Lunch/ Product Reviews

Safe & Sound

Hi friends!

Wow, talk about a LONG day!!!

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I am very thankful to be home and in my jammies, bout to get tucked into my big soft bed. The post-wedding brunch this morning was lovely. Katie and Matt had it catered by this wonderful little Italian deli and there was a great spread of Italian meats, gourmet cheese, olives, veggies and fresh fruit. I rarely eat lunch meat but I do love gourmet Italian meats and I made a sandwich with some as well as provolone cheese and spicy brown mustard. It was awesome! I haven’t had a sandwich like this is in a very long time and it satisfied all my taste buds totally!

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Lots of fresh fruit and carrots on the side! I’ll tell ya—-I’ve had the BEST fruit this weekend! Somehow the plums, watermelon and berries just taste so much better here than do back home!

After this, if you can believe it, I was still quite hungry (my appetite has been out of control today!) so instead of making another sandwich, I made a “roll-up” with another piece of meat and cheese with mustard. I also tried one of the spicy peppers that was stuffed with cheese and salami and two giant olives……YUM! This totally hit the spot.

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This is why I could never be a vegetarian. 😉 I adore vegetarian meals but once in awhile this gourmet foodie loves her meat! This is exactly why, for me, I can’t put any labels on my eating habits. I know it works for a lot of people but I love to have the total freedom to eat whatever I like….in moderation of course! Sure, I might go a week or two without any meat but then I don’t feel guilty when I indulge in some! Its all about what works for you individually. What feels the best for your body is what you should do….we are all made quite different!
There were a slew of homemade desserts and I tried a small piece of “The Best Bars”, which one of the moms made. Not sure what was in these little beauties but sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, graham crackers and pecans came to mind. I had to walk away from the table after one or I would have surely reached for a few more!

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Matt and Katie are headed up north to a cabin on Lake Superior for a three day honeymoon this week! Where they are staying sounds gorgeous……Wisconsin is just so beautiful in the summer (almost makes the harsh winters bearable!).
We said our goodbyes and piled into the car for the hour and a half trip back to Milwaukee. Once in the airport I bought some snacks + magazines ‘cause I knew dinner wouldn’t be for a long while.
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Never tried the dried fruit before but it was really good. I ate it WITH the baggie of soy crisps (it was a single serving bag….only 110 calories and 7 grams of protein!) for the whole “sweet and salty” combo. I really like these soy crisps for a snack…..’specially the salt and vinegar flavor because growing up that was my favorite flavor of potato chips! These crisps are pretty much totally guilt-free and they are as light as air. They also come in a variety of flavors such as sea salt and bbq. When I was in college my mom would send me up big bags of them because I couldn’t find them anywhere!
GREAT recipes in this month’s Cooking Light! I see a pretty major trip to Costco (!!!) in my future for tomorrow……
We got into Atlanta right around dinner time and since we had a 2 1/2 hour layover, we headed upstairs to Chili’s so we could sit down and relax out of the terminal for a bit.


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I ordered the chicken fajitas for my meal—-
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I ate the fajitas tortilla-less and with only a small amount of cheese. Loved me some of that guacamole though! 😉
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They were actually very tasty! I haven’t had fajitas in a long time! Definitely didn’t even miss the tortillas. After eating whole wheat for so long, white tortillas just don’t even taste good to me anymore.
My mom and I split this fro yo for dessert 🙂 This was a nonfat twist of praline and white chocolate mousse with sprinkles! I get fro yo EVERY SINGLE TIME I go through the Atlanta airport. Its a tradition! Usually I hit up the TCBY but Freshens was right near our gate.
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Our plane ended up sitting on the runway for ever (does this always happen to anyone else in Atlanta?? Happens to me every.single.time) and then we went through a bunch of bad weather on the flight down. I don’t get motion sickness at all and both of my parents were actually flight attendants for 15 years so I’ve grown up feeling comfortable on planes, but I still get a little shaky sometimes. When this happens I simply plug in my music, ask for some hot water and make some herbal tea while I meditate and think happy thoughts.
That’s all for now, friends! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and is feeling refreshed and renewed for the week ahead! See you in the morning!

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  • Still Life in South America
    July 5, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    Wow–what a full and lovely day. Sounds soothing to relax with the extended family. I love gatherings like the day-after wedding brunch.

    Glad you enjoyed the weekend. G’nite!

