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i am sore… ouch.

February 19, 2014 Filed in food,health & fitness,pinterest,recipes

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

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

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

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

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1. Salad in a Jar

2. Cheesy Spinach Muffins

3. Stuffed Peppers Soup

4. Thai Red Curry Coconut Squash Soup

5. Clean & Lean Lettuce Wraps

6. Sweet Potato Quinoa Patties

7. Asian-Style Cobb Salad

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

which one of these recipes looks the best to you?

and also… what are you making for dinner tonight?

 

 

 

 

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

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

Looking forward to following your journey to fitness.

Best regards,

Stacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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21 Day Fix – here goes!

February 17, 2014 Filed in health & fitness

My box arrived for the 21 Day Fix!!
i was totally surprised at truly tiny the containers are.
i thought “oh no.  i am going to be so hungry!”  but then once i got into the charts and all i think it’s going to be so good for me!
the main focus of the 21 Day Fix is portion control of healthy foods.
and obviously i need it if these boxes are the correct sizes of portions.
i am totally overeating.
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it comes with the workout videos…. we workout everyday for 21 days.
the first one was good but i had to do the modified version for most of it!
Geez…i need this worse than i thought.
i think i will struggle the most with workouts.
i “love” to take breaks from working out.  (until i work out again and think WHY did i take time off???)day21
and i am also trying Shakeology for the first time.
it’s pretty good.
not necessarily super amazing like a McFlurry or a Frappacino but… it’s not bad either.
today i just added water and ice.
i am going to try adding spinach, fruit, almond milk or coffee at times to mix it up.

these are examples of what is considered a veggie and how much for the green container.
each size container has a page of examples.
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and we can replace a few things a few times for wine or sweets.  YAY!!!!

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and it’s very obvious how many of each you need to have each day.
for my particular needs it’s the 4 red, 3 green, 2 purple, 2 yellow, 1 blue and 1 orange.

in Marta’s Nutritional/Fitness groups we are encouraged to plan out our meals a week in advance to help us succeed.
i have been working on this concept for over two months.
it overwhelmed me.
but i hunkered down last night and made this chart…. and i immediately felt much better about the whole program because i have that piece under control for the next seven days.

also we are encouraged to try going wheat and dairy free just to see how we feel.
so that is why there is nothing on my meal plan that would have wheat or dairy.
it’s worth a try.

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i have planned ahead with groceries and now i know what i am eating and when
and HOPEFULLY i can avoid eating something based on how i am feeling that very moment (like a huge heart shaped frosted cookie coincidentally just after a teenager yelled at me) (and another one after that just because)

i can do this.

i am guessing this is old news for lots of you.
you are great at meal planning…. you workout with passion… you are awesome at eating healthy foods in healthy portions.
but i am not.
but maybe someday i will be.  🙂

so this my next 21 days.
and i know you didn’t ask but i am just telling you anyway.  ha ha ha

day one is almost done.
and i am not hungry.
AT ALL!
im actually… kinda more full than i usually feel???
so that is one fear conquered.

Thanks Marta for all the encouragement!!!
so far i am totally loving it.

🙂

 

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Jennifer - Thanks for all of the information that you shared.

Charisse - Do you know if anyone sells just the The Portion Fix Eating Guide Book?

I have the containers but no guide to go off of. The containers were a gift and the person didn’t know I would need the book to know how to use them.

Kelly Callahan - I just ordered this 2 days ago. Recent 35-lbs weight loss and have been stuck there for a month! Have another 35 lbs to go! I’m excited about starting program.

Sophie - Great review!! Funny and true!! I am on Day 3 and loving it so far. The meal plan is where I struggle as well. I can work out all day long but I loooooove my cheese and carbs! LOL. But I do feel like I get little treats with the containers. Planning on sticking with it and hoping for great results!

Jennie - I’m on day 4 of the 21 Day Fix. Would you mind sharing the spreadsheet that you made for tracking your meals? I need something like that and I’m not so great with excel. 🙂

Tess - I am already wheat free (I am a Celiac) so that part would be easy for me.

I am not a big dairy drinker myself…but I really could not go without yogurt at all… ever. I eat it several times a week. I am surprised a healthy plan like this doesn’t allow yogurt though. What kind of creamer / lightener can you use in your coffee? Can’t go without my coffee either 😉 but I could probably be more flexible about my creamer than the yogurt thing!

