Ran out of my favorite cocoa powder for the latest coffee recipe I'm digging. M surprised me with grocery shopping and replenished my cocoa. Gosh I adore him. The sentiment was so sweet I didn't/don't have the heart to tell him he got the wrong kind. So, whilst I tinker with a new recipe to use it, I've been liking a modified version of Nutella coffee I found on Pinterest.

It's under 150 calories - recipe and nutritional info, here. Once I perfect it I'll post on the "eats" page.

Last week was wine soaked. Had a glass (or two) every night. By myself. It was bliss. Granted I was pms'ing something fierce, the dogs sensed my cranky mood treading naughty behavior with caution, and I binge snacked like a champ.

"Eat, only when you're hungry." #pms #snackasaurus #eatallthefood
— Marcia Ginger (@MarciaElise) January 24, 2014

Speaking of snacking, I powered through a bag of Brownie Brittle, with no regrets. Add in the fact I was eating 2 squares and not 6 (which is one serving), I felt that was the opportune time to get brownie wasted. 




Clayton Restaurant Week a no brainer way to meet up with friends, and try something new (to me). Feast, great wine, and even better company. Insert Libertine. Per (restaurant week) usual there is a pre-fix menu which I always have mixed feelings about since I like to decide my food cuz I'm an adult and can choose on my own thank you very much . To my delight there was both a pre-fix, and the option to order off the regular menu. Panic attack averted. We ordered a bottle of red that was far beyond my dreams for red wine - no bite, smooth, silky taste. And of course I can't remember the name. Decided to choose opposite dishes so we could taste a variety (off the pre-fix menu) - mission accomplished. I apologize for the lack of food photos, I'm trying not to wave my freak flag everywhere I go. Trying.



The crispy pig tails resembled smoked sausage, but tasted like a pork explosion of flavor, beginning from the crispy first bite, to the perfectly seasoned meat and sauce. I couldn't eat an entire portion alone (it was a pretty generous appetizer), but it was definitely freaking delicious. The sunflower seed rice was incredible. While food stalking the surrounding tables I spotted this dish and brushed it off as "ordinary". My lands how I was wrong! First, there is no rice, the "rice" is pressured cooked sunflower seeds(!) cooked to perfection with bacon and crisp, crunchy veggies. The homemade soy and hoisin sauces were legit. And the egg? Put me in my place, the perfect touch. 

Farro salad was a dainty (read: on the smaller side) portion, but the fresh shaved Pecorino, and exquisitely cooked farro did not go unnoticed. Having previously tried cheek last year for my birthday dinner - here, it went without saying we'd be having it again. Exceeded our expectations on portion size (of meat), and super yummy. A strong despiser (is that word?) of beets, I ate my words (literally) when dessert came. The perfect dessert size, each component singing this fantastic siren song to my taste buds. I'm a beet-liever. For the dessert, just to clarify. Normal beets still taste like dirt. 



Saturday I sleep in a bit, and proceeded to procrastinate away my 14 miler although I had on gym clothes. And my gym bag was packed. It goes without saying I felt like a LOSER for skipping my long run.  We did, however have a fantastic lunch, followed by a perusing on the new grocery store in Lafayette Square, Field Foods. The mere fact there are cup holders and a bar in the store is only part all of the reason I had to go. Prices were competitive, and plantains were flat out half the price of Schnucks and even Save-a-lot. #winning.


Sunday, to redeem the sins of Saturdays past, I got up and hit group run. I really enjoy knowing I won't be running alone, don't have to think about route planning, and get to meet new people with the same hobby as you. This week we did a seven miler around my old neighborhood, and while it was hillier than all hell, it was so awesome to run and reminisce.

-- and, since I forgot last week, here is photo of the group run from the week before at Forest Park. These ladies are the sweetest, running with them literally melts the time away. 

Yesterday marked 365 days since we saw, and subsequently brought the hounds from hell home. More on their adoption - here.