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smoothies (and margaritas)

January 8, 2015

i got the Ninja Kitchen System Pulse for Christmas from my mother in law.
i asked for it because i thought it looked kind of cool.
i have wanted to try the cup system for our daily smoothies.
then…we didn’t use it over christmas break at all?!! (who are we?)
after school on monday annie got it out and OH. MY. GOODNESS!

we were totally amazed!
we geeked out completely.
it’s fast! it’s easy! it’s so super rad! it’s even fun to use!

then on tuesday i had her make a video to show the world how EASY it is to use!

how cute is my annie girl?!
no script even!
just preaching to the people about smoothie awesomeness.

this is what i got for christmas…
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Ninja Kitchen System Pulse

so i checked all around and it’s the same price at Target & Walmart as it is on Amazon.
i love amazon.
i love target too (of course!!!) but Amazon is so darn easy to navigate!
and the returns through amazon have gotten so ridiculously easy that it blows my mind!
you just ask them to come and pick it up… AND THEY DO!
you don’t even have to tape the box shut?! What the what?!
For reals.
Have you returned anything to them recently?
They are WINNING at customer service.

anyways… that was off topic.

back to the Niiiiiiiiinnn-jaaaaaa. (say it like oprah would)

I got the big mama Ninja blender for my birthday over a year ago.
it’s technically called the “Ninja Professional Blender 1000”
(they would probably sell more if they used my name…)
i didn’t know at the time that you could buy it with the cups… Ninja Professional Blender with Smoothie Cups
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had i known…. i would’ve gotten it all at once. 🙂

i’ve used that big ninja blender almost everyday for smoothies the past year and a half.
and I’ve loved it.
It’s so powerful!
it’s kind of a pain to clean every single day but i did it because it worked so well!

i still love the BIG ninja.

craig makes pancake batter in it almost every saturday.
you can click here to see him making them with tiny little annie & talby.
this is the recipe his mom used to make pancakes for him! pancakes1
it’s genius to mix it in the blender because then you can just pour the batter onto the griddle!
only one thing to wash!

my most favey-favorite use for the Big Ninja is making Margaritas.
🙂
this is what we serve at Craft Weekend to welcome our new friends to the Craft House.
always.
i got this recipe from my mom!
You need Tequila, Triple Sec, a can of frozen limeade mix and a beer.
and ice.
(oh yes i did just make margaritas on a thursday morning! who needs coffee?!)

*also i used a Gluten Free beer because i am {{{trying}}} to get the wheat out of my diet.
you can use ANY beer you prefer…. any brand, any style, whatevs..

Fill the blender 3/4 with ice.

pour in the limeade mix.
Use the empty limeade can and fill 2/3 full with tequila.
Pour it in the blender.

Using the same can fill it 1/3 full with Triple Sec.

Blend until it sounds like all the ice is chopped.

add the 12 oz. beer.
can we all just admire the label of this beer for a second… such great colors!
good job New Grist.

Use the pulse setting to mix it not the number settings because it “may” explode all over from the foam in the beer.and pour into margarita glasses (or any cup!)

if you want it more icy/frozen we put it in the freezer to set up a little more.
just like 10 – 20 minutes will work.
when we have these at home… craig & i don’t usually finish a whole Ninja blender of margaritas in an evening.
so i pour what’s left into cups with lids and stick that in the freezer until the next time we want them.
you can just pull it from the freezer and they thaw out to perfect slushy frozen yumminess in about an hour.

and obviously you can buy it ALL together and get everything….Ninja Mega Kitchen System
but i like to do things the hard way and build my collection slowly – HA!

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i love the smoothie cups!
they are EASY to use… easy to clean…. and FAST.

Now…. i know a bunch of you are going to say “i have a vita-mix and it’s even more powerful and amazing!”
and i believe you.
but this is 1/3 of the price.
so there is no vitamix in my future.
not happening.
(did you ever see the SNL skit about the vitamix… it’s awkward & uncomfortable & very dry humor – which i love)

OK.
info-mercial is over.

i will go drink my margarita.
and try to figure out where to hang pictures on my walls….

i am crazy for family photos obviously.
but seeing annie’s hand with the frog (and probably from watching old videos of her recently too)
i want to add in more of those “life moments” kinds of pictures on the wall too.
not just faces.
even though i love their faces so stinkin’ much.
i want to grab their kissy cheeks and squish each one of them.
there are about…. 1296 more pictures i want to put on my walls… this poses a problem for me.

