Bites of My Life

I’m writing this the night before I head back to Dallas (finally) after 10 days up in Oklahoma. It’s been a looooong time coming, but my company’s newest concept Spark, opened yesterday. We’ve been working on this project since 2018 (zipes!!). After construction, covid, paper good delays, hiring shortages, and food sourcing Spark is finally open. It’s been a labor of love, but always so rewarding to open a new concept. While my trip was long it was productive and so fun. The work can get exhausting but I truly love my job!

-Got to Oklahoma City last week for a 10-day stint while here for work. Spark being the #1 reason!
-There is an F45 on every corner in Dallas yet I’ve never tried it. F45 landed in OKC and is still in its opening week. I ended up finding myself there 4 times during my trip. I’m hooked on this quick and effective workout!
-This little sparkie got to come try Spark during our soft opening. Hallie approved!
-I ate this burger bowl from Spark’s menu about every day while here.
-Veggie Chili by sis which is sneaky good. Topped with shredded gouda - the key!
-Oatmeal kiiiiick. Have had it every day for the last 10 days. Best when eaten from an almost empty almond butter jar.
-I wasn’t kidding when I said I kept eating this burger bowl. A side of pink fries for good measure.
-Mom and dad had planned a big family dinner Sunday night, which made for the perfect occasion for the Tucker family favorite Caramel Cake. Hoping to have this recipe posted tomorrow!
-Perfect ending to the weekend all around the table with family.

Annie

Bites of My Life

Last week was pretty slow. Wake up, workout, work, eat, sleep repeat. I was happy to be home for the weekend to recharge and see a bunch of people I love. I wouldn’t categorize myself as a homebody per se, but I always feel good after a few days back in Oklahoma City. 1. to see my fam and friends who I miss all the time and 2. to remind myself that home is always there and Dallas is an adventure I’m not done pursuing!

-Really really loving my new desk set up. If you are working from home and haven’t invested in a true work space, I highly encourage it for more mental clarity and better productivity.
-This breakfast on repeat last week. Ezekiel toast, almond butter, sliced banana, cinnamon, tahini drizzle and chia seeds!
-Leftover enchiladas made for a really happy lunch break.
-This morning detox drink inspired by my friend Lauren had me feeling so good last week. I would even make it after lunch sometimes or before bed per her suggestion. Recipe here.
-Have you started following my new passion project @confessionsofarentaholic? I rented this band tee (that I ended up buying!!) along with some other goodies last week.
-The same day my “What I Eat in a Day” post went live, I shamelessly indulged in the best ice cream ever. Felt great about it. Don’t miss the post, you can read it here. After posting a picture of Cookie Two Step, I had a handful of people let me know I needed to try the new Cookie Cake and Cookie Dough Overload. Anyone had them?
-Scooted up to OKC for a wedding, but made sure to make a stop at the new Bradford House while in town. Go for breakfast, cocktails or snacks, skip on dinner IMO!
-Some of the best!! I love my friends in Dallas, but I miss my Oklahoma gal pals on the daily.
-We love the maid of honor! Family friend weddings are always a blast with this crew.

Annie

Podcast bite: I don’t talk much about being single on the blog, but if you too are single and struggling or in a place of needing encouragement I wanted to share this podcast episode I was lucky to be on last week with my friend Dr. Julie Shannon.

Bites of My Life

I stayed in Oklahoma City between wedding #1 and #2. Since my work is based in OKC, I worked in the office during the week, before the festivities for Maddie and Cooper kicked off Thursday night and into Friday. The whole weekend was perfect and too fun from the start. I can’t believe that for what seems like a lifetime of planning, I mean truly have been planning these days since we were little, to then long engagements due to rescheduling, that both weddings for my best friends have already come and gone.

I’m having a little bit of post-wedding depression. I love a good birthday for myself and dream of my own big day, but there is something about celebrating the closest people in my life that truly makes me so happy.

