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sunrise at the cherry blossoms
March 23, 2020

Fresh Air Weekend

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Hi friends – I hope you are doing okay out there. I’ll be honest it feels kind of silly/pointless to be writing about my weekend while the world is in crisis, but I’m hoping that coming to my blog and reading will bring you some joy or at least a brief distraction. And if it does, then it’s worth me still writing. 

We had really nice weather this weekend and, especially with the forecast for this week looking pretty rainy, we focused on getting as much fresh air as possible. 

On Sunday, super early, I went to see the cherry blossoms via my running shoes. 

sunrise at the cherry blossoms

It was stunning, as always, especially at sunrise.

cherry blossom tidal basin sunrise

sunrise tidal basin cherry blossoms

cherry blossom sunrise pictures

I ran back via Hains Point, which is my other favorite cherry blossom spot, especially because it’s usually empty. It would be a nice spot for a cherry blossom picnic if the weather clears up later this week. 

hains point cherry blossoms

It felt nice to move after a couple weeks of not much running. I’ve been struggling with motivation to run since my half marathon got cancelled. Obviously a race being cancelled is completely insignificant compared to real issues people are dealing with right now but I do feel disappointed, especially after picking up so much steam the past couple months with my running again for the first time in years. 

On the upside… the weather forecast for Saturday (the day my half marathon was supposed to be) right now is calling for cold rain, so, there’s that. 😉 I kind of hope the weather is garbage that morning so I’m less bummed to not be out there!

running watch photo garmin

Anyway. We also did a hike this weekend – it was fun to hit the trails… it had been awhile! Riese loves hiking just as much as us, which is nice. 🙂 She actually has pretty good stamina, too – she started in the hiking backpack on Matt but quickly wanted to get out and walk with us. 

hiking toddler

We also got a lot of stuff done around the house this weekend! On Saturday morning, we spent a few hours putting together a border for Riese’s playhouse and filling it in with wood chips so it’s softer in case she falls. 

Matt ordered everything online – a border, landscaping fabric to put down, plus the woodchips (delivered from a local company). 

putting a border around an outdoor playhouse

It was fun and also hard work – shoveling and hauling woodchips around is exhausting! 

filling outdoor playhouse border with mulch

Complete! Yay. 

border around outdoor playhouse for kids

As for food this weekend, we did a lot of takeout to support local restaurants (and also because we were tired of cooking after cooking up a storm the past week and a half). 

One night we got burgers + fries from Holy Cow Burger in Del Ray and I made us some salads to go with it. It was good but I forgot that takeout/delivery fries are never that good – they get cold and soggy so fast!

take out from holy cow burger in del ray

Another day we got lattes + brunch from Stomping Ground in Del Ray. I had their veggie hash with a poached egg + grains and added some of our own greens to the mix. Riese ate all my avocado. Not cool girl, not cool. 

take out brunch from stomping ground in del ray

Matt makes a mean brunch, too, though – he whipped up some bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches for us yesterday that were so good! 

homemade bacon egg and cheese sandwich

We got Thai takeout from Thai Peppers in Del Ray another night. I had a garlicky veggie + chicken situation with brown rice. 

takeout from thai peppers in del ray

We also ate the last of the homemade chicken and veggies soup I made last weekend.

leftover chicken and veggie soup homemade

For breakfast, I’ve been into super seed-y cereal bowls – adding nuts and seeds to cereal is a great way to make it more filling/satisfying so you aren’t hungry again in 5 minutes! And it’s an easy pantry breakfast when you don’t have anything fresh (except milk). I added raisins, walnuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. 

cereal with lots of nuts and seeds and raisins

Last night we made a Blue Apron dinner but went rogue and also roasted some squash for the week using the same seasoning (it was a harissa sauce – I’m looking forward to having the leftover squash with eggs for breakfast). 

sous chef toddler

roasted squash and chicken

Stay healthy out there, friends. I will leave you with this photo of Riese reminding you to stop and smell the flowers. She loves all the spring flowers and wants to stop and smell all of them – it makes walks very slow, but it’s so sweet, and hey, it’s not like we have anywhere to be/anything to rush around for right now anyway, right?  

dont forget to stop and smell the flowers

I’ll see you guys back here on Wednesday with that crockpot turkey chili recipe I’ve been promising. It’s a yummy one and I hope you all will enjoy it while stuck at home right now! 

