I had Monday night’s leftovers for lunch today.  Penna and 1/2 of a pork sausage with sauce and a bit of olive oil.

It was such a nice day and I knew I didn’t want to spend it inside on the treadmill.  I grabbed my sneakers, sunglasses, and i-pod and headed outside.  I did a few laps around the cemetery behind my office.  I enjoyed getting some fresh air and a little vitamin D from the sunshine.

My afternoon snack, though I doubt it really counts as a serving of fruit.

I took a Spin class after work.  Whenever we were supposed to be working at our max, I really made an effort to do so.  Sometimes I take it sort of easy, but tonight I pushed myself. Maybe it was because I didn’t spin last week?  Some days are just better than others.  Great workout!

Jared went to Marathon Sports to get fitted for a new pair of running sneakers.  I think he’s finally ready to start his Half Marathon training!

Boloco was giving out free burritos at 3 locations to celebrate its 13th anniversary.  We made it just in time, 15 minutes before the free burritos ended for the night.

I ordered a Buffalo Chicken burrito with the buffalo sauce on the side cuz it’s WAY too spicy for me.

Mmm!  I started eating at Boloco when I was in college when it was still called the Wrap.  Buffalo Chicken has become one of my favorites.  But I ordered a different type of burrito for lunch later this week.  Dun dun dun…  I hope it’s tasty!

Still refusing to go grocery shopping so I had to make instant oatmeal this morning.  I added some Crofter’s Organic Superfruit Spread and a spoonful of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter to create PB&J oats.  Yummmmm!

Plus I enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee once I got to the office along with some cinnamon almonds.

The Votes are In….

Many of you recommended I wear white or nude pumps.  Great choice and I really wanted the nude pumps, but they’re out of stock right now.

But since there was a tie for the #1 shoe (and the bride chose this option and her vote counts x5), I’m going to go with…

The red patent leather sandals!

Obviously I won’t know for sure until I order these and try them on with the dress.  But if I stick to shoe websites that have free shipping and free returns, I should be ok.  Thanks for offering your opinions on this VERY important decision.

I had the longest staff meeting this morning/afternoon and ended up eating 2 slices of pizza that my boss provided for the crew.  So my half-ass version of Ants on a Log was a healthy afternoon snack after a greasy lunch.

I didn’t have a lot of time for a “lunch break” so I quickly hit the treadmill for a 20 minute interval run.

• 0-1 minute: Run at 6.5 mph
• 1-2: Run at 6.6 mph
• 2-3: Run at 6.7 mph
• 3-4: Run at 6.8 mph
• 4-5: Run at 6.9 mph
• 5-6: Run at 7.0 mph
• 6-7: Run at 6.9 mph
• 7-8: Run at 6.8 mph
• 8-9: Run at 6.7 mph
• 9-10: Run at 6.6 mph
• 10-11: Run at 6.5 mph
• 11-12: Run at 6.6 mph
• 12-13: Run at 6.7 mph
• 13-14: Run at 6.8 mph
• 14-15: Run at 6.9 mph
• 15-16: Run at 7.0 mph
• 16-17: Run at 6.9 mph
• 17-18: Run at 6.8 mph
• 18-19: Run at 6.7 mph
• 19-20: Run at 6.6 mph
• 20-23: Walk at 4.0 mph

The funny thing about this interval run was that the slower speeds were actually more difficult for me.  I felt better when I was running a little bit faster.  I think 6.8 mph was my ideal speed.  Combing all of the running and walking, I covered just about 2 1/2 miles in 23 minutes.

Not knowing we’d be getting lunch, I had packed the most delicious salad.  I couldn’t force myself to save it for tomorrow so I ate it for dinner tonight.  I mixed spinach, cucumbers, corn and carrots with salsa as dressing.  I topped the salad with some pulled pork from Don Otto’s.

