Team Peeta!

This weather has been ridiculous lately. I've been taking it all in!

With this weather, it makes my running schedule a little easier to

tackle. My training hasn't exactly been fun but when I have a schedule

I tend to stick to it. My week of running looks like this:

Monday- day off- I actually ran to/from the gym and did some weights.

Tuesday- easy run 2 miles

Weds- day off

Thursday- Tempo 5 miler

Friday- easy run 2 miles

Saturday- day off

Sunday-10 miles- I'll probably cut it to 8.

Are you tired yet? I am just thinking about it.

I ran today and came home to make a tasty dinner.

I toasted some pine nuts then added sun dried tomato's

and tuna. Then I put it over arugula and added some balsamic

and olive oil. So good! I also had a wee bit of red wine to

ease my muscles.

Now- how to spend my night?

Easy guess!

I finished these books in a jiffy.

Then I got my hands on the 3rd book (thanks Mags!)

My life is controlled by these books. All I can think about

is reading these books at all hours of the day. I stay up late to

read more. So addicting.

Have you read them? They are amazing. And dare I say-

better than Twilight? Sorry Twi-hards- while I loved that series

this series is certainly more erie and sucked me into the 

plot that this could be our world someday. Plus- I think the acting

in these movies will be 120% better. I'm now Team Peeta.

If he were real... we'd be dating. And he'd be 26, not 16.

Now me and this fella are spending some quality time

time together. We tried a walk today- no such luck.

We'll try another 5 feet tomorrow! Now we're off to read

and sip some wine.

I'll also be dreaming of my boyfriend.

I've always said I love a rugged man.

My first Hanukkah

Merry Christmas Eve! While this comes

every year, it really snuck up on me. The time

is just flying by. A little too fast I think.

Before I celebrate Christmas, I had my first

Hanukkah dinner. I hope it's not my last!

Brandon cooked a serious feast. It was ridiculous.

There were latkes, challah, roasted veggies, a vegetarian

field roast, Kugel and more. But before we could dig in

we had to say the prayer and light the candles.

I had the honor of lighting of the candles. And drinking

the wine. It was fun to learn about a new religious

tradition. And trying some new food. And wine.

We had some drinks and then it was time to eat!

Brandon really out did himself. The spread was

unreal. And freaking tasty.

I ate too much Challah. Then I read what it's made of.. yikes!

But it was tasty. All of it was good.

I enjoyed my first Hanukkah and I can't wait

to celebrate again next year. Or just cook all

the tasty food. 

I'm in Maine now celebrating the holidays

with my family. Honestly- I'm making a dent in the couch

watching every Christmas movie/show known to man.

Now I'm spending time with my dogs and debating

a Wii workout or taking the dogs for a walk. Tough choice.

Paula Deen is my homegirl

I'm in the lovely Savannah, Georgia y'all!

Last night I went to a show at the Savannah Theater.

I highly recommend a visit if you are town. I thought it

was going to be hokey. But it was pretty good. Lots of

laughs for sure.

I also went to the infamous Olde Pink house. Also-

highly recommended by me! Get the praline basket.

Today was another busy day. Some work and then free time.

I did a little trolley tour of the city. Savannah happens to have

the largest historic district in the US. Crazy right? It's also

considered to be the most haunted city in America. EEK!

But most of you know that Savannah is home to one

really awesome person. 

PAULA DEEN!

I adore this woman. I didn't see her around town but

I did ask every single person I met about her. I learned

today that her products and restaurants bring in around

300 million a year. SHOOT! Not bad for a butter loving lady.

I made a visit to her store... 3 times.

All I bought was a Christmas ornament. But I wanted

everything this place had! I had to get out before I went

crazy.

I  made a detor for ice cream at the world famous

 Leopold's Ice Cream!

It was rated in the top ten best ice creams in the world!!!

I went with butter pecan & amaretto. I was in heaven! If you

know me- you know I love ice cream as much as

mexican food. Maybe more.

This is a terrible photo of me but I'm risking it for the readers.

