Breakfast Pie

Pie for breakfast? Sign me up! Quick, easy, and delicious!

Ingredients

9 graham crackers

1/4 cup butter

2 cups of Plain Greek Yogurt, (or your favorite kind)

Fruit to top, I like to use berries and of course peaches!

*If you're using Plain yogurt, honey drizzled over top is yummy.

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Crush graham crackers and combine with butter to make a crumbly mixture. In an 8x8 pan or small casserole dish, press the graham cracker mixture down into the bottom.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until crust is starting to brown. Remove and cool slightly.

4. Spread yogurt over the crust and add berries to top.

Serve warm or seal and refrigerate to serve cold.

Enjoy!

TOTAL BODY

A 10 minute circuit from my workout today that had me burning. Remember this is sped up and these moves will be much slower as you do each one.

1. Front loaded squat + pulse + rotational press, 8 each side (16 total)

2. Tricep dips + knee drive, 8 each side (16 total)

3. Lung hold + curl, 8 each side (16 total)

4. 15# Bumper push-out + twist, 8 each side (16 total). If you don't have a 15# bumper, use a 15# DB. This exercise BURNS to keep that bumper up and your deltoids will be feeling it. The twist direction is toward the front leg.

REPEAT 2-4x through. DONE.

Kodiak Cakes Crispy Quick Parmesan Chicken

Honestly one of my favorite recipes to date! Not my absolute healthiest recipe, but one you need to have in your life ASAP. If you don't need the 6 servings, save the leftovers to cut up for salads, or just to heat up and have again. So delicious!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts, sliced in half the long ways to make 6 thin chicken breasts

10 Tbsp. butter, divided (may need a 2-3 more Tbsp. for frying the chicken depending on how long it takes to cook...)... and that's why maybe it's not my healthiest recipe. ;)

1 cup Buttermilk Kodiak Cakes mix

1 cup bread crumbs

1 tsp. cayenne

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. paprika

Instructions:

1. Make sure chicken is defrosted, and make tiny diagonal slices through the top and bottom of each piece to ensure it cooks through well. Set aside.

2. Combine 4 Tbsp. of the butter + all dry ingredients in a small bowl. 

3. In another shallow bowl, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp. butter.

4. Take each piece of chicken and dip in the shallow bowl of butter and then directly in the Kodiak Cakes mixture.

5. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet, and place each piece of chicken on top, letting it cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the outside is nice and crispy. As you add more chicken or flip the chicken and you feel like your skillet needs a little more butter to prevent burning, add in more as needed. (I had to add in a couple more Tbsp.)

6. Your chicken should be browned, cooked through, and your kitchen will smell delicious. Serve immediately. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over top, and dig in!

Clean Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Pretty much a one-pot dish that comes together quick and easy! My husband loves the addition of the shrimp- filling, yet doesn't leave you feeling too heavy. If you want to leave out the shrimp, and add more sauteed spinach, go right ahead! Serves 6-10.

Ingredients:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed (*I always just use the pre-cooked)

1 package (16 oz.) whole wheat fusilli pasta

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. olive oil, more if needed

1 can (14 oz.) fire roasted tomatoes

1 jar marinara sauce (I like the one from Sprouts)

4 or more handfuls of fresh spinach

1-2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes *optional

1 package (8 oz.) mozzarella pearls

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2. In a large saute pan, heat oil to medium.

3. Add garlic and saute until fragrant.

4. Add seasonings, tomatoes and spinach and saute for 5 minutes

5. Add shrimp to tomatoes and spinach mixture and cook until light pink in color and no longer translucent in center. Adjust seasonings if needed.

6. Add 1-2 cups marinara, more if needed.

7. Toss with pasta and top with mozzarella pearls. Add more marinara if it seems to dry. Enjoy!

Scrapbooking on Blurb

I occasionally share tidbits about my journey through motherhood and random "mom-type" posts ... but only if I think they'll be helpful for you. This is one I know you'll want to read!

Let's start with this:

As I talked about recently, I'm a lover of documenting certain moments of life; those moments where you know you have to whip out the camera to capture a memory you never want to forget.

I also know that sometimes our experiences in life are best kept undocumented, and rather, experienced... and those ones I also hold most dear. But documenting things through pictures also brings me a lot of joy, and helps me to relive certain emotions, or memories.

