Kielbasa Breakfast Fried Rice, an AU Weekend - Good Grief!

Happy Monday! My day started with a 2-mile workout (didn't have much time - so I just ran 1.5 miles then walked the 1/2 mile). Plan to head back down at lunch to walk a few miles! My weekend was supposed to be a fun Auburn weekend with two our favorite couples! It was A-Day and the day to reveal the new statues! I haven't downloaded pics yet, but here is one from Mary via her phone via Facebook.

Yes, Mary is due in 10 days. TEN. Love her little Emma in the stroller!

So yes, fun weekend, but Friday it took us forever to get there due to Braves opening game (turned a 2-hour trip into a 3+ hour trip). Then I had to work. all. weekend. unexpectedly, which was slightly distracting and put me in a bad mood. And on top of it all, my medicine for my allergies made me zombiesque and I started. Cue Charlie Brown "Good Grief!" I was just like seriously?! It got to be a running joke. We would go to a restaurant and oh look, the ONLY beverage on the fountain machine that is out of order is diet pepsi, my favorite. Things like that! I will say that I did manage to have a fun weekend with wonderful friends, and got home early on Sunday to cook, cook, cook, and work, work, work, to get ready for what I'm sure is going to be a busy week. Before signing off, I wanted to share a new recipe we're loving!

Kielbasa Breakfast Fried Rice
Inspired by Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Makes 4 Servings
Nutritional Information: 310 calories, 59 carbs, 13 fat grams and 18 protein grams.
Review: WOW. I was nervous about using 2 servings of rice for 4 servings. I was concerned about using rice vinegar, as opposed to my normal stand-bys. I was wrong - this was fabulous! Loved the consistency, how far the oil went to make it feel authentic, the spiciness of the kielbasa - forget just breakfast, this would work for any meal! It was ready in under 20, BUT that's only if you have rice already made (which we did). If you have leftover rice you can make this in 15 minutes for sure! Check out the recipe on Healthified Kitchen!

Q: Fried rice for breakfast - in or out?


Q: How was your weekend? Tell me it was better than mine!

One Pot Spaghetti; Running, Again; What Goes Up Must Come Down

Zach sent me a picture of me and Austin with him and Devon's perfect little nugget - my nephew Dane!!

He is SUCH a little sweetie and a little cutie - i'm so proud of his awesome parents for raising such a sweet, smart little boy! Love you D&Z!

On another note - I still haven't downloaded all of my pics. UGH. The party was fabulous though - my sis really went all out and it was adorbs! What else has been up?

• I'm reading my book club book and loving it - it's called These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Book review coming soon!!
• I'm also wrapping up Stephen M. R. Covey's The Speed of Trust - excellent tips, for work and for life really.
• Yesterday I got in my first run in a while. It was short. I ran for 1 1/4 miles, walked a 1/4 mile then did abs before work - then work, work, worked before coming home to make a new recipe!
• I made this:

One Pot Spaghetti
Makes 4 Servings
Recipe adapted from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Nutritional Information: 455 calories, 8 fat grams, 55 carbs and 38 protein grams.

So easy and so good! It was hearty, reheated well, easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes! Check out the recipe here.

That's really all that's been up. Well, that and my weight. It's not out of control or anything but I would DEFINITELY be more comfortable a few lbs down before things DO get out of control. I'm on it!!

Q: Are you at your happy weight, trying to lose or trying to gain?


Q: Do you have a favorite one-pot meal?

Dane is ONE!; His & His Watches?

Happy Monday! I hope you all had great weekends - we did!! Thursday and Friday I was in a work/offsite team-building - this meant LOTS of working on Monday - Wednesday to make sure I didn't get too far behind. It was a long work week with more changes that have led to more work (ugh), but at least I had the weekend to recharge! Friday I was in PJs by 6 p.m. with a glass of wine. Just exhausted. Thursday & Friday had felt like group therapy and while it was good and will likely lead to stronger partnerships on the team, it was emotionally draining! Saturday we woke up early and got ready - time for little Dane's first birthday party! Still can't believe he's a year old - crazy! 

