The Hug Mug

It’s another rainy, wet, and cold day here in my town.  I woke up sleepy-eyed and tired.  I can’t wait for the clouds to clear up so I can remind myself of what the sun looks like again.   However, these types of days are most definitely perfect for some of my favorite comfort foods, ie., oatmeal, hot coffee, and soup! 

I found another 1/2 an apple, deep in the back of the fruit drawer, so I used that up in my oatmeal.  I made it the usual way…

• 3/4 c. oats
• 1 c. milk + 1/2 c. water
• 1/2 apple
• handful of raisins
• lots of cinnamon, and a dash or two of nutmeg and cloves

Topped with…

• 2 T. homemade granola
• 2 T. walnuts
• a few raisins
• a sprinkling of coconut

I love this mix.  It just never grows old.  

Oh, and before I forget…let’s talk about homemade granola.  I need a great recipe!   I found this one off of Kath’s website, but I think I did something terribly wrong or I just really don’t know how to make granola.  Mine came out a little too salty without enough sweet.  I think maybe my proportions were distorted somehow, and I messed it up.  It still didn’t taste too bad, especially on oatmeal where I kind of liked the sweet/salty combo. 

But I’m still in search of that perfect granola that can save my wallet from buying it bag by bag.   Any ideas of what I might have done wrong or any recommendations for what you consider the best granola ever?

**~~~~**

I was very proud of myself for finally remembering to bring my whole foods bags to the grocery store.  Reusable bags are such an easy alternative that I should have been doing all along.  Sometimes it just takes me a while to jump on to the ‘green wagon,’ but I’m making small changes where I can. 

I was pretty hungry after our grocery shopping trip, and whipped up a quick sandwich with some veggie sticks.

• 2 slices of Natures Place whole wheat bread
• 1/4 a smashed avocado
• about 1/4 c. artichoke-spinach hummus
• cucumber slices
• green bell pepper slices
• lettuce and tomato

Then I grilled it so it got all nice and crispy and melty…mmmm…

And dessert…

I’ve realized that a lot of my money goes to coffee.  Whether it’s an iced latte…a soy misto…a soy steamer…or just a regular ol’ hot cup of joe.  I like my coffee.

But I’ve also realized that I can make a great tasting cup of coffee at home for much less.  A bag of really great whole beans from starbucks or whole foods (their brand is actually really good, by the way,) goes a long way in taste and in my wallet.  So I’m determined to save my coffee outings for special occasions. 

I made myself a nice cup of coffee this afternoon by mixing a cup of hot coffee with 1/2 c. of hot soy milk…and put it in an extra special hug mug.

I fell in love with the hug mug concept after watching Rachel Ray talk about it.  When it’s really cold outside, having a nice big hug mug gives off a wonderfully cozy vibe and warms you right up.  It makes rainy days completely enjoyable.   I enjoyed my hug mug of coffee ‘n’ soy after going for a 3-mile walk in the rain…pure bliss.

This afternoon, despite the cup of coffee, I was feeling sort of sluggish.  I think it’s the weather.  My mood and energy levels are easily influenced by whether the sun is out or not, and whether I’m really cold or not.  Today I was cold and it was dark out…I had almost no motivation to get out and run.

So…I almost didn’t run.  I decided I’d first address my growling stomach with a bowl of yogurt, a spoonful of crushed flax, and some strawberries…then I’d decide from there what to do.

The yogurt pepped me right up, and I decided to just go out for a short run in the rain and see how I felt.  I could always turn around and make it a 2-mile run, right?

I always trick myself in that way, and it almost always works.  

Once out, I was having too much fun to turn around and went for 3-miles instead.  It was just drizzling enough to make things interesting, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear, even up the grueling hills.  My legs felt super strong which made me feel more confident.  I love the good runs…they completely make up for the bad ones.

My third comfort food of the day was some homemade mushroom and barley soup.  I love, love, love this earthy and simple soup.  I think it would have been perfect with some kale thrown in too.   I also added just a bit of balsamic vinegar to add some interest.  Delicious!

 And a slice of the whole wheat walnut-raisin bread toasts that I had made a couple days back with a pat of butter…mmm…moosewood cookbooks just never let me down.

I finished the night off with a bowl of raisin bran, soymilk and 1/2 a small banana.  I know I’ve mentioned it before, but this cereal is really starting to grow on me.  I think I may end up buying another box… !

I’m still trying to get in touch with the RD at the hospital to see if I can volunteer over the summer with her…I really hope it works out.  It would be such an interesting experience.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

On that note, I’m off to relax a bit…tomorrow is FRIDAY!

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