My shrooms

I really need to remind myself not to buy tons of fresh produce before I am set to leave town. I went to Trader Joe’s on Sunday night and got some staples for the week such as bananas, apples, onions, oranges, kiwi and mushrooms. I’ve been able to eat all of them except my beloved mushrooms. And to make it even more annoying when I cook with shrooms I always sing “My Shrooms” to the tune of “My Humps”

“My shrooms, my shrooms, my shrooms, my shrooms

Cooking baby bellas bellas and even shiratake”

I can’t help it, I turn everything into a song.

I made crock pot chicken the other day using Hawaiian marinade. I mixed the sauce with chicken broth then threw in leg quarter and cooked for seven to eight hours.

While that was finishing, I cooked red onions and pineapples with two tbsp of low sodium soy sauce and garlic then laid on top of the chicken

I had rice on the side then added a huge pile of shrooms on top to make a very filling meal.

The next day I enjoyed a heaping portion of mushrooms with eggs

On Wednesday, my friend and I went to Icehouse for lunch to use up a $20 Groupon I had. I need to start burning through all of these Groupon and Living Social deals I’ve bought before I leave so it’s go time. When we walked in, we saw this lovely sign. Game on.

It was only appropriate for me to get a beer. Because it was Wednesday, sunny and half off of course.

I got the Thai Noodle Salad with chicken and ate the whole thing, it was flavorful and refreshing, which was much needed since it was 90 something degrees out. Plus I’ve been craving pad thai like whoa lately so this subdued the craving for a few days.

Afterwards, we stopped by Not Just Coffee. I was in serious need of java. This is a new coffee shop and I keep meaning to go even though I’m a tried and true Starbucks gal.

But the thing is they have weird hours. They open in the morning, break for siesta then open back up at night and are closed on the weekend. I dig the siesta concept as I love an afternoon nap but closed on the weekends does not work well for me.

 

It’s a small joint with a couple of stools set up at the bar. We wanted something cold and both went for the iced mocha. The barista was friendly, took his time making the drinks and you could tell it was made with love.

Topped with some of the best whipped cream I’ve ever had and cocoa. Suck that baby down and go straight to my hips, well worth it.

And check out this beautiful mural right next door! Can we say love?

When I got home, I was out for the count. See above where I said I love afternoon naps, there is just something enchanting about them. I tried to wake up to go to a Yelp event but it wasn’t in the stars. My head was pounding and opening my eyes even hurt so I took some Excedrin and waited for it to pass. I wasn’t even hungry when I finally got up and running again so dinner was a bowl of pineapple and kiwi.

Ok, I lie, I killed the last of the cupcakes from the wedding.

The picture almost didn’t happen because it was that delish. Oh cupcakes, I can’t quit you. I’m glad you all enjoyed hearing about papi chulo and the meat parade. Maybe our paths will cross again and thanks for the mad compliments on that dress-I felt so pretty in it and scored it for $20 at Ross (originally $100) I think I will cry if I move somewhere and they don’t have Ross.

Oh yeah, I’m a brunette now!

 

I feel like I should be on Real Housewives of New Jersey with this hair color and surprisingly enough, this is my just near my natural color. But more to come on that later…

Do you like mushrooms?

Should I go back to highlights? Be honest, I can take it.

Dude……sweet.

(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…..

Creamy

Doesn’t the word creamy just sound dirty sometimes?

I think  my inspiration for meals this weekend has been because I’ve had this song in my head the past few days

Unfortunately, nothing too saucy like that going on here but that’s a different post for another time.

Creamy described my dinner last night. I was out and about the entire day running errands and such and when I got home, I was in the mood for something quick and warm.

I put some chicken with wing sauce and water in the crock pot when I left in the morning and when I got home, the smell of chicken was in the air. I took out and pulled apart and store for use this upcoming week.

I took some chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, red onion, Cholula, garlic and black pepper and mixed together in a bowl

To make chicken enchilada quesadillas

 I needed all that creamy, warm yummy goodness because it was time to do my taxes thanks to Turbo Tax. I’ve used H&R Block online the past few years but this year, they changed the format and just seemed more difficult to navigate through this year as opposed to less. And H&R Block was trying to give me $350 less back than what Turbo Tax gave me so yeah, I’m officially a Turbo Tax girl now.

I also watched The Town

(Source)

I’m still conflicted if I liked it or not. I feel like it ended with some loose ends that I thought would be wrapped up but never were. Lincoln felt a little conflicted as well but at least he was warm

Anyone else see it-thoughts?

