(Somewhat) Full-Disclosure Sunday

Whew! The past few days have been a whirlwind! Life is definitely different this semester with three classes right in a row -- bam, bam, bam. Having Thursday through Sunday available has made life... interesting. Well, let's see...

 

Thursday, I headed to RIC around lunchtime to spend some QT with Mom. Dad was at a series of meetings at my alma mater, Longwood University. Mom and I got to pal around, make a healthy dinner together, sit outside and enjoy the wannabe-fall temps, and watch too much television -- starting with a new episode of The Office and ending with a few old Twilight Zone episodes, maybe including Parks and Rec in between. My mom isn't much of a TV-watcher; she often says that if there wasn't a TV in the house, she wouldn't notice. Still, it was great to bum around the house just us girls. She even let me test out her new Sleep Number!

 

Friday was Ian's M1-D1 semi-formal (i.e. the first-year med school nerds and the first-year dental students mixin' it up at the beautiful, newly renovated historic Hotel John Marshall). He picked me up after lunch at the Casa de Lew, and we hung around his apartment for a few hours before trying out a new recipe: whole-wheat thin spaghetti with fresh minced garlic and Prego Light Smart plus sauteed squash and zucchini with a splash of soy. Then it was time to play dress-up! Hey, I like an occasional excuse to put on something fancy and attend a swanky event on my man's arm ;) However... between the "pre-game" Ian's good friend hosted and the three drinks included with the cost of each ticket, I was feeling, shall we say, not myself when we finally hopped in a cab. A great time was had by all! ...until Saturday morning.

Give me a cold any day. Throw me allergies or a sinus infection. You know what, I'll even take bronchitis again. But don't expect me to function when I'm hungover. Every time this happens, I tell Ian, "I'm almost 24 years old! Shouldn't I know my limit by now?!"

His response?

"You like to have a good time!"

That I do. But I still wanted to enjoy the University of Richmond tailgate and football game we were planning to attend yesterday afternoon. My dad is an alum and a brother of Phi Kappa Sigma, and he and his frat bros all have season tickets. My sister has been to several tailgates before, but I hadn't seen my dad's brothers in ages. I needed to make a good impression, but I also desperately wanted to feel better. Luckily for me (and my poor sense of good judgment), Ian is a fantastic boyfriend who really looks out for me. He bought Chobani for me, cooked me some incredible scrambled eggs, sliced up fresh fruit, and even packed up my stuff for me as I moaned and groaned about feeling sick. Somehow, we got out the door on time.

 

I guess the boy has magical powers--or magical fruit--because somewhere between Miseryville and some pear slices, I felt almost like myself again.

The tailgate food was to die for, and the game was really exciting! Bear in mind, this is coming from a girl who doesn't have a clue what "first and ten" means, and who frankly doesn't care a bit about football. I guess live football is okay, and the rivalry between ODU and UR inspired a ton of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the Monarchs defeated the Spiders 45-37.

 

Afterward, the fam and Ian and I headed to The Tavern for a late dinner. Since I began eating meat in January, I think I've had steak twice. Three times now, as The Tavern's steak fajitas were ahh-may-zingg. Of course, there was an obligatory Sweet Frog trip to follow, and the night concluded with the hilarity of Mel Brooks's Blazing Saddles. A first for me...

 

My weekend wrapped up with church this morning, a lazy lunch, and good-byes all around as Ian and Caroline headed back to their respective schools. Not having class until 4:30 on Mondays means one more night at home :) I'm off to enjoy the late afternoon sun in the swing with Mom. Ta ta!

 

P.S. What did you get into this weekend? Anything super exciting??

P.P.S. I swear I think about taking pictures for the blog -- I'm just bad about actually doing it!

UG Dining Hall Challenge

I swear, I will turn anything into a challenge. My latest? Eat well while eating like an undergrad for the weekend.

