June November

SCENES FROM A WEEK, WEEK 7

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 04 May 2020 17:19:00 +0000

We've now been semi-quarantined for 50 days. I've been listening to the podcast Staying in with Emily and Kumail and they talked about how we're in a place in society right now that is a little numb to everything. How when people were first being quarantined they were setting up routines that helped them through the work week and to feel their healthiest, but those routines aren't working quite as well right now. That makes a lot of sense to me. I was really trying to keep a daily photo journal but at some point I kind of stopped? Because it just all feels the same? I don't know guys. I think I need a nap and a new book and maybe a cookie.

The girls came to see what we were cooking for dinner. Not chicken, thankfully.

Ava made matcha chocolate scones the other evening. SUPER simple and so delicious. Recipe is from Tokyo Kitchen.

I was reading the latest Lady Darby book and Ava finished up the Harry Potter series this week.

BABY BUNNY SWEETNESS.

I did a home Lego coding virtual lesson for students this week.

Ava's art teacher sent postcards out to all her students to send on smiles to others! Such a fun project.

Another virtual Scout Camp out this weekend. Dylan was able to participate with a couple other boys and still practice social distancing.

My current project. Stay tuned for the finished project.

SCENES FROM A WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 15:43:00 +0000

We've been at home now for six weeks. We're lucky: everyone is healthy, our neighborhood is nice for walking, both Neal and I are still working, we have internet access for the kids to do their work, we live in a state where our governor made quick, educated choices. We like each other, and the military has us prepared for things like missed vacations, not being there for someones birthday, endlessly changing orders and plans, being aware that you are indeed living through history.

But still. We're restless.We missed family visits and a long planned for trip. We miss our friends. And the library. I miss my students and co-workers and the kids miss their teachers. It's an odd time. A slow time.

I have always loved being home. And I still do; even through the restlessness, the boredom, the worry.

Scenes from our week:

I'm reading The Land of Stories series out loud to Ava. We are absolutely loving it.

Dylan is working on his Cooking Merit Badge for scouts, so he has been making dinners about once a week and using different techniques. This week he wanted to work on frying, so we made tonkatsu (Japanese fried pork chops). He used this video tutorial from Tokyo Kitchen.

YUM.

Working from home. I've been making a lot of anchor charts, which now won't be used until next year. 😢 We're out until the end of the year. I knew it was coming, but it was still very upsetting.

We did a backyard campout. It was fun, but cold!

Campout dinner was chicken pot pie with biscuits. I found the recipe on this list; I'm working through all of them.

Ava is working on learning to braid her own hair. We've been looking at lots of braiding tutorials. Turns out I don't know how to do a traditional braid? Evidently, I always do "dutch braids" instead of traditional braids.

Ava's Earth Day art.

WHEN THINGS FALL INTO PLACE

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:59:00 +0000

hip hip hooray, we had (another) great day

Sometimes, things fall into place. Sometimes, you're in a house, in a neighborhood, taking your kids to school, doing a job you love and your husband is home for dinner every single night. And you find yourself not having to remind yourself, "Be present" because you just are. You're not telling yourself "the days are long but the years are short" through gritted teeth because you're just enjoying the days.
Part of this falling into place is just the place we are at in general. My kids are big, but not too big. They can put on their own shoes, they can buckle their own seat belts, we never ever need a stroller (PRAISE THE LORD), we can take them places and not have it be a huge production. They still like to hang out with us and we don't embarrass them yet. It's spring time-where the days are warmer and longer and that alone can make things feel better. You could say we're in a good season-in both life and nature.

But there is a little more right now: we love our home (not always the case when you move every few years), we love our neighborhood (same), and the school the kids are attending is fantastic (also: same). Both Neal and I like our jobs and work decent hours. We love this duty station and the town we live in-which is always a blessing because we don't get to chose. And while there are issues, like any where or place (a move in the middle of the school year is not easy), we are so content here.

It feels like home, in a way the last three years did not. It feels like everything has fallen into place for the time being, and I am grateful for it every day.

PINS + LINKS

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:26:00 +0000

Happy Friday! It's been an interesting week around here. I lots of new ideas I'm floating and we're settling into our spring schedule which means baseball, baseball, and more baseball. Even though it was a busy week, it was a MUCH better week than last week. Last weekend I did all the things I said I wanted to and it made a huge difference in this week.

Wine + nap + prayer & meditation + a good book = a much better me.

Let's hope this weekend is as restorative!

Here are some of the things I pinned this week:

1. Shrimp and Whole 30 grits? Yes, please. 2. I think I might want to add a floral skirt to my wardrobe. 3. I've been daydreaming about cabins again. 4. I think I want to go full on Southern and paint my porch ceiling blue.

