The Friday Five

1. Reading:

From Nicholas Sparks' website: A chance encounter on a rain swept road will alter the course of both Colin and Maria's lives, challenging deeply held assumptions about each other and ultimately, themselves.  As love unexpectedly takes hold between them, they dare to envision what a future together could possibly look like . . . until menacing reminders of events in Maria's past begin to surface.

2. Eating:

Kalettes = a kale and Brussels sprouts hybrid.
You can roast, steam, microwave, or eat them raw.

3. Listening to:

Adele's Hello
All. The. Feels.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

This Chopped Fall Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette from Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers. Bacon, brie, butternut squash. What more do you need? I had this twice for dinner last week with salmon instead of chicken. It was so good!

5. Things making me laugh:

These 16 Texts Long Distance Sisters Send to Each Other

Thanksgiving doesn't get enough love in my opinion.

Happy Friday!

Fun Facts Friday

1. Two weekends ago, Claudia and I headed to Beaufort for Waterfestival. I originally thought about recreating Norris 09 with a big group but it was nice to have a low key weekend at home.

2. My office has been freezing cold in the mornings - as in my nose starts running and my fingers are so cold it is hard to write. It warms up by the afternoon but the mornings are rough. I've started wrapping up in a blanket to prevent frostbite.

3. I was under the impression that the summer was going to be slower in higher ed. While I've certainly taken my fair share of vacation, my to do list just seems to grow. At one point last week, I couldn't see my desk. ML suggested that I fill my champagne glass.

4. Pure Barre ran a new client special in July so I jumped on board for 6 weeks of unlimited classes. I'm loving it so far.

5. They finally finished straightening Main Street. The only problem is that all that parking spots are now for parallel parking. It's comical to watch some people try to park.

6. My allergies have been going crazy the past few days. I don't know what could possibly be blooming in this heat but something is.

7. I went through my calendar earlier this week marking move in day, work events, weekend getaways and weddings. It's going to be a busy fall but I'm looking forward to it.

8. With the start of the semester right around the corner, I'm thinking that it may be time to resurrect the Fitbit. Now I just need to find it. I'm hoping work will run more challenges this year.

9. I finally downloaded the 1989 bonus tracks and have been listening to Wonderland and You are in Love on repeat. No shame here.

10. Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

I started this last night and I am already 100 pages in! 

From Amazon: From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

2. Eating:

Talenti. It was on sale at Publix this week. No buyer's remorse here! 

3. Listening to:

Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Southern Living's Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce. We made these for dinner on Wednesday night with roasted green beans and potatoes. It's an easy weeknight meal.

5. Things making me laugh:

Unless it's Talenti!

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

Sara and I watched this on Sunday night. It's pretty silly but I needed a laugh and I can't resist a young adult novel turned movie. 

2. Eating:

I blame my mom for getting me addicted to Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee. Thankfully it only comes in small packages or I would need some serious self control.

3. Listening to:

Rachel Platton's Fight Song
The perfect summer anthem.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Averie Cooks Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

The perfect summer pasta salad. 

5. Things making me laugh:
Outtakes from last week's beach trip.

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life–dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge–he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues–and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

2. Eating:

It's a good thing this is a limited batch because I have no self control around Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Half Baked.

3. Listening to:

Mumford and Sons "Believe"

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Inspiralized's Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai

5. Things I'm loving:

Be the tortoise, not the hare

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

I started watching State of Affairs on the NBC app this week. It's Scandal-esque in nature and I was hooked after the first episode. 

2. Eating:

These things are delicious and addicting. One of my roommates in DC used to eat them all the time. I bought my first box last weekend and will definitely be getting more.

3. Listening to:

Jason Derulo "Want to Want Me"
Catchy song, weird video.
I apologize in advance for getting this song stuck in your head.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Broccolini with Mustard Cream Sauce. 

I'm sure you could lighten this recipe up (or not depending on your mood).

