Happy Halloween, Mini Rant, Book Review and 18.5 miles

Happy Halloween! Don't judge, this is Reuben's Halloween '08 photo. I PROMISE i'm going to be a good fur baby mom and take pics of him tonight!!

Anywho, backing up: Wednesday wasn’t a bad day at all, but I definitely didn’t get to do everything I wanted to which makes me sad because I’m a big whine baby like that. Basically work was crazy. Notice the theme lately? My job is very feast or family and right now it’s feast which is good because who doesn’t want to be relevant right now but bad because, well, it’s a little stressful trying to get it all done right now. Anywhoodle. I worked, walked 4 miles at lunch, had a guy approach me and say “you’re in pretty good shape – you don’t just do treadmill huh?.” Um, this is a company gym – weird. And um, what’s wrong with just treadmill. I laughed and was all bahahaha, no, I do strength training too and more cardio after work if I can. And he was like oh yeah, I figured, walking just won’t cut it. What? Who are these people? Well this person is a runner. I see him running and clearly judging me for not running. Boo on him. Do you find that some people poo poo on your exercise? I do. Losers.

Wow. Mini rant. Back on track. After working out I was in meetings all afternoon and had a lot of candy. A lot. Blah. Then I came straight home after work (had to work late), baked pre-made pita pizzas and went back to work until 10 p.m. Grrr. I DID have a glass of wine though – yums – and got to do a little bit of chill time (reading). Overall I’m just ready for the weekend and more free time.

So, review of James Patterson's Sail!


I LOVED it. I thought the main character, the mom, was hilarious, and I liked hearing about her family dynamic and was interested as family secrets were revealed. Ultimately though, the story had lots of twists – my favorite. I will say that it was a little slow going and they revealed the conspirator early on so at first I was like DANG, it’s going to be all about how this person did it… but it wasn’t. It was much more then that, had a huge side plot, and had 3 surprise endings. I enjoyed and recommend it wholeheartedly! Maybe not on audio though, much like the Notebook it’s slightly uncomfortable listening to sex scenes at 7:30 a.m. in traffic. Just sayin’. I do however give it a 4.5 out of 5. What would have made it better was quicker get up and go/less build up (although later you do realize that some of that build up actually mattered; but to me not enough to make it worthwhile). Okay – I’ll stop now! I ended up at 1,771 calories, 230 carbs, 47 fat grams and 80 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

So Thursday was a little hectic. I had work (obvi) but lots of exercise I wanted to get to. And I REALLY wanted to:

Finish Karin Slaughter’s Faithless (didn’t happen)

Finish cleaning out my closet for donations DONE

Develop a new meal plan for next week DONE

Make the rest of the weeks’ meals (needed 2 more!)

Go grocery shopping for next week DONE

Get pregnant belly DONE

Get Austin to get his shorts DONE (he wasn’t willing to sport the short length that homecookedem’s husband was! Chicken!)

As far as exercise, I was only able to get in 4.5 miles cardio (mostly walking/some running - HRM burn: 292). Grrr. Instead of working out during lunch I had to pick up pupper from the vet! He had lots of shots, but did well and rested all afternoon! Me and Austin had yummy quinoa with veggies and chicken for dinner, then an evening of Halloween music and wine outside. Good times. :) I ended up at 1,966 calories, 213 carbs, 45 fat grams and 108 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Friday I woke up exhausted. It was like it all crept up on me and I was so tired and felt sick again. Blah. I went to work and got lots done, walked 4 miles during lunch, worked more, and then walked 2 more after work.(HRM burn total: 335). Then I headed home, packed up, had dinner and got on the road. I was a zombie. Like I slept on the way to Auburn. I got here and walked in and everyone could just tell I felt awful. Instead of going out as planned I got in my PJ’s and watched Grey’s Anatomy with Teresa and Lauren! I enjoyed it. Then I went to bed and slept SOUND. I ended up at 1,940 calories, 251 carbs, 51 fat grams and 84 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Now it’s Saturday. I feel a little better but still really congested. Boo – I can’t get rid of this cold! Me and T went for a 4-mile walk around 11 – that was nice and made me feel better! My HRM said I burned 225 calories. Now I’m cozied up on the couch blogging – love it! And I finished Faithless – SO good. I’ll post my book review of that tomorrow.

