Hello...

It's me.

Ha. How many blog posts have you seen with that intro? I couldn't help myself, you guys.

I've been itching to come say hi. Not because anything big or important is going on. Quite the opposite, actually. Life is so quiet right now. It's beautifully simple, and I'm crazy for it. 

We spend a ton of time laughing at the crazy things Grace is saying lately. Micah and I were telling her last night that she'd need to go get her pajamas on after her movie was over, and she looked at us and calmly said, "I don't know about that, Mommy." Um, excuse me? She's such a little person.

(I feel like she's legitimately judging my duck face in this picture.)

As usual, I'm dreaming of wandering away somewhere. My trial that was slated for March got pushed to May, and I'm all, "VACAY!" I'd love to make it down to Belize for a quick beach getaway, and I'm aching to see Scotland. I'm telling you... if it's not on your must-see list, it should be. Because this.

I had a ball in New York with my best friend. I took a zillion pictures that I planned on editing and sharing here at some point. We ate the BEST food and saw basically everything. And at the same time, nothing at all because there is SO MUCH to experience in New York. I feel like it's one of those places I need to go see every year so I can immerse myself in the small moments. And eat all the food.

I'm in the middle of yet another Whole30. I know it's probably annoying to hear about at this point, but it's going well. I've got a girls' night dinner at one of my favorite pizza restaurants tomorrow night and am THISCLOSE to just saying screw it and going for the good stuff. But I'd like to finish this thing strong, so I'm going to do my best to resist. #wishfulthinking

I mailed a friend a potato the other day, just for kicks. I don't know why, but I find this whole concept hilarious.

So how are you all, friends? What's been going on with you? I haven't been reading blogs as regularly as I'd like, and I miss you guys. A ton.

Here...

Ahem.

I'm long overdue for a post. Believe me, I know.

But you know what it's like when you just feel like you have nothing to say? Like you've shared the most mundane details of your life for so long and so people must know all there is to know about you? I have felt myself withdrawing from this blog and other social media for a little while now, and I really have no good reason for it. It's not like I suddenly discovered an overwhelming sense of privacy. And there's nothing scary/hard/embarrassing going on in our lives. 

It's just that I don't feel very relevant right now. It's like I turned 30 and automatically became too old to be cool. (I'm obviously joking except not really.) I know I'll snap out of it. This space and community has meant too much to me for too long to disappear entirely. But I may be a little quieter than usual. 

Until Stella gets her groove back, here are some things you should know:

-- I finished my Whole30. I think I mentioned that I was doing a "lazy" Whole30, which meant that I disregarded rules I didn't feel like following. Gum being the main thing. I had also been taking Plexus Slim for about three months before I started (I swear I'll never, ever try to sell you anything -- pinky promise!), which has some stevia or something in it, and I didn't quit that. And I know I ate salad dressings/meats/sauces that had hidden no-nos in them, but I very rarely deliberately cheated. I just operated under the working rule that if it looked fine and wasn't obviously non-Paleo, I'd allow it. I dropped about 12 pounds, which was necessary.

-- I am FREAKING OUT about the fact that Lauren and I are headed to New York in ten days. In the best way.

-- I was in Charleston for work this past weekend and have decided that I want to move there. As long as everyone I know moves there, too. Who's with me?

-- I'm utterly smitten with this sweetheart.

She's been extra funny and sweet lately. I just want to bottle it all up and save it for the days when I want to pull my hair out. :)

So anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here in my little corner of northeast Texas doing my thing -- loving life and my family and Paleo cookies. 

Taylor and other things... AGAIN.

Just felt like dropping in and saying hi for no good reason. None at all.

Life has been calm and quiet-ish lately, though we did drive about 24 hours over three days to get to Missouri and back to Texas for Micah's family reunion last weekend. It was about as nuts as it sounds. Grace was sort of a bear on the trip there (which we did in one day) but was an angel on the trip back. And we had fun seeing Micah's aunts and uncles and cousins for the first time in several years. But I am henceforth boycotting any road trips longer than three hours for next six months. My mama heart can't take any more.

I'd say that Grace is, like, 90% potty-trained, which is kind of insane. Everyone says you have to let kids do it on their own timetable, and that has been very, very true for her. We're still doing Pull-Ups during nap time and at night, but she's sporting her Frozen underwear the rest of the time with very few accidents. Hallelujah and amen.

I'm going to see Taylor Swift in concert this weekend. Again! And I'm as excited as I was the first time around. Even more, actually, because I know how amazing she is live. There will be dancing and singing and red lipstick and fun with my best friend.

Speaking of my best friend. We booked a girls' trip to New York for November, and I am giddy. Like, SO FREAKING EXCITED. She has never been, and I'm always aching for that city. We've started making a "We Must See/Eat These Things" list, and here's what's on it for me.

– St. Patrick's Cathedral (since it was covered in scaffolding the last time I went)
– Stroll through Greenwich Village/Chelsea and eat/shop at Chelsea Market
– Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate (touristy, I know, but I've never tried it)
– Macaroons and/or gourmet donuts
– Spice Market for dinner
– Dinner on a rooftop

I just love that you can always experience something new in New York, no matter how many times you visit. We're staying at New York Palace, and I will very much be imagining myself into Gossip Girl the entire trip. (It's apparently where much of the show was filmed.) So that's exciting.

