when duke wins, the kids win


What's better than something you love? Combining two somethings you love. Obviously. Which is exactly what is happening right here. Yesiree. That's Duke + chocolate milk.

When he ran his marathon, Team Refuel asked him to ad lib a commercial. Whoever gets the most votes will be sponsored - and every time you vote, a dollar is donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

So - what I'm saying is - you should vote for Duke, and everybody wins. Literally! Everybody! 

You can vote every day this month, so vote early, vote often and crack up at his ever-so-convincing love of chocolate milk. He's a natural, I tell you! 



Fridee Frapeee


Yesterday started with the happiest of all Thursday happys: A Chai (aka Christmas in a cup) smoothie.
A homemade, super simple, chai smoothie nonetheless.
I snagged Chocolate Covered Katie's recipe and strongly advise you do the same.
Here's her single serving recipe (per my simplifications):
1 frozen banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
ice
And yes - that's it. Blend to smoothness of choice and voila! It really takes like a Chai frappe! I didn't believe it until I tried it, but now I'm a believer.
I got a little overzealous with the ginger and ended up with a slightly gingerbread flavored frappe, but, let's be serious: there are no complaints here on that one. It just made it that much Christmassyer.
Happy Friday Frapping!

31 Day Challenge: A Thankful Sandwich

Work has been chaotic in the strongest sense of the word lately and it's led to the kind of personal life disorganization that drives me wild - unreturned phone calls, gmail inbox scrolling...

Not.my.jam.

It has also led to me having less of a positive attitude than I'd like, but then on Friday, I stumbled upon this verse:
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances..." (1 Thes. 5:16-18)

And I was sure convicted. Remember back when I graduated in a recession and all I wanted was a job? And now I have one I love - and here I was getting down about being busy.

I think sometimes the holiday season is like that, though. There is so much excitement and buzz and busyness, that we call it a burden instead of a blessing. Too many gifts to wrap, dishes to make, parties to attend...

How fortunate we are!

I decided for the month of December, I am going to start and end each day by writing down two things I'm grateful for. I'm so excited to see how it makes me feel after 31 days (or 124 pieces!) of gratitude. After such an amazing 2012, it feels like a great way to wrap up the year. I'm hoping it will help me feel passionate in the morning and peaceful at night - which seems like a pretty great way to sandwich the day.

What are you grateful for? Feel free to join me in the 31 day challenge!

image

::southern living::

I've been to a few southern tailgates by now, but each time I'm still shocked and awed at the elaborateness of them. This weekend my friends and I tailgated for Georgia-Alabama and it was no different. RVs upon RVs - oriental rugs under Big Green Eggs - American flags flying high. It was quite the production. 

Although Georgia lost, it was still a great afternoon with good company, good weather and good ole boys. 

Oh how I love the tradition of tailgating! (:



I hope you had the best weekend ever!