Ahhhhh. Hello, weekend. It’s so nice to see you. Especially considering the fact that I didn’t get to enjoy you one teeny bit last weekend.
But backtracking a bit…I never had a chance to make it back to the computer after yesterday morning’s post, so let me fill you guys in on the rest of my Friday!
The highlight of my afternoon yesterday would most definitely have to be the lunch date that I got to have with hubby at Panera. I had to head out of the office for a couple errands, so I figured I’d see if he was around to meet up. Lucky me, he was.
For my lunch, I decided to try a new-to-me menu item, the Chopped Chicken Cobb with Avocado salad (with no cheese, and dressing on the side). I must say that this salad absolutely rocks. Just check out all of that fresh avocado up in there!
I will most definitely be ordering that again. Without a doubt.
Fast-forward a few hours later and Jay and I were over at our friends’ Joe & Kate’s house for a little Mexican fiesta. Ever since Kate had texted me early yesterday morning, I had been craving the Chipotle-inspired meal alllllll day.
Sure enough, it did not disappoint!
There was plenty to choose from, so I made myself a plate of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, chicken, lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, plain Greek yogurt (aka, sour cream), and a tortilla.
We also had an abundance of lime tortilla chips which just so happened to be sitting right in front of me on the table. Umm, yeah. They stood NO chance. Those things are GOOD.
Shortly after dinner, Kate brought out some dessert (peanut butter chocolate chip cookies!) and we broke out Apples to Apples for some entertainment. As always, the game was hilarious and we all had plenty of good laughs.
Actually, the whole night was filled with laughs, and often had us going off on tangents about different stories and memories that we have (the four of us really do have some good ones). At one point, we were all looking through all of our old Facebook photos to see if we could find certain ones that matched the stories we were trying to tell Joe’s friend, Alan, who was visiting from out of town.
One of those memories happened to be from Jay’s birthday, back in 2008. It was one of those nights that you just expect to be a random, fun night out, but turns out being one of the best memories you’ll ever have.
You guys should be able to recognize a few faces.
It was definitely one of the. best. nights. ever.
I looked a little bit different 4-5 years ago, huh? Haha.
The other memory that got brought up, which is always a hilarious story to tell, was a night where the four of us (me, Jay, Joe, and Kate) went to go see The Dark Night then wound up at a bar, drinking a few too many drinks in an hour a half, and walked back home to Kate’s apartment at the time.
Yes, that is Joey holding a brick. He had wanted to pick up anything and everything that he could on our walk back to the apartment. So random, but so funny for us.
Poor Alan…he dealt with hearing quite a few stories last night. Hey, luckily he was a cool guy and didn’t seem to mind, but I decided he was even cooler once he broke out this absolutely delicious dip that he had brought over to share.
And the best part about it is that it’s super simple to make…he said he just puts two blocks of fat-free cream cheese and a jar of salsa into the blender. Mix it up and, voila! The most delicious, addicting chip dip you’ll ever have. Actually, for those of you who have been to Applebee’s and tried their Chicken Fajita Rollup, the dip tasted JUST like the mexi-ranch dipping sauce that comes with it. Just a little FYI.
Finally, just before midnight, I had to call it a night since I was getting pretty sleepy and was the DD for the evening (Jay is definitely enjoying his permanent, 9-month designated driver!). But we both had a fantastic night with two of our best pals.
*****
Breakfast
This morning, I allowed myself to sleep in with no alarm, which kept me snoozing until about 9am. It was wonderful. Of course, I woke up starving, so I immediately went out to the kitchen to make some breakfast.
And you know, I think this is the first meal that I’ve gotten to shoot in real sunlight in weeks. Just a little random factoid, in case you were interested.
Today’s breakfast included two Van’s waffles (they’re back for the first time since August!) topped with peanut butter, banana slices, chia seeds, and a tiny drizzle of maple syrup.
They tasted so good, and totally fulfilled the craving I was having for them during the week. Unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to get myself up on time to make them in the mornings before work – I mean, I guess I could, but I’d be racing out the door with them and eating them in the car – so this was perfect.
Currently, I actually have some lofty goals for today…workout, house cleaning, Sephora, blog work, food prep…but we’ll see how many of them I actually get to. First thing up will be that workout though, because I am craving a good one this morning!
Have a fantastic Saturday, my friends.
Question for the Morning:
What are some of your favorite games/board games to play with friends?
Avery @ Southern Belle Living Well says
Apples to Apples for sure. We always end up playing the sarcastic way, and it’s hilarious. I love your plate, by the way. So cheery! Have a good weekend!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
That salad does certainly look delicious! I love the combo of grilled chicken + avocado!
Love all the flashback photos… You’re adorable with the shoulder length bob!
Some of our favorite games to play with friends – Apples to Apples, Taboo, & Scattergories.
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
Apples to Apple is one of my all-time favorites along with Catch Phrase–both guarantee plenty of laughs! :)
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I’ve never played Apples to Apples but everyone always talks about how fun it is, so maybe I should change that?! I love Taboo and Scattergories!
Lisa says
apples to apples! Best. game. ever. I seriously laugh so hard whenever we play. I’m loving the flashback photos, it’s fun to look back on those old days. I seriously feel like those years past by so fast! It’s crazy 08 was 5 years ago now!
