Seeing as fall officially arrived on Monday night, it was a perfect night for a potluck dinner. Since it’s tricky for my friends and I to all get together these days, we got really lucky and got a good majority together for the Bears game, to eat some great food and sample some seasonal beers.
It was delicious – roasted red pepper pasta, garlic bread, roasted green beans, buffalo chicken dip, salad with craisins/walnuts/blue cheese/vinaigrette, and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. It was a feast. Plus the Bears won!
Plate one – I finished off the salad and had lots more buffalo chicken dip. It was just too good! I actually don’t like buffalo sauce but for some reason when it’s in dip form I just can’t get enough. We also FaceTimed our friend Jordan in who is currently living in Arizona. Oh, technology these days.
Is it bad that I have more fun at these kinds of get-togethers than I do going out on a Saturday night? I’m sure if anyone understands it’s you guys!
I contributed the cookies and salad. Cookie recipe below, courtesy of Closet Cooking, with just a few very minor tweaks.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
2/3 cup macadamia nuts chopped
Directions
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Mix the flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet.
Mix in the rolled oats, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
Place the dough onto a cookie sheet one table spoon at a time.
Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
Questions:
What’s your favorite seasonal drink?
Do you have a go-to dish to bring to potluck dinners?
Do your friends all live close by or all over the country? I got really lucky that my friends from college live within 45 minutes of me!
What started on Friday night as a “Holy crap I’m burned out someone get me a glass of wine” kind of weekend turned out to be jam-packed with fun. I honestly didn’t want to leave my house after getting home Friday night. I had grand plans of seeing a cover band and causing all-around shenanigans but I ended up parked on my couch sending out depressing snapchats about the whole ordeal.
Yes I took a screenshot of my own snapchat. I now know how to save it, so no need to educate me. I am technologically challenged.
Saturday was the usual run, eat, work, but I did have a chance to go out with some friends that night which was fun. I was NOT happy about my 5:30am wake-up call on Sunday morning but hey, sometimes you have to sacrifice sleep in order to pretend you still have a social life.
Sunday was where the real action happened.
I was a lululemon representative at the 20 miler that the Chicago Area Runners Association puts on every year a few weeks before the Chicago Marathon. We all arrived at 7:00am to set up our signs, our tent and our freebies for all the runners. First of all, it was COLD. I ran to my car for five minutes at least three times that morning just to warm up. In related news it was 85 degrees in Chicago on Saturday. So, let me just tell you, if the apocalypse starts somewhere, I promise you it’s going to be in the Windy City.
Despite the weather, it was a beautiful day. A few of us cheered on the runners (my favorite job!) while others handed out wet towels with eucalyptus oil on them for relaxation after the run. Others were stationed at the lululemon tent, handing out flip flops, CRAZY good granola, and foam rollers to borrow. Bethany, did you come try to find me? I heard someone was asking for me so if it wasn’t you I’m worried I might have a stalker 😉
I’m not a member of CARA because I haven’t lived in the city permanently for a long enough time that it seemed like a good idea, but let me tell you: I love that group. The energy, the love of running, the people…it’s overwhelming! I had so much fun watching people of all different shapes, sizes and ages cross the finish line, having just accomplished a 20 mile run – and whether it was their first or their 40th, you could tell that every runner was so proud of themselves. I was so happy to be a volunteer!
That afternoon I made my way north of the city for Lakeview Taco Fest, where I probably brushed paths with Amy without even noticing. I still can’t believe we keep missing each other!
The highlight was the free wine tasting sponsored by Cupcake Wines at the beginning of the festival. I tried their prosecco (can’t go wrong) and a red velvet red, which wasn’t my favorite but my friends all agreed it’s now their new go-to red. Plus it was basically a wine truck – how much better does it get than that?
Korean smoked pork taco with Asian slaw from Toons Bar & Grill – tie for first place! Deeelish
Smoked Chicken Taco from D.S. Tequila Company – another favorite of the day. The elote corn hash, on the other hand, was underwhelming. But it looked too beautiful to pass up!
