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! :)
Mia 01.31.2018
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.
Britt 01.31.2018
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!
Holly 01.31.2018
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.
J 01.31.2018
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.
Bridget Black 01.31.2018
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!!
Anne 01.31.2018
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!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids 01.31.2018
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.
Jen 01.31.2018
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.
Larryn 01.31.2018
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!
Kristen 01.31.2018
I recommend Mighry Rice – found on amazon with zero arsenic and tastes great
Theresa Diulus 01.31.2018
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/
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona 01.31.2018
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.
Pooja 01.31.2018
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!
Sarah 01.31.2018
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.
Crystal 01.31.2018
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. :)
Elissa Quilici 01.31.2018
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.
Kath 01.31.2018
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/
Beth 01.31.2018
do you cook the eggs and spinach separately, using oil for both? Use same pan? Thanks again
Beth 01.31.2018
could you please share what brand/type of bread you use for your toast? Looking for a GF bread, please. Thanks much
Nora 01.31.2018
Loved Godless. Have you watched Longmire?? And lately I have been watching Heartland, horses, family drama, filmed in Canada. . . .nice and wholesome . . .
Cari 01.31.2018
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/