We had a wonderful time at the party (pics to come!), and it was great to see my mom - it had been too long! Afterwards we hit up Nordstrom where Austin did some SERIOUS damage - he just needed all kinds of stuff and in guy style bought it all at once - a new suit, new sports coat, new sunglasses, a new watch, new golf shirts, 2 new pairs of shoes - again, you name it, he got it! He also got me a Michael Kors watch. :) 

It's one of those oversized boyfriend watches, but I just love it and think it's perfect for all of my casual stuff!! It was REALLY hard to find one that wasn't gold - I'm like "I just want brown!" - and this was the winner. :)

I also really liked Austin's new watch:

It's the Nixon Spencer watch - loved the woodgrain and the digital inside the analog - fun! 

Then it was home to pack and off to Athens for a family get together! We had dinner with Austin's parents at Five and Ten, then bar hopped to the Royal Peasant Pub, Trappeze Pub, and to The Pub at Gameday. VERY fun and great to see them and catch up - hard to believe we hadn't hung out since the ski trip! Sunday we got up, had brunch/lunch at Clocked Diner - roasted garlic burger?! Yes. :)

Q: How was your weekend?

Q: What is your take on watches? Wear 'em? Like oversized ones? I NEVER wore them and now I can't move without it - I could see myself wanting a watch wardrobe!!! haha (no, this won't happen - they're too dang pricey - but I love them!)

St. Patty's Beer Fest = Great Weekend!

Herro! Happy Monday! I hope you're all having great days! I'm at home, taking a personal day, to just relax, sleep in, do some chores, run some errands, etc. LOVE days like these - "a second Sunday" really. :) Here's part of what we're recooping from - a fun St. Patty's Beer Fest! Our 3rd annual party - we love it. Austin does the yard and games, I do the cooking and decoration - it's a lot of work but a lot of fun! Here's some pics from this year's party:

Hydration station = important for a beer fest!

Love all of the green!

Me & the food!

More food! Added 3 new dishes to the Mediterranean menu!

This is still one of my favorite recipes - love these little crostinis!

outdoor foosball = good idea

and what's a party without cornhole?

Most of us girls stayed in the shade! 

Great to see Shana & Sharon!!

Andy won best beer, and Teresa won worst! :)

Beer station = just as important as hydration station!

Fun shot - this is where the pups chilled and sun bathed!

That is when they weren't flocking to Karly - they were LOVING sitting on her preggo belly! it was SO DANG CUTE!

Loved all of the green! The buckets and linens from Austin's birthday last year came in handy - we even painted the keg trash can green. hehe

Such a pretty day to be outside!

Great to see Jamie! It had been too long!

Always fun to hang out with the Blancos!!

And these ladies!!

And these guys! Yes, it got late! 

So yes, this occupied most of my weekend, from doing prep work Friday, to the full day Saturday (party started at 3!) to resting/cleaning up on Sunday! Totally worth it though of course, and am glad to have today to do NOTHING!

Q: How did you celebrate St. Patty's?!


Q: Are you a fan of the color green? I'm a huge fan. Our bedroom, dining room, and living room all use green! I don't have a lot of green clothes, but love wearing green in the spring!!

3 Dinners, 4 workouts, Married for 4 Years, 1 Night Out in ATL, 1 Recipe

Hi Invisible Friends! I'm sorry for my absence (again) - last week was filled with work, dinners after work, my anniversary, getting my car back, 2 chiropractor appointments - just busy, busy, busy! Starting with a new recipe:

Mom’s Lemon Chicken
Makes 4 servings

Nutritional Information: 368 calories, 50 carbs, 3 fat grams and 30 protein grams.

Yum - I grew up eating this gravy-like dish and just love it. I requested it so much as a little girl, and it was great to eat it again, albeit a healthified version of it. I thought it tasted pretty dang close to 'the real thing' - and was so glad that I pulled it out of the recipe archives from my mom! Thanks, mom, Austin liked it a lot, too! :) Check out the recipe on Healthified Kitchen!

