This post is a little all over the place, as you’ll see below, so bear with me!
A little dark chocolate for dessert after lunch today? Don’t mind if I dooooo.
Last week, I received a lovely little package from Hershey’s, complete with their unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate Bliss candies,
and even a couple delicious sounding recipes. YUM.
Hershey’s had reached out to share some fun info, so I thought I’d pass it along to all of you guys! We all hear about the benefits of dark chocolate, right? Well, here’s a little infographic which outlines just why it’s so nutritionally beneficial.
Potential Nutritional Benefits of Natural Cocoa & Dark Chocolate – Infographic
Disclaimer: I received product and information about the nutritional benefits of natural cocoa and dark chocolate from The Hershey Company.
As if I didn’t already need an excuse to eat chocolate.
Don’t worry though…I did manage to have a little more than chocolate at lunch today.
Shortly before lunch though, around 11:00am, I started getting hungry so I headed to the kitchen for a snack. The first thing I happened to see when I opened the fridge was the mango peach salsa we have, so I grabbed that and some veggies. I know, it’s a weird combo – veggies with salsa – but it totally worked.
The only thing that was difficult was the dippage situation.
Around 1:00pm, I heated up a bowl of butternut squash soup, and added in a few cooked rotini spirals and two pieces of crumbled turkey bacon.
I cannot recommend the addition of the turkey bacon enough. Holy moly was that good!
*****
Soooo, you guys wanna hear something crazy? These past couple of weeks I’ve actually had quite a bit going on behind the scenes…
I’M GOING TO BE STARTING A NEW JOB!
You may remember that, a while back, I mentioned that I was looking for something – at least part time – to get me out of the house. I’ve been missing the human interaction and was just sort of feeling like I needed something else in my life. I’d searched casually around on the internet, but never really came across anything that sparked my interest.
Well about two weeks ago, on a Monday afternoon, Jay happened to come across a job posting online that he thought I might be interested in. I checked it over, thought it sounded pretty great, and decided to submit my resume, not really anticipating too much of anything.
Well, by that evening, I received a phone call…the next day I had a phone interview…two days later I had an in-person interview…and by late Friday afternoon, I received a phone call and was offered the job. To say it was unexpected would be an understatement!
I took that weekend to really sort through everything and make the right decision. I discussed a lot of things with Jay, and the two of us determined that it really is a phenomenal opportunity for me, so on that following Monday I called back and accepted the job.
In terms of the job itself, I probably won’t get into too many details; although I will say that it’s not health, fitness, or education related. From what I can tell, it sounds like it’s going to incorporate a lot of my strong skills, including somewhat of a planning aspect, which I’m super psyched about (planning my parents’ surprise 25th wedding anniversary party for 50 people? Looooved it.)
As excited as I am about starting this new job (which will involve some training days over the next two weeks and then starting fully after the first of the year) I’m also a bit nervous. For one, this new job is not part time, by any means; it’s a full time, 8-5 deal.
It’s going to be a big adjustment for me, and I’m going to really have to work on managing my time between the job, family, the blog, and my personal training clients. For the time being, I’m holding off on accepting any new training clients, since I don’t want to take on more than I can handle (don’t worry, those of you who are already in a plan are totally fine!). Once I’m a few months in, I’ll re-evaluate and see where everything stands.
Sooooo, needless to say, I’ve had a whole bunch of emotions happening these past couple of weeks, and I’ve been trying to get prepared (tomorrow will include a shopping day with mom, since NONE of my dress clothes/pants fit me anymore) but I really am excited to start training next week!
I still fully intend to blog, as I could never give this up, so hopefully you guys will all stick with me along the way to see how things go.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Congrats on the new job! New beginnings can be scary, but they’re usually worth the stress :D
Khushboo says
WOO HOO- that is awesome, Courtney…a huge congratulations to you !! Champagne all round!
RunEatRepeat says
Congrat’s on the chocolate!!!! I mean, the new job :)
Sana says
Congrats!!!!
