Hiiii!!! Hi, hi, hi. :)
Pardon my French, but does anyone else feel like the past two months have totally kicked their ass? Between doctors appointments, errands, school visits, extra curricular activities, snow days, early outs, appointments, and everything in between, I literally want to put my fingers in my ears, close my eyes, and LA-LA-LA my to-do list into oblivion. Oy! I don’t want to complain – more so commiserate with you. I know we’re all feeling the pressures of time and life right now. Cabin fever is not helping. Is it spring yet?
The GOOD news is that we have a new, part-time sitter starting this week. I’ve been working during naps and on the weekends since our last beloved sitter left us back in mid-August, so needless to say I am relieved and excited to sit down and GSD while listening to my guys run around downstairs. Lincoln loves babysitters (thanks, son,) so while I wish I could be a FTM all the time, I know it’s something they look forward to also.
All that said, for these reasons I’ve felt a bit disconnected from the blog over the past few months. Separately, I’ve been using Instagram stories more and more (though oddly not Instagram posts – I can never determine what’s Instagram post vs stories worthy #conceptsIstrugglewith) because it’s a quick and easy way to connect with you. So, if you ever want to see what’s going on in our day to day life, pop over for random thoughts, Costco finds, and plenty of Cameron shenanigans (Lincoln hates being recorded which I totally respect.)
Anyway, since we’re catching up, I thought I’d just do the damn thing and write an entire “Currently” post! Here’s what else is happening in the land of IGE…
Time and place: I’ve sat down to write this post approximately 4 times now, but currently it’s 10:36am and I’m standing at the kitchen counter. I’ve been trying to stand more then I sit lately. Yeah!
Anticipating: Super Bowl. The Super Bowl snuck up on me this year! We were hoping the Vikings would pull through (Ben literally fell off his chair after THAT CATCH during the divisional playoff game,) especially since the game will be in Minneapolis – alas, the Eagles had other plans. Anyway, I’m sharing an early Valentine’s Day recipe with you this Friday which means I won’t have time to sneak in a Super Bowl recipe roundup….so I’ll just do it here. :) Here are my top 10 gluten-free recipes to make for the game this Sunday:
- Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
- Cheddar Brat Meatballs
- Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip
- Thai Sticky Chicken Fingers
- Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp
- Bacon and Goat Cheese Stuffed Sweet Pepper Poppers
- Signature Spicy, Smokey, Sweet Chili
- Warm Fig and Prosciutto Goat Cheese Dip
- Caesar Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Fiesta Pork, Bean and Green Chili Chili
Loving: Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush. I bought this brow set a few weeks ago and it is wonderful. The scissors are super sharp and nicely angled (vs flat nail scissors) so they’re perfect for trimming a rogue eyebrow hair, or the whole dang thing. Super pleased with the quality.
Cleaning: e-cloth. I don’t know why but over the past six months I’ve become completely obsessed with having clean walls. No idea. First I was all over the warm water/vinegar + rag method, but now I’m loving e-cloths and water. These cloths are comparable to Norwex’s “just add water” cloths but are only $20 for 4. You can use them on almost any surface, including stainless steel, and they remove over 99% of all bacteria (plus crayon – ask me how I know) with just WATER. Love it! My walls and doors have never looked better.
Meh’ing: The Bachelor. I don’t want to sound horrible (says every horrible person before saying something horrible) because these are real people with real feelings, but….OVER IT! Are you with me? I was so annoyed when they announced Arie as the bachelor, which was totally out of left field in the first place, and it’s all just so…ew. While we’re on the subject though, Sienne for Bachelorette!
Baking: Zucchini Banana Bread Muffins. Have you tried this recipe yet? Feedback has been super so far, and if you don’t need to eat gluten-free, you can just swap the gluten-free flour for all-purpose. We’re making our next batch tomorrow.
Reading: The Invisible Workload that Drags Women Down. Part of the proverbial ass kicking I mentioned above… This article is worth a read for any woman in any stage of her life. “Today the amount of sheer hours that men and women spend in combined paid and unpaid work is pretty close to equal. But that doesn’t count the THINKING.” Good grief, the thinking.
