1. I think I’m putting up some Christmas decorations tomorrow you guys. I just can’t help it…I’m feeling suuuper festive this year! Who else is with me?
2. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve played peek-a-boo this week with this guy, I’d be rich.
He demands to be completely covered with every single pillow in sight, and then we laugh and laugh as I peek through all of the cracks and crevices between the pillows.
Ahh, the little things that keep them happy.
3. Did you guys hear that there’s going to be a Pitch Perfect 2?? I loved the first movie, so I’m super excited to see this one when it comes out in May!
4. We’ve had two pretty amazing dinners this week, both from the recent issue of Cooking Light magazine. The first one we made was this Two-Cheese Penne with Chicken and Spinach and it was aaaamaaaaaaazinggggg.
The second one, which I made on Wednesday, was this Beefy Bolognese over Penne Pasta. I served Jay’s over pasta and mine over some spaghetti squash, a) because I’ve had it on my counter for about 2 weeks, and b) I had pasta the night before with said dinner above.
We would absolutely recommend both of those dishes, but be warned that the bolognese takes a little longer so if I hadn’t already been working at home that day, it probably wouldn’t have made the cut for a weeknight meal.
5. Have you guys ever had a dream that you just could not shake? I had the craziest, awful dream on Wednesday night and, despite the fact that I know it was just a dream, I just have not been able to get it off of my mind!
6. You seriously could NOT pay me enough to live in Buffalo right now…
For those of you who may live in or around this area, I’m thinking of you. I’d be going nuts…and most likely house hunting.
7. Our Breakfast Club at work yesterday was insaaaane. The team on deck made homemade egg sandwiches with freshly toasted rolls and melted cheese, fried eggs, maple bacon, sausage, and hash browns (that were even deep fried). They came into work early in the morning so they could cook in our kitchen (we have a fairly good sized one at our office) and as soon as I walked in that morning, all I could smell was that maple bacon. And it lingered all. day. long. Mmmm mmmmm.
8. Earlier in the week I stopped in to The Fresh Market for some chicken and meat (they’re selections are always so fresh, and Tuesday is the chicken sale!) and also picked up a few other goodies while I was there.
Including this insanely delicious gelato…
Which, if you follow me on Instagram, then you already know how that went.
9. I also ended up getting some apple cider and apple butter on a whim…
So we could make the insanely delicious drinks that we had from Friendsgiving!
10. Good news…I got the exact recipe for them! Wanna try it out? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp apple butter
- 2 oz vanilla or whipped vodka (for a tall drink – use 1.5oz for a smaller one)
- 4-5 oz apple cider
- Shake with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick (if ya have it…we don’t…we’re not that fancy)
11. Jay and I got new cases for our iPhone 6’s this week (I got the Maxboost Vibrance Series in Tiffany Blue via Amazon and really like it so far), but I think the best thing about them is that they came with fake, cardboard “iPhones” inside the cases.
Now let’s just hope Lucas doesn’t figure it out for a little while longer.
12. I’ll tell ya…this Fitbit has really got me trying to stay on the move when I’d typically just want to be lounging. It’s also pushing me to get up more often from my desk at work during the day, too. Have you guys checked out the Fitbit Challenge Scoreboard recently? East Coast, babyyyyyyy!
13. Freakin’ Godiva.
We got their most recent catalog in the mail earlier this week and all I’ll say is, I want ALL of it. Including the $165 truffle box up there. Because, I mean, 80 truffles isn’t that crazy, right? ;)
14. I think we’re heading over to my parents’ house on Sunday afternoon to watch the Jets game (as long as they’re able to dig out all of the snow from the stadium in Buffalo!). There’s sure to be some good food involved so I’m excited.
What’s up with you guys this weekend? Doing anything fun? Going anywhere exciting?
emma @ be mom strong says
Christmas decorations already?!!? Say it ain’t so! I would love ONE day with all that snow… but then I’ll take the beach and a mimosas! Just found your blog and excited to follow!
