Just Us Girls

So my precious pups Carrie and Harlow have been my primary source of company this weekend. With the hubs out on his mountain biking adventure I had some free time to just relax (that is kind of a foreign concept in my world lately).  I had the opportunity to completely veg out on Friday night and spend Saturday with some great girls in Roanoke. Here is my weekend at a glance…..

At Home Mani and Pedi

Bubble Bath and Facial

Yummy Breakfast (egg on toast)

A Day in Roanoke with Faves - Say hi to Lori!

Lunch at Wasabi

❤ Sushi

A Visit to Bubblecake

Black and White Cupcakes are the bees knees!

Scored these $100 LUCKY sandals for $20!

City Cash = Super cute chords for 15.00 🙂

A Great Run

Snuggle time with the worlds greatest pups

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Rain and Shine

For all those wondering the cookout Saturday was a lot of fun. My normal picture taking, always thinking of new blogs self kind of spaced and took not one picture of the food. I had the burger I was so badly craving but I took my own All Natural 96% fat free version. On the grill it was fabulous. I also had some fat free chips, a deviled egg that my aunt-in-law (yes I know that isn’t a real word) made and a couple baby sized scoops of side dishes other people brought.  I sampled a bit here and a bite there of desserts including a fabulous little white chocolate raspberry cheesecake square for under 75 calories. YUM! I felt a little sick afterward and I think it is just because my body has gone through a change of sorts with the new eating plan. I can have little indulgences but I think the red meat + the scoop of potato salad + fat free chips + baby cheesecake plus the oodles of water I downed was just a recipe for disaster.  I stayed within my points but it was just a lot of food. The games were fun and I think everyone had a great time. There was a little downpour there at the end but it is definitely something we want to do with friends and family again later in the summer.

Sunday we woke up to rain. Rain= no hiking (AGAIN) to the Peaks of Otter. Maybe it is just not meant to be. I told the hubs we could do anything he wanted today since his Birthday is tomorrow so he decided on breakfast (more like brunch by the time we made it out) and a movie (his choice-no “girl” movies. Ahem). Bry pulled around so my feet wouldn’t have to get wet in the little patch of grass before our driveway. Sweet huh?

That is my umbrella from Wicked and the inside says "Careful My Dear. You Musn't Get Wet".

We headed downtown only to discover tons of the streets blocked off. This usually means race. Since I keep track of the running schedule I assume this was a cycling event. Since the rain had stopped we decided to park a few blocks away from the restaurant and walk. Sometimes I entertain thoughts of living in a “walking city” so I kind of like walking around town.  We walked a block or so and I grabbed my camera to take a picture. The rain had left everything green and willowy and beautiful. No one was out so the streets were pretty deserted. It was nice.

The hubs and the beautiful greenery on our walk.

We walked a little further and decided we needed  to pick a street to get us downtown. Since neither of us had ever walked down monument terrace we thought today should be the day. It is a LOT of stairs but I do love the view heading into downtown.

Lots of stairs and eventually we had to walk back UP them of course!

We made it down and walked another block to a relatively new restaurant Market At Main. It is a “counter” restaurant with a little store attached. On the upside they had some healthful and vegetarian options. On the downside, it’s a little slow and the food is just average. However, for what it is, a spot to grab a simple meal, its fine and we will definitely go back.

The inside had a cool vibe. I like places that are simple but have something unique going on.

Since all I had was a v8 fusion for breakfast I opted for a slice of quiche, some fresh fruit, and one slice of whole grain toast. It was a perfect brunch combo. The quiche was a touch salty but otherwise it was great!

After brunch we took our stroll back to the car. It turns out this was a great day to walk because we discovered a new sushi spot that just opened as well as a new cupcake shop! Yipee!

I heart fancy cupcakes!

I actually can’t tell from the website if its a go in and buy a cupcake or cookie type of confectionery or if its special orders only but I have sent an email to find out.

We also stopped for a mid walk hug and self portrait photo!

Rainy day = Hair up

On the way back up Bryan decided to take a photo of me. This is the same spring shirt that I love in yellow but in white with some gray pants, flip-flops, and a pink cardigan.

I am also continuing with my “Spring Bling Rings” with this pink shiny number I picked up a couple summers ago.

