tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84020739354415411242024-03-17T10:02:48.618-07:00Simple, Sacred, SweetSimple Recipes & Crafts, Devotional Musings, & A Celebration of the Sweetness of LifeSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.comBlogger947125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-3652317079204952702024-03-17T10:00:00.001-07:002024-03-17T10:02:17.585-07:00All the Green!<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I didn't get on my decoration game on for Saint Patrick's day quite like I did for <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2024/02/valentines-day-2024.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a>, but over the course of the weekend, we did enjoy all the green:</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2oWBC3lKSD2BENZAD5iV3X1B24XbAEVMd2VmZaqGFXwyQ8QqZ6ZhocxvHyCqJHg_G0Deu132YGZYObL9G2e3OKKD93tKPPcZORh4b-jasVXZtPPxiknmJ72rWE9cNfs0LIPq1S78kmWsoUBzkWOSWATSmUkdhCjPc7o2s0cIM1fk_TzFFOg7AEDbapYEO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3397" data-original-width="3019" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2oWBC3lKSD2BENZAD5iV3X1B24XbAEVMd2VmZaqGFXwyQ8QqZ6ZhocxvHyCqJHg_G0Deu132YGZYObL9G2e3OKKD93tKPPcZORh4b-jasVXZtPPxiknmJ72rWE9cNfs0LIPq1S78kmWsoUBzkWOSWATSmUkdhCjPc7o2s0cIM1fk_TzFFOg7AEDbapYEO" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Green onion graced <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/cheddar-grits-breakfast-bowls/" target="_blank">Cheddar grits breakfast bowl</a> with <a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/how-to-fry-an-egg/" target="_blank">sunny side up fried eggs</a> </span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;" target="_blank">(Budget Bytes)</a><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"> for breakfast</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJtolb9FoY_n040FbAAXKt2X-5sQCHG-fmrSkeFMaJM1ThNckDq1lMkjrif63BGOtc7-Qby4MdVG60LvDaNbYFS3dzpcTQY84nE6TTyToW6muBlSqlF7cVYxM8JsT_6n29olr8pb5BwfXj20AsdnDpzZ0_8WfWQJZc9oxCU4axH5V28iHzlVj_6nIHkTWo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJtolb9FoY_n040FbAAXKt2X-5sQCHG-fmrSkeFMaJM1ThNckDq1lMkjrif63BGOtc7-Qby4MdVG60LvDaNbYFS3dzpcTQY84nE6TTyToW6muBlSqlF7cVYxM8JsT_6n29olr8pb5BwfXj20AsdnDpzZ0_8WfWQJZc9oxCU4axH5V28iHzlVj_6nIHkTWo" width="180" /></span></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Green canned beverages with our meals</div></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ4pWPigsdMW0hJo-tNZicRFerGyJM6YUlbv-cPrDAKUP7PEBNSShobvOtnUz7yaW3UpdymrZiO1Ar8GR9JdUPda-m2UppR9AZYsE20zw_wDxerFM_khZ-mTGRXoe7C25S6yzcMqnje9coAhfdfrlM3mhsiP6C6K_mG685E6qZfWyNOTMIncr03Qeythdu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ4pWPigsdMW0hJo-tNZicRFerGyJM6YUlbv-cPrDAKUP7PEBNSShobvOtnUz7yaW3UpdymrZiO1Ar8GR9JdUPda-m2UppR9AZYsE20zw_wDxerFM_khZ-mTGRXoe7C25S6yzcMqnje9coAhfdfrlM3mhsiP6C6K_mG685E6qZfWyNOTMIncr03Qeythdu" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Spicy split pea soup (</span><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-Less-Cookbook-World-Community/dp/083619263X/ref=asc_df_083619263X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311990507415&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6803889911386870433&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-454060308652&psc=1&mcid=9de8d137536f3e0c8617ade2c7e51d80&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVLzJz_FuiTpqWvnxzrOWdZJ4nlDiZvRpVSN2aBeYV87LLojfUXO13BoCt4QQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">More with Less</a></i><span>)</span></div></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjudf4NLmfeedzcrUuUi8lr6TdlzHupVaj3bNsBENn98Rz0BwO4-ymwBOLPYGnzGdMYaozkhCsTUu96tWxSkylddyUapU2Txu8Z482_S5NiO_JGAAQij1fj_SQWRSvkv4CLvHQXTEmapwGhBeZshH8dQejsArMRhO04FgpvIc1gbWC8mnBasw8Lc7cK37nL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjudf4NLmfeedzcrUuUi8lr6TdlzHupVaj3bNsBENn98Rz0BwO4-ymwBOLPYGnzGdMYaozkhCsTUu96tWxSkylddyUapU2Txu8Z482_S5NiO_JGAAQij1fj_SQWRSvkv4CLvHQXTEmapwGhBeZshH8dQejsArMRhO04FgpvIc1gbWC8mnBasw8Lc7cK37nL" width="180" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/grilled-cheese-charred-scallions/" target="_blank">Grilled cheese with (green) charred scallions</a><span style="font-size: small;"> (<a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com" target="_blank">Not Without Salt</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEVM5AHHv9S4YlOjUADIM88MxjTg3uztxQrKiCIimalbhVOjjtuhBI4XOG0jKWYMQLNwshn8yOLJYy7ph1ZLFiU_UIRNYznxjbFOXUZLYjXa-5rjoAhuq0s3JW-RGH-g6lOOS1zFMknq1kedpXPm1E2JG6KXfVXq6HB_Op9_0aJVNDX13elLmXiDSYFVFl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEVM5AHHv9S4YlOjUADIM88MxjTg3uztxQrKiCIimalbhVOjjtuhBI4XOG0jKWYMQLNwshn8yOLJYy7ph1ZLFiU_UIRNYznxjbFOXUZLYjXa-5rjoAhuq0s3JW-RGH-g6lOOS1zFMknq1kedpXPm1E2JG6KXfVXq6HB_Op9_0aJVNDX13elLmXiDSYFVFl" width="180" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Green mint chocolate chip milkshake from <a href="https://frutilandiausa.com/" target="_blank">Fruitlandia</a> for dessert</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN4oBijf1veRrXMNBhgqKfAUmA4hkWQxbczcc27BPSWd5-UhktHIU8z5_A9lCM2uvR8MEndJhypjbOUpsIStVC5xoYY6O2s1DJd0l7VgjqLRBlnh5qKx-laqHgTyzijR70-O7tFOxoIyRW7k6mRBR-dEduOyH4a1Zju7qKMxiYrBJ7sp9Hoh5dP7Bcep8Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN4oBijf1veRrXMNBhgqKfAUmA4hkWQxbczcc27BPSWd5-UhktHIU8z5_A9lCM2uvR8MEndJhypjbOUpsIStVC5xoYY6O2s1DJd0l7VgjqLRBlnh5qKx-laqHgTyzijR70-O7tFOxoIyRW7k6mRBR-dEduOyH4a1Zju7qKMxiYrBJ7sp9Hoh5dP7Bcep8Q" width="180" /></a></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And of course I had to wear green!</div></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our standby decorations for this time of year didn't let us down on green, either.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcoRlD5jFiAKt9bIFxPrg1lsDjMrCee5-L4uM3ANCEChfEao5Ij_VtFE7lvDRIVZ6lJmmHx2Muh_oIsHeo6hzyyajSDoWK7vSan018Lzb1aNrRNZ4-XmxvUtF_TmO1pKRuQOKurTFNluCaXJbKgQwjQ5GruTEot0lTkU490I4jH3n3eJBXm4l1HH2AOsVN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3002" data-original-width="2727" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcoRlD5jFiAKt9bIFxPrg1lsDjMrCee5-L4uM3ANCEChfEao5Ij_VtFE7lvDRIVZ6lJmmHx2Muh_oIsHeo6hzyyajSDoWK7vSan018Lzb1aNrRNZ4-XmxvUtF_TmO1pKRuQOKurTFNluCaXJbKgQwjQ5GruTEot0lTkU490I4jH3n3eJBXm4l1HH2AOsVN" width="218" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://desertblossomcrafts.com/crochet-cross-applique/" target="_blank">Cross</a> garland for Lent (<a href="https://desertblossomcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Desert Blossom Crafts</a>)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi11BlbN0e_edLowmY-xb4oKEn_kdnZvdX0BC9CP-c2J3orNEsxnTcPoKbOUPLyUa0nCmQf9qquEmriN2QM9uqtbCywB8AjUC-pLE9OY0acQXxdHe2wXOcGywfKc54AaeU_t3cnteawbLsZicOuZfqU2fk7fie4J4SR-zQ5BZUqxDAmMtXfijbFXqfiSZ7y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi11BlbN0e_edLowmY-xb4oKEn_kdnZvdX0BC9CP-c2J3orNEsxnTcPoKbOUPLyUa0nCmQf9qquEmriN2QM9uqtbCywB8AjUC-pLE9OY0acQXxdHe2wXOcGywfKc54AaeU_t3cnteawbLsZicOuZfqU2fk7fie4J4SR-zQ5BZUqxDAmMtXfijbFXqfiSZ7y" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amomsimpression.com/how-to-make-a-shamrock-wreath/" target="_blank">Fabric wreath</a> (<a href="https://amomsimpression.com" target="_blank">A Mom's Impression</a>) we made years ago for Saint Patrick's Day </div></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All in all, I'd say we did pretty green!</span></span></h3><p><br /></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-28318480252625931342024-03-16T10:55:00.002-07:002024-03-16T10:55:49.038-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 11) <p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_xVYkhcY6zW9rx4YCfIj1HXV1LM3oRuksAd0VjpvDT7GIE1qe78eZ_AHw_pGKVS8ML-Hc6ql_sU2P3Z8W3rLi1ELALQrxXFAPXW2YmsjaxlnoYq3NrujGb0EId8JqYXrC3-kS5AUcaODjMz1TfCTzcmCV1Mw9qYKOsEXhrLe46amoSG_LvIr-96Vv0kuh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_xVYkhcY6zW9rx4YCfIj1HXV1LM3oRuksAd0VjpvDT7GIE1qe78eZ_AHw_pGKVS8ML-Hc6ql_sU2P3Z8W3rLi1ELALQrxXFAPXW2YmsjaxlnoYq3NrujGb0EId8JqYXrC3-kS5AUcaODjMz1TfCTzcmCV1Mw9qYKOsEXhrLe46amoSG_LvIr-96Vv0kuh" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><p></p><p></p><p><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://handletheheat.com/how-to-make-perfect-scones/#wprm-recipe-container-29821" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Chocolate chip scones</a> (<a href="https://handletheheat.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Handle the Heat</a>)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com/healthy-snacking-granola/" target="_blank">Healthy snacking granola</a> (<a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com" target="_blank">Munching with Mariyah</a>) </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Omnivore's Cookbook</a><span style="outline: none;">) made into deviled eggs</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Stir-fried veggie oats (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OATrageous-Oatmeals-Surprising-Plant-Based-Heart-Healthy/dp/1624140742" target="_blank">Oatrageous Oatmeals</a></i>)</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #196ad4; text-decoration-line: underline;">Super simple granola</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Oatmeal (and versions thereof)</p></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">Fluffy pancakes</a> (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">All Recipes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and salsa (sometimes with edamame added)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Easy egg salad </span></span></span></span></span></span><span>(</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Root vegetable medley <span>(</span><span><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span>, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and green beans</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Spicy split pea soup (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-Less-Cookbook-World-Community/dp/083619263X/ref=asc_df_083619263X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311990507415&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6803889911386870433&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-454060308652&psc=1&mcid=9de8d137536f3e0c8617ade2c7e51d80&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVLzJz_FuiTpqWvnxzrOWdZJ4nlDiZvRpVSN2aBeYV87LLojfUXO13BoCt4QQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">More with Less</a></i>)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/" target="_blank">One pot creamy sun dried tomato pasta</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: navy;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><a href="https://carlsbadcravings.com/chicken-yakisoba/" target="_blank">Chicken yakisoba</a><span> (</span><a href="https://carlsbadcravings.com/" target="_blank">Carlsbad Cravings</a><span>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mexican Pizza with custom-designed salsa and great guacamole <span style="background-color: white;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://umamigirl.com/hot-mess-grilled-cheese-sauerkraut-dijon/" target="_blank">Sauerkraut grilled cheese with dijon</a> (<a href="https://umamigirl.com/" target="_blank">Umami Girl</a>)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/grilled-cheese-charred-scallions/" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">Grilled cheese with charred scallions</a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"> (<a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com" target="_blank">Not Without Salt</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;">)</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Baby carrots</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Bananas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/cajun/cajun-peanuts.htm" target="_blank">Cajun peanuts</a> (<a href="https://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/cajun/cajun-peanuts.htm" target="_blank">Cajun Cooking Recipes</a>)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Cheese sticks</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://handletheheat.com/how-to-make-perfect-scones/#wprm-recipe-container-29821" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Chocolate chip scones</a> (<a href="https://handletheheat.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Handle the Heat</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com/carrot-oatmeal-greek-yogurt-muffins/" target="_blank">Carrot Oatmeal Greek Yogurt Muffins</a> (<a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com" target="_blank">Running with Spoons</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Fruit cups</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com/healthy-snacking-granola/" target="_blank">Healthy snacking granola</a> (<a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com" target="_blank">Munching with Mariyah</a>) </p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Leftover pancakes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Oatmeal of all kinds (baked oatmeal, mug, overnight oats, etc.)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/strawberry-banana-chickpea-muffins-3/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank">Strawberry banana muffins</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank">Bucket List Tummy</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></span><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><br /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up-</b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />Homemade pizza dough <span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Italian-Cookbook/dp/1618371185" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">)</span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">Homemade whole wheat bread</span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">Mixed vegetables<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/7048727862932088227#"><span>Rotel salsa</span></a><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> (</span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/7048727862932088227#"><span>CD Kitchen</span></a><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">)</span></span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:<br /></span><br /></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Bacon aioli</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Old cabbage</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Big bag of colby jack cheese</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Old carton of eggs<br />Greek yogurt (large container and small container)</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Homemade salsa</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Jalapenos (froze the rest for future use)</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Old mayonnaise</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Mixed vegetables</div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Big bag mozzarella cheese<br /><span style="background-color: white;">No-fry refried beans (</span><span><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span>1 bag of onions</span></div><div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span>Romaine lettuce<br /></span><span>Tomatoes</span></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All the ripe bananas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Cinnamon sugar</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Coach's Oatmeal packet</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Grapefruit</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 can of sauerkraut</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Split peas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sweet potato</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">A little bit of the onions (but I was able to cut that part off)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">A sweet potato (It must have been a bad one, because over half of it rotted and molded in one week on the counter! Lesson learned to use up produce ASAP!)</p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Cheese grits </span><span>(</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span></div></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Corned beef </span><span style="background-color: white;">(</span><span><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/sweet-potato-crust-quiche/#wprm-recipe-container-39706" target="_blank">Sweet potato crust quiche</a> (<a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a>) with <a href="https://www.theculinarygym.com/blog/instant-pot-caramelized-onions" target="_blank">Instant Pot caramelized onions</a> (<a href="https://www.theculinarygym.com/" target="_blank">The Culinary Gym</a>)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Veggie oat taco mince <span style="background-color: white;">(</span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OATrageous-Oatmeals-Surprising-Plant-Based-Heart-Healthy/dp/1624140742" target="_blank">Oatrageous Oatmeals</a></i><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br /></span></b></div></span></span></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/chocolate-protein-mousse-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-224401" target="_blank">Chocolate protein mousse</a> (<a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a>)<br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Halved jalapenos</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Half of the <a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/sweet-potato-crust-quiche/#wprm-recipe-container-39706" target="_blank">sweet potato crust quiche</a> (<a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a>)</span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://litecravings.com/light-brioche-buns/" target="_blank">Light brioche buns</a> (<a href="https://litecravings.com/" target="_blank">Lite Cravings</a>)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; font-family: georgia; outline: none;" target="_blank">Whole wheat bread</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; font-family: georgia; outline: none;" target="_blank">Sally’s Baking Addiction</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></div><p class="ydp2ba5cd18p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;"><br /></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-76037102847678121862024-03-11T07:00:00.001-07:002024-03-11T07:00:00.143-07:00Maybe I've Been Wrong....