Trying to figure out if this is a plan for me. This was a nice review, you take nice photos!

Blessings!

Tess

Glenda Jordan - I’ve been reading and would like to try this plan to see if it will work for me.
I tried so many different plans, non seem to work.

Rachel - I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for this review! I’ve been trying to look up what the 21 day fix is all about and you’ve really gone through it step by step for everyone! I can’t wait to look at a few more of your posts 🙂

sandy - Thanks for your review. I am excited to start, and am sad to have to wait 4 weeks for it to be shipped. I am in the meantime trying to acclimate beforehand. I am confused about the orange, yellow and blue containers- do you have a list of approved foods that you can share? Thanks!!

Megan - LOVE the spread sheet you made!! I would love if you could share the file? That would help me SO much!!

Thanks!!
Meg

candice - thanks for sharing

Betty - Do they ship the program internationally? how can i get it in Dubai?

Vicki - Love your blog!

Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit - Just finding your blog – I love it! Wondering how you ended up doing with the fix. I’m on day 4. 🙂

Colette - hi, i am starting the 21 day fix and was wondering if you made your own meal plan yourself or if there is a template you know of that i could use too.
i like the idea of having it all planned out too and the tally sheets they give you arent quite looking like enough for me.
thanks
Colette

Erica - I am interested in doing this! How did it end up? How were your results? I am getting married in 85 days and I have ZERO motivation!! AND I NEED TO GET SOME!

Meredith - I’m starting my 21-day fix program on Monday. I’m reading up on it and making menu/grocery list. I love your meal plan chart for the week. Where can I get that?

Colleen Westphal - Can You show the pages of the other containers and what Goes in them?
For example peanut butter is it 2 spoons for à serving?

I ordered the basic pack and its on backorder Im not looking for
Container sizes but i would like to “practice”.

My keyboard is set at à different language sorry
For some of the weird formatting.

Thank you,
Colleen

Rebekah - I just finished week 3 of P90X3. I hate, hate, hate excersizing and I dread those 30 minutes pretty much every day, but I’m never sorry afterward that I did it. I am trying to stick to the nutrition plan that goes along with it, and for the most part my daily calorie count is okay, but I feel like I could be doing a lot better as far as the quality of what I’m eating goes. I love the idea of a container system. Too bad BeachBody doesn’t sell that meal plan separately. I’d be all over it.

kris - You go girl! I’m rooting for you (and me)

Kristen - Good luck honey!!! Ive been on Shakeology for a year, and I have to say…it sucks they gave you Vanilla for your flavor. The chocolate is amazing..Vanilla is the one everyone I know sends back. Its like they are setting you up to fail =((. If you dont like the vanilla…try the chocolate. I only do the Chocolate vegan…sooo addicting! If you stay with vanilla..try adding fruit…I did watermelon with coconut milk. You probably can add cacoa nibs (no sugar). I REALLY commend you for doing this 21 day fix! I was hopeful I could do it, but when I saw your blog and saw the actual meal plan, I know I dont have enough willpower. Yet! Im so excited to see how it works for you. Also…I think you will like what the shakeology does for you healthwise. It does help curve sweet cravings, it does improve your gut incredibly well, you have more energy…its the ONLY thing thats given me energy to deal with my 5 kids (thats saying something(!), and my cholesteral and triglycerides etc were MUCH better after doing shakeology. Ive tried going off it, but it helps me soo much…my husband just put it in our food budget as a must for me. I love Beachbodys yoga, but hurt my knee really bad on Turbo Fire (but I have a genetically messed up knee…my fault for not knowing and trying all those twists and turns on my knees). Id love to hear your opinion and experience on the workout videos! Im going to Vegas in June for the BeachBody summit. If you have a success story, you should think about it!

Kate - I am on Day 3 – wish we were in the same group!! I am doing well. Feel VERY sore, but am able to complete the workouts – though I do need to follow the modified version here and there. I am doing ok on the eating plan – first night at bedtime I was RAVENOUS, too hungry to sleep well. So the next day I tweaked things and saved a blue box for before bed. I think it takes a few days of practice to get it right for your own lifestyle. We can do this! I have already dropped a few pounds and I am excited to see my body start to tone up. What do you thnk you will do after the 21 days?

