Happy Friday!!

Happy Friday!

I am ready for the weekend!  One more week and a few days left before I move to Minneapolis!  YAY! Can you sense my excitement?

I was officially approved for my apartment yesterday!  I may or may not have done a little dance in my cubical upon receiving the news!  Then I had that sense of Oh My Goodness this is real life... I am really moving, living on my own, working in the city, and living downtown!  I then proceeded to dance around again!

My office now thinks I am probably crazy!  But that is ok, because I am happy!

The lovely Sarah of Simply Sarah tagged me in her post yesterday!  So today it is my turn to answer her 11 questions and tag 11 more lovely bloggers!  I love doing these posts!  

So here are Sarah's 11 questions for me... Ready?

1. What are you most looking forward to this year?

MOVING!!  I am so excited to move and live on my own!  I cannot wait!  I would also have to say that I am looking forward to new experiences, and all the excitement that living in a city has to offer!  

2. What is your favorite nail polish? (I'm an addict and always looking for new colors)

I love Essie Ballet Slippers and OPi Cajun Shrimp (my go to pedicure color)! 

3. Pauly or Vinny?

Hmm that's tough because I don't watch Jersey Shore!  Can I say neither?

Pauly?

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hmm somewhere on a lake! Maybe Lake Michigan!  Or somewhere abroad like Italy! 

(Sleeping Bear Dunes-Lake Michigan)

5. What's your favorite cocktail?

I am a wine girl, wine spritzers are always good! 

6. Are you addicted to any reality tv shows (like my guilty self?!) If so, which ones?

No, come to think of it I really do not watch much tv!

7. If you could only leave the house wearing two makeup products, what would they be?

Mascara and blush! 

8. What's currently in your bag?

My life...

My planner about 7 different lip glosses, hair brush, Ipad, Iphone, wallet... I carry a huge purse!

Currently obsessing over this bag! 

 (Source)

9. What's the best book you've read? ( I need some good ones for summer!)
Hmm I loved Sarah's Key!  This reminds me I really need to read more!  Currently reading an American Wife, really enjoying it! 

10. Beach or pool?

Beach!

11. What is your favorite healthy snack?

Greek Yogurt with some sort of fruit, granola or trail mix thrown in there! Yum!


Now the 11 Lovely Bloggers I am tagging!

Falon of Animal Crackers to Ziti
Ashley of Places to Go Things To Buy
Honey of Honey Whats Cooking
Amanda of Little Miss Can't Be Wrong
Amanda of Life in Every Word
Emily of All you Need is Love
Amanda of Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures 
Taylor of Like you For Always
Jenn of Bliss to bean
Emily of Paging Dr. Grace

And there 11 Questions!
1: If you could travel anywhere in the World right this minute where would you go?
2: Essie or OPI?
3: Where is your favorite place to shop?
4: What is one thing you are dying to buy this Spring?
5: Lipgloss or Lip stick?
6: Whats one thing you never leave the house with?
7: Whats your drink of choice? (alcoholic/nonalcoholic)
8: What are you most looking forward to this summer?
9: What is your favorite food?
10: Whats one super power you wish you had?
11: Whats your dream job?

Happy Friday Everyone!
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
See ya Monday!

Bright Colors

Hello Thursday!

Anyone else finding it hard to sit at work when the weather outside is beautiful!  We have had some beautiful afternoons here in Minnesota recently!  

All this sunshine and warm weather has me thinking about one thing... bright colors! 

I found these shoes and basically fell in love!  What do you think... 

(Source)

I think they need to find there way into my closet!  Wouldn't you agree?

After finding those beauties I decided to go on a shoe shopping spree (well online anyways)!
Here are some other lovely pumps that caught my eye!

(Source)

(Source)

Love, need and want these!

(Source)

Adorable shoes!   But what I really need to be looking for is sensible walking shoes... after all I will be walking to work!  I am open to suggestions!  

Alright lovelies, see you tomorrow on Friday!
I promise to have some apartment posts soon!
Happy Thursday! 

Facelift

Hello Wednesday!

Notice anything different?

Yup my little blog got a facelift! I figured with all the wonderful changes going on in my life that my blog deserved a little TLC! I just felt it was time for an update, time for something simple!  And Brunch and Cupcakes are two of my favorite things (but I think you already knew that)!  I just like the way the new title sounds!  Same blog just a new fresh look to go along with this new exciting chapter in my life!

