2020 Goals ... Better Late Than Never

Hi Everyone!

I know it's been a while since my last post, but life has had me on an emotional roller coaster these last eight weeks. I tried to use January as a reset month to get back on track with health, fitness, blogging, and setting goals for 2020. But life had other plans, and none of that happened. So here we are halfway through February, and I'm just getting around to sharing my 2020 goals. But before I share my 2020 goals, I wanted to let you in on one of the reasons I haven't been so consistent with my blog posts.

We're having a baby!!! And it's a boy!!

I won't go into too much detail except to say I am currently 21 weeks pregnant, and we confirmed a few weeks ago our little boy has Down syndrome. I don't want this post to be super long, and I want to give proper care, and attention to the topic of Down syndrome and my feelings about this pregnancy so keep checking back, or better yet, subscribe to my email list to get notified when a new post goes live. I plan to write about my first-trimester experience, how we found out about the Down syndrome diagnosis, and my initial reaction and current feelings about his diagnosis. Not to mention the fun stuff like nursery reveal and registry must-haves. Now on to my 2020 goals.

2020 Goals

#1 goal for 2020 = Survive the year

Ideally, I would like to come out of 2020 more than just surviving, but I also don't want to have unrealistic expectations. Having a new baby, especially one that may have medical complications and additional needs, is a huge undertaking, and I'll be happy to end the year with everyone still alive and bathed and fed at regular intervals, hence survival.

I started thinking about how I could put myself in the best possible position for survival once he arrives. I kept coming back to the word "healthy. Not only physically but emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and creatively. And for me being healthy in all these areas means better choices for meals, getting in 30 minutes of activity (almost) every day, reducing stress levels, maintaining relationships, and doing activities I enjoy. So my other goals for 2020 are focused around being healthy to ensure survival.

Goal #2 - Maintain/refine routines & Get back to habits that have gone astray

I am not naive, and I know that I will be at the mercy of a tiny human and his schedule in the back half of the year. BUT I thrive on routine and structure. So I know the habits I can put in place today or in the next few weeks will help me keep some structure in my day post-baby. This goal is an overarching goal with a few sub-goals.

#2A: Maintain Current Routines

A weekly cleaning routine - I already have a system in place to ensure my household chores get completed and have started thinking through what additional tasks I'll need to add to my week (or pass off to my husband) once little man is here.

Bill paying routine - The same goes for paying bills. I pay bills twice a month and in two-week chunks of time on the same day of the week both times. During my second bill paying session, I also review spending for that month and move funds into other "buckets" for household projects, savings, etc. I know I could take it even further and set most of my bills to auto-pay, but then I lose sight of what bills are due when and wouldn't pay too much attention to our spending. Sitting down for 30-40 minutes to review the balance of each invoice, schedule a payment, and move around the remaining budget gives me a sense of peace and control. I like to know where and when our money is coming and going.

A morning routine - Monday - Friday, I wake up about an hour earlier than necessary. I have some quiet time with my cats, do a 20-30 minute workout or some easy stretching if my body isn't feeling it that morning, a 10-minute meditation using my Calm app, and some journaling or reflecting on an oracle card if there's time left.

Having this time to be quiet and get centered before the craziness of the day makes such a difference in my outlook, mood, and energy levels. I'm more positive, friendly, and flexible at work, and I can make it through the day without an extra cup of coffee, no problem. It also makes a difference in my relationships with co-workers, friends, and, most importantly, my spouse. When I feel mentally and physically ready to take on the day, I am more loving and kind to the people in my life.

#2B: Get Back in the Habit of Previous Tried and True Routines

Meal Planning & Prepping - Before October, I had a routine of meal planning, grocery shopping/order pick up, and meal prepping. But the first-trimester exhaustion and then the holidays completely threw this routine out the window. I want to get back to having a meal schedule and prepping lunches and dinners ahead of time. Even if it's just chopping veggies and knowing what protein to take out of the freezer and when. That will be a huge help to cooking clean meals and spending less money eating out because something didn't thaw out or I don't have an ingredient for a recipe.

Goal #3: Put New Routines in Place

Blogging a.k.a. my creative outlet - The one routine I can't seem to nail down is for blogging. I've tried to set aside time after work for blogging tasks, but I don't have the motivation to sit in front of a computer after I've spent all day in front of monitors. Also, my evenings (after cooking dinner and doing my daily chore(s))are for spending time with my husband and cats, and soon my son.

I've also tried doing blogging on the weekend. But other activities, usually at the request of my husband, or an unexpected day of beautiful weather, take priority over blogging. So again, I end up not sticking to my routine or plan, which is why I haven't posted consistently since November. Life always seems to get in the way. The main objective of this goal will be to figure out how blogging fits into my life and how much or how little time I can truly devote to maintaining my site.

