Happy Holidays!
Wordless Wednesday.
Happy Holidays!
Two things Tuesday-Unplugging and Social media
I have been reading several posts on “unplugging” more in the upcoming new year. This has something that I have been thinking about for quite some time. I started paying attention to how much time I WASTE ensuring I see everyone’s posts on Facebook, twitter, etc. HOURS sometimes each night are spent pouring myself over newsfeeds and tweets, tumblrs and IGs. Ugh…really?
And for what?
Sure it’s fun to keep up with my friends and family who live all over the world. It’s great to be able to see baby pictures and accomplishments. I really enjoy seeing race photos and family updates.
But wouldn’t it be better if I got a phone call or a text, telling all this very same information PERSONALLY to me? If they really wanted me to know what’s going on in their life, wouldn’t they reach out to me vs. having to blast it on social media? And vice versa as well…Couldn’t I just shoot a text out, or make a phone call to my loved ones vs. posting on FB?
Maybe…
But life gets busy, I understand that all too well. It’s hard to keep in touch, it’s hard to fit in a phone/text conversation when our lives are…so busy? Are we really that busy? If we have enough time to sit on social media for a length of time, couldn’t we use that time differently to communication with one friend, family member or loved once twice each week? It’s a catch 22 of sorts, for sure…
So my goal, moving forward is to do two things…this is a two things Tuesday post, right?
1. Unplug more from social media. I will do this by not checking fb AT ALL during the day on my breaks/lunch etc. I will keep my IG account, because I love photography, but the same thing goes. I will only check it after my youngest daughter goes to bed. Both my kids deserve more attention. I will also make an effort to make at least one phone call each week, to catch up with a loved one. I do realize text conversations would better for some, so that works too. Dust off your ear pieces and thumbs my friends. 🙂
2. Continue putting more efforts into my blog/writing of my cookbook venture. I really am proud that I actually stuck with it for the better part of 2014, so I truly hope 2015 rolls in with continued successful efforts.
I hope with my proposed plan of unplugging somewhat will form a habit that lasts a lifetime. Realizing we all have choices, I do know that social media CAN be a blessing so I won’t unplug completely. I will however start living more of MY life, vs. scrolling newsfeeds about OTHER’S lives. No offense, gang. ❤
Happy Holidays, y’all!
❤ Michelle
I think I found it…
I wrote my last post, pretty down in the dumps, wishing the Christmas fairies would sprinkle their dust on me. I was being a bah hum bug, and truly was getting on my own nerves. But last month, after some shifting of funds, saving money, and using the hubbies travel points we were able to schedule our 3rd annual family trip to Chicago during the Christmas season. The kids had no clue…they kept asking, “Aren’t we going to Chicago this year for Christmas?” to which we would just smile, and say, “Maybe not this year…”
For the last couple years we haven’t traveled past a state or two, having gone to Michigan last summer for 4 days, and Chicago a handful of times. We don’t spend money on fancy hair cuts, and have cut out all luxuries to include massages, nails, cable, and eating out at “regular” restaurants for the most part. I cook at home more times than not. We are truly frugal, shopping consignment for clothes, and EBay for many gifts. BUT…we don’t cut out good food, or nice places to stay when it comes to our family. We simply believe it’s important to teach our kids to be frugal, but also appreciate the good things in life.
So to get a deal of half off at The Drake Hotel, and be able to use points was a win/win for our family. Our kids have always begged to stay there, but as most know, a one night stay can cost a pretty penny. Saturday night we advised the girls to get to bed early, and pack an overnight bag. They were GIDDY. “Where are we going?” We just smiled. Pulling up to the Drake was priceless, as the girls just were beside themselves with joy. And THERE…was my Christmas spirit. I finally found it…in my children’s laughter. YAY.
So here are some pics from our 24 hour trip to the city we’ve grown to love. Chicago. Despite the gray, overcast, and dreary weather, I found myself coming alive this weekend. And all due to my family’s joy of being there, with, me. We enjoyed good food, shopping, and some much needed down time. Oh…and we walked 5.1 miles just on Sunday! Win again!
Sooooo…at the end of the day, besides being tired, I find myself full of Christmas spirit finally. We were able to spoil our kids at the mall due to being TRULY frugal all year, and seeing their faces made my heart melt.
And yes…there was mad jumping on the huge bed in our hotel room, just to add to the fun. My kids were LAUGHING and my heart sang.