I slept in until 10A this morning which is pretty much unheard of, I love sleeping in!! I’ve been sleeping in more and more on the weekends which is wonderful since I tend to wake up at 4 or 5A and then have nothing to do for a few hours. I made a breakfast wrap grabbed some coffee to go and was on my way out the door!

The mission for this morning was to find a new bed frame. I thought all the bed frame drama was done with after last weekend but it broke again. And I really don’t feel like fixing it every week because that is going to get annoying very quickly plus I am frugal but not so frugal that I won’t buy a new one. But then again, if I end up moving to a different city this year, I most likely won’t take my furniture with me so if I were to buy a new one it would be a waste of money. I checked out a few thrift stores this morning and found nothing, went to the Sears Outlet and all they had was California King frames and went to Value City Furniture and they don’t carry any full mattress frames. I may have a gentleman friend coming into town next month and I am really going to look like a hooker if I have a broken bed. Ugh.

I met up with a friend at the gym afterwards. I’m finally starting to feel better again and had enough energy to work out and we killed it! I did 40 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the bike then did various upper body exercises

Can I get a hell yeah??!

And can I get a hot tub?!

Speaking of hot tubs….kinda…..my friend and I went into the sauna after our work to sweat everything we didn’t sweat out out. I am all for being comfortable with your body but what is up with the 60+ year old crowd flaunting what they got? I am talking boobs down to the knees, it was very uncomfortable trying not to stare at that since I fear I’m going to be like that one day. I loathe you gravity.

Instead of going for protein packed smoothies, we chose to go for $2 mimosas instead

Look at how big they are! Plus, they weren’t shy with the bubbly and only $2. I could’ve had at least six more with how smooth they were and hello-cheap but we settled on two a piece. This is going to be dangerous for future Sundays, I love mimosas and I love getting my vitamin C in along with booze!

Creamy was the word for dinner again tonight. I made stuffed mushrooms yet again but this time I stuffed with spinach dip!

I saved the stems to use this week, I have no clue how I will use them but I figure I can chop up and cook and add to rice, pasta, etc.

Let the mushrooms marinate in extra virgin olive oil

I mixed thawed frozen spinach, parsley, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella and spike seasoning in a bowl

Then stuffed, lined up on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

They turned out even better than the last batch!

I know it’s not Frugal Friday but if you have an Earthfare near you, sign up  to get a free dinner with a $10 purchase!

Are you watching the Grammys? I had no clue it was on but feel like I know what’s going on thanks to the Twitter. And what the hell is up with Gaga–she arrived in an egg or something?

The World According to Lincoln

Arf Arf, this is Lincoln.

My momma still isn’t feeling well so I am going to write about today.

She fell asleep while watching Food Network. I was going in and out of sleep but I could still hear the tv on. First there was this loud, annoying brunette who kept saying things like “Yumm-o” and “E.V.O.O.” I have no clue what either of those mean. Next there was this couple making comfort food and couldn’t keep their hands off each other, I was a bit put off by this. The last show I remember was a southern woman with big hair making things with a lot of butter, I liked her and her food looked good.

My momma got up and decided to switch it up to the bedroom so we napped there for a while. She kept tossing and turning and so did I but eventually I had a dream about the cute Maltese I met yesterday who lives across the street from us. Her name is Sprinkles, she is cute and voluptuous. Momma got frustrated after a while with not being able to fall asleep so she got up to make something to eat. I don’t think she was too hungry but she needed something in her system so she made something she calls a green monster.

She broke out the blender and threw in some baby spinach, greek yogurt, ice, frozen blueberries, a banana and vanilla protein powder and blended for a long while. It was really noisy but it came out pretty and purple.

It must have been good b/c she slurped it up but I think she got a headache from drinking it too fast. We went back to the living room to watch tv and nap. She fell asleep to some show about wedding dresses but I really wish she would leave Animal Planet on if she is going to go to sleep so I can see some cute bitches. I’m stuck in this place all day and get to see some cuties when I go outside to do my thing but I like seeing bitches from other regions as well. Just like Ludacris, I want to have ho’s in different area codes. Throw a dog a bone!

This is my food, Chef Michael’s Rotisserie Chicken Flavor. I love this stuff–I think they lace it with doggie crack. I don’t really get too hungry during the day and am a night eater when momma is getting a good nights rest so she can rock it at work and pay for the both of us to live. And there’s always a lot of water, I need to stay hydrated!

We really didn’t do too much this afternoon, we went for a long walk before the rain started coming down and then just watched tv and cuddled, it was nice. She was watching this show called DC Cupcakes, about Georgetown Cupcake in DC, she was excited to watch the show because went there back in April and really enjoyed the cupcakes (but she kept saying that she liked Crumbs better).