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYANGy7fPmzSRIbkAiLkoKYDL_9eyzqxseWcnrzI87N2tsgbOaMQ8xYpAPwZow9iGpPG0iXuVdXwIGCUGt9SXkP5Ok-WPvbOk3M-HLkwolTsz5AGVbASpbobtDMyar-DPMmKp1DRdML2KjOrGoouh-zgWJBOcCLljO5QGh8fH2BGfrZrQmkTNgLlqJBXD/s940/Maybe%20I've%20been%20wrong....png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYANGy7fPmzSRIbkAiLkoKYDL_9eyzqxseWcnrzI87N2tsgbOaMQ8xYpAPwZow9iGpPG0iXuVdXwIGCUGt9SXkP5Ok-WPvbOk3M-HLkwolTsz5AGVbASpbobtDMyar-DPMmKp1DRdML2KjOrGoouh-zgWJBOcCLljO5QGh8fH2BGfrZrQmkTNgLlqJBXD/s320/Maybe%20I've%20been%20wrong....png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />I can be pretty harsh in assessing judgments and motives. If I listen, the Holy Spirit usually leads me to tune in and re-evaluate, but my first instinct is often to think the worst. And so it has been for me with gifts much of my life. I like gifts, don't get me wrong, but I have sometimes seen big gifts as trying to win affection or favor. Maybe I've been wrong. Maybe they're just expressing love in their love language, because gift-giving is a way to show love. What if I took it as that?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I started thinking this way after a big gift from my husband. It was a very, very nice gift, and it still left me feeling unsettled. I could not quite discern why. I know I felt unworthy. I know I didn't like the price tag of the gift (which I saw, because we share a budget). I worried that I would somehow break the gift. But there was somehow more. But then that old stuff came up: judgments of people, past experiences where someone gave big gifts, when I really needed something more intangible: connection, affirmation, time, etc. But then I had to remind myself that my husband is not them. He loves me well and he only buys me big gifts when we can afford them. He buys me nice things because he wants me to have them and believes they will be useful. He gives me big gifts because he loves me. His love in other ways is not lacking, either.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I may also struggle with because big gifts are not my love language. Big gifts were few and far between in my growing up life, and as a saver, it's hard for me to spend a lot of money all at once. And I would rather be served or have little gifts a lot of the time. Service is my own giving love language. But we're all different. What if a person can love well and give gifts? Shouldn't that be okay? Shouldn't I let them? Shouldn't I affirm them and thank them? I'm afraid I've been wrong about a lot of gifts and gift-giving. It's not the gift, but the heart that matters. May God, in His grace, allow me to look for that.</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-52486683877263674582024-03-10T07:00:00.001-07:002024-03-10T07:00:00.167-07:00Real Life Marriage: What Would Jesus Do? (The Marriage Edition)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5VzOHJiAy8KX_plfSsYmJlc6E2Tc3fGP0WLVVQ4WASfmSzk-msOUKz4jNqeJO-ntq_ghuFXMqn95p-v5J80Pn-JAqk3LDhTa8XC8zyB5iWREDkVYKaZhHkAxXmjDqebOPt14ce-f8Ls5A8R3oyds00flGnTzqAzRK1zGGNZ8QA3w2pG807TydeHFeQd/s940/What%20would%20JESUS%20do.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5VzOHJiAy8KX_plfSsYmJlc6E2Tc3fGP0WLVVQ4WASfmSzk-msOUKz4jNqeJO-ntq_ghuFXMqn95p-v5J80Pn-JAqk3LDhTa8XC8zyB5iWREDkVYKaZhHkAxXmjDqebOPt14ce-f8Ls5A8R3oyds00flGnTzqAzRK1zGGNZ8QA3w2pG807TydeHFeQd/s320/What%20would%20JESUS%20do.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />What would Jesus do? It's a book (Sheldon, 2009). It became a movement (Johnson, 2019). It spawned the weaving on many, many bracelets. While the phrase has become a bit trite, its legacy and message live on. I think it applies to marriage, too.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I really want to meet my husband's needs. Really, I do. I see part of my role as a servant of my husband, or maybe, better said, as support staff. I want to support and equip him so that he can do the work God calls him to do. Sure, I am selfish and self-centered too much of the time. That is the sin still living in me. The Spirit living in me wants to serve.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There comes the rub, though. My husband is not me, and too often, I serve him in ways that would meet my needs, but don't meet his. I have been trying to consider his needs more, but honestly, trying to analyze my husband is exhausting. And it makes me focused on him. When I focus on him, I try to do things my way, in my power, and that takes me right back to the problem of <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2022/08/real-life-marriage-doing-love-wrongagain.html" target="_blank">loving my husband wrong</a>. What I need to do is to focus on God. I need to ask, <i>What would Jesus do? How would Jesus have me love my husband?</i> This brings in the Spirit's power. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">God knows the thoughts and needs of my husband. If I am following God, I can trust God to use me to meet the needs of my husband. And the needs that I cannot meet, I can trust God to meet, or God to provide others to meet. What would Jesus do? Great question! What did Jesus do? He relied on God's power. I need to do the same.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What would Jesus do? It really is a great question, for life as a believer, and for life as a wife. May God continue to turn my heart and mind towards him so that I can better act as Jesus did, both inside and outside of my marriage.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">References:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Johnson, B. (2019, July 18). WWJD as a trend has disappeared, but the principle has not. <i>The arc: Stories to inspire faith-filled living. </i>https://www.tyndale.com/sites/readthearc/wwjd-as-a-trend-has-disappeared-but-the-principle-has-not/</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sheldon, C.M. (2009). <i>In his steps: What would Jesus do? </i>Wilder publications.</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-70487278629320882272024-03-09T11:33:00.000-07:002024-03-09T11:33:30.300-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 10)<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="outline: none;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSnzY8xNhdi2QYZR3fN6V4bNbFV78tkThoqkuZPz6O8koTNefX4XIhvPIiioOe0HiWkabqT5WTSqkmuTNJeqTKTjHbP-e1mJ_Mkgb5TRs8nT2_reFAbgA-g29bJW9EHGq6K0hyiR5knbvVMcKCO4o10uGhiJqOCRC-95NhY-SqpLt1DWW7eoIxDufbyiX/s4032/Beef%20ragu%20with%20minted%20penne%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSnzY8xNhdi2QYZR3fN6V4bNbFV78tkThoqkuZPz6O8koTNefX4XIhvPIiioOe0HiWkabqT5WTSqkmuTNJeqTKTjHbP-e1mJ_Mkgb5TRs8nT2_reFAbgA-g29bJW9EHGq6K0hyiR5knbvVMcKCO4o10uGhiJqOCRC-95NhY-SqpLt1DWW7eoIxDufbyiX/s320/Beef%20ragu%20with%20minted%20penne%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" width="240" /></a></b></div><b style="outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></b></p></span></b></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Bagel with cream cheese</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mushroom congee </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span>Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> or tuna, and </span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/99/Rotel_Salsa1417.shtml" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Rotel salsa</a> (<a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">CD Kitchen</a>)</p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Root vegetable medley (The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook), </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and green beans</p><p><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Beef ragu with minted penne </span><span style="outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Italian-Cookbook/dp/1618371185" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="outline: none;">) (thawed from freezer)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://hellolittlehome.com/broccoli-rabe-and-provolone-grilled-cheese-sandwich/" target="_blank">Broccoli grilled cheese</a> (<a href="https://hellolittlehome.com" target="_blank">Hello Little Home</a>)</span></p></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.justveg.com.au/recipes/carrot-cheese-toastie/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Carrot, cheese, and chive toastie</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> (</span><a href="https://www.justveg.com.au" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Just Veg</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://carlsbadcravings.com/chicken-yakisoba/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Chicken yakisoba</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> (</span><a href="https://carlsbadcravings.com/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Carlsbad Cravings</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/green-chile-grilled-cheese-melt/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Green chile grilled cheese melt</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> (</span><a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Taste of Home</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Stir-fried veggie oats (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OATrageous-Oatmeals-Surprising-Plant-Based-Heart-Healthy/dp/1624140742" target="_blank">Oatrageous Oatmeals</a></i>)</p></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><u>Snacks:</u><span><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrots</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com/carrot-oatmeal-greek-yogurt-muffins/" target="_blank">Carrot Oatmeal Greek Yogurt Muffins</a> (<a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com" target="_blank">Running with Spoons</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Leftover pancakes</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/oatmeal-fingers/#wprm-recipe-container-128712" target="_blank">Oatmeal fingers</a> (<a href="https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/" target="_blank">Eating Bird Food</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="outline: none;">Beef ragu with minted penne </span><span style="outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Italian-Cookbook/dp/1618371185" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/99/Rotel_Salsa1417.shtml" target="_blank">Rotel salsa</a><span style="background-color: white;"> (</span><a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com" target="_blank">CD Kitchen</a><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Cream cheese</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Old apples</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 bunch of green onions</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Random packets of fast food ketchup</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Provolone cheese</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sour milk</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yakisoba noodles</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All the ripe bananas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Fettucine</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Himalayan sea salt grinder</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Pinto beans</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sun dried tomatoes </p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Can of tuna</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">The pesto sadly molded before I got to use it. Note to self: Freeze things quickly!<br /><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/" target="_blank">One pot creamy sun dried tomato pasta</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">No-fry refried beans (<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook</a>)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span><a href="https://hungryhobby.net/banana-oatmeal-muffins/" target="_blank">Banana oatmeal muffins</a> (<a href="https://hungryhobby.net" target="_blank">Hungry Hobby</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://handletheheat.com/how-to-make-perfect-scones/#wprm-recipe-container-29821" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Chocolate chip scones</a> (<a href="https://handletheheat.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Handle the Heat</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Homemade pizza dough <span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Italian-Cookbook/dp/1618371185" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Omnivore's Cookbook</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Leftover breadsticks from our meal out at Olive Garden (Too good to waste!)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Milk we hadn't drunk and that I feared would sour</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Sprouted almonds (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-16846058840015903122024-03-06T07:00:00.007-07:002024-03-06T07:00:00.270-07:00The Simplified Life (Month 2 Update)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTdKT3Yb6dy7Z8cOMyVM-UrpS3JSIjAngIYsIMmBQp8wh-kLCN3gZFCZFyGs2_O0tpW3bNUoy4NQze7d5oFFJtx5pYrv_p5qOqgXsT5E1X3561Rm4D2wsX1EJoOhGhNg3WhKjeGFPNyAhFYhOFHNhjQUN2_0J2VME5t30uGKMfUDLQEV38fGQWU50alxF/s940/The%20Simplified%20Life.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTdKT3Yb6dy7Z8cOMyVM-UrpS3JSIjAngIYsIMmBQp8wh-kLCN3gZFCZFyGs2_O0tpW3bNUoy4NQze7d5oFFJtx5pYrv_p5qOqgXsT5E1X3561Rm4D2wsX1EJoOhGhNg3WhKjeGFPNyAhFYhOFHNhjQUN2_0J2VME5t30uGKMfUDLQEV38fGQWU50alxF/s320/The%20Simplified%20Life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am a little past month two on trying to live a more simplified life, but as my nana would say, "Que sera, sera" (whatever will be, will be). In terms of simplicity, I mostly find myself prioritizing more simplicity with cooking. It is a big part of my "job" at home, so it makes sense.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Several years ago, after listening to<a href="https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy" target="_blank"> <i>The Lazy Genius </i></a>podcast, I started working through cookbooks, rather than googling for recipes. It decreases time and decision fatigue in men planning by a ton. Don't get me wrong. I still like recipe blogs and I do google recipes, but I do it less for our overall meal plan. Simplicity. I continue to do this now. Our main cookbooks now are:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Cookbook: 125 Fix-and-Forget Vegetarian Recipes</a> by Rockridge Press</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Italian-Cookbook/dp/1618371185" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span><i>:</i>185 Trattoria Favorites to Bring Everyone Together</a> by Good Housekeeping</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals" target="_blank">The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals</a> </i>by Laurel Randolph</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" target="_blank">Rise and Run:Recipes, Rituals and Runs to Fuel Your Day: A Cookbook</a> </i>by Shalene Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">As I mentioned last month, I am cooking more and more in big batches. We eat some and freeze some, and then rotate in the frozen stuff again later. It's not new variety, but it's variety. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am seeking to do something akin to zero budgeting when I buy special ingredients: plan to use up all of them. Sometimes that means making even bigger batches of things. Sometimes it means finding multiple recipes that will use up all of the thing. While more complicated in the beginning, in the end, it leads to simplicity, because I am not tracking an extra item and its potential spoilage. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am trying to use up leftovers, too. It's not my favorite, but having too many leftovers, even frozen, means complication over simplicity.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I enjoy a good sale and saving money, but I am trying not to stock up so much. As things currently stand, we can find most things in the grocery store. I really stockpiled during COVID, and I pray I can keep away from needing to continue to do that.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Simplicity does bite me sometimes, like when we run out of things, or I am forced to pay full price for something that was on sale earlier. Oh well. Even simplicity comes at a cost.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Those are the main updates for now. Already into this next month, and we will see what the Lord holds in it.</span></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-20171833499660854672024-03-04T07:00:00.001-07:002024-03-04T07:00:00.254-07:00A Mile In His Shoes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8opqDwVUsuUksecsr01JAiNfWhixNdm6T4vgYC5lUkaMnn1EIzuhJquKEYKfwTBHQc5VMzZL9PNDPGmgLYEeQXjg1HZH1V96EoEghrI3vh5N2aCFm0piPhFjiZJGmyarkw-nVD7zw8zgxea32uO6LtWWRG96v4KurDX3wMtAH051o1YHDdA_kFrjylr0P/s940/A%20Mile%20In%20His%20Shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8opqDwVUsuUksecsr01JAiNfWhixNdm6T4vgYC5lUkaMnn1EIzuhJquKEYKfwTBHQc5VMzZL9PNDPGmgLYEeQXjg1HZH1V96EoEghrI3vh5N2aCFm0piPhFjiZJGmyarkw-nVD7zw8zgxea32uO6LtWWRG96v4KurDX3wMtAH051o1YHDdA_kFrjylr0P/s320/A%20Mile%20In%20His%20Shoes.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">People often cite the old adage "Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes" to encourage the practice of empathy. Sometimes, though, people practice the inverse: judging a person because they have lived through what they think is a similar circumstance. Spoiler alert: we are all unique. None of us can actually understand exactly what another person goes through.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We should practice empathy for others. While we may not have even experienced the same circumstances as another person, as humans, we can still relate to the emotions others experience: joy, elation, sadness, grief, anger, etc. We can understand how those emotions can impact us. We can review how those emotions have impacted others around us. We can treat others with grace, mercy, and compassion as a result.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sometimes we have experienced circumstances with the same name as those of another: cancer, marriage, divorce, death, etc. This can lead us to believe that we <i>know</i> what that person is going through. We can want to give advice as a result. No, we do not really know what that person is going through, though. We know what going through that circumstance was like for <i>us</i>. Another person's experience of that same experience may, in fact, be very different from our own.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">How should this change our approach to others sharing in sufferings or joys similar to ours? Possibly we should back away from advice giving and judgment. People undergoing intense emotion often do not need more feedback. They need grace. They need love. They need people to identify that what they are going through is a lot, is difficult, is overwhelming. They need people to understand the nature of their struggle and provide support, not provide judgement or feedback. If people need advice, they will generally ask for it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Most of us as humans have walked some difficult miles. Those miles have taught us lessons, often hard-won lessons. Let's not waste those! Cherish them. Treasure them. Steward them. Consider carefully before enforcing those lessons on others, though. Consider offering love, care, support, encouragement. If really prompted to share, maybe ask the person for permission first. That feels far more understanding and far more loving than simply throwing advice at people. Many people are wading in seas of advice. They don't need more. What they need is to see the footprints of another person who made his or her way out. Maybe that person is you!