I’m sorry this post got so long! The week just really got away from me! I’m off to read blogs now – woo! I’ve missed you guys! TTYL!

SYTYCD Photos, Carpooling, The Sash in Action, Back in the Saddle Again

Despite the heavy rain, traffic and lack of sun, yesterday ended up being a good one! I started carpooling with my co-worker/friend Jen who lives super close to me – woo! She picked me up and we set off for work. Guess what? 50 minutes flies by when you’re chitchatting the whole way in! I got into work in a sunny mood, had my muffin and got to work. Stacy was back, so during lunch we walked 4 miles. Back at it again, it felt great! Then it was just more work and another rainy commute until I was eating spaghetti and meatballs with Austin and my mom whilst watching Castle. Bliss. Austin went to his xBox, and me and mom went to Gossip Girl and SYTYCD. She also helped me practice ways to tie my sash, and helped me pick out an outfit for work tomorrow. Yes, I’m 5. hehe LOVE having my mom stay over on Tuesdays! This is the outfit we went with – yes, I’m finally getting to wear the $5 gingham sack dress from H&M that I just KNEW had potential. Thank you sash + square knot for making this happen for me.


And speaking of SYTYCD – here are some pictures from the event last week! And a few Auburn pics sprinkled in from the weekend before last, why not?

Mom, Sis, Me and childhood friend Courtney in town from B'ham!

The fam!

It's Jeanine!!!

Addict dance...

It's Brandon!

Them making fun of the awful Jeanine/Philip folk dance!

One of my favorites- the top 3 boys dance!

It's Phlilip - the way he dances is crazy!

Brandon and Kayla's final dance!

The vampire dance- loved the stage for this one.

Moving on to Auburn - me, T, and Lauren

Game day - boys being interrupted from a heated game of corn hole.

Pike boys circa 9-10 years after rush

Me, Mon and T drinking swee tea vodka

Ah, memory lane! So yesterday I ended up at 1,666 calories, 224 carbs, 39 fat grams and 93 protein grams, not bad considering my not one but TWO mini candy binges and walking 4 miles. Here’s what I ate.

Today I finished up James Patterson’s Sail, I’ll post the review tomorrow!

A couple of questions:

1. Do you listen to audio books?
2. What is the best book you’ve read recently?

New Breakfast Recipe, Lots of Clothing Pics, The Fabulous Sash, Recipe Fail and Twilight!!

Yesterday I had a hard time getting motivated. I didn’t sleep well – kept tossing and turning. Dang Sunday nights! I got in, got settled and ate a new breakfast we cooked yesterday, Real Mom Kitchen’s Country Breakfast Scramble. Here’s the recipe for FOUR servings:

This is one serving - fab!!

6 to 7 (medium sized) new red potatoes, cubed (29 ounces)
8 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 tbsp chopped green onions, sliced
4 slices turkey bacon (butterball)
½ cup fat-free cheddar cheese
2 tsp olive oil

Heat one inch water to boiling in 2-quart saucepan. Cut potatoes into cube and add to water. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper with fork. In a large skillet (or microwave!), cook bacon until crispy and remove from skillet. Add olive oil to skillet, then top with potatoes. Cook potatoes 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until light brown. Stir in green onions. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour egg mixture into skillet. As mixture begins to set at bottom and side, gently lift cooked portions with spatula so that thin, uncooked portion can flow to bottom. Avoid constant stirring. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are thickened throughout but still moist. Dice up cooked bacon. Sprinkle with bacon and cheese. Divide into four servings and serve. Nutritional Information: 374 calories, 37 carbs, 14 fat grams and 23 protein grams.

