My aunt had a brilliant idea on Sunday and that was that we should go up to Salt Lake City together with her daughter, me, Brooke and my mom and do what we do best… talk for hours about everything, walk around and stare at Christmas stuff and eat really good food. Feel free to zoom in on Brooke’s really awesome sneakers and yes I am standing like that because I had to go potty.
(PS my aunt is a marathon and triathlon machine. She is even running CIM on Sunday… I will be at that race in 2013)
We went to a new outdoor(ish) mall that was just built in Salt Lake City called City Creek. Brooke’s favorite part were the fountains. I know you don’t believe me but 3.5 month olds can and do love and understand this kind of stuff.
We have a game that we really love to play in Anthropologie. We play Price is Right with a bunch of different items to see who is the closest to guessing how much their items are… I always win because I usually guess $300 or more.
My aunt told us about a restaurant called the Blue Lemon that is right next to the mall and so we walked on over there to get dinner. All of the appetizers are just $2 when you buy them with a meal so we had to get the sweet potato fries, the butternut squash soup, the potatoes and the artichoke dip. I need the recipe for the soup!
We all got the exact same salad, the roasted beet salad and shrimp (my mom got chicken). If you ever go to Blue Lemon you have to order this.
After we finished eating my aunt forced us to the dessert counter to pick out some things to share. Chocolate cake > lemon cake.
We hung out at the restaurant for awhile talking about everything possible. My cousin and I are incredibly close. Growing up we pretty much spent our entire summers together (she lived in California) and we are more like sisters than cousins so it was really nice to be together again.
Across the street from the mall is Temple Square and they just put up their Christmas lights. Breathtaking. I think each tree has something like 43,593 lights on it.
Somehow we found more time for shopping and my cousin found an adorable dress for her husband’s Christmas party at American Eagle. I haven’t been in that store for a long time and I couldn’t believe how many cute things they have now!
Just talked to the Billster and he was staying at school until MIDNIGHT to study for his Contracts final on Friday, wish him good luck:)
———————————————————————————————
Do you put up Christmas lights outside of your house/apartment?
-I am GOING to decorate my deck and outdoor treadmill this year with lights.
What stores were your favorite to shop in as a teenager?
-American Eagle, Gap and Hollister.
Who in your family and extended family RUNS? Anyone running a race this weekend? Anyone running CIM?
Chocolate cake vs. lemon cake?
73 comments
TorontoRunner
Good luck to Billy! ah i’ll never forget the stress of exams. :(
You look so happy to be back with your family. I’m so happy for you!
Chocolate cake – chocolate ANYTHING really.
Gina G
Good luck to Billy!
And I’m with ya…..chocolate cake all the way! :)
Lauren
Shopping around the holidays is always more enjoyable. It’s also always more dangerous, I swear the Christmas music just wants me want to buy more!
My favorite stores as a teen were definitely American Eagle and Aeropostal.
Khushboo
Oh tricky question about the cake flavors…if it’s for dessert, chocolate cake but if it’s as a coffee/tea time snack, I’m going to have to say lemon.
Allison
I don’t think I’ve stepped foot in American Eagle in 10 years! Cute dress!!!
Steph F.
I’m old, so my favorite stores as a kid were The Limited (back when the had the Forenza brand if anyone remembers that) and Benetton.
Re: running, my husband, sis-in-law and now my Dad all run. My dad lost 60 lbs. last year and started running at age 69…We just did a 5K together last weekend :) ! And, even better, my 8 1/2 year old wants to run a 5K this spring … so excited to run with my girl!
I usually love chocolate over fruity things, but lemon is my one exception…I don’t think I can choose between chocolate and lemon!
Good luck to Billy and enjoy your time with your family!
Anne
PLEASE put Christmas lights on your treadmill, that would be amazing haha
That tree is gorgeous, oh my gosh!
That salad looks amazing, beets and shrimp are two of the most perfect foods on earth (and chocolate cake of course!)
Becky Przy
Good luck to Billy!!!
I love how so many members of your family are active! My sister and BIL run, but that is about it.
Gosh I don’t even remember where I liked to shop growing up. I struggled w/my weight (overweight as a child, anorexia as a teenager/young adult) so much, I hated shopping.
