Another week, another weekly meal plan! We've been sticking to our no eating out challenge (halfway through) and prepping a menu like this really helps keep us on track. Check out this week's lineup if you need a little dinner inspiration. Fiesta Chicken and Carrot Rice // A recipe from the Skinnytaste One and Done cookbook, this was SO good. You don't even miss the rice, and this is loaded with veggies! It's a little bit of prep, but the dish comes together in a single skillet, cutting Read More
Meal Plan: Week of Aug 29-Sept 4
I've got a new meal planning notepad (it's linked below), and I'm nerdily taking advantage of it and staying strong on our no eating out for 30 days challenge that I talked about last week. Here's what I'm planning: Thursday // Crock pot jambalaya with cauli rice- SO good. Adding some rolls and fruit for the kiddos. Friday // Taco night with rice with all the toppings. Having neighbors over for dessert and a fire (and some vodka ice pops...read more below) Saturday // Carne asada Read More
Kid (And Baby) Approved Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
My boys love a good smoothie! I whip them up not only for breakfast, but as part of lunch or even a snack. And although my kids are decent eaters, there is ALWAYS room to get in more veggies and protein each day. This smoothie has just that, giving me peace of mind they are getting some good nutrients in. We call it our peanut butter banana smoothie because that’s exactly what it tastes like (although it’s green from the spinach but that gives off zero taste!). Here is what we you’ll Read More
Workout + Meal Plan: Week of August 22-28
Happy weekend! I did my weekly menu prep, groceries are bought and we are ready to take on a fresh week. Last week, we took an impromptu trip to Michigan for a long weekend, and it was lovely (and nice since I was taking time off from workouts to see if it would help my knee pain from last week). But that said, I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things on the food & fitness front. Plus, Bryce starts his second year of preschool this week, which we are all excited Read More
Workout + Meal Plan: Week of August 15-21
I've got a fresh week of dinner meal ideas lined up, along with my fitness plans for you! Workout wise, I am working through some knee issues. I've had some sharp pain on the side of my right knee here and there lately, almost like a pinched nerve. Last Thursday, I had cut a 20 min Peloton run short, then it was fine on Friday. I decided to try the 10k race I had on the calendar on Saturday, and had to stop at mile 2 (it was an out and back) because my knee started hurting again. It was the Read More
Ideas on Avoiding Summer Slide
As our boys enter their academic years, summer is certainly a welcome break from the classroom, but it's also important to avoid that "summer slide" or "brain drain" that can happen over three months. I put together a few fun and engaging activities that keep your kiddos learning without feeling like work! Ahh summertime. Later nights, lazy mornings and all the summer bucket list items fill our days. Without the school routine for Bryce, he keeps busy each week with playdates, camps, Read More
Workout + Meal Plan, Instant Pot Edition: Week of August 8-14
Last week, we were in northern Wisconsin, enjoying some family time. But this week, I am back at it with the weekly workout and meal plan for you guys! In my last meal plan post, I mentioned our friendly domestic debate over which kitchen appliance to add to our arsenal: air fryer or instapot. We committed to trying both first (thanks to our neighbors for letting us borrow them for a test run!). This week, is all about the instapot. Personally, I think this is what we will end up Read More
Gurnee Days Trail Run: August 10
Enjoying lots of running this summer- from races to stroller runs to solo time....all in my favorite Kiava Clothing pieces! From left to right: Striped Shorts // Striped Capri // Geometric Capri After finishing my last race in July, I’m excited to do one of my favorite 10k races in August...and this time, without a stroller! If you are local, check out the details and join me! The details: Gurnee Days Trail Run (5k/10k), hosted by the Gurnee Rotary Club When: Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Read More