And how in the world do I manage to keep up my life's documentation with a toddler, busy schedule, limited time, and another baby on the way?

S C R A P B O O K S .

More specifically, Blurb.

My scrapbooks are my main way of documenting today. They fall at the top of my "most valuable possessions" list; the type of thing I know I'd grab first in the event of a fire. I mean, don't you treasure those old photos you have of your childhood? ...the Christmas you got a puppy, the time you aced your spelling test, the grass-stained knees and brown-covered jersey from your neighborhood soccer match and mud fight...? Pictures are such a fun way of documenting life's moments; the good, the great, the bad, and the ugly.

I'm SO grateful I made the switch from paper to digital. Not only do these scrapbooks from Blurb store so easily on the shelf, but they end up costing me less, taking MUCH less of my time to put them together, and I think they look better too. Forget having to find the cute paper, adding applicable stickers and embellishments, etc. etc. etc. Heck, if you still aren't convinced, check out other books done by others for inspiration. It's a no brainer!

Wanting to do it, but feeling overwhelmed to start? Well, you're not alone. We've all been there. First, download Blurb to your computer FOR FREE, and here are five easy ways to get started.  

1. JUST START NOW

If you haven't started scrapbooking, it can be extremely overwhelming to think, Man, I have 5-10+ years to catch up on. Where do I start? Here's my recommendation. Just start with what you have now. I usually spend around 20 minutes every Sunday updating our scrapbooks if we did anything eventful that week, and that way it's not taking too much of my time. When I devote just a little bit of time once a week to stay updated, I don't fall behind. Set apart some time each week to do a little bit at a time.

2. FOCUS ON DOCUMENTING THE MAIN EVENTS

I think about my iPhone pictures and all the hundreds of "every day" type pictures I have on there. Do I put every single one in my scrapbook? HEAVENS NO. I may pick a few here and there, but I usually try to stick to main events in life to document: Ellie's birthday party, a camping trip to Moab, a memorable skiing date I had with Bry, the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party... those types of things. When you stick to more "mainstream" events in your life, with some every day snapshots mixed in, it will seem a little less daunting. And honestly, it will end up looking better and not so "random" too.

3. DON'T TRY TO GET CAUGHT UP ALL AT ONCE

Back to what I talked about in #1, if you DO happen to have 10+ years of falling behind in documentation, and you want to document those things, make a goal to finish 5 pages a day, and don't worry about them looking "perfect." Maybe a blank black or white background with a simple layout for pictures (which Blurb provides FOR you). Small goals lead to big progress. Baby steps.

4. KNOW IT'S WORTH IT

Whether you are determined now to start, or you want to finish one in time for a Christmas gift this year, know that all the hard work is absolutely worth it. There's nothing more exciting to me than seeing these packages on my front porch and knowing that my family will treasure these for generations to come. I think it's the best gift you can give to someone.

5. Get Creative

I love the way Blurb makes it easy to create whatever you're looking for. Whether it's a scrapbook, a recipe book, a journal, or another type of photo book, Blurb comes with all the templates, lets you create your own, and really makes it easy for a "beginner" to figure out.

We take so many pictures around here, we do 1 scrapbook every year. I know that seems really overwhelming to a lot of people, but it's just what we do right now. I have split mine into years (Jan.-Dec.) since the time Bry and I were married, and I'm halfway through "2017" as we speak. 

I also do something fun in the beginning pages of each scrapbook. I like to do a page that is filled with "styles of the day," "prices of the day," and some of those things so my posterity can one day be in awe at how "cheap" certain groceries or items cost, and laugh at the clothes that were in style. I love incorporating those additional things in my books. I also love to use them as journals when I feel inclined to. Most of the pages are just pictures, but I love that there are templates just for words, and some with pictures + words. It really brings a fun mix to the table.

Good luck and PLEASE let me know if you have other questions. I know this program inside and out. See some more of my quick tips below, and I hope this was helpful for you.

Happy scrapbooking!

Meg's Quick Tips

Other reasons I love Blurb with all my heart:

I love being able to hop onto the computer (where all my pictures are anyways), and easily click and drag my pictures right onto the templates of my scrapbook pages. I love Blurb because it's free to download, it's one of the lesser expensive programs I've looked into, extremely user-friendly, they always seem to be having discounts going on or sending me discount codes in the mail, and they print in good enough quality for me to be satisfied. I can't say enough, honestly. They make it easy to create your own unique templates, or they even have an entire gallery if you're not the "creative type."

