I stumbled out of bed this morning and immediately thought of my main man, Mr. Quaker. I opened the pantry door and there he was staring down at me. While I think he’s pretty smokin’ (okay, maybe not), my eyes went straight to that spoon on the box….
I decided to skip the spoon though 
Do these really need a ‘best before’ date?
I had ~1.5 cups straight up as a pre-workout snack. Except we all know 1.5 cups of Oatmeal Squares actually means 2 cups. I mean, come on let’s be real.
***
I haven’t gotten a chance to hit up Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Crack Latte yet so I decided to make one myself.
Pumpkin butter and a dash of pumpkin pie spice stirred right into my coffee.
[I add cinnamon/pumpkin pie spice directly to my coffee. I've experimented with mixing cinnamon/pumpkin pie spice into coffee grounds before brewing but I've found that it doesn't add as much flavor and takes a lot more spice.]
Plus almond milk for some creaminess.
I also ate a couple handfuls of whole grain tortilla chips before heading down to the gym.
***
Workout:
- 60 min. elliptical
- 20 min. full body strength training
- Ran up 15 flights of stairs
- 100 jumping jacks
I’d say I put those morning carbs to good use!
***
Post workout I made another Berry Protein Wheatgrass smoothie. I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately. I think it’s the combination of the heat and our fairly empty kitchen.
I wanted to blend in some spinach, but sadly we were all out. I used this Amazing Grass Berry Superfood packet instead along with some protein powder and fruit.
***
Fry Time!
The other day, my dad and I got a huge bag of okra from the $1 bargain bin at the store (yes, bargain loving runs in the family).
I had one thing in mind…okra fries!!
I also got some parsnips to make parsnip fries.
I didn’t know what to expect with this veggie. While I’m sure I’ve eaten it at a restaurant at some point, I’d never prepared parsnips myself before.
I peeled and cut the parsnips into fry-shapes.
Then I roasted the okra and parsnip slices for about 20-25 min. at 400* F in the toaster oven.
The parsnips tasted just like albino carrots–a tad sweet! They were more fibrous than carrots but had they been orange, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference.
The okra fries weren’t as crunchy as I had imagined. I guess they needed some more time in the oven?
I also threw an Amy’s Veggie Burger in the oven for the last 10 min. or so.
Ketchup for dipping.
An off-centered bird’s eye view shot. This was taken blindly! The patio chairs are gone so I had nothing to stand on .
A Cold Giveaway
I brought this Thermos insulated BPA-free water bottle with me to the gym today. It was sent to me for free to review. While I am a room-temperature water girl (I know, I know, ew) I do enjoy cold water when I workout. The double wall vacuum insulation is supposed to keep water cold for 12 hours. I didn’t get to test the full time span but it sure kept me cool during my workout.
I love that it has a one-touch pop open cap and a straw! It makes for easy slurping while working out.
Thermos is offering LLE readers a chance to win their very own Thermos water bottle. Just leave a comment on this post. I will randomly choose a winner tomorrow night.
{ 182 comments… read them below or add one }
neat-o! i would love a new thermo
Quaker Oatmeal Squares are my absolute FAVORITE cereal too! Actually, I don’t think I ever eat them with milk anymore…just handfuls here and there for a snack….YUM!
I would love to try that water bottle! And I laughed when I read that you like room temp water because I am the same way and people think it’s gross too.
Cool giveaway, thanks! I need a new water bottle with a straw so that I don’t get water everywhere when I’m at the gym. Because I’m not coordinated enough to drink out of a bottle and run at the same time.
Ohh I love giveaways! If it is open for Canadian residents, then I am totally game!
I have not tried okra, but I like to make carrot and yam fries alongside some chickpeas! I put it all on the cookie sheet with the same seasoning/oil mixture and they turn out great each time.
Oh my if I could win that Thermos I’d be SO happy… I keep breaking my non-insulated alum bottles. lol. Who said these things were indestructible? WHOOPS.
I’d love to win a new water bottle! The one I have now definitely doesn’t keep anything cold and it leaks all over me whenever I take a sip! grr
I love love love oatmeal squares- they’re the best! And I love the pumpkin butter in the coffee
I add cinnamon to mine too, and it’s definitely better straight in the mug 
I like room temperature water too…you’re not alone:)
Aww cute bottle! It would be perfect to bring to work to keep my water cold.
