Happy Friday all!

I’ve decided to turn my “Things I’m Loving Lately” into a monthly edition.  I did this back in September and got some good feedback from all of you, so here goes my October round!

My New Fall Car Jar

Seems like such a little thing to get excited about, but anything that enhances my love for fall is a favorite of mine.  This week I retired my Yankee Candle Pineapple Cilantro Car Jar for a much more appropriate seasonal choice.  Have you guys smelled Autumn Wreath yet?  Amazing!

Substituting Greek Yogurt

Instead of using mayo, try substituting Greek yogurt instead!  Last night I made a quick and easy chicken salad for dinner.  Tim said he couldn’t even taste the difference between the yogurt versus mayo.  That’s really good news – mayo is FULL of calories and fat, but yogurt offers a much healthier and more protein packed option.

In the mix:  Chicken (I marinated the chicken in light balsamic vinaigrette dressing and then cooked in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees), chopped celery, halved red grapes, chopped walnuts, plain non-fat Greek yogurt (I used Trader Joe’s brand), and a teeny bit of Dijon mustard.  Don’t skip the mustard in this recipe – I found that it added a ton of flavor!  Downside to this:  I meant to add sliced apples as well, but I forgot!  Next time?  Maybe for lunch today.

This can be eaten as a salad or a sandwich/wrap/pita.  I chose to eat over spinach leaves.  I didn’t even need to add any dressing!

Let me know what you guys think of using yogurt instead of mayo if you end up trying this out!

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

Tim and I went out for a few beers last night, and I (shockingly) ordered Shipyard.  It’s just one of my favorite beers.  From the website:  “Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale is a crisp and refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and a subtle spiced flavor.”  I couldn’t have said it better!  This one is my go to pumpkin beer, and I like it because it is pretty light and not too hoppy!  I do prefer Shipyard without the cinnamon and sugar on the rim – I find I only like that for one beer.  But last night we learned a new trick – put a shot of Captain Morgan into the beer and mix it all together?!  I am not a huge Captain Morgan fan (still scarred from my 21st birthday!), but Tim enjoyed the free shot & beer recommendation last night at The Corrib Pub.

Mid-Air Jumping Pictures

I don’t think this one needs much explanation.

Just that I’m a huge loser?!  (My friends too).

My New Sneakers

Yes, I know I already posted about them, but can’t my love for my new kicks extend beyond just one blog post?  Still obsessed. 

Question of the Day:  What are YOU loving lately?!  Recommend something to me!

Happy almost weekend!