Stick a fork in me…….

Today has been the longest day-oi! Let’s start at the beginning, I woke up at 4A due to nerves. I’ve had so much on my mind with NYC, moving and other random stuff that I have been a tad on edge lately and my sleep issues are starting to come back. But on the flip side (get in flip…..can’t sleep…..tossing and turning? Ha!) none of my sleep issues are coming from stress at work so I guess that’s good. I was tossing and turning all night and decided to get out of bed at 4A (yeah, you read that right) and be somewhat productive. It was definitely a dance party kind of morning when I put on some old school music, make a pot of strong coffee and dance the morning away.  I popped in a rap cd from college and started jamming, dancing and drinking coffee (not simultaneously, I am not looking to get burned). “Bling Bling” by BG came on and I kept dancing and after the 8th time it played, I finally took notice. I like Bling Bling but even I have a limit. Yes, I know your pinky ring is worth about 50 and that you have Lorinsers on Yokahama tires. Oh BG, why do you do me like you do?

By the time I got to work, I was a tad delirious from the combination of lack of sleep, major coffee consumption and dancing. I had a bowl of Chobani Greek Yogurt Honey style with Kashi Go Lean Crunch!

This did nothing for me. Plus, I didn’t have any fruit on me so that was a major bummer. I did get another free coffee at Just Fresh but did I really need it? You tell me, it’s 11P, I woke up at 4A, have had no nap and am still going strong. Suck on that, Energizer Bunny.

It was a pretty quiet morning even by quarter end standards. Quarter end is absolute madness in my world however there were few issues today which was great. I was also trying to get through the day without letting people I work with know I would be off until next Wednesday. When they find out I am leaving, they try to throw everything on me last-minute and I am just not a fan of that.

It was another day of free food! We had Olive Garden for lunch, I normally despise Olive Garden (since I think it’s fake Italian food) but hell, I will eat Fazoli’s if it was free. Sooooooo many things wrong with the concept of fast food Italian but that is for another time. Let’s talk food, I had a slice of the lasagne, two bread sticks and a side salad.

This was half a slice! When I was getting a slice from the pan, I could barely lift it up because it was so heavy! And I like to think I have some pretty strong forearms but something is wrong with that picture. I cut it half and it was still huge! This right here is why I make my own lasagne at home.

I may talk smack on Olive Garden but I will never talk smack on their salad and breadsticks.

Work ended soon enough, I set up my voicemail and email out of office for the next week and I was outta there! I was sketchy and snuck out with only saying bye to people because I knew if I ran into others, something would happen and I would have to stay later which I was not all about. Plus, I had to get home to take the doggies out and then meet up for a Charlotte  Blogger Meetup!

Lauren from Clean Eats in The Dirty South   sent out an email this past wknd about meeting up for dinner this wk and got a pretty good response from other bloggers in the area. I didn’t even know there were that many!  I love the name of her blog. Oddly enough, it makes me think of Ludacris which then makes me think of chicken and waffles. Oh the irony! Regardless, it makes me smile.

We met up at Big Daddy’s Burger Bar for some great food and we sat outside which was nice b/c this was the first day in two weeks it hasn’t been in the 90’s!!

The ladies

Kelly, Me, Brittney, Jen, Jessie, Lauren and Katie

I love how our server got all creative with BURGERS streaming across in the background. Nice job dude!

I had the Cantina 1511 Burger (Cantina 1511 is a fabulous, local Mexican restaurant)—a black bean burger topped with green chiles, avocado, Monterrey and Cheddar Cheese with a Chipotle Ranch. You can also substitute a salad as your side for only $2 more and you can create a side salad—how awesome is that? I got a side salad with baby spinach, red peppers, feta, strawberries, jalapenos and walnuts with Balsamic vinaigrette

 Two words—GOOD LORD!  This was one fantastic meal! The black bean burger was great and not dry at all plus the green chile and avocado added a rich, punch to the flavor. The salad was great as well, as I said before, I love that you can create your own salad and I love the combination of feta, strawberries and balsamic with the spicy jalapenos. When I move next week, I will be by their other location and you can bet your bottom dollar I will be going there again! And yes, I just threw out some Annie tunes right there!! It was great to meet other bloggers in the area and I had a fabulous time—thanks again Lauren for organizing this!

Looks like North Carolina tied the spot for 10th fattest state with Mississippi still coming in first for the sixth year in a row—where does your state rank?

Yay for vacation officially starting! I am doing absolutely nothing but running around tomorrow doing some last-minute shopping, returning some things, pool time, doing my nails and brows (instead of going to get them done, it will save me $25 which is about two drinks in NY haha) and sadly, taking Lincoln to get boarded.

I promised myself I am not going to be the girl who cries when she drops him off for his first time being boarded but don’t know if I can keep that promise. They have a webcam which I can check but I am just nervous. He has always stayed with someone when I go out-of-town and just get sad when I think of him alone in a crate. Sigh.

