I Drool

Yup, so since I'm back on the counting calorie train *side note: was horrible tonight - my mom made her inFAMOUS chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing & I took some home*, I decide what Im going to eat hours before I actually eat it (sometimes a day before if Im really on top of things) & record the nutrional information into myfitnesspal.com app. Tomorrow Mr. Daddy Warbucks and I have decided on Wendy's. Believe it or not ladies, but I have had really eaten there. I think I've gone there once or twice when we lived in North Carolina & I honestly can't remember what I ordered.

After browsing on wendys.com, I have found my lunch for tomorrow:

(your probably going to have to click it to enlarge it, but it's a half size baja salad & a small chili. I didn't add the dressing into the equations because I never use more than 1/4 of the dressing and dip my fork in it before I stab :) )

Tell me why I have never heard of this salad? Guac? Pico de Gallo? & Chili?! I've never had chili on a salad, but Im pretty sure I'm going to love it.

Anyone ever had this? What's your favorite things at Chilis? Oh and one more thing - if your trying to find the EASIEST way to count calories & you have a smart phone - download myfitnesspal NOW. Im not being paid to say this, I'm just preachin the troof

Modifications

Workout today - 30 Day Shred Level 3

So ladies. I must confess. I have been making this Taco Bake recipe I found on Kraftrecipes.com for a couple weeks now. I said "couple weeks" because it's a hit in the California Dreamin Casa. It's amazing. 'Nuff said.

what you need

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

1 lb. ground beef - I modified this with EXTRA LEAN GROUND TURKEY

1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Taco Seasoning Mix - I MODIFIED THIS WITH LOW SODIUM TACO SEASONING

3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream - I MODIFIED THIS WITH NON FAT PLAIN GREEK YOGURT

1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided - I MODIFIED USING LOW FAT & I ONLY USE ABOUT 3/4 CUP OF CHEESE

1 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa

How to make it

HEAT oven to 400°F.

PREPARE Dinner as directed on package. While Macaroni is cooking, cook meat with taco seasoning as directed on package.

STIR sour cream into prepared Dinner; spoon half the Dinner mixture into 8-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with layers of meat mixture, 1 cup shredded cheese and remaining Dinner mixture; cover.

BAKE 15 min.; top with salsa and remaining shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5 min. or until cheese is melted.

I'm telling you girls, TRY IT! Your man will be VERY happy. Pair it with a salad, and VOILA! You got a good healthy(ish) meal!

Today I met a couple of mommies in my mommy group and had some lunch and went to see Bad Teacher with Cameron Diaz.

Of course those are margaritas at noon. It was "Mommies Day Out". Time to celebrate

So my beef with Miss Diaz - I think she is a horrible actress. GASP! I know, I know, she makes some good chick flicks, but honestly the only movie I liked with her in it is The Sweetest Thing. Plus her appearance bugs me. I don't think she is this sexy little vixen that men say she is. Hubbs agrees with me on this one. It was a cute movie though. Some funny parts, but mostly the funny parts you can also see on the previews. I'd give it a 6/10. Personally, I don't recommend paying $10 a ticket to see it - wait till it's released on DVD. Unless your a die hard Cameron Diaz fan.

Thoughtless Thursday

Welcome to Thoughtless Thursday - where I can show you whatever pictures I want and not put any thought into it. Which is good, because the only thing on this hormonal chick's mind? FOOD.

My mom always told me lying is bad...

So I won't lie to you all - these satisfying bars rock my socks off when my sweet tooth hits at work

(I was not paid nor given free stuff to say this)

Sweet Tarts and Paula Dean

So today at work MAYJA' "Karli has hormonal blow out". So I have had a box of MOVIE THEATER SIZE sweet tarts on my desk for about 3 days. Whenever I get light headed or just want something tart (my FAVORITE flavor), I grab a handful. So today was a somewhat stressful day, so I reach for my box on my desk next to where I keep my picture of Nick and I and what do I feel? AIR!! The box is completely empty - some a hole cleaned me out! I was robbed! I had at least a quarter of a box left when I left yesterday afternoon. Someone had the balls (I knew it was a guy), to clean me out and then to leave the empty box on my desk-- and not mention a thing about it?!?! I was PISSED. Like where I wanted to cry, pissed. So I ask a guy I work with if he knows who took them and to my luck, he DID! Long story short, I marched straight to the guy and let him have it. It was a pretty quiet day at the office with the boss being gone, so the whole office tuned into my 3pm rant to the Sweet Tart thief. I threw every question at him: Who does he think he is going on MY desk and helping himself to MY sweet tarts?! How would he like it if I took shit off HIS desk and didn't tell him?! He played it off like it was a joke, but this raging hormonal sweet tart craving girl was NOT letting up. When I get really mad and into confrontation, I can feel myself getting red for steam. I also tend to wanna cry (when I'm REALLY mad). So after telling him how I felt, I took a walk outside and IM'd Nick about it. I had to practice those Lamaze breathing techniques to clear that friggin lump in my throat. No one wants Kermit the Frog answering their phones. I went to the gym, let out some steam and relived it to Nick, and now it is done - off my chest - tomorrow is another day - but men be warned - do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT touch anything especially food on a (pregnant) woman's desk.