Mindy - I have never heard of this program (I don’t get out much… haha) but it sounds so interesting and a great way to keep me on track. Hmmm…thanks for sharing. You have sparked my interest. PS: I share your workout thoughts of taking breaks and then starting up and wondering why I quit because I feel so much better!

Connie - Meg,
What sight did you order this through? It looks like its sold out everywhere. It looks like a plan I could stick to

Tiffany - Good luck Meg! Rooting you on from PA, even the smallest changes can make a big effect. I personally started eating a salad with my lunch every work day, and especially if we go out to dinner. Salad first, salad first, salad first. I have lost 2 pounds so far this year. No, not a lot but every little bit helps. I’m hoping for 10-15 pounds by the end of the year along with a new healthy habit that includes more veggies on my plate. You can do this!!!

Lisa - Sooooo…. I need this. Bad. I’ve never been in such a yucky place with my eating. I did start working out again. But man, the food is out of control. I love myself sweets, and carbs, and meat and just food in general. You are helping motivate me to just try. I’m always afraid of failing. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing this.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - You’re doing this thing!!
Super proud of you.
Sending you lots of virtual greens.

Necole@seriosulsyassymama - I have heard that it takes a person 21 days to truly get themselves on track with a routine.

Good Luck!

Michelle Whitlow - Good luck!!!I think my biggest problem (or 2) is that I love my Coke (but I’ve cut back to 1 a day…still BAD) and I do not like too many fruits & veggies. Seriously, not many. Makes dieting very hard and NO fun! I just emailed Marta and I’m thinking of getting in on her March group since it’s too late for February. Of course, then I’m gonna go totally off the wagon when I come to craft weekend in April!!

Allison - Wow that’s an impressive plan. I’m a terrible meal planner, I need to do better. Can’t wait to see how you like this plan!

Mary - Meg, I have never commented on your blog before, but have been a loyal follower for a couple of years. I, too have started the 21 Day Fix program with Marta (not in your group… bummer) after reading about it on your blog. I have been on the food plan for 6 days now and can honestly say I haven’t been hungry! In fact, I’m having trouble getting in all the proteins everyday. So glad you posted your meal plan as I’m off wheat and dairy as well. I thought that part would be more difficult than it’s been, the only thing I miss is the greek yogurt :). By far the workouts will be my biggest struggle. The 1st Cardio Fix really showed me how out of shape I am, but eager to see improvement. Good luck to you and I hope you continue to blog about it!

Kristin F. - You are going to ROCK it!! You’ll be so surprised at how much better you feel in a few days. My family isn’t dairy free, but my husband & I do try to eat wheat-free most of the time. I made brownies on Valentine’s Day made out of black beans and they were actually really good. Go figure?!

We love the chocolate Shakeology — our go-to recipe is 8 oz of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 banana, 1 TB of almond butter and a scoop of ShakeO. SO GOOD.

Sara - I love and appreciate how honest you are Meg! How refreshing! I have to plan out every. single. thing. for myself or I can justify eating something bad every single time, thinking I “deserve” it. I’ve been eating oatmeal and egg for breakfast, smoothie and fruit at lunch, and a healthy dinner. And lots of water and some coffee. Plus running 3 miles a day. And the fun part-a few treats a week (just not every day). I have a one-year old and two-year old and admit, I feel better (healthier) now than I did in my 20’s. It is so much hard work though! But worth it.

Liz M - You inspired me to join the 21 Day Challenge. Yay! Autumn is very peppy.
And oh my– “woke up” a few muscles yesterday that had been lying dormant. I like your chart== makes it look so easy. I guess when you plan and break it down, it is. All going well…except for the 10 boxes of girl scout cookies that got delivered yesterday. Those got packed off to the college kids pronto!

Kirsten J - You go! I’m feeling motivated, and interested in the no wheat/dairy thing. My son’s dr just recommended he avoid wheat like the plague. He said we all should, really. Good to see an entire meal plan without it. But here’s my thing: smoothies or shakes make me gag. I just cannot stand them. Even a vanilla shake or frappuccino. I guess I could just eat the ingredients separately….but I’d sooner starve than eat oatmeal or a sweet potato, too. Hmmm. I’ll have to explore further.

