Congrats on your new purchase!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Congratulations on your new car!!! I’ve heard good things about that car, and I’m really just an SUV fan in general!
Christine @ BookishlyB says
Gotta politely object on the Speculoos- LOVE those things. I’m not a big fan of Speculoos in general, but I totally love the dark chocolate combo.
Congrats on the car. I always hate the car buying process (and payments), but it feels so good once you take off from the lot with it!
KathEats says
Maybe my bar was bad/old?
Marisa @ uprootfromoregon says
I’ve tried it before too and didn’t like it, even though I love the cookie butter spread on its own from T Joes! Different taste preferences I guess.. I just schmear some cookie butter onto pieces of dark chocolate instead : )
Lorin says
I didn’t like it either. I was expecting it to be more like gooey thicker cookie butter in the bar, but was a thin, bland smear
Rebecca says
You’re the first person I’ve heard say they didn’t like the speculoos! It’s my favorite!
KathEats says
Well in general I loooove it but the speculoos in this chocolate bar tasted like cardboard
Rebecca says
Doh! 🙁
Andrea says
I just tried that chocolate bar with the cookie stuff inside from TJs for the first time this weekend – and I loved it! I’m definitely not a chocolate connoisseur though, so my taste buds may not be the most discerning!
Claire says
I love doodlebug! Much sweeter than “Stinky” 🙂
My husband had a Toyota Highlander ages ago, and after a year he realized it was too much car for just us. He traded it in for a Honda Civic! We love the low gas mileage and of course the safety (we dislike SUVs because of their tendency to rollover – my husband’s a firefighter and has since seen too many injuries/deaths from rollerovers to drive an SUV again). We also have a used Subaru Outback for moving large things and hauling our canoe, and the low center of gravity is much safer. It’s more than big enough for us + our baby, and although it has higher MPG than our Civic we don’t drive it very often (we use the Civic for most of our driving).
Lily says
GREAT choice, Kathy! My mom had her 1st Toyota Highlander for over 10 years & just decided she wanted an upgrade and got the same one as you! But her first one was still going strong! And I looooove my new Matrix! Toyota is the best all around!
natalie @ will jog for food says
I love highlanders! For us, it was between that and the Murano, and we ended up with the Murano.
That pizza place looks amazing! Yay for wine! How many glasses can you have when breastfeeding?
KathEats says
It depends on a lot of individual factors, but I stick to one
Kiersten says
Congrats on the Highlander! Mine has 200K miles and is still going strong! Will prob get another Highlander or 4Runner when the time comes. We’re a Toyota family 🙂
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
That car = wicked cool. Congrats 🙂
I have a blogger ? for you if you have a second! I am almost out of photo space on my blog (I blog with wordpress but have my own domain) and it wants me to purchase a space upgrade which is rather pricey! Do you know of a way to extend your space and allow more photos without breaking the bank?
KathEats says
Other than making sure your photos are compared before upload (windows live gallery can do that) or moving to a self host, I don’t..
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
Okay, thanks anyway!
KatyBug says
If I may jump in…you could also consider hosting photos with a different service (I use Flickr Pro, which is only $25/yr). It’s also good because if you don’t back up your blog files, which is a totally separate process from baking up your database, you could lose *everything* if you crash or are hacked. I think that’s what happened to CNC’s Tina a few years ago. I’m a huge proponent of backing up your sites anyway (I think I have written at least five posts on why and how!) but Flickr also makes it easier to organize your photos.
If you do that, you just embed your image files in your posts, so there is no hit against your storage space.
Kavi says
Congrats on the new car! I’m a huge fan of Toyotas. I have had my Corolla for 9 years now, and I still love it 🙂
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
YAY for a new car!! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
Tracy says
Glad you decided on the Highlander. We’ve been very happy with ours!
Michelle says
Congrats on the Highlander! I have a black 2011 one and love it!
Taylor @ LiftingRevolution says
Congrats on the new ride! Fancy stuff! We’re in the search in the next year most likely for something about the same size. My husband is a huge toyota fan so chances are that’s what we’ll end up with too…
Did you drive the Mazda SUV? That is the one I am considering most. lol, we shall see who wins.
KathEats says
Neither of us liked the Mazda sadly. Just little things that we didn’t like like the seat comfort
[email protected] livingthesweetlifestl.wordpress.com says
congrats on the new car…very cute!
Justeen says
Congrats on the new car! How exciting 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie! My boyfriend will be in Cville for Thanksgiving weekend and we were thinking of getting pizza one night – would you recommend Blue Mountain Brewery (which you’ve raved about before) or Dr. Ho’s??
