tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29892291491499813302024-03-12T16:03:55.056-07:00Pearls of WisdomCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-53538949656602533072011-09-11T12:29:00.000-07:002011-09-11T12:35:42.827-07:00The name says it all...<div style="text-align: center;">I have found the <b>perfect food</b>.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UTQlzPjuDR2IB4UfIajiK80BEfhcQCsN8Sxapl4_AyTgqKJlLfNSzzIkTgNFM9dUPaaOX8RUSko4QE0Ne7OjJCqoyjEqGaCrrjdXfMt3J0AdeRMQp5GYJ-H9JLkdBYQSoIbezoa1gwMu/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UTQlzPjuDR2IB4UfIajiK80BEfhcQCsN8Sxapl4_AyTgqKJlLfNSzzIkTgNFM9dUPaaOX8RUSko4QE0Ne7OjJCqoyjEqGaCrrjdXfMt3J0AdeRMQp5GYJ-H9JLkdBYQSoIbezoa1gwMu/s320/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651186679395794482" /></a>Seriously, this bar may have just changed my snack life. It's like a Reese's PB cup, only BIGGER (and minus the chocolate, but hey, you can't win em all).<div><br /></div><div>The stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>306 calories (yes, 306. This company must have a thing for precision)</div><div>18 g protein</div><div>No refined sugar and over 20 whole foods</div><div>Gluten Free</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm telling ya, delicious. I savored every bite. I picked this up on a whim during my last whole foods trip, and now this bar my inspire it's own whole foods trip today. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Sunday! Hope everyone is resting!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Carrie<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-28054740588307219902011-08-01T07:17:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.011-07:00Chicken Parmesan Burgers for Two<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday friends! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have I got a recipe for you. Last night the hubs and I got home from church and I could not <i>wait</i> to get in the kitchen and give <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-parmesan-burgers-50400000111141/">this</a> <i>Cooking Light</i> recipe for Chicken Parmesan burgers a shot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Slice 2 3-oz ciabatta rolls and lay them face-up on a baking sheet. <b>Broil</b> for 3 minutes. After you take them out, spread a little minced garlic on them and set aside for future sandwich-building. Also, switch over from broil to <b>bake</b> at 375.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBARElLHfbk_feDT6_61Z-D04jXoo7UkejyGqH-9NehPljZKrSy87Y-y7PeluTZPtuo7IX41l85stzaHC0rG-fvDCpPv_0EXrmcafPMzJtj8E1cPGA-jzH8IgKi4NlxsGKPmMyZhNpj_jM/s1600/broil.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBARElLHfbk_feDT6_61Z-D04jXoo7UkejyGqH-9NehPljZKrSy87Y-y7PeluTZPtuo7IX41l85stzaHC0rG-fvDCpPv_0EXrmcafPMzJtj8E1cPGA-jzH8IgKi4NlxsGKPmMyZhNpj_jM/s320/broil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892787705233282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">2. You'll need marinara sauce, thyme and rosemary (I used 1/4 tsp spices instead of fresh herbs), salt and pepper, and crushed red pepper.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmym60gh704Fe9HOpEtzFKHD_FWDO9YpcIq03hvGTjlwqsN1I3dc5UWp3Wpfh1VwbO39P31W4AyICUDSPl58ekYbZNcSb7Bov8c6LUYAiyy2YxJIflF_yf6nkZSWOdkMN1m9aj-knsJ2T/s1600/ingredients.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmym60gh704Fe9HOpEtzFKHD_FWDO9YpcIq03hvGTjlwqsN1I3dc5UWp3Wpfh1VwbO39P31W4AyICUDSPl58ekYbZNcSb7Bov8c6LUYAiyy2YxJIflF_yf6nkZSWOdkMN1m9aj-knsJ2T/s320/ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892348347678450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">3. Mix 1/3 cup marinara, 1/4 tsp each of thyme, rosemary and crushed red pepper, and 1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper into <b>1/2</b> <b>pound</b> of ground chicken.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5foVF2DVvtV6meV8Ic7MSoiTL547TI6DuvTpFRnthJZR0dNvmBijvbWNHflWWCyJyNUN1kLkhPGTYYChDBijXDFzoG_YufsrwVU7TxLDRENJtGHR-kHPjAAg-3sixg0B04BjkgPiAsFS/s1600/raw.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5foVF2DVvtV6meV8Ic7MSoiTL547TI6DuvTpFRnthJZR0dNvmBijvbWNHflWWCyJyNUN1kLkhPGTYYChDBijXDFzoG_YufsrwVU7TxLDRENJtGHR-kHPjAAg-3sixg0B04BjkgPiAsFS/s320/raw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892278271093906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">4. Make 2 1/4-inch thick patties and heat on over-proof skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHdNwjB929YKtpkXLwS1XBy6PC4yOtzxhTmX71VJDTQo87oQHLMIqUGKusRNAOvcEjlIKJPyzv9XJgP7zLNlfC38dAuIKNCffGqlt8GZEOTsaYxsw8uPpLCKXxNlPAZUP3cEaHxWTs0Fa/s1600/patties.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHdNwjB929YKtpkXLwS1XBy6PC4yOtzxhTmX71VJDTQo87oQHLMIqUGKusRNAOvcEjlIKJPyzv9XJgP7zLNlfC38dAuIKNCffGqlt8GZEOTsaYxsw8uPpLCKXxNlPAZUP3cEaHxWTs0Fa/s320/patties.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892197772584978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">5. Flip burgers. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Remove, put 2 Tbs mozzarella on each burger and bake 1 additional minute.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDD89_GWAqMNlqkVS6WkXQc22JRAgLgsNMkT6wATl_pjHzIABQUHojfZbR6el-YHT8qjWW5RaPurKt-vrHPgVkYxInZhRc93nhCNfhnsZXSBcY9OzAN1RjfIm-V3VgofJ91fO81_USkSH/s1600/cooked.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDD89_GWAqMNlqkVS6WkXQc22JRAgLgsNMkT6wATl_pjHzIABQUHojfZbR6el-YHT8qjWW5RaPurKt-vrHPgVkYxInZhRc93nhCNfhnsZXSBcY9OzAN1RjfIm-V3VgofJ91fO81_USkSH/s320/cooked.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892101918172786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">6. To assemble sandwich, put 2 basil leaves on each half of the roll. Then layer burger and 1 additional Tbs of marinara.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7YwvQehIBJuu7dQgEZICSaQLOupmwf6t1k3OVzeO9OdggDyG0lcGTVopag_jZlJZDmDi8FZZGht6-8XkeLAZbGUQM1SH7G1e6SQoizT-AxOd88fJraNu7csEVdfD6dP-bn-ifYb5Hj_y/s1600/makesand.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7YwvQehIBJuu7dQgEZICSaQLOupmwf6t1k3OVzeO9OdggDyG0lcGTVopag_jZlJZDmDi8FZZGht6-8XkeLAZbGUQM1SH7G1e6SQoizT-AxOd88fJraNu7csEVdfD6dP-bn-ifYb5Hj_y/s320/makesand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635891848565165106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">7. Devour! Hubs and I enjoyed some roasted zucchini seasoned with salt and pepper on the side.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTiOerIyx1p2cDT2mPW8afNDA2vO_jw4oh4-KBFDcl6a1X4s6ylyFV8Fdam-GcxWXENZBMAnwHqHDwoSCZ9lbrAHTsCB-7EU0MVNmjVIy2JQAHW-WNnd19JWGqagl9ElcwSzFs72Cn046/s1600/dinnerplate.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTiOerIyx1p2cDT2mPW8afNDA2vO_jw4oh4-KBFDcl6a1X4s6ylyFV8Fdam-GcxWXENZBMAnwHqHDwoSCZ9lbrAHTsCB-7EU0MVNmjVIy2JQAHW-WNnd19JWGqagl9ElcwSzFs72Cn046/s320/dinnerplate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635891776795447090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The hubs really enjoyed this meal! It was fun to make, quick, and easy to clean up. A winner, winner chicken-parm dinner in my book!</div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-83860097683583426932011-07-31T13:50:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.011-07:00(Almost) Wordless Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK6Mo0VMPs2cRZ2g8YWYIVK_uzE6V2P1UHkTeJN72vqQtxZSSHaRfTEQPRfj04yoJUmp7_coy5xJbFxk7-2N14WpvBpS1JA2lpMt03xlBz-AxlLiUa4c-Z9kQHENI1EVQl22PVa0oIM9C/s1600/small+town+tx.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK6Mo0VMPs2cRZ2g8YWYIVK_uzE6V2P1UHkTeJN72vqQtxZSSHaRfTEQPRfj04yoJUmp7_coy5xJbFxk7-2N14WpvBpS1JA2lpMt03xlBz-AxlLiUa4c-Z9kQHENI1EVQl22PVa0oIM9C/s320/small+town+tx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635621874743538098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">3 words: Small-town Texas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy your Sunday!</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-18062925754531610202011-07-29T08:45:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.011-07:00Adventures in Furnishing!<div style="text-align: center;">It's the age-old transformation story.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An old, tired, tattered, unloved chair....</div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs6FgBVZqkS0cyCm8QI7QkTSjeAYUNHKR_BSZg8-SL1VqqXRMVgKbTQ8UIBcYdTaduTwG4Jp8pkSL27FvltJD4UYR64cvmD24r104g7qFsMFiDVIa8TcxVKzRApN-zx5oW8ZCWf4vlEhj/s320/old+chair.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634801534584662898" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Becomes the chair of my dreams!!