Links I'm Loving:

I'm listening to The Practical Minimalists podcast and it's so good.

I want a recipe box to organize all the random recipes I have laying around, but it's so hard to chose because I like them all.

I just ordered Joy the Baker's new brunch cookbook.

We're starting to plan a camping trip here with some of our best friends and I CANNOT WAIT.

So tempting!

Just ordered my second clean out kit from ThredUp.

This is a great piece about moving by one of my favorite bloggers.

I've been trying to find the perfect crossbody bag.

I think I'm going to try the gluten free bread recipe from my Against All Grain cookbook this weekend.

My favorite city written up in my new favorite magazine.

Have a fabulous weekend, ya'll!

ALMOND & APPLE CHICKEN SALAD

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:16:00 +0000

Sometimes, life gets crazy. Sometimes, you and your hubs get home from work and have homework to help with, plus both baseball and Girl Scouts on the same night (WHY WHY WHY), plus dogs to feed...oh and yourself and all the people who live in your house who expect to eat every single day. And that's when you need to have a ton of this chicken salad in your fridge so you have something to scarf down before you run out the door. (Again.) It's great on it's own, with crackers, on bread, or on top of greens!

Also, it's, like, the easiest thing ever to make.

These measurements are good for two very large servings, so feel free to double or triple it for mega food prep. (Make during your weekly meal prep and you're golden!) Most weeks, I throw a couple pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in my slow cooker for 4 hours and then shred it all to have on hand during the week, and that works perfectly here. I also make my own mayo, because...I'm crazy (Just in case you would like to try this, I double the Whole 30 recipe) but you can use regular mayonnaise, of course (I suggest Hellmann's for traditional mayo or Primal Kitchen Avocado mayo if you're paleo/Whole 30). I also sometimes top it with Danielle Walker's Against All Grain Thai Almond Dressing and it is DIVINE.

Alright, let's make chicken salad!

Almond & Apple Chicken Salad

2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken

4-6 Tbsp of mayonnaise of your choice

1 small apple, cored and chopped

1 stalk of celery, chopped

2 Tbsp of roasted or raw almonds

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Against All Grain Almond Dressing

Mix all ingredients together and salt and pepper to taste. Top with almond dressing, if desired. Can be stored in fridge up to three days.

Enjoy!

PINS + LINKS

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:30:00 +0000

Happy Friday! I've decided to bring back Pins + Links on Fridays.

Do you ever come to the end of a week and find yourself focusing on all your shortcomings? It doesn't happen often to me, but this week has been a struggle. Some weeks are hard, you know? I'm hoping this weekend clears my mind and sets me on the right path for the coming week. The kids are off of school Monday, so it's a three day weekend for us, which already puts things in a positive light. I need a little downtime, some meditation, a little prayer, and maybe a nap and a glass of wine.

Here are some Pins I found this week:

1. Have you read about how people are choosing to wear a "uniform' everyday? This is my uniform. 2. I'll be making this drink station as soon as it warms up (hopefully this weekend!). 3. I just shopped at Aldi for the first time this week-and I really liked it. 4. Happy St. Patrick's Day! I think a Guinness float sound fantastic. 5. We're looking at new dining room sets and this is the look I'm going for.

Link Love:

Since one of my springtime goals is more gluten free baking, I've been making these Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies from Livin Paleo and they are SO GOOD.

I watched and loved The Crown, but this news of season two is HIGHLY ANNOYING. The Go Fug Yourself Girls break it down for you.

I'm moving toward ALL all natural cleaning products in our home and am finding lots of ideas/inspiration from the blogs From Faye and Clean Mama.

I just bought these Converse and I love them. My capsule wardrobe is pretty much complete!

This stuff is just the cutest. Even though Ava has been extra sassy this week, I want to buy it all for her.

That's it for me! I hope you have a great weekend.

HOME TOUR: LIVING ROOM

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 14:16:00 +0000

As you may know, we recently moved to a new state. And when we moved here, we bought a house. A house that I absolutely love! So I thought that it would be fun to do a Home Tour.

Let's start with the living room:

When you walk in to the house, the living room is to your left. We get a lot of light here! No curtains for us; I like the clean lines of the wooden white blinds. Everything in this room is stuff we already had, but a lot of it was re-purposed into new uses!

My all time favorite photo of the kids.

When we moved in, we painted the walls. We used Behr White Metal and are really happy with how it turned out-we went with the Premium Plus Ultra in Eggshell finish and it was worth it, in my opinion.

