Free Coffee Times TWO

Today has thus far been a particularly caffeinated day...aaaaaand I'm KIND OF LOVING IT.

Where there is free coffee, you may COUNT ME IN, Madam.

It all started when I found THIS GEM at the WalMarts this weekend:

And also shortly thereafter, when I found THIS ONE, too:

Side note: It just occurred to me that the chocolate one PLAINLY states "Decaffeinated" on the box. Oops.


So first thing this morning, I made myself a hot cup of delicious (and apparently decaf) chocolate coffee. I'd like to think it made me more productive, but then lunch rolled around and then all was lost.

But AFTER lunch, my coworkers and I found out about a new coffee shop that just opened LITERALLY TEN STEPS FROM OUR FRONT DOOR (okay maybe twenty steps!).

The struggle is going to be REAL, peeps.

One of my sweet (and fellow caffeine addicted) co-workers decided to try it out, then later stopped by my desk, worried that she ordered TOO BIG OF A COFFEE*****.

*****Is there such a thing? I say "nay."

She insisted - INSISTED! - on pouring half of it in my cup, and before I knew it, it was GONE AND IN MY BELLY.

I have no idea what happened, really.

Only that I suddenly felt ALIVE.

I come in handy at this place sometimes :)

***

On another note, today's lunch took place at the Mississippi Museum of Art (they have an in-house cafe) and it was absolutely crazy good. I'm not exactly sorry for the cliche I've become in terms of posting my food everywhere.

Grilled Squash Panini with Blueberry Butter.

Let's just let that sink in a moment, shall we?

Blueberry Butter.

As weird as it sounds, it was off the charts good. My mouth is watering again just thinking about it.

Grilled squash, a chunk of mozzarella, lettuce, a fresh tomato, and homemade butter -- all on warm, grilled bread.

You're incredibly welcome.


Eat local, folks!

Run for the Omelettes!

So I did something crazy last week. So crazy that I'm actually wondering WHAT could have POSSIBLY even began to tempt me into it, but not crazy enough that I'm regretting it...yet.

...although my quads and glutes may give you a COMPLETELY different impression.

...as well as the way I'm walking at the moment.


Mer her.



You might remember my mentioning a certain pulled muscle in my back early last week. Well, a few days later I somehow convinced myself it was COMPLETELY better and decided to sign up for a 12-week 5 a.m. fitness bootcamp that began on MONDAY. That's right. Labor Day.

For TWELVE WEEKS.

Brilliant, am I right?

We're three days in and I am FEELING IT.

In all honesty, though, being sore is a fantastic feeling. I've done this program twice before since moving here, and although it's no doubt one of the hardest things physically (and at times mentally) I've ever done, I KNOW it's worth it. It already is!


But let's back up a bit, shall we?


After my parents' visit on Friday, we suddenly remembered around, say, 11:30 or so that night that we were meeting our St. Jude Half Marathon team for a 6 a.m. run on Saturday. WHOOPS.

So, going on about 4-ish hours of sleep, we pushed ourselves through a very hilly, very HUMID morning run. We all struggled - and definitely had to walk a few times - but we felt so great afterwards!

...Plus we knew that The Broken Egg was waiting for us soon afterward!

Whoop whoop!

#RunForTheOmelettes!

I ate on the lighter side and chose a dish filled with fruit, quinoa, granola, toasted coconut, and a sweet cream drizzle. YUM.

However --- I was only slightly jealous of the Mister's choice, which was an omelette that had all sorts of wonder within: crab meat, crawfish, spice, and some kind of something that tasted even better than hollandaise sauce!

I may or may not have stolen politely requested a bite or two :)


I'm pretty much obsessed with loving this new tradition of ours.


By the end of the day, the hilly run started to kick in as our glutes and quads started getting sore - but it was NOTHING compared to what was waiting for us on Monday morning!


NOTHING!

Our alarms went off at 4:05 on Monday morning (Labor Day WHOOP!) and we were at our training by 4:45. The weigh-ins, push-ups, sprints, jumping jacks, and yelling started at exactly 5 a.m., when we were reminded that this was a completely no-nonsense training, and that we would be in the best shape yet if we cooperated, and there were no questions, no arguing, and no walking.

