My first face to face with a Copperhead

This is what I ran into in the middle of a hiking trail over the weekend, lets just say I freaked out, because it was huge.

I was camping at Carolina Beach State Park for a couple of days and was exploring some of its trails. The Copperhead was literally a few steps away from ME stepping on it; I couldn’t believe how well it camouflaged with the ground. For all those of you who don’t know, a Copperhead is an extremely poisonous snake, which I was clueless about at the time.

I stood there for a couple of minutes and decided I better pick up the pace, its tongue was slithering, and it looked like it was hunting for something sweet.

Master Cleanse Day 1!

I’ve decided to master cleanse myself, starting today. This means I’ll be drinking what many call a “syrup concoction” for the next…??(I’m not sure about that one yet).

I’ve always wanted to try the master cleanse. The drink is composed of maple syrup, Cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, and a whole lot of filtered water.

Well, that’s about all you get to drink for 10 days (yes, that’s how long you’re supposed to do it for). However, if I can make it through the week, work week that is, I’ll be extremely proud of myself.

At the end of those 10 days (for me possibly 5) I should have cleansed my body of years of built up toxins. I basically plan on looking like a super model version of myself!!

So, I woke up this morning and made my 60oz drink (that’s how much I’m allotted each day) and 2 hours later I’m feeling pretty good, which is probably because I’m used to skipping breakfast anyway.

I think I’m most worried about the SWF tonight, which stands for salt-water-flush. I’ve got to gulp down a glass of that and see what happens, but I’m assuming the title is pretty self explanatory.

Wish me luck, I’ll try and update my progress daily, and if you’ve got any tips, please, in the name of the master cleanse, FILL ME IN!!

The most public display of affection I've ever seen...Melbourne, Australia

I hope this isn't an invasion of privacy; however, it was an irresistible video opportunity!  

                                            

This morning's traffic alert on my way to work...

"There are delays merging onto I-440 E from Glenwood Avenue due to an injured horse in the middle of the road."

What??

I almost headed that way, just to check out the situation, but decided my boss probably wouldn't think that's a worthwhile excuse for showing up late for work.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes it’s nice to stay OFF the road

I spent the last 48 hours in a state of relaxation…and loved every minute of it. I can’t remember the last weekend I stayed in town and had absolutely no plans to adhere to. So, when the opportunity came about to have a little me time, I snuggled up to it. 

There’s something about going to sleep on a Friday night and not worrying about when you have to wake up Saturday morning. There’s something about cooking all your meals at home and not putting on makeup for a meal out. Plus, there’s definitely something about going to the gym and telling yourself you might as well workout hard because you have nothing else to do.

I probably traveled a total distance of 10 miles this weekend, which included a 2.5 mile walk I took on Sunday.  How did I feel when I woke up this Monday morning? Refreshed…lesson learned. 

Look what I made!

Ingredients:
3 pints fresh strawberries
1/2 cup 2tbs white sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter

1 egg
2/3 cup milk
2 cups whipped heavy cream

Directions:
Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/2 cup of white sugar, then set aside.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons white sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until just combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 15 or until golden brown. Let cool partially in pan on wire rack.

Slice partially cooled cake in half, making two layers. Place half of the strawberries on one layer and top with the other layer. Top with remaining strawberries and cover with the whipped cream. To sweeten whip cream, add sugar, while stirring.

ENJOY!! (this was not my recipe)