It’s the End of the Beginning…

I ate my last Vitalicious Vitatop, slathered with Justin’s Maple Almond Butter.  Vitalicious sent my first food sample several months ago when I was just getting into blogging.  I was so grateful that a company believed in my blog enough to let me try their products.  I’ve loved trying lots of flavors of Vitatops and now I need to make a trip to the grocery store.

The perfect Tuesday night?  Snuggled on the couch with a bottle of Crios!  Crios is a great value brand and I love their Malbec.

Someone is ready for some serous TV watching.

So this post is going to be a big mix up of foods.  From dinner Sunday night all the way until breakfast this morning.

Typical Sunday night =Sushi + the Amazing Race

I ordered Sweet Potato Tempura rolls and Kappa Maki rolls.  Jared’s fishy fish rolls were squeezed in between my nice veggie rolls.

Mmm, plus edamame on the side.

I had some Kashi cereal for breakfast on Monday morning.  Then I snacked on some almonds when I got to work.

Completely unbalanced lunch!  I ate a mini-loaf of banana bread and sucked down an ice coffee.  Of course I spent the rest of the day craving fresh vegetables!

My Half Marathon training has been throw a tiny bit out of whack.  I expected this so I’m not concerned.  I didn’t find time to go on a longer run this past weekend.  Ohh well.  Still plenty of time before the race!

I ran 2 miles on the treadmill during my lunch break at 6.5 mph then stretched and went back to work.  I was supposed to run 3 miles with Jared after work, but that fell through.  He really needs new sneakers before he runs again so I think he’s going to get fitted on Thursday night.

To fulfill my fresh vegetable craving, I made a plate of peppers and cucumbers with hummus as soon as I got home from work.

I bought ingredients for dinner from Don Otto’s Natural and Organic Market.  See…organic pasta and responsibly made pork sausage.  Making those positive changes in the way I shop for food.  (While dinner was cooking, I cleaned out the fridge and tossed anything that was old, unhealthy, or just not going to be eaten.)

I ate a bowl of penne with 1/2 of a pork sausage.  I topped the penne with a swirl of flavored olive oil, a tiny bit of sauce, and some Parmesan cheese.

I made a smoothie for Tuesday’s breakfast using:

• 4 ice cubes
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 1/2 cups of frozen berries
• 1 cup of spinach

I spent almost 20 minutes fighting with my smoothie maker in order to get everything to blend.  Grrr.  But when my Not-So-Green Monster was finally ready to go, it tasted fresh and healthy.  If preparing and cleaning up weren’t such a pain, I’d make smoothies more often.

Sunday Brunch at Masa was delicious.  However my order was, ehhh “mas o menos.”

My family and Jared’s made plans to share a morning meal!

My parents and Jared’s parents were introduced for the first time.  After meeting and greeting, we shared a basket of sweet corn bread.  OMG, so very tasty!

My mom ordered a Mimosa and I ordered the Latin Bellini: Champagne, mango puree, and guava puree.

The Caramelized Plantain Empanada with Mexican Cinnamon Cream Cheese.  I only had one bite, but I noticed the cream cheese flavor more than the plantains in the empanada, and it was awesome.

I ordered the Nut Crusted Texas Toast Stuffed with Caramelized Bananas and served with Dulce de Leche Syrup.  I was really disappointed when I saw that the toast was fried.  It was so crispy and crunchy, and I felt like I was eating fried dough at the fair.  I also didn’t like the Dulce de Leche syrup.  I probably should’ve asked for maple syrup.  I only ate 1 piece of the Texas Toast and wasn’t excited to bring my leftovers home.

I’d go back to brunch at Masa just for the corn bread.  And then I would order anything else besides the Texas Toast!

Oh, and of course both families got along great! 

I purchased this dress from Anthropologie to wear to Jenna’s wedding in July.

Even got the approval of the mother and father of the groom.  Thanks for the compliments Kris and Bob!

As you can see in the photo, it’s a white dress with orange, yellow, and white flowers.

