There’s no truth to the rumor I start blogging again because it was my turn to host What I Ate Wednesday this week.
Alright fine, there might be an iota of authenticity in there.
The fact is I was rather enjoying my summer off from blogging, and I wasn’t sure when I’d come back, if ever. I, the overtly organized and exuberant planner, was flying by the seat of my pants, sans pants of course because damn it’s hot in the summer, and you can just forget about wearing a bra.
(Friendship)
Extended vacations are par for the course if you live on the other side of the globe, so I simply channeled my very best inner European, with accent of choice, and opted to take time off from just one of my jobs, the non-paying one of course, because momma’s got bills, pesky little things. Yes, even my charming use of “Oui, Oui,” while ashing my fag into the flower beds isn’t enough to keep my mortgage afloat. There will be no voulez vous coucher avec moi with the milk man, unless of course the Hubby takes up a new profession. He does have a knack for titillating teats.
The honest to goodness truth is I was ready to get back to spitting lyrics and busting out blog posts, although I wanted to get a little sumpin’ sumpin’ under my belt first. If I could have one solid week of blog posts written and ready, then I would happily bounce back, with butterflies and kitty cats in tow. We come as a posse you see.
Week after week passed with nary a post written, so my blogging return got postponed, until now that is because somebody’s got to host What I Ate Wednesday, which is apparently just the kick in the pants I needed. Thanks Jenn, Arman and Laura.
Without further ado, I give you my Friday eats.
Breakfast: a ball jar of water, a mug of warm lemon water (not pictured), followed by two cups of coffee with a splash of almond milk and a mini spoonful of sugar. This is how all my days start: rehydrate, rehydrate, caffeine.
Hours Later at the Office: I scarfed down an overly ripe banana and followed it up with two slices of toasted Tuscan Herb bread with butter.
Lunch: by Friday’s I’m generally running low on ready to go meals and this week was no exception, so I grabbed anything and everything I could use to throw together an impromptu snack plate: all the fruit, a couple of cherry tomatoes from my garden, and cheese and crisps from 34 Degrees, my new summer crush.
Dinner: on a whim, the Hubby and I decided to go on a proper date for dinner so we hit up Forage Public House, where the vast majority of their menu items come from local farms. Be still my veggie loving heart.
For my first course, I went with a liquid starter in the form of Sangria.
My main was the Asparagus Power Salad which is described as “wild arugula, baby kale, baby radish, toasted pepitas, foraged mountain huckleberry vinaigrette.” It sounds fancy and tasted fantastic.
It was also piled ridiculously high. I have no complaints.
Dessert was a piece of Key Lime Tart with a Moscow Mule on the side.
Now that was a delicious and drool worthy day of eats. Stay tuned because my very next What I Ate Wednesday will be the Saturday after all this delightful decadence; back to back days, Boom. Granted the post isn’t actually written yet, but I do have pictures.
In the meantime, link on up your day of food. I’d love to see what you tossed down your gullet.
What’s your cocktail of choice when you go out? What’s on your impromptu snack plates?
Kate says
Cheese, crackers, and fruit sounds like they should be a Friday thing because what better way to celebrate? I am glad to read you feel ready to blog again, good for you for taking the time off!
Kate recently posted…Post-vacation eats (WIAW)
Meghan says
Thanks. I think cheese, crackers and wine should be a part of every Friday. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Juli @1000lovelythings says
This chat made me laugh. I can definitely relate. Though depending on the kind of friend I wouldn’t even bother 😉
Can we just pause a second and marvel over the perfection of this Asparagus salad? I curse myself for having to wait at least 9 month until it’s asparagus season again. And Key Lime Pie with Moscow Mule on the side? I am all sold! This would be my favorite dessert ever!
I so understand your feelings about taking a break as I am at the same point right now. Let’s take a break, let’s figure out if I come back.
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Catching up Monday #32 – One week to go
Meghan says
You better come back. I wish miss you terribly although I will say, enjoy the break and return when you’re ready and not a moment too soon.
Perhaps I will even resurrect the Week In Review for you….how’s that for incentive?
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Melissa says
Welcome back! We’re glad to have you. We all need a break sometime.
BTW- living in Cleveland, if someone ever sent me that text about meeting in Lakewood park, i’d be all over it 🙂 And thanks for the Forage recommendation – that place looks great!
