Dude……sweet.

14 Feb

(source)

Sigh, I want to go bowling.

What’s a single girl to do on Valentine’s Day weekend?

Eat a ridiculous amount of sweets of course.

The madness started on Friday night.

I made mushroom pizza for dinner

It wasn’t huge or anything (that’s what she said) but it was enough to put me to sleep soon after. I woke up at 9pm and wanted to do something but wasn’t in the mood to drink or spend a lot of cash. Enter Amelie’s French Bakery. Amelie’s is a wonderful yep-you guessed it- french bakery and coffee-house here in Charlotte. Not only is that concept itself fabulous but it’s also open 24 hours so that itself makes it one of my favorite spots to go to. Seeing something open 24 hours in this city that isn’t named Waffle House is quite rare. I went there and ordered a Chai Latte and a salted caramel brownie.

I’ve never had one before and it was good but I think it would’ve been better if it was warmed up a bit. The Chai was one of the best I’ve ever had and it was nice to relax with some sweet stuff and a hot beverage while catching up on blogs. I felt like such a hipster but hipster sans fedora.

On Saturday, I was driving through downtown Fort Mill. When I heard Fort Mill had a downtown, I was surprised to hear since I’ve never heard anything going on there. I stumbled upon Krystal’s Eat’s & Sweets

When I saw the name Eats & Sweets, I was instantly intrigued since I like eats and I like sweets. I was in the mood for a drink so I went in and found a cozy, local establishment. Krystal’s has breakfast and lunch items that are the eats and then delectable goodies such as truffles, cupcakes, cakes, cookies, etc that complete the sweets end of the name.

When I walked in I saw Oreo and peanut butter truffles, rice krispie treats and chocolate covered strawberries along with trays of cookies and cupcakes behind the counter. I grabbed a hot tea (various Celestial Seasonings bags) for only $1.25 and decided I should try some truffles since I like to support local establishments and didn’t want to be cheap and only buy a drink. And then I grabbed a rice krispie treat because you know…..supporting local business! The truffles were absolutely amazing and pretty cheap—3 for $2. My bill came to just over three bones, can’t beat that!

The rice krispie treat sucked–it was hard as a rock (that’s what she said again–cmon too good to pass up) but the truffles were out of this world! I even liked the peanut butter ones and if you know, you know am not a huge pb fan.

Another thing adding to the sweet factor? A cute Valentine’s Day package from my sister.

Fannie May’s—my favorite!!!

Some Nutella–since I’ve never owned a jar I’m looking forward to experimenting with it. I love the note on the container…..

Seriously, how sweet of a package is that?

I made some cupcakes for my assistant and a thank you for all the hard work she does.

The frosting ended up in here

Frosting is my kryptonite so it was absolutely necessary that it went in the trash instead of lurking in my fridge because one of these days I will come home stressed from work, grab a spoon and go to town on that can.

 I had other things to do after that, like fixing my bed…again.

This bed is really starting to get on my last nerve. Even Lincoln doesn’t want to jump on the bed, he knows something is up and that it’s faulty.

And since it’s Valentine’s Day and all, I serenaded my bed with a little Al Green

Seriously, can you please stay together shitty Ikea bed??

So I think it’s sturdy for now but I guess we will see how long that lasts. I am not wanting to fix this on a weekly basis.

Afterwards, I went to Panera to get some lunch and free wi-fi. I always order the same thing at Panera but switched it up today–I got the french onion soup and mediterranean veggie sandwich since it’s meatless Monday and all.

I really enjoyed this combo! The sandwich was fresh and fantastic with a good amount of basil and feta. If you have both of those, you win my heart. I really enjoyed the french onion soup as well, instead of having the entire cup covered with a piece of bread and cheese, it was covered with bits of cheese and croutons.

I went to the gym afterwards and a very productive workout. I did 45 minutes on the Precor AMT then did lower body sets (leg press, seated leg curls, hip adduction/abduction, leg extension)

Then I came home and hung out with my Valentine

It was such a gorgeous day out—65 and sunny, just like spring! It was nice to have the windows open and get some fresh air in the house, it reminded me that spring is near. I don’t mind spring at all–if it was 65 and sunny year round I would be happy girl but when it gets into the 80’s and 90’s is when I get irritable.

I made baked spaghetti for dinner.

I started off cooking spinach and leftover mushrooms from yesterday in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes

I cooked four servings os thin spaghetti earlier today and microwaved that with vodka sauce for a few minutes in the microwave

Added half a can of tomatoes and chopped parsleyand 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella to the spinach and mushrooms

The only measuring cup I had, was not trying to be cute with the hearts...

Why hello colors of the Italian flag!

Added the spaghetti to the spinach mix

Then transfer into a casserole dish

Top with more mozzarella cheese (about 1/3 cup) and   bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees

This was enough for dinner tonight plus three other meals this week and it freezes well-holla.

Great Harvest Rosemary Garlic bread

And apparently, I need to get my booty up to Boston–it’s the top city for single women-go Boston, it’s your birthday! Pittsburgh is also on the list which is positive since that’s one of the front-runners for cities I am going to next.

