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Ahhh, Tuesday night. I am so happy that you are here because that means tomorrow is Hump Day! Yay!
So lets get down and dirty with the important thing (being dinner) pronto because it blew both Mike and I out of the water this evening.
A few weeks back when we were on our way to Dallas I brought along the March issue of Cooking Light. Flipping through I found a bunch of recipes I wanted to try but one in particular made my jaw drop; it just sounded too good to be true. Or at least way too indulgent to be in a Cooking Light magazine. :) So what is this gem of a recipe I am speaking so fondly of? Bacon, Ranch, and Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Guys, this recipe is unreal. You must try it! Mike and I didn’t share any words during dinner besides ‘Oh my gosh, this is amazing’. And ‘The bacon makes the whole dish just work’. Yep, we were way too focused on the mac & cheese love to even hold our nightly dinner chat.
For my vegetarian friends… I am sure that this dish would be excellent with tofu as well. I have already thought about trying that in this recipe instead of the chicken in the future. I also think veggies would be a great substitution or addition as well. Just sayin’. I don’t want my veggie friends to miss out! 
While I could have easily just eaten a plate full of mac & cheese for dinner I thought it would be best to even things out with some greens. Broccoli and peas.
I know all y’alls jaws are dropped and are saying ‘OMG’. Trust me, make this ASAP!
Before I leave for the evening, I wanted to link you to an article that I think is disturbing and exactly what is wrong with Hollywood and its affects on our nation’s body image issues. (Affect vs effect, please set me straight if I have it wrong!).
This afternoon Audrina Patridge tweeted the following:
just posted a few diet tips on my blog along w/ a close look at my daily eats! check them out at http://bit.ly/59s1Fa
Curious as to what this lead to, I clicked on the link and was disgusted with what I read.
This woman is most likely idolized by many young woman and men around the world. While I don’t really follow her celebrity life like I do some others (yes, I love Hollywood), I do know that she has a very slim figure and she could stand to gain a few pounds.
She posted on her blog that she follows a diet of near 1,200 calories a day via a meal delivery service. Isn’t she 22 or 23? She is way too young to be functioning off of such a low calorie count. In addition, that low of a calorie consumption is one that should really only be used for those trying to LOSE weight and even that is a very low intake for the active lifestyle she leads.
I do give her props for the food that she does eat though. All seem to be healthy and fresh. So I’ll give her that I suppose. Lol.
I’m interested to see what others have to say in regards to this article, her intake, and the impression that leaves on her followers.
Have a lovely evening!
Hey there lovelies. Happy Tuesday from me to you!
I am happy to report that I got close to 9 hours of sleep last night. I slept like a rock. I didn’t even hear Mike get home from jamming last night. He usually comes in to check on me too to say hello, but I don’t even remember that. I was exhausted. But not anymore, I am full of energy today. 
Mike and I hit up the gym this morning. Basketball and weights for him; a lovely 7 miler for me. The last 10 minutes I added a 1% incline, which I have never done before. Holy moley, that was killer. I need to start doing that more often, I have been missing out on an intense workout.
I also need to add an incline seeing how it is getting nicer and warmer out, aka, I can start running outside.  Those trails aren’t going to be level, I know that for a fact. My booty is going to get kicked so I better start adding in an incline pronto.
To refuel, I packed an AppleBerry VitaTop to try.
I plan on toasting the VitaTop and smearing on a thick layer from this bad boy…
Eep! Look at how full that is. That is love in a jar people.
On the side, a Jazz (I think) apple. I packed extra Barney Butter for dipping purposes. Apple & AB is a stellar combo in my book.
And lunch is an ode to the snack monster in me. I have been so.dang.snacky still. I know the reason deep down is because I am truly a grazer. I could eat small handfuls of things all day long and be perfectly content not eating a ‘meal’.
Being a true grazer however isn’t really realistic when you work from 8-5 and you are training for a half marathon. Instead, I’m going to try to make my meals last longer by packing a bunch of smaller things rather than one large entree. We’ll see how this goes.
Lunch includes a banana bread Larabar.
Some red grapes. Which are extremely sour.
A vanilla yogurt.
And a Laughing Cow wedge with pretzels. The pretzel picture is MIA. Oops!
This lunch should keep my mouth busy for a while. I am hoping…
Are you a grazer or a three a day mealer?
Hi there! How did all of your Monday’s go? Mine went fast! I love when Monday’s fly by. One down, four to go.
Unfortunately, this isn’t much to report in this foodie household tonight. Mike and I both really didn’t have an appetite for dinner tonight. The boy is feeling semi-nauseous. Myself on the other hand, I have a killer headache. I have been getting them a lot lately. As I get older, I have noticed when the seasons change or when I travel, I get headaches that can last upwards of one week. I am thinking it has to do with the change in the air. Or maybe I am just losing it. Either is possible.