Soon it was dinner time, momma bought some shrimp this morning along with stir fry vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini and onion for a healthy, cheap meal.

I think she really enjoyed this she kept rubbing her belly and “Mmmmmm-ing” while eating it. She kept reaching for her water though so I think it was a tad too salty for her but she seemed satisfied afterwards. I hope we have more snuggle time later, her head hurts so I am sure that will be on the agenda!

Woof woof!

Muffins In Your Bag

Happy Hump Day! I am in a great mood because it feels like a Monday for me so excuse me if I am so happy. I took a new bus line to work and I was a little nervous. 1) Because it’s the local line as opposed to the express line. On the express line, we had cushioned seats, A/C and heat and looked like a charter bus. The local line? Well, it isn’t a charter bus, I can tell you that! Plastic cold seats with some sketchy characters on it so it gets an A+ for people watching. And the driver looked like this guy!

I love celebrity lookalikes. I almost wanted to start singing to him”Where would I be without youuuuuuu?” Well, I know the answer—the bus stop! Hahahahahah!

 When I got into work today our systems were down so that definitely was NOT the way to start the day for me. And I hate when people send out an email saying our systems aren’t working then when you walk in and haven’t even had a chance to set your stuff down, they come over to tell you it’s not working and they sent an email letting you and others know. WTF. Really? So you’re coming over to tell me what you emailed me about already? And after I am coming back to work after being off for four days so I probably have hundreds of emails to answer before looking at yours? Hello frustration, it’s nice to see you again.

At least I had Animal with me

Apparently, I had Animal sitting around in my old apartment and I threw him in my purse so that’s his new home. I think he is going to start going with me everywhere so look for him in pics. He may even become little a hidden Mickey and you will have to try to spot him in pics!

Lunch was leftover Pad Thai from the other night

One of my older co-workers came over to my desk and just said “I put some muffins in your bag” and I looked at her very perplexed as to what she was talking about it. I thought she was doing a little drug deal or something and got the wrong person and that was the code phrase. Little did I know she was talking about my lunch bag in the break room and muffins she made this wknd. She’s so sweet—she knows by the size of my butt I love the baked goods and made some lemon cream cheese muffins this wknd. 

 Inspired by Ja Rule earlier this morning, I got up and started breaking it down and rapping it “I put the muffins in your bag, put the the the the muffins in your bag” and even dropped it like its hot. She laughed at me and I love her for that b/c she is what I strive to be like when I am older. She’s in her mid fifties but has a garden, loves cold beer and wine, wears her funky jewelry and cusses. I always tell her I want to be like her when I am older and she almost smacks me each time I say that.

Oh yeah, guess I should show pics of the lovely muffins

 Another celebrity lookalike on the way home! This chick looked like a younger Frances Conroy (the mom from Six Feet Under)

Dinner was Black Bean, Mushroom and Pork Tacos topped with Avocado and Tomato

I broke into my Goya Recaito Cilantro Sauce. I saw this on Bikini By 30 last month ago and was intrigued since I love the ethnic dishes and love sauces.

I cooked both the black beans and mushrooms in it along with some chili powder and garlic and cooked the pork in Recaito sauce alone

Topped with Trader Joe’s Salsa Authentica…..love this stuff! I prefer their pineapple or mango salsa but seeing that I can down a jar of it in one sitting, I try not to buy it too often.

Delicioso!

Before I end this, I forgot about a perturbing part of my day. I have really funky dreams sometimes which I am used to by now. But last night was a really weird one involving another blogger, Mari.

Looks sweet and wouldn’t hurt a fly right? In my dream—big WRONG! I dreamed she was a serial killer but it was more like a Dexter-esque situation where she was taking out the bad guys. I remember that and how I was talking with her in a parking garage (which I hate parking garages because they are creepy and someone always gets murdered in them in the movies) and she was telling me how she wanted to stop but couldn’t. So thanks for not killing me in my dream, Mari! When I told her this morning that she was a serial killer in my dream, she asked if she had a theme song! I was like “WTF?” when I read this but she said that if she were ever to be a serial killer (not that she would ever choose to be one nor do I believe it’s in her genes if that’s your school of thought) her theme song would be “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and that just made me laugh because I never really thought what  my serial killer theme song would be. And a question that I have never asked in my life—–What would your serial killer theme song be?

Tonight was pretty quiet. Lincoln and I headed out for a walk and I wasn’t expecting us to go too far but we ended up going on a two-mile walk and getting our cardio in. Poor little guy was lagging on the way back but he was a trooper and kept prancing. I just love my new neighborhood, they were so many people out running, walking their dogs, cycling, etc. We even got a few honks and I will be nice and say they were for Lincoln haha.

