day seven: weekend eating is a beast

I've come to realize the weekends are truly a challenge when it comes to eating better. And I'm going to be honest with you and say that Sunday was a complete failure. Waffle House for breakfast and hibachi / sushi for dinner? Total disaster on the calorie front, not to mention we had Zack's birthday cake that night too. Thinking about it makes me want to go run (which I've been told is a good thing)...
Anyway, I do have to say that Friday and Saturday really weren't so bad. Friday night, we had roast beef poboys (is that how you spell it?) and a pasta salad from Pinterest. 

No, this is not actually mine. From Pinterest.

I, of course, had to mix the salad up a little instead of strictly following the recipe (because who does that?). Instead of using regular pasta, I used wheat (and got lucky that the Kroger brand was only a dollar on Friday, so I bought like three. As I told Justin, I like to be prepared. Seriously, I'd be good at the whole Apocalypse thing. But I'm rambling.).  And I didn't use the ham because I didn't want to buy any and we were already having a protein with the meal anyway. Other than that, I just excluded the mayo and used Greek yogurt (I'm starting to see an obsession...), used Dijon for regular mustard because the bright yellow color freaks me out, and didn't chill overnight, but only for like five minutes. My peas were still frozen so that helped cool it down.  I have to say it was super yummy with our poboys (on wheat hoagies from Kroger), and was definitely good fuel for bowling.

Taylor, Justin's niece and one of my bridesmaids, came to visit for the weekend and we decided to go bowling Friday night when the Opening Ceremony was getting to be a little too much for us.  I don't have any photographic evidence of our bowling night because I was terrible. I'm so glad that she was able to come and spend some quality time with us (and our exciting lives). We went shopping Saturday like I mentioned, and then were just lazy while watching the Olympics. 

And for dinner that night, I found the perfect lazy recipe (from Pinterest. I think I need an intervention). 

Anyway, this was the easiest thing ever and with Mexican being my favorite, I was sold. The task that required the most work was the rice. And that was my fault, because I thought I had boil in a bag brown rice instead of regular stove top rice. But it didn't take long, and I really didn't cook my rice all the way because the casserole bakes in the oven. Basically, just had to mix everything in a bowl, dump it into a glass dish and bake for thirty minutes. It was soo good, especially when topped with Justin's homemade guacamole. My stomach is growling just thinking about it.
Sunday, well, I mentioned Sunday at the beginning of the post. It wasn't too much fun. After breakfast, I worked a little while and then spent the rest of the day studying for the GMAT. It ended up not being terrible (made a 450 on my second practice test, enough to continue grad school), and I didn't even get frustrated/agitated when Justin was helping me with the math part (huge step in the relationship). That night, we went to eat with my family for Zack's birthday and then just hung out in Madison.
Other than the minor lapses this weekend with Zack's chocolate birthday cake, rice, and a few tortilla chips, I've been sticking to this 21 day challenge. I've wanted a soft drink so bad, and I'm getting sick of chugging water, but I've lost 3 pounds! So it's worth it (and I feel like a few minor lapses on a diet/challenge is good for the soul. And taste buds).
What did y'all cook this weekend? Hope it was a yummy, lazy weekend. 

food creativity

Happy Saturday. I was going to write this post yesterday, and be all like TGIF, but I took a GMAT practice test (made a 370) and after that I was dead at work for the rest of the day.
Anyway, that's not the point of this post. 
Thursday was a long day for Justin. His project is getting just a little stressful, and because of that life hasn't been fun work-wise. So when he didn't get off work until like five thirty on Thursday, I decided I should make him dinner like the good (soon-to-be) wife that I am. And with this whole 21 challenge thing, obviously yummy (fatty) pasta and other decadent things were off the menu. 
So I came up with something I like to call Easy Cheesy Yogurt Chicken. And I know you're thinking cheese and yogurt and silently dry gagging, but seriously, trust me. It's four or five ingredients and all you have to do is mix and bake. I'm totally in.
Easy Cheesy Yogurt Chicken
inspired by Pinterest (of course)
This recipe serves two people

seriously, this is all you need.

