Weekend Update and Week Ahead 10.05.14

What an awesome weekend!! I did NOT let the rainy weather hold me down or make me grumpy (which usually happens)  What a HUGE difference from last weekend.  I surrounded myself with food, friends and family. It felt so good!  I really feel like I am on cloud 9 today!

After work on Friday, I FINALLY made it to yoga. Ahhhhhh, it was MUCH needed. I was actually able to really relax and it felt SOOOO good. Some days my anxiety is so bad I can not even enjoy it.  I was able to use yoga for its purpose.  I was NOT comparing myself to anyone else.  I was NOT pushing myself to go further (bc I knew I had a lot of tightness) I just did ………..what felt good!  It did not matter that I was able to stretch further last time, or balance longer…..all that mattered was that I was there and it felt so good!  No more comparing 🙂

After yoga, I was beat.  It was a long week. Mom and I had plans to see a show, but we both decided to skip it…..she was still itchy from her poison oak (ouch!) and I was tired, relaxed and hungry.  I knew after settling down and eating dinner. I would NOT feel like going to a show…..so I did not go!

Sorry maybe next year! Jekyll and hyde 😦

My Saturday morning started with a quick run (not really, I drove) to Wawa for some coffee with Lily.  All week I have been brewing it at home (which I LOVE!) However today I felt like treating myself to a bit of french vanilla
Saw this during my walk, a great inspiration for my new back yard 🙂  I really like the “wild and natural” look

My paper was on my door step, my oats were warming in the microwave…..I sat down, ate, read, ate some more and drank my coffee.  I LOVE MY MORNINGS!

I did some laundry, went to trader joes  for some items for my weekly meals and took Lily for a nice, long walk (in the rain!!)  It was actually very relaxing and refreshing…..It relaxed me.  It felt good. it did not hurt.  I did NOT beat myself up and force myself to run….I did something low key that was “fun”.

Traders Joe’s is all pumpkin’ed out!

Then I went to thirty one party at Denise’s.  I absolutely love this girl!  Her home is so cute, Bella is beautiful and so sweet and her friends are all so nice!!  “Superwoman” Denise EVEN made some apple cider doughnut holes and a pumpkin mac and cheese (Def. need to submit this for Dr. Ana’s mac and cheese cook off!)  I did not try anything, although it looked SUPER good!! I am excited to taste some of Denise’s treats as the holidays approach. I heard many wonderful things!!

I am so happy she invited me AND can NOT wait for my new lunch bag to arrive!

I am loving thirty ones new patterns (especially the owl!)

I arrived EMPTY handed and left with these:

Thanks to Robin of New York Wishes Chicago Dreams

 

**I also just got the audible app AND a free two month trial……Books on tape HERE I COME! 🙂

AND

another thanks to Denise from Lily and myself for this:

Lily’s birthday bash is going to be pretty awesome! 🙂  

 

During all of this, I decided to make dinner for my mom tonight, Soooooo, I prepped everything very carefully and hoped for the best!!

I made my Beef Bourguignon .  My house smells SO good!  My mom loved it and SO DID I!  Lily even got a nice piece of beef that I dropped with my tong while browning it earlier!  Lucky dog!

 

I modified THIS recipe from le creuset a bit.  Mine actually overcooked a bit BUT that was just perfect for me…..I love my stuff done VERY well, so this was perfect for me.  Mom agreed but I think she would have enjoyed a bit of a “redder” meat……

 

Beef Bourguignon from Le Creuset

Serves: Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 oz. smoked bacon lardons
• 2½ lbs. lean chuck steak, cut into large chunks
• 3 cups full-bodied red wine, at room temperature
• 3 garlic gloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup hot double-strength beef stock
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 bouquet garni (made up of a few fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary sprigs and 2 fresh bay leaves)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, to serve

For the caramelized shallots and mushrooms:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 14 oz. small shallots or white pickling onions
• 14 oz. small button mushrooms

For the beurre manié to thicken:

• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

 

I also threw some frozen chicken breasts in the crock pot and shredded it for the week! I have some great recipes in mind and have a ton to use!!  I LOVE MEAL PREPPING!! So convenient and easy for the week!  Lunches DONE Dinners DONE….more me time  DONE! 🙂

Chicken slaw

chicken tacos

asian chicken wraps

 

Sunday Funday

Yoga with mom

Ahhhhhhhhh such an amazing class. I love Debbie’s teaching style. She is CHALLENGING yet so GENTLE.

Then I met dad for a really nice walk and “talk” with the pups. We ALL loved it so much!! I love our time together and being able to tell my dad stuff and find out about his likes/dislikes. I love helping him see that he can enjoy life without unhealthy things in it ….<3

 

and got to spend some quality time by an awesome fire pit with two lovely gals, PLUS , this handsome little guy

PS- Lily says he is STILL invited to the P-A-R-T-A-A-A-Y!

Week Ahead

 

– I am so super excited to be heading to Myrtle Beach next week (thank you Columbus day holiday) BUTTTTTTTTT I just realized I am going to miss the COllingswood Book Festival. I am so bummed.  If you go, please take pics and tell me about your experience!

 

Monday

Staff Meeting and PAJAMA DAY!!!!

Tuesday

Therapy! Yay!

Discuss:  Why I can not allow myself to experience joy and pleasure. I try to rush through fun activities and look for ways to “punish myself instead”

Wednesday

Franklin Institute Educators Night w/ the girls!

So excited to see the Animals Body exhibit

 

Thursday

Prep and pack for my mini trip

Friday

Inservice and LEAVE for MB! ❤

In service day and leave for Myrtle Beach 🙂

 

 

 

Your Turn

1.  2 Fun things about your weekend?  My whole weekend WAS fun!  1) Denise’s party and meeting new friends 2)  the perfect mix/fix of family and friends!

2.  What are you looking forward to this week?  Myrtle Beach…

3.  Do you judge people?  Yes, I do. I am not proud of it. I am aware and I am really trying to stop