There it is… my Christmas spirit. I am so glad I found it. Family…food…feel good stuffs. YAY.
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays everyone!
❤ Michelle
Searching for my Christmas spirit this year…
Thursday I received a text from my sister. I yet again, for the second year in a row, ordered the WRONG gift for my youngest nephew…and I also shipped said gift TO my sister, not my home. The news nearly sent me over the edge, and between that moment and the lack of sunshine for the last MONTH it seems, I found myself in tears. I was ready for this season to be OVER.
This…isn’t me. I LOVE Christmas, the magic the season provides, the thrill of lights, glitter, and lovingly wrapped gifts usually gives me SUCH joy. But this year is different. I am stressed, tired, and over the entire season hearing my kids ask for expensive gifts our budget just can’t provide. It HURTS not being able to spoil my kids during this season…but I got them what I could, and have their presents wrapped neatly under the tree.
So as I left work Thursday, in a ball of stress and tears combined, I found myself turning in to the parking lot of Hobby Lobby to pick up treats for my coworkers and staff. I picked out cute candy boxes with more than enough candy to fill said boxes, and cards and candy canes for my peers. I needed to turn this funk around, ASAP. I picked up my youngest daughter from daycare, explaining to her my plan, and she beamed. “Mommy, can I help you assemble the boxes?” she asked…”Of course,” I replied.
So after dinner, showers, and homework we set up shop on the kitchen table. I expressed my lack of spirit, to which this beautiful soul exclaimed, “Mommy, you always say I am the happiest girl in the world, so let me share my Christmas spirit with you.” I wiped away a couple tears, and we filled 30 boxes of candy with love, and spirit. I hand wrote on each box, and filled out cards taping a candy cane on each one. I also made cookies for my amazing team of techs, PA’s, and Pathologists. For I have to say, I work with the most amazing team of people, well, ever. My pay may stink, but these people are rock stars.
Today I delivered my gifts, wishing each person a Merry Christmas, and ordered pizza for them all for lunch. And with each smile, I felt my daughter’s words resonating in my heart. I took the spirit she gave ME, and passed it forward.
At the end of the day, I received the most amazing gift and card from a woman I have come to love and cherish. She saw something in me years ago, that I didn’t see in myself, and helped me find my confidence again.
My eldest daughter could feel the stress too…but came down stairs tonight to ask me to braid her hair. She is 15, and normally wants nothing to do with me. But as I brushed her hair for the first time in years, I found myself choking back the tears. I took my time, for I truly didn’t want the moment to end. Ever so neatly I braided her hair, and she hugged me a little harder tonight.
I ended the night, watching a movie with my husband. We watched “Haute Cuisine” on Netflix which was such a great flic. It was about a cook who was hand picked to cook for the President of France. GREAT movie.
So as always, at the end of the day I am found counting my blessings, not my misfortunes. All thanks to the amazing people I have been blessed to call “my circle.”
❤ Michelle
Weekend wrap up
Gosh, where do I start. Some weekends can be just plain crappy (insert working the entire weekend last weekend here), and some weekends can be amazing filled with friends, family, food, and fitness!
The later was my weekend, THIS weekend.
We started out the weekend after me having to work several hours of overtime (something I try to AVOID at all costs, as I my family comes first) feeling a bit tired, but accomplished. With our unseasonably warm temps here in Chicagoland we made plans to have a fire and drink wine with our awesome neighbors/friends on Friday. It. Was. GREAT. We brought over a special bottle of Prosecco that we bought the last time we were in Chicago at Eataly, and enjoyed hours of laughter, conversation, and wine. WIN. What a way to start the weekend.
Saturday the majority of the day was spent last minute shopping for make-up and essentials as I was attending my first Army Dining out with my hubby. After weeks of preparation buying the perfect dress to match his unit, to finding the perfect shoes, we were all dolled up and ready. And yes…I felt like a princess. For those that know me well, I NEVER feel pretty these days…but Saturday night, I felt my confidence returning…even if for just a moment.
After an evening of an amazing military traditional event, laughter, conversation and dinner we came home to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine. This may have been the demise of my 5K today, but I could care less. We had SOOOOO much fun. And for once, in many years, I felt at home being surrounded by people in uniform even though I wasn’t wearing one myself. Yet I found myself standing at attention in all the right moments, even while wearing this amazing gold gown. 🙂 #veteranproblems
Today was the day we were to run a much anticipated 5K that my friend Karen from Trading In my Heels has organized and planned for the last two years. It’s an untimed race with no actual bells or whistles, but the proceeds were going to suicide prevention and awareness which is a cause near and dear to my heart having battled with depression as well as losing several friends and family members to suicide.
