Car Eats and Steamy Deets

on March 27, 2011

When we woke up in DC, I was unpleasantly surprised to discover SNOW was on the ground. Luckily, it was only a dusting and didn’t interrupt our driving plans.

Before leaving Emily’s, Nicole and I ate a yummy breakfast. I had two slices of quinoa toast (which tasted like regular bread to me!) with sunflower butter and an orange.

The drive from DC to Charlotte is a little over six hours. About an hour into the journey, we stopped for Wawa coffee (the best gas station coffee on the planet – feel free to debate Wawa v. Sheetz if you’re from up north…) and a banana.

And we also did the Subway thing. I had a veggie sub with cheddar cheese.

Plus an apple…

And a Buckeye, which is peanut butter covered in chocolate.

The next time you’re on a car trip, I HIGHLY suggest you stop by a Cracker Barrel and rent a book on tape. You have to pay a $20 deposit but the book rental is only $3.95 for a few weeks, and you can return it to ANY Cracker Barrel. We rented a steamy romance book and spent the entire trip dissecting character motivations (“I WOULD NEVER TAKE HIM BACK!!!”) and being embarrassed by the very descriptive love scenes (overused phrases include “his mouth claimed hers,” “velvet kisses,” and “throbbing center”).

Car trip WIN.

I need to unpack, squeeze in a workout, and bake a delicious home-cooked meal. Stay tuned for a recipe!

{ 101 comments }

Freya March 27, 2011, 4:37 pm
Ohemgee I want a buckeye! I’ve never heard of them before but wowzer, they sound good!!
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith March 27, 2011, 4:38 pm
Love the nail polish – what color is it?
- Floey March 27, 2011, 5:19 pm
  I second this question! Even though it’s spring I still want to wear dark colors!
  - Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:17 pm
    It was Nicole’s so I don’t know 🙁 It was OPI though.
Allie March 27, 2011, 4:38 pm
Mmm buckeyes! I have never heard of quinoa toast but it sounds totally awesome. I always go with Sheetz coffee 🙂
Jess (Daly Authenticity) March 27, 2011, 4:38 pm
You are a girl after my own heart. Wawa and buckeyes? YES PLEASE!
Emily Malone March 27, 2011, 4:39 pm
Hilarious. Glad you made it home safe and sound! Missing you already. xoxo
Holly @ The Runny Egg March 27, 2011, 4:39 pm
I love the idea of renting a book on tape — how hilarious!

I used to read those romance novels in college — and I’d laugh every time I saw the phrase “throbbing member”.
VeggieGirl March 27, 2011, 4:40 pm
Haha love the book on tape thing 😀
Liz @ Tip Top Shape March 27, 2011, 4:40 pm
Haha, for some reason I think I love scene read-aloud would be really strange. Anyhoo, that buck-eye sounds amazing!!! I’d never heard of those!
Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 27, 2011, 4:43 pm
Do you have to return the book to the same cracker barrel?
Sounds like an awesome car trip. I’ve never heard of wawa coffee.
Katy March 27, 2011, 4:43 pm
You can always rent books on CD from the library, too. I went through 2 or 3 a week while I was commuting to work. The best part is that it’s free and you can get as many as you want/need.
- Carol March 27, 2011, 4:46 pm
  Free is great especially in these times! (my librarian self thanks you for the libraries plug)
  - hippierunner March 27, 2011, 4:52 pm
    Haha, I was about to preach about the library’s books on tape or CD too!
    - kristinp March 27, 2011, 5:28 pm
      I was about to do the same thing! I always get 4-5 for any long road trip. My library also offers free MP3 downloads so you can transfer to your ipod and just hook up to the car stereo.
      
