Don't you just love those days where things fall into place and turn out "just right"? I feel like Goldilocks lately with all the things that have happened "just right".

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All of this Goldilocks goodness started last night with dinner. Remember last week I made a veggie & chicken sausage pasta bake to bring to a friend? The version I made last week definitely had too few veggies. So I vowed to get enough to satisfy me in that pasta dish last night. After chopping the zucchini, squash, onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms I almost wondered if I had too many for the dish.

huge skillet filled with veggies

Nah! Just use an extra baking dish for the abundance of food that occurs when you mix it all together.

And then it turns out just right. And by just right, I mean so good we are having leftovers tonight. 😀 And still have enough to freeze for future easy meals.

Goldi continued to keep me company with my workout this morning. During Power class I upped the weight on a couple of things and it was just the right amount of challenge. Plus, my morning green monster gave me just the right amount of energy to tack on some cardio afterwards.

All Done @ 1.5% Incline

This was the definition of a "just right" cardio workout for me right now. Remember how I'm missing intervals and new ways to workout? This workout was something I haven't done in awhile so it felt new and exciting. And it was just enough of a challenge to where I felt accomplished but was able to keep things in check with my body's current needs.

Now what would the story of Goldilocks be without a taste test? I didn't have any porridge to taste since I already had my oats for breakfast (PS - chopped dates in oatmeal = so good), so I tried some cantaloupe instead.

I am very picky about my cantaloupe. It can't be too tart from not being ripe enough and it can't be too mushy from being overly ripe. It needs that perfect sweetness and firmness. You better believe this melon was just right. And even more right is pairing it with strawberries for a lovely side to lunch.

I also got a compliment I needed at just the right time. I had to go and get measured/sized for the bridesmaid dress I have to wear in my friend's September wedding. Something about the sizing of wedding & bridesmaid dresses is just mean...especially for someone who already is at times uncomfortable with being bigger than her typical self. And who wants to deal with a rude saleslady looking at me pitifully and providing condescending comments when I say I am trying to get pregnant so I will need to order larger? Yea...she went there!

I left the shop not in the highest of spirits and still had to stop for gas before getting caught in Atlanta traffic. What a fun way to top off my afternoon of pity, dealing with a non napping child, and paying almost $200 for one of the most hideous bridesmaid dresses out there. But as I was pumping my gas, a nice gentleman walking by turned to me and said "Hey, you need to smile. You are beautiful." It was just right. Not said in a creepy "I'm dirty and hitting on you kind of way". Not said in a "You look sad and you're even making me uncomfortable" kind of way either. In a genuine "You deserve to smile and feel good about yourself" way. At that moment I knew God was watching out for me. That He was speaking to me through this man. And it never surprises me that He always has a way of turning the world into the Goldilocks & The Three Bears story. Things will be just right. At just the right time.

• Have you had any "Goldilocks" moments recently? Has something small ever happened to you where you know it was meant just for you and just what you needed?
• On a lighter note, what is a food that you have to have just right to be able to enjoy it?

I want to start by saying a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the comments, emails, and support I have received since the last post. Like I have said before about other posts, I am not afraid to lay it all out there. I think honesty is the best policy. Plus, I know that the biggest motivation for me is when I can find someone I relate to. So by no means will I ever sugar coat things or gloss over my thoughts. Deal?

Now for the recipes. Last night I took a dinner to a mother from the mom's group I participate in since she just had a baby. And her husband is in Afghanistan serving our country. She deserved some comfort food I would say. So I opted to make my own twist on a basic pasta bake and then do some fancier green beans. I have to say I give myself a pat on the back for this one. I never get creative in the kitchen. And yes, this is still a super simple recipe, but I did something on my own without a recipe. Maybe the food blogs I read are rubbing off on me. 😉

INGREDIENTS for CHICKEN SAUSAGE VEGGIE PASTA BAKE

• 1 package whole wheat pasta
• 1 package Spinach & Mozzarella Chicken Sausages
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium onion
• 1 small green bell pepper
• olive oil
• 8oz shredded mozzarella
• 1 can natural tomato sauce

STEP BY STEP

1. Cook and drain pasta.
2. Chop zucchini, onion, and bell pepper into even chunks (1/2" - 1" in size).
3. Saute the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper in 1-2T olive oil until they begin to soften.
4. Chop the chicken sausage into bite sized pieces. I used fully cooked Trader Joe's chicken sausage, so no pre-cooking was needed. If you use raw chicken or turkey sausage, you will need to cook it first.
5. Mix the sauteed veggie mixture with the pasta, chopped chicken sausage, and jar of tomato sauce in a 9x13 baking dish.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.  
7. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, until cheese melts and is bubbly.  

Note: I totally meant to use roasted red peppers in this recipe, but forgot we were out. I also think this recipe could have used MORE veggies. When I get around to making this for myself there will be plenty more.

INGREDIENTS for BALSAMIC GLAZED GREEN BEANS

• 12 oz or so of fresh green beans
• 1/4c or so of sliced almonds
• 1c balsamic vinegar

STEP BY STEP

1. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and let it simmer on medium heat for about 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep your eye on it! When it starts to get thick and syrupy remove from heat.
2. Steam green beans to desired doneness.
3. Toss green beans, sliced almonds, and glaze all together until evenly coated. DONE!

Note: I did nab a green bean. It was great! 😉