Salad of my Dreams
Hey everyone! Howโs your weekend going?? Sorry Iโm late posting today- itโs my last full day in Orlando, so Iโve been living it up in full splendor ๐
Last night, my cousins, Aunt and I took the puppies to Blockbuster (note: if you bring a small dog in and hold it, theyโre a pet-friendly place), then we got Panera takeout to feast on while we watched movies.
I got the usual Mediterranean salmon salad with crusty wheaty bread, no dressing, no cheese, extra veggies. I used some organic Italian dressing that my aunt had in the fridge, and it was perfection ๐
This morning, my cousin and I went to an hour spin class (taught by Israel, por supuesto) and then went to Target for swimsuits. Necessities, my friends.
We met up with my aunt and one of her friends at the glorious Cheesecake Factory at my favorite mall everrrrr.
Anywhere that has a full-up book as a menu means serious biznazz ๐
More crusty wheaty bread:
The vegetable salad (with edamame, roasted beets, green apple, cucumber, tomato, asparagus) and goat cheese instead of cheddar, balsamic on the side.
Basically, the salad of my dreams.
I also had one bite from each of the following cheesecakes:
Tuxedo:
Red Velvet:
Carrot cake:
I only had a bite of each because there are plans for a dessert and drinks rendezvous tonight ๐
Iโm off to watch Princess and the Frog and take a nap. Yes, Iโm also 5 years old. See you in the morning <3
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Whatโs your vacation workout mentality?? Do you plan in workouts, go with the flow or decide to take a break? I always try to get in some kind of sweat sesh, but if it doesnโt happen, no big deal. For example, when we were in New York last year, I did one gym workout and one yoga class, but that was it. We were too busy running around (doing lots of walking!) and exploring the city. Iโve seen so many treadmills and ellipticals in my lifeโno need to spend my vacation doing that. Instead, I like to use vacations as the chance to try out new classes, studios and instructors- itโs almost like workout sight-seeing ๐
when I’m on vacation I try and be somewhat relaxed about it. I don’t really make any plans since I am so regimented at home and whatever happens happens! Have a great rest of the vaca!
I like to go with the flow as well. It depends on what we are doing. If we’re realy active then I don’t feel like I NEED a workout. BUT I also think it’s fun to take a Zumba class in a new location with a new teacher or run in a really cool place!
Disney Movie + Nap + Cheesecake = This Blogger Boy’s idea of a good time.
I love the tuxedo cheesecake from there -yum! Depending on the vaca, I usually work out a little if I want, but don’t really stress about it. We are usually pretty active on vacation.
Can you just ask for extra veggies at Panera or did you put them on yourself? I always make so many requests (no cheese, dressing on side, etc) but have never heard of that!
Haha I loved The Princess and the Frog–like many Disney movies, it wasn’t just for kids! I hope you enjoy it!
When I’m on vacation we generally do so much walking that I feel as tired at the end of the day as if I’d done a workout, so that + pushups = a good time. ๐
Based on your prior recommendation, I’ve had that salad before. It’s good!! I see that you didn’t get the salmon this time. ๐ Those cheesecakes are so good….I don’t think I’ve had any of those before. Good job on stopping at one bite!
i love that salad! no salmon this time- i’ve had salmon every day since i’ve been here, haha.
Currently drooling over that cheesecake. Um, yum. Live up that last day, girl!
I typically try and get in a workout at least every other day when I’m on vaca, but I don’t stress about it either:)
I follow your same thinking when it comes to vacation and traveling. Many times I’m in a place I’ve never been before or in a different area of a familiar place that exploring, walking and being with the residents is more important to me. I love being active, but especially on vacation, its not a priority- the faily or friends I’m with are!
PS: there’s nothing wrong with liking Disney movies! hehe! They’re some of the best movies ๐
I took a nap too! Bad migraine though.
I’m jealous of your Orlando outings! I want to go so bad.
We went to a nice lunch today, it has all organic stuff, the menu wasn’t much Vegetarian, but I just had some Sask fish instead. yum
I don’t take vacays, so working out doesn’t really apply to me, and lately i haven’t been working out PERIOD, so ya.. it sucks…
When I’m on vacation, I try to work out like usual, but I shorten the workouts to fit my schedule. For example, last year when I was in London, I ran 45 minutes in Hyde Park, and in Paris, my cuz and I ran up and down the hotel stairs for 30 minutes a day. Plus, in Europe, we did a ton of walking!
On the other hand, on the days I fly, I always feel crappy and usually don’t do much.