Now, dinner, aka my happy place. I have dinner in the oven, but I have taken a little preview bite of what is to come and I can already recommend this recipe 110%. Enter Paula Dean. This little southern gem was calling my name, telling me to just cook one of her cheesy hot meals and fuh-get about the sweet tart thief.

Here is a recipe I'm sharing with ya'll (just cause it's a Paula Dean night, you get a 'ya'll'). Just FYI - on the sour cream and cream cheese, I used Fat Free :)


Mashed Baked

Ingredients
4 cups frozen hash browns
1 (7.6-ounce) package butter and herb mashed potato mix
1 stick butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups boiling water
2 cups prepared French-fried onion rings
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a pot of water to the boil and add the hash browns. Cook for 5 minutes and drain. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked hash browns, mashed potato mix, butter, cream cheese, jack cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Stir in the boiling water. Place in a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle the onion rings over the casserole and bake for about 5 to 8 minutes longer until onions are golden brown.

Happy Hangover Day

Anyone feelin like Nick Nolte after a too much Cinco De Mayo celebrations?


Nick and I had dinner with my mamacita and my Bunny Boo (niece for you newbies) at Chipotle and let me tell you...it was WAY better than standing in a packed bar/restaurant with the whole city I live in. Last night was such a great night, and we even got to enjoy a LIVE mariachi band. In FACT, the Mariachi band was at the place across the street, but it was so loud, all surrounding restaurants got to enjoy it. And did you all know that Chipotle serves Margaritas?! I had no idea until a girl I work with mentioned in yesterday. So yeah..I was sold on Chipotle as soon as I heard that.

Knowing I was gonna have some chips and guac (side note: Chipotle has the BEST guac, who woulda thought?!). So I cut the unnecessary calories and carbs where I could. So I had my usual: a chicken burrito bowl with lettuce, black beans, rice (yah yeah, unnecessary carb, but I love their rice), tomatos, guacomole, and HOT salsa.


With all this talk about food, thank GOD I worked it at XBike yesterday. I was THRILLED to actually be able to do it. If you refer back to my blog last Wednesday, I went to the gym thinking it was level 1 X Bike I was going to attend, but alas, it turned out to be level 2 (30 minutes is enough for me, thanks). So you can imagine how excited I was when it WAS in fact level 1 yesterday, and I KNEW I was in store for a detoxing sweat session. I know I say it time and time again, but, it is a CRAZY intense workout, people. Those of you who have done a spin class, can understand when I say, you will be dripping from EVERY pore. Every minute I was in there, I watched the clock because I don't think I can make it. Switching your workouts up (in weights and in cardio), is a great way to throw your body for a loop, and to challenge it. I can run and run, but put me in an Xbike class for 30 minutes, and I am determined to work it harder than Jon Gosselin trying to find his next sugar mama/arm candy.


For once in a loooooooong time, I have actually stayed on my workout plan to a T that I set for myself on Monday. It always seems like "life happens", and it stalls my workout agenda. NOT this week. I am DETERMINED to rock some short shorts this summer. When I want to stop and walk on Tread, I think back to that dressing room when I tried my little shorts on and though, "Okay Karli - get the shorts, work those legs for 3 weeks, and theeeen work those shorts" (Yes, I do talk to myself like this, LOL). So I am well on my way :)

Great news of the day: It's THURSDAY, meaning tomorrow is Friday, WOO HOO! Am I seriously the only one who starts wishing it was Friday on a Monday? This weekend is gonna be a very relaxing weekend with Mothers Day on Sunday and all. Since I know my mamacita reads my blog, I won't be revealing what I'm getting her, but it's a good one :)

Totally random:

2 Movies I am literally counting down to:

What girl ISN'T?!?!? I need to buy my tickets after I round up my ladies



I LOVE the story of Robin Hood, and I love me some Russell Crowe :)

Namaste'

I am sitting here in my cozy home in front of a warm fire with Daisy Mae because its 38 degrees this Tuesday night! It's so funny that people (other than Californian's) think its 80 degrees all over CA all year round.