What better quick and comforting go-to meal for the ill feeling than grilled cheese sammies?? To spruce ours up we added three different cheeses and basil. We’ve got feta, a three cheese blend and good old Kraft Singles (not photographed).
I love the flavor basil adds to a grilled cheese. It really pops! Give it a try.
On the side, a fun yogurt for a change. Yoplait Delights- Triple Berry.
The container is pretty tiny as a heads up. But as a treat, these are great. Not overly sugary tasting and so rich and smooth. These definitely don’t have the tart flavor that many of us have grown to love with Greek yogurt. So while these obviously will not replace my staple of a more nutrient packed yogurt, they are a delicious treat.
All together, with a side of crushed pita chips.
It was a tasty dinner, that’s for sure.
The plan for the rest of the evening is quite eventful. I’m going to read in bed and go to bed pretty early. Party, no? I also will need a snack, as my stomach is already starting to grumble!
Enjoy your evening.
Well, another weekend has come and gone way too soon. And here we are again, hello Monday.
I woke up feeling somewhat negative about it being the start of the week, so I have been working to think of happy things that will get me into the work week mode. That usually does the trick.
And then I remembered the email that I got from Gracie last night, that I happened to look at when I was in a sleepy daze at 2 a.m. Gracie has just gotten back from Playa Del Carmen and in short told me that I will have the time of my life. Whohooo! That gets me movin’ and groovin’.
Oh, and the pep talk I got from a work friend. She says she always tells herself ‘Today I am here working, because it will help pay for…x’. Not a shabby way to think about things either. Sometimes you just need that kick in the booty to get you revved back up from the relaxing weekend. Know what I’m saying?
What is something you are looking forward to?
Yesterday we were out and about running more errands and hitting up the mall. We were scheduled to go to Mike’s parents for dinner, so when our errands came to an end around 2, we headed over early to spend the day with them. It was so relaxing to get out of the city and to the burbs’ for awhile. Good food and good times were shared.
Forging on to today where I am photo-less of what I actually brought in.  Priorities people. It was either makeup or photos.
I found some pretty stand in photos though. Doesn’t this make your mouth water?
Source
For breakfast, I am creating my own fruit and yogurt parfait. One tub of plain Chobani, some thawed frozen berries and a few tablespoons of cranberry granola. Perfecto.
Lunch is another example of how the photo I chose looks ten times better than what I actually brought. A turkey sammie on whole wheat with tomato, lettuce, light mayo and mustard.
Source
On the side, I packed some baby carrots and pretzels.
Well, I’ve got to jet. Time to work hard for the money!
Hey strangers!
It has been a quiet day in blog land it looks like. Maybe it is because we were all out enjoying the sunny, fabulous weather that most parts of the country seem to be having.
While I didn’t take photographs of most of my eats today, I did take a few pictures of the most incredible, simple and smooth smoothie I made this morning.
Into the mix went:
- Heaping cup of crushed ice
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- 1 banana
- 1 carton of vanilla yogurt
And then a secret ingredient…
It’s lookin’ a little brown, eh? That is because I threw in about a teaspoon of cocoa powder! Blended all together, and this was the best smoothie I’ve ever made. Definitely will be a repeat.
The rest of the day included a run, running errands and enjoying the SUN!
Tonight, Mike is out with some buddies celebrating a bachelor party. Oh boys, I don’t even want to know they are doing. But while the boys go out to play, the girl gets to play with ‘me’ food in the kitchen.
A wonderful dinner of baked tofu, kale chips (!!) and a ciabatta roll.
For the tofu, I mixed a marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and sesame oil. Baked in a piping hot 450 degree oven for 40 minutes and out comes the most perfectly crisp tofu.
And a first for this foodie.. kale chips! I have never even had kale, so I guess it was a first on that front too. To prep my chips, I used Kath’s recipe. I did opt to sprinkle on some parmesan cheese. I can be a cheese monster. Muahaha.
I had heard that these tasted similar to chips. Mmm, not so much. They were crispy and air like. Oh, and freaking amazing! I should have made double or triple the amount that I did. These definitely do not taste like they would fall into healthy category.
I know that I am definitely at the tail end of the kale chip phenomenon but if you haven’t tried these bad boys, do it SOON!
I’m off to lay on the couch and catch up on some of my Tivo’d shows and eat some ice cream with Girl Scout Cookies. Hey, I went on a long run today…
Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!
Happy Friday friends. Can you taste the weekend a few hours away? I sure can!
