Breakfast Cookies

I'm always looking for breakfast foods that can be eaten while running (to class, not as exercise!) but they always tend to be super unhealthy, and after a while they really start to put a dent in my budget. These "cookies" from Blueberry Girl are basically like solid oatmeal... they look perfect!

Find the recipe here. I also love that they're sugar free so you don't crash halfway through the morning if you forget to continuously caffinate. I can't wait to try them!

Funny

This cracked me up. Isn't Arrested Development the best? 

(Via lie-low, bare-it)

The Palisades

The weather has been so beautiful lately, but it's about to get gross again. To take advantage of it before winter hits again, tomorrow I'm heading up to the George Washington Bridge to check out the Palisades. They're supposed to be breathtaking, and I'm super excited to see a part of New York (and Jersey) that I don't really know.

There's a National Park on the New Jersey side that seems really nice, but it might be a bit deserted this early in the year. Even from the bridge, though, the palisades are supposed to be breathtaking. Mainly, though, I'm really looking forward to spending some time outside in the warmth.

This spring and summer, I'm planning to visit all of the "natural beauties" of the NYC area. I know about big ones like Jamaica Bay and the big parks, but I want to find less-well-known places to explore. 

Hippie Toothpaste

Warning: Incredibly hippie-licious post to follow.

I've used Toms of Maine toothpaste for most of my life, starting with the silly strawberry kids' stuff (I got made fun of for it in kindergarten!) When I ran out this morning, I picked some up at Trader Joe's instead of going all the way to Whole Foods like I usually do. When I got home, I realized that it was "Fluoride Free." Wondering why on earth anyone would not want fluoride in their toothpaste (that's what prevents cavities, right?), I did some google-ing. And apparently, fluoride is poison and doesn't really do much to prevent cavities. Good to know.

But that's not all, folks. According to the hippies of the internet, your toothpaste is full of all sorts of other nasty stuff like sodium laurel sulfate, a magical foamy-chemical that's in everything and apparently causes canker sores. Whoopie. I'm about to start brushing my teeth with Dr. Bronner's. Which I am also out of.

Although Tom's isn't perfect (the hippies only give it 5/10 stars!), it's pretty good. They were bought up by Colgate a while back, but still manage to keep their Maine-y-ness alive with names like "Wicked Fresh," and the back of their box always makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. They also offer great options--like fluoride free toothpaste--to help accommodate people with different preferences, and none of their products contain artificial flavors or dyes. They work really well too. My dentist is always so surprised when I remind him I use Tom's, even using it as a kid I had fewer (none!) cavities compared to my friends.

For more information, check out this article, or just go to your local vegan coffee shop and strike up a conversation with the nearest be-dreadlocked individual.

Baggu

I love my green baggu tote. It folds up super-tiny and I can keep it in my purse for emergencies (what, you don't have tote emergencies? That's crazy talk!), but it's also big and sturdy enough to use for regular grocery shopping. I just found out that they make way more products than the basic bag.

 I love the little zipper bags , I always use ziplock baggies to organize my purse, but they always fall apart and my stuff falls out! These would be a perfect alternative.

I'm also really into their foldable backpack, so great for traveling! An extra bag when you need it, no extra bulk when you don't. Perfect. 

Real life is for March

I absolutely loved last week's episode of 30 Rock. I kindof wish Leap Day were a real holiday.

So sweet

This article from the weekend's Times about convicted felons who take care of prisoners with dementia is so endearing. It is a wonderful reminder of the humanity that exits inside everyone, and a great read when you're feeling sad or angry.

(Image via the New York Times)