I woke up happy this morning.  

I just realized that I have a lot to look forward too. 

I figured I would bust out a What I am Loving Wednesday post!

Why not?  There are a lot of things I am loving these days!

I am loving the fact that in 2 weeks I will be living in a big city!

Right Downtown!  

I am loving that I have this new sense of self.  

I have not felt like this in a long time!

I feel like I am back to that free spirited girl!

I am loving that I found the best organic cafe just minutes from my new apartment!

I cannot wait to recreate some of their dishes at home!

I am loving that my little sister will be home in a week for Easter!

I am loving my wonderful family and friends!
They are the most amazing support system!  I am also thankful for all the wonderful support I get from all of you my followers/readers!  Thank you!  It is very much appreciated!

And most of all I am just loving life!
I feel like I could go on and on!
What are you all loving today?

My Time

Happy Tuesday!
Thank you all for the kind comments these past few days!  They were much appreciated.  My life is changing, but change isn't always bad.  I have to remember that things happen for a reason.  I took the past few days to think.   I really thought about what I want, and focused on the things that make me happy.  And I came to this conclusion I want to enjoy this time in my life to the fullest.  I am young,  I have a new job, and I am moving to a wonderful city full of friends!  This is my time!

With that being said this weekend was a whirlwind, and I have to say I wish it was still Saturday!  Anyone else with me on that?  The weekend started with an apartment hunt!  That is a pretty big thing you have to check off a to do list before you can move!  I tackled the apartment hunt head on Friday and guess what...

I found a place to live!!!!

Downtown Minneapolis here I come!

I am ready to take on the city, and experience city life first hand!
I have to say the idea of living downtown Minneapolis in my own apartment has me all giddy inside!  I cannot wait to have my own place, I can't wait to decorate!  I have been scouring Pinterest for inspiration, yes I have killed a lot of time (lots of inspiration to blog about)!

 So there you have it!  Life is changing and I am ready to embrace it!  
I am ready for the uncertainty, the new challenges, I am ready to learn from new experiences and enjoying life in an exciting city!  And in the words of Dr Seuss

Source: allfortheboys.com via Glauce on Pinterest

Have a great day everyone!!

Source: mylifecoachsparkles.blogspot.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Isn't that the truth.  I feel like this is how my life has been the last few days.  I went from no big changes happening to suddenly I am unsure at where my future is headed, I just need to stay strong!  There is a plan, I just don't know it yet!

I promise that once the fog has cleared from my head I will have some fabulous recipes for you!  I just received this months Cooking Light Magazine, and I am dying to try some all of the recipes in this months issue! 

But until then I leave you with this...

Something to remember.

My mind is a blur. 

In the past few days I have been sent into an tornado of emotions.

I no longer know what is right. 

I am trying to focus on this verse.  

I am trying to remember there is a plan. 

I am trying to understand what has happened these past few days.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for all the kind words and congratulations on my job offer!  It means the world to me!

Source: etsy.com via Koren on Pinterest

Things are about to get a little hectic with trying to find a place to live,  and packing my life up but I am excited!  I cannot wait to share with you all the fun, and interesting things that happen with this new chapter in my life!

I also want to say Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you all have some fun things planned!

Hope you wear your green!

Here are just a few St. Patricks Day inspired pins!

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: livingrichwithcoupons.com via Living Rich on Pinterest

Source: topshop.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: elle.com via Veronica on Pinterest

Seriously want that skirt!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Bubbly

Happy Friday All!

I am glad this week flew by, because man was it jam packed. Life has been busy and I don't see things slowing down anytime soon!

Yesterday I got a call, a call I have been waiting for since I moved home in June!

 Yesterday I accepted my first big girl corporate job, in the big city! I will be moving to Minneapolis in just about a month (so much to do)!!! Look out Minneapolis here I come! I have been prepping for my interviews the last few weeks, hence why I was a little MIA with blogging!

I feel so blessed right now, and am thankful for my very strong support system! My family,  Mark and wonderful friends believed this day would come even when I lost hope and thought the job search would never end! It was the never ending support from the ones I love that fueled me to keep applying, job application after job application.  I never gave up (though sometimes I wanted to)!

