The Friday Five 1.11.13

1. What I’m Reading: How to Train a Wild Elephant. I am fascinated by this book. Each of the 53 short chapters teaches you to slow down and live more mindfully. One of my resolutions this year was to live more simply. I tend to get caught up in too many things and try to get so much done. I end up stretching myself way too thin and stressing out. I quickly read most of the book (typical), but now want to re-read each lesson with more focus and concentrate on each exercise for a week. Hopefully by this time next year I’ll have a much clearer, happier head!

2. What I’m Drinking: Speaking of de-stressing, I found another Yogi tea that I like: Kava Stress Relief. Is this post making me sound like a crazy woman?

I’ve been drinking a cup of this tea with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey.

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Not-Too-Virtuous Salad with Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette. I need you all to listen to me: making your own salad dressing is worth the effort. It usually only takes a few ingredients and most recipes are so much healthier than bottled dressings. Some of the ingredient lists on those things are downright scary. Know what you’re eating, people!

4. What I’m Listening to: I hope you want to dance this weekend. Virtually join me and listen in on this song while you’re getting ready to go out.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN MY FRIENDS TELL ME I’M BEING INAPPROPRIATE

WHEN I LEAVE THE HOUSE AND AMOST FORGET MY PHONE

WHEN I HAVE STORIES FOR MY BESTIES

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five 12.28.12

Hello!! Long time no chat. Er, blog? I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and nice time off of work. I’ve been off for a while and I feel like all I’ve done is cook, run, spend time with family, and bake. It’s been wonderful.

1. What I’m Reading: The Plant-Powered Diet. This past year I’ve been eating more vegetables than ever and want to continue nourishing myself with them as much as possible. It just makes sense. Or does it just it acceptable to eat cookies for lunch like I did on Monday? Anyway, this book discusses the benefits of vegetables, fruits, and grains and some great recipes.

2. What I’m Eating: Now watch me contradict myself. I mean…balance out all the veggies…with THESE. Thanks to Erica’s recommendation, I picked up a bag of Hershey’s Mint Truffle Kisses. If you’re a fan of mint + chocolate, grab a bag. Because they’re individually wrapped, I find I eat fewer than when I rip open a bag of M&Ms. Agree?

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Auntie Kelly gave me a juicer (yippee!) so I’ve been saving some juice recipes. This recipe for Beet-le juice sounds delicious.

4. What I’m Listening to: Scream & Shout by will.i.am and Britney Spears. Britney’s back, woohoo!

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN I FIND A GUY I LIKE THAT IS AS WEIRD AS I AM

MY BEST FRIEND AND ME

MY BEST FRIEND AND ME WHEN WE SHARE SECRETS AFTER TOO MANY COCKTAILS

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five 12.21.12

1. What I’m Reading: I love cookbooks, but usually borrow them from the library instead of buying them. When I do buy them, they tend to be more scientific or educational, rather than a compilation of recipes with photos. I finally got around to purchasing The Science of Good Cooking, one of books by Cooks Illustrated. It is the best and you need it. This is a must have for any home chef who likes to know the hows and whys of cooking.

2. What I’m Eating: As far as faux meat products go, I usually stick to Morningstar chick’n patties or spicy black bean burgers. I had some really bad products by Gardein a couple years ago, but these beefless burgers are a new favorite. I would have been easily fooled if someone told me they were beef.

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale. Interesting combo, right?

4. What I’m Listening to: Her voice. His production. This collaboration: Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS HELP WRAPPING PRESENTS

WHEN THE HOLIDAYS START TO STRESS ME OUT

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS IF I’M DONE WITH MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five 12.6.12

1. What I’m Reading: The Conscious Cook. My sweet coworker let me borrow this cookbook that’s full of  delicious meatless recipes.

2. What I’m Eating: I’m on Day 5 of no candy/sweets. I still can’t believe I haven’t freaked out. At work yesterday, someone kept talking about cake and I wanted to shush her so badly. Thankfully, the one thing my mother taught me was manners. A new purchase for me is these Lightlife Kick'n Black Bean Burgers.

They’re a lot heftier than Morningstar’s and have good flavor, but are pretty dry. What’s your favorite black bean burger?

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Kale and Roasted Beet Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing. 

4. What I’m Listening to: Oh, you want a little love song? This is fun but not too sappy.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN I MIX VODKA AND HIGH HEELS

WHEN I BREAK OUT THE TEQUILA

WHEN I GET OLD

 

. . .  

