Lunch today was a hit that eventually turned into a miss.
I made myself a large salad topped with a pouch of salmon, fresh celery, cucumber, mushrooms and salsa.
The salmon was great on its own, as was the salsa.
I bought the White Diamond salsa earlier this week at Publix when I saw that it was buy-one-get-one-free. It claimed to be mild, restaurant-style salsa and looked fantastic. (I can’t wait to use it to make my favorite two-ingredient crock pot salsa chicken!)
I loved the salsa straight out of the container and thought it would make a yummy salad topper. It wasn’t until I was about three-quarters of the way through my salad that I realized that the salmon + salsa combination is not a winning one for me.
I finished my salad, but I think I’ll reserve salsa for salads topped with beans, corn, chicken or turkey.
As I was prepping my salad, I polished off the remaining barley I had stored in the fridge.
(There was more than that left, but I didn’t remember to snap a picture until the last two bites.)
I think I may cook up another batch of barley this evening because I’ve really enjoyed having it on hand. It’s a very versatile grain and delicious to boot!
A Sucker for Surveys
Yesterday Ashley tagged me in a survey that’s popping up on a bunch of blogs and since I’m a sucker for surveys, you know I had to participate! I changed the format a bit, neglecting to share 11 random facts about me because I have a hard time coming up with one fun fact about myself whenever I’m supposed to share an interesting fact with a group. I always draw a blank!
Instead, I answered the questions Ashley included at the end of the survey since guidance and I get along much better than freestyle fact sharing.
I’ve also posted a few of the questions below for you guys to answer as well since I always love learning more about you!
1. Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or win American Idol?
An Olympic athlete, for sure. I really have no desire to be incredibly famous and think Olympic athletes are badass and seem to fly under the fame radar in most cases. I was a diver in high school and think it would be amazing to be an Olympic-caliber diver.
2. If you could live in any US city, which would it be?
I am not sure exactly which city, but I would love to live in North Carolina.
3. What was the first blog you ever read?
4. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?
Sky dive. Or sit at home on my couch and be safe. 
5. What was your favorite CD in 7th grade?
Probably La Bouche or Alanis Morissette. Still love ‘em!
6. What is your favorite movie?
Father of the Bride… hence why my dad gave me a pair of wedding sneakers before our big day.
7. Mac or PC?
PC.
8. If you could fly anywhere in the world, free of cost, where would you go?
Australia.
9. Who was your first kiss?
My friend Ryan during my freshman year of high school while “studying” for World Geography. It was a one-time thing and we’re still good friends to this day. He even came to our wedding!
(He’s on the far right above. Totally embarrassing him right now. )
10. Sandwich or salad?
Sandwich.
11. Country music or rap?
Country, baby. Yeehaw! Unless I’m working out, in which case I’d say old-school rap.
Questions for YOU
- Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or win American Idol?
- If you could live in any U.S. city, which would it be?
- Who was your first kiss and how old were you? Are you still friends?
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That’s so cute your dad gave you wedding sneakers! Father of the Bride is a favorite of mine too!
I live in Chicago and absolutely love it, but sometimes I think I wouldn’t mind living somewhere a little warmer! Ideally, I’d like to live here spring-fall, then some city in Florida for the winter. A girl can dream…
if i had to pick a big city, i’d definitely pick chicago! i looove it there.
The wedding sneakers are adorable!
After reading your blog, I don’t think I’d mind living in Orlando or Ocala!
pick orlando over ocala. 😉
Speaking of surveys, did you see this one on Peas and Thank You? http://peasandthankyou.com/2012/01/26/twenty-one-questions-to-ask-your-kids/
I don’t have kids, so I asked my husband the same questions (but I said “I” instead of “Mommy” – that would be weird), and his answers were pretty hilarious.
i love to douse salmon in olive oil..then either ketchup or mustard…i swear ketchup on fish is so good.
I’d live in Atlanta. That city will foever be my home!
And my first kiss was actually during a game of spin the bottle. 🙂
Olympic athlete – I agree I would not want the fame with American Idol.
Phoenix, only cause I am up in Canada and crave warmer weather. My in-laws are already in Phoenix too 🙂
I was in grade 7 at a Halloween party… and I probably didn’t see him again till about 2 years ago we ran into each other and he recognized me before I knew who he was!
I tried mixing salsa with tuna once and it had the same not-so-settling effect! I guess just because they are both delicious doesn’t mean they belong together haha!
I would rather win American Idol. If I could live in any U.S. city it would be Boston, Beverly Hills or Orlando. I’d be happy living in any of those places 🙂
I’d definitely rather be an Olympic athlete over a winner on AI. I’m comfortable with my lack of singing ability, and I DON’T dance. But competing at the Olympics–in triathlon or a running event–would be amazing!