5. Things I'm loving:

The sunrises this week:

His mercies are new every morning. - Lamentations 3:23

This quote:

Happy Friday!

Fun Facts Friday

1) On Monday night, we headed to Asheville to watch the Terriers play in the SoCon Tournament. It was a last minute decision and I am so glad that we decided to go. The Terriers pulled out the W and we are heading to the Big Dance for the fourth time in six years!

2) We find out on Sunday where we play. I am crossing my fingers for Jacksonville. We played there my junior year and my dad and I went to cheer them on. It was such a fun memory!

3) I don't know about you but I am having a hard time adjusting to the time change. It probably doesn't help that I have had plans every night and have not gotten home before 8 pm. The late nights/early mornings are starting to catch up with me. I'm hoping to rest some this weekend. 

4) For Valentine's Day, my mom gave my a copy of Tim Keller's Jesus the King. I started it a week or so ago and cannot recommend this book enough. I've been trying to read a chapter a day and I can honestly say that it is changing my life.

5) I've got some exciting news in the works that I hope to share next week. Stay tuned!

6) I made this Paleo Breakfast Casserole after Charlotte posted the recipe on Instagram. (I followed her directions but added asparagus and peppers.) It made more than I could eat in a week so after doing some research I decided to freeze the rest. I put individual servings in their own container before putting them in the freezer. It has made breakfast this week super easy. I've taken a serving out the night before and put it in the fridge to thaw. The next day I simply reheat in the microwave. So easy and so delicious. 

7) I am loving Mumford and Son's new song "Believe." I've been listening to it on repeat. 

8) I treated myself to this exercise top from Carrie Underwood's new line Calia. I'm excited for it to arrive. 

9) This weather has been such a tease. I am so ready for sunshine, warm weather and spring clothes. I've been eyeing some cute dresses and tops. I should probably go through my spring/summer wardrobe and figure out what I am missing before I start buying new things.

10) Happy Friday! 

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

Reading this book is like sitting down to visit with a best friend. It's good for the soul. I borrowed it from the library but want my own copy to mark up and cook from.

From Amazon: Bread & Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread & Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them.

2. Eating:

On Sunday I felt like baking so I made this Healthy Cinnamon Coffee Cake. I've been eating it for breakfast with plain greek yogurt and berries.

3. Listening to:

Neal Carpenter's album Good Guys
My favorite songs are Line in the Sand, Dance, and Good Guys.
He just so happens to be going on tour with Steve Moakler.
Sadly, they aren't coming anywhere near Sparkle City.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Mushroom Barley Soup from Two Peas and Their Pod. 

I've been craving soup with all this cold weather (see below).

5. Things making me laugh:

It's crazy to think that this dress has caused such a stir on the internet. 

Clearly it is white and gold!

Happy Friday!

Fun Facts Friday

1) I impulsed bought some dried apricots at the store on Sunday and have enjoyed snacking on them all week. Random, I know.

2) I finally upgraded my phone. I went from the 4 to the 6 and it was long overdue. The customer service at Verizon was incredible.

3) I've been cooking up a storm in my new kitchen and entertaining a ton. I've loved having people over for happy hour and dinner. I can't wait until it is warm enough to enjoy my porch.

4) If you need an easy weeknight meal for a crowd consider making Ina Garten's Linguine with Shrimp Scampi. I made it for Bible Study this week and it was a hit. Add a salad and some bread or serve it over arugula with roasted tomatoes.

4) One of my new favorite traditions is Pancake Saturday. This is my new go to recipe: 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oats, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla. Spray pan with cooking spray and heat to medium high heat. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and pour into the prepared pan. Cook until edges begin to harden, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Top with fruit and syrup to serve.

5) I think I may have finally found a church home. I'm going to go a few more times before officially joining but I have a good feeling about this one.

6) The warm weather over the weekend was such a tease. I'm ready for spring!

7) I've spent the past two Saturdays running a ton of errands on the west side of town. Even though I need to take something back, I am thankful to not be heading that way tomorrow.

