I spent the whole day watching CNN. My aunt + uncle live in Tom’s River, and I spent my summers growing up going to Lakewood, NJ to visit my grandmother, and the visit always included a trip to the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. Giant slices of pizza, arcade games, vinegary French fries, and rides galore. It’s devastating to see what has happened along the coast. I feel like something very historic was destroyed yesterday – the roller coaster I rode on as a girl is in the ocean!
We were very, very lucky here. I kept waiting for the wind to come, but it never did. We had one overturned plant and lots of rain and clouds, but nothing like our local newscasters were expecting.
I prepared the whole porch for a tropical storm. And then put it all back by mid-morning.
I woke up thinking about French toast again.
I can’t get it outta my head lately! But instead, I decided to unpack it and make scrambled eggs (omg!) with toast on the side.
Two eggs, scrambled plain with smoked salt + pepper
And some Cville Crunch with mashed banana, Wild Squirrel, chia and coconut.
Served with the usual decaf. This was good, but French toast would have been better!!
Morning laundry folding. I do laundry all the time, but I like doing laundry, so I don’t mind. #1 item we dirty up? Burp cloths. Partly because I hate to reuse them when they get wet!
A few hours of CNN later…we ate lunch.
Salad greens with almonds, bleu cheese, hummus and grapes.
Plus a mug of our leftover Baked Potato Soup!
For a snack I wanted something filling and warm, so I mixed together this pumpkiny concoction
Ricotta cheese (1/3 cup), pumpkin (1/2 cup), chia seeds, coconut and maple flakes I got at the Spice Diva.
This glamour shot is a lighting test from a video session Matt and I did for Real Health. We shot a video talking about our sleeping routine with Mazen. Should be up in a few weeks!
Then we left for family gym time! I wasn’t planning on going today, but Matt suggested it, so we packed up everyone at 5:00 and left. Boy was the gym busy!
Karen met us there for Grandmother Power Hour. She walks on the track and kills two lovebirds with one stone: some exercise and Maze snuggles. We workout until Maze starts to let us know he’s thinking about needing to eat soon, and then we jet outta there so fast! It’s funny how I never would have wanted to go to the gym in the evening earlier, but now – you gotta take what you can get!!
We made it home just in time for me to shower before feeding the babe.
PJs! Note the feet!
A shower and Mazen’s dinner later, we sat down to eat a Matt surprise.
Sautéed Tofu with a side of sautéed cabbage and carrots in a mustard BBQ sauce
Plus a new green called tatsoi from the market that Matt brought home. Simply sautéed in olive oil. They were a little stemmy for me.
Booch!
Our dinner, while plentiful, lacked healthy carbs, and I could feel it a little bit later so I went searching for something. I swear my stomach has a checklist of protein, carbs and fats and if I don’t have one at a meal an alarm goes off in there. I should have had something wholesome like a slice of bread with peanut butter, but instead I found one of Hillary’s pumpkin bars in our freezer. It was so good heated up!
Maze is excited for Halloween and over and over he wanted to read the card Grammie Buzz sent.
She would be so impressed with his literary outfit too!
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
The lighting in that room makes it look like you’re at some kind of rage or cosmic body pump 🙂
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
By rage, I mean rave. I got confused with Matt’s rage-like look haha
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
Have you tried the Nugget’s Raw Kombucha Espresso flavor? It’s divine!
KathEats says
Yes!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
I’m glad you guys stayed safe! It’s been heartbreaking to hear of all the damage done and lives lost on the east coast.
It sounds like you guys have your routine down at the gym – that’s so nice you have Karen there to help!
And I LOVE Mazen’s little PJ’s! Adorable!
Lola says
Wow– you’re allowed to wear baby while working out?! That changes everything!
KathEats says
She was just walking on the track… The 1lb weight was just for photography show!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Glad you guys weren’t hit hard! We got some crazy wind here but nothing bad at all.