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Julie Zull - Are those canvases? where do you print from?

Jen - Your Annie girl is hilarious…and adorable. And should probably be staring in Ninja commercials. I loved the video and my girls did, too!

s - I have the ninja system and do love the single serve option but the thing scares me – it is super loud and washing it is a test of keeping my fingers intact! I had the bigger spiral blade drying on the counter and sliced my hand when I accidentally brushed against it! Big mama ninja and I have a love hate relationship!!

lorelei eurto - Hmmmm Annie is cute as a button. And I think she’s got me convinced. I may just have to try one of these Niiiiiin-jaaaaaaahhhs out. 🙂

Beth F - I’ve got Celiac and trust me, New Grist may have a cute label but it’s not a great GF beer. If you like light, go Damn Daura, or New Planet. If you like craft, go Omission beer. I found Grist is okay in stews though. The Ninja sounds awesome.

Susanne - I got a Ninja Blender as well – not the one you did, just the blender itself and OMW! My life has been changed! It wasn’t on my Christmas list and I didn’t even know I wanted one, but I’ve had SO MUCH fun with it! I’ve been weirding all my co-workers out drinking green based drinks – from a ball canning jar – every single day. Not to mention just using it in general cooking – – love love love love it!!!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - This is such a funny and happy post. Love it. Love you.

Becky - Ive been thinking Id ask for this for my birthday. Your post helped me make the decision.
Then! Ugh! Amazon had it for $169.00, I walked away and came back 2 hours later and it is $199!!!!!
🙁

Linda - are those pictures canvas? They look thicker than normal?

kelly - Annie’s demo is too cute!!! We had smoothies last night with our dinner, and my kids were pumped! (Really just trying to get in more fruits/veggies, but they felt it was a major treat!)

Ali - O.J. “It’s code for Orange Juice.” TOO CUTE!

Lori - Cheers to Thursday morning margaritas! Sounds like your Ninja is awesome 🙂

Jenna - Annie is hilarious! I loved the “oj – that is code for orange juice!” And I of course have Ninnnnjaaaa stuck in my head – thank you! 🙂

kathy - Thanks Annie, You inspired me to get out my Nutribullet, which is the same as the Ninja, that i paid $220 for and have only used approximately 3 times since i bought it in August!

I had all the stuff in the fridge, used frozen berries, real blueberries, a banana and milk. I added a bit of IKEA dark chocolate because I deserve it.

I think you have a career in TV.

Katie - Can’t wait to see where those pics end up!

Tanya H - I agree 100% on the photos problem. I shared two solutions in this post, haha…but my photos are not printed nearly as gorgeously as yours!
http://tanyastampsnthings.blogspot.com/2014/07/my-project.html

And also, I have a blendtec because my parents bought it for us, and I have used it 449 times since we got it a year ago. (I know because it has a counter) It is my favorite thing EVER and I am SO grateful I have it and that I DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. 😀

Beth - “Yes, the nut butter…” loved it!

Amy M - OMG, Annie is the cutest!

I have a Ninja that I bought back when I was on a smoothie kick, after I fried my cheapo blender. Haven’t used it much lately, except as a pseudo-food processor. But I got one of those for Christmas, so now I’m thinking it might be time for some margs!

Kristin S - Oh that pancake pic with bangs-Annie!

Super fun post.

I do have a Vitamix and I do love it but I travel a lot and that little Ninja would be perfect for that. Vitamix was a gift and cost more than my mortgage!

Tina - I have Christmas money burning a whole in my pocket for one of these! Thanks for the info!! Starting Sugar Detox with Marta next week and I’m super excited to get started and learn. Thanks for introducing us to Marta! Love Annie’s video!!

Rebecca - I can’t believe how grown up Annie is getting to be!!! And, she’s so beautiful!

Cassidy - YAY for gluten free! (:

Adrienne - Are those all canvases? and where do you print from?

Tracy - I know the beer is yummy in the margs but if you don’t have any (or don’t have any gluten free), try using Fresca or Diet sprite or 7up. Tastes great too!! Wish I was drinking a marg with you right now!!!

