Even more exciting news then yesterday

It's been a very good week here so far! Yesterday I accepted a position at Capital One here in Richmond. Capital One has a HUGE corporate office here...it's gigantic. They call it the Capital One campus, because, well it really is a campus. It has a huge food court, fitness facility, full size gym (as in basketball gym), sand volleyball courts, a lake, etc. It's got it all. Pretty awesome if you ask me. Anyways, I have been interviewing for the job and yesterday everything went through and I got the offer letter. :) Yippee!!! I will be working at their fitness center as a Fitness Consultant/Personal Trainer. The job is 40 hours a week with benefits and I am super excited about this. My current training job is barely part time (with no benefits what so ever), so I find myself babysitting or trying to do other odd jobs to make more $$$. If you know me, it's very hard for me to sit still, so working just a few hours a week has been killing me. I'm sure getting back into the routine of working 40 hours a week will kill me too, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...right?! ;)

I have a strong feeling that my blogging will be put on the back burner once I start my new job. Capital One also wants me to get another (yes, another---can we say qualified??? phew) personal trainer's certification, so I will be studying like a crazy fool for that as well. My first day is Monday, August 22nd and my big exam is Thursday, September 29th. Working, studying, hanging out with my husband and our pups, and cooking when I can (prob. very little of this) will take priority over blogging for the next month or so.

I am very, very excited about this opportunity. I have always said that I would love to work for a large company in their fitness center, and I'm finally there! It is definetly a step up in my career and I couldn't be more excited about it. Thank you to my husband and all of my family and friends for their huge support throughout my career decisions. I decided to become a trainer a little over a year ago and pursued my passion. This is what I love. It's always been a dream of mine. It makes me so happy to help others work towards their health wants and needs and to also model the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Helping just one person a day makes me feel so good.

*What's your passion in life? What is your dream job?


On the cooking front, or I guess I should say baking front...I made the fabulous Angela's Almond Butter Rice Crispy Treats. They are delish. A great treat but so natural and not all that horrible for you. Really helps calm my crazy sweet tooth! I love Angela's blog, I swear I want to make EVERYTHING she has on it. yummmmmmmmmmeeeeee.

Here is my adapted version:

Yield: 12 squares

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chunky almond butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
3.5 cups Rice Crispy's Cereal
Chocolate drizzle: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 tbsp almond butter, pinch salt

Shredded coconut, to garnish (I didn't do this as the hubs and I aren't huge coconut fans)

Directions:

1. Prepare an 8 inch by 8 inch square pan, by lining it with parchment paper on both sides.

2. In a large pot over low-medium heat, add the syrup, butter, almond butter, and salt. Stir well until combined and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Stir in 3.5 cups of rice crisp cereal until thoroughly combined.

4. Scoop into pan and spread evenly. Press down with fingers or roll flat with pastry roller (or your fingers). Place in freezer to set for 5 minutes while you make the chocolate glaze.

5. In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips. Microwave for about 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn. Stir in the almond butter and pinch of salt.

6. Remove pan from freezer and drizzle or spread with melted chocolate mixture. Sprinkle with coconut and place in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes. Slice into squares. Bars will hold their shape quite well at room temperature, but you can store in the fridge to ensure the chocolate stays solid.

Enjoy!