If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you may already know that for over a year, I’ve been working with Nuts About Granola as their blog manager and recipe developer.

Nuts About Granola is a locally based granola company stationed out of South Central Pennsylvania, owned and operated by one of my dear friends and entrepreneurial rockstar’s, Sarah Lanphier (now) Himes.  I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah a few years ago through a blog connection and we have been great friends and business partners ever since.

Nuts About Granola produces authentic handmade products in small batches and mixed by hand to ensure quality. Currently, the Nuts About Granola product line is largely sold in farmers markets in the South-Central PA region and online. In addition to being granola fanatics, they’ve become huge supporters of the Buy Fresh, Buy Local movement to help achieve the ultimate in freshness. All of their products contain only all natural and organic ingredients, with an emphasis on local, which has earned us the “PA Preferred” seal by from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

You can now see why I’m such a granola nut and why I feel so strongly about this company. Aside from my personal connections, I really do stand so strongly on my beliefs that this granola is by far some of the freshest and most delicious tasting I’ve ever had.

So one of my job task’s each week is to come up with a recipe for their site featuring none other than…granola.  I post these recipes every week on the NAG blog, but I just thought I would share some of my favorites recently.

Almond Butter and Fig Jam Sandwich with Banana and Granola

Ingredients: 

2 slices whole wheat bread

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp fig jam

1/2 a banana

1 tbsp College Staple granola

Directions: 

Spread almond butter on one slice of bread and jam on the other. Thinly slice the banana and place on the bread slice with the almond butter.  Sprinkle granola on top and secure the sandwich with the jam slice on top of the banana slice. Cut in half and enjoy!

Fresh Blueberry Pecan Granola Trail Mix

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients: 

1 package Off Road Edition Nuts About Granola 

1/2 cup chopped raw pecans

1 cup fresh blueberries (can use dried blueberries as well)

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Portion into small reusable bags and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Simple Blueberry Banana Yogurt Parfait

Serves 1

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 a banana, sliced
• 1/4 cup Plain Jane Granola 

Directions: 

Layers all ingredients in a glass or bowl.

Whole Grain Peanut Butter Granola French Toast

Serves 2

Ingredients: 

4 slices of whole grain French bread (cut 1 inch thick)

2 eggs

1/2 cup fat free milk (or non dairy milk alternative)

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup Plain Jane granola 

Directions: 

In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs into milk.  Add the cinnamon and vanilla and set aside.

Place the bread in a baking pan and pour milk mixture over the bread, making sure that all parts are covered.  Let the bread sit for 20-30 minutes to soak up most of the liquid.

Place the granola on a plate.  Remove one slice of bread from the pan and dip each side into the granola, pressing down to ensure that the granola sticks to the bread.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  Melt the butter in the pan and add the bread, one slice at a time. Cook on one side for 4 minutes, flip and cook on the other side for an additional 4 minutes.

Repeat process with all bread slices.

Top with fresh fruit and all natural maple syrup.

Question:

What is your normal use for granola? How often do you eat it? 

Giveaway:

The Winner of the MoringStar Farms Giveaway has been selected and contacted.  Thanks to all who entered!

Lately, I haven’t been around the internet much and I must say, I’m not sorry about it.  As much as I love you all dearly, the break from feeling the “need” to post every day is relieving.  That being said, my little breaks have turned more into strong leave of absences and for that, I do apologize.

Just thought I would pop in to catch you up on a few things as of late….

LIFE:

Well, it’s been busy but good.  Chicago is finally starting to take on that quintessential summer glory feeling that everyone keeps raving about.  It’s true what they say, as soon as the sun comes out so does the rest of the city.

Work has been really picking up and has been keeping me inundated but not getting in the way of some incredible times with good friends.

Clare came to visit last week which turned out to be such a welcomed treat.  Not sure if you know this, but Clare and I go back a few years and have developed one of the strongest blog friendships I have.  We only get to see each other once or twice a year, so when I found out she was in Chicago, I stopped my life in order to make time for this one.  We spent the evening catching up over wine and a giant cookie skillet.  Everything about that last sentence just sounds right.

