Last week was rough for me.
Despite having a sweet tooth as large as my ego, I don’t sugarcoat things. Sometimes life is all sunshine, rainbows, day drinking and unicorns, and other times, not so much. Last week was one of those other times. Clearly, I should have been day drinking.
My recent gallivanting, entertaining and general merrymaking finally caught up with me, and I spent the better part of the week fighting off some kind of virus. It was never bad enough to knock me out, since I didn’t miss a single day of work, but it was enough to have me gargling salt water and in bed by eight most nights. How am I supposed to get caught up with my favorite bloggers or watch the Housewives of Smut County when I can’t keep my eyes open? It’s a problem to be sure.
Not to be outdone, Oscar also got sick, multiple times and once on the stairs, which I thankfully avoided stepping in. As a result, he was affixed to my side or literally my lap for hours on end. Every time I tried to get up, he cried the most pitiful mewl possible, which had me seated for longer than I or my bladder would like.
It should be noted, he has since made a full recovery and is now spending his days rolling in buckets of Nip. Oh to be a cat.
The midges are back, which means my house is covered in swarms of them. For those unfamiliar with this unfortunate phenomenon, the midges are little mosquito type bugs which descend on Cleveland twice a year, sticking around for a week at a time. While completely harmless, they make entering or exiting my home a touch tricky.
In order to get out, you must carefully and slowly open the door giving them a chance to disperse, before barreling through with your head down and your mouth closed. If you deviate for a second, chances of ingesting a pack of pests is quite high. Then again, protein bro.
Work’s gotten incredibly busy the past few weeks, with a side of crazy thrown in for good measure. As a result, I’ve been a tightly wound ball of tension and pressure, also known as a real peach to be around. Thank goodness stress doesn’t make us sick. Oh, wait…
To add insult to injury, I dropped my brand new one week old iPhone, shattering the screen and my chances of ever owning anything nice again. My only hope is the damage is repairable, which means I have an exciting evening planned with Tech People. I’m thinking of greasing their palms with granola, Almond Mango Granola to be exact.
See, you knew I’d get there eventually.
A quick word about this granola.
It’s sweet and tasty; a bowl of nutritional goodness, packed with almond extract and dried mango slices. It’s also made with rolled oats, lots of heart healthy nuts, shredded coconut, and flax powder, which makes this a cholesterol reducing machine and super healthy to boot.
Since there’s nothing to zest or juice, it comes together quickly and easily, with minimal mess or hands on work. It’s also scrumptious, vegan and gluten free, depending on your choice of oats. I’m not sure about other buzz words, but feel free to toss them in there if it applies. Me, I’m just going to add milk and enjoy.
- 3 cups Rolled Oats
- 3 cups Nuts, chopped - I used a combination of Almonds and Pecans
- 3 Tbsps. Flax Powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded Coconut
- 1 Tbsp. Almond Extract
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 cup dried Mango, diced
- Preheat over to 325 degrees.
- Mix together dry ingredients from the oats through to the coconut. Add almond extract and then olive oil, stirring well to combine. Add in maple syrup, once again stirring to coat everything.
- Once combined, spoon mixture onto a baking sheet. Leave clumped together. Do not spread out on the baking sheet.
- Bake at 325 for 18 minutes, turning it once, halfway through. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- Once cool, add in your diced mango and store in an airtight container.
What rough things have you been dealing with lately? Sometimes the simple act of saying a thing is cathartic so vent away.
Sorry you were sick! I thought for 5 minutes last week I was getting sick but it never happened, 2 of my kids are though so clearly there are germs around. This time of year seems to be stressful for all whether it’s school, work, whatever. Hopefully things calm down for you and you’re feeling better. Glad your cat is better too. I’m super careful about my steps in the morning related to cat stuff 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Workouts and Weekend Fun
Anytime there’s a cat in the house, you have to watch those steps. Crazy little felines dropping pet bombs.
I hope your kids are feeling better soon.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Oh dear, hope things calm down quickly and the nasty almost sick days are over for good! Stress is a son of a bitch – I know what I’m talking about.
I watched Oscar on Instagram 5 times in a row yesterday. So freaking cute!
The granola sounds perfect for the season and I really really like the beautiful pictures. Guess it’s high time to bring granola back to our bowls!
