Be prepared for some cute doggie pictures!!!
But first, just a little re-cap of the weekends events 🙂 Thanks for all your entries into the giveaway! I’m lovin’ those barstools. I think my favorites are the backless ones. It looks like the Blender Express Plus is pulling in for the lead with the immersion blender coming in a fairly close second. You have until Thursday, March 11th @ 8pm PST to enter!
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Friday was pretty relaxed. I went to spin early in the morning and forgot to get everything in the crock-pot for chili chicken tacos, so we decided to go out for dinner. We headed to a local favorite called Metro Pizza and shared a big salad and a small pizza with chicken, maters, artichoke hearts and basil. It took for-ev-errrrr for our pizza to come, but I guess when they were taking it out the first time, it ripped! So we got a free chocolate cake for dessert, but I would have rather had a discount on the pizza. We each took 2 bites when we got home, and threw the rest away to not be tempted again lol I attempted to watch the Informant, but fell asleep as usual . . . anyone see that one?
Saturday was full of doggie fun! First I had a simple bowl of oats for breakfast, and was in the mood for kiwi . . .
Kiwis are a great source of fiber, potassium, and packed with Vitamin C.
And then I found I got a package!!!! A new TRIPOD! I’ve been searching for a long time now trying to figure out what kind of tripod and head would be fairly good and not too pricey. I couldn’t believe how many different brands and models there are out there! I didn’t really want to spend that much, but everyone I’ve talked to and read says not to skimp on a tripod. I didn’t go too crazy, and realistically couldn’t afford the lightweight carbon ones, but decided to go for the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod with the Giottos MH 1300-657 head.
I am really happy with my selection, and I’m glad I waited as long as I did just to really search, save up, and have time to make a final decision. Plus I’m very indecisive!
If you want more information about looking into different tripods, be sure to check out Diana’s tripod guide too.
I like the Giottos head because it has a quick-release plate that attaches right to my Rebel and it also has knobs and not the longer handles, so it makes it pretty easy to adjust positioning without having a long handle in the way.
This is where I usually do all my shots when the sun is shining because it has the best light. Most of our downstairs doesn’t have the best light, and there is nothing like sunlight for taking photos!
This tripod is pretty neat because the center pole comes up and adjusts to a horizontal position. This will be good for experimenting with macro shots if I can ever get a macro lens.
After playing with my new toy, we decided to head out with Buster to Bark in the Park! Buster gets soooo excited to go on car rides no matter what the destination. Most of the time we take him to the vet and get a bath, but this time he got to have some fun!
First I grabbed a new Luna Protein bar to try for a snack. I wasn’t impressed with the flavor at all. It was chewy, chalky, and I couldn’t taste really much of anything. It was nice that it wasn’t too sweet though. It only has 12g of protein per bar, when the regular bars have 9-10g and taste much better.
And we were off! Buster was super excited!
There were a ton of other dogs there and booths with other dogs for adoption, product information and giveaways.
He has the cutest waddle and butt!
Our first stop was the Las Vegas Basset Rescue where we adopted Buster from 🙂 Everyone loved saying hi and seeing him again.
They had some awesome doggie tricks too. These guys were amazing! They had to run down a long path and then quickly grab the tennis ball lodged in that platform. I caught them mid-catch!
Whoa, crazy color job!
We also said hi to our friend who works with the Pug Rescue . . . awwwh, pugs are too cute!
Buster got to say hi to his friend Louie! He sure is a ham.
There was lots of sniffing going on . . .
and of course sniffing butts! lol
Buster was sure tired after about an hour and a half of fun. He usually naps all day, so this was quite the adventure 🙂
Next up we had dinner with Chris’ mom and step dad at an authentic Mexican restaurant called Lindo Michoacan. They have really great food, and even beef tongue and head soup for the adventurous palate.
We started with some chips and dip. I had 5 chips with freshly made guacamole and bean dip.
For my entrée, I got grilled fish tacos. I love grilled fish tacos!!! I also like crispy tacos, but these were a bit too oily : / I should have known better to get soft. I also shared a carne asada taco which was wonderful as well.
There was a ton of food leftover! I had about 2 fish tacos, a bite of the carne asada, and half of the rice and beans. We ordered fried ice cream for all of us to share and I had about 1/4 of it. Fried ice cream is my weakness! I love the crispy, honey, flaky outside with the creamy vanilla ice cream on the inside. mmm . . .
