It’s weird, but ever since moving out to the “sticks” and since I don’t work in Chicago anymore, we only go there maybe a couple times a year.  I had two goals yesterday – one was to go to Niketown to use a gift card, and the other was to go to Fox & Obel – a high end grocery store.  I had a groupon – I paid $20 and my coupon is worth $40.

Before we left I had yet another egg sammie:

Hannah and I took the train downtown – no express trains on Sundays, so our trip was an hour and 10 minutes.

We met my Mom downtown at the train station.  It’s about a 2 mile walk to Water Tower so we decided to take the water taxi to Michigan Avenue.  When I worked downtown, it took the water taxi from April to October.  So if all things went well, I would leave my house at 7:00, and after the train ride, the water taxi, then a six block walk to my office, I would get to my desk at 9:00!  I do not miss that long commute – now my commute is 11 minutes!

As we were walking on Michigan avenue, there was a huge poster in front of  the Nike store that had every name of every runner on it.  One of my blogging friends Meghann was running the race and had traveled from Florida.  Check out her race recap here! 😀

That's me in the back pack purse trying to find her name!

I finally found it!

Meghann Anderson rocked this race!

There were so many marathon runners walking around with their medals.  In fact, when I went into the Nike store, anytime any worker saw a marathon runner they started clapping and ringing cow bells – I guess the store was doing complimentary engravings on the marathon medals.

We hit up Water tower first since we were hungry!

The food court took forever.  After I ate I ended up doing my errands while Hannah and my Mom hung out at Water Tower.  I thought it felt like we would have plenty of time downtown, but the afternoon was going fast!  I had a delicious tomato soup with corn bread that was to die for – so moist!

And then what trip to Chicago would be complete without a Chicago style hot dog!

So after I went to Nike (I got a new sports bra :D) I started walking to Fox & Obel.  Well turns out they moved their store since the last time I was downtown!  There was no way I could walk there, shop and make it back to the water taxi to meet Hannah and my Mom.  The coupon is only good until October 25, so if there are any Chicago readers who want a $40 coupon to Fox & Obel, just leave me a comment that you want it!

We took the water taxi back to the train station – we passed by one of our favorite steak houses:

The day went just too fast!  We are going to plan it better next time.

I had ribs in the oven all day and planned on grilling them.  I forgot how quickly it gets dark now, so I actually had a lantern next to the grill so I could see!  I also made quick baked beans – so simple!

Biz’s Baked Beans

  • 1 can chili beans with sauce (don’t drain)
  • 1 can Northern white beans (drained)
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.  So good!

this is the bbq sauce I used

I only ate two ribs - they were still a bit tough despite cooking in the oven all day - I prefer a fall of the bone tender

So today is weigh in day!  Last week you may remember I weighed in at 173.2.  Today I weighed in at  . . . 171.6!  -1.6 for the week!

I think the key was keeping my percentage of calories from fat mostly below 30% and getting in between 45 to 60 minutes of exercise – nice! 😀

Don’t forget voting begins on the next round of Project Food Buzz!  Please vote for my foodie friends!

Head on over to FoodBuzz and vote for them if you can – you have until Thursday to vote!

Alright, time to get ready for work – have a great Monday! 😀