Butternut Squash Soup

If you follow me on Instagram then you may have seen my post about the butternut squash soup I made the other day. With all the dreary weather Hurricane Joaquin has brought up the Carolinas I have been craving cozy clothes, cups of coffee, and soups. All the soups. I've had a butternut squash hanging out since we went to the Farmer's Market a couple of weeks ago and I knew I needed to do something with it. Enter the delicious soup below. . .

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash

3 tablespoons butter

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 cups chicken stock

1 cup water

nutmeg

salt

pepper

Directions

Cut squash in 1 inch chunks.

Melt butter.

Add chopped onion and cook until soft

Add squash and stock.

Cook until squash is soft (mine took around 20 minutes).

Remove squash chunks and puree.

Pour blended squash back in pot.

Sprinkle with spices and enjoy!

This tasted even yummier with a little Greek Yogurt on top!

Are We Weird??

I'm beginning to wonder if we're the "weird" ones everyone else talks about. I mean there are a lot of reasons people may think that (yes, I realize it's not normal to want to go to bed by 9pm every night), but in particular I'm wondering about lifestyle and healthy living.

Last December we decided to complete a round of Whole30 in the new year, but as we were looking into it we realized a lot of what we do already aligns with that. We rarely eat/drink dairy, bread shows up in our house for guests, and I haven't bought soda in years. We both like to workout at least five times a week and have been known to get cranky if we can't. Which leads me to my question again, 

Are we weird??

I can't tell you how many looks we get when we tell guests we only have water or almond milk to drink. Our Community Group laughs at us all the time because we always have the same boring drinks that no one wants! Haha. When we're planning our days we always make sure to fit a workout in, even if we're on vacation. It just helps us feel better! And since we've completed Whole30 we are much more aware of the foods we eat. Now, don't get me wrong, I still have a major sweet tooth, but I'm looking more at labels for the ingredients than the calories these days.

So, what's the verdict, folks-are we weird??

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

One awesome part of our Whole30 journey was trying new recipes. A few were "eh" and a few were "oh, yea!"-this one fell into the latter category. Great for supper as well as something to nosh on guilt-free during a game. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

2 onions

1/2 tsp. dried parsley

1/2 tsp. dill

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried chives

5 peppers

1/2 cup hot sauce (we like Frank's)

1/2 stick of butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Slice onions and layers in 9x14 dish.

Lay chicken breasts on top.

Mix spices and sprinkle on chicken.

Bake for 25-30 minutes (or until chicken is done).

While the chicken is cooking melt the butter and hot sauce together. 

Cut tops off peppers and hollow out.

Take the cooked chicken and onions and shred it very finely (we use our Magic Bullet for this).

Combine the shredded chicken and hot sauce mixture.

Fill the hollowed peppers with the chicken and hot sauce mixture.

Place stuffed peppers in baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Serve with guacamole and enjoy!

Whole 30 Regress-Week 3

Does that say "regress"? Shouldn't it say "progress"?

You read it right the first time, folks, it says regress. As is, we went backwards not forwards on our goals. Please excuse me while I go hang my head in shame. I wish I could say it was just one moment of a mistake, but it was a few. You see, what had happened was. . . 

Thursday night I was making Whole30 compliant fish "tacos". I was so proud of myself for coming up with ways to make this recipe okay for us to eat and still taste good. We sat down to supper, enjoyed our tacos and each other's company. Bliss. Until David got up for seconds and looked at the salsa jar and realized there was sugar in it. *face in palm* Argh! I didn't even think to check! Rookie move! I was so caught up in not using tortillas and any dairy products that I didn't even think about the salsa. Tsk tsk.

Fast forward to Friday evening. David's mom generously offered to watch Amelia Grace so we could go on a date. For some reason we were really excited about this date night. Nothing really to celebrate, but we still wanted to do it up big. Dinner, movie, the whole shebang! Our go-to of Outback just didn't seem right. Our most favorite local restaurant was participating in Charlotte Restaurant Week so we headed over there. We were sucked into the good deal of three courses for $30 which included our favorite appetizer (a combination of pimento cheese and guacamole) and a dessert of peanut butter pie. And of course what date night isn't complete without a little local brew? Yea, folks, we didn't just fall off the wagon-the wagon tipped over and threw us off into a pile of delicious food.

Saturday morning we woke up with full intentions of hitching ourselves back to the wagon and continuing on. Then my sister, her boyfriend, and my mom came down to visit, so my brother and his wife came over as well. Before we knew it we had a rowdy game of Dominoes going and a good time was had by all! Adding to that good time were a few local craft beers from 201 Central. And what's a fun evening without a little dessert? Yea, it was badddddd. 

So, where are we in all of this? Good question. I am bummed we were only a week shy of our goal and we didn't make it, but does that mean we're tossing in the towel completely? Nope. We love the way we feel eating clean and that's not going to go away. We have learned a lot through this and I love how I've been stretched in the kitchen with the meal prep. Our lifestyle and way of viewing food has been altered significantly and for that I am thankful. We are going to continue on with it and keep eating as healthy and clean as we can. We are going to continue to steer clear of processed foods as much as we possibly can and only allow ourselves the occasional treat. 