We loved it! Super hearty and filling. If anything I may reduce potatoes by 4 ounces (total) to add in another bacon strip or two but honestly, I could eat it just like this and be happy! You could also cut the portions into 6 instead of 4 and serve with toast or yogurt or whateva. Love! Thanks, Real Mom Kitchen!

Then I worked, had a yogurt, had a dove chocolate… then I ditched the plan to walk 4 miles. I still felt kind of weak. :( I decided instead to shop more, hitting up Nordstrom and American Apparel! (sales; cheap stuff as per usual). I ended up with 4 Nordstrom dresses ($80 total!) and a skirt, outfit for Reuben, socks for Austin and a belt for me at American Apparel – fabulous! My friend Sue went with me and get this – when you spend $40 at Nordstrom you get an advanced ticket to see Twilight 2 at Phipps- random! So I got that… but I don’t want to go alone! Haha


Love the lanyard... so official. haha I gave Austin the Twilight branded chocolate!


I got back to work and had lunch, a new recipe… meh. It was Crock Pot Oriental chicken and I won’t be making it again. Bleh. Recipe FAIL. So no recipe for that one! I finished up work and headed straight home to a night of TV watching, hanging with the family, and pre-cooking per my meal plan – woo! I ended the night at 1,573 calories, 212 carbs, 36 fat grams and 83 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

And here’s some of the clothes I picked up Sunday & Monday!

Austin's "Bleeker" socks. (american apparel)

The fabulous American Apparel sash. NO, I didn't get 5. But YES, I did get one black one and it can be tied a gagillion different ways. Below are some of my favorite ways to tie it. Please note: they also have ways to tie it as a tourbon, neck tie and even as a top - I KID YOU NOT! Thanks, Crystal, for telling me about this - you ROCK!


Some of the clothes I got! (click to make larger)
A few things are off: I got the top left dress in black not gray, and I got the top right sweater in black and gray (not cream!). I got both pairs of tights in gray and black, I didn't get the funny looking dog but DID get the solid black tee for Reuben, the things on the right are long fingerless gloves (if you can't tell!)



not pictured: purple/pink/blue knee socks for under pants (forever 21) and 3 black forever 21 tops: one long sleeved, one short sleeve with floral accents and one like a tee-shirt with a cut out upper back. Should also note: the green/striped dress is TOTALLY spring, but it's by one of my favorite brands, Scrapbook, and it was on sale for - hold the phone - $9!!!!!!

That's all folks! I'm this close to being done with my fall/winter shopping - woo!

So... I still need to post Halloween pics! (on hold as my pregnant-belly-maker is still a work in progress, Austin needs one more thing for his costume and Reuben is refusing photos until after his grooming appointment on Friday. What a diva).

What are you guys going to be for Halloween?
What are your babies/fur babies going to be?!

TTYT! I’m blog reading tonight whilst watching Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill from last night – tis the life – yay!!

Bloggie Meet Up, Chicken Burrito Recipe, Successful Shopping Day and Halloween Costumes are (almost) Solved!

Oh Saturday. I continued lying around watching Friday Night Lights, then I showered, ate dinner, watched Mystery Science Theater 3000 with AustinAustin ordered pizza for dinner. Yes, we had other meals planned/cooked/in the fridge. But he wanted pizza. And I wanted comfort food. And it was GOOD. :) I tried not to overdo it, and it was fabulous. Then we watched Auburn get stomped by LSU. Lovely. Then I was off to bed early with baby Reuben. I ended up at 1,699 calories, 216 carbs, 68 fat grams and 78 protein grams. Not amazing, but not awful. Here’s what I ate.

