‘Tis the Season

on December 23, 2010
in All Posts

Last night was one of those nights.  Now I really feel in the holiday spirit!  I have to work today but it sure feels like vacation has begun.

 

Nicole, Isaac, the Husband, and I went to a bar bar called The Wine Loft.  We had a gift card!

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Before we left, I got a ton of writing done and ran 3.0 miles!   I wasn’t really feeling up to running, but after receiving some motivation via Twitter, I laced up my sneakers and ran off.

 

I also snacked on these while working… My neighbor baked them so I’m not sure what they are.  Something like peanut-butter soaked Chex mix that’s rolled in powdered sugar?

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We were totally out of groceries so I ate two cornbread muffins with jam before leaving on our double date.  I was hoping the wine bar would have real food!

 

Alas, no such luck.  However, they did have banging appetizers:

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I had a couple of stuffed grape leaves, which were so flavorful, and some hummus with pita bread.

 

Let the wine flow!

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I had a glass of Zin.

 

And a glass of champagne from Mumm… We actually went to this winery on our honeymoon!

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Nicole brought a bunch of chocolately treats from Natalie from Follow My Fitsteps.  She received it through a blogger gift exchange.  The Oreo balls were my favorite!  I love people who bring tupperwares of chocolates to the bar.

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Then, we sat in the wine bar and played with silly bands.  We are so mature.  We got the treat pack and they glowed in the dark!

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Wish I remembered what exciting story I was telling!

 

We came home, and I insisted on making pancakes with almonds and white chocolate chips.  It was the best 1 AM dinner ever.

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I crashed in bed and slept until 10 AM.  It felt amazing!  I have tons of work to get done today so I can go on Christmas vacation and feel relaxed, but that’s alright with me – I’m in the mood to work!

 

A very healthy and stabilizing breakfast:

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Sweet potato, broccoli, and an egg.  I put the runny egg in the potato and it was so good.

 

What are you doing for the holiday?  Going to visit friends or family? Relaxing at home?  We’re going to Florida tomorrow while a friend house sits for us (she has family in Charlotte so she saves on hotel costs!).  I am really excited to see the beach!

{ 98 comments }

 

  • Tiffany @ Conor & Bella December 23, 2010, 11:24 am

    I want those pancakes!!

    My husband and I are relaxing on home on Christmas. My plan is to cook all day and not leave the house for once!

  • Kristina @ Life as Kristina December 23, 2010, 11:24 am

    Who needs Denny’s at 1am? haha. Looks like a good night out-and love the hair;) I posted a pic of my dog attempting to eat my cupcake last night-thought of you and how no food is safe!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete December 23, 2010, 11:28 am

    I think it is called Puppy Chow. So good! I love that stuff!

    You can so tell how much your hubs loves you. Look at how enthralled he is by you in the pic! 🙂

    We are relaxing at home together. We are really excited about this since we have been busy every weekend for months!!

    • caryn December 23, 2010, 11:29 am

      that is most definitely called puppy chow and it is awesome!
      cute top knot! 🙂

      • Amy December 23, 2010, 11:32 am

        Yep…definitely puppy chow. I didn’t even finish reading the post on my Reader before I hopped over here to proclaim it so. Haha! 🙂

      • Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

        PUPPY CHOW! The love of all 🙂

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

      Puppy Chow is pretty tasty. One of those things that I eat too much of and end up with a stomach ache over.

    • Stephanie December 23, 2010, 11:40 am

      We always called them Muddy Buddies.

      • Anne @thefitbridesmaid December 23, 2010, 11:44 am

        Oh yeah, we called it puppy chow at Purdue, but it’s Muddy Buddies on the Chex Box. You can also use crispix or rice krispies. As long as you have peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar it’s DELICIOUS!

        • Stephanie December 23, 2010, 11:48 am

          Too true. They might as well have called it Chex Crack. =)

        • Arlene @ Adventures in Weight Loss December 23, 2010, 12:09 pm

          I was going to say it sounded like “Puppy Chow” to me. Must be a Midwestern thing.

      • Tracy December 23, 2010, 2:19 pm

        We say Muddy Buddies over here too! They are delish!