The sun came out in full force so it was nice and muggy/gross just in time for us to get to the movies. Bry picked “Death at a Funeral” and I did not complain even though the new J-Lo movie was playing next door. 🙂 Tonight I am settling in for a relaxing night with the TIVO and the pups. A green monster in a beautiful glass is on the agenda for dinner and I am hoping to book our Disney trip. This week’s hill goals:

1. 20 minutes each night on organizing the bedroom. I have let way too many projects go for too long in there plus the new furniture will be here soon.

2. Intervals while running. I will keep them no matter what (I must repeat that over and over). I need to train myself to keep a pace properly.

3. Increase my veggie intake. I have been doing well but I can always do better. I will be looking up some new veggie recipes this week. (Yup Ill be trolling YOUR blogs for ideas!!!)

What is your favorite veggie main or side dish?

Have a Happy and Healthy Sunday!

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Frilly Friday

So as I mentioned in yesterday’s blog I had banked enough hours at work this week to not have to go in today. Normally on these days I will clean, run errands, etc (all things I could have been doing today). However, today I decided to have some “Me Time”. I love my friends and family as fiercely as anyone can and I love being with them but every now and again every girl needs a little time alone. I know I am busting out yet another old school Sex and The City Quote but, “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the-you-you love, well, that’s just fabulous.” Sometimes you have to take a little time for you! We all need to do that.

I started my morning pretty early since Bryan was up and getting ready for work. I had some organic whole grain waffles with organic peanut butter, a touch of honey and a V8 Fusion (not pictured).

About a 1/2 hour after breakfast I headed to the gym. My trip to the gym was weird but my workout was great. We can start with the weird. I go in and see a sign that says: Members The Ellipticals have not been stolen. They are being repaired and will be returned. Thank you. Random yes? I figured they were trying to make a joke but it was just odd. I hop on one of the machines and a super muscle guy comes over and asks one of the trainer “Where are the rest of the Elliptical’s?” (Umm read the sign helloooo. ) The trainer explains they are being repaired and this guy kind of loses his mind because none are open (never mind there were 10+ treadmills and tons of bikes or stair steppers he could do instead). Anywho he starts ranting about how “f-ing ridiculous it is” and how “this is bull-s*^t”. I so badly wanted to giggle at his temper tantrum but I was scared he was going to knock me in the floor and take my Elliptical! 😉 So I kept on keeping on. I did 60 minutes of the most intense cardio I have done in ages. I felt so great when it was done.  I am so glad I took this little hiatus from running this week. I am ready to go full force back to the trails next week.

After having a handful of All-Bran crackers I showered and got ready to go out. I opted for my new flip flops today. I LOVE plaid and I love flip flops so this was a no brainer when the hubs picked them out for me a couple weekends ago.

I was feeling very Springy so I decided to pull my hair away from my face which is something I never did last summer (in the fear that my face was too chubby). Its funny how things have changed. 🙂

Too bad the weather didn’t match my happy mood. Normally my drives to Roanoke are sunny and fun but everything today was gray.

I cranked the U2 and made the best of the weather situation. At least it didn’t rain. My first stop was Bubblecake to get my fix for the week. 😉 They make the best cupcakes on the planet. I am not kidding. I of course will cut mine into halves or thirds to enjoy in calorie controlled portions BUT I did get one to enjoy in its entirety and the BBQ tomorrow. Mmmm! I will have the calories for it and I am jazzed!

My Berry Shortcake Cupcake. YUM!

Tomorrow this cupcake is MINE!

French Toast Cupcake for Bryan

Cut into thirds to be eaten during the week. Mmmmm

After my quick stop at Bubblecake I headed over to do some shopping. I did not want to spend a ton so I was bargain hunting today. I ended up buying out of season which I do a lot. Since they were fall pieces I did not want to buy the size I am now. I am losing steadily so I bought the size I will be if I keep losing at relatively the same pace. It is not my goal size per say but rather a realistic fall goal size.

I picked up a couple of Spring shirts but then I found this cutness. I love this dress. I think it could work with a blazer at work, a colorful punch of color with a cardigan on the weekend or a shrug for a night out. The “skirt” part has pockets with casual it up a bit and I just think it’s a very cute look. Also, it must be last season because it was tagged $118.00 and I got it for under $20! Shopping Ninja I tell you!

The detail sold me!

