hansel & gretel cottage

I can honestly say my day today was much more relaxed. I felt better, I behaved better (well, kind of) and was overall a much nicer person (to most people).

Today was one of those last Indian Summer days that we get around here. 75 degrees, sunny, not a cloud in the sky. Perfection. Unfortunately, the high for this weekend is 50 degrees. Awesome.

This morning I started out with a leisurely bowl of hot pumpkin oats topped with chopped honeycrisp, raisins, cinnamon, and a blob of peanut butter. This was absolutely delicious (as always).

 

I may or may not have used my last apple in this breakfast. For that, I was very depressed.

 

Despite being stuck in traffic yet again, I was surprisingly calm about it. I had a great morning (I love my Thursday mornings). I had a snack of carrots and hummus — notice the cut up carrot. If this doesn’t scream, I was prepared and not rushed this morning, I don’t know what does.

 

Do you like my little squash and pumpkin in the background? Two students brought them in for me — do people actually eat the little ones? I’ve always just had them as decor. I may or may not eat them though.

Lunch today was eaten on the go. I had a doctor’s appointment at 12:30 and had to take the afternoon off. I absolutely despise this about doctors. Why they can’t have hours which accommodate the average joe who works every day is beyond me. Nevertheless, I sighed and made sub plans. I will have to sigh and make sub plans when I go back in two weeks again too… ugggh.

Lunch today was leftover Maple Butternut and Apple Casserole (minus the apple) — check out Angela’s recipe. You really need to put this on your list of things to make this year!

 

Since I was driving, I brought along a spoon to eat. Believe you me… I did not acquire the nickname “Messy Chelsey” for being a neat eater. Clean eater or not, I am definitely not neat and tidy while eating.

 

With only one slight spill under my belt, I forged through my lunchbox which also held some almonds, figs, and about 1/4 of the apple I used this morning (::tear::).

After the doctor, I ran some errands such as:

• going to the bank (for a very very exciting reason to be shared tomorrow or Saturday)
• looking for a dress for a wedding next weekend (epic fail — I just wasn’t in the mood for shopping for a dress)
• Target (<3)

After Target, I was feeling a bit famished (actually… I take that back. I wasn’t even hungry, but I wanted it.) so I ate a cashew cookie Larabar!

 

I got a very nice vase from Target today — It goes quite well with our decor and very barren living room. Don’t mind my shoes in the background. It’s a dumping ground by the front door for me.

 

I got the leafy thingamabob from Michael’s which was conveniently located right next to Target.

 

I decided its new home would be next to our very large arm chair. I would love for you all to guess how much money I spend on this vase. I take that back… I want for you to tell me how much money you would expect to spend on a vase such as this. Then, I will tell you tomorrow… I’m interested to see what you say.

When I got home, it was only 4 pm, and I wasn’t really planning on making dinner tonight (our fridge is chocked full of food). It was absolutely gorgeous outside and I hadn’t run on actual pavement for over a week, so I decided to go for it! Running on a treadmill is MUCH different than running outside. I definitely prefer running outside.

 

I decided to bring my camera along and snap some pictures on the way. It made the run go by so much faster! I loved it.

 

The next picture is by far my favorite house in my town. It has always reminded me of the cottage in the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy (something about a witch and an oven?).

 

Pretty sure I love the next one just a little bit more…

 

Side view…

 

Front view…

 

Isn’t it the coolest house ever? I love running by it!

 

In the end, I busted out 4 miles in about 35 minutes — with walking breaks and picture taking breaks! Yowza! No wonder I needed walking breaks — I was bookin’ it!

Dinner tonight was boring — I won’t lie to you. Do you want to know what I had? More soup. Yup — you heard me right. That big ‘ole pot of soup had to be used up.

However, on the side I made a salad and used my homemade vinaigrette to go along with it. This stuff is seriously yummy — and SO simple to make!

 

Basic Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, parsley flakes, and crushed red pepper to taste

 

I made this yesterday, but the flavors really blended well overnight — it was actually very sweet! It was delicious.

My salad included some protein on one side (easy garlic hummus)…

 

and some crack in a jar artichoke spread on the other side…

 

These guys were great buddies — they liked being in the same bowl.

After dinner (read: 4 bowls of soup later between the Husband and myself), there is just enough soup left for about half of a person to eat (or half of a serving… whatever).

I am currently whining to the husband about how I want to sit in the living room on a comfy chair while he is watching TV. Normally this would not be a problem, but I enjoy lights being on. He enjoys lights being off. I fall asleep when lights are off. He cozies up and watching TV until midnight when lights are off. ::sigh:: What’s a girl to do when Grey’s Anatomy comes on in 40 minutes? Time to go butter him up!

Question: Do you make your own salad dressing or dish out the $4 a bottle for the goods? Do you enjoy lights on or off (while watching TV)?

Tagged as: artichoke spread, basic balsamic vinaigrette, butternut squash, hummus, peanut butter, pumpkin oats, running