As most of you know, I don’t like the cold. I don’t sign up for races in the winter…but this one I NEEDED to do. I got to see several of my running friends, AND I got to meet Wendy from Taking the long way home, which was amazing. She is one of the nicest people I know, and such an inspiration to me and my life. After several hugs, and easy conversation we headed to the starting line.
The race started promptly at noon, and I knew this would NOT be my best “race.” I haven’t been running hardly at all…I haven’t wanted to between the cold, dark, and dreary weather. So I took it slow, and allowed myself a couple of walk breaks. Who’d a thunk you could lose your endurance so quickly? #runnerproblems
But we finished in 31:34, headed into Pal Joey’s who was hosting the race, and I was welcomed with open arms AND a Bloody Mary. Score. We ate some amazing pizza and had great conversations with Melissa and Jim, more of our running friends.
I couldn’t find my groove during this run, but that’s ok…I enjoyed the hundreds of runners, running for the same cause, dressed up in festive gear, and JUST having fun. There was no “winner” no “age group award” just 3.1 miles of fun.
I ended the day with our traditional Sunday Supper, and baking with my youngest. Win! We had an Asian inspired dish of teriyaki, ginger, honey and garlic glazed salmon over bok choy and quinoa. Delish. I also attempted a pumpkin cheesecake…not so sure about that one…lol. #notabaker
Wrapping it up, it was the best weekend I’ve had this month. Here’s to more weekends like this one!
Do you do “fun runs” for charity? What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
❤ Michelle
Beating winter blues – Three ways to increase your motivation in winter
A Mother’s love…
I am sure at reading the title of this post, you expect beautiful pictures of my daughters and poetic prose sweetly written about the joys of having daughters.
But nope.
This post, is about being a Mother to a 4 legged creature. A dog more specifically. MY dog.
I gave birth to my second daughter in 2006, on August 5th to be exact. After which I was overcome with terrible post partum depression. I thought it would pass, but after nearly a year the depression stuck and my husband stepped in. I had encountered many “life issues” and had had enough…even running wasn’t going to get me through this patch.
Quickly, I welcomed this handsome 4 legged creature who would do more for me than any medication could touch. THIS dog, helped me find my smile again. I’ll remember the sunny January day we drove to pick him up, gosh, for the rest of my life. My husband did research, and found a local breeder that had a male Golden Retriever. We packed the kids in the car, Sophia just a year and a half old, and Jordyn 8 1/2 years old, and went to meet our new family member.
We had many names picked out, but Samuel Adams was the name he responded too, so there it was. “Sammy” as he is known to our family was welcomed with open arms. And then things changed.
I found my smile. Because this wonderful little dog followed me EVERYWHERE. He knew I needed HIM. And he was there. And he still is…
Now, 7 years later, as we celebrate his birthday I can’t help but to get teary. Because this guy knows…he knows when I have a bad day, and he takes the time to nuzzle me a little more, snuggle a little longer, and give me more extra wet kisses than I care to have sometimes, LOL.
And I love him. More than I can even put in to words. Some people tease pet lovers dedication and passion, but I bet you a million bucks they don’t have this sort of relationship in their life. Many a morning I will lay in bed after a night of insomnia, and Sammy will jump up into the bed, and snuggle in with me, pressing his forehead into mine. He wraps his paws around me, and he knows…Momma is tired…Momma is stressed…Momma needs some extra snuggles. HE…is there. It still amazes me how they know…when you need them. This morning is a perfect example. I didn’t sleep well at all, woke up far beyond the moment when my alarm would go off, and I closed my eyes, wishing for Sammy to come upstairs. Seconds later, there he was, ready for his summons up in to the bed. And for 5 minutes, in the dark, my pup loved me. In his own way, told me, “It’s going to be ok.”
And for that moment. All was right in the world. I was loved. And I knew, as a Mother of a 4 legged creature, I had done right with the world. Even if, for just a moment.
So I will sleep well tonight, knowing I have loved just a little more, lived my life just a little better, because of my amazing dog, Sammy. Thanks, buddy…for truly making my life so much better.