What a cute thermos!! I’ve heard rave reviews about oatmeal squares, but have yet to try some. Do they have any other flavors? do you know?
I want I want! The one I have right now doesn’t have a straw so it always spills water everywhere
I love okra fries but have never tried parsnip fries. Will have to try them.
I do like cold water and my insulated water bottle does not seem to keep my water cold enough…
I should try making my own pumpkin spice lattes! I made the trek late last night to get the real deal and it was so delicious. I have some pumpkin butter already but it’s not that great – not enough spice to it or something!
That water bottle sounds amazing! I love my water to be ice cold. A water bottle that would do that would be awesome!
YES!!! I am so happy to read that someone else likes their water room temperature too…my friends all think I am crazy. I really don’t enjoy water thats too cold and sometimes it even makes me nauseous…ok maybe thats a little weird but whatever. That bottle is very cute though and would hold my room temperature water perfectly…or coffee
Great idea for the homemade Pumpkin Latte! I can’t wait to pick up some Pumpkin Butter from TJ’s this weekend!
The bottle is so adorable!
I love the straw feature. 
Awesome bottle! would love to have one! and cereal out of the box is best!
id love to win the thermos bottle, I always have water on me.. but being in class for 6 hours straight definitely doesn’t keep my water cold.
I have a thermos water bottle but an insulated one would be amazing!
I tried to make Okra fries once too and I was disappointed that they didnt crunch as well…
LOVE the thermos!
I had two cups of cereal this morning too! Deliciousness. That thermos looks pretty
i love water bottles…i think i have like 3 that i rotate between.
I drink lots of water so that thermos would be awesome!
Oatmeal Squares are like candy!
So ironic, Allie I just published my post with pumpkin spice coffee in it!
But I love the idea of the pumpkin butter in there! I would love the Thermos. I am a huge fan of my Thermos coffee mug that I got for a gift from student teaching and it keeps my hot coffee hot for a long time, and my iced coffee cold ALL DAY. No joke. This water bottle would definitely be put to good use! I love having cold water when working out and you’re right, the one touch open and straw is really nice. Crossin my fingers 
I just had my first pumpkin spice latte from starbs and loved it! That water bottle looks great. I would love to have something to keep my water cold when working out
That thermos mug looks awesome! And I’m also a room-temperature water kinda girl
What a cute thermos! Sign me up! Also – dying to try your DIY pumpkin spice latte.
I make my own Chai lattes all the time when I can’t get to S Bucks. SO GOOD!
I would also love that w bottle… Just sayin’…..
Pretty thermos!
That Thermos would work great for me! I am a teacher and like my water ice cold all day long!
I would LOVE to win…you should see the shape of my current water bottle! haha, it’s sadddd
Oatmeal Squares are my favorite cereal too. I know what you mean about being scared of them…I can’t keep a box in my house for very long at all!!!!
Cool giveaway! Is the straw wide enough for smoothies??? I’ve gotta try that!
meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. i’ve been lugging around the same camelback water bottle for two years now, everyday, all day. Time for a change!
I’m a room temperature water girl too! You can drink it faster that way:)
freebies rock especially when it’s something i could use everyday.
Great idea for the Pumpkin spice coffee! I loving add pumpkin pie spice from TJs to nearly every breakfast food I make! YUM!
I’ve never tried Quaker Oat squares, but they look delish!
Those parsnip fries look just like the real thing! Crazy!
I’m a warm water kind of girl so I’d love one
pumpkin nom nom nom
What a cool water bottle!
I’ve been hearing about parsnips a lot lately, thinking maybe it’s time for me to try them out.
Thanks for sharing your “secrets” for the Pumpkin Coffee
I love giveaways & oatmeal squares! And I feel like I will love TJ’s Pumpkin Butter – adding it to my list!