Kelly - Meg, thanks for the good laugh on this Thursday afternoon! I’m not sure why I’ve never seen that skit, but it is hillarious! We are a Ninja family too 🙂 (literally).

Carrie - niki, try adding a little more liquid to your smoothies. Mine don’t blend properly if I don’t have enough liquid in them, so I will keep adding until I see it all moving along in a little tornado through the whole blender. I also make sure to add all the soft stuff to the bottom first (yogurt, applesauce, juice, bananas, etc.) so that all the big chunky frozen stuff gets hit by the blades sooner, then I add more water or juice as needed through the pour spout as its blending. Love my ninja, pretty much only use it for smoothies, I would love a vitamix, but the price point (even at Costco) is just tooooo much! I should get some smoothie cups so I can get rid of my magic bullet, which I only use for six months or so when I am making baby foods….

Christy - I love my Ninja & I recommend it to everyone. Mine has the small & large blender atatchment, now I am coveting the smoothie cups (hello, eBay!).

Love the family photos & capturing the every day. 🙂

Nikki - I recently bought a Ninja because it’s big enough to make a smoothie for my whole family at once. I like it, but I get chunks of ice and things every time! I’ve yet to get a totally smooth smoothie. My $40 Oster used to have no problem with this at all, I’ve never had chunks, so what am I doing wrong? More ice, maybe?

Jessica Cornman - I would cover every inch of my walls with photos if I could! Photo canvases everywhere!

Sabrina - I also got a Ninja for Christmas. It’s the Mega Jumbo Everything System (that is my name for it!) I love it so much! I got rid of my blender and my Magic Bullet because the Ninja does everything so much better. I did keep my Cuisinart Food Processor though. Although the Ninja does a good job at processing some things, the blade on my Cuisinart is much lower to the bowl, so it gets everything chopped and processed way better. That is my only “complaint” about the Ninja processor. The blades are too high to get at the bottom of the bowl. Otherwise, this thing is a dream!!!

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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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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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random again.

April 1, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP8RB7UZHKI

have you seen this kid?
oh that mama… she must be so tired every night.
pretty funny little guy.

last week i made this for dinner.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Chili.
my husband LOVED it. i did too. and two of my kids were brave and tried it.
and they said almost convincingly “i like it.”
i don’t believe them but they tried it and ate it too.
things are coming along… last year there is no way they would have tried it.

i have been listening to sermons again.
i REALLY enjoyed this series by Andy Stanley called Just Ask It.

i love how he can speak to anyone… whether you have been a christian a long time, brand new or if you don’t believe in jesus at all.
he is relatable.
he makes you think.
i think he’s cool.
if you have time driving in your car… out for a run or at the gym.. or just cooking dinner in your kitchen… throw this sermon series on and you will like it. 😉

c97e1d1e34abfae0ba10bc7fd7eb420c
ummm…. how rad is that shower???
i don’t think i would have the guts to do it but i do love it.
it looks fancy.
032b97f97c0586a3797b7517216a8b43
doesn’t this look so crazy good?!!!
i found the picture on pinterest with a dumb tumbler link to no where.
BUT i am going to imagine that there is a waffle truck somewhere in the world that makes stuffed waffle sandwiches.
doesn’t that sound dreamy?
i would love for someone to drive a waffle truck in to my driveway and bring me one.

and lastly….

i would like to sit and make this.
because it looks so relaxing.
i know i probably wouldn’t DO anything with these painted leaves… but creating is sometimes just for the sake of being creative.
not about WHAT you make… or what you will do with it.
it’s sitting down… stopping the busy around you… and creating.
in that moment.
i hope i can sometime soon-ish.

what is going on with you today?
are you making crafty projects? taking a nap? cooking dinner? reading a book?
please share. 🙂

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Grace - Long time reader, first time commenter, but I couldn’t resist. I’m glad you are enjoying Andy’s series. You’ll have to listen to the current one he is doing. Been on staff at North Point for 9 years now, and he still nails it. Every. Time. Anyways, if you are interested in any of the other sermons, mom resources, or small group content, let me know! I’d be happy to send some your way. Thanks for sharing your tidbits of life with us. Encouraged often.