  • Rebeca
    July 5, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    Glad you’re home safe!

    I’m with you on the white tortillas! aaaaaaaand the labels!

  • Becca
    July 5, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    Mmm, those desserts and fresh veggies look (and sound) delicious! I find you can always count on weddings – and their associated before and after parties – for ridiculously good treats. Glad you made it home safe and sound!

  • Rachel in NC
    July 5, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    I’m totally with you on the gourmet Italian meats! Yum! That sandwich looked great.

    Did you finish reading that Gourmet magazine yet? I bought it last week while I was traveling and thought it was a particularly good issue.

  • Joelle (Chasing Pavements)
    July 5, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    Oh my gosh- I LOVE that picture of the clouds! Gorgeous!!

  • Megan (Runner's Kitchen)
    July 5, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    I love all of the food court options in airports – especially the fro yo! Have you ever tried dried strawberries? I just had them for the first time – they taste EXACTLY like the fruit roll ups I used to eat as a kid 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    July 5, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Glad to hear you enjoyed the end of your trip and made it back home safely!

    I’m totally with you on the meat… I don’t eat very much, but I NEVER want to restrict myself by labeling how I eat. Moderation IS key! 🙂

    Get a good night’s rest after all of your travels!

  • Sarah
    July 5, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Glad your trip was safe and uneventful. Those fajitas look good!

  • Kelly Olexa
    July 6, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Atlanta airport is notorious for delays of ALL KINDS. I’ve been holed up there in the gate and on the runway more times than I care to admit. GRRRR!! 😉
    Love how you describe your ‘way of eating’- I’ve felt in the past year like I was forcing myself to fit into a ‘label’ of eating style…..now I just do what works for ME!
    😉

  • Caroline
    July 6, 2009 at 12:05 am

    I’ve tried that brand of dried fruit too–oddly enough, I bought it at an airport too. I had no idea you could buy single servings of soy crisps–sounds like a perfect snack to me!

  • Jenna (reader)
    July 6, 2009 at 12:11 am

    What a lovely spread! They must have gone to a lot of trouble to be sure everyone was felt nourished and appreciated. I’m pretty weary of lunchmeats as well. But, those Italian meats look great. Blue Moon is one of the only beers I can stand. I used to work at an English pub and I would stay after and relax with a pint after my shift! Happy travels!

  • Anna
    July 6, 2009 at 12:33 am

    Glad you had a great time and made it home safely! 🙂

    I totally hear ya about the Atlanta airport. Both times I’ve connected there not only were our flights delayed, but we roamed the runway for what felt like forever. The first time it was because the electric was malfunctioning on the plane. The lights kept flickering..it was scary. The second time we started to take off and then we stopped and literally roamed for what felt like forever. When we had started to take off they realized we were too close to the plan that took of before us so we had to wait. Everywhere else everything is fine. Something’s in the air in Georgia!!

    I hate flying!

  • Maria
    July 6, 2009 at 12:47 am

    Ooooh those berries looks so fresh and juicy, mmmmm! Me too, I eat vegetarian most of the time, but occasionally like a bite or so of meat :D. Those bars look rich and delicious. Fajitas + froyo? Can it get any better? Glad to hear you got home safely!

  • Chloe
    July 6, 2009 at 1:14 am

    I love finally getting home after a long day of traveling, nothing beats the comfort of my own bed. Those thin crisps look great, I’ll have to try those next time I’m in need of a snack!
    Good for you for nixing the tortillas, that’s a great way to cut down on the mondo servings of fajitas I get. I’ll have to try that next time I’m out for Mexican.

  • Christie @ Quit Your Diet
    July 6, 2009 at 5:40 am

    Glad you are back and had a nice time. Everything looks delicious!

  • Mara @ What's for Dinner?
    July 6, 2009 at 6:59 am

    You know why those stone fruits taste better in the Midwest?? Well, because they’re better here!! Seriously 🙂 glad you made it home safely!

  • Stephanie
    July 6, 2009 at 7:07 am

    I had a horrible experience in the Atlanta airport, I will not fly Delta anymore.

    The wedding seemed amazing with lots of good food!

  • Tracy
    July 6, 2009 at 7:27 am

    I’m from Atlanta and hate to admit you’re right about our airport! Too bad I wasn’t there to say hello – I’ve eaten at that Chilli’s a million times!