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejk8zDzYOmV0quh12TcdJZ1ygi1TLyGJiMXOHZheHLhi2-ZDcWa3KQa717nPeDejFOeRS5-ImnclwG5yyz8lmcHR4LZA_0wiGWHyr234mGx1SuE2n9lQxgmAZ4TnYXDNQj81stGFZRIRc/s320/new+chair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634801994671063554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div>Last week, my mother-in-law (MIL) and I set off to fulfill the hubs' desire for a "comfortable chair" that also fit our budget. When we walked into a second-hand store, I was admittedly skeptical. The furniture looked tired, and although the MIL reassured me we would have any piece we found re-finished, I couldn't seem to visualize it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, knowing I am clueless when it comes to furniture selection, I asked her to select the chair she thought would be the best to work with. She decided on the gray striped one, with torn fabric and worn out arms, at the cost of $140. I wasn't feelin' it. However, after a trip to a discount fabric store, where I found a richly beautiful fabric on sale, I started to see the vision.</div><div><br /></div><div>We hired a family friend to recover the chair, and <i>viola</i>! I never expected it to turn out this good! I am in <i>love</i> with this chair (never, ever thought I would say that...who am I and since when do I care about <i>furniture</i>?).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Workout + Breakfast</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Before my super-exciting chair arrival, I tried a Body Step class at the Y. It was so high-energy and a great workout. I also went for a 4-mile walk on the treadmill after class was over. When I got home, I re-fueled with a delicious smoothie:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7n3bPJl67xu-ZU6AICIe3pDyLBiqm6f34SzVNV-TSJFP3qhfxznQlgyxnkMdeJXytfB1eELH6JWONl3Rtt3tDQRLUFnNNvroaNZSqp9Edf3XicfnWD3Vw5R97Ja5I8FKVvRiyLKXLXn2/s1600/smoothiie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7n3bPJl67xu-ZU6AICIe3pDyLBiqm6f34SzVNV-TSJFP3qhfxznQlgyxnkMdeJXytfB1eELH6JWONl3Rtt3tDQRLUFnNNvroaNZSqp9Edf3XicfnWD3Vw5R97Ja5I8FKVvRiyLKXLXn2/s320/smoothiie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634805642301364418" /></a></div><div>*strawberries & mango</div><div>*1 cup 1% milk</div><div>*1 T white chocolate wonderful PB</div><div>*Drizzle of agave</div><div>*Frozen banana</div><div><br /></div><div>Off to lunch with a friend! </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: <b style="font-style: italic; ">What are your tips for furnishing on a budget?</b> I am so glad to have experienced the world of buying something second hand and having it re-done. It was far cheaper than if we had walked into a store and bought something new!</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-71984950746846183302011-07-26T15:34:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00Summer Breakfast + Mocha on the MountGood afternoon!!<div><br /></div><div>I officially had my <b>first day</b> of work for my new teaching job yesterday. After over a month of rest and relaxation (which although nice, was slowly turning into boredom), I was really excited to get back into a routine.<br /><br /></div><div>This week, I am being trained on the school curriculum, philosophy of education, and policies & procedures. It is so refreshing to be in a work environment with other believers who truly love the Lord and seek their approach to educating children from God's word.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Favorite Summer Breakfast</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>My summer morning routine looks something like this: wake up, run, sweat enough to fill a pool, burst through the door famished and overheated. It's a doozy.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the best way to cool down from the Texas heat?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqqia-WkmSmgQgCWeG6CcNawHALKTjFtEAC0aPqYg6D8F1NGDsLMqBeBrdcjytESW1R-XrEYj7MjIh8_VK0i0BZCIYQHBPRu_Ltg3Fs7V98hWE9LuCdfKR0X-vhwAIOE4ZvuRixm274WO/s1600/smoothie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqqia-WkmSmgQgCWeG6CcNawHALKTjFtEAC0aPqYg6D8F1NGDsLMqBeBrdcjytESW1R-XrEYj7MjIh8_VK0i0BZCIYQHBPRu_Ltg3Fs7V98hWE9LuCdfKR0X-vhwAIOE4ZvuRixm274WO/s320/smoothie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633798220206439746" /></a><br /></div><div>A <b>delicious</b> ice cold chocolatey smoothie! This is by far my favorite smoothie combination. The "backbone" of it looks something like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>*1 cup milk (soy, coconut, 1%...whatever we have on hand)</div><div>*1 frozen banana (works best if you let it get <i>really</i><b style="font-style: italic; "> </b>ripe before freezing, then peel and put in a ziploc bag to freeze)</div><div>*a couple shakes of ground cinnamon</div><div>*1 t xanathan gum for thickening</div><div>*2 T cocoa powder</div><div>*1 T nut butter (anything that floats my boat that particular day--almond butter, chocolate hazelnut butter, peanut butter, etc.)</div><div>*1/4 to 1/2 cup of cereal or granola on top</div><div><br /></div><div>This combination <i>never</i> disappoints and always cools me down after a good run!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Summer Bible Study</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I am participating in a summer women's bible study through our church, so my morning breakfast routine also includes a daily quiet time to go through the material for the day. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECnxrW-UiGkDIY4UIojfKv7qI42AQorlszL0Fdl1j9yA81yxtHKeCyqTFMX8Sv7xjUIjKklsik7HCU6ctVlx7HI-owXRp9xmqFfa7UGbiDaQGJ85t_5Fz2CIuw0CwrbPqkqvbie6lbpmk/s1600/mom.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECnxrW-UiGkDIY4UIojfKv7qI42AQorlszL0Fdl1j9yA81yxtHKeCyqTFMX8Sv7xjUIjKklsik7HCU6ctVlx7HI-owXRp9xmqFfa7UGbiDaQGJ85t_5Fz2CIuw0CwrbPqkqvbie6lbpmk/s320/mom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633798443979037554" /></a><br /></div><div>We are going through <i>Mocha on the Mount </i>by Sandra Glahn.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love this study because each week's topic is easily broken down into six parts, so you complete one part every day from Monday-Saturday. This is a great study on God's word that truly extols His truth. It focuses on the sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), which outlines key principles to "kingdom living." It is a good length, the idea being that you can complete your daily study over a good cup of coffee (in my case, a smoothie!). </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What does your summer morning routine look like?</b></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-89122566291872268642011-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00Healthy Road Tripin'<div><div>Today was a whirlwind! I woke up bright and early for a <strong>3 mile walk</strong> before saying goodbye to the padres and hitting the road to Houston. When I got back from my walk, the hunger beast was ragin', so I fixed a quicked yogurt bowl that sat <strong>like a rock</strong> in my stomach!</div><div> </div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiKt8iTXNiU6wxh_40LIN9xmWSrI1nDYMsz_vYDymbmqR0TkDIF_vhfv-AV61aat6bdfC8pdjVG4tKX0reUDsqHLKyXujKGMfPxnEH87ql1STU3iQ9iJDSMMVcMIx-a-Nv0ca1y7ZSGLr/s1600/yogurt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633276675299146578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiKt8iTXNiU6wxh_40LIN9xmWSrI1nDYMsz_vYDymbmqR0TkDIF_vhfv-AV61aat6bdfC8pdjVG4tKX0reUDsqHLKyXujKGMfPxnEH87ql1STU3iQ9iJDSMMVcMIx-a-Nv0ca1y7ZSGLr/s320/yogurt.jpg" /></a>Caramel oikos, strawberries, blueberries, Kashi cinnamon harvest.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Eating Healthy on the Road</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>With my parents four hours away in Dallas, our family ranch seven hours way, and lots of college and high school friends all over the south, hubs and I take a <strong>lot</strong> of road trips together.</div><div> </div><div>Road trips are always challenging for me in terms of sticking to healthy choices. For one thing, driving on highways can be both monotonous and boring. Sometimes the only "exciting" thing I can think of to do is stop for a treat. Secondly, no matter where I am headed, there are usually lots of tempting pit stops along the way. It's pretty easy to say <strong>no</strong> to Dairy Queen (LOVE me a blizzard) the first time I pass a sign for one, but by the fourth time? Combine frequency of temptation with increasing boredom, and I'm more likely to give in.