Rotisserie chicken taco + Smoke Daddy pulled pork taco from Crosby’s Kitchen – pretty tasty! The toppings were creative and delicious, but the meat itself was dry. I’ve heard it’s an expensive place so I’d rather spend less money at an authentic Mexican restaurant for better meat.
I left pretty stuffed, but in true Lauren fashion I was hungry three hours later. It just doesn’t end! I act like that’s a big burden in my life lawlz – like being a bottomless pit is some kind of cross I have to bear. I guess someone’s got to do it 😉 Oh, I also noticed after taking this picture that I’m making a fist. I’d like to think I’m just pumped about all the great tacos about to enter my belly.
To end my weekend wrap-up I’m going to start posting my workouts on Monday from the past week in order to give myself some accountability. Granted, I know that life throws a wrench in your plans every once in awhile, but working out at least five out of seven days is a value I hold and it needs to once again be the rule, not the exception. I’m happy to report I kicked butt this past week!
Monday:4 mile run
Tuesday: 60 minute Flywheel Class
Wednesday: 4 mile run
Thursday: C2 Yoga at Corepower
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 4 mile run (last mile was a combination of sprint/walk)
Sunday: Rest
Thumbs up all around!
Questions:
What would it take for you to run 20 miles? A lifetime supply of chia seeds? A $1000 Trader Joe’s gift card? A date with Leonardo DiCaprio? Spill it.
Best taco you’ve ever had, and where you got it.
Has the weather been doing a total 180 from day-to-day where you’re from?
I know it’s not Thursday but I can still have my thoughts can’t I? Today’s post is going to be more random and erratic than a twelve year old on ritalin.
I can’t stop laughing.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to explain that no, I’m not tired or sick, I just haven’t put on makeup. Also, it’s actually really depressing when you put in all the effort to shave your legs and then the night is a bust. Men just don’t understand how risky, time-consuming, and annoying it is. That little curve by your ankle? Don’t even get me started. So yes, if I shave and then end up sitting in the booth of a Chili’s listening to your friend’s friend’s friend go on about her relationship issues, me and my smooth legs will be salty about it.
I’m 23 years old and I’m still trying to figure out a way to get a trampoline in my backyard without my parents noticing.
Tea is just leaf-flavored water. Why would anyone pay actual money for leaf-flavored water?
Google turned 17 this week – I still remember when it was a legitimate 50/50 debate whether to use Google or AskJeeves. I was a total AskJeeves girl. I think I just liked the idea of a butler answering my questions. I’ve always been a fan of personification.
Some days I think I’m going to end up being a high school history teacher. I don’t know why but I think that’d be the best.
Thanks to “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” I now have an insatiable need to go to a beach at night, light a lantern, and watch it float away. I hate when my pipe dreams come with a capital P.
Things I want to do in the next few months but need to prostitute myself for the money: zip lining, shooting at a gun range, SUP, trapeze class, barre.
I’m coming dangerously close to being addicted to candy corn and peanuts. I thought it would be adorable to set it out in a little ceramic pumpkin on my kitchen table. I’m not sure who I thought I was going to be impressing with THAT little stunt but the only person whose paws have been in there are mine and the whole situation is getting a little out of hand. I guess it’s never to early to start putting on some holiday weight?
I’ve worked out 4/4 days this week and I’m hoping that I make it to 5/7 or (fingers crossed) 6/7.
Chances are I just jinxed myself for the weekend.
Speaking of working out, things don’t always have to be your way, okay? For example, I got stuck in traffic and couldn’t make it to my usual sculpt class. When it comes to yoga I usually only sign up for a class if it has the words “hot” “power” or “sculpt” in front of it otherwise I think it’s a big ol’ fat waste of time (I know I know, it’s not). Today I missed sculpt and was forced into a traditional yoga class for the first time in a long time. And it was EXACTLY what I needed. Complete with a complimentary lavender/lemon wrap placed on my head during savasana at the end. I love this whole “hand the reins over to the universe”-thing.
