The name of the game before mom arrives?
Clean House :)
Eric is a big list guy so he always makes a big list for us to cross off when we do a big top-to-bottom house clean. It always makes me laugh when he gives me a list!
Mom was very impressed with the renos we’ve done since her last visit!
Earlier in the day, we had a lovely visit with Grandpa and Diane when we picked up my mom (she was staying there for a few days).
My Grandpa continues to stay very positive with his Leukemia battle. He’s had a very rough go with a chemo drug called Valcade, so he’s off of it for the time being. The drug gave him extreme leg pain and he lost about 15 pounds while on it. Not a very fun way to live! Since he’s been off it, he has regained about 10 pounds and his leg pain has improved about 40%. He is still on another chemo drug (can’t remember the name) that doesn’t have as many side effects.
Despite all this, he is always positive and staying active. He’s a fighter!
A couple group shots…
After our visit, we met my Grammy and Harry for lunch. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside!
Cuties!
Eric enjoyed beer because I was the driver yesterday. :)
Mom and I had green tea.
Meals were enjoyed…
The North Restaurant is by no means a vegan-friendly restaurant, but the chef said he could make me a stir-fry that was vegan. I asked for brown rice and a vegan protein along with the stir-fry, but no such luck….just veggies came out!
It was beautiful, but not very filling for my growling stomach. Luckily, I packed a high-protein Renew Glo Bar and apple + PB in my purse because I anticipated post-restaurant hunger. I dream of the day when restaurants are more vegan-friendly…until then, I make do with what I can!
This morning, I was the first one up around 7am, so I headed out for a quick run while the beauties slept. We’re supposed to get T-storms all day, but I was happy to see that it was just cloudy this morning instead of rain.
I picked up this Power Y tank after so many of you recommended it in my workout clothes post. I’m in love with it…I also love that it is one of their cheapest tanks. It doesn’t have much support though, so I wear the Flow Y bra underneath when running.
Umm..don’t mind my weird alien expression…it takes me about a mile before I wake up in the morning!
I ran a 3-mile progressive negative split (<—info) and I told myself I was running a race to make it more interesting!
- Mile 1 = 8:36
- Mile 2 = 8:26
- Mile 3 = 8:13
I just love fast & short runs. I’m thinking of signing up for my very first 5k race soon! I think this will be the summer of short distance races, perhaps…
When I returned the sleeping beauties were awake and we made breakfast. Mom and I both thought a Green Monster would hit the spot…
I made us a berry banana GM with lots of chia seeds and spinach.
For two servings: 3 handfuls spinach, 2 cups almond milk, 3/4 cup frozen berries (cherries, strawberries), 2 tbsp chia seeds, 2 frozen bananas, protein powder.
Yummerz.
I photographed them on our new tablerunner & napkins that mom got us from Crate & Barrel. :) They match our orange dining room really well. :)
I think we’re off to do a bit of gardening before the storms move in…see ya soon!
We had parallel mornings! I ran, drank a green smoothie, and cleaned the apt since the parents are coming up! Ah…Saturday mornings!
haha nice work! It is a good feeling to get it checked off the list early in the weekend.
Ahhh I am so glad your family is doing well!! I love lists too :)
p.s. I love my garmin, it is basically my fifth appendage
I dont know what Id do without it anymore! Its so cool to be able to look at pace and mile splits.
Your grandpa is such a cutie and an inspiration Angela! :P I loved this post–filled with so much love! Oh and that first dish presentation is off the chart!!! so pretty!!
Looks like such a loving family! And speaking of love, I love your kitchen! Definitely have kitchen envy… :)
You are glowing in your pictures! :)
I really hope your grandpa gets better! It’s great that he has your and other familymembers’ support.
I also started running 2 days ago, I had my second run today, it’s exciting :)
congrats on your running! How exciting. You will probably be surprised at how fast you can build endurance!
What a fun time. I liked how you and Eric slpit the cleaning, it should always be that way!
What great pictures and a nice looking family. :)
oh your day sounds so lovely so far! family time is the best and farmers markets are always so enjoyable. That table runner is absolutely gorgeous too, perfect for summer. Have a great day!
I love your moms socks. My grandmother is from New Brunswick and she buys me a pair of those fuzzies for Christmas every year!
I love themt too…so cute! I need to find out where she got them…they are mini sock/slippers
I love that dress you are wearing in those group shots – where did you get it?
Thank you! Its Miss Sixty brand and I got it in 2008.
I love looking at photos of your kitchen. LOL
I wish at some point, you can do a clothing post because I LOVE seeing all your dresses! They’re adorable.
thank you!
that GM looks so refreshing! Enjoy the time with your mama :)
I read your blog all the time… for many reasons, mostly though because I am trying desperately to get my Glow back! I started the Green Monster 2 months ago and it has made a huge difference in my energy, skin, and many other things.
Thank you for all of the inspiration!
I love that your mom bought you a new table runner and napkins…as a blogger, getting anything new to photograph things on is like kid in a candy store type moment!
The pic of you in your new tank and workout clothes….you are lookin’ good there, girlie! Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. You look awesome :)
The pictures of the restaurant food are amazing. I am super impressed with your restaurant photography skills! Which is it’s own beast. ha!
Have a wonderful time with your mom, Angela! :)
Thanks hun!
Angela,
Where do you get the neat glass straw that you drink your green monsters with?
Thanks for all your helpful posts!
Hi Claire, Its from Glass Dharma: http://glassdharma.com/
love them :)
Thats so great that you and Eric work together to get the house together for your mom! How sweet!
Banana and frozen sweet cherries are my favorite things to put in green monsters! Love the one you made!
I struggle with eating out as a vegan as well… especially when it involves family or other people. You always end up with a weak salad or a bunch of grilled veggies like that. I decided after the last salad that I’m going to start bringing my own beans and add on toppings with me. :)
PS – your house is beautiful! xo
haha that would be awesome to bring your own beans!!!
It must be so nice to spend time with your family! My relatives are all in town this weekend, and it’s been so much fun catching up with them!
I had almost the exact same green monster today, except I used kale along with spinach. Yum!
I’m glad your grandpa is doing better after that bad experience with the drug. Hopefully this new one will be better for him and that he continues to stay positive and fight!!! :)
It makes me crazy that a restaurant assumes that just because someone is vegan, they are also a light eater who can be satisfied by a handful of vegetables. I can’t wait for the day when restaurants start including more meat-free proteins in their meals!
Sounds like a great time! haha I look the SAME in the morning when I go for my runs too.
Your house is gorgeous!
Have fun with your precious family!