Ingredients:

• chicken breasts, one per person (frozen or fresh will do. frozen is just easier and cheaper for us)
• 1 cup Chobani or any lowfat greek yogurt (obviously you can see I'm on a greek yogurt kick, but it's really good and makes me feel healthy)
• Whatever cheese you have on hand, about 2-2.5 cups shredded (that's what that yellow/orange thing is in the picture)
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper and whatever seasonings you like ( I used Italian seasonings and crushed red pepper. I know, be proud)

So first off, go ahead and preheat your oven to about 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up and place your chicken breast on the sheet. Go ahead and liberally salt and pepper your chicken and set aside.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix together your yogurt and cheese, adding whatever seasonings you like. If you like things spicy, I would go ahead and add Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Now slather your chicken breasts with the yogurt mixture, topping with breadcrumbs, and bake for about thirty minutes or so until the chicken is completely cooked. Top with green onions if you so desire.

my iPhone camera doesn't capture the yumminess

Justin loved it and inhaled it. And you will too. The topping is so gooey and yummy and the chicken stays moist because of the yogurt. Serve this with some fresh vegetables, and you have a perfectly scrumptious (is that how you spell that?) and easy meal.

Now go make this. Now. Or just for dinner tonight. You probably have all of these ingredients already in your kitchen,  so there's no excuse. (And maybe if I keep on putting recipes with pictures on here, Ill get a better camera, I promise.)

Now, I'm off to go support Mississippi shops and buy stuff. Hope you have a nice relaxing Saturday.

day one

Ah, Mondays...
This one wasn't that bad. Except that I wanted a coke zero at nine in the morning. And it's not like I drink them daily. But because I couldn't have one means I wanted one. Along with a bacon biscuit. But anyway, I digress.
Work has been a little more exciting for a Monday. Horne has decided to move their auditing staff down two floors, and being an intern means I'm one of the last moved (except for partners who refuse). So yesterday I was basically alone on the sixth floor, meaning I got a lot of work done. Both for work and for the wedding. And then they made me move... There goes the productivity. 
But anyway, this has nothing to do with my 21 day challenge. To tell you the truth, it wasn't terrible. I had yogurt and granola for breakfast, and turkey wraps (sans the tortilla) with carrots for lunch. 
And then I get a message from Justin saying we're eating Mexican for dinner. Seriously, Mexican is my Achilles heel (or whatever, you know what I mean). If I could have it like four times a week, I'd be in heaven (like 240lb heaven with a stomach that hates me). So shoot, there goes my 21 challenge I think in my head. No chips allowed? Well, there will be baskets and baskets of them in front of me. No white bread? Tortillas are my favorite, especially when there's queso and sour cream involved. But we couldn't not go. We were meeting our friend's new lady friend AND celebrating the fact that I pulled a B+ out of my first ever graduate class (and heck yeah, I made a 97 on the final) so celebrating with margaritas was definitely in order. 
Turns out, just because the basket of chips is in front of you doesn't mean you have to eat them. Yes, I cheated and had two, but seriously, in the scheme of things, I'm not considering the challenge broken. (Thankfully, this challenge did not exclude alcohol, because it was 2 for 1 margaritas.) I ended up getting chicken fajitas, no rice or tortillas. And I didn't miss a thing. Maybe this won't be so bad after all..
And, just to specify, I'm not doing this challenge to lose weight (though it would be nice if it happens). I'm attempting this to change my eating habits and be more healthy so that when I do start to really try and lose weight, it will be easier. And I doubt I'll be on here daily, giving you the 411 on my meals of the day, but putting it on here keeps me motivated to stay on track (because I definitely don't want to be like, hey, I ate a brownie today, because then y'all should jump on me for that). So thanks :) 
For now, I need to go audit stuff. Happy Tuesday! I'll leave you with this sweet boy.

mom, i'll eat your tortillas so you don't cheat :)

Seriously, how adorable can you get?

pool saturday

Oh what joy it is that it's the weekend. Seriously, this week has been long. So long...

