>I robbed the place

>Well it’s out last day in Myrtle Beach. We just finished breakfast and I’m about to enjoy my Starbucks on the couch with the pup and a couple of magazines I picked up yesterday. Gahhh, vacation goes by way too fast. I’m determined to make this trip seem a little longer so as soon as I digest I’m hitting the BEACH for a RUN and gettin’ some Vitamin D!

But first a little recap…

Yesterday I hit the jackpot. Well the outlet jackpot. I scored so much stuff at seriously unbelievably prices. I robbed hit up:

– JCrew
– Banana
– Under Armour
– Nike
– Kitchen store (can’t remember the name)

Biggest score was at Under Armour. I bought 5 tanks, 1 tee, 1 pair shorts, 1 pair pants, and vest for just over $100! Isn’t that incredible?????! Apparently some of my items were “irregulars” meaning they can’t be sold in stores so were shipped to the outlets. For example, my tank “irregularities” included a “misprinted” black logo rather than the desired silver. I’ll take it!

New outfit a la Nike and UA

(love the pants)

 (so serious)

* * *

While vacationing with my fam, The Manfriend and I always like to cook at least one meal from scratch. 

(Sous chef Seth. Say that 5 times fast.)

My parents always insist on paying for us when we dine out (fine, twist my arm) so it’s our little way of saying thanks. Last time we were here we made Sweet potato & black bean turkey chili and all-natural [skinny] strawberry margaritas.

Last night on the menu:

– Honey-soy glazed salmon

– veggie quinoa

– roasted asparagus

– Sweet pear salad

– red vino

Ensalada

Spinach, arugula

diced pear

cherry tomatoes

cucumber

sunflower seeds

Balsamic vinegar and Goddess dressing (1:1 mix of each)

Glazed honey-soy salmon (recipe here)

And the best quinoa I’ve made to date…

Ingredients

1.5 cups quinoa 

4 cups organic chicken broth (can use veggie)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 orange pepper, diced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 small/medium sweet potatoes, peeped and cubed

2 T extra virgin olive oil

sea salt, pepper to taste

pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Spray baking pan w/ EVOO. Roast sweet potatoes at 425F until browned and soft throughout (~30 mins, flipping at least once)

2. Cook quinoa in 3 cups broth until tender (medium heat, ~15 mins)

3. Satay onion, peppers, garlic in EVOO until onions are browned. Set aside.

4. Combine all ingredients and add more broth to moisten

5. Add S&P to taste

Was a great meal if I do say so myself 😉

* * *

Alright it’s about that time….Time to hit the beach for a RUN! Talk to you again from Washington, DC!

*Something to do*

Follow me on Twitter. I will need entertainment during our 8 hour ride home 🙂

Nominate your favorite health blogger for the Women’s Health Blog roll. Takes 2 seconds.

>Weekend winter wonderland

>Hey y’aaaalll,

Hope you had a fantastic weekend 🙂

Despite the redic amount of snow here in DC, I had a pretty great weekend (like the pic? like the road sharing by pedestrians/cars today?). I did a little bit-o-shopping as I mentioned earlier, but instead of spending the day in lovely Georgetown, I ventured to MD after labski. I made a little dent into the xmas shopping list….but not much, unfortunately. I am always such a procrastinator! Among my favorites (even more than the delish tart fro-yo I had) was this piece of Heaven I stumbled upon……I had no idea these stores exist! Behold one of my loves/obsessions:

Under Armour. No better workout gear. Period. In undergrad I used to run outside all winter long in BOSTON with their Cold Gear line. It’s faboosh.

After the mall, I ventured home for a relaxing TV/wine night because the impending snow storm put a damper on our plans. Although I didn’t “go” anywhere, I greatly appreciated the R&R. The next day we were completely snowed in. I’m not sure the total so far but it’s definitely over a foot! Here’s a pic on my way to Shehla’s last night for a movie night:

Crazy.

Today I woke up and slipped and slided my way to meet Ally for a quick gym sesh then to my new favorite obsession. Ever been to one of these?? They have online ordering, delivery, and pick-up! Love love love.

Whelp, I gotta pick up the apartment and start some experiment planning for tomorrow. Have a great night!!!

-Lauren

PS…Who’s watching KWTK tonight??

>Snowday in the District!

>Hey Hey!

It’s a BLIZZARD in the District! We already have about s 10 inches now, and are expected to get another 10 more! This would be nuthin’ back home in NH, but there are literally NO plow companies here! It’s up to the city so residental streets in the DC/MD/Northern VA area are expected to be snowed in for days!

Despite the lack of travel opportunities today, I’ve been enjoying the snow day! I woke up bright eyed at 12:15pm (Aaaaah, love Saturdays). Made myself a Power Smoothie:

(I SWEAR it’s delish!)

….And parked it on the couch for some DVR‘d reality TV and a couple episodes of 90210 🙂

Unfortunately as a nurse, Kels (sista) didn’t have a snow-day. All buses are stopped and the roads aren’t plowed, so she layered up and trecked her way to the hospital.

Kels in my Under Armour Cold Gear spandex (AMAZING line if you’re a winter runner):

And leaving the apt:

Nuts!

I made a delish/healthy dinner so figured I’d share 🙂 I was craving seafood!

Sauteed 2 chopped garlic cloves (in 1.5 Tbsp EVOO), then added fresh scallops + dash of salt and pepper.

To accompany the seafood, I roasted an Acorn Squash in the oven until crispy. AMAZING!!!

Boiled whole squash for 15 mins (to make cutting easier). Then cut, sprayed with EVOO spray and added a dash of salt + pepper. Prior to serving, I drizzed a teeeensy bit of organic maple syrup over it. Fan-freakin-tastic.

Well, off to get a quick workout in (get my a$$ kicked by Jillian). Then trecking a few blocks to Shehla’s for a movie night!

Have a great night!

L

*Random ques: What are your favorite activities to do while snowed/rained in????