Monday, December 7, 2009

My "Vacation" Day One

Hey guys! Happy Monday to you.




Today starts the official full week of my "vacation." Well, it's not so much a vacation that I planned; however, getting paid to stay home is never a bad thing, even if you are recovering from surgery.




I didn't have the best of nights last night. I woke up at 3am from throbbing pain that couldn't be ignored. I tried to fall back asleep, but the pain was far too intense. I really didn't want to take another Vicoden because I knew I would be taking one in a few hours, so I compromised with 2 Advil. They worked and I fell back to sleep for a few more hours.




It kind of scares me to think that I really can't function unless I am on the pain killers. It makes me wonder if I will become immune to the stuff; but after I did some research this morning, it turns out that taking pain killers for an extended period of time really isn't as bad as it sounds. There are some people who have taken these every day for years, so I am thinking a few weeks won't kill me.




Anyways, this morning was very similar to the past few mornings. I woke up, popped some pills, waited about an hour for them to kick in while catching up on emails and such, and eventually worked up my appetite and comfort state to make a delicious breakfast.




For days, I have been drooling over Holly's Pumpkin Molasses Cookies. I haven't been able to get them out of my head. I even went out, bought all of the ingredients, and came remarkably close to attempting them yesterday; however, I then reminded myself that I CAN'T BAKE! Really, even the attempt is disastrous so I just don't even bother. And Holly is way to sweet to offend with my pathetic attempt at recreating her specialities.




After I wallowed in a state of pity for a few moments, I then came up with the most brilliant idea! Since the cookie wasn't happening, what if I took this recipe and turned it into oatmeal?!?!




And that is how Pumpkin Gingerbread Molasses Oatmeal was born.....


I heated 1/4 Cup oats, flax, chia, 1/2 Cup Almond Milk, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger, 1 Teaspoon Molasses, 1/2 Mashed Banana and 1/3 Cup of Pumpkin.


Toppings were glorious! Blackberries, Vanilla Oikos (for the icing), Spoon of Mighty Maple PB, and a crumbled Ginger snap.


Holly, if you're cookies taste as good as my oatmeal, than I totally understand the hype! This was probably one of the best bowls of oatmeal I have ever made!!




My mom (who can bake very well) is coming over tomorrow morning to help me bake the actual cookies. Okay, truthfully, she will be baking them and I will be licking the bowl, just like old times! ;)




Just when I thought it couldn't get better, lunchtime rolled around.




Toly's parent's got home from Mexico this weekend, and right away, his mom got to work on making me my very favorite thing in the world.... Pumpkin Kasha!



My MIL's Pumpkin Kasha is unexplainable. Nothing compares. I jumped up and down with excitement when Toly brought this home last night.


I heated the Kasha along with roasted broccoli, goat cheese and cranberry chutney.

And also warmed the last little bit of my Snobby Joes on wilted spinach.






Such an incredible lunch! The kasha was the best part of course, but everything else was mighty tasty.




For not doing much of anything, I actually accomplished quite a lot today. In my 3 hour window of energy, I managed to do a few loads of laundry, clean the bathroom and dusted the house. The I took Sammy for a walk which felt nice to move my legs for a change. Not bad for a highly drugged individual.




My stomach began to grumble a few hours later and I craved a sweet snack.


Have you ever tried the Target Brand yogurts? They are surprising tasty. Not as good as my favorite Greek; but, Target produces some surprisingly rich and creamy flavors. The Strawberry Cheesecake was a perfect option to curb my sweet craving.


Sammy needed to test it out too. This dog has a slight obsession with yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, so he was a little hesitant with the different taste at first,


but then he eased into it.

After an hour nap (yes I know my life is so painstakingly miserable) I woke up to my husband walking in the door after a long day of work. At least one of us is doing their share of "hard" work this week. Although, I have to admit, the life of a spoiled housewife is becoming more appealing each day. Keep working your way up the corporate ladder, honey to make this dream a reality for your aspiring little homemaker. ;)
Since he pulled a 10 hour workday without complaint, I decided to peel myself off the couch and attempt to look halfway productive before the day came to an end.
I made us dinner, which really isn't an extravagant task, but I do like to make it look as though it is.
My secret little helper in the kitchen tonight was a newbie, Ms. Annie Chunn.


I saw these on sale at the store this weekend and thought it sounded pretty decent. For being in the overpriced organic health food section, it was rather reasonable price wise too!

This was the easiest thing in the world to make. You boil water, add the noodles and then the sauce and presto, pad thai in 5 min!

Okay, so it wasn't as good as Bangkok Wok (our favorite Thai restaurant) but it was pretty tasty considering it came from a box.

I made a stir fry consisting of Tofu, Red Pepper, Snow Peas and Nappa Cabbage using the Pad Thai sauce. Definitely love the sauce!


For the people in the house who choose not to eat tofu, chicken was also on hand.


Along with a side salad. Romaine, Pear, Dried Cherries, Walnuts and Feta.


Dinner was served and enjoyed in the peaceful surroundings of the Christmas tree. Oh how the warmth and joy the Christmas tree adds to our home.

Tomorrow.....BIG plans!

Mom is coming over to bake and for lunch and then she is taking me shopping for the very last person I have to buy for, my significant other. ;)

Hope everyone started a great week!

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19 comments:

  1. So many good eats in this post, I'm not even sure where to start. The gingerbread bowl of oats looks awesome- especially with the berries add. You know I'm all about peanut sauce :) Have fun with mama tomorrow. Hang in there with the pain!!!!!

