Monday, February 21, 2011

Trader Joe's and IKEA: The Best Places on Earth



For not having to work, today was one busy day. 

I woke up early to get in my workout before all of the scheduled events. 

Pre-workout breakfast: 

Ezekiel English Muffin (1/2 with PB and Mashed Banana Banana Walnut Granola, 1/2 With Dark Chocolate Almond Butter and Strawberry Jam) 

Berries with Lemon Chobani and a touch of vanilla granola 


As soon as breakfast was consumed, I made my way to the gym, allowing the commute as proper digestion time. 

Workout: 

3 mile run followed by an hour of RPM.  Spinning was INTENSE today!  The more I take Spin, the more I love it.  You guys were right, it's definitely addicting.  I swear I have never sweated more in my life than when I take a spin class. I'm just hoping my rear end recovers faster than last time. ;) 


 When I got home, I jumped in the shower and got ready to hit the road with this guy….

 We planned a trip to IKEA today to get some ideas on furnishings for the new house.  We really want to wait until we move in to buy the big things, but figured we could assess and pick up some smaller decorative things today.

First stop was lunch at Bahama Breeze.

 I really like Bahama Breeze, probably because we don't have one close to hear so it's not often that I eat there.  We had a gift card so it was the perfect opportunity to use it.

To being, we split the Cuban Bread….

French Bread drizzled in a sweet citrus dressing with tomato, fresh basil and parmesan cheese


 For my entree, I chose the Tropical Fruit Salad but subbed Grilled Tilapia for the chicken.

Citrus glazed, tossed with citrus vinaigrette, pineapple, red grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges, with goat cheese crumbles and honey-roasted almonds.


It was a delicious salad!  I loved the tilapia and mixture of fresh fruit.  So refreshing! 

When lunch was over, we hopped into Trader Joe's to pick up a few things before making our way to IKEA.

Both places were crazy today!!  I didn't think many people had off for the holiday, but I think I was wrong.  

We found some great new products I've been wanting to try at Trader Joe's and also found a few neat buys at Ikea, including a gorgeous bookshelf that was on clearance for less than $50. 

We made it back right around 6pm which meant dinner needed to be started. 

In anticipation for the need of a quick and tasty meal, I picked out our dinner at TJ's while we were there. 

Dinner: 

Gnocchi sounded good for the both of us. 

For Him: 



 For Her:

Image Credit: www.iowagirleats.com

I've had the Sweet Potato Gnocchi before and LOVED every single bite.  I had been waiting to get back to TJ's to get more.

Even though I think I was a bit impatient when cooking it as it didn't hold its cute little pillow shape, it still tasted incredible.  I also roasted some brussels sprouts and asparagus to have with it.



Trader Joe's, I love you and all of your incredible 5 minute meals.  It has really been a life saver to have these on hand while we are living with my parents.  I don't have a kitchen most nights, so it's good to be able to grab something, heat it up in a few minutes and still feel like you are eating a sustainable delicious dinner. 

Back to work tomorrow, and I hear we are getting more snow!!!!  Ugh, back to the cold reality of February. 

What is your favorite Trader Joe's Frozen Meal? I love the gnocchi and ravioli but also can't live without the mahi mahi burgers, salmon patties or the chimichurri rice. 

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11 comments:

  1. We need to go to Trader Joe's together!!

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  2. What a fabulous day :) Would you believe I've never taken RPM? We don't have it at our gym and whenever I go to the quarterlies, they schedule Step & Attack during RPM! bah! Some day :). But I do enjoy regular spin too. What a great lunchy. The Cuban Bread sounds super tasty. Glad you enjoyed both IKEA and TJs. We haven't tried a lot of frozen TJs meals because Josh's Mom can't ship them :) I will let you know once our TJs opens in July!!

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  3. What a fabulous day! Love all those eats :)

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  4. I love TJ's frozen enchiladas. I saw those sweet potato gnocchi on IGE and now on your blog...gotta try em!

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  5. I love dragging my boyfriend to stores like Ikea, Homegoods, and bed bath and beyond, although I doubt he enjoys it as much as I do ;). I love TJ's tofu veggie burgers and their baked tofu. I also buy their gnocchi and frozen pizzas for my boyfriend. I agree, it makes life much easier!

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  6. ah my dad makes THE best cuban bread. i should drop some hints :)

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  7. Gnocchi!! SWEET potato gnocchi!! Looks like I forgot something yesterday at TJ's!

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  8. Definitely the mandarin orange chicken!! And I like the alsatian tarte (french pizza?). They are the only place I'll buy frozen meals from. :-)

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  9. Sweet potato gnocchi? I have got to get my hands on some of that!

    I LOVE TJ's Masala veggie burgers! They taste like a spicy veggie hashbrown!

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  10. I wish I had a favorite (but you already know how much I miss Trader Joe's here in Texas). It sounds like you had a great day...at two of my favorite stores. Thank you for sharing your words and these photos. And thank you for your kind thoughts on my own blog. I appreciate you!

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  11. I've never had a TJs frozen meal. Prob because I don't live anywhere near a TJs!
    I've been wanting to take spin, but am intimidated to walk in there. Everyone is so intense and has a favorite bike and stuff! What if I take the class bully's bike! EEEEK! ;)

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