So today was a tough (no idea why it was tough) 3 mile run followed by 55 minutes of yoga. Right when I heard the teacher talk, I got a shiver down my spine- I knew it was going to be a good class. Some people go to yoga for the flexibility benefits, some people go for the "yogi" experience, and I? I go for the goosebumps and relaxation. Its the last pose that you end all yoga classes with- corpse pose.

The teacher, or master as the yogi's call them, will generally talk you through your "cool down" or relaxation period after stretching and holding your body in intense poses for an extended period of time. It's a way to thank your body for being so strong- I on the other hand prefer to thank my body by getting in an extra hour or 2 of sleep (or stopping on the way home from the gym for a Superstar from Carl's Jr).

Tomorrow I am going with my sister to finish our Christmas shopping, and then let the fun begin! Christmas Eve day we have a bunch of family coming over for an early dinner and presents, and then on Christmas, the fam is waking up at the bright and early time of 3 AM! WHEWY!! My sister is making a delish breakfast crock pot recipe and I will be making Fiber One blueberry muffins.

Oh so N and I also decided what we are doing for New Years Eve. Get ready for this wild night I'm about to describe. Are you sitting down? Do you have a brown lunch bag near the computer just in case? N and I are staying home from New Years Eve!!! We've done the whole going downtown and staying out till the early hours of the morning and we've done just doing the small house party thing too. Been there, and got the T-shirt. So we decided since my mom will be all by herself on NYE (brother and dad go north for hunting & niecy poo & sister will be in NC), we'd take her out to dinner and a movie. Some people like to ring in their year by making out with a total stranger and then proceeding to the nearest toilet (or vase), to puke every liquid and solid they've had, but I prefer to ring it in with a little guac (or mucho guac if I'm being honest) and MUCHO margaritas.

Happy Humpday ladies and gents!

Another kick ass sesh at the gym tonight! Bada bing! I would put the pic up, but my internet is being LAME, so another time dearies.

Its usually the norm for me cause why fix something that's not broken, am I right? In the bowl- 5 egg whites, 1 yolk with about 1 tblspn of shredded chedder ontop a bed of spinach. Totally reppin it for the Popeye crowd! Then of course hot sauce on top :D Then I have my Trader Joe's walnut bread with 1.5 tablespoon of Almond Butter and shmear of Trader Joes blackberry preserves. Mmm mm mmmmmmm. Talk about amazing! It is such a comfort food for me.

Oh and before I forget, I have to share with you peeps what happend to me yesterday morning. I was getting out of bed and was so excited to wake up at 5:45 AM when I went to bed at 11:30 the night before, that I basically sprinted to the shower and since it was dark in the room, I didn't see the drawer sticking out of the dresser. You can guess who banged/killed the top of their quad in the corner of the drawer. I present to you, the damage on day #1:



MAN it hurt!! Then day two:



OUCCCCH!!! It didn't keep this crazy workout fanatic from working out. OH and great news: I am signing up for the turkey trot in my area on Thanksgiving morning. I have only technically ran 1 5K race and I did really good in my opinion. Time to start training!!

Productive Friday!

I love La Bou. I feel for any of you who don't have a La Bou, as I was once one of those people. NOT ANYMORE THOUGH!!! I met my Bestie Bon Bon for lunch today and had a delicious turkey on wheat w/avacado, lettuce, tomato and onion. SOOO delicious!! Then I got a half garden salad that had tomato, avocado and the usual lettuce and such. In the words of Rachel Ray, "Yum-O"! Bon Bon and I pretty much closed the place down too!! We were there from 12 to 3:15 and the closed at 4:30! There is nothing like 2 girls when they get talking and laughing.

I had an interview call today!! Next Tuesday at 2:30!! Its for a CPA firm and its not too far from my house which is amazing!! That's what I've been looking for! Something not too far and pays great. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I've never NOT gotten my hopes up. Just the ABC's of me baby!