The television sits on a hope chest that my great-grandfather bought for grandmother when she got married. He owned a furniture store in 1930's in Arbuckle, CA and it came from there. The gallery wall is full of our favorite photos, which we actually need to update since Ava has been walking for a few years now :).

Family Photos are by Amy Shuman Photography

Silhouettes are from Disneyland.

Initial is from Anthropologie.

This is the first time we've ever had a (working) fireplace in a home and we love it!

Detail of the right hand side of the mantle.

On the other side of that wall is the kitchen and dining area. The chair is vintage via Neal's grandmother. The poster on the wall is a printing press copy of the Declaration of Independence that we got on a trip to Philadelphia.

Lots of sunlight! And sleeping dogs (Ryder the Lab is lying on the rug just below Dakota).

Doggie and blanket corner

Flea market green glass (from Alabama), fresh flowers, and door coasters (a gift from Ireland from Neal's parents).

Coffee table, The coffee table, sofa table, and end tables were all handmade by Neal's grandfather. Their color just happens to be spot on with the wood floors in this house!

So that's our light filled living room! Come back soon to see more of the Home Tour.

MINIMALIST MEAL PLAN

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:50:00 +0000

Meal planning is essential to my week running smoothly. I've been meal planning for years, but recently I started feeling overwhelmed by it all. Which is the exact opposite reason I meal plan! Feeling even more overwhelmed at 5pm, while two children repeatedly say, "I'm hungry. What's for dinner? Is it time for dinner yet? I forgot, what's for dinner?" is no bueno. That's how you end up ordering pizza two times a week.

All my meal planning in the past has required quite a bit of creativity, time, and energy. Every week, I'd be searching through cookbooks and Pinterest recipes, planning out all the meals and writing down all the ingredients, and then shopping for all of that, list in tow-including the actual meal plan to make sure I didn't forget anything. And while I love cooking and meals at home with my family, and enjoy grocery shopping, and get real satisfaction out of meal planning it was turning into something that was complicated and...hard.

So I decided to reassess. To simplify. (That is basically my life motto right now: More simplicity. In all the things.) Inspired by this blog post, I decided to assign a meal to each week night. I've always thought that I needed to change things up or everyone-including me-would be bored, but turns out everyone likes these meals best anyway, and are happy to eat them. Plus, I do change them up, but only in the most simplest of ways.

Here's my weekly minimalist meal plan:

Monday: pasta, salad, veggie

Change ups: marinara + ground beef OR meatballs OR Italian sausage, pesto + chicken, Alfredo. We usually have some sort of squash as the veggie to keep it Whole 30ish for me and the hubs (spaghetti or zucchini are favorites) plus the pasta for the kids.

Tuesday: stir fry, rice

Change ups: chicken, pork, or steak plus any veggies. I do either Asian seasoning or fajita. Same process, totally different flavors.

Wednesday: burgers, fries, salad

Change ups: turkey burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, BLTs. I sometimes switch out the salad for raw carrots, celery, and radishes. We have both lettuce wrapped and buns.

Thursday: soup or salad

Fave Soups: split pea, chicken and rice stew, tomato, beef stew, chicken enchilada

Fave Salads: chicken Cesar, taco, salmon BLT

Friday: leftovers or out

Saturday: Slow Cooker

A variety of things, but my default is pot roast or buffalo chicken

Sunday: Sunday Supper

We take turns picking out "fancy" meal each week.

Sunday supper is always a big meal for us, I usually plan it out from cook books and it takes a bit longer to cook, and we all work together. I also take this time to give the kids basic cooking lessons. I love Sunday Suppers and I can truly enjoy the work that goes into them now that the rest of the week has been simplified.

So, how can you start minimalist meal planning? Think about the foods and meals your family love and actually eat, and things that are simple to prepare. Take into account evenings that you know will be busier and make those the simplest to prepare meals. Go from there, and the rest will all fall into place.

This is hands down one of the best changes I've made this year. Making a minimalist meal plan has made a big difference in my kitchen. Knowing exactly what I'm going to make AND that it will take minimal time, not to mention that I know everyone will eat it without complaining (PRAISE HANDS) takes the stress out of the equation. It also has helped me to enjoy cooking even more, and to try new flavors and more complicated recipes on the weekends and it leaves me less stressed to enjoy our weekday evenings together. And the best part of all? Teaching my children that home cooked meals and eating together doesn't have to be hard or stressful.

B+ GOALS: SPRINGTIME 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:34:00 +0000

It's starting to feel a little like spring here in Kentucky. The days are a little warmer, robins are building nests, and blossoms are tentatively appearing on our trees. Spring is a perfect time to air out new ideas and goals, and, especially since we're in a new place, that's just what I'm going to do. I'm working toward my B+ goals to being more seasonal instead of monthly, out of convenience mostly, but also because I'm all about minimal pressure these days.

