Click here to pin this Dragon Fruit Smoothie recipe!

Earlier this month, I mentioned that I was working on rebuilding some positive habits to get my health, fitness and general well being back on track. One of those habits I mentioned was getting back into the gym regularly, specifically early morning workouts. One thing I love about working out early in the morning (other than the obvious feeling of getting it out of the way) is the peaceful drive I have to and from the gym. It’s still dark, there are barely any cars on the road and it just feels quiet. I like to spend the ride to the gym listening to podcasts, specifically self improvement/motivational podcasts. This is my time to listen to something that will promote growth and knowledge whether it be relating to my business, health or spirituality. I go in phases with what I’m listening to. I was on a big Chalene Johnson kick last year, and lately I’ve been going through old episodes of the Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin after a friend of mine mentioned it to me recently. I’ve listened to it before but not regularly so I’m really enjoying catching up on different episodes each day.

One episode that struck me was episode #90 where Gretchen and Liz discussed a very relatable topic – the Essential Seven, aka the 7 areas in which every desirable habit falls. The sisters went through the list and discussed what they each could do personally to make their lives happier, healthier, more productive or more creative and I just thought this was such a do-able exercise for anyone who is in the frame of mind where they want to improve aspects of their lives. I figured I would share with you my Essential Seven and ask that you share yours as well! (Just copy and paste the list into the comment section and add to it). I would love to hear from you!

1. Eat and drink more healthfully

2. Exercise regularly

3. Save, spend, and earn wisely

4. Rest, relax, and enjoy

5. Stop procrastinating, make consistent progress

6. Simplify, clear, and organize

7. Engage more deeply—with other people, with God, with yourself, with the world

One thing that I am personally trying to do that happens to fall under #1 is to drink more smoothies. I really loved smoothies for years but somehow got out of the habit of making them. A friend of mine (who is a marketing rep for food brand, no relationship with blogging) recently introduced me to these dragon fruit smoothie packs from one of his clients. He shared some samples with me and I have been obsessed with making this smoothie a few times a week, specifically after a workout or in between meals. Not only is the color absolutely gorgeous (I think that is why I fell in love), but it is so refreshing.

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These Tropical Overnight Oats were created in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill.

For the most part, I’m a savory egg and toast kind of breakfast girl. When the weather warms up though, I go through phases of cold and sweet fruit-filled breakfast cravings, specifically overnight oats like these Tropical Overnight Oats I’ve been enjoying this week. I don’t remember exactly when I started making overnight oats, but I’ve been hooked for some time now. I love saving the last of peanut butter jars for an extra special breakfast concoction that I can’t wait to dig into after I get home from the gym in the morning. Seriously so so good.

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Click here to pin this Chinese Five Spice Pork Chops with Broccoli recipe!

One of my goals for the upcoming new year is to start cooking from my cookbooks again. I have a pretty massive collection of cookbooks that I cherish and love, but sadly don’t cook from as much as I used to. Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to creating recipes from scratch to share here on the blog and my cookbooks have been neglected in the process. One of my recent cookbook purchases is a fantastic and practical cookbook called Sheet Pan Suppers and today’s Chinese Spice Pork Chops with Broccoli was inspired from it.

Today’s post is also for this month’s Recipe Redux – the Recipe Redux is a monthly recipe challenge where we focus on a theme and recreate a recipe with a healthier twist. This month’s theme was Grab a Book and Cook, so I was excited to do just that! Since the Recipe Redux is celebrating it’s 54th month we were to find a recipe on page 54 or 154 of a nearby cookbook and reinvent a healthy version of it. I picked up Sheet Pan Suppers and found a recipe using an ingredient that I was defrosting for dinner – pork chops. It happens to be on page 123 (oops!!) because I missed the little page detail until later (I blame my holiday brain!).

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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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