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale
This post has all of my favourite things!! Cousin-ly love (my sisterly cousin is currently in the Arctic Circle for a year and I miss her SOOOO much!!), chocolate cake, beets, Mom and daughter loveliness. Ahh! So many fabulous things! (Except for Billy’s not so fun night and the fact that I would totally buy out Anthropologie if I won the lottery, but not until then — but why focus on the doom when we can focus on the fabulous?!) ;)
Laura @ runningjunkie123
I think that is’ so funny that you’re going to decorate your treadmill! Love it.
I have never put up anything but the tree. However, my daughter asked for lights outside our patio this year (we have an apartment) so I think that we might have to.
My favorite store was Aeropostale and American Eagle. I was all about the brands. Now I could care less. I love New York and Company but I also have a lot of things from Target.
My twin sister runs! We run a Turkey Trot and the Marine Corp Half Marathon together every year. She is the one that got me into running. We even ran the Richmond Half Marathon a couple weeks ago.
Lemon. Hands down. Not a fan of realllllly chocolately desserts.
Danica @ It's Progression
My aunt is an amazing runner and she’s been one of my biggest inspirations. And actually, my GRANDPA is a runner too. Still. He’s 67 years old and goes out for a 4-mile run 3-4 times each week. Amazing, right?!
Natalie @ Twenty-Something Talk
OMG please, chocolate cake, no contest. I was a big AE shopper in high school too, but now all I care about is Target. I’m SO excited to finally be putting Christmas lights on the apartment this weekend.
Deana (RockOrangeFive)
Haven’t gotten lights up at our current house yet. I have a plan for a giant star light for our front window.
I have a cousin that runs a few days a week, haven’t gotten the chance to run with her yet.
Chocolate always better then lemon. Although if my mom was with me, she would say the opposite.
I ALWAYS shopped at GAP in the teen years! Our Gap left our closest mall about 10 yrs ago – I still cry about it sometimes….
Emma Harris
I LOVE Anthropologie… except I’m a student – student budget and Anthro don’t mix. I still like AE , and I really like Zara, but other than that my shopping is kind of random.
Sounds like you had an exceptionally fun day with some of your favourite people! Sorry to hear about Billy’s exam cramming – him and I are in the same boat as my finals are quickly approaching also. And chocolate cake, always :P.
Eleni
Good luck Billy! I’m in law school too and it’s just a little awful. My first final is in a week from today, I’m in my second year and I still haven’t gotten the swing of things! I barely have time to go on a run, not cool.
Brooke is growing more adorable with every passing day!
Kari @ Running Ricig
We have a huge front window where we put our tree, so I count that as decorating outside. Other than that, I only decorate in the house.
My mom just started running. She came to the Hartford Marathon to cheer for Mike and me and got so jazzed about watching the finishers that she immediately started running.
My favorite store was probably JCrew. Then again, it still is when I actually buy non-running clothes.
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
I am the only person in my family that runs. I have tried to get my sister to join me but no luck yet. We are putting up Christmas lights Saturday! I am way too excited about this :) I used to love Hollister and Express in high school. And chocolate cake ALWAYS beats lemon cake.
Amanda @ Romancing the Unusual
Abercrombie and American Eagle were sooo cool! :)
I am running the St. Jude half marathon on Saturday in Memphis despite barely running at all for the last month. Yikes! ;)
Lindsey
We sure do, but nothing fancy.
Bootlegger, American Eagle and Gap.
Chocolate always wins :)
Erica
My mom is addicted to Ironmans. Has done 6 over the past 3 years….and already is signed up for her next one.
I shopped at abercrombie and fitch for sure! also AE and Gap.
No Christmas lights because I don’t like the fuss. Maybe just some on a wreath or something.
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
We put up lights on our last house. But won’t on this one since we are renting. But I do need to find my “winter” decorations.
The Gap. NY &Co (not anymore).
My sister and cousin run. Husband is running a half this weekend. But then he will do non-running things until next fall. Sister may run the half as well. I am thinking I will not.
The Kidless Kronicles
Meagan @ Managing Meagan
Um, I think chocolate cake always, always trumps lemon cake. Was it ever really a contest???