Te he he, I feel like I've said this a zillion times. . .

Whole 30 Progress-Week 2

We've officially made it another week-whooooooo! I am happy to say that things have gotten easier and we aren't craving sugar as much as we were. I would love to say we're not craving it at all, but you're talking to the queen of cookie cakes and sweet treats. It's going to take a lot more than two weeks to kick my tastebuds into gear, but we are two weeks closer than we were. 

One big observation from this past week is how full of fridge is. On the flip side our pantry is practically empty. I guess that's what happens when you're focusing on eating fresher foods and cutting out the stuff that sticks around for months. 

How are we feeling? Stinkin' awesome! A sweet friend of ours from Community Group noted how we seemed to be dragging last week and how this week we definitely weren't. I feel like I could run a marathon every day and the mid-afternoon slump I used to feel daily is longggggg gone. 

Meal planning and prepping is still going well too. I did learn not to try to make a complicated new recipe on a night David is working late. Thank heavens for ring slings and baby wearing! ;-) Here is what we chowed down on this week:

Sunday-pork chops, apple cider brussel sprouts, cabbage

Monday-buffalo chicken peppers (these were awesome), cauliflower, asparagus

Tuesday-taco salad, roasted garlic broccoli

Wednesday-Italian chicken skillet, kale, spaghetti squash

Thursday-Mexican chili lime soup, zucchini

Friday-steaks, rosemary sweet potatoes, garlic green beans

Saturday-chicken enchilada soup

Lots of yummy flavors and new foods that we will be keeping on the rotation. Many thanks to those who have helped out with recipe options and suggestions-keep 'em coming!

Whole 30 Progress-Week 1

It's been about a week and half and here we are-alive. That sounds a little dramatic, but it's true. We are feeling so alive! We realize it hasn't been very long, but we are already feeling lighter and healthier already. It hasn't been all roses and rainbows (hellooooo sugar cravings), but we are definitely feeling some of this hard work paying off. Let me back up, though and start with a few thoughts from this week. . .

 I would kill for a cookie cake right now.

I bet she has a peppermint mocha in that red Starbucks cup.

Would it really be so bad to cheat? 

Wow, my skin looks clearer.

Did I really just beat my last workout's time by almost a minute?

I feel lighter; not as puffy.

My clothes are definitely fitting better.

This recipe actually tastes better with coconut oil.

I could eat this every day. Even after we're done with this!

As you can see the thoughts transitioned from negative to more positive. Our mindset definitely shifted this week as we realized the good that was coming from keeping up with the healthier eating. Something that really helped us was starting with a plan.

I had meals figured out for the next week and a few snack options in case we got "hangry". I knew we needed to have a plan of action in place when those nasty cravings attacked, and boy did they (did I mention the sugar cravings?). But with the foods we had readily available it wasn't too bad. It only got really tempting when I was out and about and saw all the options around me (oh, Starbucks, how I miss your chocolatey goodness).

Here is a look at what we ate this week:
Sunday-pork chops, brussel sprouts, collard greens
Monday-turkey zucchini bites, salad, sweet potato fries
Tuesday-fish tacos (lettuce wraps), carrot fries, sautéed green beans
Wednesday-chicken fajitas (no tortilla), spinach, cauliflower
Thursday-chili, eggplant fries
Friday-steaks, grilled shrimp, sweet potatoes (from Outback)
Saturday-cilantro lime chicken, sautéed spinach, sweet potato fries

It definitely wasn't boring. In fact, a lot of the items above are things we ate any way. I doctored a few recipes to make them compliant, but was really happy overall. Pinterest has been so helpful through this! I honestly don't know what I would do without the wisdom of those who have done this before us.

Here's to hoping the next week goes just as smoothly!

Haha. Yep. 

Check out my healthy eating board on Pinterest for lots of yummy recipes.

A Whole New Way of Eating

Have you heard of Whole30? You've probably heard it mentioned a time or two in passing. Or maybe you know someone who is a pretty healthy eater who lives it day in and day out. I first heard mention of it a couple of years ago and thought it was poppycock. Give up dairy? No way, Jose! Say no to my nightly sweet treats? You must be crazy! Eliminate ALL processed foods? Here, let me direct you to the looney bin. 

I mean, we've always eaten fairly healthily but nothing super extreme. Usually a meat and two veggies at supper with bread a distant thing of the past. Our (started as mine and I slowly brought David's tastebuds around. . .) downfall has always been dessert. Have you seen the foodie section of this blog?? It wasn't until my kidneys stopped responding to the steroids as they had in the past that I started really investigating our diet and what we were doing to ourselves. I was amazed at how poor our choices had become over time. It was time to hit the reset button.

So, that's where we are-hitting the reset button. We're not going into this in hopes of losing weight, but more in jumpstarting our bodies. Trying to kick the sugar addiction (yes, it is a total addiction for me!) and eliminate the ick that we take in. It certainly won't be easy, but we believe it will definitely be worth it!

For those of you who have walked this path I would love any advice you have on food and good recipes. Pinterest has been super helpful, but I love hearing what worked for real people! 

