GA-VA Weekend

Guess who I got to see this weekend.
That's right. This girl:
We had a minidate Sunday night. Mini because it felt short in comparison to the distance we drove to see one another. Worth it? Heck yes.
But let me back up.
Friday, my roommates, Stacie, Austen and I had a chill night in the Highlands at Family Dog, which we like to consider our own, since it's just up the hill from our house. When they say Family Dog, they're referring to our roommate family's dog, Maple. Right? Right.
Saturday, Melissa, Stacie and I went to hear Shauna Niequist speak. She's one of my favorite authors and has the ability to make you feel like you're sitting alone with her, and actually one of her best friends, as opposed to hearing her talk to 400+ women. She pretty much rules.
After that, I attempted to wrap up my Christmas shopping, which was slightly chaotic and overzealous, but also fun because it really got me in the holiday groove - and was worthy of an especially large Hazelnut coffee (even  though it was 70+ degrees).
Saturday night, Lindsey and Abby had holiday parties, which continued my quest toward full-on Christmasness.

Sunday, I hopped in the car and drove to Virginia, which landed me right here:
Boylan Heights! My most favorite restaurant in Charlottesville. Their veggie burger is unprecedented by any other I've found. And that's saying a lot, because I have nothing short of a v-burg addiction. My George Forman will vouch for me.
Allie drove down from DC to meet me for a little date, which was an absolutely perfect way to end the weekend. I kept thinking about what it would be like if we lived in the same city and could actually have Sunday dates. Dream!
Thanks for meeting me, Al :) I just love you and that little city!
 
I hope your weekend was wonderful!

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!

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