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an hour on pinterest

January 30, 2016

follow along with me as i click-click-clicked my way through pinterest this morning.
(click on photo for source)

how cute are these?!
they had me at sprinkles…

speaking of cute AND tiny…

these mixed drinks in jars are ADORABLE!

this shirt is awesome!

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this somehow led me to embroidery.
it’s all so pretty!
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i want all the mexican flowers!

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LOVED this wall!
the shiplap… the game boards… the crates… it’s so good!

and how sweet is this simple wall treatment?

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swiss crosses forever!

and then this week i saw pam garrison’s backdrop she made for a class she is teaching.
i mean… dang PAM!!!
it is so beautiful!
send it to me when they’re done with it.
ha ha ha!

which led me to alissa burke’s beautiful walls…. sighhhh.

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but you know i need some color…
making this wall would be so. much. fun!

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what fun place to shower!
it would be hard to feel sad in there.
🙂

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i would like to sit here and drink my coffee.

colorful tiles are happy!

i love the bright floor against the ALL WHITE bathroom.

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but these yellows are like soaking in the SUNSHINE!
i admire people for going of it and making fun rooms like these.

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i love the different shades of green but mostly i want to FEEL these walls!
you can tell that it has texture and dimension and that is dreamy to me!

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that floor?
it’s too much.
too perfect.
i want to lay down next to this cat and i could die a happy lady! 🙂

rainbow executed in the best way.
simple and fun.

and then i felt hungry and started thinking about dinner…

and of course… dessert.

and then my coffee cup was empty and i had to get up and do something else.

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M - That green and white tile floor IS amazing! The embroidery work is fantastic and I would like to eat that squash filled boat for lundh today please : ) Great compilation!

PS: I like your hour time limit – sometimes I go way less but have to admit having went over that mark a few times…oy…

Morgan - I get lost in Pinterest too. I love looking at the decor and food and house ideas. So fun! I love all the colorful bathrooms you found! I am a big fan of color.

jennibell - So. . .if I had an hour I would totally do this too!!! I’m going to come back and pin some myself 🙂
I saw an article today and thought of you (I know, so weird. . .you don’t know me, I don’t know you yet I see something and think of you. . .) and couldn’t find an e-mail on your site so thought I’d post it here. I really think it might speak to you. . .
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/How-React-When-Your-Child-Breaks-Something-38972789

Have a great week Meg!

Kristin S - Thanks for linking the photos! Off to Pin myself. 🙂 I mean, not literally pin myself…

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butternut squash

November 14, 2014

there is really nothing that can accurately follow my post on liberia.
this post is all i’ve got.
ha ha ha

******************************************************************************************************

so… i bought this.
and i had no idea what to do it.
it sat here for a week and then i finally went to Pinterest for help.

here are my top choices of what to do with this squash…..

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chicken Quinoa Stew

Butternut Squash, Sausage & Kale Frittata

Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrots

Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Soup

Orange Glazed Brussel Sprouts & Butternut Squash

Mashed Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Twice Baked Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole.

Spinach & Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Butternut Squash, Apple & Sweet Potato Casserole

Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa

and i even learned how to cut and peel butternut squash!

which one should i start with?!

have you made any of these before?

doesn’t ordering pizza sound so much easier???

honestly i just want to take a nap when i think about making these things.
why did i buy that dumb squash?

this eating healthy thing is hard. it’s every single day.
I’m tired and i just want to eat cake.

but i won’t.
i will mash squash.

because it’s friday and i like to party hard.

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Anna - I make the hearty chicken stew with quinoa and kalamata olives on the regular. It’s one of our faves!! And if you want to to the super unhealthy, tastes like dessert for dinner direction, go on Pinterest and find the butternut squash, sweet potatoe and sage lasagna. Holy heaven in your mouth.

Rachel - I could live on Butternut Squash soup. Finally figured out that microwaving the squash for a bit before peeling it makes life a lot easier so it might actually be possible to make enough to live on it for the winter now.

Regina @ Leelalicious - Thank you so much for including my Slow Cooker Stew.
And I couldn’t agree more on how time consuming healthy eating is. Especially now that I have a little baby around there never seems enough time. One way we try to remedy this is by making large portions in the slow cooker. Something that doesn’t need attention and last us for many meals.

Kay - I make a butternut squash soup that you might like. Basically the butternut squash is the base soup with ham, green beans, corn, carrots, and sweet potatoes and seasoned with dill. It’s really good!

Lisa - I eat it all the time, it’s so yummy…in fact I have two on my counter from my garden waiting to be cooked….the easiest is just to roast w/ olive oil, salt, & pepper, so yummy! I also like to make soup. I roast it first and then make it into soup, it gives it a little extra flavor. It’s also good on salad (roasted first) w/ goat cheese, avocado, fresh spinach, & red onion,. I love the recipes you posted, I might have to try one of those this week!

Jen - You’ve inspired me! I don’t know if I have ever even touched a butternut squash, let alone make a recipe with it. I am making the Butternut Squash Ricotta Stuffed Shells for dinner tonight. They sound yummy!

Tammy - I do all homemade baby food for my one year old and she eats a lot of squash! i just started making the squash, sweet potato, apple mix and she likes it.

Lela - Omg I had. Pizza the other night at Broadway Brewery in Columbia, Mo that has roasted butternut squash, bacon, carmelized onions, and cheese. Delicious!

Jenny Logan - We make “fries” with butternut squash. We just cut them to look like fries, drizzle olive oil on them and out salt and pepper on them. Then bake at 350* until done (time depends on how many and how thick you cut them.) you have to watch closely though because they will burn easily. Even my pickiest eater loves these!

