I am talking full on stuffy head and nose–  cant take a deep breath–  feel like I could fall asleep at my desk–  achy sick. Not only am I sick but I am sick and agitated at possibly having to skip the 1/2. The most important thing on this trip is, of course, seeing the hubs but my heart was really set on getting out there with my fellow princesses.

Luckily, due to Sunday’s snow I had an entire day to rest yesterday.

Im settling in with my blanket, UGGs, and pup willing myself better for this weekend.

To Run or Not To Run?

We burned some “traveling music” the night before. Does it get any better than a CD that has Marky Mark, Adele, Whitney, and MJ on it?? I dont think so!

After a quick self portrait we were on our way.

Before heading to Siobhans Kristen and I made a quick stop at Panera for souffles. Ham an cheese all around!

Our next stop was Siobhans place and then we were on our way!

The drive was a little over two hours long but its amazing how quickly that passes with a car full of chatty girls. I am pretty sure we covered nearly every topic you can think of. Of course I wont be posting any of that here as Im an excellent secret keeper!

Before I knew it, we had arrived!

Since Siobhan had not eaten yet, and we were really early for a change, we walked a couple of blocks to a Jimmy Johns subs. The walk was a touch sketchy (I wouldnt have done it at night) but luckily we made it there in tact!

Then after our second sketchy walk of the day we were back at the theater.

I always find musicals really exciting and this one was no exception. Plus I was really pleased to have seats in the orchestra section IE: the ground level.

It was finally time for the show to begin. We parted ways with Siobhan since Kristen and I had bought our tickets much earlier and we did not all have seats together. However, since she was buying a single seat our lucky pal ended up in the first row!! Its fair to say I was a little jealous. However, that was short lived and the show started. It was incredible. If you get the chance to see The Lion King–  Do it! I would most certainly see it again if given the chance.

After the show we were all pretty much starving. Luckily I had crammed some chips into my bag at Jimmy Johns which saved me from biting off a finger to snack on!

We were a little mortified to learn we had a 70 minute wait ahead of us for dinner.

This is our self portrait that we are calling…Three Starving Girls

We finally got a seat (and some bread) and started to feel human again. We also got a booth which is a major score at The Cheesecake Factory. Normally I feel like Im on a double date with whoever is sitting beside me. Since our wait was so long we felt some adult beverages were in order.

Then the food arrived. These are some pretty cute small plates if I do say so myself.

Even though my wontons were from the “skinny-licious” menu they were definitely fried. My stomach did not appreciate this so I really was not able to eat my dinner or any dessert. It was a bummer but a lesson learned. Fried food and I need to break up. Maybe someday we can be friends…

Anywho, we wrapped the night up with a long drive home. I was shocked to learn I was the only person in the car who found Johnny Depp still hot. Shocked I tell you. So Im putting it out there laides…Johnny Depp–  hot or not??

 As I mentioned last week I had heard great things about The Dahlia. However, when we pulled up next to it I started to have some second thoughts.

However, I refused to let my little twist toward snobbery deter me (plus Siobhan was already on the way) so we decided to venture inside.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a cozy and fun pub atmosphere inside. The staff were all really nice and the place had a cool vibe. Definitely a “dont judge a book by the cover” moment.

Siobhan joined us and our official girls weekend started. Totally unplanned we all had on our watches from a shopping trip a couple pf months ago. And we decided they are just as cute now as when we bought them!

It was nice to sit around and chat. There has been some stress going around lately so a good girls night was in order. And speaking of orders I went with a steak salad. Medium rare perfection!

Siobhan went with seafood which Ive heard is excellent at Dahlia. I have to admit I had some food envy. I love scallops!

Kristen also went with steak in the form of a yummy sandwich. She threatened physical harm on me if I didnt post her dinner this go around so here you go friend!!

After dinner it was off to the movies to see “The Vow”. I was totally expecting to cry my face off but I somehow could not even squeak out a single tear. Oh well, what are you going to do?? I still enjoyed the man candy movie and a much needed night on the town with two of my best girls.

Do you like sad movies?

ACTIVITY:

Yoga Classes: 3 (90 min each)

Miles Run/Walk/Jogged 17

Other 0

Activity Points Earned 34

FOOD:

Days on Plan: 7

Days Daily Target was hit: 2

Days Over Target: 2 (Flex Points Used)

Days Under Target: 3 (Getting Better!)

Activity Points Eaten: 0

Weekly Allowance Points Eaten: 21

RESULTS:

I netted a loss of 0.6 pounds this week for a total loss of  24.4 pounds.

PHOTO FROM THE WEEK:

I was craving a BLT for some reason so I ordered one with a cup of soup.

While this meal didnt exactly reinvent the wheel (not that I expected it to with ordered two comfort food faves) it certainly was fresh and delicious. I really loved havig the extra tomato to pile on my sandwich. I also love that this BLT was mayo free.  I can definitely say I enjoyed it.

