And the Return of: Hey, It's Ok!

It's Friday. The week has finally come to another end. This week may have been short due to a day off on Monday for Memorial Day, but somehow the universe thought that spinning the world on its axis a little slower than usual would be humorous...

Dear Universe... You are not funny. In fact, this qualifies as just plain cruel...

But slowly finding our way into the weekend, I thought it only fitting to go back to roots and bring forth one of my favorite Friday traditions...(which hasn't been seen here since May 2012) Yes, friends! I wish to revive the beautiful thing that is...

HEY! IT'S OK...

1. You are STILL envious of Jessica Beil and the man she scored...

I am in no way saying she doesn't deserve this beautiful specimen of pure handsomeness... I mean, look at that woman! Beautiful, of course...

But maybe I'm saying I deserve it more. I CAN make a mean cup of coffee, Justin. Remember that anytime you need a cup of jo your perfect woman coffee!

2. If you INTENTIONALLY let your bananas get so moldy, you have NO CHOICE but to make banana bread... sweet, sweet, dense, delicious, carbo-loaded banana bread...

3. If Beyonce has been your best friend for three days strait...

I mean, with her Diva status, I wouldn't ask her to leave my headphones either... especially when she's been supplying the goods without disappointment.

4. You're almost excited about a bad day at work because it gives you an excuse to buy a few slew of new bathing suits to lift your spirits...

5. Your previous weekend gives you NO excuse to not use any sunscreen below 70SPF

Happy Weekending, loves!

Free Fallin'

This past weekend, I had a few visitors stay a while. We spent Friday night sipping Harris Teeter's finest and crunching on potato chips. Truth be told, we ladies like to indulge in the world's delicacies...

The next morning after a good breakfast at the Flying Biscuit, Emily and I made our way to Carowinds for a day of roller coasters...

cotton candy...

 

Pink Tongues...

 

and a little thing call skyflyer. 

 

Ever wonder what it's like to be lifted up 150 feet above the ground by pulleys and bungee cords? When I was younger I would pass these contraptions at amusement park after amusement park, ride to ride, without a second thought. But today, the arch caught my eye as a group of people fell from the sky and rushed forward in vests and vines. Being the adrenaline seekers we were, we signed up without hesitation...

The day was a complete success...

 

Another weekend, another adventure. Now on with the work week, where the pace of everyday is much like the fall: full of excitement!

Happy Tuesday!

Gluten Free Pancakes and a Mess I Guess...

Easter is tomorrow, but that doens't mean that gluten-free is on its way out. For the past 40 days, being Gluten Free has definitely transformed my eating habits. For those with Celiacs and other major irritations that prove a person cannot have Gluten in their everyday lives, I have greater understanding and respect for the sacrifices.

Thank goodness there are books like those shown below to educate us about the importance of gluten-free eating... And they encourage those who love to cook to be adventurous with what they are cooking with!

Buy the book HERE

That being said... I will be continuing my gluten-free lifestyle past Easter after the lent season, as I find it truly gives me more energy, less stomach issues, and a better sense of what I am putting in my body. More veggies, fruits, and lean proteins, please! This morning, I made gluten free pancakes with rice and almond flours- add some frozen pineapples and strawberries for a sweet healthy topping.

On the other hand, life is life and I can't shake the thought that everything is a mess. Now, sometimes messes are a blessings in disguise, and it is that in which I am banking on. Thank goodness for friends and moments like these...

Happy Easter weekend, everyone! Go to church, eat some treats, love many <3 br="">

What a Weekend!

This weekend was such an incredible break from the busy life! Believe me, I would have liked to update OTW all of last week, but with 5 full days of work, marathon training in progress, cooking meals, and making the most of what available social life I have, I haven't made it to the blogosphere. My apologies...

But thank goodness this weekend let me explore a little outside of Charlotte with lovely people doing just what I love to do the most- Explore and Have Adventures!

The weekend started off with a 10k race up at The White Water Center. My first trail run (let alone first race since last year's turkey trot) I still wanted to get a sub 8min-mile pace going and get around 45 minutes. Although I didn't make my goal time, I still got first in my age division, third overall female, and I got to run next to some incredibly beautiful, God-driven people. Win-Win-Win in my book!

Next... I was off to Raleigh for some fun in the sun with friends...

No one told me about the death of our inflatable friend...

 Oh well... RIP- We still had a good day without him.

After swimming in the quarry until even prunes would be jealous of my fingers' state- it was time for tacos and rest before a little baseball! 

We headed downtown Durham for a Durham Bulls Game!

 

((And when you let these girls 'wander out for a beer', of course, we come back beer-less and faces painted!))

Topping off the night with a Dirty Shirley, inspired by my cousin and I's long love for Shirley Temples. Enjoying wonderful company in an exciting time in each of our lives was such an incomparable feeling! Best wishes to my cousin Kelsie as she starts HER big adventure next week heading to London for a few months!

Hope you all had a lovely, restful weekend! Here's to the next 5 days, minor speed bumps leading to where our next weekend adventure awaits!

Vegan Coconut Banana Bread

Being that I buy so many bananas at one time, sometimes I can't eat them fast enough before they go bad. Banana bread may be one of my favorite baking ventures, as it's one of the easiest recipes to execute!

