What better way to celebrate my return to health than an upper body weights workout and light cardio? Best of all, I practically had the hotel gym all to myself yesterday.
Except for the cleaning man who followed me around with his vacuum. (Said cleaning man was quite pleasant, but that doesn’t change the fact that the vacuum was annoying.) During his brief interlude to clean the filter, I captured photographic evidence of my [rather loud] workout intruder. Seriously, I felt like I was in the way. Um, should I leave now?
After successfully dodging the vacuum, I enjoyed a convenient bowl of Starbucks oatmeal at South Coast Plaza, which is a shopper’s dream connected to our hotel. In addition to nuts, I mixed in banana slices and Starbucks dark chocolate for a delicious flavor combination. Believe me, this bowl got significantly more decadent when the chocolate melted post-stir. This was my first time trying Starbucks dark chocolate, and I’m a fan. They partner with TCHO for their chocolate, so go figure, it’s good stuff. I still prefer Ghiradelli 86% and Lindt 85%, but this is quality.
What’s that, you thought I had enough chocolate for one day? Oh, I’m sorry. No, I’m not. I’m very strict about chocolate consumption, i.e., it’s mandatory.
Room service? Don’t mind if I do.
I may have nibbled on Ghiradelli dark chocolate after dinner, too. 😉 Maybe it was Jenny’s chocoholic’s anonymous post, but I can’t seem to get enough dark chocolate lately. Lifting weights and increased dark chocolate consumption — sure signs of my returned vim and vigor, no?
Most importantly, thank you all so much for your overwhelming support of our Southern California move! I get even more excited reading through your comments! It seems fitting for this Thankful Thursday that I’m brimming with gratitude for each and every one of you and for your support of our move. I’ll keep you updated on job-hunting, house-hunting, and any accompanying stress-eating. *Reaches for chocolate.* Whaaat? 😉
What can you not get enough of this week?
I love shopping at South Coast Plaza. And chocolate, too, of course!
And what’s better than shopping at South Coast Plaza AND eating dark chocolate. Very few things, methinks. 😉
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I’ve been eating a lot of chocolate recently too. If its dark chocolate then I’m good right? antioxidants, just like blueberries. haha
Mmm blueberries sound delicious right now. And yes, I’m all about the antioxidants!
South Coast Plaza, oh how I miss thee! Looks like you’re embracing your new life-to-be in SoCal!
If you and Ian have time you guys should drive to Balboa Island…I think its the Jamboree Exit and then all the way till you get to the water. it’s the cutest island with these adorable shops and restaurants!
Have a great time…looks like the Velvet Couple is off to a fantastic start on your new awesome adventure
Oh my goodness, I love South Coast Plaza! I haven’t been to many malls with both a Harry Winston AND a Wet Seal, haha! Hope you and Scott visit us down here!
We went to Balboa Island last spring when we were down visiting my parents and LOVED it! We didn’t spend enough time, though . . . we definitely need to go back! So many places to check out 🙂 We’re really liking SoCal so far . . . I feel like it’s a great fit for us already!
I foolishly bought a huge box of Quaker Oat Square cereal at Sam’s and I think it will be gone in a matter of days. Every time I go to the kitchen I grab a handful. It is just too good!
That’s not foolish; that’s genius! Mmm I haven’t had quaker oat cereal in awhile, and it sounds soooo good!
South coast plaza is amazing!!! I have been there a few times! My sis lives in orange county! I also love the grove in la!! So many shopping places I love out there!!
Yay for a workout in!!
Have a great night! Xoxo ❤
So cool that your sis lives around here . . . hopefully I can see you the next time you visit!! 🙂 South Coast Plaza is amazing, right?!! Have you been to Fashion Island, too? Oh my goodness, I can definitely see myself doing some damage there 🙂
haha yes I think increased chocolate consumption is always a sign of increasing health! 🙂 yes!
When I responded to everyone’s comments from the chocoholics anonymous post I had to have a whole handful of chocolate chips because all the choc talk gave me such a craving! 😛
So glad you’re feeling better and I wish you all the best with your house hunting! 🙂
Oh, I would definitely need chocolate in hand while reading a chocoholic post like that! Reminds me of how BFF and I watched the movie Chocolat back in high school at the theater with chocolate shakes in hand! Mmmm I remember it being a wonderful sensory experience, haha!
Thanks for the sweet wishes; I’m so thankful for being healthy again!
I was laughing out loud at the man following you around with the vacuum! Um, should I leave now? haha 🙂
But hey, yay for getting a workout in regardless of vauum man! 🙂
Get this — vaccum man was there AGAIN when I went to the gym yesterday! We exchanged pleasantries and such, but wow — I think it’s clean enough! haha
There is NO such thing as too much dark chocolate!!
I’m with you, Cait! Dark chocolate is da best!
Yay! I am so happy that you’re healthy and recovered! 🙂 Your room service looks SO GOOD. I want to eat that salmon now!
Thank you so much! Being recovered makes me so thankful for my health. And that was some pretty delicious room service, but your salmon meals always looks even better! 🙂
Ahhh! I am the same way with stuff like that when I work out! I also get really annoyed when people are talking (loudly) in small spaces like that when I’m trying to workout. Gosh, that sounds like I am a super B when I’m working out! Guess I’m picky. 🙂
Your oats & salmon both look fantastic! I love getting room service–especially when it’s really good! This week, I am loving gummy bears. I had to tell myself out loud the other night to “step away from the gummy bears!” Teehee!
You don’t sound like a B, you sound like a woman who knows what she wants! 🙂
Yeah, I was happy with these meals as far as travel-eating goes! And that is too cute about the gummy bears! I haven’t had gummy bears in a long time, but I could go some now! Now they have gummy bear vitamins, right? I’m sure they taste just like the regular ones . . . haha 🙂
I’m a chocolate FIEND! If it’s really good quality chocolate all bets are off 😉
I cannot get enough MANGOES! I eat them in and with everything it seems!
Yes, I like how you point out that it has to be good quality chocolate! You’d think that since I love chocolate so much, I’d eat all varieties, but not so — I’m a discerning customer. Like the other day, I tried dagoba 87% and couldn’t stand the stuff. It’s amazing how different each type of chocolate tastes!
Mmmm mangoes are so good in all kinds of dishes! I love avocado-mango salsa!
That Starbucks oatmeal looks amazing, I haven’t tried it before. Mmm love the Dove chocolate, I get my fixing anytime I can 🙂
The Dove Chocolate was surprisingly good! And the Starbucks oatmeal is pretty darn good, too! I prefer Jamba Juice steel cut oats when I’m traveling, but this was most convenient that day. Have so much fun in Key West, girl!
too fun! i love the room service. You gotta do that once in a while. Enjoy life’s little pleasures!
That salmon looks delish!
For me, I’m loving all the runners in Ottawa this weekend for the marathon/ half marathon!