anika's chicken salad

After picking me up from the airport, JJ and I headed to the grocery store to do our week long grocery shop.  We try to only go once a week.  We've found that if we have all our meals planned out, we not only save some money, but a lot of time.  This week we're having, Anika's chicken salad, pork chops and rice, tacos and a pasta dish from Giada herself. :)

Tonight, I made a chicken-pasta salad that we first had at JJ's cousins' house, Ethan and Anika.  Therefore, I affectionately call this dish, "Anika's Chicken Salad."

Easiest ingredients ever!

-3 chicken breasts
-3/4 box of bow-tie pasta
-Poppy seed dressing (the amount used is up to you)
-Craisins (the amount used is up to you)

*Cook your chicken, boil your water and add your bow-ties, rinse the pasta when done, toss your chicken, pasta, Craisins, and poppyseed dressing together in a big bowl.  You can serve this hot or cold.  It's great either way!

Finished product!  Oh yum.

minnesota friends!

 While I was in Minnesota this weekend, I took some quick pictures of the stunning fall colors in Minneapolis/St. Paul. This is one thing  JJ and I miss most about living up north.  It was so gorgeous out that we drove around with the windows down!

This is the beautiful bride, Kristy Thompson! :)  What an awesome day, Kristy!  Thanks for letting me be a part of this.  Love to you and Steve!

My dear friend, Sam and I were able to spend some time together, too!  To celebrate our time together, we decided to head to one of our favorite eateries, "Good Earth."  One of my favorite things about this restaurant is how good I feel after filling my tummy with their fresh, clean, delicious food.  As seen on their website, "Good Earth"  serves unprocessed, organic where indicated, seasonal, "green" dishes.  http://www.goodearthmn.com/  Sam and I shared the cinnamon french toast and tomato, basil omelet.  How did we like it?  LOVED IT. :)

It was a wonderful weekend, but I'm glad to be back with my very best friend, JJ. 

Busy weekend!

This weekend is my dear friend kristy's wedding in Minnesota! :) It's a beautiful weekend to celebrate something so special. I thought the MN weather would be cool and crisp, so I brought a warm jacket, tights and scarves. But guess what...it's in the 80's!!

I flew in Friday afternoon and before I left the airport in FL I needed a snack. I had recently watched a segment on "The Dr.'s" and Jillian Michaels was talking about what to eat in the airport on the go. She suggested dried fruit, nuts, things homemade from home, and avoiding high sodium treats...so...I chose some delicious smoked almonds and a hot passion tea. What a perfect way to relax into a 3 hour flight. :)

morning run and muffins!

I feel like I've had one of the most productive mornings in my history. :)  I got up and was in the car at 5:44 a.m. to meet a couple gals for a run and went home to bake some blueberry muffins.  JJ was so surprised to see them on the stove this morning.  So, here's to him. :) 

It was an absolutely great time to run.  The stars were still out, the air was super crisp, and I even got to pass by Carrie and Dru a couple times! 

I went home feeling super energized, which was totally opposite of my plan to go back to bed when I got home. :)  The friend I run with is a great running partner! We stay at the same pace, enjoy fun conversation and really makes me remember why I love running!  I think everyone should have someone like that. :)

turkey burger

Here's last night's dinner. :)  Turkey burgers with lettuce, onion, and a yummy spread. (a little sour cream mixed with taco seasoning)  It was so simple and so good!

Yesterday, JJ and I went for a run in our new neighborhood.  It was sooo nice out!  We couldn't believe there was actually a chill in the air.  I also signed up for a half-marathon in December.  I'm now committed.  $45 committed. :)

So, how will I go about training?  The answer...Hal Higdon.  :)  Hal Higdon is an awesome guide to a successful training program that will make a half-marathon a delight.  http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm  JJ and I used his guide for the only other long race we've done before and I was smiling the whole way...because it was just that great. :)

Check him out!

morning grocery shopping

This morning I decided to run to the store before I started work.  It was the best decision I made so far today, and it's 10:22 a.m. :)  I'm not sure if I've ever been to the grocery store before 8 a.m. before.  But, I love it.  It's so peaceful, there's no long lines, people are extra friendly because you're one of their first customers, produce is stocked, you're not weaving in and out of cart traffic and you beat the after-school rush.

Last night, I decided to plan out our meals for the week.  I honestly think this is one of the best ways to save grocery money (other than couponing--something I'm not too fond of or good at).  When I have a plan, I like to stick to it and also look in my fridge to see what I already have. Then, I can plan my meals around some of those items.  So, here's this week's meals.

BBQ Chicken Pizza
White Bean and Chicken Chili
Turkey Burgers
Pasta Salad (with mixed veggies and pesto)
Chicken Salad with lots of veggies and garlic bread

I'm excited to show you how they turn out! 

moving day!

Today, JJ and I made our big move to our new place.  We're downsizing to a one bedroom apt instead of a two bedroom.  It's very ideal for the two of us.  We've been having fun decorating a new place.  Thank you to our friends Jessica (for helping with the paint) and Patrick (for helping us move all our stuff today!)  JJ and I are so thankful. :)

Tonight, JJ and I had a really yummy salad with lots of veggies and a pasta dish.  I'm excited to start cooking in our new kitchen!