Hello and happy last hour of Monday 🙂
All of your comments on my Insanity video and recap made me smile. Glad you liked it! I’m currently on week two of month two and definitely have noticed an increase in my appetite as a result of these longer, more vigorous workouts. I thought I would do my best to document it for you this week!
Breakfast this morning was pretty standard. I started with my usual mug of Coffee Cocoa (yes, I still drink it every morning) and a big bowl of Greek yogurt mess.
The Greek yogurt mess consisted of Chobani topped with Kashi Go Lean, fresh blackberries, fresh blueberries and a spot of almond butter sprinkled with cocoa.
After I feasted, I got cranking on some big projects for my company. We are introducing a lot of fun social media initiatives for our newest client, Leslie Sansone, this week! You can check her out on Twitter @LeslieWalks (I designed the simple yet clean Twitter background and am quite proud of it!) or on Facebook – she is also doing a big promotion with QVC this week!
All of my work projects kept me going most of the morning. I’m actually headed to Arizona on Wednesday for some heavy duty wedding planning and am looking to get as much done as possible before I leave! Eventually, I took a break to do Insanity Max Cardio Conditioning and make lunch.
BIG fan of lunch today. I picked up some Friendship whipped cottage cheese over the weekend and had forgotten how much I love it! It made for a fantastic center of the plate topped with Goya Adobo and was served alongside fresh cucumber and roasted garlic hummus.
On the other side of the plate was a blog favorite during the summer: RAINIER CHERRIES!
I was definitely bouncing back and forth on my heels when I saw these on sale at the grocery store. 🙂
The rest of the afternoon I was back at it, but Snacky McSnackerson paid a visit around 3:30 so I slathered a piece of Arnold bread with almond butter and mixed berry conserve. Delish!
I ventured out into the Chicago humidity near the end of the day to drop off some goody packages. Then I chatted with my mom about wedding menus. The other day I was reading my destination wedding book from The Knot and I came across a striking menu idea that I absolutely love. I did a quick Google search and found this photo – which is very similar to our deep purple and ivory color scheme!
What do you think?
SourceI like how they used the belly band instead of the little placards with names on them. My only question now is how to solve the issue of guests finding out where they sit if they don’t have the little cards to guide them. Did anyone else do something similar? Did you just have a seating chart?
I would love to hear your ideas!
Amidst the wedding project of the day, Bobby came home and I got hungry! I made an easy dinner.
I scrambled up two egg whites + one whole egg with a heaping handful of spinach. On the side was sliced deli turkey and a Flatout 5-Grain Flax FOLDit. Full disclosure: they are a client of mine.
The FOLDit made it easy to create an egg + turkey sandwich. Yum! I also had blueberries and blackberries on the side. Whenever I buy fresh fruit, I can’t seem to get enough of it!
The rest of the evening was very peaceful. Bobby and I both read our latest books – he’s reading a new book I recommended by Jodi Picoult. 🙂 By the way, have you read House Rules yet? It’s amazing!
I may or may not be toggling back and forth between Three Cups of Tea and Harry Potter Numero Uno. It’s an inner battle between an authentic true story and the wizarding world. I blame it on the HP trailer that just came out. It looks absolutely incredible.
You may not have seen this second trailer from the MTV movie awards. Oh. Yes.
Moving right along past my obvious obsession, while reading I decided to make a little dessert. I grabbed some Edy’s Slow Churned Neapolitan ice cream and topped it with raw almonds for some added crunch (and healthfulness?) – regardless, it hit the spot.
Another great thing that happened tonight was that I received a wonderful email from my good friend Melissa. She sent me a fantastic post from Katie at Health for the Whole Self called Being a Healthy Bride. It really resonated with me so I wanted to share it with all of you.
Thanks for inspiring me, Katie! The points you made were spot on and made me look at everything differently. It’s amazing how seeing this day through other people’s eyes can help you focus on what’s most important. By the way, Katie – you looked absolutely stunning.
How do blogs and bloggers inspire you?
That question can be for anything – whether it’s food, fitness, fashion or just a zest for life!
