Highlights

And no, not talking about the magazine. Highlights of this weekend! Cowfish was the main highlight of my weekend but I had some other fun things going on:

1) My first trip to Total Wine & More

I don’t know how I’ve never ventured in there before but when I walked in, I felt with one at the world. Wine, beer and other goodies? Again, I don’t know how I’ve never been. I went with one of my friends who had to pick up some booze for Turkey Day and after buying six bottles recently, I was just along for the ride. I stumbled upon some new items (new to me at least)

Hello Kitty bubbly. Now one of my childhood faves will get me drunk, I love it.

Saranac makes soda pop? New to me. I was tempted to buy the Shirley Temple but couldn’t justify spending $6.99 on a six-pack that won’t get me feeling good. I don’t know how I went into Total Wine and swooned over the non alcoholic beverages.

2) Phoenix Suns-Charlotte Bobcats game.

 I haven’t been to a game in two years and although it’s a gorgeous arena, nothing is really driving me to go. Charlotte is in last place in their conference and to be blunt, just suck. Not a lot of people go to the games and I am puzzled by how they are staying afloat (until I found out Michael Jordan is one of their owners). I went with a group of friends and we scored four seats together in the nosebleed section for $8 a person. Not too shabby at all! Even if they play horribly, it’s entertainment for a Saturday night. I wasn’t sure who to root for so I wore orange since both teams are orange and since I lived in Phoenix for two and a half years. And the Bobcats actually won–I am so proud of them! 

3) Yelp sponsored brunch at Bistro La Bon.

I’ve heard rave reviews about this restaurant and it’s been on my must-try list for some time. They are a small establishment that offers small, unique plates and use food that is grown/raised locally and they try to make most things from scratch. It’s located in a sketchtastic strip mall along with a kidney dialysis center, Family Dollar, beauty supply story along with vacant areas but when I first walked up to the restaurant, the aroma of eggs and bacon hit me and I knew I was in the right place for a filling Sunday brunch. They have a wonderful selection of brunch goodies such as the standard eggs, bacon and pastries but also some other random bites like swedish meatballs, pot roast, pasta salad (with a kick!), homemade mozzarella with tomato and basil and more. Unlike some other establishments, the selection isn’t overwhelming which is a nice change of pace since I like to go to the buffet line with a plan of attack. Along with the buffet you can order their chocolate waffles, which were fantastic but too savory to eat on my own or their french toast—-this was my favorite. It was in a pool of syrup and melted in my mouth, I like that. My only complaint was that the sweet potatoes and au gratin potatoes seemed a little under cooked and being a carboholic, that brought me down. 

What I didn’t appreciate? When sitting with two couples our waiter started splitting up her bills he said with a raised voice “Oh, so it’s just you, alone?” WTF? After my Papi Chulo Pedro experience, is there something I’m missing? Why is everyone wanting to confirm that I am alone and without man? Seriously, am I missing something here?

4) Good strength training workouts along with cheap workout finds.

I got two resistance bands for $5.50 each at Marshalls, one for me and one for my dad for Christmas 🙂

Saturday-lower body workout with kettlebell (20 lbs)

Plie Squats ( 13 reps, 4 sets)

Squats (13 reps, 4 sets)

One Legged Deadlifts (13 reps, 2 sets)

Donkey Kicks (13 reps, 2 sets)

Leg Lifts (13 reps, 2 sets)

Side Bends (20 reps, 2 sets)

A few sets of planks

Sunday-upper body workout with kettlebell, 15 lb dumbbell and resistance band

Kettlebell-20 lbs

Upright Deltoid Rows (13 reps, 3 sets)

Halos (13 reps, 4 sets)

Shrugs (13 reps, 3 sets)

Lateral Bench Press (13 reps, 3 sets)

Dumbbell-15 lbs

Curls (13 reps, 3 sets)

Tricep Extensions (13 reps, 3 sets)

Shoulder Press (13 reps, 2 sets)

Seated Rear Deltoid Raise (13 reps, 2 sets)

Resistance Band

Curls (13 reps, 3 sets)

Tricep Kickbacks (13 reps, 3 sets)

Lateral Raise (13 reps, 2 sets)

Front Lateral Raise (15 reps, 2 sets)

Shoulder Press (13 reps, 2 sets)

So now both my arms and legs hurt. I didn’t know the resistance bands worked so well. I thought they would be pretty easy to work with and it was a pleasant surprise when I could actually feel it. If anyone has more exercises for resistance bands-please let me know!

5) Simple things that make me happy….like Bravo, Dunkin Donuts and curling up with the new issue of Food Network magazine all at once

6) Trader Joe’s dinner.

 I used my favorite item from TJ’s-Mandarin Orange Chicken along with broccoli, red onions, mushrooms and cauliflower to make an easy meal that will also be one of my lunches this week

7) Discovering Party Down

Sadly, it was canceled after the second season. Hilarious show though, I recommend.

8 ) Lincoln…..but he’s a highlight every day

What was the highlight of your weekend?