Chowing: Eggs and toast. I’ve found myself in a bit of breakfast rut lately that I have no intention of getting out of. It’s far too easy and delicious! Fry up 2 eggs while toasting 2 pieces of bread then butter the toast and top with the eggs plus coarse seasoning salt (love this homemade steak seasoning blend.) Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the hot skillet then tear in baby spinach plus a sprinkling of seasoning, and then saute until wilted, 30 seconds. DEVOUR. This breakfast couldn’t be easier, takes 5 minutes to make, and keeps me plenty full until lunchtime.
Trying: Annie’s No Sugar Added Whole Milk Yogurt Pouches. I was so excited to see this new to me product at the grocery store the other day. I think I whispered an audible “YESSS!!!” in front of the refrigerator case. Yogurt is a staple for Cameron in the mornings but even a little bit of added sugar in his little baby yogurt cups is irritating. These yogurt pouches contain ZERO added sugar and taste great – very mildly sweet. Sure, I could make the blend myself but the convenience of purchasing a pouch sometimes wins out. Plus my Blendtec started smoking the other day, soooo…
Seeking: Paleo recipes. Ever since reading that those who follow a gluten-free diet (aka myself, and therefore my family when we’re at home) ingest potentially harmful amounts of arsenic from increased consumption of rice, I’ve been hyper aware of how much of it is in our diets. Not because we eat a ton of rice at home – maybe once or twice a week – but because rice is in sooo many packaged gluten-free products. Pasta, bread, flour blends, pizza crust, crackers – I mean, it feels like you can’t get away from the stuff. We swap in cauliflower rice occasionally but I’m looking for other grain free solutions including paleo recipes. I asked my Instagram followers for suggestions this weekend and there were SO many great ones. I filled up this week’s menu in about 5 minutes with recipes from Paleomg, Wholesomelicious, and The Defined Dish. Care to share your faves too?
Trying: Beautycounter. I finally tried Beautycounter and, drumroll please…the jury’s still out! I have uneven skin tone, sun damage, and melasma (from my pregnancies,) that I’ve been trying to clear up for almost four years now and have a literal skin cream graveyard in my bathroom with dozens of products that have made ZERO difference in my skin tone. I keep hearing about the wonders of Beautycounter, and really do care about the quality of ingredients that go onto my skin, so decided to give it a go. I started with their Brightening collection, with a few other products sprinkled in, and want to use everything up before deciding if they “work” or not. I’ll be sure to give you a full update at the end. I personally have been curious for a long long time as to whether or not their formulas worked and if price tag was worth it. That said, stay tuned.
Craving: Kimchi Fried Rice. Ben smoked ribs a few weeks ago and we chopped some of the leftovers up to use in this recipe for Kimchi Fried Rice. Holy moly – so delicious! Kimchi is just pickled vegetables and the sourness with the salty ribs and tamari was perfeeection. Highly recommend.
Watching: Godless. Ben and I recently wrapped up the Netflix original Godless. Woah – what a doozie! The story is set in the wild west (New Mexico and Colorado) in the late 1800s – a time period and location that I am fascinated with – and was so, so good. Very gory and gritty, but binge-worthy too. What Netflix series are you watching right now? Switching gears to HBO – who else is FREAKING OUT that Big Little Lies is coming back for season 2??
Cooking: with American Heart Association. Speaking of paleo recipes, I’ll be cooking a heart healthy dish, which happens to be grain free, this Thursday evening, February 2nd, on Instagram stories to celebrate Heart Month with the American Heart Association! I remember learning several years ago that heart disease is the #1 killer of Americans which is INSANE to me. The good news is that 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable! We’ve been cooking heart smart(er) since Ben had his health scare a few years ago (which, granted, was an electrical issue versus a heart disease issue – still cooking to achieve an all around healthy heart for him though,) so this topic hits home for me. Tune in Thursday evening for the cooking session or catch the stories for up to 24 hours afterwards. I’ll also be sharing details on how to win an American Heart Association cookbook!
Ok guys – I’ve word vomited enough for one day. Pick a “Currently” category and fill me in with what’s going on with you! :)
Good post. I liked the way how you had pointed each and every requirements especially super bowl. Kids always create mess but they are lovely.