phyllis - You’ve got me on a internet-wide waffle hunt!
I think I found yours at B.Street Waffles in San Francisco:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TplqI76oCk annnd, apparently,
you can have them sent to your door 😀

http://bstreetwaffles.com/product-category/waffles/

Candice McLean - YUM! The stuffed waffles looks delicious. Those painted leaves look dynamite… a great idea for a kiddo (and parent) fun project. Thanks for sharing!

tricia - My girls make the leaf casts every year in art class. i have a whole collection at this point. and no, i never really know where to put them. but i love them so. 🙂

Jane - At 50 I have gone back to college! Never finished and I am so lucky I can now. I have to finish a paper and a book. Learning is amazing..

Will try the recipe!! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!

amy - That little guy’s antics may be cute now, but that mama is unknowingly teaching her kiddo how to argue, bargain and be in control. I wanted to find that little guy a naughty stool – and fast!

April R - i like random 🙂
and waffles
and fancy bathrooms
and crafting for creativities sake
And I listened to Andy Stanley on the way to my Aunt’s house today. Title was “Follow” – specifically “Follow Wear” – really really good. I was planning on listening to his sermon “Nick and Joe Save Easter” again soon – if you haven’t checked that one out it’s really great as well. I’ll have to check out “Ask It”
Thanks for encouraging others to listen to good teaching and to be crafty and find all kinds of random things to enjoy in life

Elizabeth - I made the chili for dinner tonight and my family loved it. Thank you so much for sharing healthy recipes. It’s always good to have new recipes.

Cindy - The boy needs a few pow-pows! He would drive me insane.

Sara - Oh my have you never head waffles and ice cream!?! Our county fair has them every year! So worth the calories just once a year! 🙂

Stephanie C - Love these posts!
I am…..
trying to finish my last classes before earning my bachelor’s degree
finishing up lunch for the kids
looking up homeschooling curriculum for the next school year (we start over again in the summer when it’s too hot in FL to do anything else)
Missing my husband who is away for a month who also caught shingles in MD and cannot fly home even though he can’t work
Trying to figure out how to not go crazy with my seven kids and I in this house indefinitely waiting on dad to come home…someday. So thankful for FL’s early springs so I can see lots of life in the garden already.

Cara Kuester - I have a question about your 21 day fix challenge. I feel like although I don’t know you I can relate completely with your health journey. I have four kids at home-a picky eater husband and I just want to enjoy foods but lose about 15 pounds. I exercise regularly but can’t seem to stay on a health eating plan. Can you give any advice or encouragement. Thanks! I appreciate your honesty and openness to share your story and life with all us strangers.

Krystle - Sitting in my favorite leather chair checking in on your blog, dreaming about renovating my kitchen someday, and avoiding the laundry pile on the floor next to me.

Beth Ann - Megan, you have in part help to inspire me. For about 5 years I have exercised regularly – 3-5 times a week, but decided to get serious about it and the nutrition part. I joined a local ‘9 week challenge’ place to kick it up a few exercise notches and to get nutrition guidance. I am only 1 week in, but it feels good. I thought I would share my favorite snack/meal: http://iowagirleats.com/2012/07/09/no-heat-required-greek-dip-platter/

No fun things planned today, although it is early out for my kids from school. I would like to think of something fun to do with them after I get off work and they get out of school…..

Ari @ Ari's Menu - So glad you enjoyed the chili! Also, you could totally make your own stuffed waffles and then you get to put whatever you want in them like…NUTELLA! 🙂

Tiffany Gardner - OKC has awesome stuffed waffles. Waffle Champion used to be a food truck and now… they have a restaurant! Next time you are in OKC… stop by.. it is awesome!

Michelle from Australia - I’m in Upstate New York today. About to get on a plane to fly to Seattle.

Nicole - Had to comment about the waffles, as they brought back a wonderful memory. Whenever my brother and I would spend the night at my Poppy’s (Grandpa’s) house, he would make us waffle sandwiches as a treat. Two waffles with strawberry ice cream for the filling. YUMMMM… so good!

