Do you know what time it is?
I said, “Do You. Know. What Time. It. Is.”
That’s right. It’s time for our Week In Review link up party. Are you totally pumped up now? No, how about this?
Did that help? Still no, well then I can’t help you; you are beyond my skills and apparently even Nicki Minaj’s skills, although based on her stint on American Idol that might not be too hard to do. I know what you’re all wondering, what does Nicki Minaj have to do with the Week in Review, and the answer is nothing. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get listing.
For anyone not familiar with the Week In Review, it’s a happy self-congratulatory post where we recap the things, big and small, we accomplished in the last seven days. If you’re anything like me, a list lover, or even just a tad neurotic, you know your lists of Things To Do can seem a little daunting and endless at times. So why not take a moment to stop and celebrate the things you actually knocked out along the way. Seems pretty badass to me, and on that note, here’s some of what I managed to do in the last week.
- I wrote and published four blog posts, including one which was part of a campaign for Food Bloggers Against Hunger. Despite excessive cursing, I’m extra proud of that little ditty. Also in the same post, I published my Rice and Bean Bowl recipe, and a fellow reader turned around and made her own version and then sent me a picture. Thanks Stacey.
- I caught up on my zzz’s, including an almost 12 hour snooze fest on Friday night. It’s entirely plausible I passed out on the couch before 8 p.m. and because he didn’t want me to be lonely, Oscar, my littlest kitty, settled in and slept on my back. What a champ.
- I did three fitness classes: Mixed Martial Arts, Spinning, Boot Camp and went for a little run on Sunday. It turns out I’m not done with spinning after all. I just needed a new instructor to mix it up. I left Wednesday’s spinning class sweaty and satiated, just how I like it (and by it, I do mean It). Speaking of It, the Hubby tried to convince me to go for Round Two yesterday because I “owed it to my readers” talking about mad monkey love all the time. He’s a crafty one; I’ll give him that, and I will also plead the fifth on whether it worked or not.
- I handled my finances and paid the bills, which is an important part of being an adult. Therefore, I am frickin mature. It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it.
- I stole the Hubby’s sweatshirt and wore it all week because I felt like Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars in it. Why this amuses me, I have no idea and I may no longer be considered mature.
- I putzed in the yard on Sunday and managed to put a small dent in cleaning out the front flower beds.
- I made vegan lemon bars out of coconut oil. I went with pistachio nuts instead of walnuts in the crust because that’s what I had handy. Also a lemon was involved, but I figured that part would be obvious. The Hubby loved them, my coworkers loved them, and I’m still grappling with the texture of raw coconut oil, although the flavor was absolutely amazing, and texturally they were smooth and silky. I think I’ll have to make them again just to see what’s up. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
And on that flavor note, it’s time to wrap things up. At least My Things because now I want to hear from you. Link up and let me know what the Haps is and what you crossed off your lists these last seven days. Go ahead, make my day.
What did you do this weekend? Have you started working in the yard yet? Did you make anything exciting? Have you eaten raw coconut oil before?
Eating 4 Balance says
Those lemon bars look delicious. I love Oatmeal with a Fork’s recipes. Planning on trying out her three ingredient cookies this weekend.
Your Food Bloggers against Hunger post was awesome, and that’s so cool that someone’s already tried out your recipe!
Emperor Palpatine. Gosh you kill me. That’s great 😀
Meghan says
I’m glad you liked the Palpatine reference. I thought if anyone appreciates that, it would be you and probably Jessie Bear.
The lemon bars are really good. I’ve never eaten raw coconut oil before and I’ve hardly cooked with it either, so the only obstacle was really a mental one for me. I’m going to be making them again, and I’ve got my eye on Oatmeal with Fork now.
Liz says
This weekend I went to the circus. A real one, not the three ring shennanigans that usually go on in my living room. The only outdoor work I’ve done or will be doing this week involves a shovel and that four-letter S word :p And no, I’ve not jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon yet, but I did already put it on the shopping list for this week: 2 jars, one for the kitchen and one for the beauty routine.
