The cold weather lately has forced Hailey, Koda and me to spend a lot of time inside. There are only so many times you can go up and down the stairs, throw dance parties and build and knock over block towers before we’re all aching for fresh air and sunshine.
So when I saw that yesterday was going to be 70 and sunny, I first crossed my fingers that the weatherman was right, then I committed to spending the entire day outside.
2 eggs scrambled with baby kale and onions, topped with Jack’s special salsa, 1 banana, 1/2 an orange and green tea
After breakfast, Hailey and I got dressed and headed to the park. By 10:00am it was already 60 degrees and the sun was out. We met up with some great mommy friends and met their new babies.
While I enjoyed adult conversation, Hailey decided she could slide by herself (whoops!). She climbed up, actually remembered to sit down and slid! I got there in time to keep her from flying off the end. Repeat x1000.
We pushed 2 glorious hours at the park before Hailey made it clear she was ready for a nap by melting down.
All the playing led to a nice, solid nap, half of which I spent just sitting outside. Seriously, I just sat and breathed. Koda searched for fish. Therapeutic for both of us.
Leftover spaghetti squash with meat sauce, sautéed baby kale.
Can you tell my baby kale was on its last legs? I put it in breakfast and in lunch and finally used it up! I also found out it’s quite good sautéed with olive oil and lemon.
Hailey ate lunch with the backdoor wide open and the fresh air flowed in while I sipped on my apple cider vinegar and hot water with lemon. I’m not sick, but am stuck on drinking ACV everyday. More on that another day.
After lunch we went straight back outside where we learned that sidewalk chalk isn’t just for driveways. It also colors dresses and faces quite well.
While coloring and throwing the tennis ball for Koda, David pulled in the driveway! Home early?! SURPRISE!
He came bearing goodies- 15 pounds of local, 100% grass-fed beef and 30 fresh-from-the-farm eggs! Much love to Dr. Baker 
Hailey and I were so excited to have dad home early. We wasted no time deciding we had to get out on the water.
So out we went. David and I enjoyed chatting while distracting Hailey with the waves and peanut butter crackers. I started sipping on a beer before realizing that today would be perfect for an outdoor run and with David home, I could actually do it!
I haven’t run outside in forever and it reminded me I do like running! …I just don’t like treadmills. My furry friend and I averaged under 10 minute miles, though Koda barely hit a trot as I huffed and puffed. Show off.
Back home I grabbed a handful of crackers and hummus while making Hailey’s dinner. She’s learning to use a spoon. It’s so cute… and so messy.
David returned from his bike ride, Hailey went to bed and I got to work on our dinner.
Iceberg lettuce, carrots, red onions, green pepper, tomatoes in Caesar dressing with grilled chicken.
I used to feel bad eating iceberg because it’s the least nutritious of the greens, but sometimes I just want that satisfying CRUNCH, you know? And if it looks like it is smothered in dressing it is only because… well, it’s smothered in dressing. Mmm.
And that concluded a downright fantastical day. Today is supposed to be stormy and I couldn’t care less. Yesterday’s joy will carry me through at least the next week floating in sunshiny happiness. Thanks for letting me share. And as always, thanks Jenn for hosting What I Ate Wednesday!
What is your favorite way to spend a beautiful day?
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
I love drinking ACV too! I just finished some this morning 🙂
I’m glad you guys were able to get out in the warmer temperature!
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness says
The pup is so cute! The spaghetti squash looks really good, one of my favorite meals! I know I was loving the nice temperatures we had yesterday!
blackhuff says
I’m so glad that you all had such a lovely day with lovely weather yesterday. You all made sure that this day didn’t go to waste. Love all the activities you did.
Well done on the run.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Doing anything outside! I love going for a hike when the weather is good…we haven’t had much opportunity here of late with the snow and gale force snow but it just makes you appreciate it all the more when you do get a good day!
Brittany says
I could go for a little snow- makes me feel cozy! But here it is just cold and drizzly. If it’s not going to sow, bring on the sunshine! Though I’m not sure about the gale force snow you mentioned- sounds intense!
Shari says
What a picture perfect day! 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
60 degree weather?! I’m missing that in a bad way lately…So glad you got to enjoy the day outside! I definitely would have gone out for a run or walk too 🙂
Hanna says
Your day sounds like it was amazing. My favorite day is spent outside with my hubby and girls in 70 degree, sunny weather. It’s so refreshing to be outside all day long. When the days are this beautiful, we always turn off the air and open up all the windows. And when the evening comes we must build a fire outside. Perfection.
Whitney says
That really does sound like the perfect day!! I was able to get off work early yesterday too and take the pups for an hour long walk.. their tongues were dragging by the end and I couldn’t have been happier 🙂 Bring on the spring and warm weather!!!
Brittany says
Nothing makes me smile more than a happy and exhausted pup! 🙂 SO cute!
Lee says
I’m jealous that you can run with Koda. Murphy is soooo annoying to run with. Maybe it’s because he’s a boy, but he has to smell everything. He’ll abruptly stop all the time and like brace his legs so I can’t move him. I give up.
Brittany says
Haha, the bracing of his legs makes me laugh, though I’m sure it’s frustrating! I can only run with Koda using the gentle leader. Have you tried that?
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Getting out on the lake would have been great yesterday. I made it out for a walk, but that’s it. That little tease has me ready for spring!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
That picture of H and the chalk is SO CUTE!! And I’m glad y’all got to spend some time outside. My parents were telling me about the crazy weather that’s hit the SE…the temp. fluctuation would drive me up the wall! Make up your mind, Mother Nature!!!
Eating 4 Balance says
That sounds like literally the perfect day. With perfect weather. I’m envious. Send some warmth my way! 🙂
Grass-fed beef and fresh eggs= awesome! We just bought half a grass-ged cow last week and I’m so excited to try out all of the different cuts. And we have quite the stock of eggs in our fridge too.
