This morning started out like most Friday mornings – with a hot vinyasa yoga class at Y2. I rarely miss this Friday morning class. I think it’s the perfect way to kick off my weekend!

While I was getting ready for work I put a pot of oats on for breakfast.

Today’s mix featured 1/3 cup oats, 2 tablespoons 10-grain cereal, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, 1/2 banana, cinnamon, raisins and a pinch of salt. Topped with almond butter and Crofter’s. Along with some black coffee to go! Honestly, I was going to make something different for breakfast today but I’m always in such a time crunch after yoga and oats were easiest.

I had a lunch appointment at Varji Varji for a brow wax with Ariana. Charlotte readers – listen up! I can not praise Ariana enough. She is a brow genius. I was so lucky to find her when we first moved here and have religiously gone to her ever since. Of course she also offers other treatments such as facials.

Earth Fare is in the same shopping center as Varji Varji so I headed over there after my appointment to hit up their salad bar.

This salad featured field greens, broccoli, mushrooms, feta, roasted butternut squash, edamame, a few sunflower seeds, raw squash and balsamic vinaigrette. I had a small scoop of a curry flavored quinoa salad on the side that had raisins and apples in it.

While I was at Earth Fare I had to pick up a raw kombucha drink. I love these things but at around $2.50 a piece they are definitely a splurge.

Here’s a quick overview on the benefits of kombucha from the Synergy website.

“Kombucha is not a supplement, drug, or medicine… it is simply a super healthy food that helps the body to find (or regain) its natural balance in the body, which promotes overall well-being. Just like regular exercise, Kombucha is something that supports a healthy lifestyle. When the body is healthier, its natural defenses are stronger.

Kombucha has an “adaptogenic” ability that gives it a reputation for its widespread health properties. Its adaptogen effect is seen mostly through its influence on the liver, the blood and the digestive system, where it normalizes the acidity or pH. Metabolic balancing and detoxification is perhaps the most important function of Kombucha.

To put it in simple terms, Kombucha will make you feel good.”

I’ve been drinking Yogi Green Tea Kombucha for a couple of years. I’ve just recently started drinking raw kombucha and I’m really enjoying it! Such a great alternative to sugary sodas or juices.

When Brandon got home from the gym this evening he suggested heading over to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for happy hour and to watch the Panthers draft pick. I happily obliged – I love Olde Meck! You can find their beers on draft in many restaurants and bars in the Charlotte area. Support your local brewery!

Pint of Olde Mecklenburg Copper.

Then we headed over to Burger Co. to meet Brandon’s brother and some of his friends for dinner. Burger Co. is new to the Charlotte burger scene – they just opened a few weeks ago. Some of Brandon’s brother’s business partners opened the restaurant.

I had the veggie burger and unfortunately it was nothing to write home about, even though it was made in-house. The good news is that they realize that and are working hard to create a new and improved veggie burger. I was just glad they had some sort of meat-free option. Those who ordered burgers were very pleased with their meals. I just couldn’t go there tonight! Of course I had just a few of Brandon’s tots on the side. I resisted ordering my own side item because they were all fried and I didn’t want the temptation.

It’s SO past my bedtime (midnight!!!). I am off to bed. We have a big weekend of packing ahead of us! Hoping to fit in some running and yoga as well.

Night!!!