(Picture Cred)

I found an incredible banana bread (3 ways!) recipe this past weekend and let me tell you- It made my mouth water onto my keypad. But trying to stay close-to-vegan, I altered my list of ingredients just a tad. I also left out the chocolate chips and added in shredded coconut. Nothing says summer like bananas and coconut!

Ingredients

DRY INGREDIENTS

(2 .1/4.) Cup flour (whole wheat unbleached)

(1) tsp Baking Soda

(1) tsp Baking Powder

(1/2) tsp salt

_________________________

OTHER INGREDIENTS

(3) *over ripe* Nanners ;)

(1) tsp Cinnamon

(2 .1/2.) tbs *Buttermilk (mix 1 Cup Soy milk w/ 2 Tbs Lemon juice. Sit for 5 minutes until thick)

(1/2) Cup Apple Sauce (2 eggs substitute)

(1/2) Cup Earth Balance Spread + 2 Tbs Canola Oil (or 9 Tbs Canola Oil)

(1) Cup Sugar

(1) tsp Vanilla

(2/3) Cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven to 325 degrees

2. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set aside

3. In separate bowl, mash bananas (Nanners) and *Buttermilk

4. Fold in oil, sugar, and applesauce.

5. Fold in shredded coconut

6. Bake for 1hr+10min.
7. Cool- 

(Top with shredded coconut & powdered sugar if desired!)

Of course, you can use eggs and milk in this recipe- but for the sake of our animal friends, our healthy insides, and that ever sought-after bikini bod, I made it Vegan-Friendly. Have at it friends! Enjoy a warm slice of sweet, sweet summertime

Not a Vegetarian? Take into consideration

Still eating cheese and dairy? Take into consideration...

Weekend Jam Sesh

Here's my personal playlist for this upcoming weekend. Whether you're going to a wedding, swimming in the sunshine, dancing in the rain, or couching it up inside... Put some headphones on and take a listen...

A Kiss to Build a Dream On- Louis Armstrong

Valerie- Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse

Me and Mrs. Jones- Michael Buble

At the Window- Double 0 Zero

Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again- Barbara Streisand/Judy Garland

Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield

Cry- Kelly Clarkson

Bad- Michael Jackson

Dream a Little Dream- Nat King Cole

Don't Panic- Coldplay

Diamonds- Ben Howard

Weekend Recap

What a beautifully soggy weekend it was! Rainy and temps below 50 since Saturday, this little chica has been enjoying comfy tall socks, oversized sweatshirts, leggings, and cups gallons of coffee...upon coffee...UPON COFFEE!!!.... and tea. With plans including arts-and-crafts-night and babysitting, this weekend was a perfect chance to stay busy with enjoyable activites.

I painted this with my old water colors

 (Ahem... paints from the 9th grade that are STILL usable! Miracle, people!)

Babysat this little caps-loving-munchkin.

 Celebrated my big brother's 26th birthday with chocolate marble cake balls!
 (He's that old ALREADY? Geez!)

Oh, and I Pinned on Pinterest far too much for anyone's liking (except my own)Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and a great week planned out ahead of them!

What I'm Obsessing Over This Weekend

Maroon 5's new song, Payphone...

Shel Silverstein's newest book, 

Everything On It (But what else is new?)

Open Mic night at a local cafe.

California 37

 

Fun Nails

 

Happy Weekend Ahead. Go get excited about something!



Wise Words, Margaret Thatcher

May this quote guide you through your weekend with positive thoughts and motivation. Happy Weekend, all!

Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become... habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.- Margaret Thatcher

Whatta' Wonderful Weekend It Was

This weekend was simply wonderful.

I got the privilege to dogsit a lovely friend's Golden Retriever. Aurora, you were a great companion this entire weekend. Sleepy evenings and runs out in the warming spring temps. Simply enjoyable.

((Almost)) read all of my book, which is turning out to be an easy yet magical read.

Cinnamon Buns and Coffee for a sweet Sunday breakfast (Cue Sunday Morning- Maroon 5)

And to finish it all off, my FIRST Capitals NHL Hockey Game with the big brother!

((Almost made me forget about that stinky one hour of sleep that vanished out the window))

Hope everyone out there had a wonderful weekend. Now, let's hope for an even more exciting week ahead, shall we?

Fry day on Sunday!

This weekend, I was cleaning out the basement when I noticed my dad's perfectly good deep fryer collecting dust. Unacceptable (to this foodie)! I revived that sucker up from the dead and prepped it for some good ol' fashion frying. After a trip to the grocery store, a friend and I picked out some quick dinner options, followed by oreos and pickles for dipping.

Poured in some (1 gallon) of pure canola oil...

And off to the races!

Frankie loved him some waffle fries...

After digesting for a few minutes and checking out the Oscars Red Carpet, we slipped into dessert mode...

 The leftover Oreo batter made a great funnel cake...

A carnival in the kitchen, if you will!

But this morning, I was off to the grocery store once again... for carrots, spinach, and apples- sans deep fryer.

(Recipe for Oreo batter can be found HERE)