Library Momma - Stuffed shells. Here is a super easy way though. Wash the squash, cut in half, scoop out seeds, oven 400 degrees for one hour. Scoop out cooked squash , mix with a small container of reduced fat sour cream, with a little nutmeg, scoop into cooked shells, cover with reduced fat Alfredo sauce and cheese, back into the oven 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until warm and toasty brown. Easy, delicious, and somewhat healthy!

Jennifer - Make the soup! My grocery store had a sample of butternut squash soup and I tasted it, and bought my first squash to go with the recipe they were handing out. (mine says to add an onion and an apple as you roast it) I can’t even get over how good this soup is. And, I don’t like squash. At all. But this soup!!

Becca - I think it would make a lovely centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Amy Jupin - Hysterical.
And I agree 1000%.
Pizza is easier and maybe even more tasty.
Don’t tell Marta.

Cindy - I’m with you!! It’s so hard and it’s hard when the family would rather not eat healthy too. We just have to keep working at it I guess and do the best we can because I always fell better when I make the right choices!

Rhiannon - Check out this recipe from Food & Wine Magazine website for Butternut Squash Soup with Crisp Pancetta.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/butternut-squash-soup-with-crisp-pancetta

It’s SOOOOO good!! You can check out my IG feed (glutenfreewithglee) to see what simple changes I made. I just posted about it last week. I wouldn’t do all 4 squashes they suggest because it does make a lot, but it’s totally worth it. Your family might love it. It’s weird to look at, but the taste is phenomenal and I don’t think it tastes what you might think squash to taste like.
P.S. I just use bacon instead of pancetta. We usually have that on hand, so I don’t have to mess with finding that.

Beth ann - Ashley Ann, from Under The Sycamore just posted a recipe for Butternut Squash Soup on her blog, I was inspired to purchase my first ever whole butternut squash to try it this weekend. Along with a Lasagna Soup. Because soup and snow go hand in hand.

Janet - Butternut squash soup-smooth and creamy (blended with an emulsifier). Served with a nice crusty bread. Doesn’t take too long to make. MMM–just the best on a cold winters day.

Ashley - Hearty chicken soup with bsquash and quinoa at the bottom is delicious! Even my kids ate it! And it freezes well.

Peta - Roast small cubes drizzled in olive oil. Add to a salad of red onion, rocket (arugula?), beetroot and roasted hazelnuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Yum.

Angela - So I was looking at some of my food pins and was looking at this recipe http://juliasalbum.com/2014/10/chicken-mozzarella-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/ and then I saw this recipe http://juliasalbum.com/2014/11/butternut-squash-and-spinach-lasagna/ and thought of you, I don’t know if it’s healthy but thought I would share it with you. 🙂

Angela - That thing scares me!! I’m no help at all, I made Sherri’s spicy chicken tortilla soup for supper, SO good and really it’s got to be good for ya, it’s too yummy to be bad.

Sarah - Butternut squash soup is divine!
And, I was amazed and humbled by your post on Liberia. Beautiful pictures of beautiful people, life, and love.

Amy K. - I love roasted butternut squash & apples – it’s delish!!

Lauren Rodgers - They all look delicious! I also love butternut squash mac and “cheese” from detoxinista.com and butternut squash burritos from ohsheglows.com (so good!!). When I feel weary over the time I put into food prep/cooking, I try to focus on the reality that anything worthwhile requires work. 🙂

All the best,

Lauren

DLG in Mich - I agree with the others who suggested cubing it and tossing it with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400 turning once until browned on the edges. I make an enchilada casserole similar to the one linked above. It’s really good! Enjoy…

Rachel - Thank you for sharing your heart yesterday, it was very very touching. Watching everything unfold via media is completely different than real world. So thank you.

I just made the chicken butternut quinoa stew and it is delicious! With the left over squash I diced it, tossed it in a pan with beef broth and cooked like mashed potatoes until tender. Some salt/pepper and coconut milk in the food processor. Yum! Can’t wait to see what you made!

Beth - I like to throw my squash in the crockpot with a little water for a few hours until fork tender. Let it cool, cut it in half, and scoop instead of peel. Unused mine like it was pumpkin. You are so right about eating healthy being a lot of work!

Stephanie - Those all look good!
But my fave? Simply roasted with butter and sea salt to caramelized perfection. I’m a simple girl. 🙂

Jennie - The last two lines of this post might be the funniest you’ve ever written. I giggled out loud. 🙂

patti - Simply cubed and roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper!!!

Jen - The Hearty Chicken Stew from Cookin’ Canuck is delicious! I’ve made it several times, with & without the olives. The chicken thighs and fresh parsley are a must. So good!

ROBIN - I would love to see what your kids were for Halloween!! Any plans on showing us?!?!?!?!

Julie - I do the halved, olive oil, salt, pepper, cut side down on foil lined pan and roast 1 hour at 375- degrees, but I toss cloves of unpeeled garlic in a bit of oil and roast them at the same time–inside the cavity of the squash (where the seeds were). Delicious! The garlic gets so mellow and yummy! The squash caramelizes wonderfully to be eaten plain, or used in whatever—even chilled on salads.

Julie - Butternut pumpkin/squash is my favourite, so sweet and easy to cut and skin. This cake recipe is fabulous for using up pumpkin and so yummy too.

http://www.bite.co.nz/recipe/10531/Spiced-pumpkin-cake-with-vanilla-butter-icing/

Brook Hayes - Butternut Squash Soup is Amazing!! The recipe that I have calls for a small dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro on top!