Courtney says
Thanks so much for checking it up, Emma! Hope to see you around :)
Ann Fisher says
I’m right there with you on the Christmas decorations. We always wait until the Saturday after Thanksgiving but that’s getting harder to do, especially with a new little one this year!
Ann Fisher says
And thanks for the drink recipe…looks delicious!
Courtney says
It really is! Definitely make sure you try it! :)
Holly Notarange says
Is it too early to want one of those drinks?!
I’m going to go to Fresh Market before Thanksgiving and get the ingredients. It will make Thanksgiving even more fun ;)
Courtney says
Definitely not ;) We’ve enjoyed them three evenings in a row now, haha…they’re addicting!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
that gelato looks ridic as does that breakfast sound! we do friday morning breakfasts at school and i feel like i’m going to be disappointed now lol i just got the otterbox for my iphone6. i’m glad it’ll protect it but it’s huuuuuge! william has his first birthday party to attend for a buddy so we’re pretty excited about that. also, people are saying the mb verdict will happen this weekend which means things will get crazy in stl – ugh, just hoping and praying for everyone’s safety!
Courtney says
I heard that the otterbox was really big, so I decided to shop around a bit more and found this one. I love it so far, and it was cheap too! Thinking of you and everyone else in STL…
Brynn says
Today is my birthday, so this weekend I have a lot of celebrations planned! Starting with my husband and seven week old are cooking me breakfast! I’m also going on a date night with the hubs and having a girls night tomorrow that includes dinner and The Hunger Games movie!
Carrie says
Happy Birthday!
Courtney says
Happy Birthday, Brynn!! Sounds like you have a great weekend ahead!!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
They played the Pitch Perfect 2 trailer last night at the movies and my whole theater practically flipped out.
Also, do you think people will judge me if I put that Godiva truffle set on my Christmas list?
Courtney says
They better not! I think it’s a fabulous Christmas list item ;)
Torry @ A World Without Wheat says
I had one of those dreams last night! I honestly thought it was real life and sitting here now I am still thinking about it.
Carrie says
I subscribe to the Cooking Light magazine and have been eyeing the Penne Chicken Pasta recipe! I will have to give it a try! I fly back home to Minnesota tonight for an entire week – can’t wait!
Courtney says
Safe travels, Carrie!!
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
I cannot believe the snow in Buffalo! We’ve been watching the story all week! Unbelievable. I remember getting some pretty mega storms here in Massachusetts, but not so much that it covered our first floor windows and doors!
Thanks so much for sharing the spiked cider recipe! I can’t wait to try it! If you’re looking to try another seasonal drink, this one always goes quickly at Thanksgiving and Christmas when I make it: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cranberry-Vodka-Punch-102352
Courtney says
The punch recipe looked delicious! Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com says
I’m feeling suuuper festive this year as well! Our tree is up, and wreaths/decorations are on the wall. Making a trip to Hobby Lobby this afternoon for more Christmas crafting!
Courtney says
Ooooo, how fun! What kind of crafts are you planning on doing??
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com says
One of these!—-> http://iowagirleats.com/2014/11/05/diy-wood-slice-chalkboard/
and maybe one of these—->http://www.pinterest.com/pin/329818372685233936/
:)
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
That’s my FAVORITE flavor of Talenti! I also love their sea salt caramel…mmm <3
Courtney says
I almost bought that one! That’ll be next on the list :)
Erin M. says
I put up my tree yesterday as I live in Buffalo and haven’t had work all week! I didn’t get very much snow at all…maybe 12-16 inches, but I live in the city and work in the southtowns. I just pulled a batch of Baked brownies out of my oven and they smell amazing! No Bills/Jets game this weekend! I think they’re trying to move it to Monday at a different location? Have a great weekend!
Courtney says
Yayyy for Christmas decorations! Hey, might as well keep busy if you’re stuck at home, haha :)
Christen Gowan says
My mother-in-law made that Cooking Like Cheesy Chicken and Pasta dish last night for dinner and it was amazingly delicious!
