1. Last night, I had a fabulous dinner & drinks date at Tala Bistro with my girl, Kanika.
We had plans last week, but they fell through last minute, so I was excited we were able to reschedule for this week. We hit up one of our favorite spots, Tala, and spent a good couple of hours sipping, eating, and chatting away. We ended up making a “dinner” out of salads, appetizers, and dessert which, honestly, is never really a bad thing, right?
It’s always nice to have a little girl time (especially on a weeknight) and, well, I just love that girl.
2. My child is not eating this week. Like, at. all. All of our typical standby’s (hot dogs, pasta, PB&J, meatballs, cheese sticks, even blueberries?!) are all getting a big fat no. Gosh, it is frustrating having to waste food! I think the combination of him cutting his final molar, plus a cold, are mostly to blame, but fingers crossed that this doesn’t last much longer.
3. I have really been loving this Tazo Chai Vanilla Caramel Latte mix that I bought last week. I’ve been pairing it with almond milk (which I cannot stand in my coffee, but loooove with the mix) and do about 4oz of the mix with 6oz of almond milk.
It’s delicious both hot and over ice, too. Mmmm, mmmm!
4. I don’t know how I came across it, but I recently saw this 50 Pictures That Will Look Just Like Your Childhood article on BuzzFeed and it is just perfection. And I totally used to own skates similar to #10.
5. Lately, I’ve been holding off on sharing my dinners until I do my Meal Plan post on Sunday, but Wednesday nights’ dinner was just too good to not share sooner. The recipe came out of my most recent issue of Cooking Light magazine (which is actually an awesome issue!) and Jay and I both raved about it.
Plus, the recipe purposely makes a ton so you can freeze some to have another time. Double win.
6. A few weeks ago, I received an awesome package in the mail from Arctic Zero. They make these frozen desserts that are made with whey protein and sweetened with monk fruit, offering up a bunch of protein and fiber in each serving with very few calories (a whole pint only has 150 calories!).
I’ve tried a few of the flavors and they’re pretty good, but I will say that you can’t expect it to be ice cream when you eat it. Otherwise, you’ll be disappointed. That said, I will say that they are a fun, unique sweet treat to have on hand, and the Cookie Shake flavor was pretty awesome with some chocolate sauce drizzled on top!
7. I think I’ve decided that I want to totally revamp my Pinterest boards. I really don’t know why I’m deciding to take on a task that really is not all that important, but I just feel that they need to be organized wayyyy better than they currently are. How do you guys do the Pinterest thing? Do you have a gazillions boards and get specific? Or just a few really broad ones (like “breakfast” or “dessert”)?
8. Riiiiight? #truth
9. I am so, so happy today is Friday. And it’s not even like I had a hellish week or anything like that…in fact, it actually went rather quick. I’m just really ready for the weekend.
I tried coming up with a 10th fact, but it’s late, and I still want to read a chapter in my book before bed, soooooo…that’s it for today, my friends! Have a fabulous Friday and I’ll catch ya on Sunday.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
my pinterest boards are organized into: healthy breakfast, healthy meals, healthy sides / apps, fitness, beauty, inspiration, and YUM! <– aka anything not healthy which is probably my biggest board yet lol
Brynn @BalancingB says
Ah Pinterest, as though I don’t spend enough time on the site I too want to freshen up my boards. What did we do before Pinterest? I hope little Lucas feels better soon!
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I totally agree with you that almond milk tastes weird in coffee! I had some this morning because I was out of regular milk and it just is a little weird!
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says
That buzzfeed article! I read it a few weeks ago and was nodding my head throughout the whole thing. So funny to look back on the things that used to be so popular. I’ve been wanting to re-do my pinterest boards, too. But, honestly, I’m a little afraid to start – it’s overwhelming! If you figure out a good way to get started, please share! Happy Friday!
Erin says
I am obsessed with Arcic Zero! I love the Chocolate and Salted Caramel the most. Happy Friday!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
You are so right about Arctic Zero! You just can’t dive in expecting ice cream because you will be disappointed. I found it was really good mixed into protein shakes or as “healthy” milkshakes.