    • Katie December 23, 2010, 12:23 pm

      We always called that Muddy Buddies!

      • alli December 23, 2010, 12:30 pm

        yep, those are tasty! i’ve always called them chex muddy buddies. i think that’s the recipe name on the box? my SIL calls it puppy chow though. but to me puppy chow sounds as good as meow mix :p

        • kyla December 23, 2010, 1:33 pm

          Ohh man, puppy chow….
          I remember being super little probably around the age of 4 and it was served at Christmas. I refused to go near it since I was convinced it was dog food!

    • Maren December 23, 2010, 4:50 pm

      oh my gosh puppy chow is sooooooo addicting!! I’d never heard of puppy chow until I moved to Nebraska! It’s a hit here!

  • Liz December 23, 2010, 11:28 am

    I believe the snack your neighbor gave you is called “puppy chow” and it’s delicious!

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D. December 23, 2010, 11:29 am

    The Wine Loft is in Tallahassee, FL also, I love that place!

  • Ann @ Day by Day December 23, 2010, 11:29 am

    It’s puppy chow! At least that’s what we call the powder sugar chex mix stuff you were eating. I love how you were playing with silly bands. They entertain me too! I wear just one- a green dinosaur! I bond with little kids over it.

    All our family lives in Memphis, so we’ll be here! We go to my Mom’s side for a traditional buffet lunch with all the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. and then my Dad’s side for a much smaller (fancier) dinner. I love your breakfast of a sweet potato and broccoli. For some reason I can never get myself to eat anything other than oatmeal or cereal. I need to branch out.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) December 23, 2010, 11:30 am

    I’ve been so into runny eggs lately and I’m not sure why — maybe my body is craving the protein? Whatever the case, it’s a great way to wake up.

  • karen December 23, 2010, 11:30 am

    I think the peanut butter soaked chex mix is called muddy buddies. It is peanut butter, chocolate and then you shake the whole thing in a bag of powdered sugar. Loved the pics but all I could think while reading your blog was “I wonder what color sock she has in her hair” LOL. Pretty neat trick BTW

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

      hahahe everyone will know i wear socks now!

    • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 23, 2010, 11:35 am

      we’ve always called that stuff “puppy chow”…no matter what it’s incredibly addictive and freaking delicious though!!

  • Ker December 23, 2010, 11:31 am

    The mystery snack is puppy chow!! Only the best thing ever created. Chocolate, peanut butter, chex cereal, and powdered sugar.

  • Heather December 23, 2010, 11:31 am

    I can’t believe you’ve never had puppy chow before!?! It’s super tasty! I’ve also heard it called Muddie Buddies.

    We are off to Champaign, IL to have Christmas with my BIL & his family. Good times ahead!!!

  • Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine December 23, 2010, 11:31 am

    My Brother makes the Chex mix with pb AND Dark Chocolate with powdered Sugar…. YUM! They’re called Muddy Buddies 🙂

    Have a safe trip to Florida!! I’ll be spending my first Christmas as a Married couple! So Eve will be with my side and Day will be on his! Family and food everywhere!

  • Leanne December 23, 2010, 11:31 am

    Spending time with family… we live 5 minutes from my moms house and 15 minutes away from my fiance’s house 🙂

  • Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler December 23, 2010, 11:32 am

    You were eating puppy chow or, as I prefer to call them, muddy buddies. I’ve veganized those quite successfully! Yum!

    I’m celebrating Christmas in Florida this year after 5 years in the midwest. I’m excited, and DEFINITELY going to the beach on Christmas Day!

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 23, 2010, 11:32 am

    Your breakfast is great — I love breakfasts that double as dinners.

  • Maggie December 23, 2010, 11:32 am

    Puppy chow!! I love that stuff. I should have put it on my Christmas menu, really classy 😉

    Have fun in Florida, I’m headed to my parents’ house after work today. Only 5.5 more hours, not that I’m counting…

  • Cyclist Kate December 23, 2010, 11:32 am

    I call that stuff “Muddy Buddies.” It’s so freaking amazing!

