Posts from — March 2010

Stop And Take Action

by Marisa

We survived the first day of spring break without incident. No need for whistle blowing or donning a black and white striped referee shirt. I have high hopes for this break

The best part of it all is that I get to sleep in until 7:15 a.m.!!! The extra hour makes a huge difference for me (said I’m not so grouchy).

Since we were in vacation mode, I got a late start on breakfast. After whipping up pancakes for the daughters and cleaning up, I made my usual bowl of yum…

3/4 cup nonfat plain Chobani
3 drops liquid vanilla NuStevia
1 cup strawberries
1/4 cup Special K Granola

I was really impressed with the daughters today. After breakfast, they did some spring cleaning of their rooms. Quietly. And without much prodding from me. Hmmmmm……they must want something….

I debated off and on, for about an hour, as to whether I should exercise or not. My body said not. But, my brain was telling me that I should. I should run today. I should do something.

The debate went on too long. Time for lunch!

I was craving chickpeas again, so I put together one of my favorites – Chickpea Salad. I served it over a bed of baby spinach…

I topped it with a dollop of this…

I’m not sure I like this flavor. Hard for me to say, since I never met a hummus I didn’t like! The flavor was pretty strong and a bit harsh. I’ll have to give it another try on its own and see if it grows on me.

Lunch didn’t hold me over very long. After running a few errands, the daughters invited some friends over and we all got to snacking. I decided on a Banana Nut Vitatop…

It was good, but very lonely without its BFF – PB2, which has been on backorder for an Ice Age. I be sad without it. Hope it comes back soon

Finally, the arguing stopped and the action took place. I got on my sneakers and headed to the treadmill. I told myself that I had to do it. That’s it. No more debating. Just do it!

I cranked out 35 minutes and was so glad I did it! Late afternoon or evening isn’t my optimum time for working out. I like to get it done first thing in the morning because I tend to get too lazy in the afternoon. When my energy wanes, I find it easier to make excuses for not doing it.

Dinner was Barilla Plus Farfalle pasta with grape tomatoes, simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan…

So happy

Have a great day, everyone! Happy Friday!

What is your optimum time to workout? Morning, afternoon or evening?

March 26, 2010 24 Comments

Giving Up The Routine

by Marisa

Whew! I finally feel caught up on stuff. Strange how just a couple of days away really screws up the routine!

Speaking of screwing up the routine, the daughters are off from school now through April 6th! Aaaah! I’m hoping we can do fun things together and enjoy our togetherness without me having to do a lot of this…

(source)

***

I wasn’t so hungry for breakfast this morning. It took me a while to decide what to eat. Finally, I opted for a bowl of Kashi Go Lean Crisp with Almond Breeze and a load of strawberries…

and a cup of french press with swirling coffee grinds

I spent some time blogging, reading and cleaning, then picked up little daughter from her half day at school. I took her out for a Mom-Little Daughter lunch. Her restaurant of choice was Panera Bread. Works for me!

I had the Garden Vegetable Soup and Tomato and Mozzarella Panini…

Yummy.

It was such a beautiful day that I dragged the daughters ( and Rocky!) for a walk around a nearby trail. I LOVE SPRING! While walking, I snacked on an Attune Bar that I got at Fitbloggin…

Dinner was breakfast for the family. I, of course, did my own thing. I made it just as quick and easy. This heat and eat rice mix from Trader Joe’s is really good…

I added some chickpeas to it …

and served it with leftover veggies…

I like the flavor contrast of the rice mix. It’s got just a hint of spice and a bit of sweetness from the raisins and apple. Very nice!

I ended the night with a cup of Celestial Seasonings Madagascar Red Tea……along with little daughter’s creepy toy left by my computer…

Forgive my complaining, but this vegetarian for lent is wearing on me. In a way, I’m glad because that is the point of giving something up to begin with! But, it’s getting really difficult and my original enthusiasm about it is waning. I’ll save my thoughts on it all and what I have learned along the way for a Lent-end post. Which will no doubt end with me writing it while eating a GIANT turkey sandwich

Have a great day, everyone!

What is one food that you could never give up?

March 25, 2010 34 Comments

Wordless Wednesday

by Marisa

Okay, you didn’t really think you were gonna get off that easy, did ya ?

I’ve been playing catch-up since getting home from Fitbloggin, so I promise to keep this short and sweet! I also wanted to have some time to visit your blogs (Google Reader = Out Of Control) and comment! I miss “talking” with y’all when things get busy. I just realized saying y’all is not Philly-correct. If I say youze or the shortened version – yuhze, will you still know what I mean?