Ahhh, I feel like a new woman!
Last night I was in bed by 7:30, (don’t worry, it was still light out) watched my beloved Gossip Girl at 8:00 (spoiler alert: CHUCK! 
) and was asleep by 9:15 (glorious!) Even more amazing was when I woke up at 3:15am and realized I had more than two hours left to sleep. I just love that! Does day light savings time change when you go to bed and get up in the morning?
Well, I have no breakfast to show you (I’ll explain in a sec) but here’s lunch – Roasted Chicken & Veggie Salad!
In the mix:
- Mixed greens
- Spinach
- Roasted chicken
- Roma tomatoes
- Carrots
- Roasted asparagus
The roasted chicken is from the rotisserie chicken I picked up this weekend. Those babies are such a steal! I got mine at Super Target for $4.99 (actually $3.99 w/ a coupon I had) which yielded a massive quantity of perfectly roasted yumminess. Eaten whole, chopped or shredded, it’s really easy to throw on salads, into soups, casseroles, chili and even frittatas! Heart.
I was a snacking beast yesterday (hello totally unneccessary iced chocolate brownie that left me feeling neausous) so I brought some trusted allies with me today: a Fuji Apple and a 100 Calorie Pack of Popcorn. Crisis = averted.
FYI – Fuji’s are tasting GREAT right now! 
So, why no breakast today? Because I’m heading to Starbuck’s for a FREE pastry!
Choose a muffin, croissant, doughnut, scone, cupcake, bread or loaf slice FREE when you show your barista this coupon. You can print it, or just show it on this page, on your cell phone – wheeee! What would you pick?
Here’s a list of Starbuck’s food choices that are 350 calories or less, if you care, to help make your decision a little bit easier. I’m going for Pumpkin Bread – YUM!!!!!!!!!!
My drink choice will be a new fave – two shots of espresso + 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup in a grande cold cup. That way, I can add my own milk AND it’s cheaper!
I’m bringing Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk.
It is absolutely amazing in an iced latte. I.can’t.wait!
In other news, I’ve got to start thinking about packing for New Orleans in the next couple of days and I am having a wee bit of trouble deciding what to bring. It’s supposed to be 70-72 degrees during the day, but it’s been so darn long since I’ve seen the 70s, I’ve forgotten how to dress for it! Are sleeveless shirts and dresses out? Should I be covered if I just bring a light spring jacket? Thanks for your help!
I’m usually a hot mess when it comes to packing – bringing along 7-10 days worth of outfits for a 4-5 day trip. We’re carrying on for this trip too, which means over-packing is not an option. The horror! 
Have a great day – hopefully you can enjoy a nice beverage and pastry!
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Do you tend to overpack or underpack for vacation? Or are you a packing whiz? Give me your secrets!
I love almond breeze, too! I am such an overpacker. I’d rather have more than what I need, than wish I would have brought something else!
DANG IT! I missed free pastry day! SHOOT! Oh well… I’m a huge fan of the cheese danish…
Oh, and I underpack lately. After spending over a week in Oregon with my dad last year and only bringing a shoulder bag and carry on suitcase, it’s become a challenge to see how little i can pack!
I always underpack! But I wouuld bring nice clothes for new Orleans- definetly dresses and pretty blouses!
We visited New Orleans this time last year and it was about those same temps. During the days I wore either capris or shorts with a t-shirt and jacket. There were a few days where the layering helped because it was colder or windier. At nights I wore jeans or dresses depending on what we were doing! Have fun
!
Hmm 70s = dress or t shirt, maybe with a light sweater
you could probably do capris if you aren’t wearing a dress
maybe not quite shorts weather..
I usually pack just the right amount! I bring things that all go together, pants and shirts that all match. And of course a nice dress too
I just started drinking almond breeze – I got the sweetened kind because it doesn’t say “sweetened” anywhere on it. Apparently only the unsweetened has a label. Interesting.
I’m trying to cut back on all the cheese and milk in my life. It’s rough going, but almond breeze has been a great find.
Free pastry from Starbucks? Awesome and thanks for the heads up! I don’t even know which one I would pick right now – they are all so tempting!
Underpack and NEVER check a bag. Buy a really good carry on and maximize your space on it. I pick one color (black or brown) and focus on those options for the trip and assume I will wear pants 2 times and bring a variety of tops and 2 shoe options in my suitcase and a dressier pair that I wear on the plane or I wear my tennis shoes to save room.
Bring a simple dress and interesting accessories and scarves to change it up.
How much cheaper is it to buy the coffee and and your own milk?
For the weather, depending on humidity, 70-72 can feel a lot hotter. I’d pack one or two long sleeve, short sleeves, jeans and capris and a long jacket. However, I’m notorious for overpacking because you never know what you’re going to do and what you’ll want to wear.
Lately I have been much better about not overpacking! I agree with the idea to choose between black and brown for your shoe/belt/purse/clothing colors, and also fully agree that jeans can be worn a couple of times.