This weekend, I spent time with my sister and her friends at their college. Thus, it was back to dining hall meals. The dining hall isn't the worst thing ever... but I still shudder when I think of how many of my undergraduate meals consisted of bagels slathered with cream cheese, Reese's Puffs, the worst pizza that ever existed, and "salads" I barely touched that were disguised under hearty helpings of bleu cheese. Last year, when Ian was still at Hampden-Sydney, I used to enjoy challenging myself to experiment with wholesome, healthy food options in his dining hall. Granted, we usually counteracted such meals with trips to BWW or a Farmville favorite, Macado's, but I was still proud of myself for electing to eat egg white omelettes, fresh blueberries and strawberries, and raisin-sprinkled granola with skim. It's all about balance ;)

For breakfast on Saturday morning, I sampled scrambled eggs, a slice of real bacon (yum!), low-fat blueberry yogurt with granola, a cup (or two) of whipped coffee, a smattering of 'tater tots, and a much-needed bowl of Kashi Go Lean! Crunch. The breakfast of champions. Well... the breakfast of people trying to avoid a trip to Starbuck's and/or the beautifully displayed doughnuts and desserts.

Sunday morning looked much the same: a scoop of scrambled eggs, a bowl of low-fat vanilla yogurt with pineapple chunks and granola, a couple small seasoned potato cakes, a cup of whipped coffee and a cup of premade coffee with milk, and a bowl of Go Lean! Crunch mixed with Honey Nut Cheerios. I must say, I've been pretty impressed with the school's dining hall options. I left around 2:00 yesterday, but steaks and hot fudge sundaes were on the dinner menu!

Normally, I'm perfectly happy being that girl who snaps photos of her meals in public. I thought I'd avoid embarrassing Caroline and her sorority sisters, particularly as a 23-year-old trying to blend in with UGs... Overall, I felt pretty good about my dining hall choices. My weekend diet definitely could have contained more vegetables. I also simultaneously celebrated and lamented the fact that not once did we order pizza. My mouth waters just thinking about thin-crust cheesy pizza with pineapple and onions... But, my sister and I snacked on Vitamin Water and 100-calorie packets of almonds instead.

As I know from my lack of personal experience, eating well while relying on the dining hall can be done, it just requires effort, creativity, and openness. It's all about that balance.

I hope your weekend was excellent! I'm counting down the days until Friday!

I Can't Believe She's Twenty

In 48 hours, my "baby" sister will be twenty years old.
It seems ridiculously hard to believe, but in reality, we're ready for how old she is.
This is the girl who was accepted to 10 out of the 10 colleges to which she applied.
This is the girl who was a multi-sport athlete in high school (lacrosse, tennis, softball, girls' basketball manager...).
This is the girl who won't settle for less than what she knows she deserves.
This is the girl who carves her own path and refuses to live in the shadows of others.
This is the girl who speaks up with her own voice and doesn't compromise her morals.
This is the girl who's defying the "dumb sorority girl" stereotype, one A at a time.
This is the girl I couldn't be more proud to call my sister or my best friend.

She's beautiful, she's smart, and she's sassy!

I wish I wasn't going to be in class on my sister's actual birthday, but hey, that's why we've been celebrating for three days ;)

Today, I wish you, Caroline, the happiest of birthdays! You deserve all the best and more.

I'm Officially a Runner!

It's finally here!!

Race day dawned sunny and cool -- and early. When I was a little girl, I was all about early. These days, before 10:00, you might as well not bother. Regardless, the race began at 9:00. That meant I was up at 7, out the door with Dad and Caroline at 7:45. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Dad reminded me last night that my body has been conditioned to run; my greatest challenge would be in my mind. Quickly as I ate my cereal and my Chobani, I created a playlist on my iPod of hip-hop songs and good beats (Mann, Cobra StarShip, Sam Tsui, DNC, Jay Sean, New Boyz, Nicki Minaj, etc.). I have to say, I don't think I could have run the entire 5k without my music.

The three of us began the race abreast. After a few minutes, Dad and I broke away from the pack. He ran with me for 2.5 miles. He touched my shoulder shortly after we passed the two-mile mark and said, "I'm going to finish the race with Caroline. You have less than half a mile left. You're gonna do it!" I gave him a thumbs up and I was on my own. His support was all I needed to finish strong. That last half-mile flew by, particularly the huge downhill slope, and the last segment that I sprinted. Just when I thought my legs couldn't handle much more, I found my second wind and I crossed the finish line with the biggest, goofiest grin:

I finished in 37:39.4 (the time on the right began when the competition runners crossed the start line; I timed myself from start line to finish line). Photo thanks goes to my wonderful man, Ian.

