Monday, July 25, 2022

It’s time to link up with the Hello Monday girls, Sarah and Holly!

Well, this is technically my last free Monday. A week from today I have an all day in-person PD (professional development) and two weeks from day, teachers officially report to duty.

And, I hate to start this post off on a bad note…but, my district just re-instated a mask mandate for all busses and buildings (for anyone doing summer programs or already working) as of today because our county is in “the red”. But, the hospitalizations are so low and I feel that the guidelines are just outdated at this point. When I first heard this on Friday, my immediate thought was: “I can’t do this again and our students can’t do this again”. I don’t even want to hear your opinion if you didn’t teach pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-mask mandate. The masks hurt our kids and I said what I said and I will not be swayed. I cannot tell you the change I saw when we were able to lose the masks in mid-March of last year. And, the same people who say we need to wear masks also say that the masks don’t work. I.am.so.exhausted.by.all.of.this.

I was starting to get excited about going back and all of my new ideas. Please, please, please let this be gone by August 10. But then, what if teachers just didn’t wear masks. What if we just say NOPE. Apparently every district in this country is facing major teacher shortages. What is happening? I am so worried for the education of the kids in our country.

I will say that my college kids have no problem with masking so they don’t really agree with me. But, they are only in college classes for a few hours a day with breaks in between. And, their college has not put any statement out yet. They aren’t in school for 8 hours a day anymore.

So…let’s change the topic. My breakfast Friday involved a sweet potato! Ha! That was a real 180 degree, wasn’t it? I simply microwaved my potato, chopped it up and cooked it a little more in a skillet with onions, then added scrambled eggs. Yum!

My one size smaller favorite sandals of the summer came in. Much better! These are now on sale for $7!

Friday after breakfast I went to run a few errands and was pleasantly surprised that an Aerie is coming to my favorite and easiest to get to mall which is outdoors.

This mall also got a Crumbl and I have a student who works there who said to get the app for a free cookie. I had been curious to try it, too.

And, I got this…the frosting was great but the cookie underneath was nothing to write home about.

So, I will now delete the app. Penny and Pearl’s is still my fave. Sorry, it’s locally owned!

I got 5 Guys for Mason and I because Jack was at work. I tried the burger bowl for the first time. I just ordered a junior hamburger with whatever toppings I wanted.

It was muy sad.

I doctored it up at home. I added more pickles, my own cheese, a little ketchup and mayo, and I should have added more lettuce. It was good, but you can make a better burger bowl on your own.

Because of my Crumbl indulgences, I had a salad for dinner with 30 grams of chicken!

Friday night we just stayed in. Tom had a frozen pizza and we just watched tv. Mason was working and Jack played an online game with friends.

Saturday I headed to my hometown and stopped at the cute little boutique right across the bridge.

Across the bridge is Indiana, where my hometown is.

I treated my mom to lunch and I got a buffalo chicken salad. All the salads, no?

Then, it was time for the first part of my 32nd high schol reunion! We missed our 30th due to the pandemic and then everyone voted last summer to put it off another year. Our organizer, Beth, did a fabulous job. She arranged for our classmate who teaches at our school to do a tour of what the school looks like now.

It was a nice group of about 15 people.

Me, in the gym, under the bleachers…just kidding.

No one does high school gyms like schools in Indiana. Basketball is BIG. I didn’t take a bigger photo for you unfortunately.

Our old library is now called a “Learning Commons” and there are very few books…

After the tour, I went to my mom’s to change and then we met up in the hotel lobby where many were staying. I had made a signature cocktail that was red like our school colors.

Enjoying our signature cocktail, a “Cubmopolitan”. It was one shot of Tito’s, a bit of Crystal Light cherry pomegranate powder, ice, and topped off with Diet Sprite. I will be making it again. It was good! Oh, and I had red gummy bears. We were the Cubs, by the way!

Some people chose beer!

The venue, the decor, and the food were all perfection!

This was such a sweet touch – a remembrance table for the classmates who have passed away…

I hadn’t seen this guy in probably 20 years. We were actually not that close in high school but became big buddies after college.

My high school bestie:

Class Photo:

It was a fun day!

Sunday, I baked this with Mason:

Yum!

Then, my friend asked me spur of the moment to meet for brunch and I said YES!

Mimosa and coffee – yum!