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  2. Wishing you a VERY restful night tonight!

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  3. Yum.. I honestly want to come over for dinner!!

    Enjoy your mama time!!

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  4. i need to get some molasses - i love the stuff but i've never had it in the house before!

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  5. Those gingerbread oats look amazing! My cat loves yogurt too - dairy and soy. It cracks me up, because it is one of the few foods she will beg (oh yes, like a dog) me for the entire time I eat it and after I put the bowl down.

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  6. Haha, baking cookies with mom sounds like a wonderful time, Lauren! That brings back memories ... the best part was always licking out the utensils, wasn't it?? : )

    Have fun licking the bowl ; )

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  7. I hope you don't get that kind of wake up call again - doesn't sound like fun at all :(

    Kasha always intrigues me when you post it! I need to find some and try it out for myself. Have fun with your mom!! Baking is always a great time!

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  8. Girl, I can't bake either! I always try, and everything always comes out the same: kinda dry and too doughy! I hope you keep getting rest...its good for ya!

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  9. We make that pad thai dinner a lot, we love it!

    So cute Sammy likes GREEK yogurt. He's got quite the acquired palate ;)

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  10. your eats look amazing! & i agree- target yogurts are really goodd & they have a hUGE variety of flavors..never tried that one!
    sorry about the painkillers :( but don't worry- you won't need em forever!

    xoxo
    shelley

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  11. OMG, molasses in oatmeal=best idea ever!! I love the looks of that kasha, too! I am obsessed every times you put it up!

    I also am loving the snobby joes. I think at the beginning of the new year, I am going to resolve to have at least one meatless meal a week for both me AND the hubby. We eat A LOT of meat, and I think it would be great for our grocery bill and our health if we gave it a shot. I don't know what hubs will think about that though :)

    Hope you have a wonderful time with your mama today! xoxo

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  12. awww...your husband is the best! You should make sure to get him something nice for Christmas!

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  13. have so much fun today!!! I hope the pain is a bit better and you have fun baking and eating cookies :)

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  14. hi sweetness! SO.. i am finally taking a time out to READ blogs and i came here first--you had 10 new posts in my reader! i just clicked on the most recent one to leave a comment on but i am going to leave one long ass comment as i read all 10 posts in my reader.. so hang onto your hat :)

    first off i am SO glad you made it through surgery ok. you are so brave. i hate coming out of anesthesia! i always cry, my emotions are always out of whack. and then i say stuff like "why am i crying?!" anyway, i am so glad you are getting your meds and this whole issue will finally be resolved.

    your night with the friends looked SO yummy~especially that sushi! i want to have a pizza building party with friends soon. that is a great idea. and that basket is too awesome.

    haha ok that was after just one post read! onto the next..


    oh look at your cute puffy face! you are adorable!! cranberry sauce paired with goat cheese sounds out of this world. so glad you are able to eat AND have an appetite. gorgeous flowers and HOOFREAKINGRAY for ice cream!

    i love the look of the blog~i was waiting to comment on it because i knew you would be mentioning the change somewhere and here it is! i love the color :) wow to the ravioli pom pumpkin dish. pumpkin goes with everything, i swear! as does greek yogurt. what a clever sauce. love the new mug/bowl from your nanny! OH and arent dogs the BEST for when you are feeling ill? seriously they just KNOW and cuddle right up. i love it. i think i secretly want to get sick so penny can curl up on my neck all day long :)

    oh look, the last post posted twice! ha ok i wont comment on it again..

    next up! that is awesome you and your sis could recover together. what great timing! ohhh i hate not eating with meds. i feel all woozy. bad idea for sure! mmm annie's mac. i ate so much of that when i had my tonsils out! WOW andrea is a genius, i am so glad you figiured out the barfing issue!

    o christmas tree! LOVE your vest/scarf outfit. so cute. and i am sure it was nice to be out and about! your tree is gorgeous and i love your holiday decor!

    looook, your scar is not even bad! so happy they did a great job with the surgery. hehe.. i love the all mashed up photos, keep em coming!! definitely looked delish.

    the salmon & squash recipe looked marvelous~i love how much pom i am seeing in your blog!

    oh wow i am to yesterday's post! i have had such a good time reading your blog for the past 20 minutes or so.. haha. glad you are getting some PTO and sorry about the hard night of sleep. and take those pain meds as long as you need them. coming from me, who has been on pain meds for 2+ months from getting a metal rod in my arm.. just use them as long as you need them, that is what they are there for!

    love the recreation of holly's recipe. you seriously could bake those cookies though, they are easy peasy. and they are SO yummy. but at least your mom can help.. and trust me, the dough is really addicting ;) sammy is sooo cute with the yogurt haha

    holy crap! i left the longest comment ever. SO nice to catch up with you and SO glad you are doing well my dear!!

    xoxoxoxoxoxo love you to the moon!

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  15. A vacation that involves gingersnap oatmeal and greek yogurt? Sign me up! :D

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  16. you make the best salad creations.

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  17. good luck with your "vacation" - don't worry about the pain killers - you are a strong person, you'll be just fine (but I have been there before and had the same worries)

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  18. gah, that bowl of oatmeal looks RIDICULOUSLY amazing. i love the addition of bananas and blackberries - the bowl looks (and i bet tastes) PHENOM!

    ummm what is kasha? all i know is it has pumpkin in it, and sounds delicious!

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