It was a whirlwind day of the sights. I love Savannah!

This evening I did a Ghost tour. Savannah is indeed the most

haunted city in America. It's a freaky place where things

happen!

I finished the night at Belford's. I tried to have a salad

but the travel has official taken its toll. I'm feeling a little

under the weather and took a few bites and called

it quits.

So it's so long Savannah! I'm heading out of here tomorrow.

While I'm definitely ready to be home, I really love the south.

It's a fantastic place and people should get down here. Especially

to Savannah.

And if you see Paula Deen- say what's up for me! She is

my southern home girl.

Forgive my man hands

It's December and it's 60 degrees out.

Is there something wrong with this picture?

I won't complain too much because it means

I can still walk for coffee. And along the way

see an albino squirrel.

A furry fall friend hanging out.

Well I enjoyed my coffee but today I was so

hungry and the coffee wasn't supressing my hunger.

I was ravenous. Nothing could stop it.

The reason for my hunger is because of 2 things:

1- eating a healthy choice frozen meal for lunch

will mean you are hungry 20 mins after completion.

2- Running. I always want to eat my weight in food

when I run more. It's true. Proven science.

Anyways- I got home and made...

Mexican Lasagna!

I gathered the ingredients. Here is the list:

1- refried beans

2- black beans

3- enchilada sauce

4- Tomato

5- cheese

6- tortillas (I used corn)

Black olives and lettuce are optional.

ok here are the super simple steps:

1- heat up enchilada sauce. True story- I added

2 tbsp ketchup to mine to add more flavor.

2- crisp tortillas in pan.

3- get layering.

I coated the bottom of my pan with the sauce.

4- Take tortilla and spread refried on top.

5- then black beans on top.

6- add cheese. black olives. tomato.

7- repeat 2 through 6.

I had a total of 4 tortillas. Here it is before the oven.

Back at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

It was made for two. I shared with Ashly.

I put mine on top of lettuce and more tomato. I'm always

trying to get more veggies in my life.

I'm finishing my night with the Rockefeller Lighting.

It is official... Christmas is here.

And I'm painting my nails Essie's "cocktail bling"

to celebrate the season for shining.

(Forgive my man hands and my chewed nails. I'm trying

to stop biting. Lay off me.)

When I say Low Key

Woah- Sorry it's be awhile.

Life has been a little busy lately.



I had a busy week at work and

this week will be busy as well.

Last week is a bit of a blur. But I did

get a bit accomplished. Me, Jillian and

Maggie got together for a Mediterranean

style dinner to discuss Thailand, Cambodia

and the new addition of London to our trip.

This is going to be the biggest trip to date.

Most of it will be back packing and guessing

where we should go.

We enjoyed lots humus, cheese and crackers while

figuring out details.

Oh and wine from Italy.

Friday I took a half day at work to head

to Maine for the weekend. I needed a low key

weekend to relax and visit my family.

I also got to see Ariel and Katelyn for drinks.

I ordered the paddle and the bartender hated

me. But hey, for $5 it's a steal. I like trying

all the beer on tap!

Tasty tasty. I love the Liberal Cup!

When I say low key weekend- I really mean

low key. I didn't do much but sit around and hang.

I walked the dogs and the weather was beautiful.

I got up early for spin class today.

It was a killer class. And I don't mean good killer.

I mean I was in so much pain at the end. But they say-

no pain, no gain!

I'm heading to Switzerland this week for work.

So real busy week. I've got to get packing!

On another note- Is anyone else watching

Where in the World is Matt Lauer?

As you know- I love Mr. Lauer so I'm tuning

in every morning. Put Namibia on the list!

Coming Home- Homecoming recap

Monday again?

At least this past weekend was special.

It was my Homecoming weekend at UMaine. This means a weekend with lots of friends, food and bevs.

I worked a halfy on Friday and car pooled with Nancy.

We made a couple of pit stops.

Sonic and to pick up Katelyn.

We have our priorities straight.

