mid-week happies

Almost nothing makes the week go by faster than a mid-week visitor. Duke graced me with his presence Wednesday and stayed until today, which felt like a weekend smacked in the middle of my M-F. It was just lovely :)

On Wednesday night, we went to spinning with my favorite FlyWheel instructor. I was hoping Duke would think it was hard, and the next day he told me he was a little sore (= mission accomplished). 
(sidenote: this is me with Jeremy, the instructor. If you have tried FlyWheel, but haven't tried Jeremy's class: go, rightaway. He's so great. If you live in Atlanta, and haven't tried FlyWheel: go, rightawayer. Also, disregard my hair in this photo, pleasee.)

Thursday, we went to the Warby Parker class trip, where we got to hop on their school bus to meet the team and try on glasses. The Bibers are pretty huge Warby fans (six out of the nine adults in our family own a pair), so we were really excited to check it out. 

Duke has perfect vision, but I think there was a baby second where he almost bought a pair. They were that cool! 

I wish he didn't have to leave this morning, but I know I can't hold him back from his next stop: visiting Sam in Louisville. Have fun, sluggers! 

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!