ashleyd /

How I wake up at 4:25

   

The alarm went off WAY too early this morning at 4:25. I knew that the only way I’d wake up and feel ready for travel was if I got my blood flowing. Therefore, I did a 5 minute bootcamp routine in the living room that left my heart pacing and my mind awake. This morning’s five minute quickie consisted of the following:

-20 pushups

-1 minute jumping jacks

-20 pushups

1 minute jumping jacks

1 minute abs

50 toe squats

1 minute jumping jacks

My next step was getting dressed and ready to dash. Normally I’d opt for a quick shower since it always helps me wake up but I really didn’t want to risk getting my hair wet since I’ll have no time to go to my hotel and freshen up when I land in Dallas. This also meant that I couldn’t travel in Lululemon or other comfortable clothes. I think getting dressed in “real” clothes helped me wakeup and mentally prepare for the day. Luckily real clothes were able to include a super cute jeans outfit that I randomly put together Saturday night before we headed out to the beer garden.

Kentucky brand dark jeans from my Fitness Magazine jeans fashion shoot

White crisp tunic blouse from J Crew – The top is more fitted than the bottom which is very complimentary and it has lots of cute details like button up sleeves, pockets, and princess seams. This was one of my hot JCrew Outlet finds 3 weeks ago when we were up in Vermont

Bright yellow, green, and white summer scarf- Our friend Geoff makes constant fun of girls and their obsession for summer scarves since it really makes no sense to most guys. But, if you’re on an airplane or a chilly airport you want something to help keep you warm and this also has a wonderful cozy factor

Wide braided brown belt- Talk about great investments. This Banana Republic belt was a random purchase 4 years ago in my attempt to buy a FULL outfit straight off the mannequin versus just pieces. My mom taught me long ago that if you buy outfits it will be MUCH easier to get dressed and put together different combinations. Therefore, I rarely buy just one top or pair of pants. If I buy a top I’ll buy the cute necklace or belt they’ve paired it with.

Giant Coach tote- this has quickly become my favorite briefcase/purse when traveling. It is chic enough to carry into any restaurant or store without horrible embarassment, it’s slim lines keep you from feeling bulky yet it expands easily. It is soft which means it can easily slide under your seat on an airplane even when stuffed to the hilt like it is now. In addition it has 2 zipper side pockets and a zip top that ensure nothing falls out when you’re dashing through security or pulling it out of the cab.

This outfit will stay crisp during my 3.5 hour flight, full day of store checks and strategy sessions, and easily take me straight through our team dinner this evening at a local Dallas restaurant.  🙂

Now, back to this morning’s mad dash. I always use Limo Res when I need airport transportation as it is reasonably priced, allows me to rack up Delta miles, and is very trustworthy. However, this morning I had been pacing in my lobby for 10 minutes when I frantically called their dispatch center. It turns out my driver had been at the BACK entrance to my apartment building for 15 minutes. I was immediately nervous that my bag wouldn’t be able to get on my flight since last minute I had to use a bag too large to carry on. Our trusted Tumi finally bit the dust last night and will be returned today for replacement/repair. I quickly asked the driver to go as quickly as possible to Newark Airport. He slowly pulled off and started making his way down the dark roads. I felt like he was going VERY slowly but hey, maybe I’m just accustomed to the midtown taxi drivers who drive like mad men. After getting myself situated and checking my flight status on my Blackberry I looked up to find that he wasn’t stopped at a red light. Oh no, he had stopped to look at a map! Are you kidding me?! Did they really send a driver who didn’t know the area. Luckily I knew how to get him to Newark and quickly started barking directions. I say barking because I know I was not the friendliest passenger this morning. What can I say? It was early, I was worried i’d miss the 45 minute bag check requirement, or worse miss my flight.

Blog Pictures 2010 115

He redeemed himself once we hit midtown where he started buzzing down the streets and swerving in and out of other lanes as quickly as he could. Thirty five minutes later he pulled up to the Continental terminal and immediately ran my bag straight over to the curb check with me running behind. I had exactly 2.5 minutes to spare when my bag was put on the conveyer belt. Phew!

This was actually my first time in Newark Airport. It was a madhouse! The security line length reminded me of the Atlanta airport accept it was far less organized. They were directing people into different lanes and it wasn’t until 15 minutes later I realized they’d put me in the family and leisure traveler lane. *sigh*  Since it was now 15 minutes before my flight departed, I asked the cute couple two rows in front of me if they’d let me cut them in line. I felt like I was in elementary school all over again. They were on their way to Florida and in no hurry since their flight didn’t leave for 2 hours. I guess grandparents like to be REALLY safe and relaxed at the airport.

Blog Pictures 2010 116

I bolted through security and made a mad dash for the gate as I heard them announce my  name over the intercom. Like that my visions of breakfast and a grande tea from Starbucks evaporated into thin air.

Blog Pictures 2010 117

However, Continental has been one refreshing surprise after another! Not only was the flight only half full which meant we all have our own rows (sorry Continental I know this isn’t good for you but it’s great for the passengers) but they’ve also offered us beverage refills 4 times thus far, and served a continental breakfast. While it wasn’t necessarily the breakfast of champions, it far exceeded my expectations. We each received a carton of skim milk, 90 calorie bag of raisins, and a box of Chex Honey Wheat. 

 Blog Pictures 2010 118

My closest seat mate offered me his banana since he doesn’t eat bruised bananas. Therefore, I was able to save the raisins and enjoy some cereal and banana for breakfast. While the cereal had very little staying power alone (90 calories, less than 1 gram of fiber) I’m hoping that the milk protein and banana will help give it some substance.