Very lovely!
My favorite Paleo recipes come from the blog Nom Nom Paleo. She has a whole section featuring my favorite Christmas gift, the Instant Pot!
Could you perhaps post the Kimchi Fried Rice recipe? The link seems to insist that I have to have a NYT membership to see it.
Love your blog – always great ideas.
I’ll second the Nom Nom Paleo recommendation – their blog and cookbooks are the best!
I’m eager to try her cracklin’ chicken recipe!!
Oops, never mind. Sleepy brain. I got to the Kimchi Fried Rice recipe :)
I love Paleo Scaleo and Paleo Running Mama for recipes!!
Thank you for the recs!
I love your currently posts! A few weeks ago when I was in the depths of cabin fever I wrote this one https://iowacity.citymomsblog.com/2018/01/12/currently-scenes-life-snow-day-edition/
Ha! Seriously though—currently I’m sitting in bed eating oatmeal and drinking tea pretending I don’t have to go to work in an hour!
Oh my gosh, I swear I could have written this post – so relatable!
I have celiac disease and decided to try paleo for a couple months for anti-inflammatory purposes. Really helped but I couldn’t stick with it 100% when I got pregnant and craved all the grains and convenience ;) I love Danielle Walker of Against All Grain. I made your sweet potato noodles with sausage and broccoli (minus cheese) several times as it was paleo and super delicious!!
I have two of her cookbooks that I need to revisit – thank you for the recommendation!
Have you watched Stranger Things on Netflix? It’s like they put Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Poltergeist, ET, and vintage Stephen King in a blender and added an excellent cast. It was fun to watch :)
I might be the last person on the planet to watch Stranger Things! Definitely need to get on that.
Ugh. We couldn’t get into that one. Tried two episodes and decided that sci fi stuff is not for us.
You can’t go wrong with the Paleo sites you mentioned, but I can’t not suggest Cassy Joy at Fed + Fit. Her recipes are extraordinary, and she is seriously one of the most genuine people out there! Her soup – http://fedandfit.com/squeaky-clean-chicken-veggie-soup/ is one my current favorites! If I am looking for a healthier alternative to a traditional meal, her site is always a winner.
I will be sure to check her site out – what a glowing recommendation!
if beautycounter doesn’t work, give Rodan + Fields a try! I have a super sweet friend that sells the stuff and its the first product I have seen with literal jaw-dropping results…and I am not impressed easily #cynicalcritic
She has sensitive skin, and its HARD to find something to work on sensitive skin!
I tried their Reverse regimen and didn’t see any change. :/ Do you know what products have given great results in evening skin tone?
I have bad hyperpigmentation as well, and have tried everything (rodan and fields worked a little for me but not much) I just bought The Ordinary, it’s super cheap (sold out on Sephora, but check their website) and seems great. Haven’t received it yet, but if you are looking for other stuff to try it has great reviews, especially for hyperpigmentation. once I try it, i’ll try to remember to comment again!
Well that STINKS!! The reverse lightening regimen is what i was thinking and it sure looks amazing for some folks but I guess it is just one of those things where it works for some and not others :( Keep us updated though!! Skin is so ever-changing and I have no idea what my pregnancy will do to my skin so i am taking notes!!! :D best of luck!
That books sounds so perfect for me. I cannot believe how much is going on in my head constantly. I am thinking ALL THE TIME. That’s part of my I love reading so much. It’s one of the only things that drowns out that noise.
The article is super helpful – a quick read!
One of my very favorite paleo recipes is from Living Loving Paleo. Her Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Casserole is out of this world! We’re actually having it for dinner tonight. The full fat coconut milk makes the dish extra dreamy.
http://livinglovingpaleo.com/2016/04/29/buffalo-chicken-breakfast-casserole/
Umm, YUM! That sounds so good!!
I read the article you shared, loved it! We are in a crazy place in life, I just returned to work full time after having our second baby (2.5 y/o and 5m/o). I’m detailed oriented and handle the “thinking” quite well, but sometimes…I don’t. For example, the day my husband asked me if we should keep the Bed Bath and Beyond coupon that came in the mail. And it about had me in tears because I couldn’t make one. more. decision. Those moments don’t happen often and my husband is just as hands on as I am most of the time, but it will never be equal. Articles like this help him understand what’s going on with me sometimes better than I can explain it myself.