  • Madison
    July 6, 2009 at 7:33 am

    I know exactly what you mean about sitting in the airplane…waiting waiting waiting to take off. I am an impatient person at it is, so I have to think happy thoughts as well. An IPOD definitely comes in handy. haha.

    Those best bars do look really yummy. There is something about bar cookies and brownies that I love so much–I cannot control myself and always eat WAY more than I should!

  • emily
    July 6, 2009 at 7:40 am

    Glad you are home safe! I adore Freshens, it is the only low-calorie froyo I’ve ever tried that actually tastes like normal froyo (Better, in my opinion!).

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    July 6, 2009 at 7:46 am

    Glad you are back safe and sound! What a great trip 😉

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    July 6, 2009 at 7:47 am

    Glad you had a great time! 😀

    I can’t wait to see what you make from the Cooking Light magazine. I just received mine last week, and you’re so right…the recipes in this issue look great! 😀

    AND, I’m with you on the vegetarian thing. I find myself eating vegetarian for days, sometimes a couple weeks…but to tell myself that I can never have something makes me just want it more. And then food sort of loses its enjoyment. My brother has been vegetarian for at least 3 years, though, so it really is what works for the individual. 😀

    Hope you have a great Monday back! 😀

  • Jenna
    July 6, 2009 at 8:39 am

    🙂 sounds like you had a fun weekend!! I love Froyo!! Too bad we don’t have any near by!

  • Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri)
    July 6, 2009 at 8:41 am

    I love those soy crisps. I always bring a huge bag to the beach with me because they are such a perfect snack for when you are laying around feeling munchy. : )

  • Amanda
    July 6, 2009 at 8:48 am

    Jenna, that’s so funny you were in Atlanta because I was in the Atlanta airport yesterday, too..and RIGHT by Freshens! I was flying to Pittsburgh, though! I could have seen you! LOL! My flight was delayed, too – it seems like this is a normal occurrence in Atlanta. :o(

    I wish I would have bought the Froyo though! Bummer!! Glad you’re home safe :o)

  • brandi
    July 6, 2009 at 9:13 am

    i’m glad you got back safely! the wedding weekend looked beautiful!

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings
    July 6, 2009 at 9:14 am

    Totally agree with you on not labelling what kind of eater you are. I think it’s great to just eat what you want when you want it. No need to cut things out – just enjoy in moderation!

  • devon
    July 6, 2009 at 9:17 am

    The Atlanta airport should be labeled as a layer of hell.

  • Kati
    July 6, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Your philosophy on meat eating is so like mine! I really do like meat but I’ve felt lately like I shouldn’t be eating as much of it- and should branch out and try veggie or vegan meals. Those dessert bars look so rich 🙂

  • Shelly
    July 6, 2009 at 9:47 am

    I feel the same way about really good cured meat! I could probably give up meat in my day to day life (I only eat it at dinner anyway, and that’s because I’d rather not make separate meals for the dear boyfriend and myself) but I can’t face the idea of giving up my occasional treats of prosciutto or pate. So good!

  • Susan
    July 6, 2009 at 9:52 am

    I’m all about the “no label” thing too!! I’ve finally started eating all meats again after almost a decade of being a vegetarian, and I couldn’t be happier with my new “label free” lifestyle! I still eat a lot of vegetarian foods, but if I’m out and want a piece of bacon, I eat it and feel good about it! 🙂

  • Krissy - Single Serving
    July 6, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Atlanta is one of those airports I’m always delayed in. It’s crazy. Is that the Gourmet with the lobster roll on the cover? I cannot wait to make that! I’m traveling on Wed so great to know about Cooking Light. I need stuff to read!

  • Renee
    July 6, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    That always happens to me in ATL too!!

  • Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now
    July 6, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    That froyo looks so great. I just LOVE sprinkles!!!

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
    July 6, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    I fly into ATL from Chicago all the time, which is horrid, because if there’s any worse airport for delays than ATL, it’s Chicago ORD!

  • Kathleen
    July 6, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    I’m a new(ish) reader and love your sensible approach to eating (and all of the great ideas and gorgeous pictures). I’m a fan.

  • Sarah
    July 6, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    I loved reading this statement…
    “I can’t put any labels on my eating habits. I know it works for a lot of people but I love to have the total freedom to eat whatever I like….in moderation of course!”
    I feel the same way! Why limit yourself with a label?! Why say you CAN’T have something? That makes me want something even more if I tell myself or others that I can’t have it.