I will no longer be blogging from Three Months. As much as I love keeping track of my job hunt and fitness goals, personal blogging just isn’t for me.

I can’t thank you enough for all the encouraging comments you all have left. I’ve appreciated them all.

So I’m done with the personal blogging. However…I could never leave you FOREVER. So I’m going to share my little secret – my food blog that so many of you asked about.

It’s called Ice Cream & Wine – and I’d love to have you visit me there! I love food, and enjoy blogging about new recipes. I don’t feel as much pressure to do that, so I’m going to resort back to my food blog days.

I’ve also changed my name on Twitter – same account, so if you already follow me, you’ll still be following me! But for any new Tweeps, you can find me at www.twitter.com/icecream_wine

Thanks again for everything!!

I flew home to Nebraska last Friday, and it’s been a glorious vacation. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding of one of my friend’s, and she was having a bridal shower last Saturday, so I felt the need to come back for it!

So far, my vacation has been filled with quality family and friends time, ice cream from a local dairy store, great home-cooked meals, and A LOT of sleep. I may have mentioned this before, but I haven’t been sleeping well lately.

I honestly think I have anxiety that’s related to this whole job hunt, and I just can’t fall asleep. It’s been nice to take naps here at home and get caught up!

I will return to D.C. on Thursday night, so I’ll be back to regular blogging then…don’t you worry!

What do you like most about visiting home?

Me? Sleep, my mom’s homemade cookies and just being surrounded by my amazing family!

And so we meet again, my friends.

Ok, I was absolutely floored by how many of you commented on my post about breakfast a while back. Y’all are eating some tasty-sounding things for bfast, and I just couldn’t let the comments disappear into cyberspace.

So I’ve compiled them into a wonderful list, to not only give readers new ideas for bfast, but to also showcase the fabulous followers of Three Months.

Let’s begin:

• Heather @ Where’s the Beach: oatmeal with protein powder, banana, strawberries and peanut butter
• Katie @ Health for the Whole Self: plain Greek yogurt mixed with unsweetened applesauce
• Katie @ Healthy Heddleston: Better ‘n’ Peanut and homemade grape jam on Food for Life’s GF English Muffins, side of chocolate milk
• Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat: omelette and a choco-banana protein shake
• Erin @ Ed & Ashley: smoothies w/ fruit, almond milk and almond butter
• Kara @ MyWellnest: pretzels and raspberries (she said she needs to go grocery shopping!…giver her a break!)
• Fit Chick in the City: overnight oats soaked in chocolate almond milk, then added peanut butter and 1/2 a frozen banana
• Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly: tried something new – Oatheads instant oatmeal
• Eunice @ Food 4 Fitness: protein shake and an English muffin
• Lisa @ I’m an Okie: waffles and cheerios – staying in a hotel for a work conference
• Lisa @ Early Morning Run: greek yogurt or oatmeal
• Kathryn @ Foodies Not Fatties: high fiber instant oatmeal w/ low-fat cottage cheese and golden raisins

So there you have it! I hope you were inspired to try something new for breakfast, because after all, it is the most important meal of the day!

Did you miss the original post? Is there something you’d like to add to the breakfast list? – leave a comment below!

Ok, friends. I lied to you. I didn’t post those random facts about myself last night. Instead I made the executive decision to drink wine with the husband and watch Pretty Little Liars. Again – I must have been under the influence to have watched yet another teen show. I really need a job.

I’ll be posting all about my phone interview in a later update. But I’ll tell you this – it went as well as it could! I was prepared and really enjoyed talking with the recruiting coordinator. Deets to come! THANK YOU so much for the encouraging comments – y’all rock.

Onto The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blog Award – oooh la la – that sounds fun! I received it from Allison at One Day at a Time – thanks again!

I was explaining this “award” to the husband, and he seemed rather confused. Wanting to know why I had to post random facts about myself, how I got this, who gives them out. I think he thought it was like an actual award, so I said that posting the facts is like the acceptance speech. Let’s roll with that…

I am going to make one minor change – I’m cutting it down to 5 facts. I feel that 10 is just way too many. And really, I’m not that interesting/cool, so you’ll thank me.

1. I watch QVC. Now before you judge me, let me explain. My grandma lived on a farm and was the most fabulous person I’ve ever met. Always wearing sequin-studded blouses, bright red fingernail polish, piles of rings and bracelets. She LOVED QVC and ever since she passed away from colon cancer around 10 years ago, I’ve found myself gravitating toward that channel. I don’t buy anything, but it reminds me of her – and I like that.

2. I’m married to a genius. The husband is a real, live genius! He’s a super private person – that’s why you don’t know too much about him. But I’ll say this…he has an engineering background and designs medical devices – real ones that save people’s lives! He is inspiring, dedicated, passionate and unbelievably intelligent. He’s a cool nerd, don’t get me wrong. However, I’ve had my fair share of conversations revolving around thermodynamics, biosystems engineering, medical this, medical that and many other things that I don’t know how to explain, let alone spell/pronounce. He’s a catch.