It's so easy to scrapbook on Blurb, you'll be wondering why you didn't do it sooner!

The other great thing is that they have all of my books saved on file within the website once I sign in. So, if I ever caught Ellie ripping out the pages (like she sometimes does with other books), or heaven forbid we have a flood or something happen to our house... I could just login and order another copy. That to me, is so comforting. The other cool thing about that, is if doing an individual one for each one of your kids seems like way too much work and out of the question... just make a combined family scrapbook and print off enough copies for each family member every year. Maybe even for Christmas...? How fun would that tradition be, to get family scrapbook under the tree every year? Once the book is finished, you just order however many copies you'd like. Easy.

We keep our most recent books on our coffee table and the older ones in a basket by the piano for people to pick up and read.  They are always the first thing people look at when we have guests come over. I love being able to share them with others, and they bring up some good conversations. I also always make mine the large squares, (12" x 12") because I like having the pictures bigger. And, I like the look of the large square too. But if you'd prefer a different size, or are making a smaller one for someone as a gift, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

GOOD LUCK!

TOTAL BODY

A total body workout that won't take you long! Set a timer and perform each move for ONE MINUTE going all out. Rest for 15 seconds in between each move. Once you're through the set once, rest 1-2 minutes before starting again. Once you're through the circuit TWICE, you're DONE!
1. Bosu burpees
2. Slider lunges
3. Weighted step-ups into reverse lunge
4. Sit-ups with weighted press
5. Medicine ball slams

TOTAL BODY

At 20 weeks pregnant, and this belly has officially popped! Ended my workout today with this circuit. Even alone, this one will not disappoint. My #momstrongchallenge today was to sweat... and this will do it! Get it in and report back!

1. 100 lunges

2. 50 push-ups (on knees takes pressure off a pregnant belly)

3. 100 air squats

4. 50 alternating weighted step-ups

5. 100 jumping jacks

6. 50 alternating Bulgarian split squats (with weight)

7. 100 sumo squat pulses (these BURN... pause every 10 for a couple seconds)

8. 50 tricep dips

Repeat if you want, or do it once through!

20 Weeks

Feeling all the feels this week as I am officially HALFWAY THERE to meeting this baby boy. Time is FLYING. Here is a quick 20-week update for my little (but growing) baby bump.

Biggest craving right now:

That's easy. This last week... cinnamon bears and milk. And even better, chocolate covered cinnamon bears. This baby might come out part-cinnamon bear.

Baby is the size of:

A banana! How are we to the banana stage yet!? 6.5 inches and 10.1 ounces.  We're dying to have our big ultrasound in about a week, because we're feeling this little one move and wiggle all around. I love feeling those little kicks.

Weight gain:

5, (almost 6 pounds.) My weight gain has been nice and steady, and I'm loving seeing that bump start to pop and grow. It truly has popped this past week and there's no going back. ;)

Funny pregnancy moments:

Bry was looking for the dishtowel the other night and happened upon it in the freezer. The FREEZER, people! I'm going crazy haha! Also, if I could count the number of times I've lost my keys or phone, I'd be rich. I can't seem to keep track of anything these days. 

How I'm feeling now:

This last week I've definitely popped. My pants are officially not buttoning up comfortably, and I'm having to do the good ol' "rubber band trick." (google it if you have no idea what I'm talking about haha.) I'm living in dresses and comfy shoes these days.

We're thinking of getting Ellie's toddler room ready, and so we've been shifting things around in our house lately. Things are seeming more real as I continue to watch Ellie grow up, and as we started picking up a few boy clothes to hang in the closet. My mother in-law took me fabric shopping as she's making him a baby quilt, and it really started sinking in then. I am soooo excited we're adding a little boy to our family of three.

Physically, I'm feeling strong, but have definitely started feeling more out of breath during cardio circuits. I am recognizing how hard my body is working to grow that baby, and sometimes it takes the energy right out of me. Planks and ab routines are starting to feel uncomfortable in the front, and so I'm sticking to routines involving my oblique abdominals (side abs) more and more. I have been so tired the last few days, but usually a quick power nap will keep me going strong. Feeling good at this point and I can't believe I'm halfway there!