Veggies and Cheese Egg Casserole

I knew that I wanted to make something special for us to enjoy on Christmas morning. My mom always had lots of stuff to choose from, but with just the two of us eating I knew I only needed to make one thing, but to make it good. I found this recipe and tailored it to our tastebuds. In the week since I first made it we've already made it again. This is a great, healthy meal tat can be warmed up and snacked on throughout the week. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

1 cup mushrooms, chopped

1 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped

1 cup tomatoes, diced

12 eggs

2 cups mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Crack eggs in bowl and whisk.

Stir in veggies and cheese.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes in a greased 9x13 pan.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

I recently stumbled upon the bare bones of this recipe and quickly tailored it to something we would enjoy. I love it because it's easy and the perfect meal for a chilly evening. David loves it because it fills him up with lots of different flavors. Next time you're looking for something to warm up a cold night try this yummy soup!

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts

2 yellow onions, diced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

3 tbsp garlic, minced

1 15-oz can of diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken stock

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp paprika

1. 
   

Directions

Place chicken in crockpot.

Add onion, pepper and garlic.

Por tomatoes and chicken stock over the top.

Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika.

Cover and cook for 8 hours on low.

Shred chicken before serving.

Top with avocado, cheese, and/or sour cream.

Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

These freezing temps have me craving warm soups that I can load with all sorts of toppings. Bonus points if it can be made in a crockpot! Below is a yummy find that I tweaked to fit our tastes:-)

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika

Toppings
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, sliced

DirectionsAdd the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot. 
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic on top of the chicken. 
Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken stock over the top. 
Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
 Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving. 
Top with cilantro and avocado.
Enjoy!

Mashed Cauliflower

My sweet husband loves him some cauliflower, I, on the other hand, could take it or leave it. After subjecting him to my favorite dishes over and over again I decided to try one of his favorites in a new way and see if I liked it any more. I was surprised to learn I did! Try this recipe for mashed cauliflower next time you're considering adding it to your meal!

Ingredients 

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup almond milk

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. minced garlic

pinch of salt

pinch of black pepper

Directions

Boil a large pot of salted water. 

Add cauliflower and cook until very soft (10-15 minutes).

Drain in colander.

In a separate saute pan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat.

Add garlic and saute for roughly 30 seconds.

Mash with a potato masher in a large bowl. 

While mixing, slowly add the milk.

Mix in the salt and pepper and the minced garlic with the olive oil. 

Enjoy!

5 on Friday [09.26]

Happyyyyy Fridayyyyyy!

*one*

I love Fall and everything about it. The cool weather, the leaves, the football-everything! Probably my most favorite part is the attack of pumpkin, though. The best place to soak in pumpkin and all its glory? Trader Joe's! I'm literally going to have to limit how much pumpkin stuff I buy on my weekly trip. This week I splurged on pumpkin pop tarts. As delicious as they sound! 

*two*

It's time for the Fall Food Truck Rally!! We went last year with our church community group and pigged out! Excited to share it with our little love this year:-)

*three*

Alright, online shoppers, what are your favorite discount shopping sites? I'm a member of Rue La La and Zulily, but I'd love to hear about any others that will save us money!

*four*

TGIT! The return of Scandal and Parenthood and the introduction of How to Get Away with Murder have this girl excited! What shows are you excited about this Fall??

*five*

Ever look at your calendar and totally freak?? That was us last night. We thought that after we got through the summer our lives would simmer down. Ha! We could't have been more wrong. We are so blessed to have so many people to see and things to do, but we will definitely be soaking in any breaks we get;-)

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Just like most Americans I LOVE anything pumpkin flavored. Here is a childhood classic, with a bit of a pumpkin twist. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

Cookies

 1 cup room temp butter

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla 

3 3/4 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Coating   

1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of allspice

Directions

Beat together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

 Stir in the pumpkin puree.

Add in the egg and vanilla.

In a separate  bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. 

Stir until fully incorporated. 

Cover and chill the dough for at least an hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Mix the coating ingredients in a small bowl. 

Make dough balls and roll into the sugar mixture. 

Lightly flatten cookies with heel of hand (don't smush!).

 Recoat the bottom of the glass in the sugar-spice mixture as needed.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until baked through. 

Enjoy!

High Five for Friday [07.18]

Happy Friday!

(1) 

Have any of y'all ever seen Army Wives? I am totally hooked and embarrassed to admit how many episodes I have watched this week. Probably not the best show to watch when hormonal and pregnant, but I can't stop watching now!

(2)

We are officially 36 weeks. Holy canoli.

(3)

At this point you've probably heard the song "rude" by MAGIC! and if you haven't then you've been living under a rock. Ever since we first heard it David will ponder what he'll say one day when someone asks to marry Miss Amelia Grace. I think this dad has the right answer.

(4)

New favorite dessert? Vanilla ice cream with Junior Mints. Seriously addicted.

(5)

In between back-to-back episodes of Army Wives I have managed to totally nerd out on a new book-The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport. Not exactly light poolside reading, but I'm really getting into all the crazy of this family.