Farmers Market & An Epic Salad

Yesterday, Matty and I paid a much-needed visit to a small farmers market at Patriot Place, a ritzy shopping plaza up the street from Matty’s house. It’s small but nice, and is located right next to Gillette Stadium, where our beloved Patriots play. There are a few retail stores, a handful of restaurants, a movie theatre, and a hotel, all of which are geared towards the upper-middle class. That being said, Patriot Place is an odd place for a farmers market but, since we live so close, Matty and I enjoy taking advantage of it!

There were about seven booths open for business. Our first stop was the Wading River Farm‘s table. The farm, located right in Foxboro, had so much fresh, organic produce that was picked that morning!

I snagged a large cucumber and a juicy-looking plum tomato. The man we spoke with was so passionate about organic farming. I loved his energy!

Next up was the Snowflake Bakery booth, a gluten-free bakery located in Bridgewater, that sells all sorts of gluten-free goodies – many of which are vegan! The woman was selling macaroons, carrot cake, bread, and granola. When I saw the words “Maple Pecan Cranberry” written on the small bag of granola, I was sold!

The granola’s ingredients were clean and simple, just the way I like ‘em: rolled oats, pecans, maple syrup, cranberries, coconut oil (!!!), cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Karen, the kind owner, told me she picked the cranberries fresh herself and purchased the maple syrup from Vermont from a friend of hers. I had a taste and was so impressed. The cranberries weren’t too tart and didn’t overpower the granola at all. It’s so delicious!

If you’re interested, you can nab a bag for yourself by emailing Karen at info@snowflakebakery.com!

Matty and I strolled by the rest of the booths and he purchased up a local root beer. 

After visiting all of the tables, we headed back to Matty’s house. I couldn’t wait to try out the new veggies! As soon as we walked in the door, I fixed myself a plate of sliced plum tomatoes and cucumbers with Sabra’s roasted garlic hummus. The vegetables were so fresh and paired dreamily with the hummus. Obviously.

Dinner, Wine, & Friends

Afterwards, we got some work done then headed to dinner! By this time, it was 6:30p.m., we didn’t really plan anything for dinner, and we were supposed to head over to our friends Brian and Marliese’s house in an hour. Whoops! So, Qdoba it was.

I ordered a naked taco salad with romaine lettuce, double black beans, grilled veggies, guacamole, and salsa verde. Oh my word, it was so good! I love Qdoba’s grilled veggies – they’re just fantastic.

Once dinner was in our bellies, we made our way over to Brian and Marliese’s house. We hadn’t seen Brian in so long, and it was really nice to catch up (we missed you Marliese!). There is a koi pond in their backyard, so Brian led us over to it and we chatted among the fishies for a bit.

Soon after, we went in for some drinks. I enjoyed a glass of pinot grigo on the rocks! Love me some pinot. 

Speaking of love…

Bro lovin’ at its finest.

The three of us talked, laughed, and played with their dogs, Pixie and Max. They’re so cute!

Matty and I had to leave earlier than anticipated because, apparently, I’m allergic to cats! I’m not exactly sure when this happened but, for the past few months, when I’m in the presence of cats, my eyes start to water and itch like crazy, and my nose starts to run. It’s quite pleasant, really. While our evening was cut short, it was still a sweet one!

An Epic Salad

Today was a welcomed rest day. I woke up bright and early at 6:30 a.m. and headed downstairs to do some stretching and meditating. I completed the Tone It Up Long & Lean stretching routine before meditating for a few minutes. It felt great to stretch and clear my head for the day!

Afterwards, I fixed myself some protein pudding oats and and settled into my little office upstairs. I worked through the morning on a fun project that’s coming up next month with Kasey (get excited!) and banged out some freelance writing applications and pitches.

Then, I made a salad. Not just any salad, but an epic salad. It took me under five minutes to throw together and was the best lunch I’ve had all week!

Into the bowl went:

• Lots of kale
• 1/4 plum tomato 
• 1/4 sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup raw green beans
• 2 Tbsp. daiya shreds
• 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
• 1 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
• 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Annie’s Papaya Poppyseed dressing
• 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning

Okay, I’m off to have a phone date with one swaggerific young lady. Happy Friday!

Stay lovely,
Heather

Question of the Day: What was your favorite lunch this week?