Some thoughts and discussions from me.
The Best Weekend I Could Dream Up
Oh my goodness, you guys. This weekend has been pretty darn near perfect. I’m sitting down on this Monday morning, with my (half cup…we’ll talk about that soon) mug of coffee by my side, just feeling…blessed.
Yes, this post was supposed to be a PCOS update, and that will come tomorrow. This morning I just felt compelled to, if nothing else, document this day (Saturday, namely) to come back and read on a “rainy day” (which, if we’re talking literally, are hard to come by in this state where the sun shines more than 300 days a year.)
So. I guess we’ll start on Friday.
Shane and I met Kim and her husband at the Pump House Brewery for some dinner and a beer:
It was Shane’s first time meeting Kim’s husband, Sean, so we had lots to talk about…like beer. A lot about beer, since Kim and Sean brew their own and are beer aficionados. Especially compared to how much Shane and I know about beer, which is basically which kinds we like 
It’s OK, we listened and were intrigued.
It was also Shane and my first time trying the Pumphouse, and we were both very impressed! We each got a burger and fries (I got the baja burger with sweet potato fries) and were super impressed with both the portions and the taste. I don’t know about you, but Shane and I like to eat. The worst thing is going to a restaurant, loving the food, but getting tiny little measly portions that leave you hungry an hour later. Our meals left us satisfied the entire evening.
After the Pump House, we all meandered down the block to Left Hand Brewery to have one more beer before calling it a night 
And then Saturday…oh, Saturday. If I had to describe my perfect day, it’d go like this past past Saturday did:
Wake up with hubby, laze around with some coffee, cook a delicious (unpictured, but inhaled) breakfast of bacon, eggs, and veggies.
FaceTime with my two besties from home. Perhaps shed a tear at the sight of them cuddling on the couch together without me.
Take Niko for a 30 minute walk on an absolutely gorgeous morning.
Pick a trail head to go hiking on, and get ready to head to Boulder for the hike.
So glad we picked up some coconut water – the hike ended up being a doozy!
But so, so, SO incredibly worth it.
After a couple hours of researching trails around us, we decided to go to Chautauqua. Shane and I aren’t too familiar with Chautauqua park, so we headed to the main trailhead, and set out for The Royal Arch. We hiked up about 1-2 miles to the Royal Arch trailhead, and then another 1.1 miles from there.
Fun fact: last year at Blend Retreat, lots of the bloggers hiked to the Royal Arch! I hope to be able to go this year, even though it won’t be in my back yard this time around. Darn!
The hike was a tough one! About 20 minutes in, I was getting pretty warm, and was glad I had a tank top on underneath my long sleeved shirt.
But then after we ascended a few more hundred feet, the wind literally switched to a colder wind, and back on went the shirt.
And out popped the absolutely breathtaking views:
(I ventured out to the ledge, and although Shane was a little peeved at my daredevilness, still took a picture )
The actual Royal Arch:
Our hike took about 3 hours, and I think we covered 4-5 miles total, and maybe 1500 (ish?) feet in elevation. Good times!
We were happy and beat afterward, and my glutes and calves are sore today. Can’t wait to go again to a new trail!
At the top of the mountain, we munched on trail mix, which ended up being lunch. But then after we went home, showered, and lay around for a few, we headed back out – and witnessed a breathtaking Colorado sunset:
and went to Beau Jo’s for dinner:
A legendary dinner.
Do you guys know how long it’s been since I’ve had pizza, beer, and cheesy breadsticks?! Way too long.
Saturday we went to Beau Jo’s, which had been recommended to me from a lovely client of mine who used to live in Colorado. The pizza has honey crust and is out of this world good. We split the (GF) honey cheese breadsticks, I got a mama mia (GF) pizza, and drank a beer. Good times.
And I slept like a baby.
Sunday after we woke up, I made some breakfast (pumpkin pancakes) and then we headed to church.
I’m so freaking excited because I think we found THE church. Back in Normal, Shane and I had such a hard time finding a church that really fit us. But…this one – we both felt like we clicked with the church, the pastor, and the entire vibe of the church. I’m already excited to go back next Sunday!
And then…5 hours of furniture shopping.
Five furniture stores.
One overpriced lunch from Panera.
One unnecessary bicker.
Oy. I’m horrible at this. I’m just way too picky and get in a horrible mood while shopping for furniture. Alas, we came out successful this time! With THREE new pieces of furniture
We bought a couch, a rug, and a coffee table. At least it’s a start. We still have one more fun chair and an entertainment system to get. And we also have to put up our fire place. But it’s a good start
I spent the rest of what was left of the day cranking out training programs, cleaning, and then cooking an absolutely amazing dinner.
I gotta say I’ve been sucking it up at creating my own recipes lately, but I’ve been straight up owning it at trying out other peoples’. This one I added to the weekly meal plan after seeing Tara recommend Erica’s green chile taco meatballs. Except I used ground beef instead of chicken.
On my plate: spaghetti squash>meatballs> shredded cheese>mound o’ guac>full fat plain yogurt
I should have taken a picture before I added all of the toppings; it was so pretty! It’s got looks and taste. It was a winner winner meatball dinner. Although the recipe involved dirtying more dishes than I typically prefer (4) Shane and I both agreed this one needs to stay in the rotation 
Yep. A perfect weekend. And now it’s Monday. Back to the grind. Make the most of the week! For me that means heading to the gym to get people to sign up for my small group training this morning!
Now you tell me!
How was your weekend?
Have you tried any new recipes lately?
ahhhh i wanna come back!!
