If there is one thing that you should know about me, it is that simple things make me incredibly happy. I am my happiest self when I am surrounded by family and friends, good food, wine and the beauty of nature.
For lunch today I had a hummus, spinach, alfalfa sprout, red pepper and vine ripened tomato sandwich on whole wheat bread with an Empire apple on the side. I was starving and this simple lunch was completely soul satisfying. I love the durability of a solid piece of toast and the sweetness of whole wheat bread. It is an outstanding surface for plain hummus and fresh vegetables. The bread that I use has a simple ingredients list: Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Wheat Bran, Honey, Molasses. One slice has 1.5 servings of whole grains, 5g of protein and 110 calories. Wholesome and delicious!
Later in the afternoon, I tried the new Chocolate Chip Brownie Larabar. The bold flavor and simple ingredients of Larabars make me extremely happy. Not to mention, chocolate in general always puts a smile on my face. I really enjoyed this bar. I appreciated that it not only had a great chocolate flavor, but also contained whole pieces of chocolate chips and almonds in every bite!
Ingredients: Dates, chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla), almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder and salt. All of the chocolate is Fair Trade Certified!
I ventured to the gym after work for a leisurely 40 minutes on the elliptical and was more than ready for dinner when I returned home. In fact, hunger struck hard and I snacked on a large carrot and a handful of almonds and dried apricots as I prepared dinner. The flavor and texture combination of almonds and dried apricots is…delightful. I love the clean flavors, the crunch of the almonds and the soft, chewy apricots. This is one of my favorite mood boosting “pick-me-up” snacks.
Now, what you are about to see for dinner may look a bit odd, but it was exactly what I was craving. This evening I had Egg Salad (a bed of spinach, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, red pepper and tomato topped with 2 hard boiled eggs mixed with celery, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and cracked black pepper) and Baked Beans (sauteed onion and bella mushrooms with canned baked beans). 
Hi, my name is Nora and I’m addicted to baked beans. Baked beans and barbecue sauce have become my latest obsessions. Tis the season, right? I opened a large can of Bush’s Baked Beans a few nights ago and find myself having serious cravings for them during the day. I think it has something to do with the sweet sauce…I LIKE! While I was day dreaming about my baked beans this afternoon, I came to the conclusion that I am going to attempt to make my own as soon as I finish off this gem of a can. Can’t wait!
For dessert I had Chobani Greek Yogurt mixed with Hersehy’s Cocoa and Cinnamon with fresh strawberries and Nature’s Path Vanilla Almond Flax Granola.
Fresh and simple.
Happy,
Nora
What are things that make you happy?
There’s nothing more satisfying than a sandwich on good, hearty bread!
Things like grabbing coffee with a friend, getting a new recipe right, or watching a chick flick with the girls make me happy.
I love simple things, like running, coffee, friends, family, and simple foods. Where did you find that larabar?? I can’t wait to try!!
i’m actually laughing to myself a little bit right now, because i was nodding in agreement with everything in this post, besides a. the bush’s beans and b. the chocolate. other than that – i ditto everything, right down to the snack pair of apricots and almonds!! everything looks great, glad you had a simply delicious and simply wonderful day, too
I really want to try that Lara bar. Where did you find it?
Kinda like you, my family, cat, friends, and good health make me happy and make me realize how blessed I am.
Such a great post. I love when simple things make people happy. For me, hearing my baby laugh makes me out of this world happy, as does a nice glass of wine and conversation my the hubby. Going out with my girlfriends and having fun “girl talk.” I could go on and on. I love that you got us all thinking so positive!
I love the simple things, too.
I usually get iced coffee, but sometimes I’ll splurge and get a latte. That’s the highlight of my whole week. I also get excited when I have nutella in the house.
Loved the post, so positive!
i am with you that the simple things make me happy too
like my great workout with friends and dinner with hubs 