Yesterday felt like the first official day of the new year to me, mainly because it was a very regular day. I’m not going to lie, it was a little hard to get moving for me in the morning. I think I got a little too used to the relaxed vibe of the holidays.
My day began curled up in bed with my devotional before I came downstairs to get a jump start on work. I said goodbye to Ryan around 7 a.m. and once Chase was up for the day, I made the two of us breakfast. Chase requested Cheerios (he’s obsessed with the new Banana Nut Cheerios), so his breakfast was a breeze.
I was craving something on the savory side and ended up making myself a plate of toast topped with guacamole, two fried eggs, turkey bacon and green onion. I served it up with a side of sliced cherry tomatoes in an effort to add a little color and lycopene to my plate.
Once we were both fed and happy, Chase seemed content to play with his new train table so I did a little food prep in the kitchen. (Remind me to hug my mother-in-law hard when I see her next because the train table she gave Chase has been amazing for independent play and imagination.) I made a batch of hard boiled eggs, chopped up some veggies and began whipping up some whole wheat pumpkin muffins for Chase.
Chase helped make the muffins and we both ate one fresh out of the oven once they were done. A perfect midmorning snack!
After our snack, we got dressed for the day and headed off to visit a friend for a play date and run a couple of errands that mostly centered around holiday-related returns and exchanges. We made our way back home around 1 p.m. and Chase ate lunch before we played indoor fetch with Sadie and dug into some Christmas toys.
Bless all of you who told me to go back and get the giant $30 giraffe for Chase for Christmas. He loves it so much! Yesterday he said, “Mama, my giraffe SO CUTE” and it was just way too adorable. After some giraffe cuddles, Chase went down for his nap and I made myself a quick lunch.
I threw together a Thai Crunch Salad which was initially supposed to be our dinner but the flavors of the Thai peanut dressing called to me.
You guys HAVE to make this recipe! It was so darn good and I could not get over how much I loved it. The salad truly tasted like a salad I’d order at a restaurant! (Small note: I doubled the cilantro and omitted the chicken. I also used my beloved salad chopper to finely dice everything because chopped salads = the best salads.)
As I ate, I began working on an upcoming blog post and then responded to emails on the couch with Sadie snuggled by my side before sending off some tax documents.
Chase ended up napping like a champ yesterday which was great but it also meant I missed my afternoon workout date with my friend Lauren which was a bit of a bummer. I didn’t want to wake him up so yesterday ended up being a rest day from the gym. Back to the grind today!
Once Chase was up, we both ate a larabar, read a bazillion books (he is in love with this Pete the Cat collection) and played outside with Sadie for a hot second (it was FREEZING yesterday) before Ryan called to say he was on his way home.
By the time dinner rolled around, I wasn’t sure what to make since I ate half of my initial dinner plan for me and Ryan at lunch. I ended up throwing together some frozen veggies, rice, chicken and Korma Simmer Sauce I picked up a while ago at ALDI in a skillet and we actually loved the random combination of flavors.
Not too shabby for a last-minute meal!
After dinner, craziness ensued when Ryan and Chase doubled up on Chase’s PlasmaCar for some laps around the house.
Chase took me for a ride next and I must admit it was really fun! He can really get that little car moving!
Before settling in for the night, we did our usual routine of jammies, books, prayers and “Bouncy Bed” (Chase and Ryan jump and roll around on our bed together every night) and then I read my book (The Lighthouse Keeper – kind of cheesy but entertaining) for about an hour before I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.
Plans for today include the gym, Chase’s return to preschool, making and photographing a couple of recipes for the blog and getting a little more work done on the computer. I hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday!
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Sounds like a lovely day! It seems like it’s been freezing just about everywhere in the US right now! Even Jacksonville FL had below freezing temps in the morning yesterday–sheesh! I’m in PA and about ready to escape with my family to some kind of tropical island right about now! 🙂
Yes! My mother-in-law said it was freezing in Sarasota as well and that’s even further south! BRRR! Hope you stay warm today!
His giraffe!! Is Chase starting to like, ask you things and show you things? Adeline recently started saying, “Mommy, wanna see my _____?” And every time I’m like, YES OF COURSE SWEETHEART! It’s so sweet! Their little hearts are just the best. And I’m excited about those new recipes!