Goal #4: Plan for baby and educate myself on Down syndrome

I think planning for baby's arrival is everyone's goal when they find out they are expecting, especially their first child. I need to create my registry, decorate the nursery, sign up for the newborn and labor classes, and ensure we are financially in a comfortable place. These are projects all on their own, and if I think about them too much, I quickly become overwhelmed.

On top of the projects I just mentioned, I have quite a lengthy list of tasks to prepare myself for a child with Down syndrome. I want to read as many books as I can get my hands on. I have to attend the additional medical appointments. I would like to get in contact with local support groups, research early intervention specialists, and learn what financial assistance is available versus what we will need to plan for financially. Serious overwhelm thinking of ALL THE THINGS!

My Top 3 Priorities

I know I said survival is my numero uno, but when I go back and look at the goals I’ve laid out, planning for baby, meal planning and prepping routines, and figuring out what works best for me in terms of blogging are my top 3 priorities over the next five months.

I know meal planning and prepping will be the easiest of the three since I did have a solid routine for quite some time. And I do some meal prepping Sunday mornings already.

Blogging will come down to better planning and scheduling specific tasks to work in 15-30 minute increments rather than trying to hammer out a full post in one night...much like I am doing now.

The baby planning, well, I know that project will reach a finish line sooner or later whether I'm ready or not. I'd rather be prepared, but if I'm not, I'm pretty good at learning on the fly. And like I said, as long as we all end 2020 alive, bathed and fed I'll consider this year a win!

Advice, Tips, I’m All Ears

Please. I want to know. How did you plan for your child with or without additional needs?

Do you have a blog or a creative hobby? If so, how do you find time to work on it?

Any other tips that would help me survive in the months after our child is born?

Ten Most Used Kitchen Tools

We are two weeks away from Thanksgiving! So in honor of the day that is all about cooking and eating, I’m sharing my ten most used kitchen tools. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but in the last few years, I’ve pushed myself to prepare 80% of our meals at home. Not only to save money, but more importantly, to eat a clean, unprocessed, healthy diet. When you spend as much time in your kitchen prepping meals as I do, you want tools that will make the job easier. These are the tools I reach for daily, not just because they get the job done, but also because they make cooking and prepping food more efficient (and if you know me, you know being efficient is my jam!) and enjoyable.

#1: SANTOKU KNIFE 

I’ve had this knife for around ten years now. It’s the perfect size for a woman’s hand. The balance of the sword is excellent, and the blade is the ideal length. It’s the knife I reach for regardless of what I need to cut, slice, or dice. I sharpen it every couple of uses and hand wash it instead of putting in in the dishwasher. 

#2: GARLIC PRESS

This garlic press is fantastic! I use it on the daily. Yes, my home smells of garlic when you walk in the door. Thank goodness for Bath and Body three-wick candles, am I right? If you are cooking a lot of clean meals, garlic will be in at least half of your recipes. If you want a fast way to mince garlic, this bad boy does the trick.

#3: SILICONE SPATULAS

I use silicone spatulas for everything, mixing a bowl of seasoned veggies with oil, tossing a salad, stirring soups & stews, browning ground meat, scrambling eggs, scraping the sides of the food processor or Dutch oven,etc.. These utensils are so versatile. And the best part is they don’t distribute heat or melt so I can leave them hanging off a hot pan and not worry about burning my hand the next time I pick it up. And they are relatively inexpensive. I have five of these fantastic utensils and will most likely buy more the next time Target has some new cute designs or colors. I like my spatulas functional and pretty!

#4: BENCH SCRAPER 

It feels like I chop vegetables every day for one recipe or another and this amazing gadget helps move heaps of onions, peppers, carrots, zucchini from my cutting board into my cooking pans. I believe Rachel Ray used to rave about these food movers on her talk show back in the day. Now I know why. It’s an efficient little tool that makes cooking a little faster and less messy.

#5: SILICONE POT HOLDERS

These silicone pot holders are a lifesaver. My large stock posts have metal handles that get VERY hot when you’re cooking. Draining pasta or potatoes used to be a painful and uncoordinated experience before I got these little gems as a bridal shower gift last year. No more grabbing for dish towels or pot holders that make getting a good grip impossible. These silicone mitts cover just the tips of your fingers and allow for enough grip on the handles to pour boiling water into a strainer like a pro. They are also great for removing lids from hot pans. 