That being said, I’m borderline delirious right now from my lack of sleep. I was doing well but am going to crash in a few minutes after I take the pups out.

Night night!

If It’s Free, It’s For Me!

Hi all! The last two days have been pretty uneventful–just working, dog sitting and counting down until Wed 5P when I officially begin my vacation.

Yesterday was nothing was too special, it was a Monday and still unbearably hot! for breakfast, I gad a green monster with baby spinach, almond milk, mango and banana and  I made an awesome breakfast sandwich on an Arnold Whole Wheat Bagel Thin with egg whites, ham and cheese with a dab of ketchup.

I wish I would have known that I could nuke egg whites a long time ago, it would have saved me so much money and less money would have went to Jimmy Dean D-Lights

I haven’t had greek yogurt in a few days where is a rarity for me and will need to buy one or two before I move because I cannot exist without it. To win some coupons for FREE (yes, free) Chobani Greek Yogurt, click here!

Lunch was leftovers of brown rice, chicken and black beans

I snacked on a Hearth Strings Cookies N Cream bar–which was amazing! I never tried this flavor but the frosting alone was worth it. I will definitely be getting this one again! If you like granola bars, you should definitely check out their website. They are a local company and have a variety of flavors plus great deals on gift sets of granola bars–plus a granola of the month club!

Then later, had some strawberries

I saw a really random book at the library

Is anyone really interested in the story of Julio Iglesias Junior? I kinda want to check it out just to learn random facts about him and throw it out in every day conversation! “You went to the park this wknd? Did you know Julio Iglesias Junior volunteered at local parks in Southern California when he was a teen?” You know, just to throw people off a little.

Dinner was yet again-sandwich thins! I made personal pizzas with them and topped with turkey pepperoni, salami and cut up Monterrey Jack Cheese

 

One of them got a little damaged….but still edible!

Along with a  side of Green Giant Immunity Blend. As said before, I am not a fan of frozen veggies but I really enjoyed these. The veggies were surprisingly tasty (one may say it tasted fresh) and it was a nice mixture.

The rest of the night was blah. I was just pooped from work, the heat, getting ready for my trip etc. I can’t wait until moving day next wk when I am near work and only have a 10 minute commute each way compared to the 45 minute commute each way I have now.

 But today was more exciting and this morning was the morning of free stuff!!

Free breakfast-Chick Fil A Chicken Minis, Mini Bagels, McDonalds Parfait and free coffee from Just Fresh with my free coupon

Free ice cream courtesy of Time Warner outside our building for some promotion they were doing. This somewhat makes up for the fact that they keep raising their rates. I was paying $145 for cable with DVR and Internet and just couldn’t do it anymore so I switched to basic cable (sadly, without DVR) to save $80 a month.

Free tomatoes from my co-workers garden. She brought in bags of these and I wanted to take them all home but just took one.

These were super yummy and I may have had 1/3 of the bag at my desk this morning-let’s hear it for lycopene! And look at the size of those cube walls, I love having my privacy as opposed to an open floor plan.

And we got free coffee and lunch tomorrow coming due to it being Quarter End. That is the one perk of my job and department I enjoy the most. And that means they will probably have some leftovers, which is perfect so less random meals from my kitchen! Stuff is starting to run low, which is great but I can only get so creative with random foods and a few spices and sauces.

Since my friend helped me with Ikea stuff on Sunday, I told her I would take her to lunch today so her, my co-worker and I headed for an all you can eat sushi buffet for lunch. All you can eat for $9.95? Sign me up. They also had a hot bar with lo mein (which was creamy, I did not like this), fried rice, sesame chicken and chicken teriyaki. I love that this place is right around the corner and the sushi is endless. I was full but not uncomfortable full so it was nice not having to feel like I needed to unbutton my pants when I got to work lol I used to love buffets but really don’t go that often anymore, I really can’t think of the last time I went to a buffet in general or my beloved Chinese buffet

 Yet another attempt to get stuff out of my fridge, I made chicken drumsticks glazes with a honey teriyaki sauce served with Green Giant Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

I was running some errands after dinner and am sad to admit, looked like crap (I know, I’m a letdown but it does happen to even the greatest like me-ha!) I was wearing yoga pants and a tank top and no makeup. But I had my ghetto baby girl earrings on because they don’t leave my ears until I shower, workout or go to bed. I like to rock them everywhere and always get compliments on my earrings. Anyways, why is it that times like this is when you run into an ex? I was just trying to get some fro-yo to cool me off, wasn’t bothering anyone and BAM! There he was at the fro-yo place…..with a lady friend. This is the dude who brought the mary jane over to my place on the second date. The same one who said he didn’t do drugs. The same one who had a bowl in every room of his house. Yeah. I played it cool but put on my sunglasses like they would somehow make me disappear ala Big Daddy.  I was awestruck because this is my turf and he doesn’t even live in this county! WTF? I was about to take off my earrings, put some Vasoline on my arms and scrap. He can go back to his county with his lady friend with the fake Coach purse (horrible stitch work and cheap straps) to their own place to get some cool treats. It’s annoying, that’s all.

