As much as I’ve tried to avoid fall and have complained about all the early pumpkin pushing, it’s here. Today is the first full day of fall and it sure does feel like it in Charlotte. It’s 60 degrees, gray and raining on and off. My body and mind are feeling the change of seasons. I woke up really early yesterday morning with so much running through my head and heart. I can’t really describe it but I had a strong pull to finally start a meditation practice. This has been on my “should do” list for years but I’ve just never committed. I’m ready now. More on that to come soon…after I figure it out!
For now, I’m wearing my first scarf of the season and sharing my recent eats with you. 
Breakfast
I ran out of spinach and had to endure a couple of days of non-green smoothies. It was tough, I tell ya! Kinda felt like I was drinking a peanut butter and jelly milkshake. (That’s an awesome thing.)
Oatmeal for the first time in 5 or 6 months. The cooler mornings put me in the mood for a warm breakfast. I sauteed apples in coconut oil and cinnamon and then added oats, vanilla soy milk, dried cranberries and chia seeds. Topped it all off with Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter, peanut butter and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds. So good!
My lifeblood. Black coffee (there was some in there!) and back in business with green smoothies. This week I’ve been experimenting with adding dried figs instead of dates to sweeten the smoothie up since my beloved figs are going out of season!
The best omelet with cheese cooked into the eggs on the bottom layer, tomatoes, swiss chard and smoked salmon.
Lunch
Mexican inspired salad with spinach, fresh corn, tomatoes, feta, avocado, sunflower seeds and Trader Joe’s Goddess Dressing.
This is probably my favorite sandwich combination of all time…basil mayo, avocado, turkey, homegrown tomatoes and pepperjack on sourdough.
Another salad…this one with mixed greens, strawberries, grilled chicken, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and some other random veggies. With a mix of honey mustard and balsamic dressing. (Love mixing the two.)
Dinner
Last week I made a batch of stuffed peppers. I used a variation of my Mexican Quinoa with a little ground turkey mixed in and used it to stuff red peppers and topped them off with cheese.
They made two delicious dinners! The leftovers were even better than the first night.
Takeout Pad Thai with a spring roll. I ate this same exact dinner Saturday and Sunday night.
First winter squash of the season. The rest of the dinner wasn’t photogenic enough to share with you but included shredded brussels sprouts and salmon.
Happy fall y’all. Hope it’s a season of change for the good for everyone! xo
That oatmeal bowl sounds like a dream! I’d wake up for that! 😉
I’m wearing my first scarf of the season, too. Happy Fall!
If you feel like you are missing something in your heart you should look into joining a church for worship with others! Without sounding preachy or getting into your religious background, you will be changed forever in the best way possible! I live right outside of Charlotte and welcome you any time! 🙂
thanks whitney! i’m not feeling an emptiness but rather a desire for more stillness and time for grounding. spirituality is important to me and i think we all express it in different ways!
It was “cooler” in Houston this morning when I went to take Lucy outside…Cool enough that I could open my doors and windows for most of the morning and afternoon…YES!!!! With Fall truly here, hopefully you’ll make a pumpkin smoothie soon…And yes, my mind has been running like crazy too…change of seasons are a big deal.
i haven’t opened my first can of pumpkin yet but as soon as i do it’s smoothie time! xo
Do you make the basil mayo, just blend mayo with fresh basil?
yep, i just pick some basil, chop it up and whisk it in with the mayo!
It’s definitely feeling like fall in NC today! I love that you broke out a scarf! I really enjoy the few minutes of meditation at yoga and think there would be a huge benefit in my personal life if I tried to find 5-10 minutes a day to meditate. It always comes down finding the time (sounds so silly when it’s only a few minutes) but I want to be able to really let in the silence and drop my thoughts! Maybe you will find a good plan and share here soon!
I don’t know if I am now just noticing this, but I like the picture of you and Sullie on the left upper hand side of your blog! I hope the change of seasons comes slowly and not all at once!
i just changed that photo today! thank you! 🙂
That omelet looks SO good! After you posted about making perfect eggs, my eggs have been deliciously perfect every single time I make them. This sounds silly but can you mention how you make a “perfect omelet” as well? I can get all the ingredients in there it just doesn’t look pretty!
your mexican quinoa is on the regular rotation at our house… haven’t ever thought to stuff a pepper but now I’m going to try it! YUM!
I look forward to reading your post on mediation!
These are my favourite posts on your site, I always get so many ideas!
Meditation is a game changer!!! You will be addicted!
I was kind of not feeling fall either until this week…which is super weird because I love fall decor, clothes and pumpkin everything. I just wasn’t ready for it I guess! Glad to know I wasn’t alone on that!!