Happy Monday!

The sun is shining here in Charlotte and we are enjoying perfect fall weather that is crisp and energizing. It was 37 degrees when I woke up to go to yoga this morning. Our coldest morning since April! I had to turn my heat on for the first time last night.

I am determined to make this a really good week and wanted to share a few things food, workout and smiling related to help y’all get your week started right too!

Meal Inspriation

I made two meals last week that I never blogged about that I have to share.

First, a salad featuring all things fall. I got the idea for it when this post from Smells Like Home popped up in my reader. I went home for lunch that day and whipped this version of it up using what I had on hand.

My take on it including the following…

Romaine
Roasted butternut squash
Avocado
Pumpkin seeds
Dried cranberries
Diced apples
Goat cheese
Maple balsamic vinaigrette (maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard and olive oil)
Salt and freshly ground pepper

I only used romaine because it was all I had on hand. Typically I would do something like field greens with this type of salad but I actually liked the extra crunch the romaine added.

I have loved pounded chicken breast topped with cheese since childhood. It was one of my favorite dishes that my mom made (my dad did almost all of the cooking). Last week I took it one step further and upgraded the cheese choice from colby-jack to brie and added prosciutto.

I pounded the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness and then gave it a hefty dose of seasoning with salt, pepper and some Trader Joe’s grinders that I keep on hand. I dredged it in flour and then quickly browned it in a skillet with olive oil. Once I flipped it I added the prosciutto and brie and placed it in the oven under the broiler for just a couple of minutes to finish cooking and to melt the cheese.

Easy dinner! Ready in under 15 minutes!

Workout Inspiration

Take advantage of this beautiful fall weather and take your workout outside!

Give this cardio circuit workout a try. I filmed this workout a couple of years ago at a local playground. You don’t need much equipment and it’s a great way to get a strength and cardio session in outdoors.

As always, modify if necessary, let me know if you have questions and feedback is welcome!

Finally, something to make you smile. 

If you do nothing else I mentioned today…at least watch this video. I laughed the whole way through.

Have an AMAZING WEEK!!!!!