Regardless-the good stuff

Of course, I can’t refuse the little guy the last spoonful

Looking to give to a good cause? Head to Kelly Confidential and make a banana split for free and Electrolux will donate $1 for every split made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Calorie free and helping a charity, not too shabby.

Lincoln wishes you a good night!

Let Them Eat Carbs

I love double posting days!! I lasted at the pool for two hours this afternoon. I was sweating bullets after I hopped in the pool a few times and even had a little sweat rag to help me out a little. I really need one of those fans that mist water on you and then I will be all set.

I got back to the dogs and made chicken tacos with red peppers, onion and avocado for lunch topped with T Marzetti’s Light Ancho Chipotle Ranch (I am sure you are sick of seeing this but I am going through all of my food and still have half a bottle left!)

Scrumptious. Avocado, you never fail me. I was soon on my way to hit up some different stores in search of clothes for NYC this wk. I went to Kohls and got a cute top for $30, umm, yeah that’s expensive in my book. I used to love their stuff but lately find it a little meh. I was in a different area of town and saw a Ross and quickly turned that way to see what goodies I can find. I got two dresses, two tops and a new workout DVD all for $40! I love you Ross.

But the big event of the day was next. The big event that has been four years in the making:

YES!!!!! I haven’t been to Ikea since I lived in Tempe and we had one right near my apartment. We got Ikea this past year but it’s on a completely different side of town for me and I heard it is a crazy house there. I recruited one of my co-workers to meet up with me there since she has a truck and with list in hand, we got to shopping!

I ended up getting a bed frame, tv stand, kitchen cart, two rugs and some other random goodies

All of this came to $100 under my budget for Ikea so I was loving that. I was expecting to be absolute madness on a Sunday afternoon . It was crowded but nothing over the top and we got out of there within an hour and a half, not bad at all.

Dinner came next and I was at a loss as to what to make. I am loving this whole “Let’s eat everything in the fridge and freezer” but I don’t have anything that’s calling out to me “Eat me!!”

I noshed on the last of my Tribe 40 Spice Hummus with Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits

And I present, a most random meal: Pierogies, baked sweet potato and zucchini

This wasn’t anything too spectacular. The sweet potato was too crisp and the zucchini too mushy. I normally cook my zucchini on the stove top and will be sticking to that routine from here on out. The pierogies were good but I usually make sautéed onions and mushrooms and a side of plain greek yogurt with them so it was a tad bland.

Random thought of the day: How does David Caruso have a job? I am watching CSI Miami right now (purely because I don’t have a remote control and am being lazy) and this is just horrible. Is his acting supposed to be a joke? Please someone fill me in because this makes me believe I can obviously become an actor or a big Hollywood agent, who helped him get this role.

Hope everyone is gearing up for a great week! It’s quarter end for me which means the next three days will be dead at work but then things pick up on the first of the month (wake up wake up wake up) but who will be off on the the first of the month? Moi. I need a day before going on vacation to get things in order, get last minute shopping done, lounge by the pool, get my nails and my brows did and sadly, take Lincoln to the boarding place he is staying. Also, there is a Charlotte blogger meetup in the works for this Wednesday so that is super exciting to look forward to b/c that will be my first blogger meetup and then when I go to NYC I am meeting up with the lovely Mo and Mari–can’t wait!

Doggone It

 Hi all—hope your weekend is going great! I feel like it’s flown by and I still have a ton of stuff to do! Yesterday instead of coffee, I made a green purple pink brown monster. Seriously, I have no clue what color this really is but thought it looked cool. I made it with 8 oz Vita Coco Water, Chobani 0% Plain Greek Yogurt, Banana, Blueberries, Mango and Baby Spinach.

 I’ve been loving this in the AM if you can’t tell. I love my coffee but just haven’t been craving it as much first thing in the morning—not sure if it’s bcause of the weather or when I make my own iced coffee at home, it is not good. I try to add more grounds and less water to make it strong but no go. Plus, I have a bunch of frozen fruit in the freezer I need to go get rid of, which brings us to breakfast.

Three Nature’s Path Flax Waffles topped with peaches and blueberries. It looked so pretty, I almost didn’t eat it. Almost. Who am I kidding, I devoured it but the thought did cross my mind for a nano-second.

 I didnt have any plans until afternoon time so I went back to bed after breakfast. Um, I never do that…edit, I never do that when I’m not hungover. I don’t know if it’s the heat, humidity or what but I have just been taking every minute I can to rest or take a nap lately. My sleep is lacking! I woke up, showered and made a quick wrap lunch with ham, tomato and hummus. Speaking of hummus, click here for a new way to use your hummus. Well new to me, I never thought of the concept but will definitely be trying it soon!

 I met up with my friend Kristi for a free brewery tour at the Olde Mecklenberg Brewery, a fairly new brewery located here in Charlotte. It has been open for about 15 months but their business seems to be on the up and up and had good beer! We like that. I had a few pints of the Mecklenberger, a full bodied yet light beer.