I really need to try pumpkin butter. It sounds heavenly.
ive started freezing bananas lately in ziploc bags like you and i must say, its quite a great idea for quick smoothie making. i know its common sense but i think i was more lazy than anything to just pop them in the freezer. also good for those almost-too-ripe bananas that no one wants to eat.
yay for oat shreddies <3
nom nom
I love homemade pumpkin lattes! I usually froth up some milk and add the pumpkin and spices to that because I feel like it blends better and tastes more Starbucks-y
That thermos bottle is shnazzy
waterbottle is awesome for gym and so much more.
p.s. barbara’s shredded oats are also insanely good
woah 12 hours?! that’s awesome! even if i don’t win, i’ll definitely be on the lookout for this bottle : )
That water bottle looks nice! It sure would be nice to have on days where my workout bag inevitably ends up being left in a hot car (that would be me).
I have never tried okra before (I know, quite sad)–but I can’t decide if the texture is for me. How did the coffee turn out?
I’m loving the straw tip on that water bottle, so cute.
That pumpkin butter looks delicious. Probably so much better than the sugar filled pumpkin spice syrup in the Starbucks latte’s!
yummy eats!:)
I can’t believe you ate all that okra! Okra is slimy, even when “fried” I think!!
Pumpkin butter is on my list of things to try!
Holy Moly! Quaker oatmeal squares and Puffins are like my crack.hehe….. I love that thermos.I’ve been looking for something to put my Brita water in for workouts:-)cc
oh I love that cereal!
that thermos looks convenient
I love your idea for making your own pumpkin spice coffee — I’ve been looking for pumpkin spice mix-in but this is an even better idea! Mashed parsnips are yummy, too, as a sub for mashed potatoes.
I LOVE that idea for making Pumpkin (crack) spice lattes at home! I seriously am addicted to them too, and they seriously eat a HUGE hole in my wallet. I am definitely going to have to try this one!!
Great idea for making your own pumpkin latte, and thanks for the giveaway!!
Ahhh once again I’m wishing I had a TJs near me at college. Every time I go home I have to stock up hardcore on TJ goodies, I’m gonna have to put the pumpkin butter on the list for next time haha.
I’d also love to win this bottle!! But if not, I guess that can go in the list too.
oh, i want an allie’s waterbottle!
how do you like the pumpkin butter? i’ve been meaning to buy it. probably heading to tj’s tomorrow. i was going to get one at whole foods but lmk (let me know) how you like it!
We just got the Quaker Oatmeal squares on sale at 1.77 per box [= We got the brown sugar, the cinnamon, and the maple syrup. We just tried the brown sugar and indeed it does not need an expiration date. I think it taste better straight out the box! And I've search high and low at TJ for pumpkin butter, I'm beginning to think its a seasonal product so I will wait patiently cause Fall is here [= Moo haha.
And thanks for the giveaway ;]
My boyfriend thinks I’m odd for liking my water room temperature, but I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. haha I actually just tried Starbux hot pumpkin latte yesterday, and I have to say it was pretty good, but I really do love my coffee straight black and bitter. =D I do look forward to making my own like you! Thank you for the idea and recipe! Have an awesome night, Allie!
That thermos looks amazing! Mmm and the pumpkin butter looks just incredibly delicious.
Lucky! I was just at TJ’s and looked for pumpkin butter, but it wasn’t there yet. Guess I’ll just have to keep checking…
hooray for pumpkin! definitely excited for it to start reappearing on the grocery store shelves (hopefully soon).
love that the water bottle = BPA free…and cute!
Mmm, okra! Have you ever made actual fries before (or sweet potato fries)?
I like the Quaker oatmeal squares, too. I actually have two boxes of them right now. xD
Pumpkin butter with anything is incredible!! Ahh, fall!!!
Cold water for 12 hours! I want one!
<3 Tori
i’ve just recently discovered the magic of the toaster oven…never had one before but one of my roommates brought one for the apartment this year. can’t wait to try baking little batches of cookies in it!
and ahh that thermos design is so. cute. i think i need one. :]
I’ve found that no matter how long I leave okra in the oven it rarely gets crsipy! I can’t wait to try parsnip fries!
I’ve put cinnamon in my coffee grounds before and it gives it a nice flavor. But you’re right, it takes a lot!
That’s an ingenious idea with the TJs pumpkin butter into coffee. I’ll have to try it!
cant wait for pumpkin everything!!