How was your week? Did it fly by like mine did? So much is happening that it all feels like a blur sometimes. Thankfully yoga made me slow my roll, even if it was for only an hour. Even just that hour helped 🙂
I’m getting tired of WIAW so I’m staging a protest. Peaceful protest. Not that I don’t want to see all your beautiful eats, but I’m just bored posting mine. How’s that for honesty?
Instead, let’s talk about music. I mentioned before that with the ups and downs of life, I turn to music. I know this isn’t an anomaly, but even though I tend to be very athletic on the surface, deep down I’m pretty darn artistic and I appreciate music on a whole other level. A song can make or break my day. It can make me cry on the spot. If a song I love comes on while I’m driving I’ll turn up the volume as loud as it will go and open the sunroof and windows, until it feels like I’m in a movie.
This song has been on repeat lately. Please listen to it. After keeping up with all of your lives I know that 99% of you can relate.
Which part of this song resonates with you the most?
Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it.
For as long as I can remember I was afraid to be by myself. I didn’t have a chance to get to know myself because I kept being propelled forward – the next grade in school, the next internship, the next job, the next weekend, the next plan. Today I’m living day to day. There are no weekends, there are no 9-5s, there are no Sunday night blues waiting for Monday morning to come. Every day I wake up, excited (seriously!), to get to know myself a little bit better. So even when it peeks its head into my life, as it always does, I love saying worry, why should I care, worry, get out of here.
Give your heart and change your mind – you’re allowed to do it
Not every life decision is final, and just because you change your mind doesn’t mean you failed. Wow do I think this notion isn’t promoted enough these days. I still have to put on 16 shirts before I know what I’m going to wear out – so how am I supposed to know my life plan today, my “identity” today? Aside from having no idea where my road is taking me, I know I’m being shaped by my everyday experiences. The Polish woman who I stop to help with her bags down the escalator at the train station, only to be trapped in a crazy ten-minute conversation with how she can see Jesus by the colors in the clouds. The barista at Starbucks who asked if I wanted to dance. The unexpected text from an old friend with no expectation, other than a little love. I love bonding with people,especially strangers. I’m giving my heart to my everyday experiences. I’m not trying to mold myself based on my job, my family, my relationship status, my looks, my religion, or any of that. I’m surrendering myself to those silly little moments and they are what I go to bed thinking about every night. It’s such a light way to live.
Know your fight is not with them
I came into this world alone and I’ll leave it alone. So my loyalty first and foremost needs to be myself. It’s not selfish. It took me awhile to realize this. It’s just the opposite – when I wake up each day ready to serve myself, I find myself acting in a more compassionate, empathetic, and friendly way. I’m kinder. Kindness is underrated.
What’s new, crew! Sorry I disappeared for a few days – the rest of the week was a bit of a blur thanks to some unforeseen family stuff and I usually don’t have time to write on the weekends (too busy eating to write about eating, yaknowwhatimean?)
But while it’s been eventful to say the least, I did manage to have some great moments of fun out and about. If I took the time to explain each and every moment this post would be a decade long so let’s do an (almost) wordless weekend.
Just a little pumpkin-crazy
Early morning run in my favorite tech top from lululemon.
…Followed by a heavy dose of veggie icing and the Today show
Got some Skoop in the mail! So excited to review this next week for you guys!
And just like that it’s fall in Chicago! On the walk to work
Avocado-tomato grilled cheese + pumpkin beer.
Slowly (but surely) building up the muscles again. Yoga Sculpt
Homeslice Wheelhouse patio – my new favorite happy hour spot. I didn’t take my own pic because the travel channel was filming there!
Eating allll the pizza
Moscow Mule + pizza with olive oil, garlic (so much!), basil, feta and tomatoes. I died.
Been listening to a lot of John Mayer lately. It’s the perfect writing music! You either love him or you hate him…
BYOO – Bring Your Own Oatmeal to Starbucks. 9 out of 10 times the baristas will help a sister out 🙂
Bad mood killer. Best snack in the history of snacks. Candy corn + super salty peanuts
I’m also trying to create a pumpkin chili recipe today so I’ll be sharing that as soon as I’m sure it tastes great 😉
Can’t wait to read all about your weekends! Have a fabulous Monday!
