#ChallengeApproved: Guilt-Free Egg Salad

I have never been a fan of egg salad, but this egg salad is absolutely delicious and super easy. I peeled and cut hard boiled egg whites into a bowl.  Then added avocado and a scoop of plain non-fat greek yogurt.  I chopped onions and celery, then mixed everything together and added a little pepper to taste.

If you're on the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, this is perfect for lunch during the burn phase since it's a protein, fat, and veggie.  Just use the amount of eggs and avocado to your portion.  I don't use my portion amount in the onions and celery because I just think that would be too much.  You can have the rest of your veggie portion on the side.

Enjoy! :)  

Travel Essentials

Like most people who've been bit by the travel bug, I already have my trips for 2015 planned out and in the booking process.  One tropical vacation, a European adventure, a "football" weekend, some beach/lake getaways and of course some trips home!  And although all of these trips are very different, I have some essentials that I'll bring on every one!

First off, the bag:  I always carry on, unless I really can't avoid checking a bag.  I bring my roll-y suitcase that fits in the overhead bin and one that fits under the seat.  My go-to bag for traveling is without a doubt my long champ!  It is lightweight, durable, sleek and fits tons of stuff!  I highly recommend investing in a long champ bag!  I have a black one but also have my eye on the fun pink or turquoise colors!

A book (or magazines): My goodreads "want to read" list is ridiculously long!  I just can't get on board with the whole kindle thing because I like holding actual books and collecting them for my shelves.  I usually like to bring a novel that's fun and easy to read.  And you can never go wrong with the latest issue of Cosmo.

Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones are the best thing ever.  My dad has let me borrow his a few times and they have a permanent spot on my "want but can't justify" list.  Regular headphones will do just fine though.

A versatile jacket/sweater: You never know what the temperature will be like on the plane or the weather once you've arrived at your destination.  A versatile jacket or sweater that can transform from day to night as part of your outfit or just an extra layer is essential.  I have a few go-to light sweaters that I bring with me everywhere.

A pair of socks:  My feet always get cold on planes.. the air always seems to be blowing on them and they become instant icicles.  Socks help with that a bit.

A change of clothes:  Like I said, I always carry-on unless it can't be avoided.  If I have to check a bag I make sure that I pack a change of clothes in my carry-on just in case my bag doesn't arrive on time or something unforeseen happens.

Camera:  I know most people have been using their iPhones for pics lately, but I really don't think they're sufficient enough, especially if you're sightseeing or may want to get pretty prints made later.  My mom has a DSLR that she lets me borrow, but I'm also in the market for a new camera of my own. I have my eye on the Samsung nx300.

A hairdryer:  I know a hair dryer is available in hotels, but those things are no where near powerful enough for my hair.  Since purchasing the DryBar Buttercup, my hair drying process has been cut in half, there's no way I'm turning back, so it comes with me everywhere I go.  The thing is worth every penny.

Make-up Essentials:  Key word: Essentials.  Don't bring the things you don't need or may use.  Just bring your favorite everyday products.  A make-up essential for me includes a nail polish.  I try to choose a neutral color before a trip and then make sure I bring it with me for any touch ups I may need. I can't stand chipped nails and equally hate not having them painted.

Jewelry:  Again I only bring jewelry essentials.  My everyday jewelry and a few other pieces that I can wear with different outfits.  Regardless the amount, the jewelry stays with me and does not get checked!


What are some of your travel essentials?

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: The First of the New Era

New Year’s Eve marked the third game I worked as part of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Media Relations team.  Each event has been a wonderful experience, but this one was by far my favorite even with the less than thrilling beating TCU took on Ole Miss.  It also happened to be the first game of the six elite bowl games selected to host the College Football Playoff.

In weeks leading up to the big day, the media relations staff was in touch with me about what my tasks would be throughout game day.  Being my third event, they’ve gotten to know me – they know the assignments they’ve previously given me and they know the goals and aspirations of my career.  I was ecstatic when they asked me to be a liaison for one of the schools’ sports information department.  It was a role I had been given before, but with the new media requirements of the College Football Playoff the duties were more in depth and precise.  On game day I was even given a headset, which I thought was also pretty cool and made me feel official!

As liaison, during the game I made sure the school’s staff had everything they needed, including answering questions or solving any issues that arose - pretty straight forward.  But post game is where my assignment got exceptionally fun! 

With about 5 minutes left in the game I made my way down to the field with some of the staff to prepare for post game chaos festivities.  As liaison my job was to make sure everything ran smoothly for the team’s post game media obligations.  I was to escort Ole Miss Head Coach Hugh Freeze to the locker room, give him the proper 10-minute cool down period, escort him to the press conference and also keep time for media in the locker room with additional players. 

It was such an exciting 40-minute whirlwind.  I was so close to everything, closer than I’d really ever been before.  I was right there with Coach Freeze as he ran to shake hands and congratulate TCU Coach Patterson near the 50-yard line.  I briskly walked off the field with him and into the locker room- giving him and his staff a minute-by-minute countdown until he was expected at the press conference and radioing to bowl personnel his whereabouts.  Following the press conference I kept track of the time media was allowed in the locker room for post game interviews with players (minimum 30 minutes). 

This process was new to players, coaches and staff.  Since the Peach Bowl is a bowl in rotation for the new College Football Playoff system, the regulations were different.  It was exciting to be the person they turned to for clarification of what was expected of them. 

I’m so grateful to the wonderful people of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl for continually inviting me to get incredible experience at their events.  It’s truly an honor to work with them!

I can’t believe how quickly this season is coming to an end.  What an incredible first year of the College Football Playoff it has been!