I love that striped top you had on! I’m a black and grey stripe addict.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
So sorry to hear about the piece of your childhood that didn’t fare so well in the storms wake, it can be devastating but you have wonderful memories there. I’m glad to hear you didn’t get any Sandy aftermath in your neck of the woods. Good for you for putting that upgraded membership to use! Loooove Maze’s doggy PJ’s!
lisa fine says
I love seeing all of Mazen’s cute little outfits. It must be fun to go baby clothing shopping.
Mmm…tatsoi. I haven’t had that in a while. We just signed up for a winter CSA that’s going to include greens, so I’m excited to see if we get some fun new ones to try in our box!
KathEats says
Oops I spelled it wrong!
KathEats says
Nevermind! I just don’t remember spelling it right : )
Chelsea@Ahintofhealthy says
Mazen’s jammies are too cute! That pumpkin + ricotta snack looks so good. I don’t have ricotta right now, so I am going to try it with some cottage cheese today! Thanks Kath
Eating 4 Balance says
Looking at holiday cards when I was younger was like reading a book 🙂 I’d read them over and over, and keep my favorites to look at later!
Those PJs are so cute with the little dogs for feet. Bet they keep his toes warm!
And up until a month ago I had never had grapes on a salad. Just on a whim I had some cucumber slices, tuna and grapes. Together– such an amazing combo. I would have never guessed that fruit would taste so good with greens!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
I love the picture of Matt lifting!! Yay for family gym time!
Mom says
So sad about the Jersey shore and all areas hurt by the storm. Love the Dr. Seuss!
Kristin says
Kath, did you heat up your ricotta/pumpkin snack or eat it cold?
Thanks!
KathEats says
Heated it!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Mazen is more adorable each day – you’re so lucky to have so many moments captured on your blog!
Kim Weigand says
I agree with Claire, just thinking the same. He is growing so fast and with each picture, I either see you or Matt in him and sometimes both…He’s precious, just want to kiss those little cheeks, and don’t you just love baby’s heads and their breath. Having my third gdaughter in two weeks, can’t wait!!
Cherleen @ My Personal Finance Journey says
Glad to hear you are all safe. I love my French Toast with cinnamon on it, served with cappuccino. Maze is growing up sooo fast! I love his booties(?)!
Coco says
The pumpkin ricotta combo sounds delicious, I want a bowl too. Oh… Are u supposed to eat diary when breastfeeding. I haven’t tried yet, too afraid to cause more gas.
Looking forward to see the sleep routine video. Please link it when it’s up.
It’s funny when you say your stomach has a check list for carb, protein And fat. Mind is the same with carb, protein and veggies, I can do without fat sometimes. 🙂 I wonder if its truly physical or mental. 😉
KathEats says
I’ve never had a problem with dairy, and Mazen seems totally fine
Coco says
A quick question, what’s your favorite brand of decaf coffee? I haven’t craved coffee since pregnant now I want some badly but caffeine seems not settle well with my girl. Hunting for a good decaf.
KathEats says
A local one…Shenandoah Joe’s. It’s the best I’ve found. I haven’t liked a lot of commercial ones.
Jen says
Have you done much research into the chemicals used to decaffeinate coffee? I’ve heard some scary things about it and just wondered what you thought.
KathEats says
The swiss water process is supposed to be much safer: http://www.swisswater.com/consumer/swiss-water-process
Paige says
My then boyfriend, now husband and I bought those exact dog PJs at Target a couple of years ago. They’re the first and only baby item we’ve ever bought – we’re still several years out from trying to have kids. But they were just too cute to pass up, so they’re sitting in storage. Several of my female relatives LOVED that my boyfriend got excited about baby clothes, and that story definitely contributed to extra enthusiastic responses when we for engaged. Mazen looks adorable in them!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Maze’s pjs with the little doggies on the feet are too cute!!! I wish I had some pjs like that, haha. And I’m so sorry to hear about your rollercoaster! I don’t have a TV so I haven’t been keeping up with the news well. Luckily, here in Chicago, we’ve only had some very windy days, we’re too far from the storm for anything major, not even rain!
