Doctor’s Orders, Ferrero Chocolate Review and a Wrinkly Dress

The old knee pain, the one that happens on the outside of my left knee when I go down stairs, down hills and run: NOT patella femoral syndrome, but likely Iliotibial Band Syndrome. My research shows this is quite possibly the cause of my upper, outside of the right thigh pain as well, as the iliotibial band reaches all the way to the hip. I forgot to mention that pain to the doctor but I will next week. I told him that I always wear knee sleeves when working out and he said that is great, I am doing the right thing.

The new knee pain, more in the middle of my left knee: The doctor is concerned that it is a tear. I am going for an MRI on Monday. Oy.

My left shoulder pain: Since I already had an MRI that showed bone marrow edema, there is nothing I can do about it besides physical therapy if I want. I don’t want.

The doctor was shocked when I told him I have bone marrow edema when I didn’t fall or experience any trauma at all. It is weird.

Doctor’s orders: 
 – Ice knee twice a day
– Take Naproxen twice a day, every day, for 10 days
– Get MRI on Monday and go back to see him on Thursday
– As far as exercise –  Let the pain be my guide. Do whatever I want until it hurts. When the pain starts, it is time to stop.

This will call for some very short workouts.

In better news, CHOCOLATE!

When I was at the NYC Blogger Cocktail Event, A Woman’s Infinite Confidence, I spoke to someone from a company whose products I love. We got to talking and she offered to send me some samples!

The company is none other than Ferrero  — the makers of one of my all time favorite treats, Rochers! I absolute ADORE any combination that includes chocolate & hazelnut. This is why you can never go wrong getting me Rochers, Perugina Baci, and hazelnut Five Star Bar.

I was beyond thrilled to receive this package in the mail from Ferrero!

Isn’t that a great picture! My pictures never look so good — I couldn’t wait to post this! She also sent a little note with information on Rondnoirs, their new dark chocolate variety! Rondnoirs were clearly the star of this party. And they would make a fantastic Mother’s Day gift — they have only one weight watchers point per piece! Four pieces contain 220 calories, 14 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbs, 16 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein. And believe me, four pieces is a generous serving size since you’ll likely be satisfied after one or two of these!

More Ferrero Rondnoir information:

Rondoir dark chocolates are a unique combination of a creamy, dark chocolates are a unique combination of creamy, dark chocolate surrounding a “black pearl” of fine dark chocolate, within a delicate, crisp wafer…topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels.

Rondnoirs are different from Rochers because they use dark chocolate and have a creamy dark chocolate center. They are covered with dark chocolate morsels and have a crispy wafer for the crunch. I have to admit, the boy ate most of these. I did get to sample a few and they are delicious! The perfect treat for those who want to indulge in dark chocolate — which, as you know, has a number of health benefits.

I’ve been eating the Garden Coco type as well, which I had never even heard about! They are delicious. From the site:

Garden Coco confections are a savory combination of rich coconut cream surrounding a sweet almond, within a delicate, crisp wafer..topped with meringue and shredded coconut.

The combination of the gooey coconut cream (YUM) and the crunch of the almond is fantastic! I am really enjoying them. They are great but I don’t feel the need to eat ten at once, which is always a nice thing. But, my true love still belongs to Rochers.

Rocher chocolates are a tempting combination of luscious, creamy, chocolaty filling surrounding a whole hazelnut, within a delicate, crisp wafer…all enveloped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts.

I have always loved the surrounding little hazelnuts, the initial bite that releases a flood of chocolate into the mouth, and of course the giant hazelnut in the center. That is heaven. It truly is my perfect treat.

Here is some more information:

– Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day: The Ferrero Collection assortment has something for every picky Mom, including Ferrero Rocher milk chocolates, Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates and Garden Coco coconut confections, all in elegant gold, bronze and silver wrapping.
I do have to note that the box looked gorgeous!

– Affordable Luxury Under $10: These premium affordable chocolates are found at grocery stores, national drug stores and mass merchandiser chains, and retail from $3.74 (12-pc) to $9.99 (24-pc).
True that. I’ve bought Rochers as gifts before. Affordable and delicious!

Yum. These have been keeping me and the boy happy every day. I guarantee the chocolates won’t last through this weekend. And check out Missy’s review for pictures of the insides of these delicious treats.

And take this quiz to see What Chocolate Are You? I am a Ferrero Rondnoir^TM Dark Chocolates Personality!

Thanks, Ferrero!

Tomorrow the boy and I are going to Melanie’s Kentucky Derby party! I have my outfit (southern preppy dress code) all picked out, giant hat included. I brought the dress in to the cleaners on Monday to make sure it would be ready in time. Yesterday I picked it up and was shocked when I opened the wrapping to see WRINKLES ALL OVER. It looked like I never even brought it in!

I thought maybe I was overreacting, but I tried it on. It seriously looked worse than it did when I brought it in.

I was really upset since I was at the boy’s already and couldn’t bring it back to my cleaner to show him. I dropped it off at the cleaners in the boy’s building and they guaranteed they could have it pressed and ready for me later today — but I am annoyed. I pais a hefty bill at my dry cleaner’s yesterday for many items, including that dress. I will go in and tell the cleaner next time I can, but without the proof I am sure he won’t do anything. I’ve been using the one in the boy’s building more often anyway — I will just have to use them exclusively.

The only downfall is that is gets charged to the boy and sometimes…. maybe…. I forget to pay him back. Oops. 😕

 And lastly, I felt this was timely: