What I’m Loving Wednesday

1. On Monday, my very first printed article hit the stands. Featured in the Going Out section of Mount Pleasant Magazine, you will find my article on wine tasting. I can look at my blog all day long on the computer, but to finally have something in print is so exciting!

My favorite part is my shameless single girl plug in the contributors section. You just never know who might get their hands on this.

Here is a link to the online edition: http://mountpleasantmagazine.com/winter2011/

*Locals can pick up a copy at the Mount Pleasant Harris Teeters, Piggly Wigglys, Whole Foods, Triangle Char & Bar, The Shoe Fairy, Mary Mojo Boutique, Village Library, Metto Coffee, Mount Pleasant Visitors’ Center, Salon Capelli, T-Mobile (1036 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.), Boulevard Diner, Great Clips on Coleman Boulevard, On The Run, and High Thyme Cuisine on Sullivan’s Island.

2. While at the library yesterday, I noticed this book. I was cracking up in the aisle by myself. I mean really, I feel like the library is so conservative, but clearly not.

In case you missed this hilarious post, I’ve previously posed with this gem. It was a joke…kind of…

If you’re my facebook friend (which you should be), you will appreciate my current profile picture, which is very similar to the one above. But better.

3. Ashley informed me that one of my favorite beverages, Vitamin Water in XXX zero flavor is actually an excellent hangover cure. It’s chock full of Vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and B12, manganese and electrolytes. Electrolytes help replenish the fluids the alcohol stole from you and vitamins are just wonderful, obvi. Plus, the name XXX always makes me think of my nickname Xtina.

4. My friend Eric, a food critic for the Charleston City Paper, has dared me to do the cinnamon challenge. Although I told him I put cinnamon on everything, he doubts my ability to choke down a full tablespoon. I will vlog this. Get ready!

5. You should also get ready for a chocolatey giveaway tomorrow! Stay tuned…

Tips For A Perfect Weekend

1. Have a laid-back Friday night with a friend. Don’t consume any alcohol, but do ridiculous things anyway. Deep belly laughs are good for the soul. Because you won’t be drinking, you’ll be saving calories. Why not consume a huge bowl of cookie dough instead? Devil headband optional – you don’t want stray hairs in your bowl.

2. Try on obnoxious, cheap clothing at Target. Spend 30 minutes just in the hat section. Don’t leave Target without spending at least $50 and walk out wondering how it all happened.

3. Next, go to Barnes & Noble and get your learn on. By that I mean read books on topics that are very important to you.

Get really comfortable on the floor. Own the place.

4. Go to bed at a decent hour. Sleep in as much as you want, eat a healthy breakfast, then head to the gym. Do a killer workout with a friend who motivates you.

5. Grab lunch with a friend at a new restaurant. Order an appetizer and two entrees and split everything.

Fried pickle slices:

Grilled chicken, creamy French brie & prosciutto, green apple, arugula, fig-balsamic drizzle on ciabatta:

Mediterranean lamb burger with goat cheese, creamy cumin-dill dressing, romaine, tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, carrot:

6. Do some shopping. Try on more ugly clothing just for the laughs. All this laughing is creating a six pack.

7. Put your prettiest clothes on and go out with a few girlfriends. Dance, dance, and dance some more. Hey, you’re burning calories again!

8. Sleep in on Sunday and watch really bad movies. This is the day of rest after all.

What are your tips for a perfect weekend?

Rolling Around in a Giant Blue Ball. A 51” Blue Ball.

Before I get started on how I ridiculously spent my Saturday, here is Photo Day 3: A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

The Golden GirlsI.love.those.ladies.

Saturday:

I was supposed to run 432 errands, but instead did the two most important ones: go to the bank and the library. I quit doing errands when Matt texted me saying, “I’m ready to play now.”

We went to lunch at Three Little Birds Café & Catering in West Ashley. The little café is located in the Windermere Plaza behind Earthfare. The menu contains both breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies, and fresh juices. I ordered the a turkey sandwich with avocado, tomato, sprouts, Swiss cheese, and a black bean spread on Tuscan bread. I had a side of sweet potato home fries.



We also stopped by Costco for some essentials: broccoli, toilet paper, and inflatable toys.
We found this and contemplated buying it for like 3 whole minutes until we decided to split it. Matt said, “I mean seriously, we are 26 years old and buying inflatable toys.” The packaging clearly states that this toy is for 3 years old and up and holds up to 150 pounds. Hmm…I fit.
Before going home, we went to Earthfare and picked up a 6-pack of Corona. No way was I rolling around in that thing without a bev. Pumping it up took less than 10 minutes and then it was time to roll.
The hardest part was getting in the ball.And also not tipping over. Once I was in, Matt rolled/kicked me around. He pretty  much abused me to the point where I was squealing to get out. I love having my guy friends because they are protective but they can also be so abusive!Miserable.
Matt then thought it was a good time to wash his car.And also me. I would have killed him had it not been 77 degrees out.Later, Graham and Brett came home and tried out the ball. How this thing didn’t pop, I’m still not sure. They were seriously running and body slamming the thing to knock each other.
After oh, say, 30 minutes of this, Brett put together an awesome video of the clips I had taken. Watch this!!