Iowa Girl Eats

Good morning everybody!

Well – I did it! The “how to start and run a website” presentation went really well…I think/hope!! I remember not exactly loving having to get up for 8am class when I was in college, so hopefully the students thought the information and discussion was worthwhile.  I’ve been asked to come back next semester… that’s a good sign, right?!

No matter what, I’m glad I challenged myself by willingly going into an uncomfortable situation like speaking in front of an audience. Thanks to the class for listening to me chat – and here’s to small personal successes!

In the spirit of “giving myself credit” for going outside my comfort zone, I picked up a Sugar-Free Vanilla Chai after class from one of my favorite local coffee shops – Smokey Row.

 

I used to drink chais all the time in high school when I worked at a coffee shop and I’ve recently re-kindled my love thanks to Smokey Row. Their SF vanilla chais are perfectly sweet, spicy and rewarding.

 

I’d like to give a shout-out to one of the best, recent inventions in the hot beverage industry – the sip hole stopper! I can’t tell you how many times my coffee has sloshed out the top of my cup after stopping suddenly or turning corners in my car. These babies are a God-send!

 

After work, I went over to babysit my nephew Finn. We played…I saw him smile for the first time…my heart melted… Ugh, I love that child to bits. He kept randomly falling asleep, because didn’t you know? Being a baby is hard work!

 

This morning after one of the chilliest morning Mom walks of the season, I whipped up a huge bowl of Apple Crisp Oatmeal…with a Honeycrisp!

In the mix:

• 1/2 Honeycrisp apple (peeled, chopped and microwaved for 90 seconds)
• 1/2 cup each old fashioned oats, water & skim milk
• Sprinkle of toasted, sliced almonds
• Drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup
• Spoonful of almond butter

 

The almond butter took it riiiiight up to the edge…my toes were dangling over. Amazing…

 

I don’t know why I haven’t tried baking or cooking with Honeycrisp apples sooner than this – they turned out perfect. Sweet, yet tart, and held their shape very nicely!

Last night after I got home from watching Finn, I cooked up a late dinner of sirloin steaks and roasted broccoli. I mostly made them so I could use the leftovers to make a killer salad for lunch today - a Steak, Apple & Roasted Broccoli Salad!

 

In the mix:

• Romaine hearts 
• 1/2 Honeycrisp apple
• Roasted broccoli
• Sirloin steak
• Feta cheese

 

Aka…the best salad ever. This would seriously sell for $10-$11 in a restaurant. I made this for change at home. Got to love that!

Well everyone, would you believe me if I told you it’s Thursday already?! That means…it’s Three Question Thursday time: “This or That” edition!

1. Peanut Butter or Chocolate

2. Twitter or Facebook

3. Righty or Lefty

My answers:

1. BRUTAL!! If I must choose…I must chose chocolate!

2. These days, I’m all about Twitter!

3. Righty

Related posts:

1. Gain 60 Seconds of Happiness
2. Breakfast Challenge Continues…with Chocolate!
3. Ramping Up the Mileage

Tags: apple crisp oatmeal, finn, salad, three question thursday