Tere - I want cake. And coffee with crappy Coffee Mate creamer, a quilt, a couch and last night’s Parenthood on DVR. xoxo

Tracy - Don’t make it hard, Meg! Just cube that sucker up, olive oil, s&p, a little smoked paprika and roast it in a hot oven until tender. Easy peasy!! You’ll love it so much it’ll be in your grocery cart again next week 😉

chrissi - i have to hide squash in my house. people shudder at the sight of it …. so i sneak it in fritatas (great),roast it to add in salads, chop it, steam it and saute it with apples and kale and a bit of cinnamon (love) or add it to pasta with olive oil. the haters have no idea and eat all of it. enjoy!

Sarah F - LOVE butternut squash soup with some spicy ravioli in it and a little molasses drizzled on top.

cindy b. - I think the butternut squash, apple and sweet potato casserole sounds good! if you need to cut it raw, put the whole squash in the microwave for 4-6 minutes, let cool to handle and then cut and peel – makes it much easier. let us know what you make!

Lisa - Let them eat cake! 😉

Ohio12 - I hear you about the never ending cooking when you try to eat whole foods! But just cut up the squash and roast it for a good long time. don’t do one of those big recipes.

Carlie - Trust Me – make this… http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/sweet-sour-squash-crostini

Even without the cheese its amazing! I think its the red onions that carmalize and the vinegar. SOO sooo good. Its on my Thanksgiving Menu this year since my husband and i loved it so much.

Also I wear gloves when working with butternut squash, I got a contact rash from it. Felt like i had elmers glue all over my hands and it took a few days to go away. I dont think it happens to everyone but better safe than sorry if the flesh irritates your skin.

Kori - I just had a butternut squash soup the other day that was terrific. It had a hint of curry flavor that went really well with that just barely sweet flavor of the squash. Mmmm…and we topped it with sour cream – delish! I’m really tempted by the frittata though…that looks SO tasty!

Meredith - I have been buying them recently. Cutting in half, souping out seeds and put flat side down on a cookie sheet and baking till soft. Then scrape out of skin with a fork. We eat it with meatballs and tomato sauce. I will have to try some of these above. They look amazing.

Kirsten J - Well, you poured your heart out in that Liberia post. Truly. That seemed like so long ago, and I remember following your tweets when you were there, and then Ebola really busted into the headlines. Too close for comfort.
Squash? Not so much for me. I really don’t like that hint of sweetness. Although my family loves it, and I suppose I should try cooking it. I’ll bet some of those recipes are great, and to this day, I still remember really enjoying this squash ravioli at my brother’s wedding rehearsal dinner…..and at a luncheon once, I was served squash soup and it was truly the best. Now you’ve inspired me to try cooking it – let us know what you make!!!

Christy - I used it for spaghetti instead of pasta, great texture. The suggestions above look delish. The stuffed shells or quesadillas would have my vote.

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more random things…

September 23, 2014

i thought this sounded genius and i am TOTALLY buying those two things at the store today.

i am dying to share about Camp CREATE but i am awaiting a new computer.
because mine died.
DEAD.
sad face.

so until i am back to my old techy self (HA!) i will share more things i have found that i like.

ummmm…. yes.
Pumpkin french toast muffins. These look amazing am i right?

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i wonder if my husband worries about coming home to a scene like this one evening…

“what? i saw the paint. i had this beautiful dress. this wall was blank. one thing lead to another. ”

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a new favorite color pallete. 🙂

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now that is truth.
i mean… it kind of goes against the tooth whitening video that i just shared.

but it’s still true.

i am a lover of this kind of mosaic.
i prefer them to be haphazard like this… not matching… not making a picture of something.
just color and awesomeness.

i think i should have another wedding. (same guy of course)
and have this as my bouquet.
but not the bridesmaids dresses… they look too much like the ones i had at my original wedding. 🙂

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ha ha haaaaaa

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i am really digging black walls recently.
chalkboard and not chalkboard.

it feels dramatic and grown up.

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and then there’s this.
oh how i adore this room.
it looks so cozy and inviting.
i want to climb into that bed and stay for daysssss.

this video made me CRACK UP.

(apologies up front for the ball talk… but really… we (women) say dumb stuff like that all the time!)

TWINSIES!

my favorite line is at the very end past the credits.

….and i just noticed they are drinking wine out of jars. HAAAAAAA!

so… here’s to hoping my computer arrives soon.
because you may be tired of posts of links.
??

maybe?

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Angie - Meg–don’t waste time on that bleaching technique. Just come to Tulsa and I’ll get you the best professional stuff at no charge. Let me know if you’re ever in town! My gift to you for all the entertaining blogging and inspiring me that life with 5 kids (as I have also) can be a blast!

ira lee poore - ever thought of giving away a spot at the craft house? cause that would be kinda awesome!! especially if you gave it to me!!!! =)

beth larson - Loved this post Meg…. kind of like Pinterest- hand picked for us! Love the e-card a lotttt….it’s so me too!

Jenn - Love it!

Lee Ann - I love these posts!

That video is hilarious!! I think my favorite part is how they sit on the sofa with their legs intertwined. 2 of my girlfriends and I sit like that all the time. So funny!

Gevay Piercefield - Can’t you be holy and still have good hair? As long as the hair is not your priority and the holy is. I’m just wondering.

Karen - Hi Meg, As many times as I’ve visited here, I mostly keep track of you on Instagram. I can’t believe that I am just now getting the connection between Philippians 4:8 and your blog title. Duh. I love what you do and your new Camp Create looked wonderful. I plan women’s retreats for our ladies at church and I understand the work involved to make it wonderful. I don’t even do it in my own “home” or with multiple speakers. Great job and what a witness you have here. <3

Karen

KirstenP - Meg, I think another wedding to the same guy is called a renewal of vows or vow renewal. Go for it! BTW, the bouquet would look great against that wall.
I just looked at the pumpkin French toast muffin – sounds delicious!