Here's what I want to accomplish this spring:

Use my camera more, and look into purchasing a new one.

Spring cleaning!

More baking, with a focus on gluten free treats.

Learn more about our new town and meet new people.

Get a library card!

New deck furniture and grill.

Derby Week!

Plan and plant a container garden.

Start running again.

Finish up our guest room.

What are your plans for spring? Any ideas for me to add to the list?

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 15:00:00 +0000

Hello! I know, it's been ~~forever~~ awhile. I was doing things like...moving.

But! We're all settled in, and I'm planning (hoping?) to be writing and reflecting more here. Let's do a For The Love Of Friday post, to get back in the saddle, yes? Let's ease in.

Reading: I've been reading the Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny and am currently on number 9. I love these books, but especially how the author's story telling has sharpened over the series. The first books are good, solid story telling, but the last couple are amazingly well written.

I'm cooking out of Run Fast, Eat Slow. EVERY SINGLE RECIPE so far has been delicious.

Current Favorite: Flu Fighter Chicken and Rice Stew

I'm also browsing my trusty copy of McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container book. It's my all time favorite gardening book and I cannot wait for spring to get here!

(It slowed last night. This followed: 78 degree temperatures, high winds, rain, and tornado warnings. All in the past week.)

Listening: The Minimalists Podcast. I'll be writing about it more (hopefully), but we've been on a huge get-rid-of-all-the-things kick, so I've been drawn to this podcast. It can be a little...wordy?...but the overall theme is enjoyable. And I do love the home tour on their website!

Wearing: Neal got me a new Kate Spade watch for my birthday (because I may or may not have dropped my other one in a gardening box, which he then found a week later) It's the horoscope line (Capricorn for the win!). It's no longer available on the Kate Spade website, but you can get one-half off!-at Nordstrom Rack. Despite normally having my phone with me, I love wearing a watch.

Want List: Le Creuset Skillet, & new converse.

Come back Monday, and I'll have some B+ Goals for you (hopefully)!

LESS AND MORE

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:08:00 +0000

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were filled with happiness. Last year was a good year for me, personally. While I know that many people are filled with concern and worry over the world, and I share those feelings, personally for me the year was lovely. I'm at peace with things I've been struggling with for the past couple years-truly at peace. I'm healthier than ever- I eat well, I exercise regularly, I drink less. I'm just...happy. And positive. And thankful. So very thankful.

I'm ready for this new year and new chapter of my life. Because lots of things are happening!

Like...a move to a new state. Which in turn means: a new house, new schools for the kids, and finding a new job for me. So there's all that.

(Luckily, I'm a total pro at moving now. This will be our our fifth duty station and our seventh move.)

There are lots of other things too. Smaller things, to work on, to think about, to cook, to read, to try, to write. A new year is always a lovely time for both reflecting on the past and looking toward new goals for the future.

I'm focusing on both Less & More this year:

And maybe a little more writing-here and other places- but a little less sharing. I made my Instagram private and deleted people who aren't on my actual radar. Because...for me...it's not necessary to share with the world right now. So Less people, but More sharing with those that I truly know and care for. That's a less/more that's definitely worth considering.

Dream big this New Year, guys. Check back and see what we're up too here!

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:41:00 +0000

I'm back, ya'll.
It was a long weekend, bless it, and we took it so super easy and it was fantastic.

There was pie baking.

The kids helped me make name cards. It was just the four of us for Thanksgiving, but that's no reason not to have a fancy table.

My Nana's china. It made me miss her.

After our big meal, we went down to the pond where Dylan floated a boat he made.

And my children found a snake skin and picked it up and brought it home because they hope that their mother will die from a heart attack because this nastiness is in her home. (Secretly, I'm glad I have a daughter who is not scared of things like this but STILL.)

There has been A LOT of TV and iPads and video games around here lately and Neal and I threw up our hands and said ENOUGH this weekend. The hubs hauled the kids out into the woods.

There were naps involved too.

And a handwritten letter to Santa.

Also, I still do not understand Snapchat. But this flower crown is pretty.

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:10:00 +0000

Monday. You came a little too soon, but let's make the best of it, shall we? And since I've already done yoga, tried meditating for the first time, and am only on my second cup of coffee this morning, I'd say things aren't looking so bad.

The hubs was out at deer camp so the kids and I had a cozy, snuggling, at home weekend and it was great. Let's review:

I went to a fall dessert swap. So many apples and I tried them all.

