I think I’ve said this once or twice before, but this was above & beyond.. you all or so amazing! 
You brought tears to my eyes, and I cannot thank you enough for your support and encouraging words!
Weekend Recap Part 2
Since last post was a bit word-heavy.. lets bring on the photos! ..
Now this is the way to start a Saturday! I made a couple Oat & Protein Pancakes topped with a tablespoon of PB and Strawberries 
Birthday Dinner
Of course we went to True Foods!
I forgot to take a picture of the appetizers, until this was all that was left..
It was the Herbed Hummus Plate and the Caramelized Onion Tart with Smoked Garlic, Black Figs & Gorgonzola.. the Tart was amazing!
For dinner I got a pizza with Turkey Sausage, Kale Pesto, Artichokes & Goat Cheese..
And of course there was dessert I got the Apple & Cranberry Crisp topped with Maple Soy Ice Cream.. Absolutely delicious!
Brunch
A good friend from my MBA program, who now lives in Florida, was back in town this weekend, so it was another great excuse to get a bunch of people together. We went to Saddle Ranch. The place is goofy. At night it’s a popular bar, with an electronic bull and all, but during the day it’s a pretty decent restaurant. I got the Club Wrap with Chicken, Tomato, Avocado & Spinach..
And they brought this to me as a Birthday treat.. mountain o’ Cotton Candy..
It was passed around the table and I just had a tiny bite.
Back on Track Grade: B-
I’m giving myself a B- for getting back on track today 
It started out great with Spelt Pancakes (based on Angela’s Healthy Spelt Pancakes for One using 1/3 c Spelt Flour + 10 g Cake Batter Protein Powder, no Maca) and a TJ’s Chicken Apple Sausage..
And lunch was tasty with a Spinach Bar with Chicken Breast, TJ’s Guacamole Hummus (you must try this!), Artichokes and Salsa..
And somewhere in there there was a Green Monster too.
It went down hill a bit when I decided to bake, whoops. I love baking, but I avoid it like the plague when I’m dieting. So since I had the urge today, I went for it. I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store so I got creative with ingredients I had on hand. The result was pretty darn healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies. I’m not going to post the recipe quite yet, because they have potential to be better, and a great healthy fall treat!
Back at it Workout
At 7pm I was about one cookie away from behind a lazy blob and not working out today, but thankfully I gave myself a little pep-talk, reminding myself how much better I’d feel after my indulgent weekend, put on my clothes, and went for a run.
Yes, me, Alyson, went for a run, outside, of my own free will 
At 7:30pm at night it was still 101 F, but without direct sunlight, it wasn’t so bad. I ran through my neighborhood for 30 minutes, then gave myself a little 15 min. Tennis Court workout:
I repeated that twice, which took ~15 minutes.
I only felt like I was going to be sick about 22.5 minutes out of the 45, haha.. but really, it was ugly, but I just had to sweat out all that tasty but not-so-healthy stuff I had over the weekend.. I’m already feeling so much better!
TBC..
Also I got some good news today that I’ll tell you all about tomorrow!
Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!
Fun Links
My theory is that everyone loves running, some people just don't realize it yet.
I'm glad you had a great birthday weekend! Can't wait to hear the good news!!!
I can't wait for 2 things:__-Your recipe for the pumpkin chocolate chunk cookies__-canned pumpkin to show back up at the grocery store so I can make them!
Your pics remind me of the buffets in Jamaica all inclusive food and drinks.The extra 5 lbs I brought back (not in my suitcases) went on easy but did not come off as easy.
i love your food and love your workouts! that pizza seriously makes me want to lick my computer screen hahaha so so so good! i am so glad you are enjoying yourself
that tennis court workout rocks, I do something similar on my nearby track. MAJOR props for running in that heat too!!
I cant wait to hear your news!!
Those strawberries just jump out against the pancakes. Yum. Kale pesto??? What a fantastic idea. Must remember that one. So glad you had a great birthday dinner. And high fives for getting out and running in that heat. I sure haven't managed to take my runs outside recently.
OK, I am hungry now!!!
Looking forward to the news!
Love the look of all of your meals here, WOW! I need to find restaurants like this in my area. The artichoke/salsa is really creative and looks delicious. I had to smile ….no actually LOL when I saw the cotton candy. I have a childhood soft spot for that, who can say no to a bit of cotton candy. I LOVE the smell of it when I'm at the fairs. Once in my locker room I had just mixed a protein shake and someone looked at me and said "you smell like cotton candy" I thought what a nice way to smell, but had to confess it was my drink. That would be an awesome protein shake flavor. I think mine was plain old vanilla.