Currently…

Currently I’m finishing up my breakfast—a nice warm bowl of steel cut oats with coconut cashew and maple sunflower butters and a big cup-of-joe.

I’m thinking it’s going to be a multiple big cup-of-joe kind of day. I just picked up my phone to take a sip of coffee.. yea.

I’m thinking I’m really glad I went to the gym this morning, even having not slept well, because I already feel like I’m reaping the rewards. And I know that I wouldn’t have wanted to move later in the day!

Currently I’m looking into when and where I can get my CPR/AED certification so I can take my CPT exam. Exciting. Nerve-wracking. Stress-inducing. Maybe part of the reason I’m not sleeping as well?

I’m also looking into all of the fun perks of my new job at Athleta. I’m only 2 shifts in right now, but I’m really liking it. [And I’m not just saying that because they might be reading!] Also, if you’re in the bay area, follow my store on Twitter.. they’re always posting about events and great in-store deals!

Currently I’m thinking about the anniversary trip. Man, it was fun. And surprisingly enough, we didn’t really overdo it this time. Maybe because wine country is in our backyard now and we can always go back for more!

I’m also thinking about how glad I am to have done my detox before retox week before the trip. This week is definitely about getting back to normal eats again, but in a different way. I mentioned last week that my body was appreciating the lack of grains and starchy vegetables, though by the end of the week, I’ll admit I was feeling tired. Maybe my body didn’t appreciate such a change.

I’m thinking that I’ve had a hell of a time really trying to figure out how to eat lately. That nice warm bowl of oats this morning? I was staying away from that last week, but maybe it’s something my body does want. Am I over-thinking? Yea, probably. It seems like every time I think I have it figured out, things change. I’m really just wanting someone to tell me how to eat. It shouldn’t be this hard, right?

Currently I’m thinking about how ridiculous it is that Northern California apartments don’t have air conditioning. I understand that it doesn’t get into the upper 80s/low 90s that often, but that’s just silly business. We’ve had our fans running constantly.

And I’m thinking about all of the fires in Southern California and hoping that everyone is staying safe.

Currently I’m counting the days till our trip home. I can’t wait to get my hands on this little nugget!

Check out those big blue eyes! Only 43 days and she’s mine 🙂

And currently I’m off for more coffee. That first cup didn’t last long!

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Kelsey S. Please email me with your shipping information and I’ll make sure you get your peanut butter soon!

Food for Thought

What are you doing or thinking about currently?

Foodie Friday: Peanut Butter Cup PARTY Popcorn

Last night was the premiere of the Tone It Up girls’ new show on Bravo, Toned Up. Aside from creating a wonderful fitness and health plan [that really works!], these girls have also formed an incredible community around the world. In Baltimore, this community brought me together with a group of ladies who happened to make an appearance at my wedding 😉

Don’t mess!

Knowing what a strong community this is, I quickly took advantage when I came to California. I’ve been welcomed to the Bay Area group with open arms and when I was invited to a Toned Up premiere party, I jumped at the opportunity to get to know these girls too! Obviously I couldn’t show up empty-handed so I needed to figure out a figure-friendly snack to bring.. that I could make in the hotel room.

Peanut Butter Cup PARTY Popcorn

Serves 6

Ingredients
– 12 cups popped popcorn
– 1/3 cup sliced almonds; toasted
– 1/3 cup Trader Joe’s Roasted Coconut Chips [these are the best!]
– 2 oz dark chocolate squares
– 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams
– 4 tbsp Old Fashioned Smooth
– Pinch of salt

Directions
Lay popcorn, almonds, and coconut chips out in one flat layer on a couple trays. In one small bowl, add dark chocolate squares and Dark Chocolate Dreams. Microwave for 30 seconds, remove from microwave, and stir the mixture. If it’s not melted, microwave in additional 30 second intervals until fully melted. Using a spoon, drizzle over the popcorn mixture.

In another small bowl, add Old Fashioned Smooth and microwave about 15-20 seconds until melted. Using another spoon, drizzle the peanut butter over top of the popcorn mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over all of the popcorn, almonds, and coconut. Place the trays in the freezer to setup.

MMM toasted almonds!

This recipe is what I call “dangerous.” It makes enough to serve about 6 people, but if you’re anything like me, by the time it makes it out, it might only serve 1 😉

And how could I show up without the proper accompaniment?

Red wine is better with chocolate than milk.

I’m not too picky when it comes to my wine, but this is one of our faves! Trader Joe’s is the best. How did I ever live without wine in grocery stores?!

I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to meet up with these girls for the premiere of the show and I hope to meet more of the Bay Area girls next time!

Food for Thought

Did you watch the Toned Up premiere?
What is your favorite drink with chocolate?