Thai Chicken Meatballs + Curry Cauliflower + Dressing Room Find | Tee Shirt Dress

Happy Humpday guys!  I had several requests to share the recipes from my instastory Monday night featuring these Thai meatballs and curry cauliflower.  I have to say both were amazing.  The flavors were off the hook good and both were relatively easy to make and healthy.  The meatballs have no bread in them just chia seeds to bind so they are super light and tasty.

I swear I only have one kid that is a good eater at a time.  Right now it is Sterling.  As I was making the meatballs he exclaimed that looks gross like 10 times.  The green stuff always throws him for a loop.  After he sat down to eat them, he looked at me and goes " Mom,  you were right these are awesome." Winning mom moment, I love when I am right:)  Frances however would not touch dinner and went to bed hungry.  Go figure, at least one child appreciated my cooking skills.  These are a little spicy so use less hot sauce if you don't want them as spicy. 

I loved both and I also paired mine with my favorite Asian Kale Salad.  The 3 make a pretty killer dinner combo in my book:) 

Enjoy!

|| T H A I   C H I C K E N  M E A T B A L S || 

via The Dude Diet

- 1 pound ground chicken

- 3 garlic cloves minced

- 1.5 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

- 3 green onions sliced finely

- 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped

- 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce

- 2 teaspoons sesame oil

- 2 tablespoons chia seeds

FOR THE GLAZE

- 3 tablespoons soy sauce

- juice of 1/2 lime

- 1 tablespoon honey

- 1 tablespoon sriracha

Put all the ingredients for the meatballs in a medium bowl.  Use your hands to mix all together.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  This gives the chia seeds time to bind everything together. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

With damp hands gently roll the chicken mix into balls.  Don't squeeze the meat too much.  Arrange them on the baking sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

In a large skillet, whisk together ingredients for the glaze.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook about 1 minute or until it slightly thickens.  Add meatballs to skillet and shake to gently coat with glaze.  Serve warm.

|| R O A S T E D  C A U L I F L O W E R  W I T H  C U R R Y + L I M E ||

via It's All Easy

- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

- 3 tablespoons vegenaise

- juice of one lime

- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Put the cauliflower on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, curry, and salt.  Roast for 20 minutes.

Mix vegenaise and lime juice in a large bowl.  When cauliflower is done toss it in this mixture.  Add cilantro and mix all together.

................................................................

The dressing room find of this week is a super cute tee shirt dress I spied at Loft.  

I am wearing a size small runs TTS.   I loved the pattern and the fact that it was not clingy

Swing Dress you can find my shoes HERE

also comes in black.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Hello First Monday of October. We had some slightly cooler weather this weekend and it was pure magic.  October 1 Sterling insisted I pull out all our Halloween decorations so we spruced up the house this weekend including our front porch!  Halloween is his favorite holiday and my least favorite:) 

I am obsessed with white pumpkins and had to travel to 4 stores before I found some!

Thursday night I hosted an event at Roberta Roller with these pretty ladies.

What I wore:

Blouse | Necklace | Jeans | Shoes | Purse | Sunglasses (on sale)

If you follow me on instastories you saw my parents and nephew were in town for the weekend.  We had a blast!  My mom treated all the kids to costumes and they were in heaven playing dress-up.  Not kidding Frances Moon wore her mermaid costume 3 days in a row.

We headed to dinner at Ellis Creek Fish Camp.  It is one of our favorite kid friendly spots.  You can't beat the view.

What I wore:

Blouse (25% off) | Jeans on sale | Earrings | Sandals

The boys always have so much fun together and Frances just tags along.

Saturday I put my Dad to work around the house- I always do that when he is in town:)  We got Frances Moon's bed assembled and I love it!  Side note next time I will just order a headboard instead of the whole bed.  So much easier just to hook up a headboard than install an entire bed. 

Headboard (similar) | Fuzzy Pillows | Purple pillows are from Celadon Home

New artwork arrived too by the fabulous Marquin Designs.  You may remember she did the painting over my desk in the kitchen.  I love her work! I am going to hang this over Frances Moon's dresser.

Matt took the kids to the beach Saturday while I was working with my parents and they had a blast.

Saturday night we went to Maybank Public House for dinner.  I had only been once and was glad we decided to go again.  It was kid friendly and the food was really good.  The truffled mac and cheese with bacon was heavenly as were the flatbreads.

