Well, after a really, really nice weekend, it’s back to the grind today.
I already shared a little bit about my Saturday and Sunday, and our actual Memorial Day yesterday was also pretty low-key. Jay and I both had some things to do around the house, but other than that, I was left with a good amount of downtime which was nice. It actually gave me some time to do a little reading, as well as a little reflecting.
I’ve been feeling a bit more emotional lately (surprise, surprise!), and I think the combination of that, along with it being Memorial Day and just feeling so grateful for so much, really helped put a lot of things into perspective for me. Sometimes I tend to allow myself to get so worked up over things that, in the grand scheme of things, really are so minor. So to be able to find a little clarity yesterday was really refreshing and very much needed.
(I actually talk a little bit about some of the emotions I’ve been feeling in today’s Baby Tooth post, which was updated today.)
Don’t get me wrong though…all is good! Just sharing some my random tidbits and thoughts with you all this morning.
*****
For dinner yesterday, I decided to take some time and effort to make an actual meal. I know, who knew, right?! “Real” dinners are becoming a rarity in our house these days, thanks to our ever-busy schedules (and my decreasing desire to put much effort into anything). But since I knew last night was basically the only night this week we’d both be home for a real, sit-down meal, I decided to make something nice…and I’m SO glad I did.
As I was cleaning out in the living room the other day, I came across one of my more recent issues of Cooking Light magazine, which I think I had totally forgotten about. It actually has a ton of good recipes in it, and I decided a couple of days ago that I’d make the Spice-Rubbed Steak with Avocado Lime Salsa. It was a ridiculously easy recipe, and oh my gawwwwd was it good.
Doesn’t hurt that Jay grills a pretty mean steak, too. ;)
As for the side, I was in the mood for some sort of a light, summer-like salad and I really wanted couscous. I’ve had a bag in my pantry for ages and it just sounded great. So I did a little searching on the ol’ internet and found a recipe for Summer Garden Couscous Salad from Taste of Home.
You guys…it was amazing. And easy. AND it makes a TON so I still have a bunch of leftovers for the week. I’m so freakin’ excited.
*****
Later today I have my 32-week prenatal appointment and then shortly after that Jay and I have our first childbirth class to attend. It’s gonna be a long day, but I’m excited for everything that’s happening later this afternoon!
How was everyone’s Memorial Day? Do anything fun or exciting??
Melanie @ BeautifullyNutty says
I bet you are so excited for childbirth class! That is going to be a lot of fun for both of you.
That couscous salad looks delish–I bet it would be great with quinoa too!
My weekend was full of yard work and productivity, but there was also plenty of time for relaxation as well. It was a nice LONG weekend!
Happy Tuesday!
Claire @ Flake and Cake says
That dinner looks delicious! So summery and fresh, I’m definitely going to give it a try (my boyfriend adores steak!).
We don’t celebrate Memorial Day here in the UK but we had a Bank Holiday, meaning there was still a three day weekend. We actually bought a new pet hamster and sorted out lots of chores. Very productive – useful as my time will be now spent cooing over the new arrival!
Mallory @ My Quarter Life [Crisis] says
That looks so fresh and good!!
Lisa says
Glad everything is good! I think it’s normal for people to feel really grateful and get emotional along the pregnancy line at some point! Well, I can’t say so myself, but from others that’s what I’ve heard. It’s nice to feel that way though!
Good look at your appointment today!
And that dish looks great:)
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns says
Omg that dinner looks really good!! At least when you guys do have a “real dinner” it always looks bomb. Have fun this afternoon :)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Thank you for sharing the link for the couscous salad! That is getting bookmarked ASAP. It sounds so flavorful and I am loving the colors!
Ashley @ Life and Fitness says
The highlight of my Memorial Day was eating a ton of grilled food! I love grilled anything. Just can’t get enough of it :)
Angela @ Beauty in Strength says
Your dinner looks delicious!!! The summer salad looks like it would be great with quinoa or brown rice also, and that salsa!!! LOVE anything with avocado.