3. I’m a sorority girl. Obviously, not an active member now, just an old alum! The Greek system was very strong at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I attended for undergrad (Go Huskers!). I met so many people and was presented with many opportunities through my sorority. Having moved away from home right after college, I was lucky to connect with my sorority’s alum chapter out in Baltimore. It was a great way to meet people, and I’m looking forward to meeting other women from the Silicon Valley chapter when I move out to the bay area of California in the fall. Networking, people!

4. I have the biggest sweet tooth. Not even kidding. I was the kid that always ate too much candy and would end up with a stomach ache. Now that I think about, I still have those days. Only my tastes have sophisticated a little bit, and now I indulge in gourmet cupcakes, ice cream, truffles, baked goods, etc. Sweets make me happy!

5. I have a food blog. And unless you find it on your own, you’ll never know about it! I don’t mention that blog on this blog, or this blog on that blog. They are separate and meant for different audiences. A lot of family and friends follow my food blog, and I love having their support. Three Months is currently a way for me to share minor details of my life that only other lifestyle bloggers would understand. Make sense?!

So now I’m supposed to pass this along to other bloggers. However, I know that some people don’t get into this sort of thing, and I also can’t narrow down the field – I like too many of you! So let’s do this instead:

I’m giving all of you this award (congrats!)…now share two facts about yourself! Anything…anything at all!

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

It’s Tuesday, and what does that mean in the Three Month household? PHONE INTERVIEW!

For that reason, this post will be short. Very short. But I promise you this: you’ll get a sweet post tonight where I share 10 facts about myself in honor of the Sugar Doll Award I received yesterday from Allison over at One Day at a Time…thanks, girl!

Ok, so I do have a favor to ask of you. If you can send good vibes, positive thoughts and encouraging prayers my way this afternoon, I’d love you forever.

You all have already been so supportive during this job hunt – I can’t thank you enough for the kind comments and inspiring emails. You have no idea how grateful I am to receive such support!

I know I’m not the only one who’s tackling fears and dealing with unknown situations. So…

If you need some encouraging words from me (and other readers!) – please leave a comment! It doesn’t need to be too personal – just “hey, please keep me in your thoughts tonight.” Or… “I’m trying out a new recipe – pray that I don’t burn down the house.”

Thanks again, friends. You’re the best!

• I found a protein powder that tastes delicious!
• I truly love weekends.

I must share with you a new treat I found at Trader Joe’s yesterday: Protein Power Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins. Yes, yes, yes.

(Side note: it may seem like I’m rather obsessed with protein. I assure you, it’s just a coincidence!)

Anyway, these muffins are amazing. They are very dense and only about half the height of a regular muffin. Each muffin packs 2g of fiber and 7g protein. And for only $1.99 for 6 – it’s a steal!

While in bed last night, trying to fall asleep (that’s a whole other topic for a another post!) I was thinking of ways to incorporate these little treasures in my breakfast. Alas, I had an idea!

What’s that I see? Oatmeal? And a cut-up muffin on top? Oh, yes. And it was absolutely delicious! So delicious and filling that I didn’t even need nut butter. Crazy, I know.

Ok, friends. I have a lot of work to do. I need to prep for my phone interview tomorrow (whee!), head to the gym for Body Pump, scour the internet for new job postings and just enjoy this beautiful Monday. Well, I should say stormy Monday…it looks like it might rain!

Tell me, what did you have for breakfast? Any new concoctions to share?!

You guys, I LOVED hearing what brand/type of protein powder y’all are using! I trust you and your protein powder tastes, so I’ll definitely check out the ones you guys like – thanks so much!

So it’s Sunday night, and I’m currently lounging on the couch while Mexican Lasagna bakes/gets all cheesy gooey in the oven. Don’t worry, my cyberspace friends…I wouldn’t dare keep the recipe from you! I’ve tried that once before with the PB M&M’s Cookie Bars and you just wouldn’t let me off the hook.

Ok, so onto the point of this post: I heart weekends. I’m just sayin’…

Friday was celebrated with wine – although I’m partial to celebrating every day with wine!

Oh, Malbec...I love you so.

I also convinced the husband to watch “17 Again” with me – ya know, that teeny-bopper film featuring Zac Efron and Matthew Perry?! Ha! We had it OnDemand, so it was free…and I just felt like watching a mindless movie. Maybe it was the wine now that I think about it…

We slept in on Saturday, and the husband whipped up some french toast. Yummy!

Perfect Saturday Morning.

Don’t worry. This picture was taken before I slathered it in butter and maple syrup. The only true way to eat french toast!

The rest of the day was spent reading, taking naps and getting my butt kicked in Yahtzee. Ya win some, ya lose some.

