MIMM: Changes!

The end of daylight savings might be my favorite time of the year. Instead of sunless Saturday mornings, I'll be greeted by Mr. Sun. Though it'll take me a few days to get used to the eerie feeling of a pitch-black 6 P.M.

Following the time change, I made a few changes of my own:

Since it's Monday, I got to sleep in till 8 and made a fantastic breakfast from the Tupelo Honey Cafe cookbook: "Fit for a King" peanut butter & banana sandwich using Julian's Bakery carb smart cinnamon bread and honey from my October foodie penpal. The recipe calls for mayonnaise... ew? Once upon a time, I liked mayo but now gag at it.  

Another change? Dinner. I like no-frills meals like spring rolls, salads, or anything put into a tortilla.

Since the weather's cooler, I made a pot of vegan sweet potato & quinoa chili. I made this recipe once and loved it.

I usually have sweet potatoes and quinoa, and the rest of the ingredients are super cheap (black beans, tomato sauce, and vegetable stock). The batch feeds me 6 times!

What's your favorite dessert?
Cookies are fast becoming my favorite. I used to be a cookie hater.

Cakes, especially cupcakes, were my jam back in 2009-2010. I frequented the cutest hole-in-the-wall bakery in Asheville: Short Street Cakes. I also went to the weekly farmer's market to visit my friends over at Take the Cake. I knew my bakers on a first-name basis.

Maybe it's cupcake burnout. Maybe it's my discovery of the wonders of browned butter. Yep, I think that's it.

Browned butter is super easy and makes the cookies extra delicious and chewy.

Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies have been on the top of my Pins for a little while and decided to make them last night.

It's easy but took more time than usual.

I ran out of chocolate peanut butter so stuffed some of them with regular peanut butter.

I used to bake all-the-time as stress relief from my crappy job. I even knew my baking supply shop owners on a first-name basis, went to their birthday party, and joined their bake sale.

Next, pie. I mostly just like pumpkin and fresh apple pie. What's your favorite pie?

Other changes
Craving for stevia-sweetened soda. Need to print out the coupon for a 6-pack strawberry Zevia!

New pantalones for working out. I got these for 70% off! These Fit Squad capris are meant to be loose up top, but since I've got a little more in the back, it fits me comfortably and perfectly! :) 

How did you enjoy your extra hour? 
What changes have you made with the cooler weather?

What's for Dinner?: A Good Saturday

Yesterday was a work day - 11-3:30, but it's still Saturday and on Saturdays, I wake up earlier than normal. I woke up at 6:15 before the sun and headed to boot camp. Thankfully, the sun came up as I pulled up to the gym.

I also never have enough time to think about if I'll go because it's so early.

I love boot camp especially with this trainer. I've mentioned it before but Nathan actually has a plan and it involves variety. I never know what I'm going to get.

The workout focused on legs, my favorite!

My new Reebok Crossfit Nanos are fantastic for lifting, but the toe was a little stiff for burpees. :/ I struggled to get to 17 burpees in 50 seconds. :( Forward lunges were also a bit tougher too.

Work was quick. We had a huge sale so tons of customers came and made my shift go by quick.

Afterwards, I treated myself to some Only 8 brand frozen yogurt.

I snuck in a little nap before dinner, studying, and some TV time before bed.

Groceries - $37.82

• Popped rice snacks - $1.49
• Food (for my cousin after football) - $2.98
• thinkThin bar - $0.50
• Earth Balance peanut butter - $1.99
• Luna bar - $0.49
• Julian's Bakery cinnamon Carb Smart - $6.79
• Blue Sky stevia soda - $0.94
• Love with Food box (just shipping) - $2.00
• Blue Diamond toasted coconut almonds - $2.79
• Halloween Funfetti - $0.63
• Cottage cheese - $2.64
• Milk (for my mom) - $3.49
• Almond milk - $1.79
• Strawberry Zevia - $0.94 
• Kombucha - $2.55
• Trader Joe's blueberry Greek yogurt - $0.99
• Slice pizza - $1.50
• Frozen yogurt - $2.38
• Iced gingerbread Clif bar (for my favorite) - $0.89

Other - $18.79

• GNC pumpkin spice Total Lean Shake 25 - $17.50
• Redbox rental - $1.29

Gas - $40

Total - $96.61

Breakfasts
oatmeal protein pancakes
"Fit for the King" peanut butter and banana sandwich (from the Tupelo Honey Cookbook)

Lunch/Dinner
chicken salad
vegan quinoa & sweet potato chili
PB&J on carb smart bread

Snacks
apples
PB&J amazeballs
carb smart bread
toasted coconut almonds - I finally found these after hearing about it forever ago on Live Laugh Eat!

Pumpkin spice GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25 - The small bag is on sale from $25 down to $20; however, I had a 30% off the original price coupon ($17.50). I tried a scoop - it thickens up in liquid pretty good and has a nice taste.

Workouts 

• Monday - TurboKick
• Tuesday - BodyPump
• Wednesday - Booty barre
• Thursday - Hard Core Workout
• Friday - SpinBarre
• Saturday -  BodyPump, yoga @ Club Fitness Addiction?
• Sunday - Yoga

On the flip side, Sunday is the only day I really sleep in and get rested up before another week.

Have you tried any GNC products? This is my first try and I'm loving it. This flavor got great reviews. P.S. Our GNC stores here are kind of small and sketchy.
Have you tried a boot camp class? They're my favorite way to get in cardio and strength. I try to go every other week. The only class I go to every week is TurboKick for my big boost of cardio and of course, yoga.

Wiped out!

I am wiped out over here!

I just spent my Friday night at another high school football game. My cousin cheered. We won again 34-0.

Thankfully it's the last one because boy was it cold! They also didn't play my favorite football player! :(

Afterwards, I had a second helping of an amazing product, Julian's Bakery cinnamon-flavored Carb Zero bread.

Just check out the stats and ingredient list.

It's gluten-free so any tummy troubles I may have are at bay. It also has a ton of protein and fiber at low calories.

I made their French toast recipe for breakfast...

Then spread 2 slices with PB&J.

How has November started for you? It's hectic over here. I spent the morning at work not working but observing a teacher. Loved it and want my own classroom so bad! The history teachers are so quirky and fun. Unlike other departments, their doors are always open!

Then I ran into and chatted with my kind of boss (because I really don't have one). We talked about me getting my mild/moderate credential. Hm, is that a hint? She also assured me that I'm already in so it'll be easier. :) I hope so.