I am really into this right now:

But, it was so hot that I wasn’t into reading outside I decided. So, inside it was!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, July 22, 2022

It’s time to link up with the ladies here for Friday Favorites!

Here are some things that made my list of favorites this week…

I saw a recipe and I had all of the ingredients for…

Katharine Hepburn’s brownies. Did you know she had some brownies she was famous for? I didn’t either! These have hardly any flour in them so they are kind of more like a flourless chocolate cake.

So, now my sisters, Erica, and Elizabeth agree with Jen. The Truly Margarita pack is really good.

I think strawberry hibiscus is my favorite!

I was busy having fun this week. Tuesday I went to the adult pool with Erica and Elizabeth and it was so hot I stayed in the water on my float the whole time.

My lower sugar jam is also a hit! It is only lower by one cup and then I split the pectin between raspberries and strawberries this time. I might be putting the raspberry on brie and wrapping it in puff pastry or Crescent Roll dough soon…stay tuned!

I love working smarter and not harder. I made all the spaghetti and taco meat at the same time this week. I like to do this type of thing in the morning because I fade as the day goes on. Just knowing that the “hard” part of dinner is done really helps me around 5:00 pm or whenever I make dinner.

So, you know how these are my favorites. The chocolate is so rich that I really only need one.

Well, Tom loves these because they remind him of his favorite Graeter’s ice cream flavor – black raspberry chip!

I made a yummy hashbrown, veggie, Canadian bacon with egg bowl for one of my breakfasts this week:

I made teriyaki chicken bowls for one of our dinners:

I made burrito bowls with a side of chilaquiles for a dinner this week:

I am showing you my plates. I use cauliflower rice for me and regular rice for the others.

I had a cool lunch at a Venezuelan place this week. Johnna reached out to me a few years ago and said she was also a Spanish teacher in Kentucky and had found my blog. We have kept in touch and we finally got to meet because she was in town for a conference!

She was delightful and we could have talked for much longer!

We ordered yucca fries:

And, we each got an arepa. I got the vegetarian:

I arrived a bit early to shop in the cute little NULU area:

I love this area of town on the outskirts of our downtown.

And, I started watching Virgin River season 4. I’m really enjoying it so far!

And, I will leave you with this final favorite for this week. The look of pure joy on Ernie’s face when his Daddy gives him a belly rub. Doesn’t it look like he is smiling?

Ernie is going to be so sad when his people go back to campus and work. I wonder if all the dogs are thinking…”remember when my people were all home with me for a very long time and it was the best time of my life?”

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, July 21, 2022

It’s Thursday and that means Fashion Files with Jill and Kellyann. Honestly, I am mostly wearing lounge clothes, exercise clothes, and swimsuits with coverups! But, sometimes I do make a little more effort…

Monday I went to lunch with a friend I met back when her oldest and my twins were in kindergarten! Her youngest daughter is starting at my school this year so she wanted to meet up and pick my brain. We have gotten together through the years but it had been awhile.

I wore one of my trusty Target Universal Thread gauzy dresses, gold Birks, pink leopard strap with my black Amazon purse. Easy!

Full disclosure: I have not worn this outfit “out” yet. I was trying it on to see if this might be my class reunion ‘fit.

I was targeted by Instagram and this is Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx online. Each piece was $16 dollars. I don’t have anything like this “set”. I have since steamed it so it does look better now – I hope?

And, another fun lunch date happened this week and I wanted to wear a skirt. This is an old LulaRoe skirt with oranges and lemons, an old Target knit top, and older Amazon Soda sandals.

You know how I got a new soft as soft can be white button down that isn’t super voluminous and isn’t super long so that I feel like it was made for me? And, it’s from Kohl’s of all places! I believe it is the Sonoma brand but the tag just has a big “SO” on it and maybe “better for life” in really small print.

I wore it like this for a dinner out:

Well, I happened upon Pretty Woman on tv the other night…

OMG! How cute is she in this ‘fit? It’s her hooker dress underneath, but that’s ok. Is it wrong to use that term? I once knew a girl who greeted everyone this way: “Hey Hooker, what’s up?”

Here’s me wishing I looked like Julia Roberts in the closest thing I had to that shade of blue on the bottom. I wore heels to get more of the vibe.