I had a mini panic attack this morning when I realized that the holiday season begins in 11 weeks. I mean I guess that’s a long time but we all know it’s going to fly. But the holiday season means a LOT of parties are going to start being on the books, so let the food brainstorming begin!
One of my biggest nutrition downfalls is dip. Spinach dip, queso, guacamole, you name it and I probably have two cups of it on my plate at any given party. And while some are filled with quality ingredients and great nutrition, most just aren’t. I’ve been looking for a fiber-filled dip idea to have in the fridge lately when I want a snack but don’t want to just chow down on carrots and I stumbled upon an awesome idea, courtesy of Trader Joe’s (they make it so EASY, don’t they?)
I know this recipe isn’t anything new…in fact I got the idea via a foodie’s best friend, Pinterest.
But it’s easy. It’s delicious (I brought it to work the other day and it got scarfed down). AND it’s healthy. It’s a lot better than what I normally want to bring and eat at parties. Plus it’s packed with protein and fiber so it’s one of those things that might actually fill you up instead of make you even more hungry. Imagine that!
Lentil Bruschetta Dip
Ingredients (all found at TJ’s)
17.6 oz container of steamed lentils
12 oz. jar of bruschetta dip
6 oz. container of feta (I didn’t use the whole thing. Add at your own discretion)
Directions
Mix, eat, fridge it up, repeat
I ate this on a whole wheat tortilla, with tortilla chips, on celery and by the spoonful. Who knew that lentils could kinda sorta maybe taste like pizza.
Enjoy!
Questions:
What’s your favorite party food?
Are you a lentil fan?
What’s your favorite fall recipe that you can’t wait to try?
Get ready for a random post. But isn’t that what Fridays are for? This is my “leftover thoughts from the week” post so YOU’RE WELCOME 🙂
First of all, how about some music to get your Friday going? Let’s pretend this is my Myspace circa 2004 and you can listen to music while you scroll through all my thoughts.
Remember how we just talked about how basic, white and suburban I am? I have proof. I read this whole Buzzfeed post and got increasingly excited by what I get to look forward to this fall.
Speaking of that, I just made my first fall fashion purchase. Here’s to hoping they fit my giant flippers!
Last night I hung out with Monica and at first we were just drinking water and watching TV. It only took about thirty minutes before we realized how silly that was. Snacking and wine ensued.
Speaking of snacks, I know I’ve shared my love for Brookside Chocolate before but I wonder how many times I have to type the words Brookside before the PR people at Brookside pick up on my love for Brookside and send me some free Brookside. Brookside.
Both my parents have just started Weight Watchers. Not only am I so excited for them to jump on the healthy food train with me but I love all the beautiful ingredients we suddenly have in our fridge! So many colors! I could have cried, last night’s dinner was so gorgeous:
I finally used the purple cauliflower I posted about on Instagram a week ago! Thanks, Arman, for the idea to roast it. It was perfect. Olive oil, salt and pepper could make a brick taste good. (PS are you following me on Instagram yet?)
Now that summer is wrapping up it’s going to be really tough saying goodbye to the grill. Fortunately I’m equally obsessed with crockpot recipes so that should heal my pain. But there’s something great about grilled vegetables that’s lost in winter cooking, amiright?
Flashback to the Luke Bryan concert this past weekend because we didn’t talk much about it afterwards. It just reminded me how much I love country music in the summer, and being outdoors at Soldier Field was blast. I’m an embarrassingly emotional person so whenever I go see live music I am overwhelmed by the happiness and joy I’m surrounded by. I think music brings out the best in people so there were times during the show when I just stood there and looked around soaking it all in. I may have gotten misty eyed. He also played one of my favorite songs by Eli Young Band (“Crazy Girl”) and it was BEAUTIFUL. I tried to upload it and share with you all but figuring out Windows 8 is like asking a chimp to drive an ATV on an ice rink. Technology and I DO NOT get along.
Another great moment from the night was when Dierks Bentley shared the story behind his song “I Hold On.”