Today I woke up (after having slept in) and felt SO much better. My appetite was back (I was actually craving food – the other days were more like oh…. I need to eat) and I was ready to get out of the house!! We had leftover pizza for breakfast (while making the planned breakfast. Hehe). And I heard from a fellow blogger! The lovely homecookedem had posted her past Halloween costumes. Hilarious! I was truly inspired by her Juno/Bleeker costumes and told her so, of course! She responded and said I should do it and could totally borrow Bleeker if I was in her area. And guess what? I was! She might live 2 miles from me! What are the odds?! Love it! We made plans to meet up at 7 p.m. at a Starbuck’s that was 5 minutes from each of our houses – how exciting!

I mean come on - who doesn't want to totally copy their costumes?!

Picture from homecookedem

In the meantime, I got to work on my Juno costume, and got it all together, but still needed a plaid skirt (to wear over my jeans) and a pregnant belly. Hmmm. I got ready and headed out to Forever 21, H&M, Macy’s, Hallmark, Halloween Store, TJ Maxx and Target. I came home with the following:

H&M: 2 Sweaters and 1 pair of cool long fingerless mittens
Forever 21: 2 pairs of patterned tights, 1 dress, 2 pairs of pants, 4 tops/cardigans, 1 hoodie, 3 pairs of socks and 1 recylable bag
Hallmark: 2 books of stamps
Target: 1 Halloween costume for Reuben, skirt for Juno costume, ball for Juno belly, umbrella, box of envelopes, sleeve of tennis balls and a laundry basket.

VERY successful day with lots of sales. I mean, the H&M sweaters were buy one get one FREE – are you kidding me?! I’ll take pics of clothes tomorrow – so excited! Anywho, raced home and had the Slow Cooker Chicken burritos – LOVE! Here’s the recipe for FOUR servings– a definite keeper for us:



1 pound chicken, boneless/skinless
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 envelope taco seasoning
Other: 8 mission carb balance tortillas, 4 tbsp fat-free sour cream, 4 tbsp salsa and 4 tsp canola oil.

Place non-cooked chicken in slow cooker. Mix tomatoes and taco seasoning. Pour over chicken. Cover. Cook on low 6 hours. Remove lid and turn off heat. Shred chicken with two forks. Measure out four servings. Divide each serving onto two tortillas.Seal. Heat pan over medium heat with 1 tsp canola oil. Spread oil to cover bottom of pan. Once hot, add two burritos seam side down. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes until brown. Remove, and repeat with other burritos (add 1 tsp canola; add 2 burritos). Then top each burrito with ½ tbsp sour cream and ½ tbsp salsa. Nutritional Information (2 burritos per serving; 1 tbsp ff sour cream; 1 tbsp ff salsa; 1 tsp canola oil): 450 calories, 48 carbs, 11 fat grams and 37 protein grams.

Hope you try and like it! After tacos, I tried on my Juno costume and realized my ball was too big. Dang! Back to square one on preggo belly. I hung out with the fam and then it was time to meet Homecookedem! She was SO sweet! We had yummy tea and talked and talked about everything from our our weddings, to weight, to cooking, exercise, families – you name it. I so enjoyed her company! By the time we got up to leave we realized we had been there for 2.5 hours – it was 9:30! Wonderful bloggie meet up – so appreciate her offering to lend us the Bleeker costume and so good to meet her! I headed home, threw together a quick Thai Kitchen single serving and am now watching a West Wing and blogging – woo! I ended the day at 1,690 calories, 243 carbs, 52 fat grams and 69 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.The pizza got me again…. Imagine that!

Well I hope you guys all had wonderful Sundays! I really appreciate you hanging in there with me through my blah/sick weekend!! Tomorrow I plan to post:

• Halloween costumes (mine/Austin’s/Reuben’s!)
• 2 Recipes: Country Egg Scramble (tomorrow’s breakfast) and Oriental Chicken (tomorrow’s lunch)
• New clothes – yay! I’m excited about my inexpensive finds – I’m loving the new season (as per usual!)