Refueled with some M&M’s, damn you Valentine’s Day clearance candy! I don’t know what’s up with M&M kick lately but it needs to stop. These are a comfort food for me and take me back to childhood and having BOGO coupons for them is not helping me….or my booty.

Sidenote-why does fake ex con Leonardo DiCaprio look so good but normal Leo doesn’t do anything for me?

Do you have weird dreams?

 I used to have weird dreams alot but then I stopped drinking diet coke before bed and it stopped but still have some weird ones from time to time

 

The Garden State

I would love to say that I was really productive today but then I would be lying. I’ve been sitting here watching Real Housewives of NJ for the past 5 hours-ugh. This right here is why I had basic cable, I get so sucked into these marathons and then *poof* there goes my day. I did fit in two 1-mile walk sessions with Lincoln so I did something and was a bit active but yeah, the afternoon was spent yelling at these ladies

Caroline just annoys the living hell out of me. All she talks about is respect, family and honor. Right on to all three however I don’t need to the tough talking Jersey act going on 24.7, act stupid like the other girls…..try it Caroline….it’s fun! And Danielle, well, we won’t even touch that one.

Then there was the childish drama with Danielle and Ashley via Facebook and such. It seems like every scene Ashley is wearing some kind of beret so I was happy I found a picture of her without one.

Teresa and Gia—-Just kidding! I love Teresa-I think she is hilarious and love all her things that are leopard print. Ok, homegirl slice has a bit of a temper but I still think she is great. I have no desire at all to be a mom but Gia makes me second guess that notion, she is just too adorable.

Some pictures of the new pad:

A midgie dishwasher!

Speaking of midgies-I am loving this commercial!! I get so happy when it comes on!

But back to my new home, I am totally loving it just wish I had more storage and counter space in the kitchen

But I am willing to deal with it for now due to the location and all that it offers.

I was feeling some pasta for dinner, I cooked mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes on the stovetop while the capellini was boiling

New product to try!! Sweet Basil Pesto Chicken +Turkey Sausage from Trader Joe’s

When I opened the package up, all I could smell was basil and it was fresh and fabulous!

You got that right, Lincoln. It was a fabulous meal, I didn’t use any sauce but just sprinkled extra virgin olive oil on the noodles and let sit while the sausage was finishing up cooking. I went for a mile walk afterwards so I didn’t feel disgusting from the pasta. I am not a huge pasta person but will get a craving every now and then  for it but feel gross afterwards since it’s so heavy. It was still humid as all hell outside so it was a short session but at least I moved a little. While walking, there was some construction going on and I saw the sign “Men Working”. When did this happen? Whatever happened to Men at Work? Each time I see one of those signs, I always got this song in my head and if those signs are no longer when will I ever sing Men At Works songs?

I popped open my bag of Pretzel M&M’s that have been sitting around for the past few wks

These were really good, I’ve heard mixed reviews so I wasn’t sure if I would like them or not but anything that is both sweet and salty I can be down with. I think I would buy yogurt covered pretzels next time around instead of these.

I’ve been wanting to try Chai Tea but don’t want to waste money on it at the Bucks if I don’t like it. One of my friends gave me a Dove Chocolate At Home Chocolate Chai Tea

Yummmmmy! I really liked this but don’t know if it’s really Chai flavor or not so I need to compare it to the real thing. Looks like I’m going to Starbucks tomorrow! Any pointers or recommendations for Chai other than Starbucks? Can I get it iced or hot? And most importantly, does it have caffeine?

One more episode and I am out like this boy

Love and light!

Random Thought Tuesday

This morning started off right with a green monster with vanilla protein powder, milk, cold coffee, 2 splendas and a dash of cinnamon and a bowl of Chobani Peach Greek Yogurt with mixed berries and Kashi Crunch

For lunch i had Sun Dried Tomato and Feta Meatloaf and a side salad with baby spinach, mushrooms,zucchini, avocado with Light Three Cheese Ranch

I got some food from my hippies—all of this for only $6! The red peppers were only $.89 each, at the supermarket they range from $1.49 to $1.99–each, not even per pound. Absolutely ridiculous.

Speaking of absolutely ridiculous, my volume is out of control this week at work. I am closing over 100+ trades a day, other people 20 to 30. Yesterday, I closed more than my entire team combined–that’s the work of four people that I am doing and then some. Another girl on my team is also busy and no one is offering to help however we always help the people with lower volume. We were chatting on IM and we are going to put down a list of concerns and go to our new manager. This is absolutely unfair that we have all this work to do, never take a break or lunch but the people on my team who have no work to do, do nothing all day.

