a few of my favorite things

sweet days of summer

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cozy bedrooms

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losing myself in the things i love

carnivals

thirty before thirty update

I am two months out from my big thirtieth birthday. This last year in my twenties has been one of the best years. While most people dread this milestone, I have been thrilled and celebrating all along the way. There is just something about turning the big 3-0! I feel more settled into who I am and more aware of myself. And I'm looking forward to what the next decade will bring.

Two years ago, I set a Thirty Before Thirty list as an intentional way to experience some of those things that had been lingering on my bucket list. That remains one of my most read posts to date so I thought that it was only fair to provide an update on my progress.

1. Get up earlier

Concert in the Park

2. Enjoy more live music
3. Carve out more time for friends

4. Go to an educational conference
5. Have long dinners full of conversation
6. Be less busy and more present 

My little reading nook

7. Have a creative outlet
8. Spend more time being a tourist in my own town

Downtown Tampa

9. Start saving for the cottage house on the lake
10. Stay out until the sun comes up *While I didn't stay out, I did stay up until sunrise so I think that counts - it was a memorable night for sure!
11. Spend more time being quiet
12. Buy a red peacot
13. Go to a yoga retreat *I have not made it to a retreat but I have been practicing yoga so regularly that my body is thanking me. I have even squeezed in a few training workshops throughout the year to deepen my practice.

Yogi workshop

14. Read Jane Austen's collected works *In progress
15. Take a Cake Decorating class *I set this up for me and all of my friends but then had to work, bummer!
16. Continue taking the right next step
17. Pay off my credit card and car *So close!
18. Read Atlas Shrugged *Probably not happening before my birthday but keeping this one on the list for things to do when I'm 30
19. Decorate my Christmas tree in my own style

20. Find the perfect pair of jeans
21. Be in a book club

My Arkansas Book Club

22. Take a creative writing class *I just sort of abandoned this one, exploring other things.
23. Apply to a PhD program *I decided to wait a bit on this one. Mostly because I am just having too much fun and not quite ready to commit.
24. Explore moving closer to family
25. Take better care of my body

Ran my first 5k!

26. Have a Reunion with Chi O Pledge Class *Joined the local alumnae chapter where I see most of my pledge sisters on a regular basis
27. Subscription to a local theater

28. Get rid of excess stuff
29. Redecorate Bedroom - Halfway!
30. Celebrate 30 in Greece! - Planned for Summer of 2013.. YIPEE!

The thing I've learned these past two years since I wrote my Thirty Before Thirty post is that there are so many adventures waiting on you. Stop saying one day and get out and do those things! 

Painting with a Twist

A new hot spot for girls in Tampa is Painting with a Twist. While my talents do not extend to the artistic pursuits, this painting class can help even a novice like me achieve a piece of art. Kel, Melissa and I enjoyed a fun night at the Trinity location. Our instructor was fabulous and even indulged us in a conversation about Fifty Shades of Grey.

We painted, chatted and ate delicious snacks (you can bring wine and food) all of which equals a great night out with the girls in my book. What could be better?

Instructor table

Getting Started

My masterpiece!

Class Photo

"Always Color Outside the Lines"

Class are typically $35 for a 2 hour session. They now have locations nationwide so be sure to check for one by you.

Girls Night Out: After Dark

To my great surprise, Tampa has a hidden gem in Brandon. Della's After Dark is a cozy little restaurant that packs a great menu. While it is a deli by day, at night it turns into the perfect setting for a girls night out, romantic dinner, or just a great spot to be with friends over a bottle (or two) of wine.

I recently tried out this little spot with two of my girlfriends and we were pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere. There are only a few tables but rather than feeling cramped, we enjoyed the intimacy it created. Each night there is a live jazz band playing. One thing we especially enjoyed was that the music was not overpowering and we could enjoy the music but still have a conversation.

Corkboard Menu

Their wine selection is great. You can even bring your own bottle which they will happily serve you with no corking fee. The girls had white wine and I sipped on my favorite red, a malbec. For supper, we shared their knock out Baked Goat Cheese Marinara. Honestly, this dish was so good we were scrapping the sides of the bowl.

For our meals, Mal had their pork tenderloin with corn pudding, Jen enjoyed their gorgonzola chicken breast, and I loved their steak au pouvre.

Definitely check out this little spot. Here is to girls nights out! Cheers!

Breakfast Cups

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I get pretty habitual with what I'm eating. To start of my day I have egg whites with veggies, fruit and green tea. Since I have been feeling a little bored with my routine I decided to try baking them. One word = delish!

Baked breakfast cups
Egg whites
Bell Pepper, chopped into cubes
Green Onion, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking Spray
Note: I used bell pepper but you could use any veggies you like

Spray your muffin tins with a non-stick spray. Place bell pepper and green onion in muffin tins. Fill with egg whites. Add salt and pepper. Stir mixture with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

The best part of this breakfast is that it is loaded with veggies, simple, and you can pop these in the oven while you shower or go about your morning routine.

Healthy Tip: I chop up all of my veggies on Sunday so that I can easily throw together yummy, healthy meals during the week. With my veggies already prepped, it takes me less than 5 minutes to put together this meal.