Abrazos,
I *SO* want to try the fold its!! I just recently found flat outs in my store… and keep looking for fold its… I would LOVE those. 🙂
It’s funny… I’ve been reading you since you used to do daily posts of your eats… and when I saw your coffee cocoa I thought “she still drinks those!” and then read it… 🙂
Awesome! FOLDits are slowly making their way into stores. That said, we’ve always got giveaways in the works, so I’ll be sure to let you know about them 😉
Also – your Coffee Cocoa comment made my night! That is amazing. Thank you for still reading even when my posts are helter skelter. You rock!
oh PLEASE DO let me know about giveaways… (I love giveaways…) 🙂
seriously – you were one of the first blogs I started reading regularly. back when I was reading like, three. 🙂
I have to keep up with you! (YOU rock!)
No, YOU rock! 🙂 Thanks again for the sweet words!
So glad to hear you’re doing well 🙂 You are one busy lady. It sounds like your business has really taken off! Have fun in AZ with the fam. Hope the planning activities go well. I love the menu- it is just beautiful. We did a seating chart and it was probably one of the most stressful wedding planning activities. If I were to do it again….I’d probably just let everyone sit where they want! Love those fold its. I need to pick up another bag. Bloggers have really inspired me to try new dishes I probably wouldn’t have tried. I’ve also made some really good friends through blogging. Have a great day
Erica! So happy, as always, to get a sweet comment from you. Thank you for the advice on the seating chart! Great thoughts on how bloggers inspire you, too. I couldn’t agree more! Hope you’re doing well!
I love that menu idea! It is so sharp! And blogs have inspired me to try different workouts, different foods, and keep writing!
Thanks, Jessica! Bloggers definitely inspire me in all of those ways, too!
Thank you so much for the shout-out! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog and enjoyed the “Being a Healthy Bride” post. There’s no doubt in my mind that your wedding is going to be amazing! Looking forward to following you. 🙂
Of course! It was the least I could do. Look forward to following you as well! So glad we’ve connected!
I am eating a very similar breakfast and thought it was quite ironic to see such an identical bowl on your post! 🙂 I love when that happens.
I find that when I eat a “snacky” lunch, I usually end up snacking all day. But the cherries are amazing right now! Don’t you love how cheap they are too!
Work sounds busy but so exciting right now! Enjoy your week!
I love when that happens, too! I’ll match breakfasts with you any day – especially when they are that delicious 🙂 Completely agree with you also on the “snacky” lunch – it just leads to more snacking!
Blogs are so inspiring – no matter what the area of life!
I’ve definitely learnt to be less judgemental – I used to have all kinds of ideas about people who ate healthily, people who used to have EDs, people who exercised for fun, and you know what – you really can’t judge a book by its cover.
One of the main things I’ve been inspired to do is start writing things down myself, and it’s been so helpful. I know that I could journal just as effectively, but there’s something about blogging that makes us really question our own lives.
Essentially, bloggers have inspired me to improve the health of my body and mind – what greater gift is there than that? 🙂
Re Jodi Picoult – I love that woman! Honestly, I need to be rehydrated while reading her books; I cry like a baby.
Katie’s post on being a healthy bride really resonated. With 25 days to go, I’ve finally reached zen state, and it’s such a relief. If the best man fails to get fitted for his suit, it won’t matter; if they forget the pomegranates for the prosecco, it’s really not the end of the world. Now I can just chill and enjoy the lovely spa day my Mum and sister are treating me to!
Finally – those FOLDits look amazing. Please tell them to start supplying to the UK!
I so agree with you, Becca! It’s so interesting how we meet people from all walks of life through blogging. I love all of your thoughts on bloggers and think you are spot on – nothing gets much better than improving the health of body and mind!
I so agree with you on Jodi Piccoult. She has such a way with words!
You are getting SO close to your big day – you must be excited! I can’t wait to hear more about it. I like your approach to letting what happens happen – and not getting too caught up in everything. You will be a beautiful bride and I’m sure the day will be amazing!
