Digging through the cupboards for something different today…what a combo!!
Now before you declare me an alcoholic…I only used about half a tsp of brandy. Shouldda used more! I’m not sure I could sense the aroma of the brandy because the butterscotch chips were so heavenly.
The combo:
- 1/3 cup oats, vanilla soy milk, water, 1 medium banana, pinch salt
- 1/4 cup wheatberries
- 1/2 tsp – 1 tsp brandy
- Sprinkle ground flax
- 1 tbsp-ish toasty sliced almonds
- 1/2 tbsp butterscotch chips
- Spoonful Barney Butter
+ cafe
I am becoming quite the yogi
Well, really, I just have more time this week. But I hope to continue the habit into the upcoming semester. I did this class this morning from Yoga Today. I love that these are free, have video accompaniment, and are set in beautiful Jackson, Wyoming. They are pretty casual (the instructors make mistakes) but that’s no problem! My only complaint: the hour-long class was too long for me and I lost interest at 44 minutes. I made it through 53 minutes and then moved on to breakfast. Sorry, yoga, my attention span doesn’t last that long!
Knock On Wood
You guys know I have been searching for the best wood floor cleaner for our kitchen floors for ages. Here are four kinds I’ve tried – plus vinegar and water. I made a decision today on the best option.
Reviews:
1) Method Wood Floor Cleaner – It doesn’t clean at all, and works just OK as a polish. It leaves my floors kind of splotchy with oil spots. Expensive and is used up quickly.
2) Murphy Oil Soap – The worst I’ve tried. My floor still had dirt spots after washing and drying. Cheap, but smells horrible. Requires a messy, heavy + time consuming bucket of water.
3) OrangeGlo Hardwood – Doesn’t clean at all, but great for a polish. Feels kind of chemically and doesn’t’ smell great. Expensive.
4) Vinegar + Water – The best cleaner. GREEN!!! Cheap!! Leaves the floors a bit dull. Requires a messy, heavy + time consuming bucket of water. Leaves the house smelling like vinegar.
THE WINNER
5) Mrs. Meyers All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner – By far the best smelling. GREEN. Super convenient because I put in a spray bottle and generously spray the floors instead of having to use a bucket of water. Inexpensive since you only need a small amount per spray bottle. Also used to clean the counters daily so double duty.
The Verdict
-Use Mrs. Meyers each week.
-Use time-intensive vinegar and water once a month (or more if needed).
Blog Updates
Long post!!
You guys probably noticed the “More” addition. I’m making some changes in anticipation of some upgrades and reformatting to make the site more user friendly for the recipes and all. But don’t worry – my goal is to keep KERF as sleek and simple as always.
I’m probably going running and/or to the gym in a bit.
Happy Humpday!
Krista says
FABULOUS oats!
And thanks for the floor cleaner review!
Cassidy says
haha. 🙂 Love the oat combo this morning. You are very creative!
Stacy (IN) says
I know that there are lots of tea drinkers here, so I would love a recommendation. I’ve only tried a couple varieties of tea (vanilla chai, apple & cinnamon) but I really didn’t like either. They had a very sweet aftertaste and I just couldn’t take it.
I’m always cold, so I would love a hot alternative to drink when just plain water isn’t appealing because of the freezing temperatures. Does anyone have any suggestions on a tea that I might enjoy?
I’m a big fan of coffee with carmel or toffee creamer, but due to the unhealthy sugar, etc. in creamer I prefer to have that just once a day in the morning.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Mara says
LOVE the oat combo!! I wish I could keep any kind of chips in the house without completely eating all of them…
ashley (sweet & natural) says
Wow – oats. I like the melty chips. Looking forward to the changes!
Mel says
Butterscotch and Brandy in the oats? Sounds amazing, as I love both of them!
Thanks for the floor cleaner review, I’ll definitely keep it in mind!
Susannah says
Hey Kath, have you tried cognac before (as a drink, rather than an oatmeal enhancer)? I don’t typically partake in straight up liquor, but cognac on ice at this time of year is good, if not for the faint of heart. I actually find that I wind up drinking less at a party or event if I have one rather than wine, because I can only sip a teensy bit at a time. Anyway, kudos on spiking the oatmeal 🙂
zestycook says
Kath, Oats look fabulous! Nice job! Yogi 🙂 How funny!
Amy C. says
You need to come to Massachusetts and cook me some oatmeal. Yours always looks so good! Mine seems to end up bland. I think this weekend I’ll do the stovetop method and pick up some butterscotch chips. 🙂
Heather McD (heather eats almond butter) says
Ha – brandy and butterscotch in the oats. You are genius. Awesome b’fast!
Becky in MD says
Talk to me some more about this vinegar and water thing…Like what are the porportions of each that you use. And, I also thought that using water on hard wood floors was a big “no-no.” do you just mop it on? or use a rag?
Hannah Hawley says
Stacy, if you like caramel or toffee creamer, you should give Liptons Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea (Pyramid Tea).
