Sunday, October 31, 2010

Keeping Traditions Alive



Many more wonderful thanks to everyone for your incredibly supportive and uplifting comments all day.  I've truly been restored because of them all and I can't thank you enough. 

You know, I could really get use to these laid back no-stress weekends.  It felt so nice not to be on a schedule this entire weekend.  I woke up when I wanted, ate when I wanted, worked out when I wanted, and did exactly what I wanted without feeling pressure of getting all of the fun stuff in amongst the chores. 

Even though we are staying at my parents, I still want to try to incorporate some of the same traditions that Toly and I have because it really is important to the both of us.  

One of these being, Sunday Breakfast. 

Sunday's are the only day of the week that Toly and I can enjoy breakfast together and I love to make us a big special breakfast that we can enjoy at our leisure. 

Today, it was pancakes! 

Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Pancakes for me….

 Smeared with Mighty Maple, TJ's Cran Apple Butter, and TJ's Pumpkin Granola 

For Toly, I made Chocolate Chip along with a few eggs. 


It felt just like home.

After we ate, I realized that I could still make it to a Body Pump class at the gym.  I haven't been to a BP class in weeks and I've been missing them like crazy.

Wow though, Body Pump was tough!!  I guess after taking a few weeks off and then trying to up my weight really wasn't the best idea but at least I'm feeling it now (in a good way).

After I got home, showered and ready for the rest of the day, I then worked on lunch.  Quite a similar salad from yesterday only this time I added sautéed eggplant and zucchini.



Later in the afternoon, my mom and I attended a Tastefully Simple/Pampered Chef Open House.  My friend is a consultant and does such a lovely job with her open house.  She hosts a beautiful spread and lets you come in and sample the favorite products and browse all of the new items.  I really do love Tastefully Simple products and they are about the only baked dessert I can ever make.  Plus, most of the ingredients contain no trans fat are natural and pretty basic.

After doing some shopping for me and a little for Christmas presents, we headed home to watch football with the guys.

A little while later, I was getting a major itch to get into the kitchen.  It has been a few days since I've been able to cook a real meal so I volunteered to make dinner.

Pumpkin Black Bean Chili 

  • 1 Small Onion (diced)
  • 3 cups cubed Butternut Squash
  • 1 Green Pepper (diced)
  • 1 TBL Garlic
  • 2 tsp of each- Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin (more to taste)
  • 28oz can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 14oz can Black Beans 
  • 14oz can Pureed Pumpkin
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth (I was out and used water)
Sautee onion, squash, pepper and garlic.  Sprinkle with seasons and let this brown for about 10 min.  Add the tomatoes, beans and pumpkin and broth.  Add more seasonings to taste.  Let this simmer for 20-25 min. 


Pumpkin Cornbread

  • 1 Box Natural Cornbread Mix (like Trader Joes)
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin
  • 2/3 Cup Milk
Mix all ingredients together and spread into greased pan.  Baked at 400* for 20 min.



My chili came out a bit on the thick side because we were out of broth and I didn't want to water it down so I didn't use much water.  But it was still delicious! 

Now, it's my favorite part of the weekend.  Time to sit back, enjoy the last few hours and catch up on everyone else's lives. 

Hope everyone enjoyed! :) 
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6 comments:

  1. I hope your week is full of peace and joy. It is so important for you to take the time to keep the traditions that you and your husband have developed. Ryan and I did the same when we lived at my parents. Thanks for sharing with us...and for the pumpkin cornbread idea. It sounds great!

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  2. I love THICKER chili- so this looks perfect to me. Plus, pumpkin is such a fun add in :) Glad you got to fulfill your Sunday AM breakfast tradition & make it to pump. A great day overall. I haven't been to a pampered chef party in a while- but their products are great. I have the mini chopper. I use it every week. Have a good night.

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  3. hey hon - just catching up on all your blog posts. i love what you said in response. dealing with harsh criticism is something i've dealt with for a long time - once upon a time, it was b/c i was too heavy (and triggered my eating disorder) and now i hear all the time that i'm too skinny. ultimately, we are only in control of what we tell ourselves. whether people say we're great or we suck or whatever, only our own opinions matter. that said, you're awesome - but you can choose to ignore that statement, if you want!

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  4. Pumpkin for all! I <3 your dinner - it looks awesome!

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  5. I love Sunday brunch, pancakes and all this pumpkin! This is such a great post :) You rock!

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  6. Ha Ari's the same way! This morning I announced I was going to make pancakes, and he said, "None for me, please!" I didn't end up making them :-(

    Glad you had a nice weekend! That chili looks DEE-VINE.

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