I'm on Day 12 of another Whole30. Ha. I know I crashed and burned on Whole30 #3, but it feels good this time, and I don't have any events coming up to tempt me. I've been a bit looser with the rules this time but have not had any legitimate, "Screw it all, I'm eating chips and queso today!" moments. And I made Paleo deviled eggs last night, and they are amazing. I'm fairly certain they'll be my go-to breakfast from now on. Which is just so weird.

So that's what's up.

P.S. Gracie is still cute.

Hallelujah and amen...

So my phone fell in the toilet on Monday. What's ridiculous and unfortunate is that, just before I heard the telltale splash, I thought to myself, "Oh wait! My phone is in my back pocket. Maybe I should take it out. Nahhhh.... it'll be fine."

The moral of that story is that, if I am ever blessed with psychic powers, you can count on me to do absolutely nothing with them.

Fortunately, the phone is just fine. My screen was being a diva for a few hours, but apparently everything dried out, and I have avoided, for the time being, having to go buy a new phone. #hallelujah (#yesIknowblogginginhashtagsislame)

And that Whole30 number 3 I was doing? Well, I made it solidly to day 16 when I cheated in an epic way. And then I squeezed through to day 22 before I enthusiastically gave up the charade. Ugh. I'm definitely doing the moderation thing okay right now, but goodness gracious. I don't need moderation. I need motivation.

Thankfully, a friend at work has been persistent in encouraging me to join her in her workout sessions. Our firm just installed a gym in our office, which really renders my ready-made excuse ("I'm too busy to schlep all my stuff to the gym and spend 45 minutes working out!") sort of moot. The workouts she does (mostly strength training with some bursts of mountain climbers, etc. to get her heart rate up) take 30 minutes at most, and the gym is right there. So I've gone with her the past week and am really liking it. I sort of overdid it yesterday (which is so lame because I was going super light on the weights), and my quad is on fire today. Let's all say a hearty "amen" that today is rest day.

Compounding the soreness of working out, I've also made the switch to a stand-up desk at work. It's adjustable, so I can move it back down when I need to rest, which is nice. It's probably the case that, 20 years down the road, the research will demonstrate that stand-up desks are no healthier than sitting on our rears all day, every day. But for now, I feel like I'm doing something good for my body for standing up a bit more each day. And, I swear, I feel more productive. I think it's because I tell myself that I get a sit-down break as soon as I complete a task. And for a person who really despises standing, that's a pretty good incentive.

(Also, how pretty is my new painting? I got it from One King's Lane, and I'm really liking it. The artist has several pieces that I'd love, as I feel like they're the perfect mix of, "I'm a professional, and I hang serious art in my office" and also "I've totally got two X chromosomes.")

One other thing I forgot to mention here, though you may have seen it on Instagram: I'm a brand-new contributor to Dallas Moms Blog! So crazy, right? If you're a mom in the DFW area and are not already a reader of this blog and/or following them (us??) on Instagram and Facebook, you're definitely missing out. I had been reading for over a year when they announced an open call for some new contributors, and I just thought, "Hey, I think I want to get to know those women!" Because it really is a diverse group of moms who have tons of great ideas on doing life well with kids. I think I'll most certainly be the underachiever in the group with not a whole lot to contribute, but you'll nevertheless be able to find me there once a month, rambling as I do here. :)

Last, but certainly not least, Gracie is still cute.

Just in case you were wondering.

I'm linking up with Kristin and Joey for Stuff and Things. What stuff and/or things do you have going on this week? Link up and share!

Friday shenanigans...

I swear I didn't fall off the planet, y'all. We've been busy (both at work and at home), so I took some time away from blog-land to maintain my sanity. But you guys know I can't stay away for too long.

So here's what we've been up to:

Fourth of July-ing. 

We spent the morning on the lake in the new boat, which was a blast. Gracie likes to "go fast" and go "fimmin'" in the water. (I'm not a huge fan of swimming in the lake because an alligator is obviously going to come by and eat me for breakfast.) And then my best friend turned 30 on July 5th, and her adorable husband threw her an awesome "surprise" party in the evening on the 4th. (I say "surprise" because Lauren is nosy and knew about the party way ahead of time, so we didn't even go through the charade of hiding. She just showed up when the rest of us did.)

We had a ball listening to people sing karaoke, splashing around the little kiddie pool they had set up for all the toddlers... and then watching Grace puke all over everywhere.

We still have no idea what that was about, but she took a turn when it got dark (just as all the fireworks were going off around us!), and we had to hightail it home.

Recovering.

Thankfully, she didn't puke again, but from Saturday through yesterday, she consistently ran a 100-101 fever and had a sore throat. (She also thought now would be a good time to boycott the thermometer and all medicine, which was super fun.) So Micah, his mom, my dad, and I have all tag-teamed staying home with her this week, which has been crazy for me at work. (Of course it has.)

(I have no idea about the antlers.)

Given that all her cultures came back negative for bacterial infection, we think it must have been viral. From what I can see on my Instagram feed, it looks like it's going around. We've watched a ton of movies, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Sophia the First. (If I hear the hot dog song one more time, I may lose it.) And I got to pretend to be a stay-at-home mom for a couple of days, which was fun (and hard - kudos to you ladies!). HomeGoods is so much less crowded at 10:00 on a Thursday morning!

