An Awesome Day

Yesterday was a great day!  I didn't do anything fancy, just had a nice relaxing day.  Started the day by sleeping in...love it when I can just wake up naturally...no alarm clocks.  After enjoying a cup of coffee I piddled around the house for a bit and then made the boys an easy lunch.  After lunch I started a pot of soup for dinner.  I chose soup because I got this gorgeous red pot for Christmas and have been anxious to use.

While the soup was simmering I went to a yoga class.  Lately I have been so busy and haven't been making time to take care of myself.   I forgot how much better I feel when I do yoga.  After yoga class I came home and took a shower and put a deep conditioner in my hair...it has just been so dry lately.

The soup for dinner was awesome..it was a new recipe I found called "Vegan Southwest Chipotle Soup".  It was super easy and super yummy.  The hubby loved it and was upset there wasn't more leftover.  After dinner the boys played with their new Xbox while I opened a bottle of wine and chilled on the couch watching a "girlie" movie!

Vegan Southwest Chipotle Soup Recipe
*adapted from loveveggiesandyoga.com

1 can of vegetarian baked beans
1 jar of picante sauce
2/3 cup of water
diced carrots - I used 1 large carrot
diced potatoes - I used a handful of new potatoes, but could use 1 russet potatoe
1 tbs chile powder
1 tbs chipotle seasoning
1/4 cup ketchup
salt to taste

Combine all ingredients together in a soup pot and bring to a boil.

Let simmer for 3-4 hours to let the flavors combine and the veggies soften.  Then serve...

Can top with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips or enjoy by itself.  This soup was very filling and flavorful.

Home for the Holidays

Just got home from a visit with my parents down in South Texas for the holidays!  Enjoyed good company, good food and good conversation.

Max and his cousin having a good time opening presents!

Family photo - 4 generations together!

A cute country snail...

Max being silly on the front porch!

Max and I making "cheesy" faces!

Cool old beer sign...see my Mom's house in the back...

This is downtown on a busy Monday.

Our visit was short and sweet, but it was great to see everyone.  Thanks Mom!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  The past few weeks have been very hectic for me.  I am a corporate worker bee in the retail industry and this is the busiest time of the year.  Very long hours and stressful times, which make it very difficult to really enjoy and appreciate the season.  This year we hosted Christmas at our house and I was really excited to have everyone over and enjoy some good food and good company!  We had a wonderful time!  The kids opened their presents and had an awesome time playing with their new toys, while the adults ate yummy food and enjoyed each other's company.

Max on Christmas morning with his super sized stocking!

The adults playing a gift exchange game...it was a blast!