So thankfully, we made a party out of Saturday. I took Beaux jogging that morning in the misty weather, and then Justin and I went to the grocery. Friends from Vicksburg came over, and it was just so nice to sit around, relax in the sun, and eat good food. Thankfully the sun came out, because it was not looking that way yesterday morning. Literally, the entire time I was jogging with the puppy, I was thinking 'Rain, rain, go away. I want to lay out today'.

Before we went to the pool though, Justin and I got busy in the kitchen, cooking. I've been craving onion dip lately, and finally came across a recipe I though was lazy enough for me to make and adapt. I want to share it with you because you need to go make this ASAP. I don't care that it's eleven in the morning, this dip is that good. 

Baked Vidalia Onion Dip

(Recipe adapted from The Southern Living Cookbook)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 regular sized Vidalia onions or two massive ones, diced 
• 2 cups (or really three) of shredded cheese (any of your favorites will do, just mix it up)
• 1 cup Chobani (or any lowfat greek yogurt)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Tony's seasoning (or Tabasco, depending on how you like your heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup panko or breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a two-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Add onions and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and  seasonings and cook for another minute.

Mix the yogurt and the onion mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with panko, if desired. Bake for 25 minutes and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little extra cheese and serve with your favorite cracker (or just eat it with a spoon)...

Seriously, this stuff was amazing. It was gone in about twenty minutes while the main course (bacon burgers) were cooking. I know you'll love it. And if you don't, you're just weird. 

I also made this brownie cake, adapted from my favorite cook ever, Barefoot Contessa. Here is the recipe to the original version. The only things I really changed were to use 1/4 cup of greek yogurt for half of one of the sticks of butter, and then instead of two cups of real sugar, used one cup of splenda and one cup real. It turned out just as yummy as all her recipes do. 

Anyway, doing a one eighty turn on here. I've been trying lately to healthier, like choosing fruit and veggies instead of chips or pasta salad during lunch. I've also been trying to exercise, like I've mentioned previously. But I haven't really noticed a change yet (and I know you're thinking that it's because I'm making these fatty recipes listed above. But I didn't really eat much of these when I made them. So no comment). So I've decided to try this no junk food challenge. I haven't had a soft drink in a little over a week, and hopefully I can handle the rest of these things with proper planning.

from Pinterest. 

I understand that both of the recipes I mentioned on here are totally off limits during this challenge, so of course I made them before I started. Anyway, hopefully I will be able to make it, and post on here about how I avoided these foods. 

For now, I'm off to go get ready to see Dark Knight Rises. Seriously, I hope its amazing as I'm sure it is. I'm just upset that there will be no more Batman movies to look forward too. 

Oh well. I'll leave you guys with this amazing picture from last night while we were babysitting a friend's dog. 

best friends forever.

Dogs are the best. Have a wonderful Sunday. 

that dog...

Seriously, I feel like it's been the longest week EVER. And it's not even Friday yet. Work has been easy, but slow. School is over as of Wednesday, which is nice, but now that just means I need to cram in learning Algebra, Geometry, a little Calculus, and some critical thinking skills in order to do well on GMAT and continue my graduate career. 
Needless to say, this week has been blah. And it shouldn't have been. I mean, come on, we took engagement pictures (sort of) this Tuesday. That almost deserves a post by itself, but I don't feel like it. It was hot as hell (literally, I should have capitalized that because I truly mean the place), and I hadn't felt 100% that day anyway, plus the fact I was nervous. All these things led to me fainting (well, almost fainting). We were taking pictures by the reservoir and I guess I locked my knees (I don't really remember, Justin just assumed) and all of a sudden, I knew I was fading fast. Whenever I think of passing out, I think of it as a process that, in my mind, takes AT LEAST a minute or two. But whenever it happens, it's like fifteen seconds from me realizing somethings wrong to me being on the ground (in an ant bed, in my new white dress. ugh). Thankfully, our photographer did not keep clicking, but instead helped Justin play nurse (he had always started to study for medical school, so he was a really good nurse). So anyway, we got a solid hour of pictures, but will have to reschedule. If you're nice, I might post some when he's finished with them.


