Summer salad and it has been way too long…

Brooke is going to grow up thinking that it is normal to have a mom that takes self-timer photos of us together with whatever food I am loving lately.  I think it might be time to cut my bangs again.

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Nothing like opening up a brand new bag of pretzel sticks in the afternoon to snack on.  

A friend of mine just had a baby so I took them over dinner last night and made enough for us too.  I asked her what sounded best and she said salad so I made a summer salad with spinach, chicken, feta, strawberries and walnuts with poppyseed dressing and my delicious garlic rolls. 

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After dinner we went on a little walk.

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And then tried to motivate Brooke to crawl by placing her favorite thing in the world to play with in front of her.

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It has been way too long since I last made my beloved ghirardelli brownies.  Way too long.  I think that brownies are my all time favorite baked good (except for pie and Costco chocolate cake) especially when topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

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We finished the night off with the Biggest Loser.  PS if anyone even gives me a clue about who won the Bachelor we will no longer be on speaking terms. 

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What is something that has been way too long since the last time you ate it?

-Brownies

Anyone watch biggest loser last night?  Bachelor?  Tell me if you were happy or sad about who he chose (no names).

All time favorite baked good?

What is your workout today?!?!

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91 comments

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Hair cuts are over rated! I haven’t done min in a year! And Bachelor heck yes, I am most excited about the next season because I heart Des!

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Those brownies look so good! Ahh send me some ;) I’ll provide the ice cream. Brooke’s pigtails are precious. The preschool boys will love it in a few years!

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Also need a hair cut and to watch the Bachelor finale!!! I can’t wait! It’s also been a while since I had a brownie! We are headed to the beach today and there are tons of good dessert shops around so I just might hunt one down!

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My older daughter when through a phase where she refused to look at cameras, mainly because I was always taking a million pictures of her. Then I gave her one of our digital cameras to play with and she’s been a lens hog ever since! She’ll love the pics as she grows up. Fiona’s favorite thing is to look through the pictures on my phone. She’s always climbing up on my lap and saying, “I wanna see me!” Self-confidence, much?! Beautiful brownies, too!

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That salad looks so summery! I watched the Bachelor (all THREE hours…geez!) my favorite baked good is anything smothered with frosting :)

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Watched Bachelor and recorded Biggest Loser! It wouldn’t have been my choice, but I’m happy he’s happy! haha ;)

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Those are some of my FAVORITE kind of pretzels! Yum!
I also cannot wait to have a ton of fresh berries in my salads this summer. Is it even spring yet?

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Haven’t made Chocolate chip cookies for a while. Which is a good and bad thing. I eat far too many when I do make them, but I ‘heart’ them SO much!

Watched BL last night! So glad about the top 2 – also predict it will be Jackson that makes the top 3. Jeff just posted a shadow pic to twitter and he looks super THIN – will be interesting!

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I don’t even like the Bachelor but I watched it just to see the ending!

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Oh my gosh! Teasing Brooke into crawling = Brilliant! That is how I got my dog to swim-by throwing her balls into the water (totally different situation, I know!). Summer salad….yum! Spring is *almost* here!

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I’m going out for 10-12 miles. I thought it was going to stop being winter but its snowing again this morning. Blah! The good thing is I don’t have to work today so I didn’t get up at 4:30 to run. I’m taking my sweet time this morning.

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I made peanut butter stuffed brownies for a customer the other day. Amazing! You better enjoy it while Brooke isn’t mobile a little while longer….chasing her will add to your daily mileage! ;)

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I haven’t had Ghirardelli brownies in way too long! I like having them freshly out of the oven so they are still warm, topped first with vanilla ice cream, then whipped cream, then chocolate drizzle on top. Soooo good!

My workout today is Jillian Michael’s Shed and Shred cause it’s Tuesday night workout DVD night with my friend!

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It’s been way too long since I had a toasted bagel and cream cheese.
I also need to avoid social media today as I am not watching the bachelor finale till tonight……..I took a chance coming here because I just can’t say no to a little dose of HRG in the morning.