Decorating.

Speaking of HomeGoods, I've also gotten motivated to really try and get my house finished up. I'd say it's, like, 80% decorated now, and I'm mostly just working on finishing touches. (And switching out all the bad decisions I made when we first moved in...)

Certain parts are coming together. Like this little vignette on the buffet in our dining room.

(The fact that the cloche isn't straight over the greenery is annoying me, too, friends, but I forgot to snap another picture after I straightened it.)

What I really struggle with are walls. What are your go-tos for decorating a blank wall? I've got about a 7 foot by 9 foot alcove above our stairs that's been torturing me since we moved in in 2011. I feel like I won't be able to find something I like without spending one zillion dollars.

Whole30-ing.

Oh yeah. So I'm on day 17 of my third Whole30. It's a lazy girl's Whole30, though, because I haven't been sticking to all the rules the way I did before. I've had some green juice, a Paleo cookie, and I had donuts with Gracie for breakfast yesterday. Ha. But at this point, my focus is really just to regain some semblance of moderation and get my mind back in the game. And I figured y'all have seen enough pictures of my eggs and Louisiana Hot Sauce that I probably don't need to blast them all over the blog and social media again. You're welcome.

And even though this post isn't technically in confession style, I can't resist linking up with Leslie because I'm SOFREAKINGHAPPY that she's back and healthy and just as lovely as ever. I'm a broken record, I know, but if y'all don't follow her, you are just really missing out.

A recipe, a new kimono, and a hallelujah.

Hi friends.

It's Friday! Hallelujah and amen. I'm in a happy place for so many reasons today.

First, I'm guest posting for Nichole over at Casa de Crews. I know I've mentioned Nichole's amazing blog here before, and I'm so excited to be sharing one of my VERY FAVORITE Paleo recipes there today. I swear, you don't want to miss it.

Also, I'm wearing a new kimono today, and I feel like such a gypsy.

(I wore it last Sunday, too.  Don't judge.)

I got it here. It's currently out of stock, but I think they should be getting more in soon.

Last night, we met with a guy about getting some custom built-in bookshelves installed in our home office.

This is a bad iPhone screenshot of what I'm hoping to accomplish, but it gives you an idea of the style we're going with.

Clean lines with open shelving above, cabinets (some with built-in file drawers) below. I'm seriously SO excited. I'm also already freaking out about how I'm going to decorate them. Lots and lots of googling of "styling bookshelves" is happening around here.

That's what's going on with us. We've got a low-key weekend planned (or not planned, actually), and I'm spending tonight and late Sunday night with my two best friends, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I've been needing some good, quality girl time.

What do you guys have planned for the weekend?

Paleo Chicken Pot Pie

This post is short.  Like really short.

And that's because I have only one thing to tell you.

Go make this Paleo Chicken Pot Pie.

Now.

(I used oversized muffin tins because my ramekins were too small, and they were a crumbly mess when I tried to get them out, but they were still ridiculously delicious.)

Hi from Delaware!

So I'm in Delaware.

I'm here for a deposition (just for one night), but for once in my life, I got everything prepared ahead of time, so I thought I'd take a minute to pop in and say hi.

Things have been insane for us lately. Work is busier than it has been for awhile. I've been bringing my laptop home and working after Grace goes to sleep most nights (which isn't my favorite thing to do, as you might imagine). 

I also thought now would be a great time to start working on our home office. Ha. I'm getting help from a designer on this one because I'm so out of my element, and we had the initial consultation last night. I'm so excited to get that room done, and a vision is starting to come together in my head. I'll be sure and keep you guys updated on our progress.

Whole30 #2 is still going wonderfully! I mean, I'm basically just on autopilot with my food choices right now, which is a really good thing for me. I have been eating some really delicious stuff, as you've probably noticed on Instagram.

Left: Ahi tuna salad with balsamic vinaigrette at dinner tonight

Right: Cage-free eggs scrambled with Aidell's Chicken and Apple Sausage + sweet potato hash + Trader Joe's Cruciferous Crunch mix with Tessamae's Southwest Ranch dressing

Left: grilled chicken salad with pecans, heirloom tomatoes, blueberries, and Tessamae's Southwest Ranch

Right: eggs, bacon, and spinach scramble with blistered tomatoes + carrots with homemade Paleo ranch

Micah snapped this picture the other night while we were on a walk through our neighborhood, and it makes me happy every time I look at it. And also heart-wrenchingly depressed about what a big girl Grace is becoming.

She has been such a funny, little thing, lately. She's been saying "'kay" or "okay" in response to just about everything, which kills me. She's still O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with "fo-cen" (Frozen, obviously) and asks to watch it nearly every night.

(Micah loves it when we watch Frozen because Grace gives the sweetest snuggles snuggled up under a blanket on the couch, even if her eyes stay glued to the screen.)

I crossed off one of the things on my 30 Before 30 list this weekend. We went to a surprise 30th birthday party for my best friend's husband, and the opportunity presented itself. I'll share the photographic evidence soon, but for now, I'll leave you with this.

Man, I love her.