Anyway, that was not the point of this post. The point was to share with you this video that makes me happy, cry, and appreciate what I have and who I have. Also, this is where my (er, our) puppy's name came from. I saw this video years ago when looking for Jimmy Stewart type stuff online, and fell in love. Jimmy Stewart is someone I grew up with (thanks to my dad) on the TV, either in a wheelchair window pepping or a country lawyer or my all time favorite a guy with a six foot five rabbit as his best friend (sorry for the rambling). Ever since I've seen this video, I've wanted a dog named Beau (and Justin added the x for a little LSU flair).

I have to warn you, this video will make you cry (and if it doesn't tug at your heart strings, don't tell me because I don't want to be your friend anymore). This always makes me feel better (after having a happy cry) when I'm feeling blah, but have no reason to be. 
Hope you enjoy it, and then go kiss and hug and appreciate your loved ones and the pup too. Because that's exactly what I did last night when I was feeling blue for no reason and wanted something to make me feel better. Beaux and Justin always know what to do.
Seriously, what more could you want from man (and woman)'s best friend?

family reunion

Oh my, it feels like Justin and I need a vacation from all this traveling that we've done the past few weeks. I guess we should enjoy this freedom while we're young (though I'd rather be in  bed, sleeping than traveling across the South). 
Anyway, let me explain about our work week before we get into the weekend...
My week was hectic to say the least. I woke up Monday morning at about 6:30 with an email saying, hey, we're traveling to Philadelphia. Needless to say, I was not mentally prepared to travel, but it wasn't terribly. Truth be told, we weren't at the client for more than 7 hours in between travel time and racing back home for class. The rest of the week went by smoothly as traveling can be in the rain. And yes, it rained all week (I can slowly feel my tan fading. dang). The real hectic part of the week was Justin's review. The company he works for has not exactly been achieving results like they use to, and as a result, some friends of ours were given two weeks notices. It's very sobering to realize that your only form of income can be taken away from you, and I pray at these friends find a better work environment where they are truly appreciated. Justin's review went fine, however. I would like to think my frantic praying the past week had something to do with it, but it's really because Justin is absolutely amazing at what he does. I'm very glad that he's a dedicated worker and when he puts his mind to something, he makes it happen. I've been shown this side to him in the past week, and I pray that it pays off while he's still enjoying himself. 
This weekend was the McWilliams family reunion, and we met in one of our favorite spots, Birmingham. It was a win-win situation for me, because I was able to find a engagement picture dress (they're being taken tomorrow! butterflies!), and spend some time with extended family. We even celebrated Justin's birthday with a cake Saturday night. (I had decided to give him his present Friday (the iPad 3) while we were at our apartment. I didn't want too many people wanting to handle it since it's brand new and awesome). We played card games and dominoes well into the night, soaking up quality time and catching up with each other (I know, we're a rowdy crew).
Sunday, it was time to come home, and I was very thankful. Justin and I got take out and laid around most of the night, only exerting energy to bathe and brush Beaux. 
Next weekend will be a pool weekend, and I'm literally counting down the hours (like 98 or so)! We're going to celebrate Justin's birthday (again, because really, a family reunion is no celebration) and my finishing of summer school (final is this Wednesdays, prays are welcome starting now). 
Hope everyone has a fabulous week and has something to look forward to this weekend :)
(Again, sorry I don't have a picture of the pup. I'm really slacking on this...)

oh God

This quote popped up on my computer a few days ago, and definitely reminded me that what we think is the worst situation ever is something that God knew we could handle and learn from...

stolen from my cousin on Pinterest (duh)

Hope everyone has a good Monday. I'll be back soon to tell about my awesome family reunion/Justin's birthday (yes, the poor thing spent his 26th birthday with my family. True love, huh?).

