Happy Sunday morning readers!
It’s been another very hectic weekend for me. After Valentine’s Day I’ve been moving from one thing to the next to the next. I’m so grateful to have a couple hours of pure downtime before I head into work today at 1. I’m going to take this time to whip out my brand spankin new planner and get organized!
Now, something you should know about me – I love school supplies. My first friend at AU, Allison, bonded over the idea of highlighters and the Staples store with me almost immediately – obviously we were meant to be friends. I was on the hunt for “THE” planner, for those of you who get jazzed about this kinda thing you know what I mean, and luckily a fellow AEPhi pointed us in the right direction. Mine arrived last night!
AND IT IS PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL! Okay, again, if you love office supplies, you understand. I just love the attention to detail, even the box it ships in has an inspirational quotation on it! When I opened it up, it even held goodies for me! A sample pack of labels with my name on it! Meant for gifts, envelopes, etc. I also got a coupon that NEVER EXPIRES, how often does that happen?!? for my next order from them. Seriously, she’s the bomb.com. Thanks Erin Condren!
Once I opened it up, I knew I definitely definitely made the right choice. She places the month calendar before it’s broken into weeks, an essential in all of my planners, has inspirational quotations up the whazoo, a folder in the back with a place keeper that snaps onto the spiral, I really could go on and on so I’ll spare you all the details and just show you 🙂 
So it definitely is safe to say that I am one happy girl 🙂
Some may ask – so what does this planner have anything to do with “healthy eating?” My answer, everything. Lately I have been having so many things to think about from work. Events to plan, tasks to complete, exercise classes to work into my schedule and I have been having a really hard time keeping up and making sure things are getting done on time – because my notes are all over the place. It’s hard for me to remember due dates when they’re scribbled onto pieces of paper scattered throughout a notebook and google cal, it’s really not for me. I’m “old fashioned” that way.
With all these dates and tasks floating around in my head, it’s hard for me to plan ahead and see which days are my busiest. Thus, healthy meal planning has been becoming very difficult for me to stay on top of. I know I could be doing a way better job, and I’m currently fresh out of groceries – except for breakfast foods, so I’ve been winging in the past couple of days because I can’t physically see when the best time for me to go grocery shopping and plan would be. Alas, that won’t be a problem anymore thanks to my planner! I’m so excited to get everything in order and have it all in one place. It calms me so much and makes me look forward to the things I have to do more, versus dread remembering them and stressing about getting it done. You should enjoy things you do, get excited about it. I’m very happy to report this planner will help me do just that! 🙂
Quick recap of the last couple days:
Valentine’s Day. You guys saw how sweet Kevin was that morning and that evening he took me out for sushi! Yum! We went to Yazamato in Alexandria and it did not disappoint. Yellowtail nigiri, Alaskan roll, Godzilla roll (blew my mind) and a Super Dragon roll.
We also ordered Green Tea which they filtered through rice and spices! The miso soup was devine 🙂 Definitely my new favorite restaurant for sushi!
Kevin’s Senior Night
This weekend has also been super special because it was Kevin’s last college dual meet of his career. He went out in true style by pinning his opponent in a career-fastest time! So proud of everything you have accomplished Kevin. Let’s kill it at EIWA’s again this year! NCAA’s, here you come.
Yup! That’s Kevin’s dad. He flew here all the way from Washington state to be here for this weekend. We picked him up from the airport Friday after my shift and have been having a total blast since he got here. Bowling last night to celebrate was definitely a highlight of my weekend. I really like his dad so I definitely always enjoy getting to spend time with him.
Well readers, I’m off to organize and get ready for my busy Saturday. After I jot a few things down I’m hoping to get outside for a quick 3 mile run because I start my half-marathon training this week! Be on the look out for that!
Until next time,
Natasha
I made a 
I bought this sweater dress for $5.16 from Ann Taylor Loft. It was the only one in the entire store and I eyed this girl trying it on so I asked her where she found it. She ended up not wanting it (WHY?!?! I will never know) so she told me she left it in the dressing room. I’m so excited to wear it for NYE! 🙂
Then I was home for the day due to all the snow and had to cancel some of the plans I had made and my family friend ended up getting the flu so I won’t be able to see them this break 😦 Although I was bummed, it was great to have some time to myself and my parents. I ended up napping for awhile too. Then I decided I should show you guys some of my Christmas presents!
In the bowl was spinach, zucchini, tomato, avocado, shrimp, cranberries, orange bell pepper, mushrooms, and beets in a balsamic vinaigrette. As if I didn’t have enough veggies in there, I also enjoyed a side of steamed asparagus. The dinner was absolutely what I was craving and filled me up. I enjoyed a couple bites of this local vanilla ice cream afterwards.
I then went outside to try and capture how beautiful the snow looked, but I’ll have to get some better shots of it today instead.
I hope you’re all having a wonderful Sunday!
and went out to Whole Foods and Costco with my Mom for some samples galore!
Then ate a lunch
before I met up with my cousin Lauren and went shopping with her for some last minute christmas gifts for my mom and dad. I finally got the coat I’ve been eyeing on a good deal too!
After all that shopping I was one tired girl. I had dinner with my family then went out to Ashley’s Ice Cream in New Haven with my dad and brother (I had Strawberry since they make it fresh daily it was delicious! And had chunks of fresh strawberries in it 🙂 )
After spotting Kevin Jonas out and about a couple times, it was time for our other tradition, Dominick’s! It’s a locally owned restaurant that has been there since my dad went to college at Fordham and we still see the same waiters every time. You sit next to people you don’t know which is always fun and very much the neighborhood feel. I ordered Eggplant Parm but only ate a small part of the colossal portion.
I laid in bed for awhile when we got home because I was so exhausted, ate some cereal for dinner, then headed over to my friend Jackson’s where Eric him and Dan were working on music.
Monday morning was Christmas Eve! I was able to sleep in, luckily, and woke up to a good start to my day with a solid breakfast. Then a couple hours later, my mom brother and I went for a run and afterwards I made a smoothie then I hit the gym for some strength training and circuit training to try and work on my butt 🙂 (so. many. squats.)
Ater the gym, it was chocolate milk time!
After a quick glass I went upstairs and got ready, realxed until it was snack time around 6 o’clock.
I enjoyed some of the crab dip, some veggies, a little bit of cheese, and then realized we weren’t going to eat dinner until after 10pm. (so typical for our family, but always leaves me with a headache and not feeling well). So I went into the fridge and whipped up a snack (cottage cheese, raisins, banana) to tide me over while we decorated the tree.
Upon realizing it was snowing, it was time to eat dinner. Zucchini, Veal Parmesan, Fresh Egg Noodle Pasta and Homemade Tomato Sauce.
After dinner my family whipped out this huge Chocolate Souffle cake my mom always makes, but it was close to midnight and I was full in addition to being exhausted so I opted for my chocolate covered strawberry instead. While my mom got the cake ready, there was some dog snuggling action goin on. He, Oliver, was my Christmas Present 6 Christmas Eve’s ago! 🙂
Then my brother and I exchanged gifts with each other. I got him a couple movies on Blu-Ray and a Timex Ironman Sports Watch while he got me the 
Look Good, Feel Good, For Good! 