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Catching up Monday #25 – Long Weekend Shenanigans
Yep, it’s definitely time to get some granola into our bowls. I’d say that about every week though. 🙂
I’m so glad you love the Oscar video. I watch it on repeat too. So darn cute.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Sorry to hear you’ve been stressin’, I hope you’re feeling better after the weekend (side note: the video you posted of Oscar rolling around in the pot of catnip was, hands down, the highlight of my morning thus far).
Last week was fairly nuts at work for me as well, and this week promises much of the same. I went to a music festival over the weekend, however the rain derailed our plans a bit and forced us to leave early…a lesson in not being able to plan for everything, I suppose. I’m a little bummed but it also meant I got a lot more rest than I would have, so I’m trying to look on the bright side.
Hooray, I’m so glad you loved the video. It makes me smile too, big.
Good luck at work this week, managing the crazy. I’ll be rooting for you from Cleveland and trying to do the same here.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! You dropped your phone!?!?!?! That’s enough to send me over the edge, never you mind the extra stress of life and a stupid virus on top of it all. Crrrrrap. And yes, I often write down something that’s bothering me just to get it out. When it creeps back into my brain I just point to the piece of paper and say, “hey! You’re out now. Go back to the paper.” Okay, I don’t. But it’s a nice idea.
Suzy recently posted…Mileage Monday
It is a nice idea. I also like the idea of burning the paper too, but then again, I love fire so maybe that’s why. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
I hope you’re feeling better, Oscar too. He needs to take it slow with the nip. Granola is surely a great way to combat feeling sick.
Brittany recently posted…Donuts and Coffee
We are both on mend and I feel better than I have in a week so all systems are a go.
I’m not sure Oscar will slow down on the nip anytime soon. He’s all in for sure.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
That stinks that you ( and Oscar!) were sick. I am so sorry- being sick sucks. My daughter has been really difficult lately- she has taken sleep fighting to a whole new level and an over-tired toddler is so fun to be around…
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…The Weekend: that’s what makes the sauce so awesome!
Oh yeah, a cranky sleep deprived toddler does not sound like an image of joy. Hopefully, she gets her zzz’s soon so you can keep your sanity.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Geezers you poor thing!!! My little dog Muffin threw up on my freshly cleaned bed a couple times last night, poor sweetumus. Then again we were at the inlaws and the land of meat and cigarettes… My tummy hurts after being there who knows why. The dogs come with us to see their babies, it’s actually quite fun to watch. I’m easily entertained clearly.
I will send my brother this recipe, it’s totally awesome and his jam. He’s s college kid that loves to cook anything in the carb family. Bless his sweet sweet soul.
I want to send you a care package!!! Magnum of wine?
Danielle recently posted…The Ex & The Donut
Carbs are my jam. Me and your brother would get along great.
Also being surrounded by smoky treats and meat might cause me to throw up on the bed too. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Ugh, I hate weeks like that! Hope you are feeling much better. And the bug situation? OMG. Not okay. Not okay at all. This recipe though looks delish.
meredith @ CookiehRUNicles recently posted…Birthday Weekend Highlights
I can’t fix the bug situation aside from wait a week until they’re gone. I do feel better though, so that’s good.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
man i feel ya. wish we could have been together. Misery loves company! haha. but this granola would have cured me. yup. and YOU
lindsay recently posted…Ginger Lime Tamari Baked Cod and Tips for Seasoning ALL types of Fish
I had no idea you were suffering too. We need to do a better job at this talking stuff, especially when we’re down and out because my misery would love your company.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
I feel you… I spent an entire day in bed pretty much. I did get up a couple of times for food and water.
BTW… I’m out of granola. You should just come back here with a load of it. It’s sunny now and the beach is super relaxing.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Arm Yourself For Summer – Workout & Protein Refuel
Food and water is mandatory. I feel like beer should be too.
I would love to come back and bring granola reinforcements. I’m working on a new chocolate granola right now. I need taste testers. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Memememememememe!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Arm Yourself For Summer – Workout & Protein Refuel
I’ve seriously been meaning to make a granola with dried mango – you read my mind! And also saved me the trouble of developing my own recipe lol.
Hope you’re feeling better now!
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Month In Review: May 2015
Yes, dried mango is amazing. I think you should still make yours and we can compare them. 🙂
Feeling better already.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Ok, I was spitting my screen when you said you and your bladder can not sit any longer next to Oscar. Though I should not laugh since I read that you went through a rough week and, oh, how much I would LOVE to just come round, soak in SATC for countless hours, gossiping and eating that granola.
