MIMM: Let's not focus on the weather

The weather today was exceptionally disgusting. Snow, rain, slush, fog, and a forecast for even more craptastic weather tomorrow, followed by frigid temperatures through the weekend. The dreaded winter is making it's impending arrival known.

So in an effort to keep in line with the Marvelous in My Monday philosophy, I shant focus on the weather. Instead, I'll focus on the weekend, because it was enjoyable.

My hair had a mind of it's own this weekend. I may not have looked marvelous, but I can laugh at myself and rock it. 

Out of control.

I stupidly forgot the top item on my grocery list this weekend: coffee. We were completely out of coffee at home, which is a cause for panic since my family is caffeine-dependent. To say that coffee is the reason I get out of bed in the morning would not entirely be false. My little oops did result in a wonderful clearance purchase at Marshall's. Smores coffee! It's mind-blowingly delicious.

Out of coffee and I find this for $3? Yeah, that's destiny.

Saturday night, I ventured out the the Celtic Pub for a taste of the Irish dive bar scene. And what luck, a metal band was playing! It was appropriately unclassy and unmarvelously marvelous. Of course, no night of mine is complete without an awkward encounter. That night's uncomfortable situation was brought to me by the girl in the yoga pants with less than the average number of teeth, who decided it was a good idea to let me know that I was "sexy as hell and beautiful" and she's "normally shy, but it was the alcohol talking." Yep, thanks. Now I can feel good about myself.

Both Saturday and Sunday included my morning yoga routines as usual. Man, am I feeling them today.

I also went out in an effort to complete some Christmas shopping both days. Yep, no luck. I did, however, score big time for myself. A shirt on clearance for $5 and yoga leggings for $10! I can't resist bright colors and odd patterns.

If I could wear these everywhere all the time, I would.

Sunday evening was spent slaving away in the kitchen to make pulled pork, wheat berry salad for the week, and a double batch of red velvet cookies for my sister's boyfriend. The cream cheese icing just would not come together. I dedicated about an hour and an entire bag of powdered sugar to get it where it needed to be. My family is lucky I love them so much.

Fresh out of the oven and frosted. I got lazy with the decorating.

As for my actual Monday, tonight's vinyasa and hot yoga classes were tough, but overall relaxing.

I'm currently vegging on my couch with a cup of Celestial Seasonings' Candy Cane Lane green tea in my favorite creepy Santa mug.

Watch out, he'll kill you with warm comfort and antioxidants.

Linking up to Katie's Marvelous in My Monday as usual!

MIMM: Staying positive and stepping out of my comfort zone

After last week's onslaught of disappointment, both within my own personal life and hardships of others close to me, I'm really trying to keep my chin up and appreciate what I have. I've also been making a point to step out of my comfort zone in a number of ways and, awkward as it feels and sounds, feel comfortable with my discomfort. I guess in my mind, discomfort means progress, and that should instill a comforting feeling.

A few highlights of the past week are making for a Marvelous Monday:

• Today was freakishly warm and sunny for mid-November in RI. The forecast was calling for heavy wind and rain, so this was an extra special treat. I embraced the opportunity for a walk to have a much needed vent session with my co-worker. Perfect.

Quest delivery! LOVE this company.

• I won a 12 flavor sampler pack of Quest bars from BusyBod's blog giveaway. To my surprise, they arrived with an extra three bars--the elusive cookie dough, white chocolate raspberry and double chocolate chunk flavors--and TWO packages of Quest Cravings Protein Peanut Butter Cups!!! I've been trying to find these EVERYWHERE and cannot wait to try them.

Note: I had every intention of microwaving one of these bars for my post-yoga meal tonight, making for an extra amazing end to my Monday, but I had a serious salt craving. Dinner was far too many carrots with about half a tub of garlic hummus, a lavash wrap with a Laughing Cow light swiss wedge and strawberry preserves, and a mini bag of popcorn with nutritional yeast. Yeah, portion control is not one of my strengths.

• I successfully grabbed my toes from behind my head in dancer's pose tonight during hot yoga on both sides! So happy!

• Last night, I made an incredible and super easy dinner that everyone else enjoyed just as much. (Let it be known that never happens.)  

  

  Baked chicken breast with roasted grapes & red onion and garlic roasted asparagus

Totally random recipe, but it was a success! My sister's boyfriend went home and asked if his mom could make it sometime haha. I also baked a batch of snickerdoodles.

Note: I consumed about 3x that much asparagus and finished off my mom's piece of chicken. Further evidence of my terrible portion control lol.

Chicken Breast with Roasted Grapes:

• 1 - 1.5lb seedless red grapes
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 T olive oil
• salt & pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425F. 

Toss grapes (removed from stems) and onion with the olive oil and a little salt & pepper. Pour into a baking dish and roast for 15 minutes.

Remove baking dish from the oven, mashing about half of the grapes to release juice and stir. Place chicken breasts on top and return to oven at 450F for 45-55 minutes, until chicken is cooked all the way through.

Serve chicken with sauce poured over the top.

Thanks, Katie, as always, for hosting MIMM!