</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-5451409513549342062024-03-02T05:09:00.003-07:002024-03-02T09:54:52.825-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 9)<p><b style="outline: none;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisocj96dtmBqUQdEER9vTrNgLAxD4UC6XhQoYGa7hQaQvTpdsz0BcxhqQtA3B8a4tBzwK-bkukBWi48L17M5M19gPVDUkewQST5D46qsNmLBNQ3bpBVCbVrXQoE8PfUcT34YSIFxzLGybduxus9LqfaCiw0jjhpzpymHqms5Lsfbu52hB7kNWzc7XUVjQH/s4032/Pasta%20e%20Fagioli%20with%20Sausage%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisocj96dtmBqUQdEER9vTrNgLAxD4UC6XhQoYGa7hQaQvTpdsz0BcxhqQtA3B8a4tBzwK-bkukBWi48L17M5M19gPVDUkewQST5D46qsNmLBNQ3bpBVCbVrXQoE8PfUcT34YSIFxzLGybduxus9LqfaCiw0jjhpzpymHqms5Lsfbu52hB7kNWzc7XUVjQH/s320/Pasta%20e%20Fagioli%20with%20Sausage%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></b></div><p></p><p><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/cheddar-grits-breakfast-bowls/" target="_blank">Cheddar grits breakfast bowl</a> with <a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/how-to-fry-an-egg/" target="_blank">sunny side up fried eggs</a> </span></span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">(Budget Bytes)</a><span> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">Fluffy pancakes</a> (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">All Recipes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com/healthy-snacking-granola/" target="_blank">Healthy snacking granola</a> (<a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com" target="_blank">Munching with Mariyah</a>) </p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent;">Tropical fruit salad with brown rice </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>) </p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Beef ragu with minted penne </span><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">(</span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">) (thawed from freezer)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a>, and salsa</span></span></span><span style="outline: none;"> and </span></span>edamame</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Bread stuffing with mushrooms and herbs (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>) </span></span></span></span>with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and green beans<br /><br /></p><div><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/spiced-lentils-with-carrots/" target="_blank">Spiced lentils with carrots</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>) and brown rice or <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/cheddar-grits-breakfast-bowls/" target="_blank">cheddar grits</a> </span></span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">(Budget Bytes)</a><span> </span></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Tropical fruit salad with brown rice </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>) and grilled chicken with mint vinaigrette (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/knead-pan-pizza/" target="_blank">No knead pan pizza</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>) with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/fresh-tomato-pizza-sauce-recipe-7217373" target="_blank">fresh tomato pizza sauce</a> (<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Food Network</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-sausage-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/" target="_blank">One pot sausage and sundried tomato pasta</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span>Pasta e fagioli with sausage</span><span> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#"><span><i>Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span>) (Thawed from freezer)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Apples</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://realhousemoms.com/apple-cider-muffins/" target="_blank">Apple cider muffins</a> (<a href="https://realhousemoms.com" target="_blank">Real House Moms</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Canned pears</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com/carrot-oatmeal-greek-yogurt-muffins/" target="_blank">Carrot Oatmeal Greek Yogurt Muffins</a> (<a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com" target="_blank">Running with Spoons</a>)</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Carrots</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Cheese sticks</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;">Crispy rice peanut butter bars </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Fruit pouches</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Leftover pancakes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/oatmeal-fingers/#wprm-recipe-container-128712" target="_blank">Oatmeal fingers</a> (<a href="https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/" target="_blank">Eating Bird Food</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Peanuts</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" target="_blank">Snickers protein bar</a><span> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a><span>)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Sprouted almonds (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Broccoli</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; outline: none;">Crispy rice peanut butter bars </span><span style="background-color: white;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">The last Italian ice</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Pepperoni</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" target="_blank">Snickers protein bar</a><span> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a><span>)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tomato paste</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 carton of eggs (but I have another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 package of mushrooms</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Homemade salsa</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Romaine lettuce</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All the ripe bananas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Baking powder (but have another can)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Small cinnamon bottle (but stocked up on the large containers at Walmart)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Maple spiced mixed nuts </p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rotel</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All the tomatoes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Nothing that I know of!</span></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Mushroom congee (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/99/Rotel_Salsa1417.shtml" target="_blank">Rotel salsa</a> (<a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com" target="_blank">CD Kitchen</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Root vegetable medley (The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/99/Rotel_Salsa1417.shtml" target="_blank">Rotel salsa</a> (<a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com" target="_blank">CD Kitchen</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Shelled edamame</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Shredded chicken</a></p></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-30587922828491568922024-02-29T13:35:00.000-07:002024-02-29T13:35:31.316-07:00Everything I Read in February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkF6zBVqu6_0wHHH5ts1H11SA62qXQzEVM76dRTtS5uEWgO9BMSfFA3fPKpytfw9P40LvT1XzZxM5Sukn9HUfWIVNDw7ofS2mhJjqj_ncaURsZUk13e7Ep2CIay9RHkRdmzoWDH8_kM62T_iaK6NyIkWXctUlmGq2win95m9EEn6XJkSUxNpdwFRz7ZrS/s1534/Get%20Out%20of%20Your%20Head%20by%20Jennie%20Allen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkF6zBVqu6_0wHHH5ts1H11SA62qXQzEVM76dRTtS5uEWgO9BMSfFA3fPKpytfw9P40LvT1XzZxM5Sukn9HUfWIVNDw7ofS2mhJjqj_ncaURsZUk13e7Ep2CIay9RHkRdmzoWDH8_kM62T_iaK6NyIkWXctUlmGq2win95m9EEn6XJkSUxNpdwFRz7ZrS/s320/Get%20Out%20of%20Your%20Head%20by%20Jennie%20Allen.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I read even less books this month than last, but you know what? I read, and I read some weighty (though helpful) stuff. Here's my list:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">6) <i>Abdi's World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun</i> by Abdi Abidrahman—Talk about a man who loves running! Abdi Abidrahman had run in five Olympics as of the writing of this book. As of 2/3/24, he had lined up for a sixth trials. Wow! A Somalian refugee who came to Tucson at age 16, Abidrahman, or “The Black Cactus,” as he likes to call himself, is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to training, and to life. He doesn't keep a training log. He is humble—respectful, and even complimentary of competitors. He is big into fashion. He is Muslim, but speaks little of the details of his faith, even in the book, and as of right now, is partnered with, but not married to feller runner Diane Nukuri. He is also a bit of a fashion person. The book is not about much of that, but rather Abdi's joy in and life as a runner. With clips from interviews and a few photos, this is really just a fun, joyful read. The sage advice Abidrahman gives about keeping healthy, though, stands out, especially in light of those who had to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Trials due to injury. Abidrahman knows what it takes to stand the test of time as a runner, and that is how he has, and continues to make a life of running.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">7) <i>Surprised by Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected About Being a Mom</i> by Lisa-Jo Baker—This was a relatively short and easy read, a memoir detailing the author's decision not to have children due to childhood wounds, and later decision to have, and even embrace children. With a style similar to that of Ann Voskamp, the writing is soothing (though less verbose). The lessons the author shares about grief and marriage and parenting are poignant. The story is obviously not over, and the author has written other books (none of which I have read). The refreshing nature of this book does make me wonder what the rest of her memoirs are like. Maybe a surprise for another time?</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">8) <i>Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts</i> by Jennie Allen—Another solid book by author Jennie Allen, this explores how thinking one thought—the ability to change thought, can change the whole negative thought spiral. Allen bravely shares about her own struggles with negative thinking and how focusing on Christ and things of Christ bring freedom. With integration of neuroscience and neurobiology with Scripture, this is both an interesting, and convicting read. It might be a lot about the head, but it's also about the heart, and having a heart aligned with Jesus about all else.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">9) <i>Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness [Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included]</i> by Pooja Lakshmin, MD—This is not a Christian book, and it definitely has some social justice/self-focus themes I cannot endorse. With that being said, it is a very helpful book for considering what is needed to nourish self in order to nourish others. Written by a female psychiatrist and for women, this book explores the societal pressures placed on women, the paradoxes of trying to be “good” at work and home, faux versus real-self care, and more. The book contains helpful exercises for values work, as well as some ACT and DBT coping skills. This book gave me a lot of food for thought and I would recommend it to women who are able to tolerate some things they may not include or endorse for their own self-care.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">10) <i>Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keywords for Success</i> by Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie K. Spatola—West Point graduation and former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) shares in this book words that mean something to him. He accompanies each with anecdotes from him life and coaching. Less cohesive than a book, this is best rest bit by bit, rather than all at once. With a focus on character, this would be a great book to read from before sports team practices or other like gatherings.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">11) <i>Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski </i>by Ian O’Connor—A tome of a book, this biography chronicles Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s life from his birth to immigrant parents to his last NCAA finals game. Raised a Duke fan and in awe of “Coach K’s” reign, I wanted to read this book to learn more about the inspirational leader. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find loads of profanity, often in quotes from the man himself, along with accounts of rage that included breaking things, struggles to apologize, inability to accept criticism, and at times, being a sore loser. Coach K did have a 47 year college career at Duke, coaching though back surgery, a breakdown, and the replacement of both hips and knees. He had a reputation of being honest in the recruiting process. Many noted his gifts of collaboration and leadership. He really did love a lot of people, especially his family, who played primary roles on his home team for all his years as a coach. In sum, Coach K is a man, a man whose humanity this book reveals. Though a professing Catholic, this book, in all its thoroughness, doesn’t point to true saving faith, and so that is my prayer after reading this book: that the great Coach K will come to salvation through Jesus so that he may one day live under the great reign of the eternal God.</p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-15322626484826505622024-02-28T07:00:00.000-07:002024-02-28T07:00:00.245-07:00At Least I Tried...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0NxwJFahM4hXBYIfLARvJ-_aDC4mUh50bywQ7yPS_ydkzJ-YqUdYoJnHtND87zIXfTBgm369d_AxYzQB3GmNkAs3ZN8HHL9YGQAbk3CO4JjWHkhb5IdvzVh45gDdOk_1o6q_JIw9OQY94-GV5O4h7MBKVcFjDU-xJNwAWV149HhToP5oubjzF8L2Ubl/s4032/Whole%20wheat%20bread%20(Sally%E2%80%99s%20Baking%20Addiction)3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0NxwJFahM4hXBYIfLARvJ-_aDC4mUh50bywQ7yPS_ydkzJ-YqUdYoJnHtND87zIXfTBgm369d_AxYzQB3GmNkAs3ZN8HHL9YGQAbk3CO4JjWHkhb5IdvzVh45gDdOk_1o6q_JIw9OQY94-GV5O4h7MBKVcFjDU-xJNwAWV149HhToP5oubjzF8L2Ubl/s320/Whole%20wheat%20bread%20(Sally%E2%80%99s%20Baking%20Addiction)3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />I hate failure. Really, I do. It really stinks! It feeds my personal feelings of failure and inadequacy. But you know what else feeds those same feelings? Failing to try. I never know the potential joys of success when I don't try.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So here's to continuing to try new things this year. Trying and failing, probably a lot. Congratulating myself for trying. Feelings the grief when I fail. Learning where I can, and moving on. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Having a few unexpected successes along the way.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the end, I think I would rather say, "At least I tried..." than "I wish I would have." Trying is a practice in future focused hope. Wishing is a past-focused regret. I'd rather regret that I tried than regret that I never tried, at least that's what I'm trying to tell myself right now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(The above <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/whole-wheat-bread/" target="_blank">whole wheat bread</a> is a result of one of my tries so far this year. It actually rose despite being 100% whole wheat flour. Praise Jesus for <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction</a> recipe testing that results in unexpected success for strugglers like me!)</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-72259224602148982852024-02-27T07:00:00.003-07:002024-02-27T07:00:00.139-07:00Why Can't We Age?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9kxxAM5nhfhADFRtvOEkahtYif61CLWsgzaQa4Nfdabxq-e0vHM_Nw0PzZhyG5lxhtiSUT8XZlVdkpFwAr2_fuhhHpXlptASkiqMNEeS7sHLtc-4_6y8Fl3OaEizg_mFynzeyIjKy_2tm2AAzbfe79ZDJ6upNg6ivruOU_aTaQJGaDYp85VDZ0P3sSjK/s1080/Why%20Can't%20We%20Age.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9kxxAM5nhfhADFRtvOEkahtYif61CLWsgzaQa4Nfdabxq-e0vHM_Nw0PzZhyG5lxhtiSUT8XZlVdkpFwAr2_fuhhHpXlptASkiqMNEeS7sHLtc-4_6y8Fl3OaEizg_mFynzeyIjKy_2tm2AAzbfe79ZDJ6upNg6ivruOU_aTaQJGaDYp85VDZ0P3sSjK/s320/Why%20Can't%20We%20Age.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I listened to a podcast recently that kind of riled me up. (I won't link to it here because I don't think it is qualifies as a beneficial listen.) I thought it would be about aging well, and as a woman getting closer to 40 who also likes to run, I was interested. It turned out to be not quite that. Instead, it was about reversing the effects of aging, taking hormones to stop or slow down the aging process, and eating restrictive diets to maintain peak performance. Why? I'm all for moving well and eating well, but why can't we age?</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">At the age that I am, I am starting to see forehead wrinkles and aging/sun spots. They are not my favorite, but they are mine. To my benefit, the kids and families I work with no longer think I am one of them and instead see me as more of a professional. Win! Aging is about growth and maturity and gaining wisdom. I hope I am growing in those.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Back to my question: Why can't we age? If God made our hormones to gradually decline, why can't we let them. If God made us to wrinkle and get gray hair, which Proverbs says is "splendor," can't we just embrace it and embrace it well (Proverbs 16:21, Proverbs 20:29, New International Version)? I personally loved my nana's white hair and thought it was beautiful!