A New Yum, A Run, A Dazzle Dash, and a Win!

Whooo. I sure am exhausted! My weekend was jam packed and my Sunday was crazy crazy, but so much fun.

First, yesterday I discovered a breakfast treat that is low in points that I love. And an easy quick lunch that was both filling and delicious. For breakfast, I finally took Hungry Girl's advice and tried out the new Laughing Cow Cream Cheese wedges. I was in the mood for something seasonal, so I had a Thomas Pumpkin Spice Bagel Thin with the Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese. Can you say DELICIOUS?! I can't believe I waited so long to try these two together! Plus, its only 4 points total, which is an awesome breakfast.

After my great breakfast, I headed out to meet my friend Keith for a run. We put in 4 miles and did a great job! We decided we would work on building our mileage week after week together. It really helps to have a running partner. I hope it keeps me motivated in the down time between my running groups GIRL and FIT (although I know some of us girls will run together in the off time). :) 

After my successful run, some errands, and laundry I realized I was starving again. Wanting to make something yummy again, I realized I had all of the fixings for chicken fajitas but didn't want to make a big portion. So instead I made a grilled chicken fajita wrap. :) I used Tyson Ready Grilled Chicken (that heats up in the oven or microwave), sauteed up some fajita veggies, added some fat free sour cream, lettuce, and low fat cheese, and VIOLA! A really filling lunch. Rounding out at around 10 points. 

I did a few more errands and some cleaning after lunch and then prepared for the Dazzle Dash with my cousins last night. A 1.4 mile walk through the Howard County Symphony of Lights. It was sooooo much fun. It was neat to walk through all the lights and really get in the holiday season. 

Finally, I ended my crazy Sunday on the couch in my purple pajamas watching the Ravens kick the Steelers butt on SNF. :) I'd say, a pretty perfect end to a pretty perfect Sunday. 

Friday Favorites #7

Happy Friday and Happy Birthday Weekend to me! I'm really looking forward to the weekend ahead spending time with friends and family. Here are my current favorites.

An early birthday present from Carlyn. Trail Heads headband to keep my ears warm during my 5k this weekend. It even has a spot for your ponytail, how convenient is that? And of course she got it for me in pink!

I am loving the new Pom Poms pomegranate cups. They have a spoon and everything. Perfect for a quick snack on the go. Plus they are 0 points!

I finally found a low-fat yogurt blue cheese dressing that I like. One of the things I feel like I can never give up is my love of blue cheese dressing. I am so glad I finally found one that I like and is low in points. 2 points for 2 tbsp. I'll take it! 

Finally, I love this To Do List. I think this is what I will keep in mind for my upcoming year 31. :) 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. 

Birthday Week Excitement

I was absolutely determined not to celebrate my birthday this year. I had no problem turning 30 last year and celebrated in style with my cousins 'down the ocean hun' in Ocean City. This year, 31? Not so happy.

However, I have the best family and friends in the world who now have me all excited about my upcoming birthday.

First, my friend Sarah organized an awesome brunch for Saturday at Fork and Wrench in Baltimore which I have been dying to go to and try out. Then, last night I stopped by my Mom's and found this stack of presents waiting for me!

Of course beautifully wrapped in my favorite colors. Isn't that purple peacock wrapping paper awesome? After a few minutes of begging and offering to take the trash out, my Mom caved and let me open the little pink box early. 

Isn't it pretty? It is just costume jewelry but I love love love it. It looks like a topaz, which is my birthstone. I need to paint my nails so I can wear it to dinner on Friday with my family in Port Deposit (another birthday celebration I wasn't expecting). 

Finally, today my great friend Amy sent me an email asking me what I am doing for the Raven's game Sunday, why?...because she is taking me to the game for my birthday!!! Wooohooo!!! Could this week get any better?

So, I am officially excited for my 31st birthday on Sunday. If the outpouring of love and friendship I have already felt this week is any indication of what my 31st year will bring, it's going to be a great year. 

PS: Did I mention I am running the Metric Festival 5K on my birthday? One year ago on my birthday I wrote in my journal that I wanted to run a 5K in my next 30 years, well, this will be my 3rd 5K this year! :) 

Weight Watchers Blog - Points Sadness

I still maintain my blog on Weight Watchers. If you want to read about my Points Loss Sadness head on over and check it out!

You might have to put in Blog ID 1071987.

Halloween Party Wrap Up and Hurricane Sandy!

So we are currently in a hurricane! Work is closed and I am working at home, watching the news, and relaxing in my PJs. I figured it was a good time to write my Halloween Party Wrap Up Blog!

The party was on Saturday and so much fun! I am usually stressed for hours/days before, but this year I was pretty prepared. I didn't actually take too many photos so I just thought I would share a few. I wish I had gotten a picture of a corned beef dip that I made that was a HUGE hit. I guess I'll be making that for every football game/holiday party coming up in the next few months. 

A few of my decorations. I had the whole house decked out. But those are a few of my favorites. :) 

Treats, treats, treats! Check out my Graveyard Brownie Pizza and Creepy Pretzel Fingers! Both big hits! 

 

And a few pictures of me with my friend Carlyn, Cousin Barb, and friend LeeAnne! 

Next year I'll try to take more pictures for a more detailed post!

Emma's Parmesan Onion Roasted Potatoes

I love red potatoes. I don't know why I like them so much, but I almost always have baby red potatoes on hand. So yesterday I decided to make some roasted red potatoes.

I am sure you could find a recipe exactly like this online, but since I didn't use one, I am claiming this one as all mine. So here are the details of Emma's Parmesan Onion Roasted Potatoes. 

First I cut about 6 baby red potatoes into quarters and about a quarter of an onion into this slices. I used a sweet onion because they are my favorite. I tossed the onion and potatoes into a roasting pan and coated them in about 1 tbsp of olive oil. I also sprinkled some Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt over the the potatoes. 

 

Then I put them in the oven at 425 and burnt my hand while doing it. (Cooking is always an adventure with me). 

I stirred the potatoes around 10 minutes and then let roast for another 10. I thinly grated some parmigiano cheese and for the last minute I added that to the top. About 2 tbsp worth probably. I used some really good cheese I got at Wegman's it was nice and strong and really made the potatoes yummy. 

And that's it! After the cheese had melted out it came and into a bowl. I added a little salt because I love salt, but other than the burn these are an easy peezy side dish. 

 

I actually ate them as my lunch, but in theory they really are a side dish. Hope you enjoy!

The Great Boot Hunt of 2012

Every year as soon as fall comes I get all excited when I see all these cute outfits paired with boots. Skinny jeans, leggings, cute fall sweater dresses. And every year I head right to the mall or DSW to find a pair of boots that fit me. And ever year I fail.

Apparently I have very fat calves. Yes, I know they made wide leg ones. They still don't make it over the portion of my legs right under my knee. Last year I was so frustrated. My mom took me boot shopping for my birthday and we tried on every boot we could find. Not a single pair fit. I did however get an amazing pair of UGGs for my birthday that I absolutely love.

So tonight we are off boot shopping. I told my Mom that I mind as well find out now if I am going to be able to find a pair that fits. That way I don't spend all fall and winter thinking, "oh, I'll go look for a pair of boots" and get frustrated.

Let's keep our fingers crossed I can find some fantastic pair like below that fit. :)