-My co-worker Ashley got me hooked on this Good Culture cottage cheese last time I was in our OKC office. I picked up a few and ate for lunch with some chia seeds, raspberries and fiber cereal. Pro cottage cheese or does it make you gag?
-Chop chop chop! I have been needing to cut my hair for months, but my salon in Dallas is still closed. I booked an appointment in Oklahoma City while I was home and said take it all off! I had this personal crisis that I wanted to look different between the back to back weddings I was in so 4 inches of hair seemed like the only way to achieve that.
-Loved putting together the bridesmaid luncheon to kick off Maddie’s wedding weekend. Mom’s china, her plethora of linens, and my restaurant connections made everything seamless.
-This girl has been my go to since 2015. I’ve only been Maid of Honor for my sisters (which lets be honest I did nothing for, sorry Kat and Claire), so it was so fun to really play into that role for one of my nearest and dearest.
-Maid of honor speeches, check! The best weekend with this trio!
-Emily is Maddie’s best friend from growing up and I can’t imagine navigating post grad without Maddie. We got to share MOH responsibilities over the past year and I highly encourage having two MOHs. Made it sooooo nice.
-A dress too perfect for my Maddie girl, the giant bow is hiding in this pic, but it was everything.
-Look at that Mr. and Mrs (and groomsman and bridesmaid - ha)!
-Bandana masks and massive foam cowboy hats keeping us safe on the dance floor.

Annie

If you know me well you know I love a good wedding dance floor. A new Spotify playlist as a nod to one of my favorite past times seemed necessary.

Bites of My Life

Full week in Dallas after being in OKC part of the week before for work. However, I still made a 24 hour trip back this weekend to celebrate my best friend’s almost wedding. Sometimes I get frustrated that I’m back all the time while trying to build a life in Dallas, but after yesterday’s event and the loss of Kobe, I’m reminded how darn lucky I am to get to grow a life in a city I’m coming to love, but frequently get to be back with the people I’m truly closest with. Face to face time is unmatchable and I can’t take that for granted.

-The best coffee shop just opened in Dallas and I’m screaming!!!
-I tried Territory Foods last week. The meals were great, but I just enjoy cooking too much to use a service like this right now.
-I love using Natural Vitality’s CALM drink before bed and during anxious moments. I saw Sophie post about the gummy version on her story last week and I immediately bought. I’m a sucker for a gummy vitamin, it feels like candy. I’ve been taking two before bed the past few nights and so far so good. I got mine on Amazon!
-THE Defined Dish. Loved getting to meet Alex, but loved spending time with one of my greatest friends who also moved to Texas. So much love for KGR!
-My babies!
-Quickie visit to OKC to celebrate Maddie and Cooper! Only 3 months Maddie girl!
-Trader Joe’s cheerios, almond milk, almond butter, 1/2 a banana and some cinnamon. Not a cereal for breakfast girl, but this combination was oddly satisfying (and sorry Elle for eating your cheerios - ha).
-Me watching the last episode of Netflix’s Cheer. Tears.
-After snacking on sunflower seeds (random) on the drive back to Dallas, all I wanted was a salad for dinner.

Annie

Bites of My Life

I mentioned it a little in my last bites post, but I was a little apprehensive of getting back into the swing of things. Not going to lie I had a small case of the January blues getting back to Dallas and into my routine here. After a week of fun evening plans, a busy work week and catching up with friends here, I’m feeling better. Writing this I’m mentally telling myself that I don’t need to get right back into the swing right away. Also writing this is making me sound kind of weepy and depressed when I’m not! January is just a weird month, and I know some of you can agree!

-Serena Wolf IRL at her Dude Diet Dinnertime cookbook tour at my new found favorite place, The Adolphus hotel in downtown Dallas. It was gorgeous.
-Post book signing at Americano, the restaurant at the bottom of The Joule hotel. I have dreamt of this shaved cauliflower salad since and have plans to recreate later this week.
-I got pretty into Melissa Wood Health’s workouts last spring then canceled my membership when I moved to Dallas knowing I wanted to spend my money trying out new studios here. I’ve recently fallen back into MWH’s flows and lifestyle and genuinely loving them so much. I feel great during and after the workouts. At only $9.99 a month, I quantify them as #worthit.
-First timer alert at Neighborhood Services. A big check off my Dallas restaurant list.
-I finished my first book in 2020. 2018 I was a reading machine and then fell off the wagon in 2019. Hoping to read 1 a month this year. I love anything by Emily Giffin and thinking one of hers is going to be next on my list.
-Woke up Saturday to SNOW and a morning with nothing to do (which hasn’t happened in forever). I watched Father of the Bride part II and had breakfast in bed.
-Paella night turned wine night turned game night turned sing-a-longs until midnight. Saturday was a good night in Dallas.
-Packed precious cargo Sunday morning to travel home with for a quick work trip.
-The benefit of my work trips is that work is at home in Oklahoma City, which means time with this little one.

Annie