I really enjoy going to different classes as well. If its gorgeous weather outside I tend to go for a walk or bike ride during my down time. If I’m with my madre, there’s going to be some serious hiking, shopping, and sport-like activities going down so there’s no worries about getting a work out in, in some form or another.
aww…pretty salads. Love all the color! When I am on vacation I usually run/yoga for 45 minutes or so when I can. I love exploring when I am on my runs. Its always fun!
holy yum, i would totally eat every single thing that you’ve had today ๐ i just about spontaneously combusted when i saw those cheesecakes! hope y’all have a fabulous evening!
I love the cheesecake factory!
Soooo jealous ๐ LOOOVE Cheesecake fact! Used to go there all the time when I was in ungergrad in Boston!
I say squeeze in a few workouts and roll with the flow. They don’t call it vacation for nothing ๐
I’ve been enjoying very active vacations- I like to hike, ski, snow shoe, ride horses, snorkle, and just make sure I walk around doing a lot of sight seeing. I haven’t taken any actual classes on vacation, although I did get up and jog when I was on a cruise once.
I’ve been on vacation for the past 3 days here in Ormond Beach FL and my workouts have consisted of beach walks. I’m back home to Atlanta and my usual workout schedule on Monday, so I figure a few days off can’t hurt. I’m also SO excited about SATC 2! Bring on the cosmos!
Ah, I’ve had that red velvet cheesecake and it was to die for. So rich and so decadent!
that salad looks awesome! and I definitely add in workouts during a vacation…I like to go on runs just so I can get a chance to see the scenery while I’m working out!
for vacations i just try make the best of all the exercise i can get…park a bit further away, take the stairs, you know, the usual. ๐ i hate treadmills so i always try to run at the wee hours of the morning or after dark…with safety lights of course!
OMG Target has such wonderful swimsuits! That salad looks great for a chain restaurant! I’m muy impressed ๐
I totally agree with your workout philosophy. I tend to take active vacations (running/hiking California trails, hiking and swimming in Costa Rica, skiing, etc.) so I don’t usually worry too much. I might do some yoga, abs, or quick cardio a few times too. Hope you’re having the best vacay ever girly ๐
Wow! I’ve tried to be good at Cheesecake Factory before without much success! I don’t even remember that salad on the menu (but I loved the fish tacos!).
It depends on where we are but I always *try* to get a workout in. When we went on our cruise this past January I loved working out because there was an incredible view from the gym!
I enjoy vacations where there’s a lot of walking involved, so I don’t have to plan for exercise. I generally give my body a break during vacations and then I’m so pumped to hit the ground running when I return!
hmm think they would let me in if i held my 65 lb golden retriever?? ๐
hahaha i have no idea
Hi Ms. Fitnessista!
I accidentally bought grounded chia seeds…. what do i do with them? i tried them on salads (eek..) and I tried them on breakfast cookie… I like chia seeds but for some reason, im not liking grounded chia seeds. any suggestions? maybe in hot oatmeal?
thanks!
i actually haven’t tried the ground ones but i heard they make awesome chia pudding because they’re smoother. try 1/4 C with 3/4 C-1 C almond milk, vanilla extract and sweetener of choice ๐
Cheesecake factory always has a line out the door! Did you get good service while there?
Katherine
meh. the service was ok, the food was amazing though ๐
We’re leaving for Hawaii in 12 days (!!!!) and I’ve been scoping out the workout situation. Both of the resorts we’ll be at have workout facilities and one of them has a track that loops all around the resort. It’s also going to be an active vacation anyway with a lot of hiking and snorkling and such.
I grew up in Tucson too, but live in New England now. I can’t wait to get out in the SUN!
Hello!
I am just catching up on the bloggy, but I just had that salad from cheesecake today! soooo good. Except i kept the cheddar and pomegranate vinaigrette. But it really was one of the best salads ever. ๐
i’m glad you liked it – it’s definitely one of my favorite restaurant salads! ๐
You may have mentioned this before, but…I see you often ask for goat cheese instead of feta or cheddar or other cheeses…personal preference, or for nutritional reasons? Just curious!
both ๐
When you go to a city that’s not home, how do you get in a spin class, for instance? Do you just pay the one time fee for the class? I’ve never taken one (they don’t have them where I live), but would like to see about taking one when I go home to San Diego this summer.
i usually get a guest pass to my aunt’s gym in orlando, or will ask for a free pass or guest pass when we travel. usually they’re really cool about it!