Last Thursday (my scone Friday!), one of our creative agencies surprised us with breakfast. They brought in an assortment of goodies from Breadsmith. I peaked into the boxes of pastries and was so excited to see that one of my favorite ‘breads’ from Breadsmith was included. Chocolate Babka! Has anybody ever tried this bread variety before?
Disclaimer. My camera was in Mike’s bag last Thursday, so I was unable to get any actual photos. Sorry!
From Wikipedia, chocolate babka is…
Another version of babka is associated with the Eastern European Jewish tradition. This babka is made from a doubled and twisted length of yeast dough and is typically baked in a high loaf pan. Instead of a fruit filling the dough contains cinnamon or chocolate. The babka is usually topped with streusel.
Chocolate Babka really should be classified under the dessert sector. Holy yum. The challa like bread, twisted with a cocoa like chocolate and powdered sugar filling is incredible. And very, very sweet. Just how I like it!
So did I break my scone tradition? Nah…
Jonathan and I were happy to see that the pastries were the ‘mini’ versions of the regular sized offerings that Breadsmith has. So we each took a pastry (babka for me, obviously) and decided Scone ‘Friday’ was still in order. I got a four berry white chocolate for the record.
And guess what? My lunch is not a packaged good or from a restaurant today. Yippeee!
I found this new Morningstar California Turkey Grillers at the grocery store this week. These supposedly have a blend of avocado and tomato; if that is the case, these could be a winner.
Served up on a sandwich thin, of course. Oh, and I also have a ketchup packet in my desk drawer. Don’t ask… lol.
I packed two sides to help spread out the time it takes for me to each my lunch. I continue to be so snacky. A Tropical Fruit Larabar.
And a banana.
Well, it is time to get this Friday started so that we can make it through to the weekend!
What is a more ‘expensive’ item that you are wanting to buy right now? I really want to get a Garmin so that when it warms up outside I can easily track my milage and speed. My first half marathon is a three months from today! Yikes! The Garmin would be even more helpful since I am throwing around the possibility of signing up for a marathon, god help me!
And I’m off…
Hola!
We made it to Thursday night. Arguably, one of my favorite parts of the week due to the anticipation of FRIDAY! I think we can all agree that this is a wonderful feeling. We can all take a moment to sigh in relief.
Oh, and even more importantly, I survived the dentist. My coworker and I were talking about how we are always gripping the chair for dear life to the point of white knuckles at the dentist. No idea why? I found myself doing it during my appointment today. I’m a wuss.
Onwards and upwards to FOOD, enough about my lame dentist appointment.
Mike emailed me the following linked recipe for Buffalo Chicken Tacos this afternoon. I asked him why he was searching for recipes (never in a million years would he have done this a year ago) and he claimed he was researching potential clients. Yeahhhh right.
A few adaptations that we made. Instead of the blue cheese we used a three cheese blend. Also, instead of grilling the chicken, we ‘boiled’ the chicken in the marinade. Worked perfectly.
While cooking this dish, Mike and I kind of looked at each other and asked how this is classified as a ‘buffalo’ chicken recipe. Yes, dashes of hot sauce and blue cheese, but hands down, wasn’t the classic buffalo flavored chicken Mike was hoping for. But he did love the tacos anyway, as did I!
We layered the tacos as follows: Tortilla smeared with a layer of the ranch/avocado mixture (which we added cilantro to and was to die for), chicken, shredded carrot, cheese and more cilantro.
On the side, some guacamole flavored rice cakes. How fitting, no?
I really liked these guacamole rice cakes. Although the guacamole flavor didn’t really hit me, they were a nice change to the regular old tortilla chip.
I also had some artsy grapes on the side. They wanted to show off.
While eating dinner, Mike and I were discussing herbs and how much they can add to a dish. The cilantro popped with flavor in each bite of this meal and was a critical ingredient. I used to think that ‘oh, we can do without this herb or this spice’ in a recipe, but that is such a wrong assumption. Herbs and spices add life to dishes!
What is your favorite herb/spice? Mike and I both love cilantro. I also love cinnamon.
Well it is a big night for TV. Two new episodes of Real Housewives. OC and NYC. Too good to be true. I’m out!
I am one busy bee this week! I feel like I have been working to get my life in order this whole week, but with no luck. Thank goodness the weekend is coming up so I can get all my ducks aligned.
I did end up having to work late again last night and really, really didn’t want or have the energy to go to the grocery store… But I did anyway! And thank goodness, because there was nothing even reasonable left in our household. No more scrounging for food!
This morning I hit up the gym for a 45 minutes sweat session. I got on the elliptical and did a lovely hill session. Crossed off working out on my ‘to do’ list today. Whoohooo!
To refuel, I am having a banana toast for breakfast. Toast + a thick smear of AB + sliced bananas = the best breakfast food ever.