YES!! I love it so much!!
I’m right there with you with Tuesday feeling like the first day of 2018 instead of Monday.
I totally feel you on the cold. A bunch of outdoor activities were cancelled here for New Year’s Eve because it was -40 with the windchill. That’s too cold for me!
I felt the exact same way about yesterday beginning the new year! Although I’m bummed about winter break being over, I’m looking forward to finishing the school year strong and heading into summer vacation! (And I’m crossing my fingers for some snow over the next couple days! Hey, if it’s going to be this cold, we better get some snow!)
Agreed! I’d LOVE some snow if it’s going to be this cold! Bring it on!
Super cold right now and we’re in TX, so can’t imagine what the North is like. I’m such a wimp with extreme cold. My kids start school next Monday so we’re still in break mode but I’m dreading them going back. It’s been a great two weeks off. That Thai salad looks awesome. I just saved it to try.
We headed back this morning and it was INTENSE. Let’s just say there were tantrums, tears and battles to get Chase to wear “real” clothes and not his reindeer footie jammies. (THE HORROR. Ha!) Phew!! I really hope it goes well for you! Apparently getting back into a routine may take some time in our house.
Happy New Year Julie!
I love the Aldi Indian sauces. Our go to is the tomato based Tikka Masala. We keep one in the cabinet for nights like yours. Quick and easy.
Train tables are the best! My nephew got one as well and he does so well just playing on the table even if it isn’t with the trains.
I really need to try that salad!
The picture of Chase and Ryan melted my heart, it should honestly be framed!! I hope Chase enjoys his return to preschool. PS – so excited to see a picture of Sadie, I hope she’s doing well 🙂
That picture of Chase and Ryan is hilarious! It reminds me of a great memory. My niece got a toy car for her last birthday, but she was too afraid to drive it and said that only boys could drive. I don’t know where she got that idea, but it’s probably from watching her brother drive his. Before my nephew could get in to chauffeur her around, I climbed my way-too-big-for-the-car butt into the car and drove her around to prove that girls could do it too. It was hilarious for the adults, but she drives that car like a champ now 🙂
Hope you have a great day!
That dinner looks SO good! I just love meals that come together quickly and are super delicious!
Not gonna lie, the return to normalcy after the holidays feels kind of great. I’ve walked past that Korma sauce so many times wondering if was any good, I’ll have to give it a try!
Hi Julie~ I’m a over 50 (probably one of a handful of your “older” readers?) daily reader of your blog which I enjoy reading and trying out some of the recipes you post. I like how you are proud to mention that you read your daily devotionals which I think is important. And speaking of cold……… I’m from Minnesota so it IS COLD here! We’ve had temps in the negatives over the Holidays, today is a BALMY 5 above and it feels so warm out today! ; – )
That salad looks so yummy! Also, if you’re ever able to go see Eric Litwin, the author of the first couple of Pete the cat books, check him out. He’s such a wonderful storyteller. I took my daughter to see him in April and it was awesome! He’s also got other silly books too.
Oh that’s so awesome! I’m sure Chase would LOVE it!
Hi Julie!
My son is OBSESSED with giraffees and stuffed animals – where did you find yours!
I think my 2 year old would LOVE IT!!
Thanks
Rebecca 🙂
I got it at ALDI! 🙂 They also had monkeys and dinosaurs!
What devotional are you doing? I’m always looking for suggestions!
I’m doing a combination of two at the moment — The Women’s Devotional Guide to the Bible (this is the one that really gets me reading the Bible) and Trusting God Day by Day by Joyce Meyer which is much shorter/easier!
I made the thai crunch salad for dinner last night after seeing it mentioned on your meal plan… soon good! I think it’s the best salad I’ve ever made at home. I forgot to pick up peppers so I added in some frozen peas and green beans instead, and added some extra cayenne pepper as well, it was so delicious, i’m still thinking about it today.
Isn’t it amazing!?!? I was honestly kind of shocked at how much it tasted like a restaurant salad!
So funny you mentioned that salad – I had it on the menu plan for last week but didn’t get around to making it. It’s back on the menu plan for this week and I can’t wait to try it!