Friday Funday After Being MIA

It has definitely been a hectic week.  It was my last week at my current job and I have been going out and eating at night with my friends.  Tuesday, I had a Whole Foods date night Nikki.  We have regular Whole Foods dates and I'm going to miss them lots!  We both hunt around for samples and then load up our bowls to the top at the salad bar.  We usually go to the candy aisle afterwards, but this week we opted for chocolate cake.  It was obviously delicious (let's be honest...there are few things at Whole Foods that are not).

A picture of Nikki and I after a bike ride from the other week.

Wednesday night, I met my friend Nicole (haha guess it was the week of Nicoles) for dinner at Slurping Turtle.  The chef behind Slurping Turtle is Takashi, a current competitor on Top Chef Masters.  Slurping Turtle is essentially Japanese comfort food.  

Our waiter was great!  He was extremely helpful in telling us what was good and telling us about the different dishes (not to mention he also gave us hints about other good restaurants nearby).  We shared two appetizers which were sesame soy marinated salmon and sweet corn croquettes.  Both were amazing and I especially liked the salmon.  For our main meals, we both opted for noodle based bowls instead of soup bowls since it was hot outside (I got the soup based bowl last time and it was awesome).  Nicole got Yaki Udon and I got the Chiyan Pon.  Both were really good and so different! The servings were huge and I definitely had some leftover for the next day.

Nicole and I at St Patrick's Day last year.

This week was only the beginning of so many more incredible meals to come!  Next week my mom is coming to Chicago to help me pack.  I will try to fill y'all in on the move and all the incredible meals.  Sorry for the lack of recipes lately, but I have taken a cooking hiatus these past few weeks.  Once I'm in Houston expect lots of cooking and baking!

And now.....Friday Funday!

Eggplant Stacks: This is a yummy looking summer dish with farmer's market ingredients.

Triple Threat Cupcake: It's every dessert you could want in one.  All you need to do is eat it with some ice cream on the side.

Me In the Winter: This pretty much sums up my winter wardrobe.  I guess this will probably change when I move to Houston.

Palazzo Margherita: I love this doorway.  It looks so interesting having a door within the door.

Foldover Clutch: I love the colors on this! 

Chobani Soho Cafe: What?! I read about this but didn't believe it!

Starting the Weekend Off Right

It's been a crazy, busy, and overwhelming week.  I am VERY ready to enjoy the weekend!  I have lots of fun plans ahead including a lakefront run and then brunch Saturday and a celebration dinner Sunday to celebrate my friend finishing part 1 (the ethics portion) of The Bar.

Since I have summer hours (for those who don't know...summer hours in Chicago means you have half day Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day), I'm going to start off my weekend with a couple errands and then hopefully meeting some friends at the pool or shopping (depending on the weather).  The perfect beginning to a great weekend!

And now...what I know you have been waiting for: Friday Funday!

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese: Spinach artichoke dip and grilled cheese got married and had a baby.  And he is awesome!

Cucumber Chili Mexican Paletas: Looks so refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.

Talk About Cooling Off: This elephant really knows how to do it.

The Funnel Wall: They say this wall plays music when it rains.  This, I need to see!

Food Tips: The Dorito one grosses me out.  The grapes and wine one is genius!

18 Running Facts: I love these fun facts.  They are both funny and sadly true. (there wasn't really a picture so I thought you would enjoy a sweaty picture of me post run)

It Takes Practice to be Awesome:  Love this kid!

Chocolate Chip Cookie: Sometimes a basic, classic cookie is just what you need!

Last Minute Flight and Friday Funday

After my Olympics post yesterday, another Chicago blogger posted about a fun workout to do while watching the Olympics.  It's like a drinking game, but for working out!  I will definitely try this out when I watch the Olympics in the next couple of days.  Check out the Olympic Challenge here.

I booked a last minute flight to Houston this week and just arrived late last night.  I'm so excited to spend a long weekend in Houston!  I have big plans to see my family and friends and to eat some good food.

Whenever I travel, I always bring a snack or meal with me.  I am easily tempted by the candy and snacks at the airport.  Having my own stash of foods keeps me from buying all those airport goodies which are definitely not good on the waist...or wallet!  My flight yesterday as around dinner time, so I brought a wrap from Freshii and a little piece of chocolate for my end of meal sweet tooth (Sorry...I ate it before I could take a pic. But it was loaded with veggies and chicken. And it was delicious).

