Good morning everyone!
Well the Japanese inspired birthday continued last night at Ben’s parents house…they got me Japanese Rosetta Stone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! I just blogged about this guy too!! This was such a thoughtful gift and something that I will truly use – I can’t wait to start!!
Oh, let me also tell you about dinner too. We ordered some Japanese (!) food – I got chicken and vegetables (soooo good) – and then we had Angel Food Cake with Triple Berry Whipped Cream. Ah-mazing! Ben’s Mom mixed up some whipped cream with blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, then dalloped it on top of some angel food cake. It was to die for – and such a brilliant idea to jazz up plain ol’ whipped cream!
Actually, Ben made my plate and gave me more than a dallop of the whipped cream. I didn’t mind…in fact I stole a big spoonful of it later in the evening… 
Thanks again to my entire immediate and extended family for a fabulous and truly memorable 26th birthday!
Now this morning – due to my slightly indulgent day yesterday – I was feeling like I definitely wanted to start my morning off right. So, I woke up a little earlier than normal and ran a 1.5 mile loop around the neighborhood before my my Mom came over to walk our normal route. Feelin’ good! Then, for a lighter breakfast, I made a Green Monster!
In the mix:
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 T peanut butter
- 1 frozen banana
That’s it!
I was talking to a friend this past week about green monsters. The #1 reason we decided we liked them so much was that they are so invigorating. I feel full when I eat them, but I also feel light and refreshed – and energized. This is a great way to start any morning, especially a Monday morning, in my opinion!
My lunch today includes a fresh, crunchy salad with:
- mixed greens
- shaved, roasted turkey breast
- dried fig, chopped fine so I get a piece in every delicious bite
- feta cheese
- garlic-parm dressing
This flavor combo of the sweet, chewy fig + salty, creamy feta is so satisfying. It also looks like confetti I just can’t wait for lunch!
I also packed a crispy Braeburn apple.
Well it’s always hard going back to work after a long (and FUN) weekend…but I’ve got even more fun to look forward to next weekend – details to come!! Have a GREAT Monday everyone!
~~~~~
Question: Would you go to the Michael Jackson memorial service if you had a ticket? Would you/did you sign up to get one?
have a wonderful monday and i’m happy to hear that you had a wonderful birthday, as well! whipped cream + berries is a fabulous idea!
Don’t think I would go to MJ’s funeral. Ijust wouldn’t feel right being there since I didn’t actually know him! Hope you have a fabulous Monday!
Happy birthday a day late! That whipped cream looks yumalicious! I probaby would not go to Michael Jackson’s memorial service, because I don’t think he made very good choices in his life and it is sad he chose to do things that others had to suffer for.
MJ’s passing is sad, afterall he was someones son, brother, father, etc….. but the amount of of attention his passing has recieved, is beyond excessive.
I think the Jackson Family or AEG should be footing the bill for all of the expenses related to a public memorial, which as of last week, they were not. There was a LA citycouncil woman who was on TV, encouraging financial support from companies and individuals, to pay for all of the expenses related to this public memorial.
We forget there were a number of our soliders, who died in the time since MJ died…….
I agree with the above poster about the attention the MJ is receiving as being excessive. I do realize that he was an icon, but this is a little ridiculous & expensive! They said on the news that it was over 2.5 million!!!
So, no, I am not going, nor did I try to get a ticket.
OK – I think I am going to try one of these green monsters today after my run. I am so glad I found your site, you have such a positive attitude. P.S. Happy Belated Birthday!
happy belated birthday! those prints you got are beautiful.
eh…I don’t think I would go, and I did not try for a ticket.
Sounds like you had a great birthday! We have Rosetta Stone in my office and though I haven’t played with it a lot…it’s cool and fun! The prints you got are gorgeous.
Umm I would go without question! NO DOUBT!!!
p.s. that green monster really does look monstrous! It’s gonna bust a cap in that glass
Happy Belated Birthday!
I feel the same way about Green Monsters – and they are a perfect breakfast before a work out because they don’t leave you heavy!
If I had a ticket, I don’t know if I’d go. If I could sell the tickets for a ridiculous price, that might be worth it more to me!
happy belated birthday!! glad you had an awesome birthday weekend!!!
as for dc fireworks — i’m a total dc snob, there’s nothing like DC fireworks. it’s quite amazing! we were out of town this weekend, and whoo, i kept missing DC fireworks!
so yes, make it a point to see it one year! it’s so worth it. Even with all the MADNESS!
Aww! Happy belated Birthday Kristin!
If I ticket fell into my lap and someone would pay the airfaire I’d go. I’m always up for going new places and experiencing things. However, I have no burning desire to go.
Anna Nicole Smith was in the news for a solid 6 months after her death, just think how far the media is going to milk this! Yuck.
It is very sad, but all the hype is solely for the media to make money, not to memorialize a fallen hero. (I used to work in journalism, and I have no distaste for journalists, I’m just sayin…)
are the oats in the green monster cooked (like oatmeal) or you just pour in the oats from the container? (stpuid question?…sorry i would really like to try this recipe but dont want to waste ingredients!)
Just discovered your blog, and I’m glad I did. Love to read about a fellow Iowan and foodie. Also love your healthy recipes. You’ve given me some great lunch and breakfast ideas. I think I’ll try the “green monster” this weekend.
Thanks for reading – and definitely give those GM a try!!