Courtney says
Yes! I was so impressed with it! Super quick and easy too, which is always a plus.
Juliet says
Have you tried the cookie dough from the Cookie Cough Café? I think they sell it at The Fresh Market. Dying to know how it is before I buy it.
http://www.thecookiedoughcafe.com/
Courtney says
OMG…I’ve seen it there the past couple of times but I have yet to purchase it. It has TROUBLE written alllll over it!
Juliet says
I can’t believe you have resisted it!! Let us know if you try it!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I heard there was going to be a Pitch Perfect 2! Loved the first one. My weekend is fairly quiet but need to get a start on Thanksgiving.
Marielle says
Omg Godiva chocolates….yum. I have a love/hate relationship this time of year with all the holiday sweets!
Courtney says
Hahaha, I hear ya Marielle! Hey…it’s only one time of year, right? ;)
EMILY DOTY says
I thought I was the only one! I cannot wait to put up Christmas decorations :) I plan on going to Target during lunch and spend way too much money!
Courtney says
Haha, you and me both, girl! ;)
Kelli says
Jets vs. Bills is Monday night at 7:00. The game is being played in Detroit.
Courtney says
Ahh yes, I heard that last night! Thanks Kelli!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I think I’m going to be putting my Christmas tree up this weekend too. I just can’t wait!!
Courtney says
This will be the earliest EVER for me! I’ll be interested to see how the kiddos do with the tree, haha ;)
Ruthie Hart says
Oh my gosh, your breakfast club is making my mouth water. I could seriously eat at a breakfast buffet everyday! YUM!
And the poor city of Buffalo! I am miserable in 30 degrees and no snow in Texas haha
michelle says
We got 70 to 80 inches of snow between Monday night and Thursday afternoon here south of buffalo. We have been under a state of emergency / no driving ban since Monday night. Every day we have had to do hours of shoveling and plowing. It has been horrible. At least 10 people have died. I am looking to move to florida in the next 5 years, if I can wait that long!
Courtney says
Wow. Major props to you…I can’t even imagine!
Sarah says
I’m not sure if it’s bad that I can’t upgrade my phone until next Friday, but I MUST have that case. At least my iPhone 6 will have a home when I do finally get it. Buying now :) Thanks for sharing!
Courtney says
No prob! Enjoy! :)
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
The game is now going to be played in Detroit!
Tonight my friends and I are having our first progressive dinner and tomorrow I am getting a much needed hair cut!!
Have a great weekend!
Courtney says
Yes, I heard that last night! Enjoy your dinner and haircut this weekend, Sara!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Bring on the Christmas decorations!
Courtney says
Woooo Hoooo!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I broke out a few Christmas things last weekend…mostly just to get an idea of what I had and what I need/want. I’m thinking this weekend will be the weekend to put up the tree! I’m feeling extra festive this year as well, so hey, why not?! ;)
Oh man…Godiva truffles are THE best. That box of 80 wouldn’t even stand a chance around me.
Courtney says
Hey, I say go for it! I’ll be interested to see how the boys do with the trees this year, haha!
Bridget says
Oh, Courtney! You are killing me with your comments about Buffalo! :)
I grew up there, and my parents have been chilling (no pun intended) at home all week with the snow, but it is not called the City of Good Neighbors for nothing! I hope you’ve seen all the wonderful stories of people helping others this week also! We get a bad rep for sure, but it is such an amazing, warm place to call home :)
And… (cough) GO BILLS (cough) ;)
Courtney says
Haha, ohhh I have nothing against the city itself, Bridget! I’ve heard plenty of amazing stories of the people who are there now, and I think it’s great! There’s just no way I could live there for the weather they get…I am definitely not a fan of all that snow!
Bridget says
:)
Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says
Gimme all that Godiva! Those two pasta recipes look insane. I subscribe to Cooking Light, but haven’t read the latest issue yet. I will be book marking both of those. Have a great weekend <3
Courtney says
Yes, definitely bookmark ’em. SO good! Thanks, you too Lizzie!
