Good morning everyone! It’s back to work – bumskies – but I really can’t complain, as it’s already Tuesday and this long weekend seemed to last forreeeever – we did so much!

Sunday afternoon before Ben and I saw Angels and Demons, we went shopping and I picked out this pretty yellow blouse

It’s not as “Look at me, I’m wearing yellow!!!” as it appears in the picture and I never buy yellow, so I was pretty jazzed! However, the irrational Kristin inside me never tries on clothes before buying them, so of course it didn’t end up fitting! I didn’t stay bummed for too long though, because I took back the blouse and got something waaaaaay better – a mini mouse!

Isn’t it the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?? I got it at Best Buy and could not stop giggling about how cute and tiny it was. The checkout guy was like “umm…this thing is as big as my thumb” – which is exactly why I got it.

Have you ever bought something and then wondered how you ever lived without in the first place? Yeah…that’s this guy for sure. It’s the perfect size for my hand and I feel like my web surfing capabilities have just about tripled since I got it…it’s my new obsession!!
For breakfast this morning, the mini mouse and I – just kidding – I made oatmeal for breakfast! I hadn’t had it all weekend, so I was happy to be reunited! I made a delicious bowl of:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup each of milk and water
• 1 medium banana
• 4 dried, black mission figs
• toasted coconut and almonds
• drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup

Per usual, it was oh-so-sweet, creamy and delicious.

Oatmeal, how I have missed you!

Look at those textures – fabulous!

For lunch, I decided to whip up another VeggiePatch Falafel salad! In the mix:

• Mixed greens
• Sliced red onion
• Tomato
• 4 VeggiePatch falafel balls
• Sprinkle of Lemon Pepper
• Plain yogurt based dressing (recipe here)

This salad keeps me full for hours thanks to the protein-packed falafel balls. And the dressing honestly could not be simpler (or more delish!) This is a GREAT lunch!

Super cool and refreshing dressing:

I also packed some leftover fruit salad that Ben’s Mom gave us – so sweet and fresh – this was honestly some of the best pineapple I’ve ever had!

Today I’m scheduled for a 3.5 mile run, per my training schedule, but it’s supposed to be raining all day – darn! I’m going to take my gym bag in the car with me so if it is indeed raining when it’s time to run, I can hit the gym…which I really hope it doesn’t come down to. Like I said before, it’s really hard to go back there after running outside!

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So the mini mouse is probably my favorite purchase I’ve made in a while…What’s your most favorite recent purchase?! Are you saving up for anything special at the moment? I’m saving for a new, nice purse. I’ve never bought myself a really nice purse – which I’m pretty sure might be a federal offense in most parts of the country – so I really want one!!

Hope your day back is great!