After wandering around, trying on some clothes and shoes, and not finding a ton that I was crazy about I headed back through Macys to get to my car. On the way out I spotted a rack of these super cool kimono style shirts. They were 85% off. It was crazy. I tried one on in my current size to get a feel for the shape and they were cute. At $7.00 I could not help but pick one up for the fall. I could wear it with black pants to work or a skirt. My weekend plans would pair it with some dark denim jeans and fun shoes. Maybe my favorite find from the CASA shoe event last week.

The sleeves make me happy

Just a disclaimer: I am not a person who buys something just because it is a good deal. Im also not a cheapskate. 🙂 With that being said I LOVE bargain hunting. Its fun and its practical on those days when I want to get out and shop but my budget is a little tight. I had a great time trying on clothes and finding a couple cool pieces to buy.

After shopping I was really hungry so I looked around the shopping area for food.My options…

1. Pizza??? No
2. Chinese Food??? No
3. Soft Pretzels??? No
4. Fast Food??? No
5. Ben and Jerrys??? Hmmmm 😉 No

Since I did not have time to sit down in a proper restaurant I thought “I will stop at the grocery store since there is lots of food there”. 🙂 I grabbed a huge bottle of water and some sushi.  Salmon and Avocado. This is maybe the best avocado I have ever tasted. This was a big serving so I saved 1/2 for tomorrow.

I headed back home and waited for Bryan to get home from work. We headed out to pick up some food and supplies for a family BBQ tomorrow night. I am really wanting a burger (badly) so I got some 93% lean ground beef for myself, whole grain bun, fat free chips, etc. I will at least look like I am eating what everyone else is eating!

After the hunting and gathering we had a quick dinner out. I had some veggie soup with a touch of pesto and my 1/2 of a turkey and spinach artichoke panini with tomatos and onions.

And that was my Frilly Friday! Fingers crossed there is no rain in Virginia tomorrow or Bryan will have to eat dozens of burgers and a tie-dyed color sheet cake all on his own!

Have a Happy and Healthy Weekend!!

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Simple Wednesday

Since Wednesday is almost over we are officially over the workweek hump. I am fortunate enough to really enjoy my work but I would be lying if I didn’t say that I enjoy my family/friend/me time more. Plus today was pretty dreary in VA which was a let down after to gorgeous weather we have been having.

I started my morning with a V8 fusion, which I love, and an Ezekiel English Muffin with an over easy egg smooshed on it.  I was trying to see if this lone egg would be enough protein to get me through the morning without hunger creeping in too early-It was.

For lunch I had some of the left over balsamic onion pasta. To quote the fabulous Rachael Ray “The longer it sits the better it gets”. If you make sure to stop and drain the pasta when it is very al dente then the flavors merry up nicely the longer they have to bond in the fridge. I also had a banana (not pictured).

Late in the afternoon I had some work stuff to take care of about 45 minutes away from the office. I decided on a quick snack of Organic raisin bran with flax and skim milk. It was really filling.

I was pretty excited to get to the gym today. It was cross training day which I enjoy since it is a good break from my routine. I was extra happy that it was drizzling and gross outside because it made me feel better about not being on the trail. I did 30 minutes of “fatburn” on the stair climber and30 minutes on the elliptical. I am planning another cross train day tomorrow and plan to push myself as hard as I can. It’s been awhile since I have done that and I am curious to see where I am at now in terms of endurance with things other than running.

I got home to find the hubs had brought home dinner tonight (Hooray!) We had some turkey sammies with veggies and baked chips. I love a simple dinner sometimes. No frills.

Tonight I am researching different ½ marathon training plans. We don’t “officially” start to train for the Disney Wine and Dine ½ Marathon until 12 weeks out (so July) but I definitely want to get some stamina built up before the official training begins. Does anyone have a plan or book or website they would recommend for training?

I forgot to mention that I signed up for the Virginia Institute of Autism’s Run For Autism 5k this Saturday in Charlottesville, VA. It starts at 7:45am which is crazy early but my friend Brandi is doing a trail run in FL at the same time so we are going to run together in spirit Saturday morning! Do you prefer to run with a buddy or alone?

I am off for a little bite of my cupcake that I cut into thirds (little bites of heaven) and to do a little TIVO watching while I research some training methods. Is it sad that I still multi-task while Im relaxing? Carrie and Harlow are getting in on the snuggling in action too!

Have a happy and healthy Wednesday friends!

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