Happy 4th!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!! I love this holiday…one for it’s meaning for this great country, but also for the food.  I mean, this is a food blog after all.  You have to expect that right? 🙂

So let’s see…Friday started off right with a breakfast power sandwich (egg, ham, and sharp cheddar on grainy bread) and coffee from Panera!  I seriously adore the sharp cheddar in that sandwich…

Lunch was another Lean Cuisine BBQ chicken pizza.  I don’t eat Lean Cuisine for the “nutritional value” but they do make some pretty decent pizzas and frozen dinners, so from time to time when I’m SHORT on time I like to spring for a frozen meal or two:

We ended up getting to leave a little early from work, so when we got home I did the full cardio and strength training on the WillPower & Grace DVD that we have.  Y’all, I have not sweat that much (keep in mind that I run/walk in the mid-day heat in the summers) in a workout since I was running 8 miles a day.  Seriously.  Do this workout, you will be sore for days and incredibly inspired!  Friday night was a really fun (and photo-free) date night with Nate 🙂  We split a small pizza at BJ’s, I got a cute and CHEAP skirt at TJ Maxx, and then got a small Mudpie Mojo at Coldstone.  ‘Twas delicious and a ton of fun!

Breakfast yesterday was the meal of champions, Lamar’s Donuts.  Sugar, sugar, and more sugar.  I loved every bite, and even though my stomach told me no more sugar for at least 3 years, it was totally worth it!

Besides, I was working out in the form of 5 hours of cleaning to Mamma Mia! Radio.  And yes, it was a workout!  Tri-level houses are not good for much in my opinion, but they do provide one heck of a workout when it’s laundry day and you have clothes piled up to your hip that need to be washed.  Just sayin’.

We hung out with our amazing community group at the park for about 4-5 hours too, and Nate and I split a Subway sandwich with chicken breast, provolone, lettuce, onion, tomato, and banana peppers.  And here’s the horrible picture to prove it 🙂

There was some sand volleyball (sore shoulder) and poolside chats (great tan) and lots of fresh cherries because that’s just how I roll.  When we got home we finished cleaning to get ready because MY PARENTS ARE IN TOWN!!! We don’t get to see our families nearly as often as we would like, so it’s so much fun whenever they come in to see us 🙂

Dinner was Christie’s Dijon-baked cod, some leftover gnocchi, and grilled zucchini and yellow squash:

Yumyumyum!  It was a really great summer dinner, light and not too filling, but just the right amount of food.  After dinner we went to the store and got stuff for breakfast and dinner tomorrow.  I think we’re doing smoked baby-back ribs and a big fresh salad!  Sounds great, right?

[Side note:  I’m starting a new little thing on here tomorrow…it’s not a huge deal, but I’m pretty excited about it!  Stay tuned… :)]

I asked this on Friday, but still wanna know:  what’s your favorite 4th of July recipe/type of food?  Or just your favorite summer recipe/type of food? I’m always down for some really great BBQ, which Nate is always great at providing, and 4th of July?  BBQ all the way!  I’m so excited to spend time with the family…will report back on Monday!