I joined a Dave Ramsey + Kon Mari facebook group (it's one of the few reasons I haven't given up facebook) and from a discussion on there, I was inspired to try out Rachel Cruze's clip idea for carrying cash and I liked it a lot. (For those of you that don't know, we've followed Dave Ramsey's advice with our money since Dylan was born. It works for us!)

I preorded Food Freedom Forever, but my copy got delay. So I cancelled my amazon order and went to Barnes and Noble and physically picked it up instead. (Plus these two. Plus some books for the kids.) I should have just done that in the first place. I think I need to cut back on online shopping...

When Daddy's away we have sleepovers and watch "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" together in the big bed.

FALL, in a photo.

Kon Mari inspired.

We got booed! It's the first time ever that we got booed before we booed someone, and the kids were thrilled.

Let's crush this week, guys!

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 12:36:00 +0000

Guys. I had Monday off and this still felt like a marathon of a week. What is going on? Has time stopped? Am I stuck in a version of Groundhog Day? If so, where is Bill Murray?

Maybe it's all the news that's getting me down. Because things have gotten crazy. Is that it? My brain is full of political noise and the Giants losing?

Let's look at some things that are happier then that shall we?

Places where you can still see wheel tracks from the Oregon trail. These photos are absolutely fascinating and definitely have me adding to our "places to see" list.

I recently reread The Virgin Suicides and it brought back all kinds of memories from when I first read it. So I fell down the rabbit hole of internet searches about the the story and the movie. I particularity love this Living In article about the design of the movie.

I'll be making these pancakes this weekend.

How to give up dairy (if I can, you can. #recoveringcheeseaohlic)

I'm reading Spark Joy and I love it. Of course.

That's all I got this week. I hope your weekend is amazing!

NO BEAN CHILI (whole30, paleo, grain free)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 12:56:00 +0000

Fall is in the air here on the East Coast! And fall means comfort food, like big bowl of chili. When I first started eating Whole 30, I was reluctant to try chili because to me, chili meant beans. But this no bean chili is so good! My family actually loves this chili more than any other one.

I originally posted this recipe on a Whole 30 recap post, but it's so good I wanted to share it again all on it's own. It's the perfect fall dinner and only takes about 30 mintues!

Whole30 No Bean Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef (grass fed if that's your thing) or ground turkey

1 large bell pepper, any color, chopped

1 white onion, chopped

2 cans mild Rotel

1 6oz can tomato paste

2 cups water

1-2 cups of beef stock (make sure to read your lables)

1/2 -1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder, depending on your preference

1/2 tablespoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings:

Avacado, cilantro (if desired)

In a large pot, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped green bell pepper and onion, cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain off grease. Add Rotel, tomato paste, water, and spices, stir. Bring to a simmer, and cook about 10 minutes, Add 1 cup of beef stock, stir. Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, adding more stock to reach your desired consistency. Adjust spices as desired. Serve topped with avocados and cilantro if that's your thing. Enjoy!

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:13:00 +0000

I love three day weekends. Even when they're "celebrating" people who did not in fact "discover" America. We ignored that and had a super fall themed weekend.

On Saturday night we went to Byrne Farm Market for their Annual Jack O Lantern display. We went last year and it's so fun. They have hundreds of pumpkins carved and lit up. You can also buy fabulous pumpkins and gourds there. My kiddos love the goose necks. If you're in the area, you should definitely check out Byrne's!

Sunday started off rainy, but cleared up so we went apple picking at another farm, Johnson's Locust Hall. Ava has gone to this farm twice now on school field trips and has been asking us to go as a family for months. It was so worth it! The kids had a great time and we got some delicious, huge apples. I have to admit, I was cracking up a little-I grew up on a small farm and picking fruit was a chore for me growing up and now I was paying money to let my kids do it.

Sunflowers are my favorite.

And with our extra day off? Harry Potter.

Seriously Voldemort, don't even. Professor the Dowager* will destroy you and and all your hooligans.

I've been reading Spark Joy, the second Marie Kondo book and have been going through my clothes and folding them properly again-I have gotten out of the habit. I was pleased to find that there were no clothes that didn't "spark joy" in my closet though! I had the hubs go through his stuff and get rid of his unjoyful clothes as well. I also started using my bullet journal for tracking my KonMari Method cleaning-because I'm that person. I've done the clothes in our house and the papers, but I need to work through my miscellaneous and keepsake stuff still.

I like neutrals.

Finally, last night Dylan had a baseball game. A night game under the lights. Where he pitched. He's been playing first and short for the past two years, and just moved up to pitching, Neal and I had zero chill, guys, Like standing at the fence, clapping, and yelling positive things and closing our eyes tight because we were so nervous for him. And we so didn't need to be nervous, because he CRUSHED IT.