Kath, have you tried the vinegar combination in a squirt bottle for the floor instead of a bucket? You can then use the same squirt bottle for the counters and everything else. Add a drop of an essential oil to help with the smell!
Oh She Glows says
Love the changes to the site!! Great work 🙂
I may have to chat with you about how you organized stuff- I am having that problem with my blog! It is crazy how unorganized it can get.
I am the same with yoga- I have Yoga ADD as I call it! 🙂
Angela
www.ohsheglows.com
Courtney (Eat The Whole Thing) says
We LOVE that cleaner in our house.
Good Job on the yoga. I’m sure you will love it if you keep it up!
ChristinB says
Brandy and butterscotch in oatmeal? Inspired! I love all your creative versions of oatmeal!
I really appreciate the review on hardwood floor cleaners. My husband and I are remodeling (God help us.) and we installed hardwoods but have yet to finish them. When we do, I’ll pick up a bottle of Ms. Myers! Until then… the ShopVac wil have to do! (I wish I was kidding.)
Oh and Stacy — I love Green Tea with Pomegranate. It’s very light and slightly sweet – no need for honey! Yogi Tea has the best version by far – I get mine at Earth Fare.
Fancy says
So are you always going to have that “more” button that we have to click to see the whole post?
VeggieGirl says
BREAKFAST FOOD PORN!!!
Jennifer says
Kath- I’m with you on the yoga thing… I can’t take an hour, too dull. About half-hour in and I’m restless.
Allison K says
Jackson Hole is amazing. Seriously one of the most beautiful places on earth. Great recreation, and the tetons…sigh. If you ever get the chance…go there.
I just red about Yoga Today on Chandra’s blog, yesterday. I’ll have to check it out!
JJ125 says
Random fact: Zoos use Murphy’s Oil soap to clean the elephants since it cleans them and also gives them a protective layer of oil on their skin.
Jen says
Hey Kath!
I have 2 questions:
1) I know weight loss takes time, but I am wondering whether the approach I am taking is correct. I am 5’1 and weigh 123-125 lbs, which is in the normal range but I would like to go down to 115. Anywho, I recently started exercising 4 days a week for about 20-25 minutes (as opposed to the no exercise that i did except for walking around campus). The exercise routine consists of 2 days of weights and 2 days of moderate cardio. I also eliminated about 100 calories from my diet. Should I see results or should I do more?
2) I noticed that some days I sweat like crazy and the next day I workout with the same, or sometimes more, intensity and yet I sweat very little. Does that mean my body burned less calories?
ChristinB says
Allison, my husband has been to the Tetons like 4 times and climbed all the peaks out there! His pictures are amazing – I hope we can go together someday. 🙂
Erica says
I’m a HUGE fan of vinegar and water to clean wood floors (they’re such a pain to clean) Your morning oats look so good! mmmm for those chips!
Missy (Missy Maintains) says
Hmm brandy in the oats. I wish I could do that at work without anyone seeing!!
www.missymaintains.blogspot.com
Ashley H says
wow those morning oats look amazing!
I have heard you say good things about that meyers company before. I saw it at target I will have to pick up some of their products and give them a try!
livingfit says
Also – I’m actually a reporter from Minneapolis (love your blog) and I once did an article about the leading ladies of business in the area, and I got to interview the woman who owns and created the Mrs. Meyers and Caldrea brands. Not only is she extremely awesome, but her products are created in a lab where it looks as though they are making perfumes. There’s a lot of labor that goes in to those great smelling, good for the environment cleaners. So just know, not only does it work the best, the woman who’s the owner is a super cool business exec.
Moran says
HAPPY HUMPDAY TO YOU TOO!!
Your oats look great – I love the butterscotch chips!
Runeatrepeat says
Thanks for the info about that yoga site 🙂
runjess says
Sigh…yoga doesn’t hold my attention either.
Rose-Anne says
I’m so lazy when it comes to cleaning because I’d rather be cooking or reading a book. But I find your reviews of wood-floor cleaning products strangely compelling, especially because my apartment has beautiful hardwood floors in every room. All of a sudden I’m looking forward to trying Mrs. Meyers in MY home!
Cognac is seriously the most delicious drink I’ve ever had–even better than egg nog. I got to try a pear cognac at a local wine bar and it tasted like being in love. Sex in a glass, I swear. Mmm.
Megan says
I love butterscotch chips. What a delicious bowl of oats!
Kath says
Hi Kath!
Just a suggestion — add 1 cup of strongly brewed peppermint tea to your water/vinegar combo. The peppermint smells amazing and is a natural germ fighter!
Bridget says
30 minutes of yoga is about all I can handle unless I’m at a class!
polly says
oooooh Kath butterscotch!! YUM!!!!
JENNA says
Kath(commenter #32) THANK YOU FOR THE TIP!!! that is such a great idea about adding peppermint tea!! i love using water and vinegar but hate the smell!!! thanks!