Regina - This looks amazing, and I can’t wait to read further reviews from you over the coming days. How do I purchase a kit? I’ve searched and can’t find a site to order one now…only the Beachbody site where I’m asked to submit my name to be informed of when it’ll be available. HELP! 🙂

Jen - So excited!!
I just wanted to say thank you for your encouragement. A couple of weeks ago I was looking in the mirror and just wasn’t happy anymore and thought ” something has got to change”. I went online to start looking up anything, a groupon for a gym, a deal on WW anything that would start the ball rolling. But of course I procrastinated that little bit more and decided to check my feedly first, and what I found was exactly what I needed! It was your first post saying you were signing up for the program:) I immediately emailed marta, signed up, and bought my kit before I could chicken out. I’m loving it so far and I just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing and getting me started too! I’ll be rooting for you!

Kelly - I’ve been doing Beachbody programs, including Shakeology, for almost a year. I’m in the middle of P90X3 so I’m not doing Fix21 yet which means I don’t know exactly what you can have but if you can add frozen fruit to your Shakeology it will make it like a milkshake and it’s so good! This is what I have every single day – 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 scoop Strawberry Shakeology, half a banana and about 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries & peaches (total, not each) Blended together it tastes like a strawberry milkshake. Seriously.
I’m excited to see how this works out for you! I’m really leaning towards doing this program next!

Laura - God Bless you Meg, because this gives me a head ache!
BUT….
what works for one, doesn’t mean it works for the other.
I always tell Nick, who has tried every diet out there…just eat healthy, and work out!
easy for me, but not for him.

so while this looks like a lot of work for me…and that shake kind of scares me…I will pray for great results!
you know, i happen to think you are beautiful and awesome just the way you are…
and i have seen you in person, so i am not lying…
you are beautiful.
even when your teenager yells at you.
(why do they yell at us??????? WHY?????????? make them stop!!!)

but i know that desire to feel good…to feel strong and healthy and in control…
i am excited to see your results!
this looks like something you can totally do!
if only it guaranteed thin thighs AND no yelling teen.
I would drink a shake a day if it meant my teen didn’t yell at me.

and i hope you can still have your moms margaritas…that counts as a yellow or green fruit, right???

Betc - I’m a mom of 4. 9,7,5,&3. I need to do this because I’m not eating right. I’m not working out. And… I just don’t feel good. And meal planning, forget it. I’m terrible.

Jessica R - One of things I have loved about your blog is that you don’t hesitate to share (and are honest about the hard, daily parts of being a mom) so I enjoyed reading about your plan for the next 20 days. I’m doing my second 30 Day Challenge with Adie (one of Marta’s sisters) and it’s inspiring to see you challenge yourself for 21 days. You’ve got this!!

Kimberly - Looks like a great plan! Good luck with it… I’ve kind of fallen off the WW wagon since Christmas, but since I KNOW it works, it’s just a head game. Maybe I’ll borrow your motivation!

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basketball… it’s our fave.

February 15, 2014 Filed in sports

scott had a basketball game last night…on valentine’s day.
so that was our hot Valentine’s date (and every other parent’s hot date) in that gym.
actually it was super warm in there so i guess it WAS a hot date if you think about it.

his team played the team from the town where craig and i grew up.
in the same gym where craig played in for YEARS growing up…and i cheered on the sidelines.
(GO TROJANS)
it was fun to be back and watch those boys play so hard. (our son? so weird… how did we get this old?)

scott’s team is undefeated so far this year…. it’s exciting!

the game was within a point for the last three minutes or so.
and then tied.
and then we won on a (literal) last second shot.
we found this video on varsitykansas.com.   i wish i had thought to take video.
we were at the other end of the court right near the basket so we had a great view of the shot and the team going CRAZY.
our team is the black team… fyi.

it was so much fun!

watching Scott focus on basketball and knowing how much he truly loves it is just… the best!
it’s so awesome to see your kid light up when they love something.
whatever that thing may be… reading, art, sports, animals, science, math – anything!

personally… i don’t care about the win – lose stuff.
i want that light.
i want to see a connection to something and that drive to “do your best” for no one else’s reasons but your own more than i think about the win or the stats.
those things usually come alongside anyway when that love and dedication is there.

so yeah… basketball is our favorite.
an understatement for my husband for sure.
what would be considered higher than “my favorite” ?
maybe… the ultimate?

whatever.
we love basketball.
(and volleyball.  and soccer.  and track.  and football to0)

the end.

add a comment

Mindy - I fell in love with my husband watching him play high school basketball : ) I cheered for basketball too. After we got married he played city league for a number of years, then our daughter was a basketball cheerleader and now our daughter is the high school basketball cheer coach. So yeah, I love basketball too, the squeak of the shoes on the gym floor, the heat, the cheers – yep!