I can sooo relate!! Ben is wonderful at sharing responsibilities too but it’s the hundreds of day to day decisions we make as Moms/keepers of the home, etc that can literally drive a person insane. I have so been there with not being able to make one.more.decision.
I look forward to your Beautycounter review. I’ve been on the fence about it!
I really hope it works but will definitely let you know either way. :)
Also just recently tried Beautycounter and love it! I was always a MaryKay girl but felt like there was always a film of moisturizer on my face. After a couple of weeks, I really noticed the difference. I will say my face broke out a little bit, could have also been attributable to the time of the month, but my skin just feels better! And after understanding their mission, I’ve definitely tried to be conscious about not only what my family and I put on our bodies but also what we put in our mouth! Happy February!
My skin is definitely in the “adjustment” phase. The mask that came with the brightening regimen was way too harsh and drying (to be totally fair I have the world’s MOST sensitive skin,) so trying to get back to a good hydration level at the moment!
if beauty counter doesn’t work out, you NEED to try Paula’s Choice products. you can get them on amazon and they truly changed my skin. i haven’t had a breakout in forever and it’s evening out my skin tone and lessening the acne scars. not sure what kind of product you’re looking for but the 2% BHA serum is life changing and the skin recovery daily moisturizer is the only daily moisturizer with SPF that hasn’t made me breakout. she has tons of products so it’s worth a look :)
Awesome!! I will totally check out the products. Thank you!
Try Nom Nom Paleo! I just discovered it… yum!
Kristin,
I use Merle Norman’s skin brightening cleanser and beauty products and couldn’t believe the difference it made in my skin. I’m 55 and had age spots and I’m using a lighter foundation than when I started because it has eradicated those spots. Made in the USA, I’m loving these products that I resisted trying forever. Give them a try!
I’ve recommended your blog to several of the gals at my church who are looking for gluten free help and you always get rave reviews. I love your recipes and wish Ohio had some of those gluten free products but am still searching for the brands you recommend.
I’ve been using honest beauty products (I got the $30 travel/starter kit) and a stacked skincare micro roller and have some awesome results! I ended up with some pretty wicked acne after getting the IUD, which then resulted in scars. For the first time in months I feel comfortable going out in public without makeup!
I got so excited to see the Annie’s yogurt! But no where near me seems to have it yet :( And for xmas I got SK-II skin crème and vitamin C serum. I have only used it for a month but I can see a huge difference. It is not cheap, so when I have to buy we will see. But I have not made a dent yet at all in a month, so it seems to go a long way. I love it
I got so excited to see the Annie’s yogurt! But no where near me seems to have it yet :( And for xmas I got SK-II skin crème and vitamin C serum. I have only used it for a month but I can see a huge difference. It is not cheap, so when I have to buy we will see. But I have not made a dent yet at all in a month, so it seems to go a long way. I love it
Love these posts! I always come away with good tips/products to try. For TV, watch The Crown (Netflix) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) — both are excellent.
Below is a link to a couple easy, tasty Paleo recipes. I just completed Whole 30 and made these multiple times during the month. The sweet potatoes are such a simple side you can have with any meal!
https://therealfoodrds.com/slow-cooker-white-chicken-chili/
https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
Loved Godless. Have you watched Longmire?? And lately I have been watching Heartland, horses, family drama, filmed in Canada. . . .nice and wholesome . . .
could you please share what brand/type of bread you use for your toast? Looking for a GF bread, please. Thanks much
do you cook the eggs and spinach separately, using oil for both? Use same pan? Thanks again
I really like Elana Amsterdam’s Paleo, gluten free, grain free recipes. The first time I made her vanilla cupcakes (made with coconut flour) I was really skeptical, but they turned out great! https://elanaspantry.com/
Please please please let me know how you like the Beauty Counter products. I have pretty bad melasma on my upper lip (I think it’s from 6 months of chemotherapy…) and NOTHING has helped it. In fact, I got laser hair removal on my upper lip and it ended up burning my skin because the pigmentation was so dark and now I have a white spot where the burnt skin flaked off. Lovely. I’ve tried to just accept it but some days it really bothers me! I even went to a dermatologist and she said that since it’s hormonal nothing will help. Or it will help lighten it but then as soon as you are in the sun it will come back. And now I’m pregnant so I’m expecting it to just get worse.
