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Farm Day!

January 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Hello!

This weekend we had the most beautiful Saturday, sunny 50s definitely what you want in January in order to forget that it is actually winter! To take full advantage of the beautiful weather my friend Alex and I took Yoda and his brothers dog, Murphy to meet some of our friends at a farm in Franklin Tn!

Since we werent going down to the farm until abouth 12:30, we had brunch at one of our favorite spots, Tavern! This was my first time getting brunch here, and so I followed Alex’s lead and got the Singapore Stir-fry! OMG this was awesome… and something I am definitely going to try and replicate at home!

 

IMG_5938IMG_5941Talk about the best way to tire your 8 month old puppy out! Our friend Eric has a dog Reagan and she and Yoda became best friends fast, chasing each other around the fields, and even attempting to intimidate cows…. considering Yoda weighs 13 lbs he was pretty successful… not

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It was a great day of being outside and watching the dogs be ridiculous… and watching the boys cut down and move logs to make more room for the cows… I obviously helped…. by Instagraming pictures and playing with the dogs… its a rough job but someone had to do it!

 

IMG_5973Yoda passed out when we got home, leaving me feeling less guilty to leave him to watch my roommate Sarah play at a writers night and to meet up with Alex, Eric and their friend Meredith for a drink! The perfect low key Saturday! On Sunday I had a client, and then ran 10 miles to keep up with my 1/2 marathon training plan! I have two long runs left in this training and then its a week of taper and then off to Orlando!!!! So excited!!!

What fun things did ou do this weekend?!

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

 

 

Filed Under: Random Thoughts, Sports and Exercise, Straight from the Oven Tagged With: , , , ,

The most ridiculous thing

January 28, 2013 3 Comments

Happy Monday!

So I have a couple of things to share today.. one is the most ridiculous website ever in the whole world, and the other is a recipe? Lets save the best for last and do recipe first?

So I have been really trying to make things that last for several meals especially because I only eat dinner and my evening snack at home- the rest of my meals are eaten and provided for by work! So the less I spend on dinner the more money in my wallet which is a win win for me!

Lately I have also been trying to make or at least slightly replicate some of the recipes I have pinned on Pinterest because I have so many that I have never actually made… and whats the point of that? This recipe is a stuffed pepper recipe that is based of a few recipes on Pinterest but really my own… combing my lifelong love of bell peppers with healthy and tasty additions such as quinoa, chicken sausage, spinach, and green onions!

I cheated and bought pre-made quinoa from Whole Foods to save myself time but you can make it at home, or sub in brown rice or any other grain you prefer- or none if you want to make it paleo friendly!

I started by cooking up two Sundried Tomato Chicken Sausages from Whole Foods

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While those were cooking I cut the tops off of two medium red bell peppersIMG_5869

 

And mixed together the quinoa, spinach, onions, and some goat cheese inn the Whole Foods container to safe myself some bowl clean-up

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When the sausage was cooked I mixed that in as well as a small dollop of pesto for some extra flavor and then stuffed everything into the two peppers! I cooked them at 450 for about 15 minutesIMG_5875 IMG_5873These were soo good that I am tempted to make them again for dinner tonight! I made two so that I would have two dinners… and they were probably my best dinners all week!

Sundried Tomato Sausage, Spinach, Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

2 medium Bell Peppers

1 cup chopped spinach

1 c cooked quinoa

1/2 c crumbled goat cheese

2 chicken sausages

1/2 c green onions

1 tsb pesto

Cook sausage on stove top, while cooking combine all other ingredients minus the peppers. Add in Sausage and pesto, then stuff into peppers. Cook at 450 for 15 mintues or until cheese is sufficiently melty and enjoy!!!

Now for the most ridiculous website ever…..Cornify.com….. a photo editor made entirely out of Unicorns and Rainbows… where this was when I was in college in a sorority that had Unicorns as its mascot no one know but now… to say it changed my life is an understatement and I apologise in advance to all the people who will now be subjected to these photos… sorry Im not actually sorry because its AWESOME

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So go forth and cornify your life so you too can reach new levels of coolness… also yes that is a “unicorn horn” Erica and I are making…. obviously we took it very seriously….

xxoo 

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

 

 

Filed Under: Random Thoughts, Straight from the Oven Tagged With: , , ,

NYC Part 2

December 15, 2012 Leave a Comment

Happy Saturday!!!!
So a week ago today I was in NYC reunited with people from three stages of my life! I got to spend my day with high school, college, and a friend from Denver/grad school!

We spent the day on a made up by me pub crawl aka we went to two bars! We started at Down the Hatch with is a ver college-y NYU bar that has great day drinking specials which is why I chose it!

SAM_0689My high school friends Lauren, Kendall and Dave joined us, as well as Lauren’s bf Bobby who I love! Dave actually lives in Nashville as well (obviously why I moved here) and it was great to hang out with him in NYC with our old friends in addition to seeing him all the time here!