Whole30 Meal Plan: Week Three

I am one-third of the way through this Whole30, y'all. I'm still feeling really good, and my energy levels are increasing. Mentally, I feel strong, although I have discovered that I'm incapable of eating dried mango (unsweetened and Whole30-approved) in moderation, so I decided to forego it for the rest of the Whole30. My mental resolve isn't quite strong enough to allow me to determine how much is a reasonable amount, so it's just best if I don't eat it at all. 

Work is going to be insane this week, so I picked meals involving minimal prep work to save some time. And then I bought all of our groceries for the week at Trader Joe's. You guys, that place is amazing. The hype is so legit. So many healthy, organic options for really reasonable prices. Plus, I just feel so freaking cool going in there.

Monday: 

Dinner: Paleo Chicken Pot Pie

Prep: None

Tuesday: 

Dinner: Trader Joe's Chili Lime Chicken Burgers with buffalo cauliflower (I'm just steaming the cauliflower and then drizzling it with this sauce)

Prep: Make ranch dressing, grill chicken

Wednesday: 

Dinner: Grilled chicken cobb salad with avocado and homemade ranch 

Prep: None

Thursday: 

Dinner: Eat out

Prep: None

Friday: 

Dinner: Paleo Chicken Fingers, roasted zucchini, and roasted shoestring sweet potatoes (we didn't get around to making this last week)

Prep: None

Saturday: 

Dinner: Eat out

Prep: None

Sunday: 

Dinner: Sweet Potato Nachos

Prep: Boil eggs, make Whole30 mayo

What are you guys eating this week?

Whole30 Meal Plan: Week Two

Hi friends!

Day 4 of this Whole30 is nearly in the books. I've had a pretty legitimate headache the past couple of days (so, so normal), but I'm feeling pretty strong mentally. I was surrounded by cookies and cake and queso (my true love!) today at my in-laws' and never even contemplated taking a bite. Mostly because my in-laws were sweet enough to make some delicious fajitas (with  meat prepared specifically without packaged fajita seasoning because they knew I couldn't have it), roasted onions, and guacamole for lunch. So I loaded my plate up with the good stuff. I just love them.

But I know it's going to get significantly harder, and that's okay. No pain, no gain, right?

Here is this week's menu plan. I've got a couple of day-trips this week, so I'll have the challenge of trying to find something compliant at the airport. (It's nearly impossible.) But other than that, I'm excited about what we'll be cooking up.

Monday:

Dinner: Chicken Curry (recipe found in It Starts with Food, similar here)

Prep: Dice zucchini, onion, and carrots (for Wednesday's chili)

Tuesday:

Dinner: Out of town

Prep: none

Wednesday:

Dinner: Paleo Chili with steamed broccoli

Prep: Trim chicken, chop zucchini, peel and chop sweet potatoes

Thursday:

Dinner: Out of town

Prep: none

Friday:

Dinner: Paleo Chicken Fingers, roasted zucchini, and roasted shoestring sweet potatoes

Prep: none

Saturday:

Dinner: Pizza Spaghetti Pie and spinach salad with Tessemae's Southwest Ranch dressing

Prep: none

Sunday:

Dinner: Bacon Chorizo Chipotle Smothered Meatloaf

Prep: boil eggs for the week

Now it's your turn! Link up your own Whole30 post below. If you don't have one, feel free to shout out meal ideas or Whole30 rants in the comments!

Off to a good start...

Three posts in a row with no pictures?

And I call myself a blogger?

But, yes, I'm dropping in picture-less, in real time, because I feel like it. It's the first day of this new year, and it just felt right to come say hello. (And I've been working some tonight and need to unwind for a minute before I try and go to sleep.)

Just like last year, our New Year's Eve was ridiculously low-key, mostly because I felt awful. On Tuesday night, I came down with the most insane bout of vertigo. Everything around me was spinning, and the feeling lasted for hours. I woke up in the morning feeling slightly better, but not enough to talk myself out of heading into urgent care to see what was up. Fortunately, it was just an ear infection (what IS it with me and ear infections?!) causing the vertigo and not the super-serious neurological issue I had worked it up to be in my head. Ha.

So since I was still feeling icky and my niece had pink eye, our plans to ring the new year in with my brother and sister-in-law over a plate of prime rib were foiled. Instead, we ordered in pizza and ate this divine cheese dip and s'mores. We put Grace to bed, watched Pretty Woman, and were asleep by 10. 

So lame. And yet so very appropriate.

Today was similarly low-key, though we did head over to my dad's house for a little while. He made chili and cornbread and black-eyed peas, which Micah and Grace seemed to enjoy. 

I, on the other hand, obviously could not partake because I started my second Whole30 today! So I munched on carrots, grapes, and a cherry pie Larabar. One day down, 29 more to go.

I can't even tell you how insanely good it feels to know that I'm putting ONLY good stuff in my body again. It's going to be a challenge to resist my favorite things for 30 days (including my beloved Paleo mug cookies and Paleo ice cream!), but I NEED it. The last few weeks of eating anything I wanted were fun and not fun at all. I've felt like crap, I've gained a couple of pounds back, and I just have felt out of control. But the donuts were delicious... 

To the extent that you weren't quite ready to jump into the Whole30 today but think you might still want to give it a try, there are several people in the Loved and Lovely Whole30 Facebook Group who aren't starting for several days. So you'll be in good company if you are wanting to wait a few days to start.

