FH and I did just that today. We have been so swamped with wedding planning, house renovating, and moving that we really haven't had much down time with each other lately. The closest we get to spending time together most days is drilling a shower curtain rod into the bathroom (sad, I know!).
As part of my birthday present, I requested we do something "free" (and healthy as well!). We drove about an hour to visit Starved Rock State Park to go hiking!
We packed some lunches to eat in the car, and we were off!
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| gluten free bread from here, veggies galore (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, AVOCADO, and mustard |
I had this sandwich with an apple and some raisins and almonds.
I may or may not have spilled some mustard on myself in the car - I am a very messy eater.
It was the perfect day - around 80 degrees and partly sunny skies.
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| happy to go hiking! |
Starved Rock is actually a very historic place. Native Americans dwelled in this location for many years before it was settled by the Europeans. Fort St. Louis used to be on top of "The Rock" to try and get the Native Americans to stay in their villages. The structures within this state park are absolutely stunning - who would have thought Illinois could be this pretty?
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| reading the history |
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| "will you consider it leaping if i push you off?" - FH (what a great lover - haha!) |
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| at the top of Lover's Leap - no, he didn't push me :) |
We had such a great time. It was just nice to spend time with each other without worrying about fixing something in the house or deciding upon something for the wedding. I want to go back again in October when the leaves are starting to change colors - I can't wait. It will be absolutely beautiful.
While hiking, I found something that reminded me of someone....Want to guess who?
Any ideas who?
KELSEY!!!
Since she is the "snacking squirrel", I found an acorn and brought it home for photography purposes!
When I got home I was ravenous, but really wanted roasted veggies, so I decided to wait it out. While I was waiting, I almost lost all control - I started snacking on chips and hummus. I had my fair share and then scolded myself for not being hungry for roasted veggies.
Bahahahah! Who are we kidding? I am always hungry for roasted veggies!
Roasted veggies are so easy peasy! All you have to do is slice up whatever veggies you want (I did sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper, zucchini, and green beans) into BIG chunks (so they don't get too charred), toss them with some EVOO and spices (black pepper, garlic, oregano, basil) and cook them in a baking pan on 450 degrees for 40 minutes.
Yum! I always make sure to mix my vegges every 10-15 minutes so they don't get burnt.
Along side the veggies, I ate a large spinach salad.
This is the kind of meal I dream of.. <3 <3 <3 <3
After dinner, i had the most intense craving for Blueberry Muffin Crunch Cereal. There was only one problem... I was all out of muffins!
I decided to quick whip up some of my blueberry oatmeal muffins and call it a night! This recipe is so simple and if you have all ingredients on hand, you can whip them up in about 20 minutes!
I call this snack: bridezlla diversion
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| blueberry muffin crunch cereal |
I think I am going to go watch Father of the Bride - I am totally feeling "weddingy" tonight! Tomorrow is filled with running, wedding preparations (makeup and facial? yes please!!), and lots more wedding errands. 5 more days, I can't even believe it!
Question: What do you do just for you? Big or small, I don't care! I want to know!