  • Kaitlin December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

    Puppy Chow goes by so many names depending on where you live. Where I’m from, we call it Snowman Poop. We’re very mature here.

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:34 am

      Yes!!! Snowman Poop is so much better.

      • alli December 23, 2010, 12:32 pm

        ha-my mom used to give us a little bag of mini marshmallows with a note that says: “you’ve been so bad so here’s the scoop, all you get is snowman poop”
        of course it was a joke and we got real presents!
        it can go with chocolate covered raisins and be reindeer poop, too 🙂

        • Tracy December 23, 2010, 2:20 pm

          I give the marshmallow snowman poop to my Kindergarteners. They love it!

        • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 23, 2010, 4:27 pm

          Oh, that’s so funny! My son would get a huge kick out of it. After he realized he still got real presents, that is. Too bad our presents are already under the tree.

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

    The chex mix is called puppy chow!! one of my favorite snacks of all times – check out my blog post that talks about my love for it. OMGGGG droooling on my computer as I type!!

    http://eatmoremeatless.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/long-overdue/

  • Ella December 23, 2010, 11:33 am

    puppy chow/muddy buddys! ahh its the best stuff in the world!, my friend is actually making some for us tonight.
    the 23rd, tonight, my girlfriends and i do a big potluck dinner and usually drink too much franzia..and then for christmas eve i go down to my grandmother’s house for a traditional swedish dinner! aah so excited..but i have so much baking to do first today!

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:35 am

      Franzia is my favorite.

  • Becca December 23, 2010, 11:35 am

    Mmm those Chex look so good! I would venture to say that they are made from the Chex Muddy Buddies recipe…melted chocolate, butter and peanut butter poured over Corn Chex and sprinkled with powdered sugar!

  • Dorry December 23, 2010, 11:36 am

    Your breakfast looks delicious! And your late night pancakes, too. Mmm. We are staying in Dallas for Christmas – excited to relax, cook and hang out with family.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 23, 2010, 11:37 am

    “Puppy Chow” or “Muddy Buddies” are what your neighbors made. So simple but so good!

    I’m working today too but it’s so hard to concentrate with Christmas right around the corner!

  • Kelly December 23, 2010, 11:37 am

    The hubs is giving you the cutest look in that picture!

    • megan December 23, 2010, 12:58 pm

      That look just jumped out to me in your post! So cute.

  • Anna @ ciaotochow December 23, 2010, 11:37 am

    Hi Caitlin! Can I please come over at 1 am so you can whip me up a batch of pancakes with almonds & white c.c? Mmm!! And that wine bar looks so swanky 🙂 (P.S. Don’t be ashamed…silly bands were HUGE at my office internship this summer. And I, too, love corn muffins.) Lots of random thoughts in this comment, I know, but what can I say, I wanted to share!

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:39 am

      yes you may!! come on over.

  • Kaitlin December 23, 2010, 11:38 am

    Puppy chow! How delish. The wine bar looks great. I just got to Naples yesterday (from Michigan) and it’s sooo warm 🙂

  • Katy @ A Healthy Shot December 23, 2010, 11:39 am

    Definitely Puppy Chow… although it looks as if you know that by now 🙂 We call in Reindeer Chow over the holidays. The recipe is on the back of the Chex box.

    Also have to say that I love your hair trick… I’m planning to try it over Christmas, but I can’t decide what color sock to use for medium blonde hair? Such a predicament…. 😉

  • Jen @ Jen is Green December 23, 2010, 11:42 am

    I LOVE puppy chow. It’s so addictive!!! I cannot stop eating it when it is around. So good.

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks December 23, 2010, 11:43 am

    As everyone is saying on here, that stuff is called “puppy chow”….OR….it is sometimes referred to as “Muddy Buddies”. That’s what Betty Crocker calls it. 😉

  • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) December 23, 2010, 11:44 am

    Cute top knot! 😉
    Those pancakes look amazing. I still haven’t tried white chocolate chips…!

  • Kelly December 23, 2010, 11:45 am

    Haha #1- I love that you are rocking the bun. #2- I love people who bring chocolates to bars as well and #3 I also love silly bands. Most teachers have banned them where as I have encouraged the kids to give them to me haha.

