Study Breaks

The studying has officially started for me! Since I am finished with clinicals and school, all of my time is now devoted to preparing for my national boards. While it is sometimes just as boring and grueling as it sounds, I have been able to make time for things that I love. For instance, I have frequented the gym more than I have in months (or years for that matter), spent a lot more time with Henry, and planned more quality time with John during weeknights to reward myself for studying during the day.

On Sunday, John and I took Henry on a beautiful walk on the Jemison Trail, conveniently located here in Mountain Brook. Even though it's very close to the center of town, it feels like its nestled away in the wilderness.  It has creeks, bridges, towering pines, and is perfect if you just want to go on a quick walk or run.

On Monday, my reward for studying was to make a trip to Steel City Pops to try some more of their new fall flavors. I know it seems like we go there all the time, but its that good! I opted for the Bosc Pear with Honey, which had the texture and taste of a juicy pear with the warm sweetness of honey from the hive. John had the pumpkin, which surprisingly enough had the texture and taste of a homemade pumpkin pie with cinnamon and clove. They were both winning flavors in our book and a must try for those who haven't been this season.

We stayed in on Tuesday night which gave me time to try out a recipe for Honey Mustard Pecan Encrusted Chicken. It was easier than it sounds and turned out absolutely delicious. 

Honey Mustard Pecan Encrusted Chicken 

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp honey (I used local honey-b/c it's good for allergy sufferers)

1/4 cup melted butter 

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover a pan w/aluminum foil and lightly butter or spray it with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk mustard, butter, and honey together. Brush chicken breasts with the mixture and season them with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, combine: basil, thyme, oregano, breadcrumbs, pecans, salt and pepper. Press the chicken into the mixture to coat, then repeat on the other side. Place the chicken on the sheet pan and bake 25 minutes. 

Last night, I surprised John with a DIY date night by making a people watching Bingo card. I had originally intended on us doing this in the grocery store, but since we didn't need any groceries- we decided to go to Birmingham's newest department store, Von Maur at the Riverchase Galleria. With our festive Starbucks lattes in hand (skinny peppermint mocha for me, low fat caramel brûlée latte for him), we hit the mall in search of things like: a lady with curlers in her hair, someone wearing light up shoes, and someone dressed in camo to name a few.

Believe it or not, in just a short hour we scored Bingo! We found: someone in pajamas or slippers, husband or boyfriend holding a purse, someone with saggy/baggy pants, someone wearing overalls, and a mullet/rat tail/or BIG  bangs. It was hysterical hunting for items on the bingo card and a wonderful, easy, and FREE week date night. 

Aside from leaving the mall with our bingo card full, we left with one more thing- a spiffy Christmas bow tie for Henry. Since our Christmas card pictures are this weekend, I couldn't pass it up. 

So, even though studying isn't the most exciting thing in the world-it's not half bad when you have a wonderful husband and fur baby to support you every step of the way.