Was your homemade pumpkin spice latte good? How would you create a pumpkin spice frappuccino?
mm the homemade pumpkin spice coffee sounds delish!
also, i’ve been searching for a good water bottle – maybe this is my chance to finally find one!
Love pumpkin spice! I can’t wait to dig into my pumpkin spice coffee.
That cereal really is so addicting!
I was offered one of those bottles to review as well, but did the giveaway instead. I had no clue I could have done both. Grrr….I wanted to try one!
I am a “room-temperature water girl” myself, but during intense workouts I like to drink cold water. Thanks for the opportunity to win the thermos!
after seeing these bottles on so many blogs, i’d love to have one of my own…it looks perfect for the gym with the flip top!
That thermos is perfect for the warm weather. And I love that it comes with a pop-up straw!
The water bottle looks great!
I would really love that bottle! I do not have a stainless steel one as of yet, and I don’t want to keep reusing my plastic water bottle! Thanks Allie!
Barbara
Quaker Oatmeal Squares are soooo good! It’d just be stupid to deny oneself of them all the time. And yes, the serving size keeps growing in my world too. I have an ex-boyfriend who loved them so much when he came over to my parent’s house in high school that my mom gave him 12 boxes for Christmas! I’d take that gift any day…
I looked at that cereal today and thought about your post from yesterday. I ultimately couldn’t buy it since I have 3 half boxes of other cereals in my pantry already. Maybe next week!
I’d love to win that water bottle — I’m trying to train for another 5k (haven’t actually been running since the last one) so I bet it would come in handy!
Stop tempting me with these foods!! Quaker Squares and PUMPKIN BUTTER which I do not have access to here in Cville!!
I would love that, I use Siggs during the day but I’m having trouble finding a good water bottle for the gym.
I would love to win that cute bottle!
I’ve never thought to try to make my own pumpkin coffee! I’m definitely going to try putting some pumpkin pie spice in mine so that I don’t completely empty my bank account buying the Starbucks lattes this fall.
Hmmm what I good idea to use pumpkin butter in coffee! That’ll save me some $$ at coffee shops this fall. I wonder if apple butter would have a similar effect?
Love the thermos! I’m such a sucker for water bottles!
And good call on trying to make your own pumpkin crack latte… I won’t lie, i’ve had 2 and a pumpkin frap already ;-X But I must say your pumpkin butter from TJs looks sooooo much better than the brand i have. We don’t have a TJ’s near by but we take trips to go! i’ll have to take a lookie for it!
I wold love to try the new water bottle! And gosh, quaker oatmeal squares are the bests cereal ever. Mmmm.
That is an awesome thermos! I constantly need new ones as I have one at school, one at hone, one in the car, etc… you get the picture!
Oatmeal squares are so stinking good – it’s a good thing I can’t eat them. I want to try okra too – and if you only used that much ketchup, you are my hero. I can’t go without less thatn 1/2 cuP!
Omigosh, it’s pumpkin spice latte season already?! I gotta get one STAT! Thanks for the reminder =P
I Love oatmeal squares
I am a totally COLD COLD VERY COLD water nut! I would drink water over almost any other beverage… I said almost!
I’d love one!
ah, cereal is just too delish. i’ve been seriously noshing on kashi heart to hear as of late. i finished a costco sized bag and a half in a week, so i’m in rehab right now
Love the way that you made whole meal of “fries”…seriously appealing. Thermos looks awesome, would love to have one (especially sans-BPA)
Cold water…yes please!!!!!!!!!!!
I too am having an affair with Quaker… he satisfies like no other man can!
That would be so cool!!!!
That thermos looks awesome!
I would love that water bottle! I need one that actually keeps my drinks cold during the day.
Oh my gosh! This would be perfect for work!
12 hours? how is that even possible?! technology these days
I love my camelback, but the straw on it is broken so I haaaave been looking for a replacement.
The first time I read “okra” and “fries” in the same sentence I couldn’t get my mind around the thought of you deep frying anything…and then i re-read and understood. Haha, my mind just leaps to fried okra! I can’t help it, I’m from the south. Oh man though I love me some okra- especially in gumbo! Where it is not fried! YAY!
Your eats look delicious…and may have inspired some late-night cereal snacking here! Break out the crispix!
