Thursday Thoughts: Dream Jobs and Yogurt Bowls

by Sara on September 6, 2012

I can’t believe it’s almost Friday. Horray!

If this week is any indication, my last semester of grad school is definitely going to be a crazy one. ;) I have lots on my mind, so please don’t mind while I babble. ;)

Thursday Thoughts

1. I’m heading to New York City in two weeks! I’ll be taking a cheap bus (you know, the ones with stinky bathrooms?) to the Big Apple, but for $15/ticket, there’s no other way to do it. :) My list of “must-do’s” in NYC includes:

  • Visit Eataly and eat fresh mozzarella,  marinated olives and Italian sashimi at this restaurant.
  • Dinner at vegan restaurant, Pure Food and Wine. I have my eye on Mushroom “scallops” with Brussels sprouts and Shitake-Miso Broth.

2. Speaking of which, did you know that you can save ‘dough’ on your CHO?  Earlier this week, I realized that Chobani offers coupons on their website!

I immediately printed those babies out and trekked to the grocery store, only to find that yogurt was on sale! Coupon + sale = major steal. What would any yogurt-loving savvy sister do in this situation? Oh yes, she would buy three quarts!

3. Next week I begin a new job with Infinity Wellness! On Wednesday night, I attended orientation and learned about what I’ll be doing as a WELLKids health coach. I’m extremely grateful to be part of this organization, and SO pumped to begin inspiring kids to lead healthy lives!

4. Yogurt bowls are my new favorite on-the-go meal. In an effort to make my way through the aforementioned yogurt before it goes bad, I’ve been eating yogurt bowls once, twice, sometimes three times/day. All of my classes are three hours long, so I have to pack substantial snacks to eat while I’m listening to lectures. Instead of bringing stinky hard boiled eggs (the best way to turn your classmates into enemies!), I’m packing delicious bowls of yum.

These are some of the combinations I’ve been enjoying lately both at home and on-the-go. I’ll spare you the tupperware pictures. Actually, there are none; it’s embarrassing enough to eat in class, let alone take pictures of my tupperware during class. ;)

plain 2%/pistachios/dark chocolate/milk chocolate

Chobani Soho’s menu has been my creation inspiration!

2% plain/walnuts/honey/fresh figs/coconut

I’m also loving this take on PB&J:

2% plain/peanut butter/raspberries/peanuts

As you may have noticed, I’m a 2% convert. That extra smidgen of fat makes all the difference; the yogurt is SO much creamier!

5. I don’t follow a Paleo diet, but this list of Paleo school lunches has given me some great ideas for portable meals (I can only eat so many yogurt bowls). Who says school lunches are only for kids? I plan on baking these mini frittatas tonight (sans the prosciutto because I’m on a tight grad student budget).

6. I’ve been scouring job websites like it’s my job! Since I graduate in December, I’m beginning to think about where I want to live and which positions in the health and wellness industry I want to apply for. During my search the other day, I googled “dream jobs” and found this list. #1 sounds like it would be a pretty sweet deal—literally!

[source] Would you want to be paid to taste ice cream?

6. This quote inspires me to make the most of every moment of each day.

[source]

Thank you so much for reading! You all bring happiness to my day, every day!

<3 <3 <3

What is your job? What is your DREAM job?

Is there anything I should add to my “must-do” list in New York City?

What’s your go-to meal on-the-go?

Tagged as: Chobani, frittata, lunch, new york city, thursday thoughts, travel, yogurt

  • http://www.freckledlifter.wordpress.com/ Alexandra

    OOOH thanks for the chobani link! Love me some coupons :)
    And all those bowls of tastiness look fabulous– I love the idea of adding in pistachios, I bet that adds a great crunch!
    Hmm my dream job would probably be working at sea world or out on the water doing research on great whites! :D

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      I sure hope you get a job at Sea World when you graduate! I always thought it would be fun to swim with the dolphins! :-D

      I hope you take advantage of those coupons! <3 xoxo

  • Gothextramileblog

    I love everything about this post! Congrats on the new job ! Now, lets find ourselves some jobs in Cali ;D