Full bodied indeed but very refreshing. Originally, I was going to try their darker ale as well but stayed with this one because I am devoted like that.

Excuse my greasiness, me so shiny!!

The World Cup was on and it was a packed house! We really weren’t paying attention to the game but clapped when we hear everyone clapping, boo’ed when other people did, etc. Really dug the atmosphere though, it was just a big open room full of people appreciating good beer. I am down with that.

 The wrap didn’t hold me over for too long and for some reason I was craving Subway. I hate Subway. The smell of their bread just lingers and I find it just a downright, nasty smell. Plus back in Florida, we had a lot of gas stations that had Subways within them and I can still smell how disgusting they smelled. The Five Dollar Footlong and Jared commercials don’t help either, those two alone make me scream! Personally, I would rather go to Quizno’s to get a sub b/c they are awesome in my book and they have one my most favorite commercials….EVER!!

But I guess the beer was really good and potent because I was on a mission to find a Subway! I keep seeing commercials for the Orchard Chicken Salad and was ready to give it a go.

 It was ok. I was expecting more flavor with the fruit it had in it but it was a decent sub. Arby’s had a Chicken Salad Sandwich with apples and grapes a few years back and that was the best I had yet but this was ok. I can say it was fresh and the cucumbers were fantastic!

Then I was on my way to pick up Monet, my friends dog that I’m dogsitting for the week.

 These dogs have such a ruff life.

Dinner was a Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken from Reid’s that I purchased the other day 40% off. I topped with T Marzetti’s Light Ancho Chipotle Ranch. This had waaaaaaay more black olives than last time but I am actually starting to enjoy black olives so bring it.

Despite it being humid and nasty out, I woke up at 7A today and went for a two mile walk. I felt good to get out, do something and move today rather than complaining that it’s hot. Sunday mornings are so peaceful, I love how quiet it is, not too many people out and just a hopeful feeling for a new day!

I stopped at the Bucks and came home to make breakfast since I only had a banana before my walk. I made an egg white, ham, cheese and avocado sandwich on an Arnold Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin

So I know it doesn’t look like much but this was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve made! I loved the ham and cheese in between the egg white omelet and I used Monterrey Jack, which added a nice kick of flavor. And avocado never wrongs me or lets me down. I was pleased with the sandwich thin as well, in the past I’ve only had bagel thins and always had that pesky hole in the middle but this right here was fabulous and filling!

Ok, off to start a bunch of things that need to get done today–starting with laying out by the pool 🙂 I’m not going to have a pool at my new place so I need to appreciate it while I can.

PS–Seriously? These dogs are knocked out like they did manual labor.

Gonna Make You Sweat

So….I believe it’s day 14 of the ridiculously hot weather (or sultry as the weatherman would say) we’ve been having here. This needs to stop, like now. I am sweating wherever I go, whether it be walking to get my mail or waiting for the bus…..at 7A or 11P. Gross. It’s only June too so I dread to see what the next few months are gonna look like. And it’s day 14 of having “Gonna Make You Sweat” by C&C Music Factory in my head and it’s getting a tad annoying. Whatever happened to them?

And let’s talk movies! I’m happy to know I’m not the only one out there who hasn’t seen some popular flicks and looks like most of you love the Princess Bride (b/c how can you not??) and never seen either Lord of The Rings and Star Wars. I really have no desire to see Sean Astin as a dward/wizard/elf whatever they are. He will always be Rudy to me.  So yay for others out there! I had a green purple monster for a morning pick me up with baby spinach, Chobani 0% Greek Yogurt, Flax Seed and Blueberries.

As big as a fan I am on these drinks, I am sad to say that I was not a fan. It lacked flavor and of course, the seeds were an issue. But then again, at 6A in the morning I really can’t be held accountable for good decision-making. Especially on a Friday! For the obvious reasons, I love Friday. But then again, Friday is usually busy for me at work….even though it seems like everyone is out of the office so who is sending me work and why are there always so many issues?? Hmmmm….

My co-worker had a scrambled egg and sausage wrap from Just Fresh yesterday and didn’t finish it off and handed it to me. Seeing I will eat anything that’s in front of me (and free!) I gladly accepted! I cut up a granny smith apple to wake me up. I remember hearing somewhere they are a great food to help you wake up. Anyone else know about this?

So I totally forgot that it is quarter end which means no work will be coming my way until next week. I had nothing to do—so fabulous! It’s pay-day as well so I got to do a little budgeting around my trip to NYC, pay bills, etc and it was nice to not have to worry about deadlines and a ridiculous volume.

Lunch was purchased at Reid’s @ their deli yesterday–chicken tenders and greek pasta salad.

Hello lovely plate of comfort. And hello artichokes! This was about 3/4 of the container, I made myself throw out the rest because I would have been licking the container clean!