      Books on tape FTW!
- Amy March 27, 2011, 5:21 pm
  Yes yes yes! Perfect for road trips OR long runs – and FREE!
  - gracefulfitness March 27, 2011, 9:01 pm
    I was going to plug library books-on-tape too! They’re awesome because they are free and NOT Cracker Barrel. I boycott Cracker Barrel for it’s discrimination towards gay rights and it’s history of racism AND sexism . Yuck. Support your local library instead.
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 9:36 pm
  Yay Libraries! Thanks for the thoughtful plug.
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing March 27, 2011, 4:44 pm
“As he moved closer, she quivered…” <– Tell me, was there a great deal of quivering going on? Hahaha. We used to read romance novels in the store out loud when I was younger, whilst poking fun at the ridiculous plots, characters, and cliche phrases (e.g., throbbing member). Ha!
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:17 pm
  There was a ton of quivering!
Sana March 27, 2011, 4:47 pm
Bahahaha naughty books are fun!
Kay March 27, 2011, 4:49 pm
I’ve read waaay too many trashy romances over the years, and this one I read was the absolute worst. Her suitor reached down and touched her…doodah. Yes, her DOODAH. And for the rest of the book, every emotion she felt toward this ravaging gentleman was felt in her doodah. The funny thing is, the author was totally dead serious in writing it, as though elaborately describing her heroine’s doodah was the most erotic thing in the world.
- Emilie March 27, 2011, 4:56 pm
  Oh my gosh, that is hands down one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard. I have a friend who works as a commissioning editor for romantic fiction so we get to hear about awful plots and turns of phrase on a regular basis, but ‘doodah’ is WAY up there on the list of worsts! Jeez louise!
- Amy March 27, 2011, 5:22 pm
  THAT IS AMAZING. Totally made my day.
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:17 pm
  OMG. Doodah rules.
Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 27, 2011, 4:50 pm
oooh teh audio book is a great idea!!
hippierunner March 27, 2011, 4:52 pm
Why have I never had (or even heard of) a Buckeye before?!
Clare @ Fitting It All In March 27, 2011, 4:55 pm
I had no idea you could rent books on tape at Cracker Barrel. Do they have a good selection?
Julie @ Lettuce Choose Healthy March 27, 2011, 5:00 pm
great way to make a 6 hour car ride fun!

can’t wait to see a new recipe!
Flo (Coconut Chronicles) March 27, 2011, 5:04 pm
Love the look of those ‘buckeyes’ – why haven’t I heard of them before?!
And i’m laughing out loud at those overused phrases… so typical!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope March 27, 2011, 5:04 pm
Love how simple and perfect that breakfast is! And what a great idea for in-car entertainment. The radio usually can’t cut it after the first couple of hours. 🙂
Abby March 27, 2011, 5:06 pm
Buckeyes sound like something I just might enjoy! 😉 Too funny that you rented some trashy romance book on tape! I bet that was a blast!!
Baking 'n' Books March 27, 2011, 5:08 pm
Motivation to cook after being busy all day? Pass it on please! With the Buckeyes.
Pamela March 27, 2011, 5:10 pm
Cute nail polish, Caitlin!
LJ March 27, 2011, 5:12 pm
I love and miss Wawa so much! I am a Philadelphia transplant in Charlotte. Caitlin, you need to try Wawa subs! So much better than Subway, I promise! I’m not one for gas station/convenience store food, but Wawa is head and shoulders above what you’d expect.
Hilary March 27, 2011, 5:17 pm
look books on tape for car rides! my dad walks like 5 miles a day and listens to books on tape while he walks then gives them to me when he’s done. He’s always listening to john grisham or some kind of suspense thing. Makes my car trips fly by!
- Hilary March 27, 2011, 5:18 pm
  that’s supposed to say “love” not look. too much outlining turns my brain to mush
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) March 27, 2011, 5:19 pm
My husband is from Ohio and introduced me to Buckeyes. OMG, YUM! Like an exposed Reese’s peanut butter cup, lol.

I recently decided that I love Subway’s fresh veggie selection. Good choice!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss March 27, 2011, 5:25 pm
Buckeyes!! So, so good! Except we call them Tigereyes down here since the Buckeye team is up north. Whatever they’re called, they’re delicious!
Shiyam March 27, 2011, 5:26 pm
I’ve noticed you don’t use that much sunflower butter. Is it higher in calories?
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:52 pm
  I don’t think so, I just don’t like a ton of nut butter on my bread.
michelle @ thecookinglife March 27, 2011, 5:27 pm
Glad you had a great trip, despite not running. On behalf of all runners out there, thanks for your support during the race! I didn’t run the DC race (I live in TX) but I just ran the Dallas Rock & Roll Half this morning and was so thankful for crowd support. I hope you are able to run the NYC race!
Michelle @ Living Learning Earning March 27, 2011, 5:32 pm
I had no idea you could rent audio books from Cracker Barrel! That’s such a great idea. I usually get mine from the library, but sometimes I forget to stop before I leave on a trip and there’s usually a CB somewhere on my way.
Jessica March 27, 2011, 5:32 pm
I am from the south and WAWA is the greatest station EVER…when people go to PA…they bring me back WAWA coffee…simply amazing
Annie@stronghealthyfit March 27, 2011, 5:33 pm
You’re so funny! Bra in the freezer.
Kara March 27, 2011, 5:34 pm
Wawa is like a social center around here! Sheetz has nothing on Wawa 🙂
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations March 27, 2011, 5:34 pm
Oh, your Buckeye makes me homesick for Ohio!!
Crystal March 27, 2011, 5:35 pm
My mom makes buckeyes each Christmas. Except she just calls them peanut butter balls. I’ve never heard them called buckeyes.