Today N started his new job!! So exciting! He said it went great and next week will be is offical 1st whole week working. Today was more of orientation where he got his clearence badge and stuff. Totally off topic, but man I hope I get a job next week. I had a feeling something good was coming this week so I'm thinking that good feeling was connected to this interview I have on Tuesday. Also my hiring agency also submitted my resume to another place today, so hopefully I wil be getting an email with that company soon too! Things are really starting to look up! :)



I hope you all have a great weekend!! I will let you all know how the interview goes!
XOXOXO

Sushi and jobs

How was everyone's Wednesday? Mine is slowly winding down here at la casa de California Dreamin. Today was a day at one of my favorite places. COSTCO!!! I could do some major damage at Costco, but I was good and got a book:

I am only on page 10, but I can tell this is going to be a really good book. A deep/makes you think, but makes you laugh book. Sorta an oxymoron, but I promise you that is a good description. The word on the grapevine is that Julia Roberts is filming the movie right now, so its the perfect time to read the book before watching the movie. The books are usually always better than the movie anyways. Its a great book to read out while I lay out and soak up the sun.

So last night when I said I was going to Thai, we ended up going to a Japanese restaurant instead that was right next door. My Bunny Boo loves Mi so Soup and that was the whole reason we wanted Asian food last night, so when the Thai place said they didn't have Miso Soup, we headed over to the Japanese place. I ordered the most amazing sushi! I will say right now that whenever I can get fresh sushi, I do. That store bought stuff is NOT real. I like a good California roll here and there, but for the most part, it doesn't cut it. I ordered a roll that had white fin tuna, avocado, and white fish. 8 pieces total for a awesome dinner. We got to sit outside and enjoy the nice breeze and I of course had to order a glass of Cabernet. We all decided that we will most def be coming back. The service was great and they gave Bunny Boo all the miso soup her heart desired! They even gave her a "to go" cup FREE!! The price wasn't bad either and they give HUGE portions. The place was called Kobe Sushi Bar and Grill for all of you guys in California.

So I am sitll looking for jobs....I get offered certain jobs and they just don't sound promising or like something that would be good to start and then once I find something better, leave it. A few of them that have been brought to my attention have been from the hiring agencies, so I feel bad for turning them down, but I have to stay true to me and what I'D be happy with, you know? My dad keeps telling me that in time, I will get a good job, and you can't rush time, but cmon, time.....it's me, Karli, you are lagging on me big time!! Lets get a good job pronto!! I still have a good feeling that something is going to come my way this week, so I'm staying positive. Like my favorite blue fish says "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming..." (Its from "Finding Nemo" for all you people thinking I'm crazy).

Houses and Thai food!

So N and I drove down to a part of Sacramento that he is going to be working in and I LOOOVE it! I have heard mixed things about this area and I wanted to see for myself. So to my surprise, it was really nice!! It reminded me of another area of Sacramento that is newer with the Mediterranean style homes and green trees and palm trees everywhere. There are tons of new shopping centers and I mean TONS with all the major store's and restaurants and fast food places. It had a super Target and that is all a girl needs :D. It makes me happy cause it has the beautiful houses I want in our price range. It is about 50-1 hour away from where my parents live, so that's really not too bad in my opinion. The drive seems to fly by, so its not too shabby in my opinion. PS...I'm not sharing where we are thinking of buying since the whole privacy thing :D

Tonight we're going to a Thai restaurant while my sister goes to back to school night. I'll let you all know where and how it was!

Interview and picy pic's

Happy Monday everyone!! I hope your weekend was fabulous!! My little Bunny Boo was dropped off at 5th grade today and we got to walk her to her class and all!! It was bringing back hella good memories being back at my old elemtary school :D Oh they were the best years of my life! 5th grade was by far my favorite!! I had the best time with Bestie since we were 4 years old and the field trips were awesome! So after we dropped her off, my sister and I went to pick up our driving manuals to take our California test to get our licenses back! Oh I can't wait cause I think the CA licenses are prettier than the NC one's. So I have to study up and hopefully I can take the test and get my car registered either this week or by next Monday....we shall see. So when I got back, I had a message on the answering machine and guess who it was from?! Another hiring agency and they wanna meet with me on Thursday to interview for a couple receptionist jobs they have avilable!!! The lady who I spoke to sounded promising :D So I am excited about that.

Oh and N and I have a date night on Thursday!!! I am so excited!! I am taking him to that Afghan restrauant I told you guys about that I went to last week. It's also a hooka bar, so we are gonna do a hooka while we are there. I am happy cause N and I need a date night just the 2 of us. Maybe have a glass of wine or 2 as well :D

So here are the pics of us driving across country like I promised :) I am at the coffee house so I have mucho internet connection to post them all

PS: You guys would be so proud. I am doing great with my workouts!!! I plan on working out this afternoon on the tready (treadmill) and then visiting Ms. Jill!