Heather S. - I hear ya! Our Valentine’s Day was spent at an all-day ballet competition watching our two daughters dance. Sometimes it’s more romantic to sit and watch what God has allowed you to create together in your marriage than to sit over a candlelit dinner.

Ashley - Hey we had the same Valentines…in the basketball stands 🙂

Lori - Some might read your post and think “too bad— not much of a Valentine’s Day”—— but I know that NOTHING beats watching your kids as they do what they love. Our three are grown (or almost–youngest is nineteen), and sometimes I miss those high school activities so much —-I tear up with memories when I hear The Star-Spangled Banner. Don’t get me wrong— my husband and I LOVE this season of freedom and fun, but I think you spent the most fitting VALENTINE’S DAY of all. Love you, Meg–

Lisa - Oh, the memories in that gym! I think it’s been at least 15 years since I’ve been back. And Coach Knoll is still there!

Rebecca W - THAT was awesome! Go team!

Mickie - Just shared that video with my 9 year old son who also loves basketball and thinks there is nothing better than a “buzzer beater” so he thought it was pretty awesome. Congrats!

Terrie - I read about that this morning and saw video on facebook!
Congrats to your son & team!
I remember our kids playing both teams…such fun rivalries.
I’m not so hung up on who wins or loses either…
It’s so much fun watching them! I miss it…
Believe it or not…they grow up way too fast and then this season of life is over.
Enjoy every minute!

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10 points on a tuesday

February 11, 2014 Filed in me me me,random

1.  i am drinking black coffee because i have no choice… i am out of half & half.

2.  i am watching It’s Complicated.

3.  i am SO cold… i am wearing a coat inside.
and a scarf.

 

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4. how fun is this photo?  i was making waffles in the kitchen and saw that she was reading on the other side of the kitchen window/wall cut-out.  i just reached out and took a shot holding the phone facing down.  She’s reading The Hunger Games in her jammies….stanley is all wrapped up in her knees…. the house is trashed.  SO normal.  so…so normal.

5.  i went to see Monuments Men on saturday night by myself while two of my kids went to a different movie.
(that is one of the awesome things about kids growing up – you don’t always have to spend two hours watching a movie you don’t want to see and you can go to your own theater down the hall) (not every time… but sometimes)
i liked the movie!
i mean… Clooney is in it so… duh.
It was a very “feel good”  movie if a movie about war and nazis can be in that category.
other than the lady giving the world’s most obvious play-by-play behind me…. it was a movie i would see again.

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6.  i am loving this devotional book….Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream
it’s gets my heart pumping, mind racing, creativity swirling and reminds me to give all the glory to God.
she also has this same idea but in a book too…You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream
i think for me… this little tiny bit at a time is all i can handle.
i have so many ideas… so many dreams… that when i get going on my dreams it can be too much all at once.
does that make sense?
it sounds backwards when i say it because you are supposed to DREAM BIG right?
but i want the dreams i pursue to be the ones that God wants for me.  Not my own ideas that please me.
So i am loving the way Holley has broken it down into 40 days… a little bit of dreaming at a time… for the BIG dreams God has in my heart.
Taking it slowly helps me discern a bit more.

7.  Annie really wanted me to make Chicken Pot Pie the other night after we ate the CPP soup on our snow day.
The family was talking about how they love pot pie and annie said “I have NEVER had it!”
So… i made it.  Pie crust from scratch… made the whole thing….  TWO pot pies.
And it wasn’t good.
it wasn’t soupy so it was really heavy.
i was SO disappointed.
like… i wanted to cry.   doesn’t it stink to work SO hard on something and have it flop?
cooking is often like this for me.  So much work to most often a less than expected ending.
cereal is so much easier.
oh well… maybe someday Alice will move in with us and take over cooking our meals, pouring the kids kool-aid after school and helping them solve their problems.
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8. we got to take lauren out for her 19th birthday last week.
it’s been a long hard road to get here but we did it.  she made us a family way back when i was only 19 myself.
she made me a mommy.
she has taught our family so much.  we have so many amazing memories together.
here’s to MANY more miss laurney.  keep up the great work at school!  You are a smarty pants.