When he struck his first person out, I asked Neal, "So I shouldn't yell really loud 'THAT'S MY BABY!' right?! Because my heart is telling me do it, but my brain is saying that might be embarrassing for him and maybe I should, like, calm down."
He agreed with my brain. IT WAS HARD GUYS.

And THEN. The Giants won their game. It was a good day for baseball.

Hope you had a great weekend!

*If you don't understand this reference, please go watch Downton Abbey and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows and then return.

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 12:46:00 +0000

There's been a lack of posts this week-my laptop has decided to stop recognizing my phone, and since I take 90% of the photos I use here on my phone, it's become an issue. I plan on putting my tech guy (aka my husband) on this problem this weekend.

Until then, let's be thankful that it's FRIDAY and check out some things that I've found:

Love Warrior, Are you a woman? A mother? A wife? A teenager? A father? A husband? A human being? Then you should probably read this book. Book review is coming, but right now I am still so entrenched in how good it was, in all the words Glennon Doyle Melton wrote, that I have to take a moment and collect my thoughts before I can write anything about it other than READ IT.

I saw Paleo Pep Talk talk about an Air Fryer on Instagram Stories and now I want one.

Giants are in the post season!

I just bought this skirt from Loft for work. FYI: 40% off the ENTIRE site at Loft right now (coupon code FALLFEST)

So, I had my doubts about the Natalie Portman "Jackie" movie. I no longer have those doubts, I saw the trailer and the still shots, over on Tom and Lorenzo and wow. It comes out December 2.

It's fall and that means Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken is headed into my meal rotation. I also really want the Cooking for Jeffery cookbook.

Have a great weekend everyone!

ON LETTING KIDS TAKE THE LEAD

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 14:02:00 +0000

B+ GOALS: OCTOBER 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:00:00 +0000

It's fall, ya'll! That means mums, pumpkins, crisp air, and rainy afternoons around these parts. I love October-it's hard not too.

October also means it's time for a new round of B+ Goals, where we celebrate "done is better than perfect," But first, let's review September:

1. Focus on health. A. I'm almost done with my Whole 30 and have been working out 5 days a week ALL MONTH.

2. Blog 3+ times a week. B+. I haven't missed a week, but I haven't managed to go three times a week every time. I'll keep trying in October!

3. Have a celebration Back to School Dinner. A. Check! This was an easy one though; it's a solid family tradition.

4. Read together in the evening. B+ We've managed too most nights, but still haven't finished The Penderwicks. Hopefully the library will let us renew it again!

5. Clear out all the fabric and etsy shop things from our closet. C. I started, but am no where near finished.

Onto October! I always feel like October is a solid get-things-done kind of month. We're pretty settled into our school/work routine, the holidays are far enough away not to stress about yet, the weather is mild. Here's what I got:

1. More yoga. I've been doing yoga for 15 years, but the past six months I've cut back a lot because I've been focusing on more cardio and weights. But my flexibility is suffering for it. Instead of doing the Tone it Up Fall Challenge like I was originally planning, I want to focus on doing more yoga, at least twice a week. (I use the Pocket Yoga App, which I LOVE.)

2. Read Food Freedom Forever. I'm running a book group on this new book from Melissa Hartwig on facebook - feel free to join, we'd love to have you: The Happy Healthy Book Club. I'm really looking forward to this one!

3. Figure out a better system for organizing all the school papers that come home with my children. Every. Single. Day. So many papers! I have to find a system.

4. Start planning Dylan's birthday. He's going to be TEN. It's going to be a big one and I want it to be a good one for him.

5. Clear out all the fabric and etsy shop things from our closet. Need to finish this one.

Hooray for fall and October!

Bonus Life Lesson: When in doubt, ask yourself, "What Would Anne Shirley Do?" and you won't go wrong.

Free printable from Kayla Aimee Writes: here

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 12:46:00 +0000

Happy Friday! Fall is out in full force here on the east coast; it's rainy, windy, damp, and getting dark earlier. Everyone's nose is sniffley. It's been a challenging week and we're ready for a slow weekend at home. Preferable with movies, blankets, tea and hot chocolate. Maybe a roasted chicken. We're ready for a weekend, guys.

This Friday, we're talking: morning routines, pumpkin pie flavor, and washing our face. Just your typical, random For the Love of Friday List.

I love this series about people's morning routines!

64 Positive Things to Say to Kids. Such a great list!

So, I've adored Nastia Liukin since the 2008 Olympics and this bag she designed looks amazing. It's going on the want list. The Question is: Black or Navy? I just can't decide.