And finally, as for those FOLDits – they are definitely working on UK distribution!
Talk to you soon!
Blogs have inspired me to push myself further than I would before and to try new things like green monsters and all kinds of healthy eats!
So true! Thanks for sharing, Jess!
I like to see how everyone eats and the different food variations and creativity that I can add to my own life.
Very true! Thanks for sharing – I totally agree!
Arizona is definitely a destination on my list of go-to’s–sounds like you are
keeping busy, but loving it, which is super!
You must get there some day! If you ever decide to go, don’t hesitate to email me! 🙂
Regarding your question about getting guests to their tables without the name cards, we printed an alphabetical list of guests along with their table number on nice paper and put the the lists in pretty frames near the appetizers before the seated portion of the reception. No one seemed to get lost! 🙂
Thank you very much, Karen! That is a really good idea – I shared it with my mom!
I LOVE the menu/place card idea. I had no idea you were getting married! Shows how long I’ve been away from the blogging world!
Thanks, Rebecca! That’s too funny – I have definitely had my hiatuses as well. Life is busy sometimes – but I’m super excited to see you back!
YOU inspire me always with your positive attitude and your drive for life 🙂
To be honest ever since reading food blogs, my cravings for fast food has totally vanished. Maybe because its been so long since Ive eaten it, or because I have discovered that that stuff just does not satisfy like it used to.
Hope everything is amazing. Love your wedding stuff 🙂
xo-Molly
You are way too sweet for words, Molly 🙂 I totally agree with you on fast food. Also – are you still planning a trip to Chicago?! I would love to see you! Hope all is well – talk soon.
Hey Jenn!
I actually have what I think is a great, easy solution for ya… we had a large piece of paper with everyone names alphabetically, and then what table number they were at next to it. Since it’s in a pretty frame, after the wedding we still keep it on display on our bedroom dresser.
Actually I’m go take a pic with my phone and I’ll send it to ya now so you know what I’m talking about 🙂
Thanks again to the amazing Marathon Val 🙂 Your picture was perfect and I forwarded it to my mom and said, “that’s it!” You’re the best. Can’t wait to see you SOON!
Menu looks good. My brother just had a seating chart at the door of the reception hall and don’t think they had menus or I missed them.
Bloggers helped inspire me to lose weight in a number of ways:
I could eat healthy and well and enjoy the food
others have lost weight so why couldn’t I
others workout and they have a lot more commitments in their life than I did
I’m sure there’s other reasons but there’s three I can think of now.
Thanks, John! Loved your thoughts on bloggers – and I saw your other email. Responding soon!
I like those menu cards a lot- very classy. 🙂
I find myself turning to blogs more and more when I’m feeling lazy in the kitchen and want to mix it up! It’s always fun to see what other people are cooking and gives me new ideas. Plus it motivates me to make something healthy instead of running out and grabbing what’s quickest!
Yay! Glad that you like the menus!
I completely agree with you on bloggers – I’m much more motivated to put together a full meal after reading what fabulous creations people come up with. Thanks for sharing!
You just inspired me to get some whipped cream so I can enjoy some coffee cocoa again – it has been too long! 🙂
Love the HP trailer link… gives me shivers.
Do it, do it! I miss you! Hope all is well and that we can see each other again soon. The HP trailer totally gives me shivers, too!
I love love love the menu display! it looks so elegant! i love the color theme!!!
and i’m glad you were able to read that post! always here for you beautiful!!!
Love, love, love you!! Thanks again for that awesome post!
Isn’t Friendship cottage cheese amazing?? That brand has such a unique texture that I love–just wish the whipped kind were easier to find around here.
I would say that other bloggers (including you!) inspire me to try new things, both in and out of the kitchen. I’m pretty sure I never would have even considered running races or putting spinach in a smoothie if it hadn’t been for the blog world:)
It IS amazing! I wish the whipped kind was easier to find and cheaper sometimes, too. I totally agree with you about bloggers – and please know that your amazing creations, wit and talented writing style inspire me every time I read one of your posts. Truly!
