A Marvelous Countdown + a Giveaway!

Monday again, huh? Well, the countdown is on; I officially have 15 days of work left. I’m taking the week of Thanksgiving off completely to finish packing, get my life in order, and spend time with my family. I can’t believe we’re moving this month! In the meantime, I’ve been taking time to relax and get some quality time in with some of my favorite people.

Friday night, Nathan had plans after work so I took some much needed me-time. And I also spent it with my friend Jim..

Jim Beam with a little OJ and seltzer water. Making Caitlin proud 😉

I also whipped up a little roasted goodness topped with a fried egg. Because what goes better with OJ than eggs?!

Spinach, roasted brussels, sweet potato, and an egg. Nothing better.

Saturday we had lunch at Duclaw, a local brew pub. They recently revamped their menu and I couldn’t pass up their new Wilted Kale Quinoa Salad with grilled chicken.. even after asking the waitress’s opinion of it. She feels strongly that kale is best used as a garnish and not to be eaten.. cracked me up!

I like to eat garnishes.

Saturday night we went out to World of Beer with my cousin, Nicole, and her boyfriend, Kirk. They recently moved here from Pittsburgh and I’m so sad we haven’t had more time together before Nathan and I head out!

Just the beginning of the shenanigans that night!

This location just opened up a few weeks ago so we had to give it a shot. Word to the wise – stick to the beer and appetizers. The rest of the food is a BIG miss! Not to worry though, the party continued back at our place and we had so much fun [read: the boys went to Royal Farms for fried chicken and western fries at midnight.]

Sunday was for lunch, a little cousin’s birthday party, and baking prep. We went to Seasons 52 for lunch as a treat on our way to the birthday party. Nathan and I had only been there once before and really enjoyed it. Their presentations are beautiful, but I have to admit, I left a little hungry. I am known for making ridiculously huge salads though..

Maui Tuna Crunch Salad – sushi-grade seared tuna, organic greens, pineapple,
toasted almonds, miso vinaigrette

Onto the birthday party.. Nathan really knows how to get down to a 6-year-old’s gymnastics party! 😉

I’m so proud!

After we got home, I had to do some prep work which involved chocolate chip cookies. I referred back to my throwdown experience and made a batch of the New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies. I rolled them into mini cookie balls and popped them into the freezer to save for my future baking. However, I should have made a half batch because this ended up making over 100 mini cookie balls!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FOR DAYS!!

Good thing chocolate chip cookies are easy to get rid of. I think I might have some lucky coworkers next week! 🙂

And now what you’ve been waiting for.. the giveaway! I was contacted by thinkThin [one of my most favorite protein bar companies] about doing a giveaway and since I love these bars so much, I had to share them with all of you! Pretty marvelous, huh? 😉

Click here to enter the giveaway and win some tasty treats!

Food for Thought

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?