Rachel - So lets see…. yesterday I re-roofed the back yard awning in preparation for a “rain storm” that lasted all of 1 hour and was in the middle of the night. Today after helping sort 5000 items of clothing for our annual MOMS Club clothing swap benefiting the Mother To Mother Fund charity, I thought it would be a good idea to hang a new gutter where the previous owners of our home had decided never needed a gutter (they were wrong) in preparation for the next rain storm. And now I sit here waiting for this next supposed “storm” and wondering if maybe I should have just played dragons with the kids instead. After all, its LA. It never rains here. Only the ground shakes here.

Sandra - Love your ‘Random’ posts!
I’m on spring break enjoying Florida sunshine with my family. It’s been delightful. 🙂

Kristin S - That kid is going to be a famous attorney someday.

Jfryer - http://www.foodcartsportland.com/2007/10/23/flavour-spot/

Flavour Spot-Check out their menu 🙂

We were just introduced to one of these food carts in Portland, OR. So fun and yummy!

tasha roe - that chili looks divine!
cleaning and organizing after an ikea and target run.
our pastor, robert morris at Gateway http://www.gatewaypeople.com will knock your socks off! Texas has some awesome churches!!

Carrie - Have you tried waffatopia?

http://waffatopia.com

I am not an affiliate for them, we just live in their area and they are yummy waffles.

My two girls go back and forth with trying new foods. My youngest will eat literally all day and then when she sees meat on her plate she just can not take it. She is not super into new items lately which was a problem with my oldest a few months ago, they just can not get on the same page!! Luckily as far as veggie eaters go, I lucked out. They both get giddy over salads, one will eat ANY veggie and the other prefers most veggies raw which is fine.

Our Lent study is Adam Hamilton’s The Way. I like it and my oldest is doing the children’s version in her Sunday School class. It is nice to be doing the same thing.

Linda - we are on spring break! kids are home and i’m painting my bedroom this week!!! Love your random posts!

Julie - Right now I am putting off doing the vacuuming by reading my fave blogs. I have been to the bank and sorted out our mortgage, and I am hoping to play with some fabrics in my sewing room later today.

Enjoy your day.

Lisa - It’s snowing today (I think it’s a big fat April fool’s joke from God! ha!) and I had a ton of errands to do. Hate having to run errands in slushy snow. But I did exercise and am now home so that’s good. Hoping to take a nap this afternoon after school pick ups! Enjoy your day!

laura oyler - oh those waffle sandwiches…..can I have nutella on mine??

kathleen grace - Thank you for the link. I LOVE Andy Stanley, the man is a super genius:>) I’m listening to it right now as I type!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I have a kid home sick today, so we went shopping, and I bought a pretty necklace. Taco soup is in the crock pot, and I am watching a movie while folding laundry. I started reading Me Before You, and I am already awaiting a gut wrenching ending. I have already cried twice. You should really listen to some pod casts from Matt Chandler at The Village Church here in Texas. He is awesome.

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i am sore… ouch.

February 19, 2014

so i have done three of the workouts on the 21 Day Fix.
i love how short they are – 30 minutes!
but holy heck my legs are SORE. wowza.

A bunch of you have asked where to get this program…
it sold out when they released it but they will be restocking soon enough.
i see it on preorder through BeachBody.
email Marta at hausofgirls@gmail.com about details and she will hook you up!
i am in a small-ish accountability/support group through facebook that Marta leads and i LOVE that part of it.
i like being able to ask questions and get encouragement as we are doing the program together.

AND update… i am not hungry.
there is plenty of food using this plan.
it just doesn’t include nightly large bowls of lucky charms or milkshakes. (darn)
but sticking to my meal plan (that i made for myself so there is no one to blame but me) has worked.
so far so good!

here are MORE meals that look so good!
i wish that squash soup was right here in front of me NOW.
Yummmm.

1. Salad in a Jar

2. Cheesy Spinach Muffins

3. Stuffed Peppers Soup

4. Thai Red Curry Coconut Squash Soup

5. Clean & Lean Lettuce Wraps

6. Sweet Potato Quinoa Patties

7. Asian-Style Cobb Salad

8. Santa Fe Turkey Stuffed Peppers
i have NEVER eaten a stuffed pepper or even desired to until this recipe! YUM?!

which one of these recipes looks the best to you?

and also… what are you making for dinner tonight?