Anyway, let me know what kind of results you have. I’ve heard Beauty Counter works well for dark spots but melasma is a whole different beast.
The ‘Invisible Workload’ – yes! I was recently trying to explain to my husband why I feel so exhausted, and this is IT. My job is not hard. We only have one child (pretty easy). But the plethora of mental lists and things to remember is coming out my ears! I finally put up a dry-erase board in the kitchen with a list of most of the things I mentally or literally do every day so my husband and daughter can see for themselves and pitch in to get the work done with me. So far, it’s sorta working. :)
I recently read the book Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu. It sounds similar to the Invisible Workload in that it addresses workload balance at home (though not so much about the mental workload). I’ve recommended it to a few friends who I though could really benefit from reading it.
I love Beautycounter, and it makes me happy to see you talking about it. I bought the charcoal bar to use to wash my face, and it has helped my skin so much (bonus points for being mild and not drying). I bought it in August of 2016 and am STILL on my first bar!! I use it daily too, which blows my mind. Their products are expensive, but for me they have all lasted for-e-ver, which helps justify the cost! Anyway, good luck on your journey to find something that helps your skin 🙂 wishing you the best!
That’s interesting to hear about Big Little Lies. They covered the entire book that it’s based on in season 1. I wonder what they’re going to do for season 2.
I second all of the Paleo site suggestions so far and add Jennifer Robins at http://www.predominantlypaleo.com (try http://predominantlypaleo.com/paleo-cheddar-sausage-balls/) – she has many kid friendly recipes, Simone Miller at http://www.zenbelly.com (try http://zenbelly.com/2017/02/09/paleo-ish-cream-filled-chocolate-cupcakes/), Mother/daughter Michelle and Makenna at http://www.backporchpaleo.com – they have a whole section of donuts! https://backporchpaleo.com/recipes-2/3569-2/
I recommend Mighry Rice – found on amazon with zero arsenic and tastes great
Hi Kristin! My son is gluten-free, so I’ve tried a number of recipes for not only him but myself as well. We try to avoid rice now. I found that it can be replaced many times with not only riced cauliflower but cooked quinoa. It’s delicious, and we don’t miss the rice at all. And you get all the nutritious benefits from the quinoa that rice wouldn’t give you. Enjoy!
I love these posts. Paleomg has the best recipes and also love Diane Sanfillippo’s recipes. I like the most from her 21 Day Sugar Detox books even though I have not officially followed the program they are family favorites.
I have tried a lot of different products for my skin too since I have hyperpigmentation. I had the worst luck with Beauty Counter. I know everyone loves it but that stuff does not agree or help my skin. My hyperpigmentation got worse, my skin was so dried out and just in the worst shape after 45 days. My esthtician was shocked. She does not sell any products herself so has no reason to criticize my skin or to sell me other products. I spent close to $500 on so many different products trying to make it work since I love the idea of it all. The company basically said it is hard to find the right products since everyone’s skin is different. I have worked with at least 5 consultants and nothing helped. So I have this huge box of items I am trying to find someone to give them to. I find by the time I use their products it is too late to return them and shipping back to California on the few things I could return was half the refund.
I have found Dermalogica’s Pure Light product lines has been amazing for me. Ulta usually has sample packs. And not that it would be enough to see a difference but it is a nice way to try a product before buying. I also find that Ulta and Nordstrom carry it and they both take things back without questions.
Good luck and I will be curious to hear your results.
I’m loving your InstaStories and I’m trying to get a better handle on my Instagram this year. I too wonder what is better, posts or stories? I think I probably scroll through stories more than posts.
I add my vote for Nom Nom Paleo and Against All Grain (Danielle Walker)! I also recently started following Pretend It’s a Donut (pretenditsadonut.com and @pretend_its_a_donut), and I’m loving her recipes! She has five kids, so nothing gets overly fussy. Plus she’s hilarious…bonus!