And, then, I came upon this on Pinterest. Princess Di has the quintessential 90s style, no? I also found several pictures of Di in biker shorts and sweatshirts, which I also plan to try!

And, here’s my version:

It was painful to put on jeans and stand in 100 degree weather!

Would I wear these in real life? I think so!

What have you worn lately?

Amy

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

This is not much of a post – I will warn you.

So, for the Nordstrom Sale, I did look through the preview on the website and the only thing I thought I might like were the Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty bootcut jeans, but I would have needed those in a petite length. When, I could finally shop (since I am not a card holder), they were out of stock.

For the Amazon Prime Days, I looked a bit more to see the deals. I ended up getting one thing I “needed” and two things that had been on my wish list.

I can’t stand a metal straw – I’m sorry. I think it reminds me of being at the dentist. My Kroger used to stock a smoothie straw, but no more, so I found and love these.

I have bought this headband for two people for gifts and I really like wearing a headband on my second day hair. If I wash my hair every other night, then I like this method when my hair is flatter and not as squeaky clean. So, I decided I needed this headband, too!

And, I have really been wanting to try this pillow spray. I have had a lavender pillow spray for a few years and it is almost gone. It’s really funny when I spray it on my pillow and Tom yells, “Ow, my eye!” This has not arrived yet, but between this and my Ashwagandha gummies – look out, Dreamland!

And, this was technically after Prime Days, but I needed more cushy athletic socks for my new Hokas. I’m impressed with the quality!

So, I did pretty well, no? I have placed an Old Navy order for this athletic dress – the thicker straps appealed to me, but I don’t know if I can pull it off. Shelly looked so cute! I also placed a J.Crew Factory order for another pair of bike shorts because I wear mine from Amazon so much and the price was great – they were recommended by Kristin. Finally, I placed a Target sale order for another pair of my favorite summer sandals in a smaller size, a knit dress, and a smaller size of my favorite cut offs. I will tell you how I fared when those arrive! As always, if something isn’t perfect, it will be returned.

So, did you buy from the NSale? Prime Days?

Amy

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

The time is now to squeeze the most out of summer! I really just have the remainder of July now. I have a professional development August 1 and 2, set up my classroom that week, and help with registration (maybe), and then August 8 teachers officially come back and August 10 is day one with students.

I don’t take my summers for granted. When my summer officially began on June 1, I was looking forward to un-hurried mornings, drinking coffee and cocktails on the patio, reading outside, boating, more time with friends, breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners out, more time to exercise, more time to shop and cook healthy foods, time with my kids, time to declutter, organize, and clean. I hoped to do a few movies, some live music, and a few other things like that.

With our college payments and our home renovations, and the intense internship schedule of one of our kids, we didn’t have a big trip planned. I wasn’t planning on the Covid invasion that plagued our house for about 3 weeks between the 3 of my people, either!

Here is my original Summer Bucket List!

Read Lots of Good Books – yes! I have shown you my books in my Friday Favorites or my Hello Monday posts. I didn’t set an exact number of books.

Take friends on boat – yes! But, we usually are able to keep the boat out until the beginning of November and I love the boating that happens after Labor Day, too!

Sister time on the boat:

Try some new restaurants and meet people for meals out – yes! We tried Common Haus and I tried South Seas. I went to a couple of old favorites, too.

Go to the Van Gogh Exhibit – yes!

Do the Omni rooftop pool – yes! So.much.fun. It was definitely one of my favorite summer days.

Go to a baseball game – yes! Two couples joined us after I took this photo.

Some outdoor music:

Boating to a pizza place:

Tom’s old work friend playing with his band:

Time in my hometown with some nieces:

Sister time:

See some movies:

I saw Top Gun Maverick with Tom…

and Downton Abbey alone. It was my first solo movie, you all!

Shakespeare in the park watching the play and seeing what my kid is doing this summer as an intern:

Celebrate Tom’s birthday – yes! He chose a restaurant called Harry’s.

Celebrate Father’s Day – yes! We cooked at home

Go to Adult Pool – yes! I went once and have plans to go again. When I say “adult pool”, it’s nothing scandalous, it’s just a whole separate pool at a swim cool for 18 and up. You can bring your own food and alcohol, too.

Get ice cream – yes! We’ve only gotten it once at an ice cream shop. We have gotten a few Blizzards and of course I keep some treats in the freezer.