Now it’s time for some quality time with my Kindle. I have three books on there now that I can’t wait to read!

Iron Ambition: My Journey Seat 2A to Ironman

Once a Runner: A Novel

Omnivore’s Dilemma

Happy Tuesday! I’ll check in later with more of my Big D adventures!

Don’t forget about Ulta’s FREE FEKKAI BLOW OUTS this week! Click here for more information!

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ashleyd /

Free Fekkai Blow Outs!

Want to feel like a celebrity with a red carpet blow out? Do you want full blown volume or silky straight strands? Come to Ulta this Wednesday and Thursday for your FREE FEKKAI BLOW OUT. This is taking place at Ulta Salons across the country from 5-8pm on Wednesday and 10am-3pm on Thursday.  In addition, when you purchase 2 full size Fekkai products on Wednesday and Thursday you will receive a free Brilliant Glossing Creme.

ALSO, DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY PEARLY WHITES GIVEAWAY! I’m giving one lucky reader over $40 worth of products to help keep your teeth healthy and bright!

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BLT Fish: Fresh, Delicious, Simple Flavors Impeccably Executed

I hope you all have had a great weekend. In case you missed it, we’ve been busy this weekend. Our fun has included
and
Other highlights include drinks at the Standard Beer Garden with great friends, dinner at Garage, my first acupuncture experience, finding a great summer dress from Ann Taylor Loft for FREE thanks to a gift card, and a wonderful catch up chat on the rooftop with Melissa. Now we’re curled up enjoying How to Make It in America (great recommendation Lauren). Parts of it are similar to Entourage but based in New York City and more about real, scrappy people versus lucky people. The theme song is fabulous as is the cast. You can check the video out here– How To Make It In America intro theme song – I Need A Dollar By Aloe Blacc http://youtu.be/cvfIGPiZL-g
 
Gorgeous night in NYC
But, now I want to back track to Friday night. I mentioned that Bo wanted to keep it just the two of us and enjoy a date night. He surprised me with reservations at BLT Fish. Located between on 17th street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue this little unassuming nook was the perfect date spot. Downstairs is a separate restaurant, BLT Fish Shack which is a casual raw bar that specializes in fresh shellfish and staples like shrimp in a bag and chowder.
 
Bears like fish.
We loved the feel of the downstairs portion and hope to come back soon once we’re in the area. But, Friday night they quickly escorted us up to the third floor for our meal. The second floor of BLT Fish is dedicated to private dining special events. Upon exiting the elevator we felt like we’d been transported to another restaurant. There is a retractable glass roof that makes the restaurant feel open and adds to the dimension. It has a classic open kitchen design with both table and booth seating. The focus point of the restuarant was a huge, gorgoeous floral centerpiece that broke up the room. After being escorted to a perfect corner nook table we were served fresh biscuits. They come out warm with maple syrup butter, and a cute little card with the recipe on it.  Since they shared the recipe with us I thought i’d pass it on to my readers:
Makes 8 biscuits.

1 1/2 C flour
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/4 t cayenne pepper
3 T shortening

3 T butter
1 T chopped chives
1 C sharp cheddar
1 1/4 C cream
Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne.
Cut the shortening and butter into the flour mixture. Do not overmix
Do leave the butter and shortening in small piece
Toss in the chives and the cheese.
Toss in cream, just until the mixture comes together. Do not mix too much.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15-17 minutes.

After the biscuits we chose a delicious wine to complement the meal. The next taste was a tuna herb amuse buche and was better than any simple tuna salad i’ve ever tried! Based on these two tastes alone we were definitely excited. Having never been to BLT Fish before we didn’t know what to expect but based on the service, wine and first two tastes alone Bo had decided that this may be one of the most underrated restaurants he’s seen on Zagat.
 
We both had two different appetizers in mind and decided ahead of time that we would NOT be going 50-50. 🙂 I have a crazy love of octopus and rarely have the opportunity to enjoy it. Therefore, I chose the grilled Portuguese Octopus with chickpeas and roasted red peppers. It had nice chunks of tender grilled octopus  surrounded by a vinagrette and mache. The vinagrette complemented the smoky charred flavor versus covering it.
Since Bo has a soft spot in his heart for gnocchi, Bo chose the ricotta gnudi with seared rock shrimp morels and spring peas. The translucent rock shrimp were melt in your mouth tender while the gnudi was sauteed perfectly- browned on the outside but soft inside.
Everything on the menu sounded delicious but I knew I didn’t want a whole roasted or salt encrusted fish for my main course. Lately everytime we’ve enjoyed fish it’s been crispy (red snapper on the honeymoon, the huge fish at Butter, our last dinner Esca). We took our waitress’ advice and went split two of their most popular dishes for our main courses: Acacia Marinated Alaskan Black Cod and the Belgian Dover Sole.
I was a bit apprehensive of the cod as it seemed very typical due to it’s Japanese flavors. However, what I tasted surprised and delighted me. The cod was as tender and moist as any I’ve had, with the sweetness of the honey as a nice gentle additional flavor. As described by our server, it melted in our mouthes. The second I put my fork into the tender filet it flaked into perfect pieces.  The dover sole was the best browned butter caper sauce we’ve ever had.
We would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a special dinner destination which will delight their date with wonderful service, simple flavors which are impeccably executed, and a treat of sweet apple cotton candy as an after dinner treat!

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