"RUN, don't walk!" they said.

Have I mentioned that our coach is a former SEC-standout -SLASH- NFL player?

That he's approximately the size of Goliath?

That his arms are bigger than my legs?

Or that his mere presence makes you tremble in your running shoes?

It's...a tad scary, I won't lie. But it is the biggest adrenaline rush and the hardest challenge that somehow winds up being pretty enjoyable.

Well, maybe afterward. But by 6 a.m., I'm a fantastically happy person!!!! 

But that very well could be the endorphins :)

Funny enough, I am still walking like an old lady. Thanks to our Labor Day shenanigans, I spent a nice chunk of the holiday (post-workout) recouping in our recliner with a book and a heating pad to mend my sore little back (thankfully, there's no serious pain, just soreness from the exercise :) ).

...because Tuesday was Leg Day at boot camp (YAY SQUATS!)

...and today was what I'll call HIIT day (YAY SPRINTS!).

So if you need me at any point over the next 12 (now almost 11!) weeks, I'll probably be curled up in the fetal position on a football field, covered in morning dew, sweat, and shreds of artificial grass...and being screamed at by a giant.

Gross is the new skinny.

Question:

What's the wildest thing you've ever been convinced or challenged yourself to do?

P.S. Have you ever done a bear crawl? My hips hurt. And pretty much everything else does, too. Even my fingers.

No complaints! :)

BRB - Game Day Central

Short post today!

Because I have to get back to watching my Eagles :)

I married a Mississippi State graduate. I get it. I like State. Hubs and I consider ourselves to "be on each other's team" - and since I graduated from Southern Miss (C-USA), this is usually not a problem.

But TODAY....



 



Today Southern Miss faces off with Mississippi State - for the first time in roughly 30 years (give or take a few years).

 

 



Sorry, State.

I'm a Southern Miss girl through and through.

 

 

 

I graduated from Southern Miss...TWICE. 

 

I worked for the University while in grad school, and my first full-time job was at Southern Miss.

I was in love with Football and Baseball season.

And my brother is currently on the football coaching staff at Southern Miss.

UPDATE: I just saw him on TV! #proudsister

 

Regardless of the outcome tonight, I still wear my black and gold with pride.







 

 



...and likely a big goofy expression on my face.

Now if you'll excuse me, the smack talk has already started in our household.

#SMTTT!!!!!

The Best Friday

Fridays are wonderful. Just wonderful. But tonight - OH tonight. It beats them all.

Tonight my parents were able to drive up to The City to visit us - it's the first time since we moved into our new place that they've been able to make it here, and we had the best time :)

It was also the first time Hubs and I have cooked for them since we've been married - so it was nice to place host/hostess to them!

I didn't take many pictures because HELLO FAMILY. They only live about three hours away but...for someone who grew up surrounded by basically her entire family (me), three hours is too far. So, typically, when Hubs and I visit family, the phones are usually on silent or out of sight. It's a beautiful thang AMEN? ;)

However, I DO wish I would have taken pictures of our food. After some appetizers of mozzarella stuffed mushrooms (recipe below - these are always a HUGE hit with my family!), we inhaled some crazy good spaghetti with semi-homemade sauce, fresh steamed green beans, Texas toast, and one of our favorite desserts: Cream Puffs.

Ohhhh the Cream Puffs. I want them all. All over again. All of the days.

Our bellies were full, our hearts are full, and it's just been a wonderful evening. There's something about some REAL family time that seems to recharge our batteries and make everything ten times better.

Ben picked up a Coke after work tonight (we usually only keep water in the house #treat), and it pretty much sums it up.

I couldn't agree more.

So now I'm currently curled up on our couch watching Everybody Loves Raymond with my love and trying DESPERATELY to get Tay Tay's new song out of my head.

...because now it's in yours too :) YA WELCOME!