I know the wedding is still 4 months away.  But it’s never too early to make some decisions about shoes and accessories.  That’s where I need help!  I was thinking of going with the 1950s vibe and wearing a big bead necklace and pumps.

Pumps…definitely wanna wear patent leather.  But should I wear: closed toe or peep toe?  Color: red, white, or nude?  I’ve been browsing the Sofft website and there are 3 different designs that come in the colors I’d prefer.  And all shoes appear to be comfortable enough to make it through the entire reception without needing to change into flip flops!

Heels #1:  In red, white, or nude?!?!

Heels #2:  In red or nude?!?!

Heels #3:  In red or off-white?!?!

I already own a red patent leather clutch so I’ll probably carry that.

*Anyone willing to offer comments or suggestions on shoes and accessories?  What would look best with that dress, Heels #1, #2, or #3?*

Since I all I’ve eaten today has been cereal and a mini-loaf of banana bread, clothes seem better to discuss. 

I was really excited to make reservations at Sportello for dinner in Saturday night.  Sportello is on Congress Street in Southie, close to the Waterfront area.

We arrived 30 minutes before our scheduled reservation, thinking we’d grab a drink at the bar.  Sportello doesn’t have a bar area so we were directed downstairs to Drink.  Drink has a line so after a brief wait, we made it inside.

Drink’s concept is that you tell the bar tender what type of alcohol and flavors you like, and then he or she will create a drink for you.  A risky situation, but a lot of fun.  I said I enjoy vodka martinis that are sweet, but not overly sugary.

The Red Blinker!  A martini-esque drink made with vodka, raspberry, and fresh grapefruit juice.  It was exactly what I was looking for!

I also ordered a date and ended up with a pretty nice one.

It was past our reservation time when we were finally called upstairs to dine at Sportello.  But everyone was really accommodating and we were allowed to bring our cocktails with us.

Appetizer:  Roasted cauliflower with olives, grapefruit, boquerones

Though I’m a constant wine drinker, I didn’t recognize anything on the menu.  Our waitress gave a great description of the wines by the glass and helped us understand the menu.  I ordered a glass of 2008 Saladini-Pilastri Rosso Piceno and was pleased with my selection.

Jared’s entree:  Oricchette with braised lamb, ricotta salata

I only had one bite and I noticed a nice cinnamon flavor.  Jared raved about this the entire time he was eating!

My entree:  Tagliatelle with sauce bolognese, fried basil

Simple, delicious, and exactly what I was looking for.  Sportello’s homemade pasta is tasty!

Dessert #1:  Salty caramel chocolate cake

Sweet and salty never tasted so good.  I loved flavor of the sea salt combined with the chocolate.  It reminded me of eating a chocolate covered pretzel, though obviously 100 times better.  By far the best item of the night!

Dessert #2:  Almond macaroon

Split into 4 tiny pieces so Jared, his parents, and I could each try a bite.  Jared said this was his favorite part of the meal.

After dinner we went back downstairs to Drink for 1 more round.  I was so happy with the Red Blinker that I ordered it again.

Dinner at Sportello was amazing.  Barbara Lynch’s Italian inspired dishes and the diner atmosphere made for an all-around good time.  I loved the casual setting and the sleek white minimalist design.

Thank to Sportello’s GM Peter Juusola for talking with us and making sure we had a wonderful Sportello experience.

Quick, rewind to Friday afternoon….

I used my leftover Chicken Picatta in a veggie-filled salad.

I snacked an a healthy bar.

I was feeling pretty sore from Body Pump so my gym time consisted of 15 sweaty minutes in the sauna.  I’m not making any excuses.  It was a much needed day off!

I always want to be comfortable at work on Fridays.

I had a few small snacks throughout the afternoon/evening because I knew I wouldn’t be eating dinner until 8:30 pm.

Jared’s parents met us at the apartment and we shared a cab to dinner.  We started  our meal at Jacob Wirth with some Fried Pickles.  Freshly fried and unhealthy, but oh so delicious.