Good luck to Billy!!!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
I love Blue Lemon! I’ve only ever been there once, but I absolutely loved my food. I got their salad with pear, chicken, bacon, and some kind of cheese in there… I don’t remember what it was called, but it was amazing.
I loved American Eagle, Hollister, and Abercrombie as a teenager… I still notice some cute stuff in AE every once in awhile, but I’m glad my tastes have changed a bit. ;)
Lindsey
I went to American Eagle on Black Friday and came home with a sweater, chambray shirt and 3 pairs of leggings! Their stuff is really cute right now!
Sarah @PickyRunner
Salt Lake City is so beautiful! I’ve never been there but we’re actually talking about heading out west for some skiing this March… it looks really pretty during the holiday months! I agree, chocolate cake is way better than lemon cake. Definitely a good choice. I used to shop at Abercrombie and AE but now I’m J.Crew all the way
Natalie @ Free Range Human
Those lights are beautiful! We always put lights on the house. Driving around and looking at them is one of my favorite parts of the holiday!
Stephanie
I love those pants you’re wearing in that picture! I can’t stay in anthropologie too long because it makes me dream of all the things I can’t afford!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
I helped my dad with our lights over thanksgiving before I came back to Chicago, and I would totally choose lemon!!
Jessica@SweatIsMySanity
I am signed up for the Fiesta Half this Sunday but I highly doubt my back will allow me to even walk it. I have a doctor appointment next Friday…sucks for me. I really want another medal. :) Good luck Billy!! My husband recently went back to school at ASU, he’s still running our business and then will go on to dental school. I don’t get how he does it all…and even gets A’s. I’d be a total stress case and drop out after a month.
When are you going home?
Jessica@SweatIsMySanity
Forgot to tell you, I’m down 20 lbs. from running and portion control. Check out my BEFORE & AFTER pics. Kinda gross I let myself get that big. I have ten pounds to go.
http://www.sweatismysanity.com/2012/11/motivate-me-monday-me-myself-i.html
Sandee @My Midlife (Marathon) Crisis
Wow Jessica. Just checked out you pics. You looks great. Very inspiring :)
Katie
A treadmill decorated in Christmas lights is hilarious to me. And I would definitely go for chocolate cake before lemon cake, but if I couldn’t have chocolate, for some reason I’d probably choose lemon next. There’s just something about it that’s extra good.
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
Yum! Chocolate cake! Two of my sistes run. No one is my family is as obsessed with running as I am though. It is one of my sisters that got me into running though.
Shari
That picture of the trees all lit up is beautiful — looks like thousands of twinkling fireflies!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Forced you to have dessert?! That sounds horrible! I can’t even imagine how you made it through ;) But yeah… chocolate cake is definitely better than lemon cake, and getting to enjoy it while on a date with family is the best. Glad to hear that you had such a good time :)
And I’m definitely going to decorate my patio this year. I actually kind of can’t wait to get in to it :D
mary @ minutes per mile
zomg, anthropolgie is so pricey, and so cute. it’s a shame. looks like you’re having a fabulous time at home!
jrm
Good luck to Billy! I am not in law but a friend who is an assistant law school dean has posted this on facebook. Not sure if he’s seen it but he may get a kick out of it:
http://wheninlawschool.tumblr.com/
natalie @ southern fit foodie
Chocolate is always better than lemon (I can only think of one exception, and that’s my grandmother’s lemon icebox pie).
I loved American Eagle and Abercrombie in high school. My mom worked at an awesome boutique, so I also got stuff from there.
Megan D
The 1st Blue Lemon restaurant started in Highland, like 15 minutes from my house. I have wanted to go there ever since they opened a few years ago… and now you have posted 2 days in a row 2 different restaurants I have wanted to try!! So jealous!
What a fun day! In high school I wore a lot of Brass Plum, American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch. I worked at AE from 2003-2008. Mostly for the the discount – the job SURELY does not pay well. I still get 40% off coupons every 3 months from my membership rewards with them. So I still shop there because I stack it with their sales and get some KILLER deals on their clothes.