Diane says
Mazen is getting cuter every day! I love him reading the card.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I want a shirt like Mazen’s! Love it! I’m so glad you guys are in such a great groove. Love the teamwork!
Laura @ She Eats Well says
Love the footie PJs. Too freaking cute.
Lauren says
I live in ocean city, nj. We got thrashed, but I know up north, like toms river, got it way worse than we did. It’s unreal. You see storms like this on tv, think to yourself ugh that sucks, but when it’s your back yard that’s on tv, it’s utterly heartbreaking. I hope your family is safe.
Meghan Hochgesang says
i just wanted to take a moment to tell you how wonderful i think karen’s relationship is with you and matt. coming from a newly married woman whose in-laws are less than involved, it makes me sad for our future children. yay for you, though, it’s truly fabulous to see.
Laura says
Glad you all are safe! Your snack looks tasty!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Scrambled eggs look delish! Smoked salt sounds interesting. So wonderful how Karen is able to be so active in Maze’s life…my parents and in-laws never lived close enough to just call them up on the spur of the moment. Thankfully, both my boys have a close relationship with them despite the distance.
Annette @FitnessPerks says
I think that salad looks awesome!! YUMMM!
carol says
Gosh, Mazen has gotten so big!! You can really tell from the photo with the doggie jammies on with Daddy. So darling.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Glad you all fared well with the storm! Today’s pics were the first time I could really see Mazen getting “older.” He’s holding his head up and is losing his newborn face. So sad to but still so fun to see each development stage! 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
The Sautéed Tofu with a side of sautéed cabbage and carrots in a mustard BBQ sauce sounds perfect! I want that meal – for breakfast at 1030am here 🙂
Glad your family members and you are safe from the storm!
Carrie @ The Cook's Palette says
Glad to hear you didn’t get hit too hard with the storm. So hard to watch all of this from the west coast. That’s awesome that you are so in tune with your body like that at meals…knowing that if you missed a key macronutrient, your body will talk to you. Great example for your readers.
Sarah says
oh maze is just precious.
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
Whenever I find myself wanting french toast allll the time, I do the same thing…find a happy medium. Which, like you, is usually toast (w/ almond butter + banana) and eggs! French toast is a nice treat, but I try not to have it more than once a week so it can continue to be just that…a treat!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
The wind was absolutely out of control where I live. We were so very lucky that we didn’t lose power or have much damage. Towns near us have damage and are still without power. It’s so hard to watch the Jersey shore on tv because I go there quite frequently. It’s just a shame of what has happened.
On a happier note, I love Mazen’s outfit with the dogs on the feet! Super cute 🙂
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
I’m glad the storm did not make its way to you!
That onesie on Maze just made me die from cuteness! THE FEET! 🙂
chris says
Happy Halloween Y’all!! What are the parents dressing up as this year? J and M did a last minute costume that was pretty funny – “Sleep Deprived New Parents.” It was easy 🙂
KathEats says
Haha nice.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I love the idea of pumpkin/ricotta snack idea – YUM! In fact, all the food in this post is making my mouth water.
And I’m glad y’all weren’t affected by the storm. It’s always good to hear positive stories, especially when there are so many sad ones out there.
Sarah says
It’s spelled, “Toms River.”
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
He’s so cute looking at his book! Love the playsuit with the feets! You have me craving French toast (the vegan version) all the time now too! It’s SO GOOD! 🙂
Cait says
Love that picture of Mazen and Matt. Too adorable!
Robyn says
embarrassing but funny story..
last night when i was walking laps around the track with whitney, a guy kept passing us and from behind and i thought “that guys kinda cute”. Um, we went to stretch and I realized it was Matt!!
Darn.