However, I wouldnt say I was over the moon about any of it. It seems the reason is that the food is just a guest star to the leading lady of Fathers Table….The baked goods. There is no doubt that the fresh amazing bakery smell hits you like a wall of yummy-ness when you walk through the door. I nibbled a small sample of a gluten free fudge brownie and it was so incredible I ordered one (for later) on the spot. Upon further investigation I saw cupcakes, truffles, cheesecakes, fresh breads, and  tons of others goodies. I would certainly visit again to pick up a couple of these gems. Another bonus, everyone was super friendly and relaxed. Overall, I enjoyed it!

My next stop of the day was at the J Crew Clearance store. The hubs and I used to live closer to the side of town where its located but now I hardly remember its there. It was a little strange being back, strolling the sidewalks, and window shopping.

Im sure the Gods of preppy-ness will harshly punish me for saying this but, J-Crew isnt really my thing. I guess I like to mix my preppy pieces with something vintage and something sharp or dark. There is something about head to toe J-Crew that makes me roll my eyes. I will say I spotted a ridiculously cute pair of red “cafe pants” (whatever the hell that means) and I might be going back for them. However, sadly, this trip was a bit of a bust. (If I were just 3 sizes smaller Id have hit the skirt jack-pot though just so we are clear!!).

I should also mention, while the staff was nice, there were some awful people in there shopping. I did exercise self control refrained from telling the punk kid who was yelling at his mother about “chinos” that he might want to pipe down before he further embarrasses himself. Ahem. After a quick final sweep of the store it was time to leave.

The last stop on my loner adventure was Salvaged. Its a teen/twenties/thirties sort of modern brands thrift store. I liked their window so I went inside. I am so easily swayed.

I didnt find anything in here either but I had a good time looking around. There were some CUTE NY&CO and J Crew Pants that caught my eye (yes yes I see the irony that I just dissed J-Crew). Anyway, it was time to head home and I found a little something waiting for me!

I just love ordering from Disney.

The contents, well those are TBA at a later time. Spoiler alert: I wanted a cute little Disney shirt to wear around the park next week. I know thats very fanny pack and cat embroidered sweater of me, but I totally dont care. We all have our quirks right???

Off for a girls night out..Dinner and “The Vow”

Whats on your Friday night agenda?

The one thing I do love about Valentines Day is that it also happens to be my former anniversary (my dating-versary if you will). The hubs and I did become and official pair just seven short years ago today. Ready for a blast from the past photo or two?

Since I couldn’t be with my true love today I spent Valentines Day with another love in my life, yoga. I settled in on my red mat (festive right?) for a 90-minute sweat session. I felt really amazing afterward as is usually the case with yoga. I was pretty much fine with having yoga be my valentine.

In honor of love here are some things Im loving right now….

Stronger (this new song is rad)

Tampa (which I guess is a good thing since Ill be living there in a few weeks. Ahem.)

Madonna

 (source)

White bags. (Im going to need one of these Im pretty sure!)

Cougar Town (Its baaaack!)

What are you loving right now? How was your Valentines Day??

This was so good the first couple of times I made it but today it tasted overly sweet (even though I barely put in any brown sugar. So, its back to the drawing board for a weekend oatmeal plan. In any case it was some good easy eats to get me ready for my workout.

I headed out to the trail for a 5 miles out and file miles back “loop”. Luckily the wind had not picked up yet and it was an amazing morning for an outdoor workout despite the cold.

However, 10 miles on one’s own can get a little boring. What’s worse is when most of your run covers the same territory you always cover. So, today at my normal “fork in the road” instead of going right toward the tunnel and downtown I went left.

There is no real reason Ive never gone left before other than just really liking the layout of the other trail but today I went on a little running adventure.

This route started with a steep downhill turn. I couldnt help but think I would be climbing that a little later. But, I used the speed I gained to get a pretty good energy boost once the trail evened out again.

Then I ran into my prize for taking the trail less traveled…a little waterfall.

While it was definitely fun to have a change in scenery I caught my mind wandering a lot as the morning went on. This sign made me a little sad as I realized my “snow days” are about to be permanently halted when I move to Tampa. (So much for my “Oh yeah sorry. I couldnt run today because the trail is covered in ice excuse. Ha!)

I also texted the hubs a photo of the random “love seat” hehe that I passed. (The white part is supposed to say Dasani but youve got to give it up for a vandal of love!)

Before I knew it, it was time to climb that hill and head back to the top of the trail.

Just as I was in the home stretch (think less than 2 miles) it randomly started to snow. This lasted all of 20 minutes but it was kind of fun while it lasted. It blew in out of nowhere so everyone was kind of laughing about it. It made the time pass quickly and then I was done. Woohoo!