Welcoming 21 weeks with more cinnamon bears. ;)

Back to School with Kodiak Cakes

I can't believe we're already talking about everything "back-to-school"... where in the world did this summer go!? I don't have school-age kids yet, but I can see how intimidating it would be to go from a more flexible and relaxed schedule to those busy, crammed mornings again. I know getting in a healthy breakfast is a challenge for many when they're crunched for time, and so let me share you some tips that have helped me...

1. Kodiak Cakes

Holy cow, I feel like this company was made for me. They make my mornings SO simple. Not only is their flapjack + waffle mix the easiest to whip up (and you can store it in a pancake pen for a couple days to have on hand), but now they have all these quick and ready-to-go options.

One of my favorite products of theirs is their Cinnamon Oat Flapjack and Waffle Mix and also their Double Dark Chocolate Muffin Mix. With the Cinnamon Oat Flapjack and Waffle Mix, you HAVE to try the recipe on the back of the box for the muffin version.... it is DIVINE.  Both of those muffin recipes are family faves. Not only do they yield a bunch of great protein to stay fueled, but after making them I freeze them. On a busy morning, I whip one out, pop it in the microwave for 20-25 seconds, and I'm good to go! Easy peasy!

2. I like to prepare other things to have on hand that require no thinking:

-overnight oats

-fill ziplock baggies with all your smoothie contents so you can quickly drop them into the blender 

-fill ziplock baggies with cut up veggies to have on hand for omelettes

-have hard boiled eggs and cut up fruit on hand

-prepare yogurt parfaits ahead of time in a tupperware. I love getting frozen mixed berries and putting a bunch in the bottom of a tupperware. Then I put Plain Greek Yogurt over top and let it sit in the fridge overnight. By morning, the berries are defrosted just enough to mix in and make your plain yogurt taste delightful! Sprinkle some granola over top, and your kids will be begging for more!

 All of these things are fool proof! The key is taking a little bit of time in the evening to prepare a few easy things, and then your mornings will go smooth. For those that haven't tried Kodiak Cakes, RUN!! 

TOTAL BODY

Give this total body circuit a try! It's a great warm-up, or great finisher. Put it to the test!

-Perform each move for 1 minute. After two moves, rest for 15-30 seconds depending on how much time it takes for that heart rate to come down just a little bit in between.

1. Side to side clean and press with heavier DB

2. Long jump, plank, walk-ins (watch video)

REST 15-30 seconds

3. Bosu jacks

4. Bosu burpess

REST 15-30 seconds

5. Reverse lunge DB pass-throughs

6. Walking weighted lunges

REST 15-30 seconds

7. Wide to narrow push-ups

8. Tricep kickbacks, using 5-10# DBs

Repeat 2x! The second time through, decrease your rest period slightly. If you were resting for 30 seconds the first round through, go for 20 the second time through. Good luck!! 

Quick Shrimp Stir-Fry

Alright people, this recipe rocks. It's tried and true, it's easy, and it tastes divine. For some reason, I've been craving shrimp lately #pregnancycraving, and it hit the spot! Plus, each serving is ~340 calories, with 17.7 grams of protein, 7.2 grams of fat, and 52 grams of carbs for all you macro counters. Boom! Give it a try!

Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons sesame oil

half a head of broccoli, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup baby carrots, diced

3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 Tbsp. light brown sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups brown rice, cooked

Sesame seeds and green onions (sliced) to top!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, pour in the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, zucchini, and carrots and saute until the vegetables begin to soften up.

2. In a separate small bowl, combine broth, coconut aminos, garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk together. 

3. Add shrimp to vegetables and pour sauce over top. Stir frequently and cover until sauce has thickened and shrimp are cooked through. About 5-7 minutes. 

4. Serve over brown rice and top with sesame seeds and green onions! Enjoy!

Asian Coleslaw

A winner in our book! Fresh and QUICK for these last days of summer and full of flavor! Give it a try!

Ingredients:

Rotisserie chicken

4 Tbsp. canola oil

2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

2 heaping Tbsp. peanut butter

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp.  brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. minced garlic

 1 tsp. sesame seed oil

For salad:

I like to use a coleslaw (we love the broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage slaw), but I bet it would taste super good on spinach and romaine lettuce as well.

Add shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions:

Combine all dressing ingredients and mix well. Toss over rotisserie chicken and coleslaw, and you're all set!