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Now that I’m thinking about it – I havent had brownies in forever, that’s not ok. I think my all time favorite baked good is probably my mom’s zucchini bread. It’s so delicious, a bit spicy (thanks to tons of cinnamon) and so moist.

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I think my favorite baked good would be either pound cake with fresh berries or baklava.

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Omg I’m watching the Bachelor right now, I got up at 5:45 am to watch it online before any spoilers! I probably shouldn’t be reading blogs… ALMOST THERE!

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Watched the Bachelor and was more than thrilled with the outcome!!!
My workout was a 7 mile tempo run at 4:30 am. It was one of those days where everything just went right. My goal for the middle 5 miles was 8:30 pace but actual was 8:14. Even had one sub 8. It’s going to be a good day.
Enjoy your brownies!!!!
ps. Is Brooke ever grumpy???

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I desperately need a haircut. It’s been about 6 months and my bangs have completely disappeared!

My workout will just be a circuit of some kind in the house. I’m too much of a wimp to go running in the heavy snow.

It’s a tough choice to pick an all time favourite! Anything with chocolate or carrot cake.

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We make brownies just about every Sunday! Its a bad (but delicious!) habit! :)

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I’m not a bachelor fan but I watched the biggest loser and the guy I really like is under the yellow line! Hopefully people vote and save him :) I haven’t had brownies in a whole but they are def one of the greatest things ever. ESP ghiradelli!

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That salad looks amazing! It has been way to long since I last had good Thai food! I really enjoy all baked goods, so to name one as my favorite would be insulting to all the other baked goods. I will be doing a short run after work today, and hoping my shin splints don’t make a guest appearance.

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Biggest Loser is my favorite! I cried more than usual last night! I loved Gina, but now I’m pulling for Danni!

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I stayed up for all 3 HOURS of The Bachelor last night. I’m exhausted but now I’ll be watching The Biggest Loser today. The girl he chose was my favorite from the beginning. They looked really happy. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!

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I haven’t watched The Bachelor yet, because 3 hours in front of the television is just too much for me. I’ll watch it on my phone while I run the next couple of days. I already know who he picked, though, because I spoiled myself. It’s going to take me several treadmill runs to get through it, so I figured I’d go ahead and look. I’m very happy about who he picked! Now, let’s see if they make it. Haha.

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I will be watching TBL today because I chose to watch The Bachelor last night. I knew my friends were watching it and if I didn’t, I would have found out prior to watching it myself. I saw Sean with the girl he didn’t choose more, even though she wasn’t my favorite. I think they complimented each other better and when he had to let her go, it broke my heart (side note: I need to get a life). But when I saw the couple on ATFR, they looked happy. So hopefully it all works out. As of now TBL has a better track record for lasting relationships between couples than The bachelor. Lol

Those brownies look and sound delicious. I love a good brownie, but my husband and kids like cookies more, so I make them more often.

Brooke is the cutest. Between your love for reality shows and all her practice getting her picture taken, she will be on ANTM when she grows up ;) Freakin love crazy Tyra.

I have been so bored of my workouts and how crazy packed the gym has been that I started a free week at this small gym by me. It is run by an army guy where we do circuit style workouts. I felt like I was on TBL this morning. We were hitting tires with sledge hammers and pushing the belt on a treadmill bearcrawlibg style, kettle bell swings etc. It was great. And different! And I needed that. I am hoping to run later today. And I hope you get to run pain free soon! Miss you girl!

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Just watching the bachelor now, had to tape it, so thanks for not giving it away on here!

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I was just noticing this morning how desperately I need a hair cut! I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon though. Those brownies look delicious! My favorite baked good would have to be either a seriously fudgy brownie or a chocolate chip cookie.

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I definitely watched the Biggest Loser last night…LOVE that show! And I love who made it on as finalists–Danni is my favorite.

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I watched the Biggest Loser. I’m glad that Danni made it. I also like Joe.
I love your pictures – what kind of camera do you use?