And then there are these two beautiful ladies (and one handsome little guy) that light up my Saturday mornings once a month.  Our Saturday monthly brunch dates are now mandatory but I imagine it will become harder once Chelsey has the twins.  Until then, we are soaking up every moment of our time.

EATS

I’m pretty sure I found a new obsession:

Do you remember when Jessica posted this recipe a few days ago?  I do and apparently never stopped remembering.

Sweet potatoes and egg yolks – I love you! I subbed goat cheese and spinach but other than that, it was spot on.

I’ve become a bit of a pancake freak.  I swear, if I had more time in the mornings, I would make pancakes every single day.  Why do they never get old?

It’s Frappuccino season at The Bux!  All week, I took advantage of the highly advertised “Frappy Hour” and found ways to be conveniently located next to a Starbucks between the hours of 3Pm and 5Pm.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to try MoringStar Farms newest addition to the meatless burger line- Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burger .  I’ve always been a fan of MoringStar Farms products and was actually pretty pumped to try a new burger of theirs.

From the advertisement: “This bikini-friendly burger is ready for the grill and will add some delicious Mediterranean spice to your summer. With 70 percent less fat than regular ground beef, 110 calories and a good source of protein, the Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie burger is a great addition to summer eating.”

My experience was quite positive. I heated one up for dinner tonight and served it inside a whole wheat bagel thin lined with roasted red pepper spread and hummus.  The burger is a bit spicy but not overpowering.  I love the texture chic peas gives in a veggie burger and appreciated the detection of whole peas throughout.

Overall, I think I would consider adding this one to the veggie burger lineup.  It’s a nice flavor and great for summer grilling!

MorningStar Farms has offered to give away a pretty sweet summer prize package to one of you!

This giveaway is worth more than $80 and includes:

•          $25 Visa gift cards to purchase MorningStar Farms Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burgers
•          Greek-inspired grilling apron
•          Mediterranean hummus cookbook
•         Chickpea tote bag

To Enter: 

Leave a comment on this post with your favorite MoringStar Farms product.  If you’ve never had any of their products, visit their website and leave a comment letting me know which one you would most like to try.

I will choose a winner on Wednesday, May 16th! 

Well, that’s all I have for you now.  I’ll hopefully have more for you soon!

XO

Thank you all for your amazing support over the new job and life changes.  I’ve been reading every single comment (and while not responding publicly, rather in private emails if I feel fit), I am so grateful for your kind words and happiness for me.  I can’t say every single transition has been easy, but it has all been very rewarding and I’m slowly learning to trust that each day.

This past week, in the prime opportune of some gorgeous summer-like weather, I’ve been spending more time on silent runs outdoors.  Seeing that up until then, I had been doing 99% of my running on a treadmill while watching How I Met Your Mother via iPad, the time alone and unplugged has given me a good chance to do some major reflecting.  By far, this is one of my favorite aspects of outdoor running – I try to treat each run as a mediation period before I begin my day.

A few days ago, I started contemplating the topic of innocence and ever since, I’ve been trying to formulate this idea into words.

Do you remember your childhood? I do.  Well at least, I remember various points in my childhood that more than likely have been fabricated throughout the years, but there are still precise moments that I can clearly hold on to, like the time I drove my mom’s car into the neighbor’s house.  Yeah, that actually happened and is a whole different story for another day.

Anyways the point is, each time I would make a mistake or make a bad decision, I was forgiven (albeit sometimes punished) because I didn’t know any better.  My innocence on good vs bad was a part of childhood.

I’m not really sure when you hit that certain age where society removes that innocence from you.  Even into my teenage years, I continued to make not-so-good decisions but they were often overlooked as a learning experience. Not to say there weren’t consequences, but I was not judged or cast unworthy of being human.