Nancy says
I am always blown away by your delicious oatmeal ideas!!!
I am so gonna try this 🙂
jenner says
Kath, as a lover of toffee (I think), you should try topping your oats with Heath bar baking bits. You can find them in the same aisle as choc chips. I top my oats/greek yogurt/banana combo with it (you don’t need a lot, 1tsp = 1/3 serving is enough) and mmm crunchy chocolate toffee w/ every bite!!
and I looove the Mrs. Meyeres basil sent. 🙂
caitlin says
oatmeal looks good!
i don’t like the “more” jump, just my opinion!
Christina says
Today’s breakfast oats are yummy!
I know what you mean. It seems my attention span really lasts when I’m running. Do I enjoy yoga? Definitely. But if I’m not listening to music then my mind wanders and it’s game over.
FoodRenegade says
I found that squeezing a lemon into the water & vinegar mix really helps with the smell. Instead of being VINEGAR (all caps), it’s just a happy salad smell.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Cheers,
KristenM
ray says
hey does anyone know where those yoga videos are from? thanks!
Jennifer says
We love Mrs. Meyer’s products in our house! I just picked up the holiday cleaning kit in the Peppermint scent. Yummy! I tired the basil, but it is a very strong scent for my husband, so I usually stick with the Lavender. Mmmm, think I’ll go clean right now… Thank you for posting all of your oatmeal concoctions. I usually only like plain, but have started branching our a bit.
Andrea says
mmmm brandy oats 🙂 i would never worry about your blog changing because every change you make is so organized and helpful!
K says
Butterscotch + Brandy + Barney = died and gone to oat heaven!
Shelby says
Butterscotch?? Mmm
Barbara says
I think my morning would have been better with a little brandy!:)
haya says
i don’t like the more jump either! i know it’s just one extra click, but every extra click takes time and i didn’t think it looked messy or unsleek before.
Erin says
Stacy,
My favorite tea is Yogi Tea. They are DELICIOUS and they have cool types like “Meditation Tea”, and “Awakening” etc… 🙂
eliza says
butterscotch brandy oats wow what a great oatmeal creation i love it! sounds divine!
Kath says
Susannah ,
I don’t know if I have ever had cognac?? I’ll keep my eye out!! Maybe my parents have some.
Amy C,
If yours is bland, you HAVE to try the whipped banana method. The banana adds so much flavor that you really could eat it without the toppings and it would still be scrumptious.
Stacy (IN),,
I’m a big fan of minty teas like peppermint. I find they don’t need any sweetener and aren’t spicy. I know what you mean about that spicy aftertaste. I LOVE the Candy Cane Lane kind – it’s a subtly minty green tea.
Hannah Hawley,
Ah ha! No, I never thought to put the vinegar in a bottle. I only have one bottle though, and it’s got the Mrs. Meyers. I suppose I could buy a second bottle though 🙂
Becky in MD,
I think the proportions are half a cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water. I just dump some in. If you Google it you can probably find some official proportions.
I don’t get the floors soaking wet – just wet my microfiber mop and strain out all the water.
Fancy ,
Most likely, yes. I’ll have to see what I end up doing with the layout.
Jen ,
Really the only way to know if your changes are effective for weight loss is to wait and see what happens. If you notice a loss over the next few weeks, it’s enough. If not, you can increase your activity or decrease your calories (and I think addition is way easier than subtraction 🙂 )
The sweat could be correlated to your intensity and therefore correlated to calorie burn, but I find that other factors such as the outside temp., my clothing choice, my water intake and food intake are more directly related to my sweating if I’m doing the same machine as usual.
Other Kath ,
Brilliant!!!
jenner ,
I LOVE TOFFEE!!!! I will have to look for the Heath bar chips 🙂 Those might be dangerous for me to keep around though…. 🙂
Kath
bobbi says
Kath these look so yummy, could you taste the brandy?
Chelsea says
I’m also not a “more” fan 🙁 I know you didn’t ask for opinions but I saw it and groaned. I like to see your posts in all their glory =D
Tutsy says
I have all hardwood floors in my house and only use the vinegar & water combo to clean them (too cheap to try mrs. meyers, but you have inspired me). I hate the heavy bucket too so I mix 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and clean that way.
Kelsey says
I was just thinking if it was possible to make oatmeal with peppermint. Like crushed candy. Sounds kinda good too me, maybe I will try it sometime. Just an idea to make it all festive.
Kath says
Kelsey ,
I swear you guys can read my mind!! Go check this morning’s breakfast 😉
Kath
Kersten says
Thanks for the Yoga Today info and floor cleaner reviews!! I am slowly but surely switching to green cleaners as I run out of my current ones. I’ll be sure to try Mrs. Meyers’ cleaners 🙂
Amina says
Kath,
Do you still use the meyer’s w/ your Shark or the Shaklee AP cleaner on your wood floors?
KathEats says
Shaklee, yep