Taca @ A Side Of Dessert says
Dinner with a close girlfriend is the best! And oh, no that little guy isn’t eating. Hopefully that clears up this weekend! Wishing you a great weekend!
Jamie @ Dishing Out Health says
I’ve tried a few flavors of Arctic Zero and feel the exact same. The chocolate PB tastes good mixed with PB2 or blended into a protein shake, though! The spaghetti and meatballs looks so delicious and comforting! You can never go wrong with that duo! Thanks for the sharing the recipe link! :)
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Totally here you on the outdoor activity!!! Man I can’t hack the cold for more than 10 minute intervals :)
Ruthie Hart says
Ford is in a weird eating week too… oyeeeeeeeeeee! I have GOT to check our grocery store for those yogurts… wowzas! Happy Friday!
Mabel @ Ma Bella Vita says
EVERYTHING here looks so delicious. Is making me hungry.
…My favorite activity during winter is also being inside where is warm lol..my boyfriend has been wanting to go snow boarding but I keep postponing it just picturing myself freezing to death on the slopes.
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
Your spaghetti dinner looks amazing!
And as far as Arctic Zero, I know that for me, I’d rather just have a small portion of the real deal :)
tiff @ love, sweat, & beers says
#8, yesssss! I hate that I don’t take Ethan outside more, but whenever I do he runs down the street or up neighbors’ driveways and then screams at the top of his lungs when I make him come home. It’s not worth the effort!
And I’m going to check out those meatballs. Spaghetti and meatballs is some prime comfort food!
Caitlin says
I revamped my Pinterest boards and it’s sad how cleansed I felt afterward! Totally a fun activity to focus on!
I love love love making a meal out of salads, apps, and wine :) I’m not a dessert person but I gladly substitute that with extra bread!!!
Happy Friday!
Suzanne says
I wanted to tell you that I love your blog and your positive attitude ….
I am quite impressed with your ability to maintain such an active social life while working and being a mom…I feel quite lame in that I have little energy to be out the door at night (that said – I am out the door a lot as my kids are older and in many activities – maybe that is why???). Trying to decide if I will go out with girls from work tonight…it is cold and I only want to curl up on the couch with my family and watch a movie!
I enjoy your blog also as I get to see familiar sites – lived across the street from Siena and my cousin owns Tala : ).
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that your little guy starts eating again!!! (it is no fun when they are sick and
Becky says
My Pinterest boards are pretty organized with many different subjects. I just wish I could figure out how to put the boards into alphabetical order.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
That Buzzfeed article is the best! I totally feel the need to reorganize my Pinterest boards, too, and it feels silly to say, but it’s kind of daunting. I’d love to know what route you decide to go! And, much as I adore real ice cream, I’m still curious enough that I really want to try Arctic Zero. Have an excellent weekend!
Cassie says
I’m with you on the need to organize my Pinterest boards better. All of my recipes are under “sweet” or “eat”…which isn’t very specific. There’s a new-ish feature that lets you select a bunch to create a new board (rather than the old way of doing it individually). Someday I’ll get to it….
Monica says
That Tazo stuff looks great. I’ve only ever had their Chai tea latte mix, but I’m a huge fan of that.
Hope Lucas feels better soon. Poor kid… teething is an absolute beast.
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Ha, I totally feel you on that outdoor activity meme. Absolutely. Sometimes appetizers for dinner is better than entrees, you can try so much more! I hope Lucas starts feeling better soon. Poor baby. Enjoy the weekend! xo
Patty says
I have a about 15 boards. The recipes can get out-of-hand so I made two main boards; baking and cooking. I’m working on breaking those down when I make or I am about to make a dish. For example, I have a dinner board that I move pins from the cooking board. Then I have a asterisk system in which, on the title of the recipe if I have made it and its good it gets one * and if I really liked it, it gets two **. Seems to help with locating things I’ve pinned and want to find again.
