This post is sponsored by Sargento Foods.

I didn’t want to miss out on recapping some fun we had a few weekends back. Better late than never, right? I was in desperate need for a BREAK from the daily grind.  Work had been crazy.  So I put away my To Do list, powered down the computer, and filled a whole weekend with nothing but FUN.  It was so wonderful.

Things started off right with a little race spectating on Saturday morning…

Training buddy Brandi did her first half marathon that weekend, and the race course was just a few miles from my house.  So I packed Henry into the car after an early breakfast, and we drove out to see her and her husband run.  It was nice to take a break from racing and be a spectator instead.

Unfortunately, Henry thought that he was running a race and was super disappointed to realize that he was not, in fact, participating.  He did really like giving out High Fives and cheering, and I let him run down the sidewalk next to the runners for a while.  I’m still on the lookout for other kid-friendly races (he really enjoyed doing a 5K a few weekends back) – I really do think he’ll grow up to be a runner.

I’ve been noshing on this new product from Sargento for a few weeks. I love it!  We have a serious granola bar “problem” in our house, and these Balanced Breaks snacks are a delicious and wholesome alternative for grab-and-go snacking. Sometimes, you just want something different, ya know?

Balanced Breaks snacks combine natural cheese with crunchy roasted nuts and sweet dried fruit – the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.  My favorite combos are the Natural Sharp Cheddar Cheese with sea-salted cashews and cherry juice-infused cranberries, and the Natural Pepper Jack Cheese with honey roasted peanuts and raisins. 

These individual-sized snack trays contain less than 200 calories and 7 grams of protein – a very satisfying snack.

I’ve been snacking on these on the run – I just toss one in my purse so I can eat right on-the-go. I’ve been keeping the little containers, too, because they are perfect for keeping toddler food separate!  Cute, huh? 

Balanced Breaks snacks come 3 in a pack for only $3.69 and can be found in your grocer’s dairy aisle. In addition to the other flavors I mentioned above, Balanced Breaks snacks flavor combos include Natural White Cheddar Cheese with sea-salted almonds and dried cranberries, and Natural Sharp White Cheddar Cheese with sea-salted cashews and golden raisin medley.

Other recent “breaks”?  I did a little shopping… I’m redecorating our master bedroom. Well, technically it’s not our master, but we moved upstairs into the guest room when Henry started to escape his crib.  It’s a pretty drab space, and I’m over it.  It’s exciting to dress it up!  It will be a really nice retreat when we’re all done with the design…

And, as always, I’m trying hard to find the time to read Book a Week.  I’m starting to struggle with my New Year’s Resolution.  As mentioned, things have been really hectic lately and it’s been a challenge to find downtime to read.  I have a big pile of books on my nightstand to read.  Here’s what’s on deck (told you that I’m behind BIG TIME!).

A Mom’s Practical Guide to Baby Led Weaning (by blogger A Healthy Slice of Life)

It Starts With Food

City of Bones

What’s your favorite way to take a break?

This post is brought to you by Sargento Foods.  Thanks, as always, for reading sponsored content.