Blender Mishap

This morning I got up and headed out for my run… It was a little rough. I’ve been slacking on the stretching and boy could I notice. I ran about 3 miles and had to walk the fourth. I can guarantee I’ll be doing some of this later.

I came home sweaty as ever and wanted something nice and cold! I pulled out our new blender to make a smoothie bowl. I must’ve not put the blender together correctly because as soon as I pressed the blend button…I had a big mess.

Awesome. Happy Thursday to you too.

I ended up figuring it out and gave it another shot.

Whew, much better.

Strawberry Cake Batter Smoothie Bowl: 1 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop cake batter protein, 5 fresh strawberries, 2 pinches of xanthan gum (for thickness)

This one looks prettier than the first anyways 🙂

Summer to Do List

This morning I was thinking about how fast this year has gone by (especially Summer) and decided to jot down a quick list of things I want to accomplish before Summer is over.

1.) Find a job preferably as an Event or Wedding Planner in NYC – my dream

2.) Make new friends – Since I just moved to a city where I only know my boyfriend and his guy friends I’m going to need a little girl time here and there too!

3.) Have a picnic in Central Park

4.) Get a chocolate chip cookie from Levain’s Bakery in NYC

5.) Visit the Peanut Butter & Co. in NYC

6.) Take as many free workout classes outside as possible. I’ve already found yoga and belly dancing classes

7.) Visit the beach at least once a month

8.) Do a DIY project for our bedroom – ex: make a headboard

9.) Take a cooking class

10.) Read a book from start to finish. I have major ADD and usually get halfway through and start another.

I still have things to cross off my to do list but there is not a cloud in the sky and from the looks of yesterdays picture of myself i DESPERATELY need a tan. To lay out or run errands? That is the question.

QUESTION: What is something YOU want to accomplish this summer?

Sunday Dinner

There is just something special about Sunday’s. It’s a day for families, but todays families are always so scattered and it seems the older we all get the busier we are. Regardless of what is going on in our lives or how “busy” we are, we always take the time to spend Sunday with Grandma.  On a typical Sunday at my Grandma’s house you will find (at least) 12 people watching whatever sport is on, various chips & dips on the table and me overloading on M&M’s before dinner is even served!

If you’ve ever met my Grandma you know what an amazing woman she is. She always leaves a lasting impression, knows exactly what to say at exactly the right time and cooks up some of the best dinners I’ve ever had. No matter what’s on the menu we know it’s going to be delicious. Some of our Sunday staples include lasagna, chicken tetrazini, stuffed chicken, stir fry, GRANDMA BREAD and let’s not forget about dessert! I truly give my Grandma credit (blame) for my obsession with sweets. When a waitress at a restaurant asks if we want to order dessert after we’ve all eaten ourselves silly she always says “Sure, we’ll have a bite!” My kind of girl…

Last night’s Sunday dinner was one of my favorites. We inahled enjoyed Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes (the best you’ll ever have), carrots, broccoli, strawberries and rolls. I almost didn’t go because I was “busy”… I had/have a lot to do for an upcoming Bridal shower this weekend and didn’t think lounging at Grandma’s for 6 hours was a good idea. My brother called and said he was going back to college in the morning and wanted to make sure I’d be there. So, off I went. I don’t need much convincing when it comes to a homecooked meal – ESPECIALLY when it gives me a break out of the kitchen.

 

Grandma with her grandchildren - I'm the only girl!

 

 

I hope we continue this tradition forever and ever. I love the family time, the memories it makes and the dessert my grandma serves 😉

Of course I forgot to take pictures of my dessert… I was overly excited that we were having brownie sundaes and there were 4 different types of ice creams to choose from. I also had to try out all 4 flavors. It was completely unnecessary.

I wont be giving out any of Grandma’s recipes today… But I did make a cookie you might be interested in!

When these are on sale for $1…you buy them.

Then, you think of some way to incorporate them into a dessert recipe…

Next, you remember how good these monster sized cookies were.

So you decide to substitute the butterfinger for the oreo.

Now you do a happy dance because you are a genius (and you’re on a sugar high)

Butterfinger Stuffed White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2/3 c Butter plus 2 tbs.
• 1/2 c Sugar
• 1/2 c Dark brown sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 ts Vanilla
• 1 1/2 c Flour
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (i used ghiradelli)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (i used ghiradelli)
• Mini butterfingers

Directions

• Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl with electric mixer beat butter, sugars, egg and vanilla at med-high speed until fluffy.
• Reduce mixer speed to low, add flour, increase speed gradually and beat just until blended. Stir in white and milk chocolate chips

• Take a ice cream sized scoop and place one on each end of butterfinger

• Press sides down and seal edges so butterfinger is completely covered.
• Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart because these will be large and in charge

• Bake for 10-14 minutes. Remove from oven when browned on edges

I dare you to eat just one…Double dog dare you. Now you have to…

I clearly need some type of detoxing in my life… My stretchy pants aren’t stretching anymore.

QUESTIONS: Do you have Sunday dinners with your family?? What is your favorite dish your Grandma makes?