Lindsay (@LeanGrnBeanBlog) recently posted…Bean Bytes 21
oh man! So much good in this post! I feel like you HAVE to come to Blend just to rub off some of your Coloradoness onto me. 🙂
Lindsay’s List recently posted…how i’m healing my poo problem
Your photos are unbelievable! I cannot wait to hike again. It is still too cold and snowy here. We had a low key weekend. Yesterday was great, a morning gym trip, brunch followed by a lazy hour of TV watcing, then baking and house chores. I made beet pizza dough yesterday…looks good but we have not tried it yet. Oh and Red Velvet beet waffles which were very yummy!
Lindsey recently posted…Secret Ingredient
Yum!! I’ve never actually made the meatballs with chicken, haha. I’m definitely stealing your spaghetti squash idea!
What a beautiful hike 🙂
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…Just a number
That seriously looks like an amazing weekend!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted…Unwind Your Hips & Pure Barre Savannah
Sounds like an incredible weekend to me! I love hiking and don’t go near enough. Labor Day weekend last year we went to Gatlinburg and went hiking, and it was gorgeous! We were gone at least 4 hours and even got to see a waterfall.. It was amazing!
The views! The foods! You’re one lucky lady 😀
It does indeed sound like a pretty perfect weekend! Can you send over some of those blue sunny skies to Utah? 😉 The frigid temps and smoggy skies don’t seem to want to leave us! Glad you’re loving your new home!!
That seems like a truly perfect weekend!!! Everyone’s spaghetti squash always looks so good. The one time I tried it it looked like a mushy, watery pile of yellow stuff.
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength recently posted…The Friday Five: How I Look at Exercise
Awesome weekend! I’m living vicariously through your CO adventures! I was at Royal Arch a few years ago & Chautauqua last year, awesome place. My weekend involved a few unnecessary bickers too (mainly stemming from hunger & trivial junk!), other than that, it was fun 🙂
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted…Drowning in Wine Sweat
My weekend should have been awful, but I put my best foot forward and made the best of it! Dang you are killing me with these Colorado posts! I feel like Tony and I belong there! Sounds like a great weekend! Congrats on getting the furniture. I HATE making big purchases, so I feel your pain. Enjoy the new digs!
Come visit!!!
Looks like a great weekend!!! So jealous. Mine was low key. A trip to Whole Foods ($$$), a little cooking, some football watching and too much Pinning!
Did think of you at WF. I bought some coconut butter and coconut flour. Going to make a pizza crust tonight. Fingers crossed!
That really does look like the perfect weekend. I loove a long day of exploring followed by a delicious dinner out. I wish I had the budget to eat out more often, but it really feel special when I do get to!
Carly @ Snack Therapy recently posted…2013 Resolutions: Week 3
That does sound like the perfect day! Beautiful views!
My weekend was good, albeit less scenic. Lots of good food, some relaxation and fun times with friends.
Kacy recently posted…Comment on Eatin’ & Drinkin’ – Komi (aka: best meal of my life) by Eatin’ & Drinkin’ – Birthday Dinner at CityZen | Low… and behold!’s Blog
Looks like the perfect weekend! Those views are amazing.
Danielle (@CleanFoodCreativeFitness) recently posted…Marvelous in My Monday!
Totally gorgeous! What a fabulous fabulous weekend! Great workouts, time with friends and the man, and good food. IDEAL! Highlight of my weekend was obviously my half 😉
Erica recently posted…Charleston Half Marathon
Wow, what a beautiful weekend! Those views are absolutely breathe taking! How awesome! I get the same way furniture shopping. Ha. It’s bad because even if I find stuff I like, for some reason I’m just in the worst mood. Probably because I secretly hate it.
Lisa recently posted…Delights + Good Stuff
AW! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how happy you sound in describing your weekend — it sounds pretty darn perfect to me too. SO glad you had that time together to chill, enjoy and be present. And ps? YAY on finding THE church!!
Jess recently posted…Of kindness and sweat
Chataqua is my favorite! Colin and I used to hike one of the trails every Saturday morning when we lived in Boulder. So much fun. I am lovin’ this weather 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Super [Grape]fruity
Sounds like you two are loving Colorado! What a great weekend!!!
Jess recently posted…If you were free what would you be?
LOVE that you guys are settling in, enjoying the locale and geography, the good food and friends and your new church! So good to find a place you can worship in, hear from God in and be a part of community-wise. Major praise! 😀 Thanks for sharing your weekend! Mine was good too – all about connecting with people. But MY Rockies (the Canadian ones) are calling my name! Might get out for a day of skiing next weekend but if not then, we’re planning on some good back country tours and turns the next. Thanks for sharing yours; so happy for you guys!
Bonnie recently posted…Connecting: it’s good for the soul
Skiing’s on the list of things to try out here! We’ve skied in Wisconsin, which from what I hear is NOTHING like skiing out here 🙂 Glad you had a good weekend, too, Bonnie!
Hey, I know that place! It’s where we hiked at Blend. SO gorgeous!!! Loved that hike. Glad you had a great weekend. It does sound fabulous!
Yes it is 😀 Hopefully we’ll be hiking together in Utah this time around!
That sounds like my ideal Saturday too…coffee/breakfast and relaxing, then an awesome hike, then dinner out. Literally could not ask for more. Those pictures are stunning!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted…Versatile and Sweet
That DOES sound like the most perfect weekend EVER!! I actually got a little teary looking at your photos of Chautauqua. I’ve been hiking there at least a dozen times, and know the trails pretty well. It just has a lot of meaning to, and I LOVE it there! I even went hiking in the snow there back in November (funny that is was snowy then and you were wearing a tank top this last weekend!)
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted…Busy Weekend Recap