Courtney, your post on your new relationship with food was SO inspiring, I took some time to write one similar. It’s a bit long, and I know you are SO busy right now, but I would be absolutely honored if you took a moment to read. :) Thank you in advance! You are such a role model for me every day. <3
http://beautyinstrengthxox.com/2013/05/28/quitters-win-winners-quit/
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
It always helps to put things into perspective and remember that one, five, or ten years down the road, some things that we tend to get worked up about just won’t matter at all. I love those reflective days, and they tend to be even better when it’s kind of rainy and dreary out :)
I can definitely relate to not wanting to put much effort into meals, but your dinner looks amazing, and I bet it was worth the extra time spent in the kitchen. I cooked up a slightly fancier meal for a friend this weekend, and eating it definitely reminded me how rewarding it can be to spend a little more time cooking.
pippa@popovertopippas says
Your dinner looks amazing, I need to make both dishes. Great combo!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
we went to my in-laws for dinner to which we received tooooons of leftovers :) :) always exciting because i haven’t been in the cooking mood lately either!
Kaylie @ Fitness Moves You says
I know the feeling of not being too busy to eat real meals- glad you guys still got one in!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Mmmmm…yummy dinner! I’m definitely pinning the couscous salad. It looks delicious!
We had a busy weekend. We had a BBQ with friends at our house on Saturday and went to my in-laws on Sunday. At least yesterday was more low key.
Good luck at your class tonight!
Lindsay says
That looks soooo good. I’ve never made my own couscous before, but I’ll have to try this recipe.
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says
Looks like a delicious recipe! My BF loves steak, so I’ll share with him.
I can image all of the emotions you are feeling – I’m not pregnant, and I’m still ridiculously emotional these days. Probably all of the weddings ;-)
This weekend was my best friend’s wedding in Newport, and despite the dreary weather, it was beautiful – I’m so happy for her!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
I love a good homemade salsa–I made some on Sunday. So so tasty!
Brittany @ DulceVie says
Oh. My. Gosh. That dinner looks amazing!!!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
We LOVE couscous! In fact… I may need to go buy some this week!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance says
I love Cooking Light. Their recipes are always fresh, tasty and healthy! I actually made a few things this weekend from both a recent and old Cooking Light issue. I haven’t tried the Spice Rubed Steak but it looks delicious!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Yum! Looks delicious! Cody would LOVE this meal.
victoria @ reluctantlyskinny says
the coucous looks amazing – it would probably work with quinoa since I’m gluten free, too! sometimes quiet days at home with a good meal are exactly what you need!
Lauren says
It looks delicious! I might make that salad for our family picnic on Father’s Day. I have a couple of things in mind, so we’ll see! And since I always talk about the Voice with you… Who was your favorite last night? I have to say I really like Michelle. She’s growing on me every week along with the Swon brothers!
Good luck at your first childbirth class ;-)
Courtney says
Haha, you know, I was only half paying attention last night so I don’t think I saw them all (and can’t even remember some of the others!). I did really like Sarah, Michelle, and Holly last night though.
Ellie@Fit for the soul says
Yay, great job for cooking! haha I totally understand that feeling of wanting to cook more during pregnancy, but ending up eating something else. :P And I had a couscous salad type thing yesterday too and it was so good! Couscous needs to be more well known!
Brooke @ Running In Heels says
So glad you had a great weekend! Our weekend was really relaxed, and I spent the day at the Brewer game yesterday which was a blast, even if we lost :)
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Can’t wait to hear all about your day! Dinner side looks so good! Jumbo couscous!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
YUM! That looks so good! Sometimes putting in that extra little bit of effort makes all the difference. I’ve made a similar recipe by Cooking Light and it turned out awesome as well :)
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Wow, that dinner looks amazing! What I’d do to have a grill!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
That dinner looks great!
Hope everything goes well with your appointment/class tonight!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Love couscous, but it’s been ages since I’ve had it! I’m also not one to turn my nose up at a steak dinner, either ;-) no holiday up here, so my Memorial day was spent at work!
Leigha says
oh my gosh I need to make that salad. That looks SO yummy. I’m not really a steak girl so that doesn’t really appeal to me.. but I want that salad!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet says
I went rafting on Sunday! Not White Water rafting…it was much lazier than that!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
Such a beautiful dinner! I love it when I feel inspired to cook something delicious and healthy. With the summer heat on its way I’ll feel less and less inspired to turn the oven on soon haha
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats says
that salsa looks so delicious and pretty! Thanks for sharing. I see lots of that in my future :)
Jillian @ Trail Mix Diaries says
I made this salad over the weekend… AMAZING. I added some sliced black olives, green pepper & used gorgonzola instead of feta. So good! Think I found a new salad to bring for those pot luck type picnics this summer! And it’s better the next day :)