I still had half of cupcake from yesterday but I couldn’t bring myself to throw that away. That would be wrong, right??

And then after pigging out, three words hit me—New York City—in one week! No one was at the office so I was doing my happy dance, jumping up and down, shaking my booty and shrieking. I think a large part of this was due to the sugar in the cupcake and excitement about my trip. Then this song came on Pandora—very freaky!

I’m so pumped up for this trip but I really think I am going to be depressed when I get back. I always get sad when I get back from vaca’s because I have to come back to real life and usually go to more exciting places than where I live and it’s just a bummer.  NYC has three of my favorite things in life—food, hot men and shopping. Why would I want to come back here?

I caught the early bus home and greeted by Lincoln in no time. I love how excited he is when I get home but then my mind get to thinking, he would love a little brother. They could have so much fun during the day and play but I think that would break his heart. And let’s not talk about the money factor as well! This is why I can’t go to Petsmart or any of those places on the wknd….I’m afraid I’m going to come back with a little brother for Lincoln (I’ve never had a girl and don’t like the attention stolen from me)

Dinner was shrimp sautéed in butter, lemon juice, paprika and pepper with a side of baked okra and onions with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and pepper. Guess I was wanting my breath to reek huh?

I can’t remember the last time I made shrimp b/c it’s so expensive but I caught a great deal (get it…..caught….seafood?? I crack myself up) at Reid’s since their fresh seafood and meat were also 40% off.  It was so easy to make and just a few ingredients, can’t beat that it.

I was really wanting a nap afterwards but put on my workout clothes right before cooking so I would have no excuse not to work out. Plus, I kinda ate a lot today……and not much healthy stuff either. I had an awesome sweat session though and rocked it out!

Kettlebell-20 lbs

Side Bends (20 reps, 2 sets)

Halos (13 reps, 2 sets)

Step Ups (25 reps, 2 set each leg)

Dumbbell-15 lbs

Close Grip Dumbbell Bench Press (13 reps, 2 sets)

Dumbbell Bench Press  (13 reps, 2 sets)

Dumbbell 10 lbs

Tricep Dumbbell Kickbacks  (13 reps, 3 sets)

Zottman Curls (13 reps, 2 sets)

Reverse Fly (12 reps, 2 sets)

Front Lateral Raise (13 reps, 2 sets)

Misc.

Squats (15 reps, 4 sets)

Tricep dips (12 reps, 2 sets)

I did 25 to 50 jumping jacks in between some sets and that really got my heart rate up there. I was sweating my booty off and so happy I wasn’t going to be seeing anyone soon. I so need a Bondi Band b/c my bandana is just not cutting it…..as cute as it is. It’s black and grey with dog bones and “Woof” on it. I originally bought it for Lincoln but I think it may be bigger than him!

Not too shabby at all.  Some people go out on Friday nights—I cook, workout and hang with my dog. Oh the exciting life of a simple girl!

Green monster part deux was next, I used Vita Coco Coconut Water since it’s been sitting in my fridge for months. I have no clue why I never opened it up. Love coconut. Love beverages. Am a risk taker. Still can’t figure it out but it turned out to be a nice addition and full of flavor! Also made with baby spinach, Chobani 2% Plain Greek Yogurt and a banana

Other than that, I think it’s going to be a pretty boring weekend. I am trying to save as much as possible for my big trip next week  and am dog sitting until Thursday so there will be two crazy pups here (and yes, there will be pictures). Pool time will definitely be fit in and I may hit up a Good Will or two. One of my co-workers with a truck agreed to go with me to Ikea on Sunday night to help with stuff. I had an SUV but did the whole Cash for Clunkers thing last summer and got a smaller, more gas efficient car, which I love but not a lot of room. I saved up a bunch of money this past year for newer stuff and think I am going to pick up some rugs because new place is hard wood floors and Lincoln doesn’t really dig that. But I pay the rent so he will have to suck it up! lol Besides that, a bed frame, bed storage and a kitchen cart are on the list.

Hope everyone is having a happy and not so hot Friday!

Giveaway Winner

The winner is…….

 Erin from The Healthy Apron!

Erin-please send me your address so I can send your box of goodies out.

Thanks everyone for participating-I loved hearing what your favorite songs and books are!

Happy Friday 🙂

Jammin’

I just wasn’t feeling the coffee this morning but craving something cold with this crazy, hot weather and opted for a Mango Green Monster. Look at how green it was! This was one of the best ever! I made with baby spinach, Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt, Frozen Mango’s, flax-seed and one packet of Splenda

I had a diet coke on the bus so got some caffeine in my system but this green monster? Yum.

We had a Just Fresh open today and they were offering free coffee for a month to the first 100 customers. I completely forgot about this but one of my coworkers who doesn’t drink coffee went and got a breakfast pastry and had the coupon. He asked if I wanted it and I responded with “Is the pope Catholic?” Free coffee for a month?!? That’s like a dream come true! I fear that I will become like Kramer on Seinfeld when he gets free coffee for a lifetime and starts getting all jittery, has the shakes, etc.