Kristin M says
How exiting! Congrats on the new job!!!! :)
Just Keep Sweating (@juskeepsweating) says
CONGRATS COURTNEY!! As someone who works FT and commutes to NYC in addition to blogging I totally get it, it’s so hard but you will have NO problem finding the balance :)
Luci says
Congrats on the new job! How exciting!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
Congratulations! That sounds great!
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says
Congratulations on the new job! Change is always exciting. I’m so happy for you and I’m sure you will get into a new routine with everything in no time!
Heather says
Congratulations on the new job!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian says
Congrats on the new job!
Krystal@Ms.Random says
Congrats girl!!! That is great news :) Btw, shopping for new clothes can be fun as well.
XX
Gabrielle says
Congrats!!! Hopefully this is everything you want it to be :)
As for salsa and veggies?? It’s the best thing EVER! I’m OBSESSED with celery and salsa for a quick snack, love love love it!
Krystal@Ms.Random says
Congrats girl!!! That is great news Btw, shopping for new clothes can be fun as well.
XX
Jessica says
Hi, I don’t comment much but read your blog religiously EVERY DAY…I was even driving through Albany not too long ago and said a friend of mine has talked about how good the ice cream is @ Stewart’s…a little creepy, probably but anyways….CONGRAT’s, I am so happy for you and know you will be successful!
Courtney says
Hahaha, I love that! :)
caroline says
Congrats! That is great news and while beginnings are always hard, you will absolutely adjust and be just fine!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
Congrats!!! That sounds like an awesome opportunity! :D
Karen Jasmin says
Congrats on the job Courtney!
Good Luck
Happy Holidays!
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit says
Congrats Courtney! Starting a new chapter is always scary yet exciting. The balance will come with time…& maybe some extra chocolate ;)
Angela @ Health's Angel says
Congratulations, Courtney! I hope it’s everything that you want it to be!
Also, I definitely added a tablespoon of that exact cocoa powder into my oats this morning. Gotta get those flavanols. ;)
Lindsay @ LindsayInNYC says
Congrats on the new gig!! And enjoy shopping!! (To be honest, I haven’t noticed any body changes that would’ve led me to believe you needed new clothes…)
Sara @ The Foodie Diaries says
Congratulations Courtney!!! I am so excited and happy for you! I can’t wait to read all about your adventures joining the 8-5 world :) YAY!!
Lindsay A says
Congratulations! Send me some job luck this way! I need one too!
Faith says
Woooohoo, congrats Courtney! I think blogs are the most relatable when the author is in the “real world” and has to fit exercise and good nutrition into the same schedule/restraints that most of the readers have. That’s where the real “balance” comes in…and I can’t wait to see how you do it!
Danielle says
Totally agree with you, Faith!
I’m a month late catching up, but congrats Courtney!
Rachel@Running Daze says
Congrats on the new job! Don’t worry, I’ll always be here following you! :)
Ashlee says
So exciting! Congrats! I think it will be good for your blog. Most of your readers probably work so it’s nice to have an example of how to balance it with a healthy lifestyle! Good luck, you’ll do awesome!
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife says
Congrats on the new job! Good luck! Blogging with a full time job can be difficult but Im sure you will manage just fine!!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
Oh wow congratulations!!! I can’t wait to find out what your up to but it sure sounds exciting!!!
Beks says
That’s exciting! Good for you!
Shanna, like Banana says
That’s fabulous news! Congrats :)
I thrive on human interaction, so even though I loved staying home with Bean for 3 months, I feel like a much more balanced person have my job and home-life.
Good for you!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Congrats on the new job!!! I’m sure you will do great :)
Allison says
Local reader here…so i especially feel like we’re friends ;) CONGRATS!! :)
Ali says
Congrats on the new job!! That’s always exciting to start a new venture.