And now, backing up... can't believe I haven't posted in almost a week - eek!


Monday: a.m. workout of P90X yoga with Valerie & Donna at work. Then just work, work, work until home to my PJs and family!

Tuesday: a.m. workout of P90X core synergistics with Valier & Donna - then just work, work, work! I did get a 3-mile lunch in at work with Stacy - nice! After work I took two of my co-workers, Hilary & Jesslyn who were in town from Michigan and California, respectively, out to eat at Uncle Julio's! We had a couple of drinks, lots of good conversations, and a great time! I dropped them by their hotel around 8, then headed home to the fam!

Wednesday: a.m. workout (2 mile run + abs) followed by work, work and more work! Lunch break used to hit up Trader Joe's and Party City. Then I raced home after work for our anniversary dinner at Pampa's - YES, we have been married for 4 years - insane! 2008 seems like yesterday.

Yummy dessert after our 4-year anniversary dinner!

4 years ago - getting married!

Thursday: CRAZY work day. Lunch break used to get my car back (yay! finally back in the saddle again post-car accident) and then after work I was straight to the chiropractor where this time, in addition to my adjustment, I received a full-body massage! Awesome, so awesome that I got Austin a massage gift certificate for our anniversary!

Friday: Skipped my a.m. workout to sleep in - VERY nice! Then I worked and left the office a bit early to come home and relax before dinner with Andy & Monica at Atlanta Fish Market. We had a great dinner, yummy wine, and awesome convos - loved catching up with them and celebrating everyone's recent accomplishments and news! Afterwards, we headed over to Fado for a couple more drinks. LOVED hanging out with them and great to still be home by midnight - I think our late-night days are over!

the boys!

Me & Mon Bon

The 4 of us at Fado! 

Acting like tourists in our own town!

The absurdly large fish outside of the restaurant

Saturday: Got up early and purchased Hulu Plus - just had to watch Season 5 of Private Practice! I then spent the day watching it while cooking up TONS of new stuff - I seriously made about 6 new recipes. Such a fun day. Austin even went to the store for me when I realized I was out of a few ingredients. Very chill, relaxing, and fun day - glad my cooking bug is back as it's NOT around during the week. :(

Today: It's been all about cooking, resting, bill paying, laundry, playing with the poodles and staying in, out of this gross, rainy weather. Loved it - am loving my relaxing weekends winding down, staying in town and not traveling - it's very nice!

Q: What was the best part of your weekend?


Q: Anything you're looking forward to this week? I have book club Wednesday! Looking forward to seeing the ladies!

Chiropractor, Sol, Netflix!

Happy Monday! I'm home, i'm exhausted, but i'm with the fam so it's not all bad! And I feel better!! My neck/back hurt less (post car accident) which is VERY exciting - my sleep has gotten better, too! Backing up... Thursday was my crazy busy get car fixed day, and my first chiropractic adjustment. OH WOW - those adjustments are amazing. The littlest things made me really feel SO much lighter, gave me better range of motion in my arms and legs, I just really couldn't get over it! I go back on Wednesday and can't WAIT!

Q: Have you ever been to the chiropractor?

Friday began with a 2-mile run before work, work, then P90X legs/back during lunch. Then I just worked more before heading home to the family. When I got home Austin wanted to get out, so we went to Rio Nuevo. My favorite part was the Sol - I LOVE that beer. After dinner I was in bed asleep by 9 p.m. then the most amazing thing happened. I slept. I slept, straight, until 7 a.m. Yes, my body wanted 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep and it got it! I don't know how it was possible, but it was AMAZING and I felt fabulous when I woke up Saturday. So much so that I went straight to the gym and ran 2 miles, then showered and headed to my hair appointment before hitting up Trader Joe's - nice morning! Then I came home motivated to catch up at work - so I knocked out 4+ hours of work while watching Private Practice. I LOVE that show for REAL.