My dad used to run and was awesome too! I loved running races with him. He went through a year of chemo ish like treatments though that has made it really hard for him to run. He still runs 1x a week even though his pace is much slower and it is hard for him because he still loves it so much :) Pretty much no one else in my family runs. I have 2 cousins on my moms side that occasionally do. But that is seriously it.
I am planning in putting up Christmas decorations today, now that my house is finally in order again. We have been in our house for almost 4 years and we have yet to buy Christmas lights for the outside of the house….much to Anna’s dismay. She is very distraught about it. Hopefully we will get some this year!
There was a cake on the cruise that was layered white cake, lemon custard and chocolate frosting. It was the friggin bomb!
Karla @ myhighonlife
I just put up my tree with the manfriend the other night. It’s my first Christmas out of college and living alone so it will be so lonely. The tree makes me feel like Im at home :) Next up: lights on the balcony.
As a teen I LOVED AE. But most of my money were spent on fun new swimsuits for practice. The life of a competitive swimmer.
I am the sole runner in my family. It makes for lonely holiday morning runs but they admire me for it :)
CHOCOLATE. Easiest question ever asked.
I love reading your posts about your close friends and family. Coming from a small family and having friends scattered all over the country (military) I long for relationships like that.
Risa
Your blog is awesome because it motivates me to run. Unfortunately, it also motivates me to EAT! That looks delicious!
In my family, my husband and a cousin-in-law are really the only ones who run, and I kinda forced my husband into the habit. :)
I’m a fan of chocolate, but for some weird reason I just really don’t like chocolate cake so my vote is lemon all the way.
Yellow Haired Girl
I was the AE and Hollister Queeeeen in high school. I wore those outfits until there was nothing left to them!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
My favorite store as a teen was definitely The Gap.
Michelle Evans
I’m running CIM! Most of my family and friends think I’m crazy for running so much ;) And lemon > chocolate. For sure.
Janae
Ahhhhh good luck this weekend! Please let me know how it goes!
Blaire @ Just Been Running
We decorated outside! We do every year and I love it! I also put the little candle light things in our window!
My Dad was a huge runner for 20 years and he’s my inspiration! Since I’ve gotten into running, I think it triggered him to get back into it so we are hoping to run a race together in the Spring!
Chocolate cake, duh ;)
shelly
I live about 10 minutes from the COM course. Are you cheering your Aunt this year? If so, we should meet up! Those lights are beautiful. We’re decorating this weekend, inside and out, but no lights outside (next year, though). I can’t wait to get our tree. Only 2 more days!!
Janae
Oh I wish I was! I will still be in utah! We need to meet soon!!!!
Laura @ LauraLikesDesign
What a fun date! That’s hilarious that Brooke liked the fountains! Too cute!
We just have lights above our kitchen cabinets (like on the shelf above) and on our Christmas trees since we don’t have a deck at this house!
Favorite stores as a teen = Aero, Aerie, Target, Express
Chocolate cake!
Patty
Best of luck to Bill.
Chels R.
Ahh I love pics of Christmas trees and lights! My uncle is a runner and my late aunt was an avid runner…so it definitely RUNS in my family!
Hope you have a wonderful day my friend!
Reese @ A Piece Of Reese
Those trees look so beautiful! I don’t have any upcoming races but I ran a Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving :)
Katherine
Too much fun! Yes, I’m decorating with lights this year :)
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
michelle kim
I love love love Christmas lights! Those trees are seriously amazing!!
oOOoh lemon cake sounds good anytime. If I have a glass of milk, I’ll have to go with chocolate cake.
Good luck to Billy with studying for finals! And good luck to your aunt for CIM this weekend (I’ll be there with her… running in the rain).
Katheryn
Lemon cake over chocolate cake. Love lemon! I’m the only person in my family and the hubbys family that runs, so it makes me look crazy since nobody else gets it.
Good luck to Billy!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Good luck to Billy!
I love SLC & the lights at temple square. SO gorgeous.
Chocolate cake > lemon cake!
Kim
Do you put up Christmas lights outside of your house/apartment?
Outside the house and white lights only.
What stores were your favorite to shop in as a teenager?
Nordstrom, Benneton and The Gap.
Who in your family and extended family RUNS? Anyone running a race this weekend? Anyone running CIM?