 
9.  i am getting very excited to start the 21 Day Fix program that i blogged about last week.
but it hasn’t come in the mail??!!!
silly thing.
i saw that a bunch of you joined too!  Woo-hoo!
i know there are a bunch of groups with Marta so we may not be in the same group.
but i am going to talk a lot about it here… i hope… so we can share what we think together in the comments and stuff.

10. THiS.

i have watched it a bunch of times now.
it is so crazy hilarious.  WHO comes up with stuff like this?!!

and are you excited for Jimmy Fallon moving to the Tonight Show?!
i am beyond happy.
my bedtime routine just got so much better.
that guy is just the best.

 

 

add a comment

brooke - ao, i’ll admit it, I’m a bad blog reader. I wrangle these two year old all day and I just haven’t been good about it, so I ‘binge’ several weeks at once. So here I am, bringing. At least it’s not ice cream! How funny, that you are doing 21 day fix with marta, b/c I have been following haus of girls for a whle now on instagram. Crazy how the worlds collide:) Hope you are having a fun craft weekend!! Or I guess it’s over now…so maybe you’re sleeping…but hope it was awesome!! I bet eating well during CW was a little tough. Hope you weren’t crabby 🙂 I would have been. Hope all is well, sorry for this marathon post 😉

Ruth Elder - I have a pretty easy recipe for CCP that I have perfected over the years. Happy to share it, if you are interested.

Lu - Hej,
I love your blog!
And I really liked the Birthday picture: It could have taken place in 1996 and would still look the same 😉
Wishing you a lot of blessings from Germany
Lu

Mindy - A dog, a book and some comfy jammies – sigh…what a way to spend a day. I have been wondering about the Monuments Men so glad to hear your take on it. Our daughter loved Full House growing up and I am a Tom Hanks fan so I am off to check out your video : )

regina - Pillsbury roll out crust< can of veg-all, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, salt, pepper and either canned chicken or "real" chicken. easiest recipe ever and its awesome!!!

Valerie @ Chateau a la mide - Haha, i’m still waiting for my Alice. I love hiow Carol just helps out with dinner, too funny!

Love that Lauren had a special birthday. Glad she is doing well at school.

Loved the Tom Hanks thingy and by the way, I saw the Beach Boys in concert and they stank! I’ve never been to a concert that bad since. It was so obvious they didn’t care to be there. Just a little side note 😉

Happy Wednesday!

Lemonade Makin' Mama - Girl I joined but mine hasn’t come either and I think I’m in a group with Haley not Marta. Still very excited and can’t thank you enough for the prompt!! Man do I need it. 40 is fast approaching and it’s scary. LOL

Kristen K - Meg…if I could do my house/crafts over again, I’d fill this primitive/traditionally-decorated home with vintage treasures & rainbows & polka dots & chickens & pets. Four kids, 2 kittens, and the love of my life is what fills it now (which is awesome!)…and a lot of dreams! But I’ve spent most of my life living to make someone else’s dreams come true, and I’m just plain chicken to ask God what my own dreams might look like. So many have come true in my family alone…but I long to turn my creative gifts and passions into something more, something for Him. When I start to get excited and dream…my brain fills up with doubt, someone gets sick, I forget to defrost the chicken for dinner (I hate cooking…least rewarding mom-job ever in my book!)…and I put off dreaming for another day/month/year. SO…thank you for sharing what’s making your heart sing, with all the speed bumps and blessings along the way. I am encouraged by you and the life you live for God – and I love your blog! Thank you! 🙂

Gail - Meg,
My 21 came yesterday. Ready to get it going. All this KS snow has cramped my running. I hate running on the treadmill. My ADD brain is also going crazy but I think that devotional is what I need. Thanks for sharing.

Kirsten J - What a fun list! I’ve cried over pie crusts before. Don’t cry, though! This is the best : http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2013/01/chicken-pot-pie-crumble.html
Only I cook the crumbles separately or they get soggy. And I add extra broth.