After getting some work done and feeling great about it, we decided to go to a new place we've been meaning to try called Sip Wine Tastings & Tapas. It was very cool - great food, tons of wines in 3 different sizes (a sip was 1 oz. for like $1+, then a 3 oz. and then a 6 oz.). I loved that you got to pick a tapas and it came with a wine - you just got to pick the size. So we shared kobe sliders, scallops, butternut squash ravioli & the wines that went with it - fab!  We also shared a chocolate tort - AWESOME! Afterwards we went to 5 Seasons for a beer and visited Jamie and some peeps up there, then home! Sunday was my chill day - just laundry, pupper and TV time - perfect weekend!

Q: Netflix streaming/on demand introduced me to Private Practice - any other netflix on demand recs?!

My Weekend in Photos

Happy Monday! I hope you all had great weekends! We had great ones - Friday was very chill - just went over to Mel & Jon's for a few drinks and caught up with them post-holidays! Saturday we slept in, then headed to a beer tasting from 3 - 6. Then Mel & Jon & Terry picked us up and we went to 3 Sheets. It was a pretty weird place but the food (and wine!) were great! After dinner we hung out at Mel & Jon's then headed home. Sunday was a day of chilling and cooking - very chill. What was missing? Work. Yes, I didn't work all weekend! I also didn't work out - eek - time to get back to it!

Me & Austin at the fest! And no, I have no idea why my face looks so orange and wide. LOL

group shot!

Dinner with the Mittelbronns & Terry!

Sunday with the puppers - this is what they do while I cook - their little bunk beds! :)

Q: What was the highlight of your weekend? 


Q: What's your favorite beer? Doesn't matter how many beers I try, miller lite is still my stand by/favorite! :) I will say I LOVED a lot of the beers at the fest, including this sour apple alagash!

Day Derailed (car accident = wah wah)

So I thought Saturday was going to be awesome! Boutique shopping with Stacy, lunch with my sis, a trip to Trader Joe's, a workout and movie night with Austin. It started out good - I made it to the boutique sale but it was raining buckets. But we pushed on, through the rain, and shopped. I got 6 new pairs of pants (eeee!), a top and a dress/romper/beach cover up. Austin called and said the weather was getting bad, flooding, etc. - that I need to skip visiting my sis, TJ's and the gym and just come. home. now.

So I did. I left the boutique sale, drove slowly and was being very careful. I was on a major highway coming down a hill and there were cops everywhere. Firetrucks. There had been an accident and 2 lanes were closed without notice. Needless to say everyone hit their breaks and slowed down. Everyone, that is, except for the car behind me which plowed into me. I saw it in the rearview and their hood just completely folded in, the front of their car smashed and smoke started billowing out. (yes - still pouring rain). For the record, it was nothing like this:


Instead I immediately started crying. Like gigundo elephant tears + hyperventilating. I just knew I was hurt and my car was destroyed and it just completely freaked me out! Turned out, my car is kind of awesome and will probably just need a new bumper. And, I think I just got whiplash, nothing more, as my neck and upper back/shoulders are really tight.

Needless to say, after a while of dealing with the cops/license/insurance, being talked down by a firefighter and having my blood pressure/vitals taken, I was on the road home, still shaken and slightly freaked out! My day following that was spent with a sore neck/back, in bed, being catered to by Austin (thanks again, Austin!).

Q: Have you ever been in a car accident? I told Austin i'm used to hitting things, not being hit. I used to frequently back into things (poles, walls, trash cans, etc.). I don't think i'd been hit since I was 16 in my white civic! I wasn't NEARLY as freaked. I think I was immortal then, of course.


Q: Any get-rid-of-whiplash-symptom ideas? My neck is still sore - boo!

Breck Bites, Home to ATL!