Skincare: this has changed my skin — and its inexpensive.
Buy argan oil and jojoba oil at Trader Joes.
Buy Frankincense from an essential oil person or Whole Foods
Buy rosehip oil on Amazon. Drop a couple drops of each (maybe a little more argan oil if your skin is dry or if you did a mask or something). Morning and night. NO other moisturizers… just wash/exfoliate or mask as you need/like and then use this concoction morning and night. I hope you love it as much as I do!!
I got suckered in to trying beauty counter vitamin c serum through another blogger, and I have to admit I have seen great results with even in my skin tone. Our use it at night under my regular night moisturizer. I also have very sensitive skin and haven’t had any problems. I still use the cream prescribed by my dermatologist but put the serum over that and the moisturer in top.
Kristin, I found the only thing that cured that skin hyper pigmentation post-pregnancy was an IPL facial laser treatment. I just had the targeted treatment on the spots and they were gone within a week. Wish I had tried it sooner before spending a ton on different creams. Just a thought!
I just was looking into this! I’m curious how much it cost you and how long it lasted? The place in my geographic region prices it at $249 for an estimate with results that vary from 1 to 6 weeks… so I was hesitant to do this as I was looking for a more permanent solution, or at least something that would last longer.
Chowing: oatmeal with fresh fruit mix ins (blueberries, apples, etc). Also, what I’m baking with (oats). I’m a new mom with a LOT of anxiety about my milk supply (which, blessedly, has been fine) and am worried about going back to work. So all the oats. All the flax.
Love these posts! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Beautycounter as I just started testing it out too!
Have you tried Senegence skin care and/or makeup? It’s the company that makes LipSense. They have a great line with Seneplex Complex in them and it could help with all of the issues you’re experiencing. I can help you out if you’re interested in trying anything. They also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products.
I am totally feeling your skincare problems! I think I just tanned way to much when I was younger and am now left with blotchy, freckly skin with the BIGGEST forehead wrinkle crease that is noticeable no matter what I do! I started using Paula’s Choice and I didn’t think it worked but then I ran out for about 2 months and I think my skin looked worse, so maybe it worked? I’m curious if you’ve tried Rodan and Fields? I was thinking about trying the anti-aging one, but my sister tried the acne one and had a horrible reaction so now I’m nervous to for the price tag.
Currently…my fiancée and I are making each other playlists with contenders for our first dance song—we’re zooming in on wedding time in a few months! Right now(and it’s 12am in NJ)I’m bopping around my basement painting studio to “My First, My Last, My Everything”—my first choice, lol
Zomg, if you find something that works for your melasma please PLEASE post about it!! I didn’t get it at all with my first pregnancy but with my 2nd I got a nice little shadow on my upper lip that does not seem to be getting any better at 9 months postpartum. Yay mustache :*( I already use Beautycounter products and have a trial size version of the brightening line but I don’t think I’ll be able to make a judgment based on those since they aren’t going to last me very long. Would LOVE to hear if you find something that works!
I loved that Time article – it is oh so true. I’m not only getting through my workday but constantly thinking about what to make for dinner, what we’ve run out of, who needs appointments scheduled, how dirty the house is getting, etc. etc., aside from all the other worries/fears/doubts that pass through my mind in a day. A great gift from my husband would be a night where I can just come home and not have to make a decision :)
Enjoy these type of posts so much! Thanks!
Kristin, I have used every over priced, medically based, known dangerous skin care regimen that exist. BC is effective, mid priced and better for my body. I was convinced I would get less efficacy but not so. You’ll love it!
I always enjoy reading your posts! Looks like some great things are coming to Netflix this month: http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/whats-coming-to-netflix-february-2018-1202680333/
If you have not watched The Crown, I’ll second that recommendation. Also suggest – “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” with Jerry Seinfeld and “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” with David Letterman.
How did you break away from Cetaphil in a tub?? I have been wanting to try Beauty Counter as well, but I’m having the hardest time thinking of giving up my lotion. Years ago I saw the Cetaphil here on your blog and I have used it ever since!