Sunday was spent getting some more errands done, prepping for meals during the week, and doing a bit of studying and cleaning. I know, terribly exciting! I ended up prepping everything for chicken fajitas, making chili chicken tacos, applesauce spice muffins and protein cookies. It is nice to get everything somewhat organized before the week starts up again.
I didn’t get a ride in this weekend, although I’m okay with that because I was feeling a bit tired and knew I needed a little taper this weekend. The weather turned out to be beautiful and not windy on Saturday (go figure), but Sunday it was cloudy and drizzly. I did get a nice body pump weight session with Kristen early this morning and I’m feeling strong 🙂
I hope to ride into work again sometime this coming week, and hopefully the wind and rain will cooperate! Hope you all had a nice weekend 🙂
Do you have pets? What’s your favorite breed?
What a fun weekend! I love your new toy, that’ll be fun to play with, and I’m sure we’ll get to see the results of your fun 🙂 And so drooling over that Mexican dinner. Mexican food is my absolute favorite!
I have one cat, named Killer, though he totally acts like a dog, and is incredibly spoiled. Someday when I’m more settled, I can’t wait to get him a puppy friend!
Comment by Alyson @ Nourished Fitness — March 7, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
Can I just say I can’t stand when they give you “free dessert” for an inconvenience at restaurants? I very rarely get dessert at all so I’m like- thats not a good deal, I want a discount on what I did want! haha.
Anyway the dog pictures are adorable and it looks like you had a great weekend. That mexican food looks YUM.
Comment by Kelly — March 7, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Your photos already look so great, and I’m sure they’ll be even more fantastic with the tripod.
Yum Mexican food! I love guac + chips. Glad you had a good weekend!
Comment by Emily — March 7, 2010 @ 6:43 pm
Yay doggie pictures! I saw the first line speaking of doggie cuteness to come, and I was literally waiting with each pic that came up “aww, that’s not a doggie yet.” We have our own little zoo at our house – two dogs and two cats along with some fish but my favorite dog breed is and will always be the welsh corgi. I’ve had corgis my entire life – my current corgi I found at my local Farmer’s Market (they had a dog rescue group there) which I think is the best thing to come home with ever!
Comment by Anna @ OatsnBoats — March 7, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
I love seeing doggie pictures! Buster is sooo adorable 🙂 I have a beagle, who also naps all day.
Comment by Kelly — March 7, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
I have gone to Lindo Michocan before. It was really yummy! How fun bark in the park looks
Thanks for joining me at body pump!
Comment by Kristen (swanky dietitian) — March 7, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
I love all the puppy photos, how fun! Mexican food is one of my favourites but I dislike it when the tacos are too oily as well. I have a pomeranian – so they are my fav breed by default!
Comment by Run Sarah — March 7, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
We have a cat but I really really want a chihuahua! When I have my own home I will definitely get one, looks like a fab weekend x x
Comment by Tamizn — March 8, 2010 @ 1:09 am
What a great event! I hope all of the dogs were adopted to wonderful homes. I love animals and have such a soft spot for any in need of a home. I have 2 kitties. Their mutts….but the most lovable mutts ever!
Comment by Shannon — March 8, 2010 @ 4:23 am
Adorable! I just stumbled on your blog from the Chic Life and think your blog is great. I have these dreams of one day going back to school (I’m not even done yet!) and studying to be an RD so I’d love to follow what your life is like doing it.
and I have a miniature shih-tzu and a chesapeake bay retriever at home — totally different breeds but both totally quirky dogs!
Comment by Kelly at Local Foodie Fight — March 8, 2010 @ 4:27 am
That’s a cute picture of my hairy monster with Buster! 🙂 Louie’s mane is out of control! Thanks for inviting us, I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise. Last night I met Buddha, the bulldog puppy that is teething! Yep, I have a bite on my lip and scratches all over my arms, but he was so worth it! Buddha’s belly is, well very Buddha! Which “Lindo” did you go to? The one on Desert is my fav. mexican restaurant in Vegas so far, but not quite as authentic as a few others I’ve been to outside of here. They do have my favorite tequila and make excellent margaritas!
Comment by Julie — March 8, 2010 @ 9:12 am
Looks like a great time at the dog park. Yummo on the kiwi, that is so my fave fruit. As for the Mexican, never went to that one, but I LOVE Bonito Michoacan heading towards the west side of town, like decatur and harmon area if I remember correctly. All the food looks great.
Comment by Melinda — March 8, 2010 @ 9:50 am
No wonder you have such beautiful pics!