If you’d like to share, I’d love to hear how you guys are doing. <3

- anne
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33 comments
  • JAnine March 23, 2020 · 11:28AM:
    Anne, In reference to your comments at the beginning of this post, yes. Please keep doing what you are doing. I have been following your blog for no less than four years, and I continue to be inspired and encouraged by your posts. And, my husband and I were supposed to be in D.C. this week, enjoying the city and the cherry blossoms, but our trip was cancelled. Seeing your cherry blossom photos just warms my heart! Thank you so much for sharing. We are all figuring this out as we go, and you are doing beautifully! Especially love the fact that you worked on your daughter's play area....just awesome. We all need authenticity, and real life encouragement through this. Blessings!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 11:35AM:
      Thank you, Janine, for this kind comment. It makes me really happy to hear that my posts are bringing you some joy. Stay healthy. <3
      Reply
  • laurie March 23, 2020 · 11:36AM:
    Hi Anne. I know, for me at least, coming to your blog gives me some normalcy. Also seeing what others are doing to cope helps to not feel isolated. I'm not able to work from home yet so it's home, car, work, car, home....... Sending good loving vibes to this whole community as well as the world at large.
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 11:41AM:
      Thank you Laurie, it makes me happy to hear this. Stay safe out there, and thank you for the good vibes - we all need them right now!
      Reply
  • Ana March 23, 2020 · 12:04PM:
    Keep those posts coming! It's a nice way to get "out" and see what others are doing/eating. And I love that photo of Riese appreciating the flowers!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 12:11PM:
      Thank you - I will!
      Reply
  • Jenn March 23, 2020 · 12:06PM:
    If you ever get an air fryer, it's perfect for crisping up takeout or leftover fries!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 12:11PM:
      Ah, that's a good tip!
      Reply
  • Molly W. March 23, 2020 · 12:19PM:
    Hi Anne - Yes, please keep the blog posts coming. It's nice to have some routine and normalcy in an otherwise absolutely insane situation, and your pictures are beautiful. (I'm quarantined at home in an apartment with a mildly sick husband, and I miss having a yard so much!)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 12:27PM:
      Oh gosh, thinking of you and hoping your husband is okay. Hang in there and thank you for reading. <3
      Reply
  • Shannon Valle March 23, 2020 · 12:29PM:
    Looking forward to chili recipe
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 12:37PM:
      Yay! I hope you enjoy it... it's been really nice to have on hand the past week, and we have some saved in the freezer for later too!
      Reply
  • Allison D March 23, 2020 · 12:38PM:
    Just want to say don't feel silly sharing. I have to limit my intake of news and serious subjects and even have trouble focusing on reading light hearted books these days. I need these little things to read and keep up some of what i usually do! We are cooking a ton at my house, playing lots of family games, and we bought a trampoline for my 8 and 9 year old the minute school got cancelled for 6 weeks! Perfect time to install a playhouse in your backyard too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 1:21PM:
      Thank you Allison. :) I love that you got a trampoline - I kind of want to get one for myself right now!!
      Reply
  • Colleen March 23, 2020 · 1:23PM:
    I get out of the house reading your blog - thank you for letting me focus else where for just a bit of time, it's refreshing to have a 'normal' life outlook, you know! And you need an air fryer!! the ability to reheat things like french fries, onion rings, left over pizza, etc. in it makes them taste as if they were freshly delivered! I held out a long time but succumbed at Christmas and have enjoyed leftovers much more - plus doing small baked goods (cookies & rolls) from scratch, which has been much better for the waist line!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 23, 2020 · 1:46PM:
      Totally putting an air fryer on my Christmas or birthday list... would be worth it for leftover pizza alone! And thank you for reading <3
      Reply
  • Kori
    March 23, 2020 · 2:58PM:
    I'll echo everyone else and say that I love your posts! These are the things that will help us get through such an awful time. All of your food looks so good, and I, too, tried to get out and enjoy the nicer weather! It was cloudy but felt nice yesterday, so I went on a walk that helped clear my mind a bit. I am so sorry about your marathon getting cancelled. I can understand just how frustrating that would be because training is so specific, and you had been working so hard. I hope the weather isn't great either so you can feel better about not being out in it. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:05PM:
      Thank you Kori! Glad to hear you are getting out in the fresh air, too.
      Reply
  • Roadrunner March 23, 2020 · 5:44PM:
    Keep writing, Anne, thanks. It does provide your readers a bit of diversion from the current challenges. It undoubtedly helps you, too. And thanks for sharing priceless photos like the one of the little chef! Beyond that, kudos on the border for the playhouse! Very nicely done! (Sorry to hear a few minutes ago that parks are being closed in the area. ?)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:07PM:
      Thank you! And yes, very bummed about the parks/playgrounds but understandable of course...
      Reply
  • Paige March 23, 2020 · 9:45PM:
    Hi Anne, I hope y’all are doing well! I love your updates and look forward to reading your posts each time I come to you blog or receive an email update from you! Your meals always look so divine and make my meal prep food / meals so basic!! Lol! The playset looks awesome and I bet Reise is beyond excited to have it! I’m sure that it is helpful to help her get some energy out during this scary and home bound time. Also, I’ve thought about this the last several times that I have seen you post but haven’t reached out to tell you... you look so fit, trim, & so full of joy! I stay fairly active like you do.. but all of the marathon miles must be why you look so awesome! ?I currently am not able to run so I miss it so much! As you mentioned in this post that you have been struggling with your motivation... I also have been struggling mentally the past several days (which I out current situation makes sense) and a good solid workout always helps but when I was able I run I felt so empowered!!! I am sorry that your race was canceled but I hope you are able to find motivation soon to continue your exercise as do o! I actually printed off the meal / pantry staple suggestions that were in a recent email from you today. All of your blog posts leave me inspired in one way or another. It may be a post about meal inspiration, your weekend’s activities; which by the way seem so fun each time and filled to the brim of social and physical balanced out. I feel like my weekends are in dire need of much more slow down time and experiencing joy! Balance is extremely difficult for me! Lol! Any who, please continue to write as it is very welcomed and appreciated! I’m sorry for the long winded message! Paige
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      Thank you so much for this kind note, Paige! It means a lot to me to know what I'm posting is helpful. Thank you for reading, and sending you joyful and slow weekends <3
      Reply
  • Teresa L. Eskew March 23, 2020 · 11:29PM:
    Nice post. Keep up with "normal everyday" topics. Levity and having a break from Covid-19 talk is just what we need and I'm sure much appreciated.
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      Thank you for reading Teresa!
      Reply
  • Susan March 23, 2020 · 11:54PM:
    Anne, I join your other followers in saying that having your blog to read is a blessing right now. It’s adds a normalcy that is so needed, and you do a great service by healthy living tips and by sharing recipes that are simple but pack nutrition. Please be assured that you are needed and appreciated by so many!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      Thank you for this kind note, Susan - it means a lot to me!
      Reply
  • Katie Shottes March 24, 2020 · 10:18AM:
    I followed your loose “recipe” for the chicken veggie noodle soup last week and just made my second batch - SO GOOD! Thank you for sharing the light in these weird times ❤️
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      Yay, thank you Katie - so glad you enjoyed the soup! <3
      Reply
  • Heather C March 24, 2020 · 1:52PM:
    Do you mind sharing where you got the playhouse? It’s so cute!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:11PM:
      It's from Wayfair, but the brand is KidKraft!
      Reply
  • Susan March 24, 2020 · 11:02PM:
    Definitely keep writing, please
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 25, 2020 · 1:12PM:
      I will - thank you, Susan!
      Reply
  • Kris S March 25, 2020 · 7:42PM:
    So adorable! Smell those flowers Riese!! :D
    Reply
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about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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