Dad and Caroline finished about 8 minutes after I did. I was so thrilled to be able to see them cross the finish line!

Being handed that medal was, without a doubt, the highlight of my day. I knew that I would finish the race, but I felt as if that pink and gold medal signified specifically for me that I had run the entire race without stopping once!

We ate brunch at 3rd Street Diner afterward. My short stack of blueberry pancakes and apple juice hit the spot ;) On the agenda for the rest of the day is (1) basking in the glory of my run and (2) watching Bridalplasty with Caroline. I could not be more proud of the three of us :)

I really cannot say enough good things about wearing compression shorts underneath my running shorts. Not once did I have to tug my shorts down or worry about chafing or sweat. Unfortunately, I felt my headband slipping about a mile into the race. I didn't want to lose it, so I just finished wearing it around my forearm. I ate hair for the second half of the race, but it wasn't the end of the world. Happy race day!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who sent encouraging texts, tweets, emails, and blog comments my way!

HTP Martini Monday

Yesterday was a fantastic, wonderful, incredible, amazing, beautiful day in A.K. World. Not so much literally. It was foggy and drizzly all day. But inside, things were cheery and inspiration-fueled.

For one thing, it was my last day of my first year of graduate school. There was just one Ethics exam and one "practice" counseling session self-critique to be turned in standing between freedom and me. I surprised myself with how incredibly prepared I felt for my Group Therapy final last Thursday and my Ethics final. Never in my life have I put in more time or effort studying for exams. I really went above and beyond what I knew I was capable of, and it showed through my lack of pre-exam freakouts and in my confidence as I took the tests.

After Ethics, I jetted off to Robin Alexander for celebratory martinis with Amy, Jennifer, and Kristin (from left).

One whole year of grad school, done, just like that! Of course, it won't feel that way until I receive my final grades...

First there was the Sour Straw:

Then I tried the Andes Mint:

Both were irresistible, and both will be repeat offenders.

I washed those down (wait...) with the Tuscan Chicken and the sweet potato fries:

Though my bank account objects profusely, it's safe to say I've found a new favorite local spot.

So, what else was I celebrating?

Well, one of my favorite bloggers in the world, Caitlin Boyle over at Healthy Tipping Point, had emailed me to let me know that I was being featured on her blog as part of her "Success Stories" showcase this week, promoting the release of her new book:

I was beyond thrilled. Being recognized by Caitlin is a big deal to me; her blog serves as daily inspiration to better myself mentally and physically. In case you aren't familiar with Operation Beautiful, head over to her blog and check out her empowering work. I was cheesin' like a fool for hours on end. I called my mom and Ian as soon as I received the email. I emailed the link around. I told the ladies over martinis. I grinned and giggled through a phone convo with Dad. To be honest, I haven't stopped smiling since :)

On top of everything, Monday nights are Make It or Break It nights, and last night's episode did not disappoint. I must say, I'm pretty pleased with the start my week has had. Today, I'm off to my sister's college to help her pack up and move out. Wish us luck!

Endless Summer

This weekend has been pretty different from my usual exploits at Hampden-Sydney. Oh, well, with the exception of my token hangover.

I arrived Friday at 3:45 and hung out with Ian and a steady stream of visitors until Caroline arrived. After running a few errands and grabbing T-Bell for dinner, it was time for the slip-and-slide. Of course, no frattivity such as this is complete without a trip to the hospital for stitches, so that put a bit of a damper on things... for about 5 minutes. Unfortunately, the slip-and-slide lubed with dish soap was a wrap, but the camaraderie of Pledge Party was just beginning.

Tom's themed attire was less "endless summer" and more "female volleyball player"

Obviously, my attire wasn't theme-oriented, as I had planned...