8) I watched So You Said Yes on the Hallmark Channel and fell in love with the male lead. Now I just need for my real life Sam to appear.

9) I realize that I am super late to this bandwagon but I started listening to Serial and am hooked. It's been my go to entertainment this week while on the treadmill.

10) I tried to register for the 8k that I am supposed to be running yesterday and Eventbrite shutdown during my transaction. I'm not quite sure what the universe is trying to tell me.

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

I just ordered this and am excited for it to arrive.

From Amazon: From the author of Blue Like Jazz comes a book about the risk involved in choosing to impress fewer people and connect with more, about the freedom that comes when we stop acting and start loving. It is a story about knocking down old walls to create a healthy mind, a strong family, and a satisfying career. And it all feels like a conversation with the best kind of friend: smart, funny, true, important.

2. Eating:

Roasted Coconut Chips from Trader Joes. I've been sprinkling them on my almond butter banana toast in the morning. I also added some into my green smoothie today. It was so good!

3. Listening to:

Vance Joy's "Mess is Mine"
I've been listening to him in preparation for seeing him open for Taylor Swift in June. I love this song but the official music video is bizarre.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Cauliflower Rice Veggie Lettuce Cups with Sriracha Peanut Sauce from veggieandthebeastfeast.com. All of my favorite things in one dish!

5. Things making me laugh:

Jimmy Fallon has been on point this week with this Saved by the Bell reunion. 

 

I was pulling for the Patriots on Sunday but this was too funny not to share.

Happy Friday!

Fun Facts Friday

1. How is it almost February? This month flew by!

2. I finally finished Friday Night Lights. Texas forever. But now I need another Netflix show. I've started watching Gilmore Girls but other suggestions are welcome.

3. Ever spilled red wine on a white shirt and wondered how to get it out? The answer is boiling water! Simply boil the water and pour it on the stain from 6-8 inches away.

4. I have been on a big Mexican food kick lately. We had Willy Taco last Friday and I've made quesadillas a few times this week.

5. Have you heard about Fabletics? I signed up before Christmas and love my first outfit. If you are looking for new workout clothes check them out using my link.

6. I've been doing my fair share of online shopping lately and have two websites to share. Retailmenot is my first stop to look for coupons. Ebates is another great resource. You can get cash back simply from shopping through their website. I logged in, searched for something at Target, purchased it, and then automatically got $20 in cash back sent to my Paypal account.

7. Can we talk about the Tour De Compadres that NeedtoBreathe announced this week?! NeedtoBreathe, Ben Rector, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors! I can't wait for them to release more information next week.

8. Speaking of NeedtoBreathe, check out their latest release featuring Gavin DeGraw.

9. I am working on a post about my move/new apartment and hope to share it next week.

10. Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

From Amazon: A profoundly moving story of family, history, and the meaning of home, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, exploring the divisions between cultures and the rifts within a family, and uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

2. Eating:

Gophers from Savannah's Candy Kitchen.  I snagged the last white chocolate one from our office candy bowl and let's just say that I am thankful they are all gone. These things are delicious - like a grown up turtle but even better.

3. Listening to:

"Blank Space" and "Style" mash up by Louisa Wendorff

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

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This 20-Minute Spicy Sriracha Shrimp and Zucchini Lo Mein. I hope to make it this weekend. 

5. Designs I'm loving:

I'm moving into a new apartment next weekend and have enjoyed looking on Pinterest for inspiration. 

 

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

Thanks to Hallmark, I've finally found another Christmas movie that rivals Christmas Kiss. I think I like it so much because I can relate to the main character. Watch it if you can.  

2. Eating:

Coconut flakes. On everything including toast with almond butter, banana slices, and cinnamon as well as mixed into plain yogurt with blueberries.

3. Listening to:

Michael Buble's "Cold December Night"

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Averie Cooks Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies because I love the salty sweet combo.

5. Things making me laugh:

Get it?

Staching through the snow!

Happy Friday!