Melissa recently posted…WIAW #27: NOT healthy eats
Meghan says
You will love Forage. It’s fantastic, especially the outdoor patio.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Oh the word play! So glad you are back!
Rehydrate and caffeinate- I am thinking I should that tattooed on myself.
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…WIAW: all chocolate, all the time
Meghan says
Rehydrate and caffeine. It’s a viscous yet delicious cycle. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I’m boring and drink red wine when I go out! White if I’m being wild? Key lime is my favorite of all time. Thanks for hosting the linkup 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…WIAW Day in the Life
Meghan says
I love anything citrus. Also I general stick with wine in the winter, but in the summer, I’m all about fruity cocktails. See, even my drinking is seasonal. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Welcome back! I love, love Key lime pie!! It looks delicious.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Leftovers for Days
Meghan says
This key lime tart was amazing.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Jessica @ Balance and Thyme says
Welcome back to the blog world! That salad and ‘mule look fantastic! I’ve been wanting to take a break from my job, but for some reason they want me to be there if I want to be paid. Mildly unreasonable if you ask me.
Jessica @ Balance and Thyme recently posted…Bell Pepper Free Summer Shrimp Fajita Tacos and WIAW #4!
Meghan says
Ridiculously unreasonable. Damn those silly paychecks. So necessary yet so demanding.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
I love fruit and cheese plates with the 34 Degrees crackers. It makes me feel sophisticated with practically zero effort— the best way to do sophistication.
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…Athlete’s vs. Non-Athlete’s Day of Eats
Meghan says
Amen to fruit and cheese plates with 34 Degrees crisps. In fact, I had some tonight although this time with a side of wine. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Pip {Cherries & Chisme} says
Yayy she’s back!
The instant I read your mini spoonful of sugar with your coffee Mary Poppins’ spoonful of sugar song came in my head… Confirming to me that coffee really is medicine 😉
Oh, how my mind works… Mysterious.
Pip {Cherries & Chisme} recently posted…6 Sports Drink Alternatives for Summer
Meghan says
The fact you busted out Mary Poppins makes me like you even more.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Emily says
That key-lime pie looks really good… And zucchini pie? Is it good? What’s in it?
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Why ED almost Broke Me.
Meghan says
The zucchini pie was delicious. It was savory, like a quiche with tons of fresh veggies.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
TheJanuaryGlow says
I am now craving a slice of key lime pie..and sangria!
Meghan says
Honor that craving!
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Brittany says
That overly ripe banana looks like PERFECTION! I also adore the look of that salad, and of course the dessert. Back with a bang.
Brittany recently posted…Solo Hiking – Why and How I Do it
Meghan says
Why thank you my dear. Bangs are my specialty.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles says
I am glad you are back 🙂 I am not much of a drinker (leave me alone at least I have been eating cheese and potatoes! lol) but if I order a drink, it’s some sort of wine.
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted…WIAW- not one vegetable in this post
Meghan says
I’ll give you the cheese and potatoes, although booze is next on my list. 🙂
I hope you’re feeling better now. Maybe a cocktail would help.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Jen says
So glad you’re back. I missed your posts!
Meghan says
Aw shucks. Thanks for that lovely compliment. I missed hearing from all of you too.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy says
Welcome back Meghan! Hope you had a nice time on vacation in my home country! That asparagus salad looks like the perfect crisp summer salad! Yum.
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy recently posted…WIAW #60
Meghan says
Yes, the asparagus salad was fantastic. Perfect for this time of year.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
So I’m kind of loving the whole banana with herby bread idea… I might have to give that a go one of these days. Or you can just introduce me to the Breadmaster in about a month or so and pick out a good loaf for me 😛 And my days go: rehydrate, caffeine, rehydrate… so close enough…
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. flourless white chocolate blueberry muffins .
Meghan says
We will definitely hit up the Breadsmith and you can taste test as many breads as you want. They’re fantastic there.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
A Luxardo cherry in sangria?! That’s just my speed. And your lunch. I have lunch envy.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Coq Au Vin 3 Ways + WIAW
Meghan says
You would have loved this restaurant. I will take you here when you come and visit us.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Miss Polkadot says
Raise the flag, she’s back! It’s nice to know I’ll get to indugle in your artfully crafted – wortsmith, eh? – posts again. And better yet knowing you got to let loose of things for a while – and we’re not talking bras here ;).