He talked about he still drives the same car that he did back in the 90s when he first drove to Nashville with his dad, and he still plays the same guitar as well. To quote the song, “It’s the miles that make the man.” I thought that was incredibly poignant and it has stuck with me since the concert.
Have you ever tried Jillian Michaels’ yoga dvd? I’ve had it for a few years and always dust it off when I’m in the mood for yoga AND a good sweat session. Yesterday was one of those days.
Leave it to Jillian Michaels to turn an otherwise peaceful practice into a major calorie-burner. But it was exactly what I needed now that I’m trying to run every other day.
I spent the rest of the afternoon yesterday FINALLY diving into my NASM materials. I know, I know, it’s been over a month since I signed up, but I have until mid-January so I know I’m good on time. I just hope the Christmas season doesn’t get away from me and I’m left cramming days before the exam.
Aside from my end-of-year goal to have my personal training certification, I’ve come up with a few more personal/professional/fitness goals for the next 365 days.
Learn how to make Provencal mussels by November 2014
Take a knife skills class by March 2015
Re-learn conversational French by August 2015 (I used to be good and I let myself lose it! Still kicking myself for that…)
Go to one concert a month for the next year
Have a great weekend, people! Can’t wait to hear all about it on Monday 🙂
Questions:
Do you have any goals for the next month, year?
Are you more excited for grilling season or crockpot season?
I’d like to say that I’m getting better at not having breakfast for multiple meals a day, but that would be a lie. I mean, why ruin it when you’ve got something good going on?
Scratch that. Something great.
Breakfast is GREAT.
Oh, also, I’ve decided I’m doing 100 squats every day of September. One of my girlfriends accidentally grabbed my butt one night we were out and commented on how squishy it was.
Call it the result of sitting on my ass for almost a year but I was not pleased by that comment. She insisted it was a compliment but the damage was done. Not. Pleased. Sooooo here’s to a sore September!
Last night I stayed up way past my bedtime watching my new-found favorite show. My mom has been telling me for weeks to start but being the little rebel I am, I held out as long as I could. Ugh why are moms always right?
Being up until almost 3am watching tv does NOT coincide well with a 6:30am alarm to run, so I did what I do best: I hit snooze.
Breakfast
One egg, 1/3 cup egg whites, green peppers, salsa, 2% cheddar cheese, onion powder and red pepper flakes. 1/3 an avocado on the side. Plus coffee (is that even necessary to mention?)
After breakfast I did lots of work on the blog, caught up on all your Labor Day Weekends, and watched The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda. Love those two. It was a fun few hours!
Around noon I set out for a midday run, which, I knew from the beginning was going to be miserable. I literally felt like I was lifting up tree trunks with every step during that miserable, 90% humidity but I got those four miles done. No pictures because my Garmin is broken and it’s either that or my face and you don’t want to see the face of a midday summer runner. It wasn’t pretty. But it happened!
I had 45 minutes between the end of my run and the time I had to leave for work so I had a quick mini-meal (aka second breakfast. I’m like a hobbit).
Yoplait berry smoothie pack + Chobani plain greek yogurt + almond milk. A piece of banana bread + chocolate chips on the side.
During my break at work I snacked on some overnight oats. See I told you I have a breakfast obsession!
If there’s one thing that cold oatmeal isn’t, it’s photogenic. Delicious mix nonetheless: oats, chia seeds, sliced banana, cinnamon, almond milk and chunky peanut butter.
After a hella slow shift at work I finally got home just in time for the late night showing of Modern Family and a bulked up bowl of pasta.
So, at the end of the day, I ran, worked at a job I love, and ate lots of good food. I didn’t save any babies or go skydiving or anything, but I also didn’t roll an ankle or choke on a noodle so things are A-okay.
Questions:
What’s your late-night guilty pleasure on tv?
What was the best thing you ate yesterday?
If you don’t like breakfast food, EXPLAIN YOURSELF.