My girlfriend was telling me about those thermos, and I would love to have one for myself!!
I had my first Pumpkin Spice Crack Latte of the season this morning
D Though, I don’t know if my wallet will survive until spring if I start that habit! Might have to try adding pumpkin spice to my own.
Awesome Thermos! (I’m a room temp. girl too. I feel your pain).
My water bottle is pretty beat up from taking it to work w/ me every day (at an elementary school), so I’d love to win a new one
I would *LOVE* to win this because I’m a grad student, and it would really help me make it through all day with lovely ice-cold water
I’ve been looking for a water bottle exactly like that with a covered spout!! so pretty! hope i win =)
I love that Thermos!! I especially love it because of the straw!! That caught my attention quick because I have braces so I find it hard to drink out of the bottles without bumping my braces haha!
living in so cal, i’d love a cool thermos. cool literally and figuratively
.
I would love a thermos product – I haven’t had one since 1985 in my lunch box!
Those oatmeal squares are zee bomb diggity. I can never decide or remember which flavor I like best though.
I dont think that I have ever followed the serving sizes of the cereal box. I love cereal and it seems to love me too, so I always have a full bowl full!!
I haven’t been by Starbucks yet either, but I’m thinking that it won’t be long (read: tomorrow) before I find the Pumpkin Spice Latte too difficult to resist!
I don’t mind room temperature water when I’m working out either. I understand!
I love pumpkin and love your creative way of making pumpkin spice latte!
Pumpkin Spice!!!!!
Yumm(: the okra fries look delish as well~
& horrah for cold water! I hate it when I put the whole tray of ice in my water bottle only to have it all melt before noon :p
Okra fries always take forever to cook in my oven.
And I’d love to win that water bottle. I like my drinking water room temperature, but when I workout, especially with running, I want it COLD!
I really need a waterbottle that stays cold for that long! I need to stay hydrated all day in school man…
I can never get my okra fries crispy either
. I still love ‘em though. Anything that you can slather ketchup on is a-ok in my book.
Also, don’t you ever wish that TJ’s pumpkin butter had the consistency of nut butters? I would love my darn mind if they came out with something like that!!
Thermo!!!! I want!
I prefer to drink room temp water too, ever since my high school coach told me that you hydrate faster if the water temp you are drinking is closer to your body temp. Not sure if that’s true, but it made sense back then so I’ve been following it.
However, when I work out, I like drinking cold water.
Wow, this would be awesome on my workout! I love cold water when it’s piping hot and/or when I’m having a tough workout. The awesome water bottle would be fabulous!
Mmm, I love pumpkin. I can’t wait until it gets stocked in my store so I can have it with yogurt and graham crackers again!
I just have to say that I love reading your blog! Oh and I love Quaker Oatmeal Squares too!!! Best cereal ever!
Wow tha is so cool, I totally love cold water in gym
The pumpkin butter looks so yummy! Wonder if I could make some…
Is this to US residents only?
Anyway, I love your dipping plate!
I love roasting okra! they are super delicious
)
Gosh I would just love a thermos flask! The bottle I usually take on my runs is fairly old and very leaky! It actually leaked all over my shorts yesterday when I was driving to meet my running buddy… not a good start!!! But then we smashed our 10km record by 6minutes… so maybe it isa good omen??? Haha
Ahhh thermos. I’ve been hunting for a good one.
Doing a primary teaching internship and craving those green tea latte’s to get me through the mornings!
pumpkin butter IN the coffee–well thats just a brilliant idea!
I would LOVE that thermos to bring to the gym with me during my workouts! i hate how water doesn’t stay cold! i also love the way it looks
Haha, 1.5 cups of cereal definitely equals two cups. There are no portion sizes when it comes to cereal
I look forward to my kefir/berry/cereal bowl every morning…inspired by you! A bottle of freezing cold water would make a nice accompaniment
Love the pumkin butter idea.
I haven’t had any sort of thermos since my Care Bears lunchbox/thermos combo as a kid! …ah, bring on the memories
I love parsnip fries coated in nut butter. SO GOOD!!
That thermos looks awesome, I’m a cold water girl all the way, the colder the better!
Haha, I still remember the first time my mom brought home a box of oatmeal squares~ it was love at first sight [taste].