K – I’m out – ttyt!

Netflix on Demand…Dangerous!

Hola, I’m still making it! Thanks for your get well messages - you guys rock! And I even feel a little better!! (still pretty much a vegetable though)

Yesterday went as planned, except I got to spend more time with Austin than expected – woo! He stayed home with me like a doll baby – love it. He's still not 100% either.

Happy/sick family :) Can you see little Reuben?! haha

Me, him and Reuben watched Flash Forward and a few West Wings before I passed out from an exhausting day of blogging, watching Desperate Housewives and napping on and off. I will say that my medicine seems to be working – yay! I made a new recipe, too, but didn’t take pictures. Austin ate it for dinner, but we have 3 more servings so I’ll take a pic: Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos. Love. Anywho, I ended up at 1,583 calories, 181 carbs, 60 fat grams and 90 protein grams. Here's what I ate. Would have been significantly lower but I ate my weight in M&Ms. They were good…

Today I woke up at 8 a.m. feeling better. I took Reuben outside, packed up my “sick bag” (Kleenex, medicines, cough drops, iPhone, book and laptop) and took it to our upstairs den (Austin was still sleeping). There I recalled that we have Netflix on demand. Danger! I hooked it up and have been fast at work uploading shows and movies from Netflix. I’m now watching Season 3 of Friday Night Lights and Season 1 of The Tudors. Love. I also watched this awful movie called The Clique. So bad. Hehe I think I’ll be in here all day. Or until Austin kicks me out to play Call of Duty with his friends. We’ll see! The downtime DID give me a chance to make a new meal packet (#5 in the new format, peeps!), so Austin’s going to go to the grocery store. Yay!

I still have zero energy. I tried to make a new breakfast and got so tired cutting the veggies. Then the breakfast was a bust and had to be thrown out. Sad!! Oh well – I’m done trying to cook today! Hope you’re all having great Saturdays!!

I'm Sick... I Made a new Recipe... I may be addicted to my Slow Cooker

So it’s official. I’m sick...

This means:

• No 755 club + sandlot at Turner field last night
• No shopping day today (planned to hit up Macy’s, American Apparel, Nordstrom, Forever 21 and Old Navy)… along with the bank. Had even taken off work!
• No gym…. Yesterday or today. Not even kind of happening.
• No going out in the Highland's tonight to celebrate my buddy's two-six.
• No meeting Jason/Crystal's baby... don't want to get baby sick. :(

Instead it means this…

• A visit to the doctor - I have a bacterial infection with sinisitus and a fever. I was given mucinex, antibiotics and a nose spray.
• Lots of fluids.
• Lots of time with pupper.
• Lots of time lying in bed, playing on computer, watching bad TV.
• Plain food... only turkey sandwiches sound good. And m&ms. Random.

Yes, i'm feeling sorry for myself. I HATE getting sick. I just feel helpless... but I also feel like my head is going to explode with a stuffed nose that runs (explain that, please?!), a sore throat, a nasty cough, a sore face (sinus pressure), a headache and a ear ache. My fever is a little over 100 so i'm also taking Tylenol. GRRRR.

So go - have WONDERFUL weekends without me. I'll be exactly where I am above, but maybe in different PJ's.

Real quick backtrack: Yesterday I never got out of bed. True story - I felt awful and it didn't get better, only worse, and I didn't sleep a wink. I DID have a new recipe from Real Mom Kitchen, Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's AMAZING - here's the recipe for FOUR large servings:

1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz size - southwest style)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) fat-free cream of chicken soup
2 cups fat-free milk
16 oz. chicken, boneless and skinless

In crock pot, mix the taco packet together with the water and tomato sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and milk and whisk together until smooth. Add chicken. Pour drained black beans, drained corn and diced tomatoes on top of that. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Before serving, take out chicken and shred, then put back and stir it all together. Serve alone or with 10 grams tortilla chips. Nutritional Information: 452 calories, 61 carbs, 4 fat grams and 40 protein grams. (before corn chips or other toppings). We really liked it! You could easily make it 5 or 6 servings, or less, and have as a side with a sandwich! I was just all about big, hearty bowls of soup!