P.S. Tomorrow Mississippi State plays Southern Miss in college football for the first time in about 34 years. Hubs graduated from State, I graduated from Southern. Tomorrow's household will prove to be QUITE interesting. I'm pumped! Bring it. Merherher. #SMTTT

P.P.S. Last time this game happened, Southern Miss won. That's all I will say about that because IT'S ON!


Recipe!


{Imagine a delicious-looking picture here}
{{Seriously. You'd want to lick the screen had I posted one}}
{{{Serve this as an appetizer at your next shin-dig or get-together. #megahit}}}

Mozzarella Stuffed Mushrooms
(Serves 2-4 as an appetizer)

 

What you'll need:

1 package of white-button mushrooms (or other variety of small mushrooms)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp of garlic powder

1/2 tsp of onion powder

1/2 tsp oregano*

1/2 tsp basil*

1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese (other types can be substituted: brie, goat, etc.)

 

*you can substitute these with Italian seasoning

 

 

What you'll do:

 

Twist stems off of mushrooms and rinse thoroughly. In a skillet, heat oil to medium heat. Sprinkle in garlic, onion, and oregano and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add in mushroom caps and toss to coat. Allow caps to sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

 

Pinch off sections of mozzarella ball small (or large) enough to fill the center of each mushroom cap. Don't be afraid to really stuff the caps - I like to let the cheese overflow a bit for more "gooey-ness." Top with oregano and basil (or Italian seasoning) to taste, then bake for roughly 7 minutes or until cheese has thoroughly melted. Serve warm and enjoy!



Challenge...Accepted!

Earlier this week, my friend Lauren challenged me to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Side note: Extreme Southern accent ahead. Since marrying my husband I'm convinced it's grown even stronger (AAAAH). I opted to spare you from the twangfest and show you the condensed version of the video. YA WELCOME.

Side note #2: #HailState. Until tomorrow when they play my beloved Eagles, that is.

Well, none of those I challenged in this video have blogs - so I'm issuing a NEW challenge to my bloggy friends!

Whether you read this blog or not (and it's TOTALLY okay if you don't, but you're AWESOME if you do!) --- you have OFFICIALLY been challenged and have 48 hours from the time you read this to complete it.

That's right!

Natalie - I'm talking to YOU!

Lindsey S. (aka BEAST) - Get ready to get soaked!

Ginger - I've read your comments!

and Jessica - YEP. You and James. GET IT!

Consider yourself CHALLENGED.

And on a very sincere note - I love that this challenge has brought so much awareness to ALS. I have a close family friend that has been living with it for over 7 years now, and the strength that he and his family have found in God through all of this is awe-inspiring. So along with all of the fun, excitement, laughs, and ICE that comes along as these challenges continue, please say a prayer for those that live with this disease every day. Pray that they and their families will find strength, comfort, peace, and healing, and that one day {soon} there will be a cure in this world.

That's all for now! I'll be back later today with another update!

Happy Friday, friends!

A List for Monday

So I blinked and apparently it's Monday?

Actually, as I type this, it's nearing the end of the workday, so it's basically Tuesday.

Which means we're almost to the weekend guys!!!

#thingsItellmyselfonMonday

As you'll find out soon enough, I'm pretty caffeinated - thanks to the coffee shop that considers a 16-ounce cup a size "small" (!!!!!!!) - and therefore have failed miserably at conjuring up one nice, evenly-flowing, beautifully worded post. So here I present to you the ping-pong thoughts bouncing around in my mind at the moment!


ONE. As I've mentioned before, Hubs and I are training for the St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis coming up in December. Saturday we met up with a few of our teammates and knocked out a GORGEOUS 5-mile run on a paved trail just outside of The City. While normally I cringe at getting up before 7am at 5:15 am EVER on a Saturday, I actually was really excited and ready to rock when the alarm went off that morning. #loverunning

YES - I am THAT GIRL who (occasionally) snaps pictures while running. But, I mean, can you see my point? Just look at that view (and the SHADE!) and imagine running with a beautiful sunrise. Plus, it felt AMAZING outside at that time of morning.

 

Pre-103 degree heat index :)

Side note: As a running team leading up to the race, we've pledged to raise some dollars for the St. Jude Heroes program. Everything we raise will go directly to St. Jude Children's Hospital. If you're curious about it or interested in donating, you can do so on our page HERE. There's no pressure - just throwing it out there!