</div><div> </div><div>Over the years, I have found that these ideas help me stay healthy on the road:</div><div> </div><div>1. Plan ahead for entertainment</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qZeATrG0AfcRicYa8ue-ugPEOjfB2VsaMdRIM5uf9_WL8RnzBNawtRVBACQx0zcG98W-jq6bvmqzMQSi3C-eQwOjDzsDiBsr5x0xAj7Ntbe0vMDiuzm1rnC2WT9zcwjVMpLGLw-10IwG/s1600/02-heart-of-the-matter-book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633276872555872146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qZeATrG0AfcRicYa8ue-ugPEOjfB2VsaMdRIM5uf9_WL8RnzBNawtRVBACQx0zcG98W-jq6bvmqzMQSi3C-eQwOjDzsDiBsr5x0xAj7Ntbe0vMDiuzm1rnC2WT9zcwjVMpLGLw-10IwG/s320/02-heart-of-the-matter-book.jpg" /></a>Listening to music all day in the car simply doesn't do it for me. I do, however, love a good book on CD. I've invested in a few, including Emily Giffin's <em>Heart of the Matter</em>. Although pretty pricey up front, I've listened to the whole book 3-4 times thise year, so to me it was worth the extra money!</div><div> </div><div>2. Pack your own drinks and snacks</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHla7GKaywiaM2T48lkC0IUAs_T8ztY_orEj-fJFZg6fE0_XbSW0bZqa87ejbcddGL4Ab2m0lE2B0l8TXzsvwC3I42qqhiYAB737WIGZwVzRspLuItVDtLcc8XLHlV_0levm8KIlz5rV/s1600/sandiwch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633277188094255442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHla7GKaywiaM2T48lkC0IUAs_T8ztY_orEj-fJFZg6fE0_XbSW0bZqa87ejbcddGL4Ab2m0lE2B0l8TXzsvwC3I42qqhiYAB737WIGZwVzRspLuItVDtLcc8XLHlV_0levm8KIlz5rV/s320/sandiwch.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCu_sA4Q6jFtBJHP1WAgStp4Zx0rrelEokwkk_LcjJpI-AwENjl2Tb7JEn6x6Iaz7ow2QbCdaQZe_JdSJ0Dnxnh5YcKO6X8OrYfavwnZRpRs2_B-FDuOlX7nne4Kw3fBAxaSrpmDblaSb/s1600/spinach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633277248902105282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCu_sA4Q6jFtBJHP1WAgStp4Zx0rrelEokwkk_LcjJpI-AwENjl2Tb7JEn6x6Iaz7ow2QbCdaQZe_JdSJ0Dnxnh5YcKO6X8OrYfavwnZRpRs2_B-FDuOlX7nne4Kw3fBAxaSrpmDblaSb/s320/spinach.jpg" /></a><br />I find that it's much healthier (not to mention cheaper!) to pack my own lunch and snacks for the car ride. If I know I have a waterbottle and a larabar in the car, I am less likely to be tempted to snag a diet coke and a pack of Reeses on a gas stop. Today, I brought along my own lunch of a morningstar farms veggie patty with Mmm sauce and cucumber slices with spinach dip.</div><div> </div><div>3. Don't be afraid to succumb to a craving every now and then!</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE_9530AbpwV8O6SBkSsFUp6B-_XrW3butGBS_rTZLZrG1pTR90Ru4HURtk94f9eTscG966pZLa9BOl_MRI80fYMFNLQlvihOHwnJPOS_k4y4Z1hccKk_K6HVcqPi3Jh1EnEbulgwJDyN/s1600/fudge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633277473123169330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE_9530AbpwV8O6SBkSsFUp6B-_XrW3butGBS_rTZLZrG1pTR90Ru4HURtk94f9eTscG966pZLa9BOl_MRI80fYMFNLQlvihOHwnJPOS_k4y4Z1hccKk_K6HVcqPi3Jh1EnEbulgwJDyN/s320/fudge.jpg" /></a>There are lots of fun food indulgences along the road, so I try to think about what I really have a hankerin for. Chances are I don't need hree treats on the road--but what's wrong with one? Variety is the spice of life! Today, I decided to treat myself to a piece of heath bar fudge from Buccees. I didn't feel deprived, so I wasn't tempted to overdo it later down the road or when I got home.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Dinner</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div> When I arrived home, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the hubs had already taken the initiative to defrost some trout for dinner. We went to the evening service at our church, stocked up on groceries for the week, and then arrived home to cook up some dinner.</div><div> </div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00EXe6drwYteVv4Wzt1NWbqRdzPYwB0ryPqoBrWbWGviEP14vVLwjF_yYgPXnPkZLrwNM-ruBvfg2um0OpvXv_1hKx5Bp23Z7iqDXOpWkLs-rRA8p0bnQlkitMcZb2nn1prmHF3yrUGd7/s1600/Evernote+20110724+194348.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633277964677313874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00EXe6drwYteVv4Wzt1NWbqRdzPYwB0ryPqoBrWbWGviEP14vVLwjF_yYgPXnPkZLrwNM-ruBvfg2um0OpvXv_1hKx5Bp23Z7iqDXOpWkLs-rRA8p0bnQlkitMcZb2nn1prmHF3yrUGd7/s320/Evernote+20110724+194348.jpg" /></a><br />Thanks, hubs!</div><div> </div><div>This guy is pretty great in the kitchen. He is one of those people who can smell spices to determine what will taste good together. Me, I <em>have</em> to follow a recipe at this point. But he can wing it. </div><div> </div><div align="center">Tonight he made a delicious marinade of lemon juice, dijon, basil, onions, and honey for the fish. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0jxD9cwWlsZiaUhOVazvurHLQSVUGfZXcM9zZyIOe_oxm1NO8DO4NvJtQdYOach9kB1WWlgO3rDfqn5vnabdybZvi2CusQ2INhiiNRiLSq6hTKEnR33sY_p20OYhJeNBfFiuyxBq5nTt/s1600/dinner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633278123630931426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0jxD9cwWlsZiaUhOVazvurHLQSVUGfZXcM9zZyIOe_oxm1NO8DO4NvJtQdYOach9kB1WWlgO3rDfqn5vnabdybZvi2CusQ2INhiiNRiLSq6hTKEnR33sY_p20OYhJeNBfFiuyxBq5nTt/s320/dinner.jpg" /></a>This was melt-in-your mouth fantastic! Served alongside some sweet potato rounds and asparagus.</div><div> </div><div>Something to chat about: <strong>How do you stay healthy on the road?</strong></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-48252597986765930522011-07-23T20:45:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00"Mama doesn't drink or eat dessert by herself"<div>And who am I to break that rule? ;)<br /><br />Today was all about spending some quality time with my precious peach of a mama. We have a very simple routine: shop, drink, eat. Check it:<br /><br /><strong>SHOP</strong><br /><br />We started out at Nordstroms Rack and Off 5th because they were having some good sales. And we scored big time! I found an <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P5.jhtml?itemId=cat14080756&parentId=cat000059&masterId=cat000009&navAction=index&ecid=NMSGDIElie_Tahari_DAL&002=2134545&004=788017305&005=52447491&006=6985696875&007=Search&008=">Elie Tahari </a>shirt that will be fun for a date night dinner for $30...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNRENpdJVq3iCZ1MesW1XA2HeqBzOzCd-TYkCDWlTorghXN2m7sQu4Qs59dHkSzFvtyCJsLPqPIXI1Db4XI9xlWURAoCUzH78mgj93RgQebS8EkMOKOoCmF5n2UHtFB8wrio50STRoSXh/s1600/et.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768730530712002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNRENpdJVq3iCZ1MesW1XA2HeqBzOzCd-TYkCDWlTorghXN2m7sQu4Qs59dHkSzFvtyCJsLPqPIXI1Db4XI9xlWURAoCUzH78mgj93RgQebS8EkMOKOoCmF5n2UHtFB8wrio50STRoSXh/s320/et.jpg" /></a><br /><br />and....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5hWnMW7exDgZKcy2EDinHEZiJv0ua52QCSIm7P3GOz1ZKS5luVdVzzKQ8FDTjvJuuU7LPgQgaMfLqu-F5_2FFf8WxMSmT1gO0HM-ayAecperJJRGvKTU7RTVquSy-mEtxVsAOIB2D-rf/s1600/boots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632767337325970498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5hWnMW7exDgZKcy2EDinHEZiJv0ua52QCSIm7P3GOz1ZKS5luVdVzzKQ8FDTjvJuuU7LPgQgaMfLqu-F5_2FFf8WxMSmT1gO0HM-ayAecperJJRGvKTU7RTVquSy-mEtxVsAOIB2D-rf/s320/boots.jpg" /></a><br /><br />the answer to my prayers in boot form. In early January, I sent the hubs the following email from school:<br /><br /><em>"Sooo...I found the perfect pair of boots (teacher at school suggested-don't judge. I was not online shopping at work). And I want them more than I want to mother my own child. Well, maybe not that much. But I reallllyyy realllyy want them. I might even say that I need them. Put it in the budget? Thoughts? I love you...thinking of you...and boots."</em><br /><br />Long story short, I didn't end up buying the boots. Practicality (and the hubs astute budgeting) won the day. <strong>But</strong> clearly these boots were destined to be mine, because I found them <strong>50%</strong> off today! woo hoo!! Bring it on, fall weather!<br /><br /><strong>DRINK</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF-afvRvg81094Yj73i97VaiGsjVIIDjx5w9HtHiA_AKuxb4H-3Gdkoicj-tK_dflnb3ytjDnqyRvhAQZhtIZXHUYCYUQlcKaeoqh6ZFGLV10QUCAN3zg99FDRWahWxHcZ8QCl9D8y9_h/s1600/mambo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632767453849620946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF-afvRvg81094Yj73i97VaiGsjVIIDjx5w9HtHiA_AKuxb4H-3Gdkoicj-tK_dflnb3ytjDnqyRvhAQZhtIZXHUYCYUQlcKaeoqh6ZFGLV10QUCAN3zg99FDRWahWxHcZ8QCl9D8y9_h/s320/mambo.jpg" /></a><br />The Mambo Taxi (margarita + sangria) is love.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>EAT</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqkDdpaF6Pf3jrjuTrezYGcY4FBAhR4F16Q8bH5Yas3NP0HBvqF-vYNDJ_a6zdUWRo7DXK-ELj4Qb5id8J-Dr_he_mBkC0-HXD-3b7ajIfQPqaLeloUlBy-48cmOwWy3W3xY37XL8YvEr/s1600/mico.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632767861300096722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqkDdpaF6Pf3jrjuTrezYGcY4FBAhR4F16Q8bH5Yas3NP0HBvqF-vYNDJ_a6zdUWRo7DXK-ELj4Qb5id8J-Dr_he_mBkC0-HXD-3b7ajIfQPqaLeloUlBy-48cmOwWy3W3xY37XL8YvEr/s320/mico.jpg" /></a><br />We finished up our day at one of my favorite Dallas restaurants, Mi Cocina. It has a great atmosphere and delectable Tex-Mex fare.