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?
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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… :-o!
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! 😀
I totally think we are twins – your sandwich (spinach-artichoke hummus, YUM!), love for coffee and the hug mug. I love it!
I’m so glad I found your blog – I love it so far 🙂
Have a fabulous Friday!
Holly
haha i love the hug mug! and that grilled sandwich looks delightfullllll- im stuffed right now and im pretty sure i could eat that haha
That’s about the right size for a coffee mug! I drink about 5 cups of tea that size a day! Lol. As for granola, I’m making some this afternoon. I’ll be sure to post up the recipe! 🙂