Delicious Not Difficult
Posted: November 4, 2011 at 7:08 amGood morning!!! As this post publishes, I’m well on my way to Savannah. Woo, baby! I so look forward to not only running my first big race and seeing some amazing blog friends, but also to have a weekend away with Peter sans kiddos. That’s right! We’re kid free this weekend and treating it as a little getaway.
Thanks to some wonderful parents who scoop up the chance to stay with their beloved grandchildren for a few days.
Last night, my parents came to our house hauling their suitcases to act as our heroes and babysitters for the weekend. I made sure to give them special treatment by preparing a delicious dinner for us all to share.
I made a large batch of whole wheat penne pasta with some broccoli, mushrooms, and onion topped with marinara sauce. I always love adding extra veggies to help bulk up a pasta dish.
I also bulked up the meal with some ready made items for sides – some garlic Texas toast and a lite Caesar salad bagged mix.
I break out the big guns for guests, huh? Hey, I did say “delicious”, not “difficult”! 
And delicious it was. The perfect meal to eat for race fuel-ups. #readytorunalready
FFF Features of the Week
I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Give ‘em a looksy and I’ll be back later with Fun Fact Friday!
Featured Personal Post: Stuffed With Emptiness #4
This particular post went into my experiences turning to alcohol and the time I desperately hoped to be successful at suicide. Please read with caution.
Featured Workout Post: 5 x 5 Full Body Circuit
I skipped the features post last week, so I have to remind you all of this workout. It was seriously too much fun! Printable version of the workout in the original post.
Featured Meal Post: Tofu Parmesan + Cheesy Spaghetti Squash
Another from last week that I can’t let get swept under the rug!
Featured Positive Post: Too Much Of A Good Thing
Some of my favorite things right now – tea and great Christian workout music.
Featured Fun Post: A Tale of Two Winners
Another Champion sports bras giveaway with TWO winners. Ends tonight!
Featured Cuteness Post: Out With A Bang
Halloween costumes. ‘Nough said. Click to see the full cuteness effect.
Featured Reading: Michelle @ Crazy Running Legs
I get to meet her this weekend since she is running her FIRST FULL MARATHON in Savannah. Plus, she’s all around awesome. Give her some positive energy before tomorrow!!! And Michelle – I know you will do fabulous!
- What’s a meal you like to make for guests?
- Any exciting weekend plans?
Tags: dinner, family, family activities, FFF features, half marathon
Yum! I love pasta – you’re doing a great job carbloading! I want some updates on how this weekend goes for you lady! Good luck – you’re going go to do awesome! Love you!
mmmm garlic bread…I miss that!
Good luck this weekend 🙂
Yayyy! Good luck and enjoy! Savannah is so much fun. For guests, i like doing bakes, pizza,burgers or lots of finger foods
Good luck Tina! Have a blast too! I know you will have a great time though! We make all kinds of things for guests. We have the same group come over regularly, so we change it up all the time. Your dinner looks delicious!
Goodluck on the half marathon. I hope you kick butt!
Completely random…but does your Dad read your blog or know about the stuffed with emptiness series? I know that talking about what happened with him helps us to connect the reason for your bingeing but did you ask him what he thought about airing it all there for us to read? It looks like you two have reparied and mended your relationship so I was just wondering. Feel free to tell me to mind my own business. 😉
I don’t know if he reads them or not, but he knows I openly share this type of stuff on the blog. We have talked about it and I have emphasized that while I fully forgive him, I feel a need to share my experience. That is also why I try to always be clear that I have forgiven him and we are both in a different, better place now. I definitely wouldn’t want to hurt him.
Have so much fun! And enjoy your kid-free time =)
Good Luck this weekend!!!
I’m a sucker for anything that involves marinara sauce so I know I would be a very happy guest :)!
Enjoy Savannah and your race. I know you will do great!
haha pasta and garlic bread – gotta carbo load! Have a great time in Savannah, it’s a fun city!
Love easy dinners like that – and hope you have a safe trip. I love Savannah!
Have fun this weekend, Tina! I’m excited to read about your race recap 🙂
Thanks for sharing Michelle’s blog – I’ve never seen it before and just checked it out and said “hi” 🙂
Have a fun time! Can’t wait for recaps! 🙂
Have fun and good luck this weekend! I like to make breakfast for guests. 🙂
You’re going to do great. I just hope you have fun! 🙂 Take some time to enjoy Savannah. I haven’t been in ages, and I can’t wait to get back for St Patty’s day next year.
Good luck this weekend, I’m sure you’re going to rock it Tina! Can’t wait to read all about it 🙂
Good luck Savannah-ing! I can’t wait to read your recap.
And I love pasta with veggies and tomato sauce. One of my fave easy meals, for sure.
I’m not sure if it would be all that exciting, but I’m getting a massage on Saturday. So looking forward to it!
Are you kidding? Of course that’s exciting!
Have fun at your run! (ha, that rhymes.) Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Kid-free AND half marathon weekend! That’s awesome!! Have a safe trip and fabuluos race!!!
Awww – thanks Tina!! I cannot wait to meet you. Definitely going to be looking for you in the corral tomorrow morning!
Woo-hoo for being child-free!!! It’s definitely nice to get away 🙂
If I don’t find you before the race — GOOD LUCK!!!! You are going to kick SO MUCH booty!
Good luck on your race, Tina! Thanks for sharing in your latest “stuffed with emptiness” post. That post really resonated with me, and it’s amazing to me how much you open up to help others.
i hope you have a blast in savannah! the race is going to be awesome and you’re going to rock it 🙂
Safe travels and good luck!! 😀
there is a small chance my mom and dad will be moving an hour from me, and I am SOOOO looking forward to a kid free weekend after weaning.
Have a great weekend!! Good luck on the race! 😀
maaw, you look so much like your parents!
and GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND. have a blasty blast for me!
good luck!
Good luck with your 1/2 marathon!
So cool that you get to have a getaway too..
love
Ela
Have fun in Savannah! I bet you’ll do awesome 🙂 I’ll be anxiously awaiting the recap!
Good luck in your race!!! This weekend, I am going to Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair and also a Thai meal/cooking class…should be fun! I tend to be all over the place with whatever I’m in the mood to cook, so I don’t really have one “go-to” thing.
BEST OF LUCK!!! You’re gonna rock it!