[not so] busy day

Ever have one of those days that you expect to be super busy, and instead finding yourself doing absolutely nothing? 

This doesn’t happen very often, but today was such a day.  I woke up bright and early to fit in some quad stretches, knee strengtheners, and a 4-mile walk/trot (+ icing of course!)  As I was eating breakfast, I suddenly realized that most of my plans had been either cancelled or put off until tomorrow.  And then I suddenly found myself enjoying this fact.  Everything has been a little too crazy lately, and I enjoyed journaling and eating my breakfast in a leisurely way.  😀

• 1/4 c. each oatmeal and oatbran
• 1/4 c. wheatbran
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
• splash of vanilla
• toppings: scoopful of peanut butter and Galaxy Granola

Journaling.  Oats.  Sunny morning.  Life is beautiful. 😀

I’ve really been enjoying my morning walks these past couple of days.  Mind you, I’m still a runner at heart.  But there’s something special and relaxing about a long walk.  And it’s such a great energizer for the rest of the day.

Morning snack!  Note my [upside down] reflection in the spoon.

• 6-oz. yogurt
• 1 T. crushed flax
• 1/2 sliced banana
• scoopful of Galaxy Granola for crunch and fun

Attention, ladies and gents.  This may very well be the new “hummus” in my house.

The latest Everday Food by Martha Stewart had a recipe for a white bean dip, and knowing how much I love, love, love cannellini beans for their soft, buttery flavor, I set out to make it! 😀  I did change it around a little, basing it on one can of beans for three servings.

Mix the following ingredients in a food processor or blender. 

• 1 can cannellini beans
• 1 T. olive oil
• 1-2 tsp rosemary
• 1 T. red wine vinegar

You must try this, I kid you not! 😀  I sprinkled a bit of cajun on top of my serving.

And smeared it all over two Doctor Krackers for some major crunch and flavor. 😀

I also sauteed 1/4 a cabbage with a scoop of seeded dijon mustard.  I love cabbage when it gets all crispy brown in the pan.

I hate seeing things go to waste, so I’ve been managing to find ways to incorporate the Irish soda bread into my daily snacks and meals.  This afternoon’s snack in particular was totally delicious.  I think the bread gets better with age—especially when toasted!

I smeared about a tablespoon of cashew butter on top of a toasted slice and drizzled a bit of honey on top.  Yummy!

I also snagged along two fruits this afternoon because despite having a low key day, I did manage to fit in a trip to the grocery store.  I knew dinner wouldn’t be until late, so a pear and an apple were consumed throughout the afternoon to prevent any purchases that were off the grocery list. 😉

Dinner came around 7’ish, which is super late for me (although I know this is probably early for some people…haha.)  By that time I was pretty hungry, and this uber sized salad hit the spot!  Salads are like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with color and thought.  This particular salad had one of my favorite toppings: feta cheese!  It totally made this salad. 😀

• mesculin mix
• carrot
• 1/2 tomato
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• sweet onions
• 1 zucchini, grilled with a bit of salt and pepper
• 1/4 c. feta
• black olives
• dressing: balsamic vinegar and orange juice

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the perfect salad.  Your imagination is the limit! 😀

+ a toasted slice of—you guessed it—Irish soda bread with a pat of butter.

Off to make a snack and relax.  Tomorrow really is going to be a busy day. 😉

Question: What time of day do you normally eat dinner?  Usually I’m eating by 5 or 6 o’clock the latest.  During the summer though, I enjoy later meals, when everybody is home.  That way, we can all dine and discuss outside on the deck.  Just one of the many perks of summer! 😀

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