❤ Michelle
Gravitational pull
As of late, the dreary, cold, and bleak winter days have left me with little motivation to run. In fact, I only ran once last week and probably because I put it out there for all to see in order to hold myself accountable. I’m just not feeling it again this winter. Although our temps are actually quite manageable, leaving for work in the dark, and driving home from work again in the dark DRAINS me. Ultimately, winter blues suck. That. IS. ALL. My hubby and I DID sign up for a 5K on Sunday called the Underground Polar Express, where ALL proceeds go to Suicide Prevention/awareness, a cause that touches my heart. Check it out….www.undergroundpolarexpress.com
So I’ve really continued to pour myself into my cooking. (HAHA, see what I did there?) I’ve kept on with my studying recipes, techniques, and experimenting with different dishes. I have spent the better part of 2014 actually writing out my recipes, and pray I can get my E-book/Cookbook in the works next year. Why?
Well, because I know I meant to do something OTHER than work in a hospital. A job I didn’t choose for myself…But it’s been a good job for the last 24 years, and for that I am grateful. I think I am just at a point in my life where I KNOW I need to be doing something I LOVE. All the signs are there…pulling at me in a million directions. I just need to find my “IN” so to speak. I need someone else, other than my amazing family and friends SEE that I have a gift when it comes to creating food and say, “Hey…I think we could use talent like yours, let us mentor you…”
So yeah…that call hasn’t come yet. So I keep putting myself out there on social media, posting my recipes, my dreams, my goals…PRAYING someone out there will see the fire I have in my soul.
Sure…I love to run, and it’s a part of my life that I wouldn’t trade.
But I LOVE to cook. I love to create….to plate…to make my food not only pretty, but amazingly tasty too…
Even more…I love when someone takes a bite of my food, closes their eyes, and sighs in appreciation. PURE. BLISS.
Last night while watching the “Hundred foot journey” it hit me like a ton of bricks. The opening scene shows the main character, Hassan, as a young boy in small food market. There were dozens of people crowded around to buy some sea urchin. The merchant saw the crowd of screaming potential buyers, but he watched young Hassan pick up a single sea urchin, close his eyes, and deeply breathed in the fresh scent. He sighed, and took a small bite and smile. The merchant immediately sold the entire lot of sea urchin to Hassan and his Mother. Because he “GOT IT.” He recognized the beauty of the product, with the smells, the sight, and the taste of the food. And it hit me…THIS is what I do. I LOVE food. Good food. Fresh food. CREATING food.
Later on, as an adult Hassan made the 5 staple sauces of the French for his Chef friend. They can be found here: http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/sauces/tp/Mother-Sauces.htm
He starts cooking with her, and asks her if she thinks he is a real Chef, not just a cook. “Yes!!” She replies, in which my husband turned to me telling me he thinks I am real Chef…of course, I nearly cried. If you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend it highly.
At the end of the day, we have to provide for our families, often times doing jobs we don’t love. But as I’ve told my husband, “You just watch…ONE day I’ll make my mark on this world, and it’s going to be amazing.
Until then, I’ll keep movin’ forward.
❤ Michelle
Orange Chicken recipe…who needs take out?
I’ve been trying to expand my normal mid-week meals, so decided to try a version of Orange Chicken after doing some research. As most of you know, I never strictly follow recipes, more so use them as guidelines.
Here’s my version of Orange Chicken, made easy…
Chicken:
Cube 6 chicken thighs-I prefer the thigh as the flavor of the meat is richer. You can use the breast, but I find it tends to dry out.
Next, separate 4 eggs, keeping only the whites. Place them in a bowl large enough to hold your cubed chicken.
Whisk in a couple tablespoons of corn starch until the mixture becomes frothy…Add in your chicken and coat well. Season with salt and pepper, mix again, and set aside while you prepare the Orange sauce.
Orange Sauce:
In a sauce pan combine the following ingredients:
The juice of 2 oranges, along with a teaspoon of the zest (**set the zest aside to add at the end)
Soy sauce-I use low sodium/gluten free but feel free to use your favorite…1/4 cup give or take.
1 cup of stock, whatever you have on hand
A couple splashes of rice wine vinegar
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1 clove of garlic, minced (or use a micro plane, MUCH easier)
1 teaspoon of minced ginger (use that micro plane again, trust me!)