This is the infamous professor, Dr. Herbert J. Sipe, Jr.

I don't know about you, but I much prefer bottled beer to canned beer, even though it's twice as expensive. I tried the new Bud Light Platinum, but I was a bit disappointed with how watered down it tasted. Luckily, I had Miller Lite to balance out the flavor.

The entire night was fantastic. Tom and I went 2-0 in beer pong, some of my ADPi sisters wandered in for a bit, I caught up with old friends and new friends, I mixed and mingled all night, and it was an incredible last frat "party" for Ian and me.

This morning, I was up and at 'em at the horrendous hour of 9:00. I needed to shower, get ready, and grab a small breakfast before heading back to school for Kristin's 31 party at 1:00. I wish I'd snapped photos of the delicious libations she prepared -- mini BBQ sandwiches, fresh fruit salad, a fresh veggie tray, cupcakes, sangria, pretzel snacks, tomato and bacon pastries, homemade cookies, and more -- but I was ravenous! I had never been to a 31 party before, but I definitely enjoyed myself. I especially loved her party favors:

A well-deserved nap was on the agenda, and for two glorious hours, I did nothing else. I made myself a late dinner when I finally arose, and I'm currently enjoying a cup of decaf and a movie. Normally, I'd be lonely and bored at my apartment on a Saturday night, but I'm zapped. I decided to call it an early night, watch a little TV, and lounge around here for the evening. I'm perfectly happy with the idea of a quiet evening, sleeping in tomorrow (with no alarm), and grocery shopping and working at my leisure.

I hope your weekend has been wonderful thus far :) What have you been up to? Do you generally prefer quieter or rowdier weekend activities, or a combo?

I Pledge to Party

Pledge Party.

To me, that's a weird phrase. It sounds as though one is pledging to party.

Well, if that's the case, then I'm on board. Tonight is AXE's (Ian's fraternity) Pledge Party event for the newly initiated brothers. Typically, Pledge Party occurs the night before the initiation ceremony, but the fraternity's social circumstances were different this semester. Thus, Pledge Party is occurring post-initiation; the pledges are no longer pledges. That doesn't mean the party will be any less grand! There is usually a band or a DJ. Tonight there will also be cookout food, which means fast-food or some red meat alternative for me. The theme this semester is Endless Summer, and this tankini top and sundress are what I plan to wear:

Plus my LMFAO shades, as I call them, with my HSC "bro-kies"
I'm not ballsy or showy enough (read: idiotic enough) to wear just a bikini top and some skimpy bottoms. I prefer a more modest adherence to the theme, nevermind the fact that it'll be 50 degrees and windy tonight. Tonight's more realistic theme is debauchery.
I'm just looking forward to socializing and spending QT with Ian, Caroline, Lauren & Co., and Ian's bros. I hope to have lots of great pics for you tomorrow, as I rejoin my grad school girls for a 31 merchandise party at Kristin's!

Man, I'm going to miss these opportunities to act as an undergrad again... Before you know it, I'll have taken up knitting and cat-collecting...

P.S. Do you still enjoy "fratting" when you get the chance? Do you ever visit your alma mater (HSC is my pseudo alma mater) to shake things up with old friends?

Falling Down on the Job

Okay, okay, I admit it.

I've been the worst accountability buddy.

One of my gym buddies, Lauren, has been my long-distance accountability buddy for months, and yet we've actually checked in with each other only a handful of times. She was much better about asking me whether I'd gone to the gym and motivating me to feel better before I began 5K training than I was for her. After I began my training program, I was pretty darn self-motivated, so I stopped checking in with Lauren and she stopped checking in with me. What I really need her to say now is, Don't eat those curly fries! Really? Another scoop of ice cream?! But while we were still agreed-upon long-distance gym buddies, I should have made more of an effort. She's too cute for me not to!

My other accountability buddy, Bekah, and I go to school together, though we never run into each other because she's an undergrad and we "live" on opposite sides of campus. She was much better about texting or tweeting me to see if I'd already run. I hardly ever remembered to text her, and when I did, it usually read something like, Yeah, I ran Monday and Wednesday and did weights on Tuesday. Oops, forgot to text you (again)!