Meghan says
Coconut oil is relatively new to me so I’m a wee bit skeptical, but I can’t deny the taste or the flavor. The bars would good, and the Hubby who had no idea what they were made of, was a huge fan.
I would love to see the three ring shennanigans taking place in your living room.
Stacey Belasic says
Woot woot! My rice and beans look even better on your blog! Yay!! (Just need to get a picture on one of my pretty dishes next time…LOL!).
I FINALLY got my new kitchen table (check!), got a lot of finishing touches for my newly renovated kitchen (towels, rug, fruit bowl–OH and a new (Ninja) blender for smoothie makin’ that I LOVE!), got a pedicure (check!) and a manicure (check!) and I scheduled a massage for the 27th (CHECK!)…so I admit I got a lot of “me time” type things checked off my list but whatever! Apparently April is all-about-me month! LOL!
Meghan says
I think your rice and beans were beautiful, and I’m still thrilled you made them. Maybe I can talk you into a guest post one day. 😉
So many kitchen upgrades, including a new blender. I’m excited for you. We all need some “me” months. Good for you for making it happen.
Stacey Belasic says
You know I really should do a blog–problem is finding time to write it–but I am “that person” who is ALWAYS taking pics of my food and texting it to my friends and family. It really probably drives them crazy, but I do it anyway, because that’s just how I do. LOL!
OMG, you NEED this Ninja blender I got–it is GREAT for smoothies! Only problem for me is I am always making a smoothie for 1 and the blender is quite large so kind of a lot to lug out and use then wash just for one smoothie. It’d be great for you and your hubs!
Khushboo says
Oh wow those lemon bars look amazing- so professional :)! My weekend was fun & busy and went by way too fast (as they usually do)! There was plenty of celebrating in honor of my cousin who just got engaged, a trip to the theatre, pool time, lots of good food and time with family and friends…i.e. it was ideal :)!
Meghan says
Aren’t you sweet. You should see Oatmeal With a Fork’s pictures then because they put mine to shame.
What a fun weekend and you got pool time. So jealous but so happy for you too. I hope you do it again this weekend too.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
Those lemon bars look so good!
I think spinning classes totally depend on the instructor. One time, she played this mellow, quiet acoustic music and wasn’t enthusiastic at all and the class felt like TORTURE. I need lots of trashy pop music and “woohoo”-ing to get me through those hills!
Meghan says
Mellow quiet acoustic music for spinning…ah, no thank you. I totally use music to get pumped up.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
Haha I am giggling so hard at the pics of you in your hubbies hoodie. And ooohhh my god I need those lemon bars. I’ll add my week in review link on thursday! 😀
Meghan says
I thought you and Madison would enjoy my Palpatine pictures!!
You should make the lemon bars; they were good and I like pimping other peoples food.
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Oh yum – those lemon bars look fantastic! I’m bringing sweets to a dinner this week, so I’ll have to check those out.
Meghan says
You should. They were really good, especially if you already like working with coconut oil, and I suspect you do. 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
those bars look ridiculous!!! wow. i’m going to dram of those tonight.
Meghan says
Dream of them tonight and then make them as soon as you get home from your spa trip.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
I will forgive you for jumping onto the coconut oil bandwagon because the lemon bars are so pretty looking. Pistachios–way clever.
My Map My Walk Stats:
11 workouts (I am nothing if not predictable)
9 routes
22.8 miles
6.5 hours
Including, I will point out, a 13.56 minute/mile (walking, of course) 5K.
Meghan says
I’m not on the band wagon yet…I’m just near it. I bought the stuff for one recipe and now I’ve got a whole jar full so I’ve been trying to use it, although eating it “raw” was weird becuase I knew it was raw coconut oil. The bars were delicious; it was a total mental block for me.
Man you put in some serious miles this week. I’m impressed and happy you have the spouse home with you this week.
sara @ real fun food says
I read your last post too!! I promise promise SOON I’m going to link up! 🙂 I can feel it. My link up is imminent.
About finances: the one part where being an adult sucks. Every time I think about budgets I get sad and want to say the F word.
