Check out my progress on Let the Holidays Begin!
Today is a very special day. Why, you ask? Because as of today, I have no schoolwork to do until the week after Thanksgiving (when finals start…). At long last, the incessant stream of papers, tests, and presentations has come to a temporary halt. Hallelujah!
After giving one final presentation this evening, I decided to celebrate by stopping into a local shopping center’s holiday kick-off. I’m pretty sure I was the only person there alone, but my solitude didn’t bother me one bit—I was surrounded by so much joy and celebration, that loneliness was the farthest thing from my mind. Plus, we all know how much I enjoy an opportunity to people-watch 
I started off by browsing the shop windows, as there was a community-wide contest for the most creative window display.
Next up was a stroll through the streets to hear various music groups perform.
All this walking got me hungry—free samples to save the day!
There happens to be a Fresh Market in this shopping center, so I ducked inside for a few minutes to warm up and check out the festive food offerings.
On my way back to my car, I stopped for a long gaze at the window of one of my favorite stores, White House Black Market.
Are you in the holiday spirit yet?
And now onto zee grub:
I kept breakfast simple this morning with the good ol’ banana-PB combo.
Goddess Garbanzo salad for lunch.
Once home from all the celebration, I warmed up with a big bowl of pumpkin bulgur chili.
Alright, if you’ll excuse me, I have some serious relaxing to do. Later, lovelies!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Goddess garbanzo! Should make that, haven’t had goddess in a while, and your creation looks tasty. Yay for holiday time! Love this time of year
That gingerbread shaped cheese could quite possibly be the cutest thing I have seen ALL WEEK! If only we had cute things like that in Australia – but no… we’re boring and only have wedges or blocks.
Your banana/cottage cheese/cinnamon combination looks delicious!
That chilli looks delicious but i can’t find it on your recipes page – can you share the recipe?
I can’t believe the holiday season is just around the corner!!!
Yeah~ Now I’m in holiday spirit!
wahoooooooooo! Congrats to being on break! You must be super excited. I love browsing. Especially pre-christmas browsing. The BEST way to get gift giving ideas. Those little cheese gingerbread men are cute and I totally want to try that coffee. I’m a little chilly right now and your dinner is look especially appetizing to me. I’m thinking soup is in order for lunch!
Wow. SO much Christmasy goodness. I haven’t stepped foot in a mall in a while now so I think I’ll be shocked by the wave of it once I do. Normally I don’t LOVE being bombarded with the Christmas season too early but this year I’m kinda looking forward to all of the holiday stuff starting to pop up everywhere already. Especially holiday baking mmmm
I am a freak for holiday stuff/activities. I LOVE this time of year.
Your Goddess Garbanzo Salad looks awesome– like a great vegetarian option for chicken salad.
Gotta love this time of year and the holidays. There’s really nothing better in my opinion. On to celebrating. Enjoy your time.