Source: google.ca via Bri on Pinterest

So thank you Mom, Dad, Miranda, Mark, and my long list of amazing friends and relatives for your unfaltering support and encouragement! I am grateful beyond belief for how much you all believed in me!

The rest of yesterday is a bit of a blur.  From letting people know, to being in utter shock that I was finally going to be on my own again!  But there is one thing I know for sure... I had a ridiculously large smile plastered across my face the rest of the day!    A fabulous grilled dinner, bubbly, red velvet and chocolate cake made for a wonderful evening of celebrating!  

I am still on cloud 9 as I type this!

So here is to this exciting new chapter! I hope you will stick with me and join me as I once again explore life in a new city!

Oh and PS, recipe recap to come!!

Happy Friday!

Happy Thursday Lovelies! 

I apologize for being a little MIA in the blog world!

There have been some interesting things going on in life!

I promise to be back to my normal posting as soon as life seems to calm down!

But for today I leave you with some inspiration!

Source: kaboodle.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Erin Havah @ StyleItKosher.com on Pinterest

Enjoy your day everyone!  I hope you all are having beautiful spring weather! 

It's Madness

Well March Madness that is! While I admit I know nothing about basketball march madness is always an exciting time!  Weekend games, parties, and time with friends! 

Unfortunately my Butler Bulldogs didn't make it this year! But there is a new underdog to route for, The Creighton Blue Jays! It will be great to watch and cheer on my little sisters school (who knows how far they will make it)!

I decided this year it was time for me to make my first ever bracket! You would think with Butler making it all the way to the final games (2 years in a row) that I would have done this sooner!

Now I already told you I know nothing about basketball, and to be honest had no idea there were 4 different divisions of the bracket (I learned that last year)! Thankfully my sports obsessed boyfriend helped me out with this one a bit!  And I think I had a pretty great way of picking my teams!  So are you ready for my super scientific bracket method? Ready?

Colors and mascots (and also some teams that I actually knew who the heck they were) genious!

Now will see how well my first bracket does!

Did any of you make a bracket this year?

How did you decide your teams?

Scenes From The Weekend

Hey there everyone!

Did we all have a wonderful weekend?

I hope so!

I cannot get over how nice the weather was this weekend!

I ditched my early morning gym workout Saturday for a lovely 2 hour walk with my mom!

Up in my neighborhood we have these wonderful paths through the woods that covers about 6 miles!

It was great to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, beautiful scenery and of course exercise!

My body (and ankle) appreciated the low key workout!

Here are just a few pictures from our nature hike!

I cannot wait for the weather to be nice all the time, I am now itching for spring to get here!

Now, I am going to spare you from my ramblings today and simply just share the 3 dishes that will be featured this week!  This week is going to be a bit hectic, I maybe a little MIA I apologize in advance!  Don't miss me to much!

But here are our 3 lovely recipes
(most will be served with grilled chicken or fish since the weather is so nice)!!
Enjoy!

Tex Mex CousCous-From Eat Yourself Skinny

Source: eat-yourself-skinny.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Skinny Taste-Pasta with Broccoli

Source: skinnytaste.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

and finally...
Roasted Veggies!

Source: myrecipes.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Happy Monday Everyone!

Great Picks

Happy Friday everyone!

Just 8 more hours, and we will officially be enjoying the weekend!

Source: weheartit.com via Clarisse on Pinterest

Anyone have big plans for the weekend? I'm going to take full advantage of having nothing planned, sit back and relax! I have been wanting to finish the book I am reading, sounds like the perfect weekend to do that! Tonight is my sisters last night home, so I am looking forward to spending some time with her before she leaves.

Speaking of my sister she picked two fabulous recipes to make this week! I will be adding these recipes to the list of keepers!

Great job sissy!

Let's start with this one!

Lemon Quinoa Cilantro Chickpea Salad-The Diva Dish.

Source: thediva-dish.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

This salad was full of flavor from the cilantro and lemon and I loved the avacado. My sister used black quinoa which I had never had before gave the salad a nice look! This would be an easy salad to throw in a lunch box, or an easy meal for a hectic night! Loaded with protein from the chickpeas and quinoa and healthy fats from the avocado this is one nutrient packed salad!

Now let's talk about these burritos.

Greek Burritos (from Kokocooks) to be exact!

