Last Time Leaving

Hi guys!

Sorry for my belated posting today but right after lunch I jumped in the car to drive back and its been pretty go-go-go. It was my LAST time EVER leaving everyone in Tampa though.…next time I make that drive I’m comin’ home to stay! =)

This morning my mom and I went to my favorite little health food store to grab lunch. I got my usual—hummus, quinoa tabbouli and kale salad in a sprouted wheat wrap with those aaaamazing veggie chips

I actually did not eat all those chips. I just ate the carrots and then ate all my mom’s carrots as well

I got this interesting soda to drink but only had a few sips because it was disgusting!!!!!

And had a bite of this yummy dark chocolate for dessert

After lunch I headed back down the highway. I had an apple a few hours later while I was on the way—

And when I finally pulled into Vero, I drove through Starbucks to get my favorite drink, a nonfat decaf peppermint mocha! Totally puts me in the spirit of the season

I ran through Publix but to be honest, didn’t get anything interesting enough to take a picture of. Since I’m moving next Friday (!!), I have to eat alllll the veggie burgers and frozen thingys I have in the freezer. I basically just stocked up on fruits, veggies and greek yogurt.

I was hoping to go to the gym today but, honestly, I just didn’t feel up to it yet. I still feel pretty weak and worn out, my voice is pretty hoarse and I’m hacking a bit. I decided to wait until tomorrow and then hit up my 6 pm spin class. Sometimes a little break can be a good thing! Plus, I had stuff to get done at the house like unpacking, cleaning up and bible study.

I made dinner tonight for Betty and Ted since they just got back from their cruise today and went to go get their Christmas tree tonight. And since they always make me food! I made one of my very favorite dishes—-spicy sesame noodles. My mom has made these a million times over the years and I just love the sauce on anything and everything. It’s not low-fat but you only need a small amount (I use 1/4th cup) on your pasta. A little goes a long way! Here’s the recipe:

1 cup tahini

1 cup canola oil

1 cup hot water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1 cup tamari

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup chili oil

5-6 cloves of garlic, minced

sesame seeds to top

sliced raw veggies to mix in, tofu, chicken or shrimp to mix in (optional)

whole wheat spaghetti or soba noodles, cooked, drained and rinsed with cold water.  Drizzle with sesame oil to avoid pasta stickage

1. In a large bowl, mix together the tahini and the hot water until they are smooth and combined. Add the canola oil and mix again and then add the tamari, sugar and vinegar, mixing well after each addition.

2. Add the chili oil, sesame oil and garlic. Whisk until everything is combined.

3. Serve with cold cooked spaghetti and top with sesame seeds and any veggies or protein that you prefer.

**This makes a TON of sauce. I’m just guessing when I say it serves 6-8. I like to make it all because it keeps for about 2 weeks in the fridge and gets better after each day! It makes for wonderful leftovers!! 

Here was mine:

I used sliced cucumbers and bell peppers as my mix-ins. I wish I had thought to pick up some shrimp at the store though because it totally would have been perfect with this!

After dinner I broke into the little cookies I bought from William Sonoma this morning before I left

Aren’t they flippin’ adorable???!!! AND, you can eat 9 of these babies for only 110 calories! Fully worth the ridiculous price at the store.

I’m off to put sheets on my bed, take a bath and hop in bed to read. I really need to feel 100% tomorrow so I can finish off my last two weeks of work strong! Thank you all so much again for your kind comments regarding my new job! I signed up for orientation on January 6-7th and I’m happy to have some time in between jobs to get settled and celebrate the holidays with my family.  It definitely will be a new and interesting chapter to my life!