For dinner, I made one serving of Annie’s Shells & White Cheddar since I have milk on hand. I always have half and half and almond milk but never the real stuff so when I do, I try to use it as much as possible so I don’t have to waste it. My green monsters have been tasting so yummy lately due to this.

I snacked on some turkey pepperoni while that was cooking

And guess who magically showed up?

I don’t know why but I took a picture of my fridge. I really need to clean this bad boy out soon before I move.

 How’s your look-fuller, emptier, more organized?

I served the shells and cheese with a Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich (no bun) topped with their honey mustard….although I did make a mini pickle sandwich with a little piece of the bun. And it was fabulous, who knew? When I worked at Cracker Barrel in high school (three stars thank you very much) I would make sour dough, mustard and onion sandwiches b/c it was free and surprisingly good. What was I sayin? Oh, I served with a the chicken and cooked zucchini, mushrooms and onions in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and oregano

I threw some crushed red pepper flakes into the shells for a little umph!

Ok so I suck at math (pretty ironic since I work with numbers all day and rock at my job) and really didn’t calculate how much milk I should’ve used to mix with the cheese when making a single portion so the sauce was runny but still flavorful. I like thicker, creamier sauces (hence, the cellulite on my ass) so it wasn’t superb but think it would have turned out better if I made the entire package at once.

And what do you know, a little poodle-chihuahua was watching me like a hawk while I was trying to enjoy a nice dinner after I worked a long, hard day so I can pay the bills and provide a nice place for him to rest every day.

Random Thoughts

*There’s a dude who rides my bus who looks like Cooper from Centerstage!

* I wish breakfast sushi existed. I would be all over it and they could so so much—salmon, eggs, green onions, avocado, cucumbers—bacon!!! The possibilities are endless and I want to make it happen….like now.

*Speaking of bacon, I really want to try Bacon Vodka

*Speaking of vodka, I really want a sake bomb. I was talking with a co-worker today about sake (then proceeded to say Sake It To Me for an hour afterwards) and she didn’t know what a sake bomb was, which made me sad. But then again, she has two kids so I guess her main focus is her family and other boring stuff like that 🙂

*Speaking of sake, I really want sushi. And now y’all have an inside look into my thought process, I can keep going on and on like the Energizer Bunny, but I digress

* I just overheard a preview for the Cameron Diaz/Tom Cruise movie “Knight and Day” I kinda want to see this movie despite Tom being a total whack job. Anywho, they just said on the preview “Nothing brings strangers together like….” I completed the phrase with “Bacon Vodka” I think they should use it. That or “Pork The One Your With”

*My new tactic for keeping people away from me on the bus is to drink my green monster on the bus. People look at my in disgust while I am happily enjoying it on the ride in and no one wants to sit near me, I love it. I like to think of public transportation as my own personal limo service since I am paying taxes for it and all.

*Sometimes when I’m on the bus, I think about what would happen if we all were stranded on a desert island like Lost. I know it’s a bus and know clue how we would wind up on an island but I have a good idea who the Jack and Hurley roles go to. Still waiting for a Sawyer. And I don’t even know who I would be but I picture Jack ( I believe he’s really a financial analyst) saying “We got to live together….or die alone.

 Ummm, think that’s it for now. 3 weeks until I move—woo hoo!

Oink Oink

Yep, that pretty much sums up the past two days for me. My eating has been a tad off course with work getting busier which equals me being tired and cranky along with some family drama going on. I am not going to get into the drama because I spent last night dealing with it, crying for hours which resulted in puffy eyes today and just feeling drained. I am sure I am overreacting about this situation but last night, I cried for two hours last night and wrote in my journal about everything I was feeling–frustration, sadness, etc. and afterwards, that made me feel a tad better. But again, enough of that.

I started yesterday with a green monster with chocolate protein, coffee, baby spinach, almond milk and splenda. But I forgot the ice so it was a tad on the warm side….but still good!

After reading about April’s smoothie, I am absolutely convinced I need to buy Caramel Toffee Fudge Whey. There is no way that cannot taste good!

I had oats with peanut butter, raisins and unsweetened coconut flakes for breakfast

Lunch was a chicken salad pita with french fries from Showmars

Yum, I could eat this everyday.

I got home and didn’t have a plan for dinner but had some chicken defrosting in the fridge. I decided to make chicken cakes.