Sending you healing vibes my Love.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…Thinking out loud – Summer calls for…..
Actually your method sounds like the perfect way to deal with my week: SATC, gossiping and eating granola with YOU!
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
So, at first I was all like “The granola goddess strikes again!” and then I was sad because I used to call myself that once upon a wasn’t-studying-for-my-PhD time. But to prove it wasn’t ALL about me, I then thought, “OK, I should probably actually READ the post, considering I don’t read blogs but once every two months or so. So, I’m sorry that you had a sucky week. But I’m glad you can still bake and cook and eat.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted…Shakshuka: Eggs Poached In Tomato Sauce [Recipe Redux #Sponsored Contest]
It’s all good. We all have rough weeks, which granola makes better. You should come reclaim your title with me.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
See that’s part of why I have such a hard time owning a pet — I’ve always had the hardest tie leaving them and/or waking them up when they’re sleeping. I’ve never owned anything small enough to sleep on my lap, but one of our dogs would always sleep with her head on my feet while I was working/studying, making it near impossible to move. Me and Douglas have a much better relationship — he doesn’t care what I do or where I go, so long as I don’t leave him alone for 5 weeks 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. link love 6/7 .
I had a coworker today who had her shirt on inside out. Turns out she got dressed in the dark because the DOG was sleeping in the room. Now that’s puppy love.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Sunshine, Rainbows, Day Drinking and Unicorns. You kill me hahaha
I am pinning this recipe now and will be making it on my next set of days off! Looks unreal.
Thanks for sharing!
Day drinking is definitely a thing.
I hope you make and enjoy the granola as much as me. If you go for it, let me know what you think. I love hearing feedback.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
I just showed this to Sam as I told her we would make another mango granola this summer as she isn’t a huge fan of my Might Mango Granola with the coconut in it since trying Purely Elizabeth Mango Muesli and liking that more because it reminds her of a mango granola she loved in Ireland last year. Can’t wait to try this!
Sarah recently posted…Sun-sational Grapefruit and Avocado Summer Salad
Yes please do and I need to try this mango granola from Ireland. Looks like a trip is in order.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Big hugs to you Meghan! Hope you are feeling right as rain now and the unicorns are back. Last week was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me, still trying to recover. A bed day right now would certainly go down a treat!
Oh and midges, I hear you girl! Scotland is notorious for them and we have them constantly hanging around from now until around late September. Nothing worse than an itchy, scratchy midge bite 🙁
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…CrossFit – Leave that ego at the door!
Yes, the midges are awful. I’m sorry to hear you get them too and that you had a rough week as well. I hope you managed to find that bed and do some relaxing.
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Hopefully this week is going much more smoothly for you than the last! Sounds like we have quite a bit in common: recent illnesses, needy cats, and a love of granola. Also, your writing style (is fabulous and) cracks me up. Happy eating 🙂
Amy @ Amy M4gic recently posted…WIAW #48 My Recipe For Ultimate Health
I’m so glad to hear you like my style, my writing style that is although our mutual love of grilled cheese is strong.
Gotta love those needy cats!!
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
Oh man I hope this week is off to a better start Meg! The way I see it is that shitty days help us appreciate the little things all the more…like that first bite of granola with ice cold (almond) milk- I have no doubt that a bowl of this would send me to straight into a state of ecstasy ;)!
Khushboo recently posted…Just a walk
Yep, that’s a lovely glass of almond milk in the picture. That’s my milk of choice actually. 🙂
This week is going much better already. Thanks love!!
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
just the mention of a midge sends me SCREAMING. LOUDLY… AWAY FROM THE CLE.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed recently posted…Read This. Drink That.
Once you’ve been midged, you never forget.
Although, go CAVS!!
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
So sorry to hear about all of the negatives this week, at least you have some delicious granola to cheer you up! I have dropped my phone facedown so many times- but thankfully it has never shattered. Once it even flew for good period before smacking he ground. Anyways I digress, and I hope you feel 100% better soon!
Niki recently posted…A Little About Me
Thanks Niki. I’m feeling loads better already.
Good luck with your iPhone. I’m guessing you have a great case. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Almond Mango Granola
I’m glad I saved this up for my lunch time reading. It made me remember why you’re the granola lady and it also reminded me to see if there’s such thing as cat repellent.
This sounds delicious btw. Mango my face.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Grilled Granola