I switched up my face washing routine. I've been using Murad products and I can see a BIG difference in my skin. I use this cleaner and this moisturizer. Pricey, yes. But a little goes a long way.

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding. Yeeesss.

I want to get a second pair of frames. Decisions, decisions.

Do you ever read Self Magazine? You should. I gave them and their editor, Joyce Chang, a big shout out on Instagram this week for their use of Asian models-something you see literally no where in magazines. They are hands down the most diverse mainstream magazine on the market-with no apologies, no excuses, and no big deal. Healthy comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes. and not only do they feature all types of woman in their magazine, they put them on the covers too.

I am so excited to watch The Crown on Netflix in November. Trailer here.

Happy Friday!

whole 30 compliant MASHED POTATOES

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:44:00 +0000

We eat a lot of potatoes. I know that there are the naysayers about potatoes-especially plain old white potatoes- who say they are too starchy and have too many carbs. But to those people I say STOP. Potatoes are a real, whole, nutritious, delicious food. And they happen to be carb AND a starch. I like to have a form of starch/complex carb at a meal-it's filling and if you're working out, you need it. Period. We often eat potatoes twice a day, (sometimes even THREE TIMES A DAY) and you know what? Healthier than ever. Weight lost. Workouts are better.

Potatoes are not the enemy. Carbs are not the enemy. Eat real food, guys.Three cheers for potatoes!
These mashed potatoes taste creamy and decadent, but are completely dairy free and Whole 30 compliant. They're perfect paired with pot roast or even for a holiday meal.

Let's get started:

I like russet potatoes for traditional mashed potatoes. Give them a decent scrub and then peel them. Dice into cubes and pop them into a big pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook those little cubes until you can easily poke them with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes. Now, here is the key to perfect mashed potatoes: after draining, put the potatoes back in the pot and put them back on heat (about med high). And stir them until they are dry and they leave a little film on the pot. Then, and only then, remove them from the heat and mash away.

Now. We season. Stay with me, things might sound weird, but the results will be good. Promise!
The season crew:

Don't panic. Your potatoes are not going to taste like coconut.

I go in this order, but it doesn't really matter: clarified butter, coconut cream, stock, seasoning, then more coconut cream and stock as needed. (Also, you can cut the paprika in half if you don't like the color it produces.)

Creamy, perfect, mashed potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes (whole 30 compliant)
8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
4 Tbsp clarified butter
3/4 cup, divided coconut cream (or coconut milk)
1/4 cup chicken stock (plus more if needed)
1/2 Tbsp onion powder
1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1/4-1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika if that's what you have!)

Fill a pot with cold, salted water; add the potatoes. Bring the potatoes to a full boil; boil until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return to the pot. Heat the potatoes over medium high heat, continually stirring, until potatoes are dry and there is a thin film around the pot, about 7 minutes, Remove from heat and mash well, until there are no lumps.
Add the clarified butter and fold into the potatoes with a wooden spoon. Add 1/2 cup of coconut cream and 1/4 cup of chicken stock, carefully working the liquids into the potatoes until smooth. Add all the seasonings and stir until to combine. If the potatoes are a dry, add another 1/4 cup of coconut cream and a little more stock. Stir well until combined. Salt to taste and serve.

Enjoy!

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:50:00 +0000

Happy Monday! This weekend was a much quieter weekend that the past few-and that was 100% intentional. Neal and I talked about it yesterday-we have a few commitments through the end of October, but then we are giving up saying yes to things on Sunday. Sunday is our home day, our family day, and we are going to actively work toward making that the priority. It makes the whole week better for us. Of course things will come up, but over all - Sundays are going to belong to just us.

Here's what our weekend looked like:

We started out Friday night with jammies early, a big bowl of popcorn for the kiddos, and a movie. Ryder was really hoping for a couple dropped pieces.

It's popcorn season for Scouting.

An afternoon with their library books.

New things. Neal bought these all for me, so I guess he's an official #tiuhubby. (He'll be disappointed to know that he falls under a hashtag or as he call it, a pound sign.) Tone It Up fall challenge starts Saturday! I first started doing Tone It Up workouts last fall during this challenge, so I'm excited to see what happens this year.

DATE NIGHT. Long over do. We hit the road all smiles and ready for adventure! Just kidding. We went to a movie (Sully; excellent.) and came right home. We also had no popcorn because we are Whole 30ing. We were THOSE PEOPLE who took dried fruit ropes into the theater and bought bottles of water. Also, there are a million and a half finger prints all over that back window, which is where Ava's seat is.