When packing tops, I like to roll them, line them up inside a gallon-size Ziplock, and then kneel on it as I zip it up to get all of the air out! (Some people use vacuum packers – this is just my alternative! 
) So that definitely frees up some space. Also, with weather in the 70s, I think you can get by with a versatile cardigan and a light jacket! Have fun!!!
Aww I wish I had known about free pastry day sooner…I would’ve stopped on my way to campus, but now I’m stuck in class! The weather in New Orleans sounds a lot like what we have going on here in GA. During the day you should be fine in spring clothes (sun dresses, short sleeves, shorts, skirts…) but I would bring a jacket because it can get chilly once the sun goes down or if it gets a little windy during the day.
Good luck packing, I always have tons of trouble too!
I love Free Pastry Day! I’m heading out after this to get my Starbuck’s fix, and then it’s off to the office! I love the lemon pound cake and a (fat-free) cafe mocha. Not the healthiest, but I also don’t do it often enough for it to be a problem.
I hope you enjoy New Orleans! I have never been. I am going to England in May and I’m nervous about the packing. We’re going all over the country for two weeks, so luggage needs to be kept light. Yikes! Good luck on getting everything ready, and have fun!
Cheers!
I’m notorious for fitting a lot of clothes into a small – i.e. carry-on bag. I think the trick is to pack less shoes. Seriously – how much space do shoes take up?! How many shoes do you really need on vacation? One pair of comfy walking sneakers or shoes and one pair of flip flops or sandals? Then maybe a cute pair of heels or flats (whatever your preference). Also – wear the shoes which would take up the most room in your bag on the flight. Who cares if you have to take a few extra seconds to untie / tie those sneakers after security? That’s one trick! Hope this helps I know it can be tough to decided but if you’re more concerned about clothes I think you can usually fit a few extra outfits in if you pick one less pair of shoes!
Oh gosh…I’m the world’s worst overpacker. I think someone nailed it up above though when they said layering is key. You can never really go wrong with capris and you should always have a hoodie and a cute jacket for at night. During the day, sleevless or shirt sleeves will be just fine. We just had two 70-something days and they were super comfortable. You almost could have wore anything.
For New Orleans, we were there at the end of February with daytime temps in the high 50s/low 60s. I wore mostly long sleeved shirts/jeans and a light jacket. Add 10 degrees to that and I’m guessing you can get by with short sleeved shirts and a light coat for the evenings – bonus is that the short sleeved shirts take up less room, so you can pack more of them. theoretically
Hehe I’m a total over-packer! I majorly overload my suitcases and don’t even wear half the stuff, it’s ridiculous! But I always think if I DON’T bring it, I’ll without a doubt need it…gah!
I think a light jacket that will go with various tees/tanks and pants would work perfectly. Dresses might be a little chilly unless you would only be wearing it during the daytime with a jacket, but at night probably would be cutting it. Good luck with packing! I can be an overpacker too.
It’s days like today when I wish I lived in a city. The closest Starbucks is an hour away from me. Seriously people. Ok, my tips for you are to roll your clothes–you can definitely fit a lot more in the suitcase that way. Mix and match–it seems so obvious but you do not need a ton of clothes. Cute tops with a cardigan for warmth. We were just in Vegas and it was 68 the whole time and I wore jeans, a nice top and had a lightweight wrap thing for the shade. You’re going to have so much fun!!! Enjoy!
I’d definitely bring a light jacket or sweater, but I tend to get chilly easily. When we were there in Dec it seemed breezier than I expected. In the French Quarter, many of the areas were pretty shaded so there wasn’t a huge benefit from direct sunlight during the day either.
I am a horrible packer! I would make sure you bring a coat – a light fleece or jacket to keep you warm.
I have never been to New Orleans – hope you have a great trip.
Enjoy your pumpkin bread!
I am a huuuuuge over-packer! For that weather, I’d suggest short sleeves with a light jacket. But it really depends on your own body. I know that I’m a bit chilly in 70 degree weather (especially in the shade) but I’m extremely cold natured.
I am a huge over packer! I am packing for Playa del Carmen, Mexico right now, and I am packing too much! I would pack a light jacket or light fleece and carry it with you while you are in New Orleans. I have been there and the nights tend to be cool, and during the day it can get warm and muggy. Have fun and make sure you go up on one of the balconies on Bourbon St. and throw some beads
I always overpack but i do it because i like to be prepared and don’t want to have to buy clothes/stuff, knowing full well i have it at home! i’m cheap like that!
if the temps are iffy, i’ll usually bring an extra long sleeve shirt or hoodie, but then i’d also bring shorts and bikinis everywhere i go!
Totally hit this up!!!! But when I got there, the only options they had left were the Banana Bread and a Raspberry Scone. SInce I just made some banana bread, I went with the scone. Not the best choice, but it was free and mighty tasty!
I heart Starbucks!
Hope you enjoy your treat today girl!
We went there this morning, and got Toffee Nut Lattes, and the Maple Pecan Scone. Amazing=) Oh, and we most definatly always overpack for vacation. Better to have enough than too little.
i agree, UVAB is SO good in lattes! i wish coffee houses stocked it. i love that you are taking your own
i tend to overpack! better safe than sorry?