Julie - I love that dress and that painted wall. Love the black bedrooms too. I would like to get remarried again (same guy) but with a different dress and flowers too. Thanks for the inspiration.

Ellen - That is an EXCELLENT quote!!! As long as you can see the irony in posting the beauty tip and the quote, you’re alright 😉 And I love the video…that last line rings true to me. We moved a year ago and I keep talking about how I don’t like to make new friends, I already have the ones I like 🙂

danielle - That video was hilarous! I am not sure I have those kinds of friends. I am pretty sure my friends would think I was crazy…

martha - O.m.goodness!! I love EVERYTHING that you posted! so perfect (and funny! the “what? I found this paint…”) I cracked up! Thanks for the laugh & have a happy day! 🙂

Tara - I am crying laughing at that video! Hysterical!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Am I crazy? Am I annoying? Are you mad at me?

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10 things i am loving.

September 17, 2014

well my MAC is giving the blue screen of death.
my husband thinks he can maybe fix it.
i was planning on blogging about Camp CREATE but all the pics i have are on the laptop.
so… let’s hope it comes back to life.

so for today… i will share my recent 10 faves on pinterest.

i want to make comfy lounge pants!!
like maybe 25 pairs… think that seems like a normal not excessive amount of comfy lounge pants.

i love this painting of paints.
~~it linked to a tumblr with no link.~~
~~and that is sad… someone painted this and the credit is lost.~~
~~any ideas where the credit belongs? please share.~~
i think its super cute!

update: it is painted by emily forland!

that shannan… she has the magic touch.
for true.
this is her closet. whaaaat??

i love red gingham.
and red houndstooth.
and cozy beds.
and forever…. green tables. 🙂

i think i need a cookie as big as my face right now.
yes please.
and hey… they are even gluten free!

oh…. this project makes me HAPPY!
i want to make this right now! i think it’s the colors… but it could be that you know every single one will turn out different!

how cute are those painted log cut stepping “stones“???

makes me miss those sandbox days.
and my ocean view back yard and astro turf lawn…..

just kidding.
but i do love kids playing in a sand box.

hmmm…. new ideas for the globe collection i have accumulated?
she shows how she made the middle globe.
i LOVE love LOOOOOOVE the green, white and silver one.
like really love…

this picture is just happy.
and you can’t help making the parrot sound in your head when you see it.
it makes me want to color.

crayons and watercolor... two of my favorite things in the world.
i think this is a SUPER cute project!

so… i am off to get groceries, take a kid to the dentist and make lists.
i made a list of things to put on my list.
so i wouldn’t forget them.

i often wonder what the mind of an organized person feels like…. and then i get distracted.

not kidding.

have a super day!

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heather m. - *a list of things to put on my list* <— oh how I understand this!
I'm tardy to the party as in I just found your blog (oh my gosh what have I been missing!!!) and you're too funny! ♥
I also pinned the FPFG closet! (and her living room and her kitchen months ago…)
And I am loving your site- your craft house! Oh my! Be warned it shall be pinned too! And I'm sorry about your MAC : ( We have a definite love/hate relationship with technology in our neck of the woods. Blessings on it for healing! haha
Happy Friday!

Meredith Feisel - Love all of these. Going to make the crayon and watercolor art with my daughter tonight!

april R - if i paint something like the projects does that mean it’s ok to have the cookie as big as my face?
bc both are sounding really awesome. right. now.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I love these posts you do, maybe because we seem to have the exact same taste in all things.

I’m DYING for that green/white globe.

And would you make me a pair of comfy lounge pants? In a Tall?

ps – WHAT??? WHEN?!!!!

Tanya H - ohhh the lists I make…! and the piles they accumulate in… 🙂 Thanks for the dose of happy things!

Tara - We share a brain most days

Tanya - I often wonder what the mind of an organized person feels like too – for realz.

Lisa - I’m in love with the bedroom with the red accents and green side table! And the painting of the paints. Glad you found who to credit cause she deserves it!

Jenny B. - So funny! And so many pretty things! 🙂 So sad about your MAC! They are not supposed to do that! Now, I’m scared for mine… (I know, silly… I tend to worry about how the bad things that happen to other people could happen to me). And I chuckled when I read that you want to make comfy lunge pants. I know it’s a just little typo, but I totally pictured you doing lunges in your new pants (which would be a perfectly appropriate activity). Ha! 🙂

Liz R. - The watercolor painting of the watercolor set is by Emily Forland. (I did a little research..) She has some really beautiful illustrations! http://www.emilyforlandillustration.com/smallthings.html

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soup for you!

August 31, 2014

thursday was rainy and a bit chilly and it was making me CRAVE a big bowl of soup!
here are 10 soup recipes i found that look amazing!

Chipotle Chicken Chowder

5 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Soup

Lasagna Soup

Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

BBQ Chicken Pizza Soup

HEALTHY CROCK POT JALAPENO, CHICKEN & SWEET CORN SOUP

Stuffed Peppers Soup

Pork Chili Verde

Sicilian Chicken Soup

the problem is… which one to start with?!

knowing me i will start with the ones that my kids would be most willing to try. 🙂

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Weekend Cheer - […] When Meg does a Pinterest round-up, I immediately repin EVERYTHING. This one is […]

nic - soup is my favorite, forever and always amen.

Jeremie - The BBQ Chicken Pizza Soup is the BEST soup I’ve ever had!!!! You won’t regret making it!!!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love soup. The minute it gets out of the high 90s and 100s here in Texas, i will be in soup making mode!