I assessed how I was feeling as I stretched and got in the car. I was having some pain on the tops of my feet and my lower back was very tight. However, I felt pretty good after and I can say as Im writing this that right now Im feeling 100%. After the run I dashed into Kroger for some coffee K-Cups. I literally laughed out loud at this sign.

Thank Goodness a store that FINALLY has their “VCR Tapes” clearly labeled. Teehee! They redeemed themselves with the display at the front though. Purrr!

After my stop at the store it was home for lunch. I had plenty to eat before my run but about 7 miles in I was famished. Im not sure what was going on there. Thats pretty unusual for me and I normally need a few minutes to get my appetite back. However, today I could not eat fast enough!

I knew already what I would be having for my “indulge” day today and that was my favorite sandwich: Grilled Cibatta, Turkey, Fresh Cheddar, Baby Arugula, Tomato, and some light cranberry mayo (its mostly cranberry). YUM!

For desert I had part of the peanut butter and chocolate ganashe cookie I nabbed at Magnolia Foods Yesterday. While it was amazing I am probably going to toss the rest of the cookie (no pun intended). It was a little too rich for me and I dont need those extra calories again tomorrow. My sweet tooth is definitely satisfied for the week!

Off to get at least two rooms “show ready” for getting the house on the market. It makes me a little sad but also a lot happy to know Im getting another step closer to being in the same place as my husband.

PS: Today our FL pup Harlow has her interview at Camp Bow-Wow to see if shes a contender to stay at Doogie Camp. I know my girl will ace it! Hehe!

How are you spending your Saturday?

After work the hubs, via our lunchtime phone call, suggested I go treat myself to lunch at Magnolia Foods. He pointed out that I wouldnt be able to visit my favorite place anytime I wanted after the next couple of months so I headed on over to get some lunch.

The place was packed. There was not an empty table in the joint. It turns out I had come in on an extra busy afternoon. Apparently people were getting a jump start on this evening’s event.

That was just fine by me and I ordered my lunch to-go. While I waited I looked at the wine selection and local “Virginia products”.

I also found a table full of the cutest Valentines Day goodies. I totally wanted to fork over all of my cash for some super cute pink heart plates but I resisted. I do have a pretty big trip coming up in two weeks! But still, so stinking cute!

Before I knew it I was heading home to have my favorite hummus and tomato wrap and BBQ chips. I had plenty of points set aside for them so I didnt feel bad about my little week-day indulgence.

And since its officially the weekend I also had a diet soda. Ahhhhh. Let me just say this tasted SO much better than when I was drinking diet soda daily.

After lunch I had a totally free afternoon so I decided to go put my free movie ticket to good use.

I saw “One for the Money” with my favorite, Katherine Heigel. I didnt love the movie if Im being honest. But, it was free and not a terrible way to spend an afternoon.

I decided that since I was at the mall I should probably visit my good friend Macys. Ahem. Lucky for me I scored these super cute Lucky Brand earrings for like $10.00. The retail was $42.00. Insane! (though I do love a green earring).

While I was out I headed over to “the good grocery store” to shop for the week. I also may have stopped at the Mediterranean Bar for more edamame hummus. Im pretty sure Im addicted.

Since cooking was not high on my priority list tonight I heated up a Kashi roasted veggie pizza and had it with a small side salad (not pictured). It was easy and pretty tasty.

I capped off the night with a single chocolate strawberry. Perfection!

I have to admit I had a pretty nice time out on my own. On deck tomorrow-a 10 mile run (eeeek!), packing, and making the “worlds best sandwich”. Goodnight!!

Do you love or hate spending time alone?

ACTIVITY:

Yoga Classes: 2 (90 min each)

Miles Run/Walk/Jogged 11

Other 0

Activity Points Earned 39

FOOD:

Days on Plan: 7

Days Daily Target was hit: 0

Days Over Target: 0

Days Under Target: 7

Activity Points Eaten: 0

Weekly Allowance Points Eaten: 0

RESULTS:

I netted a loss of 3.8 pounds this week for a total loss of  23.8 pounds.

PHOTO FROM THE WEEK:

Feeling:

I am thankful for a loss this week but felt really really disappointed in just how much I slacked off of my workouts. Also, the fact that I did not plan properly meant I did not eat properly (even though my points stayed in range). Today I made a workout schedule for the week as well as a menu plan. I am ready to ramp up my weight loss efforts this week!

The prep literally could not have been easier. While the veggies microwaved I heated the burger through on the stove and added 1 serving of Weight Watchers string cheese for melting. Instant dinner!

8 = The number of Weight Watchers Points consumed

Turkey breast burger  = 4

BBQ Sauce and Mustard = 0

Weight Watchers String Cheese = 1

Broccoli = 1

Corn = 2

It was really filling and pretty tasty too!

4 = The number of points I set aside today for my favorite grocery store desert!

Success! What is your favorite quick meal?