I hope 2015 has already been spoiling you guys rotten. Here's to an incredible year!

Whole30 Meal Plan: Week One

As I've said before, you'll find sticking to the Whole30 so much easier if you plan out your meals and do the prep work as much in advance as possible. Because I don't know about you guys, but my family is busy. Weeknights are a scramble to get dinner cooked and eaten, baths taken, and the little girl put to bed. The more shortcuts I can manage, the happier I am.

Here's what we'll be eating these first few days of the Whole30. I'll get a full meal-planning post up for next week on Monday, and that will kick off the first of our Whole30 link-ups. That's where you guys can either link up your own Whole30-related posts or post your thoughts/meal ideas in the comments. And in case you haven't joined us over on Facebook, we're already having a great time connecting and supporting one another there.

Wednesday

Prep: hard-boil eggs, roast cauliflower, make two batches of olive oil mayo, slow cook chicken, mix up Caesar dressing

Thursday

Dinner: Roasted Cauliflower Soup (The Paleo Kitchen) with bacon and Paleo Caesar salad

Prep: Trim chicken, slice onion and carrot

Friday

Dinner: Baked Chicken with Spinach and Artichokes

Prep: Trim and slice chicken, julienne carrots, chop green onions and cilantro

Saturday

Dinner: Paleo Chicken Pad Thai

Prep: Peel and dice sweet potatoes, make mango salsa (if Kroger doesn't have it)

Sunday

Dinner: Turkey burgers with mango salsa and sweet potato hash

Breakfasts

2-3 hard-boiled eggs with Louisiana Hot Sauce, cherry tomatoes, and a handful of kale

Lunches

Chicken Salad on spinach with cherry tomatoes

Leftovers

Snacks 

Fresh fruit

Almonds dusted with cocoa and cinnamon

Dried mango

Sliced bananas with a spoonful of almond butter melted on top, sprinkled with cinnamon

Deviled eggs

Whole30: Recipe Roundup

I had donuts for breakfast yesterday morning. And then dessert with dinner last night. 

Y'all, I NEED this Whole30 in a bad way.

The great thing is that, because I've done one before, I know what to expect, and I know that I'm capable of finishing. If this is your first Whole30, let me just put your mind at ease: you are also capable of doing it and finishing it. If you slip up, don't give up. Just keep going, and I promise you won't regret it.

I've been promising to get you guys a list of my go-to, Whole30-approved recipes for months, and I'm finally delivering. I'll do one more tips and tricks post, and then I think we'll be ready to go for Thursday. Eeek!

We mostly make these for dinner and then I take the leftovers for lunch at work. A lot of people have asked what I do about Micah and Grace. Mostly, they eat what I eat, even if I have to modify it a bit. Grace is picky about vegetables, so I usually supplement her meal with some organic yogurt, cheese, or fruit. But some nights, Micah's not in the mood to eat the healthy stuff, so he makes himself a hot dog or grilled cheese. Ain't no shame in letting the husbands/kids fend for themselves sometimes, y'all.

And also? Make extras. If you're lazy like me, you'll appreciate being able to cook once and have meals for a few days. :) 

Main-Dish Recipes I've Tried and Loved:

Beef and Bacon Casserole (this one is one of my very favorites and makes a lot, but it's time-consuming)

Chicken Curry (recipe found in It Starts with Food, similar here)

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry (this one was pretty good, not amazing)

Roasted Cauliflower Soup (recipe found in The Paleo Kitchen is PHENOMENAL, similar here)

Turkey burgers with sauteed sweet potatoes and mango or strawberry-mango salsa

BLT Wraps

"Tacos" with homemade taco seasoning and guacamole in iceberg or romaine lettuce wraps

Cilantro and Lime Salmon (use olive or coconut oil to make it Whole30 approved)

Grilled steaks, baked potatoes, and roasted asparagus

"Fried" Cauliflower Rice (add chicken to create a main dish, or serve alone as a side dish)

Oven Fajitas

Avocado and Tomato Salad (great, simple, and easy side dish) 

Chicken Salad (recipe below)

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup 

Recipes I've Been Wanting to Try

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon 

Damn Fine Chicken  

Baked Chicken with Spinach and Artichokes (use ghee instead of butter)
Very Greek Grilled Chicken
Avocado Pasta (make with zucchini noodles)
Paleo Chicken Fingers
Cauliflower Paleo "Tator" Tots
Pizza Spaghetti Pie
Bacon Chorizo Chipotle Smothered Meatloaf
Paleo Chicken Pad Thai
Paleo Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Salad

1/2 lb. chicken | 1 cup grapes, halved | 1/2 cup onion, diced | 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional) | 3 T. flat-leaf Italian parsley | 1 T. fresh or freeze-dried dill (don't leave this out!!) | 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil mayo | 3-4 dashes hot sauce (I like Lousiana Hot Sauce) | salt and pepper to taste | Mix everything together and stir to combine. If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or more. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Have you done a Whole30? What were your favorite recipes?

Whole30: pantry list

Eeeek! We've got just a couple of weeks before we start the Whole30 together, friends. I can tell you that I am REALLY in need of a fresh start. I've been eating like crap the last two weeks, and I'm so very ready to get back on the wagon. 