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It has been way too long since I’ve made peanut blossoms.. brownies too… and had real ice cream. But I’m trying to avoid those things and lose some of this weight; it might be a little while before I make them, but my mom’s house is always filled with junky junk.

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Salad and brownies…Now I know what I want.

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My 1st season with the Biggest Loser and I am hooked! This show is awesome, so excited for the finale, I have a favorite but I am thrilled for all of them!

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My all-time favorite baked goods (because I was a baker for a while) are in no particular order:

*my grandma’s turtle brownies (I revamped them and made them into 7 different varieties one week for a special group of people with whom I was volunteering- the Boston Breakers way back in 2002.)

*beignets from Mary Mahoney’s in Biloxi, MS (oh, sweet memories of my early childhood)

*Sarris’s chocolate covered pretzels (these count as baked, right?)

*warm pound cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries while working as a baker at Whole Foods (even better when sampled with the great company and conversations of my fellow Team Members!)

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I am jealous of your friend- that salad looks awesome!!

I gave up sweets for lent- so it has been way too long since I have had anything sweet! My all time favorite baked good is warm choc. chip cookies. YUM!

Today I ran 3 miles and did a push-up/ab circuit.

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oooooh dang, i love a spinach and strawberry salad with poppyseed dressing. so good and sweet!

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I could go for a brownie right now! YUM. I might have to make some soon…
Tonight I’m going to Pure Barre and have an earlier morning run on Wednesday.
I didn’t watch the Bachelor this season and I didn’t get to watch the Biggest Loser last night. I have to catch up!

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We motivated our son to crawl by placing a trail of cheerios across the living room. :)

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That summer salad looks great!! And I’d have to agree, brownies are one of my top favorite baked goods too. That being said, it’s been far too long since I’ve had one myself. That and DONUTS! I think we may need to solve that problem this weekend…

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Now I am thinking about brownies as well. Maybe this weekend.

Just back from the elliptical and weights at the gym. I will watch Biggest Loser sometime today. We finished up Celebrity Apprentice last night.

The Kidless Kronicles

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Brooke’s face mimics how mine looked when I saw how much Danielle lost last night! I can’t wait to see all of them at the finale! I really think Joe or Danielle are going to win but there may be a few surprises!

I am CRAVING seven layer/magic bars lately. With every single kind of “chip” on them. Yum.

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While there was a few things on that list for me but being on holidays I have checked lots of them off – fro-yo, milkshakes…
I have to go with chewy chocolate chip cookies right from the oven.
I did Yoga Meltdown this morning and then a 5km run will be shortly!

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I’m in the Northeast and so.jealous that it is not absurd at all for you to enjoy a summer salad right now.
But with chocolate and strawberries in the same post, it’s hard to stay mad ;)

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Oh and today’s workout is dance rehearsals. Four hours?
But yesterday was my kettlebell inauguration!

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I haven’t had brownies in a while either. I should really do some baking today!

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I had the ghiradelli double chocolate brownies last night…topped with Oreo ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. After devouring that, I decided that I will not buy ice cream for a while. We’ll see how long that lasts! I love cookies so much…chocolate chip :-). Today’s workout will be Insanity and maybe hit the treadmill for a run…it is pouring here :-(.

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I just finished breakfast and now I want a salad and a brownie. Inspiration for lunch! Thanks!

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I’m trying to motivate Ella to crawl too, and she tries hard, but right now she’s stuck in reverse crawl mode. It makes her SO mad but it’s so cute.

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Brownies. Now THERE’s an idea. I haven’t had brownies in ages. I’ll have to get on that.

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I watched “The Bachelor” last night and am ultimately happy with who he picked! However I am THRILLED about who was named to be the next Bachelorette!!!

No workout today- on vacation and trying to overcome guilt about no real workouts until I get back on Thursday. Your post yesterday about how long does it take before you lose your running fitness was helpful in making me see that I won’t lose it completely if I relax for a few days :-) Thank you as always for being an inspiration!