What’s your kryptonite?
Any creative ideas of what to do with Nutella? Recipe wise, not kinky wise…..

51 Responses to “Dude……sweet.”

  1. genesis February 14, 2011 at 7:04 pm #

    aw, your sister is so sweet. great stuff in that care package.

    i think its time you got a new bed missy.

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm #

      I know I know, I’m just too cheap.

  2. This Italian Family February 14, 2011 at 7:32 pm #

    Your pizza looks yummy and your baked spaghetti looks so incredibly fabulous that it is making me hungry (and I just ate!) 🙂

  3. TheSceneFromMe February 14, 2011 at 7:47 pm #

    Oh you are going to LOVE Nutella! How sweet of your sis to send you that basket. Here is a website with tons of Nutella recipes: http://www.nutelladay.com/nutella-recipes/
    And this blog BellaNutella is ALL NUTELLA ALL THE TIME!
    http://bellanutella.com/

    Check them out and have a wonderful Valentine’s night!

  4. Amy @ Second City Randomness February 14, 2011 at 8:06 pm #

    I loved that icing when I was little! I’d pick out all the funfetti first (off the cupcakes) before I’d eat the cupcake itself… weird.

    My kryptonite is fun-sized candy. I considered going tomorrow to get the super sale V-Day candy for baking things, but then realized maybe only half of it would make it until the time I bake again… not necessary!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm #

      Me too, I always buy still after the holidays then gorge. Maybe I will buy some and take it into work and be popular?

  5. Laury @TheFitnessDish February 14, 2011 at 8:43 pm #

    LOLOLOL. That lil bowling cartoon is hilarious!!

    Those truffles are looking so good to me right now!

    Enjoy your night out with friends, girl!

  6. Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 14, 2011 at 8:53 pm #

    I have a BOGO for that Popcorn Indiana that I’m dying to put to use! I honestly don’t know if I’ve EVER had Nutella! It’s all over the blog world, but I just don’t know how I feel about hazelnuts…

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:15 pm #

      I’m kinda iffy about hazelnut but am willing to give it a shot!

      I’ve never tried that popcorn before, I’m excited to try it out

  7. jsutera654 February 14, 2011 at 9:18 pm #

    Um. I couldn’t get past that pic of the salted caramel brownie. I’m obsessed with finding one of my own to try now. Thanks a lot 😉 JK. What a sweet package btw, I can’t wait until you try the nutella! I love it straight-up on a piece of toast or bagel thin. Yum.

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:14 pm #

      Convenientally I have some bagel thina sitting around…hmmm….:)

  8. Stephanie @ The Cookie Battle February 14, 2011 at 10:03 pm #

    I love Nutella, but I can resist it…and frosting too unless it’s buttercream…if it’s buttercream, all bets are off. I’m licking the container.

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:13 pm #

      I’m all about licking the container. I often so with hummus, I keeps it real.

  9. Autumn @ Good Eats Girl February 14, 2011 at 10:25 pm #

    Your sister is awesome!!

    I love supporting local establishments….they are so fun sometimes!

    And that baked spaghetti looks seriously AMAZING!

  10. Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest February 14, 2011 at 10:42 pm #

    What a sweet package from your sister! I love nutella and can’t keep it in the house because I just eat spoonfulls of it out of the jar. I have seen some recipes on Foodbuzz that use nutella and look so good. Check them out.

    All of your eats look so yummy, especially the sweets!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:12 pm #

      Awesome thanks for the tips I will look into them!

  11. Krista @ Journey to a Healthy Berg February 14, 2011 at 11:02 pm #

    That pizza looks soooooo good. I need to make a mushroom pizza stat.

    We do the same thing with frosting in our house, my roommate and I would eat the whole jar if we just left it in the fridge 🙂

  12. Amanda February 14, 2011 at 11:03 pm #

    Salted caramel brownie? Be still my heart.

    How cute is that package from your sister? How nice! You’ll definitely thank her for the nutella.

    Frosting gets tossed in my house too. It’s an issue!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:12 pm #

      She always hooks me up at Valentines Day which makes me feel better about my single status!

  13. vixter2010 February 15, 2011 at 4:45 am #

    I want a 24 hr bakery near me, I’m so jealous right now 🙂

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:15 pm #

      Its way dangerous to have one close. Only good thing is that its in the hood so I don’t go in the middle of the night!

  14. terri February 15, 2011 at 8:11 am #

    your food always makes me drool over my computer ~ i love the different concoctions you come up with!
    do you make your own pizza dough??
    enjoy your tuesday! xo

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:10 pm #

      Thanks girl, I use trader joes whole wheat pizza dough. Its only $.99 and I get about three uses from it…try it out!

  15. Carly February 15, 2011 at 9:05 am #

    All of those treats look insane! Ha, I was trying to be good since today I was going to cut myself off from sweets, but I don’t think I can!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:09 pm #

      Life is too short not to eat sweets!

