TECHmunch, Wedded Bliss, and an Easy Frittata Recipe

September 29, 2014 By Laura

There’s a nasty rumor that weekends are for resting.

Rest… such a mysterious word…

My version of resting is seeing how many non-work activities I can cram into a couple of days. It turns out that number is pretty high!

The weekend started out strong with the Atlanta TECHmunch Conference. These are held across the US, but this was the first one in ATL. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I heard it was to be held at one of my favorite local breweries I had no choice but to sign up!

Monday Night Brewing hosted ~100 bloggers, and was to kind as to get us tipsy after the day’s learning ended. Before the boozing, we had pumpkin donut holes, snacks from Beyond Meat, and lunch catered by my favorite MetroFresh.

The holes were ok… I’m more of a Krispy Kreme gal. The Beyond Meat was really impressive – those beef crumbles are scarily similar to the real deal. And MetroFresh was amazing as always. Somehow I still managed that red velvet Sprinkles cupcake.

…

Sustaining My Energy + Giveaway

July 1, 2013 By Laura

Forced rest is tiring.

This may be the understatement of the year.

Energy begets energy… sitting around does just the opposite. Come 4 o’clock, my eyes have been glazing over and I am ready to be done working. Since that’s not an option, I’ve been enjoying a new pick-me-up.

Designer Whey – the makers of my favorite whey protein powder – came out with a new Sustained Energy Protein Powder. Thanks to Designer Whey and FitFluential, I received this package to try:

How is the different from the regular whey?

Each scoop has 16g of protein, 5g of fiber, 1g of sugar and 100 calories
The Endurance Blend™ is formulated to provide stimulant-free, sustained energy
Added fiber helps control hunger
High in vitamins A, C and E to aid in workout recovery, and in calcium and vitamin D for yer bones
19 essential vitamins and minerals, including the B vitamins that energize your metabolism
Flavors are Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Velvet

I 100% love the taste of both the chocolate and vanilla. I didn’t notice a sky-rocket effect on energy, but I did wake up after eating my smoothie bowl. At 4p, this was a great snack to curb hunger and tide me until dinnertime.

Unable to simply mix powder with liquid and drink it, I created a Cardamom Cheesecake Protein Bowl for my afternoon snack. With spinach… because isn’t everything better green?! The cardamom and ginger made for a fun, refreshing flavor on a hot Atlanta afternoon! (Recipe at the bottom)

Of even more interest to you…

Designer Whey is offering a giveaway!

SIX (6!!!) of you will have the chance to win your own Sustained Energy protein powder in either the Chocolate Velvet or Vanilla Bean.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Giveaway OVER***

______________________________________________________________________________________

New tasty protein powders and giveaways are obviously marvelous… so is the fact that Marvelous diva Katie, welcomed a new baby this weekend! Congratulations, Katie!!!

A few other Marvelous things:

I went to the Monday Night Brewery on Friday night. They were the location Gather‘s launch party. It was awesome. Lots of good food, good beer… and beer rests in the bathroom.

Saturday I took shots. Juice shots, that is. This is called the “Grand Slam” at Arden’s Garden. It’s shots of wheatgrass, ginger, lemon, and cranberry. That ginger is intense. They also gave me a little smoothie sample to chase it with.

Lastly, this girl’s recap of her visit to Atlanta and absolutely made my day. I miss her already. #bloggercrush

______________________________________________________________________________________

Cardamom Cheesecake Protein Bowl

1 scoop Designer Whey Sustained Energy (or other protein powder)
1 C fresh spinach (optional)
1/2 C no-salt cottage cheese
1/2 in piece fresh ginger (or /14 tsp grated)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp fresh cardamom
Ice, to taste

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Add additional ice to achieve thicker, ice cream-like consistency.

Enjoy!

***

This morning I have my follow-up with the surgeon. He better clear me to workout!!!

What marvelous things did you do this weekend?

What do you do when you need a mid-afternoon pick me up?

Manic Monday

March 26, 2012 By Laura

I wish it was Sunday…

‘Cause that’s my fun day.

There was not an inch of free space on any Atlanta patio yesterday. The weather was perfect – 70 degrees and clear blue skies.

My softball team, Laid Back, had our first games of the season. We lost both by 1 run… but we had a great time! I got to do my signature split off of 1st base. I think I pulled my hip.

Super-old pic!

Here are a few more things that made this weekend fabulous:

1. My Sister, the Rockstar

Have a listen to Goose & Fox’s (my sister’s band) new song, “Fearless.”

2. iHerb Delivery

This was my first time ordering from iHerb.com and I was really pleased! I ordered Sun Warrior vegan protein powder (my favorite) and more peanut flour. They even threw in a sample bag of tea! Orders over $40 receive FREE 1-3 day shipping. I had my goods the NEXT DAY. Perfect for someone who expects instant gratification.

Additionally, I got $10 off my order because it was my first time. If you are interested, here’s the code: USO924.

3. Monday Night Brewing

Just when I thought I knew ever beer in Atlanta, I found this local craft brew from Monday Night Brewing at a local pub called Augustine’s.

The glass reads: “Weekends are Overrated.”

I should have stolen this glass.

It is called “Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale.” A little smoky with notes of chocolate, I instantly loved this cleverly-named Scottish-style brew. Tasty beer and the company was even better. 😉

4. Tattoo Consultation

I have been planning this tattoo forever. After procrastinating on the design, I finally asked my best friend’s husband, Greg, to sketch it out for me. He did a great job on the sketches, and I had a clear vision to bring to the talented Danielle at Only You Tattoo. It’s really special to me that Greg drew it; he and my bestie mean the world to me.

Danielle is a talented woman – April 28th was her first available appointment. I’m 1 month away from new ink!

5. Whole Foods Hot Mess Bar

A little Sunday evening dinner treat. The bar was LOADED with vegan options tonight – BBQ seitan, tofu cacciatore, vegan mac & cheese, vegan spaghetti with “meat” sauce… and raw kale salads galore!

I also ran into one of my favorite singers in the produce sections… I didn’t say hi…. but it was cool!

________________________________________________________________________________________

Last week I mentioned that I may have found the root of the problem with my knee. I was told to take it easy this week… I kind of did. Against advice, I did run in the softball game. It was just short sprints between bases… but I didn’t feel pain! *crossing fingers*

Running makes me feel more sane. It’s my release. Saturday morning 5Ks give me something fun and athletic to look forward to every weekend. If Dr. Justin fixed it… I’ll set up a shrine to him in my room. LOL!

Workout Recap (3/18 – 3/25):

Monday – Elliptical, this Fit-in-Heels workout, 100 PUs
Tuesday – P90X Biceps/Back, 1-mile run, 100 push-ups
Wednesday – This workout by Lori, 100 push-ups
Thursday – This Body Rock (4x), elliptical, Ab Ripper X
Friday – This BodyRock (those abs were killer!), 100 push-ups
Saturday – This workout by Khushboo (4x)
Sunday – Softball, stationary bike, 100 push-ups

***

I’m speaking to a bunch of MBAs at my alma mater today about post-careers… nervous!!

Have you tried peanut flour yet? What are you waiting for?!

What do you do to keep your mind healthy?