A slide show of the last 24 hours of my life…
I roasted my delicata and after doctoring it up with a little salt and pepper ate it alongside a chicken hummus quesadilla for lunch yesterday. Loved the delicata. The tasted reminded me of a spaghetti squash…almost buttery? So good! Thanks again Clare!
Last night’s dinner…
Another clean out the fridge meal. I steamed the last of our Brussels sprouts and two orange bell peppers. Reader Michelle G. from Australia inspired my peanut sauce. The recipe she sent called for almond butter, but I was in a peanut mood. I simply stirred together 2 TBSP crunchy peanut butter, 1 tsp soy sauce, juice of 1/2 a lime, 1/2 packet of stevia , and water to thin. Perfect. Loved the little peanut crunchies. Thanks Michelle!
Woke up EARLY this morning to squeeze in a random workout of the following x 2: 10 minutes of Tabata Intervals on the stationary bike followed by a 1 minute squat hold against the wall, 20 push-ups (knees downs), 20 walking lunges, and a 2 minute plank hold. I dropped the dogs off for their Christmas holiday adventures here. Miss those pups already.
After a 4 hour flight, CD and I arrived here…
Check out Alice’s (my mother-in-law) Christmas decorations…
Ha ha, isn’t that great? A kabocha Santa! Look what else greeted me when I walked in the kitchen…
Alice bought herself a Vita-Mix, and I can’t wait to show her how to use it.
I then opened the pantry to find this…
I hereby nominate Alice for MIL of The Year! 
CD and I will be here for a week. Not sure what my blogging schedule will be like, but I’ll be around. However, I’m hoping to spend mucho time away from the computer, and I encourage all of you to do the same. Enjoy this precious time with your families. Happy Holidays my friends!
{ 66 comments }
How sweet of your mother in law!!
Enjoy your time with the family It’s so gorgeous there…make sure you play outside and get tons of sunlight!
Merry Christmas!! XOXOXO
what a nice mother in law—yay for TJs almond butter–so good!
glad you’re safe
What a wonderful mother in law! I can’t believe there were all those goodies waiting for you! Obviously to her benefit but still!
MIL of the year for sure. That is soooo sweet!!!! Look how much you inspire us ALL HEAB!! Have a wonderful time
Haha I always subscribe to that “clean out your fridge” logic before I leave home for a vacay.. Have a very happy holiday my dear!
http://www.joelygolightly.wordpress.com
Santa is so cute! Amazing MIL gift pack
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Glad you & CD arrived safe. Great MIL & she has a great DIL! You’re both so lucky. Enjoy your time together! Merry Christmas to all of you!
How sweet of her to get that for you!!
What a sweet and thoughtful MIL!!!!!! Hmmmmmmm, maybe I should have mine start reading my blog to throw out some hints…
Wish I had a MIL like that. Everyone instead makes fun of the stuff I eat. I’m an OUTlaw to them, not an INlaw.
So where is that gorgeous sunny picture taken?!
Ashley, That’s the view from my in-laws’ kitchen in Scottsdale, AZ.
Kabocha Santa…love him!
Hope you and CD have a grand ol’ time. How cute is your MIL. Big hugs…Merry Christmas…love you!
Aw, your mother in law is so sweet!
Haha I love the Kabocha santa- hope he’s not just for decoration
You really do have the best MIL!! Would she adopt me? Pretty please?
I just left Phoenix for the snow/rain! Enjoy that sunshine!
OMG I heart your MIL, thank goodness I’m going to be able to give her a hug in person. She’ll make my Heabs so happy for the whole week.
And yes, you’ll be away from your computer b/c you’ll be hiking, lunching and dinnering a lot!
D
Seriously, Alice is the best MIL ever! Mine’s still wondering why I deprived her son of turkey on Thanksgiving.
Sounds like you’ll miss Miss A who won’t be home till later. I would have liked to see two of my fave bloggers hangin’.