So I thought I'd do a few posts before we start with tips/tricks/recipes that worked for me last time. One of the first things you'll need to do before you start your Whole30 is clean out and re-stock your pantry. A lot of your go-tos will be off-limits, and you'll want to be prepared with other alternatives for food preparation, or else you're likely to get frustrated and give up. 

Below is a list of things that are off-limits, along with a Whole30 approved alternative. Make a trip to your closest health food store, or Amazon (lifesaver!) sometime in the next couple of weeks and stock up on some new staples for your pantry.

You can't have vegetable or canola oil, but you can have coconut oil and olive oil 

You can't have traditional cooking sprays, but you can have 100% olive oil cooking spray (just read the label to make sure there is no added soy)

You can't have flour, but you can have almond flour (not for baking, but for thickening sauces, etc.)

You can't have butter, but you can have ghee

You can't have milk, but you can have coconut milk (full-fat, unsweetened) and almond milk (unsweetened)

You can't have soy sauce, but you can have coconut aminos

You can't have ketchup, but you can have hot sauce (I love Louisiana Hot Sauce and Chalula)

You can't have breadcrumbs, but you can have unsweetened shredded coconut

You can't have pre-made sauces, but you can make your own with curry powder or curry paste or canned tomatoes

You can't have nitrite-containing hot dogs, but you can have Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage (this isn't technically for your pantry, but find some and keep it on hand for the nights you don't feel like cooking!)

You can't have sugary snacks, but you can have unsweetened applesauce and unsweetened dried fruit and Larabars (read the labels - not all are Whole30 compliant; I prefer Apple Pie and Blueberry Muffin)

You can't have peanut butter, but you can have almond butter (again, read the label - must be sugar- and soy-free)

You can't have chips or other salty cracker snacks, but you can have olives and nuts (raw or dry-roasted; must be sugar-free)

You can't have gum, but you can have mint leaves and/or mouthwash 

You can't have regular BBQ sauce, but you can have Caveman Bob's BBQ Sauce (it's pricey but WORTH IT - you won't be able to tell that it's sugar-free!).

You can find even more pantry ideas on the Whole30 website.

What we've been up to...

Man, guys. Is there anything better than disappearing for a little while to spend some time with the ones you love? Here's what has been happening around here:

–   I was off from work for nine glorious days and soaked up every bit of that time with Micah and Grace.  If we're Instagram friends (we should be), you know that the first couple of days, Micah and I had a ball in Austin. I'll definitely do a full recap soon, but suffice it to say that many delicious (non-Paleo) things were eaten, and much relaxation was had.

–   And then we got back from Austin, got the house decorated for Christmas, and cooked up more delicious (non-Paleo) things for Thanksgiving.

(I think I need some sort of garland hanging from the mirror. Don't y'all?)

–    Grace discovered our Christmas tree, and it was fairly magical.

–   Thanksgiving was delicious (we had two meals with each of my parents the day of, and then leftovers with Micah's family the next day).

–    I'm paying for all the indulging I did (which was very fun and very deliberate). I basically had a headache for the entire week last week, and it was a great reminder that there is a reason I don't eat this way very often anymore. My workout on Sunday was awful, and my legs feel like they were run over by a truck every time I move (pretty sure I went a little too heavy on the weights). I'll be eating extra clean this week for sure.

–    There are a LOT of you that are going to join with me and do a Whole30 starting on January 1st. And I'm getting REALLY excited about it. I'll have more details about how it'll all shake out, but for now, start getting familiar with the program rules on the website or by purchasing the book. If you're local, I'm going to organize a meet-up at one of my favorite Paleo-friendly restaurants in the Dallas area, so be looking for details on that, as well.

I'll be back again soon with an Austin post and a review of my latest obsession: StitchFix!

Let's do this together...

It has been overwhelming -- in the best way possible -- how many of you have joined me on my journey to better health. When I started the Whole30 in June, I never imagined that I'd stick with it as long as I have. And I definitely never imagined how life-changing it would be for me. 

Or for many of you. I honestly can't even keep track anymore of the number of you guys that have started your own Whole30 after I've been preaching about it these last few months. And I know several of you finished and are feeling amazing!

Given that the holidays are fast-approaching, it occurred to me that I probably need to do another Whole30 sometime soon. While I truly have begun to see food and health in a new light, I know that Thanksgiving and Christmas (and our trip to Austin this weekend!) will involve some decidedly non-Paleo food, and I want to have a plan in place for giving my body and brain a good reset when the new year comes.

So I'm going to start another Whole30 on January 1st.

And I want you to join me.

I don't know where you're at in terms of health. Maybe you work out consistently but need a way to focus on eating things that will improve your health, rather than things that negate all your hard work in the gym. Maybe you're like I was and are morbidly obese and in need of something -- ANYTHING -- to help you make a change.

Or maybe you just want to drop your holiday weight quickly and like the idea of doing it in the healthiest way possible. Either way, I think we can all agree that misery loves company, and that's why I thought that we could do this together.

So we'll attempt 30 days of completely whole foods. No sugar (in any form, apart from fruit). No grains. No dairy. No legumes. No alcohol.

It's hard. Oh, friends, it's hard. 

But I really can't explain how amazing you'll feel when you're finished. It's unlike anything I've ever felt in my life.