Hands down I would eat this over a regular Mexican burrito any day! My sister subbed in grilled chicken in place of the lamb and then finished it off in a pan with the spices. Delicious! She said she used a bit more tomato paste and added our favorite Greek seasoning to give the dish a little kick of flavor! Homemade tzaziki sauce, fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta made for some happy taste buds! As we sat around the dinner table talking about the meal we also decided the chicken served with pita bread and hummus would be a delicious idea as well! 

Looking for a a tasty dinner, make those burritos!  You won't be sorry! 

So there you have it! Two recipes from my lovely sisters pin board!  Thanks Sissy!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Bittersweet

Hello!

How are we all today?

Doing well?   Anxiously awaiting the weekend?

I know I am!

I want to say a big Thank You to you all!

Source: etsy.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

I really appreciate the well wishes regarding my ankle!

And loved all the feed back and suggestions you all gave on how to up calcium intake!  Thank you, Thank You Thank You!


Today is my Coworker and Friend Krista's last day of work!
She will be starting her dream job here in a few weeks.  I am so happy and excited for her!  She has a great future ahead of her!  But I am going to miss having her around!

Source: 366coolthings.tumblr.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

So it is a bittersweet day here in the office!
But wising my friend the best as she heads out on this new adventure!

Happy Thursday! 

Uping the Intake

Wednesday!

How did we already make it to the middle of the week?

I feel like this week I have been in go go go mode!  

But I can't complain I like to be a bit busy!

Last week I mentioned in a post that I was having a bit of trouble with my ankle. 

Well I finally sucked it up and went to Sports Medicine to have my ankle checked out.  And the results are in..

I have a very tiny stress fracture on the inside of my left ankle (well no wonder it hurt to run)!  I have to say I am not completely shocked with the results but I am relieved that my pain is not caused by something worse!  Thankfully my stress fracture is tiny which is great news.  While I have to take a month of from running (queue sad face) I am thankful that I am still allowed to do low impact cardio and weights.  I would go crazy if I couldn't work out.  

Along with the low impact cardio my Doctor recommends lots and lots of stretching and focusing on a well balanced diet.  She wants me to focus on getting all  the proper nutrients with a emphasis on calcium (gotta build strong bones)!  A siren went off in my head with the word calcium, because I know I don't get as much calicum as I need!  

Since my doctors appointment I have been looking for small ways to up my intake of calicum!
One of my 2012 goals was to continue on the path of healthy living (read about my 2012 goals here).  Uping my calicum intake def. falls under that goal!

Here is my plan of action;
One of the easiest things I can do is drink milk!
I am going to aim for 2 glasses of milk a day!

Unsweetened almond milk is my favorite!

I am going to continue packing loaded yogurt bowls for a mid morning snack!

Not only is plain greek yogurt good for you, but its a blank canvas for healthy mix ins!
Some favs are Trader Joes Trail Mix (nuts are another great source), Granola/cereal, and fresh fruit!

I am going to up my intake of calcium rich veggies!

Killing two birds with one stone!  Veggies and calcium!

And last but not least incorperate Chia seeds more into my diet (2 ounces of Chia Seeds have 600 MG of calcium)! Yes I use them every now and then in overnight oats, but people add them to salads, smoothies, and yogurt... the sky is the limit!

A few small steps that will hopefully lead to big benefits!
How do you sneak more calcium into your diet?

New to Me

Hey there everyone!

How are we all doing on this lovely Tuesday Morning?

Tuesdays are so much better then Mondays... One day closer to Friday!

My little sister made it home safe to Minnesota!

It is good to have her home!

Yesterday I promised I would have a new line up of recipes!

While these recipes are new to me they are not off my pin board!  This lovely line up comes to you from my little sisters board!  I have to say that I am mighty excited for them!

Avocado Quinoa Salad from The Diva Dish

Source: thediva-dish.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Love avocado, how delicious does that look?

and

Greek Burritos from KokoCooks

Source: kokocooks.blogspot.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Love Greek Food!  Bring on the feta!

So there you have it two new recipes!
My sister also pinned this on my board last night...

Source: annies-eats.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Strawberry Burschetta from Annie Eats!  Goat cheese, strawberries basil and balsamic vinegar!  Yum!
I am drooling just looking at this picture again!

Have a wonderful day everyone!