It appears that not only do I not take many photos with my accountability buddies, but that all we do is drink beer!

I think the good news buried under the guilt here is that my friends and I are able to hold ourselves accountable for going to the gym and fitting exercise in our schedules where we can. Bekah recently began using the same 5K training plan I'm using, which definitely excited me! She's tried to get me involved in numerous actual 5K events -- as opposed to treadmill marathons -- and so has Lauren, but my timing and scheduling this semester have not yet allowed for it.

I think both of them would tell me not to worry about feeling like I fell down on the job (because they're both very motivated and forgiving women), but I'm one of those people who always honors without fail likes to honor commitments I've made.

However, 32 days from today, my dad and Caroline and I will be running in the Susan G. Komen 5K event in Richmond (my first race ever!). They'll be my new short-term accountability buddies :)

Have a marvelous Monday, and don't be too hard on yourself today!

P.S. Have you and a friend ever been accountability gym or exercise buddies? If so, how long did you maintain it? If not, is it something you're willing to try?

P.P.S. Today is the last day of my H2O Challenge. Thus far, I've only managed to drink 48 oz. of water in a day once. I don't think today's going to be a different story. It looks like 24 oz. of water plus 2 cups of coffee per diem is my norm. At least now I know!

Feaster Weekend Recap

What a magnificent Easter weekend it has been!

Saturday, I slept in until the grand hour of 9:30... I had set an alarm for 10, but after a certain time, my parents don't believe in any standard of being "quiet" in the a.m. So, outside we went. For as long as I can remember, Caroline and I have loved swinging with Mom in the porch swing. Dad had a prior engagement (a.k.a. golf), so we lazed around for a few hours before Ian arrived at 2:30. Momma sent this with him since I wasn't there to open my second-family Easter basket:

He insisted right away that we watch some movie called Space Cowboys... It was okay, but between allergies, my wake-up call, and a mid-afternoon Woodchuck, I semi-napped my way through the adventures of Tommy Lee Jones.

Dinner was truly a feast -- grilled chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage; fresh corn on the cob; salad with all the fixings; mashed potatoes; fresh squash; and homemade lemonade.

After dinner, it was decidedly a Sweet Frog kind of night. Actually, my parents had planned on a froyo trip specifically because Ian was visiting.

Our family is really big on reading, so a trip to Sweet Frog is usually tied in to visiting Barnes & Noble, or as my parents refer to it, "bee and en."

Go the F**k to Sleep, anyone?

I was super stoked to find that Ellen Hopkins had released a new book, Perfect. Her other books, Crank, Glass, Burned, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, and Impulse are some of my favorite psychology-inspired reads, particularly Identical. I'll definitely be saving Perfect for OBX '12 with my second family next month!

Then it was time for Woodchuck and a date with Justin Timberlake. Ian wanted to Redbox In Time, which I would rate a 9 for creativity, but a 5 for plot and emotion factor. Maybe I just didn't quite get it. Whatever. Justin Timberlake is easy on the eyes, whether or not I get what he's doing to save the world.

Easter Sunday always means early risin', but I don't mind. I love an excuse for new shoes and a new dress.

Please pardon the awkward position of Ian's hands... Contrary to whatever pose he was trying to strike, I am not expecting.

After having experienced it for the first time, I highly recommend the brunch buffet the Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond offers. The sausage gravy--which I have discovered is a meat food I like--was out of this world!

We rode down to Shockoe Bottom after lunch to see Ian's new apartment.

Around 4:15, he had to depart for school to be at work by 6:00. I decided to stay another night, so I'll be heading back in the morning, well-rested and well-fed ;)

Happy Easter, one and all! I hope the Easter Bunny was good to you (he still visits our house, though my sister and I are 19 and 23), and that your day was filled with food, fun, and family!

P.S. What is one of your Easter traditions? We always take lots of pictures in our new Easter dresses, and eat brunch somewhere new or different.

Fratting Hard: Greek Week 2012

I could tell you that this weekend was peaceful and serene and full of melt-your-heart moments, but I'd be lying. This weekend is better encapsulated in the word insane.

