My walk to work this morning was brisk.  It truly felt like a fall day, and for some reason I didn’t feel the need to wear a jacket as I walked out of the door.  That was a big mistake, the wind was blowing and my hands and body were freezing.  Luckily, the store that I work in is actually pretty warm.  Many people complain of it being too warm, but I think it is just right 😉

The fall weather lately is a nice change of pace, but I just need to prepare for it before heading out.  I did however break out the riding boots!

I bought these around this time last year and literally wore them almost everyday throughout the fall and winter.  They are good quality, wear/age well, are cute, and above all else…are comfortable!  I was worried that it was too early in the year to bring the boots back, but with the weather in the 50s this morning they were definitely appropriate.  After all, it is September.

Lunch

On my way to work, I snacked on a homemade larabar (made with peanuts instead of almonds) to hopefully tide me over until I got off work at 2:30pm.  Because I was working a shorter shift than my usual 7 or 8 hours I automatically thought that I wasn’t getting a lunch break, so I didn’t even pack anything.  Well, I was wrong.  I got a lunch break, and I was hungry for lunch.

I usually don’t really like spending money on food to just eat for lunch without it being a special occasion, and I didn’t want anything super greasy or that would weigh me down too much, so I opted for the black bean soup at Panera with a whole grain baguette on the side.  The soup was super warm and was the perfect amount…and the meal only cost $5!  I guess I don’t go out much, but I expected it to be more.

Dinner

After walking home and making some phone calls that have been on my to-do list for a while, it was time for dinner.

When Brian and I were at his parent’s house for his mom’s birthday, his mom gave us a ton of leftovers and produce, including a spaghetti squash!

I was so excited when she gave this to us because I had seen my mom eat it a couple of times in my childhood, but I had never tried it.  The taste of the squash didn’t disappoint and it was very easy to prepare.

First, I scooped out the “guts” and the seeds just like a pumpkin. (It even smells like pumpkin)

I then put water on to boil.  It never actually boiled because the pot was so big, but once it was hot gently placed both squash halves in the hot water for 18-20 minutes.  (I accidentally left the sticker on…)

I then pulled out the squash and started scraping the insides with a fork…and the “spaghetti” strips just came out of no where!

It was seriously like magic.

I then mixed in some steamed cauliflower and spinach and topped it with homemade pasta sauce and a touch of sriracha.  This meal was very filling, I could barely finish my plate!  This meal will definitely be added to the list of repeated items 🙂

Do you repeat recipes or have any “signature” recipes everyone expects you to make?  Or do you try out new recipes all the time?

• I would definitely say that I am always experimenting with different recipes, but occasionally I will repeat specific recipes for various occasions (chocolate chip cookies always get made for Grandpa!)