I would definitely be an olympic athlete! and I don’t know where I would live, trying to figure that out now! Considering moving to Denver. Ahhh and my first kiss was awful – not until FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE and at that point I’d kiss anybody. It was a cute (yet drunk) baseball player. Classy.
YAY I’m not the only one that puts salsa on my salads!
1) Olympic athlete, for sure!
2) I haven’t traveled in the US enough, but Orlando sounds great to me! 😉
3) A kid that used to have the same babysitter as me. We were 5 HAHA! And no, not still in-touch.
how fun! i love doing surveys too… i guess that’s the jr. higher in my still. 😉
1. i’d definitely rather be an olympic athlete. like you said, they always seem pretty bad ass.
2. scottsdale, arizona – it’s where my family lives and i miss them!
3. my first kiss was this guy, jarrod, when i was in 8th grade. we don’t really talk anymore, mostly just because we lost touch.
I’d have to say Olympic athlete (I’d love to be that good at gymnastics or swimming!), Boston, and my friend Paul in seventh grade (we don’t keep in touch often but are definitely still friendly – it was never more than that haha!).
Super fun survey – if you ever feel like test-driving how North Carolina feels on ya, come to the Outer Banks! I love it so much here and pretty much try to convince everyone I know to move 🙂
You know I live for surveys too….1. Olympic runner or swimmer…they are the coolest….2. Probably Nashville bc TN is a beautiful state and I love live music. 3. He was some unspeakable character…it was 8th grade….I immediately ran to my friend on the bus and we gagged…romantic, eh?
I would definitely pick Olympic athlete over American Idol winner. When I was younger, I wanted to go to the Olympics for swimming, and had an autographed picture of Mark Spitz for motivation!
I love these surveys! They are hilarious! If I had to pick one city in the US to live I have no idea what it would be. Actually trying to figure that out now! Perhaps somewhere in Colorado? I want to visit Chicago though! I’d also prefer to be an Olympic Athlete.
I would definitely rather be the athlete! I have always wanted to by a gymnast and jump around and do flips! If I could live anywhere, I’m not really sure…but definitely somewhere warm with a garden and a great view somewhere near a beach. I had my first kiss when I was 16? I don’t really remember haha…I guest it wasn’t that magical 🙂
I love some surveys!!!
1. Olympic athlete for sure!
2. I plan on moving to Nashville, TN in the next three years, and I would also love to try Austin, TX, NYC, Denver, CO, or somewhere on the east coast
3. He was my 8th grade boyfriend, and we were at a party, and it was after three rounds of landing on each other in spin the bottle… I broke up with him a few months later, then dated him again for three years in high school. I’m friends with his wife, but I rarely see or talk to him.
I love your “pic”!
Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or win American Idol? – Olympic Athlete! Probably running.
If you could live in any U.S. city, which would it be? – Newport Beach, CA
Who was your first kiss and how old were you? Are you still friends? – one of my classmates in highschool. It is super sad but I do not remember the name :(.
It’s so fun to read more about you! You are hilarious. Love that pic edit! 🙂 I’d rather be an athlete for sure! That salsa looks amazing. 🙂
That’s adorable about your dad and the shoes! That movie makes me lose it every time. If I ever get married, I think I’ll have such an unnecessary guilt complex about “leaving” my dad behind!
LA DA DA DEE DA DA DA DAAAAA…
that La Bouche shoutout made me real happy.
1- olympic athlete, specifically a figure skater. Love the costumes!
2- Any city in Hawaii.(Btw, I live in NC and I love that you love it here too!)
3- I was 12, his name was Ray and honestly don’t know where he is now.
I would pick Chicago as my city! My first kiss was a good friend of mine and my now husband’s when I was 15! This too was a one time thing and he’s still our good friend. He was even a groomsmen in our wedding! Ha ha
HAHAHAHAHA LOVE the photo skills there 😉
Oympic athlete fo sho!!!!
hmm probably…. GA!
haha I was 13… his name was David.. and now he’s dating one of my friends!
My first kiss was at band camp in 8th grade. And no it wasn’t like America Pie:)
I’m still really close with the guy who was my first kiss—we were best friends all through middle and high school!
Oh, and I definitely would want to win American Idol. Singing is the number one talent I wish I had!
Father of the bride is my favorite movie too. I seriously cry every. single. time. I think I will stay safe on my couch as well. 🙂
1. Olympic athlete in gymnastics all the way! Always wanted to be them.
2. San Francisco
3. I was 12 and his name was Justin and we are not great friends but always see him when I am back home.
1. I’d rather be an Olympic athlete! I used to have mega dreams about being an Olympic gymnast. 🙂
2. Not sure – i have sooo many on my list, but top two would be Austin, TX or somewhere in Nor Cal.
3. First kiss was a kid I’d known since elementary school and had a crush on foreeever.. and now I haven’t talked to him since high school haha whooops.