Back from Breck! SUCH a fun, family vacation - very bitter sweet to fly out yesterday. Of course today has been lovely - sleeping in, doing laundry, getting our perfect puppers back, going to the grocery store - you know, getting our house back in order! The last few days were like this:

Monday: Dropped off the pups (sad!), flew to Denver where our luggage was 2 hours behind us (grrr Delta), watched UGA  lose its bowl game (boo!), met up with  Austin's parents & brothers, drove from Denver to Breck, got to the awesome place Austin's parents got, got our skis/boots and went to dinner at Fatty's. I also grabbed some new pants at Mountain Wave. Then it was off to Kroger, home to unpack and time to sleep for our first day of skiing!

Ski group!

Tuesday: I got up early, made breakfast, through lunch in the slowcooker and we headed out to ski! We didn't have much powder and no snow, but the runs were groomed and we had a great day of skiing! I did mostly blacks (eee!), and blues - SO fun. It was also nice to be able to ski in/ski out - the place was SO convenient - great to go in and eat breakfast and visit with Austin's mom. After skiing the boys hit the hot tub (yes, the place had its own hot tub - so nice!) and then we all went out to eat at Mi Casa - love Mexican! Then home to pass out - I was asleep by 10 every night!

Casa!

Me & Austin!

Austin & his bros

What else is there to do in lift lines? Take pictures - of course!

Wednesday: Up early again, made breakfast again and went out to ski! Spent the day out, ate out on the mountain at the base of Peak 9 for lunch, skiied more, then skiied home, exhausted! We hung out, then decided to cook in! So I ran to the store with Austin's parents, stopped by a few hotels to check them out, then we got home and Austin's dad grilled steaks and chicken, we made potatoes and broccoli and had a little feast! We also had lots of yummy wine thanks to Austin's parents! Good times.

Lunch with Michelle at Peak 9!

cooking!

dinner in!

Thursday: Up early again, more breakfast and more skiing! We skiied in for lunch to have leftovers, then were back out for more skiing fun! I was REALLY enjoying the slopes, I could just feel like I was improving - love that! We skiied for the rest of the day, then headed home, had a cheese plate and the chef showed up! Austin's dad had found a chef who came over to the house and made homemade bread, salad, acorn squash risotto, lamb - AMAZING. It was great to stay in and have such a nice meal cooked right there at the house - very nice! Afterwards we watched a movie and passed out!

The best meal I ate in Breck was the meal that chef made at the condo - seriously! I want to try to recreate this!

Friday: You guessed it - up early again, more breakfast cooking, lunch into the slowcooker, and our LAST day of skiing - sad! Chris, our buddy from GA who moved to Denver, met us on the slopes! So great to see him and spend the day skiing with him and all the boys. We skied in for lunch, then headed back out for our last runs of the trip. Another beautiful, sunny, snowless day! Then we went out to dinner to Blue River Bistro with the family & Chris & Katie! So great to see Katie! After dinner we headed to their ski house in Frisco, had a drink, caught up with them, then went home and passed out!

My ski buddies on the last day - with Chris!

Me with the crew - minus Tyler!

Walking to the bistro

The brothers at the bistro!

Loved seeing this lady!

So fun to see them -although we want them to move back to Atlanta stat!

Me & Austin's dad/my ski instructor! :)

Saturday: Up early, packed, left the condo and headed to Denver! Our flight wasn't until  4 p.m., so we walked around the cute downtown area, had a great lunch at Cherry Cricket where I had the best burger I've ever had - seriously, 1/4 pounder with mushroom, swiss and grilled onions - AMAZING. Then it was off to the airport for our flight (which I slept through the majority of) - and then bye to the family, home to unpack and sleep!

SUCH a great trip - loved the time with the family, the skiing, seeing Breck again, breaking in my new boots, getting my new ski pants, cooking and having fun. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I hadn't gained a pound - I ate and drank a lot more than normal, but I guess 5+ hours of skiing covered the extra calories! WOO! Now i'm back and ready to focus on my January 2012 To-Do/Enjoy List!

Q: How's your 2012 been so far?! Any highlights already?


Q: What are you looking forward to this month?