I am running the Jingle Bell Run this weekend here in Spokane, WA. A sweet little dress up 5k.
Chocolate cake vs. lemon cake?
CHOCOLATE!!!
Deirdre @ Oh Well Whatever
What a fun day for you girls, jealous! Those trees are beautiful.
My parents ran some, not crazy distances but did some 5K and 10Ks, mom is the one who made me promise to run a marathon for her. Several of my cousins run and I got to run a 1/2 earlier this year with 4 of them – it was so much fun!
Rachelle
What a fun night! I just love temple square and am so glad you got to take Brooke and introduce her to it’s amazingness. :)
I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
Kay
What a fun day/night!!
I have my lights up on my mini tree in my apartment, nothing fancy but still festive!
char eats greens
I’m only going to decorate a little bit because we have a new baby (6 days old!!!) and I think we might be in Florida for Xmas anyways…assuming we get my baby girl’s passport rushed because we live in Canada!!
I am so ready for the Christmas season though…the lights, movies and music!!!!
Alina Enoiu
I’m not going to lie…some of your posts about Billy makes me scared to go to law school!! Am I going to have to study for 20 hrs a day?? :(
Does he like it??
Hilary @ PeanutButterSpoonfuls
No way!! I took my little guy (14 months) to see the City Creek fountains yesterday afternoon!! He is obsessed with them!! We’ve been reprimanded by the mall cops there on several occasions because we let him play in them. Hope you kept Brooke out of trouble with the law. Anyways, we took a detour into Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory right after and must have just missed you!
(I’ve read your blog for a long time but never commented so hopefully that makes this comment less creepy!)
Sandee @My Midlife (Marathon) Crisis
Those lights are beautiful! I am running CIM! My first full marathon and I’m scared to death. And I’m freaking myself looking at the weather reports.
I was a teenager so many years ago (I’m 45:) I couldn’t even remember what stores I shopped at. I think Millers Outpost. Lol. Anyone remember that store?
I always pick chocolate.
kim@hungryhealthygirl
We put up lights on the house and I love driving up with them all on a night. My sister is running her face race, a Spartan race, this weekend….yikes. I shopped mostly at Gap in high school and I still do. Chocolate cake for sure!!
Holly
I thought the SAME thing about American Eagle! I just bought a bunch of clothes from there because they have gotten SUPER cute!
That mall with the fountains looks so cool! I bet Brooke was just staring at it!!
LOVE your purple jeans :)
GOOD LUCK to Billy!!!
Stephanie
I live in Salt Lake and that sounds like a perfect day to me! Isn’t city creek amazing!? I couldn’t choose between lemon or chocolate but have you ever tried a lemon brownie? They are amazing! It’s at a new restaurant called Pizzaria Lemon in Salt Lake. You’ll have to try it while you’re here! Love your blog!
Jill
Hmm if the chocolate cake is like that Costco one then chocolate all the way! :). I do love lemon cake though…
I got my brother into running with me last year but he fell off the wagon this year so ill have to get him into training for a half with me :). No one else runs in my family besides my 2year old son. He’s always up for running!
I love Christmas! Please decorate your treadmill that is awesome.
Steph @ Steph Stays Slim
I wish I had a runner in my family, but it’s just me – and my husband, but he’s no fun to run with- something about not talking and breathing properly, whatev! :-)
Laura @ sweatingforit
Chocolate cake DUH
Christina
Definitely lemon cake. I love lemon desserts. I make a lemon cheesecake that I like better than anything I’ve had at The Cheesecake Factory. As a teenager, my favorite store was 579, a more expensive version of Forever 21 where you could find hair scrunchies to match your outfits. ;-)
Julie
I’m running CIM! Spent forever at the expo yesterday. Nervous about the rainy weather. Soggy shoes, not fun.
I bet city creek is beautiful at Christmas. That mall is pretty amazing.
And…chocolate cake for the win. Always.
Danielle
I feel like this is a dumb question but is it running that allows you such freedom with food? You seem like you have already lost your baby weight. How did you not allow it to bug you, you like immediately began living your life and eating you favorite foods right after the baby? Did you even gain baby weight?
Like I want to lose weight but I want to do it in a way where I don’t think about it all the time