Good morning!!! As this post publishes, I’m well on my way to Savannah. Woo, baby! I so look forward to not only running my first big race and seeing some amazing blog friends, but also to have a weekend away with Peter sans kiddos. That’s right! We’re kid free this weekend and treating it as a little getaway.

Thanks to some wonderful parents who scoop up the chance to stay with their beloved grandchildren for a few days.

Last night, my parents came to our house hauling their suitcases to act as our heroes and babysitters for the weekend. I made sure to give them special treatment by preparing a delicious dinner for us all to share.

I made a large batch of whole wheat penne pasta with some broccoli, mushrooms, and onion topped with marinara sauce. I always love adding extra veggies to help bulk up a pasta dish.

I also bulked up the meal with some ready made items for sides – some garlic Texas toast and a lite Caesar salad bagged mix.

I break out the big guns for guests, huh? Hey, I did say “delicious”, not “difficult”!

And delicious it was. The perfect meal to eat for race fuel-ups. #readytorunalready

FFF Features of the Week

I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Give ‘em a looksy and I’ll be back later with Fun Fact Friday!

Featured Personal Post: Stuffed With Emptiness #4

This particular post went into my experiences turning to alcohol and the time I desperately hoped to be successful at suicide. Please read with caution.

Featured Workout Post: 5 x 5 Full Body Circuit

I skipped the features post last week, so I have to remind you all of this workout. It was seriously too much fun! Printable version of the workout in the original post.  

Featured Meal Post: Tofu Parmesan + Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

Another from last week that I can’t let get swept under the rug!

Featured Positive Post: Too Much Of A Good Thing

Some of my favorite things right now – tea and great Christian workout music.

Featured Fun Post: A Tale of Two Winners

Another Champion sports bras giveaway with TWO winners. Ends tonight!

Featured Cuteness Post: Out With A Bang

Halloween costumes. ‘Nough said. Click to see the full cuteness effect.

Featured Reading: Michelle @ Crazy Running Legs

I get to meet her this weekend since she is running her FIRST FULL MARATHON in Savannah. Plus, she’s all around awesome. Give her some positive energy before tomorrow!!! And Michelle – I know you will do fabulous!

• What’s a meal you like to make for guests?
• Any exciting weekend plans?

Thank you all so much for the congrats on my 15K race yesterday! I had a blast! Both during the run…and after too, of course. How could I not when it involved eating? And coffee. Can’t forget the coffee.

After the race, Lee and I wanted to have more time to hang out together, so we hit up J. Christopher’s for brunch.

I had never been to J. Christopher’s before, even though it has quite a few locations around the Atlanta area. It had a fun, laid-back atmosphere perfect for some post-race dining.

It also had a menu with quite a few delicious sounding options. I couldn’t make up my mind between two particular choices –  an omelet or pancakes. Luckily, I subbed out the muffin struck up a deal with the waitress and managed to get the best of both worlds.

I ordered the Billy Goat omelet, which featured a combination of goat cheese, roasted red peppers, and mushrooms. And oh how I appreciated an omelet that didn’t come out loaded down in grease!

Then had a large, delicious pumpkin pancake on the side. It could have had a bit more pumpkin flavor, but you better believe I still happily ate that sucker up!

I mean c’mon! Does that not sound like the perfect meal for me? Or what? Goat cheese and pumpkin?! I was clearly a happy Tina.

Speaking of happy Tina, time for one of my favorite parts of the week! Enjoy, friends!

FFF Features of the Week

I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Have a great night!

Featured Personal Post: Body After Baby Month 9

Stuffed With Emptiness Post: “I’ve Tried To Love You, But I Can’t”

Featured Workout Post: Review of Insanity

source

I still die.

Featured Recipe Post: Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

And it is sooooo easy!!!

Featured Positive Post: Can Self-Love Ever Have Negative Side Effects?

Featured Fun Post: Seven! Seven!! SEVEN!!

Fun Facts Friday really is fun. And apparently I’m not the only one who burns grilled cheese sandwiches.

Featured Cuteness Post: Makenzie’s WIAW

A day in the life of Makenzie and what my toddler likes to eat.

Featured Reading: Clare @ Fitting It All In

I think her tagline about sums it up. She works super hard and is a very busy lady, but never fails to inspire with her balanced lifestyle. And being a good friend in the blogging world.

• What meal combo would be the best of both worlds for you?