  16. Monique February 15, 2011 at 10:15 am #

    i wish there were more paneras in NY. that french onion soup looked divine
    and the holy oreo truffles! can i have one!??!
    now i wanna make truffles DAMN YOU.
    i am loving the baked spaghetti!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:09 pm #

      I think you should make somw truffles and send me some!

  17. thefitacademic February 15, 2011 at 11:39 am #

    Loved all the heart-shaped stuff! So cute!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:08 pm #

      Thanks I guess I was all about the love?!

  18. bigcitybabycarrots February 15, 2011 at 11:45 am #

    As always, your dog is adorable! I went to Panera this weekend for the first time in a while and enjoyed their creamy tomato soup. Yum!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:08 pm #

      Thanks 🙂 sad thing is that pictures don’t do him any justice he is so much cuter in person!

      I haven’t tried that soup but will have to check it out next time.

  19. Stephanie February 15, 2011 at 2:30 pm #

    I laughed my way through this entire post. Your sister is awesome! Way to support local business! lol

  20. Jen February 15, 2011 at 2:40 pm #

    Awesome package from your sister!
    Bummer on that rice krispie treat, I hate when they are too hard (that’s what she said). But at least the truffles were good.
    We love baked spaghetti in this house, but yours is way healthier than my version!

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:06 pm #

      Woo hoo for a great that’s what she said!

  21. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 15, 2011 at 4:15 pm #

    Supporting local business is always a good thing. Especially when it involves sugar. 😀

    And you will soon be a Nutella addict.

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:04 pm #

      I know I’m going to become addicted…sigh. Or well, I will try to have ig in moderation!

  22. happytalesblog February 15, 2011 at 4:28 pm #

    Is it crazy for me to say that I’m not a huge fan of nutella? I’d totally rather eat dark chocolate. or PB. (or PB & Co.’s Dark Chocolate Dreams PB…ohmyheavens). And yay for supporting local business! I have never been to Amelie’s but have been dyiiiing to try it! I’ve heard so many good thigns about that salted caramel brownie…

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:03 pm #

      Its wonderful, their pastry display is off the hook!

  23. Kace February 15, 2011 at 4:45 pm #

    Krypotnite–reese’s. Specifically the eggs.

    Nuetella-Giada has a fried chocolate ravioli recipe. I’d google that one : )

  24. OliePants February 15, 2011 at 4:56 pm #

    What a cutie-pie gift from your sister!! I have to say that cake and ice cream is definitely my kryptonite! And potatoes! French fries are really my worst enemy!

    As for Nutella – spoonfuls into my mouth work; but if you’re a little more classy (which I think you are!), a Nutella swirl cake or Nutella cheesecake would be much appreciated – by me of course! 🙂

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:02 pm #

      Oh you’re to sweet but unfortunately I’m not that classy! Thanks for the tips….I love cheesecake!

      Fries are a weakness of mine as well.

  25. Angela (the diet book junkie) February 15, 2011 at 5:19 pm #

    i used to LOVE that icing too!! straight from the jar, it was like my crack. right now my kryptonite is cereal. even the “healthy” stuff is loaded with sugar but i don’t care!! everybody needs a vice. 🙂

    • simplyshaka February 15, 2011 at 7:01 pm #

      I’m convinced its laced with crack!

      I’m not a huge cereal person but have loving it lately especially Special K and Kashi.

  26. Ashleigh February 15, 2011 at 8:18 pm #

    LOVE the heart pizza! I would def have to chuck the frosting… I actually ended up throwing a ton of my valentine’s treats out because I just can’t be trusted!!

    COME TO BOSTON!! But I am single…… and I can’t find any good men 😦

  27. Mindy@FindingSilverLinings February 15, 2011 at 8:45 pm #

    That was almost too much food porn for me to process!

  28. leashieloo February 15, 2011 at 9:11 pm #

    Those Fannie Mays look crazy awesome. I’ve never had one before, I must hunt them down!

  29. Whitney February 15, 2011 at 9:55 pm #

    I want that pizza. It looks amazing. Is that homemade dough?

  30. diana@mymarblerye February 16, 2011 at 12:34 am #

    omg. I eat nutella OUT of the jar!! So delicious! make crepes or cookies with them!! Or I put mine in oatmeal..hahah balance right? Happy vday! I’m at work but reading your blog. Feel special if i get fired cause of you! Anyways my sweet tooth is off the charts too!!

  31. nic - the auspicious squirrel February 16, 2011 at 3:14 pm #

    Giada De Laurentiis is a nutella goddess… her mother would make her and her siblings nutella sandwiches for school lunches…. the teachers complained because the other kids weren’t getting chocolate sandwiches for lunch… haha

    check out her food network recipe page, with the search word nutella…
    http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/delegate.do?fnSearchString=nutella&fnSearchType=context&fnType=talent&fnId=83&gosearch=

    I didn’t see it on there, but I think she also had a show where she made a pizza with nutella and strawberries!

    • simplyshaka February 16, 2011 at 11:09 pm #

      I can definitely be down with a chocolate and strawberry pizza-thats my idea of heaven! Thanks for sharing the link, I will definitely check it out 🙂

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