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five 11.30.12

1. What I’m Reading: Oh, you know, cookbooks. This new one, Jerusalem, has beautiful photos.

2. What I’m Eating: As much as Danielle and I eat together, restaurant owners must think we are dating.  We went to Mi Xao for the third time in a week so we could try more of the menu. Give us a month, I bet we’ll have covered the whole thing. The owners are just so nice and they’re now blog readers. Hey guys!

Last night Dani had the red curry stir-fry…

…and I had the green curry. Mine was so spicy my lips were burning. Loved it.

We also got to sample duck crepes and sweet potato & shrimp fritters that are part of their catering menu.

On our way out, Anh showed us that Mi Xao is BYOB. Good to know!

PS: HI JOY! It was nice to meet you. :)

3. What I’m Listening to:  Lykke Li – Possibility.

4. Recipes I’m Bookmarking:  Black Beans with Sweet Potatoes and Kale.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

ONE HOUR INTO MY DIET

ALL DAY EVERY DAY

WHEN I GO FOR A RUN

I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed weekend! 

Currently…

Inspired by my fellow Charleston blogger, Katie…

Listening to: Diamonds by Rihanna. Loving it.

Eating: Besides Christmas cookies? Pho. Danielle (my pho-ever friend) and I have had it 3x times in the past week. This is the Tom Yum Kung from Mi Xao, our favorite spot in Mt. Pleasant.

Drinking: The Blue Edition by Red Bull. Get excited for the new flavors.

Feeling: Energetic, probably due to the aforementioned beverage.

Weather: Sunny and 61*. It’s so cold at night though! I’m pathetic in the winter.

Needing: A massage. Or 20. I hurt my leg during a 6 mile run on Sunday. :(

Wanting: To put up the Christmas tree! I think Boding and I are doing that tonight. There WILL be Chick-fil-A ornaments on it, don’t you worry.

Thinking: I should really clean out my purse. It is madness inside that bag!

Enjoying: All of the holiday decorations around town, the seasonal treats, and the Christmas movies that I’m DVR-ing this week.

Making me laugh: Kaye cracks me up. I love her. One day I’ll explain why there is a banana next to her name.

Looking forward to: Only 3 more sleeps until the weekend!

• Friday – I’m off work, getting my hair chopped, and then seeing Wild Club.
• Saturday – Annabel’s birthday dinner
• Sunday – 7 mile run with Amanda then…you tell me.

What are you doing now?! I want to know everything.

The Friday Five 11.23.12

1. What I’m Watching: We all know I have terrible taste in television. The only time I watch something worth mentioning is if a boy sits me down to watch a show. Last week I saw the pilot episode of Homeland.

Let’s just say that Claire Danes’ character is a wreck and makes me feel like a normal human being. I’ll probably only watch this show again if said boy puts it on in my presence. 

2. What I’m Eating: Tis the season for gluttony. Who wore leggings to Thanksgiving dinner? This girl. Last weekend, my grandmother introduced me to Talenti Sea Salt Caramel gelato.

This stuff is ridiculously sweet to the point where you’ll be satisfied with just one serving. The chocolate caramel candies inside are deeeeelicious. I’d just pick those out if I bought a pint. 

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Peppermint Sugar Cookies. So festive! 

4. What I’m Listening to: WHY WHY WHY did I not go see Passion Pit when they came to Charleston? Seriously regretting that. Their song “Where I Come From” is on the Breaking Dawn 2 soundtrack and I’ve probably played it 400 times in the past week.

Regardless of whether or not you are a Twihard, all of the soundtracks are full of great music. I promise!

5. GIFs I’m Loving: Cheers to you, Boding!

WHEN I WANT MY ROOMMATE TO DO SOMETHING WITH ME

WHEN MY ROMMATE GETS HOME AND I’M EXCITED BECAUSE I HAVE SO MUCH TO TELL HIM

WHEN MY ROOMMATE AND I ARE THE BEST DRUNK CHEFS

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Next week I’m hosting a jewelry giveaway with the etsy shop Peppermint Lollipops. In the meantime, Jenny has offered a discount code for my readers to enjoy! From now until Sunday Nov. 25th, use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY30 to receive 30% off all items in her shop. Here’s a little preview:

Have a great weekend!

Please don’t get trampled by Black Friday shoppers!