For the almond butter, I am finishing off my favorite AB ever, Barney Butter. Good think I restored while in TX!
See? It is going to be screaming for an OIAJ creation!
Oh, banana. How I’ve missed you!
It feels so good to be eating clean and fresh foods after the past few days breakfast and lunch convenience meals.
Okay, so I guess lunch could be categorized as a convenience meal. BUT, these were on sale, something I wouldn’t necessarily make myself, and we didn’t cook last night, so I had no leftovers. So there!
Doesn’t the description sound heavenly?
Rounding out my meal with a big old apple.
And a new yogurt that I am going to try. Yoplait packs were BOGO at the grocery store, so I stocked up on these. Has anybody ever tried this variety?
Well I hope y’all have a fabulous Thursday! I have to go to the dentist this afternoon.  But at least tomorrow is Friday!
Any fun plans you are looking forward to this weekend?
Well hello strangers!
Yesterday took it out of my guys. Work was crazy busy and I ended up working rather late. So by the time that I got home, all I could muster up the energy for was dinner and relaxation. Blogging didn’t make the short list.
We did manage to have another delicious dinner despite the fact that we are literally at the bottom of the barrel in regards to food on hand.
Pancakes with mixed in frozen berries and white chocolate chips. On the side, some bacon!
What is that little blob on the side of my plate you ask? Peanut butter!
Ever since I was little, I have either smeared peanut butter on my pancakes orhave had a side of it for dipping purposes. You must try pancakes & pb, you will love the combo. Plus, it gives the carby breakfast some protein and fats for staying power.
Moving on to today, humpday.
I started off my day with a nice five mile run at the gym. I always feel like a million bucks after a run. :mrgreen:
And food today. I don’t even know where to begin. It is going to be whatever I can find around my office building and surrounding areas, lol. There really wasn’t anything that I wanted to pack specifically for breakfast or lunch.
I did pack three things to help round out some meals/snacks though.
An apple.
Another Banana Nut VitaTop, because I loved the flavor so much yesterday!
I was a little hesitant to whether or not I would like this flavor, as I really do not like the fake banana taste. However, this didn’t have that at all. The banana flavor was actually pretty mild, and the nuts gave the VitaTop an extra texture addition that I really enjoyed. Two thumbs up from this lady.
And last but not least, two Girl Scout cookies. Just because I could. Oh, and also because I am addicted.
Okay, I am off. It is another really busy day at work today. Let’s hope that I don’t have to work too late, we are in desperate need of hitting up the grocery store!
Well, since today’s eats are once again bottom of the barrel foods, I thought I would spare you a boring and bland post and share some of the foodie finds from my weekend in Dallas. While they aren’t much, I thought they would be fun to share the bag of goodies I brought home with me.
My mom and I had to run to the grocery store to get some ingredients on Friday. Not really thinking about almond butter (shocker, I know), my mom had asked if I wanted to get some since she had run out.
I was going to grind my own at the peanut/almond butter station but told her I wanted to walk down the nut butter aisle to make sure there weren’t any new kinds that I wanted to try. I immediately stopped, shocked, and then started sprinting down the aisle, because I saw these guys in the distance…
I started freaking out, I think my mom thought I was on something. Even better? They were on sale for $6.99. We picked up a smooth and crunchy for me to bring home; my mom also bought a jar to keep at her house. Best.find.ever. I now again have a legit Barney Butter source.
The other find at the grocery store was in the Easter candy aisle. My favorite candy in the world only comes around once a year during the Easter season. Three words. Cadbury Mini Eggs. If y’all haven’t tried them you must. They have a thin hard shell and a smooth, creamy tchocolatey center. Unreal.
The next two finds were at the airport. First up, a bag of Dark Chocolate Bananas that cost me $8. There wasn’t a price tag on them when I picked them out, but I wasn’t expecting them to be that expensive. I had a mini sticker shock attack but then quickly got over it, sucked it up and purchased them.
And I am glad I did! While I was expecting a hard, dried banana center, the banana was actually soft and chewy. It went perfectly with the dark chocolate. Holy yum! But never again will I purchase a bag of these for $8. Ugh.
And last but not least, an item spotted by Mike. Double Dipped Peanut Butter and Chocolate Flipz. Yep, no joke guys.
They are like crack. So you have to take one (okay two) and immediately seal the bag back up, otherwise you’ll eat the whole dang thing!
And those are my Dallas goodies! What a loot, eh?
Oh, one fun thing I did pack for a snack today! A Banana Nut VitaTop. I can’t wait to try.
What did you think about last night’s Bachelor finale?
Ugh. Jake. What were you thinking? That is all I have to say. But I am so happy that Ali is the next Bachelorette!
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