How amazing does my Dad's burger and truffle Parmesan fries look?  That's a friend green tomato on top:)

What I wore:

Top | Necklace | Jeans | Purse | Shoes | Ring (on sale)

Oh and these shoes are the best.  They are so comfy, they also come in green and burgundy.  They run TTS.

Mom and I had a glass of this rose before dinner and it was really good!  

My sweet nephew Finley.  He reminds me so much of my sister,  I just love his personality.

Sunday is always my meal prep day!  This week it's Asian Kale Salad (I always double or triple the dressing)  for lunch.  This salad is addictive!! 

The kids somehow talked me into going to the pet store.  We have been talking about getting another smaller dog for sometime now but I am just not ready so I compromised with a fish:)  They wanted every single Spongebob accessory we settled on the pineapple house.

 

Sterling named her Harper Rose.  He was so excited.  Let's hope we don't kill her.

Have a great Monday!

The Dreaded 10 + Losing it + A Sample Daily Diet + Workout Gear

 I had a physical two weeks ago and had to be weighed.  I used to weigh myself regularly but lately I have been avoiding the scale.  It is because I know I have put on some weight.  I can feel it, my jeans are tight and my stomach is not as flat as it usually is.  As I stepped on the scale I found myself closing my eyes.  Praying for a certain number.  When I opened them I was shocked.  I thought I had maybe gained 5lbs but that number showed 10lbs from what I normally like to weigh.  Now I was fully dressed with shoes on, so I like to think that maybe that accounts for 1-2lbs, but either way I have 10 pounds I need to shed. 

My main problem is portion control and snacking.   I eat fairly healthy for the most part but I have just felt hungry lately, eating more than I normally would.    I found myself finishing off the kids dinner and then eating a dinner of my own.  I have been eating way more bread and pasta then I normally do and eating seconds after dinner.  Part of the problem too is I have not been eating enough protein.  Matt lost weight when he turned to a meat free diet and I gained weight because I was eating more cheese, pasta and fillers.   

I am sharing all this on here because I want to hold myself accountable.  

It has been 10 days since I started trying to control my portions and I can already tell a difference with my appetite.   I did a similar diet to this before my wedding and it really worked.  It is heavy on protein with minimal carbs and sugar.  During the week I try and be really strict but on the weekends I accommodate for some splurges.  So far I have lost 3lbs.  It is a slow process but I know it works and the weight will stay off.

I wanted to share a sample daily meal plan of what I eat during the week.  I know there are a million different diets out there and I am no nutritional expert but this is just what works for me.  My mom and dad have been following the plan with me as well.  We all felt like we had a fairly indulgent summer.

BREAKFAST

1 Boiled Egg + Morning Star Sausage Patty + Avocado + Tomatoes

I try hard to stick to this breakfast because the egg really keeps me full.  I do get sick of eating boiled eggs and when I do I have oatmeal instead for breakfast.  I also drink a cup of black decaf coffee and  a cup of hot lemon water.

LUNCH

Asian Kale Salad + Two Turkey Cheese Roll-Ups + a Pickle

I have really tried to be consistent with this lunch as well.  The turkey also keeps me full.  If I don't have a pre-made salad made I sometimes have sauerkraut on the side.

DINNER

Salmon Cake + Butterbeans + Heirloom Tomato Salad

For dinners I have tried to mainly eat salads, veggie plates or fish with veggies.  I have also tried to eat early like before 7 if possible.  If we make tacos, I use lettuce for the shells and make substitutions like that to avoid carbs.

SNACKS

I have really tried to cut back on snacking but sometimes you just need a snack.  When I do I will have nuts, usually pistachios or drink a V8 because it helps fill me up.  

I have also been trying hard to up my water intake.  We have a measured fill on our fridge and I try and drink at least 50 ounces a day.  

I still have wine, I can't totally cut that out- I need it for my sanity!  However I only drink water and unsweetened green tea during the day.  No other drinks with sugar.

WORKING OUT

 I hurt my back this Summer right after St Maarten and I am still not sure exactly what happened to it.  I tried to run once on our beach vacation and that really pushed it over the edge.  I was in so much pain and could barely move certain ways.  6 weeks later it is finally better but  I have avoided running because of that.  Instead I have tried to do barre class more regularly and walk some.  I aim 4 days a week at barre.  The barre class I attended is called extreme barre and I frequently leave class drenched in sweat so I know I am getting a good workout!  

It is always fun to have new clothes to workout with.  I treat myself as a reward of losing weight and getting to the gym more often.  I know its silly but I get a little excited about the gym when I have a new outfit to wear.  Below are a few of my go-to favorites.   Many are on sale and I denoted that beside them.