Beautiful. I will be there every day instead of Starbucks now. I have no loyalty whatsoever when it comes to free stuff.

My coffee buddy came in late and I told him about the free coffee deal but by at that point they stopped giving out the free cards. I lent him mine to go get some free coffee since I am nice like that. He came back to my desk sans card. I asked him where it was and he just shrugged his shoulders. I had a knife at my desk for cutting my fruit (I’m all about the love) and pulled it out and was like “I don’t mess around when it comes to free or coffee, give it up!” and then I continued to recite lines from the Princess Bride such as “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!” accent and all and he looked at me like I was from outer space.

“Hello? Princess Bride?” and again, he shrugged his shoulders and said “Never seen it” What? How has someone never seen that movie? It’s a cult classic and personally, I’ve probably seen it over 50 times since I used to love it so as a kid. He then told me he has never see Forrest Gump, Star Wars, Shawshank Redemption, etc. I haven’t seen the latter two of the three so I can relate there.

For breakfast, I kept it simple: Half of a sweet potato and egg whites with a packet of ketchup

For lunch, I had leftover Chicken Fried Rice.

A fresh, sliced peach. I love how it looks all psychedelic with the swirls.

I walked to Reid’s in the afternoon despite it being 93 degrees out. When I am out for a good deal, nothing stands in my way. I am all about the saying “Neither rain, nor sleet nor snow….will keep me from a sale!” I ended up getting goodies there, they are closing this Saturday and the entire store is still 40% off. All of this for $15!

Goya Recaito Cilantro Sauce—I cannot wait to cook with this!

Grandma Gibble’s Old Fashioned Homestyle Popcorn

A variety of Hearth Strings Foods granola bars—Blueberry Muffin, Gingersnap Cookie, Cherry Vanilla

Baby spinach and bananas

A Coconut Crème cupcake

I wanted to dive right into this beauty of yummy, sugary goodness but was good and only had half 🙂

After work, it was time for RiverJam @ the National Whitewater Center. During the summer, the center has a free concert series every Thursday and Saturday night. It’s a beautiful venue with great live music, dog friendly and beautiful sights

They have the River’s Edge Bar and Grill and we got a table right in the sun, which was killer, but thankfully had an umbrella-ella-ella so that helped a bit. But when it is 7P on a summer night in North Carolina, it doesn’t help that much! We kept fanning ourselves off and waiting for the sun to go down. There was a funk band playing but we were there for a little over two hours but they may have played four or five songs. It seemed like they were taking a break more than they were playing.

Blue Moon made a much-needed appearance (not only because I had a rough day at work but because it’s summertime!)

Appetizer of fried pickles with ranch dipping sauce

It did not disappoint, as fried pickles usually don’t. I never tried fried pickles until I moved to NC and wish I would have never tried them because they are slices of heaven

I had the Apple Walnut Chicken Salad –Marinated grilled chicken atop spring mix with apples, crumbled bleu cheese and candied walnuts with Balsamic Vinegarette

Fantastic salad! It was very refreshing and the candied walnuts added a nice sweet touch to contrast the apples. And I am all for any kind of crumbled cheese! I was looking at the hummus plate but needed something cool and refreshing and this hit the spot!

Seriously, why has Lincoln been glaring at me lately? Dislike.

I’m curious now—what’s a popular movie that everyone has seen but you haven’t?

 I’ll be announcing the winner of my giveaway in tomorrow’s post, you still got a few more hours to enter if you haven’t!

98 Degrees

And no, not talking about these guys.

Although, I do kinda miss the boy band craze of the late 90’s sometimes (Jeff was my favorite 98 Degree-er)

That’s how hot it was today. 85 degrees by 10A and just nastiness outside. I feel like I am living back in Phoenix but with humidity. Make. It. Stop.

I had such a wonderful day off and felt like I got so much done. I was in normal spirits, had more energy, etc. it’s a real shame that this work thing gets in the way of my life schedule. But, gotta pay the bills right?

I slept in until 745A (which was just fabulous), I felt so rested and relaxed, it wasn’t even funny. I made an egg and egg white omelet with red peppers and Trader Joe’s Feta with Mediterranean Herbs

I was waiting on the washer/dryer company to come pick up my set but of course they gave me a six-hour time frame in between 8A and 2P so I lounged around while Lincoln sat out looking at the window. He wasn’t doing anything, just sitting there. It really makes me wonder what he does when I’m at work or away. I’m really tempted to get a nanny cam but then if I see he is just sitting there bored, I will feel sad about going to work and having a life. Look at how he was glaring at me!

There was only one thing to do at that point-Fight Club Chihuahua Style. I got a puppet dog out of Lincoln’s Baby Bin (a bin with 20+ babies aka toys) and we had a training session.