Michelle Whitlow - I was just saying the other day that I was craving some soup now that our temps have turned more fall-ish! That chipotle chicken chowder looks yummy!!! And homemade tomato basil soup is always on our list in chillier months! I especially like to add cheese tortellini to it 🙂

Stephanie - Chilly?! In August?! It’s been so long since I had that experience, I forgot it happens in some lucky locals. Thank you for posting these! I’m trying to save money this grocery day and soup always does it!

Cami - That lasagna soup is my jam! It’s amazing! Am looking forward to trying the soups you’ve posted. Thanks 🙂

Laura H - Drool….
I have a fantastic recipe for Broc Cheddar soup! Just like Panera Bread! And my kids actually like it 🙂 Can’t wait for cooler weather to come this way!

Valerie - YUM! Wow that BBQ Chicken Pizza one looks delish! Soup is heavenly on a nice Fall day 🙂

Danielle - That lasagna soup is begging me to make it this fall! Thanks for sharing all these great soup recipes.

Audrina - Wow, all these look so good! The weather’s getting cooler now, so I’m definitely going to try these out. Thanks for the ideas!

http://www.mindfullyaudrina.blogspot.com

Colleen - Thank you for these and for you blog. that’s all, good nite!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’ll have one of each.
Also,we have stuffed pepper soup in the regular rotation. Big crowd pleaser. Super simple. And cheap!
I would like to have soup with you. Bye.

Ellese - OOOOOhhhhh I just got hungry. This is perfect, just in time for fall where I only eat soup for lunch (practically). Thanks for sharing!

xo, ellese
http://rockpaperglam.com/

Suzelle - These ALL look SO good !! I want to make ALL of them….if it ever goes below 95*. I am over it !!!

Kristin S - Except for that stuffed peppers, I’m going to make every one of these at least once this winter. I love soup and love new-to-me recipes.

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14 reasons i might fail the sugar detox.

May 20, 2014

this is the second day of the sugar detox i am participating in with Marta.
number TWO.
already my mind is playing tricks on me.
pinterest has become my enemy.
i am jonesing for sugar in a major way… that is not a good sign of what is to come.

i am obviously addicted.
but i knew that.

maybe you aren’t… maybe you are in the baking mood?
make these.
all of these.
and tell me all about it.
but just don’t send them to me or drop them off at my house.
or i might have to punch you.
because the sugar made me do it.

do not bring treats to my house unless you want to get punched.
you have been warned.

Easy Monster Cookie Bars… i am a sucker for m&ms.

Frozen Strawberry Crunch Cake …. does it get more summery than this?!

Layered Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies… best of both worlds.

Soft Homemade Peanut Butter Oreos…. dude. i would be happy with that spoonful there too.

S’more Rice Krispie Treats….. i bet these take 5 minutes to make… killing me.

Chewy Caramel-Coconut Brownie…. desserts for ladies…. grown up ladies.

Twix-Caramel-Cookie-Bars-9
Twix Caramel Cookie Bars…. licking my screen.

Salted Caramel Cheesecake…. ummm this looks insane.

cake mix brownies…. dark chocolate and candy bars?!!

Butterscotch Bread Pudding…. i can practically smell this baking in the oven… i am losing it.

Double Chocolate Cake Doughnuts … cup of coffee and this to go with it… perfect saturday morning!

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars… less baking means… less calories?? yes or no?

Peanut Butter Oreo Icebox Cake…. this just looks like it would be fun to make!

Espresso Chocolate Chip Ice Cream…. and if i made this i could have it ALL to myself!!!

the good thing about all of these recipes and my sugar detox?
it’s not going to be THAT hard to not eat these things because i don’t have the time or energy to make them.

now i will go make myself a salad like a big girl.

🙂

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tracy fisher - sooo funny. my friends always know when i’m cutting down on sugar because I pin sweets for days…. it’s so much fun!

tara - i did the sugar detox. lasted 20 days…was shooting for 30. oh well.

i have full confidence that you’re stronger than me and will last the entirety of your detox!!!

Se7en's Fabulous Fun Post #223 - se7en | se7en - […] Whatever… one of the cutest blogs in the world… Feast your eyes on 14 brilliant reasons why she might fail her sugar detox. […]

angie webb - I just finished day 10 of the sugar detox yesterday. I have to say the first day was the hardest. All I could think of was sugar!! Day 2 and 3 I was exhausted. I wasnt drinking coffee because I always use flavored creamer. But by day 4 and beyond I felt great. I had energy. No more 2pm slump at work! I even lost 3 pounds. I decided to continue thru til the end of the month. Hoping it helps kick the sugar habit long run.. of course, seeing pictures of all those desserts you posted doesnt help! Haha

Denise@victoryrd - I’m here to help you! Really! Raw food “cheesecake” is so delicious (and cheesecake is my all-time fav), that I get cravings for it. There are a number of recipes on Pinterest.

Going sugar free caused my muffin top to disappear (which is why I should join you, and get back to it 🙂 )

You can do it!

Tanya H - so I added to my “food” board on pinterest. Which is really a ‘treats’ board, but hey, no pinterest police have come yet…!

Liz S. - So…rule number 1 during a sugar detox is…Stay off Pinterest! Lol! Hang in there, it will get easier!

jill - Meg, you are so awesome. I know you can do this! Of course you can do this, because you can do hard things! What a great inspiration you are to all of us readers. We are all fighting our battles and we can gain strength from one another. I can’t wait to hear more of your successes on this journey!

Mallory - Good for you! I’ve done the whole no sugar thing and noticed great results until I got to the point where I’m like eff it…I’m gonna eat what I like and it a lot of it….ending up worse off in the long run…I find if I allow myself some (within reason) sweets, I’m better off than if I go completely without and then binge my way back and then some. Best wishes to you…You look fabulous…and keep up the great work….I just find that eventually you’ll want a bite…and I think that’s okay, too! Good luck!!