Now, into my (gulp) late twenties, I feel as though more of my choices in life are more strongly evaluated and scrutinized.  I don’t think it’s just me, rather most people.  I too fall guilty of passing judgement on people and their life decisions from time to time, but lately, I’ve been working on a small act of bettering myself by trusting others before I jump into conclusions.

Standing on the outside and looking at the surface is never enough.  There are always underlying things in everyone’s situation or life that we don’t see.  And one other important factor that I realized….

EVERYONE HAS MESSED UP, EVERYONE HAS MADE MISTAKES, NO ONE IS PURELY INNOCENT!

Where I am at now in life is where I feel my heart has led me and I have been asking others to trust that.  Like I said, it’s not always easy, but often, the right decisions are never the ones that make the most sense at the time.

I’m 27 years old now.  When I was 7, I was considered uncorrupt.  Maybe, after 20 years of life experience that makes me a “grownup”, but in my heart, I will always be an innocent.

Hi,

My name is Lauren and I once wrote a blog.

In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been around the blogsphere much these days.  I feel like I’m continually admitting to you all that I’ve been crazy busy and you’re probably beyond sick of hearing that excuse again, but the truth is, I’ve been crazy busy.  I keep thinking it will subside, but that’s not the case right now.

No worries, because crazy busy is not always meant to be assumed in negative tone.  Crazy busy can also be a good thing when you are loving the change!

So a few things to update you on….

JOB:

I haven’t told you much about what I’m doing career wise in Chicago but now that things are final, I can finally let you in.  First and foremost, I’ve been working with author and life coach, Sara Connell on my apprenticeship. It has been incredible and Sara continues to help me develop my skills and passion as a writer and coach every day.  Currently, I manage her marketing, social media and PR efforts. I coordinate events, work with Chicago based companies and groups, and perform outreach for her.

It’s a flexible schedule and I’ve gotten into a great routine and balance that has allowed me to manage a heavy work schedule in other areas.

The second part of my job has taken an incredible step forward.

I’m constantly mentioning that I work in a bar/restaurant on a few weeknights and weekends.  When I first came to Chicago, I knew I needed a serving job to help supplement some income and the opportunity to help manage a Wine Bar sort of fell into my lap.  The Wine Bar that I work at is also attached to a larger bar and is also a part of a restaurant chain that currently owns and operates 6 other locations. I started in the Wine Bar and began taking over the events, social media, and other marketing efforts, while also serving 4 nights a week.

Well, over the past few weeks, I’ve started to take on a little more responsibility in this role that started to fill over into our other bar.  Last week, I was promoted to Sales and Events Manager of both restaurants, so now I am overseeing the sales and marketing while coordinating all of the events and parties.  I absolutely love it!

So aside from my apprenticeship, my full time job, and my free lance jobs, I’ve also been trying to keep up with the blog, but now you may see why it’s been a little bare lately.

LIFE:

Chicago has been an incredible change and while I’m finally adapting to this new city, I’m also extremely anxious for the summer! The weather is finally starting to warm up and locals are flooding into the city for a season filled with festivals, music, outdoor dining, beach trips, and so much more.  I’m moving at the end of May to a location closer to the city and I can not wait!  One of my good friends from back in PA is also moving here in June so I’m slightly obsessed with the idea of how much fun we are going to have. This summer is going to be amazing!

WORKOUTS:

Even though I’m working ALL. OF. THE. TIME., somehow, I’m still finding a little time to workout.  I honestly have not been doing nearly as much as I used to, but escaping for an hour every day to get in some kind of fitness has kept me grounded.

Here is an idea of last week’s schedule:

M- 6 mile run + 10 min Upper Body

T- 4 mile run + 20 min ET

W – Rest

TH- 7 mile run + 10 min Lower Body

F- 7 mile run + Kettle Bell Workout

S- 3.5 mile run + abs

S- Rest

Sort of run heavy last week, but the weather has been so nice that I couldn’t help but to soak up the opportunity to hit the pavement. I am seriously lacking any kind of yoga and that has to change soon because my body is starting to feel the effects.