#6: CITRUS SQUEEZER

I love cooking Mexican food so having a citrus squeezer is a must! I use mine to add lime juice to recipes, guacamole, margaritas, etc. It is a time saver and less messy than hand squeezing. This particular citrus squeezer is for lemons but also works great for limes. 

#7: ONION HOLDER

This tool is technically an onion holder, but I’ve never actually used it to hold onions. I use this tool to hold chicken breast in place to thinly slice it for salads. It would also work for hard-boiled eggs.

#8: JOKARI PLASTIC BAG HOLDERS

Baggie holders were another fantastic gift I received at my bridal shower. They are perfect for keeping Ziploc bags upright so you can fill them up with soups or stews or marinades. Before these came into my life, I either asked my husband for assistance or made a huge mess trying to do it on my own. They are adjustable for the size of your baggies, have a silicone base to keep them in place and fold down for flat storage. While I don’t use them very often, they have made freezer meal cooking day so much easier.

#9: INSTANT POT

I could not have a list of my favorite kitchen items without mentioning my Instant Pot. This very loved small appliance is part of my meal prepping, dinner making at least twice a week. It’s AMAZING! It cooks frozen chicken breasts in 30 minutes and hard-boiled eggs in 7 minutes.

But it’s not just great for frozen chicken and eggs. Soups, Stews, Meatloaf with carrots and potatoes, shredded chicken for salads or quesadillas, so many things.

#10: NINJA BLENDER

And the last item on my favorites list is my Ninja Blender. I rarely leave myself time to eat breakfast in the morning, so before I head out for the day, I blend up a protein fruit smoothie in my Ninja. It makes quick work of chopping the frozen fruit and blending everything. We love our Ninja so much we even take it on our beach vacations. It’s perfect for blending margaritas, frozen daiquiris, and Pina Coladas. It’s also dishwasher safe. Does it get any better?!

So what do you think? Any of my faves on your list too? Comment below with your most used kitchen tools. I would love to add more gadgets to my list!

Recipes To Get You Through Whole30

It’s been eighteen months since my first Whole30. Since then, I’ve racked up quite a few recipes to add to my everyday rotation. Below are some of all-time faves and husband-approved.

If you are looking for something new to try for dinner, give one of these a try. Not only are the recipes delish, but they are also healthy. Can’t beat that!

Do you have ride-or-die healthy dinner recipes? I’d love for you to share. I’m always looking for a new meal to try!

Whole30 Sloppy Joe Bowls - Recipe by Physical Kitchnss

Healthy Crockpot Potato Soup with Chicken - Recipe by A Spicy Perspective

Zesty Grilled Chicken - Recipe by He and She Eat Clean

Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie - Recipe by Fit Slow Cooker Queen

No Bean Whole30 Keto Chili - Recipe by Food Faith Fitness

Whole30 Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry - Recipe by I Heart Umami

Cheeseless Chicken Parm - Recipe by Little Bits of

Five Tips for a Successful Whole30

I just finished Whole30, and I’m feeling fantastic! My energy level is off the charts, and my attitude is super optimistic. But while I’m feeling great now, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I’ve completed Whole30 three times now and let me tell you, the first few times were not so successful. And now that I have a few rounds under my belt I want to share my best tips for a successful Whole30 so you can feel amazing right along with me.

TIP # 1: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Review your calendar! Choose 30 days free of birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. You do not need to start on Day 1 of a month or the first day of a week. Start whenever it fits best in your calendar. That could be the 27th day of a month or a Thursday. 

Even with the best planning, a last-minute dinner date, work function, or get-together might land in the middle of your Whole30. The key is to decide ahead of time what you will eat. 

• Do you have a dinner date with friends or co-workers? Most restaurants will accommodate a request to grill fish or chicken and a side of veggies with only olive oil, salt, and pepper. It may not be the tastiest meal you’ve ever had, but you’ll be sticking to your plan and won’t miss a night out with friends. And if the restaurant is not able to accommodate your dietary restrictions don’t dwell on it. Make the healthiest choice available (no pasta dishes and baskets of bread) and move along.

• Are you attending a party or get-together? Ask the host if you can bring a side dish or appetizer then prepare a veggie tray, fruit salad, garden salad or my fave, this Whole30 compliant potato salad. If your host refuses to let you bring a dish, pack some Whole30 compliant snacks in your purse or car. Mixed raw nuts, sliced veggies or bite-sized fruit (think strawberries, blueberries, grapes, or pre-sliced clementines) are great options.