Melissa - Sweets are my enemy also!

Hannah - I can totally use the excuse that the baby that I’m growing made me do it and I needed lots of chocolate (and then probably cry my way through the third trimester heartburn that would repeat on me later!). Bring me the salad STAT!

jamie - i am so proud of you! so very proud. i totally need a sugar detox. i’m not addicted. well, i don’t think i am. i couldn’t do what you’re doing. maybe if i was in my house by myself for the duration of the detox. high five to you!

Tonya - Oh my goodness! You are killing me. I am on day 24 of the Whole30 and I am so looking forward to the day I get to make me some kind of treat to eat.

Kathleen Grace - Lord have mercy, this is not the way to give up sugar, lol. You mustn’t look! I can tell you, I’m a sugar addict and going low carb, gluten free, has detoxed those cravings in a BIG way. I would have never thought it possible, but over time, and not being a total Nazi about it, I find I crave it less and less. These kind of things seem way too sweet to me now. Do I still want to make them? Goodness yes! I love to bake! But I am more likely to eat a little and then let it be, or give most of it away to some other poor unsuspecting sugar addict. Yesterday was my birthday and my daughter made my favorite chocolate cake, I had some and then with her permission threw the rest away. I know some would think that was wasteful, but it’s no less wasteful to dump it in our bodies and hate ourselves for it.

Jenn - Thanks a lot! I just printed off two of those recipes ;). Coffee ice cream….yes, please! Now talk about the best of both worlds! I will do my best to make them and send them on their way for someone else to enjoy.

marcie - In case this helps – I made the strawberry crunch bars last Summer and they didn’t turn out well….
You got this!! I did something similar a few years ago and I now rarely eat sweets – your taste buds change and you quit craving – and when you do it doesn’t take much to be on a sugar overload and push it away. True story. I love salad!! ( Repeat after me) 🙂

Laura H - I am going to make you HATE me….I have never, ever, ever, had a SWEET tooth!
The pictures are beautiful, amazzzzinggg…but…they don’t do anything for me as far as cravings. Show me some guacamole and I’m on board, chips and salsa…come to mama…spicy hummus, I’m dancin in the streets!!
Love your blog!

Kristen K. - You had me at “Licking my screen”!!!! Ohmygranola, you are TOOOOO FUNNY! But I want you to succeed, so I will pray for you…and not tell you that I’ll be making those “easy Monster cookie bars” this weekend!!!! M&M’s, get in my mouth!!!! Er, I mean, hummus and carrot sticks…yup. Carrots. YUM!

Amy Mumaw - I am doing the sugar detox with Marta too! I know that I am an addict too! these recipes look even more amazing!! We will do our best!!
Amy

TO - Yum, those all look delicious! Good for you for doing the sugar detox. I am sure I would find it very difficult to do!

The hyperlink for the Chewy Caramel Coconut Brownies is actually the link for the Twix Bars. Not that I was trying to find that recipe or anything! 🙂

Good luck!

Jen - You are braver than me–to do the sugar fast AND to look at Pinterest while attempting a sugar fast! 🙂

I’m thinking Marta should include a mandatory “Pinterfast” when she’s leading a sugar detox group! 🙂 Good luck!

Bethany - You are so brave. I could NOT do it. That espresso ice cream…yum! I haven’t had coffee ice cream in so long.

Christy - I was good until you posted the peanut butter. 🙂 I can leave chocolate alone, but not PB. Good luck!

Diabra - Meg, make this stat. Put an egg in a mug, mix some stevia, a Tablespoon of cocoa, 2 Tablespoons of almond flour, scant tsp of baking powder and 1tsp of coconut oil. Mix well. Cook in microwave for 1 minute. Can top with some extra cream or cooked up berries mixed with chia seeds if you are still eating fruit. Enjoy. You can do this.

Janine - It gets easier after day 3 or 4. I promise. I had to do it while pregnant because I have type II diabetes. Yeah, tell a pregnant woman to quit sugar – hardest thing ever but worth it. After 9 mos of mostly no sugar (I did cheat every now and then and craved it like crazy towards the end) I was okay not eating it and things started to taste “too sweet” Then I started down the slippery slope of sugar and can’t stop now. So unfortunately I am completely off the wagon and should really join Marta’s group.

Kassondra Taylor - MEG! I knew by the title alone I shouldn’t have read this post! I am pregnant and all this chocolate is giving me some serious cravings and no chocolate in this house!! >:/ 😉

Tracey Garcia - Right there with ya! I had to quit looking at Pinterest today because of all the sugary photo temptations. And even though my stomach doesn’t feel hungry my brain is saying I am hungry. And I really want some sweet tea with lemon. I tried making some herbal tea today with coconut sugar and it tasted awful. Maybe I messed it up somehow. Or maybe my tastebuds just are freaking out!

april R - Gee just 14 reasons 😉

(it’ll be worth it – hang in there – mmm crunchy fresh salad!)

Alicia @ La Famille - Duuuuuude. Now this post was just rude. Now I want all of this. ALL of it. I asked Jarrod if he would go get me coffee ice cream at the store. He said no, thank god. I want all this. Did I say that already. Dang youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

Becki - oh. my. lawd.

Seamingly Sarah - I don’t think I could do a sugar detox. I’m going to lie to myself and just say that I don’t need to.

Katie - I am on day 20 of the Advocare 24 day challenge, I have not had sugar in 20 days. I love sugar in all forms! You got this!

