Have I said before how much I love Sundays? Matt is (almost) always home, and we generally don’t have plans so we hang around the house. I’m usually able to get some of the work done that I can’t get to during the week, so that leaves me feeling refreshed and accomplished for the days ahead when I’m home alone. Also, Sundays are usually rundays!
Last night went surprisngly well, but I still took a little nap at 7:30 when I woke up and the boys went to play for a bit. Then Matt took a nap while Mazen and I made breakfast. By the time I’d been through two nearly back-to-back feedings and a night without eating, I could not wait for breakfast!
VIDEOS
Apple Scrapple french toast, seared banana and pear, TJ’s peanut butter and some Justin’s Chocolate Almond on the pear, plus coconut to garnish. It was the perfect Sunday breakfast!
Can you Where’s Waldo Mrs. Pumpkin in this shot? She’s on our GRILL! Down, kitty!
After partially digesting (I say partially because I ran too soon and had some sloshing going on = no fun) I went for a 4 miler. I didn’t stop the whole time (I often walk up the killer hills) and it was an easy run (although with no Garmin I could tell my pace was slower than normal). Maybe I’m ready for 5 miles!?
Lunch in a bowl:
No Bull Burger over salad with pre-chopped veggies, Seaside Cheddar, Cville Crunch bread pieces, olive oil, salt and a clementine.
See the fun underneath!
My new afternoon snack: oatmeal! Since I haven’t had it as much for breakfast, it has returned as a snack. When I worked full time, I used to have a mug of oatmeal every.single.day for a snack at my desk in the winter. Made with milk and a spoonful of almond butter, it’s the perfect blend of carbs, protein and fat.
I worked some this afternoon and then dressed up to head downtown with Karen for a special premiere party of Downton Abbey Season 3 with Karen!!
We purchased tickets to the party before the showing (which was free) to celebrate with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Some folks came in costume, and there was a contest for best dressed, but I don’t think Karen or I were really in the running 
But her friend Chris was in her fancy hat from the Doris Duke estate!
We nibbled on English tea sandwiches (smoked salmon, cucumber and watercress)
And mini beef wellingtons and sausage rolls.
Plus drinks. The food wasn’t bad, but we had slightly higher expectations for the price of the ticket.
Next we heard a lecture by Gweneth West, head of costume design at UVA. It was fun to see shots of the show on a slideshow and learn more about the design of the costumes.
Then the premiere began – so exciting!! Downton is one of my favorite shows of all time. Not just because of the setting, characters and plot but because every episode is just sooooo beautiful!! The cinematography is top notch. Obsessed!!
The theater was packed! Loved the show – and I was shocked it was two hours long! Made for a late night.
Mazen stayed with his dad and I knew tonight was going to be a late one. My mind was put at ease when Matt texted and said that putting Mazen down was the “easiest ever.” With all the crying we’ve had at sleep times lately, I didn’t know how it would go, but I was so happy to hear that it went well.
The Downton Abbey showing sounds like so much fun! Little perks like that make living in a downtown area seem like so much fun.
For whatever reason I always forget about oatmeal as a snack. I used to do it often with a scoop of peanut butter and some chocolate chips…I need to bring that back!
I’ve heard such good things about Downton Abbey…I really need to look into it!
What an EXCITING event! I’m always so excited when I hear people like Downton Abbey. When I first started watching the show, NO ONE had ever heard about it and now it seems to have caught on quite a bit.
Can I say how jealous – pea green envy jealous – I am of that gorgeous outdoor shot of your sunny screened porch? Winter is no fun!! I’m already ready for Spring!! 🙂
Downton Abbey last night was the perfect ending to our two weeks off of work/school. So many of my friends watched it I wish I had thought of having a party. Your event looked really fun!
The events that happen in C’ville are so much fun and so interesting. What a great place to live!
I was intrigued by the Downton Abbey premiere at the Paramount, but opted not to go–looks like it was a really fun event! Perfect for a “date” with your mother-in-law 🙂
Hope your Monday is off to a great start!
It was packed!
Man, it seems like everyone watches Downton Abbey! I have never watched, but I may try to catch up on the first two seasons because of all the raving I’ve heard about it.
Silly kitty! 😉
I love your variety in breakfasts! I usually eat the same thing every day for weeks! & it looks like you had tons of fun at the Downton Abbey premiere. Fun!
Pear and Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter are seriously a match made in heaven!!! So cool that they did the Premier of Downtown Abbey…much better than sitting at home watching it!! 🙂
I absolutely love your blog! I stumbled across it while perusing food blogs, and I am so glad I did! I am a Charlottesville native (born & raised), and have missed living there everyday since I moved to Northern Virginia 6 years ago. I love your posts and photos about living the good life in C’ville. Also, your baby boy is adorable! 🙂
Thanks! Glad reading brings good memories
I sometimes choose oatmeal for dinner if I am dining alone! It’s comfort food.