<br /><br />We started with chips & salsa...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3dgWLTn_sxhX9PYpU94c95X5XKZpr24t2carLZc5O50dT-GqpKjZRXOj8MNznAGa7EDdT8JNTxa508CoimZPVubXuXRz7safbqyB9ImNCl8rsj3Ew06db1aynanVlp5xfoL6mxvvjGBs/s1600/chipsandsalsa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632767748257472754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3dgWLTn_sxhX9PYpU94c95X5XKZpr24t2carLZc5O50dT-GqpKjZRXOj8MNznAGa7EDdT8JNTxa508CoimZPVubXuXRz7safbqyB9ImNCl8rsj3Ew06db1aynanVlp5xfoL6mxvvjGBs/s320/chipsandsalsa.jpg" /></a><br />added some queso (NOT cheese dip people. In Texas we call it queso)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrpaiJKTxkhZcAvwo33crLPkUZLzILIlJWmyf6XQmUNaXQVH6zQb6DEDoIx-QvLtjfeXCrSqdoj7XQMrNpmm893T5AphvNerkTScJa4Js0fLD3QLtZMmFqWvlqsnYT47mmX7cmb2dpsCq/s1600/photoqueso.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768001944949602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrpaiJKTxkhZcAvwo33crLPkUZLzILIlJWmyf6XQmUNaXQVH6zQb6DEDoIx-QvLtjfeXCrSqdoj7XQMrNpmm893T5AphvNerkTScJa4Js0fLD3QLtZMmFqWvlqsnYT47mmX7cmb2dpsCq/s320/photoqueso.jpg" /></a><br />and I ordered my favorite salad, the Rico. Highlights include grilled chicken, avocado and famous Mi Cocina dressing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO1gy9ANKExe7JBM24_ZDM4gjBCTFPO8oVvmKnczTI_EaCq1_7-QWV35YJk-fk5HdfAwToueluHP0umsbI96mRXXTD4cVhcLs1-EeH4uIDhKNdIPYNQBXVSWSUvMeoRHFR1KzGaCU2DOc/s1600/salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768105991200978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO1gy9ANKExe7JBM24_ZDM4gjBCTFPO8oVvmKnczTI_EaCq1_7-QWV35YJk-fk5HdfAwToueluHP0umsbI96mRXXTD4cVhcLs1-EeH4uIDhKNdIPYNQBXVSWSUvMeoRHFR1KzGaCU2DOc/s320/salad.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Bye Dallas!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />I'm heading back to Houston early tomorrow morning. The padres and I ate some leftovers from last night's gathering for dinner. I ate my weight in spinach dip before dinner, so I stuck to one turkey slider and salad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFh7w5xeFlc00fQOVKaoYOd5ILyrV1ngiL2zQf8CM20RAdP64UPjLFZNn86AHNybtHl78Zq-46dXe75YEuEuSOLgnR_uWQsJ9qV4286uj7YOU6-0xGFNGJv_0Mxea4SBc_gpP7f6f6FF9/s1600/dinner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768230641416418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFh7w5xeFlc00fQOVKaoYOd5ILyrV1ngiL2zQf8CM20RAdP64UPjLFZNn86AHNybtHl78Zq-46dXe75YEuEuSOLgnR_uWQsJ9qV4286uj7YOU6-0xGFNGJv_0Mxea4SBc_gpP7f6f6FF9/s320/dinner.jpg" /></a><br />Before I turned in for the night, my parents did have a small request: "Can you make some of <em>that dip</em>?" Yep, I have made some <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2011/04/12/wannabe-recipea-mmmm-sauce/">Mmmm sauce </a>believers out of them! I happily obliged and whipped up about 4x the normal recipe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpHcuUqFcKKAIQPVNrq2wiIZE-k_ShkR_Xe8D1yLWAWBq1aXAmvpIVrULA0Lq_yKvFkitnfOgUD2TkFmojb7-MJR3nBeVaJk_7myMiTuEFBd1740hTZX4i6NWmjBvXvVL4XyteSj3VhIr/s1600/mmm+sauce.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768495166739234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpHcuUqFcKKAIQPVNrq2wiIZE-k_ShkR_Xe8D1yLWAWBq1aXAmvpIVrULA0Lq_yKvFkitnfOgUD2TkFmojb7-MJR3nBeVaJk_7myMiTuEFBd1740hTZX4i6NWmjBvXvVL4XyteSj3VhIr/s320/mmm+sauce.jpg" /></a><br />I've got an ice cold root beer float in my tummy (and perhaps the icing off the top of 6-7 baby cupcakes...whoops) and I think it's time to slip into a sugar coma.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKBslf-nsK5wm13pKuljCUTHZNeXkH81P5tTcTFV8L0ST8rQQtH4nFCA_oiJ6-iZDVLhraTmcmyKcW2pFQFSzOHVSWFIgcdZJq8NTz5uaWZLD-vbIOyu3aZPE1g-yvhn6Ng13ZvO6y3sX/s1600/float.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632768342065423218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKBslf-nsK5wm13pKuljCUTHZNeXkH81P5tTcTFV8L0ST8rQQtH4nFCA_oiJ6-iZDVLhraTmcmyKcW2pFQFSzOHVSWFIgcdZJq8NTz5uaWZLD-vbIOyu3aZPE1g-yvhn6Ng13ZvO6y3sX/s320/float.jpg" /></a><br />Nite!<br /></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-40066106871816012942011-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00In Biblical times, I'd sell my birthright....For one of these muffins:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzcaT8cYMFIxcC59uzBpkCBlo1Uaw6NOmYLeFZFq330pDINmrvAcOv7Gy8Po4IluXIys6Zz4doozbuo3WzUUysQSy5Zn3IM2JvfzRQMcg2WPJD2POprStVaZNZT7AIdN1aMcytGFjIurs/s1600/muffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632585946676290514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzcaT8cYMFIxcC59uzBpkCBlo1Uaw6NOmYLeFZFq330pDINmrvAcOv7Gy8Po4IluXIys6Zz4doozbuo3WzUUysQSy5Zn3IM2JvfzRQMcg2WPJD2POprStVaZNZT7AIdN1aMcytGFjIurs/s320/muffin.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Chocolately, chewy, warm A-mazingness from JD's Chippery! In high school, one of these babies (along with a large vanilla Dr. Pepper) was my morning meal after cheerleading practice. I probably ate these babies three times a week. Of course these days I realize what a treat a chocolate chip muffin the size of my head is, so I have scaled back a bit :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9Fl8XMiwNQnVrMtUob6cGdHQj-02ITNd56DcF4u9m_O6WPPtMGa1ys_2upyJdx0xccOPZHPeBL2B-oiMI6CPIbs_sq2Gsu8bPqbutkDGPZfN6YLsUkAY-e6h8xLZhK1u4ut-bOiHnJe/s1600/jds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9Fl8XMiwNQnVrMtUob6cGdHQj-02ITNd56DcF4u9m_O6WPPtMGa1ys_2upyJdx0xccOPZHPeBL2B-oiMI6CPIbs_sq2Gsu8bPqbutkDGPZfN6YLsUkAY-e6h8xLZhK1u4ut-bOiHnJe/s320/jds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586400831259970" /></a><br /><br />This morning I went for a <strong>three miler</strong> on the Katy Trail, my favorite place to run in dtown. It is a 3.5 mile trail that is a straight shot from Highland Park to the American Airlines Center downtown (so if you complete the whole trail, you've gone 7 miles).<br /><br />It features shaded walking and biking paths.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIpFxNms9FzPGpErtN5fJL-LwnnlBQivoDoF-Gt-Z1aMeOpFtpxPATPzG1YUVVcAdiw9COj0-PFfHJowYte213DIpQJPdh9oB2_vxH9kyxYhY81BN9fsgkH9JkGfWM6LH8jluehd_oHOb/s1600/trail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586159016296322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIpFxNms9FzPGpErtN5fJL-LwnnlBQivoDoF-Gt-Z1aMeOpFtpxPATPzG1YUVVcAdiw9COj0-PFfHJowYte213DIpQJPdh9oB2_vxH9kyxYhY81BN9fsgkH9JkGfWM6LH8jluehd_oHOb/s320/trail.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Hand mile markers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn-VkobZ1A8wylat-eqg0H0yoqKoXvCxgpjtRsIDniWfuDznWKqs1JmZAa5BhrQg_FL7910uKyPP5pDXkw0LNHNcl9h7rdvHcbdlkxGI0WLdZfZlvIRGV1_9NJNDnkmVfLCA0C2-69cg3/s1600/mile+marker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn-VkobZ1A8wylat-eqg0H0yoqKoXvCxgpjtRsIDniWfuDznWKqs1JmZAa5BhrQg_FL7910uKyPP5pDXkw0LNHNcl9h7rdvHcbdlkxGI0WLdZfZlvIRGV1_9NJNDnkmVfLCA0C2-69cg3/s320/mile+marker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586501726827858" /></a><br /><br />And safety precautions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02FBCBY5QvGh1Ow6vGn5snkyMhdPiSQdHz6sNPQuRiOmB1Y52uEIt3H8CmwyKcZOOAOWd5Xli51PY0HJcP_GWCu8NyKsvyGTKDIlsQdAXwHtHCfwMO6A5fVjkGT3RgwS_A3sFd5tJR2Rd/s1600/safety.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02FBCBY5QvGh1Ow6vGn5snkyMhdPiSQdHz6sNPQuRiOmB1Y52uEIt3H8CmwyKcZOOAOWd5Xli51PY0HJcP_GWCu8NyKsvyGTKDIlsQdAXwHtHCfwMO6A5fVjkGT3RgwS_A3sFd5tJR2Rd/s320/safety.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586601216580178" /></a><br /><br />These definitely are a necessity as accidents happen. There was a very tragic collision on the Katy Trail this year you can read about <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20101003-Dallas-jogger-hit-by-bicycle-on-603.ece">here</a>. Good reminder to always be alert!<br /><br />I hope your Saturday includes a good ole sweaty t shirt! Enjoy it!<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-22081615754340643322011-07-22T23:40:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00Party on the Pati-OSheesh! I can't believe it's pushing 2 am again. My parents seriously keep me up late, and I love it because it makes me break my usual "in bed by 9" routine.<br /><br />It's not like they're "party animals" or anything, they simply lack a set routine, which is what I set my heart by in my own daily life! Because my dad is retired and my mom only works a couple of days a week, they tend to set their own pace. Plus, when we haven't seen each other in a solid month, there's usually quite a bit to catch up on!