TWO. Although I've frequently mentioned my love of brunch, I'm not a particularly huge fan of breakfast food. But after our run on Saturday, we decided to refuel with some breakfast at a new-to-us place nearby - and I was thoroughly impressed. Egg white omelet with goat cheese, tomatoes, and spinach? SOLD.

...and I could talk for hours about the coffee (BONUS POINTS for the fun mug). I'm already ready to go back :)

THREE. The "Save the Undies" ad has been popping up on my Spotify playlist DAILY for about a week now. I don't mind the ads, but it can be PRETTY odd when my {male} co-workers walk by and there's THIS giant of an add taking up my screen. Can't help but chuckle just a little ;) Especially when I'm jamming out RIGHT in the middle of some Shane and Shane.

Somehow those two things just don't seem to go together. #awkwardlaughter

FOUR. I had to run an errand during lunch today, so while I was out I splurged with a little treat from one of my favorite little coffee places :)

I think it was called the Mt. Rainer or something about a mountaintop --- but it basically tastes like a liquid Andes Mint. Oh my YUM. Yes indeed. Plus the "small" option was a 16-ounce cup. Jittery much????? :)

FIVE. I pulled a muscle in my lower back yesterday and apparently this has turned me into an ancient old lady. Grocery shopping last night was WILDLY entertaining, as was getting in and out of the car this morning. I'm convinced that I'm roughly two-point-five applications of IcyHot away from having to balance myself on a cane just to get around. Some things aren't pretty but slightly entertaining.

SIX. And now that's practically Friday again (ha), I'll leave you on a positive note and a song in your heart. I'm completely loving these songs right now and simply cannot get enough of them. There's such a wonderful message in both of them. Enjoy, friends. And Happy Monday :)

10,000 Reasons - performed by Matt Redman

K-LOVE Fan Awards: Songs of the Year (by Anthem Lights) - 2014 Mash-Up

The Many Stages of Running a 5K

Happy Wednesday folks!!!

We're halfway through the week, and I'm so thankful that it looks like it's going pretty well so far. The new job is teaching me a lot, but I feel like I'm starting to adjust and settle in.

So we pretty much had the most low-key Fourth of July weekend ever - I'm not complaining! We've been running around a lot lately so it was nice to be able to have some down time...although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a TEENY bit envious of all the beach and vacation picture I kept seeing! ;) With the new gig I can't take any vacation time for at least a couple of months - so I imagine come September/October we just might be leaving on a jet plane!!!! {First Anniversary - whoop whoop!)

The highlight of the weekend was Friday morning - after three years we were finally able to participate in our city's annual Fourth of July 5k run: The Watermelon Classic. In the past it has sold out so quickly, so the fact that we were able to get in was a big deal for us!

Or maybe it was just me. Bur honestly? I get just as excited and pumped up about a race as I do for nearly any country music concert or festival. {All the Miranda fans say HEEEYYYYY!!!!}

Fun fact about me:  I actually don't dread getting up early (as in - 6am or earlier) to run a fun race. I do, however, find it increasingly difficult to be thrilled to get up by or before 7am for work or any other activity,

Another fun fact:  I hate crowds. Like, with a passion. Especially when it's a huge crowd of people that I don't know, never met, etc. I'm naturally a VERY shy person, so it can get a little overwhelming in a large group. HOWEVER! At a race --- the more people running, the better.

That's not weird at all, right? RIGHT?????

The Watermelon Classic had a great course - relatively flat with a few hills here and there, and lots of music and watermelon at the end. Aaaaahh-mazing.


Moving on!

