Healthy Chicks

I’m totally a simple girl when it comes to gifts, meaning I’m perfectly happy with a handwritten card, dinner and a bottle of wine. Being the sentimental, romantic gal that I am, I live for those gifts that come from the heart.

So what’s a girl to do when she doesn’t like said gift from boyfriend? You see, The Boy had given me several gifts this past Valentine’s Day, one being a bracelet that wasn’t quite my style at all. Let’s just say, I’d probably never wear it and I truly felt terrible for not liking it. I tried to, really I did but it just wasn’t me. So I did what I felt I had to do at the time: lied. “I love it! It’s beautiful! And it has pearls!”

But when weeks went by with me not wearing it, and The Boy questioning why I didn’t have it on, I could only use the “It doesn’t match my outfit” excuse so many times. I had gotten myself stuck in a huge rut. I just had to tell him, someway, somehow that I didn’t like his gift…but how? (Ha, that totally sounds like something Dr. Seuss would say)

I decided to ask nearly every person I know and love what to do about the darn bracelet. (Thank you for those who listened to me and gave your opinions.) I received every piece of advice from “Suck it up!” to “Break it!” but after all the tips and tricks, I decided to follow my heart and just be honest.

It went a little like this:

Me: I have to tell you something, but I feel bad. But I have to tell you, but, eek, I can’t!

The Boy: What? Just tell me!

Me: No, I feel bad. I can’t. I just won’t tell you. (covering my face)

The Boy: C’mon, just tell me. Hit me while I’m vulnerable! (He had been out drinking the night before and had a massive hangover)

Me: Fine…OK. It’s about the bracelet you got me, you know the one you got me for Valentine’s Day.

The Boy: It broke?

Me: Not exactly.

The Boy: You don’t like it?

Me: Well…kinda…yea. It’s just really not my style. I like simple things and I feel bad for not wearing it all the time because I know you put a lot of thought into it, but it’s really just not me.

{lots more word vomiting followed}

The Boy: OK. That’s fine, but can you make me one of your famous breakfast sandwiches?

And so I did.

mmm herb-a-licious!

Sauteed Mushroom Egg Sandwich with Fresh Herbs

• 1 piece Ezekiel bread
• 1 large organic cage-free egg
• handful baby bella mushrooms, chopped
• 2 TB Vidalia onion, chopped
• 6 arugula leaves
• 1 TB extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TB balsamic vinegar
• feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp. fresh parsley
• 1 tsp. fresh dill
• salt & pepper to taste

1. Sauté mushrooms and onions in olive oil on medium heat. Add in balsamic vinegar, and bring to a simmer.

2. Return heat to low, and crack an egg over the vegetables. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until to desired consistency and then top with fresh herbs and sprinkle of feta cheese (about 1 TB). Flip egg to ensure cooked through. Note: I like to leave my egg yolk a tad runny.

3. In the meantime, toast the bread, and top with arugula, followed by egg mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This sandwich = one happy boy.

Oh, and the best part of the story? I found out a couple days later that The Boy had known I disliked his bracelet the night before I told him, but couldn’t help to watch in entertainment as I awkwardly confessed. How did he find out? His best friend simply told him, “Dude, she hates your bracelet. It’s not her style.” Now, why can’t I be that blunt? 🙂 Hey, at least he got a free egg sandwich out of it.

Have you ever received a gift from your significant other that you didn’t like, even though you tried really hard to like? How did you break the news? Is your style white lies or blunt honesty?