So excited you get to break in a new Vita (remind her no dishwasher – I’d totally forgotten until you told me).
Guess what sexy hunk of man is hanging out in MY kitchen for the holidays? (I’ll give you a hint – his shirt’s open, and I’m not married to him) My Super Supps salesman was selling him like you’d been training him (or maybe he has a crush on him too?). I’ll blog it up later.
Enjoy the sunshine!!!!! Merry Merry!
Carbzilla, Is Jay cheating on me?!?!
Enjoy my friend.
yes BUTTAHHHH!! that is exactly how i described my first delicata experience. my fave roast seasoning for delicata is cinnamon, chili powder, salt, and sweetener.
Have a great time heather!
I just realized…You are there for like a week and she got you TWO jars of almond butter… hehehehehe
Awww what a sweet MIL!
I must confess, I bought a delicata squash a couple weeks ago and threw it over after struggling to cut it open. My knife got stuck in it, I was grunting, I broke out into a sweat. So I threw the sucker out realizing I didn’t want to deal with it. Maybe I’ll have to try again
SUCH sweet gifts from your MIL!! Have a wonderful Christmas Heather!
Susan, I was so busy that day, I just washed my delicata and threw it in the oven whole on a foil lined baking sheet. After about 45 minutes in a 400 degree oven she was much easier to cut open.
Wow, Alice sounds like an amazing mother in law! Hope you enjoy giving her some lessons with the new Vita-Mix.
Merry Christmas to you and CD! I think less computer time around the holidays is definitely beneficial.
I’m planning on spending more time with the fam and less time typing!
What an awesome MIL. Wish mine was that way
wow, i think your mil is definitely in the running for that mil of the year award. i always think it’s so nice when other people are inspired by healthy habits (specifically mine haha).
happy holidays, heather! you’re right, this is a precious time to be with our families. enjoy your time with yours!
What a wonderful Mother-in-Law! That is so neat. Does she read your blog?
My fiance’s mother keeps a stash of baked sweet potatoes in her fridge and natural peanut butter in her pantry, so that anytime I come over I can eat exactly what I want.
Can’t complain!
Rebecca, Yes, Alice reads my blog everyday which means more to me than she probably knows. Sounds like your MIL is pretty wonderful too.
Wow, I am SO impressed by your MIL! That is SUPER sweet! I’m envious that you get to spend the holidays in my dream city! The only other place I’d want to live besides Colorado is ARIZONA! Wave at me if you take a crazy flight pattern on the way home to avoid a storm or something!
I love Tabata too – I’ve been on a streak lately where I’m using it for my weights and NOT for my cardio. I spend the 4 minute round on one exercise then move on to the next muscle group and next thing you know, I’ve completed a full (and amazing) upper body workout in like 20 minutes!
Have a BEAUTIFUL xmas HEAB!
Wow, you do have an amazing MIL!! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Have a wonderful Holiday with your family!
I’ll gladly swap you for our cold and snow…;)
Merry CHristmassss! Looks like its gonna be a yummy one!
Totally awesome MIL! Have a great time!!
You have the best MIL on the planet! Glad you and CD made it to AZ safely! I will have to look for delicata! Have a good holiday!
She knows you so well! Merry Christmas Eve, Heather & Co!
Wait, YOU WERE “IN A PEANUT MOOD”?!?! Heather, it’s like I don’t even know you anymore.
You definitely have an AMAZING MIL. Your trip is off to a great start, clearly–enjoy! MERRY CHRISTMAS, HEAB!
The food looks yum as always, and can I be where you are???? gorgeous! and wow, your MIL is amazing.
Merry Christmas, Heather and CD (and Alice and . . . CD’s dad!)
Jess, I’m in Scottsdale, AZ.
Jess, P.S. Merry Christmas to you as well!
You’re there, I’m here. We get home late late on the 30th (actually the 31st) but I bet youll be gone. Sigh. And Deb too. Sigh.