Chicken Cakes

8 to 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast

1 egg

1/4 panko or breadcrumbs

1 tbsp mayo

1/4 cup onions

Salt, pepper (whatever seasonings you like, I also add garlic and chopped cilantro)

Throw onions and cilantro in food processor than add chicken

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl

Form into patties (I made three with these), heat 1 to 2 tbsp vegetable oil, place cakes on the pan and cook

I also had some sliced zucchini and mushrooms cooking on the stovetop with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic salt, red pepper flakes and pepper

I was starving when this was cooking and was trying to hold off on snacking until it was done then I remembered reading Diana’s post yesterday about eating what you want and said eff it, I’m grabbing a small bowl of chips.

Soon enough, the patties were done and dinner time was here!

I grabbed some wing sauce and light ranch dressing to make it buffalo-eque on placed on a kaiser roll

Breakfast this morning was a Kashi Cookies and Cream Bar…..eaten on the bus so no pic, sorry! But this day was horrible, the puffy eyes were out and all the crying last night left my eyes so dry so my contacts were not working so well. I never wear my glasses outside the house so contacts it was and I was rubbing my eyes all day and felt like I couldn’t see. Talk about annoying. And we had three people out of the office…..on a team of six people so yeah. Not a fun day at all. I was even cussing like a truck driver when I was talking to people who I deal with….note…..I rarely cuss at work unless I am very pissed off or very very very very stressed. I had one guy email me telling me to take it easy this wk and not jump off a bridge. Eek! I am not that frustrated!

Lunch was another take out one from Showmars—-gyro and fries

That’s what I’m talking about! Next wk I will be planning better so I am not eating out yet again, this madness has got to stop ASAP. I hate spending money on lunch when I can eat it at home and have just been lazy in that field.

After I got off work (at a reasonable hour to boot), there was only one thing that could make me feel better. And his name is Trader Joe.

There once was a girl named Tiffany who lived in the land of North Carolina with her fur baby Lincoln. Tiffany had been trying to create new health goals for herself each month and one of Tiffany’s goals for the month of June was to cut back on cheese and dairy products.

Well, that goal is clearly out the window.

The first thing I did when I got home was cuddle with Lincoln who was absolutely psycho today. He was scratching at me, kissing me and just happy. It made me feel better. We went for a nice walk then I switched into my comfy clothes and glasses. Anyone else do this? I hate lounging around in business casual wear and when I am home for the evening, usually slip on some yoga pants and a tank top. But I always leave my ghetto baby girl big ass earrings on, go figure.

I made a meal I haven’t made in forever—pizza rolls!

Pizza Rolls

Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Pizza Dough ( I use about half of the package)

4 slices provolone

4 slices salami

Turkey Pepperoni

Ok, that’s the main ingredients so it is super easy to make and you can modify as you like. I cut the provolone and salami in half and then roll out the dough into thin strips. Top with provolone, salami and pepperoni then roll from one corner to the other and place on a greased cookie sheet. I then mix extra virgin olive oil, crushed red peppers, oregano and parmesan in a bowl and brush onto rolls before placing in the oven. Bake at 375 for 13 to 15 mins or until golden brown.

And a cold one to wash it down with!

The fur baby was watching the rolls very closely

I absolutely loved the World Cup Concert tonight–Shakira was my favorite performance and I need to catch some cames! Hope everyone’s having a fabulous start to the wknd!

Likes and Dislikes

Woke up to major rain today-dislike. I hate when the day starts like that and you can hear it just as you’re waking up. Plus, I’m not a snoozer so I can’t just hit the snooze button and go back to back (if you are a snoozer, consider yourself lucky).

I got to work and it just smelled, looked and felt like a Monday-dislike but it was actually Tuesday so only four more days to go —like.

I had an eggwhite and mushroom wrap for breakfast with Mexi-Ranch Dressing-like

There were quite a few people in the break room when I was making this and everyone kept telling me how good it smelled-like. However, I forgot cheese because imo, no wrap is complete without cheese-dislike.

It was nice to see the people at work I do like and catch up on what everyone did over the long wknd-like. But telling every single person why I was limping like Catherine O’Hara when her legs go crazy at the dog show in Best in Show? Dislike.

God bless a terrier indeed.

Today wasn’t busy at all-like. But by the end of the day, I ran out of websites to look at and got bored-dislike.

I went over to the library to pick up some books and found this gem

I am going to try to stray away from my usual standby of Mexican food and try different ethnic meals –like. But I realized I will most likely never open up a Vietnamese restaurant called “Pho My Homies”–dislike.