Friday, my little sister and best friend in the world, Caroline, and Ian and I enjoyed the frattivities taking place around the clock. Hampden-Sydney does Greek Week in big proportions. There was cornhole, burgers and dogs on the grill (I elected for Taco Bell--I still don't do "real" hamburgers or hot dogs), bands all the way around Frat Circle, a makeshift hot tub (a tarp inside a pickup full of water), streaking, glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, an abundance of alcohol, couches on lawns, way too many above-the-knee khakis and pastel button-downs, and more than enough mingling with both old and new people. I managed not to fall this weekend, though I did trip over that same treacherous sidewalk, resulting in a few ugly but harmless blood blisters. I drank way too much Miller Light, and I ate two pieces too many of cheesy, onion-laden Papa John's goodness.

Saturday Caroline had to leave before lunch to get back to school to prep for a sorority ball, so Ian and I grabbed a light lunch (some very dry Philadelphia rolls, a Vitamin Water, and a Kit Kat for me) before meeting up with my parents. I was excited to take them down to Ian's fraternity house to see some of the frat bros they know, such as these clowns:

 Don't worry, Zsa-Zsa, you're not a clown!

I was also a little apprehensive that the inevitably shirtless guys sunning themselves on the lawn and playing cornhole with their cigars and their red Solo cups full of unspeakable cocktails would make them think differently, but they absolutely loved seeing everybody and getting a taste of our frattier weekends.

Afterward, we grabbed an early and delicious dinner at Ruby Tuesday before my family needed to head home and Ian and I needed to head out for more provisions. Saturday night was much less crowded but equally as hilarious and entertaining. This morning, I paid for it dearly. Luckily for me, Ian graciously plays doctor quite well. We had brunch in the dining hall, and then sadly, it was time for us to part company. I had a nap and several bottles of water on my agenda!

And just like that, Greek Week 2012 was over as suddenly as it had begun.

I love still having the best of both worlds for a few more months. Once Ian's in medical school and I'm in the second year of my M.Ed. program, things won't be so frattastic. I'm sure people judge me for my weekend decisions and my lifestyle, but frankly, my dears, I don't give a damn. I'm sure my liver feels differently, but my grades are high and my concerns are low.

I hope your weekend was excellent, and far more hydrated than mine!

P.S. Sorry I've been a little light on the pics recently. One of Ian's close friends asked if a photo of the airplane bottles I downed last night would grace "The Blog," and though they won't, consider this your shout-out, Raj!

Scaling Things Down

I know I wrote awhile back that the entire purpose of my healthy living attitude and my fitness goals was not weight loss. But certainly, a part of my goals is losing weight. Several months ago, the gym at my apartment complex removed the scale. I don't know why, and I don't know what they did with it. I do know that every time I stepped on it, the maintenance men timed their arrival to coincide with those little red numbers blinking my weight. Geez, get your own damn number!

I've been thinking about getting a scale of my own for my bathroom so I can weigh myself in the buff (to get a true reading). Isn't that expression the greatest? ;)

I wish!

But, like I wrote before, I don't want to be a slave to the scale. I don't want to feel obligated by daily weigh-ins or pressure to lower the number I see. I've been enjoying the health benefits of eating well by choice, making healthy decisions when I'm away from my meticulous kitchen, and challenging myself to do better on the weekends. For the most part, all of this goes well, but I'd still like to monitor my weight.

Caroline jokes that I'm the only person she knows who can step on a scale "wrong," step off, step on again, and have gained weight. No lie -- one time I stepped on the scale in her bathroom at home, peed, and somehow weighed 17 pounds more than I had the first time. How the hell is that possible?!

All joking and indecision aside, I know I've lost at least 15 pounds since I began this endeavor. I probably could have lost more by now with a program like Weight Watchers, but I feel trapped just by the idea of counting points and having weekly weigh-ins. I don't want my health to be a guessing game, but perhaps in my optimistic naivete, I feel as though I've gained superior health benefit from making personal choices rather than feeling as though Big Brother is monitoring every calorie. Plus, my blog serves as an accountability booster. Nope, I certainly don't have to post pictures of indulgent desserts or grease-coated pizza, but being honest with myself feels far more genuine than being honest with a points program or eating prepackaged frozen meals.