After we all got to DTH and had a drink (or wings and a few beers in my case… SUCH GOOD WINGS) we headed to the Standard Biergarten! I can’t believe I never went here when I lived in NYC! It was like being in German Beer hall and I can only imagine how great it is in the summer!

SAM_0694Two of my best friends in college Erica and Emma joined us for the day as well, the visited me in Nashville a few weeks ago and it was so great to be able to see them again so soon!

SAM_0693and of course Twink and her brother! It was such a great day with good friends, good beer and good times! After the Standard my high school friends plus Emma and I went to Dos Caminos in Soho for dinner while Twink and her brother had dinner at the National and Erica went to an Ugly Sweater party! I love Dos Caminos it was always one of my favorite places and I haven’t been there since I graduated NYU!  I got the best fish tacos I have ever had… and now thinking about them I want some more…

After dinner, I headed back uptown to meet Twink and her bro to go see the Rockettes! I had never seen them before and I was not disappointed! This was such a great show and definitely added to the holiday spirit!

The next morning, Twink and I went to visit her brother’s school and then I left them to go meet Erica, Emma and my roommate/soulmate from college Nicole for bagels at Nicoles! She was unable to meet up with us on Saturday and I was so glad to get to see her.. and get Pick-A-Bagel because they are my favorite things ever.

SAM_0714It was definitely a jam packed weekend and I can’t wait till I get to go back! Needless to say I pretty much passed out as soon as I got home Sunday night and had adequate cuddles with the pup who was NOT happy that I left him… although Sarah spoils him pretty rotten!

Now I am off to see three clients and either christmas shop or take the pup to the dog park… I wonder which one will win haha

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Quotes

December 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

Instead of the post on NYC I had planned, today’s post is quote-filled. After a tragedy like what happened in Connecticut this morning I felt it would be good to reflect, and I also have found a bunch that speak to me right now so here ya go… hope everyone has a great Friday and even better weekend!

Source: gagthat.com via Becky on Pinterest

 

xxoo
Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

Filed Under: Random Thoughts

12/12/12

December 13, 2012 1 Comment

Oh howdy!

There is more NYC to come but I wanted to do a fun 12/12/12 related post instead… also TWO in ONE DAY… I know.. it could be getting back to normal posting around hurr

So because it is 12/12/12 and there are 12 days till Christmas Eve now, I have decided to do a 12 things about Christmas survey!

1 . Whats your favorite Christmas memory? 

Definitely all of our Christmas eve parties in high school and college! We had one every year at my house and it was always a great time!

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2. Favorite Holiday Treat?

This is a tough one! It is a tie between pumpkin roll and peppermint bark! I could literally eat both of these all day.. especially now that I have mastered making peppermint bark!

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3. Fake or real Tree?

All my life until we lived in England I had a real tree! My dad and I used to go pick out a tree together every year at Home Depot, and then get their hot dogs after… man those were good! Once we moved we started traveling before or after Christmas so we would get a fake tree! Now I have my own fake tree in my apartment with lots of evergreen candles and a real pine wreath as a centerpiece on my coffee table to make it smell like a real tree!

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4. What are your plans for Christmas?

I am going to Chicago for my first Christmas there since I was 9… pretty excited for this… minus the fact that it I am now spoiled by Nashville and am horrified at super cold weather… its fine… And Yoda will be coming with us!!!

5. Favorite Christmas Traditions?

It used to be our Christmas Eve Party, but since that is over now as we no longer spend Christmas in England, it is definitely helping my mom pick out our family Christmas pajamas that we all open on Christmas Eve! I was completely in charge this year… just wait for them hahahaha they are AWESOME

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6. Favorite Christmas Song?

I have two… the Christmas Song is one.. love it because it is so traditional and All I Want For Christmas is You,, both the original and the version with JBiebs… because I do love him even if thats embarrassing to admit… don’t hate

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7. Favorite Christmas Album?

Mariah Carey’s Christmas album.. it was one of my very first CDs and I love it!

8. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Elf… hands down.. but in second is Miracle on 34th Street

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9. Do you prefer giving or getting presents?

Giving! I love hunting down the perfect present for people and watching them open it! This goes for birthdays as well!

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10. What are you looking forward to most this Christmas?

Family time!!! I always look forward to seeing my family, and especially this year as I haven’t seen them since August! I am also looking forward to them meeting disaster pup… and him potentially seeing snow for the first time/me throwing him in the snow and seeing how he reacts… I am a REALLY good dog mom.. I swear

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11. Staying at home for Christmas or Traveling?