Church was so refreshing this morning. The sermon was about how words are powerful, and once they are said, that can’t be taken back. Sure, you can apologize and ask for forgiveness. But mean words can sting and leave a person hurt and vulnerable. Patience is key in a frustrating situation. Indeed.

We also went to the gym this afternoon, followed by some time at the pool. Seriously, I heart weekends.

Well, we’re going to enjoy the Mexican Lasagna now! Hope you’ve all had a terrific weekend.

How did you spend your weekend?! Did you take it easy, since last weekend was a holiday filled with parties, fireworks, picnics friends, family, etc.?

I’ve been on the lookout for a decent tasting protein powder for quite some time now. I’ve tried the chocolate kind from GNC…blech. I’ve also tried Whey Protein Powder in chocolate from Trader Joe’s. Also not a fan. I wanted so badly to find a protein powder that didn’t taste like, well, crap. Excuse my highly sophisticated vocabulary.

You see, I recently bought a 3-month gym membership and have taken a liking to Body Pump. For muscle recovery reasons, I have become more aware of my protein-lacking diet.

Sure I eat cheese and greek yogurt (which by the way, is a great source of protein!). I have chicken about twice a week, so that’s good. But I know I could be doing better.

While in Trader Joe’s the other day, I noticed Aria Protein, an all-natural women’s protein. It’s from the makers of Designer Whey, which I’ve heard a lot about through various blogs.

Aria

I was intrigued that this protein was specifically designed for women, so I thought, “what the heck?” and grabbed the vanilla container.

I very excited to try it and after rushing home from Body Pump yesterday, I made myself a fabulous smoothie. It contained: skim milk (out of almond!), plain greek yogurt, strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana and 1 scoop of Aria.

Note: the serving size is 2 scoops – but I wanted to ease into the taste.

Friends, I have found my protein! I am very happy with the flavor, the nutritional stats and the benefits of Aria. The price isn’t too terrible either: $9.99. There are 17 servings per container, and I’ll probably only use half a serving at a time, so this will last a while!

———-

Here are the facts:

80 calories/serving

14g protein/serving

Excellent source of folic acid (100% DV) & calcium (28% DV)/serving

50/50 Whey & Soy blend

All-Natural

———-

I know many people have a protein powder that they enjoy, but if you’re still searching I suggest you try Aria Protein!

Do you use a protein powder? If so, what’s your favorite?!

I HAVE A PHONE INTERVIEW!

Remember how I was just complaining yesterday? (Sorry for letting out my frustration on the blog, but you were all so encouraging…thanks!)

Well, those 10 applications turned into 1 phone interview! Ha, my application to interview odds are rather great, huh?!

Anyway, I am so ecstatic. This was the definite pick-me-up I needed. And although I think I would be perfect for this position, I’m not going to allow myself to fall in love with this particular position.

I read on the company’s website that only 3% of people interviewed actually get offered the job – high stakes!

BUT I am so happy that all of the time spent on applying to jobs is being rewarded. If anything, I will gain great experience by interviewing with this company.

This phone interview reassures me that I do have a competitive resume. It gives me the confidence needed to continue to send out that applications like there’s no tomorrow.

I can’t thank you enough for all the kind, encouraging and uplifting comments you all have left for me. I truly appreciate them all!

What was the most exciting part of your day yesterday?

Clearly, mine was getting the email! But I also picked up some new protein powder that I’m excited to try out today – review to come!

I thought I’d take some time this morning to further explain my journey in job searching.

As you all know, I’m currently living in Maryland and searching for a job in California. Because of the internet, it’s been rather easy to search for jobs. In fact, I’ve applied to 10 so far! I’m very proud of myself for that.

However, there is one problem that I believe is truly hurting my chances.

I have a Maryland address.

Not a California address.

I honestly think the recruiters for these jobs are looking at my contact information, seeing a Maryland address, and tossing my application aside.

Here’s the thing that’s even more frustrating. The husband and I know where we’re living. However, we won’t get our address until we show up to move in. He even called yesterday to see if we could get a temporary address. Nope. Isn’t that a little crazy?!

So what does this little road bump do to my job hunting quest?

Well, at first I was rather frustrated and completely disappointed. But then I realized that I can’t change this situation, so I’m just going to forge ahead and still apply to all the jobs that I possibly can.

I know that something will eventually work out. I know that I am doing all I can in this job hunt. I know that’s all I can ask of myself. *deep sigh*

In other Three Months news, I had a ballin’ workout yesterday! I’ll be heading to Body Pump shortly and am looking forward to it! I’m really glad I got the 3-month gym membership…it’s been a great distraction to the frustrations of job hunting.

Ok, so I realize this was kind of a Debby Downer post. Let’s end on a good note…

What makes you happy?

I’ll go first: my husband, wine, ice cream, hand-written notes, to-do lists & random phone calls from friends.