Let's catch up.

Another weekend has come and gone.

It's a tad depressing. The work to weekend

ratio is so wrong. 

Just to catch you up on my past week,

here is my life in photos.

Lots of Larabars around here.

I went to the Celtics vs. Spurs game Wednesday.

 we lost by a point. Grrrrr.

 I worked from Portland on Friday. It included

eating a seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

Being home means a house full of dogs. George loves it and he

loves Bruno. They have a real bromance going on.

We went egg hunting today. I was trying to keep up with

this girl.

The Easter Bunny left 18 eggs. Lily swore he left more

somewhere but we didn't find them. So pesky!

Bruno was there to help/steal any leftovers.

Now I'm back in Boston relaxing for the evening.

I have a real busy week and I'm back on the running.

I really need to start doing two-a-days on Sundays in order

to be ready for the race. This week I'll keep it easy since

I haven't been running in two weeks.

Monday- body pump (if I wake up!)

Zumba in the pm.

Tuesday- 4 miles

Wednesday- cardio and weights

Thursday- 4 miles or spinning

Friday- 4 miles and weights

Saturday- easy gym day

Sunday- 4 miles (might try 4 in the am and 4 in the pm)

St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope you had a

safe and happy time celebrating. I definitely did.

My day started with a 6-ish mile run.

It was painful. My legs were tight and my

shins were burning.

I came back for my own version of a shamrock

shake. Pretty color I know.

 Shamrock Shake:

1 cup almond milk

1 banana

1 tbsp almond butter

handful of kale

ice

You cannot even taste the kale.

Plus it gives it a great color :)

Then we packed it up and headed out.

We had another version of the shamrock shake.

Me and Ashly tried to take our antics downtown.

It didn't work. It was too packed everywhere.

We headed back to KVZ's to continue the antics...

and drinking.

Irish Car bombs anyone?

This is what happens when you do too many..

 You sport serious glasses that you don't realize

make you look like this:

Or you pound a gallon of water because you're so

thirsty.

Regardless-

We had a great time celebrating.

We were home early enough to avoid an angry hangover.

I took advantage of the amazing weather and went 

for a little 4 miler.

The weather was so amazing today. It was a great

running day on the Charles.

Now I'm off to continue reading Catching Fire, the follow

up to Hunger Games. I can't put the book down!

My own Champagne Supernova

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it's 2012? Well

as someone born in the 80's I thought things

would be a heck of a lot different. Flying cars

anyone? Taking a pill for dinner instead of

real food. Ok- well some people

already do this.

I brought in 2011 with a bang! I was

surrounded by fantastic people and

great bevies. We started at Maggie's and

Jillian's place. With ate some food and

sipped champagne.

 Then we had more champagne.

I had my own little champagne supernova.

It was worth it.

We got into our finest. I opted

for a sparkling number... and more champagne.

At least my champagne included fruit- OJ.

Did I fall in love on NYE? No- there wasn't

a lot of man candy at the party. And what few men there

were- women out numbered them by at least 7. This

meant everyone was after the same guy. So-

we all decided to go home with each other

and eat pizza together. I couldn't think of a

better way to spend the end of 2011 and the

start of a fresh new year.

Yesterday is another story... ouch.

I don't think I moved from my bed until 6pm.

That's when Ashly and I ventured out for

some food. I had a terrible day of eating.

But- it happens.

We went to Foundry on Elm. It was eh.

I had a burger so that was hard to screw up.

But Ashly had the Fall Turkey Sandwich.

It tasted like a plate of salt and pork. So

we went to J.P. Licks after because it was

the only way to fix the bad meal.

Today I've already gone to the gym and

got my groceries. I'm about to take a nap

because this head cold is killer!

Happy New Year! I hope you are off

to a great and memorable start. Keep being

awesome!

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions

Today I had a tasty lunch. I've been trying

to track what I eat each day because I mindlessly

eat all the time and I'm aiming for better habits.

The holidays are about to be over so the

treats are starting to slow down in my life.

This morning I checked my fridge to see

what I had on hand. Quorn frozen chicken

pieces, almonds and craisins. I made some faux

chicken salad with sliced almonds, craisins,

miracle whip and cinnamon. It's so tasty

I served mine with some melba toast and sauerkraut.