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you want to use wrinkle cream (I do!) and dye your hair and use hormones, go for it! You do you!.But for right now, I'm wanting to lean into the aging process, to doing it well and gracefully, if the Lord allows. Yes, I want to stay active. Yes, I want to be healthy. Yes, I want to care for myself. If the natural progression of life is to show age and slow down, though, I am here for it. I want to embrace it, because I believe in a creator who made things the way they are supposed to be, who allows things to be the way they are. Maybe I will think differently when I am a different age, but for now, I am here for this one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Reference:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>New International Version</i>. (2011). BibleGateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/</span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-9670768150402707612024-02-26T07:00:00.001-07:002024-02-26T07:00:00.148-07:00Keep the Stuff<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylFKUJlc5zMQoIm9tVSOzYUJ41rtKkAgpjZswZTr53amnzX3AcMN_r0OYPgZzcp5cJDgG2HAiJCWfNEQ-WSbekQjCqthIRfzG8LvW6PktYu3-9p6LDoUX34HDUosB2glMmKz0vLqzCieEfVui6Hn3tKtDDb9SiGcVY1yRRocJew5zYZn8GnN9X7x-dGM-/s4032/2.24.24%20Race%20medals1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylFKUJlc5zMQoIm9tVSOzYUJ41rtKkAgpjZswZTr53amnzX3AcMN_r0OYPgZzcp5cJDgG2HAiJCWfNEQ-WSbekQjCqthIRfzG8LvW6PktYu3-9p6LDoUX34HDUosB2glMmKz0vLqzCieEfVui6Hn3tKtDDb9SiGcVY1yRRocJew5zYZn8GnN9X7x-dGM-/s320/2.24.24%20Race%20medals1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p>I rearranged my race medals this past weekend. I packed away some more. I barely considered getting rid of or donating any. I am just not at that place. Yes, these things take up space, but at this point, they still bring me joy, so I am keeping them.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I used to want to be a minimalist. No longer. I don't want a ton of stuff. I don't want to be a hoarder, but I also want to hold onto things that bring me joy. Yes, I have a lot of race medals, but looking at them lets me relive some of the fun I had in racing. The medals themselves are cheap, but the memories they hold are irreplaceable. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes, I have a few things around the house I don't use regularly, like the bundt pan, and the doughnut pan, and the mini muffin tin. I could get rid of them, but when I use them, they are really helpful, and I have fun. I'm keeping them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have far more than a capsule wardrobe, and I'm working on going through it, but you know what? Some of those rarely worn things I do wear, and/or I treasure. For now, I'm keeping them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Slowly but surely, I have gotten rid of some things, things that no longer bring me joy or pleasure or use. Cookbooks I've outgrown. Papers I thought were important, but don't seem to be (and I need to get rid of a lot more in this category). While I don't want to be a maximalist, I do want to maximize what I have.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you are a minimalist and that works for you, go for it. But if you, like me, have felt the pressure, and even shame of not minimizing, keep the stuff. Enjoy the stuff. Thank God for the stuff. Yes, it's stuff that will go away, but might as well savor it while God gives it to us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">P.S. I know not everyone has space to keep all the stuff. An alternative is to photograph the stuff and then let it go. I also have a lot of pictures, and thanks to digital storage, I can keep them. I don't go back to look at them often, but when I do, I enjoy it. Worst case scenario, I need more storage to house all my photos, but that is easier to come by than physical space most times....</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-39114780657666036402024-02-24T09:50:00.004-07:002024-02-25T17:54:30.278-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 8)<p><b style="outline: none;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k9xmb8M-vmPbUqflDuvyvBOPY5OjoR0lDPrT7i0n3QNZGpocp8VGMnlkzwpH0PRBHYnOVt0nCr4XugQT2xvOPQrKb5C2RQAL_YdIC4J7DBWLn2MOyHB8dya6BO6aep6hkM6bekAgabu5qCX18mNjgtFBrJUVc8DwRYS4XxqtwFwYSq0FiZqcEWvk6yVp/s4032/One%20pot%20sausage%20and%20sun%20dried%20tomato%20pasta%20(Budget%20Bytes).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k9xmb8M-vmPbUqflDuvyvBOPY5OjoR0lDPrT7i0n3QNZGpocp8VGMnlkzwpH0PRBHYnOVt0nCr4XugQT2xvOPQrKb5C2RQAL_YdIC4J7DBWLn2MOyHB8dya6BO6aep6hkM6bekAgabu5qCX18mNjgtFBrJUVc8DwRYS4XxqtwFwYSq0FiZqcEWvk6yVp/s320/One%20pot%20sausage%20and%20sun%20dried%20tomato%20pasta%20(Budget%20Bytes).jpeg" width="240" /></a></b></div><p></p><p><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.momables.com/homemade-banana-chips-recipe-baked/" target="_blank">Homemade baked banana chips</a> (<a href="https://www.momables.com/" target="_blank">Momables</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">(Not) drunken apples (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Scrambled eggs</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/sriracha-egg-salad/" target="_blank">Sriracha egg salad</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes</div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">Fluffy pancakes</a> (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#">All Recipes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Beef ragu with minted penne </span><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">(</span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">) (thawed from freezer)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/big-batch-instant-pot-white-beans" target="_blank">Big-batch Instant Pot white beans</a> (<a href="https://www.epicurious.com/" target="_blank">Epicurious</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Bread stuffing with mushrooms and herbs (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>) </span></span></span></span>with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and green beans</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and salsa</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Cinnamon raisin bagels with peanut buttter<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div><span style="color: navy; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/dijon-lentil-salad/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Dijon lentil salad</a> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">) (Thawed from the freezer)</span></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/air-fryer-salmon-bites-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-216151" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Salmon bites with honey chili crisp</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> (</span><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Ricotta spinach calzone </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Sausage calzones </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="https://healthfullyrootedhome.com/provolone-grilled-cheese/" target="_blank">Provolone grilled cheese with garlic</a> (<a href="https://healthfullyrootedhome.com/" target="_blank">Healthfully Rooted Home</a>) and carrot fries with and creamy roasted garlic dip </span>(<i style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Tropical fruit salad with brown rice </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>) and grilled chicken with mint vinaigrette (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-sausage-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/" target="_blank">One pot sausage and sundried tomato pasta</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Apples</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://realhousemoms.com/apple-cider-muffins/" target="_blank">Apple cider muffins</a> (<a href="https://realhousemoms.com" target="_blank">Real House Moms</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/banana-pumpkin-muffins/" target="_blank">Banana pumpkin muffins</a> (<a href="https://happyherbivore.com" target="_blank">Happy Herbivore</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Carrots</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Clementines</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Cheese sticks</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://togetherasfamily.com/cinnamon-apple-cider-muffins/#wprm-recipe-container-15108" target="_blank">Cinnamon apple cider muffins</a> (<a href="https://togetherasfamily.com/" target="_blank">Together as a Family</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;">Crispy rice peanut butter bars </span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Do-si-do Girl Scout peanut butter sandwich cookies</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com/healthy-snacking-granola/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Healthy snacking granola</a> (<a href="https://munchingwithmariyah.com" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Munching with Mariyah</a>) </p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Leftover pancakes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/mille-feuille-napoleon-pastry/" target="_blank">Mille feuille (Napolean pastry)</a> (<a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://kirbiecravings.com/red-velvet-mug-cake-2/" target="_blank">Red velvet mug cakes</a> (<a href="https://kirbiecravings.com" target="_blank">Kirbie's Cravings</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Almonds</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Apple pear juice</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Blackberries</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chicken broth</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chicken sausage<br />Cinnamon raisin bagels<br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Edamame (but have two more bags)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Peaches</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Pineapple</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Homemade marinara sauce </p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Raspberries</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tomato broth</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tropical fruit</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Big bag of cheese (but I have another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chicken broth<br />Clementines</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Crunchy peanut butter</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Leftover frosting</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Smooth peanut butter (but I have two more jars)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sour cream</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Dried apricots</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Crisp rice cereal</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Honey</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lentils</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Penne pasta<br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Random package of chopped almonds</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tomato paste<br />Whole wheat penne </p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;">Salted butter (and the pancakes my husband put it on)--I guess we left it out at room temperature too long without using it? We have never had this problem before, but I guess there's a first for everything!</span></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/cajun/cajun-peanuts.htm-1" target="_blank">Cajun peanuts</a> (<a href="https://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com" target="_blank">Cajun Cooking Recipes</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/spiced-lentils-with-carrots/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Spiced lentils with carrots</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> (</span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Sprouted almonds (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/spiced-lentils-with-carrots/" target="_blank">Spiced lentils with carrots</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</p></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-26507572424376214872024-02-19T07:00:00.001-07:002024-02-19T07:00:00.247-07:00The Snapback Effect<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LkvH1wGiYTdiii6LBYhjs2jSInfKzGqy4NxCnnxDIj1MvSv5viUtQzXGDvzU9ZqcKZCaqUCzNc_tl554IDnrdoQJYWF53dcqfwr1PCp5vKni6c0SGArIJ-3RAv6UihOwTXygPmkW62cP7flQh5lKXBC8ILiX6tva31dcAP7IIC-_sao_-qjXNJlsfDxb/s940/The%20Snapback%20Effect.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LkvH1wGiYTdiii6LBYhjs2jSInfKzGqy4NxCnnxDIj1MvSv5viUtQzXGDvzU9ZqcKZCaqUCzNc_tl554IDnrdoQJYWF53dcqfwr1PCp5vKni6c0SGArIJ-3RAv6UihOwTXygPmkW62cP7flQh5lKXBC8ILiX6tva31dcAP7IIC-_sao_-qjXNJlsfDxb/s320/The%20Snapback%20Effect.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p>I am a person of limited means and measures. Sometimes I blame my job. Sometimes I think I am highly sensitive. Sometime I say it is because I am an introvert. Whatever the case, I only have a little bit of bandwidth, and it only goes so far.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Friends continually invite my husband and/or I out to do things. We love them for it. We appreciate it! I, however, often have to tell my husband that something is too much of a stretch. I hate that! Really, I do! I want to be a kind, friendly, hospitable, sociable, trophy type of wife, but I am not. I am a limited, sensitive, stay at home (but working full time) type of wife. When it comes to social invitations, I have to ask myself, can I stretch myself? If yes, how far? Because the reality is, that when I stretch myself too far, my husband gets the snap back. He gets the crankiness, irritability, and/or full on meltdowns, and that's not right.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My husband is my priority. Limited or not, I want to make time and space to love and support him. That might mean I have to say, "No" to a lot more things outside the home. I am sorry, but then again, I am not. More than I hate feeling ashamed of my limited capacities, I hate feeling guilty for having mistreated my husband when I have overstretched. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The snapback. It isn't pretty. It isn't nice. I am trying to keep in in mind when making decisions, even if those decisions are hard. That's what love does. It requires us to prioritize. For me, in the end, I would rather stay back than snap back. </span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-45935802389062817172024-02-17T10:17:00.003-07:002024-02-25T17:15:07.309-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 7)<p><b style="outline: none;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9WYEGJVp4q-iZXV40oqVj8hCLz5bIZfNNMo6ySoA1lJb2Jt_etgKMhVre3GFU2cP58sDuqbWIxjv9Q18DIbstK-Y0Iy6SAfg2Qik6318-OREStkzg8Wn1TuM-BB1LXjK0iL66lX2JYF2iCpReqY4DsnYar24addnw8lq5ueagHtso9ZbQwQ5748AaGBa/s4032/2.16.24%20Mille%20feuille%20(Sally's%20Baking%20Addiction).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9WYEGJVp4q-iZXV40oqVj8hCLz5bIZfNNMo6ySoA1lJb2Jt_etgKMhVre3GFU2cP58sDuqbWIxjv9Q18DIbstK-Y0Iy6SAfg2Qik6318-OREStkzg8Wn1TuM-BB1LXjK0iL66lX2JYF2iCpReqY4DsnYar24addnw8lq5ueagHtso9ZbQwQ5748AaGBa/s320/2.16.24%20Mille%20feuille%20(Sally's%20Baking%20Addiction).jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><p></p><p><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Can't Beet Me Smoothie III <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia;">(</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Crustless tomato ricotta pie <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;">and <a href="https://www.ourwanderingkitchen.com/oil-free-roasted-potatoes/" target="_blank">oil-free roasted potatoes</a> (<a href="https://www.ourwanderingkitchen.com" target="_blank">Our Wandering Kitchen</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Omnivore's Cookbook</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://mattsfitchef.com/no-bake-protein-cookies/" target="_blank">No bake cookie</a> (<a href="https://mattsfitchef.com" target="_blank">Matt's Fit Chef</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/strawberry-banana-chickpea-muffins-3/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; outline: none;" target="_blank">Strawberry banana muffins</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; outline: none;" target="_blank">Bucket List Tummy</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/big-batch-instant-pot-white-beans" target="_blank">Big-batch Instant Pot white beans</a> (<a href="https://www.epicurious.com/" target="_blank">Epicurious</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Broccoli, carrot, and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> lunch boxes</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> and salsa</span></span></span><span style="outline: none;"> </span></span></p><div><br /></div><div>Red flannel skillet hash (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Cookbook-Everything-Today/dp/0764560794" target="_blank"><i>Betty Crocker</i></a>)</div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Crustless tomato ricotta pie <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;">and <a href="https://www.ourwanderingkitchen.com/oil-free-roasted-potatoes/" target="_blank">oil-free roasted potatoes</a> (<a href="https://www.ourwanderingkitchen.com" target="_blank">Our Wandering Kitchen</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span data-tt-replacement="true" data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/189891/pesto-grilled-cheese-sandwich/" target="_blank">Pesto grilled cheese</a> (<a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a>)</span></p><p><span data-tt-replacement="true" data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://domesticsuperhero.com/provolone-white-bean-grilled-panini-with-basil-tomato/" target="_blank">Provolone white bean grilled panini with basil and tomato</a> (<a href="https://domesticsuperhero.com" target="_blank">Domestic Superhero</a>)</span></p><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; outline: none;"><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/air-fryer-salmon-bites-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-216151" target="_blank">Salmon bites with honey chili crisp</a> (<a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a>)</div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.eatgood4life.com/sun-dried-tomato-spinach-grilled-cheese-sandwich/" target="_blank">Sun dried tomato spinach grilled cheese</a> (<a href="https://www.eatgood4life.com/" target="_blank">Eat Good 4 Life</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/banana-pumpkin-muffins/" target="_blank">Banana pumpkin muffins</a> (<a href="https://happyherbivore.com" target="_blank">Happy Herbivore</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Clementines</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Cheese sticks</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://togetherasfamily.com/cinnamon-apple-cider-muffins/#wprm-recipe-container-15108" target="_blank">Cinnamon apple cider muffins</a> (<a href="https://togetherasfamily.com/" target="_blank">Together as a