Bethany says
The SNOW is insane!!! I miss it though!!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
haha our decorations are up already – I guess we just wanted to start early this year!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Whenever we have pasta in my house, I always have spaghetti squash and my husband has the regular white or wheat. You gotta do what you gotta do! Hope you have a great weekend:)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
A big YES to all of these!! (well, except the cocktail recipe since I’m more of a beer n’ wine kinda gal) I’m normally not into Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving, but I totally turned on my holiday Pandora station this morning and have been sipping out of my Christmas mugs for a couple weeks. Oh, and Godiva… <3
Courtney says
I’m pretty equal opportunity when it comes to booze ;)
Kelsey says
I just found your site from reading the Fitnessista, and after perusing through past posts, I found two interesting similarities between us:
1. Our sons are very close in age (my son was born July 29th 2013, and oddly enough our birth stories were very similar with long labors…. unfortunately!).
2. I LOVE the Sea Shell ice cream shop in Wildwood. We go every summer to Wildwood and the Sea Shell is our nightly indulgence!
Looking forward to following your site!
Courtney says
Oh, how fun Kelsey!! Thanks so much for stopping by! OMG isn’t the Sea Shell amazing?!? Yummmm :-P
Hope to continue to see you around!
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
Oh hehe Ive had my xmas decorations up since Nov 1!!!!! Festive spirit all the way!
Julie says
I had no idea about this chicken deal. I’ll have to go this week!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
I’m feeling super festive too, so I think we’re going to decorate a bit this weekend :)
That pitch perfect 2 trailer was hilarious. I can’t wait for may!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
It’s a tad early for decorations..give it until the 1st! :) Or just go for it! The little man with love it this year. That drink sounds all kinds of awesome!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
AH! All things Godiva, just put them all on my Christmas list. So good..I wish we had a Godiva store closer to where I live. And the caramel cookie gelato?….Now I’m just craving a ton of sweets, ha! Have a great weekend. :)
Jessica @ Prayers and Apples says
Growing up my mom always had this rule that we couldn’t do anything Christmas-y until the day after Thanksgiving – so it’s the best feeling ever to start listening to Christmas music now in mid-November ;) lol ..even though I still wait to decorate until the day after… just in case my family visits lol :)
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says
I’m pretty sure I get in the Christmas mood earlier and earlier every year. And it becomes harder and harder to wait until after Thanksgiving to get out decorations! I want a FitBit SO bad! Can’t wait to see how you guys do! And the chicken sale at Fresh Market is literally the best. No where else can you get such good chicken at an even better price. I’ll be so sad if they ever do away with it!
Dana says
I live in Buffalo!! It’s crazy hearing all the stories, seeing pictures and talking to friends who are buried in their homes. Where I live, we only got a foot of snow, but 3 mi down the road they’re completely covered!! It has been raining here for the past day and all of our one foot of snow is gone, but one of my friends is still digging her car out!!
Kristen @ Vitamin K Girl says
I am sooo excited about Pitch Perfect 2!! I’ve had a few flavors of Talenti gelato, but never that one–I guess I’ll just have to give it a try, thanks for sharing!
ellie | fit for the soul says
As usual, I’m getting into the holidays spirit quite slowly…actually scratch that. VERY slowly much to my husband’s dismay, oopsies. :P I did manage to make a diy pine cone+mistletoe-ish garland though! And I can’t wait to see your decorations, hope you share soon Courtney~
I also always looove to see other babies’ favorite activities and quirks. Seeing them enjoy life to the fullest over the smallest things is just so priceless. <3
Kellie says
Lucas is so stinking cute!!!
Did you follow that 2 cheese pasta recipe exactly? I did and thought there could be more flavor. What did you think!?
Courtney says
Thanks Kellie! Yes, I believe we did follow it pretty close…maybe added some extra salt and pepper though? We’re pretty easy to please, haha ;)