KathEats says
Hahaha!!!
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Love the “glamour” shot – you look great, Kath!
Lauren Jamison @ The Barn says
Enjoyed hanging in your neck of the woods last weekend! Uber jealous, even more than before if possible, of all the good eats and the awesome culture around there! The leaves and mountains couldn’t have been more beautiful!
Rachel says
Kath – have you always had such a sweet tooth? I always used to be more into salty foods, but my sweet tooth has gotten stronger as I’ve gotten older!
KathEats says
Yes, unfortunately!
Rachel says
It’s not any worse than a salty tooth like I have!
KathEats says
🙂 I do well if I don’t have sweets in my house (or live at the bakery 🙂 ) When I’m out, a good quality dessert is always worth it though.
Kimberly says
What is kombucha??
How did you prep your tofu? Looks like good texture.
And are your overnight oats served warm or cold?
That is all.
Thank you kindly.
KathEats says
It’s a fermented tea.
Tofu was sauteed in safflower oil until crispy in a hot skillet.
Overnight oats are cold! 🙂
sharon says
OMG! Mazen is so stinkin cute! Love that little nose! Congrats again.
Amanda says
I live in Toms River but we were luckily not as effected as others. Our house is fine and power came back this morning. We have friends who lost their homes and suffering the effects of the storm. It’s definitely a surreal experience to know that the shore I live so close to and enjoy so much is gone.
Mom says
I’m so sorry. Cliff took me to Seaside on my first visit to Lakewood (his home) and we’ve been visiting very since. 37 years. It’s heartbreaking.
Lauren S says
I’m a little beind, just got internet back today. I live in Toms River (and work in Lakewood) we fared well but the end of our street, on the bay is devastated as well as the next street over. It’s so surreal to watch the news and realize they are talking about our town and the surrounding towns. I’m constantly walking up the street to check on the status of gas at the wawa so I can let people know if they should atttempt to get in line. My friend is a police officer and when I spoke with him yesterday he said this is our Katrina…it’s that bad.
KathEats says
I’m so sorry. It’s surreal to me from afar since it’s an area I spent a lot of time in when I was younger. My grandmother lived in Lakewood for years (on River Avenue) and my uncle is a police officer there (maybe friends with your friend!)
Lauren S says
My family lucked out, we had a tree down and parents don’t have power which is nothing compared to everyone else. We currently have police at the end of our street checking id’s on the way in to prevent looting. On a better note people are already talking about rebuilding and those that don’t have damage are trying to do everything they can to help others: offering their homes, donating to shelters, retrieving peoples pets. We are just trying to help in whatever way we can, I’m currently getting together donations to take to the shelter set up at the high school I attended. It’s just something you can’t fathom until it happens. Some people lost everything so if anyone has any types of donations food, clothes, toiletires, monetary I know there are several agencies accepting them.
KathEats says
Looting, gosh, that’s something no one should have to worry about. Best of luck to you guys.
Michelle @ From Seed To Tree says
What a beautiful lunchtime salad. I love the different colours throughout!
Sam says
Your baby makes me SO happy and so sad at the same time. Can’t believe mine are 9 and 11.
I long to have a tiny baby to love and take care of..so wonderful! Enjoy! XO
Heather says
I almost NEVER say this about babies, but Mazen is seriously adorable. Such a snuggly-looking little bear cub!
Emily @ Life on Food says
He has the cutest outfits. I love the last shirt. Wherever did you get it?
KathEats says
It’s a onesie.that I’m borrowing from a friend
Jennifer says
I love, love, love that Dr. Seuss outfit!! Too cute! 🙂
Shari says
The devastation at the Jersey Shore is just heartbreaking … makes me feel like crying. 🙁
KathEats says
Agreed. I watched CNN a lot today again. Like a lot of other disasters, the worst comes in the aftermath when everything is sorted out.