Family</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/mille-feuille-napoleon-pastry/" target="_blank">Mille feuille (Napolean pastry)</a> (<a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Oatmeal pancakes (Leftovers frozen and gifted to me by my mama)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Random packet of granola from Chick-Fil-A</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://handletheheat.com/red-velvet-cupcakes/?ck_subscriber_id=2396666610&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Time+for+the+February+Baking+Challenge%21+%F0%9F%92%98+-+12964346" target="_blank">Red velvet cupcakes</a> (<a href="https://handletheheat.com" target="_blank">Handle the Heat</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Frozen broccoli (but have another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Frozen spinach</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Frozen edamame (but have 3 more packages, as I was overbought)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Package of store-bought bread (but have another)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Applesauce jar (but I have another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Fresh basil</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Celery (chopped and froze remainder to avoid spoilage)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Cilantro</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 carton of eggs (but I have another partial one)<br />Fresh mint</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Green onions</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Head of romaine lettuce</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heavy cream (froze the remainder)</span><br />Homemade ricotta cheese <span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Mushrooms (entire package)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:<br /></u></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><u><br /></u>Cinnamon (but have another)<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Dried basil (but have another)<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Garlic powder (but have another) <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Onion powder (but have another)<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lima beans<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Potatoes<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Random packet of granola from Chick-Fil-A<br />1 can tuna (but I have another)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Most of the fresh basil<br /><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.momables.com/homemade-banana-chips-recipe-baked/" target="_blank">Homemade baked banana chips</a> (<a href="https://www.momables.com/" target="_blank">Momables</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/protein-coconut-cream-pie-chia-pudding-cups/" target="_blank">Protein coconut cream pie chia pudding cups</a> (<a href="https://fitfoodiefinds.com/" target="_blank">Fit Foodie Finds</a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Bread stuffing with mushrooms and herbs (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegetarian-Cooker-Cookbook-Forget/dp/1623155525/ref=asc_df_1623155525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=265933302123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14538000391536648803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030029&hvtargid=pla-492516534631&psc=1&mcid=2ebc726c5d76379686b3938bfae9b474&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RgQumtqd362eiUSWbHjgJPv6uMaRBPBFavU9zLDXi06_CiQEzYMF8YaAgkuEALw_wcB" target="_blank"><i>Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Omnivore's Cookbook</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Chopped celery <br /></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; outline: none; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; outline: none; text-align: start;">Heavy cream</div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; outline: none; text-align: start;"><br /></div></span></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-46436381020717443032024-02-14T19:27:00.001-07:002024-02-14T19:27:11.710-07:00Valentine's Day 2024<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the past, <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2018/02/why-i-dont-plan-to-celebrate-valentines.html" target="_blank">I haven't been a big fan</a> of Valentine's Day. Its' a commercial holiday. I think it can promote guilt, especially for men. This year, though, I took a different tact. I decided to celebrate for all its worth, not necessarily in a commercial way that cost a lot, but more in a cute-sy, "we need something to celebrate" way. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">[I must confess that Gretchen Rubin's (2015, 2016) "happy habits" inspired me.]</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7C3skeOYrgFSobl3o8fSHFbiTkbv50q-rNjL0pyNoumJK3khTSpPgq1gAC_f46guagpQnMARtHE5bFe9GWZqG5y1XifC_pjyw1lPX_la44vFX-1vnMXsrae3aEZ_cCLKuBMtvYFsX5BlZPMcwoe5-pUdAmg4qHzu-PAtZw-Vym9XzZXmTMaPIP-sC7zv/s4032/Can%E2%80%99t%20beet%20me%20smoothie%20III%20(Rise%20and%20Run).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7C3skeOYrgFSobl3o8fSHFbiTkbv50q-rNjL0pyNoumJK3khTSpPgq1gAC_f46guagpQnMARtHE5bFe9GWZqG5y1XifC_pjyw1lPX_la44vFX-1vnMXsrae3aEZ_cCLKuBMtvYFsX5BlZPMcwoe5-pUdAmg4qHzu-PAtZw-Vym9XzZXmTMaPIP-sC7zv/s320/Can%E2%80%99t%20beet%20me%20smoothie%20III%20(Rise%20and%20Run).jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I made some <a href="https://okiegirlblingnthings.com/2021/02/01/heart-cup-cozies-free-crochet-pattern/" target="_blank">heart cup cozies</a> for pink morning smoothies.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB87gacfHeU433e0d0q54_V8tVlETdzpATD_G0Hxskj-CpNBsNXTjIXtWjaGexM1gx7Up-w36plP7zvBsCy4f3SaN5qo0mBlkhPlpEX5-m57p3dS0taCZ5KqKbdFhHOjii-FzLNdxzRsq6ie0q2elwoYaQDudU3pgkRDj18Kk5H8Q3cofCWmet8fiG_r3v/s2493/2.14.24-No%20bake%20cookie%C2%A0(Matt's%20Fit%20Chef).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2292" data-original-width="2493" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB87gacfHeU433e0d0q54_V8tVlETdzpATD_G0Hxskj-CpNBsNXTjIXtWjaGexM1gx7Up-w36plP7zvBsCy4f3SaN5qo0mBlkhPlpEX5-m57p3dS0taCZ5KqKbdFhHOjii-FzLNdxzRsq6ie0q2elwoYaQDudU3pgkRDj18Kk5H8Q3cofCWmet8fiG_r3v/s320/2.14.24-No%20bake%20cookie%C2%A0(Matt's%20Fit%20Chef).jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Breakfast was a <a href="https://mattsfitchef.com/no-bake-protein-cookies/" target="_blank">no bake protein cookie</a> with some heart candy decorations.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SQy8EbJ2kOfQGyitzTLFEqEe07ukPKBq2qHX-qQIAUQ7v4m1OL6LhFxCqA9eSQysn_6GdwmL2gRQ1Gk-r3GPdovys-u-NkgY-P1FlJeMff6qL6e9qFiweol2VQ2eWD-IJQCPf6ZWg1-ujsDCs1SbhqGC92sqeCr31QxxIeKuc4dMHxcnzpk3QxJD8tdD/s4032/2.14.24%20I%20Chews%20You!.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SQy8EbJ2kOfQGyitzTLFEqEe07ukPKBq2qHX-qQIAUQ7v4m1OL6LhFxCqA9eSQysn_6GdwmL2gRQ1Gk-r3GPdovys-u-NkgY-P1FlJeMff6qL6e9qFiweol2VQ2eWD-IJQCPf6ZWg1-ujsDCs1SbhqGC92sqeCr31QxxIeKuc4dMHxcnzpk3QxJD8tdD/s320/2.14.24%20I%20Chews%20You!.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Snacks are life around here, so I found some cute food <a href="ttps://www.countryliving.com/life/a30446128/valentines-day-puns/" target="_blank">Valentine's Day food puns</a> and put them on snacks in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CN4CJLD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" target="_blank">heart shaped boxes</a>.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx9hRV5oG23KO3kTub9XZstuhgPe64BVEUjNnKBsP9UxzYqlPyJwxKNuPli5MkuR8xj3_MIW69jXjLbTgZR7VTFGSXLuuzypft1PhM_ZMlvBvjeNaMuwyaAXplkQRP8dbMO1rJpNbbISWZw2aLScHMzUSn_ydw26Uok6OqEFbWlqpRTSJmXIOKukK_h_a/s320/2.10.24%20Monthi-versary.Valentine's%20Day%20snack%20boxes.jpeg" width="240" /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This was my </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">gift to my husband.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wBp7BQCW9xIKPq68ahCdpWgfyNQlzSNBNYqwj7bpsBYzMiWg-QsaViRMB9tIgo78UDvylYyr-CpO0Noj0NhRPyvxUbstyWCiWlo3KxfuSUMfQ83zR5_28UahHM_quB25bNmSHesIqK1wf1XHHI4ZxDpuQsE-F405A6nx3ss4Nrm5IL_zrcM1QujsyMbN/s4032/Sun%20dried%20tomato%20grilled%20cheese%20sandwich%20(Eat%20Good%204%20Life).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wBp7BQCW9xIKPq68ahCdpWgfyNQlzSNBNYqwj7bpsBYzMiWg-QsaViRMB9tIgo78UDvylYyr-CpO0Noj0NhRPyvxUbstyWCiWlo3KxfuSUMfQ83zR5_28UahHM_quB25bNmSHesIqK1wf1XHHI4ZxDpuQsE-F405A6nx3ss4Nrm5IL_zrcM1QujsyMbN/s320/Sun%20dried%20tomato%20grilled%20cheese%20sandwich%20(Eat%20Good%204%20Life).jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I made a <a href="https://www.eatgood4life.com/sun-dried-tomato-spinach-grilled-cheese-sandwich/" target="_blank">grilled cheese</a> for dinner with some red sun dried tomatoes in it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGJAGEun0i4IOHt_Gxf4U_6LEaPmntw5XRQpiMmUBYNSoGVvOG-2d8upkSAmPLkY9N7QpK2POeHtFTpJPesYnINA8jONZCWpvqazNklrcDzdqei7Tb4Gsrq2baWukt_tfYtjtEcVzhfP705y1N-5TP1Hi1-e9nH45XLCn7kmaV7h2kD2srPas01hKrdXh/s4032/Red%20velvet%20cupcakes%20(Handle%20the%20Heat).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGJAGEun0i4IOHt_Gxf4U_6LEaPmntw5XRQpiMmUBYNSoGVvOG-2d8upkSAmPLkY9N7QpK2POeHtFTpJPesYnINA8jONZCWpvqazNklrcDzdqei7Tb4Gsrq2baWukt_tfYtjtEcVzhfP705y1N-5TP1Hi1-e9nH45XLCn7kmaV7h2kD2srPas01hKrdXh/s320/Red%20velvet%20cupcakes%20(Handle%20the%20Heat).jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We had <a href="https://handletheheat.com/red-velvet-cupcakes/?ck_subscriber_id=2396666610&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Time+for+the+February+Baking+Challenge%21+%F0%9F%92%98+-+12964346" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">red velvet cupcakes</a> for dessert.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3UgoSqJFijeTJpILLPd-wJY3oCtwGpvuubERO77Yyxj_Pi506zKVGVJhKniE0JKKPFlUdwk1Xd7mZ0wzM0U-7N_HlgvgsVqAgV8MztkZ9PYz0k6ApaJr47B-k47haj_PfiWKbnySDqG0Qy_YVPGFAJY0ShBPMuhJX92Qh5UT_oCbPIDyQRq8VXfQ3jq9/s4032/2.14.24%20flowers%20from%20Chris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3UgoSqJFijeTJpILLPd-wJY3oCtwGpvuubERO77Yyxj_Pi506zKVGVJhKniE0JKKPFlUdwk1Xd7mZ0wzM0U-7N_HlgvgsVqAgV8MztkZ9PYz0k6ApaJr47B-k47haj_PfiWKbnySDqG0Qy_YVPGFAJY0ShBPMuhJX92Qh5UT_oCbPIDyQRq8VXfQ3jq9/s320/2.14.24%20flowers%20from%20Chris.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQjA5XHLdNgm46nG-fySey5DUL_LsJqREfB7ZCxP-VTqjeo6OrNWYIhJywZDs2EIpenPk6oUCNwCwAVDh5y6BKc0FPhC4sYR5QiQ5Ts13iX9CeZxJ7JVe2dS059dWQsPTwC8zzJ0GwzeUdIji-keIlPMk9X-BrSmUANWSMVqI0sTHNkteXjHZLr3TfgcT/s2038/2.14.24%20card%20from%20Chris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2038" data-original-width="1381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQjA5XHLdNgm46nG-fySey5DUL_LsJqREfB7ZCxP-VTqjeo6OrNWYIhJywZDs2EIpenPk6oUCNwCwAVDh5y6BKc0FPhC4sYR5QiQ5Ts13iX9CeZxJ7JVe2dS059dWQsPTwC8zzJ0GwzeUdIji-keIlPMk9X-BrSmUANWSMVqI0sTHNkteXjHZLr3TfgcT/s320/2.14.24%20card%20from%20Chris.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">He got me some flowers and chocolate.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Was the day cheesy? Yes. Did it include some corny humor? Yes. But <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456" target="_blank">laughing is good for us</a> (Mayo Clinic, 2023)! (And at this point, my husband either accepts my cheesiness or puts up with it. Either way, he's stuck with it!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">References:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 22). Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rubin, G. (2015, February 18). A happy habit: Celebrating Valentine's breakfast (as pictured). <i>Medium. </i>https://medium.com/@gretchenrubin/a-happy-habit-celebrating-valentine-s-breakfast-as-pictured-61f2edb49029</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rubin, G. (2016, February 14). A favorite Valentine's Day tradition that I can't observe this year. <i>Gretchen Rubin. </i>https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/a-favorite-valentines-day-tradition-that-i-cant-observe-this-year/</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">--</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Did anyone else go all out on Valentine's Day this year? Please share what you did (or didn't, that's fine too), in the comments section.</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-16262583646466507582024-02-13T07:00:00.000-07:002024-02-13T07:00:00.272-07:00The Great Big Carb Load<span style="font-family: georgia;">(This is more technical post, more for fellow runners and myself as a future reference, but if you are interested in it, read on.)</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnfDnaDvBBQSr3IvRGrIS_fYk7eaeH-BKNE-uUDv_cCA6vXWN3WZ19PqhPkcy78uaEL-StYDWlrR4iy6BO3r6ZICiScW1lDx78maU6LycsT_gYR66037Ttt2stvaHVXWWB7JR1onn2t6zwulCoHxFGjET2Mfqm_2o8_O5Rj7-49q8wHKxj_SydKau7qG5/s4032/2.8.24%20carb%20load%20breakfast.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnfDnaDvBBQSr3IvRGrIS_fYk7eaeH-BKNE-uUDv_cCA6vXWN3WZ19PqhPkcy78uaEL-StYDWlrR4iy6BO3r6ZICiScW1lDx78maU6LycsT_gYR66037Ttt2stvaHVXWWB7JR1onn2t6zwulCoHxFGjET2Mfqm_2o8_O5Rj7-49q8wHKxj_SydKau7qG5/s320/2.8.24%20carb%20load%20breakfast.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Carb load, the thing I heard about doing before big games or big races, but never understood. I kept hearing about it, though, so I dug in. I listened to podcasts and read articles. I decided to do it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What? </b>Carb loading can supposedly increase performance 2-3% (Hawley, Schabort, Noakes, & Dennis, 1997). When it comes to longer races, this can mean minutes off a time. Sign me up!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Why? </b>Carb loading is only really beneficial for events over 90 minutes. It is at this point that the body runs out of glycogen in the liver and goes to the muscles for fuel (Adeva-Andany et al., 2016). Fully stocked muscle glycogen promotes further performance. While it is true that the body can burn fat for energy through ketosis, this is an energy intensive process, and that's not what performance athletes want (Boyers, 2019). They want all of their energy going towards getting a new personal record.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>When? </b>Carb loading can be done for 1-3 days prior to an event. I chose to do 3 days per the calculations from Feathersone Nutrition (n.d.). I think this was right per the calculator, and I wanted to give myself the best shot at success.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>How? </b>I used the calculator from Featherstone Nutrition. When I first looked at almost double the grams of carbs I think I usually eat, I balked. Then I realized this was about substitution, not addition (less fat and protein in exchange for more simple, easy to digest and store carbs). Here's what I did:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Kept in low fiber, high carb fruits like applesauce and bananas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Swapped my spicy protein cocoa and hot chocolate for Nesquick (20-22 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Switched out high volume, high fiber carbs for low volume, low fiber cards (eg oatmeal for bagels (2-37g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Added carb rich condiments like jam (10-20 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Increased carb rich snacks like oat bars and pop tarts (19-33 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Ate lots of pasta for dinner (about 50 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Added high carb vegetables (eg peas and potatoes) when I had vegetables (about 15 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Decreased vegetables overall [As Jen Scott (2024) points out, this won't hurt a person when it is just three days.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Drank sports drinks (about 35 g net carb gain).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Experience: </b>I felt both hungry and full at the same time. I normally eat a higher fat, higher fiber, higher volume diet, so my stomach felt more empty, and more...I guess starchy? Overall, it was not bad. I do think I felt a bit antsier at times, as well as sleepier, but was that from all the sugars in my bloodstream, or the taper crazies (Gupta, n.d.; Olivas, n.d.)? I'll never know.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Results: </b><a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-race-of-all-races-half-marathon-2.html" target="_blank">It worked!</a><b> </b>I PR'ed by 10 minutes, which is about an 8% improvement from my <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2019/10/131-my-first-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">first half-marathon</a> (and that was five years ago). I never felt like I hit a wall in the race, and I stopped taking fuel an hour in. (I probably should have taken one more gel at 90 minutes, but I didn't.) I had a kick left at the end, and I ran 7:23/mile for my last tenth of a mile. While I was a little sore after the race, I seem to have recovered more quickly than I did the first time. I heard on a podcast after the race that carbohydrates during a run decrease fatigue and increase recovery afterward (Coyle, 1992; Brooks & Norris, 2024). Maybe carb loading helps with this, too? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">All in all, I have to say I would do this again. It really was not as hard as I thought. It made a difference. I felt better. I enjoyed my run. Win!</span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">References:</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Adeva-Andany, M. M., González-Lucán, M., Donapetry-García, C., Fernández-Fernández, C., & Ameneiros-Rodríguez, E. (2016). Glycogen metabolism in humans. </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #212121;">BBA clinical</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #212121;">5</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.02.001</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Boyers, L. (2019, May 16). Burning fat vs, glycogen. <i>Live Strong. </i>https://www.livestrong.com/article/331651-burning-fat-vs-glycogen/</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Brooks, A., & Norris, L. (Hosts). (2024, February 10). How far should you run before you run a marathon? An update... (No. 52). [Audio podcast episode]. In <i>Tread Lightly </i>podcast. https://lauranorrisrunning.com/tread-lightly-podcast/</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Coyle, E.F. (1992). Carbohydrate supplementation during exercise. <i>The Journal of Nutrition 122</i>(3), 788-795. </span>https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/122.suppl_3.788</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Gupta, A. (n.d.). Anger management tips: 6 foods to avoid when you feel angry. <i>Health Shots. </i>https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/anger-management-tips-6-foods-to-avoid-when-you-feel-angry/</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Hawley, J. A., Schabort, E. J., Noakes, T. D., & Dennis, S. C. (1997). Carbohydrate-loading and exercise performance. An update. </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #212121;">Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #212121;">24</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">(2), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199724020-00001</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="background-color: white;">Olivas, M. (n.d.). </span></span>RUN HACK: How to deal with taper for a half or full marathon. <i>Run Eat Repeat. </i>https://runeatrepeat.com/run-hack-how-to-deal-with-taper-for-a-half-or-full-marathon/</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Scott, J. [@MarathonMama_RD]. (2024, February 7).