Steals and Deals!

The 411:

I got a great email from Tori Stuart, President and Founder of Zoe's Foods, you know the company that makes that awesome Granola!! They just opened the Zoe Foods Online Store to make it easier and more affordable to find and try Zoe’s Granola and Bars.Right now they are offering 30% off plus Free Shipping!!

Check out this site to get your discounted Zoe's Goodness!!

They are also offering brand-new sampler packs! Each includes an assortment of Zoe’s Granola and Bars with free shipping from $5.99 to $12.99.

I've been enjoying a box of Zoe's Honey Almond Granola for a while now...it's sweet and crunchy and goes awesome on oats or in Yogurt!

I also have a box of Zoe's bars that was sent to me! I have been tasting them and will have that review soon!

• Heather Eats Almond Butter giveaway! I really want some of that coconut milk goodness!!

• Missy Maintains also has an awesome contest for some Erin's Baker's Products!! I want them all!!

On to the Parties in My Mouth!!

First there was a small item of leftover food from the Brunch at my Aunts this past Sunday

Mini openface shrimp sandwich! One of my aunts made these. She took 1/2 of a small dinner roll and spread with a homemade tarragon chive mayo! Then placed a piece of Bibb lettuce, tomato slice, avocado slice, and shrimp sliced lengthwise (there are 3 slices = 1.5 whole shrimp shown on that one). The whole thing was about the size of a tennis ball and packed with flavor!! That mayo had a kick to it!!

This was part of my random dinner Monday night after Hot Yoga!

Used the rest of my Kale that night too for some more Kale Chips!So easy and delicious!

Picked this melon up at Whole Foods on SundayIt's a Golden Honey Dew! Delicious honey dew taste with an almost white flesh!
This is such a refreshing and delicious melon!! I think I am going to dig this out of my lunch bag right now :)

I must say I have been enjoying the chicken we grilled up Sunday all week!! That marinade is incredible.

Here's an example of lunch from yesterday...
My favorite GO-TO soupI LOVELOVELOVE this soup!! The sweetness from the red peppers makes it almost taste like old school Campbells!

I also love to add theseAs a crunchy garnish for my soup!!

I always mix in veggies to the soup...this time it was frozen peas and some baby Spin! Along with 2 pieces of marinated grilled chicken, and 1/2 of a mini Flat Out toasted with Havarti cheese inside. I think Havarti is my new fav obsession.
Water in my POM glass at work (in the kitchen)

Packed up these babies for Today's breakfast (Plain), and Yesterday's snack (Peach)Finally a Strawberry-tastic Oat Mix:

• Serving of Steel Cut Oats (1/4 oats, 1/4 c. water, 1/4 c. skim, 1/4 c van. soy, salt) I had made 2 servings Monday night
• heated with 1 banana, extra water, and 1 tsp Apricot preserves
• 4 strawberries
• sprinkle coconut and Bare Naked fruit and nut granola
• 3 choc. chips
• spoon white choc. wonderful!

AMAZING! I think the fresh berries go better with Steel cut oats because they remind me more of a dessert texture like rice pudding :)Busy with work busy with life!! I am making most of the food for my friends Bridal Shower Brunch this Saturday so there will be A LOT of cooking and baking between now and Saturday 11AM E.S.T.!! Haha. Can't waut

Relaxing Weekend Workouts

Good Morning Bloggers!

I am feeling great today...the sun is shining (though its still in the 30's...might reach 40!), but its still nice for February in New England. Plus I had a super sweat HOT Yoga class this morning. Hot Yoga has got to be the ONLY thing that can pry me out of a warm Saturday sleep at 7:00AM. I am always so happy I do though.

I love weekend workouts because I never feel rushed, I can take my time, no ones waiting for me and I don't need to be anywhere. Last night after work I treated my self to a little manicureA beautiful bright raspberry pink!! (matches my scarf). Then there was plenty of drying time in the car before I hit the gym.

I tried to get in some running, and managed to run a 5k distance in 30:54 (hey its good for me!...I am SO a beginner). Then I did some fast walking on inclines then some more relaxed walking and a little arm work. Don't remember all my stats but it was over an hour and around 550 calories burned (45% fat!).

I need more long workouts like that...need to push myself more.

Didn't get home til about 8, but that was ok. Then I made a quick salad with some leftover roasted veggies (reheated in the micro) over baby spinach with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Also the rest of my leftover Annie's! Annie's mac and cheese is one of those things I LOVE cold, just as much as I like it hot.

Mr. Pear

I'm sure there were a few pieces of chocolate after that but they didn't make the photos.

So up and at 'em early this morning for my 7:30AM Hot Yoga class. Then I came back excited to make steel cut oats because I haven't had them in a long time...plus I broke out the French press for some cafe!

I made a 4 serving batch of steel cut oats using:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1 cup Vanilla Soy Milk
• 2 cups water
• salt
• banana added mid way

These take about 30min to cook, during the process I took a shower so I shut off the burner and just left the cover on. Then afterwards turned it back on to

Added:

• Apricot preserves (to the whole pot)
• Then to my serving I added
• strawberries and blueberries (some mixed in, some on top)
• coconut
• Zoe's Honey Almond Granola
• 3 choc. chips, 2 PB chips
• 1 spoon of Blonde PB "Spread"

So delicious...I think I like the fruit better with steel cuts! The steel cut oats have more of a texture to go with the texture of the fruit.

Well I suppose I should finish getting dressed (I'm still in my super fluffy robe!).

Plans:

• One of our college friends, Jenny, is coming to visit soon because...
• Tomorrow all my bridesmaids have their dress appointment to choose and order the dresses
• Tonight we are going to dinner then out for another friends Birthday!
• Also fun Brunch with all the girls tomorrow after the dress appointment

FUN GIRLS WEEKEND!!!