Is that nail polish the new green/black Chanel color? It kind of looks like it in that picture.
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:18 pm
  It’s OPI but I don’t know the name 🙁
Katy (The Singing Runner) March 27, 2011, 5:35 pm
Buckeyes are amazing! 😀
Lauren March 27, 2011, 5:37 pm
Ow ow! Wild ride home 😉
Natalia - a side of simple March 27, 2011, 5:48 pm
Your description of the romance novel makes me want to go on a long drive JUST for the laughs and entertainment!
Katie @ peacebeme March 27, 2011, 5:48 pm
No idea Cracker Barrel had a thing like that! I like Wawa, also like Pilot travel stations.
Megan March 27, 2011, 5:49 pm
I can’t believe so many people have never heard of Buckeyes! I spent most of my life in Ohio and now I have my whole office in Florida always begging for me to make them. Yum!

O-H!
Lauren March 27, 2011, 5:54 pm
My grandmother makes TONS of buckeyes over Christmas to send out to all her kids & grandkids – and we have a huge family. They are the best treat!
Sam March 27, 2011, 6:01 pm
Wawa totally wins on coffee, but Sheetz wins on food selection!
Emma (Namaste Everyday) March 27, 2011, 6:05 pm
WAWA all the way!!!!!!! I’m from Philadelphia, and I know I’m home once I see that first Wawa 🙂
Tricia K March 27, 2011, 6:19 pm
Wawa is the greatest! I’ve worked there twice – once in college and once between jobs. Love, love, love the coffee especially with the French vanilla creamer (Mmmm…)!
Lili March 27, 2011, 6:19 pm
Glad to hear you had fun! I had a friend over for lunch and i made your Cornbread Quiche recipe! Ive done it a few times before. Win win recipe!
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 6:19 pm
  I am so glad you liked it 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) March 27, 2011, 6:48 pm
Throbbing center?! Hahaha! I can only imagine what that means…
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) March 27, 2011, 7:02 pm
Subway is always the place to stop on my car trips too. There aren’t a whole lot of places that appeal to meat eaters AND vegetarians out there.

And buckeyes make everything better. 😀

Love the idea of renting a book for a long car trip. That’s a fabulous idea! 😀
BeckyH March 27, 2011, 7:02 pm
Sheetz = automatic fail. I don’t even know what that is, I am assuming it is a coffee shop? gas station? I think they fail for bad branding … it also makes me giggle like I am a 12 year old boy =P

LOVE your suggestion about the romance novel on tape, I’ll have to see if my University has them. We have an entire media library we can access for free ! =)
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 27, 2011, 7:20 pm
We used to rent books from them when we didn’t have kids in the car. I love doing that kind of stuff for great entertainment on trips. I’m glad you had a good trip and made it back safely!
Jes (Self Motivation) March 27, 2011, 7:23 pm
Love your idea of renting a romance novel. It sounds hilarious! Hope you are doing well!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 27, 2011, 7:29 pm
Renting a romance novel on tape is probably the best idea ever. So funny.
Courtney March 27, 2011, 7:32 pm
i heart wawa!!! 🙂
MorgzSyd March 27, 2011, 7:35 pm
the qounia bread sounds really yummy!