Try a new cocktail – yes! I’m really into my new Modica drink mixes and my Saltwater Woody rum, pineapple seltzer and lemonade.

Purge clothes – yes! And, I made almost $300 selling things that no longer fit me or my style!

Buy CFA bag of ice – have not done this yet and would you believe I haven’t even been to the Chick Fil A drive through this summer? We have seriously gotten less take out than ever before!

Attend Greek Fest – no, sadly. It was a really busy weekend, but I had plans to go with my Greek friend Victoria – bonus! – but, she got Covid!

Celebrate 22nd Anniversary – we cancelled our reservation to spend time with my sister and her hub, so we will re-schedule this.

Go to a Polo match – I tried! My friend’s daughter is an equestrian and she and I tried to go, but they had cancelled it! I am still going to try to go before the season ends in October, I think.

Rent and ride one of those city scooters – Elizabeth has agreed to do this with me and we tried last Friday but we both had something come up! I may need a helmet and pads, but I’m excited!

Did you have a list? Mine was really fun to both create and carry out. I always get super sad at the end of summer. I try to remind myself that it’s technically “summer” until the end of September and that I need to keep on “summering” after school and on the weekends!

Amy

Monday, July 18, 2022

Time needs to slow down! Ok, now I only have two weeks left of summer! Yes, teachers are quite possessive of their summers! And, I am a bit salty because we are starting earlier in August than we have in years. Why???? I am linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday!

So, Friday I got ready for my fun Saturday plans. Every year my sister and her husband boat from our hometown up river to Louisville. I decided to make my Aunt Judy’s veggie pizza and fruit pizza.

I used two of the Crescent Roll sheets and baked them plain with nothing on them. When they had cooled, I put garden vegetable cream cheese on half and vanilla frosting on half. Then, I used carrot shreds, cauliflower, broccoli, and tomato. I think you can also add shredded cheddar cheese.

For the fruit, I used canned mandarin oranges and fresh blueberries and strawberries.

They are both so good!

I went back to Whole Foods and got the vanilla frosting mix and it is equally as good as the chocolate mix.

I also got stuff to make Hawaiian bun sliders and their pretzel bun sliders with turkey, ham, gouda, and cheddar.

So, we had reservations for our anniversary dinner Friday, but my sister and her husband came by boat Friday, too! So, we postponed our dinner to hang with them. First stop, a drink at Captain’s Quarters…

Then, we boated to Cunningham’s and had spinach queso…

and I got onion rings and fish. All the fried foods!

Seriously discussing the menu…

After we said goodbye, Tom and I were so full but we walked Ernie and that helped.

Saturday morning Tom worked with our plumber to put in our hall bathroom bathtub and put the pipes where they needed to be. We were not going to start this until after J and M headed back to the dorms, but I guess Tom was motivated to get started. We need to order fixtures, tile, and the vanity, but our vision is exactly our dog wash in our mudroom. We have lived with it for two years plus and we love it. Easy!

As a reminder, this is our dogwash:

So, that is our inspo and we are going to paint the walls Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray because we have a ton of paint left and because we like it.

So, the plumber left and we headed out on the river. The sky was gorgeous!

And, bonus, because my other sister had traveled to our hometown and she came, too. This is a blurry picture of them not waiting for me to start the party:

My brother in law waiting to help us anchor:

Molly and Tom:

We got out all the toys!

I brought the hot pink cooler Kate gave me for my 21st birthday – Can you see it on the inflatable dock?

Sisters!

The day went by so quickly and I was sad when they had to head back…

Sunday morning, Ernie jumped in bed for a cuddle – with Tom, his favorite…

He’s even laying his head on Tom’s pillow – Ha!

Sunday was overcast and I read and had my coffee and then it started raining and I moved to my covered patio…

Just started this and it’s really cute so far!

Is there anything better than a rainy, lazy day at home?

Then, I did some meal prep – birdballs! Ground turkey meatballs is what that means. You can also do ground chicken or a mixture.

And, I made another batch of freezer jam, but this time I split the pectin between raspberry and strawberry. We will see how this batch turns out. I bought lower sugar pectin this time.

Then, I met Erica at a Mexican place to hear about her recent trip. We ate so many chips with salsa and queso. Getting back on track today…

So, that was my weekend! What was the highlight of yours?