The thermos is so pretty! I could use a new one. 
I’d love to try that thermos out!
Great giveaway Allie! I’d love to win
Yeah, cereal doesn’t need a “use by” date — I have never had a box of cereal last more than 3-4 days!
I would love to try out this new Thermos! I can only drink water when it’s cold!
I’m a room temp water gal myself but I agree, when I workout I like it cold!
Seems like a nice bottle!
That thermos would be perfect for my long hikes!
That thermos sounds amazing!! I always bring water to class with me but it’s warm within a couple of hours! This would be perfect.
I love the pumpkin spice lattes. I’ll have to try the DIY version:)
I’m curious to know if the pumpkin butter melted nicely in the coffee or was it sitting at the bottom of the cup? I’d like to try it out!
Cool thermos, BTW. And I’m a room temp gal ,too! No shame…
i HAVE to try okra fries.. they look so good! Interesting concept to the thermos, idk if the extra hardware at the top would get in the way though.
Mmm pumpkin butter, that is such a good idea! I’ve always wanted to try one of those thermos bottles, too!
Gosh, I would LOVE a keep-cool bottle like that one!
The multi-fry dinner idea looks great… gotta try it sometime.
Pumpkin butter in your coffee? that’s a must try!
Oh gosh I would love that! the insulated cup I have leaks. Not good.
I love that water bottle, even though I’m a room temp girl as well! My husband’s family thought it was so weird when we started dating – offering to buy bottled water, give me ice, lemon for my water etc…um filtered tap water is A-Ok with me, thanks!!
Cool giveaway! (pardon the pun!) I have to drink my water ICE cold and none of my insulated bottles are able to keep my water cold for long enough to actually enjoy it, so I would love a thermos like that!!
I’m so addicted to PSL’s, but unfortunately my wallet can’t take it. I’ll be making your homemade version very soon!
Oatmeal Squares are SO ADDICTING. And I hate oatmeal…haha.
I absolutely LOVE the design on that thermos!
The first time I tried those Quaker Thins I didn’t think they were all that great. But then I found that I couldn’t keep my hand out of the box! I’m surprised you could only eat 1.5 cups. I could eat an entire box!
Hey Allie – love the water bottle and more than that – I love my Alliebars! Super yummy and they really hit the spot. Have you ever calculated the nutritional information? I guess I will share one with my commuting / traveling husband
Thanks again!
I would love to have that thermos! My water never stays cold, and I need it cold
Yay for giveaways.
Love this water bottle! What a great giveaway!
Sounds awesome:)
Love the thermos & the pattern! Thanks for the homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe! : )
Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter = fall! I love that stuff!! Did it dissolve in the coffee ok? I’d love to be able to make my own pumpkin spice coffees at home. It would be much cheaper than my current Starbucks addiction!
Just found your blog and love it!
Brilliant pumpkin latte idea! I’ve been thinking of some kind of Coconut bliss, pumpkin spice concoction in my food processor….could be dangerous
Would love that adorable water bottle!
Okay so…where can I find a 1$ bargain bin?! Your fries look super yummy & I’m a lova of pumpkin as well…maybe I could incorporate it into my wedding cake one day?! Deeeeeelish
This is a great giveaway!! Thanks.
that coffee late with pumpkin butter is GENIUS!
Hi Allie! I recently found your blog and LOVE reading all of your great recipe ideas! I’m such a fan (despite the fact that our schools are ACC rivals..I’m a Clemson student!)
I be wantin’ that thermos! OMG I cannot believe you have gotten 170 comments!!!!
looks like a pretty fancy thermos!
love it!
Pumpkin Spice Crack Latte is right! They’re sooo good but sooo addicting.
That thermos is sooo cute
I have never thought of eating okra that way, but it sounds good
looks like a great thermos!
I love those oatmeals squares in that wannabe cheddar chex mix kind of deal. The name escapes me…it’s marvelous though.
I love your honesty…I rarely make it to a spoon before eating any cereal! It seems to taste better straight outta the box!
That bottle is so cute! I love the pop-up straw too!!
Nice one! I want it!
I would love to win that water bottle – thanks for bloggin!!
That pumpkin butter looks good. I’ll have to look for it at TJS.
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