Don’t worry, I have no intention of fighting Lincoln and am disgusted when I hear about dog fighting. I think people who fight their dogs should get thrown in a pit full of hungry, vicious dogs and let them go to town. I just want to know Lincoln can hold his own if he ever gets into a “situation” when someone is trying to mess with him. Good session indeed. I was on such a high from training Lincoln (and kinda was feeling like Mickey Goldmill) that I put him in my room and had a workout session of my own.

Kettlebell-20 lbs

Upright Deltoid Row (13 reps, 3 set)

Side Bends (20 reps, 2 sets)

Swings (20 reps, 2 sets)

Shrugs (12 reps, 2 sets)

Halos (13 reps, 2 sets)

Squats (20 reps, 2 sets)

Dumbbell-15 lbs

Shoulder press (12 reps, 2 sets)

Curls (13 reps, 3 sets)

Dumbbell 10 lbs

Tricep Dumbbell Kickbacks  (13 reps, 2 sets)

Tricep Extensions (12 reps, 2 sets)

Front Lateral Raise (13 reps, 2 sets)

Stability Ball Crunches (15 reps, 2 sets)

The delivery guy came right after that once I was in my normal clothes again and not looking like a complete wreck. Lincoln is a quiet dog for the most part but barks anytime a stranger comes and goes absolutely berserk when a man comes in, he just doesn’t like them (which is not good for my game). The delivery man came in and not one peep from Lincoln, which really perplexed me. I was telling the guy this and noticed he had an accent and asked him where he was from originally and he responded with “Mexico” then I said “Ahhhh it’s b/c you’re of the same ethnicity—he’s part Chihuahua!” LOL he thought that was funny (all I’m ever looking for is some laughs to validate my great sense of humor and wit) and he went over to Lincoln, pet him and said “Hola amigo!” It was cute. I went to the pool for two hours afterwards and had the entire thing to myself—it was great! I was sure to re-apply the sunscreen every 20 minutes because I didn’t want to burn and need to protect my money-maker as much as I can.

I was famished by the time I got in and made a tuna melt for lunch. It was so nice to make my lunch, listen to the Beatles and dance around the kitchen for once. I always listen to music when I am cooking or prepping and it makes it an even happier event than normal. I mixed tuna with Light Mayo, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes with red pepper and onion and placed on two toasted pieces of whole wheat bread and topped with tomato and 2 slices of Monterrey Jack cheese then broiled for 10 minutes and served with a side of Trader Joe’s Organic Baked Nacho Tortilla Chips with Tabasco sauce.

I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping, I got some cute clothes for NYC and some accessories to go with and had an iced coconut coffee with skim milk from Dunkin Donuts. Ummm, why does it look like an Arnold Palmer?

Broke into my Newman’s Own Organic Champion Chip Cookies-Double Chocolate Chip

It’s 160 calories per serving, which is only four cookies. Edit, four small cookies. I enjoyed the taste, they were super chocolate and mint flavored but wouldn’t buy these on my own based on that serving size (I won these in a giveaway)

I am still on Operation Clean Out My Kitchen so for dinner I made Health Is Wealth Jalapeno and Cheese Munchees

From the website:

“Health is Wealth Jalapeno & Cheese Munchees are bite-sized, crispy puffs of wheat, crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside with just the right amount of Jalapeno peppers. Jalapeno Munchees cook up in minutes and pucker when done.  Our lip-smacking blend of all-natural, low fat ingredients with no added sugars will keep you coming back for more.”

I’ve never tried any of their products before so I was super excited because I love trying new stuff! I bought these on a whim awhile back but you never know with the frozen products how they will turn out. They reminded me of Totino Pizza Rolls.

They only took eight minutes to cook in the oven and I served with a baby spinach salad with onion, zucchini, tomato and cucumbers topped with Red Vinegar and T Marzetti’s Light Ancho Chipotle Ranch

I sipped on my new favorite—cucumber water, so refreshing!

Hope y’all had a Happy Humpday!!

Remember tomorrow at midnight is the deadline for my giveaway!

And if you like giveaways and you like peanut butter—check out Diana’s fabulous peanut butter goodness giveaway!

Is It Wrong?

That my breakfast consisted of Starbucks alone and only cost $2?

Skim Green Tea Latte-my throat was killing me this morning (thanks to the sick baby who was at work yesterday) and wanted something different from coffee but hate tea straight up. I haven’t had one of these in two years and forgot how much I loved it

Reduced Fat Very Berry Coffee Cake

That I got all this for under $10 and just learned what patty pan squash was today?

That I didn’t have time to make lunch which resulted in me grabbing something frozen from home and enjoying it immensely?

That the most enjoyable part of my lunch (full 30 minutes thank you!) wasn’t the pesto tortellini but catching up with this lady via You Tube?

That I’ve been calling Lincoln Mr. Bigglesworth since he is so silky smooth and practically hairless?

That even though it was 95 degrees out with ridiculous humidity I made a hot dinner?

Grilled turkey, ham and Monterrey jack sandwich with T Marzetti’s Light Ancho Chipotle Ranch spread on whole wheat with roasted okra, red peppers, zucchini and patty pan squash with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, paprika and pepper.