  • Gracie (complicated day) December 23, 2010, 11:46 am

    Hey, I might steal your pancake toppings idea for Christmas morning. I like to make a big Christmas breakfast.

  • the veg meg December 23, 2010, 11:48 am

    You’ve never had puppy chow?!?!?!?! I’m sad for you! Chex + melted chocolate + peanut butter + powdered sugar = heaven in snack form.

  • Melissa December 23, 2010, 11:49 am

    Down in southern Louisiana it is called “white trash!” I got some from a coworker just the other day.

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life December 23, 2010, 11:50 am

    Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, the way your husband is looking at you in your “exciting story” picture is adorable. He looks like he is very much in love!

  • Heather December 23, 2010, 11:51 am

    Enjoy the beach, that sounds like it will be a blast!

    I’m staying in town, gonna be with friends and the boy’s family…my first Christmas without my fam, but we’ll be together in our hearts!

  • Camille December 23, 2010, 11:53 am

    What a fun night! We’re breaking out the wine tonight in celebration of Christmas. Aside from that, we are staying home and relaxing 🙂

  • Rachel December 23, 2010, 11:56 am

    Looks like a fun evening! 1 AM pancakes FTW.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete December 23, 2010, 11:57 am

    Looks like a fun night! An egg in a sweet potato sounds like a great meal!

    We’re staying in town — all of our family lives within a few miles of us. But it will still be a busy weekend of traveling from house to house!

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 23, 2010, 12:00 pm

    We are having a very quiet Christmas this year. Just the Husband and I. We might go to a friends house on Christmas but that is still up in the air!

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 23, 2010, 12:00 pm

    We are having a very quiet Christmas this year. Just the Husband and I. We might go to a friends house on Christmas but that is still up in the air!

  • Jessica M December 23, 2010, 12:01 pm

    Me and my husband are staying home. He gets home tomorrow and I haven’t seen him in two weeks! I plan on drinking egg nog and baking and watching movies all weekend.

  • Jessica M December 23, 2010, 12:01 pm

    Me and my husband are staying home. He gets home tomorrow and I haven’t seen him in two weeks! I plan on drinking egg nog and baking and watching movies all weekend.

  • Stacey December 23, 2010, 12:06 pm

    I looooveeee puppy chow! I think you’ve just inspired me to make some for Christmas. A grocery store around here was threatened with a law suit after a lady bought (store made) puppy chow and gave it to her dog, so now at that grocery store it is called Human Chow. 🙂

  • Fallon December 23, 2010, 12:09 pm

    That chex mix is called puppy chow 😉

  • Juli D. December 23, 2010, 12:10 pm

    You’ve never had puppy chow before? Girrrrrrl, you’ve been missing out. 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 23, 2010, 12:11 pm

    Nice eats! You ladies looked lovely. I’m traveling to visit family over the holidays, and hopefully getting plenty of R&R as well. I hope you have a great day Caitlin! 🙂

  • BetsyH December 23, 2010, 12:17 pm

    Reindeer poop, Puppy Chow, or Trash! I’ve heard them all be used.

  • Em December 23, 2010, 12:19 pm

    I love how adoringly your husband is looking at you in your story telling pic! How adorable!

  • Runeatrepeat December 23, 2010, 12:20 pm

    I’m headed to FL too! But, up near Sarasota.
    Safe Travels 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss December 23, 2010, 12:21 pm

    Looks like a wonderful night!

  • Katherine December 23, 2010, 12:27 pm

    Puppy chow! It’s so good! I remember making that all the time in high school. Such an easy and yummy treat!

  • Natalia - a side of simple December 23, 2010, 12:27 pm

    The wine bar looks so fun from last night. Gift cards help make everything just a bit better, too. Plus, 1AM pancakes…there’s nothing quite like them 🙂 Have a safe trip to Florida!

  • nicole December 23, 2010, 12:29 pm

    Yep, definitely puppy chow! I’m currently in Palm Springs with the family. Have fun!