We checked into the classy Black Bear Inn for a weekend of mayhem in Maine.

We made/purchased a new friend along the way.

Cave Tot is his name. Partying is his game.

This little guy was a gift from Sonic.

aka it came in my happy meal.

He hung out a lot this weekend.

We started our trip in style by visiting with the girls of Pi Beta Phi.

Drinks and lots of pictures.

Then it was time to hit up 2 of the 4 bars in town.

Drinks, dances and most importantly a tot to show us a good time.

I showed off some dance moves.

Shortly after this dancing shot it was time for bed.

We had some rest and a nutrional continental breakfast for strength.

Then it was time to tailgate!

No- we didn't really watch the game. We walked around the entire parking lot multiple times to visit people. Oh and have bevs. It was nice to see everyone and meet all the new Pi Phi's. Fresh faces!

Lots of boots were worn and lots of hugs were given.

We had a nice time. Tot even met a few new faces.

There was a gathering for all the alumnae to meet the newbies.

We had a great turn out! Thanks again to Avery for being such an awesome lady!

She made all this happen. Of course with the help of the entire chapter.

After we filled up on junk food, it was time for the final round.

It was time to get ready and get fabulous.

Emily put on a miming performance for awhile.

She actually put on a few performances. Katelyn helped with this one.

We took a lot of photos.

It was basically a photo shoot for an hour before we went out.

We danced on the traditional table.

And someone took some candids of me being a tough guy.

It was another epic evening! There was a lot dancing and sweating.

See- I did do some form of exercise.

Sadly- there isn't much evidence this night existed. I assure you- it did.

We rounded the trip off with a visit to Pat's before hitting the road.

Luckily I only ordered chocolate milk because the service was pretty bad. So were the swarms of flies.

Tot still enjoyed his time there.

I had a really fantastic weekend with friends and it was the perfect way to kick off my birthday!

I always have the best time hanging with Katelyn and Nancy. You guys rocked my socks this weekend.

I can't thank you enough for "making" me go!

It was a pleasure to share a room with Kately, Nancy, Erin and Durkin.

I hope we do it again!

Now I need your help. I'm going to dedicate a post to getting freebies. Do you have any suggestions or websites you use for free samples, surveys or giftcards?

A love of hummus

Happy Friday!

Do you find it sad that we are constantly counting down to a weekend? Then it ends and you just start counting again. It's kind of a bummer.

Well, as many of you know Steve Jobs passed away. I found it extremely sad and it felt like I lost someone in my family. He was a profound man with an insane vision.

I stopped in Kendall where his stone is on the walk of fame.

I arrived at dinner with my gal pals. We went to Cafe Barada. 

I immediately ordered a beer. Seasonal!

It was a good pumpkin beer. Not overly pumpkin-e.

We started with the sampler.

Hummus, lentils, baba ganoush and tabouli. It was heaven on earth.

I could have just eaten this with pita for dinner. The hummus tasted just like the hummus in Egypt.

It was authentic and freaking awesome!

Me and Katie shared a Texas sized falafel sandwich for diner.

Again- heaven. I love love love Mediterranean food. It was so fresh and delicious.

I devoured this.

I also made a huge mess. My sandwich was leaking oil everywhere.

We also laughed so hard I almost spit my water out. Instead- it just went through my nose.

Cute look for me.

We talked a little about life and my serious fear of death. Sorry- I can't go into on here. I'll have to go into all the details of my fear.

We did talk a lot about Steve Jobs. Mostly because he was so successful at going after his dreams and doing exactly what he wanted. If there were no barriers holding you back and money was no object- what would you do? It's a valid question.

We also talked about Hummus. I seriously love hummus so much. So much that I compared it to the Lion King and how I was smear it on my child after they were born.

Too much? Ok- I wouldn't do that but I seriously could drink hummus. But only the really good kind.

Now- I'm off for a Friday of work. Wahoo for the weekend! Enjoy- I hope it's full of some of these delicious beauties.

Birthday countdown: 10 days!