With not having much of a break last week, well, no break at all in fact-I realized I’ve been slacking on the blog the last few days. Ack…my bad!
Having had worked New Year’s day, I decided to make the very most of this weekend with my family. I work next weekend, so we decided to do all the fun family stuffs. Friday I came home from work to a wonderfully cooked meal of BBQ chicken and veggies by my hubby, as well as to find all of the Christmas decorations had been taken down and put away. Score. I was ready to move past the holidays. Friday night we relaxed and watched the movie, “Big Night” starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. It is an older film, from 1996, but the story was based on the relationship of two brothers who had moved to the United States from Italy to open their own restaurant. At first, you think the movie is going to be about food but in reality it’s about their passion FOR Italian food, and the relationship the two brothers share. Great flick, and I highly recommend it to any food enthusiast, or movie lover alike.

Saturday we decided to take the family to see MockingJay part 1 at the theater (GREAT movie), and have dinner at a place we haven’t tried yet that is located in Geneva, IL. Local readers, I HIGHLY recommend The Patton house, which is on 2nd street in downtown Geneva. We had bacon wrapped figs to start, and my entrée was a spicy salmon fillet over a sweet potato puree with a maple demi glaze. To. Die. For.
Today was my day to go shopping at my favorite consignment shop, Clothes Mentor, with the gift cards I received for Christmas. This store makes me happy. What can I say…I showed up with a small bag of clothes (they buy back too!) for which I received 15 dollars, as well as had a 5 dollar coupon. At the end of my spree, I bought a cute purse, Franco Sarto shoes, and several sweaters, shirts, 2 pairs of pants and a sweater dress all for $225.00. 18 items, at an average of $12.50 cents each, and keep in mind these are all high end brand names…Ann Taylor, BCBG max, White house Black market, Nike (yes, I had to get workout clothes too!) and Banana Republic just to name a few…yup…this girl came out HAPPY as a clam. I used to love fashion, but found that over the last several years I forgot to pamper myself too…so although I can’t afford these clothes brand new, I sure can bargain shop!
I still can’t run as my thumb is still on the mend, but am praying one more week and I’ll be cleared to run. Starting now, since my marathon training starts in about 6 weeks I will be eating A LOT healthier, and cutting back on my wine intake…scary, I know…but it’s needed. I am going back to my high protein diet, as it truly made me feel healthier and stronger. I’ve fallen off the wagon and have been eating far too much rice/rice pasta. I’ll still have these yummy things once or twice a week…just not daily. I was however able to cook Sunday supper tonight, which tasted great, but didn’t look very pretty…my meal prep looks much nicer…LOL!
My friend posted this on my time line today…LOL




With no true resolutions this year, I can say I have lofty goals of branching out, somehow…in my career, and in my life. What that means? I’m not 100% sure yet…
What are your goals for the year?? Do you make resolutions? Do you shop consignment?
Have a great week, gang!
❤ Michelle
Your husband is amazing! Not just dinner but the decorations taken down?? It wouldn’t happen here.
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I know!!! I remind myself of all the times when I get irritated with his computer gaming how amazing he really is!
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💛❤️💛
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❤ Tracey!
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Nothing better than bargains! I’m glad you’re feeling better! I’m looking forward to following your marathon training journey!
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Thanks, Wendy! If you want to join me on some long runs (you’ll have to slow down) I’d love it!
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Oh wow can you send your hubby over? I’m single parenting this entire month as the Caveman is in China and our decorations are still up. Blech, time to move on. Yay for marathon training…but not yet. Nice to have a break, right?
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My hubby is Army, so I am no stranger to single parenting. Holler if you ever need to vent as i know how hard it can be to juggle work,kids,etc! The break from a ‘schedule’ has been nice, but I sure miss running…:(
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Marathon training!! Yay!! How exciting!! Can’t wait to follow your journey!! It’s going to be a great year for you, I just know it!! Sounds like a fabulous weekend!! Yum to all the food pictures!! Wow! Amazing! Have a super week! XOXO
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Thanks, Kristin! I swore I’d never do another marathon, but this race has been on my bucket list since I was a kid!! Have a wonderful week!!! XO
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Italian food sounds familiar to me…… Glad you are feeling better and you are almost ready to start the marathon training.
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BK I am going to come visit you one day!!!! It’s my dream to visit Italy! Thanks XO!
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Sure Could Go For A Glass Of Wine Right Now
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Amen! Me too!!
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I need to remember never to read your blog while hungry!
And thanks for the restaurant suggestion. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m the the Chi area!
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Youre so welcome and thanks!!
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I’m so happy you got some YOU time. As mothers, wives, workers, etc. we need to not forget about US! Post some pics of your beautiful finds! Can’t wait to start following you on the marathon journey! Amazing my friend. Love you!
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Haha no me time actually, J tagged along but we had a great time! Thanks!!
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