Amy

Friday, July 15, 2022

It is my 22nd anniversary today! We have a reservation for dinner!

It’s time to link up for everyones’ favorite with the ladies here! Check out some new blogs and maybe you’ll find some keepers.

So, it was a good week here for me. I had lots of time at home, time to run errands (but not many this week – just Costco and a Kroger pick up), time to sit outside and read, time to watch tv, time to cook for myself and my family, time to be a bit social, and just time to summer! Yes, I am using that as a verb!

As I let my hair grow longer, it has been super tangly. I have stick straight really fine hair, but lots of it. My old Wet Brush was not working and I had some de-tangling spray that also wasn’t really working. Someone (sorry!) shared this new to me style of Wet Brush and it really works. I don’t even think I need to find a spray anymore.

I used my new purse this week to go to brunch. You cannot beat the price of this purse and it looks like it costs more. I think they offer 26 different colors! I think it looks super cute with the thick guitar straps, too. These straps can be removed so that you can put a different one on.

I did pretty well at Costco as far as sticking to my list, but I bought myself a new blanket. When your college kids come home, they steal all of your phone chargers and blankets. Just a fair warning! Our basement is finished and that’s where I like to be in the summer because the AC is so cold down there!

Even Ernie likes it!

I made myself a lunch one day this week from some arugula that I bought and needed to use and some pasta salad I made this weekend. So, the arugula was just covered in a dressing I made up with olive oil, lemon juice, and some spices and then I put the pasta salad next to it and added grilled chicken.

For the pasta salad, I used whole wheat bow ties, mozzarella balls cut in fourths, grape tomatoes cut in half, and then I googled caprese pasta salad and followed directions for a balsamic dressing. I took this on the boat on Sunday and my friend Elizabeth loved it so I sent her home with the leftovers, but I had another container at home. Funny story – my sister Molly had also made caprese pasta salad and we didn’t even talk about it ahead of time! We are also #jamsisters this summer. I have made 3 batches (2 that weren’t exactly right) and 1 that is amazing! And, she has made strawberry and blueberry. My other sister hates to cook and hates to be in conversations where people are talking about cooking.

So, I have been to Whole Foods twice this summer and I don’t hate it. In fact, I think that the prices seem more in line with “normal” grocery stores now. Is this the Amazon influence or is this the “everything costs a lot now” issue?

This frosting mix – I didn’t even know that was a thing – is to die for. It was recommended by one of my IG follows – Rosie in Real Life – and I am buying this again. You mix it with a stick of butter and add milk. And, yes, I made a no occasion chocolate cake just so I could try it. And, try it I did!

Will I become a regular Whole Foods shopper? I don’t know. Ours is in a highly congested traffic area so I would have to be a super early bird to make it work.

A fun outing this week was a brunch with my niece Morgan. We went to Gralehaus which is behind Holy Grale. Gralehaus is mostly breakfast food and closes at 2:00 and Holy Grale opens at 2:00, I think. They have the cutest little German-ish biergarten inspired garden in between the two.

Morgan got a matcha drink and I tried a beermosa. It was pretty good – orange juice and beer.

I got the ugly fritatta – the only thing I’ve ever gotten here because it’s so good!

Morgan got an eggs and grains bowl that looked really good and she enjoyed.

Look how cute she is! She is a nurse and works nights.

My Hokas arrived. Can I just wear these shoes everyday now?

Ernie helped me do a test drive and they feel amazing.

My friend just got back from Paris and London and showed me some pictures and then I found this picture of my Dad and his girls from our European adventure. I think I was 23, Kate was 20, and Molly was 17. I am on the left, Molly is the beanpole in the middle, and Kate is on the right. My Dad stayed for two weeks and the rest of us traveled for four weeks. We did Amsterdam and some smaller towns in Holland, Paris, Brussels and the little town where our exchange student was from, a tiny bit of Germany, a tiny bit of Luxumbourg, Italy and Spain. The year was 1995 I think. Look at those 90s fashions that are all back in style!

And, this is my friend who went to Paris and London and this is us on our first day on college campus. She is getting ready to send her first to college so I went this for her.

I’ve been cleaning out papers and photos this week, too!

