Is it me or are we kind of in a weird in between place with produce seasons? Maybe it’s my grocery store, but I haven’t been overly excited about what I’ve been seeing lately (I think this is a cue to take my own advice and get myself to my favorite produce market).

One thing I know for sure…we are headed into citrus season and I couldn’t be more happy about it. I walked into my son’s preschool class and his teacher had just peeled a grapefruit and the smell was intoxicating. Citrus makes me happy!

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Once upon a time I was 30+weeks pregnant and said to myself more than a few times — I can’t wait to lose this pregnancy weight! It’s going to be fun, like a game! I’ve done this before, it won’t be hard! I’m going to walk with the baby in the stroller so much the weight is just going to melt off! I’m going to get fit in no time!

Clearly, I was a bit mental at the time. What in the world. Crazy pants.

Now here I am 20+ weeks post partum and I can not even believe how out of shape I am. I’m so low energy and just feel bleh all the time. Pair that up with not sleeping well most nights, I pretty much feel like a mess lately. Oh and it’s full on spring in Florida right now and let’s just say black yoga pants just aren’t cutting it anymore. Something has to be done here.

So I’m committed. I’m committed to exercising in some capacity every day (even if it is just a quick stroller walk with my baby). I need to be selfish with my workouts, it’s very important “me time”. I got back in the gym last week. I also got myself jogging a bit over the weekend (that felt GOOD!). Things have to change and it’s starting first with my attitude —

I need to be telling myself things like:

Just do it!
No more excuses!
and on the days I’m feeling down… What are you going to do about it? (this one is key)

So far it’s working.

I got this. But dang, it’s hard!

I’ve been making this kefir smoothie in the afternoons lately for my car ride to pick up the kids from school. It gives me exactly what I need to hold me over until dinner and I like to believe it gives me a little energy boost too. Micah’s not a huge fan of the blender so I have been avoiding making smoothies for a few months. Now when I turn the blender on I have to put on a really happy funny face to distract him from that “loud scary noise”. You gotta do what you gotta do right?

If you’re not familiar with kefir, it’s very similar to yogurt and can be found in the dairy aisle most likely near the milks. I discovered it a couple years ago when I was on the 17 Day Diet (…for 14 days). It’s a probiotic, has a good amount of protein and calcium, and is a great option for an afternoon snack. I personally like it’s natural tartness but feel free to add a little honey or sweetener of choice if that’s your thing.

Happy Monday!

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I discovered this amazing pineapple salsa a few years back when my friend Heidi brought it to one of our get togethers. I’ve made it several times since (when I’m not asking Heidi to make it for me) and it’s always enjoyed by everyone. Really, what’s not to love when you combine fresh pineapple with lime, jalapenos and cilantro – each bite truly makes your taste buds sing. Or break out into a little dance. Or whatever suits your fancy.

This pineapple salsa was part of a spread I put together for my husband Larry’s 40th birthday bash this past weekend. We celebrated my husband with all of his favorite things – food being a big part of it obviously. Our good friend, Rich, worked his smoker the day before the party cooking up a ridiculous amount of pork and beef that we served sandwich style with horsey sauce along with several bottles of Larry’s favorite barbecue sauces. In addition to this salsa there was this Cucumber and Feta Greek Yogurt Dip paired up with pita chips (my weakness!) as well as tomato and mozzarella skewers and fresh fruit skewers. We also picked up some glorious macaroni and cheese and cornbread salad from our favorite local BBQ place. There was some good eating going on.

To say we had a great time would be an understatement. It brought me such pleasure to see my husband surrounded by all of his favorite people, dancing to his favorite music, watching clips from his favorite videos on the big screen, drinking his favorite drinks, eating his favorite food. Larry provided the entertainment – because in case you didn’t know, that’s what he’s good at – and we partied the night away. Since his birthday isn’t actually until this Friday, the 8th, the celebration continues this week…but in a little more low key let’s-go-out-for-fondue-with-the-kids kind of way.

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Pancakes are such a treat in my house. My kids get so excited when I tell them I’m making pancakes for breakfast, so excited that I wish I made them more often (their pancake excitement definitely puts a smile on my face!). I usually stick to a whole grain variety, knowing the extra nutrients and fiber are a great way to fill their bellies for the day ahead. They don’t mind.

I haven’t always made my own pancake mix from scratch, and I still don’t always, though after putting these together on a whim this past Saturday morning I really don’t know why I wouldn’t. I followed Skinnytaste’s recipe for whole wheat pancakes, and added a few of my own extras – Greek yogurt and fresh squeezed orange juice – to make them even more bright and delicious.

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{Giveaway Now Closed}

I’ve mentioned a few times that we are a smoothie family. Smoothie making definitely got a little easier after the addition of our Blendtec blender, but I’ll be honest, we were making smoothies regularly way before that happened. My blender has always been my friend.

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You’re going to want to make this salad. It’s bright, it’s filling, it’s got crunch, and it’s good for you.

It’s pretty perfect actually.

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Long week?

(nod yes…)

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It’s not too late…to make this cranberry sauce! I promise.

It is wonderful..super fresh, tart but sweet.  I found the recipe for this Apple-Orange Cranberry Sauce last year on Williams Sonoma’s site.  I love that it has chunks of apples in it along with orange zest and juice.  And the best part is it will probably be the easiest thing you cook for Thanksgiving dinner.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!  I’m feeling super blessed and thankful for all the good things in my life…my wonderful husband and kids, our families, our friends and our health.  I’m also very thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that I have experienced this year thanks to this blog…I’m thankful for all of you who read it and who comment and who support me.  I’m thankful for all the great people I’ve met “virtually” and in person whether through blogging, Facebook or Twitter…

Life is Good. God Bless.

Future Food Blogger?  🙂

Apple-Orange Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 bags fresh cranberries (about 6 cups), rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups sugar (original recipe calls for 2 1/2 so if you adjust to your liking)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan, combine fresh squeezed orange juice, zest, apples, cranberries, water, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Gently stir occasionally, until cranberries "pop", apple softens and sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Let cool completely before serving. Makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers.

Over the years, I've started to reduce the sugar gradually. If you have a sweeter tooth, stick to the two cups. If you are looking to cut back, try with 1 cup of sugar and you can always add more.

To help with adding more natural sweetness, I like to include the squeezed halves of oranges and the apple cores to the cooking process and then remove.

Recipe adapted from Williams Sonoma

 

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