Anywho, other than that shining meal yesterday was a wash. I ended up at 1,538 calories, 210 carbs, 45 fat grams and 80 protein grams. Here's what I ate.

K - off to watch another episode of Desperate Housewives and find some more slow cooker recipes. Austin's mom gave him Fix it And Forget It Lightly in college - we're about to become besties. Happy Friday, friends! I'll be reading your blogs so do update. hehe :)

So You Think You Can Dance Concert, 8 miles, New Recipe and SICK

Hi, friends! So I tried to post last night but my Internet connection wasn’t cooperating! Hate that! As usual, let me back up a bit…

Tuesday was a pretty good day! I worked (work has been BUSY), walked 4 miles during lunch, and ate one of my new recipes: Cheesy Stuffed Shells from Eat Well America. I adapted it a bit – here is my recipe for FOUR servings:

Before...

After

Nom nom nom

20 jumbo pasta shells
8 ounces lean beef
½ box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
4 oz. shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp minced garlic
Kosher salt and pepper; cooking spray
2 cups spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare shells. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 8 minutes; drain. Brown meat. Mix meat, spinach, ricotta, parmesan, 1/3 of mozzarella, egg and garlic in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Mist a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of sauce in dish. Stuff cheese mixture into shells and place in baking dish, open side up. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes. Nutritional information for 5 shells (1/4 of recipe): 477 calories, 55 carbs, 11 fat grams and 34 protein grams.

It was REALLY good, we’re definite fans!! Even though it had similar ingredients to the Manicotti, we liked this one better! And I thought it was easier to prepare (spooning into a shell vs. stuffing in a tube.) Anywho – fabulous stuff!

I raced home after work, where my sister and mom were waiting. It was time to go to the Gwinett Arena for So You Think You Can Dance tour! Loved it – this was one of my favorite seasons so it was super fun to see my favorite dances performed live. I went to the show 2 years back, but thought this was one better! I met Monica/Lauren there, and even got to see my childhood friend Courtney and her fiancé Blake in town for the show from Birmingham!! I got home EXHAUSTED. Like, a total wreck. I fell asleep at midnight, ending up at 1,875 calories, 222 carbs, 55 fat grams and 116 protein grams (including a scoop of ice cream I procured during the show!). Here’s what I ate. P.S. I took LOTS of pics but they’re trapped on my camera. I’ve misplaced the cord… again. Sigh.

Wednesday I woke up feeling crummy, and concerned that I was getting Austin’s cold. But I powered through, worked, walked 4 miles during lunch, worked some more and then headed straight home. I was definitely getting sick (sore throat; burning eyes; runny nose, etc.). I got home, got in PJ’s, heated up some easy red curry and got in bed. And never left bed. I worked for about 2 more hours then finally passed out around 9:30 p.m. I ended up at 1,794 calories, 205 carbs, 60 fat grams and 101 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Today I feel even worse. Austin was up all night coughing so I didn't sleep, my throat was on fire and I’d had so much water I was up every hour. I feel like death. And I was SO excited for tonight – we’re supposed to be going to Turner Field at 6:30 p.m. for dinner at the 755 club, then a viewing of The Sandlot on the big screens from center field. I thought it was going to be neat – but now I can’t even fathom going downstairs for more agua. GRRRR. Are any of you sick/getting sick? Hate it. My mom had tons of medicine so I’m on a bunch. Hope to feel better soon! Off to read bloggies now, bye friends!