Did you shop the Nordstrom Sale or Prime Day deals? I ordered three little Prime Day things and today I am going to try to get some Wit and Wisdom jeans now that I can shop the N Sale.

I had a really good lunch another day. Did you read my cajun bowl idea? I roasted a spaghetti squash and then used the leftover diced tomatoes and turkey sausage and green beans and added lots of cajun seasoning and this was delish!

And, I had a walking meet up with my friend Victoria. This is called The Reservoir and is part of our water company. I never think to walk here and need to do this more. I’m the worst selfie taker and I’m concentrating so hard I forgot to smile!

This is the gatehouse for the reservoir. Victoria was wondering if someone actually used to live here to keep watch on the water supply.

Looks kinda European, right? You just walk around the outside perimeter and several other people were doing the same.

What a hodgepodge of favorites this week, right?

What were your favorites?

If you are new around here, this week I posted Hello Monday, Healthy-ish, Cajun Bowls, and Fashion Files and welcome – I’m glad you’re here!

Amy

Thursday, July 14, 2022

It’s been awhile since I felt that I could link up with Fashion Files and I’m still just barely able to! Thank you to Kellyann and Jill for providing this link up!

From about June 28 until about July 9, I didn’t see anyone except my immediate family and I didn’t go anywhere other than out to buy supplies because 75% of my house had Covid. I was the only one who had had Covid back in the winter, but still I was a bit worried I would get it again, so I did lay low and wear a mask.

I actually think the fact that I have a closet full of clothes and I was only wearing lounge wear and active wear helped me to look away from all the Nordstrom sale talk and the Amazon Prime talk. Is it just me or does Nordstrom’s sale offerings look exactly the same as they have for years? The booties are the same, the jackets are the same, the sweaters are the same…I know it would be great to buy one investment piece at a lower price, but there has not been anything that tempted me. It’s a great way to get a tried and true beauty product, I think, but I am using up what I have right now. I am going to see if the Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut jeans are available in my size tomorrow.

Loved this from one of my IG follows!

From Prime Days, I did buy a headband, some straws, and some of the Deep Sleep pillow spray.

I am a bit disgruntled with the blogging/influencer community right now. I need more blogs that help me stay satisfied with my own wardrobe and give me new ways to wear old things. I guess there is no money to be made that way, right? It just all looks the same on every blog I read. Maybe I’m the problem!

Anyway, I did get “dressed” to have a date night last Saturday. I wore my Walmart black cut offs, a black tank, and my new Kohl’s super soft button down. I wore my last year’s Mark Fisher sandals that I love. I wanted to use my black Amazon purse but my friend took it to Paris and London (with my blessing!) so I did my clear purse.

I was comfortable and I was trying out the open shirt look. By keeping the colors the same – black shorts with black tank – it can give off a slimming effect, in my opinion.

So, my friend said that this Amazon purse was the perfect size for her Paris and London trip. She proceeded to order both colors for herself and I proceeded to add “beige” to my collection. I think it looks more cream, but Amazon calls it “beige” in the listing. Here is that purse if you are interested.

It has a side pocket for your phone and an inside pocket, too. I think they look super cute with the wider guitar straps, too. I decided to get the lighter color because I have wished for it so many times this summer as I was deciding which purse to carry. I think it will be great to have! The tassel is super cute, too.

I still love my ON shoes and I love that fact that you don’t have to tie them, but I was in the market for a new exercise shoe.

I ordered some Hokas from Zappos after trying them on in a store to see how I liked them. I would have bought them from the store, but they only had a really dark purple and I just didn’t want that color.

I took my first walk in them yesterday and they are so cushiony!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

I have a new “recipe” for you! I put recipe in quotes because you could really throw anything together for this. And, you will see by my photo that I kinda did! Now, this received the Tom stamp of approval. He was sad that he couldn’t finish his because he got full.

A word about my “bowls”. Tom is super easy to please in the dinner department. He doesn’t want to have to make another decision so the fact that I have something ready for him at 6:00 ish makes him very happy. He is happy with tuna and crackers, tomato soup and grilled cheese, frozen Totino’s pizza, etc. I just put pressure on myself to make a nice meal most nights. He never cooks, by the way. He leaves for work at 7:00 am and gets home close to 6:00 pm and it’s just not his gift. He goes to bed at 8:30 so he likes to eat fairly early. #weold

I have been obsessed with “bowls”. I do a burrito bowl, egg roll in a bowl, an Asian/Teriyaki chicken bowl, buffalo bowl (for me – Tom doesn’t like buffalo sauce), KFC copycat bowl, and probably more that I can’t think of right now.