I haven't quite figured out how I want to do it, from a logistics standpoint. Part of me wants to organize a DietBet simply because it's an excellent way to get all of us together in one place and facilitate a feeling of community, but weighing during the Whole30 is expressly contrary to the Whole30 rules, so I feel like that may not be the best option. If any of you have ideas, I'm all ears. Maybe a Facebook group? I'll spend more time thinking about how we can organize it all and report back soon.

For now, be thinking about whether or not it might be the right step for you. One of the reasons I'm posting about this so early (and clearly before I've thought it all through) is because I wanted to give you time to learn about the plan and get prepared. I would obviously recommend buying the book It Starts with Food, but you can also find nearly all the information you'll need on the Whole30 website. If you're in particular need of some tough love, read this (scroll down to the section titled "It's For Your Own Good"). 

And also, can I just mention that I stand to gain NOTHING from you joining me in this endeavor, apart from your camaraderie and support? None of the links here are affiliate links, and the Whole30 is completely free to do. I do think the book really helps explain everything and is WELL worth the money, but you don't necessarily have to buy it to successfully complete a Whole30, and I won't make a dime whether you do or don't.

I just believe in the Paleo lifestyle and think you will too if you give it a chance.

If you think you might be interested, leave a comment below or shoot me an email at lovedandlovelyblog@gmail.com. I just want to get an idea of how many people we're looking at so that I can figure out what kind of structure, if any, we might need.

I'm so excited, you guys! 

100 pounds later...

When you begin any sort of journey -- your education, planning for a significant occasion, a quest for better health or weight loss -- you peer through the tunnel and look for the light at the end. You imagine the way you'll feel when you finally arrive at your final destination, and that feeling compels you to continue on in the direction you are traveling because you know that the hard work will be worth it in the end.

As I was standing on the stage to be hooded at my law school graduation, I felt the light all around me. And I felt the very same way as Micah and I climbed into his truck and headed to our hotel the night we got married.

While I certainly cannot say that I've arrived at my final destination with respect to this particular journey, I did catch a glimpse of the light last week when I stepped on the scale and saw this.

I can't remember seeing a sub-200 number on the scale since my wedding day in 2008. And so, for a really long time, I've wondered what it would be like to be "below the big chunk," as my sweet friend likes to say. (If you've ever stood on a mechanical scale at the doctor's office while they nudge the big weight over to 150 and then try and adjust the small weight, and you have to tell them, "no, just go ahead and move the big chunk over to 200," you totally feel me.)

Standing on the scale and seeing these numbers flashing at me, I felt bathed in light, and it was a beautiful thing.

This number probably still seems ridiculously high to most of you, and I will certainly agree that I've still got a long way to go. My body mass index is still way too high, and I would love to be in jeans several sizes smaller than those that are currently hanging in my closet. So it's fairly mortifying to post this number here for the entire internet to see.

But the fact that I weigh less than 200 hundred pounds today is really significant because 18 months ago, I weighed 300 pounds exactly.

300 pounds, friends.

Yes, I was pregnant. And yes, it was totally worth it. And yes, I loved myself even then.

But I can't begin to describe to you the shame I felt when I stepped onto the scale at the hospital as I checked in to deliver Grace and watched the nurse slide that big weight all the way over to 300. In that moment, I recognized how out of control things had gotten, and I promised myself that I would figure out to get myself back on track.

And so I did.

Today, I'm making myself vulnerable to you all because I remember how desperately I clung to hope when I was struggling to figure out how to make a change. I made myself read the stories of those who had traveled this path successfully, even when I didn't want to, because it was irrefutable evidence that I was capable of doing the same.

And so are you.

Whatever journey you're on, know this. There IS light at the end of the tunnel. Heck, there's light in the middle of the tunnel. Just set your feet on the path and take that first step. You'll be surrounded in light in no time.

Paying it forward...

Remember how I told you guys that I won the diet bet I entered last month? (Even though I forgot to tell y'all that I entered in the first place...)

I found out that my winnings total nearly $60. (The buy-in was $35.) And I was telling a friend at work (shout out, Meredith!) that I wanted to try and find a way to pay it forward to others who may need a source of motivation. Because, seriously, you guys. I could never adequately convey how much your support has motivated me to keep going on the hard days. And though I'll never be able to really repay you for what you've done for me, I wanted to make a gesture anyway.

So here's what I came up with.

I'm giving away three copies of It Starts with Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig.* 

This book was the thing that convinced me that I needed more than a diet. I needed more than weight loss. I needed to change the way I eat, and I needed to change the way I look at food.

So if you're where I was just a few months ago, desperate for a change and unsure how to get there, this book is for you.

I don't want to deal with a complicated giveaway today, because this is not at all about increasing my blog readership or numbers. This is about YOU! And how much I adore you all.

So the first three people to comment below win.

That's it.

(Just make sure and include your email address below so I can get a hold of you.)

Love you guys.

* This isn't sponsored by Whole30 or the Hartwigs. Like, at all.

What I'm eating: breakfast

When I was trying to figure out how I could motivate myself to make a lifestyle change, I had a love/hate relationship with healthy living bloggers/Instagrammers. On the one hand, I loved seeing how other people were changing their lives, and I rooted for them to succeed. But on the other hand, I wanted to be making progress myself. And every time I saw someone achieve a goal or make a healthy choice, I was reminded that I wasn't.