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Thanks, girl! <3 I've begun the Cali job search process, but I think if we combined our fitness and nutrition knowledge, we could open our own practice! ;)

  • http://twitter.com/CleanFoodCF Danielle

    My life is currently scouring job websites! I am trying to get in the nutrition field and it is quite a challenge! I would love to eventually have my own nutrition practice! Currently I’m a group x instructor and a newly hired lululemon educator! I love your NYC list! Make sure you get in lots of good shopping too :)

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Congrats on the new Lulu job! I’ve actually thought about applying there too; besides the great work atmosphere, you can’t deny the benefit of those clothing discounts! ;) You’re going to be the most stylish cross-fitter in Boston! ;)

      I know how hard it is to get your foot in the door in the nutrition field, especially without an RD! I’m thinking of becoming a certified nutrition specialist after I graduate (or getting certified as a health coach through IIN), so that I can start my own holistic nutrition/health coaching practice!

  • http://savortherainbow.com/ Min

    First of all, how fun! Your NY trip sounds dreamy! I don’t care if it’s stinky and uncomfortable..can you take me along? Ooh..love the addition of figs to the yogurt! And no, I did not know that there were coupons online! I should’ve figured…Chobani seems to be a very generous company! I have yet to go to a vegan restaurant, TIm refuses to go with me, but one of these days I shall!

    Infinity Wellness..like the sound of that! I love that you’ll be working closely with kids to fight childhood obesity. Get them moving and eating right! I know you can do it!

    My professor was a flavor developer for Haagen daz! Isn’t that awesome! I’m still in shock that she gave up her job to teach haha. If that was my job, I ain’t going anywhere! They’re stuck with me! My dream job was to be a violinist…I’m no good now…but I may start playing for my church.

    I LOVE the quote! I’m always thinking…let’s get through this time and then I’ll be happy..or this is just a temporary state..but no..I must try to find happiness in the midst of everything that I do…”time waits for no one..” Good stuff…

    Hope you have a blessed day, Sara!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Please please please join me in NYC!! Oh Min, we’d have so much fun exploring together! I think 90% of the trip is going to consist of eating. There are actually many more things on my list, and they’re all food-related! ;)

      You’re doing a fantastic job converting Tim to the health-foodie club! Keep at it, girl! <3 And that is so cool about your professor! I'd love to sample new ice cream flavors!

  • http://www.juliegolean.com/ julie

    HELLOOOOOO SEEING ME IS NOT ON THAT LIST AND IT SHOULD BE!!!!

    congrats on the new job mama!!!! that’s SO exciting :) :) :) my dream job is actually to be kelly ripa’s cohost but now that mike strahan has that covered i guess i’ll need my own show!!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Umm, seeing you is OBVIOUSLY a given! No need to put it on the list! ;) I’ll email you soon so we can start planning! It looks like I’ll be there Friday through Monday (I think the 21st-24th?), so leave those days open!! <3

  • http://Www.annatheapple.com/ AnnaTheApple

    I love that you scout out your favourite restaurants and menu choices before going somewhere. I do that all the time!! It makes my friends laugh as I’m like “I’ve already checked the menu out and know what I want” before even sitting down. Good luck with your new job. It sounds amazing!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Thanks, Anna! Oh gosh, I spend HOURS looking at menus and reading reviews! It’s so much fun! When I’m going out and treating myself, I want to make sure what I’m getting is going to be GOOD! I’m so glad you understand that! ;) We should take a foodie trip together sometime! <3

  • Jessiejoshua21

    So excited (and jealous) of your upcoming trip to NYC! You are going to have such a wonderful & fun time. I can’t wait to hear all about it, and see lots of pictures.. because I know you’ll have many to share!!

    Congratulations on the new job sweetie. What an accomplishment, and such exciting news. You deserve everything you recieve in life hunnie.

    … I’m sure you already know that I love that quote. It’s perfect.

    My dream job.. oh wow, theres so many things I’d love to do.. but I think it’d be so remarkable to work with the disabled who want to compete in different races, whether it’s 5k/10k/1/2 marathons, or even other sporting events. I can only imagine the emotions that would come with the job, good & bad.