One night I did ask what Tom wanted for dinner and he said “anything NOT in a bowl”.

I told him that I would put his on a plate then.

Anyway…Tom loves cajun food and still bemoans the fact that his favorite cajun place went out of business. In fact, I think I hooked him with Emeril’s couscous jambalaya when we were dating…

So, I started with a base of Zatarain’s jambalaya rice in the box. It’s super easy – you just bring water and the rice mix to a boil and then simmer for 25 minutes. Then, I used already cooked, grilled chicken, and turkey sausage that I browned up. I sauteed the holy trinity of cajun cooking – onions, green peppers, and celery. Emeril taught me that this is called “the holy trinity”. I added frozen corn to the same skillet, then I roasted green beans in the air fryer just for some more veg/green. Oh, and I also added diced tomatoes and sprinkled some Tony Cachere’s on them.

For my bowl, I used cauliflower rice and just a spoonful of the jambalaya for flavor. I also measured out my turkey sausage to get 3 WW points worth. I estimate this meal was about 5 WW points in total for me.

Here is another meal that I think my meal prep partner Erica would enjoy.

You could also do shrimp in this bowl. You could do okra. I googled “cajun ingredients” and there are lots of variations on this. I also got images that looked like a “low country boil”, which could also make a great bowl! I think the next time I make this I will add the holy trinity and the diced tomatoes to the cauliflower rice along with the cajun spice and really incorporate it. This would be great for using up leftovers, too.

What do you think? Would you make a cajun bowl? Are you into bowls?

Amy

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Let’s talk about what I’m doing to try to be healthier these days! I have lots of Eating Lately posts – just go to my search bar – but today’s post will include some other things and be a little bit different I hope.

First of all, I have started taking one of these Ashwagandha gummies in the evenings. According to the bottle, you can take up to four a day, but I am just doing one. I feel like I’m sleeping pretty soundly and waking up less. This could be in my head? They taste amazing.

I purchased Redmond’s real salt at Whole Foods. I am trying to get used to it; it doesn’t taste as salty as I am used to.

I added electrolyte water to my daily routine. I also picked this up at Whole Foods.

I like that they also had some individual sticks to try out different flavors. I think I like blue raspberry the best, but they are all good.

Ok, so I firmly believe that to lose weight it is 80% diet and 20% exercise. I started my getting healthy journey with just the eating part of it. I then added walking after I had lost some weight. If you exercise but don’t change your diet, you probably will not lose. I have done this, so I know.

In the last year, I have learned so much more about nutrition. I knew a fair amount before and I knew what I needed to do, but I just didn’t have the mental discipline to make it happen.

One of the things that I firmly believe is that women are not getting enough protein. We need about 30-40 grams of protein per meal.

This is 30 grams:

It is about a cup of chopped chicken. I used to think I was being healthy by ordering the “vegetarian sandwich” or the entree without meat. I think this left me unsatisfied which led to snacking.

There are lots of ways that I get my protein: grilled chicken, ground turkey, turkey sausage, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, my protein shake, high protein yogurt, high protein granola in said yogurt…

I highly recommend these breakfast sausages:

My low carb egg casserole with the sausages. The egg casserole has 6 eggs, fat free cottage cheese, and then with the sausages you are getting a good amount of protein.

Black beans are another way I get some protein. I usually have black beans a few times a week in one of my burrito bowls. I like this boxed container I found at Whole Foods but I always have a few cans on hand in my pantry.

Fajitas at your favorite Mexican place are a great way to get that protein. I prefer just chicken and shrimp, but this order also had some chorizo. I skip their rice and beans and use my own cauliflower rice at home or I just do without at the restaurant. Now, I could totally have some rice if I wanted, but it’s not something that I really love.

Recent “sub in a tub” for lunch:

This was just lettuce, turkey, cheese, pickles, banana peppers, and a simple olive oil dressing with italian seasonings. I have been trying to have one salad a day with protein on it. If you don’t have the protein, you won’t be full and will start looking around for more food!