I know we’ve talked about this 1,000,000 times before but I’m all about new beginnings coinciding with new days on the calendar. A new year means new overarching resolutions for the year. A new week means hey, let’s maybe not eat so much pizza and maybe try a few more veggies this week. And now it’s a new month. Not just any month, but the month that officially marks the end of summer and beginning of fall.
It’s no secret that the past few months haven’t been a picnic for me. I’ve never wanted to get too into it on the blog because honestly there is only so much emotion you can translate on a keyboard.
Three months ago my world completely changed. The life I thought I had and planned on living for years to come crumbled around me. Not for any tangible reason, no huge traumatic event, no giant moment of hurt or deceit, but it happened nonetheless. I quit my job and started on a whole new (and risky) life path. I left the city I had called home for six months and moved back into my childhood bedroom. I started having panic attacks and days where I couldn’t get out of bed. Zain and I ended our relationship. In the moment of it all it seemed like I was drowning slowly and I was never going to get past it. Everything changed. My body freaked out. My period disappeared and my acne came back in full force. I stopped working out and not only felt myself getting fluffier, but my mood plummeted. The pain that I felt the past three months was the lowest point of my life, without. a. doubt. Four months ago I was working in PR living with my boyfriend who I planned on marrying, and less than three weeks later everything was different. I won’t ever get into the breakup in this forum, but we will always love each other for the people we are. But I’m finally at a point where I can honestly say with no sadness that I loved our relationship for everything that it was and everything that it taught me. As cliche as that sounds, it’s the truth. He will always be near and dear to my heart, and a true love that I won’t forget.
So here we are. It’s September. And I’m surprisingly, genuinely HAPPY. I have spent more time with my friends than I did when we were in college. I have loved EVERY single second of my new job at lululemon. The people I work with seem almost too good to be true – like they were sent by God to be in my life at this point. I have never felt so supported, so loved, so understood, so heard. We have talks during work about life and love and just the beauty of it all, the happiness AND the pain. Just the idea that being human, being alive, being able to experience feelings at all is such a blessing. I think that’s one notion that’s really helped push me through the dark period: mindfulness. Through everything, I let myself feel what I wanted to feel — both good and bad. I was mindful, honest, and accepting of how I was feeling in the moment and didn’t try to control, resist, or change it. And now I’m at the point where, between my family, friends and new coworkers and work experiences, I wake up every morning with a smile on my face and a grateful heart.
Two months ago if you had told me that I would be this happy I would have never believed you. But I am so excited for the life I’m building with my own two hands. I finally had the courage to slow down and take control so that I could make sure that everything I was doing was pushing me forward to becoming the best version of myself.
September is so monumental for me. It’s a month to start anew. Sure, it’s going to be full of leggings and boots, pumpkin spice lattes, raking leaves with friends, trail runs, concerts, food trucks, work outings, new fitness classes, studying, etc.But I feel like this month is dedicated to myself. It’s not dedicated to moving, to job stress, to trying to save a relationship, to reconnecting with old friends. I did that all in August. And now September I’m going to sit back and let love lead.
Thanks, as always, for dedicating some of your day to connect with me. I love learning all about your lives and I’m thrilled that you think I’m important enough to read about as well! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am SO blessed to have this blog and all of YOU. For some reason you always come back to hear what I have to say. You make me feel connected in a way that can’t be matched.
Questions:
What are you most excited for this September?
Share your life experience with me, if you’ve ever been through something like this.
Well guys I’m off work the next two days (first time that’s happened on a weekend in over a month!) so I’m going to be celebrating the best way I know how: sunshine, mimosas and country music.
I’m heading down to Soldier Field today for the Luke Bryan concert! Since I knew that today would be pretty indulgent to say the least (country music in the summer = beerbeerbeer) I woke up with the sun and squeezed in a 50 minute run. As usual it was almost impossible to get out of bed but the minute I got out there I was so happy to be getting my sweat on.
Now if you’ll excuse me I have some fun to get to! I hope you all have a fabulous Labor Day!
Questions:
Any fun Labor Day plans?
Are you ready for summer to be over (I AM – hello, Fall!)
Are you a country music fan? You either love it or you hate it!
Questions:
i had a big lunch 