</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaydiruns/">@kaydiruns</a> is showing examples of her carb loading today and she is doing a fantastic job. I know. [Video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3EhtIUrsE2/</span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-48309938461400978632024-02-12T07:00:00.000-07:002024-02-12T08:47:19.158-07:00The Race of All Races (Half-Marathon #2)!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F3m8DTVIbRvOqsbiLGceyJ_qhrQeptsvxW-T4UVsyqB2cC5HWNgXkfGS3oXCi9dq3Idk35B0SIAsloo8qxry-JIsbIt7A1ubExdDn1FdowflZeXPi7umhR4c_76yDJ2-YOwgPEiQw8kXZlZu1DpMUnIjduZgG2nKlL_sfElIxDAbq8jYBF0qWJBl5wvy/s5712/2.10.24%2013.1%20(Edited).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F3m8DTVIbRvOqsbiLGceyJ_qhrQeptsvxW-T4UVsyqB2cC5HWNgXkfGS3oXCi9dq3Idk35B0SIAsloo8qxry-JIsbIt7A1ubExdDn1FdowflZeXPi7umhR4c_76yDJ2-YOwgPEiQw8kXZlZu1DpMUnIjduZgG2nKlL_sfElIxDAbq8jYBF0qWJBl5wvy/s320/2.10.24%2013.1%20(Edited).jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Where do I even begin? This is going to be a long post, so hold onto your hats!</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I dreamed of completing this race after my <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2019/10/131-my-first-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">first half-marathon</a> five years ago. I put it off, saying the time in life was not right. Well, this time was not exactly right either, but after having a good 10K race last year at Mesa Marathon, and being given as a discount code as a result, I decided to go for it. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The Training:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I started training Thanksgiving 2023. I used the <a href="https://www.runtothefinish.com/half-marathon-training-schedule/" target="_blank">First Half Marathon Training plan</a> from <i>Run to the Finish </i>(2023), and I must say, I really enjoyed it! This plan contained more strength training than I have ever done in a training cycle before. I think it helped! I had some minor ball of foot pain in my left foot, and then my right foot [maybe metatarsalgia (Mayo Clinic, 2021), and towards the end, a little tightness in my right need and left ankle/Achilles, (plus a few days of upper right hamstring pain due to treadmill running six miles one day) but I made it! Praise the Lord!</span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The Day Before the Race:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I read different things about carb loading, but decided to try the full three-day carb load recommended by Meghann Featherstun (n.d). (I figured that I would rather do it than not do it and wonder if it could have helped.) I purposely took a day off work Thursday so that I could clean the house and do my cooking and "on my feet" stuff so that I could try to rest Friday. I ended up deciding to do a shakeout run and some errands Friday, but it was WORTH IT!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLTZbCyDpkf-yvxsK8cwgtakiuFHmFg0rIVCqlVTfD-dra-A464Lp5l2vd2Fvx8p_YgB7adNvHi-5zlSZfiOO_CF3lJwnE82ScOtlB-zM75q23JTBKOFgPMdeNpvaanPwKRal216DVv-8CfIfCK_Fk8S-T6jQc2m_SstkhJJi66LoLmK3v9uRoL6Rjp47/s4032/2.9.24%20Hoka%20Cielo%20X1%20shakeout%20run1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLTZbCyDpkf-yvxsK8cwgtakiuFHmFg0rIVCqlVTfD-dra-A464Lp5l2vd2Fvx8p_YgB7adNvHi-5zlSZfiOO_CF3lJwnE82ScOtlB-zM75q23JTBKOFgPMdeNpvaanPwKRal216DVv-8CfIfCK_Fk8S-T6jQc2m_SstkhJJi66LoLmK3v9uRoL6Rjp47/s320/2.9.24%20Hoka%20Cielo%20X1%20shakeout%20run1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><u>The Shake-Out Run:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My training schedule said one mile. This was three to four, but I wanted to go. Then I doubted myself. Then I wanted to go. I told myself I might regret not going if I didn't, so I went! I wasn't going to demo the new <a href="https://www.hoka.com/en/us/race-shoes/cielo-x1/1147910.html" target="_blank">Cielo X1 racing shoes</a> from <a href="https://www.hoka.com/en/us/" target="_blank">Hoka</a>, but then they offered me a free fanny pack so why not? When else am I going to run in $275 shoes? Probably not ever. The shakeout went great (a total of 3.32 miles) and I was a little faster running with people, and that encouraged me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><u>The Expo:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinojpcM7yqrZPupOtCDeajISKUyJUSIpbXChZ7gMF-ZkzDSOfi50Ivthl9ZBnZaMnKb5zs-NtPcfMTjRS2lAajaFRx19Ud0fh8__10tyF0bIsHqELJZf08PFGMR3MJ2ClbvNJwyCtR7G_-9XPgvd-psNGJns72ATQ5V-SAmAAVNN_5yUw74VIjeYVyrmmV/s4032/2.9.24%20Mesa%20Marathon%20expo3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinojpcM7yqrZPupOtCDeajISKUyJUSIpbXChZ7gMF-ZkzDSOfi50Ivthl9ZBnZaMnKb5zs-NtPcfMTjRS2lAajaFRx19Ud0fh8__10tyF0bIsHqELJZf08PFGMR3MJ2ClbvNJwyCtR7G_-9XPgvd-psNGJns72ATQ5V-SAmAAVNN_5yUw74VIjeYVyrmmV/s320/2.9.24%20Mesa%20Marathon%20expo3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p>Mesa Marathon held the expo inside this year. Bib pickup was outside, but the timing check, photo walls, and some vendors were inside. This was a nice change given the weather. I did the passport program again, because I am a sucker for free stuff. If I am able to keep running this race and going to the expo, I might eventually earn enough points for a free entry. We will see.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Besides errands, I did set aside some time to paint my nails on Friday. I read that Shalene Flanagan used to do that on the day before a race, and so, I did, too (Sebor, 2020). I went with a color that matched what I wanted to wear and was closest to the orange color I saw on the medals. (Yes, I am that person!) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I tried to move my meals up an hour, and with that, I was able to go to bed at 8:15 pm. Wow! I am never to bed that early unless I am sick. I did not sleep great, but I did not sleep awfully, either. In total, my watch said I got about 6 hours and 45 minutes of sleep. Pretty good given that I got up at 3:15 am!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Race morning:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I didn't have time to do much at home. I got up, washed my face and did my hair, made coffee for my husband, got dressed, did PT, and then grabbed a no bake peanut butter ball and an eight ounce bottle of water for the car and was out the door. My husband nicely drove me over to the busses, and dropped me off right in front of them, a huge blessing since it was raining!</span></p><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Race day conditions: </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdFv2sudGvLlqJUC1fyDe-MrpRrW8i4M3MXfCpEyOyDRa5nIIdgxksk6f9HGt3f-dScfa1pomJevt9TAFJMNHifq2D2ym0m-JmUuSkvC3q1GKMSXBCjnyKNnewZ-a2J5nfpcedxAdAArsU2GiGqGdH4WkXgMV1LnTUo0tFEKSzrOTvVw5t_iQ8_HTkFiC/s3088/2.10.24%20start%20line2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdFv2sudGvLlqJUC1fyDe-MrpRrW8i4M3MXfCpEyOyDRa5nIIdgxksk6f9HGt3f-dScfa1pomJevt9TAFJMNHifq2D2ym0m-JmUuSkvC3q1GKMSXBCjnyKNnewZ-a2J5nfpcedxAdAArsU2GiGqGdH4WkXgMV1LnTUo0tFEKSzrOTvVw5t_iQ8_HTkFiC/s320/2.10.24%20start%20line2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not good! I checked the forecast all week and prayed for good conditions. It looked like it might rain all morning, just at the start, or before the start. In the end, conditions could have been worse, but it was mid-forties and raining and not so pleasant. I wore a tank top, hoodie, and rain jacket and stood under the heaters for as long as I could. Then, about 5:30 am, I made a bathroom stop, ate my banana and drank my water, and went for a five minute shakeout (0.47 miles). Then I started unlayering, adding arm sleeves, a garbage bag over my torso, and a hat. The race was supposed to start at 6:30 am, but got delayed until 7:00 am, and then brought back to 6:50 am. I ended up squeezing in an extra bathroom stop before the start, which I think was helpful.</span></div><div><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Goals: </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A. Under 2 hours 9:09/mile</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">B. Under 1:55 8:46/mile</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">C. <a href="https://runhive.com/tools/race-time-predictor" target="_blank">Run Hive (2024)</a> race predictor time based on March 2023 15K and 36 years old: 1:51:04 or 1:52:45 and 8:28/mile</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Course: </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Point A to Point B. (Thank you, Lord, for bag drop trucks that brought our belongings back to the finish line.) We ran through the streets of Mesa, past orange groves and homes and communities. People were out and about on the course with posters, cowbells, and shouts to encourage. One assisted living community's members were out on the sidewalks in their wheelchairs. Right towards the finish, there was a younger kid with a sign that said, "Tap here to power up." I definitely tapped for the kid! The course was well-marked and police presence was there to ensure safety. The race marked mileage well, and had a few extra signs with fun sayings to increase motivation.</span></p></div><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Miles 1-3:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I tried to keep the pace steady and not go out too hard. Coach Elisabeth of Running Explained (2023) says to go out about 10 seconds faster than desired, so when I saw 8:40/mile and it felt good, I went with it. I decided not to run with podcasts, as I usually do, mostly because of the rain. I also wanted to soak up the scenery. I did that, as well as thinking and praying. It was truly a special time!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I grabbed water at mile two and took my <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Parents-Choice-Berries-Oats-Baby-Pouch/118409130?athbdg=L1100" target="_blank">berries and oats fruit puree pouch</a> at about mile three/thirty minutes. I had to tug it out of the side pocket of my capri leggings, and when I uncapped it, some of it squirted all over my white gloves. I hoped that people would not think it was blood, especially after Fiona O'Keeffe's Olympic Trials marathon episode (Monti, 2024). I tried to hide my gloves for pictures because of this. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65bIBLjW_DP6HaPg7co81GBcorROgK2v_IMvYO49WFhdCViL8AbDpOai6vlc6bNGwvKi-Fx2l7gK65VRRHmpqKta7gefM83gs48qs4eqq25fxWSI1EHXqdT_RQQFHGvMBvesekNLZsBRA5EM1wHiZDIIYvUM84uRUtVZN1_HNWcqB0wemiUHbNlqjViWe/s4512/2.10.24%20Mesa%20half%20marathon%20course%20photos4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4512" data-original-width="3008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65bIBLjW_DP6HaPg7co81GBcorROgK2v_IMvYO49WFhdCViL8AbDpOai6vlc6bNGwvKi-Fx2l7gK65VRRHmpqKta7gefM83gs48qs4eqq25fxWSI1EHXqdT_RQQFHGvMBvesekNLZsBRA5EM1wHiZDIIYvUM84uRUtVZN1_HNWcqB0wemiUHbNlqjViWe/s320/2.10.24%20Mesa%20half%20marathon%20course%20photos4.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Miles 4-6:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I tried to hold a steady pace and save anything I could for the end. I told myself to keep getting water at the water stations. I felt a slight tightness in my left calf and had a few side stitches, but breathed through them. [Hearing Emily Sisson talk about breathing through hers and taking second in the Olympic Trials Marathon gave me hope (Chavez, 2024).] I took a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clif-Shot-Energy-Strawberry-Caffeine/dp/B007F1FKF2" target="_blank">strawberry Clif gel</a> at 60 minutes (a little after mile six), but that only to a good samaritan I asked to open it for me, as neither my cold hands nor my teeth would do it! I think I startled him a bit when I asked, as I saw him turn off his earbud and ask me what I said again. Thank you, sir, whoever you are. You saved my race!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Miles 7-10:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This was my neck of the woods, and I enjoyed running through it! I still felt good and was clocking about 8:40 miles and felt good. I told myself to pick up the pace for the last 5K, if I could. To distract myself from the pace, I tried to pick people off. Many brightly colored running outfits gave me things to work for.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Miles 10-13.1:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The end was in sight! I kept picking people off and thought of my husband and parents at the finish line. I just wanted to get to them! I let myself off my water at every stop and fuel every 30 minutes rules here and just ran! I did pickup the pace, dropping from the 8:30-8:40 minutes/mile range to 8:27, 8:24, 8:15, and 7:23 for the final kick. I was working hard at the end! Some of it was vanity, because I wanted my family to see me working hard. Some of it was wanting them to know that it was worth it for them to come out to see me, too. The finish line was a bit bunched up, but I got my medal and someone had opened the gate, so my family got into the runners area with me to get my finish certificate and drop bag.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN3Q1zjEaRp_u13tt2XksUsPCHrtOcgZKbz1bpbDtd4tHPVf50r4qDdncCocbI1oaTv2oeW7_eIfwETujtfjgFmpmOcMR_U6jnp_7pNmb4yg3MJBll9iowksR-dpwA3gIDNofl8nDmDuL-E6c7vS37QqHcOBzbf9qbNFwSw49L4oPK2g0ECboqIUZ1igG/s3984/2.10.24%20Mesa%20half%20marathon%20course%20photos1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3984" data-original-width="2656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN3Q1zjEaRp_u13tt2XksUsPCHrtOcgZKbz1bpbDtd4tHPVf50r4qDdncCocbI1oaTv2oeW7_eIfwETujtfjgFmpmOcMR_U6jnp_7pNmb4yg3MJBll9iowksR-dpwA3gIDNofl8nDmDuL-E6c7vS37QqHcOBzbf9qbNFwSw49L4oPK2g0ECboqIUZ1igG/s320/2.10.24%20Mesa%20half%20marathon%20course%20photos1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">After the Race:</span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I got my certificate and finished at 1:52:52, far exceeding my expectations! I wanted to see if I could get down to 8:35 minutes/mile there at the end, and I didn't quite make it officially, but my watch measured long (13.15 miles), probably because of my bobbing and weaving, and on it, I got the 8:35 minutes/mile, and I'll take it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Could I have run harder? Probably, but seeing that I have not run a marathon in five years, I wanted to finish, not go out hard and bonk. My calves also hurt pretty bad after I stopped, so they need some work.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Euzr9fs2zOgT0EIuIXhvShR6QkYAXYPPk52lMpQ5aL-QHEzPpbxPdJkRW4aeFt2-gqY3Mdk9wVsnYtTI55NarY0W3wW9Ioom-LDXuYNZjHbu1xYsTXnzqDX3iFiMc3PokKqfEuoawb5_uW1o7iJrmQlOS_W5k-9wCu9HXgyshF1TVC1SJfqInYTsCa8/s4032/2.10.24%20finish%20line26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Euzr9fs2zOgT0EIuIXhvShR6QkYAXYPPk52lMpQ5aL-QHEzPpbxPdJkRW4aeFt2-gqY3Mdk9wVsnYtTI55NarY0W3wW9Ioom-LDXuYNZjHbu1xYsTXnzqDX3iFiMc3PokKqfEuoawb5_uW1o7iJrmQlOS_W5k-9wCu9HXgyshF1TVC1SJfqInYTsCa8/s320/2.10.24%20finish%20line26.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As I went to have my husband take pictures of me, it started raining again, harder. (The rain had held off for most of my race). We got pretty wet going back to the car. It was a bit of a circle to get back home, but we did. I stretched, foam rolled those calves, and got dressed to go back out to brunch. Of course I got a hamburger, as is tradition. Then I came home and sat on the couch with a heating pad and blanket for most of the day. Oh, and the rain did eventually go away, letting the sun to come out. A beautiful addition to a beautiful day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Final Thoughts:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Carb loading worked! I felt sustained energy the entire time. My heart rate was in Zone 5 the entire time, so I think I was pushing myself, but I was not breathing too hard and was even able to try to encourage a few 10K walkers as I passed them in the last few miles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Family is everything! My husband sacrificed time, money, and so much more to support me in this. (He even ate my evening carb loading pasta meals with me without complaint!) </span>My parents drove about two hours just to see me finish, <i>while they had company. </i>(Sorry cousins!) I was HEALTHY! After all the sickness I was exposed to, that was never a given. I prayed for no rain, and while the Lord did not grant that, he did grant no rain for most of my race. The marathoners had that burst of rain at their hard parts, and I imagine it was not fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I shivered for several hours after the race, and not because I was cold anymore. Was it the caffeine? Or as my mom suggested, the endorphins of running? I am not sure, but something to monitor for the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">All in all, it was an amazing day! Better than I could have hoped or dreamed. Thank you, Lord! Thank you family! Thank you to my home city of Mesa, Arizona for putting on a great race!</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>References:</b></span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Brooks, A. (2023, March 9). Half marathon training schedule: Transition from the 10K to half. <i>Run to the Finish. </i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.runtothefinish.com/half-marathon-training-schedule/</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Chavez, C. (Host). (2024, February 7). Emily Sisson after finishing second at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials (2:22:42). [Audio podcast episode]. In <i>The CITIUS MAG podcast with Chris Chavez. </i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://citiusmag.com/podcast/citius-mag-podcast-emily-sisson-2024</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Featherstun, M. (n.d.). Carb loading: What, why, and how-to. <i>Featherstone Nutrition. </i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.featherstonenutrition.com/carb-loading/</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mayo Clinic. (2021, November 1). Metatarsalgia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metatarsalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354790</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Monti, D. (2024). Mantz, O'Keeffe win thrilling Olympic Trials </span>marathon-RRW. <i>Dye Stat. </i>https://www.dyestat.