Food:

I’ve gotten a lot better at managing a better eating routine, especially on my long 13 hour work days.  I used to rely on larabars and almonds to get me through a long serving shift, but now that I’m not serving and have more “regular” hours during the week, I’ve been able to put myself back on track with protein packed lunches and snacks.  Some of my favorites include turkey and avocado wraps, sushi, quinoa based salads, almond butter and banana sandwiches and protein shakes. I still get my 2am cereal cravings so that hasn’t changed, but I’ve been much more satisfied in other areas.

HAPPINESS:

So much in my life has changed this year, but ultimately, I’ve been really happy. Change is never easy, and while I’ve definitely had many moments of challenge and a few moments of despair, I continue to grow and learn more about myself every single day.  There are two very important aspects that I’ve tried to remind myself every day that has helped me stay focused and content with everything:

1. Stay Positive 

This doesn’t mean you have to put on a happy face all of the time. It’s okay to get upset, angry or even cry a few times a day. Before you can cultivate a positive mindset you must first honor where you are and the journey that brought you here.  I’ve learned that the right thing isn’t the easy thing, so taking huge leaps of faith have been terrifying but ultimately, I’m proven daily that they are leaps in the right direction.

2. Trust Yourself 

Know that there is a greater plan for us than we can ever imagine.  There is a great comfort in knowing that you are taken care of.

3. Treat Yourself with Respect 

We are really our hardest critic, so taking several moments every single day to honor ourselves and our bodies is vital. Self soothing acts like yoga, walks, or even a little pampering are so important.

4. Taking Risks is Crucial to Find a Sense of Purpose 

When you throw yourself out there, amazing opportunities will arise.

So that is where I’m at right now.  It’s been one hell of a year but I’m thrilled to see what these next few months will bring.

Hello and Happy Friday!

As I sit here in my office (read: Starbucks), getting ready to take on the work week (note, my work weeks begin on Friday), I find myself still reflecting on the heaviness of the week.  I know we’ve all dealt with the happenings in Boston in different ways, and as it continues to unfold, I think we can all agree, everyone just wants it to stop!  I’ve been saying a prayer each morning for the people of Boston, the running community as a whole, and for the safety of so many loved ones.  I’ll continue to pray, because truthfully, that is all I can offer at this very moment.

Lots to get to for this Friday Confessions post so let’s jump right in.

Confession #1 -

Many of you have been asking me about my hair lately.  First, I’m flattered.  Second, I wish I had a more detailed description of how I achieve that messy wave look.

Honestly, it’s been something I’ve been attempting for awhile now and here is how I do it:

I had to grow my hair out to a suitable length, past my shoulders.  I then had my stylist cut long layers all throughout.  I shampoo and condition every day (I know you’re not technically supposed to wash your hair every day but I do), apply moisture treatment, heat protectant, and styling mouse, and blow it dry (upside down).  I then part my hair off to the side, clip half of it up, and heat a 1 inch curling iron.  I take sections of my hair (starting with the bottom) and begin curling, holding the iron straight up and wrapping pieces around the barrel. I also make sure I curl the hair away from my face.  Once the bottom half is curled, I repeat the same process with the top half.  Spray with non-aerosol curling spray  and then finish it all off with a dusting of aerosol hair spray.

Hope that helps!

Confession #2-

New snack obsession alert! I’ve seen the TJ’s brand and heard they are fantastic, but I had a coupon for the Alexia brand and gave them a shot.  What is not to love about a tot?  Sweet potato tots….that is pure love!

Confession #3-

I’ve been warned that Chicago spring is basically non-exsistant and I’m beginning to think that is a true statement.  On Sunday, it was 75 degrees and beautiful, yesterday, we experienced a monsoon with extreme flooding that basically shut down many suburbs of Chicago and today, it’s snowing. WTF?

Confession #4-

Look who I found last week!