<br /><br />Let's rewind to this afternoon. Our big plans for the day revolved around getting ready for a small gathering on their patio this evening. When my brother passed away, my parents had just moved to a new part of Dallas. They'd literally been in the house for a week. The neighbors were <strong>wonderful</strong> and really reached out to support my parents. From bringing homecooked meals to dropping off notes of encouragement, these "strangers" were anything but!<br /><br />We started our preparations for the day with some grocery shopping at my fave--<strong>Central Market!</strong> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLDcDu8SHmSN_pUDWnoXwRX6dpni6YZg2W5U4EEwiIo6d2xdUX-sfkEipRd2RXkwstwgKOVtualTr2vSP4ve5JPYueRdcIPyOtnpf6jWDt5e5c8RRl10XU8t1PhOG4tCndZmkyLQlsqE_/s1600/meandmom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLDcDu8SHmSN_pUDWnoXwRX6dpni6YZg2W5U4EEwiIo6d2xdUX-sfkEipRd2RXkwstwgKOVtualTr2vSP4ve5JPYueRdcIPyOtnpf6jWDt5e5c8RRl10XU8t1PhOG4tCndZmkyLQlsqE_/s320/meandmom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632440585178873810" /></a><br /><br />The padres and I also picked up salad bar treats for lunch, since we had a full day ahead of us. Central Market has quite the extensive salad bar, and I concocted a mish-mash of sorts, including tofu and snap peas, noodle and shrimp salad, red quinoa, and veggies with red pepper hummus. Hit the spot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-4ctJ0Nen8lv1HL0lZCjcnjE6Ly8X3S7zPokI5Wt6OewchUek0cmjbEozPmlV5hy_z9cEhFQUqouW_mhoktW9m-aA9k6P3h73zp9frgBE9AzQQ7quYDr77RF9MJyxj8Ppjii9g4Z3duu/s1600/salad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-4ctJ0Nen8lv1HL0lZCjcnjE6Ly8X3S7zPokI5Wt6OewchUek0cmjbEozPmlV5hy_z9cEhFQUqouW_mhoktW9m-aA9k6P3h73zp9frgBE9AzQQ7quYDr77RF9MJyxj8Ppjii9g4Z3duu/s320/salad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632440708892207490" /></a><br /><br />After eating lunch, I spent the rest of the day cooking and baking up a storm with my mama. On the menu:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN-gFQuj2Gp8kITHMXREQ-HLWwnT_o2CQ5rXRLcGPoDZ9da7MG2eEvbeBEY8gp40ZQY-Ros1eUgl2RKJ3R_KhKrbsnfNVqcB2irK1y2HM1ZdYSl4VEkF1VdMNSC7phCVPu4AQlUzJfjZI/s1600/dad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN-gFQuj2Gp8kITHMXREQ-HLWwnT_o2CQ5rXRLcGPoDZ9da7MG2eEvbeBEY8gp40ZQY-Ros1eUgl2RKJ3R_KhKrbsnfNVqcB2irK1y2HM1ZdYSl4VEkF1VdMNSC7phCVPu4AQlUzJfjZI/s320/dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632441181607158562" /></a><br /><br />*Appetizers: Crudites with Mmmm sauce (my own healthy contribution!), flatbreads with spinach dip, chilled watermelon slices, tortilla chips with guac and pico<br /><br />*Dinner: Grilled sliders (beef & turkey) with assorted toppings, Grilled mushrooms stuffed with mozarella, Bacon and ranch pasta salad, Baked beans, and Mixed greens salad with French vinagrette<br /><br />*Dessert: Rootbeer floats and mini cupcakes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL3L42XSLTZYsqDb2_VzSY062vPCHUYS7xfUKbYOeyIcdbu1-Jsu5uB4KCEq7o1W1A9mPCRTEWNDCyYG9UtFNZqwDk3JjZpeUCsBVmGDTCTVE0eYmtgX3FzACind6M14DhIngxvaJ2zTR/s1600/patio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL3L42XSLTZYsqDb2_VzSY062vPCHUYS7xfUKbYOeyIcdbu1-Jsu5uB4KCEq7o1W1A9mPCRTEWNDCyYG9UtFNZqwDk3JjZpeUCsBVmGDTCTVE0eYmtgX3FzACind6M14DhIngxvaJ2zTR/s320/patio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632440865932937666" /></a><br /><br />I didn't snap any photos because I was so busy with prep work! Bad blogger, I'll learn :)<br /><br />It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to thank these wonderful people who reached out the my parents when they did not even know them. One of the neighbors told me, "It's people helping people. If we don't have that in this world, we'll never make it."<br /><br />Couldn't have said it better myself :) So blessed by God's people!<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-56821225505700125012011-07-22T08:31:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.012-07:00Home AgainIt feels good to be home!<br /><br />I stayed up until 1:30 talking and catching up with my mom, and then turned in for the night. I stayed up a little bit longer to make a dent in a <em>gripping</em> book I am reading right now:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGamuw51Cpx26pEriTP46B3cqqkqseO9cfSK9AiEWVBMyObrZl6TqOp06-0U9nLuo9xKoFa7Hp04WWHeyu6bmmqzaHKdqe0bpBgdiRblPoMmRkULTX1eRYSSFcNwV9smrE9hc-uwrkmpv/s1600/look+again+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGamuw51Cpx26pEriTP46B3cqqkqseO9cfSK9AiEWVBMyObrZl6TqOp06-0U9nLuo9xKoFa7Hp04WWHeyu6bmmqzaHKdqe0bpBgdiRblPoMmRkULTX1eRYSSFcNwV9smrE9hc-uwrkmpv/s320/look+again+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632201610493288658" /></a><br /><br /><em>Look Again</em> is the story of a woman who sees a "missing child" notice and can't help but notice the resemblance of the child in the picture to her own adopted son. The story that follows is suspenseful, engaging and heartfelt. I highly recommend it!<br /><br />This morning, I completed a <strong>sweaty t-shirt</strong> inducing track workout. I warmed up by jogging a mile, and then completed 2 miles of walk-jog-sprint, an interval workout a coach taught me in high school. Basically, you alternate walking, jogging and full-out sprinting on the curves and straights on the track. (i.e. start by walking the straight. When it turns into a curve start to job, and when it straightens out again sprint). It's a heart pumper!<br /><br />When I got back home, I refueled with a delicious yogurt bowl:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BLYZVRxCpGI6sc_uE5hvmot31iC5MtHBLigmsSO7ksNMyHIGh_RAa7rRVTIXzjoejDuD4pMygMR41dpj357hvkXuUV9bBI8bHkSwvKhB9-OT5-_oAGHLWybrMSP-owAIO8R84-5acbyi/s1600/yogurt+bowl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BLYZVRxCpGI6sc_uE5hvmot31iC5MtHBLigmsSO7ksNMyHIGh_RAa7rRVTIXzjoejDuD4pMygMR41dpj357hvkXuUV9bBI8bHkSwvKhB9-OT5-_oAGHLWybrMSP-owAIO8R84-5acbyi/s320/yogurt+bowl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632201770333606674" /></a><br /><br />Caramel Oikos, strawberries and blueberries, and my dad's favorite cereal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz8uH3NRhZdNFussLf3F7P9e9F-jhZyIS5x4KKSMLAOmBwKT8cwIh6D_WV1BhKkSiANFonGpAutZKJIRHBoqsqFW58g1HSMjCRlifarpJi1bJvPRSh3HPAuDa7ElzhR333pk-WYHvDhMr/s1600/cereal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz8uH3NRhZdNFussLf3F7P9e9F-jhZyIS5x4KKSMLAOmBwKT8cwIh6D_WV1BhKkSiANFonGpAutZKJIRHBoqsqFW58g1HSMjCRlifarpJi1bJvPRSh3HPAuDa7ElzhR333pk-WYHvDhMr/s320/cereal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632201859874961122" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Happy Friday!</strong><br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-54094538209228302112011-07-21T22:54:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00On the road!<div>Greetings from Dallas!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ5iAmOAM7ZCPFW8184_J6r0CmJdTOWSw_cSs9EUa5u4OvNQRmf8I7f-xwBKDrz5_waNi1Uu2Iw4UPIAZyEJ6MZnfwgF4DJCYwUet8Swf2lvuRll1_naRdE6EU11y0x26qyNzqcxJanO2/s1600/dallas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056065842779954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ5iAmOAM7ZCPFW8184_J6r0CmJdTOWSw_cSs9EUa5u4OvNQRmf8I7f-xwBKDrz5_waNi1Uu2Iw4UPIAZyEJ6MZnfwgF4DJCYwUet8Swf2lvuRll1_naRdE6EU11y0x26qyNzqcxJanO2/s320/dallas.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Hubs headed out on a second guys' weekend in a row, and I headed <strong>home</strong> to spend some time with my parents. I grew up in <strong>Dallas</strong> and I love to go back to D-town! It's always fun to revisit places that were a part of my daily life back in the day and to see friends from high school, so I am really looking forward to the next couple of days.<br /><br />I headed out of Houston this afternoon with a <strong>carrot, celery </strong>and <strong>green apple</strong> juice in tow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43s62ebo4sI9Nl-_Hjvvjy5Xahhx0yIyoYsHg7fUrmyzxvTx3V65cZeIW0drNrd-lHnF5gVgkX5An5QLVwNXJVdxcTfF3g-3FM9_ver9MZWdruD0jhE3FKLyry-aH9_XDHmu6b8A7v_6H/s1600/self.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632055953970569250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43s62ebo4sI9Nl-_Hjvvjy5Xahhx0yIyoYsHg7fUrmyzxvTx3V65cZeIW0drNrd-lHnF5gVgkX5An5QLVwNXJVdxcTfF3g-3FM9_ver9MZWdruD0jhE3FKLyry-aH9_XDHmu6b8A7v_6H/s320/self.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I started to get a little hungry sitting in traffic on the way out of the city, so I muched on a <strong>carrot cake larabar</strong>. <em>How delicious is this flavor? Love, love!</em><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD5WqdEBPrTrSKGVNgkY4G1h5ToCqdzOJxAY1yQ2Qsc4OX6B1nCIdCk1s7XBkisV6YmP26NlYYE7VjbWsHr1mkguCJXJHBNA8BY1nMc7nXQFp0hVD4fRUyOGFcmo65EV6vLkYe1j6Qv57/s1600/larabar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056223238008354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD5WqdEBPrTrSKGVNgkY4G1h5ToCqdzOJxAY1yQ2Qsc4OX6B1nCIdCk1s7XBkisV6YmP26NlYYE7VjbWsHr1mkguCJXJHBNA8BY1nMc7nXQFp0hVD4fRUyOGFcmo65EV6vLkYe1j6Qv57/s320/larabar.