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Maria Donahue - Hi, I’m just starting the 21 day challenge, your receipts look incredible but I’m confused as to how to convert them into what containers they would use. And how much a serving would actually be. Can you help me? Thank you:-))))

Stacy - Thanks for sharing my cheesy spinach muffins! Funny you should choose that recipe because it is actually the most viewed one on my site.

Looking forward to following your journey to fitness.

Best regards,

Stacy

Denise - Gosh Meg…good for you! I joined my husbands gym about 6 months ago and we are doing “clean eating” as a lifestyle change now. It is amazing what some prep time and twice a week cooking does for your well being! I love the sweet potato/quinoa patties (I eat them cold sometimes for a snack…my recipe might be a little different) I’m praying for your success. Love your blog and instagram. Thanks for sharing your life…

Kate - Today is Day 6 for me, so I can tell you – the leg soreness does ease. Replaced by ab soreness, arm soreness, and then oh hai – leg soreness again! ha ha! It hurts everytime I have to squat to sit on the potty. I mean, wow. TMI? Sorry.

Kristen@fit2feelbetter - I’m doing the 21 day Fix too! And oh my gosh I can still eat so much food. Good for me food that is delicious and full of flavor. My favorite lunch is Mediterranean quinoa salad. {In Fix language that is 1 yellow, 1 1/2 green, and 1 orange and I usually throw in a purple on the side}

Brittany - I’m with you! That stuffed peppers soup looks SO good! I made this last night: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2014/02/braised-italian-chicken/ and we’re having leftovers tonight ;)Way to go on your workouts and healthy eating!

Darcie - For dinner tonight, we are making… date night. 🙂 It’s been too long!

Kristen - Keep it up!! Soo happy for you!!!

Michelle from Australia - I had to Google ‘luck charms’ to find out what a bowl of them is. Nothing something that has made its way to our shores as yet!

Jenna - Stuffed peppers are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I hope you like them! I want to try all of these!

Stephanie Wilson - I am all over the lettuce wraps and the salad in a jar! I am making turkey meatloaf, red mashed potatoes, and green beans, all with turkey gravy for dinner. Love your website!

Colleen - we are having eating well’s version of chicken marbella… my kids love it… which is truly the clincher but mine are picky.. and yours sound, well, worse! Try it you will love it and maybe your kids will eat it (while ignoring the prunes and olives) !.

here is the link if interested
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chicken_marbella.html

Debbie - Your blog has lead me to so many other great sites. Thanks for the links to these great recipe sites! You do the research so I don’t have to! 🙂

Tanya - The Thai Red Curry soup and the sweet potato quinoa patties look delish. I have moved past my love for peppers, it’s over for me 😉
Way to go on the workouts!

Cara Yeh - Way to go! I haven’t felt sore in years… perhaps I need this! 🙂 We’re having miso cod for dinner. I hated fish until I married my Asian husband; now it is a favorite!

Jenn - Yum! They all look good, but the Asian Cobb Salad is calling me. I’ll probably make that one first! Way to go on completing 3 workouts…its hard when you’re sore.

gina - it is time for me to eat lunch so all of these look delish!! thanks for sharing the recipes. in this months Martha Stewart’s Living magazine there are 4 broiler plate dinners that fit in with the 21 Day Fix perfectly!!! and are yummy. I am making the broiled spicy pork and pineapple tonight but i probably will go easy on the spice so the kids can eat it 🙂

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love the sweet potato quinoa patties. Quinoa is one of my favorite things to eat. I am making bourban chicken tonight. The only bad thing in it is brown sugar and a pinch of ketchup. I will be having quinoa with mine, and everyone else will be having rice. Asparagus and broccoli are our veggies. I need to loose 5-7 more pounds, to see if it will help my bum knee.

tasha roe - thanks so much for recommending this a while back! i signed up and am doing it with Marta. She’s so sweet and encouraging. 🙂 Hubby is even doing it with me. I am amazed at how full I am – can’t even finish the containers.

