No food coma on this side of town

Starting the night off right w. some bubbly

I like the way the bubbles tickle my nose

What do you think Noma? Is it done yet?

Checking the turkey w. a meat thermometer=always a good idea.

Chef Mike and Athena cooking away. T and I arrived promptly at 6 much to their surprise. What can we say. We're sometimes we're a bit too prompt. :o)

"let me slice the turkey"

"No, honey, this is how you do it!"

Everything is better in two's

Hey! Where's my food?! (no worries- she got plenty of turkey this year!!)

Spinach salad w. cranberries, blue cheese, apples, and pomegrante dressing. I love dried fruit in my salad. It's nice to have a chewy texture in contrast to the crunchiness of the apples.

Lots of bread- I had two pieces

Green beans sauteed in EVOO and bacon. BAAAACOONN!!!!!! Love love love the smell of sizzling bacon!

I was shocked to see that the turkey still had its legs. Gross. Seriously Whole Foods?! They give you the head but not the gizzards. Isn't that so strange?

Stuffing. Probably my least favorite but don't feel bad because it wasn't home made! Where's the reliable stovetop stuffing when you need it?!

Drunken turkey. The marinade included tequila and grand marinier. The turkey turned out very moist and juicy. Compliments to the Chef!

Mike's special garlic mashed potatoes. so delicious with chunks of potato still left throughout. Just the way mash should taste.

Corn- simple yet delicious.

Check out the spread yo!

My plate- So proud of myself. I went up for seconds but only stuck to the veggies. Avoided the dreaded turkey coma this year :)

The pumpkin pie was delicious. Just the right amount of spices and sweet w. that amazing pumpkin flavor. I had one two slices.

Spoiled brat gets a seat at the table when someone's away.

Honestly guys.. Where's my food?

We were able to watch a bit of football. Thanksgiving is not complete without seeing the robotic NFL turkey come across the tv screen.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand she's out for the count

What do you think she's dreaming of?

Pardon me...

do I have something on my schnauser?

THANKFUL!

a set of strong legs to take me on a 6.64 mile run this morning. THANKFUL!

Lots of layers of clothing to keep me warm outside. THANKFUL!

Proving to myself once again that I can run (and sweat) even under extreme weather conditions. Very thankful.

my wonderful husband who takes me to the best sushi places. so thankful!

God providing me beautiful flowers to see and smell. Thankful.

Beautiful green plates to eat delicious food on. Thankful.

Scallop nigiri.. extra thankaliciousness!!

Sushi platter and an alaskan roll w. spicy mayo sauce. Anything spicy=thankful!

Chirashi bowl smothered in a wasabi mixture. Uhm.. YUMMY. Thank-Yooooooou! ;)

woman sushi chef who prepares such wonderful roll combinations of eel, avocado, tuna, and salmon roe-thankful.

Baked goods=thankful

baked goods especially when I don't have to bake or clean up= THANKFUL!!

the house smelling heavenly. thankful.

Life provides us with so many little opportunites to be grateful. I hope to be thankful not just today but everyday that I look back and reflect just how blessed I truly am!! Happy Thanksgiving to my family back in Chicago!

Let's give thanks

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!

Time to gobble it up! he he he.. Okay I'll stop being the dork that I am. Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!!

Quick snack before a run. It is CHILLY outside but I have on a gazillion layers. :)

Green monster muffin w. peanut butter and honey w. some fruit on the side and black coffee. Wake me up before you go go.. lalalala..

Toys toys galore

Toy overload. I walked to a pet store w. Noma earlier this morning but much to my surprise, it wasn't open. After waiting around for 10 mins, I realized the 9:45 a.m. open sign should have read "to the owner's discretion." Thankfully, I found a cute pet boutique near my gym called "Love your Pets" so I didn't have to go far.

She sure loves her toys!

The owner of the boutique asked me "how many dogs do you own?" :P Sonoma might as well count for two dogs seeing as she rips apart her toys within days!

Stopped by the store today to pick up some pie crusts for Turkey Day. T will be making pumpkin pie!

Also picked up some dates and prunes for healthy snacking.

To make my lunches more filling, I sometimes like to add in some healthy whole wheat carbs.

And some protein since I want to rebuild my muscles. I had a very productive leg workout today. Lots of squats, lunges, raises, and deadlifts.

Salad mix:

• romaine lettuce
• spinach
• asparagus
• avocado
• red onions
• dates
• chicken
• ranch dressing 
• siracha
• whole wheat pasta

Yum! I'm on a salad kick lately.

Dessert was a smoothie topped w. cranberry maple muesli and green tea.
Smoothie mix:

• handful of spinach
• 1/2 of a frozen banana
• frozen berries (raspberries, peaches, blackberries)
• milk
• vanilla yogurt
• agave nectar
• 1/4 cup of water to thin out the smoothie

Still trying to kick this cold. I feel like I'm eating and sleeping properly. I feel like I'm being punished for not being sick in a long time!! Sad face Hanna :(

Interesting side note: I stepped on the scale today and realized I have gained some weight. I shouldn't really be too surprised since I haven't been eating the greatest lately but interestingly enough, I wasn't the least bit upset or sad. In fact, I felt nothing upon the realization that I'm a lot heavier than I initially thought. I point this out because I believe this is due to my recent change in mindset. I no longer feel driven to the gym by a need to lose weight. My fitness goals are to become stronger, live longer, and maintain an overall healthier lifestyle. I respond more to how my body looks and how I feel than to a number on a scale. I guess you could also say I've grown up and become more comfortable in my body. I no longer value being too thin and appreciate my curves for what they are; extra padding for the winter :)

Squeak w. your beak

So much for our recent resolution of "no more fried chicken, no more pizza, no more kabobs." On second thought... were kabobs ever on the list?

Kabob or not, I know greasy fries were not included.

But it is o' so tasty! I made sure to get my fill of the purple vegetable stuff (smothered in some delicious and calorific sauce)

At least breakfast this morning was somewhat healthier.

Oats:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• raisins
• goji berries
• squeeze of honey
• green monster muffin crumble

 w. blueberries and grapes on the side.

Afternoon agenda: more studying and a trip to the pet store. My dog hasn't had any toys to play with in over a week. Poor girl has resorted to chewing on useless plastic.

I better run out and get her something before I get reported to the pet abuse hotline.

Cute story of the morning: Baby's got a brand new beak!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/22/baby-penguin-new-beak-video_n_787102.html