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Houston traffic can be a beast. I spent a good chunk of my driving time stuck behind some big trucks, quite literally inching along.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUaGOLpEXJBGXyFkVbRzw12jtEQAnRdyMF14HZnJOJq4hi12TJPQV4Yowh0QxSDtYYRRAW6pmibEAI9-6yKOlMcdQLL5AeoyGsu7X6iIMh7E6oVpJoCtXOK6bMx-VS0RBJANFquxDHAVe/s1600/traffic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056333572153410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUaGOLpEXJBGXyFkVbRzw12jtEQAnRdyMF14HZnJOJq4hi12TJPQV4Yowh0QxSDtYYRRAW6pmibEAI9-6yKOlMcdQLL5AeoyGsu7X6iIMh7E6oVpJoCtXOK6bMx-VS0RBJANFquxDHAVe/s320/traffic.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with joy to see my favorite pit-stop: BUCCEES!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrdiytL-Wz_7UYbIIOagJjUNddVYzy-rr7RIdnCY4ykduj65ZkwvFZZFEgIQma8V6XLjyHvFG3kN-JUKle0ZcnRXVTHZv5Oms3cXGuA6fGj-it0xU5xdZsMPA8T9828puR5Zg-pTTtdpR/s1600/buccees+sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056469831997250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrdiytL-Wz_7UYbIIOagJjUNddVYzy-rr7RIdnCY4ykduj65ZkwvFZZFEgIQma8V6XLjyHvFG3kN-JUKle0ZcnRXVTHZv5Oms3cXGuA6fGj-it0xU5xdZsMPA8T9828puR5Zg-pTTtdpR/s320/buccees+sign.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Buccees is <em>way</em> more than your average gas station. You can pick up a fresh sample of sausage, homemade fudge, and then browse their own line of boxer shorts and bever backpacks! What a treat! But in all seriousness, the <em>cleanest</em> gas station restrooms you'll ever find. That's reason enough for me to stop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgcctY81MnLrSUPhMKmEi9BMnVjjVdiEd8Sd9BnnB6wpP7KrJqO4FqtkmIYqVeD6TWN8GSqcI2qf7maZ6cDW61USkE8DXxclIbnSG-4qIqOuU1FsI10wLF2B5cj1MDLXjq2n8V4fhYIsm/s1600/buccees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056619460068706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgcctY81MnLrSUPhMKmEi9BMnVjjVdiEd8Sd9BnnB6wpP7KrJqO4FqtkmIYqVeD6TWN8GSqcI2qf7maZ6cDW61USkE8DXxclIbnSG-4qIqOuU1FsI10wLF2B5cj1MDLXjq2n8V4fhYIsm/s320/buccees.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I felt a rumble in the tumble by the time I reached buccees, so I picked up a little refreshment--diet coke and kettlecorn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ6v9SAPPCVC8vAV91fG2fLU5dEJI1UBze07Ie9EqHmr4VYylf50dFpCNf9oA3F9ZCvmnO9xY8zZe_13Lq2twQDuQRW_S9k2vkj3zPcxKImVn_6Xrn5dYYIAv8gzHScv3J-CdruIAZoKN/s1600/buccees+snack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056747560063906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ6v9SAPPCVC8vAV91fG2fLU5dEJI1UBze07Ie9EqHmr4VYylf50dFpCNf9oA3F9ZCvmnO9xY8zZe_13Lq2twQDuQRW_S9k2vkj3zPcxKImVn_6Xrn5dYYIAv8gzHScv3J-CdruIAZoKN/s320/buccees+snack.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This popcorn was a great find! Only 200 calories for this whole bag, and it was delicious! I also picked up some of my mom's favorite <strong>candied jalepenos</strong> to take home to her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb-OVXJ7J6ASktcxZmasAFozDviDdjwxEMWqhRjY5W0bIN-8c61QR44nC-fzM8QVc-GAajNjTbw_2PzTNk6uPNmTzvbH8hi3aX6YIasVOnE8qXndhVD6OL8QkAQqvNCgqo3Us_j0EAejQ/s1600/candied+jale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632056853099486994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb-OVXJ7J6ASktcxZmasAFozDviDdjwxEMWqhRjY5W0bIN-8c61QR44nC-fzM8QVc-GAajNjTbw_2PzTNk6uPNmTzvbH8hi3aX6YIasVOnE8qXndhVD6OL8QkAQqvNCgqo3Us_j0EAejQ/s320/candied+jale.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I arrived in Dallas a little after 8 pm, so my parents and I headed out to a late dinner. We settled on something quick, easy and fun. Enter <strong>Pluckers!</strong> My parents really wanted to introduce me to their "to die for" fried mac and cheese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVaN_FH6PzAS7CWDCM1uxNuz1_CiUCfWJySg7OJz-k1kiTC2HmD2KUFksMu7t8SyDMnYTlIk08ntR76UEuWM6ws_UDx_smZQxsfjjgFDlgbRvNS1xLhl-l-rAOc_Ay2fxiBE2A8tKbJaL/s1600/mac+and+cheese.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632057033025081842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVaN_FH6PzAS7CWDCM1uxNuz1_CiUCfWJySg7OJz-k1kiTC2HmD2KUFksMu7t8SyDMnYTlIk08ntR76UEuWM6ws_UDx_smZQxsfjjgFDlgbRvNS1xLhl-l-rAOc_Ay2fxiBE2A8tKbJaL/s320/mac+and+cheese.jpg" /></a><br /><br />No complaints here! This was quite an indulgence, but I enjoyed every cheesy, fried bite. It was easily 9:15 before we got our food. The menu was lacking in healthy choices, so I decided on a buffalo chicken salad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKErTcHHAvEyvXBhUU7NxzEi4WcOmiQFCbIvjJurTet9dZz7thU6ODzkqhlGT1erZ2BEZcbrMkijJy9BTt7oM4qJSnLMRNIEvAB3z5aeEJlSktRSakouk-EJDM9iDfDxrtK_7Z-CoZ0UkD/s1600/salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632057167564249074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKErTcHHAvEyvXBhUU7NxzEi4WcOmiQFCbIvjJurTet9dZz7thU6ODzkqhlGT1erZ2BEZcbrMkijJy9BTt7oM4qJSnLMRNIEvAB3z5aeEJlSktRSakouk-EJDM9iDfDxrtK_7Z-CoZ0UkD/s320/salad.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Currently munching on ginger snaps and catching up with my sugary sweet mama. Nite!</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-85436326304577953732011-07-18T06:15:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00Oh.My. Goodness.Is there any more perfect combination than chocolate + peanut butter? I submit no.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fg9RFw6XtZgEfgWbfq-KPHBpurTwBn5mwXYAALjWXP-OCF0-GS8kwyBw0j8XM4hqiKBDel7NT6YzJtOK5yfrNsnVqGu_3ULoKi1mehJFapbRQRzQwl4ernQQMDHZWvdfyhC84bMJIama/s1600/bfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fg9RFw6XtZgEfgWbfq-KPHBpurTwBn5mwXYAALjWXP-OCF0-GS8kwyBw0j8XM4hqiKBDel7NT6YzJtOK5yfrNsnVqGu_3ULoKi1mehJFapbRQRzQwl4ernQQMDHZWvdfyhC84bMJIama/s320/bfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630682854019984978" /></a><br /><br />I heated up a chocolate chocolate chip muffin and whipped up some easy White Chocolate Wonderful PB frosting to glaze the top (1 T PB, 2 T coconut milk, got a little sassy this morning and added a pinch of powdered sugar). Served with pineapple and cherries on the side.<br /><br />My to-do list today includes:<br /><br />*a 4-mile walk & yoga class<br />*ironing clothes<br />*call my sweet mama<br />*read <em>unbroken</em>--lay by the pool perhaps?<br />*family dinner with hubs<br />*Bible study tonight<br />*Relax and enjoy the day!!<br /><br />Sometimes it's difficult for me to accept that it is <em>okay</em> to take a break and <em>not</em> be working all day! I'm just used to 12-14 hour work days, and now that it's summer, I have a hard time taking a chill-pill. Today I <em>will</em> be okay with chillaxing!! Bye for now!<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-33133842260054422642011-07-17T16:52:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00The hubs is home!<div align="center">I'll drink to that :)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUGoVw73Phwg8hnlHoKLGgGcd7JfTRgQkGwj_HWe8S8q5vS7lxYOdyBg3-GRXjgaVaVSSoXG95gDMJS9xIsppeMldNICmdo7qobFd4QcB6W2GPFBnWginsmpzFe6Ei6vPxk-JhaHEWTa-/s1600/wine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630475850735157282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUGoVw73Phwg8hnlHoKLGgGcd7JfTRgQkGwj_HWe8S8q5vS7lxYOdyBg3-GRXjgaVaVSSoXG95gDMJS9xIsppeMldNICmdo7qobFd4QcB6W2GPFBnWginsmpzFe6Ei6vPxk-JhaHEWTa-/s320/wine.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He's exhausted and sunburned, and I am babbling non-stop from lack of human interaction this weekend, but it's <strong>great</strong> to be together again! I really missed him. It sounds like the guys' weekend was full of fishing, beer, and some "incredible" banana rum--and hubs came home with 5 lbs of trout to show for it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIJcEY2s9QgYKiWDdvd6kozD4Y9F1TYsxjlX8Q3GnT_hiQseeUZ1A_Fh4njqHBsBktZuC-uoCW90N2y0hJMLWvYUfex4Xqm7ILFoTsxniLQ34hC57bY5dM-mX4Yzn4yZVyLpKBGy3r9Ri/s1600/fish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630475961079676786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIJcEY2s9QgYKiWDdvd6kozD4Y9F1TYsxjlX8Q3GnT_hiQseeUZ1A_Fh4njqHBsBktZuC-uoCW90N2y0hJMLWvYUfex4Xqm7ILFoTsxniLQ34hC57bY5dM-mX4Yzn4yZVyLpKBGy3r9Ri/s320/fish.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Can't wait to cook this up! For now, into the freezer it goes.<br /><br />Lunch today was some good "southern" eats: gardein chicken tenders with ketchup for dippin', sweet potato fries, and baby corn. YUM!