We used to stay wherever we lived in the States because family was close or would come visit, and then in England we spent two two Christmases in the French Alps which were great, and then started staying in town for Christmas and traveling the three days before or after Christmas! Last year we went to Beaver Creek to Ski on Christmas and this year I am trekking up to Chi-town! I can honestly say that as stressful as traveling around the holidays is as long as I am where the family is I am happy!

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12. Favorite part of the Christmas season?

Holiday Parties… Obviously my Ugly Sweater Party was a success.. best way to start the holiday party season! Back home my friend Mark’s parents always threw a Christmas Sing A Long party which usually occurred at the beginning of our HS and college breaks so everyone would be just coming home for it!  I love being able to celebrate the season as many times as possible with my favorite people!

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I also love the decorations and Christmas music everywhere, like in NYC this weekend… loved that!

Hope you enjoyed this especially the memes (may-mays)! What are your answers to the survey?

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

 

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

December 11, 2012 1 Comment

HELLOOOO

Happy Holidays everyone! I have jumped right into the Christmas spirit lately, with actually decorating my apartment this year, going even more all out on my tree (despite SOMEONE who thinks certain ornaments are edible…..) and hosting my very first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

For those who have been reading this blog for awhile you may remember that when I lived in Denver my roommate and I had an annual Friendsgiving.. well that didn’t happen this year in Nashville but I still really wanted to throw a holiday party! Of course what would I love more than a chance to dress up in a ridiculous holiday outfit AND dress my puppy up in  a ridiculous holiday outfit without getting completely judged? Yea… there is no other opportunity!

So my roommate Sarah and I hosted our first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Thursday! It was super good timing… as I had a 6:30 am flight to NYC the next morning…. that I actually did make! Because I was so excited to be hosting our first real party in Nashville I went a little overboard on holiday treats.. and I hadn’t baked in awhile so it was much needed! I made homemade peppermint bark for the first time which was so easy to make and I will definitely be adding it into my holiday rotation from now on!

Pretzel Crisp Peppermint Bark

1 bag Nestle Semi Sweet and Mint chip bag

1 bag White Chocolate Peppermint covered Pretzel Crisps

1 bag Dark Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps

line a small baking pan with parchment paper and layer the cops in a single layer on the sheet so the chips are touching. Bake at 350 for 2-3 minutes until chips are shiny. Take out of the oven and immediately swirl the chips together.photo

Once you have swirled the ships, let sit for one minute and then add the crushed pretzel pieces.image

Lift pan up 3 in and then drop it so everything settles in. The refrigerate for an hour before breaking it into pieces!

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This was so easy and sooo good! Definitely the perfect addition to a holiday party or gift bag!

There was also Holiday MnM cookies, Puppy chow and Reeses Thumbprint cookies!

And of course… UGLY SWEATERS… and alcohol… just a little of that…

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how ridiculous is this tshirt? My friend and I saw it in Target and I died laughing because of my pup obviously and so as a joke her bought it for me for the Ugly Sweater party/life haha. Obviously I put it on for a picture because I am really cool.

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It was a great night with friends and the best start to weekend in NYC with all of my favorites that I could ask for!!! It certainly put me in the holiday spirit!

Have y’all started celebrating the holidays?!

xxoo,

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

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Hiatus

September 12, 2012 Leave a Comment

Oh hey!

So I know.. lately I have not blogged at all.. and I know what I am about to say will not evoke empathy but just go with me here!

Once I got home from London my life was pretty much on hyper speed. I was working part time so I adopted a puppy.. the cutest love of my life

Right? Dying.. anyways the week I adopted Yoda I became full time at my job, where as of now I can’t access the internet, and now I am starting a new job which is awesome and going to really help me for my career but still two jobs.. a puppy, still adjusting to Nashville… etc… but even that is not the overwhelming part!

The weekend after I adopted Yoda I went to NYC for my 25th birthday, Labor Day weekend Twink and Collen came for five days, and last weekend I had job training, and a huge drama occurred… basically I am running on fumes most of the time between 10/12 hour days, puppy training, guests/travelling, and life in general! So I haven’t been blogging because at the end of the day…I just don’t have it in me anymore. I know this is normal life.. but this is my first time out of school and working full time and so I am having a harder time than I thought! But I will make more of an effort!

But I am going to try harder because I really do need this blog..and  I love all of you readers!

Also I just started Fitmixer Bootcamp so I want to share my progress with you! Also omg dying because this bootcamp is potentially the hardest thing ever!

I all leave with another picture of the munchkin!

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

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Opening Ceremonies!