Step 1

Step 2

Enjoy!

Happy Eating! x.

life lately

I have been thoroughly enjoying the summer months. My days have consisted of working, practicing my healthy habits and spending time with friends and family. Life is certainly good!

Here is what I've been up to:

Saw Magic Mike with Jennifer and Christine
 

 

Attended a Baptiste Yoga Workshop at Lululemon

Worked a glow event with my students to 

welcome the new freshmen

K Foss popped the question, "will I be her bridesmaid?"

Absolutely!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer! x.

Welcome to the Speakeasy!

To celebrate Mallory's birthday we picked a restaurant that we heard had a great atmosphere, amazing drinks and stellar food. Ciro's Speakeasy & Supper Club in South Tampa did not disappoint. Actually, the only disappointment we felt was when our meal had come to an end.

A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally sold alcohol during prohibition. These clubs were secret and often ran by gangsters during the 20's. While they were often raided by the police their popularity did not diminish. Due to the illegal nature of the clubs, some of them required secret passwords. And thus the premise for Ciro's. You will not find their menu online (part of the secrecy) but you will find phenomenal reviews.

When you arrive at Ciro's you feel a little confused about if you have made it to the correct location because the restaurant is tucked away behind an apartment complex (it does conveniently have valet parking). Earlier in the day, you are given a password for entrance. Once your party has assembled, you are escorted to do the door to give the appropriate password and then the fun begins!

Knock, Knock

We were seated in one of their large lounge rooms. At first, I was a little curious about how this would work because it does not have traditional tables. I ended up loving this set up because, unlike most dinner parties, we were free to get up and move about the room to converse with different folks. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk with everyone in our party as opposed to just those that I am seated next to.

The drinks are definitely one of the biggest highlights. Ciro's only sells alcohol that would have been around during prohibition. While there may not be many of the drinks we commonly have today, their mixologists whip up some of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. Our server, Chuck, simply asked us what we normally liked to drink and then brought us back something amazing. For our second drink, Mal and I even said just bring us what you think we would like and that was the best drink of the night. I could not tell you what it was (he described it, I don't recall) but I enjoyed every sip.

The food is perfect to share. Mal, Dwayne and I ordered a couple items off of the menu that we wanted to try and then shared our dishes. We feasted on their truffle popcorn, chicken and waffles and crab cakes. No lie, this food was so good that we did not want it to end. For dessert, Mal and Dwayne had the waffles with ice cream. While theirs did look good, I wanted to die and go to heaven over my dessert. I enjoyed chocolate fondue with churros (my fave) and fresh fruit. This dessert was killer. I wanted to just repeat the whole meal as soon as it was over!

Don't worry, I shared

Chuck, the server, made the experience all that much better. He was insanely knowledgeable and provided us with great service. Our meal ended up being about $40-$50 a person but it was well worth the splurge. We had such a marvelous time that we keep trying to make up another excuse to go back, immediately.

If you are in the Tampa area, definitely check out Ciro's Speakeasy or look to see if there is a speakeasy in your neck of the woods. 

the day i ran a 5k

I recently took up running and, to my great surprise, I am absolutely addicted to the rush I get from pounding the pavement. I am not great at it and my pace is slow but each week I keep working at it, getting a little bit better with every run. One night I mentioned to my friend Jennifer that I really wanted to run a 5k. A few days later, she sent me a suggestion for an upcoming race. At first I thought, "will I be ready?" but then I mustered up the courage and decided to give it a go.

As race day approached, I felt like a kid waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. I was excited and anxious. I knew that I could physically run the 3 miles because I had already done the distance twice on my long run days but I had never done a "race". I had no idea what to expect and hoped that it would not be one of my "off days".

On the morning of the race, we rose early to meet at 7am. There was a great buzz in the crowd as everyone chatted with their friends and warmed up their bodies. Of course, Debby was beginning to make her appearance in Florida so it was a little muggy and sprinkling but that did not stop us. Jennifer and I stretched as she gave me the play by play of what to expect. By 7:50am we were in line waiting for the race to begin. I had carefully crafted my race day playlist (thank you, Beyonce) and was ready to take off.

At 8:05am, the gun sounded off and away we went. The whole experience was quite exhilarating. Everyone takes off and begins to set their pace for the race. I am pretty sure that I was running a little faster that I needed to start out at but I was in the zone. As the race progressed, there were moments were I felt tired but I would walk, catch my breath and be off again. I ended up in a group of people who kept a similar pace as me which I especially enjoyed when we got closer to the finish line and cheered each other on. I completed my first race in 43 minutes and 24 seconds.

Six months ago, I probably could not run for 3 minutes straight but now I can run 3 miles! The body is an amazing thing. To have completed my goal is such a wonderful accomplishment. So many times we doubt ourselves, especially when it comes to physical challenges, but I am so thrilled that I had enough courage to believe that I could do this. And, I am not done yet...

New goals:
1. Another race in September
2. Run it in under 40 minutes

About to cross the finish line!

Race done!

Thank you to all of you that sent me facebook messages or tweeted at me to show your support. It meant a great deal to have your encouragement!