And I agree with the iceberg lettuce comment. I eat it for the crunch, not the nutritional value. Sometimes spinach, while “healthier” just doesn’t taste as good.
Brittany says
I keep hearing of people buying a cow or half of a cow recently! We got an offer, but I wasn’t sure, so we are trying out a few (ok, 15) pounds as a “sample”. Have you ever done the cow share before?
Eating 4 Balance says
We’ve never done a cow share before, but coming from a farming community, most of my friends do one on a regular basis. So far we love it. Saves a lot of money (2.79 per pound for ground beef vs. 5.00 at grocery store for non-grass-fed and 2.79 per pound for the roasts where we were paying 20.00 for 3 pound roasts from the local health food store). I think you’d really enjoy it.
Brittany from Counting My Cupcakes says
Looks like a great day! This warm weather is amazing and definitely helps me enjoy running outside even more. That picture of Hailey with the chalk on her face is too cute!
Do you guys live on Lake Norman? Like actually ON the lake?? I don’t know how I haven’t realized this before. I knew you had a boat from previous posts but didn’t think your house was right there on the water. So cool!!!
Brittany says
Haha, yes, we do. We lucked out with finding a great deal. I still wake up every morning and wonder how we ended up in such a beautiful spot. Though, I must say I wouldn’t mind living near Charleston either 🙂
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
I’m glad someone got to spend the gorgeous day outside! Hope you get to enjoy more warm weather today, too. It’s warm but rainy here in Charlottesville, VA.
Karen says
What a lovely day you and Hailey had together. I can’t wait for it to be in the 60’s so that we can get outside as well. In nice weather, I love going to the park with Keely and hanging out in the backyard feeding the fish and ducks. Enjoy your Wednesday!!
Carissa says
60 degrees sounds amazing! I thought we were doing good to warm up to 36 degrees for a day! I love the snow, but I’m definitely getting antsy to get to go hiking again in some warm, sunny weather!
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
My mom drinks ACV everyday too. Ah you are so lucky to live on a lake! Looks gorgeous! I’m in VA and our weather was so nice yesterday too! I am SO ready for summer!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
That sounds amazing. I really wish my spaghetti squash would look that good. Then I might actually make it and eat it. 🙂
Brittany says
Have you made it using this method? – http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6010686
It works perfectly for me every time!
Maria says
Oh gosh, Hailey’s face with the sidewalk chalk…I want to eat her up!
I love a good thunderstorm. Miss them so much out here in sunny CA – I’m not even kidding 🙂
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
Glad the weather turned out well for you! I feel the same way when I jog with my dog – she makes it look so easy. But I guess four legs are better than two. 😉
Sharsti@theblondehairblueeyedrunner says
New reader, and I love your blog? I’m so envious of your beautiful weather and what seems to be a beautiful home/boat/view! Gorgeous! UT just got about 2 feet of snow on top of 2 more feet haha Can’t wait for summer.
lindsay @ fuelmyfamily says
That look on haileys face reminds me of my older daughter at that age. She doesnt have to say a word for you to know what shes thinking. She is quite the “spirited” little girl to say the least. Tons of fun but tons of patience and deep breaths required 🙂
Kathy @ FoodWineThyme says
Awe your daughter is so adorable. I miss that age. All of your food looks delicious and nutritious. Quick question: what are the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar with water and lemon?
Angela says
What a great day!! I would kill for 60 degrees, that’s like almost summer here! It’s been 30 degrees with snow and rain…I’m ready for summer. 🙂 How amazing to live on the water and have a boat!! I feel like a little boat ride could turn any day into a great one. 🙂
Bethany @ One Girl's Taste On Life says
How lovely is it that you live on (near) the water! And to have a boat! That would be marvelous. I have always loved the water, but have never lived near it. From TN to KY to OH, I’ve always been land locked.
To live in Hawaii, however, is number one on my bucket list. In time…
Kaye says
Sometimes it’s just SO nice to be outside! I’m glad you had such a wonderful day 🙂
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Wow! What a wonderful sounding day! Makes me wish we had Spring like weather here too! How lucky are you to live right on a lake like that! AND… have a boat! So jealous! Hope the rest of the week is nice and warm for you 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I am totally with you on the crunch factor of iceberg. Seriously, who eats lettuce for its nutritional value anyway? Isn’t it just a vehicle for other things?
I also decided that yesterday was too beautiful to waste. I took advantage of it by running around town–which I know won’t be happening again any time soon as I am afraid of cold weather–after staring longingly out of my office/classroom window all day!
I haven’t thought about ACV hot…I basically just chug it in water with a drop of orange stevia in the morning. I like your way though…
Elizabeth says
Be careful with the ACV! It’s really bad for your teeth. I always drink with a straw, even if it’s warm…at least make sure you swish your teeth with regular water when you’re done. That is my kind of gift that David brought home! Fresh eggs are the best!
Brittany says
Ah- thank you! I wondered about that. Looking more into it now 🙂
Brittany says
And thank you for inspiring a post!
Elizabeth says
🙂
Jessie says
Your whole day sounds fabulous. Do you guys live on the water?? If so, man you got life good 🙂 🙂
Karey @ Nutty About Health says
So envious of your warm temperatures! It’s been snowing all day long here. Your eats also look so delicious & healthy! 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
The picture of Hailey with chalk on her face absolutely cracks me up! What a cutie :).
Serena says
I now officially need a cup of green tea! 🙂 Thanks for the healthy craving!
Christie says
So good to see you guys! I didn’t realize that was LITERALLY her first time going down the slide by herself- she looked like a pro!
I LOVE that chalk picture- so stinkin’ cute!