Ashley - I like you. And your blog. And your family. And your dreams.

Barbara (WA) - I feel the exact same way about cooking. And I am going to find that book, it’s just what I am thinking about presently. Thank you!

Rebecca - Our favorite chicken pot pie recipe is Paula Deen’s Hurry Up Chicken Pot pie. You can find it on the foodnerwork. Sooooo good!

Tanya - I’m reading the Holley Gerth book version right now and your description doesn’t seem weird. It *is* a lot to take in. I probably would’ve done better with the devotional.
I am just so happy with the living room pic and your opinion that your house is trashed, cause it just makes me feel not alone in the chaos that can be a house full of kids. Thanks for taking that pic and then posting it – for reals.

dona weigand - My 11 year old daughter Loves Full House! Thank you for sharing that clip, we enjoyed it very much. The beach boys episode is one of our favorites, hahaha

Jennifer - Is the book by Holley Gerth suitable for a man to read too? My husband and I feel that this is his year to determine his dream from God and next steps for the future. I am looking for resources to help us walk through this together but I know Holley usually writes for women.

Edee - Here is our favorite chicken pot pie recipe. It tastes exactly how you think pot pie should taste and it is pretty easy. My family says this is one of the best things I make. We’re having it tomorrow!

http://www.marthastewart.com/933543/chicken-pot-pies?czone=food%2Fchicken-recipes%2Ffavorite-chicken-recipes&gallery=894540&slide=933543&center=897845

Laura - When you feel up for trying again, my sister’s recipe for pot pie is fool proof and delicious. and PLEASE buy the crust! Pillsbury (the roll out one) I don’t make it often because: gluten because: carbs because: cellulite, but the kids love it. Recipe in link below.

http://reigningitin.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-first-ever-cooking-post.html

Kerri - My husband and I are planning to see “The Monuments Men” on Thursday and I’m really looking forward to it. George Clooney – yeah! And I can’t wait to see “Winter’s Tale” that comes out this weekend. Colin Farrell is in it and the actress who played the youngest daughter on “Downton Abbey.” I have a hard time staying up past about 10:45 p.m. but am ready for Jimmy Fallon; he is hilarious.

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Craft Weekend Sponsors

February 10, 2014 Filed in craft weekend,Uncategorized

Each Craft Weekend we have many RAD sponsors who send our guests their products!
SO generous and lovely of each one of these companies.
Go shop through their stores & enjoy the discounts they are offering.
They each sell wonderful gift items… for a friend or just a gift to yourself!

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Use code  WCW2014  for  20%  off your order at Jenntage.
i love this shop… it is creative, happy and FUN!

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Use the code Whatever15 for a 15% discount at KatyGirl Designs.
i love so many of Katy’s designs!

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Use the code  whatever  for a 20% discount at Sorta Southern Boutique.
there is a matching necklace you can get to go with these earrings too!!

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Cindy Kurr

sent Mary Kay for our guests!
you can use the code craftsnmk20 for a 20%  discount at Mary Kay!!

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Use the code MEG20 for a 20% discount off your order at Ike & Co.
these are my current favorite earrings that i have been wearing non stop!  🙂

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Use the code  MEGD15  for a 15% discount on your purchase at 31Bits good through Feb 28.
All of their jewelry is handmade by women in uganda.
Go read their blog and learn how your purchase is changing lives!

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Dayspring

has all of their Boxed Card Sets buy two, get one free!!
you can find all kinds of encouraging and uplifting cards, journals, books and gifts at Dayspring.

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Use the code  cw20  for a 20% discount at Lisa Leonard Designs good through march 31.
i love all of Lisa’s personalized jewelry.
every piece of mine is so special to me.

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Use the code  CRAFT25  for a  25% discount at Jennifer Dahl Designs.
I love wearing this necklace.
i feel understood…. she gets me.  Ha ha ha!

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Use the code WHATEVER for 20% off your purchase at Gabriel’s Good Tidings.
These are Clip-On Lip Balm Holders for your key chain!
GENIUS!

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 Shop for beautiful prints & cards of Karla Dorancher’s paintings.
Her shop is on vacation for a few weeks but when she reopens you can use the code CRAFT20 for 20% off your purchase.