Lunch came around shortly after that and I had a Naked Burrito with brown rice, pork, pimento and mushrooms topped with Mexi Ranch-like

 

It was really tasy due to my making the brown rice with chicken brother and the Mexi Ranch. I was bummed about their being no cheese but then thought, I really don’t need as much cheese as I normally have. Dislike. I know this should be a like but keep in mind

I had some different snacks in the afternoon which was a like b/c I got to mix it up a little

On the other hand, having these snacks made me feel like I was in the 4th grade-dislike.

I still have my foam Hamburger Helper hand at my desk and when I glanced over at it today, it just made me smile-like.

But then when looking at it, I got reminded of an ex boyfriend. An ex boyfriend who promised to make me a great, home cooked meal one night and it was Hamburger Helper. And what made it even more delicious was that he forgot the milk for the cheese sauce so I ate watered down Nacho Hamburger Helper. Dislike.

Soon it was time to come home and dinner time. I really didn’t have anything in mind so I cut up a chicken breast, dipped in eggwash and threw in a 100 Calorie Pack of Blue Diamond Almonds in the food processor then mixed in some pepper, paprika and garlic salt. I baked for 18 minutes at 350 degrees and while that was cooking threw in some frozen veggies in the microwave.

The cheese has finally made an appearance—LIKE!!!! Sodium count on this-major dislike.

The dipping sauce was Honey BBQ Sauce and Light Ranch mixed together. I can give up butter and oil but I will never quit my dips. This meal was great, I often find the random meals that I don’t plan out ahead of time are the best so this was a -you guessed it-like. The fact that it all came to an end-dislike.

I went to Off Broadway soon after to find some shoes for the wedding I’m going to this wknd. I am not a shoe person at all, if I could wear my flips everywhere, I would be a happy gal. Plus I am frugal, so pair those two together and it’s not a good combo. I found these shoes and they fit great and weren’t flimsy at all–like.

The fact they were $40-dislike. I long for the day where $40 spent on shoes doesn’t seem like so much as it does to me now.

I got home and Lincoln freaked the eff out! I was only gone an hour but he greets me as if I’ve been gone the entire day while panting jumping around, kissing me-like.

His stinky breath though? Dislike.

This post was all about likes and dislikes (if you haven’t caught on with the BOLD and ummm, the title 🙂 ) but I am going to end it with a LOVE

I absolutely love the fact that my dog looks completely drunk sometimes

What was your likes and dislikes of the day?

I’m not dead

Hi all-Happy Frickin Friday! So I’m up and running again and so happy. My settings were set to private when I looked yesterday morning (don’t recall changing this though?) and throughout yesterday and today, I would try to change it and nothing. Frustration. Thanks to everyone who checked up on me though, I would never block y’all for my blog 🙂

Speed Street is going on in Uptown Charlotte now-it’s a three day street festival dedicated to Nascar since there is some race during Memorial Wknd. They have vendors, live music, cars ……lots of them and endlessly roaring their engines. Normally, I wouldn’t care. But when all of this is four floors below me, it’s annoying. The bass from the music was so loud my windows were rattling and I thought there was a bomb going off or something. And we had two people out of the office yesterday so I was covering my work plus someone else’s, trying to keep my sanity with that and my blog not working while avoiding a headache, so yeah, unhappy day.

I had a Venti Skim Carmel Macchiato yesterday because hey, I needed it (ok and had a free drink coupon to the Bucks)

OMG, I haven’t had an iced one since I lived in Phoenix four years ago and it was just as good as a I remembered it! Moderation though is key, I do not need this every day and don’t need to be taking in 300 calories from something I can drink.

Breakfast was an AMAZING wrap—eggwhites, feta, roasted zucchini, potatoes and mushrooms topped with ketchup

This was tasty and it kept me full for a loooong time. Which was good since I didn’t have lunch to 2P–thanks work. Lunch was leftover-baked chicken with hummus and feta with roasted zucchini, squash, potato and mushrooms.

I love having plates at work now. I don’t feel like an animal just eating my lunch from a plastic container. And pink is so happy 🙂

I came home, blog still not working, which made me even more frustrated than the day left me. I picked up a box of Trader Joe’s Three Grain Blend the other night because I was out of rice and wanted to make risotto since I’ve never made it before.

I was happy and excited—I started grilled up some mushrooms in the meantime (can you tell I like the shroomies?) and took it out of the box and found this.

I didn’t expect it to be all in one block, I just thought it would be normal rice so I was kinda bummed since I didn’t want to make the whole thing because I am one girl who can only eat so much of one thing (greek yogurt,avocados and Mexican food excluded). Plus I wasn’t sure if risotto would freeze well, anyone know?

