HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I can’t believe it’s 2016. This is the year I graduate college! <- That is crazy.

Anyway, I hope you had a great New Year’s Eve and holiday weekend!

I’m coming at you today with a recap of my year so far. 😉

New Year’s Eve

On Thursday, I went out to dinner with a big group of high school friends, and then we got drinks and watched the ball drop. It was a blast getting to catch up with people I haven’t seen since the summer and to have a little “night out on the town.”

For dinner, I had a turkey sandwich with roasted peppers, spinach, and pineapple mango salsa. The thick whole grain bread was amazing, and it definitely hit the spot.

We had wine with dinner and then went to a couple different restaurant/bars for drinks. At one stop I had a gin drink with cucumber, mint, mango nectar, and lime juice. It was so pretty I just had to take a picture. Yes, it was just as cool and refreshing as it looks!

After we watched the ball drop, a few of us took an uber back to my house where we stayed up until 5:30 catching up, reminiscing, and talking about all that’s to come in 2016 and the future. It was an absolute blast and a night I will never forget.

New Year’s Day

I woke up around 10, so I felt exhausted for pretty much all of Friday. I had no energy to go for a run, so after sipping a smoothie (recipe on Instagram!) while lounging around and catching up with my family, I decided to do 20 minutes of light exercise just to move my body a bit. I chose six Blogilates turbo (3-5 minute) videos. Even though they weren’t sweaty cardio workouts, I definitely felt the burn in each one of them – which was just what I wanted!

After my quick workout, I had one of my favorite snacks as of lately – Kind oat clusters and Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk! So simple, but so yummy.

We went to my grandma’s for dinner, which was so nice. I love my family. I didn’t take any pictures, but I had my new favorite (Carribbean Chicken & Spaghetti Squash bowl, Chipotle Pumpkin soup, and, of course, multigrain flatbread!) from my old favorite take-out restaurant, Cosi.

Saturday

After a good sweaty run and arm/core workout, I showered up and went to the mall with one of my friends. I had just gone there last week with my mom, so this time I just got a scarf and shirt from Forever 21. My friend got tons of things she needed, and I had a blast helping her find everything she was looking for! I also got my favorite smoothie from Surf City Squeeze – the Blueberry Spinach Cucumber. Looove it.

Around 6:30, my friend asked if I wanted to go to dinner at… where else? COSI. I said YES because I never mind having it multiple nights in a row. In fact I would eat it every day if I could. This time, I had another one of my faves – the Smart Fit salad and multigrain flatbread. It has kale, romaine, sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, roasted red peppers, carrots, scallions, chipotle lime dressing, and tons of avocado. It’s amazing.

After dinner, I headed out for ice cream with a couple other friends. I had mint soft-serve with chocolate sprinkles. Simple and delicious!

Then we met up with a bunch of other high school friends at a local bar afterwards. Since some of us had just eaten ice cream, we didn’t want anything to drink, so we just sat around our friends’ table and talked with them for hours. I got home just before 2:00, but it was so worth another late night.

Sunday

I woke up yesterday feeling surprisingly energetic, so after fueling with a cinnamon roll Quest bar (my favorite flavor!), I decided to do a long(ish) run for my workout. It was about 30 degrees outside, so I headed down to the treadmill, as I have most days lately. Gotta love the winter.

After my run, I did my usual stretching/rolling/refueling/showering, and then headed to Target with my mom. Love that place.

I tried on some cute workout leggings, and got a bunch of Champion sport bras (on sale!!), food, and toiletry products that I’ve been needing.

I didn’t end up getting these shorts, but I thought they were super cute for spring/summer/warm fall days. Clearly I like maroon…

Aren’t these leggings fun?

I’m so excited to try these Bioré charcoal products!

I’ve had naked nails since before Christmas, which I hate because 1) I pretty much always have painted nails and 2) I love all my festive/wintery colors. I don’t know why I’ve neglected my nails this break, but it’s time to give myself a manicure! These new colors are my motivation. I’m thinking the Essie “Petal Pushers” for my fingernails and the pink Sally Hansen for my toes!

Later on, my family and I went out to dinner to one of my favorite (are you sick of me saying that word yet? 😉 ) restaurants where I got my fave wrap and sweet potato fries.

After dinner, I relaxed, ate some leftover Christmas desserts, read my favorite Instagram guide, and caught up on some of my favorite YouTube vlogs. It was the perfect low-key end to a fantastic weekend full of friends, family, food, and fun.

I hope you’re having a “marvelous Monday“, and that you have a great week ahead!

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

And as always, thanks to Amanda, Erin, Katie, and Heather for hosting their link-ups!