Mara! It had been incredibly too long since I had seen her and we finally had a free night for a fro-yo and grocery shopping date.  Yes, when you are old and boring, the thought of grocery shopping on a Tuesday night excites you. Don’t judge.

Confession #5-

I am not ashamed to admit I have a Starbucks addiction. I’m not exactly proud either because that means, I’m consuming more caffeine than I would like to admit. However, I think I may have settled on a balance with a new delicious drink thanks to Clare.  The Vanilla Roobios Tea with a little steamed soy milk is sufficing my coffee addiction at the moment.  Okay truthfully, I finished this cup and went straight back to order my usual Americano.  Oh well, it was a valiant effort.

Confession #6-

Oh look, more sushi!  Yeah, I’m just not even going to say anything else here.

Confession #7-

This is my all time favorite movie and after searching for it in just about every store, I finally found it in the $5 bin at Target this week.  It was such a feeling of accomplishment I had to refrain from screaming “penis” in the middle of the store. (For those of you that have seen this movie, you may get that.

And that concludes another Friday Confessions Post.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

For Boston:

Like so many of you, I am still in a bit of disbelief of the events that took place yesterday in Boston.  As tragic as it was, I can empathize with many others who admit their running heart breaks when they hear and see that horrific scene.  Although I’ve never run the Boston marathon, I’ve run races in Boston, I have many friends who live in Boston or were running, and I relate to the deep passion that these people felt to be able to run that particular race on that very day.  Crossing the finish line of any race is an incredible feeling of accomplishment, strength, courage and tenacity, but Boston is what nearly ever runner dreams of.  For many of these people, they had trained and worked for months, years, and some their entire lives to be able to cross that finish line and the fact that their moment was disrupted by such tragedy is truly heartbreaking. 

The Boston Marathon will never be the same.  

Today, I ran with a few tears in my eyes and a heart full of grace. 

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions on my last post.  I’m definitely going to incorporate some of the ideas you mentioned for the days when I am crazy with work and left with little time to eat an actual lunch or dinner.

Yesterday, fortunately, was not one of those days, as I’m happy to report that I enjoyed a full day of delicious meals.

Before a late afternoon meeting, I was able to enjoy a wonderful lunch at one of my favorite spots in Wicker Park, Prasino.

I’ve been to Prasino many times, as it happens to be the place that Kathleen, Chelsey and I have deemed, “our spot” for our monthly brunch dates, but I had yet to try their lunch menu.  Every time we go for brunch, I end up with the exact same meal, so I was stoked to be able to finally sample something other than my beloved Hippie Omelette.

Everything on the menu sounded like something I would order, but in the end, I went with the Turkey Burger. This burger was lean, fresh, and topped with melted goat cheese, sauteed apples and caramelized onions and baby spinach.

The side of the day was a vegetable quinoa salad that was also delightful.

To go along with my meal, I had to try a glass of their fresh brewed Orange Basil Kombucha.

It was delicious!  A bit sweet for my taste, but still so refreshing.

After meetings all day, I was able to meet up with some friends later on for drinks and small plates at Wood.

Wood features seasonal small plates, artisanal cocktails, and unique American fare.

I passed on the cocktails, although the spirits menu was quite impressive, and opted for a more simple glass of Malbec. Unfortunately, I didn’t take too many pictures of our plates, but everything was outstanding!

The small plate revolution seems to be overtaking the fine dining scene, especially in the city, and I must say, I love experiencing small bites of rich and luscious flavors with people.  It’s not only a great way to taste some of the finest ingredients, but it’s also a fun experience to take part in with others.

We had everything from the poached shrimp and avocado salad pictured above, to braised rabbit pappardell, duck spinach and grapefruit salad, and bone marrow (that one I couldn’t bring myself to try).

My list is still overflowing with restaurants I’m dying to get to in the city, but slowly, I’m making my way through a handful.

Tomorrow, I’m planning on actually cooking again. Remember when I used to do that?  I’m hoping I still remember how to boil water at this point since it’s been so long!