Since the shrooms were already grilling and I had black beans in the fridge, I decided to go with my old stand by of tacos.

Delicious! Last night was nothing special, I hung out, took a bubble, tried to comment on blogs but that wasn’t even happening and ended up going to bed early so I could get a good night’s sleep. I wasn’t sure if my teammate would be back in the office so I didn’t know what kind of day to expect.

This morning, I had Yoplait Greek Yogurt, Trader Joe’s Very Cherry Blend and Blueberry Flax for breakfast

Today wasn’t bad at all. My teammate was back in so I didn’t have to cover his work, my desk was slow (due to a bunch of people being out on Friday so not alot of work coming my way) and it was just relaxing for once. Very rarely do I get to say that about work. The hippies were out but not in their normal spot due to Speed Street so I had a Hippie Search going on and picked up some peaches, apples, zucchini, onion, avocado and red peppers.

I got to take my first real lunch break and went with a co-worker to explore Speed Street. The two things iI do like about it is the

 A) Fair food! They have nachos, fries, turkey legs, gyros, philly cheese steaks, crab cakes, hot dogs, etc.

B) Freebies–a bunch of different companies set up booths and give away free stuff. Being the frugal girl I am, it’s my favorite part of the madness

I’ve been talking about the gyros all week-long to everyone at work and how excited I was to have one.

Looks good right?

No. Worst Gyro EVER. It wasn’t lamb meat, it was steak like the kind in a philly cheesesteak with no flavor yet lots of grease. The tzatsiki sauce had no flavor either, it was just sour cream or yogurt and it was so greasy it fell apart. I am pissed about my aspirations for the gyro and the $8 I spent when I could have walked across the street to Showmar’s and get one plus fries for $6.

I did however, get a lot of swag.

There was a sausage stand which I may have stopped at a few times. They were giving out free sausage samples and pork roast samples and it was absolutely delicious. I think it was Smithfield’s? Anyways, I decided if I ever decided to open up a male brothel, it shall be named “The Sausage Stand” . The rest of the afternoon was slow and I got a bunch of stuff done. I was counting down the minutes until I could catch the first bus out of there. I worked 8 hours OT this wk so I had no problem whatsoever with leaving early.

I made a HUGE dinner tonight because I was famished from the half-eaten gyro. I started off with a cucumber and tomato salad with oil and vinegar topped with feta

Ever since I saw Mo’s Pretzel Coated Chicken recipe, I’ve been dreaming of it all week.

I used Ken’s Lite Honey Mustard to coat the chicken since I was feeling something creamy (that’s what she said) and crushed up some Snyder’s pretzels and served with, what else…zucchini, squash, potato and mushrooms!

This was fabulous. It was like comfort food but so easy to make and not too bad for you. I get so bored with chicken breasts that I love any recipe that will mix it up a bit.

I had an awesome strength training session tonight.

Kettlebell

• Upright Deltoid Row (13 reps, 3 sets)
• Shrug (13 reps, 2 sets)
• Side Bends (13 reps, 3 sets)
• Straight Leg Deadlifts (13 reps, 3 sets)
• Bentover Row (13 reps, 2 sets)

Dumbbell -10 lb

• Shoulder Press (13 reps, 3 sets)
• Lateral Raise (13 reps, 2 sets)
• Bench Press (13 reps, 2 sets)
• Concentration Curls (13 reps, 2 sets)

Misc

• 30 pushups
• Three sets of planks
• Jumping side to side in between workouts

Like I said, awesome workout and nice burn!

I felt really energized after and started to think that I used to go to the gym and mindlessly hop on the elliptical and not even burn that much nor feel challenged at all. I am so happy not going to a gym anymore because I feel like I’m not wasting money on it and have found new ways to work out and challenge myself.

I went to Goodwill afterwards in search of a backpack. Weather permitting, I am going on a four-hour hike on Sunday and wanted something to keep all my stuff in and I haven’t had a backpack since high school so it was time to shop for one. No way was I going to spend $30 on one so Goodwill it was! Not only did I get a backpack for $3, I got two fun plates I can bring to work (you will be seeing these in the future!) AND a new oversized red microfiber chair and matching rolling ottoman—-for $70!! I forgot my camera and didn’t have my phone in the store but the chair is gorgeous and super comfy. I didn’t have room to take it home in my car so I called a friend and she is going to help me with it in the morning since she has an SUV. So happy—pics to come!

I stopped at McD’s on the way home since I was dragging on got a Medium Iced Coffee with Cream and Two Splendas. And now I am going to be wired!!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous start to the long wknd 🙂