This weekend has been a time for relaxation and enjoyment after a stressful week at work. I made up my mind at the beginning of the weekend that my choices this weekend would encourage a simple time.
We started out after work Friday evening at the fitness center (Ed met me there on my way home). We walked the indoor track and had a chance to unwind, talk about our day, and also get some exercise. This might not seem enjoyable to some (the exercise part), but I'm learning how important it is for me to engage in some form of exercise every day - it really gets those endorphins flowing!
Saturday morning, the kids both came over and we did our bi-monthly shopping trek to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. My niece and her two girls met us there - it was a fun adventure!
Here are some things I'm excited about cooking with this coming week:
Look at all the squash! There's spaghetti squash, yellow, acorn, zucchini, and a cute mini delicata squash, too! Plus a couple sweet potatoes and an abundance of carrots. I'm looking forward to eating this seasonal bounty and creating some great meals with these wonderful vegetables! We also picked up quite an assortment of apples. Stephen, Emilee, and I all picked out a different variety and then when we got home, sorted them so we each had an assortment of each variety. All of them are good eating apples, but I think I might need to add them to a salad or a bowl of hot oats, or even pairing them with some of the squash that will get roasted. Use your imagination when putting fruits and vegetables together in dishes - you might be surprised at how wonderful the flavors blend.
Saturday afternoon was a perfect time for a nap. With the windows open and a sweet breeze blowing through, I was able to catch a few winks and relax even more.
In the evening Ed and I went to church. I love the option of Saturday night church and am so glad our church offers this service. It was a great way to end the day - the worship music was outstanding and our Pastor continued his series on prayer with encouraging words that we should pray boldly, without hesitancy - the way Jesus taught His disciples (Luke, chapter 11). I really like this series Pastor Chris is doing - it's really strengthening my faithwalk as I ponder it throughout the week.
Today started out with a cool Autumn breeze and a bit of morning rain. The kids both came over after they had attended their church services. We had fajitas (chicken and veggie) and enjoyed a relaxing time around the table, talking and listening to them talk about their week. I love those times! Since they both live on their own now and have such full, active lives we don't see them as often as we'd like. Sunday dinner is a time each week that we can have some great family time.
Emilee and I went on a little outing this afternoon (book browsing at Barnes & Noble, sipping some tea) while Ed watched football (and napped) and Stephen caught up on some grading.
In my last post I showed you a photo of a wonderful wrap that I made with a "secret" ingredient.
Did you guess that I had added figs to this veggie wrap?
I loaded a Flatout multigrain wrap with spread of hummus, some feta cheese, sliced mini peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leaf lettuce. Then added a sliced fig - it was the perfect blend of sweetness to this flavorful wrap. Figs are showing up in stores now in the produce section. Grab a few the next time you are shopping and be adventurous with this wonderful fruit. Figs are high in fiber, potassium, manganese, and calcium. A great snack using figs is to stuff them with a little goat cheese and chopped almonds. I also like to add them to a salad, in yogurt, or even a bowl of cereal or granola with some almond milk. They are sweet and the seeds add a great little crunch!
I hope you had a relaxing, simple weekend.
I feel refreshed now to head into the work week tomorrow.
Yes, it's been a really nice weekend, especially today! We were just discussing what we were going to eat tonight. It's getting late to eat but now you've made me hungry! I used to love going to church on Sat. nights too! Hoping with our church growing and full now that they will offer that option soon vs. another Sun. service. Have a good week Denise.
Posted by: Cindy | September 26, 2010 at 08:34 PM
Sounds like a lovely week-end. I had a good b-day week-end, but nothing outstanding. Looking forward to our visit with Kev, leaving next Saturday.
Do you miss teaching your young adult SS class?
Posted by: Dawn | September 26, 2010 at 09:14 PM
What a great idea to put figs in the wrap! I never would of thought of that! YUM!
Posted by: Adrianne@ Flex-appeal | September 26, 2010 at 09:52 PM