I have this weird thought process that I usually go through on the mornings of a race - any race. 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons, whatever the scenario. It's exactly the same with each and every race - yet I don't exactly realize it or snap out of it until I'm actually done with the race and feeling all the endorphins happening :)





But,my mind? Well, it goes a little something like this on Race Day:

• {Cue alarm} Nope. Too early. Snooze.
• {Second alarm} Ehhhhh....I can get ready in 5 minutes, tops. Snooze.
• {Third alarm} Yep. Time to get up. STRETCH.
• WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF
• Why are races in the morning????
• I'm an idiot. I suck at life. Stupid early mornings. Stupid races.
• At least my gym clothes are comfortable.
• WOW it feels good to stretch.
• At least there will be snacks after the race. I'll take a nap afterward. Not too bad.
• En route to the race: Thiiiiiiiis is gonna be awesome. I'm ready. Sooooo ready.
• Starting line: Whoop whoop! Let's do this!
• At the half-mile mark: WHAT AM I DOING
• A hill? What the heck???? It's too early in the race for hills!
• Downhill - Score!
• 1.5 mile mark - Second wind...I'm gonna sprint!
• AIR! AIR! I NEED AIR! Slowing down.
• More hills? Bring it.
• Water stop - nah, I'm good! Wait, it's 98 degrees at 8am. Yeahhhhh.....
• Finish line!!! WHOOO!!!! 
• When's the next race? Where can I sign up? Can we run again later today? OMGILOVERUNNING

I'm a tad overdramatic - and not at all a morning person.

Happy Wednesday party people!


Question:
What runs through your mind when you do something that challenges you?

"Better Sore than Sorry"

That's what my Body Pump instructor said in class one night.

And you know what?

She was right.

I took a walk on the WILD SIDE last night and upped the weight on my bar ever-so-slightly -- and I am FEELING IT today! Quads, shoulders, tris, and armpits {oh, the armpits}...Ohhhhh how I love the feeling of being sore!

Strangely enough, I'm not the least bit sarcastic when I say that.

This weekend was a whirlwind, to say the least. Think 4 cities in 2 days, by the time Monday and Tuesday passed (with long workdays throughout) -- it's safe to say that I basically crashed onto my pillow last night and didn't move all night.

Totally worth it though! After a successful work event on the coast Friday night (about three and a half hours from here, we arrived home a little after midnight, then headed to my parents' house 3 hours away late Saturday afternoon. Sunday we drove another hour South to visit with The Hubs's family, then made the trek back here to The City.

As tired as we were, it felt SO GREAT to be able to spend even a little bit of time with our families. Plus, this weekend was my sister's BRIDAL SHOWER back at our home church!

Home sweet home - oh yes indeed :)

Here wedding is EXACTLY ONE MONTH from today -- and I'm supremely PUMPED.


...And speaking of pumped, lately I've joined my friend Lauren in the "100 Days of Happy" project - and it's a lot of fun! Basically, every day for 100 days, you take a photo of something that makes you happy...I think, originally, it was meant for people to post on their blogs, Facebook, Instagram, etc., but we've got a group of about 4 of us going via group text and we've really enjoyed it!

Funny side note: We're all in various parts of the country, and the only one I know personally is Lauren - so BONUS POINTS for getting to know new people, ha!

It's funny how, once we started, I've started really looking forward to everyone's texts and photos and taking my own. It really encourages you to look for the "happy" in every day! Give it a try!

We're on Day 29 today - so I won't post everything, but here are some of the highlights over the past month!

This guy. He makes me so, so happy :)
Love this man!

Peanut-butter-chocolate cupcake for a Friday treat!
Huge, yet so delicious.

Cake-batter flavored chapstick!
Flavor without the calories!

After many, many weeks of dreary, cold, and rainy weather,
the SUN finally came out and warmed us up to a wonderful 63 degrees!

Beautiful sunset while out for a run one day!

The guys at work let me get on set and PRETEND to be on camera.
Aaaahh little things in life :)

Out for a run by the water on a gorgeous Saturday morning!

Mardi Gras cookies that turned out COLORFUL and DELICIOUS!
Bonus: I FINALLY baked something that was a success!

BODY PUMP!!!!
{despite my wimpy weights! #beginner =) }

And there we have it! Just a few highlights from the past week and month - what makes YOU happy every day? Give the "100 Days" challenge a try - go on, I dare ya!

I'm kind of hooked.

Friday Lovin'

Is it just me, or does it seem that every Friday gets that much sweeter as time goes on?