Meghan says
I like the word imminent so you get a pass but I hope to see you linked and loaded next week. 🙂 You could even link your secret blog and list out lots of interesting “things.”
Brittany says
OH MY GOSH HAHA that picture in the hoodie SCARED ME!! But yes, I see the resemblance…KIDDING!! Those vegan bars and bean bowl are making me drool!
Meghan says
I knew you would approve of the lemon bars and the bean bowl. You must be saying, finally a meal without eggs or cheese!
rebecca @ blueberry smiles says
The vegan lemon bars look delicious!
Meghan says
Thanks Rebecca. They sure were good.
Allie says
Pistachio is always better than walnut. I may be biased due to a slight walnut allergy, but still, down with walnuts! Up with pistachios! And you rock your Palpatine self. I still get all excited when I used up a wrapping paper roll and can swing the empty tube around like a light saber. I make sure to quickly pay a bill right after; it balances out the maturity.
Meghan says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one. Tell me you make the swooshing noises when you swing the “light saber” around.
Allie says
Is there any other way to saber?? Of course sound effects are involved. I may also proceed to give myself advice using yoda-esque phrasing for the remainder of the day.
Meghan says
Even better.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Bahahaha! Love it!
Sarah Pie says
That sounds like a very accomplished week to me! And I am going to have to make those lemon bars ASAP because they look amazing.
Meghan says
I’d recommend the bars, especially if you are already comfortable working with coconut oil. They were really flavorful.
Fran@BCDC says
Those lemon bars look delicious!! I’l will be Week in Review-ing as soon as the A to Z is over!!
Meghan says
I can’t wait to have you in the mix Fran, although I think your A to Z posting is kinda fun. Maybe I’ll do it next year.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
After an “I probably shouldn’t have eaten so much coconut butter before I went for a run” digestive incident, I swore I was never going to eat coconut butter (or oil, but to me they are essentially the same thing when solid) again. However, those lemon bars do look quite divine.
I am glad I’m not the only one who may or may not fall asleep on Friday night’s before cooler kids than I have even thought about going out on the town.
Meghan says
What do you mean cooler kids than I? I think that’s ridiculous and we should make it hip to fall asleep before 8 p.m. on a Friday night. We could start a club and our appeal would be our amazing energy rushes on Saturday coupled with ability to get major things done because we are well rested.
Make the lemon bars; just don’t eat the whole pan and then run afterwards.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
I liked up! Woo! I’ve thought about what you said for my link up and I think I’m going to add the actual spot for people to put their links again.
Meghan says
Yeah for linky love. Thanks my dear; I appreciate it.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
“and I will also plead the fifth on whether it worked or not.” <- Bahaha! Oh you KNOW you did, or you wouldn't have even brought it up! Get it girrrrrrrrrrl! Ow! 😉
Omg, the lemon bars look perfect!! Glad to hear they passed the "normal eaters" test at work!
I'm jealous of your yard work? Does that make me weird? I actually reeeeeeeeeally need to mow my grass, but since my front yard pretty much looks like this / I'm a little scared to attempt it with my knee. BUT at the same time, I don't want to ask someone to do it for me because I actually kinda like mowing the grass! Yep…pretty sure that makes me weird.
Meghan says
Not weird at all. I really enjoy mowing the lawn and getting out there in the yard, especially on nice sunny days. I usually pop my ear buds in, kick on the music and get ‘er done. Sometimes I dance too, especially when I’m mowing the lawn. Oh, what the neighbors must think?!
Mad monkey love always prevails. 😉
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Oh my gosh, I do the same thing! Once my earbuds are in, the world is gone…it’s just me and the tunes!
And well, I broke down and mentioned the wild state of my lawn to the man-friend…he’s coming to save the day on Saturday! Hmm, wonder if he’ll wear a cape and make light saber noises with me? 😉
Meghan says
I think he could be persuaded. Especially if you wear the new dress he bought you. If you lived a reasonable distance away, I would mow your lawn too, although I’d keep my shirt on and you might be able to convince the Manfriend to take his off. 😉
Vernon Akima says
Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy. Researchers at The Ohio State University found that lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune system, but may enhance mood.