Goat cheese pizza as appetizer number 2.

Vegetable Ravioli due.  I wish I could’ve finished the plate because these were SO good.  I especially love the ones filled with asparagus.  I hope the leftovers taste just as good.

2 nights in a row of eating heavy food and I feel it.  No guilt or worries.  I can just tell that my body is reacting to all of the processed food.  Mehhhh.

We did burn off a few calories by joining in the piano sing-along.  Jacob Wirth has a huge sound book so we were flipping back and forth to find the lyrics of each new request.  Lots of fun!  The crowded restaurant was really into it so we had a great time.  Keep Jacob Wirth in mind if you are ever in Boston and want to have some good clean fun!

Ok, Saturday morning…

We had a quick bagel breakfast before getting out in the fresh air to take the dog for a walk.

Since Miles is turning 4 at the end of the month, I gave him an early birthday present:  a green CUPCAKE collar.  I think he looks so cute.  I think he could care less.

We ate lunch at Volle Nolle in the North End.  They have delicious sandwiches.

I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, spinach, and herb mayo. 

We wandered in and out of the fun shops in the North End.

I love Polcari’s Coffee.  Such a cute shop.

We stopped in Boston Common Coffee because having reviewed their coffee, I have become a huge fan.  Plus Jared’s dad loves their beans and needed a fresh bag.

We wandered through Haymarket.

Fish stand at Haymarket.  Eww.

Starting to make small changes in the way I think about food, I bought dog treats for Miles that were made from cage free chickens.

I’m exhausted from being out and about all day.  Time to rest up before dinner at Sportello and then cocktails at Drink.  Plus figuring out a time to go on a long run tomorrow.  Glad the nice weather is supposed to continue!

Julie, my kick ass FitBloggin roommate, is an awesome blogger and always puts a smile on my face w/ her humor-filled posts.

You rock, Julie!

Jared’s parents are visiting this weekend so my schedule is filled with restaurants and sight seeing.  We had a great dinner at Jacob Wirths last night that I’m hoping to recap later this evening.

I’m going to miss Body Pump 72.  This final week definitely worked my muscles.  My poor mom sliced her thumb while changing the weights on her bar and missed half of the bicep track to go get a band aid.  Despite the minor injury, I’m really proud that my mom increased her weight for a few tracks and really fixed her form during the dead lifts and rows.  My mom and I both agreed the the instructor Julie makes the class a lot of fun.  She’s so positive and energetic!

After working out, my mom and I had time to grab lunch together.  I had a bowl of chicken soup.

Plus a grilled cheese.

I snacked on a Z Bar…every flavor is so yummy.  I don’t care if it’s a kiddie snack; I love it.

Being a Friend of Harpoon, I attended a tasting of Harpoon Brewery’s new Belgian Pale Ale.

I’m not a true beer aficionado, but I really enjoyed Harpoon’s new release.  The Belgian Pale Ale was pleasant to drink, with a slight bitter after taste.  It had a nice nose; I could smell cloves, bananas, and even bubble gum.

Along with beer tickets, Harpoon gave everyone a ticket for “pomme frites.”  Yum!

After the tasting, my group of friends headed to dinner at St. Alphonzo’s Kitchen in Southie.

We ordered calamari for the table.  RI style, fried nice and crispy.

Plus an appetizer known as “The Big Cheese.”  A block of mozzarella with house-made marina.  We also shared several bottles of Le Croix de Queynac Bordeaux.

I ordered the Chicken Piccata.  It came with a side of penne and asparagus.  I devoured the pasta and asparagus but saved 1 piece of chicken for later.

By the time I got home, I was still showing my support for Harpoon, but instead of alcohol, I just wanted some “H two Ohhh.”

It was a great Thursday night, drinking at Harpoon and having dinner with friends.  Plus after MUCH debate, a summer vacation with friends has been finalized.