The travel bug

I have the itch to travel really badly right now. My husband knows this all too well! So, I redecorated my office a bit this morning by hanging up this map I got from the Sierra Club a while ago. It helps me focus on nice things while in my gray cubicle. Today, I dreamed of going on a hike in a national park (with my ankle brace on, of course). Maybe one in Utah like Zion. I also wrote my husband an e-mail with a link to an article about a new Mob museum that opened up in Vegas. The man loves anything with the mob, so I thought maybe this would get him excited about traveling to Vegas and then maybe onto some National Parks in Southwestern Utah.

Lunch was half of this Amy’s vegetarian chili can. Amy’s has been saving me this week because I haven’t had time to prep lunches at night or in the morning. Loved the spice level in this. The tofu crumbles were delicious too.

I have been loving this Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment from Fresh. It’s so moisturizing and provides the perfect bit of color.

Speaking of sugar, I listened to my favorite podcast ever at work today, Dishing Up Nutrition. They mentioned the 60 minutes special on sugar and were saying that they got all nerdy over the special, just like I did. I learned two interesting things from the episode I listened to:

-If you find yourself craving something sweet after you eat a meal, try taking 50 mg of zinc at bedtime.
-If you are craving chocolate, you could have a magnesium deficiency.

I definitely need to take their advice!

The April photo of the day subject was hair today. Here’s my hair that needs a highlight and cut pretty badly again. I never seem to find a salon I totally love and I was a little disappoitned that my stylist didn’t really thin out my hair during my last appointment. So, on a break at work, I went on the hunt for a new salon and I am drawn to Aveda ones, so that’s what I searched for. I came up with a new salon that got great reviews and I promptly made an appointment. Two weeks from now can’t come soon enough! My hair just gets so hard to dry when I have this much of it and I want to be brighter for summer.

I was craving something sweet in the afternoon, so I broke out this sample I received in the mail yesterday. It was tasty! Too bad I probably wouldn’t buy it because of the artificial sweeteners.

Do you dream about traveling as much as I do? I guess it’s just been so long since we went anywhere. We went to Florida in February 2011, so it’s been too long since we got out of the state! If I had my way, I’d have a big trip planned every year. If Craig had his, he’d just go to his family’s cabin and chill out.

Florida makes me happy

As we were driving this afternoon, I was so excited to be in Florida. My husband said, “you’re so happy, it’s sickening.” Florida–you make this girl happy. I think the sunshine and warm temps are definitely the key. Plus, being on vacation is great too. I have honestly been pretty cranky this winter and do find myself cheerier in the spring and summer.

We got up at 4:30 this morning and took off at 7. I ate overnight oats with chia seeds, almond milk, dates, maple syrup and honey for breakfast this morning.

We had a smooth flight, except for the guy next to Craig who snored the ENTIRE time. And it wasn’t a quiet snore.

I read Glamour magazine and snacked on peanuts, prezels and orange juice (still need my vitamin C). I really wanted to start The Omnivore’s Dilemma but couldn’t because I left my book in the overhead compartment and the snoring would have distracted me anyway.

I also had a coffee. Love the “lift” on the Southwest cups and the heart stir stick.

Once in Orlando, we got our rental car and we were off to find our hotel. I am driving the rental car this week and enjoying trying out a new car model–a Kia Forte. It’s pretty nice so far.

We were able to check-in early at the hotel and even scored an upgrade of a refrigerator and microwave in our room! Sweet.

We got acquanited with our hotel, rested, snacked and unpacked a bit and then we went to the outlets.

We shared a footlong ham sub from Subway.

I was so excited for the Lululemon Athletica outlet, but like Une Vie Saine said when she visited this same store a couple of weeks ago, their selection wasn’t as expansive as I had hoped it would be. I may be back there later this week to get a top and some pants.

After the outlets, we drove north to find Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

It certainly did not disappoint! As Craig said when he took this picture–I look like a happy little kid. More like a happy little food blogger.

Craig was also happy. He loved his strawberry and georgia peach combination.

I topped my cake batter flavored frozen yogurt with blackberries, strawberries and mochi. Oh my gosh the mochi was the best part. Next time we go back, I am getting more of those on top!

And finally, after Menchie’s, we went to Whole Foods where I got dinner from the salad and hot bar, we picked up a few drinks and Craig got some chips.

Can I just say how good it is to wear flip flops?

Seriously, why can’t we just move to Florida? I don’t even care if they have hurricanes and the summers are hot.

Off to the hotel gym and then to eat a late dinner.