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I just got my hair cut for the first time in over 7 months. UGH. Feels nice to have layers again =)
Those brownies sound amazing!!! I may have to make some for post-race on Sunday! YAY!
I hope you are able to run today and that it’s a good one! Was supposed to get up early this AM to run and swim but that totally didn’t happen. Whoops =)

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Is bread pudding baked? If it is, that is my all-time favorite baked dessert (and all around favorite dessert). I also like bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream.

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I absolutely LOVE wedding/birthday cake. Not just any cake. Almond flavor with LOTS of butter cream icing!! Haven’t had it in awhile. Today’s workout was a Yoglates class.

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Can I just say Brooke is possibly the most adorable baby I have ever seen! I watched Biggest Loser last night and I’m really happy with the two who definitely made it to the finale. Excited to see all the transformations next week.

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I don’t watch the Bachelor, so don’t worry – no spoilers! However, I did watch Biggest Loser and I’m pretty excited about the two people who are definitely in the finale.

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I watched Bachelor and I wasn’t a huge fan of either girl, but he still chose my least favorite of the two. Boo. But the new Bachelorette is my favorite girl from this season, so I’m sooo excited about that!

I am going to yoga today! My parents bought me a 5 class pass to a studio in town. It expires next week and I’ve only used 1 class so far. Oops! So I’ll be getting my yoga on the next couple weeks :)

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I totally picked up those pretzels this weekend too – yum! extra good with cream cheese. :) And I am in agreement with no bachelor news. .. It is on my DVR and I don’t want to hear anything about it until I have a chance to watch it!!!

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OH those brownies look amazing and it’s been way too long. I am serious need of catching up on the Bachelor I’m saving it for this weekend and avoiding all gossip sites in the meantime :)

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I saw on amazon that you can buy bangs hairpieces so you don’t have to always grow bangs to have bangs. That’s what I need.

We taught our oldest child to crawl using the lights on our cell phones to motivate him. It was a blast.

I will be watching the biggest loser on the trainer today! Can’t wait!

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I still need to watch last night’s BL! I can’t believe the season is almost over.

Workout today was a 5 mile progression run, it felt great after being off this weekend with a minor foot injury.

All time favorite baked good is way too hard to choose! I’m going to attempt to make some fancy St. Patrick’s day cupcakes (from scratch!) so hopefully they turn out well and I can say that they are my favorite

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Chiiiiipotle!!!!!
Don’t watch….
Brownies?????
Spin [Sorry, out of punctuation marks!]

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You guys always look like you have such a good time doing everyday stuff. Is it weird I kind of want to be Brooke when I grow up?? lol

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Those ghiradelli brownies are my faaaaves!!! And I did indeed watch the bachelor and actually wrote a post of hilarious quotes from my hubby :) it was fun and I’m happy with his choice!! She was my pick, too!

xo

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That salad looks delish! And I just so happened to be eating a spinach salad as I was reading your post, so I kind of feel like we are on the same wavelength and are destined to be best friends or something. My all time favorite baked goods are a tie between the sugar cookie cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit my mom makes me EVERY YEAR for my birthday (yes, even now, at 26 years old…) and her strawberry-rhubarb pie. Both are die for.

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YUM! I love summer-y salads! That looks amazing!

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Ohhh those brownies look amazing, and (don’t hate me but…) I’m not even the biggest fan of brownies. A freshly baked, ooey-gooey chocolate chip oatmeal cookie, on the other hand, makes me all sorts of weak in the knees.

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Workout: 6 mile run
Fave baked good: warm chocolate chip cookies, cherry pie, cheesecake (does that count?), pumpkin pie, I could go on and on!
BL was so good, wasn’t it? I was so worried Dani wasn’t going to make the finals! She’s a beast and I love watching her (do you remember Tara? I loved that season!!). Afterwards we jumped online and voted for Jackson a bunch of times!

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I ran a quick 2 miles before lunch. It was super exciting because I usually don’t have time to run on Tuesdays so today has been going well so far!!