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snow day and a recipe

February 5, 2014

i have had times where i dread a snow day but i was actually excited about this one.
it was as if we had the time for a break.
that is kind of sad but it is true. I was caught up enough that i was excited for a snow day.

first off… we made hot chocolate donuts.
snow6 this was our recipe…. a boxed cake mix we had in the cabinet. Two mixes actually. the marshmallow frosting comes in the box. and we have a donut pan. AND a few weeks ago my little girls BEGGED for the Mallow Bits so it was perfectly meant to be on our snow day! donut we each just watched it snow all day long while still in our jammies. snow3 oh these dogs. they LOVE this stuff!we finally ventured out of the house at 4:00. it was so beautiful! snow7 “HEY MOM!!! I”M CLEANING THE FENCE FOR YOU!”
thanks sweetie. it had really been bothering me how “messy” it was. ha ha ha
snow1 doesn’t he look like bigfoot combined with the abominable snowman?! snow4 snow2 we wore this guy OUT!

for dinner i looked through my computer for something yummy to make.
and looked.
and looked.
snow8 snow9 between a bunch of different recipes… i threw this soup together and it was YUMMY!!!
we made bread to dip in it too.
seriously…SO GOOD.
ALL of my kids ate their whole bowl…. WITH VEGETABLES IN IT!

you could add broccoli too or other veggies.
i didn’t put the peas in since i knew i pushing it big time with the celery AND carrots in one pot.
but maybe next time they can handle it.

it was delicious comfort food after playing out in the snow.

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katey - Oh the snow looks wonderful!!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that Alabama will get at least one snow this year. And the soup looks great!! Will have to try that one because the family can only take Chili and Veggie Beef so many times in one winter. Thanks.

Mindy - What wonderful fun topped off by homemade soup – the best!

Shelby Shreck-Beck - Looking through the pictures makes me smile and I so wish I had your skills for taking pictures! Your girls are beautiful, your boys are handsome and your dogs are so stinkin cute!!! Thank you for putting a smile on my face! Oh, I love snow days too!

Deb Meyers - i just knew you’d buy the green-lidded tin at Target (seen in picture with Sean). 🙂

deb meyers

Lisa - Great pictures! We got a lot of snow today but no snow day… boo! 😉 And that soup looks so yummy!

Andrea - What a great snow day. Your dogs had as much or more fun than all of you! that Waffle looked like he was in heaven!

Kimber-Leigh - what a gorgeous snow day! and that soup sounds delicious!

Tiffany - You create such stunning pictures of every-day life. I love it. I’m amazed by your winters down there. Weren’t you out taking pics without jackets and no snow on the ground at you last CW, and now this much snow?! I guess MN is so different. Once it snows it stays for a good 5 months. Plus there is no way we would be out without jackets. (-10 degrees air temp as I type.)

PS- That recipe sounds so yummy! I’m going to have to try that one. Hummm… maybe tonight. I think I have everything. What would be the chances of that?!

Heather - You take the best pictures!

kim - i havvvvvvvve to be honest. i’m super jealous of this snow day.
as much as i am enjoying our wintersummer, this looked all kinds of magical. what i wouldn’t give to be cooped up in my house for a full day or two, enjoying cocoa and donuts. 🙂

thrilled to see you guys making the most of it, and the pups too. i can’t get enough of them!

Michelle K. - Love seeing all your pics, especially of the ones with the dogs playing…they are absolutely adorable.
Now a question for you, do you do anything to protect your camera when taking pictures in the snow? I love taking outside pictures, but have been afraid since my camera once malfunctioned because of snow/water getting into it.

Kim Barlow - I love the pic of Annie by the big tree. It’s so sweet.

danielle - Looks like a perfect snow day! We are a little farther south than you I only dream of that much snow. Thanks for the yummy looking recipe! I am cold right now and that looks really good!

ira lee - those donuts look so yummy!! as does the soup!!! and you are right, it was beautiful in that snow!!

Suzette - Meg, I love you and I love your blog! Don’t ever change!

Penny - Oh, that sweet Waffle! He is perfect! The new little guy is pretty cute, too. We love snow days and have had our share. 7 so far! I work at the local middle school, so snow days are days off for me! I love how you captured these great memories for your kids! I wish I had pictures of times like that when I was young!

Julie - That looks like a lot of snow and a lot of cold. I think I would love to be able to experience playing outside in the snow like that at least once in my life. I am very much a summer girl though. Those dogs of your look like they are having an absolute ball. Keep warm.

Pamela Gordon - Wow, you had a great snow day there. It looks beautiful and I loved seeing the pics of the kids and the dogs out playing in the snow. Fun! The soup looks delicious and easy. Pamela

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