Laura - Good for you. I quit sweets in March. I had such a headache until someone told me to take in extra protein. It is supposed to help with the headache. It worked! After 4 weeks of no sweets, I allow myself one day a week for cake, or pie, or cookies, ice cream, cup cakes, brownies, blondie brownies, whatever I want. My thoughts linger over each option, sort of like lust, and then I try to find someone to go out with me to find it! Good luck, and remember….this is your journey, if you fall off the wagon and land in sugar, get back up and start again. Sugar is NOT like quicksand, but if it was, it would be the sweetest death.

danielle - Here I am making a nice salad for dinner and I see this! I might have to take you off my feed 🙂 Those all look so good! Cheesecake! I need cheesecake!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - And that is why I did not participate. The disappointment I would have felt after eating two mini cupcakes at my daughters classroom party would have been my undoing. I am like that smoker who cannot go cold turkey. I eat sugar and bake in moderation. My problem lies more with carbs and breads. Good luck.

margaret - My sister and I have a major sugar issue as well.. Her OB told her that sugar is not a food group. Whatever, dude. Kudos to you for trying the detox! I have heard that if you give up sugar for awhile, you lose the taste for it.. yeeeaah.. not sure if that would apply to me. Good luck!

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hungry.

April 28, 2014

this weekend we had all the kids gone and we celebrated Craig’s 40th.
it was pretty wild… we washed windows, gathered a trailer of trash, unpacked boxes, got take out once and watched shows on the DVR.
40 year olds know how to party.

honestly though… i am e x h a u s t e d.
moving is gosh dang hard.
physically yes and mentally too and then emotionally too because everything is different and sounds different and looks different and is a mess…. and then i get emotional. in a very cranky kind of way. the kind where i go out of my way to the gas station to buy crazy overpriced peanut butter m&ms and emotionally eat two bags alone in my car crying.

so instead of listening to me complain about that stuff… let’s think about what we should have for dinner or breakfast this week?

here are 10 great ideas!

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Zesty Chicken Bites
my kids would love these!

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Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

i know i would reeeeeally enjoy these with a cup of hot coffee.

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Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
i might drink that dressing with a straw.

Coconut Quinoa Pudding
i hope this is delicious because i need it to be.

MG_2275
Blackened Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa
someone should make me salmon because i am scared and i want to like it but i am pretty sure i will screw it up and it will be gross and i will take another 10 years to try it again.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Red Chile, Lime & Cilantro
YES PLEASE.

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Chicken Avocado Burgers
come on…. you know these would be so good!!!

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Garden Veggie Pizza with Kale Pesto & Brie
the best kind of pizza.

Black Beans & Corn stuffed Sweet Potatoes
this one wins for my dinner tonight… it looks SO yummy! can’t wait!

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Coconut Cake
honestly THIS is what i want. just me and that fork. all the frosting. all three layers.
there is no better kind of cake in my mind. coconut wins.

forever.

ok… i have more crap to do…clean, unpack, organize, purchase, hang, stock, throw away, drop off, etc.

bye.

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Megan - We are moving this weekend! Small stuff in our cars on Saturday and Sunday, official “movers” on Monday. I’m excited and nervous. It’s not a far move in terms of distance, but it is far in terms of lifestyle change for us. Kids sharing rooms, only one full bath, no air conditioning…deep breaths. This is what I wanted and signed up for. Lots of green space, less suburban congestion, more time together.

Lorie - That Southern chopped salad looks yummy! A restaurant here has a mexi-cobb salad that is similar. I think I know what I have having for lunch tomorrow!

Debi Meyers - Did you see Emma Stone on Jimmy Fallon this week? She reads Mom Blogs in her spare time! I bet she reads you, Meg.

dmeyers

Tanya - I sometimes do salmon in the George Foreman grill. Easy and delicious.

Lexi@ Lexi's Clean Kitchen - Thanks for including my Zesty Chicken Bites!! 🙂

Jenny B. - I don’t know how you feel about deep frying things, but my husband deep fried brussels sprouts this week, and they were SO GOOD. He didn’t do anything to them (no batter). He just cut them in half (fresh, raw) and dropped them in the Fry Daddy. I think he probably salted them when they came out, but I don’t know. Anyway, they were delicious! 🙂

Jenny B. - Thank you, Meg! I am not glad at all that you are exhausted and struggling emotionally, but I am glad to know that I am not the only one who breaks down when things get overwhelming. Change is HARD. Wishing you love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… and rest. 🙂

Colleen - SAlmon…. fillet, boneless, preferably wild alaskan. Heat gas grill to hot temperature, place salmon skin side down then turn grill down to medium flame. Prior to placing on grill marinate in cheap white wine, then place a coffee cup of white wine on top of grill with a brush ( have another glass of expensive white wine for yourself while doing this)
Intermiteently and frequently brush the salmon with the now warm wine on top of the grill while you enjoy your own glass of wine. The more basting the better the outcome. Do not flip! Cook until the salmon turns white on the top and the fat bubbles. and there is no pink inside ( unless you like it rare.. not me)… 10 to 20 minutes or around when you are done nursing your own drink.. depending on temp of grill.
This makes a very moist wonderful salmon that both my kids ( picky) enjoy… always!!! This is my dad’s grilling recipe and how to that I will remember forever and always think of him when making it.

Mickie - I’ve been watching your move and gaining some courage as we are about to do it again too. We were only in this house for 3 years but I just needed to move back to where I have some trees around me (among a few other things) so… here we go! So, even though you are feeling emotional (and I get that)you also inspire courage. And, I’ll bet Kimberlee Jost could make a mean salmon. Or, the next time you are at RedRock, try theirs. It’s my favorite!

Tiffany - You have quite the palate there Lady. My choices are all deep fried and of the pub menu variety. Not so good good for my over 40 thighs. Tell Craig, Welcome to the 40 Club!! We party HARD (not so much). Idea for you, plan a celebration weekend for when the house stuff is all over, it’s nice to have something to look forward to.