    Have a wonderful day hunnie xo

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      I think you should definitely chase that dream job of yours! You’d make a life changing difference in so many people’s lives! <3

      I'll definitely be sharing my NYC adventures with you all! I'm pretty sure that 95% of what I'll be doing will be food related–I have a list of 15 restaurants I want to try in 3 days. Oooof. ;) xoxo

  • David Barr

    Try and visit Central Park if you have time. When I lived in NYC I liked running the Outer Loop (~6 miles) and/or loops around the reservoir (~1.5 miles). Also fun: paddling around the lake, climbing to the top of Belvedere Castle, and visiting the artisan ice cream truck at Tavern on the Green (http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com). Have a fun trip!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      I love all of your suggestions–especially the ice cream truck at Tavern on the Green. I just checked out their website, and couldn’t be more excited! I’ll be sure to run the 6 mile outer loop beforehand though. ;)

  • http://www.sweatlikeapig.com/ Tara @ Sweat like a Pig

    Oooo New York!!! I can’t wait to go there – it’s the only thing apart from Italy left on my must-see list :D

    My dream job keeps changing! Right now, I would say editor of a fitness magazine. BUT I would love to have my own studio too, so maybe I can train downstairs and write upstairs? Haha

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Your dream job would be *perfect* for you–and completely realistic! Go for it, girl! Can I be a contributing writer? ;)

      Italy is #1 on my must-see list too! I’ve traveled all over Europe, but have somehow managed to bypass Italy every time. Trip next summer?! I think you need to add Washington DC and San Francisco to your list too, though. ;)

  • runwithspoons

    How exciting about your trip to NYC! The last time I was there, the Towers were still standing :( ( and I’d really like to go back now that I’m older and can appreciate some of the finer things the city has to offer. I was planning on going this summer, but it somehow fell through and I’ll be going to LA in a week instead. Can’t wait to read more about your trip, though!

    I’ve actually been thinking a lot about the idea of happiness as a journey rather than a destination lately. When I really stop and think about it, it feels like I’m always chasing happiness and saying “Oh, I’ll be happy when…” instead of looking at all of the things I’m blessed with and saying “I’m happy right now.” Of course we should always be motivated to work towards our goals, but at the same time we need to learn to appreciate the present moment and all the good that’s in it.

    Oh, and I’m definitely with you on the 2% yogurt. I made the switch as well, and I’m never going back <3 <3

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Ooh, how exciting that you’re visiting LA next week! Is this your first time? I sure hope you blog about your adventures there. LA was my first home (well, technically Orange County), so it’s near and dear to my heart. Let me know if you want/need any activity suggestions! <3

      I completely agree with your thoughts about the happiness journey vs. the happiness destination. Working towards goals, and being excited about what reaching those goals will mean for our life, is one of the most exhilarating aspects of living! Yet, enjoying the journey getting there, I think, is where *true* happiness and contentment is found. <3

  • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

    I am SO happy for you finding that job. You will be perfect at it. Awww!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Thanks, Christina! <3

  • http://twitter.com/HealthyDiva31 HealthyDiva

    How awesome that job will be Sara!! So happy for you and it is SO fun to work with kids! So cute they are, especially when they are not yours, haha! Congrats!

    I am loving your greek yogurt bowls, YUM! The fig one especially!

    I so wish I was going to NYC with you, I might have to go to Chicago that week so this is why I can’t. Chicago is dealing with my healthy diva event, so it is important! Not EVER more important than you of course, but you know what I mean ;)

    You will have so much fun! I will know today for sure about chicago, and will let you know if something changes. Love you!!!!!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Thank you, love!! <3 I SO wish you could join me in New York, as well! However, you have lots of exciting planning to do, so I completely understand. You'll be there in spirit. ;)

      Let's chat this weekend?! I want to hear ALL about what's happening in your world! Miss you! xoxo

  • http://twitter.com/1healthmunchkin Chelsea A

    That’s so exciting that you’re going to NYC – you must be so pumped! That’s a great list of things to do while there. I’ve seen Pure Food and Wine on blogs before and their food always looks amazing! Especially their desserts. Apparently they have a mint chocolate sundae that is seriously to die for.