Today was off to a slightly not-so-hot start, but it's okay because things are COMPLETELY looking up!

It's been a weird week. But I'm a weird person, so I guess the shoe fits.

But on with the happy!

Here's what I'm loving and obsessed with this week. Maybe you'll get obsessed with them too and we can be weird together.


Vintage Glam Texturizing Powder from Sally's. People. My goodness. This stuff has given my hair a whole new outlook on life. I'm so hooked on it. If you're like me and have board-straight fine hair that has ZERO shape this will change your life. It makes your hair feel like it hasn't been washed in three weeks, but allows it to KEEP its shine and look pretty! It gives your hair so much LIFT and you can shape it as you like. I'm so terrible with my hair, but {on a good day} you can't tell that because this stuff is just...great. They put it on my head the day of our wedding and my hair held up until I washed it out. MAJORLY impressed, y'all. Usually what I do is sprinkle a little under the part of my hair and underneath the layers, tease, then smooth. It's a beautiful thing, friends.

Melanie from the Big Mama Blog, Edie from the Life in Grace Blog, and Sophie from the Boo Mama Blog. These ladies are so talented and their blogs are so uplifting and encouraging. I absolutely loved this post where Edie interviewed Melanie about her new book -- it was nothing short of hilarious and made today SO MUCH BETTER. I felt like I was sitting at the table drinking coffee with my girlfriends - only I've never met them and none of us were drinking coffee so is that even a little creepy???? . Check them out for your daily dose of happy!


And while I'm on it --- Melanie's new book, "The Antelope in the Living Room." I'll admit -- I TECHNICALLY haven't read it yet. But in approximately 37-ish minutes I will be on my way to the Family Christian bookstore, who are so graciously holding one of their last TWO copies for me. I know I'm going to love it -- just by hearing Melanie's description of what inspired her to write the book and the topics she covered, I'm crazy over it already. I JUST might crack open the book in the parking lot and just jump in right then and there. Good thing there's a coffee shop next door {!!!!!} - don't say I didn't warn you!


The How Sweet It Is blog. I could do an entire post just on my favorite blogs/bloggers, but I'm not kidding when I tell you that reading Jessica's blog is one of the FIRST things I do every. single. morning. {Except for Sundays and maybe Saturdays} She's ridiculously funny and has some of the most creative recipes I've ever seen. And her pictures? Gaaaaahhh. I could lick the screen most days.


Sprinkles and Thin Mint cupcakes. Because sprinkles make EVERYTHING better. EVERYTHING.

Oh yes. That happened this weekend. 'Nuff said.

***PLUS, since the icing was runny (oops novice icing maker), I think it's safe to assume that there were less calories in them, therefore making these babies ridiculously healthy. Yes, they were oh-so-healthy. The only thing healthier is to make ANOTHER batch. Gosh, I love eating healthy.


PITCH PERFECT 2!!!!!! It's OFFICIAL, people. A Pitch Perfect SEQUEL is happening. Please tell me you understand my obsession with this movie. I. LOVE. IT. I've had the soundtrack BLARING in my car for MONTHS now and randomly quote it all the time with Lauren. Plus --- dare I say it???? - it's going to be filmed in BATON ROUGE. A mere few hours from here! AAAAHHHH. I can't contain myself!!!! I'm desperately trying to find out how I can audition to be an extra. DESPERATELY. I'll wear a wig or cover my face or be in the background waving -- I DON'T CARE! This. must. happen. Suggestions/info, anyone?

I'll keep you posted on my findings :)

LOST. Good gracious. I won't even go into detail about it. It's so insane and I'm completely lost but totally up to speed. We're almost halfway through Season 3 and at that point where, although you realize what's happening, you have NO IDEA who these other people are and WHAT they are doing with my lovable characters!!! Plus - I have to say it -- I'm for Kate & Sawyer all the way. She may be in love with Jack, but she and Sawyer are MFEO (<---- Sleepless in Seattle reference, anyone????). GAAAAHHH just tell me what happens already!!!!! Clearly I love this show.


Happy Friday everyone! Go find JOY in something small this weekend!