It’s about that time again.

Mid-month that is, which means it’s time to talk about some things I’m loving lately.

Quesadilla Maker

Remember me writing about my friend Shannon that throws the annual Christmas party for my home friends?  The party with the Yankee Swap that has a re-circulating Chia pet every year?  Well two Christmas parties ago, Shannon put this quesadilla maker in the swap as her grab gift.  And I was lucky enough to win it!  I wouldn’t say I use it all the time, but I recently bust it out again and rediscovered my love for it.  Making quesadillas so SO fun, and there are so many ways to enjoy healthy variations.  Plus, how cute it the little chili pepper handle?  Friday night was a low-key night in using the quesadilla maker, so definitely expect a quesadilla recipe post later this week!

Weekly Circulars

One of my goals for 2012 is to be a better grocery shopper.  And one of the specific action ways I plan on accomplishing this goal is to do a better job of planning ahead.  I have found it so thrilling to do the price comparison between stores and then actually see a positive result from it.  Yes, I just described looking through the weekly grocery circulars as thrilling.  What of it?

Snowman Mug

You may remember this little guy from this post.  Tim gave me this super cute Snowman mug in my stocking at Christmas this year, and I’ve used it constantly.  He (the snowman) makes studying way more enjoyable!  Favorite thing to drink out of it, so far anyways?  Peppermint tea!  Yes, I’m still on that kick.  Peppermint tea was part of an old “Things I’m Loving Lately Post” actually!  Anyways, I love both my snowman mug and peppermint tea.

Eggplant

Definitely on an eggplant kick this month.  If you missed the recipe last week, you must must must click over to this post and bookmark this recipe for healthy eggplant parm!  Was an awesome meal.  And I continued my eggplant streak this weekend when I went out to lunch with my mom on Saturday.  We met in Watertown at a place called Strip T’s.  Funny name for a restaurant, especially when going with your mom, but the cute restaurant is a real gem.  I’ve been a few times now for lunch and have never been disappointed.  The food is excellent, the service is friendly, and the dining area is small but cozy.  They play music but not too loudly.  I could definitely see it getting crowded there during the busy hours, but I think it would be worth the wait.  They also just redid the front takeout area, and it looks really nice.  Note – it’s not open on Sundays so don’t make the mistake of going all the way there just to have to turn around.

Anyways, on my Saturday lunch plate:

Roasted eggplant with artichoke, tomato, mozzarella, and balsamic on Iggy’s 7 grain brain with a pickle on the side.  YUM!  This was a great choice for a post double morning teaching sesh.  I subbed for Cardio Ball at 8am and Kickboxing at 10am, and was STARVING after the classes.   Hit the spot.  Yay for eggplant!

Spiced Apple Toddy Candle

I got so many candles as side gifts for Christmas this year, but I’ve been loving this one!  Spiced Apple Toddy from Bath & Body Works.  If you guys haven’t experienced candles from Bath & Body works, you must stop what you are doing right now and go to the nearest store and smell them all.  Unbelievable.  They are my favorite candles out there!

Side note:  The other night I was wondering, what exactly is a Toddy anyways?  I knew it was a drink, but wasn’t sure on the specifics.  My roommate Slesh must have read my mind, because the next morning she posted a blog all about hot toddy’s!  If you are also wondering about toddy’s, click over to Slesh’s post and read all about them.

And then go buy this candle.

What are you loving lately?  Tell me!

P.S.  You can link to all my old past “Things I’m Loving Lately” post editions by clicking here!

Off to enjoy my day off!