KathEats says
Blue mountain hands down, but Dr ho’s is really good too
Justeen says
Thanks, we’ll definitely check it out!
jenn says
Is this 2012/ 2013? We are interested in one too,and trying to decide!!!
KathEats says
’13, although I don’t think there is much difference
sara p @ www.fitcupcaker.blogspot.com says
Toyotas are great. I love trader joes it seems to be much cheaper than whole diosa. Even though i love them both!
Deirdre @ Oh Well Whatever says
Congrats on the new car, how fun. I listen to a Broadway station on Pandora and LOVE cats, saw it live when I was about 10.
Wow Mr. Maze has gotten so big. ; )
Annette @FitnessPerks says
Yay! Congrats on the new ride!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Congrats on the car!! And yum on the Whole Foods :).
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Haha I think Maze is going to grow up at TJ’s 😉 And that’s awesome!
Mahealani @ Beauty, Brains, and Balance says
Eeeew, I hate the speculoos bar with the spread in the middle! You so hit it on the head, it’s very disappointing. BEWARE not to get the spread in the jar, it tastes like uncooked spiced dough, which may sound good but it’s really not. Better to stick with Biscoff I’ve found.
KathEats says
I thinkBiscoff is the best too
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
Congrats on the shiny new car!
rachael midura says
YAY!!! So glad you got the Highlander. I read your post about you being in the market for a new ride. I wanted to post a comment about the Highlander but never got around to it. We just purchased our second one in April. Love, love, love it. I would of kept driving the old one but it had over 90,000miles on it and hubby said it was time to trade it. Never had one single complaint with the old one and am loving the new one. Who doesn’t love a new car!? So congrats and enjoy it!
P.S your son is darling!
rosee says
i’ve been reading for years and this is my first comment! congrats on the new ride and most importantly mr mazen – he’s stealing the show! so cute …how do you think the spiced pecan recipe would do with say walnuts or almonds?
KathEats says
Thanks for your comment! I think it would definitely work with other nuts. Maybe the ones with more nooks and.crannies better than almonds
Funmi says
Hi Kath,
Just wanted to stop in and say congrats on the new ride 🙂 I am expecting my first child in March and we got the Highlander ’12 in anticipation of our little one. I like the fact that it has room but doesn’t feel like you’re driving a monster. You’re going to love it! And yes, there is no difference between ’12 and ’13. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Jenny @ For Your Consideration says
Oooh. Congratulations on the new car! So exciting!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
Car is gorgeous! Hella jealous! I want to see more pics 🙂 ! I almost bought trader joe’s pumpkin butter on amazon just to get it to Ireland..is it worth it?
KathEats says
Only if you don’t have any other pumpkin butter available there
Darien says
i adore trader joes pumpkin butter and send it to all my friends who cant get to it as part of their christmas gift. ive had about all of them, and TJs is the best!
Abby says
Love the highlander! I drive one as well. Fits 2 kids, the dog, bikes, camping gear, love it love it. Also spent 2 years living in Mexico and drove it there too! Congrats!
Carrie @ The Cook's Palette says
Congrats on the new car! Definitely adds some excitement to getting in the car for awile!
Tara says
Delurking to say that your baby is way.too.cute. As much as I like seeing beautiful food, I loveeee seeing pictures of Mazen! Adorbs.
sara p (www.fitcupcaker.blogspot.com says
BTW that french toast looks amazing!!! You can check out some good recipes on my blog!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Congrats on the new car! So exciting! I’m still in “new car” heaven with my (pre-owned) Jetta and I bought it in April or May! ha!
Margaret says
Congratulations on the new car, a friend who is a mechanic said “if everyone drove a Toyota, we would be out of a job” he was advising me back in 2000…… with limited budget I bought a used 1995 hatchback Toyota Carolla, it is serviced regularly and is still going strong . I am still happy with it and will replace it soon (with another Toyota) ONLY because it has no airbags and I often have my Grandsons in the car now.
17 years old and never misses a beat, gotta love a car that is so reliable.
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Yay!!!! Congrats girl! I have two kids and would give anything for an suv. It will be so useful!
Natasha says
I am on my 4th Toyota (drive over 100 miles a day, every day except Sunday) and have loved them ALL! No bells and whistles with my minivan though. When I bought it the guy said I was lucky it had floor mats because I kept insisting I wanted no extras. Hope you love your Toyota too. I think you can’t go wrong with them.
Elizabeth says
I just got back from TJs (in Madison, WI) and picked up some smoked trout per your recommendation.
Congrats on the SUV! Husband and I each hav RAV4s and they have worked out great for us.
