Sunday, September 12, 2010

Pumpkin, Cheesecake, and Trader Joes- Some of My Favorite Things



It's back!!

Yesterday, I initiated the beginning of a very beautiful thing. 

Pumpkin season!



  • 1/4 Cup Scottish Oats
  • 1/2 Banana
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Pumpkin
  • Cinnamon and PP Spice 
  • Toppings: Banana Slices, POM seeds, Pumpkin Spice Granola, Mighty Maple PB, Pear Butter
I remembered why I love fall so much with the first bite. 


It's really only for the pumpkin, the apples and the pumpkin. 

Yes, I'm clearly in love with this vegetable. 



Still hanging on to that Iced Coffee.  It may only be a few more weeks until hot coffee is needed again. 

After I ate and digested a bit, I went to the gym and spent most of my morning there. I really do love the gym and my decision of membership is truly being confirmed.  There are so many cool features that the gym has like Cardio Cinema- A full movie theater with a bunch of cardio equipment that plays new release movies while you work out.  Today, I utilized "Lady Gold" which is a separate mini gym just for women.  Sometimes, I hate running on the treadmill or lifting  in front of so many people.  Lady Golds is so peaceful and secluded.  

After a few miles on the treadmill and some stretching, I geared up for two classes back to back. 

Body Combat was first which I absolutely LOVED! I used to do Tai Bo all the time and I still love the workouts.  Body Combat was like Tai Bo in overdrive and just so much fun! 

I followed Combat with an hour of Flow- Yoga, Pilates, Thai Chi.  Truly amazing! 

I had a few other things on my plate for the afternoon so I took care of them before meeting up with Jen later in the day. 

We've had a date planned for weeks now for a road trip to Towson for some Cheesecake and Trader Joes. 

The ride down was great.  We spent an hour catching up.  A lot happens when you go two weeks without seeing your best friends which makes for quality conversation time. 

Once we arrived, we were starving and decided to head right to dinner. 

Drinks up first! 



We both chose the Mojitios.  So refreshing and delicious and a perfect drink to accompany our outdoor seating.

After our drinks were ordered we picked out an Appetizer to share. 

Shrimp Spring Rolls

These were fantastic!  Again, very light and refreshing.  We were trying to keep it light in order to save room for some Cheesecake. 

For my entree, I chose the Carlton Salad - Romaine Lettuce, Grilled Chicken, Feta Cheese, Avocado, Organic Dried Cranberries, Pears, Fresh Orange and Pecans Tossed with Vinaigrette.

I asked to sub Salmon for the Chicken and got the dressing on the side. 


This salad was fantastic! 

Jen ordered the Fish tacos which also looked delicious! 


And then, what we truly came for….

The Cheesecake! 

I think choosing your cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory is one of the most difficult choices to make.  They all sound incredible, but as soon as I saw the Carrot Cake Cheesecake, it was a done deal. 


Jen had the Tiramisu Cheesecake. 


We asked the server to bring them in to-go boxes so that way we would force ourselves to bring some home but Jen's piece actually ended up being frozen solid so we ended up just sharing my slice. 




After dinner, it was time for some shopping.  It took us a little longer to find the car (Towson Mall parking garage is INSANE FYI) and I hadn't realized how long we took at dinner.  When I looked down at my watch and realized we only had an hour before Trader Joe's closed, I slightly started to panic.

Luckily, we made it with about an hour to spare. 



I was a little disappointed, thinking that the Pumpkin products were back out, but sadly, I could not replenish my Pumpkin Butter stash.  I think we were a bit too early in the season for the Pumpkin to be out. 

Oh well, still a very successful trip! 


Jen and I had a complete blast! We've decided these trips are truly some of the best we've had and can't wait to plan our next one.  It may be another year, but that's okay.  

Hoping your weekends are all splendid! 





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7 comments:

  1. Yeah, those cardio cinemas are neat!

    We need to go to Trader Joe's next time you come visit :)))

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  2. A great day for sure :) Glad you're loving combat- that class totally does rock (especially for your core!). mmm those cheesecakes! Fantastic. And you know I'm jealous of the TJs run...we need one so bad! Can't wait for their pumpkin butter

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  3. What a great day - I too am reeeally anticipating the return of pumpkin!!

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  4. Ahhhhh I wish I had run into you at the mall or at Trader Joe's! I would have been thrilled! :)

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  5. You are just so cute! I can't get over it. And your cheesecake tempted me far too much...it's too late to want that much sugar! Thank you for sharing with me...I only wish you could send me a Trader Joe's.

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  6. wow, props to you on your double class action! those spring rolls look so fresh & delicious. it looks like you had a great time! i love mojitos! and YAY for TJs!

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  7. Oh yum!! I totally support the Carrot Cake cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!! My mouth is watering right now. That's probably the best cheesecake they have. By the way I just found your blog and love it! Such a cute design too :)

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