Disclaimer: I'm not dumping on your diet! I'm just not a "diet" kind of chick. If you're doing WW "because it works," rock on. If you lap up Atkins meals or Nutrisystem protein shakes, keep on keepin' on. I'm doing what works for me, just as you're doing what works for you. Cheers to the both of us with a Vitamin Water!

P.S. If you have a scale in your home, how often do you weigh yourself? If you do not weigh yourself at home, how often do you weigh yourself? If you don't care what the scale says, how did you become comfortable with the decision not to weigh yourself regularly?

Fiesta Weekend

What a wonderful relaxing, productive, exciting, smile-filled weekend it was :) I was so blessed to be able to spend it in the company of family and good friends.

Friday held so many new things (i.e. my accidental 5K), I couldn't help but celebrate!

I demolished this little gem at TGI Friday's before Kristin and I made our way to AA. This go-round, I selected more wisely: the Classic Wedge Salad, the Chicken Piccata Pasta, and this, Oreo Madness. Again, I didn't finish the pasta, and the delicious left-overs are still waiting for me.

Saturday, after my new favorite healthy Subway find (a 6" Veggie on wheat bread = provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, cucumber, Chipotle Southwest sauce, and oil and vinegar), I treated myself to a phenomenal Starbuck's cake pop.

Saturday evening, Caroline, Ian and I rang in St. Patrick's Day with two friends, Phil and Bekah, and a lot of some very green beer at Macado's!

After so much indulgence, I declared today that I'm in official Detox Mode. Lauren asked me about my "plan of attack," but the truth is, I don't have one. I just have a crying need to OD on fruits and veggies. Somewhere between the pasta salad and St. Patty's Day coconut cake I swallowed whole last night and the 2 cinnamon rolls I wolfed down this morning, I lost sight of my body's needs.

Ergo... I've been excited to make and to blog about vegetarian Burrito Bowls for literally days!

I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, A Healthy Slice of Life.

What I Used:

- Refried pinto beans

- Hard taco shell bowls (a.k.a. Tostada Bowls)

- Baby spinach leaves

- Tomato

- Avocado

- Sprinkly nacho/taco cheese

- Light sour cream

- Wholly Salsa

(I wasn't able to find fresh cilantro at my local Kroger last week)

(I ended up skipping the brown rice; I'm thinking I'll use it for a meal later this week)

(I didn't add sauteed onion as I had planned because I was super hungry... and eager!)

What I Did:

- Coated the inside of the bowl with hot refried beans

- Diced a handful (each) of tomato, avocado, and spinach

- Layered all veggie ingredients

- Added sour cream, salsa, and cheese

- Added dollops of beans

And there it is -- my very first homemade burrito bowl!

I munched on a handful of almonds and a Chobani instead of giving in to the idea of fixing another Burrito Bowl. I'll be enjoying one again soon; one of the great things about this meal idea is that the ingredients suffice for several meals.

Well, my blends, it's time for me to get back into my school routine. T-minus 44 days until the semester is over, but it sure doesn't feel like it! I've got a lot of work--hence, a lot of stress--ahead of me, so a detox goal of ODing on fruits and veggies ought to help me cope. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!



"I Have Confidence in Confidence Alone..."

Bonus points if you recognize those lyrics!

Today, I'm feeling pretty confident. Read: confident. Not cocky. Sometimes I confuse the two ;)

I feel confident when...

...I have a plan.

I feel confident when...

...I have new clothes.

I feel confident when...

...I make positive, healthy choices.

I feel confident when...

...I cross big items off of my to-do list.

I feel confident when...

...I'm surrounded by people I love (I may have had a few shots of a different form of confidence!)

I feel confident when...

I take a chance on something new.

I'm feeling confident today because it's a new day, it's a new week, it's a new chance, it's a new season, and it's a new opportunity to do something great. I hope your Monday is every bit as confident!