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Marisa E March 27, 2011, 7:41 pm
Wawa rules!!! Don’t know what I would do without one…
Glad to see you had a fun weekend!
Nikki M March 27, 2011, 7:42 pm
HA! Gotta love the McSteamy novels:)
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 27, 2011, 7:45 pm
LOL that book sounds hilarious. Those quotes remind me of that guidance counsellor who was always writing romance novels from “10 Things I Hate about You”. 😛
Sara @ Running In Pink Project March 27, 2011, 7:51 pm
I have never had sunflower butter. Do you recommend it/eat it often?
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 9:33 pm
  YES!!! It’s so good.
Michelle March 27, 2011, 8:10 pm
I’m so excited, my boyfriend and I were walking into the lobby in our complex today and we found operation beautiful notes! So cool that one of our neighbors also reads your blog! (we’re in Atlanta). Operation Beautiful ROCKS!!! =)
Michelle March 27, 2011, 8:10 pm
I’m so excited, my boyfriend and I were walking into the lobby in our complex today and we found operation beautiful notes! So cool that one of our neighbors also reads your blog! (we’re in Atlanta). Operation Beautiful ROCKS!!! =)
- Caitlin March 27, 2011, 9:36 pm
  That is amazing 🙂 Thank you for telling me!
Kim March 27, 2011, 8:10 pm
I am from PA but I’ve actually never had Sheetz coffee. But I do love Wawa Columbian with hazelnut creamer. delicious!
lindsay March 27, 2011, 8:26 pm
WAWA all the way!! They have the best selection of fresh, hot coffees – flavored, regular and decaf. And, lots of creamer options – milk, half&half, flavored creamers, etc. All cold and fresh! I am a huge Wawa fan, obv.
Jen March 27, 2011, 8:27 pm
I don’t know about gas station coffee (I tend to flock to gas stations with attached Dunkin Donuts or Honey Dew Donuts when I’m driving on the highway for long periods of time), but I like Wilson Farms for convenience store coffee in my new locale in western NY. I’m from Massachusetts but I’ve never heard of Sheetz coffee; most gas stations serve Green Mountain coffee if they don’t have a Dunks.
Katherine: Unemployed March 27, 2011, 8:46 pm
must be full of giggles in that vehicle
Julia March 27, 2011, 9:02 pm
You just made me miss home in one word Wawa. While I prefer WaWa coffee over Sheetz coffee (though, they are both great), WaWa subs are far superior!!!
Jen G. March 27, 2011, 9:18 pm
I’m an unabashed romance fan (strong women, sexy men, happy endings… what’s not to love?), but I HATED the book you listened to on tape, and thought as much when I saw you read it. I normally like the author a lot, but I had the exact same reaction — why on EARTH did she take him back?!
Karolina March 27, 2011, 10:01 pm
Wow-I had no idea that Cracker Barrel had books on tape you can rent. Wow. Very cool…
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 27, 2011, 10:03 pm
There’s a huge selection at your local library too. It’s wicked awesome. I always have an audio book in my car.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 27, 2011, 10:13 pm
Great nail polish!
Ashley @ the fit academic March 27, 2011, 10:18 pm
omg, a BUCKEYE sounds delish!!!
Kath March 27, 2011, 10:26 pm
You don’t love me 🙁
- Caitlin March 28, 2011, 9:47 am
  Awww but I do!!! I would’ve loved to stop and see you but that drive is a freaking nightmare…. We couldn’t extend it. Are you coming to CLT anytime soon???
  - Kath March 28, 2011, 9:59 am
    🙂
    
    The Cville route is so much prettier! Plus, delicious snacks at Casa KERF to break up the trip.
    
    No plans to visit CLT – we’re tied to the bakery forever!
heather March 27, 2011, 10:29 pm
Don’t know what Sheetz is, but I love wawa! Shorti BLT please.
Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep March 27, 2011, 10:30 pm
Love, love, love Wawa coffee! When I moved to Florida, I had serious withdraw from Wawa!
Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep March 27, 2011, 10:30 pm
Love, love, love Wawa coffee! When I moved to Florida, I had serious withdraw from Wawa!
Erin March 27, 2011, 10:43 pm
I’ve never been to Wawa, but I may still have to say Sheetz all the way!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 27, 2011, 11:22 pm
Your treat looks yummy 🙂 Glad you had fun!!
Mac March 27, 2011, 11:34 pm
I love renting books on tape, it helps make time go by so much more quickly! I rent mine from the library, have you tried getting them from there?
Khushboo March 28, 2011, 12:54 am
Does the quinoa bread have more protein than normal bread? I love quinoa but making it is always so hit and miss with me! Some days the consistency is perfect and others, it is a watery pile of mush bleh!
- Caitlin March 28, 2011, 9:48 am
  I’m not sure of the nutritional benefits of quinoa bread, I’m sorry!
Amber K March 28, 2011, 12:08 pm
The overly descriptive love scenes are one of the main reasons I just can’t read romance novels. I even tried to read a mystery romance once and just skipped over the “romance” parts. Just too darn cheezy for me! lol

I have no idea what Wawa or Sheetz are, but I have definitely seen the debate various places online! I hate coffee, so I just can’t relate. 🙂
Sam @ the neurotic yogini March 28, 2011, 12:26 pm
hahhaa! that’s hilarious! romance novels are so much fun ^_^
Krista (kristastes) April 1, 2011, 12:51 pm
Wawa originated in my county 🙂 LOVE love love it! 🙂 Anyone from the philly area would agree I’m sure! We had sheetz at penn state and they stink!

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