Courtney says
You have a SERIOUS system down on Pinterest, Patty! :)
Alaina says
UGH…hate when our babes don’t eat! Not only is it always worrisome that they’re not getting enough, but I also hate to waste! Luckily, we have a dog that is more than happy to help alleviate that issue; she has a few more pounds on her to show for it! Typically, we try giving Chapman cold, more liquid-like foods when he has a molar/cold/sore throat. Our go-tos are yogurt, smoothies, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, cold overnight oats, etc. They can also all be mixed with nourishing foods like other pureed fruits, veggies and even peanut butter and coconut oil!
Autumn (@Beautifully Gray) says
I love a good Chai latte, and I also hate almond milk in my coffee… so I am interested to try this combo!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
When L gets picky about food that she usually likes it drives me bananas!! I hope he gets back to his ‘normal’ soon for your sake. Hang in there!
That outside activity meme made me laugh out loud. hah!
Nancy says
Speaking of those roller skates – I had a pair of those one’s too in preschool!! Holy memories. So those Golden Books (also in the link), are still available! I’ve been buying them non-stop for my friends children, lol. You can buy them at World Market/Costplus. :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
We’ve been having the same issues with Hunter’s eating this week. I totally feel you…talk about frustrating, especially when NONE of the usual standbys work! Well, I came to find out this morning that he has a double ear infection. I’m guessing that has to do with it! I know he’s getting in his two year molars too, so that could also be part of it. Fun times! ;)
That chai caramel latte stuff sounds amazing right now! I’ve been all about cold, sugary drinks lately. Yum.
Marielle says
Ahh Pinterest….I’d love to reorganize my boards but it just seems like a big undertaking, lol! I have all of my fashion pins in one board and wish I had them separated for each season, bleh!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Courtney! I’ve been going through some pints of Arctic Zero myself and really enjoy adding some crunch to it — like cookies or dates or other things. It’s tasty! Hope you have a great weekend! :)
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Awww poor little guy!! Bless his heart. When you’re sick, eating is totally the last thing you want to do! I’m sure he’ll snap out of it :) Have a great weekend!
Laur says
I love how the picture of Lucas totally captures his current attitude towards food lol!
ellie | fit for the soul says
I totally know the frustration that comes with your child not eating well! (or any child in my opinion, haha) I hope Lucas feels 100% soon and hope you stay sane and rested as well! :) Selah used to be the queen of eating and I even contemplated signing her up for an eating contest, but it prob. would have been reality only in my mind. Nowadays she’s quite picky and even her favorites are kind of blah to her. It’s almost alarming at times, and I bet you feel the same way on some days. I guess that’s the fun of our kids changing all the time though–it keeps us mentally sharp and teaches us to have fun as we discover their new quirks.
Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner says
I have no idea how to use Pinterest! I need to learn that kind of stuff dos I am behind haha
Jenn@Mark My Miles! says
I hope little man Lucas begins to feel better soon. I miss some wine and ladies time. SO glad that you were able to have some.
Katy @ Have You Hurd? says
I’m definitely guilty of revamping/reorganizing my Pinterst boards. The big change I made was to erase recipes I tried and didn’t like and to pin the ones I had tried and loved to a bored called “Tried & Love”.
Christy says
Our son went through a grumpy, little-to-no-eating phase for almost two weeks and we attributed it to teething. Unfortunately it turned out he had an ear infection. Wasn’t running a fever and didn’t do any of the tell-tale signs of having one (ear pulling, etc). Our doctor said it’s really common while teething to end up with an ear infection, the added pressure plus the mucus that usually comes along with teething creates a perfect habitat for infection through the sinuses/ears. So if you have a check up coming up, or maybe if you have time to get him in with his doc, you may find that your little guy has something else going on.
Shawna says
i tried Arctic Zero once a few years ago and reallllly didn’t like it, so that was a fail for me. i need to stick to Pinkberry when i’m feeling a froyo/ice cream craving! i have to check out Tala when i’m upstate one wknd…haven’t heard of it.