Jen (@ jen is green) says
Congrats Courtney! the new job sounds exciting. :-D I’ve thought about quitting blogging before –or at least taking a break (school, working full time and marathon training was getting hectic) but I don’t think i ever could either-its my only creative outlet!
emily says
Good for you! That’s awesome!
Claire says
That’s awesome, congratulations! I was actually interviewed today for a job working for the University of Alabama’s sports nutritionist and I got it! Gotta love new and exciting changes.
Courtney says
Congrats to YOU, Claire! That’s great news!!
Lisa says
Congrats Courtney! That is so awesome to hear you have a new job! I love the salsa and veggies combo! Underestimated but delicious.
Andrea says
Congratulations on the new job…sound like it will be very exciting!
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
Aw, that’s great news, Courtney! So happy for you! :)
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions says
Congrats on your new job! That’s so wonderful!
kristin says
Congratulations, that is amazing news. Can’t wait to hear about this new journey!
“We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”
― C. JoyBell C.
Brooke @ Running In Heels says
Congrats!! I am so excited for you!
Hopefully this new job will go well, and you’ll be happy! And on the whole 8-5 thing, sometimes it’s nice to have a little routine in your life. After working jobs that have hours that are all over the place, I honestly think I wouldn’t mind be able to plan out my life before an hour ahead of time.
Good luck! :)
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
Congrats! That’s so exciting! :) I absolutely love planning too (also planned my parents 25th anniversary for 40-50 people) so from what little you said, sounds like a dream job to me. Working full time and blogging, keeping up with clients is a lot of work, but so many people do it, I’m sure you’ll be just fine! Right now, I’m in grad school full-time, working 30 hrs/week as an engineer, and blogging. It’s a lot, but when there’s a will there’s a way!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Yay! I’m so excited for you! And now I’m texting you… ;)
Rachel says
omg that is great newss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially with this economy — to find a full time job is amazing! I’m in the planning industry and it’s fun.. gets a little crazy but it’s fun :)
you’ll be able to balance everything out :) I am currently working 30 hours a week and just finished up my Masters– all about learning how to manage everything :)
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
congrats on the new job! That is so exciting!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
CONGRATS! :-)
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
Looks like YOU’RE the busy lady! ;) I’m so excited for you!!
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
Congratulations!!!!!! Are you a wedding planner?! ;-)
Courtney says
Haha, noooo no no. It’s actually not even fully a planner position. It’s mostly executive assistant, with some planning in the mix. I guess I should have clarified a bit better on that ;)
Jennifer Dunham says
I just started a new job too and I couldn’t be happier! It was slightly scary and a lot of very emotional things have happened in the course of switching jobs but it’s so nice to do something you love and something you feel is a FIT for you!
Nicole G. says
Congrats on the new job!!!!!!!!
Ashlee @ A Step in the Right Direction says
Congrats on the job!! It sounds like you have my dream job! I would love to be a party planner. I have planned a few surprised parties and other parties.
Courtney says
Thanks! It’s definitely not a party planner position though – I guess I should have clarified a bit on that. ;) It’s more like executive assistant with some planning components to it!
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
Congrats on the new job!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
Congrats Courtney!! I hope that it’s something you’ll really enjoy!
Marielle says
Congrats on the new job!! That’s so exciting for you! Can’t wait to hear new about it when u are ready to share :)
Marie says
Congrats on your new job! Good luck with everything! I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
Trudy says
Oh, well I GUESS I can eat chocolate every day…if I have to…
PS. AH! Congratz! That’s fantastic! Good luck…you’ll be awesome ;)
Karen says
Congrats Courtney! I am so excited for you.
Michelle says
Thats awesome!! Congratulations! What an exciting thing! Good luck on getting adjusted to the new schedule!
Laura says
Congratulations! That is so awesome! Good luck! Can’t wait to read your posts about how it’s going!
