Things I’m Loving Lately

Thank you to The Quaker Oats Company for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Hi guys! Popping in to share some things I’m loving lately. Feel free to play along in the comments! 🙂 1) The fact that the official first day of fall (September 22) is almost here! I can’t wait for sights like these gorgeous leaves again:

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Fall is the BEST – by far my favorite season. Everything just feels so fresh and crisp and rejuvenated – I always have more energy and creativity for work, outdoor exercise is a million times more awesome again, and the clothes are so cozy. My very first fANNEtastic food blog post ever back in October 2009 was actually titled “I love me some fall.” I remember really wanting to get the blog up and going but having no idea what to write about, so I finally one day just sat down and started writing – and that’s what came out. Also, the tea infuser I wrote about in that post is still a favorite 8 years later. 🙂 There’s also a lot of fun personal stuff in fall – my birthday is September 21 (usually right around the first day of fall!), and Matt and I celebrate our wedding anniversary on October 13! This year will be 5 years – how time flies. We normally do a fun fall hiking excursion to celebrate, but since we’ll only be about 5 weeks out from our due date, staying close to home makes more sense this year – but I’m sure we can still find something fun to do to celebrate around here!

Photo credit: Taylor Ben Photography

2) Having breakfast ready and waiting for me when I get back from a workout! I’ve mentioned before that especially now being pregnant I need to eat REALLY quickly after I work out (or wake up) unless I want to feel nauseous. I’m still loving Quaker’s Overnight Oats because it’s so easy to pour my dairy or non-dairy milk of choice into the container the night before to cold-steep in the fridge, and then the oats are ready and waiting in the morning! I still like adding some plain Greek yogurt to them before eating for added creaminess – it pairs perfectly with the hearty blend of oats, quinoa, flaxseed, fruit and nuts. I’ve tried all four flavors now (Raisin Walnut & Honey Heaven, Blueberry Banana & Vanilla Bliss, Orchard Peach Pecan Perfection, Toasted Coconut & Almond Crunch) and my favorite is officially the Raisin Walnut & Honey Heaven – must go buy more of that one as I’m all out! 3) Sandwiches cut into triangles. Is it just me or do sandwiches taste better when cut into triangles vs. just in half? I know I’ve said this before on the blog, but it’s so true and now that I’m back on a sandwich kick as of late I’m reminded of it. (p.s. In case you missed my mix & match healthy sandwich recipes post, check that out for some inspiration! The secret to making sandwiches satisfying is adding lots of veggies for volume – either on the side or actually in the sandwich.) 4) The fact that these two are now best buds: They love hanging out together and are pretty much always side by side, even when out on adventures! (In the foreground in the photo below is their buddy Carl! Photo c/o Koko, Carl’s mom.) Ashe loves jumping around on the rocks, Freyja loves dunking herself in the water. 🙂 Getting two dogs (one of which is a puppy) while I’m pregnant was definitely not the smartest idea we’ve ever had, but we’re getting into a better routine with them and having furry friends who are insanely excited when you get home/walk in a room/say hello to them is pretty awesome. They give such good snuggles, too, so long as you don’t mind a thousand licks! Ashe gives what we call “aggressive snuggles” – if you are in a bad mood, asking her to come over and snuggle is sure to make you laugh because she is instantly ALL over you, trying to lick you, climb on you and give you a hug, etc. The cutest! Freyja is also a big licker but more gentle in her snuggling approach. Ha! Zara is continuing to warm up to them, too, which also makes us happy. 🙂 Check this out – co-existing in peace! Never would have thought we’d make it to this point! 5) Tacos! Such an easy and delicious weeknight meal and with endless variations. I’m especially into shrimp tacos lately because shrimp is so fast cooking! Just add some Mexican-style hot sauce or salsa, cabbage, cilantro, and feta and you’re good to go. Lime wedges on the side, of course! What are you loving lately?