That when I saw Jake and Vienna have parted ways I smiled on the inside since I knew it would never last?

Keep it real girlfriend

That I went shopping tonight for my NYC trip next wknd, spent over $120 and only got a wallet, shoes and a halter top for the trip? Yes, it is. I hate when I go into a store just to look and walk out $200 later when I had no intention of buying anything. But then of course, when I have money put aside specifically for the trip, nothing. I did get some cute skirts for work, a workout tank and an awesome dress though! Thankfully I have off tomorrow since my washer/dryer people are coming here to pick it up and think I am going to drive down to SC (hello lower taxes and cost!) to do a little shopping. If I can bear it, I may even go to the pool but it has been so icky sticky nasty out lately, I may just read in the pool and get my tan on.

I’m soooooo enjoying everyone’s comments on what your favorite books and songs are! Keep em coming–you got until Thursday to enter to win a fun package 🙂

The Longest Day and a Giveaway!

Happy Longest Day of the Year! I got schooled on the summer solstice today, click here for some fun information and facts! My fondest memory of this day was back in college. It’s one of my best friends birthdays today and we went out for her 21st birthday. Your truly got completely wrecked and she ended up being DD on her own birthday while I decided to get rid of the liquor consumed that night via mouth with the window rolled down on the way home. She drove to the gas station right after that and was hosing off the car……at 2A….on her birthday (not my greatest moment in friend history) and whole doing so I was laughing, pointing at different “spots” she missed and letting her know so. She’s forgiven me but doesn’t let me forget about this night.

And did you know this Friday is Take Your Dog To Work Day? I think if people are allowed to take their kids to work, dog owners like me should be able to their dogs to work on this day. I am sure my company wouldn’t be too keen on the idea but Lincoln would absolutely love it. I could even put up one of those baby gates at my desk and let Lincoln ply in my space. If not, he is very lovable, he would probably go up to people in their cubes and sit in their laps. He would spread joy to everyone!

Speaking of……one of my co-workers came in today with his baby. Edit….his sick baby. I was petting the baby (b/c I don’t know how to interact with them so I pet them like a dog) and he was like “Yeah, I brought him in because he’s running a fever”. Naturally, I jumped back and reached for the sanitizer but doesn’t anyone see something  wrong with this picture? He was only there for an hour but bringing your sick baby into work? Not cool at all. When I get sick, I get really sick. I surpass over a cold, I get bronchitis or a sinus infection and I don’t get a stomach bug, I get a full on flu. Plus with me going to NYC next wk (I can’t believe it’s almost here!!!), the last thing I need is getting sick. So here’s to sanitizing my hands every hour and filling up on my vitamins. On a happier note, I rocked my cute dress I bought a few months ago. This was my first time wearing it and it was so comfy. I think I looked pretty cute as well, everyone kept asking me if I had an interview and what the special occasion was though. But I looked like a lady….oh how looks can be deceiving.

I’m going to pair up with my red heels next time I wear it. I hate being on a limited closet right now with all my stuff, packed and ready to go!

Blueberry was yet again the theme for my breakfast—I had Chobani Blueberry Greek Yogurt with Kashi Go Lean Crunch and a grande Pike from Starbucks.

I had a big salad for lunch with baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and turkey topped with T Marzetti’s Light Ancho Chipotle Ranch with half a packet of Sea Salt Somersaults

Did anyone watch True Blood last night? I have been catching mine online since my cable company finally caught onto the fact I was getting the HBO for free and desperately miss True Blood and Entourage. I am hoping to watch it tonight or sometime this week so I can catch up on its juiciness! I read five of the Charlaine Harris books (which the series is based on of and I highly recommend and was always Team Bill but after seeing the show I’ve converted—Team Eric all the way. Rawr.

For dinner, I made Chicken Fried Rice.

I am not a fan of frozen veggies at all but I am trying to clean out my freezer and used half a bag of stir fry vegetables

 

In lieu of me moving, I have a lot to pack up and get rid of at the same time. What does this mean for those reading? A giveaway!

I’m giving away some random stuff but it’s all fun and I am sure someone will enjoy it  🙂

Package O’ Love includes:

*Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisp Variety Box

*Chocolate Cheerios Single Serving Box

*Giuseppe’s Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Mix

*Peach Crystal Light (almost full box, I wasn’t a huge fan of the flavor but know a lot of other people like it)

*Kashi Chewy Cookies N Cream Bar

*Coke Zero Pedometer

*Raw Revolution Cashew and Agave Nectar Bar

*Blue Diamond Almonds 100 Calorie Pack

*Two Packs Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Multiple ways to win:

1) Leave a Comment telling me your favorite book

2) Favorite new song

2) Link this contest back to your blog and let me know

Contest runs up until midnight EST on Thursday and I will announce a randomly selected winner  (via random.org) on Friday (Residents of US and Canada please) good luck all!