I cannot believe we are more than half way through April! This month is flying! I am not complaining because I have an amazing fun/exciting/awesome May coming my way.

That’s not to say I want to rush the rest of the month because I have a lot of work to do in the next two weeks! Graduation countdown – 26 days!

Happy Good GREAT Friday! Here are some favorites this week.

Quinoa Salad

I asked my mom what I could bring for Easter and she reluctantly told me to bring a side dish. If anyone knows my mom, they know that if 6 people are coming to Easter dinner, there will be enough food for 40. There is no talking her out of NOT making four main course and a dozen sides. As much grief as I give her, I think I am the same way. I just want everyone to be full and happy!

I am contributing this Quinoa Salad to the epic amounts of food that will be available at my house on Easter. I saw this recipe on Anne’s blog a while back and have made it numerous times since. Its great hot or cold and it is fun to mixed up the add ins. I have made it with pecans and cranberries (per the recipe), walnuts and dried cherries and edamame and blueberries (this was weird but it was what I was craving).

Asparagus

I read somewhere that people usually stick to roughly 10 fruits and veggies and do not usually stray (Source: My weird memory). I would like to think I do not fit into this mold but if the same things are on sale a few weeks in a row, how can I not buy them? Despite some awkward side effects (asparagus pee) I love this veggie. It is super easy to cook (steam, bake, grill) and it is delicious raw on salads.

Some Fun Asparagus Facts:

• It’s loaded with nutrients including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C, E and K.
• Eating this veg may help protect against and fight certain cancers (bone, breast, colon) due to its glutathione
• Asparagus has anti-aging properties! Forever young!

 How Many Calories are Burned in a Triathlon?

(Source: This Active.com Article)

This is a fun little article that makes me feel like it is A-OK to eat as I please after a tri. My favorite post-race meal? A sausage and egg-white breakfast sandwich on a onion bagel with Frank’s hot sauce. Looks like I don’t have to feel too guilty about indulging in this calorie-bomb of a meal after a sprint distance tri!

Getting outside during lunch

Can’t beat having this view from the office. I love working right on the ocean and I love that it is finally warm enough (above freezing) to get outside and walk around during lunch. I don’t think I could ever get sick of the ocean. Another reason I should just be a mermaid.

Another thing I love about this particular Friday, it is the start of a 3-day weekend! I couldn’t be happier!

Peace & Love