Sunday Runday. The weather was gorgeous; fall is in the air. And my time was...better than it has been. But still sloooowww.

My run was followed by a morning of food prep.

Pot Roast for Sunday Supper. It is the BEST meal for a fall evening. (I use The Pioneer Woman's recipe from her original cookbook. It is perfection). We ate it with Whole 30 compliant mashed potatoes, I'll be posting the recipe later this week!

Set up my bullet journal for the week outside in the sunshine.

Fall scents are my favorites.

Our lab gets weirder everyday, bless his heart. Love him.

Chalkboard art.

Have a fantastic Monday. May your coffee be strong and your eyeliner straight.

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 13:12:00 +0000

Friday, sweet friend. I can always count on you. Reading/Wanting/Eating/Watching:

1. I just finished reading Belle Cora, which looks a little trashy based on the cover, but is in fact a very written, historical fiction novel based on a real life person. It covers several years and details life in San Francisco during the gold rush.

Oh, and the main character is a very successful prostitute. Hence the cover, I suppose.

2. The Tory Burch Gemini Link Collection - yes please, everything.

3. How to Design a Capsule Wardrobe.

4. My husband's family is originally from Upstate New York and I have heard A LOT about Half Moon Cookies, not to be confused with the Black and White Cookie of New York City. I found this recipe for Half Moons and plan on adding it to my holiday baking.

5. How to Raise a Better Rejector Rebecca Woolf hits it out of the park.YES YES YES:

"I can't change the past. I cannot take back all the times I got into cars I shouldn't have. Wandered off with strangers when I didn't want to. Ate the cake when I didn't want to eat the cake. But I can do everything in my power to empower my children to be OKAY, or at the very least MORE OKAY THAN I WAS, at saying No."

6. The New York Times profiled high school sweethearts who ended up married and I pretty much adored this whole piece.

7. We finally finished up the second season of Broadchurch, on Netflix. I am officially one of those people who think that the British just do TV way better that us. (Sorry America.)

8. I'm headed into week 3 of my Whole 30 and am looking forward to this book coming out. If you're interested in Whole 30, make sure you're following @Whole30 and @Whole30Recipes on Instagram!

Happy Weekend, all!

(whole30, paleo, grain free) ZUCCHINI FRIES

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 13:32:00 +0000

People. These zucchini fries are so delicious, that you will eat them off the pan, burning your mouth, and you simply won't care. You'll just shove more in your mouth, and say things to your children as they set the table like, "Do you want zucchini? No? That's fine! You can have carrots sticks instead tonight! No, you don't even have to take one bite!" And then you will eat all the zucchini fries all by yourself.

These are super simple, super quick, and so so so good. Annnnnd: totally grain free, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and Whole 30 compliant.

Oven Baked Zucchini Fries
4 zucchini, cut into sticks
1/2 cup almond flour/meal
1 Tbsp spoon garlic salt
1 Tbsp onion powder
1/8 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 large eggs

Line a rimmed cookie sheet with foil, parchment or a baking mat (such as a Silpat). Preheat the over to 425 degrees.
Whisk the eggs. Toss the zucchini sticks in the eggs until coated. Set aside.
Mix the almond flour and all the spices together. Coat zucchini sticks on all sides and lay in a single layer on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then increase heat to 450 degrees and bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from and oven and serve hot.

Enjoy!

HOW TO BUILD A WORK SALAD

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:07:00 +0000

I take a lunch to work every single day, and a great salad is ALWAYS part of my weekly rotation, no matter what the season. There's lots of advice out there on how to build a brown bag lunch salad salad, but I always follow these three rules:

1. Dressing on the bottom of the container (day of ONLY).

2. Tons of greens

3. Three toppings, including at least one protein

Let's build a lunch!

Step 1:

I've made my own salad dressing for the past few years. This is a Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette from the Whole 30 book, but most of the time I just use olive oil, a big squeeze of lemon, and salt and pepper.

Step 2:

For lunch salads, I buy the containers of pre-washed mixed greens to make it quick and easy in the mornings.

Step 3:

Topping 1: Grilled chicken from my meal prep.

Step 4:

Topping 2: Walnuts. I love using nuts in place of croutons.

Step 5:

Topping 3: Avocado. I keep the peel on and dice right inside. Then I place it face down on top of the salad, and it stays nice and green until lunch time. I just squeeze it out and toss it together!

I started cutting back on salad toppings after reading one of my all time favorite books: An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler. She actually thinks you should use only one, maybe two other ingredients when making a lettuce salad, so I'm cheating a bit here with all that protein.

Happy, healthy work lunch.

Happy salad making!