Snippets

Thanks for all the sweet comments on my blogiversary post. I’m glad you are enjoying the giveaway! I’ve gotten a lot of great book ideas already and am also planning to write a book review for The Hunger Games trilogy this week.

Bobby and I had a relatively low-key St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Of course, I did break out the green in honor of both the holiday and the #MarchPhotoADay challenge.

Would you have expected anything less than Green Bay Packers “green” from me? 🙂

The highlight of our Saturday was a gorgeous walk outside. It was another warm, sunny day in Chicago – this heat wave has been kind to us. We passed many spirited people who were decked out in shamrock necklaces, and perhaps the best green of all? Budding plants. Spring is nearly here, and I couldn’t be more excited.

The rest of the day was spent watching a lot of basketball and eating a lot of quinoa.

This recipe was essentially the same as the filling for the quinoa-stuffed roasted green peppers, with a few substitutions. Namely, we omitted the stir-fry sauce in favor of a white wine and herb marinade, and instead of tomatoes we used sliced red peppers. The addition of shrimp rounded out the dish with some extra protein. I could eat this every day.

After dinner we watched a movie and tucked in relatively early. Our lack of pub crawling may not have been the norm in Chicago yesterday, but our bodies thanked us, especially upon waking up this morning for an eight-mile training run.

Same view as our last run, with the exception of daytime skies and a victory dance at having been able to actually run eight miles nonstop. I honestly can’t remember the last time that happened – probably the Phoenix Half Marathon!

Needless to say, I am feeling it tonight!

Other highlights from this week include a fun concert with my friend Lauren on Thursday. Ironically, I was also sporting green for the occasion.

We went to see Dave Barnes, who is as amazing in concert as he is on his albums. I’ve been to a couple of his concerts now and each one is entertaining. Not only is he a talented musician, he is also hilarious. The joking around between sets had the audience laughing for most of the show.

Dave’s opener was Andrew Ripp, who is fun to listen to, as well. Particularly when he decides to break out Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” as a tribute to his first childhood song (before his voice changed, haha). I have to say, he did the song justice!

We had a great time, even though Lauren is battling through a cold. Get well soon!

In keeping with the randomness of this post, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you all that we experienced a CRAZY sun shower on Friday night! The skies were blue, and yet the rain started coming down fast. There was even lightning and thunder. I’ve seen “drizzle” sun showers before, but never one where it was literally storming while the sky was clear. Bobby can attest that I was bubbling over with excitement…and I usually don’t like storms!

Quite the spring we’ve had so far. I’ll take it!

Last but not least, here are the rest of this week’s #MarchPhotoADay challenges.

March 12: I’ve tried and failed at chopsticks many times. Then I found “fork” sticks.

March 13: A “sign” from the Northwestern NIT game vs. Akron! The Cats won, but unfortunately lost their next game against Washington, thereby ending the season. Oh well.

March 14: There were two photo contenders for “clouds,” but this one won out. So beautiful!

March 15: Winky (the car) and I jammed to 101.9 on our way to the concert. Not driving while photographing, I promise. Also, please tell me I’m not alone in personifying my car.

March 16: I’ve got the “sunglasses” and tank top. Very grateful for this warm Chicago weather.

March 18: My favorite corner of my home – the bookcase! And hurray for The Hunger Games!

Is anyone else as excited as I am for the movie to come out?

I think I’ve jumped around enough for one post. Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week!

Did you do anything fun for St. Patrick’s Day weekend?

Abrazos,