vacation aka babysitting

Seriously y'all. Hope you had a great fourth! I really can never get enough of soaking up quality time with my family so that's what we did all this past week. And it was grand.
Tuesday, both Justin and I got our hair did (Justin's barber was named Rev. Fate Destiny, please ask him about it. It's freaken hilarious), then we loaded up the pup and hit the road. Thankfully, we borrowed a friend's Prius for our journey across the South. I have to be honest and say it's a long drive to Opelika, but totally worth it. And, I've decided I'm getting a Prius (eventually).
We had a great time at Lake Martin for the Fourth (sorry there are no pictures, but I didn't handle the camera that day). We soaked up some sun, swam with my adorable three year old cousin and enjoyed the weather (just kidding, it was so dang hot). We had an amazing fireworks show that was so loud a little girl peed her pants (seriously, I'm not making that up) 
I love when this side of the family comes together, because we always end up having great food. I happen to make a broccoli salad that Justin loves, but I'll get to that eventually on here. 
It was sad to leave Auburn, but we trucked our way up to Chattanooga to see the newborns. I was a little apprehensive, because babies will cry and not tell you whats wrong with them, but the twins were adorable and on the most part, pretty well mannered. I definitely spent a lot of time in the recliner holding one of them while they slept and it was a very blessed feeling. Babes truly are a gift, and Matt and Melissa should be proud. Even Beaux didn't mind them, and would try to kiss them when they cried. (He is really the perfect dog).
We even got some wedding things taken care of during this family vacation! With the help of my aunt and cousin, we now have a menu idea for the reception. No, I'm not going to spill, but I promise it will be yummy and very comforting. While in Chattanooga, we also ordered Taylor's (Justin's niece's) bridesmaid dress. She looked gorgeous in it, and I'm so excited to see it in the right color! My bouquet finally came in, and after all that anticipation, it was a little bit of a let down. Of course,  Mom says we can spruce it up, but it just seems so dead. So we'll see.
Other than that, nothing is new. We're both back to work, and back to class for me. I only have three nights left so I'll try to make them count!
Hope everyone got to relax this past Fourth. It sure was a blast!

sorry for the grainy pix, but seriously, how adorable?

PS. I didn't get a good picture of Beaux this past week. I know it's a shock.

coastal for the weekend

So this weekend was a little sad. And a lot of happy. Seems as though I'm very contradictory this morning. I blame Mondays.
Anyway. This weekend, I celebrated a best friend's birthday on the coast. Molly, whom I met freshman year in the dreaded Business Calculus class, had her 22nd birthday this weekend. I left Justin (that was the sad part) and made my way to Diamondhead, MS (which is close to Gulfport, I think). Needless to say there was lots of laughing, giggling, sarcasm, hugs,  college party games, and food. We went into Bay St. Louis (I think) and had dinner at this hipster cafe that has amazing burgers and went back to the house for the party. And party we did (sorry to say that there are no pictures of this. it is to protect the innocent). 

super yummy birthday cake. and yes, we did sing to her :)

It was a great time, and I even stayed up until one in the morning (an enormous feat)! Sunday, we went to the outlet to spend a little more time together before I had to pack up and head home. She is one of my friend's who I adore and am so proud for making her dreams come true and going to Germany to be an au pair (yes, you read that right. how cool, right?). I'm excited for her to come visit one last time before she flies across the pond.  
Anyway, before I tear up...
I know I've said that Justin did the Warrior Dash sometime in February I think. Well, there's another one in Baton Rouge sometime this fall, and in a moment of weakness, I said I would do it with him (again, yes, you read that right). It's a 5k full of obstacles which include all the major elements: water, fire, earth and air. I told him I wouldn't do all the obstacles, but I would do my best. So I've started training. And of course, there's an app for that. Justin and I have both downloaded Active.com's Couch to 5k app, and I love it. I've done three of the workouts so far, and I can tell it's getting easier. Maybe even by the time October rolls around, I'll enjoy running/jogging. Maybe.
Other than that, we haven't done much. I'm still waiting for my bouquet to come in the mail (damn etsy store) and Justin's been busy busting his butt at work. 
We're headed to Opelika tomorrow to start off the weekend way early. I'm so excited to see my mom's sister and my cousin, like words cannot describe. 
And now, I leave you with this picture that makes me laugh every time I see it.

seriously, how adorable are labs?

Happy Monday, friends! Hope your holiday week/weekend is relaxing and laugh worthy :)