IFF.

It’s finally Friday – whee! I’ve had wicked day later syndrome for the past three days, ie all day Wednesday I thought it was Thursday, etc., which makes today all the more sweet. The weekend is actually in sight!!

Well last night I got bit by a bug. The snack bug! Like a woman possessed,  I gobbled everything in sight. Mini Larabars, Ben’s nachos and Buffalo Chicken Dip, oh my! Therefore I kept breakfast light with a yummy, Yoloupe Bowl.

In the mix:

• 1/2 cantaloupe, seeded
• 1 Pineapple Chobani Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 scoop chia seeds
• sliced almonds

I debated using my tropical island-esque pineapple yogurt to make Pina Colada Oatgurt, a spin on my pina colada oatmeal, but the allure of an edible bowl was just too strong.

Do you like melon? Cantaloupe used to make my throat itch, but now I adore it. Not a huge fan of honey dew though…

Ok, so lunch isn’t the cutest, but it sure tastes good! Leftover Microwaved Butternut Squash Risotto!

I was this close to saving the leftover risotto to make Arancini (cold risotto stuffed with meat & cheese then fried, omg!) like we had in Italy.

Those babies were $.50 at the local pizza shop in Praiano, and we felt like little arancinis after ordering a ton of them one night. Oh I miss Italy!!!

I also packed a bigger-than-my-head Honeycrisp Apple to crunch on. Swoon.

Oh – the Sweet Tango Apple I tried yesterday? Tastes like a Braeburn, but definitely has the crunch factor of a Honeycrisp. A fine swap if you don’t feel like paying the outrageous price for an HC.

Although, locals: Honeycrisps are on sale for under $2/lb at Hy-vee this week, and some people told me they’re also on sale at Fareway. Score!

Oh, there’s a sweet Pumpkin Muffin packed for dessert. Irresistible.

In other news, I’m heading out to happy hour this afternoon with some co-workers. We’re celebrating an upcoming wedding for a friend at work, and also the end of an era for me. I got a new job!

It’s true!! After thinking very long and hard, I’ve chosen to say goodbye to my employer of 3 years, a large publishing company, and say hello to a small, non-profit that I’m SO EXCITED to begin working for. I’m sad to leave the friends I’ve made behind (we’ll still keep in touch!) but also thrilled to start a new chapter in my work life. I’ll give you more deets on Monday.

Hey, maybe THAT’s why this week has been going so slow…!

Have a wonderful Friday and a great start to your weekend!

~~~~~

What’s been your favorite job? Your least favorite?

My favorite job was as a barista at a local coffee shop in high school. Free mochas, lattes and food. Yes!

My least favorite was actually my very first job – sacking groceries at a local grocery store. Pure torture, I tell you!