My green beans got a little overcooked, but this is just already cooked grilled chicken, cauliflower rice, buffalo sauce, and a homemade ranch dressing.

The most important condiments/sauces in my repertoire:

buffalo sauce, mustard, fat free sour cream, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice (the big bottle), lime juice (the big bottle), soy sauce, Pam spray, avocado oil, olive oil, and water. I add water to so many of my sauces to thin them out.

A recent meal of zucchini noodles/zoodles. I bought a little hand held contraption years ago called a “vegetti” where you insert your zucchini and spirals come out. I added Trader Joe’s turkey meatballs (not good – make your own!) My friend Kim gave me this amazing recipe and I have used it in italian cuisine and I have added buffalo sauce. They freeze well, too!

I have found that some Asian sauces are pretty low in calories and you really don’t need much.

My beloved protein shake/iced coffee:

The low carb egg casserole:

Mix together 6 eggs, half cup of fat free cottage cheese, and one container of green chiles. Add some salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, whatever spices you enjoy. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. I like it a little more golden on top. This is zero WW points for me.

My Spanish omelette. I used two whole eggs and two egg whites and add some water. I add thinly sliced potato and onion. I let one side get browned and then using a plate I flip that bad boy and cook the other side. The Spaniards cut it like a pizza and they like it room temp. Potatoes are not the enemy in my opinion.

I refuse to hate what I eat! I can eat anything I want, but I want to feel good. Spices and sauces are my friends. I had some fried food Saturday night and I overate. It’s not a good feeling. The Japanese stop eating at 80% full. I wish I knew my 80% but I’m working on it.

I plate everything I eat. I’m worth it. I make it look nice. That is part of enjoying and savoring your meals, no?

I want to give a plug to Amanda Nighbert. You should follow her on Instagram. I have not done her LEAN program, but I think it is probably really good. The thing is that many programs can be good, but only if you are ready to do them.

Amanda is a registered dietician and gives mountains of information for free. She doesn’t have to do this, but she does. She will answer your questions on IG even if you aren’t a client.

Summer Eating Schedule:

So, I have two cups of coffee in the morning, a protein/iced coffee late morning, lots of water, two cups of electrolyte water, and just continue drinking water the rest of the day. I try to only drink alcohol on the weekends.

I eat breakfast between 8-10 depending on what I am doing and I try to workout before eating. I always have eggs with either vegetables or sausage or both.

I eat lunch around 12-1 and I try to have salad with protein or vegetables and protein.

I get a little snacky and usually do popcorn, avocado toast, string cheese, or yogurt.

For dinner around 6:00, I eat whatever my family is eating with a few variations or substitutions. I cook around 3:00 so that Mason can eat before work and then it’s ready. I don’t do this every night because sometimes we eat leftovers.

I am happy to report that I stopped the evening snacking! After dinner I will have a Dove mini ice cream bar (3 WW points) or a Dum Dum. If I didn’t have popcorn in the afternoon, I will sometimes have that in the evening, but I was able to stop the snacking in the last couple of weeks and I am so happy! If I brush my teeth early, I usually don’t want to ruin that. Ha!

Now, the perfect day is when I go to bed between 9-10 and get up around 6. I just don’t feel great when I push it past 10. I also think this is where the snacking comes in. I need to go to bed before I get the idea to snack.

Now let’s talk exercise:

I started out really strong June 1 and since then, your girl has struggled. I was Jazzercising, going to the gym, or walking 4-5 times a week. Then, Covid hit my house at the end of June and I didn’t think I should risk taking it to the gym or to the Jazzercise studio so I sat out for a week. It was super hot that week and I didn’t walk, either. Then, it was 4th of July and my week was discombobulated. So, I am currently working on gym and walking. I am having a hard time making the Jazzercise times work for me. The class I want is not at the time I want. I also knew it was just a summer thing, so maybe that is part of it. Just being real. Hangs head. I am also going to buy myself some Hokas, so hoping that will energize my walking. My shoes are in need of replacing.

I am actually going back to basics with tracking my food on my WW app more diligently and I will be checking out my own posts for some new old food ideas. Check out Eating Lately here, here, here.

And, listen…I am trying not to be obsessive. I am living my life and I am not asking for special accomodations when I go somewhere. It’s all about balance.

How are you doing this summer?

Amy