But ultimately, I did decide to make a change, and I really feel like I was motivated by others who were willing to share their stories and struggles and tips. 

And so, as I've been getting so many emails and comments asking for tips and pointers and recipes, I figured I'd do series on what I'm eating these days. You can find even more Paleo/Whole30 recipes on my Paleo Eats Pinterest Board. And I highly recommend The Paleo Kitchen cookbook, as well as Juli's blog PaleOMG. 

Today, we're talking breakfast.

I eat one of two things in the mornings during the week because it's easy, and I like predictability. 

2 hard-boiled eggs cut into quarters and drizzled with Louisiana Hot Sauce + big handful kale + big handful cherry/grape tomatoes + small handful of nuts (or 1/2 avocado)

OR

2 hardboiled eggs + green smoothie (recipe below)

I always hard-boil eggs three days at a time at night after Grace goes to bed and put my kale/tomatoes/nuts in baggies so they're handy to grab and go in the morning. (I take it all with me and eat at work.) I make the smoothies on mornings that Grace sleeps a little longer than usual because they're more time-consuming.

On the weekends, we usually do something a little more fun.

Scrambled eggs + salsa + avocado + bacon (I pull my eggs out and then add cheese for Micah and Grace)

Paleo Pumpkin Waffles (these turned out better as pancakes for us) + bacon 

Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Hash (this is still one of my favorite recipes)

Even on the weekends, though, I make myself eat a big handful of kale or spinach because I feel like I need it, and also because it makes me feel hardcore. Ha.

My Go-To Green Smoothie

1/2 banana (fresh or frozen. I usually freeze bananas when they start to turn brown, and this is the perfect way to use them up.)

1/4 to 1/2 cup berries (blueberries and strawberries are perfect)

2 T. unsweetened coconut milk

2 T. water

1/2 cup ice

1-2 cups kale/spinach (I promise you won't taste the greens)

Add all ingredients to blender, and blend until smooth. If your blender has a hard time (like mine often does), add more water. I wouldn't add a whole lot more coconut milk, or it will taste like you poured heavy cream in it. I think the banana and fruit give enough sweetness, but if you want more, add 1 T. honey.

(Please note that if you're doing the Whole30, not all of the things listed above are Whole30 complaint. For example, you're not "allowed" to have smoothies or Paleo pancakes on the Whole30, and I wholeheartedly agree with the program's focus on resetting your brain. So swallow down those veggies as best you can and tough it out for 30 days. I promise, it gets easier.) 

Why I'm doing it...

Maybe it has never even occurred to you guys to wonder why I suddenly decided to change my life. 

Maybe you're all healthy people who have always eaten well and exercised consistently. And so maybe the fact that this whole journey has been so significant for me is completely baffling to you.

But maybe not.

I've always maintained that my ability to make healthy choices is controlled by a (metaphorical) light switch. When it's flipped on, I've got more self control than I know what to do with. And my willingness to make one good decision motivates me to make another, and another, until it eventually becomes a habit, and the decision isn't even really a decision anymore.

And when it's flipped off? Well, I have zero self control or motivation. I eat what I want, when I want. I crave sugary and salty things like it's my job, and I tell myself that it's okay to have them in whatever quantities I desire. Five donuts? Sure! A whole package of Girl Scouts Samoa cookies? Awesome! Exercise isn't even a blip on my radar.

So the question for me—and maybe for you—becomes this: how can I turn the light switch on again? What will motivate me to be better?

I wish I could answer that question for you. I obviously can't. You and you alone know what will compel you to make a real change.

But I can tell you what did it for me. I can tell you what made me put It Starts with Food in my Amazon basket and click "Place Your Order."

I had an unhealthy relationship with food.
Plain and simple. I loved it too much. I still do, to some extent. I don't have that thing that makes me want to put something delicious down because I am feeling satiated. If a little is good, more is even better. I needed to find a way to reset my brain in a healthy way. To help me learn to crave the things that are good for me and to break the ridiculous sugar cycle I was on.

I like a challenge.
I'm not really the kind of girl that is continually pushing myself to be better, though I wish I was. But I do occasionally like to put myself to the test. I wanted to see what I was capable of with respect to my health. Turns out, I'm capable of a lot more than I thought.

I want to live longer.
The way I was eating would have absolutely led to health problems for me down the road. I was already morbidly obese, tired all the time, and ridiculously out of shape. Who knows what might have happened if I had continued on that path.

My husband is really, really, ridiculously good looking.
I don't mean this the way it sounds. Micah has been the most supportive, incredible husband no matter what size I've been. But I have eyes and a mirror. And I have also heard, "Oh my gosh! Your husband is HOT!" more times than I can even count. It's definitely the truth, and I always love hearing it. But what I'd really love is for him to hear, "Oh my gosh! Your wife is HOT!" for once. Not for my sake (although it would be pretty fabulous to hear), but for his.

I'd like to make it to one dress size and stay there.
It's expensive re-stocking my closet every time I lose/gain weight.

I've got to fit into my wedding dress by next August.

I want to set a good example for my daughter.
This was probably the most motivating thing for me. I want her to see her mom as healthy and strong and active. And I can't manufacture that impression; it has to come from her own observation. So digging in and becoming the real deal was the only real option.

I want to look good naked.
I know you feel me on this one.