Recovering?! No, nothing scary, just from the marathon that is always Christmas Eve for us.
Of course, though, Holiday or not, there’s always room for What I Ate Wednesday. It is the wonderful foodie get together started and hosted each week by Jenn at Peas & Crayons. Be sure to visit Jenn and all the fun kids over there when you are finished here and be sure to leave some comments!
I reported yesterday on breakfast with the Girls (and Ray!) which was the first installment of the marathon.
Second installment was lunch with…
Ralph, grandson Alex, son Bill, Heather-the boys’ Mom and Patrick! We ended up back at the same diner. I was working to be on my best behavior.
Not as good as I was hoping. I ordered a spinach and feta omelette…I received a mushroom and cheese omelette. The potatoes were cold and kind of greasy (one reason why I rarely order them anymore) and the toast was more like stale bread than toast. I ate part of one piece but gave up on it. It was just so much fun to be with everyone, that I didn’t really think about the food. People are what really matter at Christmas.
Next and final stop for the night was Ele’s for Christmas Eve or as my niece Carrie likes to call it…Christmas Chaos. Our ranks are smaller, but we still had a great, though less chaotic Christmas Eve.
Me, Ele and Michael. Unfortunately, he could only stay a very short while because his Dad was sick, but we’ll get to see him later in the week for a few days. Much fun will occur at that time!
On to the Food!
Ele makes the Best gingerbread! No, I didn’t eat the missing piece, although I did eat one later…I was slicing and plating. Yum…
Cheese and cracker plate being filled. I was proud, I controlled myself with these!
Veggies and veggie chips and dips. Of course, I did Not eat the veggie chips although Ralph has a new favorite. They’re from Aldi and apparently very tasty. I’m getting close to 2 years with no chips. I can’t believe it, but I think (most of the time 😉 ) it was a good idea.
Cookies, home-made Cracker Jacks and nuts…my toes also I notice now! I tried the Cracker Jacks which were yummy, but got sucked in by the nuts. I could have been worse.
As I go back through my photos, I did actually eat before Monday! Several store-bought salads…
Mixed cheese from Picasso’s.
Wawa salad to which I added cottage cheese. Both were tasty and leading into the marathon, I was being mindful by making these choices.
One slice of pizza after eating a salad. I felt pretty much under control.
Funny, how being in and out of control can feel different depending on your overall frame of mind. I’ve been so mindful and so in control lately, that Monday felt a little out of control. But my mind is back in order.
I’ll be sharing on Thursday our (new) traditional Christmas dinner. It’s fun and as I write this, I’m thinking about it and looking forward to it.
That’s WIAW for me for this week. I will be back on track and I have a plan for that recovery I mentioned earlier.
I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas Day. Be sure to check out the other fun blogs at Peas & Crayons. We always love it when you visit!
Happy What I Ate Wednesday! Recovery Day!!
you are so right, fran, christmas IS all about family. thanks for sharing your photos and i am glad you had a lot of fun! the pic of you and michael and ele is just lovely!
today is boxing day and it is the canadian version of the states’ black friday – HUGE sales!!! i am not lining up at 6 a.m. like some people (although i am working later). have a GREAT time with your celebrations today!
I like the picture too, Cathy, Thanks!! We get to see him so infrequently, we just have to take photos!! Good luck with finding deals today! I’m not one for crowds and try to work out my shopping to the least busy times. I want to see bargains tomorrow!!
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful one. God bless!
Haha, yeah I feel like I’m recovering too… from all the food! 🙂
Shannon, we had a wonderful Christmas!! So much love and good things. Recovery is our goal now!!
That does look like fab gingerbread! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any that moist before.
I can never control myself around the cheese…good for you! What great family pics. Love it!
Hi Carli! Thanks for stopping by! The gingerbread is delicious! My sister puts a lemon flavored glaze on it…so good. Cheese is one of my downfalls. I’m thinking of giving it up like I did with chips. We’ll see. Glad you like the family photos! Please visit again!
Great looking meals. Those veggie chips from Aldis sound great. My aunt brought some fancy crackers yesterday to our gathering from Aldis too. My mom loved them… Point 2 for Aldis 🙂
Great family picture. We got one of those too. I may have to post it if I can ever find it on my mom’s phone.
Can’t wait to read about your Christmas dinner!
Hi Madison! I think my sister gets those same crackers from Aldi…they’re delicious! They have great stuff there. Glad you like the family photos. We have a good time. Have a great day!
Merry Christmas and Happy WIAW! Wow, sure looks like you had fun!!!! That gingerbread looks great. 🙂
Jennifer, we had the best time!! The gingerbread is delicious. I need to steal the recipe and post it…I’ll do that soon! Merry Christmas!
The holidays are made for indulging so its good you did a little 🙂 good for you for staying away from Chios for 2years, that’s insane! I wish I could say the same! Looks like you had a wonderful time with family. Happy holidays!!
Thanks, Gabby! We did have fun. It will be 2 years of no chips in March so I’m pushing ahead. I just can’t believe that I’ve done it! It’s made a huge difference in my weight maintenance! Never thought I could do it. Happy Holidays!
That’s so great you indulged a bit but still kept it under control. I may have gone a little too far with the cookies… but you only live once, right?
P.S. Those veggie chips aren’t worth it. 😉
We have to enjoy ourselves, Laura and the Holiday is the time! I’m back on track and that’s what counts. So glad to hear the veggie chips aren’t worth it, but Ralph likes them. I’ll have to figure out how they count, they may at least be a better choice for him. Have a great day!
I love gingerbread! Good job on the one slice of pizza. Pizza gets me!
Hi Julie! Pizza gets me usually too. I’m going through a strong phase here. Hoping to keep it going into 2013. The ginger bread is wonderful!! My sister makes the best!
That gingerbread looks wonderful! I know how you feel. I’m pretty much glad to be kissing a lot of the festive meals goodbye!
Hi Amanda! It’s so hard this time of year, but I’m really glad that I got myself on track again so fast. Saturday at WW won’t be nearly as scary as it might have been! Have a great day!