July 29, 2012 Leave a Comment

Hulloa!! Greetings from te American Terminal and Nashville international airport where I’m currently awaiting my flight to Chicago- from there I will be en route to LONDON!!!!!!!!!!!!
I meant to blog yesterday however we had friends in town this weekend and it was a hectic Saturday indeed! And by hectic I mean we spent the day at the pool relaxing with a few cold ones, Chuys take out and good music! Post pool day we went to a wedding- and then out with friends!
However that is not what this post is about- this post is about Friday night!
On Friday, Whitt, my roommate Amanda, her bf Ben and me hung out at our place to watch the ceremonies! I have a personal tradition of eating the food of the nation hosting the Olympics the night of the opening ceremonies! This was started by my mom years ago, and being the traditionalist that I am I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who still follows it!
Anyways to honor the host city and my adopted home city- I made Fish and Chips!
I had never fried fish before but it was pretty easy and super delicious!
I marinated tilapia and flounder in a mix of 1 egg and 1/4 a cup of beer. Then I covered the fish in whole wheat flour and panko. I fried the fish for several minutes in peanut oil until it was crispy! The outcome was crispy deliciousness on the outside and creamy fishy goodness on the inside! We paired our fish with frozen steak fries and an assortment of dipping sauces!

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I also made an Olympic rings cake that I saw on pinterest! I used funfetti cake and vanilla frosting! Sadly my oven was not working correctly and being me I decided to microwave the cake- this is not ever a good idea…. Microwaves and cakes do not mix! But luckily I’m surrounded by the best people who attempted to eat it and assured me it wasn’t that bad… It was…but it looked good!

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We also enjoyed British beverages such as Pimms and Newcastle! I stuck to Pimms which is my favorite summer drink!
I enjoyed the ceremonies… I especially loved the music of the ages section! And of course seeing Becks (david beckham) carry the torch- I love him!

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I also saw one of my old teachers who was a volunteer in the games!
All in all it was a great start to the games and I’m already loving the competition thus far!!!
do you have any olympic traditions?
See ya tomorrow from London!
Xxoo
Peace, love and be Sperry!

Filed Under: Random Thoughts, Sports and Exercise, Straight from the Oven Tagged With: ,

The Countdown begins and lots of tangents

July 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

The Opening Ceremonies start in a little over 24 hours, and in just under 96 hours- I will be in LONDON fulfilling my life long dream of going to the Olympics. I will actually be a better blogger than I have in weeks/months and share all the action with you!

This week was my first official week of work- I am nannying full-time but there may be another exciting job development coming up that I will share with you guys as soon as it is solidified! Today while I was nannying we watched the Today show and I got SOSO excited as soon as  saw the cast by the the Tower Bridge with its hanging Olympic rings!!!!!! It was marred slightly by my distaste towards Savannah Guthrie as I am definitely NOT a fan of her but oh well..

Anywhodles I have been eating deliciously this week due to both and  old favorite and two new favorites!

Old Favorite? Zucchini noodles! Why I haven’t been living off of these all summer is a mystery to me… seriously I forgot how much I love these/how easy they are to make! I whipped some up Tuesday night and had them with a little bit of arrabiata sauce and beef kabobs, and yesterday as a late lunch with pesto, shrimp and tomatoes! I also made some today for my bosses- I hope they enjoy them!

My two new favorites are Ezekiel bread- OMG how am I just trying this now? Gluten free, chock full of goodness and protein, and only 80 calories a slice that is so delicious on toast with some avocado, turkey and an egg (aka my lunch today) This bread certainly makes eating clean and feeling full fun and easy!

Favorite number two is Iced coffee made with Vanilla Biscotti folders K cups in my new Keurig one cup! Perfect for my early mornings!

I also have a favorite new toy…. My new Bike:Penny!!!!!!!!

Last Saturday Whitt and I went bike shopping as we decided the time was ripe for us to get bikes! Penny is a Schwinn trail way bike and she is pretty and fun to ride! Of course I had to get a matching helmet because well I match everything… its normal… so if you live in Nashville and want to come play with me and go on a fun ride…. lets do it

Ok now that this post is completely incoherent and rambling…. and I have recovered from my day enough to go to the gym I am going to leave you!

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

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How to Spruce up a Shelf

July 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

Hello!

Did you all have a good 4th?? I know I did!! I will post updates on that later!! But Today I wanna share how I turned a shelf from average to super cute and perfect for our space!

In my living room, we had a plain brown shelf behind our couch, its a perfect shelf and great for the room however it didn’t really add anything to the room, so my roommate Amanda and I decided to paint it!

When I went to Lowes to make my headboard, I also got paint to go on the shelf.. it was a darker shade of green than the headboard, which would pull the green out that is in the couch!

After painting the headboard, Amanda and I got started! We sanded the shelf quickly in order to help the paint stay on better, and then we each took sides and a brush and started painting! We did three coats, and once it was dry I went back over it with sand paper in order to rough up the paint and make it look a little more antique!

There it is our new shelf! It looks pretty awesome if I do say so myself!

xxoo

Peace, Love, and be Sperry!

Filed Under: Random Thoughts Tagged With: , ,
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