Kat @ Kat's Health Corner says
I live at the Jersey Shore, very close to Toms River, and the destruction is just horrific. We’re still without power and it may be a few more days before we get it back. I’ve seen all the heartbreaking pictures of Seaside and Point Pleasant and all the other places I call home on Facebook, but today my family and I actually got out of the house to visit family members, and it’s even scarier seeing everything in person. I hope your Aunt and Uncle made it through the storm unharmed…I know a good amount of people in TR who didn’t lose power at all, so I hope they’re among them!
KathEats says
I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what it must be like up there. I think my family fared pretty well relative to some of the other neighborhoods. Hope you guys are feeling somewhat back to normal a lot sooner than later.
Mom says
Me too.
Kristen @ The Balanced Bowl says
Oh those footie pj’s are so darn cute!!!
Your breakfast looked amazing. Even when you aren’t “feeling ” your meal choice you still have a way of making it look so indulgent. 🙂
Cher @ Weddicted says
Glad everything is okay for you all!
Lauren says
So so sad to see what devastation this storm caused. We were very lucky as well thank goodness. Glad you and your home al stayed safe through it all!
Katie says
I am so touched to see your MIL come to the gym and snuggle with Mazen. It is funny how the ones who love us help us preserve some shreds of normalcy that keep us going during those tough first few months of motherhood. I used to follow your blog, got pregnant and stopped wanting to look at/talk about food, and stumbled back upon it right as Mazen was born and now I check every day because I get great meal & exercise inspiration from you. He is so cute and motherhood looks great on you Kath. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration.
-Katie, Mom to 5 month old Nathan
zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
Love the doggy pjs and the Dr Seuss outfit. He is such a gorgeous baby. A question for you about Tofu. I have tried it so many ways and just eat it occasionally for health. I can honestly say I have never actually enjoyed it. You eat it quite regularly. I am just curious – do you actually like it or just eat it because it is healthy?
KathEats says
I actually do love it.. Texture most of all, but also the slightly sweet, mostly bland flavor. I would keep trying brands and preparations… They vary so much. And restaurants make it so good that you can better know how you like it at home. Try one of all the flavors on the whole foods salad bar so you don’t waste a restaurant entree on something you don’t love.
zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
Thank you 🙂 . We are actually in USA on holiday (love it!!) and there is a Wholefoods in Miami I plan to visit to buy some of the wonderful things you eat on your blog. We are timing it for lunch so I will try their Tofu. I am excited about going there 🙂
Laura Jane @ Super Sweet Life says
So glad that you are all safe and sound! Love the picture of your mother in law at the gym with Mazen. He so blessed to have such a great family.
Nicole says
Dr Seuss outfit!!! I’m in love!
So much fun hitting the gym with hubs while family and friends have snuggle time with your little Mazen, what a blessing!
Excited for the video on baby sleep routine 😀
the 3volution of j3nn says
I dig the the family teamwork! How awesome to have Karen on board. Extended family is so wonderful.
mary @ minutespermile says
what a cutie! random question — do you use a tofu press?
KathEats says
No I don’t
Amy @ Eat Workout Succeed says
I’m so glad you guys were all safe during the storm… it’s heartbreaking seeing the devastation on the news.
I love that you go to the gym as a family, that’s awesome!
Fran@BCDC says
Everything looks delicious!! Love the Cat in the Hat shirt!!
Nina wassel says
I got that exact same card for my grandson. soooo Cute!!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I had a hard time pulling myself away from the news as well. My ex lives in Jersey and when we were dating we went to visit his grandparents in Seaside Heights for Easter. Their house was about 50 feet from the ocean. I reached out to him the other day and his family is all safe but they haven’t made it back to view damage to their homes yet….it’s so scary!
Lauren S says
I live in Toms River, and fortunately fared well during the storm. I heard today that it could be weeks before they are allowed over the bridge. I can’t imagine not being able to even assess the damage. I hope they are able to salvage whatever they may find.