I have a 9 mile run planned this weekend for my training.  Since the heat and humidity are out of control in Houston, I'm planning on completing my run in the treadmill.  Should be interesting!

And now....FRIDAY FUNDAY!

Watermelon Ice: A fun idea for outside BBQ.

Crab Salad in Avocado Halves: I love everything about this recipe.  It is another perfect summer recipe.

Barbie Creator's House: I wouldn't have expected anything else.

Bad Day Motto: I need to remember to think this during a bad day...

And to Do This:

Arms Like Natalie Coughlin: This is a great arm workout that I have on my list to do next week!

Sweating to the 90s: Why not put some 90s music on your next running playlist!

I'm Loving cherries! Both sweet...

And savory

Have a great weekend! Remember Sunday is your last change to enter the GIVEAWAY!

Happy Friday

It's been a long, slow week but it's finally Friday! I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the weekend. I know that I have a fun packed weekend ahead starting off with an Olympic opening ceremonies party tonight and the Big10 10k fun run tomorrow followed by brunch.  The Big10 10k is a fun run where everyone supports their Big Ten school and I will obviously be sporting some University of Michigan colors.  Get ready for pictures and details on Monday.

Also...get excited and ready for an awesome giveaway next week!  Hint: it involves one of my favorite foods.

But for now it's time for Friday Funday!  Enjoy!

Summer Pizza: The perfect pizza for a summer night.  To make it even easier buy pre-made dough.

Fat Kid Cake: The ultimate combo of Oreos and Reese's.  Please someone make this and bring it to me.

Fat Pills? I wish this was still true (then I'd definitely chow down on some of the cake above)

Find Your Calling: Interesting article with fun/cool diagrams.

Coffee Cubes: My friend does this and I think it is genius!

Workout Motivation:

Goat Cheese Hush Puppies: Um...wow.  Words cannot express.

Speaking of Dogs: Who doesn't wish their dog could text them?

In Honor of the Olympics: This is one limber 86 year old!

Everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the start of the Olympics!

From Floating Desserts to Sport Comedy

Hot Fudge Pie: Looks like the fudge pecan pie my mom makes over Thanksgiving...minus the pecans.

Southern Comfort: Oven "fried" pickles.  A healthier version of a classic southern appetizer.

Cubs Starting Line Up: Will Ferrell and Zach Galifanakis announce the Chicago Cubs starting line up.

This Is Me:

Floating Cobbler: It's cobbler meets root beer float.  Two classics turned into something new!

My Next Home: Moroccan inspired house in Houston. 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, petting zoo...you know, the usual.

Too Cute: These dogs are adorable!

It's That Time Again

Be sure to stop by Starbucks today from 12-3.  They are sampling their new Refreshers beverage.  And by sampling I mean GIVING AWAY a free small.  This is nation-wide, so be sure to take advantage! Today, I tried the lime flavor and it was great! They are caffeinated, refreshing and just enough flavor without being too overpowering.  These drinks are the perfect lunch break, mid-day pick me up!

Refreshers come in Cool Lime and Very Berry Hibiscus

It's that time again....Friday Funday!  I hope everyone looks forward to this as much as I do.  I have so much fun searching for and collecting awesome, funny, adorable, and tasty pictures throughout the week.  Enjoy!

A Spin On Dessert: or maybe even breakfast!

Balloon Festival: Never been on a hot air balloon before.  Looks like fun and so pretty!

Seasonal Salsa: I made a variation of this when grilling at a friend's apartment.  It uses seasonal ingredients, easy, to make, and tastes great!

Murphy's Law for Runners: So true!  Check out the link because the image wasn't working well.

I do this daily: If you say that you don't, I don't believe you.

This Makes Me Happy: Read this and it will automatically put you in a good mood.

White Wine Sangria: I love sangria! I usually prefer red, but this white one looks amazing!

One Word... YUM! And it looks so easy to do

Love This: I have no clue where I found this link but wish I could remember!  I love this water bottle and am on a mission to find it.

Have a fun weekend!