    Also congrats on your new job! It sounds like it’s going to be so rewarding! :) My dream job is to be a sports dietitian. Even if it doesn’t happen right away after I graduate, it’s what I eventually hope to do!

    Your yogurt bowl combos look so good! They’re one of my favourite meals/snacks too. Other things I love to pack when I’m on the go are sandwiches, grain/bean salads, or leftovers!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      You’ll be a fabulous sports dietitian, Chelsea! I *know* that dream will come true! <3

      Wouldn't it be fabulous if you and Meg hopped down to NYC for the weekend? ;) We could dine at Pure Food and Wine together! Maybe I could hop back up to London for a few days afterwards? ;)

  • Khushboo

    Ah I’m so excited for you about your trip to NYC…and a teensy bit jealous!  You must add a Pinkberry visit to the list…word on the street is that the NYC branch has a massive topping bar!  

    Also congrats on the job- sounds like a great opportunity and fit got you.  Excited to hear about how you enjoy it!  Speaking of jobs, I would voluntarily become a fro yo/ice cream sampler…somebody has to be responsible for quality control.  Jokes aside, my dream job would definitely be in the field of promoting nutrition across the population…a healthier nation is a happier nation ;) !

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Ooooh, I hadn’t heard about Pinkberry NYC’s massive topping bar! I’ll *definitely* be checking that out! I’ve been told that there are some amazing organic ice cream shops that must be added to the list. I have a feeling I’m going to spend the entire weekend eating! :-p Want to catch a flight and join me?

      I think your dream job sounds like a perfect fit for you! You’re already promoting health on your blog, why not take it one step further? Go for it, girl! <3

  • http://lifteatrepeat.com/ Carrie @ LIft Eat Repeat

    The Vacation Tour Director sounds pretty awesome to me! That would be so, so cool- the only downside is you would always be vacationing without your other half. I also think the doll fashion designer would be cool as well! If I had to pick something not on that list I would either be a wedding planner or a personal trainer & nutritionist!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      I’m definitely on board with the vacation tour director job. Just bring your other half along with you! (Co-vacation directors? Why not?!). However, if that doesn’t work out, I think you’d make a wonderful personal trainer and nutritionist! <3

  • http://thisitalianfamily.wordpress.com/ Rach

    You have a great NYC to-do list! I hope it is a GREAT trip!

    I have just recently gone back to nannying (as of this week) and I LOVE IT! I am so happy to be doing something I love again. The desk job was cut out for me, haha!

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      It makes me so happy to hear that you’re happier now, Rach! I used to nanny, and absolutely LOVED it too! Working with kids is such a joy. <3 xoxo

  • http://www.sweatysportsbras.blogspot.com/ Sarah

    Eataly is awesome! I spent a couple of hours just wandering around looking at all the different food when I was there.

    I would love to be the person in charge of selecting music for tv shows or movies.

    • http://www.nourish-and-flourish.net Sara Stewart

      Oh gosh, I have a feeling that I’ll be spending hours wandering around Eataly too. I wish you were going to be there to explore with me!

  • http://lisalately.com/ Lisa

    I like the idea of spin class with Kelly, I would be so excited if that happened.
    And you should buy LOTS of PB&Co while you have the chance! Not that I actually know what it tastes like, but I hear its fab stuff.
    Yay for your new job! Excited for you!!
    Ha ha, while working yogurt bowls are my life. They are too simple to not have.
    Oh yes, 2% is the only way I can eat yogurt now. 0% tastes so icky compared to the 2%. SO much creamier and just darn right tasty!
    xox

  • http://lifeisbetterthanfiction.wordpress.com/ MegLIBTF

    I hope you have SO much fun in New York! I know you will. :) Congrats on your new job! I hope that you love it! I think teaching kids healthy habits is SO important! So many kids/young adults never have the opportunity learn! I just know you are going to be great at it. My job is… to go to school and clean the house! Haha, I’m so lame. If I were going to get a job, it would be as a CNA. Hopefully I’ll pick up something soon! I would love to eventually become an occupational therapist (after nursing school) in a children’s hospital!

