Oh hey! TGIT! I have tomorrow off, so today is my Friday and trust me I am ready- it has been a long week!!!

Yesterday’s lunch was a vegan BLT (veggie “bacon”, vegan “mayo”, lettuce and tomato on whole wheat).

On the side I had a plum and baked salt and vinegar chips.

It was awesome! I really love veggie bacon! I know some people think it is gross, but I promise if you try it you will really love it! Give it a try!!!

After work, I walked home just in time to meet all of the ladies on my dad’s side for out monthly dinner! It was my cousin Melody’s birthday so when we arrived at the restaurant, we immediately took a shot to celebrate (my family is fun like that ). I don’t know what I had, but Melody’s matched her dress!

(Ok, seriously now- isn’t Mel gorgeous?)

Mine:

We went to Yoki in Medford for Japanese food.

My Aunt Ann is so thoughtful and had a bottle of Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion set at each place for us when we were seated. How adorable is that?

I had two glasses of  red sangria throughout the evening.

I started off with miso soup.

We ordered a seaweed salad that got passed around the table. I love, love seaweed salad it is one of my favorite foods. I know it can seem strange and intimidating but is is delicious! I was so proud of  FFF Mom, my aunt Martha and aunt Barbara for trying some. They all agreed it was really good.

My aunt Ann and I ordered the sushi boat for two! I was super excited because I have never ordered a boat and have always wanted to. It was kind of massive.

Everything was awesome! There was one kind tuna I wasn’t a huge fan of.  But one thing I did like that I was surprised about was octopus!

Auntie Ann and I did pretty well taking care of that boat

After dinner we had cake to celebrate Mel’s birthday.

I had a small piece. It was chocolate with raspberry frosting.

I had a great night with the ladies! I seriously laughed so hard at time it hurt. I have had a few stressful days and enjoying time with my family really helped me out and was just what the doctor ordered. There is nothing really quite like the love and support of the women in my family to make me grateful for all I am blessed with. I love these ladies with all my heart.

Left to right: Aunt Martha, Aunt Barbara, Aunt Barbra Mae, FFF Mom, yours truly, Auntie Ann.

I got home around 10pm and after sangria and sushi- I passed right out! I was glad I scheduled today as my rest day because I am sore and exhausted from my workouts earlier in the week and the back half of my week’s workout schedule is going to be no cake walk.

Breakfast was another green monster. I am on a bit of a smoothie kick.

And…a large iced coffee with vanilla syrup and cream.

Today’s Outfit:

• Floral high-waisted mini (H&M)
• White cami (H&M)
• Tan cardigan (Jacob)
• Gold clover necklace (Stella and Dot)
• Gold sandals (Coach)

Laura tagged me in a “5 things” post. The point is to write 5 things that give you confidence and that you really love about yourself. Ok, Laura, challenge accepted!

Ali’s 5 things:

1. I can put a great outfit together in 2 minutes flat- shoes and accessories included. When I am shopping and I pick up an article of clothing, I usually can create 3-5 outfit options using stuff I know is in my closest already (since I have a catalog of my closet in my brain). I also can see the staying power of weird pieces of clothing that I have and know not to get rid of them even when they go “out of style”. I have stuff that I have owned for 15 years (I still have my silver Dr. Martins from 1995  in the basement, I will have use for them shortly…mark my words). I am convinced I am a natural born stylist!
2. When I love, I love deeply and unconditionally! If you are a friend or close family member that I love with all my heart there is NOTHING I wouldn’t do for you. This has caused me to get stepped on and used and has also caused a lot of heartache in my life. But is makes me a great friend and is something I just can’t help. It is who I am.
3. I have super soft hair. My hair isn’t very thick, but I have A LOT of it and it is seriously like silk. I love the way it feels when I touch it and it is always soft and shiny without looking greasy.
4. I have two very opposing sides to my personality. I know this sounds like something that would be negative, but I love it. I can me tough, assertive, ambitious, confident and independent. But, at the same time I am intuitive, sensitive, emotional, and sweet. I am complex, people
5. The glass is usually half full in my opinion! I am an eternal optimist. I can always find the good in almost all people and situations. This can make me seem naive and to be a bit of a dreamer at times, but I love that about myself. I can be so positive that it is annoying to others.  Oh well- deal with it!

Now I have to tag 5 other bloggers:

1. Caitlin from Healthy Tipping Point

2. Elizabeth from On Tap Today

3. Anne from FANNEtastic Food

4. Gracie from Girl Meets Life

5. Katy from Katy Loves

Give me your five thing in the comments section! Don’t be shy, I KNOW there are MORE than 5 awesome things about you!!