Betta Feta
House update: Our application checked out!
We have no criminal activity on our records. Our credit looks good. Sadie is not a rabid wolf. Check! Check! Check!
(Gosh, I miss her. 
)
So, that’s the good news.
The bad news? The realtor thinks we won’t be able to move into the new place until September 1.
We initially were told the move in date would be August 15 and were hopeful that we’d be in a home and reunited with our long lost dog in ten days. I realize this is not that big of a deal, but Ryan and I were both really bummed. We weren’t expecting to be separated from Sadie for nearly a month an a half. I hope she doesn’t forget about us!
At least we know she’s in good hands. My mom took her to get her nails clipped today and then bought her a plain cheeseburger from McDonald’s as a reward for behaving so well. She’s livin’ the high life.
Workout
Today’s workout took me outside of the hotel and to a real gym!!!
I headed to the gym Ryan and I will be joining to get our memberships in order (gotta love saving money on a “family plan” membership!) and stayed for a quality workout.
I headed to the weight room to complete a total-body workout that included three sets of the following exercises:
Lower Body:
- Leg extensions
- Leg extensions (one leg at a time, alternating legs)
- Seated leg curls
- Single leg split squat with exercise ball
- Hamstring ball curls
- Bridges (with 25 lb. weight)
Upper Body:
- Upright rows
- Bicep curls
- Tricep pulldowns
- Overhead press
- Front shoulder raises
I totally copped out of ab work today and rounded out my workout with 20 minutes on the elliptical.
Lunch
Lunch today was so delicious. As good as frozen Amy’s pocket sandwiches are in a pinch, I really do prefer fresh, homemade meals.
When Ryan and I learned about the delayed move in date to the new house, I had a “that’s it!” moment and ran out to the grocery store to grab some “real” food. If we’re going to be here for almost another month, I want some substantial grub!
Today’s lunch was inspired by the salads we had at my mother in law’s house on Saturday.
Arugula + Watermelon + Feta cheese + Snow peas + Salt + Olive oil
I love this salad. I have a feeling I would make another one for dinner tonight if I didn’t already eat all of the watermelon.
After polishing off the salad, a cup of strawberry banana Chobani Greek yogurt and some string cheese, I went back for some more feta cheese, straight from the container.
For the longest time I bought the fat free feta cheese until I tried the full-fat, full-flavor feta and switched immediately. It really is so much better. Betta feta! 
Off to do some fact checking. Doesn’t that sound like a blast!?
Haha I won’t touch fat-free anything. LOVE full fat feta!
dani
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Lindsay Reply:
August 4th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
That salad looks divine! I love following your blog for exactly this reason! I never think to make things like that. Too low on creativity!
Lindsay
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i love feta!!! real, regular feta is definitely way better than reduced fat. i could seriously just eat it out of the carton..so good!
Amy
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real feta is defffff betta!
Courtney
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I learned my lesson too with feta….full-fat is the only way to go!!!! YUMMMMY!!
Erin
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I tried fat free feta once and threw away half the container, it wasn’t good. Went and bought the full fat and have never looked back!
Sorry about the house delay, hopefully it will all work out soon!
Rachelle
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Not gonna lie, I am a fan of fat-free feta! Butttt I don’t eat cheese anymore so I don’t have the joy of eating the delicious stuff. Ummm I love your couch!! It is seriously so pretty, I want one for my dorm room ahahah I am not kidding.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
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Congrats on the house! Where have you found your Greek yogurt for the cheapest? I know it’s more expensive than regular yogurt, but I know it’s worth it based on its nutrition.
Ashley@MyFoodFitnessFun
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 4th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
in bulk at sam’s club or costco!
peanutbutterfingers
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I think I have only ever had the fat free feta! I must try this kind, you have me intrigued now.
Congrats on the house!
Lindsey
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Uh oh. I can’t believe I am going to admit this but…I’ve NEVER had full-fat feta. I always buy the reduced or fat-free kind. Seems like I have some shopping to do!
Erika @ The Teenage Taste
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 4th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
if you like it, then more power to ya! once i tried the full-fat stuff i just couldn’t go back!
peanutbutterfingers
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I need some watermelon and feta in my life – still haven’t tried that combo!
I don’t do much dairy, but when I do I always do full fat! I am skeptical about non fat/low fat dairy. Just seems even more processed to me!
Girl In The Pink
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Sorry about the later move in date! I can relate but after a year (1 YEAR!!!) in a teeny apartment we are finally moving on Tuesday…..at least it won’t be a full year without your doggie for you! Hope that helps
And full fat feta is a must!!
Lauren
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I love the quote on Sadie’s pic “The life I was meant to lead” haha. That chair/attoman is great looking in these pics! Full-fat is the way to go with Feta. I have copped out and done the reduced fat which surprisingly is really good. Fat free is for the birds when it comes to Feta.
September 1st isn’t that far…but I can see why it would be frustrating. Hang in there and keep your head up!
Claire
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Congrats on the house! It’s a shame that you can’t move in earlier but at least this gives you time to prepare, and you can think about how you want to decorate your place. It’s exciting!
That salad looks perfect for summer!