  • http://twitter.com/theloveofkale Heather Waxman

    SARAH!!!! That job sounds so PERFECT for you. I’m so, incredibly happy for you. We’ll have to Skype chat about it! Pure Food & Wine is THE BEST RESTAURANT EVER. Oh my goodness, you’re going to die. Cait and I went there back in May for #FITBLOGNYC and it was insane. To. Die. For. And if you soul cycle alongside Kelly Ripa, I might die of jealousy. Haha. She’s my girl crush!

    • http://twitter.com/CaitPlusAte Caitlin Croswell

      GET DESSERT AT PURE. #must

  • http://glitzglamgranola.com/ Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola

    How fun that you are going to NYC! That is so incredible that you are going for only a $15 bus ride too! I wish I lived that close to NYC! Sounds like you have an amazing itinerary on the docket and I can’t wait to hear more about it! ;) Congrats on your new position at Infinity Wellness! It sounds like this will be the perfect opportunity for you! And yum for all those yogurt bowls- they look just like the ones on the Chobani website! I’m impressed! And it’s really hard to figure out what next steps are sometimes but I have no doubt you’ll make the right decision for you! And that quote is exactly what I needed to hear- thank you for that!

  • Sally

    Those yogurt bowls are almost too beautiful to eat! I took a Chobani in my lunch bag on our raft trip today, but would have enjoyed one of your creations much more! My dream job? I think I have it teaching 3rd grade! xoxo

  • http://eatlearndiscover.com/ Rachel

    All of your yogurt bowls look amazing, I’m especially loving those figs. You’re coming to NYC – exciting! I still have yet to visit the Chobani store here, but it’s definitely on my list.

  • http://www.cottercrunch.com lindsay cotter

    oh i can’t wait to hear about your new job~ will it come with lots more yogurt bowl making? jk. Happy weekend!

  • http://twitter.com/CaitPlusAte Caitlin Croswell

    I’m SO VERY PUMPED for you to visit Pure Food & Wine, girly! I wish that I didn’t have so much going on in a couple weekends around CT or I’d totally want to meet you in NYC for some PF&W and Chobani Soho FUN. I saw your yogurt bowl with the pistachios and was like “omg…Cho has that at their store.” Then I saw your comment about their menu being your recent inspiration. Duh, should’ve known!! I haven’t visited PB&Co yet but want to someday to have their Pregnant Lady sandwich with PICKLES and PB. Perfect for me! Of course I could always make that at home, but that’s like, 1/8 as fun! I also have Soul Cycle on my fitness bucket list for sure. Ashley of Healthy Happier Bear had Chelsea Clinton in one of her classes there once!!

  • http://twitter.com/swankydietitian Kristen RD

    I love New York! How fun! I haven’t been in years so I know when I go back next time, I will have to hit up some good eats. My sister and I were on a budget the last time we went.
    I love the combo of figs, honey, and coconut! That sounds delicious! :)
    I wish I could blog as my dream job. It would be awesome to be able to do it for a living!

  • Meg

    Thanks for sharing your yogurt bowl combos sis!!!!! :) They make me so happy! I am always on the search for new combos for my yogurt bowls – you know how much I love yogurt, too :) YUM! NYC!? Sounds like you have so much fun planned! MUSHROOMS SCALLOPS!? You know I’d order that too! I mean, I did invent tofu scallops this summer ;) HEHE! You’re seriously working out along side Kelly Ripa!? WHAT!? EXPLAIN SIS! I think I would be much too star struck to do that!!!!!!!!!!!! My dream job? To be on food network probably… My favourite meal for on the go? Yeahhh I’m the stinky girl in the class with a tuna salad sort of mix or hard boiled eggs :) MUAHAHAHAHAHA! I rather be stinky than haul around ice packs ;) BUT I do haul around ice packs. Maybe I just REALLY don’t care if I offend people with my smell ;) YUP!

    LOVE YOU

  • Chobani Love

    Sara! We would LOVE to treat you to a Chobani SoHo tour. Consider it a little “you’re awesome and we’re psyched you’re visiting NYC” treat. Shoot me an email at amy.keefe[at]chobani dot com and let’s chat!

    Amy
    @Chobani

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