Kaelin says
Congrats!!! Change is also exciting and a little scary for me. Good luck and have fun shopping! :)
Shannon says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! How exciting. :)
Thanks for sharing the nutritional benefits of chocolate. Now I don’t feel so bad about eating chocolate all the time. I also didn’t know there was such a thing as blueberry juice until I read through the entire infographic. You always learn something new everyday…but I guess if you think about it, any fruit could be made into juice.
Mallory says
I’m happy for you, Courtney. I’ve been reading HLB’s for a little while now, and I’ve grown sick of so many of them or have found that the bloggers become disingenuous-sounding, but I’ve always enjoyed (and continue to enjoy!) reading yours. You seem like such a kind, genuine, and relatable person and I wish you the best with this new endeavor!
Courtney says
Wow, thank you, Mallory! That is so, so nice of you to say :)
nicole says
Congratulations!!! Good luck :) I will still be reading!
Carissa @Fit2Flex says
Congrats girl! I’m sure it will be an adjustment, but it’s always exciting when life presents new adventures!
Nicole @ livingthesweetlifestl.wordpress.com says
Yeah! congrats on the new job…you will do great!
Elizabeth says
Congrats on the new job You will be great
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Chocolate & a new job?!? HOLY AWESOME! Congrats :)
Suzanne says
Congratulations! It’s natural to feel nervous with something new, but knowing you from the small snapshots of what I see on your blog, you’ll do great!
Angel G says
Congrats!
I’ve been reading your blog daily for a year or so and never commented before. Can’t wait to hear more about the new job. Good luck you’ll do great! Hoping you’re doing we’ll with the HA. Update soon I hope!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
That’s so exciting, Court! I can’t wait to hear more about the new job :)
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says
Congrats, Courtney….that is awesome news!!! I hope the job turns out to be everything you hope it will be and more!!
As a SAHM for the past few years I am also ready to get back to the job market. My youngest starts Kindergarten next year and though I have no idea what I want to do when I go back to work, I for sure want it to be something that excites and challenges me. It is time to work my brain again:-)!!
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns says
congrats on the job!! new job and chocolate, perfect combo :)
Molly @ Just Your Average Athlete says
Congratulations! That’s so exciting! :)
Amanda says
What an exciting holiday season! Congrats on the new job. You’ll be great! :) Don’t stress too much, it’s not worth it. It happened for a reason. Congrats again!
Lyric says
Congrats Courtney! I have to admit I was a little worried you were gonna say you were done with blogging and that would mean no more Cody, oh and you;) I wish you could tell us what your doing! Will you ever be able to?
Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire says
COURTNEY! CONGRATS! This is such good news! :) I TOTALLY know where you’re coming from with the lack of human involvement, and wanting more. I just started a new job myself and 3 weeks in, I already feel SO much better. I’m so happy for you, yay!!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
Congrats on the new job!!!
Karen says
Congrats! That is awesome!! If it has anything to do with event or meeting planning, you will love it! I do that now and it’s the best!!
Purely Twins says
Congrats girl!! So happy for you!
Tiff says
Congrats! I hope you enjoy the new job as much as the dark chocolate. Or, almost as much… ;)
Danielle says
congrats Courtney! You’ll do great!
Lauren says
Woohoo! So happy for you lady! Can’t wait to hear more! :)
Danica @ It's Progression says
Congrats on the new job!!
It’s definitely a big adjustment to start working full-time (I took on my first full-time job this past summer), but give it some time and you’ll figure out a new routine that works well for you…wishing you the best with it all!
Melanie says
That is AMAZING news! I am so happy for you!
Fizz@fizzsbizz.com says
Congratulations!!
That’s awesome and I’m sure that you will have no problemo balancing everything out.
It’s also inspiring to hear that you went for something not related to any of your fields. I feel like I’m in a similar situation to you right now; searching for something and missing being around and actually interacting with people, but not really looking for anything that I’m probably ‘educated’ in doing.
You give me hope!
Go get em lady!
Clare @ Fitting It All In says
congrats courtney!! Good luck with the adjustment – hope you love the job!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Congratulations on the new job! I hope you love it!