I’m inspired to try new things, of course! I’ve never tried the FoldIts. Might snag some if I see them in the store.
Definitely snag some! They are awesome 🙂 Agree with you on bloggers, too!
I truly believe that blogs and bloggers, as a whole, have lent a sense of democracy and equity to the world of writing and publishing. We’re all indie publishers in a way, and I love the fact that the varied perspectives, ideas and opinions of everyday people can now be put out into the universe.
I’m also pretty excited to always have access to advice, support and awesome, creative recipes 🙂
Rachael – this is a GREAT thought. I have read several articles on the idea of bloggers being indie publishers and completely agree. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across a blog that makes me think, “this person should be writing books!” It’s great to have access to so many different styles and talents with the ease of a Google search 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of the band on the menu with the guests’ names! I remember seeing some really cute ideas for name “cards” – like a clothesline with guests’ names on ribbons hanging. Maybe you can have cards that match the menus in addition to the ribbons on the menus? Whatever you do, don’t do what we did – not assign seats (not my idea, I have to say! 😛 ). It wasn’t bad, but the tables were really uneven. Ah, well, live and learn 🙂
Have a great day, Jenn!
Thanks, Jessie! I really like that clothesline idea – that sounds cute! I also appreciate your advice on the seating chart – I will definitely be taking that to heart. Hope all is well with you!
Dang you just made me hungry with everything on here! Bloggers help me be myself. I know that sounds weird, but most people I hang out with don’t get how I eat or why I love working out. I feel like I can share myself with the blogging community more and with ease through writing to them!
Thanks, Sarena! Love your thoughts on bloggers – it’s totally true! I remember when I first started, I felt like I was in my own secret little world 🙂 But then bloggers became real people and friends, and I could truly be myself around them. It’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Do NOT, under any circumstances, mess around and waste time with trying to figure out a seating chart for your wedding!!! OMG, what a waste of time. Sorry, just went to a cousin’s posh wedding and had to laugh at all the political family seating mess that she decided to indulge in.
What I did at my wedding: To reserve tables for specific groups, I just put a sign that said “Reserved for ______ Family” with one table for my parents/my mom’s extended family, one table for his dad’s side of the family (the folks who have been unfortunately ostracized by my hubby’s grandmother got to sit in the free for all seating and were very happy about this) and one table for his mom’s side of the family (his folks are divorced). Ta-da! Didn’t have to worry about “not sitting so and so next to Grams because she’s treated them like crap for years but had to sit them SOMEWHERE at that table because it’s the Heath family table” type stuff.
Really, it’s not worth it!
Love the website, btw!! 🙂
Wendy – your comment admittedly made me laugh out loud because there are definitely politics when it comes to family. I couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much for providing this refreshing perspective. I really like your idea of labeling the table by family and then letting people decide who sits next to who. I think that’s a really good compromise. Passing it along to my mom, now 😉 Thanks so much for sharing! Glad you like my blog, too. It’s great to “meet” you!
[…] my mom created an extraordinary version of the wedding menu I mentioned in my last post. Thanks to all who commented about the seating chart question. Your thoughts and ideas were SO […]
A really really late comment Jen- but I was wondering if you could confirm whether Flatouts are vegan or not? I don’t think they are ;( because they contain L-cysteine and L-isomers/enantiomers of amino acids come from animal sources…. I guess using D-cysteine from plants/microoragnisms would be too costly? They’re one of the only healthy type wraps I’ve found in England- how frustrating is that?!! I hope the final wedding preparations are fitting in place for you- one of my friends got married this summer and was rained upon walking from the church to the reception (down country lanes and a field!)- despite this she just hitched her dress up and we all had so much fun trampling along!
Hi Laura!
Sorry for the delay in my response. Unfortunately, Flatout products are currently not vegan for the reasons you mentioned. But the company gets that request a lot, so I will be sure to let you know if anything ever changes! Sounds like your friend had a fun – allbeit wet – wedding! Congrats to her!
Jenn
So funny! I thought I was the only one who drank coffee with their hot chocolate every morning (:
Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a
lot