Hope
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After trying full fat feta, there’s no going back to the fat free kind!
Khushboo
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I used to be like this with American Cheese! I have eaten Fat Free Kraft Singles for YEARS and just recently bought “real” American cheese. OMG, I will NEVER go back to the fakery! Real cheese is SO good!
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts
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Fat free feta isn’t feta at all!
It must be so hard being away from Sadie, but at least you have a deadline in mind now… and remind her that there will be a POOL!
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life)
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I think I need to purchase the full fat kind next time. Apparently, I’m missing out!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life
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Yay to getting that house! Boo to being away from your doggie for another month
I hate feta. I hate to say it, but it’s true. I really wish I liked it because so many bloggers seem to love the stuff and I always see recipes that include it.
My Blonde Moments
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Oh wow that salad looks good. Pretty good for something made in a hotel room
Congrats on the house!
Cait @ Cait hates Cake
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Hah! I love that Sadie enjoys McD’s cheeseburgers!!
I’m such a fan of the watermelon/feta combo – I’ve made a great salad with those two ingredients + kalamata olives, mint, salt & pepper!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles
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LOVE that 1st picture girl…too cute! Congrats –
I’m a feta hater too….i wish I liked it but…i just don’t!
Corey @ Learning Patience
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Feta definitely does make everything betta
I 110% agree with the full fat feta…so much creamier and not as tart as the fat free…I think sometimes you just gotta go with the real thing…a lil fat won’t hurt ya
Shayla @ The Good Life
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I’m honestly really sad for you about the moving situation. I would HATE living in a cramped hotel room for a month. No fun at all.
So much empathy.
Brittany
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That watermelon salad looks great! I was recently reading some recipes using watermelon in a way I hadn’t thought of before. This is one of them I want to try!
Laura @ Unchartered 20s
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Sorry about Sadie–I would be disappointed by having to be away from my dog for that long as well. At least she’s being well taken care of and not at a boarder’s.
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups
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Too bad about the delay in moving in, but how nice to get the house!
I love that Sadie likes McD cheeseburgers. How sweet.
Holly @ The Runny Egg
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Congrats on the application Julie! that’s great news! Sorry you aren’t moving as soon as you hoped though. Hotels are great for a few days but I need my kitchen and knowing your love for smoothies, I’m sure you’re missing yours too!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
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Congrats on the house! I hope they were able to cut a good deal for you regarding lawn care. Since I’m sure the pool upkeep will be on you guys.
Erica @ Eating on the Run
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I can’t WAIT to have feta regularly again! It’s one of those cheeses they tell you to avoid while preggo which stinks because it’s my favorite!
Your salad looks delicious!
Madeline @ Food, Fitness, and Family
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I am glad my mom isn’t the only one who buys her ‘grand-dog’ Mcdonalds cheeseburgers for being good! lol.
Katie @ running4cupcakes.com
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I was just thinking…. you must really miss your smoothies.
Feta and watermelon is amazing! I love it!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio
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Julie – love your blog and just saw one of your wedding pics on cup of jo ! So fun
Blair
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We can live in limbo together!! Something to look forwart too. It’s not the greatest…but I envy your FREE hotel meals.
Molly
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Love that salad!
Maria
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Feta is amazing!! I love it atop salads, and with watermelon it is divine!
GLad you guys ‘checked’ out
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
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Once you have full fat feta you can never go back! I think that’s the same for ANY cheese though haha Fat is not the enemy! I also adore full fat yogurt. SO good. I used to live in Maine where you can buy raw, full fat yogurt (and other raw dairy products) I used to buy this yogurt made from raw sheep’s milk called Ewegurt (cute name huh!?) It had a cream top layer and was one of the most decadent things I have ever tasted.
Sarah @ Sarah’s Modern Bites
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Glad to hear about the application! And don’t worry — Sadie certainly won’t forget about you. I was away from my dog for about 3 months at the end of last year, and she was SO EXCITED when I came home from London for Christmas. It was the craziest I’ve ever seen her! I’ve now been away for nearly 7 months, but I go home in a week so I can’t wait to see her and her reaction.
Hayley @ hayley daily
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Full fat is the only way to go! Feta really makes everything better. There’s just no two ways about it.
Cait’s Plate
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What a bummer on the house. Is it definite that you guys can’t move until September, or just in limbo for now?
My life changed when I realized there was such a huge difference between full fat and low fat feta. Ok, maybe that’s being a little dramatic, but I was shocked at how much better it tasted!
Hillary
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OMG, Sadie would NEVER EVER forget her Mom & Dad!! I’m sure she misses you both JUST as much…but I”m sure she’s enjoying time with Grand-dog-ma
Holly
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Awesome! So glad the housing is workin’ out. see?!
haha I’m sure Sadie misses you even if she does like the high life.
Ellie@fitforthesoul
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Totally goofy, but I remember on road trips from Chicago to our lake house in Missouri my parents would ALWAYS buy Neeley (our Boxer) a dollar cheeseburger from McDonalds. It was the highlight of his car ride
The would sleep for the first 3 hours, have his cheeseburger, then sleep the last 4.