Nice lunch!



I wasn't feeling great when I got home today

but I still hoofed it to the gym. I walked

on the treadmill for 30 mins. Better than nothing?

New Year's is upon us. I have to say something:

I HATE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS!

Why you ask? Too harsh of me?

I personally don't like them but for lots of people

it works. I think every single day is a day to tackle something you

are afraid of. Or face a new challenge. Why put off

something until tomorrow when you can do it

today? (I think that's a Garth Brooks song).

I'm sorry if you love them. I just think we should

all take a good look at things in life we want

everyday and go after them today. Not tomorrow.

Do you have a resolution? Do you like them?

Have you ever seen a reindeer fly?

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating today!

And if you aren't- Happy Holidays!

Today was a fantastic day! I slept in until 8:30ish which to

me means- I'm getting older. I can remember waking up

at 4am each year. Not anymore.

We started by cooking for today. I made Red Velvet

Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting! The idea came from

Julie over at PB Fingers. 

Here are the ingredients:

Brownies:

1 box of red velvet cake mix

3/4 cup melted butter (I didn't use all of the butter

and I used faux butter/margarine.)

1 egg 

1/2 cup water

mix butter, egg and water first.

mix in cake mix til fully blended.

put in greased(pam spray) pan and bake at 325 for 25-30 mins

when they are done- let them cool. 

I put mine in the fridge. I couldn't wait to test them!

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package fat free cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

tsp vanilla

mix until smooth

frost the brownies. I also put green sprinkles

on for the holiday.

They were a hit. But I only had a nibble because I

wanted to save all the space I could for the main event.

I really like baking and doing new recipes but I also

try not to eat a lot of sweets. I heavily rely on others

to eat my creations.

We opened presents.

Lily definitely had the most! She got a whole new barbie

princess dream house and 4 dolls to go with it. The

list goes on.

We all had some dinner together.

I think Lobster should be the Maine tradition from now

on. we also had prime rib and all the fixings. We had a fantastic day 

and now everyone is passing out while we watch the 

Santa Claus.Absolutely one of my favorite movies.

"Have you ever seen a reindeer fly?"

"No- have you ever seen a million dollars? Just because

you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

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.

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.)

These are a few of my favorite things

In case you were unaware, it's November.

This means you have less than 2 months to

shop. This is actually my favorite time of the

year. Not because of the gifts. But for the

family aspect. I love spending time inside

with my family watching movies. It's a nice

time of year to be reminded that family is great!

With that said, it is also the time of year to

shop your heart out. I compiled a list of my

favorites for this holiday season.

1- Puffer Coat

I live in Boston. I walk to work.

It gets really freaking cold. I need a

better, smarter jacket to keep me warm.

Practical choice? Yes! Mine will come

from L.L. Bean of course.

2- Burt's Bee's

I once read that Halle Berry uses this.

If it makes me look as good as her,

I'm game. But really, I love their

organic shampoo and bodywash.

3- Steve Jobs Biography

I have a real serious addiction to this man. I find

him intriguing and I can't get enough of him. I'm

excited to read this book and learn more about

the real Steve Job's. The man behind the life

changing innovations.

4-Forerunner 305

I'm always trying to get myself really into

running. I'm pretty good now but I'd like to

improve my outdoor running. This baby could

make it happen.

5- Hiking Backpack

This is a weird choice. But I have this

idea that with it, I'll start hiking way more.

Maybe I don't need one this large but just

one big enough for a couple days. I love hiking.

I'm planning to hikeKilimanjaro with my good

friend, Laura.

6- Burberry Brit

This is my scent. I love it. In fact-

I'm miserable right now without

it!

7- Cash Money

I am going to Thailand, Cambodia and now

London. Today we made a choice

that we should have a 36 hour stop over

in London. And well.. traveling cost money.

I like to eat after all.

These are just a few of my favorite things

this year. What's on your list? I'd add a

dog to mine but I can't have it yet due to

the traveling.

True story- I tried to volunteer at an

animal shelter outside of the city. They denied

me because they were worried about me

driving in the winter. All I want to do is

walk dogs on the weekend!