Love all the doggie love-how fun….
Comment by kalli@fitandfortysomething — March 8, 2010 @ 10:31 am
i feel like SO many food bloggers have been going to mexican restuarants lately! i am not complaining 🙂 I love looking at the delicious looking food!! the doggies are SO cute!!!!
Comment by Naomi(onefitfoodie) — March 8, 2010 @ 4:09 pm
All of the best things IN the world – Food, photography, and dogs in one post??? The only thing that was missing was wine! lol. Still, possibly the best post ever! Nice work! PS -SO jealous of the tripod.
Comment by Janine Bolton — March 8, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Buster looks like he is driving the car in his smiling picture. 🙂
Comment by Chris — March 8, 2010 @ 9:20 pm
Buster looks like he’s having so much fun! I’m afraid my terrier would be hiding behind my legs the whole time (she’s a bit of a wuss).
Congrats on the new tripod! Looking forward to some awesome pictures! (Not that they weren’t awesome already 🙂 ).
Comment by Jessie — March 9, 2010 @ 6:26 am
Buster is soooo cute!!! I love dog parks! And that Mexican food looks delicious! The guacamole and tacos, especially 🙂 I’m a sucker for fried ice cream, too, but it has to have the honey…that’s the key ingredient!
I know you’ve seen our Lily — she’s an English Bulldog. She’s our spoiled baby!
Comment by Nicole, RD — March 9, 2010 @ 9:19 am
OH wow look at all the doggies… very cute!
I have an English Setter and am in LOVE with her and the breed 🙂
Comment by Gelareh @ Nutritious Foodie — March 9, 2010 @ 11:24 am
thank you for the kind words about Jasmine eating all foods, love these doggies and your blog Love Rebecca
Comment by rebecca — March 9, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Looks like you had a very fun and fulfilling weekend! All those dogs are so cute! I can’t wait to get a dog. Clearly Nick and I need to move into a HOUSE first, with a yard. We are hoping to get one in a couple years, but we have to spend our money on a home and a wedding first…yeah, that’s important!
Another item I need to invest my money in is a camera. Hearing about tripods reminds me I just need a new CAMERA! Yikes, my “need” list keeps growing.
Comment by The Candid RD — March 9, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Gina, Hi! How is the house searching going? It seems like there is always something on the list that’s never ending! I don’t know if we’ll ever get married lol we still have rocks in our backyard 🙁 but it’s a good thing because Buster refuses to step foot in the backyard and demands two walks per day 🙂
Comment by Kristen :) — March 10, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Buster is SO adorable!!! He looks so happy – he’s such a lucky puppy!! I loved this post! 🙂
I grew up on a farm, so I adore every possible kind of pet – some day I want to have a pet duck! 🙂 More practically, we’re so looking forward to living in a slightly less urban area so we can have a puppy too… 🙂 For now, we have 3 cuddly kitties and one very shy catfish! 🙂
I love grilled fish tacos too… Delish! 🙂
Comment by Astra Libris — March 10, 2010 @ 7:02 am
YAY! Now your pictures are gonna turn from fantastic to…super fantastic! Haha! You can’t bring the tripod out to restaurants though, can you?
I’m not a dog fan, I’m sorry to say…I’m more of a cat person! >.<
Comment by sophia — March 10, 2010 @ 8:22 pm
Oh, I love the pictures! Buster is adorable! I have always loved Bassets and the lady down the street has 5. I couldn’t imagine 5 in one house! We have a pug so I especially appreciated the Pug Rescue mention and the picture of that cutie. Apparently dogs win over food for me, because they got the most of my attention in this post. Ha, ha! Meals look great too.
Comment by Lori — March 11, 2010 @ 5:58 am
Lori, awwwh your comment made me smile! It seems like most folks we know that have bassets have multiple bassets too! I don’t know about 5, but they sure are pretty darn funny and cute. Animals are just the best 🙂
Comment by Kristen :) — March 11, 2010 @ 7:44 am
I absolutely love the goofy droopy basset hound ways! I don’t have any dogs of my own yet but the next best thing…I’ve been dog sitting and walking our neighbor’s terrier and energetic weimaraner for the past 10 years. I basically get paid to have fun with them! Reminds me I need to capture some pictures of our adventures together.
~Thanks
Comment by Grace — March 11, 2010 @ 8:53 am
Love all the dogs in this post! I love my Jack Russell Terriers:)
Comment by BroccoliHut — March 12, 2010 @ 7:29 am