  • Lori Lynn December 23, 2010, 12:34 pm

    I’m hoping that the weather doesn’t interfere with my Christmas. My parents are traveling to where I’m at, and they’re predicting a pretty good storm tonight and tomorrow!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 23, 2010, 12:34 pm

    I am doing a lot of relaxing and visiting this holiday season. I have 2 weeks off, so I hope I can rejuvenate over the break.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 23, 2010, 12:47 pm

    Ah have fun in Florida and safe travels! I’m currently en route back home to Florida after a week.away!

  • carlee December 23, 2010, 12:54 pm

    THat would be puppy chow Caitlin! hehhe
    and looks like a good 1 am breakfast to crash with!

  • Crystal December 23, 2010, 1:01 pm

    3 Things:
    1) I also thought about the sock trick when I saw your updo : )
    2) You can really tell that your husband is crazy about you. Lucky girl. You two were fortunate to find each other.
    3) Merry Christmas!

  • Amber K December 23, 2010, 1:27 pm

    Family on Christmas Eve. Friends and family on Christmas morning. And family throughout Christmas day. We usually do one function on Christmas Eve and three on Christmas day. The *fun* of living right next to all of the different sections of our families!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith December 23, 2010, 1:29 pm

    Mmm, puppy chow! Now there’s something that would be a challenge to make healthy …

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 23, 2010, 1:42 pm

    we called them muddie buddies:)

  • VeggieGirl December 23, 2010, 2:08 pm

    LOVE love love your outfit!

    For Christmas = spending it with my family and Suave Slav 😀 Same with New Year’s.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 23, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I love going out with friends during the holidays. It totally sets the Christmas mood. 😀

  • erica December 23, 2010, 2:15 pm

    love the decor of that bar! so swanky!

    and i LOVE that photo of you telling a story…the way your husband is looking at you says it all!

  • Ali December 23, 2010, 2:32 pm

    Looks like such a fun night! Most of my family all still lives around each other, so we stay home. It’s nice to not have to worry about traveling for the holidays.

  • Ali December 23, 2010, 2:32 pm

    Looks like such a fun night! Most of my family all still lives around each other, so we stay home. It’s nice to not have to worry about traveling for the holidays.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed December 23, 2010, 4:14 pm

    I LOVE Mumm champagne 🙂 Looks really fun, I love nights like that. & well done with the 1am snack – that’s real dedication to pancakes!
    Heidi xo

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 23, 2010, 4:30 pm

    This post makes me crave two things. 1) A date night with my hubby. 2) A sweet potato. Number two will be easily accomplished at dinner, but number one will probably have to wait a couple weeks.

    As for Christmas, we’ll be home for Christmas and celebrating with extended family in January, when everyone can make it. Have a good trip to FL!

  • Shayla December 23, 2010, 5:54 pm

    Sweet you’re rockin the bun! I love this look…It looks so stylish and chic! Now I have another option besides my boring ponytail! Thanks again for the bun tutorial! 🙂

  • Shayla December 23, 2010, 5:59 pm

    P.S. I love the way your hubby is looking at you in that picture – swooooon!! 🙂

  • Karina December 23, 2010, 6:19 pm

    Another one here with a sock in her hair today 🙂 A good tip for those of us with really thin, fine hair-try to use a sock that matches your hair color. I started with red but had to switch to brown, lol!

  • Lora December 24, 2010, 1:18 am

    We are now out of town for a holiday vacation, and will go back home tomorrow. So on Christmas day, we are relaxing at home all day.

    It felt so strong the holiday spirit since Wednesday. Merry Christmas!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 24, 2010, 2:58 pm

    You look so casual chic! Love it!

  • Nicci (NiftyEats) December 24, 2010, 5:38 pm

    Aww, gotta love ”puppy chow” still don’t understand why the chex treat is called that. I love eating sweet potatoes for breakfast.

  • Christal Espelage December 27, 2010, 4:23 pm

    OH MY GOODNESS! I’ve been wondering if an egg over a baked potato would be good – Now that someone else has tried it and likes it, I’ll have to try it too! Lol and I can say I’m not strange bc I’m not the only one that’s done it! hahaha

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