TIP #2: TEST DRIVE RECIPES AHEAD OF TIME

Make Pinterest your BFF! Find recipes that look appetizing and match your culinary skill level then give them a trial run. When you’re in the thick of it, you’ll want food that is yummy and filling while also adhering to Whole30. If you make a brand new recipe amid this major exercise in self-control, and the meal doesn’t do it for you, you will be more willing to throw in the towel and get takeout instead. 

Don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily. Find at least five Whole30 compliant dinners to have at your disposal. At the very least you can make those meals one day a week for the next four weeks. That’s 20 days of dinners!!! And the recipe does not have to be 100% Whole30 compliant right off the bat. If it sounds yummy, look for ways you can substitute or leave out ingredients to make it Whole30 compliant. 

When testing out recipes, pull a few soup and chili meals. These will become lifesavers! Find at least two soup or chili recipes, make double batches then freeze into gallon-sized bags and tuck those bad boys away for when you’ve had a long day and are unmotivated to cook or if forgot to prep something and everyone is hungry. These days will happen, most likely in weeks 2 and 3 when you’re questioning your commitment to the long haul. And when they do, you will be grateful you planned for it. Just pull out a freezer meal, kick back and relax. 

It will take some trial and error, but don’t get discouraged. I had some significant wins and some major yucks! But in the last fifteen months, I’ve accumulated 30 husband-approved Whole30 compliant dinner recipes. You can find some faves here.

TIP # 3: IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HEALTHY EATING

What helped me stick with it was reading a health-focused book while completing a Whole30. Whether it’s a book, audiobook, magazine articles, or Pinterest articles, make sure the content focuses on healthy eating or what happens to your body when you eat poorly.

Consuming this type of content will keep your head in the game, which is crucial when your cravings or withdrawal symptoms are begging you to give up. I also recommend keeping a journal to write out your physical symptoms, as well as your thoughts and feelings throughout the 30 days. It was empowering to go back through and notice your symptoms recede, and your thoughts get more relaxed and almost joyful. And, if you decide to complete another Whole30 in the future, you can refer back to your journal and prepare yourself for what’s to come. 

During my first Whole30, I read the Whole30 Daily Guide. The journal has space to write your thoughts, record your energy levels, cravings, and includes a daily completion checkbox for visual motivation. I especially love the day-by-day information about what your body might be feeling. Knowing what might be in store in the days ahead prepared me mentally to handle the cravings, the hangover feelings, and the exhaustion. Other books I read during my Whole30s are Eating on the Wild Side, How to Be Well, and Anticancer.

TIP #4: SPRING CLEAN THE HOUSE

Yes, it would be nice to get your hours all clean and shiny to start your 30 days of food freedom. But what I mean here is remove all the junky, processed, tempting foods. Throw it out if you can. If you can’t clear out the house at least get everything out of your line of sight. Move all the wonderfully tasty, but oh-so bad for you, foods to shelves that are either too high or too low for you to see easily. 

Another option is to hide the junk. Quite literally, put it at the back of a closet you rarely go in to or put it in your husband’s office, give it to your kids to put in their bedrooms. Whatever it takes to get it out of your sight. I once hid a bag full of Easter candy in the back of a cabinet in my craft room in preparation for a Whole30. I did not find that bag until months later when I was moving furniture around in that room. By that point, it was stale, and the temptation to hold on to it was gone, so I pitched it. 

TIP #5: TELL ERRRBODY

Tell your family, co-workers, friends; anyone, you will interact with during your Whole30. You’ll not only be telling people upfront, “I’m doing this tough thing, please don’t make it harder by tempting me with happy hours, cake in the breakroom, or office donuts.” But you’ll also have a support system to reach out to when it gets hard. Or at the very least, the people in your life should be warned not to push your buttons during this time. Because irritability and tolerance for bullshit during the first 14-21 days is REAL.  

Even with my tips, you may find completing a Whole30 to be a superhuman feat. I may have completed three Whole30 rounds, but I’ve attempted five. And I’ve been cleaning up my diet slowly for the last eight years. 

Regardless of your outcome, I applaud your efforts. Whole30 is no joke. If you fall off after a week or two, don’t beat yourself up about it. One or two weeks of eating clean, unprocessed, no sugar added foods is WAY better than if you hadn’t tried at all. Take baby steps and keep moving forward. Start with a Whole5 or a Whole7 and see how it goes. Then turn that Whole7 into a Whole14 and then maybe a Whole21 and finally a Whole30. 

Regardless of how you approach Whole30, do yourself a favor and eventually get to a full Whole30. The results you see and feel in that last week are sooo worth the frustration of the first three weeks. And getting to that place will give you the motivation and validation to continue on your healthy eating journey. 

Have you tried Whole30? What was your outcome? Do you have any tips to share? I’d love to hear about your experience.