What I’m Loving Wednesday

1. I introduced Danielle to Mi Xao on Monday. We split the London Broil pho…

…and the Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry. We enjoyed both, but the London Broil was the clear winner. I squirted about half a cup of Sriracha in it (no joke) and I left with clear sinuses and a warm tummy.

2. Are you one of those people who very regularly gets their hair cut? I am. After 6-8 weeks I start to freak out a little because my hair is so thick and heavy. As we’re nearing winter, I want to embrace my naturally dark golden blonde hair. Don’t worry, the bob isn’t going anywhere, just getting a little longer.

Cut:

Color:

3. I love these wine bags from World Market.

                            

4. I want to make this button craft I saw on Pinterest.

5. The last time I went to Starbucks, a Christmas miracle happened. They correctly spelled my name.

Christina is not hard to spell, but trust me, people mess it up. Or they just write Christie or Kristina. I’ll just tell them Xtina from now on. Imagine the spellings they’ll come up with for that…

6. Town Centre does a wonderful job of decorating for the holidays, and damn they started early this year. I love this blanket of lights!

7. So many of you have signed up for the Ornament Swap I’m hosting!! There’s still time to sign up! If you’re interested, please send me an email by tonight. Thanks!

Who’s ready for Thanksgiving?! What are you guys making?

The Friday Five 10.26.12

1. What I’m Eating: Every candy in sight? No, seriously. I can’t stop eating plain M&Ms. At the Blackbaud health fair one of the vendors handed out these pill containers full of them. How funny is this? I like opening up a container, throwing them all back at once, and watching people’s reactions. Not pills, just candy!

I’m also dying for these to come out. I cannot wait!!!

2. What I’m Pinning: I want to darken my hair. I always say this, I know.

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Sriracha-Sesame Turkey Meatballs.

4. What I’m Listening to: Grade 8 by Edward Sheehan. 

Enter video caption here

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

EVERY OCTOBER

THE WEEK BEFORE AND AFTER HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloweekend!!

New Bars from Gnu Foods, Workout Motivation

In June of 2010, I reviewed Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber Bars. They recently offered to send me a package of their three new flavors. I was overjoyed when I found out what they were: Blueberry Cobbler, Carrot Cake, and Blondie. Those are three of my favorite dessert flavors! I was checking my mailbox daily.

Before I tell you about the new flavors, let’s talk about Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber Bars. The bars contain 6 whole grains – grains that have not milled or processed, which strips them of the grain kernel that contains nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.  Each bar contains 12 grams of fiber and is 140 calories or less. All of the bars (aside of the Blondie flavor) are vegan. In addition to the new flavors above, the bars come in the following flavors: Banana Walnut, Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon Raisin, Espresso Chip, Lemon Ginger, Orange Cranberry, and Peanut Butter. My two favorites are the Banana Walnut and Cinnamon Raisin. Each bar tastes exactly like what they’re named after, so rest assured, you’ll get what you want.

The first bar I tried was the Blueberry Cobbler.

As soon as I opened the wrapper, I could smell the blueberry juice. The bar also contains plums and raisins which give it a great texture and overall flavor.

The next day I tried the Carrot Cake. Yep, it sure did taste like Carrot Cake. The cinnamon and nutmeg flavors were strong, but not overwhelming.

Finally, I tried the Blondie. This one had the least amount of flavor, but was still really good. I have no complaints about a nutrition bar that tastes like a dessert!

Overall, I loved these bars just as I expected. The blueberry was my favorite and I’m excited for them to hit the shelves. In the past, I’ve enjoyed them on their own, or crumbled into oatmeal or Greek yogurt.

Gnu bars can be purchased online or in a store near you. For my Charleston friends, you can pick yours up at Whole Foods. They’re on one of the higher shelves that I can barely reach. :)

For more information, check out their

• website
• facebook page
• twitter

Have you tried these bars before? What did you think?

On a completely different note, the weather here in Charleston is incredible. I’m talking sunny and in the low 80s. Absolutely perfect. This is a slap in the face gentle reminder that Summer is right around the corner. In fact, on Sunday, I went to the pool with my friends Brandy and Lynn. The three of us got sunburns. That’s right, I said" “pool” and “sunburns” in MARCH.

With that said, enjoy some workout motivation as you prepare for bikini season!!

See you tomorrow!

The Friday Five

1. What I’m Reading: More cookbooks. I don’t think I’ve ever borrowed an American food cookbook from the library. What’s the point when I can go eat a Chick-fil-A? Haha, just kidding. Sort of.

2. What I’m Listening to: Another old, but awesome song.

3. What I’m Eating: My very favorite Greek yogurt. Nothing compares to the thickness and creaminess that is Fage! I eat one almost every day. Yay protein!

I typically don’t like cherry-flavored things, but this is just dreamy. My second favorite flavor is blueberry.

4. What I’m Re-Tweeting:

5. What I’m Pinning: This is quite possibly the coolest beach chair I’ve ever seen. Truly made for nerds.

So…are you guys enjoying the Friday Five posts?

Any blog post topics are welcome! Share your ideas.

HAPPY WEEKEND! XO!

The Friday Five

1. What I’m Reading: I’ve been reading like a crazy person, going through at least a book a week! Don’t stop me now! Earlier this week I picked up a book my coworker is reading with her book club: In the Garden of Beasts. It’s taking me a while to get into it because, aside from being an actual story, it’s very factual. I have faith that it will be good!

2. What I’m Listening to: I love love love Sia!

3. What I’m Eating Drinking: I’m done with coffee now that I’ve had a love affair with an Americano: espresso + hot water in “true European style.” Here’s a handy guide on espresso drinks:

And on that note, PLEASE OBEY THIS!!

4. What I’m Pinning:

5. What I’m Planning: I leave for NYC TODAY!!! So far we have plans to go ice skating, visit the Museum of Sex (what!), eat pickles, and stop by the NYU Chick-fil-A. Eeeeeeeh! Maybe this time it won’t be closed like it was in August!

HAPPY WEEKEND! Please pray that I don’t freeze in NY!

The Friday Five

I know it’s Thursday, but I’m really excited for Friday…

1. What I’m Reading: Thank you Chelsey! I am tearing through this book and loving it.

Book Description: In pre-war Prague, the dreams of two young lovers are shattered when they are separated by the Nazi invasion. Then, decades later, thousands of miles away in New York, there's an inescapable glance of recognition between two strangers. Providence is giving Lenka and Josef one more chance. From the glamorous ease of life in Prague before the Occupation, to the horrors of Nazi Europe, The Lost Wife explores the power of first love, the resilience of the human spirit- and the strength of memory.

2. What I’m Listening to: XX by The xx.

Music Description: “(The xx are) making hauntingly beautiful music with its electro pop-soul jams and emotive lyrics.” --Nylon

3. What I’m Watching: This video over and over and over. It’s a tad obnoxious (what else do I like?) but highly entertaining.

4. What I’m Eating:  popchips! I’ve been obsessed with their barbecue flavor for a couple years now, but I recently tried the cheddar flavor.

And the sweet potato flavor should be at Whole Foods soon. Excited!

A popchips giveaway may or not be coming this way soon. Just a hint…

5. What I’m Bookmarking:

I fit in one of those pie slices. ONE! I’m sure you can figure out which.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

What are YOU reading, listening to, watching, eating, or bookmarking? GO!