That salad with its foraged ingredients somehow made me think of hunters and gatherers. Back to the roots through fancy salads?! I don’t know where my brain’s going so I’ll leave it at that for now and go to rehydrate. Not caffeinate.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Date your diet
Meghan says
Wordsmith…well thanks for noticing and paying me such a lovely compliment.
Forage is very reminiscent of hunters and gatherers. A coop concept for a restaurant yes?
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Well, welcome back!! I hope you feel somewhat refreshed from your hiatus. And what better way to come back than with food pictures? I must say, I’m a fan of the snack plate, and find that hummus, veggies, and (on a fancy day) shrimp cocktail will make it onto mine. Drink of choice? White wine! Thanks for hosting the party today! Happy eating!
Meghan says
Hummus and veggies are a favorite of mine too. You have fantastic taste. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Niki @Life With Niki says
I am always scrambling about, trying to find who the host of the week is- but I am glad you are back :)!
I personally love cheese, cracker, and fruit plates- so much flavor and it is just so much fun to put it all together.
Your dessert also looked to die for <3!
Niki @Life With Niki recently posted…WIAW | Eating Chocolate By The Spoonful
Meghan says
Snack platters are the best. So much variety and flavor.
Also the hosts right now for WIAW are Jenn (obviously), Arman at The Big Man’s World, Laura at Spring 2 The Table or myself. One of the three of us will be keeping the party alive with Jenn.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
Your dinner out looked fantastic! I love salads that are piled high like that! Thanks for hosting 🙂
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run recently posted…Gluten Free Banana Nut Muffins
Meghan says
You’re welcome.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
danielle says
superb, oui oui?!!!! i adore your european accent, and your gangstah one as well. i adore all your personas. delightful. yes i’m so delighted you are back in action… i have decided i rather enjoy your jam then spread my own 😀 my eats of late have been of the pureed and blended variety, i really should take it more seriously but i just can’t. reflecting on all the mush i consume just doesn’t inspire me to write about it, however i love living vicariously through your morsels and bevvies. they all sound delightful, indeed. i would be supremely happy to join you in any of your meals, even the lemon water 🙂
i’m excited right now because i’m going the blend up the ratatouille i made into some sort of italian sauce… thank goodness i love SAUCE!
danielle recently posted…Milk Tea & PoPo
Meghan says
Ooooh, I love when you talk dirty, er I mean French, to me. 🙂
You are welcome to hang with me and my personas for any meal.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
Welcome back! Even if it wasn’t really by choice. I’d be offended, but I’m on the same slack-off-on-summer-blogging train. Summer’s just too great of a season to spend it on the computer!
As always, your dinner looks right up my alley. Especially that key lime pie! Take me there when I come to Ohio? 😉
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Ravine Vineyard
Meghan says
Us Northerners have to take advantage of summer while we can. Soak it up right?!
You would love this restaurant. I’ve come some others on my list for you too.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
lindsay says
piles of salads are the best. so are extended vacations. next time, i will join you. ok? <3 and i'll bring wine and cheese.
Meghan says
You are welcome anytime. In fact, I would love it if you joined me. No wine and cheese necessary although I wouldn’t turn them away either.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
Love the look of that Moscow mule – actually I don’t think I have ever had one… Need to recify that!
I am actually loving this small blogging break I’m having – I am still reading blogs/ instagraming but it’s such a relief not to have to get my brain in gear to write a post. To be honest I don’t even know what day it is right now never mind anything else! Ha!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…Bye bye Scotland!
Meghan says
It’s nice to take the blogging pressure off every now again and it’s great for recharging the batteries. I think it’s smart for you to take a break right now, what with the whole gigantic move you’re doing. I hope you’re loving life as a tourist right now.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Suzy says
“A knack for titillating teats…” LMAO. Brilliant.
Suzy recently posted…Blended Family Friday: Reunited
Meghan says
I suspect others noticed this sentence, surely my father of course. Yet, you are the only one with balls enough to mention it. Love you.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
…. I can’t believe you published our text on here!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy No Bake Blueberry White Chocolate Snack Bars
Meghan says
You wish. That would mean you’re in actually in Cleveland and I’m still waiting for that day.
I’ll have to put a bra on for you too though.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage
Sarah Pie says
I’m officially a member of the rehydrate, hydrate, caffeinated club every morning and it is a great place to be. Apparently so is Forage because everything from your date looks delicious!
Meghan says
I went to Forage again on Saturday night and it was yet another fantastic meal.
Meghan recently posted…Quick and Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad Recipe with Cabbage