See you then!

XO

Funny, it’s not often you read that sort of title on a healthy living blog.

I feel like we all go through periods in our lives where we get comfortable in a certain path.  Whether it be a routine workout plan, a structured work schedule or a solid eating plan. Life stays stagnant for awhile and we come to expect a certain pattern, which can make things easy when trying to stay on track.

I’ve always vowed to incorporate a healthy lifestyle, no matter where I am at on my journey, and for the past several years, I’ve felt that I’ve held true to my intentions.  In NO WAY am I saying that I’m perfect.  Far from it actually.  In fact, allow me to reveal a few very unhealthy habits that I partake in….

1. I drink coffee multiple times a day.  At least 2 cups a day and that includes a daily trip to Starbucks. 
2. I drink wine, lots of wine.  In my mind, it’s a lot, but in reality, it probably comes out to a few glasses a week.  If you think about it though, that equates to around a bottle of wine a week.  Seems like a lot if you ask me.
3. I use the tanning bed on occasion.  This is seen as the end all cardinal sin in a healthy life, I know. But here is where my superficial self comes in.  I like having a little color and risk all of the health warnings in order to gain it.
4. I chew gum ALL. OF. THE. TIME. and often swallow it.
5. I over-salt most things.
6. I eat late at night
7. I probably don’t drink enough water..who does though?
8. I don’t wash my fruit (most of the time)

Just a few I can think of off the top of my head.  I’m sure there are tons more.

So, back to where I’m at now….

Life has obviously altered quite a bit this year.  I left my full-time job last fall, I moved to Chicago in January, and my daily routined schedule went from waking up at 4am to workout, eating a solid 3 meals a day, and hitting the sheets by 9pm to working out whatever time of day I find a spare hour, eating 2 meals a day if I’m lucky, and finally going to bed around 3am most nights.

Is this an ideal lifestyle?  Probably not, but it’s where I’m at right now and I’m doing my best to stick with as much of a routine as I can.  My body not only appreciates it, but I also realize it needs it to function the best it can.

I’ve been thinking lately though how I’m probably not doing the best I could in trying to maintain a good eating plan.  Not that I’m eating complete crap, just that I’m not eating nearly enough or the right amount of nutrients.

Let me show you….

I wake up every single morning (albeit a bit later now) and eat breakfast.  Breakfast is a non-negotiable and probably the only time of day that I eat the most, calorie and nutrition wise.

Usually, breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal topped with granola, berries and nut butter.  Sometimes I switch it up with yogurt, or cereal, but oatmeal seems to be my best option most days.

I now eat breakfast a lot later than I used to, so I’m never really hungry for lunch.  After breakfast is when I usually workout.

My workouts have also changed but I will get to that in another post someday.

After an hour or so workout, I get ready to start my day.

I’m usually on the go for most of the afternoon and workout out of coffee shops or in meetings.  I’ll consume a few cups of coffee or tea and always bring a snack with me like fruit, granola bars, or yogurt.

On the nights that I work, I get to my restaurant by 4pm.  The rest of the night, I’m running around, on my feet and usually staying pretty busy.  Hardly ever do I have a chance to stop and eat for very long, so I rely on things like Larabars and almonds to keep my energy up.

I will take bites of food from the kitchen along the way.  Often, a few sweet potato fries or a pretzel bite….okay and maybe a couple spoons of a warm chocolate chip cooke skillet like the other night.

Not the best dinner, I admit.

After my shift ends, most of us hang around for a drink to unwind from the night.

Wine and candy…these things are always in supply behind the bar.

When I get home (around 1 or 2 am) I’m starving but all I can think about eating is a big bowl of cereal right before I pass out.

Okay let’s recap the day….

Breakfast = good!  Healthy fats, carbs, protein…check!

Lunch = bad! No protein, lots of carbs, and sugar.

Dinner = worse! Random bites of bar food, a granola bar, and wine.