And thank you for reminding me why I eat chocolate on a near-daily basis :-p
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
Congratulations, Courtney! So happy for you – change can be so exciting, albeit definitely nerve-wracking, though I have a feeling you’ll fit in and it’ll work out just fine :D
Nicole says
Congrats on the new opportunity!! Be easy on yourself as you re-calibrate your schedule to make everything work (I know you will….I just know that I’m guilty of being hard on myself when things take time to re-balance!)
Sherice@foodieluvsfitness says
Congrats on the new job.. I can’t wait to hear more about it. The Hershey’s brownie recipe is the BOMBB!! I used to B’s cause it’s just. that. good. :) I do believe it’s on the box of cocoa and if not just google it.. it’s my favorite brownie recipe. :)
Bri says
I am super happy for you! Good luck, Courtney!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Eeee! Congrats on the new job, girl! That’s definitely exciting :D I’m sure there’ll be a slight adjustment period, but seeing as you’re so good with planning, I’m sure you’ll figure things out in no time.
Rose says
Congrats on the new job! But now I’m curious what it’s about since it has nothing to do with anything you’ve done before :p
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
Congratulations on the new job, it must be exciting to do something other than health/fitness related work! Loving the dark chocolate benefits information, god knows I eat enough of it. ;-)
Molly @ Happy&Healthy says
Congratulations!!! That is so so exciting! I am my sister’s MOH and am loving the planning aspect! Good luck with everything!
Serendipity says
Congratulations on your new job! I hope it’s everything that you want it to be! And have a blast shopping today. A new job and a new wardrobe– how exciting! xo
Shari says
Congratulations!
Tara Deal | Treble in the Kitchen says
Congrats on your new job!! I currently work full-time, blog, teach group fitness classes, and I am planning a wedding…oh and I try to hang out and relax too!! Don’t worry :) It will take some adjusting at first, but I think this is a great opportunity for you! Good luck and have fun shopping!!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
Congratulations on your new job!!! And of course we are going to continue following your blog along the way :)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Congrats on the new job girl! :)
Patty says
Congratulations on the new job!
Katie says
Congrats on your new job. How exciting :)
Mollie @Sprinkles of Life says
Chocolate and a new job?!?!? Sounds like a great day at your house ;)
Also, I nominated you for Liebster Award! Check out my post for details!
Bek @ Crave says
Congratulations! Damn, I was hoping you’d be going into the cupcake making business ;) We will all be patient as you make this transition. Make sure you keep enough family and YOU time to keep your sanity in check. Yay, I’m excited for you! Lets celebrate…with more dark chocolate!
Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre says
Congrats Courtney! It will definitely be an adjustment – I’ve been in and out of full time/part time, but once you find your routine, you’ll be fine! :) You’ll be an awesome planner and will carry those skills over to your own personal plans to balance out your time. Looking forward to reading more about it!
Angelyn @ Everyday Desserts says
Congrats! So happy for you :)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Congratulations! I just accepted a new job too! The first couple of weeks are always a little scary and intimidating, but after that it usually goes well :).
Emily says
I think its great that you have a job again! I enjoy blogs so much more when the author has a job and life outside of just “healthy living” – it makes them so much more relatable. Best of luck in your new position.
Jaclyn says
That’s amazing congrats courtney! you deserve all good things to come to you <3
Theodora says
I am so behind on the internet, but congrats lady!
Holly says
Courtney, I’m SO SORRY for my delay in congratulating you…I really was not online AT ALL this weekend/ the end of last week so I missed the big news :(
But HUGE CONGRATS! SO HAPPY for you!!! XO
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Congrats on the new job! I also just got a new job and let me tell you, shopping for dress clothes (especially pants) has been hellish. It seems like you can never find what you need when you REALLY need it! So frustrating!
Jessamy @ The Rambling Asian says
That’s great Courtney!! Congrats! I hope you love it! :)