Let try this What I Ate Wednesday party out! Thank you to the host of the party, Peas and Crayons (head on over to find more fabulous WIAW links) ::crowd roars::
Did you know (our kids) get about 3 1/2 weeks off for Winter Break?! Crazy! They are going to drive their dad crazy!
Since they will be off starting Friday… And I haven’t started my Christmas Shopping (what is there… like 11 days left?)…
Morning
At 7 am I shipped off to the gym, pre-coffee, to go run a couple of miles. Ran into my neighbor on the treadmill. We chatted up about kids driving their parents crazy and the cold weather. It’s been really freakin’ chilly out here (for California, that is).
Afterwards, I drove across the street for my much needed Starbuck’s Cafe Misto – Christmas blend coffee - with 2 pumps of classic syrup and a KIND snack bar – Cranberry Almond (they are SO Good).
Then I headed back home. Got cleaned up and headed out to start the shopping spree with the husband. Of course, days off don’t always mean freedom from responsibilities. I dropped my car off to the dealer for an oil change. I noticed that while my car is at 120,000 miles and still runs awesome, the dealer keeps charging more and more for something or other. Synthetic oil changes are an arm and a leg now. *sigh*
Kohl’s was our first stop. I thought of the perfect gift for my lil baker. Well, she really isn’t all that little anymore. But she will always be my little girl. I bought her one of these:
Just one store mustered up our appetite! 
We headed to Coco’s Restaurant. Okay, so I will let you in on a tidbit. This is the restaurant my husband proposed to me. Its our little laugh. We picked out and bought the ring together. Then went to breakfast. So to officially ‘propose’ to me, he ask me for my hand in marriage during breakfast at this restaurant 5+ years ago.
Yeah! They served Coach’s Oats. I highly recommend trying Coach’s Oats if you every come across the chance. I love the texture and the taste of them. In fact, one of our stops this morning was Costco. I bought a big bag of them. Even my meat and potatoes man like them (and that’s hard to do).
Coach’s Oats topped with blueberries, nuts, a little brown sugar, and non-fat milk. Side of 2 bacon. Cup of java. Yum! I ate the whole thing up. So Good!
Lunch
We shopped. We mall shopped. Tried to figure out what to get those kids. Ended up buying non-gifts, too. Like a new jacket for both kids cuz it’s been really chilly out. There simple sweatshirts weren’t cutting it anymore. And a new pair of jeggings for the girlie, because I found out this morning that she has outgrown all her jeans except one or two pairs. Kids have this knack for letting their parents know they need things last minute.
Oh, my husband even bought himself a sweater. I just realized I didn’t buy anything for myself today. What gives?
We stopped off to pick up my car. Drove back home to drop it off. And decided to take a Christmas Shopping Lunch Break (also known as, bar drink).
A pomegranate margarita served in a martini glass was in order. It was so delish! You can find them at Applebee’s. We ordered the potato twisters with a side of queso blanco. Spicy! Yummy!
For some reason, we decided to order lunch. Wasn’t hungry at all. Just protocol, I think. I had the spinach salad with a side of tomato-basil soup. I ended up taking the whole thing home for tomorrow’s lunch. But I did drink the whole margarita.
Dinner
Hunger didn’t strike me til after the recital, until after we went back to the mall to exchange jacket sizes, and until after we stopped at the grocery store for my son’s pretend homemade cookies for his restaurant class. Yes Ethan, I am snitching on you. LOL.
Where I topped the night off with a cheese and jalapeño tamale and a Cutie on the side.
Totally not a cutie picture, but So Good!
What’s a cutie?
What is a Cutie to you? 
About Christine McCarthy
whoohooooo! hooray for new hair cuts! =) I like to chop mine off in the winter too
She looks adorable! esp with the headband!!!!
my niece a few weeks ago said to my SIL: “my hair is too long, it gets in the toilet when I go to the bathroom and its going to get poop in it! can I cut it like princess Rapunzel?”
Thank you! We did go buy her barrettes. And once her friend’s told her it was cute… it was all good.
LOL, to your niece. Ya that’s not good. Good for her and her new do!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Mission Christmas Shopping {What I Ate Wednesday}
That marg in a martini glass looks so tasty! I love mistos. Drinking one now
Caitlin recently posted..FitFluential Holiday Balance: 5 Tips!
Oh… it was tasty. My husband thought I didn’t drink it cuz I kept making sure it was full. LOL. Boys.
I missed out on my misto this morning, but did have regular coffee with Vanilla-Chai creamer. That’s yummy, too!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Baking Essentials: The Holidays
Sounds weird, but I consider my dog a cutie … because she knows how to get what she wants, even if it means barking at you until she gets it! Haha.
Liz @ Southern Charm recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
ps I LOVE her hair cut!! So pretty
Liz @ Southern Charm recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
Oh my cats are the same way… well, meowing until they get what they want. LOL. Even if it means its 2am.
Thank you! Now she wants to put highlights in it. I told her I might consider some natural highlights if we get them done at the college (way cheaper in cost to do it).
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Hiking in the Snow
Wow what a busy day!!!!!!!! And that haircut is too cute – I love short hair! In fact, I have a haircut scheduled for today after work.
Heather recently posted..Morning Bootcamp and a Winner!
One Day off… I have to cram it all in. I grew up with short hair. And love it, too. But have it long at the moment. Because I know as I keep getting older, the hair will get short again. But after seeing Ashley’s done, I almost chopped it again {but they stylist were booked}. Hmmm… maybe this weekend.
Enjoy your salon visit today!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Oatmeal Toppings & Xen Strength
What a tasty day of eats! That pom marg? Calling my name!
I haven’t been to an Applebee’s in ages – looks like I need to put it on my to-do list!
P.S. – Love the new look of your site!
Molly@hungryhungryrunner.com recently posted..What I Want Wednesday: Holiday Soiree
Ya… it was really tasty. Next time, think I will have them serve it in a tall glass so I don’t need to keep topping it.
Just give me the good drink, I’m not all about frilly glasses. 
You like? I am not 100% confident on the header since I am about Oatmeal in my Bowl. but it working for now. Thanks!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Festival of Trees & Lights
Cutie – I’m glad the cut started to grow on her.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..WIAW on T
Ya… I am waiting for her to get out of school today to see how the day went w/ her new hairdo.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Oatmeal Toppings & Xen Strength
I have only bought a few things as well, one of these nights I’m going to need to leave the husband and kids at home and go shopping!! I have been so busy during the day, there just aren’t enough hours in the day!!!
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness recently posted..Once upon a time
Hi Jen! I think the thought of just getting a bit of girl time away sounds good, too.
I second the busy part. And every year I tell myself I am going to time manage it right. Yet when the time gets here, its already days away from Christmas. LOL. Can you believe its going to be hear in a matter of days? Crazy!
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Xen Strength Yoga ROCKS! [Review + Giveaway]
The margarita looks delicious!
Jessica recently posted..WIAW: Santa’s Little Helper
And it was…
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Baking Essentials: The Holidays
Cuties = my favourite thing about the winter season!
And lucky girl, your sister – I love that Babycakes donut maker!
Anna @ The Guiltless Life recently posted..Your 5K Running Plan – Week 5 – the Home Stretch!
They are so yummy! Thank you for stopping by, Anna. Actually my daughter is getting the donut maker. But you know the word around is that most people buy gifts they want for themselves (this still stands true). We will both be baking in it.
Christine McCarthy recently posted..Mission Christmas Shopping {What I Ate Wednesday}