I have made that mistake before, but it was crab meat and salsa in my salad, it was not a tasty meal!
I would def rather be an olympic athlete, I still secretly wish I was that good of a swimmer to have been one.
I want to live in Chicago
and my first kiss was 7th grade from my boyfriend Mike, and we are still friends!
I don’t usually comment (although I read your blog regularly!), but since you mentioned North Carolina, and we just so happen to live in Raleigh, I thought I’d join in the questionnaire fun!
Definitely an Olympic Athlete, and I love living North Carolina, although Savannah is a close second, and my first kiss was my husband…and yes, we are still friends!
I would love to be an Olympic athlete. I feel like they are so strong and determined. If I could live anywhere it’d be Rhode Island or Hawaii! My first kiss what in I think 7th or 8th grade. I don’t really talk to him anymore it was just one of those silly little truth or dare games.
Julie,
I found this amazing salsa at Publix that you should try. It might be a great pairing with the Salmon since it is a little lighter than a traditional red salsa. It is a Publix brand that you can get in the Deli area, and it is a peach mango salsa!!! To die for!!!!!
Definitely an Olympic athlete, I’d live in Denver (or any city in Colorado, for that matter!), and my first kiss was not until my freshman year of college. I know, I am lame. But it was with my still-boyfriend of 5+ years 🙂 I was just waiting for the right guy!
I love where I live right now, Charleston, S.C., but I used to want to live in the Washington, D.C. area so I that would be my next choice.
Father of the Bride is my all time favorite movie! I am going to be devastated when Steve Martin dies–such a great actor! 🙂 My first kiss was at a youth group overnighter at our church. I was in 9th grade and his name was Clay. He ended up being one of my best friends but actually died in a car accident the week after we graduated from high school.
Well, if you ever make it to Australia I will take you for a run around Sydney Harbour and along the beaches – it’s beautiful 🙂
Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or win American Idol? I would rather win American Idol but only because I have no singing talent whatsoever!
If you could live in any U.S. city, which would it be?
NEW YORK! I go every year and am already planning my next trip 🙂
Who was your first kiss and how old were you? Are you still friends?
I was in grade 10 and it was with my brother’s best friend at the time (my brother still has no idea!) They stopped hanging out that year, so I haven’t seen him since!
To number 8, you answered Australia, but you actually meant New Zealand right? 😉
I love that you put Olympic diver, because I too was a diver in high school, and that is the exact one I would pick! Badass for sure. Not sure of the city, but I’ve always wanted to live in Portland.. I love hiking and camping and it’s pretty much perfect for that. Either that or Texas… I like their “go big or go home” attitudes ;). As for my first kiss, that would have been 8th grade to a boy named Clint. We are not still friends.. he kinda turned into a major toolbag haha 😉
Olympic Athlete definitely! Sprinter!
New York! Has to be!
And 11…nope haven’t seen him in about 10 years!
Great post!
Id rather be an olympic athelete of some sort than an American Idol
And we just moved to NC (Winston Salem) and I am absolutely LOVING it here.
My first kiss was a childhood friend of mine and we arent really friends anymore just sort of drifted apart, but we were friends all through school
I woudl totally take being an Olympic athlete over being an American Idol. I would want to be a figure skater – way more graceful than I currently am.
If I could live in any US city, it would probably be Grand Rapids, MI. I went to college in GR and totally loved it! You have the night light and attractions, close to Lake Michigan, and only an hour from my parents.
My first kiss was from Andrew Huhn, and we were in the 5th grade. We are not friends now, but I think very much of him.
I would love to live in New York City! Just for a few years, until I wanted a yard and children and such things.
I made the fish and salsa mistake once as well. Never again!
I would much rather be an olympic athlete! I always LOVED the figure skating and gymnastics portion of the olympics… so that’s what I would probably do 🙂
I would live on the outerbanks of North Carolina– Rodanthe to be exact (I highly recommend “Nights in Rodnathe” with Richard Gere and Diane Lane, great guilty pleasure movie). I think I would fit in perfectly there!
My first real kiss was when I was a freshman in high school, he was a junior… I was so googly eyed for him. He took me to Homecoming, then broke my heart that night. Oh to be 15 again!
I grew up in Orlando, and while I would love to move back for a few years to experience living there as an “adult” (I am 25; left Orlando at 19), I think I will ultimately stay in NC for the long haul. I moved to Charlotte and I definitely recommend it if you are into bigger cities that still maintain an intimate feeling. Plus, we have Dean and Deluca!
I’d pick ANY city in southern California! 🙂
too funny! my first kiss was in 9th grade with my high school boyfriend who I dated on and off…and on and off… (can you say rachel and ross) through high school. we are still friends to this day and coincidentally moved to the same city (TOTAL coincidence for any clarification) after college. hes a full time phd student so i dont see him often but we’ll occasionally meet up for dinner and drinks!