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns says
apples to apples is by far one of my favorite games to play with friends, it allows so many people, it’s perfect!! and also monopoly, love that game WAY too much lol
Nicole says
Catch phrase for sure!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl says
I love playing Apples to Apples! What a fun game! It looks like you had a super fun night. Happy weekend!
Madison says
That Panera salad looks awesome! I used to work right near a Panera and kinda overdosed on it…but now I would Loooove some Panera. :)
Katie @ Skinny Minnie Moves says
I love scattergories!!! My favorite game of all time
Audrey Adams says
Okay, those waffles looks so, so tasty!
I love CLUE and SCRABBLE the most!!!
katie Carso says
I have to say, your hair looked so damn cute short in those pics from 2008!
I had the power up spinach salad from Panera the other day, it was good! I did add salmon to it though, it needed more!
Enjoy your day girl! I got in a great walk outside since the weather is nice over here today! :)
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
That fiesta sounds like fun! You were beautiful then and you still are :-) glad this weekend will be more fun than last!
Beks says
I love Apples to Apples! Awhile back, we tried playing Bible Apples to Apples with my Bible Study group, but it wasn’t nearly as funny. I think we were trying not to be inappropriate for fear of getting hit by lightning. My favorite Apples to Apples memory (with Original Apples to Apples) is when playing with my roommate, Kristen, friend, Kaity and Kaity’s husband, Brian. The word was “Choirboy” and I won with the word “Juicy.” Not sure who has the grosser mind. Me for putting those together, or Brian for awarding me the win.
Mer says
I never play board games anymore–except for the occasional Bananagrams–but I used to LOVE Clue. It was always tough though because you needed three people to play!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ohhhh, I’m going to Panera to try the salad! It looks good!!! Everything you ate looks good! I’m hungry!!
Melanie says
Catch Phrase is one of my all-time favs but I also like scattagories, sequence, and skip bo!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
Salad looks good! Loving avocado at the moment! Oh my god you look so young in the pics!!! If you told me it was when you were 13 I’d believe you! I like your hair short though it suits ya! :) I love Scrabble…boring to some but I love it! I get incredibly competitive though!
Ashley @ Sweat for Sweets says
Ahhh I love mexican food + board games. Put them together and it’s like the most magical, amazing combination ever. Some of my favourite board games to play with friends are Things, Scattegories, Taboo + Catchphrase. Thanks to you, I really want to also try Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity.
Brittany @ DulceVie says
Looks like you had a great time! I like playing Apples to Apples or Catchphrase with my friends. We always seem to come up with the craziest stuff!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am a huge fan of Chipotle, so that dinner looks absolutely amazing. I love trying to recreate restaurant items at home…though, unfortunately, they normally never end up tasting quite as good as the real thing! :/
Apples to Apples is a great game. I also really love playing Aggravation, Scrabble, and pretty much any card game (which may, or may not involve some alcoholic beverages ;)).
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Busting out the board games pretty much guarantees a night of laughs :D I’ve never played Apples to Apples, but I do love Taboo, Quelf, and Settlers of Catan. Oh, and you look gorgeous in those flashback photos – short hair really suits you :
)
Lauren says
I LOVE apples to apples!!! It always ends up with me in hysterics. SO fun!!!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
Fun! So glad you are feeling back to yourself! Did you know you were pregnant when we were at Reebok HQ? :) We just got Apples to Apples and haven’t played yet. Cards against Humanity is hilarious–if you have thick skin!! :)
Courtney says
Haha yes! I had just found out about 4 days before going! Did you know you were??? I was curious about that!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Apples to Apples and Taboo are favorites. Love playing board games with friends! :)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
Catchphrase is one of our absolute favorites! That and Taboo!
Michelle L says
That easy salsa cream cheese idea sounds delic! You got to buy “the game of things” for your next game night! U will love it!
Bek @ Crave says
I’ve always enjoyed pictionary and card games :)
Haha, you look so young in those piccies!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Looks like a fun evening! We made tacos earlier this week and I went for the 1 taco + taco salad option and it was delicious. SO delicious that I repeated it with the leftovers but ultimately went for the taco salad option with the last bit of leftovers. Too good to pass up! :)
Cait @ Chicago Girl Fitness says
Cards Against Humanity is like a filthy, adult version of Apples to Apples and it is absolutely hilarious! Played that with friends several times over New Years!
michelle kim says
We played a game (not a board game though) called “Connection”. It’s fun and we can all sit around wherever while playing it and vegging out.
On time, we played Jenga… with shots, haha. If you make the tower crumble, you drink! After a while, it’s always the same person who lets it fall hahaha.
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
we like apples to apples also! Times up, and headbandz…they are all super fun!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
O and btw that breakfast looks AmAzInG!
Danielle @ Truffles n' Treadmills says
My mom makes a dip similar to that… so yummy!
Angela says
That salad looks amazing!! Ever played Cards Against Humanity? Supposedly it’s like an adult Apples to Apples. I bought it for my sister for Christmas but haven’t played it yet.
Courtney says
Yes!!! OMG, it’s absolutely hilarious!
Emily @ Hungry Delights says
You look very different now from 2008 – Your hair looks cute that bit shorter :)
That panera cobb salad looks absolutely delicious – I wish panera was in Australia!