1 teaspoon of honey
A splash of sesame oil-don’t forget this, as it really adds depth to the sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
**Have a small cup of water with cornstarch mixed in to add at the end, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. This will help thicken the glaze. Just before serving add in your reserved orange zest.
While your sauce is simmering, heat a wide/deep pan with oil. I used avocado oil as I love the flavor it adds, but use your favorite frying oil. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown the chicken on each side, cooking through evenly. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and finish with a pinch of salt.
To serve, place a cup of your favorite rice or noodles in the bottom of a deep bowl. Add your favorite veggies (I used steamed broccoli and shredded carrots)
Spoon your orange glaze over just before serving (this helps keep the crunch to the chicken), and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Dinner is served! I love the fact that my family prefers this type of food over take out any day of the week!
This was (as cooking always is) some much needed therapy after a stressful day!
What’s your favorite meal to prepare during the week? Do you prefer home cooked or take out food?
Keep Movin’ forward gang,
<3Michelle
Weekend wrap up
I’ll admit I needed a couple extra days off after the last few weeks of work. But…I have a job, and for that I am thankful. The much needed break called for me to take the day after Thanksgiving off, which I am SOOO glad I did. I don’t have a lot of time saved up, but this added day left me extra time to decorate for Christmas, clean, and scrub areas of my house that were completely neglected lately.
Yet this can bring stress too…you know, the kind of stress where you feel there just isn’t enough time in the day. I spent Thanksgiving with my family which was just wonderful, but the chores were calling my name. Saturday I got up and cleaned like a crazy women…I shopped for groceries for the week, and found myself TIRED. But I got a text from a friend inviting me out for drinks Saturday night and I JUMPED at the chance. It was a simple two hours of laughter and fun, but just what I needed to add extra charge to my batteries. And I saw THIS as I was getting ready…God had his paintbrush out, for sure…
I was so recharged last night, I put myself out there in my running group on Facebook, requesting a partner in crime for a run this morning. My goal was 4-6 miles, with no pace in mind. Karen, from Tradinginmyheels.com raised her hand, and I felt so very blessed she wanted to run with me. So this morning we met up, and despite tummy issues I was able to get 5 miles in! My farthest distance since the half marathon the beginning of this month. It always amazes me the bond runners have. I don’t know her well outside of running, but there she was to support my slow run.
I came home, showered, and promptly sat down on the couch to watch Football. Who won? Not sure…I was just happy to relax. I even let myself take a cat nap on my recliner for an hour. Sheer. And utter…BLISS.
But, it IS Sunday, so Sunday Supper needed to be prepared. This has become so important to me as a busy working Mom, to make time at least ONE day per week to have a NICE sit down meal. So tonight we had pork roast that was seasoned with my own homemade rub of rosemary, thyme, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. I grinded all of the spices in my mill, and rubbed generously on the pork. I seared the pork on all sides, then transferred to the oven to roast at 375 degrees for just over an hour.
To accompany the roast, I made my cranberry/red wine reduction sauce. The recipe is simple. One bag of fresh cranberries, poured into a sauce pot. Add half a bottle of GOOD red wine, (I used a good Cab), brown sugar, one shallot, salt, pepper, and a couple sprigs of thyme. Cook down by half, and puree with an emulsion blender. Strain, and add a pat of butter (the real stuff) and let simmer.
Our sides included Brussels spouts and shitake mushroom risotto.
For the Brussels sprouts I first cubed a 1/4 cup of pork belly and browned. They are also known as lardons, and this was my first time making them. My best tip is to make sure you brown them, and drain off all the grease. Set aside, and add in 1/4 cup of shallots, one clove of garlic both finely chopped and sauté for just a few minutes. Add in your Brussels sprouts, and cook for about 20 minutes. Add in your drained lardons for the last couple minutes. DELISH.
For the risotto, I wanted to highlight the mushrooms. I chopped 1/2 a cup of shitake mushrooms, one shallot, and 2 cloves of garlic. In a separate sauce pan I had 4 cups of veggie stock with 2 bay leaves on low heat. Take a wide sauce pan and drizzle with evoo and one pat of butter. Add in your veggies, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add in one cup of good Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly add in your chicken stock, one ladle at a time, cooking slowly. Continue to add in the chicken stock until your rice is cooked al dente. Garnish with parsley and Grana padono cheese.
And so we plate….here is this week’s Sunday Supper.
With that, I leave you with a smile, a ready palate, and passion that is unending. Keep Movin!
❤ Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 