Whew!! I’m finally home!! The house is sparkling clean, I have fresh flowers on my desk, the husband was doused in my favorite cologne, chili was on the stove, and this was on the kitchen table:
Breakfast
Before we left, I had a delicious breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts, bacon (1 small slice) and half a small grapefruit. “Part of this complete breakfast.” It was sad saying goodbye to my grandparents!
Lunch
Since I would rather go hungry than eat at a fast food place on the side of the highway, I was so happy to pack sandwiches from my grandmother’s fridge. We had turkey, swiss, lettuce, green pepper and leftover bacon on light oatmeal bread with carrots and an apple. I did something totally out of character and got a Diet Dr. Pepper to have with lunch when we switched drivers at the Maryland Welcome Center because my mouth (and mind!) were bored –
(I actually ate my apple an hour after the other parts of lunch)
Snacks
I’d been hyping up Larabars the whole trip to my sister, so around 3:30 we decided it was time to give one a try. We split this guy:
But he didn’t really fill me up so I had an orange and some almonds at my parents’ house around 4:30 before I got back on the road to drive to Charlotte!
Dinner
I got home around 6:30 to a warm pot of vegetable beef chili on the stove!
It was made with 8 oz of eye of round, kale, a can of navy beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, jalapeño and seasonings. YUM!! I topped mine with some fancy shredded colby cheese and 1 oz of Fage. I also had a slice of the husband’s homemade honey wheat bread and a my 4 oz glass of wine from above:
Dessert
My grandmother sent me home with a box of See’s Chocolates for the husband. I thought they were just plain, but much to my delight, they were all kinds of delicious fillings! I LOVE these kinds of chocolates. I had nibbles of about 5 kinds and one of the crunchy sticks – probably the equivalent of 3 whole chocolates. Quite a heafty 200 or so kcal, but the perfect end to a great vacation!
Gifts
My grandmother also sent me home with these awesome chairs – one of Shakespeare and one of Dickens – that she painted herself (she’s an amazing artist!). Here’s the Shakespeare one in our foyer:
And here’s a cute little antique stove that she hopes I will use to make plenty of nutritious recipes during my years as an R.D. 🙂
Have a great night everyone!!
Meg says
1) haha before I scrolled down and could really see the picture of your orange, i thought it was a big scoop of ice cream!
2)my family is a huge fan of See's candies. It's actually one of the only brands my father will eat. He says it beats Godiva and any other chocolate company, and always choses it to send for gifts!
3)That oven is adorable! does it really work?
arimcg says
That chair is so cute!
Ruby Red Vegan says
I have to say that I love your blog! I'm a future R.D., just like you (oooh, warm fuzzies!).
You know your stuff: Larabars ARE awesome! I'll have to try the Pecan Pie one, and Cashew Cookie is also on my list. 🙂
It's so great that you were able to maintain healthy eating habits over the holidays. It seems like you'll keep going strong!
Jill says
That is just about the coolest chair ever, I do so love your family already! May we see a picture of the Dicken's one? Does she sell art or is it just for fun?
Alicia says
Hi Kath,
Welcome home! Like Meg, I thought that your orange was a big scoop of ice cream as well. LOL. Your chairs are so unique. Your grandmother is one talented lady and I'm always so envious of creative folks since I cannot draw to save my life. 😛
Annie says
I absolutely LOVE See's Candies, my mom lives out in California right next to one of the places they make them fresh daily, and its so tempting every time I visit. Glad you had a nice trip!
Becky says
I thought it was ice cream too!
VeggieGirl says
Your trip definitely sounds like it was quite enjoyable – so thrilled that you had a nice time!!
Oooh, I LOVE Larabars – I eat one everyday! I recommend the Cashew-Cookie, Pistachio, Banana-Cookie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, and Gingersnap flavors :0)
That antique stove is stunning!!
Brooke says
Kath I just wanted to say what an inspiration you have been to me. I started my weightloss journey at the beginning of October and your blog has helped spur me on. I have about 20 more pounds to go and i know i will receive more inspiration from you as the journey continues. You have shown me how to be able to live my life without having food interfere with it. Thank you so much for just being so real.
Karen says
Welcome back, Kath!
Thank you for taking us along on your trip and introducing us to your adorable clan. That was fun!
If your grandma is taking orders for handpainted chairs, count me in! Her work is really beautiful! I love unique artisian-type furnishings, so this would fit right in with my decor. Let me know…
I just knew you'd have a healthy week. Glad you proved you it to yourself though!
the husband says
Welcome back, I'm glad you're home!
Sarah says
Love the chair!! 🙂 Looks like you had an awesome trip, and you did an awesome job of eating healthy and yummy foods…:)
Kath says
Thanks to all of you for the nice comments on my grandmother's art. I shared the comments with her. I will post some more of the paintings I have in the next few days 🙂
Brooke,
So glad you find the blog inspiring. Congrats on the weight loss thus far!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kath