I watched the Bachelor last night. I’m kind of sad about who he picked, but mostly because I just liked the other person better and want her to be my friend…

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That salad looks amazing! I haven’t had brownies and ice cream in so long! It sounds so good right now! I am hoping to get in 5 miles today!

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If you threw a little hot fudge on that brownie THAT would be my all time favorite baked good. That and warm chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven. OMG so good.

I am SO happy with the bachelor outcome!!

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You always post the most amazing food pictures and I ALWAYS look at your blog while I’m at work ahhhh!! Haha :)

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It’s been way too long since I’ve had birthday cake remix from Coldstone! There’s brownies, fudge, sprinkles, & cake batter ice cream.

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Just got a haircut & some bangs! Yay!

I love the Biggest Loser this season–I thought it was fab! Can’t wait for the finale!

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Sandrine: fish taco…Rhonda: filet mignon…it’s been way too long since we ate these…

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Oh wow, I haven’t had brownies in forever, either! Are you celebrating Pi (3.14) day on Thursday with a slice of pie? I might have to find some..I haven’t had pie in forever either. I watched neither of those shows, but I did watched Switched at Birth and tonight I will watch Pretty Little Liars. I only ran 1.5 miles today because I ran before the sunrise so it was dark and I got scared even though I had mace…. so I turned around and came back in. Oops! Looks like today will be an easy day.

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Watched the Bachelor and I’m just happy he’s happy and got what he was looking for, he’s so sweet.

Favorite baked good is lemon bars! But I love anything lemon!

6 mile run on the treadmill this morning and taking the stairs at work! I work on the 5th floor and I see taking the stairs as a free workout during the day :-)

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I have not had a big bowl of ice cream in forever!!! I could go for some now.

Have you ever had a double layer cookie cake? If not you MUST try one ASAP!! http://www.samsclub.com/sams/double-cookie-cake/prod2330017.ip?navAction=push

My work out today was a VERY early 8.30 miles in windy conditions.

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check this out– a guy with terminal brain cancer won a marathon in 3:07 pushing a stroller… with a SIX YEAR OLD in it!! Unbelievable.

http://www.outsideonline.com/news-from-the-field/Man-With-Brain-Cancer-Wins-Marathon.html

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girlFRAN- here’s my advice for the ghirardelli brownies… my mom’s secret: add about 1- 2 T instant coffee to the mix when you’re stirring everything together. it enhances the chocolate taste and makes them SO rich and delicious. trust me!!! my mom makes the best boxed brownies anywhere :] xo!

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Yum! I’m going to try this :) Thx!

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That salad looks so amazing! When I have my next baby I’ll just have to fly you out here to make it for me, yum!

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That salad looks so so good- Will have to make it asap!

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Wow, that salad looks amazing!!! I plan to try your Brookies recipe this weekend! I can’t wait!

I hope Dani wins The Biggest Loser. You?

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I have some Ghiradelli brownie mix in the pantry right now. I want to make some. But I realized the last time I attempted to make brownies, I don’t have a brownie pan. Whoops.

Been way to long since I ate. . . . strawberry shortcakes.

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Haha my son’s OBSESSED with remotes too! We ended up taking the batteries out of an old one and giving it to him as a toy. Of course, he knows the difference and still wants the real thing…

That’s one of my favorite summer salads too!!!

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Ooh that salad looks delicious!

I got my nephew a fake cell phone toy but I think he definitely knows the difference between the toy and the real deal, haha.

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I’m hooked on Ghiradelli brownies. Once a month I’ll come home with the boxed mix (and I NEVER buy box brownies) and my husband will instantly know what time of the month it is. :) But I know he’s a keeper because he’ll let me eat the whole pan and pretend not to notice.

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Watched the bachelor! Not happy about it :(

All time fave goodie are chocolate chip cookies. And I haven’t had brownies in forever

My workout today is yoga and lots of physical therapy for my whacky IT band!

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Brownies are sooooooo good… now I have the biggest craving! Thank you very much ;)

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I just love her pigtails

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mmmm brownies… And that salad looks amazing!

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