In the meantime, enjoy the Vita, the sunshine, and time away from the puter. Not sure why/what I am thinking being on my puter on vacation but something about it i do really love.
Alright, Merry Xmas Heather and CD (and extended family!)
Nice on the Vita, too
Have a safe and content holiday.
What a sweet MIL! Have a fantastic trip!
Heabs….your MIL ROCKS…I doubt either my mom or mil would have a clue as to what I eat or do or the what not! GOOD FOR YOU CHICA!
(consequently, my brother’s MIL WOULD do all that for me…she is always in tuned to me and what I am doing, so I should adopt her!…hahaha)
yay…Alice got a Vita!!!
Merry Christmas! Get some sunshine in~
a Kobacha Santa, why am I not surprised?? you are HILAR girl!
Peanut sauce on veggies or with meat is one of my favorites! You can never go wrong with peanut butter.
glad you made it there safe! have a fabulous holiday!
i am totally with you on those vega bars. i can’t take my greens in any other form except raw…raw goodness…rawsome…TWSS.
have a very merry christmas and happy holidays – lots of love to you, the fam, and does CD have any brothers? because i want a MIL like that!!!!!
lemme know
Holly, You’re so sweet. Yes, CD have a younger brother…but he’s taken already.
A very Merry Christmas to you as well my friend.
looks like you have an amazing family!
where can I purchase the Brown Rice Powder?? I have not been able to find it at my local Whole Foods or Grocery Store!!
Maggie b, I buy my Jay Robb rice protein powder at work, but I believe my MIL found that small bag at Whole Foods. My Whole Foods in Nashville doesn’t sell it yet, and I usually direct people to Jay’s website. Usually a little cheaper online: http://www.jayrobb.com. – Show quoted text -
Heather- yay for an amazing MIL…I’m a bit jealous. Mine tries. So, I’ve been following your blog for a while now but never posted a comment. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for living an outstanding life of health and for giving me the courage to– you’re pretty amazing. Where’s the cheapest place to buy that rice powder?
Lucy, Thanks so much for reading. I buy my Jay Robb rice protein powder at work, but I believe my MIL found that small bag at Whole Foods. I always direct people to Jay’s website. Usually a little cheaper online: http://www.jayrobb.com.
I hope you have a very Merry, healthy and joyful Christmas– you deserve it, girl! <3
Gotta try this peanut sauce. I have to admit, I always avoid peanut sauce ’cause of the sugar. Duh, I can use my trusty stevia. Sounds so good on top of the steamed sprouts! Sounds good on top of anything! Maybe some roasted crushed nuts on top too. Happy Holidays to you!! Have fun away from the computer
What a sweet and thoughtful MIL! That just warms my heart. Merry Christmas, Heather! Your blog is something I am very grateful for. xoxo
Thanks Mandy. Merry Christmas to you as well.
Heather!
I just had to wish you a WONDERUL AMAZING CHRISTMAS!! Thank you for always taking the time to email me, answer my questions, and put up with my ‘poppy seed’ suggestions, and various sweet squash suggestions! You still HAVE to try the ones I recommended. They are SO sweet and amazing. Can’t wait for your recap posts! You are such a wonderful spirit! Glad I’ve gotten to know you through your blog!
XOXO
Barbara
Barbara, Yes, yes, yes, the poppy seeds! Hehe – I promise I haven’t forgotten.
Wishing you a wonderful and amazing Christmas as well! Much Love, Heather
Heather -we love your pancake recipe. I made it again for the whole familyWhat a wonderful Christmas morning breakfast. Thanks and happy holidays!
Glad you and your family enjoyed. Merry Christmas to you as well Ozlen! Love, Heather
That Kabocha Santa is so cute! Hope you have a great holiday! She sure sounds like a great MIL!!
Merry Christmas!!
that’s awesome that your MIL caters to your eating habits!! Most of us dread going places for the holidays because there is nothing healthy. =)
Dude. We’re switching MIL’s. Deal? Deal.
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