Lost, But Holding Hands

Sunday Fun Day involves a LOT of food prep for the week.  What I prep changes weekly depending on our meal plan, but one thing is for sure- I'll be prepping this delicious, versatile breakfast casserole that, when paired with a side of fruit, will last all week for me and the hubs! Once you get the hang of the basics to this casserole- you will find yourself changing it up to your own preferences and what produce you have on hand.  The ingredients I am sharing today are my basic, go-to recipe.  But I will also share variations I have tried.  If you mix it up and add different veggies and meats- tag me in a post and let me know how it turned out! Savory Breakfast Bake This recipe has a few components that are cooked separately before it comes together in a casserole dish.  I am breaking up the ingredients and steps to make it easier to follow. Sweet Potatoes Ingredients: 2-3 sweet potatoes (depending on size) 2 T olive oil Salt Pepper ...

Don't you just love meals that come together in one pan?  I absolutely love my cast iron pan.  It makes dishes like this easy and aesthetically pleasing- nothing more homey than sitting down together at the table with a hot pan of goodness. If you don't have a cast iron pan- no worries.  Just use a skillet for the stove top portion and then transfer it to a baking dish to go into the oven. Seasoning and searing the chicken thighs in the pan first, helps get the skin nice and crispy and cuts down on the time this dish spends in the oven. The smell of cauliflower drives my husband CRAZY.  But once it's seasoned and cooked- he eats i happily.  So don't let the idea (or smell) of cauliflower stop you from trying this recipe!  You can also buy frozen riced cauliflower and skip the smell :) One Pan Spicy Chicken Thighs  &  Mexican Cauliflower Rice Ingredients: Spicy Chicken Thighs- 2 T avocado (or olive) oil 4 chicken thighs (b...

Hey, y'all- There are several indicators that are signaling the end of summer break- First, I got this terrible advertisement from Walgreens yesterday. What the heck?!  The least effective way to draw people in is to remind them that summer is ending.  Also, when does summer actually end- September?  Pump the break, Walgreens.   Second, I have my first day back at work on Monday.  It's just a one day training, but it means that all three of us have to be up, fed, ready and out the door by 7 to get Ryan to day camp and get to work on time.  Blah.  I've literally dropped the kiddo off at camp each day this summer in either pajamas or workout garb. Lastly, and perhaps the most obvious- school supplies are everywhere!  There are 2 things that get me fired up while shopping- Hobby Lobby jumping several holidays and seasons ahead (I mean come on, right now there are leftover 4th of July decorations next to BOTH fall and Christmas decor). ...

The ease of summer is addictive.  Having time to relax, read, stay caught up on laundry and other around-the-house chores is a blessing.  The funny part is, I find it harder to stick to a clean eating plan in summer than I do during the school year.  The rigor and routine of the school year lends itself to a more strict meal and exercise plan.  It's ironic that during summer break- with all the time in the world- I sometimes often find myself looking at the clock and wondering how it is already noon and I haven't accomplished much of anything.  It's also so tempting to indulge in summer treats- s'mores, ice cream, sno-cones, cookouts, etc. While I won't complain or deny my love for summer- I am beginning to yearn for the structure of returning to work. Today has been a mixture of productiveness and laziness. Tyler is out of town for the week and Ryan spent the night at my parent's house.  What did  I do with my night/morning of freedom?  Last n...

I have spent the last few weeks eyeing an advertisement that keeps popping up on my social media accounts for a smoothie delivery program.  This particular company is organic, #whole30 compliant and delivers ready to go produce and add-ins already in cups ready to be blended with your liquid of choice.  Several times over the last few weeks, I visited their website and did what I am best at---added things to my cart, balked at the price, and backed out.  I mean I am not about to spend 7.99 on a smoothie- no matter how healthy or convenient. So instead, I have been buying frozen smoothie mixes at the store.  But this has proved to be a challenge as well because it is incredibly difficult to find frozen fruit that doesn't have additives and preservatives.  Manufactures put chemicals in the fruit to keep the color of the fruit vibrant- but the things is...I've froze fresh fruit and vegetables before without them losing their color, so I think it is totally unnec...

i like to travel. i've always liked to travel. there is nothing better than packing up for an adventure and hitting the open road or the friendly skies to see a new place. i consider myself to be a relatively experienced traveler who has seen a few places lots of different ways: Canada  à  la camper shell National Parks  à  la tent Road Trip adventures  à  la camper South Korea  à  la University  Ireland  à  la honeymoon London and Paris  à  la bad decisions Disneyland & Disney World wonders  à  la hotel you get the idea. my love for travel has been a part of me for a long time. sadly, real life sometimes keeps me from fulfilling my desire to be wrapped up in wanderlust 24/7. there's the full time job, the two pups, the limited income, etc. actually, it's usually the limited income that's the killer. living in the midwest has a ton of advantages. the cost of living is low, there's plen...