This morning for breakfast I wanted something hearty.  I decided to spend some time on breakfast and make oatmeal!  : )

Toppings- PB, Pumpkin Butter, Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds

Waiting for the oatmeal to cook I decided that a chopped banana would make a good topping too

Still waiting…

I decided next, that fresh raspberries sounded like a good topping as well!

Finally there ready!  Here’s my morning creation!

Raspberries sounded better on the side!  : )

Yummy breakfast!

In between breakfast and lunch, I snacked on a high protein cookie.

After morning errands, I came home and made the Husband and my Mom creamy tomato soup with open face grilled cheese sandwiches and reheated the left over garlic shrimp from yesterday.

I found this soup at Costco and really enjoyed it

I sliced some crusty bread, brushed the bottoms with a drizzle of olive oil and put cheddar cheese on top.  I broiled them on high for about 6 – 8 minutes until the cheese was completely melted

Reheated shrimp

My plate

Soup

Bread

Shrimp

All together now!

This was my spot once I finished eating…..I got so hot, I had to take off my Mr. Rogers sweater and my boots!

I bought some cute fall decorations at Lowes today.  I had been looking for something to put on our fireplace mantle in our bedroom.  These are outdoor lawn decorations, but I like them inside better!  Your guess is as good as mine as to why a home in Arizona has a fireplace in the master bedroom.  We’ve never used it once…

I love the curly stems!  : )

Okay, I better stop blogging and listening to Melody Gardot on Pandora and go tackle the loads of laundry that are starting to pile up.   They are all begging to be folded! 

What is your least favorite household chore?  Mine is folding laundry once its dry.  I loathe it!

After hitting the gym this morning, we decided to make homemade cookies- Almond Butter Chocolate Chip.  I had never made these but they sounded great.  I did make some changes to them to up their protein content and also to reduce the sugar.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 24 cookies

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup Stevia sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or Sucanat (I might skip this the next time I make them to cut back on the sugar)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa or greater) broken into small pieces
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl combine almond butter, Stevia, brown sugar, 1 egg, baking soda, sea salt and protein powder.  Mix together until all ingredients are blended together.  Stir in chocolate pieces.  Drop rounded tablespoons of dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool for five minutes before eating! 

They turned out really good.  A great high protein and low sugar cookie!  I think my next batch I am going to skip the brown sugar all together.  The protein powder and Stevia are enough to sweeten them.  Plus eliminating the brown sugar will cut back on their calories and sugar.

After the cookies were made it was time to get some appetizers out for company.  We had a variety of foods that were good for snacking on during the football game. (Vikings won!  Yay!  : ) )

Fresh cut cantaloupe

Veggies (sorry for the blurry pic)

Fresh crusty bread

Olive oil, balsamic and parmesan cheese for dipping

Adam brought over freshly homemade pico

I reheated the wings for the boys

Shrimp in a garlic sauce

and cookies for dessert!  :  )

After the game and after company left, we had  some wine and played more games!

The Husband and I shared one very large glass of wine (I think I am officially wined out- my body needs a much needed break.  I’m sure the next few nights will be cranberry + water for this girl!  My liver is already thanking me!)

Game time!

We played Scattergories!

Morning Meditation

Motivation for Today:  Detox my liver from all the wine we have been drinking

Three Things I am Thankful for Today:  1-  Having my Mom still in town 2- Beautiful fall weather 3- My amazing Sister!

My goal for today:  Eat as many fruits and vegetables as I can

Motivational Quote of the Day:  Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you have was once among the things only hoped for.  Epicurus

The orange fall tulips we bought on Friday are looking so beautiful I have to share some pics!

On the agenda for today- pumpkin spice coffee, running errands- I need to get some birthday stuff for the Husband, laundry and hanging out all day with my Mom! 

What are your plans for this beautiful Monday?  What is your favorite flower?  Do you have a favorite quote?