What a fun outing with Karen. I’m a big fan of Downton Abbey and yesterday I watched several season two episodes to refresh my memory before watching the season three opener! I was delighted that it was two hours long. Best mini series ever!
I agree, there is just something about Sundays that is always so clam and peaceful. Glad you enjoyed yours!
I haaaaad to watch last might! It went waaaay past my bedtime but gosh was it worth it! It is such a great show! (I still need to catch up on a few from season 2- darn Netflix!!!)…. Yay for Matt & Mazen having a positive bedtime! It’s such a relief when it goes well!
OMG what a cool event!! You live in a very fun area. I feel like I neeeeeed to start watching this series, no more putting it off!
I love y’all’s porch. Jealous.
Looks like a fun party!! EVERYONE we know watches Downton, but we haven’t watched it yet. I’m sure we’ll cave eventually. 🙂
I know I would just love Downtown Abbey…what a fun night! 🙂
Just ordered some No Bull Burgers by phone since I live in New York. The women who answered the phone told me a bit about the company, he was so nice!!! Can’t wait to try them. You make them look sooooooooo good. 🙂
Oh fun! They are the best (the burgers and the staff!)
Downton Abbey is my favorite show as well! I’m a big fan of British shows in general! I caught up on the first two seasons after waiting for months for the DVDs from the library and it was well worth it! I watched all the episodes in three days during the summer while my then two month old baby girl napped! I’m so excited for this season!
Sounds like a fun time even if the food wasn’t overly memorable. Glad to hear Mazen went easy on his daddy. 😉
I’m so glad you love Downton Abbey too!! I’m obsessed and have been counting down the days until this premiere for the longest time. It did NOT disappoint. 🙂
I was surprised the season premier was 2 hours long, too! I could not WAIT to watch tonight…but I was looking at my clock at then end because I had to be up for an early flight this morning. Sounds like a fun event you went to!
Fun! I totally have Downton Abbey on my Netflix queque and need to start watching.. right now I’m too busy being obsessed with Homeland haha.
I love oatmeal as a snack, lunch, dinner, why not? Especially with peanut or almond butter!
The burger meal looks so delicious and whats more important, it’s no junk food anymore. I never thought a burger could be served in such a healthy way! Thanks for inspiration for my next lunch!
Cute blue top 🙂
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Oh how fun!!! I missed the show though, I went to a movie last night! I totally forgot to record it too!
Everyone I know watches this show!!! Kinda crazy.
hi kath-
i got really sick last month…3 surgeries and am now recovering, which also includes weight gain. im usually pretty particular with what i eat, watching sugars, fiber, whole grains, etc. i know GH vary by location as far as mufffins and such, but is there one that you can recommend or anything else? i fell in love with the oatbran muffin the hospital made by scratch-which probably wasn’t that great nutritionally, but eh :p i tried the carrot flax and fiber muffin thing in december but the results of it were not good, i’ll leave it at that :p im still pretty weak and despite the fact i love to cook am still too weak to do it on my own, so any suggestions…even a mix would be great! thank you, congrats on the new addition to your family!
So sorry about your surgeries. I would ask them which ones are whole grain and stick to those
I’ve been lucky enough to already watch the whole 3rd season – it is my favorite so far and so much happens! I’m sad I really have no one to talk to about it yet!!
Fun evnt! I need to start watching Downtown Abbey- I feel so out of the loop! Everyone seems to love it
As a proud Brit I am thrilled you love one of our shows so much and had an English High Tea to celebrate the start of series 3. Series 3 is wonderful – you will need your hanky later !
I visited Downton and met some of the cast and saw lots of the costumes which I blogged about here:
http://loseweightandgainhealth.com/2011/10/17/downton-abbey/ I just re-read it (such happy memories) and mentioned your blog in the breakfast part 🙂
My daughter and I also made a big deal of watching the Christmas Special (which follows series3) which I blogged about here: http://loseweightandgainhealth.com/2012/12/30/downtime-with-downton/
The good news is that they are making series 4 too – YIPPEE !!
Fun! I’ll check them out
This blogger post all the episodes from season 3 yesterday….I already watch them!
http://utahsweetsavings.com/2013/01/downton-abbey-starts-tonight-watch-it-now/
Not sure I want to!
when you have oatmeal for a snack do you eat the same amount that you would have at bfast or is it smaller portion?
no, much smaller. I use 1/4 a cup and a ton less toppings and mixins
I love having oatmeal as a snack, especially when it’s cold! That downtown abbey party looks so fun….love the costumes!