Kim says
Congrats on the new car! Can I ask though, why you didn’t go with the Hybrid Highlander? You seem so into the environment, being green, etc. so I was surprised you didn’t get a more eco-friendly car (and one that gets better gas mileage!). I know several people who have the Hybrid Highlander and absolutely love it. Just wondering!
KathEats says
It was just so much more expensive. Our budget wouldn’t allow. We hope to reduce our footprint by walking everywhere we can. And we have Matt’s Accord for non family driving.
narami says
You will never regret the Highlander. I had mine for a year and I love it more every time I drive it. And I’m so not into cars, I just like it when something makes my life easier, which the Highlander perfectly does.
May you enjoy it tons!
narami says
**that should say I’VE HAD mine for a year.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Congrats on your new ride! I love the color and wow, have fun with your new wheels! It’s a great looking SUV!
“Karen and I also shared this for dessert, but it was surprisingly disappointing. Didn’t have much flavor at all!” <– Ugh. That's disappointing and I've almost bought it. Thanks for the honest field report!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Congrats on your new wheels! I’ve got a Toyota Rav 4 and absolutely love it. And that trip to TJs… yum to everything! I’m going to be making my first trip there when I travel to California in December for work, and I’m so so excited to finally be able to get my hands on some of the products you and other US bloggers talk about!
Danielle says
Congrats on the new car! I can’t wait to read your follow up. The Highlander is on our list (we lost my husbands car when Sandy flooded our parking lot) but then we thought it might be too big. I think we might have to put it back on the list though, especially if we plan on having baby #2 in a few years.
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Your breakfast sounds soooo appealing! I’m going to make the same for breakfast tomorrow. 😀
Also. That picture with Maze yawning is just too adorable. He is such a cutie. 😀
Molly @ RDexposed says
I didn’t like the cookie butter bar either! I thought that I was the only one!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Try TJ’s sunflower seed butter AND pumpkin butter together. You’re welcome 🙂
[email protected] says
Haha. I can only imagine (Breast) Pump fitness classes: “Alright ladies, get out your pumps…” Too funny!
KathEats says
“We must, we must, we must decrease our bust!”
Spice Chicken says
Satellite radio is awesome! Enjoy your trial. It was a lifesaver for me during a recent rental car road trip with my mom. The two stations we agreed on were Classic Vinyl and New Wave.
DianeKay says
Congratulations on the Highlander – we have a 2008 and love it. Never any problems.
Aimee says
New cars are amazing. Back in 2011 I got a brand new Outback and driving it off the lot with 4.2 miles on it was definitely a highlight!
Not sure if you explained already but why a big SUV over some sort of midsized crossover? Are you guys planning on more kids in rapid succession? My parents had 3 kids 3 years apart so there was never more than one kid in a carseat at a time (this was before boosters through age 7!) and they never had a problem squeezing our family of 5 into a sedan. I bet if you have kids in bigger carseats plus an infant seat with the rules nowadays though you might like the room…
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Every time I read your posts I want french toast! Yours always looks so good!
Jess says
That Maze yawning picture is to die for!!!
Lindsay says
So adorable in his car outfit!! We started calling my niece Doodlebug when she was born and still call her Doodle now as an 8 yr old!
jenna k says
i love the cookie butter bar! but it is definitely a different taste/texture than the spread. and i like my dark chocolate very mild, so that could be a factor too.
congrats on the new car!
heyenjoy says
wanna try sunflower seed butter, looks good~
wow awesome PIZZA~ 🙁
[email protected] says
Looks like a fun day! Congrats on your new wheels!!
Robyn says
I tried that chocolate bar too and was dissapointed as well! Now, I always get the dark chocolate PB cups for 99 cents and they are always divine!
kello says
I see you guys walk a lot, is this your first car? Congrats!
KathEats says
We had two Hondas prior and are selling mine
Kayley says
So this post made me curious about sunflower butter. I LOVE Trader Joes brand of plain peanut butter but decided to change it up a bit and get the sunflower buter. Oh. My. Goodness. SO GOOD! It’s going to be hard to go back! Thanks for the recommendation!
Amy @ Eat Workout Succeed says
Congratulations on the new set of wheels… it looks like a mahoosive vehicle? Are you a confident driver as i would be scared to drive that i think??? LOL 🙂
KathEats says
I’m a little scared, but it drives tightly and doesn’t feel huge!
the 3volution of j3nn says
Pretty new ride! Congrats!! I love when new cars are sparkly from the dealership. 🙂 black is a great color choice!
Amelia says
We absolutely love the Highlander!!
Pam says
Congrats on your new Highlander!!! We have one as well, no kids yet, but the perfect family vehicle – can’t wait to fill it 😉
Mazen is so cute, you dress him so sweetly everyday!