Michelle W
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Congrats on the house! Hopefully you’ll be able to get in sooner, but Sept 1 will come sooner than you imagine.
PS- that salad looks amazing!
Laura (Cookies vs. Carrots)
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I make a very similar salad except that I add a little orzo pasta for added texture and substance.
Amy
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It’s crazy how much better full fat version of most dairy things taste! I can’t imagine living in a hotel for a month +, I hope it passes quickly for you!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
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Julie! I just saw your wedding photo over on A Cup of Jo…
http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/08/genius-wedding-idea-photos-before.html
I’m staying in a hotel right now long term while our apt is getting ready (we moved across the country). It is such a pain to have such little space. I had to buy food from the grocery store too to create some “normalcy”. What a pain! Hotel gyms just aren’t the same as normal ones
Sheena@inbetweenruns.com
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Bummer on the house, but at least you’ll be getting one that you really like. Waiting is not fun though!
I’ve never thought to use watermelon in a salad, thanks for the idea!
Rosa – Fitness, Food, Fulfilled
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I love watermelon and feta together! I am sorry to hear about the delayed move in dat!
Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy
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mmm love the feta watermelon combo!
Margo @ peanut butter trees
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i’ve got to try the feta/watermelon combo! i’ve been seeing it a lot lately!
erica
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There is nothing like watermelon with feta! So crisp and clean as a salad or side dish. Absolutely superb! Thanks for the photos.
Emilie
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Oh no! That stinks you have to be away from Sadie that long.
I don’t know what I would do without my poochers on my runs.
That salad looks really good. In the most recent Clean Eating Mag (I think…I have a subscription so I get confused) they have a recipe for a salad like that where you grill the watermelon and then make a balsamic reduction to go over. It looks delish!
Jessica
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I agree about the unhealthier feta tasting better. And I know how you feel about being separated from your dog! Gosh, 1.5 months is a long time… I would die!
Jennifer
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Love that salad! Fresh and simple!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
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I seriously need to try one of these watermelon and feta salads I keep hearing about. There is a very good chance that will happen this weekend.
Sorry about the move-in date change
At least everything else seems to be moving along, though!
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions
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I LOVE Feta cheese! I usually do spinach, cucumbers, maters, peppers, green onions, grilled chicken, and Trader Joe’s Goddess dressing for lunches! OH my! Costco is my best friend…seriously.
Sadie will NOT forget you! I am sorry though, I know how bad you guys want to move into your own house, but patience is a virtue…right?? O.o
Jessica Corbin
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I NEED to try watermelon on my salads.
The fat in your cheese is good for you. Most vitamins are fat soluble, so you need that fat to absorb the good stuff!
Alisa @ Running with Knives
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Glad you got the place you wanted! It may be a little later then expected, but the wait will be worth it in the end!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
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That’s great news that you got the place! I bought my place a few summers ago and really appreciated closing on escrow at the end of August with move-in over Labor Day (that way, more people could come over and help move furniture!!)
I know Sadie will have to be away for a little while longer, but she will probably L-O-V-E a dip in that pool of yours!!
Congrats & enjoy!! (Sounds like you need some FroYo to celebrate!!)
Nicole
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Feta is SOOOO expensive in Korea! It is $10 for two small packets or $5 for a jar of oil packed! I have only bought it once in a year and half- but I totally enjoyed it! I can’t imagine living out of a hotel room for so long, don’t you miss baking? I would! The food looks decent, there’s always PB&J! Hope you can see Sadie soon
Anne
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I noticed your wedding pic was on A Cup of Jo! Congrats!
Andrea
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Arugula is pretty much the best vegetable ever–healthy, a bit spicy, and totally delicious! I started eating it after I started watching the Barefoot Contessa and she made such delicious salads with it. Now, I wonder how I ever lived without it-I’d take it over regular lettuce any day of the week! I love getting it from our local farmer’s market.
Joe @ The Frolicking Fells
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looks good! be sure to use your coupon to try athenos greek yogurt. it’s not chobani but it’s still delish… it’s the best honey greek yogurt i’ve ever tasted!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
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Yumm! I just got back from dinner and that’s the exact salad I got! Except with radishes. Sooo good, I will definitely be making this combo at home
Amanda
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Hey, you need to peel off those coupon stickies when you see them and use them! You could have gotten a another free feta when you bought that one! I LOVE coupon stickies!
Annmarie
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I love this salad! I’m happy your dream house is becoming real!
Gen
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I’m so glad u guys found a house congrats!!! Let me know when your ready for a day in Jacksonville and we can make a girls day. have you been to Towncenter?? Awesome restraunts and shops. How did u do your workout all lower body then the upper or did u mix it up? Have a great day!!
amy
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 5th, 2011 at 8:40 am
yesterday i just so happened to do lower body and then upper body, but i frequently mix it up!
peanutbutterfingers
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I’m sure the next month will fly right by! Sounds like Sadie is being spoiled at grandma’s house
Dani
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I move August 15th! Lucky for me I am still living with all three of my dogs…we’re just moving across the city (and it’s a small city lol). I hate when you don’t get the date you want though…moving is such a hassle, it’s fun and exciting but super stressful too. Hope it goes well though!!
Laura
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