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTol9fQ-iMM4F9PYKzcL_zgqmqJ-hWW1JIkLYjISNobU9seqH9mvAIXley6W1n0yrewVE7DbqFBof94eAmXjV6EfXAEeGnPnUeB3jjIn8DISO7m1NZHzT_xxa2_QAESwSny609BUmohYXv/s1600/lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630476096203757682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTol9fQ-iMM4F9PYKzcL_zgqmqJ-hWW1JIkLYjISNobU9seqH9mvAIXley6W1n0yrewVE7DbqFBof94eAmXjV6EfXAEeGnPnUeB3jjIn8DISO7m1NZHzT_xxa2_QAESwSny609BUmohYXv/s320/lunch.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For din-din tonight, we will be feasting on <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/">the Pioneer Woman's chicken spaghetti</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSSNUu4kNpHsY9PdmiwGbQ7iDNXkU9p7RYoS7wiwWqpxeQ610jv1zaXpCciTlN1MJnyf9Tfm2W_5JcAsa39Xw-YLGRdFG1Hn31nO4VLqrm6KmRtKCrtPIbKb4WPKyoxvyHIZmwzXzs1KS/s1600/cs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630476225500967762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSSNUu4kNpHsY9PdmiwGbQ7iDNXkU9p7RYoS7wiwWqpxeQ610jv1zaXpCciTlN1MJnyf9Tfm2W_5JcAsa39Xw-YLGRdFG1Hn31nO4VLqrm6KmRtKCrtPIbKb4WPKyoxvyHIZmwzXzs1KS/s320/cs.jpg" /></a><br /><br />How do I know my sweet mama loves me? Because she cooks these babies up for me to store in my freezer for use on nights such as these, when the hubs is too exhausted to cook and our budget is too tight for take-out. Thanks, mom! ;)<br /><br />Off to chow down and watch <em>August Rush </em>with my baby! LOVE this movie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Av6SMTq9CMDKFVcgUbamW19qlMOsFqbSIzlUYRydfG6P9X3Q5You4qqVkC-dW8-9Vl8mpj674gUZVNsK62F9QABP1mSlq_WnyokOSgZFBRLi1xkjm87OA8j2KMw1hAg1HzuFBXlqwdDL/s1600/august_rush_ver6_xlg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 226px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630477053301806226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Av6SMTq9CMDKFVcgUbamW19qlMOsFqbSIzlUYRydfG6P9X3Q5You4qqVkC-dW8-9Vl8mpj674gUZVNsK62F9QABP1mSlq_WnyokOSgZFBRLi1xkjm87OA8j2KMw1hAg1HzuFBXlqwdDL/s320/august_rush_ver6_xlg.jpg" /></a><p align="center"><br /><em>"The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen."</em></p>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-79831879959084015462011-07-17T08:25:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00Emergency ChocolateI got back from a good <strong>sweaty t-shirt</strong> producing run with a dire need for chocolate. And chocolatey oats simply would not do this morning. I had saved <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chocolate-muffins-50400000111985/">this recipe </a>for chocolate muffins from cooking light, and decided that despite our lack of groceries, I could probably improvise and whip up something delicious!<br /><br />Dry ingredients:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AT-_Q0srCQxpig4OZW7Drbs7xWP0_chG1lBFIKkShH2rl0njv845sRKG21SokCZ8UyyUgfMpZAvvAYDHirkZzfnNOjt_-O01jjgNnqm1M1dVVCw5QR5-bJ3-7YAW4_uQ9pHF9nm9sQFL/s1600/dry+ingredients.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AT-_Q0srCQxpig4OZW7Drbs7xWP0_chG1lBFIKkShH2rl0njv845sRKG21SokCZ8UyyUgfMpZAvvAYDHirkZzfnNOjt_-O01jjgNnqm1M1dVVCw5QR5-bJ3-7YAW4_uQ9pHF9nm9sQFL/s320/dry+ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630346060080448770" /></a><br /><br />7.9 oz flour (I did a mish-mash of white, ww pasty, and ww)<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/4 cup cocoa powder<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp salt<br /><br />Wet ingredients:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJn0yx3Mui0Ge7mAmIJnF42h-Xcw6QkrjgrzT8eTH_m0vA4w09Zx31tts4fy52iJYwsl4Tx80zWob9PBNF7kGIUsEubsyutHxOu8_MPLrbQf_FSxTAqAPKXUe8MPyJkASdIUKGVBL8gGb/s1600/wet+ingrediatents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJn0yx3Mui0Ge7mAmIJnF42h-Xcw6QkrjgrzT8eTH_m0vA4w09Zx31tts4fy52iJYwsl4Tx80zWob9PBNF7kGIUsEubsyutHxOu8_MPLrbQf_FSxTAqAPKXUe8MPyJkASdIUKGVBL8gGb/s320/wet+ingrediatents.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630346179190182402" /></a><br /><br />1 cup warm water<br />1/4 cup coconut oil<br />1 Tbs red wine vinegar (I was skeptical about this...but you can't taste it at all!)<br />1 Tbs vanilla extract<br />1 large egg (we're out of eggs so I used Ener-G egg replacer)<br />1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided into 2 1/4 cup servings<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine flour and next five ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the bowl. Combine 1 cup water and next 4 ingredients (through egg) in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Add oil mixture to flour mixture, stirring until just moist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPzKMYC_NW98ff1mw_eNsmW3gSAZgPrnkl8FzN0xnM7S73zzr7WTtyKMK2iAK75JB4y3xnunENljsXOrv5DMH7m_15Zt6nkxDAbEqdrzYHZcOfGjmIx35xYRox6qUdEqyVKWIi7STjPOv/s1600/batter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPzKMYC_NW98ff1mw_eNsmW3gSAZgPrnkl8FzN0xnM7S73zzr7WTtyKMK2iAK75JB4y3xnunENljsXOrv5DMH7m_15Zt6nkxDAbEqdrzYHZcOfGjmIx35xYRox6qUdEqyVKWIi7STjPOv/s320/batter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630346316456728386" /></a><br /><br />The best thing about eggless baking?? Eating the batter, salmonella-fear free.<br /><br />Coat 12 muffin tin with cooking spray and divide evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips evenly on batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.<br /><br />Before going into the oven!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapmtNmkWn2C15rApRykgxm8ALy4DQg0keWpelMwloFyygWI6rt2vcv1sKCGOnQBNEUwU0oell04FjqckMaydusbsXPikn3029wXkKkSbz9hUooV74Gatg3HabOy8nJcMJ4vHvgc0vopzC/s1600/batter+in+tin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapmtNmkWn2C15rApRykgxm8ALy4DQg0keWpelMwloFyygWI6rt2vcv1sKCGOnQBNEUwU0oell04FjqckMaydusbsXPikn3029wXkKkSbz9hUooV74Gatg3HabOy8nJcMJ4vHvgc0vopzC/s320/batter+in+tin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630346457092146066" /></a><br /><br />These were delicious!! I would absolutely make them again. I enjoyed mine alongside some pineapple and cherries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT6A5ED7qnM7FBKkB-Dc9hnhXj6pmW24QJB1xS5XEzwwAYnAM4c5-xRjXe5FPD691mQKFvOj6VlX1WnJ8CO6AfvLCqr9it3PGP4bee0WuFudsLLNYCUljDfoEr3XH5cxO3sKUIHtxkKFV/s1600/bfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT6A5ED7qnM7FBKkB-Dc9hnhXj6pmW24QJB1xS5XEzwwAYnAM4c5-xRjXe5FPD691mQKFvOj6VlX1WnJ8CO6AfvLCqr9it3PGP4bee0WuFudsLLNYCUljDfoEr3XH5cxO3sKUIHtxkKFV/s320/bfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630346700370287410" /></a><br /><br />Have a blessed Sunday morning!<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-34714730613484774052011-07-16T16:48:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00A day of so-so eats....Middle of the month budget panic + lack of grocery shopping = lackluster eats today. I started the day with high expectations for some overnight oats. In the mix: 1/3 cup oats, 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup of homemade granola added in the AM in an almost-empty PB jar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65aSrtLmv0-cUR8RwpmQs-UG6keP0vmr7TocCgJr6z0SoXYeE_7cclOmzNLPtSSXh7WYGzK-gJF4x7f5V5C7dGVANWdbkRx2v0dYTqOC3rPSH6sRjDEe8ba7GTXEk8i1hTYGHFvzGBb0i/s1600/bfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65aSrtLmv0-cUR8RwpmQs-UG6keP0vmr7TocCgJr6z0SoXYeE_7cclOmzNLPtSSXh7WYGzK-gJF4x7f5V5C7dGVANWdbkRx2v0dYTqOC3rPSH6sRjDEe8ba7GTXEk8i1hTYGHFvzGBb0i/s320/bfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105098621048194" /></a><br /><br />This was just okay. The oats were really soggy and did not really absorb the milk. Maybe I added too much? I usually make OO with a milk/yogurt combo, but we were out of yogurt. Lesson learned!<br /><br />After walking 4 miles on the treadmill (and watching an ep of <em>Rocco's Dinner Party</em>--why did I not know about this show sooner??) and going to Body Pump, I was famished again! Enter so-so meal #2 of the day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoikND7ailNTJWHbrwzppq2H6f7awBVWmlrqNteUQyLud5B92CN8MjEamNSV0Jz1mHF_jUu5Ev79mHBbK3kYhW31meCLcCtCmpUISazB6Vqj_y_2b3DJr51ysiQvmENQRzVXoZiMTDTh6/s1600/lunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoikND7ailNTJWHbrwzppq2H6f7awBVWmlrqNteUQyLud5B92CN8MjEamNSV0Jz1mHF_jUu5Ev79mHBbK3kYhW31meCLcCtCmpUISazB6Vqj_y_2b3DJr51ysiQvmENQRzVXoZiMTDTh6/s320/lunch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105225337991154" /></a><br /><br />I heated up some leftover eggplant from last night and polished off the veggies we had remaining in our fridge (cuke & tomato) and drizzled them in italian dressing. Both were kind of meh. Soggy eggplant, and veggies that were past their prime. BUT my meal was <em>redeemed</em> by <a href="http://www.gardein.com/products.php?t=frozen&p=4">Gardein chicken tenders</a>. These were delicious!! I bought them on a whim during my last whole foods trip, and I have a feeling they will become a staple. I dipped them in the last of the Mmmm sauce.