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THANKS to each our truly generous and AWESOME sponsors!
thanks for the swag and for the great the discounts!

we appreciate you so much!!

add a comment

misty - I want to send swag for your next craft weekend!!
let me know how I can do that! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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kiwi crate valentines

February 7, 2014 Filed in crafts & art

Kiwi Crate sent us their Handmade Valentines crate to review!
my girls love crafting!  (and i think their mom does too…just a little bit )
Kiwi Crate is such an easy way to help them nurture that.
we have been enjoying our monthly boxes for over a year now!
IMG_2638annie reads her instructions when she starts her kiwi crate projects and then gets busy.
the Valentine Crate was filled with pop up cards!
And she was able to learn how to make her own pop card designs too.

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i have posted about Kiwi Crate before.
we enjoy all the creative ideas that arrive on our door step each month!
the kit projects are made specifically for a child’s skill level allowing them to be able to work independently.
i love crafting with my kids but i also love seeing them get creative on their own.
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annie went out on her own and made jeweled hearts to include in a special valentine with the extra stickers.

IMG_2666You can order a Handmade Valentines Crate today and still have time to make them for V Day at your house.

the Valentine Kit is sold separately from the monthly subscriptions.
on the Kiwi Crate  site you can order just about anything to help your kids create masterpieces.
there are extra kits, supplies, and even Party Favors so everyone can make the same fun projects your did!

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when you  subscribe to Kiwi Crate you receive a box of goodies in the mail each month.
it is a great surprise each time.
we have LOVED receiving these crates of creativity!

the kit include everything needed to complete the projects inside with very clear kid-friendly instructions.
i am always so impressed with what they send!
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sometimes there will be paint and mini canvases… sometimes markers and scotch tape… sometimes oil pastels and glue sticks… they even made their own xylophone once!
My kids love getting “their own” glue stick or markers that came in “their kit”.
and i say the more art supplies around our house the better!

i want little artists who are confidently creating whenever the mood strikes.

and i am a busy mom!
i appreciate that the work is done for me!
the idea & the supplies are ready and done and i can sit back and encourage them to CREATE!

Right now you can get $10 OFF A KIWI CRATE SUBSCRIPTION!!!  Woo-hoo!!
That is a great deal!

CLICK HERE for Kiwi Crate and receive your discount when you check out.

add a comment

Rebecca Torzewski - That looks really fun and I am interested. Does the $10 off apply to just one month of the monthly subscription or is it $10 off each month? Thanks!

brooke - We subscribed to Kiwi some time ago thanks to a review you did on your blog. It has been a HUGE hit with my daughter. She flips when the coveted green box appears on our doorstep, and we have accumulated many, many precious hours of memories working on fun (and quality!) projects. We LOVE the Kiwi Crates!

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snow day and a recipe

February 5, 2014 Filed in family fun,food,recipes,Uncategorized

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

first off… we made hot chocolate donuts.
snow6this was our recipe….  a boxed cake mix we had in the cabinet.  Two mixes actually.  the marshmallow frosting comes in the box.  and we have a donut pan.   AND a few weeks ago my little girls BEGGED for the Mallow Bits so it was perfectly meant to be on our snow day!donutIMG_3215we each just watched it snow all day long while still in our jammies.  snow3oh these dogs.  they LOVE this stuff!IMG_2680IMG_2707we finally ventured out of the house at 4:00.  it was so beautiful!IMG_2701IMG_2693IMG_2692IMG_2690IMG_2686IMG_2709snow7IMG_2743“HEY MOM!!! I”M CLEANING THE FENCE FOR YOU!”
thanks sweetie.  it had really been bothering me how “messy” it was.   ha ha haIMG_2674IMG_2684
IMG_2729IMG_2721IMG_2756snow1doesn’t he look like bigfoot combined with the abominable snowman?!IMG_2753IMG_2750IMG_3284snow4snow2we wore this guy OUT!

for dinner i looked through my computer for something yummy to make.
and looked.
and looked.
snow8snow9between a bunch of different recipes… i threw this soup together and it was YUMMY!!!
we made bread to dip in it too.
seriously…SO GOOD.
ALL of my kids ate their whole bowl….  WITH VEGETABLES IN IT!

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

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

add a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather - You take the best pictures!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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