Straight [Road] Trippin!

Two weeks ago I completed a 6,000 mile road trip with my brother. It was for the fun of it but also because our other brother was getting married in North Carolina. We mapped it out to be completed in 11 days and included 3 days in NC for the wedding and family time The trip allowed us to stop into some places we never would have seen otherwise, meet really neat people, eat some amazing food, listen to excellent music and appreciate the beautiful sunsets and landscapes God has given us! The states we drove thru were in this order:

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma,

Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina,

South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi,

Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

Being the parsimonious person that I am, I was able to get us great rates at hotels along the way. We got 4 free nights and an amazing rate of $39 for 2 nights at our overnight stops. While in NC, we stayed at Brennan & Arin's beautiful and brand new, four bedroom home! The only thing that really took a toll on our pocketbooks was gas. Once we got to NC though, we took the roof rack off my car which really helped us get better gas mileage. It was such a great trip and I am so glad we did it instead of flying. I took a ton of photos along the way to chronicle the madness. Here are a few of them:

The start of our adventure-Ozzie the dog did not join us.

Vintage shirt, Merrell long sleeve, Active pants, Asics running shoes, Raen sunglasses

We met up with our cousin in Arizona

Forever 21 beanie, blouse and leggings, vintage flannel, H&M flats 

Ummmm, there was nothing to do while driving through Texas so I entertained myself.

Vintage flannel, Raen sunglasses

My "happy to find an antique store" face.

!!!!!!!!!

Forever 21 jacket and shoes, vintage blouse, American Apparel pants

The married couple

Vintage dress, Jessica Simpson heels

Wrightsville Beach, literally coast to coast for us!

Forever 21 sweater and cropped pants

I was able to stop in and visit Buster Brown's family in Mississippi

Forever 21 dress, Toms flats

Met up with my old friends Keith in Austin, I loved this town!

Forever 21 jacket, pashmina from Paris street vendor, vintage flannel, Matix jeans, Asics shoes

Pizzeria Bianco - a must in Phoenix 

Some of my treasures I picked up along the way.

Overnight Oats

You guys - I'm obsessed! This is a revelation and I'm so excited to tell you about it. I am way behind the times but for those of you who haven't heard of them, I had to share it with you. Overnight oats is an easy breakfast solution for vegans and non-vegans, health nuts and non-health nuts. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is a healthy alternative to sweet breakfasts like a parfait or pancakes. I use a mason jar but you can use a bowl, cup, Tupperware, etc. and can be covered or uncovered. The recipe can vary to taste but it is just rolled oats with whatever additions you want. Here is what I include:

1/2 cup dried rolled oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp homemade sugar free jelly
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup coconut water
1/4 cup water
Lots of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
*If you are looking for more protein, you could add Greek or coconut yogurt
**To cut down on sugar, replace banana with no sugar added applesauce

Add all ingredients and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning the oats are soft and ready to eat. I add slivered almonds to give it some crunch and more protein. You could also add berries, granola, agave, etc. It's perfect after my morning runs or to keep you fueled up for a long day. If you try this treat, let me know what you include in your oats.



Things I Love Thursday

Finding healthy new snack ideas

Sunset hikes

Spring flowers

Mad Men, Season 6 portraits by Frank W Ockenfels

Lunch options at work



Early AM REI Sale

I went to another REI Garage Sale this past weekend and I have to say it was a completely different experience from the previous sale. I wanted to get a new pair of running shoes but really didn't need anything. I got up much earlier this time, made it to the store by 5:45 and sat in line until 10AM!!! Crazy I know but it's fun to experience the thrill of a good sale.

No one was camped out this time and I claimed my spot as third in line! Luckily I had a blanket with me because it was pretty chilly! I made friends with the guys in front and in back of me so they held my spot so I could run to get a tea and use a restroom. Peet's Coffee has vegan cookies so of course I ate one for breakfast!!

I managed to snag some pretty good things but once I tried them on, not everything fit. The shoes I ended up buying were actually too big (and pink) so I gave them to my mom which means I am back to square one but I'm sure I'll find a good deal soon. The snow boots were pretty great and half off. In the end, I purchased over $300 worth of gear and got at least a 60% discount. On the way home, I celebrated with a slice of vegan pizza from Whole Foods!!!

Forever 21 beanie, sunglasses and jacket, pashmina from Paris, Burton gloves, The North Face running pants, Brooks running shoes, Nene Bags purse

Salomon running shoes, The North Face snow boots, Merrel pullover, IronMan socks, Smartwool socks