My “Ex” Roomies (and two of my best friends Jenny & Amy) from LLU met up in Palm Springs for my birthday dinner! I miss those girls! (Sorry no picture of all of us, we couldn’t manage to get a good one)
I made reservations, which was completely unnecessary because no one wants to visit Palm Springs when it’s a 100+, much less sit outside like we did!
My “chinatown” cocktail was perfect, not to sweet, but so refreshing!!!! It had watermelon and I don’t know what else, but it’s definitely one of their highly recommended signature drinks. Amy had a mango mango and which was the same, not to sweet but super refreshing.
We got an appetizer which was shrimp, wrapped in bacon (which I removed) in chorizo and cheddar grits. This was definitely a special experience for me because I’ve never had grits (despite my southern cooking upbringing- read more about that here) and I’m usually pretty adamant about not eating red meat. However, this was a special occasion and it was so worth it!
Then it was on to the pizza, which I almost forgot to take a picture of (hence the one that is already half eaten). We shared (and polished off) two small pizzas: chicken pesto and fire & smoke.
I think we all agreed the Fire and Smoke was the winner, even though it wasn’t super spicy like the menu described. I love all types of pizza but thin crust is nice because you don’t leave feeling like your going to pop! In fact we had room for the birthday dessert we got on the house! We chose a matchbox mud pie. It’s description was: chocolate cookie crumb crust / layers of brandini toffee /coffee ice cream / chocolate ganache / caramel sauce.
I made a little wish (and said a little thank you prayer) and blew out the candle while the girls sang ….then we dug in! If you ever make it to Palm Springs, this dessert is hands down worth stopping for. I would place in my all time top 10 favorite deserts. It. was. amazing.
The 80/20 rule or the 20/80 rule… which is it again?
Both of my “ex” roommates are also public health graduate nutrition students and man do we have twisted senses of humor. This came in one of their cards:
I generally try to follow the 80/20 rule: healthy food and habits 80% of the time and indulgences 20% of the time. Why? I believe indulgences are good for our pyschi and contribute to some sort of well being and balance in our lives. It’s my thoughts that a little wiggle room helps keep me on track. Yesterday was a bit backwards though, a bit like this pyramid. I followed more of a 20% healthy (can I get an extra couple of percentage points for the carrots in the carrot cake or veggies on the pizza?) and 80% unhealthy splurges. When I have days like that, usually some sort of special occasion like my birthday or a holiday, I just jump right back into my old routine the next day. I try not to dwell to much on the past or beat myself up for it. Instead I remember the wonderful meals I shared with my friends and the memories I created. (I guarantee you we will all remember that slice of pie for a long long time, it was THAT good!) I keep in mind that I have successfully kept off the weight I’ve lost for three years now and that a healthy lifestyle is the most important to me. This doesn’t mean I don’t monitor my weight, but it means I’ve put my priorities in line with my lifestyle of overall wellness. That’s just it, it’s a lifestyle, not a diet of the day or moment. I commit to living healthy and happy. 🙂
Yesterday was a wonderful birthday, thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes I felt very very loved and blessed! 🙂
Questions of the day:
How do you get back on track after a splurge?
What is your favorite summertime healthy treat?
What’s the best birthday dessert you’ve ever had?
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