Sports Bra (on sale)

I love this style sports bra because it really supports you when you work out.  It hooks in the back like a regular bra ad really keeps your chest area secure.

Transformation Tank (on sale)

I like light weight tanks and ones that are not super fitted when I work out.  This style is great and only $20 right now.

High Waist Leggings

These high waisted leggings are my favorite because they really suck everything in!  I am partial to the black but a few colors are on sale now.

They also come in some really fun prints in the high waist style.

High Waisted Crop Pants

Zella Tank

I own like 4 of these tanks.  I love them especially for running but they are great for yoga and barre too.  I sized up to a medium in these because I don't like my tanks fitted. 

Twist Front Tank

I enjoy this style for yoga and barre class.  It is a lightweight material.

Brooks Running Shorts (on sale)

My favorite shorts.  I love the fit of these because they have a thick waistband and the leggings are not fitted.  Also on sale in blue print.

Nikes (on sale)

Nikes are my favorite workout shoes.  I just ordered these from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and love them.  They come in 4 color options.

 Yoga Mat

My sister gave me this Yoga Mat for Christmas and I love it.  It is a good thickness and I don;t have trouble sliding on it like I did my old one.   They come in a bunch of other patterns here too.

Zella Hoodie (on sale)

Great to toss on for those chilly mornings.  I sometimes run in mine too if it is really cold.

Zella Double Breasted Jacket (on sale)

This is s bit thicker then the previous one.  

Scenes From Our Weekend

Can y'all believe this is the last Monday in July??  Where has the Summer gone?  Hard to believe school starts in 3 weeks.  I will be sad for Summer to be over, but looking forward to getting back in a routine.  A few snippets from our weekend. 

Friday night happy hour spread.  

My neighbor Kat made this dip last weekend and I loved it so I made it again.  You just layer hummus, chopped cherry tomatoes and feta.  Then sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.  Serve with toasted naan.    That's the crispy okra from Trader Joe's beside the naan, its really good.

I got a much needed manicure Friday and branched out with white nails and I am loving them.  I used OPI Alpine Snow.

We picked up Glazed Doughnuts Saturday morning.  They had new doughnut called The Samoa and it tasted just like the girl scout cookie!

After the Farmers Market the kids and I usually stop in Blue Bicycle books.  It is the cutest little bookstore on King Street.  They have a fun kid's room with toys and books.  I think I was more excited than Frances to find this Coco Chanel book.

Oh and those are my Nikes from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  There are only a few sizes left.  I am loving them, def size up a half size though they run small.   

Nikes | Purse (on sale) | Coco Chanel Book

Saturday night we had a couple's date night with some of our good friends.  I have said it before but these white jeans are simply the best.   They are not see through and offer the perfect amount of stretch.

Blouse | Jeans | Wedges | Necklace

We started at Raw167 for dinner.   Their oysters are seriously the best.   They also have really good rose.

Then we ended the evening at Zero George.  We love their bar and the bartender, Kincaid is the best!   That's him in the back beside me, he let us all sneak behind the bar!

Sunday we hit up the pool and Sunrise Park, a beach that is a mile from our house.   The kids love to collect seashells and shark's teeth here.

I love the view of Mt Pleasant and downtown from the beach.  A little cloudy but still beautiful.

This tee shirt dress is a recent find.  I loved the fit and style so much I bought the stripes version too.  I live in these easy dresses during the Summer.  I am wearing a size small for reference.

Tee Shirt Dress (under $50) | Sunglasses | Sandals | Necklace

Sunday Dinner.  A delcious vegetarian spread.  I can't get enough of all the in season produce like tomatoes.  They are so good right now.

Roasted Okra | Garden Veggie Pie | Asian Kale Salad

While I was making my tomato pie, Sterling wanted to make his own pie with some leftover dough.  He actually did a pretty good job.  He used strawberries, brown sugar and sprinkles.  I love that he likes to cook like I do.  He was very proud of his pie.

I am working on an upcoming post about my diet and workout routine this Summer.  I just noticed my all time favorite running shorts are part of the Anniversary sale.  I love these because they sit higher up and don't fit too tight.  I have two pairs and they are all I wear in the Summer.

Brooks Running Shorts

They also come in two different stripe options and navy.  I am tempted to buy the navy I love my black ones so much.  Sizing wise I have a medium, I don't like my workout gear too fitted.

Stripe Shorts

Have a great Monday!