Snacks = pathetic! Cereal wouldn’t be such a bad snack option if I was eating more nutrients throughout the day.

Now, this isn’t how I eat every single day, but it’s becoming a pattern.  On the days when I don’t work, I try to eat more solid and amp up my protein.  Fish, chicken, and lots of sushi. Whole Foods has come to my rescue on several occasions.

Still, I know I need to better plan for the days when I’m working.  I’m still running 30 + miles a week, I’m now at a job that requires me to be on my feet for 10 + hours, and I’m starting to feel like my body is getting used to not being hungry when it should be.

In no way am I advocating that this is healthy, in fact, I’m telling you it’s the exact opposite.  That is why I’m going into next week with a new plan….

MORE PROTEIN 

LESS SUGAR AND REFINED CARBS 

MORE WATER AND LESS CAFFEINE 

EAT MORE AND OFTEN 

MORE VEGETABLES 

I don’t really have a specific approach, just that I promise myself to incorporate these things the best I can.

Being healthy is all about balance on so many levels.  You simply can’t just focus on one aspect and expect perfection every where else.  I feel good about my workout schedule but pretty guilty about my eating.  I realize I may need to give and take a little from each in order to find that healthy balance once again.

Now, it’s time for breakfast!

Question: 

What is your best healthy eating advice for on-the-go eating? 

Thank you for all of the continued birthday wishes.  I (half heartedly) joke about feeling so old.  I know 27 really isn’t the age to start worrying about senior citizen status, but I think this year on a whole has been a lot to process so going into a new age this year is harder to swallow.

Aside from the birthday celebrations, last week was pretty mellow.  We didn’t have the most ideal weather (read: rainy and chilly every. single. day.) so I tried to spend most of the week indoors and getting caught up on work and sleep.

Just a few confessions, or rather, more things that I’ve been loving lately to unwind into this Friday afternoon.

What I’m Loving #1-

Gina’s Cookie Dough Cereal

This has been on my “list to try” forever. Much like the trend of Overnight Oats, and OIAJ, this one warrants it’s copy-cat status.  All I did was combine 1/3 cup of dry oats with 2 tbsp of TJ’s trail mix (the kind with Chocolate Chips of course) + a heaping spoonful of sunflower seed butter, 1 tsp of chia and 2 tsp of vanilla protein powder.  Mix this together until it forms clusters and top with almond milk, banana, and raspberries.

Delicious!

What I’m Loving #2-

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hair Spray 

The reviews on this stuff have always been off the charts, I’ve just been using up the same gigantic bottle of hair spray for about a year now.  I finally gave in and tossed my overused cheap can for this upgrade.  100% worth it!  This spray leaves my hair soft, smooth, and calms down any fly aways while miraculously keeping all my strands in place.  This is entirely necessary for Chicago weather.

What I’m Loving #3-

Luna and Larry’s Coconut Bliss Mocha Maca Crunch 

Oh I just love Luna and Larry’s Coconut Bliss.  I don’t always love the price, but when I saw Whole Food’s highlighting these on sale for $4 yesterday, I knew it was time to splurge.  I’ve never had this particular flavor, but it was perfect! I have no idea what Maca is either, but the coffee and mocha sold me.

Sadly, that’s all I have right now.  I know, I know, I’m slacking on these What I’m Loving Posts lately but I promise to get better at taking more pictures of my current obsessions.  Trust me, there seem to be a lot right now.

Everyone, have a wonderful weekend!

XO

Lauren

Yesterday, I turned 27.

I won’t lie, this particular birthday didn’t come easy for me.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been on the younger side of the fence when it came to most situations in my life.  It seemed like I was one of the last to get my drivers license among most of my friends, the last one to turn 21, and always deemed, “so young” at every single job.

Ever since moving to Chicago, I’ve all of a sudden become the older and more experienced one in the group.  Most of the people I work with or meet are a few years younger than me, which really isn’t a big deal at all, but I had a little freak out moment when I realized that 27 sounds so much closer to 30 than 26.