Note about weight: I’ve been slowly going down coming off last weekend. Today I was at 119 – yay! I’m thinking this weekend, being in town all weekend, will help out! Then again, I’m worried I won’t be able to work out. Do you work out when you’re sick? (i.e. have a head cold)

Auburn Weekend in Photos, Surprise Suite, New Recipe and 4 Miles

Saturday ended up being a blasty!! We hung out at the house, had my enchiladas (aka For the Love of Cooking’s enchiladas), then Teresa, me, Austin, Zach and his new girlfriend Lauren headed to tailgate! It rained. Of course. So I bought a pancho (no; it wasn’t supposed to rain). Then it stopped but it was COLD, way colder than it was supposed to be! I did get a fun phone call – my friend since elementary school called to see if me and Austin wanted two extra tickets to her family’s private suite. Yes, no bad weather, free alchol/food/privacy/bathroom/view/ticket – AWESOME! And I would get to catch up with her – woo hoo! Before meeting them we tailgated and had fun visiting with everyone and getting dangerously close to the portable heaters. Then Erin and Christine (friend since middle school) grabbed me and Austin and we headed to the suite! It was awesome! What a perfect game to get hooked up – the place was insane (I’d never been in a box before). I couldn’t get over the view, the stadium seating, being able to watch instant replays of the game in front of you via a mounted flat screen and the HUGE bathroom. And of course the full bar and catering. Love it, ladies! So we had a blasty, got drunky, then went to the bar…. Then right as I paid cover everyone was ready to go, so we headed to Teresa’s and hung out, drank, played trivial pursuit. Good times! Here's some pics:

Gotta love a pancho pic...

Me and Austin courtesy of Lindsey!

Driving in to the city! (we left late at night!)

Austin in Erin's parents' suite

Me and Austin in the suite (taken by the zap guy hence why it says PROOF on it) hehe

Me, Jennifer and Lindsey at 1716

Me and Lindz! (missing our buddy Megan... whom we found out today is pregnant - woo!)

Austin and some of his boys!

Me, T and Lindz!

My calories are all over the map – I mean really, I have no idea if this is accurate so here we go…2,390 calories, 151 carbs, 69 fat grams and 85 protein grams – not as bad as I thought! Then again, dinner is all estimates! Here’s what I ate and drank.

Sunday I slept in and woke up feeling pretty good! We got up, visited, got packed, had lunch (my manicotti!) then headed back to Atlanta. We got in town and I was exhausted! But we did laundry, unpacked then settled in for TV/movie day with Reuben!! I also cooked a few meals for the week: English muffin breakfast pizzas, bacon/egg/cheese packs for muffins, Easy Thai Curry, Southwestern Chicken and white bean soup and a new recipe – Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Tacos from Real Mom Kitchen! Here’s the recipe for FOUR servings:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

5 tbsp light brown sugar

1 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

½ tsp red pepper flakes

8 6” corn tortillas

Coat crock pot with no stick cooking spray, and add all ingredients but tortillas. Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred Chicken with a fork. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chicken will absorb liquid after it is shredded. Serve in tacos. Nutritional information for ¼ of recipe including two tortillas: 339 calories, 49 carbs, 1 fat gram and 30 protein grams.

I just had these for dinner tonight and we LOVED these! Definitely making them again – maybe with more chicken? I don’t know – just to make it a bit more filling. Either way – SO good!! I found a ton of recipes on her site and can’t wait to try them – VERY excited to find a new recipe site of course.

Anywho, back to Sunday, I cooked until late, got ready for work and ended up at 1,541 calories, 183 carbs, 57 fat grams and 73 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

As far as today, I got up, got ready and worked A LOT. Then I walked 4 miles during lunch and worked more – blah! The hair did good during the work out – you never know how it’s going to do with a pony you know? I planned to work out but felt really overwhelmed and behind at work, so I headed straight home to relax and work more. Goo. I also cooked two more recipes: Cheesy Stuffed Shells and Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup! I’ll post the recipes once I taste them – hopefully I’ll like them!! I’m now in bed watching TV, definitely done eating for the day ending up at 1,452 calories, 160 carbs, 41 fat grams and 102 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

K -off to watch Gossip Girl with Reuben and read blogs - woo! Happy Monday!!