Lynette - Thanks Meg, now I am hungry and don’t have anything in the house to make any of those wonderful dishes I have just drooled over. I will have to make the carrot muffins this afternoon then wont I

Wendy C - Our last move was 4 years ago and there is still that one tub in the basement of things that haunts me. The items that never found a home in the new house but I couldn’t bear to part with. My summer goal will be to find those items a home – either in my house or someone else’s – and then celebrate with a piece of that coconut cake! Good luck and remember this is all in His plan for you and your family!

april r - coconut absolutely wins 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - We are total foodie twins.
I want that salad so bad. And the cauliflower!

I have to say, I’m skeptical of the quinoa pudding.
But your caption cracked my business up.

Stephanie - I hear you on the moving! We’re military and have set up ten homes in fifteen years. It’s not getting easier! I just told my husband that, while I love our life, I might be getting too old to keep moving. It’s hard. BUT it’s always worth it and we’ve had our stuff for a month (today, in fact) and almost everything has found its home. I hope you feel more settled in a month, too! Secondly, thanks for the amazing recipe links – it all looks so good! I’ll try the salmon for you…we’re in Alaska now and I think I have to learn to like it 🙂

Carrie - Thank you for taking the time to post during the busyness of your life! We all appreciate it! 🙂

Hope it settles down for you soon!

Kathi - I love that you are so transparent, it really helps me to realize that i’m not the only one that gets emotional sometimes. Reading blogs is strange, to me it looks like you have it together in every way. You inspire me, the way you’ve taken your photography, crafts & sewing and made a business from them. Your new house is awesome! {hugs}

Melissa - I’m not one for baked sweet potato but I think I could tweak the recipe and put it on baked sweet potato fries. Thanks for the inspiration

marcie - meg, my daughter and i cook some mad salmon – if kimberlee is ever busy we will come to craft weekend ( we craft, too!) and make salmon and show you how – it’s easy- and you will love it. We have salmon every.single.week. really.
mollie’s mom

emily - thanks for sharing so I know I’m not alone. we are getting ready to move and it makes me feel stressed, even though we just going across town. i’ve never really moved before and i’m gonna miss this house.

Tammy - Yummm! This is my first time commenting, but just wanted to say I was in the same boat as you regarding salmon…it scared the crap out of me….but it turned out to be the easiest and tastiest fish to cook. I just used a small drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper to season it, then cook it in on a really hot pan skin side down first to get a yummy crispy skin and finish it on the other side…so easy and so yum served with a dill mayonnaise drizzled on top and salad. It is really filling too… Good luck with it and settling into your new place…many good times ahead I’m sure 🙂

Kori - The easiest, tastiest salmon I have had is to brush the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with cajun seasoning (to taste, I like a medium bit of spice) and bake it at 425* for roughly 25 minutes. Another way I like it is to brush it with olive oil (no other seasoning) and bake it the same as above, but while it’s cooking, make the Knorr Bearnaise sauce and put it over the salmon when it’s out of the oven.

Oh. My. Goodness. SOOOO delicious!

Elizabeth Stewart - Thanks for giving me cravings for peanut m&ms and that gorgeous coconut cake!

Kimberlee Jost - I show you how to make salmon and you will love it.
🙂

gina - you always find the yummiest recipes; thanks for sharing. One of the easiest ways to cook fish is to take a frying or saute pan and add a can of broth and a squirt of lemon juice. Bring it to a gentle boil, add fish, and cook for 10 min or so. The fish is cooked when it flakes apart with a fork.

SoCalLynn - That kale pesto veggie pizza is to.die.for. I’ve made it three times in 2 weeks. I only used brie cheese once; shredded parmesan works better actually because the brie gets lost in the baking. I’m going to look at that salad with the cilantro dressing. Looks delicious!

Andrea - this all looks so good!!!! but I completely understand the bag of M and M’s…sometimes they just make everything seem better?! So glad that you are getting moved in….to be honest….I couldn’t recall where you live and wondered if the crazy weather last night affected you all?

Hang in there!!! Your new house looks awesome!

Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit - I just about pinned every one of these. OMG, so yum!

Emily @ DavenportDIY - I grew up in the Pacific NW, so any salmon you get there is amazing. But now we live in Georgia, and I’ve purchased some horrid salmon at the grocery store before. So if you do salmon, start off with some good salmon. Frozen wild caught is better than farmed. But don’t buy thawed wild caught ’cause that can get nasty if it’s been thawed too long. Get salmon from Pacific waters, NOT Atlantic. My 2 favorite ways to cook it are a brown sugar/lemon rub (rub with brown sugar, top with lemon slices) OR cover it in pesto sauce. Then bake ~350 for 20-30min MAX (depends on the size of the fillet too). You want the white fat to just start bubbling out of the top of the fish, or until the fish flakes with a fork. Don’t overcook it. It’s an easy one to cook and is very delicious! 🙂

heidi maggard - Thanks so much for posting those recipes! You’re crazy, salmon is AWESOME but then again, I hate coconut so we must have opposite taste buds. 🙂 Love love love seeing pics of your house. Thanks for sharing. Every single thing you do inspires me to be more creative and colorful.

Jessica - Make the Barefoot Contessa’s panko crusted salmon, but just bake it in the oven, don’t hassle with the step of browning it first. It is AMAZING! Seriously, my best friend hated salmon and I made this for her and she is addicted now. The recipe is online at food network

Corinne - I am not a good cook and I have made Salmon before. It really doesn’t need much, it will be yummy. I can’t wait to see pics of your new home.

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