Aside from my coming of age moment, my birthday, on a whole, was fabulous!

I decided to treat myself with a little pampering in the form of a manicure and a much needed hair cut/color.

Tuesday, I met up with a few friends and coworkers for dinner, which ultimately turned into one too many celebratory birthday shots. I admit, I don’t mind a good shot every now and then, but these Chicago people love their Jameson!

You only turn 27 once right?

Yesterday, on my actual birthday, I (gloriously) slept in and woke up just in time to meet my dear friend Kathleen for brunch.

We met at Little Goat where I dived into a plate of the most delicious Blueberry Crumble Pancakes. Happy Birthday to me!

I spent the rest of the day running a few grown up errands, taking a beautiful 2 hour nap, and then enjoying a wonderful low key evening and home cooked dinner with a friend.

Salmon cakes (from Whole Foods) with a homemade goat cheese sauce, caesar salad and roasted asparagus and broccoli was consumed along with a bottle of TJ’s finest Sauv Blanc.

And no birthday for me is complete without my ONLY cake request.

Vegan Carrot Cake from Whole Foods….you complete me.

And that was how I spent my 27th birthday.

Thank you to everyone for all of your birthday wishes.  Even though I may be one year older and one year closer to a new decade, I won’t wish away the rest of my 20′s by dwelling on what I can’t control. 27 will be a very different year for me but one that I’m ready to embrace and take on with an open heart.

XO

Lauren

And I’m back.

I’m not really sure how the evolution of my blogging schedule is working out, but man do I sure miss posting more often.  In reality, I’m keeping busy, but also, I just don’t seem to have too many exciting pictures or things to say at the moment.  A rare feat for me, but I’m assuming that should change soon.

Anyways, I neglected to do a Friday Confessions post last week so rather than wait until this Friday, I thought it might be fun to do a little catch up on some randomness today.

Random Fact #1

I’ve sort of developed this weird new habit of swallowing my gum.  It’s childish, I know, but for some reason I can’t seem to kick it. It all started when I found the new Extra Lemon Square flavor and it tasted so good that I wanted to eat it, so I literally did.  Now, I swallow my gum all of the time, mainly out of laziness to walk the three steps to the trash can to spit it out. There are other gross and unhealthy habits I have, I’m sure.  I’ll get to those another day.

Random Fact #2

My new favorite weeknight activity- Wine and Bingo!  The bar I work at hosts Bingo nights every Thursday and I’ve found myself there for the past few weeks.  Who knew drinking wine and playing trashy bar bingo would be so much fun.

Random Fact #3

I have a new favorite shot and it’s called a Baby Guinness.  Cafe Patron topped with Baileys.  Oh my, dangerously good.  Thank goodness these things aren’t cheap or else I would find myself ordering more than just one.

Random Fact #4

And now that I’ve talked about unhealthy habits of swallowing chewing gum and weeknight drinking for the past five minutes, let’s digress into what I really should be consuming more of.  You know I’m not opposed to eating copious amounts of vegetables, its just I don’t seem to have the opportunity to buy or prepare them as I once did.  I’ve been relying on veggie juices for the past few weeks to help reach my quota. Not quite the same but it’s sufficing for the moment.

Random Fact #5

Some habits never change and that is my overwhelming love for sunflower seed butter.  I have been going through these jars faster than ever, which really has been turning out in my favor.  You all know what happens with an almost empty nut butter jar.  And if not, find out here.

Random Fact #6

Tomorrow is my birthday where I will be turning the uneventful age of 27.  I’m not really sure how I feel about the number.  I was really enjoying 26, and for some reason, 27 just sounds too old.

Random Fact #7

I was beyond honored to be featured in the latest issue of Susquehanna Style Magazine. Aside from the recognition itself, the write up was so touching.  Such a beautiful magazine!

Well, that’s enough randomness for now.

Enjoy your Tuesday!