White Christmas... in Dallas of all places!

Merry Christmas and Happy Chinese Food and a Movie Day! It's a white Christmas here which brings my snow storm count to two storms in a week. Brrrr. The good news is that the sun is shining and the snow is beginning to melt!


It's been a great vacation so far! I've seen family, friends, and had plenty of time to relax (and exercise too!). Yesterday was the start of the snow, so after the gym, we spent the afternoon at home. In keeping with tradition, my mom and I set to work in the kitchen, baking and relaxing. My 2 creations of the day were dark chocolate drizzled gluten-free pretzels and chocolate dipped strawberries.

We went for Chinese food (I had steamed chicken and veggies with brown rice) and came home on icy roads to watch Julie and Julia with a fire going in the fire place.

Today will be nice and relaxing. So far, another movie in pjs and maybe out for one this afternoon. Tonight, we are heading to a neighbor's holiday party. Tomorrow morning we will head to Houston for our family's Chanukah celebration, and then it's almost time to head back to the tundr, I mean DC!

The amazing gluten free aisle at Central Market:And amazing salad from their prepared foods bar:
Happy birthday Stenz!!Some yummy eats!
A few bowls of hot cereal w/ 1 tbsp sweet potato, 1/2 tbsp PB, and 1 tsp fig jam have been consumed this week:
Erev Christmas:

Trying to stay "good"

Things are good and well on Day 3 of vacation. I will devote some time later to a more complete update but here's a few highlights from yesterday:

• shopping at the University Coop. I purchased some great UT spirit wear, including this, this, this, and these!! I got a bit carried away but I guess I'm entitled since my alma mater is going to the National Championship this year :-)
• a Central Market salad
• seeing 2 great friends from college for a night of fun, food, and a bit of shopping!! Love you guys!

In other news, my motivation to workout has completely gone down the drain since Monday night. I'm trying to make smart food choices and avoid the traps all over my house (aka lots of chocolate, snacks, and the Chex mix from Thanksgiving - another batch, not the leftovers) but I can't help but have a few nibbles. BUT, the sun is coming out and I'm about to head to the gym and lunch with my dad, so hopefully that will remind me that I like being active. I definitely want to keep on the bandwagon despite being on vacation!

What's your best motivation to go be active? Favorite food to have when you visit home?

Sun and Fun

After a snow-filled weekend, I was absolutely delighted to be able to leave my house without a coat yesterday! I spent a majority of the day with my grandparents which was quite fun - I always enjoy getting to spend time with them.
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I unpacked a bit before getting picked up by my grandmother and we headed off for our day. I joined her at the nail salon (my grandfather too!) for a manicure and pedicure. It's amazing how good I feel after a little bit of pampering :-) From there we headed to lunch, which was a huge salad (I had missed out of veggies Sunday during my day of traveling). I was one happy camper! It was a ton of fun and I was glad I got to catch up with them.

The rest of the day consisted of a couple of errands with Mom, a Kickbox Cardio class at the gym that kicked my booty, and a night of relaxing at home. I am determined to stay on track as much as I can while I'm home, which means smart choices during the day, exercise when possible (Dallas is not a walk-to-do-your-errands city like DC), and of course, enjoy my favorite foods I can't get in DC!

Today I have a list full of errands that I only get to do at home / are easier with a car. I'm excited for my day of running around town. Food pictures have been lacking, but there haven't been any super exciting meals yet. I did discover my grandmother's homemade fig jam (using figs from our fig trees in the yard) which was a delicious addition to my morning hot cereal!

Happy Tuesday!

Made it home

Today was one of those travel nightmare days, thanks to all of the snow. However, rather than complaining any more, I will just say that I'm glad that I was able to finally get out of DC and arrive safely at home where it's warmer, there's no snow, and temperatures will be in the 60s tomorrow!

On tap is a day with the grandparents including the gym (I'm in dire need of a workout or 2 after being cooped up during the blizzard and airport adventure), lunch, a trip to the nail salon, and some holiday errands with Mom.

Other highlights for the week will include:

• Texas barbeque
• Mexican food
• a quick trip to Houston
• X-mas Eve Chinese food and a movie

and much, much more!

More to come soon. To those of you still in DC, enjoy your snow day tomorrow!!