<br /><br />As a side note, I think the eight year old in me will <strong>always</strong> have a heart for fried chicken fingers. Back in the day, I ordered chicken fingers everytime I went out to dinner with my family (which was a lot--my mom worked a lot and didn't have a lot of time to whip up a meal). Chili's chicken crispers, anyone??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDQ-zquRejAmR9K-XfumKF3DQrVxWKIeGV0Y5lJPUImpPZOKG3vM9XB3HMgiuwg602v0vVPJg-ttqhBIHDdla0R7ECZ5eUWg8nXXwyZs9ANIhLvzj4QFq34I8cyT7PQhpIOHLPvi8mqIo/s1600/chilis+chicken+crispers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDQ-zquRejAmR9K-XfumKF3DQrVxWKIeGV0Y5lJPUImpPZOKG3vM9XB3HMgiuwg602v0vVPJg-ttqhBIHDdla0R7ECZ5eUWg8nXXwyZs9ANIhLvzj4QFq34I8cyT7PQhpIOHLPvi8mqIo/s320/chilis+chicken+crispers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105347164768514" /></a><br /><br />A <strong>winner</strong> today was a delicious juice! I am loving my new juicer. I juiced some celery, a beet, an apple, the remainder of our bag of baby carrots, some kale and pineapple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu-9Rkr4KeggTL5C_vr1_NKrwoQ83sijPVq8C3gUGI2bU-hbE3TEhWkJt9WvQOj12xwszk06q812q4AmyghbmJSNOSN6XmeH0VZC7qNSyvyUspQy1DHq16iv9oFNIQ5qllxjWw9o4zFzc/s1600/veggies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu-9Rkr4KeggTL5C_vr1_NKrwoQ83sijPVq8C3gUGI2bU-hbE3TEhWkJt9WvQOj12xwszk06q812q4AmyghbmJSNOSN6XmeH0VZC7qNSyvyUspQy1DHq16iv9oFNIQ5qllxjWw9o4zFzc/s320/veggies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105488438216274" /></a><br /><br />They look much more appealing in liquid form, no?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDdhIJaJEojQz8NCUbxDrh9bLxvIHAdvKVBbfD9fKWZL9f0vF6fWIbYf_FO6w4wt-FGdPNwoRZcwtoSlW00_acq6htOYRV9Q8i-eHQDFyN_UxBGhdjNxd4X8wxrHkZxUpVTFUEh3t0fr2/s1600/juice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDdhIJaJEojQz8NCUbxDrh9bLxvIHAdvKVBbfD9fKWZL9f0vF6fWIbYf_FO6w4wt-FGdPNwoRZcwtoSlW00_acq6htOYRV9Q8i-eHQDFyN_UxBGhdjNxd4X8wxrHkZxUpVTFUEh3t0fr2/s320/juice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105595321531730" /></a><br /><br />I had dinner plans with some extended family members. I wore a dress from one of my favorite Dallas botiques, the <a href="http://www.theimpeccablepig.com/">Impeccable Pig</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPoI5877xOH6KtmsZV5PFbFui_heJjRzgoVG67AHtYDNSWJzLSmQMaEdlKfUYI-hgEbpskWfGLedHYI842v9-pEiTaXOa5D0jztxlfcsoYUxULwFHy4YynTnGMjbbRSSj7Nd4mYrI3y7o/s1600/outfit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPoI5877xOH6KtmsZV5PFbFui_heJjRzgoVG67AHtYDNSWJzLSmQMaEdlKfUYI-hgEbpskWfGLedHYI842v9-pEiTaXOa5D0jztxlfcsoYUxULwFHy4YynTnGMjbbRSSj7Nd4mYrI3y7o/s320/outfit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105720164595746" /></a><br /><br />We went to La Madeline, where the salad I ordered was, again, just so-so. Think <em></em>drencked in dressing<em></em>. Meh. <br /><br />Thankfully, my nighttime snack looks promising.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ej-iCqEXZ4zzWG6IrFl2qo-s64pa3ZzAY38MnM4m5SIH0jbvZKHKmjHTHVavjO2M4wYNGav4WpXs0exWartY47WfvnrtkZPCDgG0Z60B5RXIkSluVw_kY9gawlb0ME10AY5EB5KA18mr/s1600/swirll.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ej-iCqEXZ4zzWG6IrFl2qo-s64pa3ZzAY38MnM4m5SIH0jbvZKHKmjHTHVavjO2M4wYNGav4WpXs0exWartY47WfvnrtkZPCDgG0Z60B5RXIkSluVw_kY9gawlb0ME10AY5EB5KA18mr/s320/swirll.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630105856457856498" /></a><br /><br />Off to read through my curriculum for my new job!! Teacher training in t-minus 8 days...Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989229149149981330.post-9363238095524851702011-07-15T18:22:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:49:35.013-07:00Lobster Ice Cream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU7cRmnfeka4tPlsQ7YUL5m7vTu4_JVZLV-TU0q1-QFeOBF8wFHtqDvzDXNaCaWQ58Siz_t9o4rFF3Lj4h71rl6c5myKjFlJVpzAA-uDrSBSGuRafhPQt_cs_f4lk1F92WsGB2cVmYwSw/s1600/LobsterIceCream.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU7cRmnfeka4tPlsQ7YUL5m7vTu4_JVZLV-TU0q1-QFeOBF8wFHtqDvzDXNaCaWQ58Siz_t9o4rFF3Lj4h71rl6c5myKjFlJVpzAA-uDrSBSGuRafhPQt_cs_f4lk1F92WsGB2cVmYwSw/s320/LobsterIceCream.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629760909683441058" /></a><br /><br />Sounds delicious, no? Newsweek has an interesting article on <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2011/07/10/the-wildest-ice-cream-flavors.html">the world's wildest ice cream flavors</a>. The top 5 wildest, from my perspective, are:<br /><br />1. Salt and Pepper (San Franscisco, CA)<br />2. Lobster (Bar Harbor, Maine)<br />3. Feta Cheese and Basil (Atlanta, GA)<br />4. Garlic (Puerto Rico)<br />5. Rice and Beans (Puerto Rico)<br /><br />Honestly, I can't imagine stomaching any of these flavors. The strangest ice cream flavor I had ever heard of was pistachio, which is surprisingly good (it's all sweet, not salty like the real deal). Who knows? Maybe Lobster ice cream is a hidden treasure!<br /><br />I had a <strong>fabulous </strong>day today. I felt like I started to get my "glow" back after getting some pretty devastating news on Monday afternoon. I woke up from my 24-hour "back on track" juice fast with a hankering for some carb-loaded sugary sweetness. And I hankered for it quickly. Enter: frozen buckwheat waffles! I whipped them up in no time, topped with some microwaved frozen blueberries and some PB frosting (1 T white chocolate wonderful + 2 T coconut milk = PB frosting. For real, amazeballs).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdtkKqn_mXwiNfgHvo2fSvtDm5MPYEGR5RXZbxwtttLY2y9UAU16kroJncrKMrnzfE5AjbEolJreoGKtC1dJb3LRnbPr2yMv26Ecl82m7KBLkCm91_2EKHkdO2qkQCFV1zUI9_O5thq23/s1600/waffles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdtkKqn_mXwiNfgHvo2fSvtDm5MPYEGR5RXZbxwtttLY2y9UAU16kroJncrKMrnzfE5AjbEolJreoGKtC1dJb3LRnbPr2yMv26Ecl82m7KBLkCm91_2EKHkdO2qkQCFV1zUI9_O5thq23/s320/waffles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629760571929510946" /></a><br /><br />I lunched with the hubs at his office, where I munched on some delicious seafood cakes atop a salad. His office has <em>awesome</em> food choices, for a great price. On school days, I often feel a pang of jealous when I realize he is feasting on fresh broiled salmon and I am downing a sandwich-baggie PB&J!<br /><br />On the way home, I couldn't help myself. I stopped for a $1 diet coke from Mickie D's. Can't beat it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHT4hs9aOpDoQJwjUbbk4jcb5tx0BWLJ3xzsj3GwNfvpo6uMY9j_zgJpsqd0wwkAzIkcjLcM8g0Les7CgjzHhWbQeiYcE3F_aVOJ2Sg7yo1mKWxp60rWstH_NmTfY49J6q05_CJdd0qRiA/s1600/dc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHT4hs9aOpDoQJwjUbbk4jcb5tx0BWLJ3xzsj3GwNfvpo6uMY9j_zgJpsqd0wwkAzIkcjLcM8g0Les7CgjzHhWbQeiYcE3F_aVOJ2Sg7yo1mKWxp60rWstH_NmTfY49J6q05_CJdd0qRiA/s320/dc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629760424182555634" /></a><br /><br />Afternoon acitivities included making some delicious <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2009/05/03/raw-chocolate-chip-cookies/">raw chocolate chip cookie dough balls</a>. I'm thinking there might be some <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/03/18/chocolate-chip-cooke-dough-blizzard/">cookie dough blizzard</a> action in my future...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxkc9IVVPzf5BAdshIaV5OxLiROFBzw_siDXnoZ_gsxjlIUsvD-bbBR7SWSoHy1xEjJaqKK-OuSD4MYKp71_ZBlay8r-1zOtb8YVIPnCEwc_aV8OQbXV03816184XXvdH_VIFrHFj5alD/s1600/cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxkc9IVVPzf5BAdshIaV5OxLiROFBzw_siDXnoZ_gsxjlIUsvD-bbBR7SWSoHy1xEjJaqKK-OuSD4MYKp71_ZBlay8r-1zOtb8YVIPnCEwc_aV8OQbXV03816184XXvdH_VIFrHFj5alD/s320/cookies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629760302525133330" /></a><br /><br />The hubs headed out of town for a guy's weekend fishing trip so I was on my own for dinner. I cooked up a grilled egg plant sandwich on ezekiel sesame seed bread, complete with mozzarella, <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2011/04/12/wannabe-recipea-mmmm-sauce/">mmmm sauce</a>, and corn with vegan butter on the side. And I have have had a glass of wine (or two...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpaPsszEJIFbVQgI_sTtuY9Yv1ii-oGnXUlVzAAYZmoqFaGBlor-vmxxrcXWMOx9nSd2Y835GvahrbrBksqIVBAx2X0GbC_R5JUm2HcGv7aQCmD7-6wseVxy0SP0ET_d1fqSZwkjEqn6d/s1600/dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpaPsszEJIFbVQgI_sTtuY9Yv1ii-oGnXUlVzAAYZmoqFaGBlor-vmxxrcXWMOx9nSd2Y835GvahrbrBksqIVBAx2X0GbC_R5JUm2HcGv7aQCmD7-6wseVxy0SP0ET_d1fqSZwkjEqn6d/s320/dinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629760164990802802" /></a><br /><br />Spending my evening with<em> Friends</em>. Nite!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353538473526358600noreply@blogger.com0