I’m the biggest overpacker ever. It’s awful!! And then I get so stressed out when I repack. As for the coffee, I’ve seen someone do that before, but they filled up with the coffee store’s milk on the milk/sugar bar. And they got mad at him. But bringing your own milk is a great idea! Especially because I don’t like how their soy milk is already vanilla flavoried!
Hi, I’ve been reading your blog for a while and have not commented yet, but because I live close to New Orleans, I thought I’d offer some clothing suggestions. Lower 70s here is warmer than the lower 70s you’re used to (I moved here from Kansas City, so it took some adjusting). I’d say bring jeans and short-sleeved shirts, judging by how the weather has been. Still too cool for tanks, but I did break out shorts a couple weekends ago. Also, I’d only bring a nice dress or pants if you’re going to a really nice restaurant. Otherwise, stick to casual clothes and comfy shoes (go cheap flip-flops or tennis shoes, no heels). I’ll pass on the advice the locals told me when I moved here: Don’t wear anything you really care about to the French Quarter. You’ll have a blast here — it’s the greatest city! Enjoying your blog, btw!
Oh, and a jacket for the evenings would be good.
Underpack so you can bring lots of cool stuff home! I always roll my clothes when I pack. They seem to fit better and they don’t get wrinkled.
I am right there with you, always overpacking. Can’t say I have any advice! I got my free pastry today, and a “treat” drink that I get once a week, since we get free office coffee daily.
Just wanted to comment today to say that I am always DROOLING over your salads! I can never make mine look that appealing! I’m ready to give up, but figure since summer is coming (yummy bright produce, hello!) it’ll get better.
I am an over packer, I like lots of options.
PLEEEEEASE tell me where you got your big container of unsweetened Almond Breeze! I have been looking everywhere! I drink at least 4 of the little boxes a week and want to start buying the larger containers. I’m in Des Moines.
I tend to way over pack. But for the 70′s I’d pack something with sleeves. It’s nice but not sleeveless weather. And roll your clothes to get more space.
I missed free pastry day! Dangit. How did you find out about that?
I made myself an iced coffee with unsweetened vanilla almond breeze this very morning! I agree – it’s delicous!!
I’m a huge overpacker – I like to be prepared and have options.
And do you know how excited I got when I saw your jumbo carton of Almond Breeze? I can only find the oversized juice box looking ones. I hope they make their way to Baltimore.
Daylight savings time is definitely throwing off my sleep. Since it is so light out at the late hours of the night, I end up staying up later but I still have to wake up at the same time. So that means less sleep
BOO
I am a total overpacker. I like to have options. But, if you are carrying on for this trip. I suggest that you bring along a black or navy skirt or dress and 2 cardigans and 2 camis (if you’re bringing a skirt) that way you won’t look like your wearing the same thing twice. You can’t go wrong wearing black or navy. Then you could pack whatever else. Also bring two pair of comfy sandals that will go with everything one flat pair and one with a heel and don’t forget your new kicks. Hope this helps. Have a awesome trip.
Doesn’t everyone over pack? haha. I do! I try really hard to pick outfits in advance for each day but how hard is that?! HARD.
Love the giant salad. I need to asparagus back in my life!
I always over pack. But I do it well. I once over packed for a 5 day stay in NYC in the WINTER. Sweaters, jeans, boots – the works. And I carried it all on in a lovely little suitcase. The secret?
Roll everything. It prevents most wrinkles and everything packs nicely. And layer as much stuff on your body as possible for the plane ride (tank under t-shirt under cardigan under jacket). I also try to pack outfits that coordinate so I can mix-n-match and bring less accessories/shoes overall. Oh and when I buy too much stuff of vacation, I ship it home
You will buy stuff in NO – so many boutiques! Be ready for that!
Oh and say no to Hurricanes. Instead drink hand grenades! And if you bring your glass back for a refill, the drinks are a $1 off! Discount!
Having lived in Houston for the last four years after growing up in Michigan and going to college in Boston I will admit that my blood has thinned somewhat but I’ve been in New Orleans in April/May and the weather you’re going to have when you visit is comparable to here in Houston.
I’m going to go get one this afternoon. Sadly no one will see them where I’m going this weekend (back home to Michigan for a visit) but down here it’s almost sandal time!
My clothing advice: Jeans or capris and t-shirts for day and probably jeans and pretty tops for the evenings since once the sun goes down it gets a little chilly. You’ll want a light coat and there may be rain since we have a chance of it this week. Oh, and you might wanna do a pedi so you have the option of wearing cute sandals on Bourbon St. in the evenings.
HAVE FUN! I adore New Orleans! I am so sad to be missing out on Jazz Fest this year too. The line-up is killer!
~S
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I totally overpack! I take far too many shoes but i realise that if i underpack, it gives me an excuse to buy some clothes/shoes etc whilst i’m away – i’m always up for shopping!
Thanks for the tip. I’ll use it when updating my coupon site