Black Saturday and Sunday Breakfast!

BLACK SATURDAY SHOPPING RECAP

Went out shopping yesterday after my hour kickboxing class, I think I burned like a million calories after walking around for hours and hours. Good thing I had a McCormick McGriddle!

Kickboxing was intense I am going to post tonight about this GREAT workout!

I hit up the Mills out here, which has basically every store and if it's not there the you can go right across the way to the Victoria Gardens. I think I must look like an easy catch because yesterday I kept getting SUCKED in to all the kiosk people. The first one literally grabbed me, sat me down and kept saying " 10 minutes 10 dollars (in an Asian accent)". He wanted me to get a massage, I was set in saying no but then he insisted and I needed one so I caved in! lol....

I got some great deals and Old Navy, Gap, Bath and Body Works, and Marshall's. I started getting dizzy at around one O' Clock so I hit up the food court. I hit up the healthiest choice I could find and got a turkey apple salad minus the bacon. Instead of chips on the side I had a bowl of tomato soup. As I looked around the GINORMOUS food court I think I was the ONLY one eating a salad, a year ago I would have been eating Chinese food for sure.

It's so much fun shopping for other people, there is a joy that I find in finding that perfect gift. So what is the perfect gift? Well I think homemade things are wonderful, but I know my little bro's aren't down with me making them a scarf, so the perfect gift for them is something that they like that I took the time to pick out (like cloths and video games). There are a lot of perfect gifts out there, but is there a perfect gift for everyone?

The tree at the outdoor mall!!! LOVE IT!

Shopping was done around 5:30 and I still needed to hit up the grocery store, so I rushed off so I could make it home on time to make dinner. Before I rushed off I grabbed a small Strawberry Nirvana smoothie from Jamba, because I didn't want to go shopping on an empty stomach. I am glad I had a shopping list because my grocery shopping was painless. I finished around 7 and finally headed home!!!!

I wish I could have worn a pedometer, I think I must have walked like 30 miles! When I got home I showed hubby all my fun finds, and he was thrilled. He was also in the middle of a MAJOR organization project in the garage, Mr.OCD! lol.... Here is a picture of the things that I got for FREE! I didn't purchase anything for myself, just took advantage of some freebies.

From the left 4 place mats out of the 8 I purchased at Pottery Barn (only 1.50 a piece), by 4 get 4 FREE and I had a 20% off coupon that I printed online! Ok the little Sbux cup wasn't free but it was only a dollar at the Sbux overstocked store. The Apple Blossom lotion was one out of the two I got for free by 3 get two free at Bath and Body Works. I also had a coupon for a free gift with purchase so I picked out the Spiced Cider plug in fragrance ( it's plugged in and making the entire living room smell delicious!). Lastly the Holiday Treat Kits( BORDERS), buy one get one free! These are perfect for the Homemade treats I am making for friends and family! I feel like I ripped off the MALL!!! lol

DINNER

Nothing too exciting for dinner just some leftovers, but I messed around with them a little. I took some Turkey Chili mixed in green beans, butternut quash puree and a dabble of sour cream! MMMM..sorry no pic:(

SUNDAY TREE DAY & LAST DAY OF POTM

This morning I made the most amazing french toast casserole. I had been planning on making this next weekend and then I saw Megs post and had to make it today!!! I saw a recipe in Cooking Light Magazine and played around with it a little.

Cran Apple French Toast Casserole ( my new name for it)

Ingredients:

3 eggs + 2 egg whites
1 tbs butter
1 cup diced apple
cinnamon
1/4 c brown sugar
4 slices of whole wheat bread cut into small squares
1/4 cup dried cranberry's
1/2 cup apple cider
1/2 cup non fat milk
1/4 cup fresh cranberry sauce
a little nutmeg
sliced almonds for topping

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Melt butter in pot and apples and stir for ten minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3.Spray pie pan with non-stick Pam and lay down bread squares to cover the bottom.
4. Sprinkle dried cranberries on bread along with apple mixture. Combine apple cider with the next 4 ingredients plus all of the eggs whisk together, and pour on top of bread mixture sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.
5. Sprinkle with almonds and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.

This was super yummy and I will be making it for Christmas breakfast with the family!!!!

Well I am off for the day, I was going to run but I am going to rest after my hard workout yesterday. Remember for those of you in the POTM Challenge send me your total miles by 12am tonight, to marie.bobbi@gmail.com. I am excited to see who is crowned winner, so far the totals that I have gotten HAVE KILLED MY TOTAL!!!!! lol....We are getting our Christmas Tree today, and doing more decorating tonight:) I am lovin the season!!! Have a restful SUNDAY!!! See you back tonight with some great gift ideas for the loved ones:)