Summer Busy-ness

Is it me or is summertime always the busiest time of the year?

I feel like no matter how hard I try to keep things low key, the summer seems to be booked up even before it begins. By Memorial Day Weekend, I already had most of June, half of July and a weekend in August all booked up.

Somehow, Shaun and I are gone from our apartment every single weekend from June through August. 

It's all good stuff, of course. Spending time at the shore, hanging by my parents' pool, eating ice cream, celebrating birthdays (Kimberly's, mine and my Dad's are all over the next month or so) doing a little traveling and attending barbecues. Nothin' wrong with that.

 

But.

I can't help but feel some anxiety as the craziness ensues. 

I know that home projects will be put on hold, cooking at home will be minimal and limited to grilling, and Monday mornings will arrive way too soon.

I'm definitely not complaining.

But trying to settle myself in before the storm. Get those last minute projects done around the house. Go out and finally buy a patio set (we're considering this one, in case you're interested). Pick up those last minute wardrobe pieces. I'm actually on the hunt for some cute summer dresses, if anyone has recommendations :) Oh and a new pair of sunglasses. That obviously needs to happen. 

How do you stay sane during crazy busy times?

What are you looking forward to this summer?

MDW + a Healthy Snack

Oh hi there!

I know I promised that I'd be back on a real schedule this week (e.g., posting at my normal 7:30AM), however, it just wasn't in the cards. One of these days I'll get back on track :)

Did you have a nice holiday weekend?

Shaun and I were away from Jersey City from Friday afternoon through Monday evening. It was so nice to get away for a few days and recharge the batteries. Somehow, whenever I get in some relaxation time, I always end up feeling sleepy and wanting more. Case in point: I was exhausted last night, however, I had plenty of sleep, laying on the beach and relaxation time all weekend long. 

Sometimes I guess you just need more recharging!

The first part of the weekend was spent taking care of this little lady:

 

Shaun and I were house-sitting/dog-sitting while my parents were away. We were happy to just hang out with Chloe, sit by the pool and watch movies on the big TV. I wasn't complaining!

I usually have a tendency to think that holiday weekend = lots of eating, and this weekend I tried my best to mitigate all of that eating doing damage to my waistline (and all of the good work I've been doing lately). When my friend Lindsay posted her hummus platter recipe, I knew it would be the perfect healthy snack to get me through the weekend. 

On a plate, spread out a container of hummus.

Top it with any you'd like! I used crumbled feta, diced & seeded cucumbers and drained pimentos. I think some chopped green or kalamata olives, red onion or bell peppers would also be fantastic.

On the side, I baked up some of my healthy tortilla chips!

Ok so these can be a little cardboardy, but honestly, isn't the chip just a vehicle for the dip anyway? I promise you won't miss the fried, fatty kind. I simply used a knife to cut up 2 low carb, whole wheat tortillas into pieces (I didn't go fancy like the rounds you see above, but if you prefer those, simply use a cookie cutter or top of a jar).

I then laid the pieces on an oven-safe wire rack, fitted over a foil-lined baking sheet. Next, I sprayed the 'chips' with cooking spray and doused them with kosher salt. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes and voila! Homemade, healthy chips!

I got my dip on with this hummus platter like it was my job. Don't mind if I do.

Refreshing, salty, protein-packed and guilt-free. What more can you ask for?

A glass of wine?

Yes, I had one of those as well :)

So there you have it. My new favorite dip that came together in about 3 minutes. Shaun loved it so much he kept asking when I'd make it again. All in good time...like this weekend, perhaps? I think it's the perfect dip to bring to a party (along with a little ziptop baggie of healthy chips ;))

Questions of the Day:

How was your weekend?

What did you do?

Did you eat anything deliciously noteworthy this weekend?

Five Things Friday

Hi there!

Sorry for all of my late postings this week. I just haven't been able to get my @#$% together at all.

But!

I promise to be better next week..mmmk?

Meanwhile, I'm thrilled that it is Friday! I have a half day at work today and then a nice, long 3-day weekend to follow. I am ready for some sunshine, pool time, shore time...and maybe a nice sushi dinner this evening :) So on that note, here are my five things!

Multi-blue nail polish.

I used Zoya Yummy for the light blue...

and Deborah Lippman Lady Sings the Blues for the contrast ring fingers.

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. 

I kind of loved this book. A zombie falls in love with a human and you can't help but root for R through the entire book. It made me laugh and almost cry. And it's going to be a movie in February. Oh and now I'm on the hunt once again for a new book to read...

The Nordstrom Sale.

Though I wait all year long for the Anniversary Sale in July, I still plan to get down this weekend with the Half-Yearly Sale. I hear neons and summer dresses and clutches and shoes calling my name...Now I just need that whole bottomless bank account thing to kick in...

Dairy Queen Confetti Cake Blizzard.

Ok so I have been obsessing lately over having a Blizzard. I haven't had one since the pumpkin pie version in October and for some reason, it's been on my mind. And confetti cake?! Um, yes please!!

But! I stumbled upon the nutrition facts and the SMALL is 16 WW Pts+. And I only get 26 Pts+ for the entire day. Even the 'mini' (god knows how tiny that thing is) is 10 Pts+. That's a whole lotta Physique 57 to work it off. So no thanks, DQ. I think I'll stick to that sugar-free, fat-free pudding situation I have going on. (3 Pts+ with whipped cream). 

 

Lazy summer weekends.

And I plan to have one coming up! Laying by the pool at my parents house, followed by heading down the shore for Sunday and Monday is just about what I need to end this long week! I can't wait for sunshine and sand! Here's hoping this bad Northeast weather we've been having leaves us for good by this afternoon :)

So those are my things for this week. I hope you all have a great, fun and safe holiday weekend!

What are your five things this week?

What are your plans for the long weekend?