Winter Boot Shopping and Pilates

Thanks again for all your support with the hair! I love the cut and am so glad I went through with it (I can be quite the chicken!). Thank you, thank you - you guys rock (and crack me UP)!!

Backing up....Thursday was a fabulously Unproductive day! I just worked, watched my shows during lunch, worked more and took Reuben for a little walk! I got to hang out with my mom which was super fun, and I dusted off the old Winsor Pilates abs and did that. It’s Saturday. I’m still sore. Love it. I didn’t do any cardio though – oops. I’m definitely going to be behind this week but that’s okay! I’ve been feeling a little sore behind my knee – I looked it up and have no idea what it is, but it hurts less today (Saturday) so that’s good! Anywho, pretty unremarkable day in terms of health and fitness haha! I ended up at 1,871 calories, 287 carbs, 38 fat grams and 87 protein grams. Yes,… too high for a weekday. Again. I will say TOM arrived. LAME!!! Here’s what I ate. Lots of stuff – eek!

Friday was one of those fabulously productive days! I woke up as if I were going to work, but lounged around until Austin left. Then I had cereal, watched bad TV and got ready for the gym! The housekeepers came at 10 so I headed out then and did the following:

2 mile treadmill walk (4 mph)

1 mile treadmill run (6.3 – 7.3 mph)

Bench dips (triceps) alternated with lateral raises (shoulders)

Kick backs (triceps) alternated with “the cheerleader” (shoulders)

And this leg workout (same as last week!)

Afterwards I got my eyebrows waxed, raced home, had lunch, packed up and went to get my haircut. Had SO much fun at the salon visiting with Kelly, and Monica was getting her color done so we got to visit!! Then I went to Trader Joe’s, Barnes & Noble (for book club book), and Bed/Bath and Beyond (for hair moisture towel). Then it was time for DSW where I had SO much luck! I ended up leaving with 3 pairs of boots (below) – great visit in the store where customers were all sharing information and we were all talking to each other/giving advice – good times!

Blowfish Holdem - only $40!

Madden Girl Mambo slouch in black - only $50! Love that you can make them knee high or midcalf - just tie it higher or lower!

Sam and Libby Peyton - only $50


Here they are at my house - i'm SO excited. You guys - flat boots? Genius! They're so comfortable!

Then I headed to Region’s where my friend Lauren was working so we visited through the window and I showed her all of my boots! Haha Then I raced home, made meals, showed Austin my hair (he loved!) then headed to AU. We had a drink at Teresa/Forrest’s then headed out to meet Monica, Lauren, Andy, Laura Anne, Andrew, etc. (the Atlanta crew) and Lindsey/Josh in town from Savannah! We had so much fun and I enjoyed my vodka sodas with lots of limes – yum!! I ended up at 2,011 calories, 204 carbs, 42 fat grams and 103 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Now it’s Saturday and I’m off to shower to tailgate – woo! Austin’s rushing me but hopefully I’ll get to read more blogs tonight – if not I’ll have LOTS of catch up for tomorrow!

Quick Questions:

What's your favorite work out video?

Are you buying boots this year? If so, what kind?! I'm in love with the flat slouchy suede!

Haircut!

No time to write - I'm actually walking out the door to Auburn! But wanted to post pics as I did get a lob per your support of my idea - woo!!! Hope you like... War Eagle!! Talk to you guys Sunday.... or maybe tomorrow... i'm bringing the laptop. :)

Hope you like! The true test will be tomorrow when I style it myself.. wish me luck! HAPPY FRIDAY!

p.s. I'm kind of in love with the cut - it feels SO light. Haven't had it this short since I was 16 - yes, over a decade ago - woo!