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=news&news_id=667933</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Run Hive. (2024). Race time predictor. https://runhive.com/tools/race-time-predictor</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Scott, E. [@runningexplained]. (2023, August 2). </span><span style="background-color: white;">One of the biggest pacing mistakes in racing is going out too fast. Often our goal in the half marathon [Post]. Instagram. </span>https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvcqr-GLcLw/</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sebor, J. (2020, January 6). What Olympian Shalene Flanagan does before every race. <i>Women's Running. </i>https://www.womensrunning.com/culture/shalane-flanagan-before-racing/</span></p></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-11137543705527272082024-02-10T07:00:00.001-07:002024-02-10T07:00:00.128-07:00Real Life Marriage: When Opposites Attract<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdru55baXRPByQ3gAxAuiZZQGOn4F18zlW34Fm1hOYAVTeNurpswH-06WnlW_XpTboHtHglvpjuUo7euhHOOo35gheDTCFU_XHmpy2i6NMPRpW8ucSFnzJSlwyXSNYLr7HnPEUO3h5uxfDrNZAdtroNSPYCMezHHY4aSHIVJNGc7c3PEN8AYuBJ0Jk9CF/s4032/Thanksgiving%20redo%20photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdru55baXRPByQ3gAxAuiZZQGOn4F18zlW34Fm1hOYAVTeNurpswH-06WnlW_XpTboHtHglvpjuUo7euhHOOo35gheDTCFU_XHmpy2i6NMPRpW8ucSFnzJSlwyXSNYLr7HnPEUO3h5uxfDrNZAdtroNSPYCMezHHY4aSHIVJNGc7c3PEN8AYuBJ0Jk9CF/s320/Thanksgiving%20redo%20photo.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I did a lot of research when I was dating my husband. Yes, I am that person. I wanted to see how our personalities aligned, when we should cross certain milestones in our relationship (like saying the, "L" word), etc. I also did some straight up search of public legal records, but I will save that story for another time. Anyway, what I found in all my research was that my husband's and I's personality types were not really a good match. I thought about it and prayed about it, and I reasoned that if God brought us together, He would make things work out, and He did, and He is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am more of a concrete person (a judger on the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator). My husband is more of a dreamer (a perceiver on the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator). This serves us well when we need to plan things. He dreams up the idea. I work with him on the details of the steps we need to get there. Together, we can succeed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sometimes, though, our differences bite us in the behind. He dreams, and I cannot see a way to achieve the dream. In wrestling with the abstract, I throw out all the reasons I am not sure something can work and bring him down like a lead balloon. This discourages him and can cause him to not want to share his dreams with me. This cycle drives us apart, rather than bringing us together. It can also pit us against each other and make us each other's worst enemy rather than best ally.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The other night, though, we had a beautiful moment that made me thank God he made our opposite personalities attract. I have been struggling with something for a long time, needing an out, yet not seeing a way out. "What if..." my husband asked. He was just throwing out an idea, but suddenly, I had my out. I had a dream, that even if not realized, made me feel like I had a choice. I suddenly felt lighter, more hopeful, and more positive about the future. What a gift! What a gift it was to have a husband who could dream when I could not.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes, opposites do attract. There is a certain allure about someone who is different. I certainly would not want to marry myself! Differences can detract too, though. They can cause conflict. I hope I remember next time I experience conflict caused by personality differences, that these differences are a gift, a gift I need, and a gift that can bless me far beyond my wildest dreams. God knew what he was doing. God knows what He is doing. Glory be to God!</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-51183330476742748922024-02-09T11:20:00.005-07:002024-02-19T19:37:44.042-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 6)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvmvFrptgTR0NkFUutzmAZ4QGKil5e7lBRwprslq0JIxLn00AcuFAnjKR4DCZvtdfuVrWv-22pTdUH0RROuLqIGv9FDTMNtxD1Yju7ZQfw1P4bAZTJc96YEAxi2ojYvdq_1zwGLLn-5FdSi9rAYIDSEizn9saaMKGywzncinbcAQRoukSxIP59FjacrWd/s4032/Sausage%20calzone%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvmvFrptgTR0NkFUutzmAZ4QGKil5e7lBRwprslq0JIxLn00AcuFAnjKR4DCZvtdfuVrWv-22pTdUH0RROuLqIGv9FDTMNtxD1Yju7ZQfw1P4bAZTJc96YEAxi2ojYvdq_1zwGLLn-5FdSi9rAYIDSEizn9saaMKGywzncinbcAQRoukSxIP59FjacrWd/s320/Sausage%20calzone%20(Good%20Housekeeping%20Family%20Italian%20Cookbook).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2024/01/simplify.html" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">Simplifying</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> a bit here and just sharing what I cooked and what we used up. (I need a better system for what I overbought, but don't have one yet, so am eliminating that section.)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Bagels</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Cereal</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Omnivore's Cookbook</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/strawberry-banana-chickpea-muffins-3/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; outline: none;" target="_blank">Strawberry banana muffins</a><span style="font-size: medium; outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.bucketlisttummy.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; outline: none;" target="_blank">Bucket List Tummy</a><span style="font-size: medium; outline: none;">)</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; font-size: medium; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Bagels</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Big kale pasta salad</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a>, salsa, and </span></span></span><span style="outline: none;">mint vinaigrette (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)<br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Potato pancakes with brown gravy</span></span></p><div><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br />Dinners:</span></u></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">Broccoli and mushroom pizza </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Not-from-a-box mac and oat chez (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OATrageous-Oatmeals-Surprising-Plant-Based-Heart-Healthy/dp/1624140742" target="_blank">Oatrageous Oatmeals</a></i>)-thawed from the freezer</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Ricotta spinach calzone </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Sausage calzones </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Lemon basil <a href="https://www.pastaoftheprairie.com/shop/p/lemon-basil-pasta" target="_blank">Pasta of the Prairie</a> with <a href="https://sinfulnutrition.com/easy-dairy-free-alfredo-sauce-recipe/" target="_blank">potato alfredo sauce</a> (<a href="https://sinfulnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Sinful Nutrition</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Applesauce</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/banana-pumpkin-muffins/" target="_blank">Banana pumpkin muffins</a> (<a href="https://happyherbivore.com" target="_blank">Happy Herbivore</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Clementines</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.cinnamontoastcrunch.com/products/cinnamon-toast-crunch-soft-baked-oat-bars" target="_blank">Cinnamon toast crunch soft baked oat bars</a></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Crispy rice peanut butter bars </span></span></span></span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Fruit pouches</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Hot chocolate</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-bites/" target="_blank">No bake 3-ingredient peanut butter bites</a> (<a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com" target="_blank">The Real Food Dietitians</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Plain bagels with strawberry jam</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://handletheheat.com/red-velvet-cupcakes/?ck_subscriber_id=2396666610&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Time+for+the+February+Baking+Challenge%21+%F0%9F%92%98+-+12964346" target="_blank">Red velvet cupcakes</a> (<a href="https://handletheheat.com" target="_blank">Handle the Heat</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Brown gravy<br />Strawberries</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Carrots<br /><a href="https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_branded_mulesauce&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&src=GOOG&cid=59532487&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E2o9-PxDlLZVuwuOXc3On6j-x9yrkc6w-xMjoMlXBWKq-femUq39FRoCev4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Mule hot sauce</a><br />Parmesan cheese<br />Red onion</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Big can pumpkin <br />Can of corned beef<br />Lemon basil pasta<br />Red food coloring<br />Two cans of beets</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Nothing that I know of!</p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Broccoli, carrot, and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a> lunch boxes<br /><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Can't beet me smoothie III (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://mattsfitchef.com/no-bake-protein-cookies/" target="_blank">No bake cookie</a> (<a href="https://mattsfitchef.com" target="_blank">Matt's Fit Che</a>f)<br /><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Red flannel skillet hash (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Cookbook-Everything-Today/dp/0764560794" target="_blank"><i>Betty Crocker</i></a>)</div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-muffins" target="_blank">Pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal muffins</a> (<a href="https://www.slenderkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Slender Kitchen</a>)</p></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-56506435162268057412024-02-05T07:00:00.001-07:002024-02-05T07:00:00.141-07:00Open Hands<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV-Krs8Fkho-62FdNF6RYcNbPvKZ1kvDoa0XkCiYA7RmJKyRYpQaKFyQZ5GXUqGuRS9VRw2bbkGh_LYWVMnY27V-AJoPHynGuCIKrfhUEuruCyiUVwSCB9wJfUwt3Vcu25XKLGAeCB26UmQq_yD5YERPBDA7LVyWSJDXyCWuDGCPmJ4-kDhxaebfrDNm6/s940/Open%20Hands.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV-Krs8Fkho-62FdNF6RYcNbPvKZ1kvDoa0XkCiYA7RmJKyRYpQaKFyQZ5GXUqGuRS9VRw2bbkGh_LYWVMnY27V-AJoPHynGuCIKrfhUEuruCyiUVwSCB9wJfUwt3Vcu25XKLGAeCB26UmQq_yD5YERPBDA7LVyWSJDXyCWuDGCPmJ4-kDhxaebfrDNm6/s320/Open%20Hands.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Will we, or won't we?</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;">Do we, or don't we?</div><div style="text-align: center;">So many contingency plans.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where will we ultimately be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This anxiety</div><div style="text-align: center;">tries my mind and body</div><div style="text-align: center;">and my spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grasping tightly is not good for me.</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So I'm trying to let go,</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;">let my humanity show,</div><div style="text-align: center;">loosen my grip,</div><div style="text-align: center;">trust and know.</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All these plans</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;">I need to hold with open hands</div><div style="text-align: center;">because ultimately all these things</div><div style="text-align: center;">are not in mine, but in the Lord's hands.</div></span><p></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-62207898413617288152024-02-03T09:35:00.005-07:002024-02-05T05:21:24.630-07:00What I Used/What I Used Up (Week 5) <p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1aECajuDlB0I8pqUDb32YmLdTzW6s0O8kacQgRoMpgzo2n7ZtfV4otOLSjYJCdyapiC_z7HlFAmt5ZPvT8jL6CqueeDAyTWRunwCZMcpHTasZF_EJMfhv0Bhl5fg3eQ_QCbIl-MqXw5lEdYKm_hhtcqvraKLp16Iez8hjcRqtLK8zlDT-V3YY0VhpxI4/s4032/2.2.24%20salad%20with%20salsa%20and%20mint%20vinaigrette%20(The%20Best%2050%20Salad%20Dressings).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1aECajuDlB0I8pqUDb32YmLdTzW6s0O8kacQgRoMpgzo2n7ZtfV4otOLSjYJCdyapiC_z7HlFAmt5ZPvT8jL6CqueeDAyTWRunwCZMcpHTasZF_EJMfhv0Bhl5fg3eQ_QCbIl-MqXw5lEdYKm_hhtcqvraKLp16Iez8hjcRqtLK8zlDT-V3YY0VhpxI4/s320/2.2.24%20salad%20with%20salsa%20and%20mint%20vinaigrette%20(The%20Best%2050%20Salad%20Dressings).jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Used of My Meal Plan-</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Breakfasts:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Carrot cake protein oats</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Cereal</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Mug cakes</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Overnight protein oats with sliced strawberries</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/162760/fluffy-pancakes/" target="_blank">Fluffy pancakes</a> (<a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Lunches:</u></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a>, salsa, and </span></span></span><span style="outline: none;">mint vinaigrette (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)</span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/dijon-lentil-salad/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Dijon lentil salad</a> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">) (Thawed from the freezer)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Lentil stew with butternut squash (</span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#"><span>Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</span></a><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">) (Thawed from the freezer and cooked in the Instant Pot)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Potato pancakes with brown gravy</div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">Dinners:</span></u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">Broccoli and mushroom pizza </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none;">Campagnelle with chicken and pea-mint pesto </span><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://bsinthekitchen.com/poutine-grilled-cheese/" target="_blank">Poutine grilled cheese</a> (<a href="https://bsinthekitchen.com" target="_blank">BS' in the Kitchen</a>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Ricotta spinach calzone </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Sausage calzones </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">(</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">Good Housekeeping Family Italian Cookbook</i></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Snacks:</span></u></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Bananas</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><a href="https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/banana-pumpkin-muffins/" target="_blank">Banana pumpkin muffins</a> (<a href="https://happyherbivore.com" target="_blank">Happy Herbivore</a>)</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Crispy rice peanut butter bars </span></span></span></span>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Fruit pouches</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Hot chocolate</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-bites/" target="_blank">No bake 3-ingredient peanut butter bites</a> (<a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com" target="_blank">The Real Food Dietitians</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Peanuts</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-muffins" target="_blank">Pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal muffins</a> (<a href="https://www.slenderkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Slender Kitchen</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Single serve baked oatmeal and oatmeal mug cakes<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><b style="outline: none;">What I Used Up--</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><u style="outline: none;">Freezer:</u></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 bag frozen broccoli</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 bag frozen spinach (still have part of another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Green peas</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Marinara sauce</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mashed potatoes</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mixed vegetables<br />Mushrooms<br />Shredded chicken (frozen for use this week)<br /><span style="background-color: white;">Sliced strawberries</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Fridge</u>:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Kale</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lettuce (old head)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mint leaves<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Mozzarella cheese (small bag)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Salsa</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">Pantry:</u></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 bag of chocolate chips (I have another)</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Marshmallows</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 can Progresso soup</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Box of rotini</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sriracha-like seasoning </p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Walnuts</p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whole wheat penne</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;"><u style="outline: none;">What went bad:</u></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Nothing that I know of</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;">What I Replenished Before I Ran Out:</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.08in; outline: none;">Bananas (Staple)<br />Broccoli (Staple)<br />Eggs (Staple)<br />Milk (Staple)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;">What I Overbought and Now Need to Use Up:</b><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" />Clementines<br />Ginger root<br /></span></span></span>Lettuce (Staple)<br />Sausage</p><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Prepped for Next Week: </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; font-family: georgia; outline: none;" target="_blank">Big kale pasta salad</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; font-family: georgia; outline: none;" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">)</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none;">Carrot and romaine salads with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">shredded chicken</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Chipotle salsa</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Platings and Pairings</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span>, and </span></span></span><span style="outline: none;">mint vinaigrette (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-50-Salad-Dressings/dp/1558672117" target="_blank">The Best 50 Salad Dressings</a></i>)</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/779618347426645441#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Super simple granola</a></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: navy; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.07in; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; outline: none;">What I Froze for Future Me:</span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Chipotle salsa</a><span style="outline: none;"> (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8402073935441541124/6220789841361728815#" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none;" target="_blank">Platings and Pairings</a><span style="outline: none;">)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;"><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/spiced-lentils-with-carrots/" target="_blank">Spiced lentils with carrots</a> (<a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0in; outline: none;">Vegan spinach walnut pesto (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Run-Recipes-Rituals-Cookbook/dp/0593232445" target="_blank"><i>Rise and Run</i></a>)</p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-79968339300149618602024-02-01T19:31:00.000-07:002024-02-01T19:31:24.409-07:00Yoga with Adriene: Flow (Review)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEBFrHpeBcqobqL_U0n2bfT-3BaKRIMb44ia2xlEMyCn3diz0N9R80z1NVnVdGG4wzn-FSjl-O1my9UDoyIwvc1mhwGleIKj6yFxxe5mYerJQ9IWyQUZUeEysrDAUX0CUlfH7bE_ndoVFHPngjwKBrzJvazNaPhJ6hRYND5t0CZQjC05Y2gaJidDd321L/s1758/Yoga%20with%20Adriene%20Flow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEBFrHpeBcqobqL_U0n2bfT-3BaKRIMb44ia2xlEMyCn3diz0N9R80z1NVnVdGG4wzn-FSjl-O1my9UDoyIwvc1mhwGleIKj6yFxxe5mYerJQ9IWyQUZUeEysrDAUX0CUlfH7bE_ndoVFHPngjwKBrzJvazNaPhJ6hRYND5t0CZQjC05Y2gaJidDd321L/s320/Yoga%20with%20Adriene%20Flow.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Another year, and yes, I did complete the </span><a href="https://yogawithadriene.com/adriene-mishler/" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">Yoga with Adriene</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> challenge again this year. I will share about the challenge and then how I did it, and what my experience was like.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Session lengths:</b> 9-27 minutes</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Style of practice: </b>Slow flow vinyasa, with some core work; overall, I found this a simpler, easier, gentler practice than in years past</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>How to access:</b> Via the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLui6Eyny-UzwwBB_riVPMdOF3cmheEPpy" target="_blank">Yoga with Adriene</a> YouTube channel or via her <a href="https://do.yogawithadriene.com/flow" target="_blank">website</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What I did: </b>Not the challenge exactly-rather, I used the daily yoga time to stretch, foam roll, and then participate in whatever part of the yoga flow was left. I felt that I needed to continue my stretching and foam rolling and without time to do that and 20 plus minutes of yoga, I combined the two. I found that most practices started slow enough that I did not miss too much.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>My experience:</b> As usual, I found Adriene to be a calm and fun guide. I think she had a little more flow, and less sarcasm this time, which was a balm for my weary soul. As always, she gives great cues and plenty of grace.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I appreciated these practices because it did feel like they were more about flow: smooth moves and transitions, rather than just poses and performance. The practices encouraged a lot of yogi squats and other mobility moves, which my tired body appreciated and enjoyed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I found the e-mails less helpful and insightful than in the past. This might be me more about me than the actual content, though. Day 25, "Action," however, held this nugget, and I think it sums up a lot of the journey: "<span face="Florentia, Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-size: 16px;">Remember this practice is about meeting you where you are at each day. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-size: 16px;">No acting or performance skills required. "</span></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; outline: none;">I did manage to carve out time for a fairly undistracted Day 30 (the day participants plan their own flow). I did do a lot of flowing to find what felt good. After a long day, that looked like a lot of cat/cow, full body stretches, several periods of savasana, and of course a little crow practice, the one challenge that Adriene includes in most all of her journeys, and which I can now do, at least for a few seconds.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><b>Conclusion:</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222427; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #222427; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">I enjoyed this journey. All in all, it was good just to have time and space carved out for me, to stretch or foam roll and/or scroll my phone. A few nights, the yoga really came in clutch and helped calm my nervous system. While I am relieved to not have a practice I feel like I "have to" complete every night, I will probably continue to practice shortly, as it is helpful and good for me, for time, space, flow, and all the other reasons....</span></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-44082215419439217072024-01-31T08:36:00.003-07:002024-01-31T08:36:49.459-07:00Everything I Read in January 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEYKB-U2yqxVyVrF9e65pGBU3L2gugW3E9R_9hFiXfcmPduuBQdEPeIxR7LdwZOJeWXbCRlZn9E0mfvQOCrbsS1gSHQyYrL-gjgkwIP_yEcZk_OSAp4FogcPncEUxenZ0l-xlrl2RghyyXGxmA4zWSCWzUX_lv9yc0yf0TZEdM6Ok1rNlfLX37O6uQJuS/s1551/For%20the%20Glory%20By%20Duncan%20Hamilton.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEYKB-U2yqxVyVrF9e65pGBU3L2gugW3E9R_9hFiXfcmPduuBQdEPeIxR7LdwZOJeWXbCRlZn9E0mfvQOCrbsS1gSHQyYrL-gjgkwIP_yEcZk_OSAp4FogcPncEUxenZ0l-xlrl2RghyyXGxmA4zWSCWzUX_lv9yc0yf0TZEdM6Ok1rNlfLX37O6uQJuS/s320/For%20the%20Glory%20By%20Duncan%20Hamilton.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Continuing the downward trend of number of books I have read, but sharing anyway since you readers seem to enjoy my book reviews:</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">1. <i>Fire On the Track: Betty Robinson and the Triumph of the Early Olympic Women</i> by Roseanne Montillo—I wanted to like this book. I didn't! Starting with a planet crash, and then working backward to tell the tale of two time Olympian gold medalist Betty Robinson (and the first US female track and field Olympian), parts of it read like a novel. I enjoyed learning about some of the other early Olympic women, including Babe Didrikson, Dee Boeckmann, Stella Walsh, and Helen Stephens. When the book started pushing ideological values, though, I started to lose interest. Reading the author’s assertion that sexual abuse led to one Olympian discovering that she was lesbian outraged me. I really wanted to read an inspiring book about female athletes! This book left me frustrated that the author was unable to let the powerful stories of these women stand alone, and instead, subverting their stories for her own agenda. Next!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">2. <i>Called for Life: How Loving Our Neighbor Led Us Into the Heart of the Ebola Epidemic</i> by Kent and Amber Brantly with David Thomas—Kent Brantly went to Liberia because of compassion, and he served there with compassion. When despite precautions practiced, he contracted Ebola, he prayed to be faithful in life or in death. This is his story, as well as the story of his wife Amber. It is an inspiring story of a man determined to keep caring for others, before, during, and after his diagnosis and miraculous recovery. With details not just about why and how Brantly became a doctor, but also his continuing impact of the field of medicine, this is an inspiring, encouraging read. Warning, though: Brantly is a doctor, and as such, writes with medical details that may leave some squeamish. The book is still worth reading, but calls for that caveat.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">3. <i>Between Heaven & The Real World: My Story</i> by Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham—What a powerful book from music powerhouse Steven Curtis Chapman! Chapman’s wife Mary Beth shared her story years ago, and now he shares his. He shares of growing up trying to fix things, of his whirlwind college romance with his wife, trying to find his way in the music world, losing his daughter Maria, and more. Through it all, he traces the adequacy and faithfulness of God in the real world. This is both an inspiring read, and one that can cause readers to consider their own lives in light of eternity. I highly recommend this book!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">4. <i>Choosing to See</i> by Mary Beth Chapman with Ellen Vaughn—I thought maybe I had read this book, but maybe I have not. Whatever the case, it was a blessing to see Mary Beth Chapman's story of grief, and her awareness of God's presence in it. A musical book, with each chapter citing lyrics from her husband Steven Curtis Chapman's songs, this autobiography walks readers through the early days of Chapman's life, as well as the early days after the loss of her precious daughter Maria. Complete with blog posts from the years after Maria's death, this book if full of raw, honest vulnerability. Chapman testifies not to having things together, but rather to choosing to look for and see God in the mess. Truly, this is a beautiful read.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">5. <i>The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World</i> by Alli Worthington—This is a really great devotional! I started it last year after a friend gave it to me, and found the bite-sized daily readings and journal questions just right for me. While I am sure I could glean more from this book with more time and study, what I got from it was not a wordly sense of happiness, but a desire to get more rooted in God and live out his will for me. Connection to Him and His purpose is what ultimately brings not only happiness, but joy! The author gets this, and I appreciate her balanced look at this important topic.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">6. <i>For the Glory: The Untold Story of Eric Liddell, Hero of Chariots of Fire</i>
by Duncan Hamilton—This book took me a while to get into, and I was
already interested in the story because of books my mom read to be growing up
and the award-winning film Chariots of Fire. The Olympics training description
seemed needlessly tedious. Reading about Liddell’s perseverance in difficult
and often grisly circumstances during his stint as a Chinese missionary, and
then in a Japanese concentration camp, however, kept my attention. Though the
author of this biography does not seem to fully recognize it, it is clear to me
that Liddell relied on his faith in the Lord in all of his doings. Liddell died
of a brain tumor at age 43 years, 37 days. Though the author hints that he
believes Liddell could have survived had he not been in the Japanese
concentration camp, it is clear from the epilogue and interviews with Liddell’s
wife and daughters, that they believe this, too, was for God’s glory. Both
sobering and inspiring, this is a great book for anyone who can endure its
first flagging pages.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What could I do to read more?</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Use social media less (a big one, and one that seems hard, as I use social media a lot when I have low brain power; I would need more bandwidth to actually engage in reading during this time, or at least I think so). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Walk more. (I often read while I walk.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Stay at home more (so I have more time to read). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">-Read shorter, easier books.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Right now, I am not willing/able to make these changes. (Read that reading is not as big of a priority for me right now/what I want to read is meatier and harder to read.) Therefore, I am choosing to accept and even celebrate the few books that I <i>have</i> read!</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8402073935441541124.post-635476767538699262024-01-30T07:00:00.001-07:002024-01-30T07:00:00.137-07:00The Simplified Life (An Update)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbTgdTN97bKnYuuARAz8EIHwZSlNyxp81TesTlla6NVhjJtklRo6U6owTmYfsVep8mf7J8wVB9ylR6K_gsOSKGXNBa-OPV7EHACPwhCTcrBW5gObLi_Y7v5vYVOn2u9OlSCSLIMzwBJCc4mYfzl8i3_kW3LQNfd9rU0uTPnrI6urP2d-a9JuBtAfkJSbD/s4032/1.26.24%20Christmas%20cactus.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbTgdTN97bKnYuuARAz8EIHwZSlNyxp81TesTlla6NVhjJtklRo6U6owTmYfsVep8mf7J8wVB9ylR6K_gsOSKGXNBa-OPV7EHACPwhCTcrBW5gObLi_Y7v5vYVOn2u9OlSCSLIMzwBJCc4mYfzl8i3_kW3LQNfd9rU0uTPnrI6urP2d-a9JuBtAfkJSbD/s320/1.26.24%20Christmas%20cactus.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />You know that <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2024/01/simplify.html" target="_blank">word I chose for the year</a>? (Simplify. Yes, it's also a form of my blog title.) I am realizing it has a lot more nuance than I thought. When I chose it, I imagined simplifying, paring down, doing less. I am realizing I don't really want to do that, or at least all of that. As of now, simplifying is looking more like prioritizing what is really important.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I like variety, really, I do! When I read about people <a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/meals/" target="_blank">eating the same breakfast every day</a>, the inner me revolts </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Becker, n.d.)</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. Sure, I eat varieties of the same breakfast most of the time, but I also like to switch things up! When I read about minimalism and think about paring down, I get it, but I also don't want to do it. There are a lot of little used things that bring me great joy when I </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">do </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">use them (think bundt and doughnut pans in the kitchen), and I want to keep them. I have also come to the conclusion that some splurge buys are worth it, like random new flavors of things, which are totally a gimmick, but bring me joy, and little holidays things that just enhance the mood. [Thanks, <a href="https://hungryrunnergirl.com/2024/01/friday-favorites-259.html#">Hungry Runner girl</a> (2024) for reminding that "n</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #25072b; font-family: georgia;">ovelty can enhance our moods."] I guess, at least for right now, the minimalism version of simplifying is not for me.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #25072b;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So what am I doing? I am trying to prioritize. I'm trying to stop doing things that feel like <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/8402073935441541124/619055122517028272" target="_blank">have-tos</a>, but really aren't. For example, I like doing a lesson of DuoLingo every day to keep my brain sharp, but why do I have to keep up with the quests? They just eat up my time and make me angsty. Next! I am also trying to <a href="https://simplesacredsweet.blogspot.com/2024/01/what-i-usedwhat-i-used-up-week-1.html" target="_blank">reduce items</a> in my fridge and pantry, not to get rid of variety, but to limit it so that it is less overwhelming. In terms of cooking, I am making larger batches of things and freezing them. This gives us variety, with a little less work. (Thank you, husband, for buying us a chest freezer and being willing to eat frozen and reheated food.) I am also trying to make less recipes that require me to buy unique ingredients. When I do buy those ingredients, I am trying to have a plan for using them up. Again, this results in less overwhelm and decision fatigue for me.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In terms of my closet, I am not trying to pare down to a capsule wardrobe. I have some single, or rarely used items that bring me great joy! I am trying to work through wearing everything in my closet, though. There are a lot of pieces that probably have neutral value and aren't needed (eg t-shirts), and when I find those, I am trying to set them aside so that I can consider getting rid of them. Things I have discovered? That though I have a lot of leggings and yoga pants, I have already worn them all, multiple times! Having less would just necessitate more frequent laundry. No thanks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What will this journey towards a simplified life look like by year's end? I truly don't know. Whatever comes, may I be receptive to the Lord and what He has to teach me!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>References:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Baron, J. (2024, January 26). Friday favorites! <i>Hungry runner girl. </i>https://hungryrunnergirl.com/2024/01/friday-favorites-259.html#</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Becker, J. (n.d.). You eat less variety than you think. Embrace it. <i>Becoming minimalist. </i>https://www.becomingminimalist.com/meals/</span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12785202205275979319noreply@blogger.com0