I’ve never watched Downton Abbey, but I caught a special that aired before the premiere last night about the actual estate where Downton Abeey is filmed. It was very interesting and gave a good historical background on the estate. I bet you would enjoy it!
what a fun event! love downton so much
Looks like such a fun evening!
Going out and getting a GOOD text back from hubs that baby is doing well and things were easy is like the best gift ever for a mama! 🙂
How fun! How do you prep your No Bull burgers? I just ordered some. Also, have you ever thought about making croutons with the bread? It’s quite easy.
I cook them in a skillet, medium heat, 4 minutes per side
Was thinking of trying pv.body…how do you like the clothing you received?
I’m in love with the pants, but I haven’t worn the top yet because it’s sleeveless and I haven’t had the chance since I’ve been doing outdoor stuff. I ordered a second box! The clothes seem to be really high quality (American Apparel and Lulu brands). I think you can still get 20% off through the BERF code!
My sisters all love that show, so I might have to try it out 🙂
Hey Kath, hope you are enjoying the new year! This is kinda random but I knew you’d be a great help – we’re swinging up to CVille this weekend for an overnight stay and stop into some wineries – what are your “must eat” recommendations for lunch/dinner/brunch while we’re there? I’ve been to Mono Loco before and adored it so that one’s on the radar but would love any other helpful hints from you, thanks so much! 🙂
Have you checked out my Cville page? Tons of recommendations over there! Downtown favorites are Commonwealth, Eppies (casual), Zocalo, Mono Loco as you said, Whiskey Jar, Positively 4th, and for brunch: Commonwealth or Bizou.
I did but there were so many great options that I figured I’d see if you could narrow it down for me for our short visit 😉 Thanks so much – much appreciated!
Steph
Those are my favs! But if you have any other questions about anywhere else to go, let me know. Blue Mountain Brewery would be awesome too – their pizza omg.
awesome, will do! thanks again for your help. ps i’m really leaning towards Zocalo for dinner, looks amazing!! 🙂
Love that there was a Downton viewing party! I want to host one of those now!!
So incredibly jealous of that gorgeous, sunny porch!!! 😀
Loved meeting up with you and Karen last night but wish we had more time to dish – seems like I just got my food and it was time to sit down! Happy to hear Matt and Maze did such a great job too 🙂
I know – I think Karen might have a finale party at her place : )
I know Matt bakes great scones, so just tell me what to bring 🙂
: )
Good job on the run Kath! It sounds like you are back in the game!!!
PS I MUST get this Downton Abbey! I’ve heard nothing but good things and I have never seen it! But that’s typical of me…I’m usually a few years behind on the cool trends in life 😆
I went to a Downton Abbey party last night as well, hostd by a friend who appeared at the door dressed as a kitchen maid! 🙂 There were 9 of us and we had a great time, and all loved the episode. Can’t wait til next week!
My breastfed babies ALWAYS went down better for their daddy… (AND slept in more) the dozen or so times I had to be somewhere else. I was always comforted that they didn’t cry for him (mostly relieved of any hinting of guilt that was trying to build up). Sometimes it did make me a little sad though when I was there and they were difficult to settle… breastfeeding the the toughest blessing ever!!
Off to watch the Downton recording myself=D
Looks like so much fun! Since the weather has been cool I have been enjoying more oatmeal in the morning as opposed to my beloved green juice.
Have you tried the Justin’s chocolate hazelnut butter? SO GOOD
Yes : )
Hey Kath! What is a proper snack portion of oatmeal for you? Around a fourth cup?
Sorry, just saw someone asked it already! 🙂
What a cool event! I love that they hosted something like that! I haven’t seen Downton Abby but I have heard so many good things about it. Maybe I need to check it out 🙂
I haven’t started watching Downton Abbey yet–and all my friends and family do. SO, I will use this post as a sign that I need to start! 🙂 Thank you!
Love that you got to go to a Downton party!!! Since season 2, I’ve gotten together with friends on Sunday nights to watch Downton and have snacks and wine, then we knit while we watch. I’m not that good of a knitter yet and I’m still working on the scarf I started in Season 1! I loved the costumes for the 1st ep. of season 3 too, so the costume lecture would have been fun to have attended. Enjoy! 🙂
I was thrilled by the two-hour length–I’ve been savoring it in segments throughout the week for an evening treat. I have season one and two on disc, so I’ll definitely be rewatching sometime soon.
Congrats on the progress you’re making with your running! I especially related to this post because things like being able to run up a hill I have needed to walk up in the past are the little things that inspire me to push myself a little further each time. And your socks are my favorites — Balega socks make my feet so happy because they add cushioning and don’t sneak off my ankle and end up under my instep mid-run like some other socks can. Happy running 🙂