Asian Kale Salad

My love affair with kale continues.  Butcher and Bee, a local restaurant here in Charleston, makes a kale slaw that is so freaking good. I order a side of it every time I eat there.  This was my attempt to create a similar version and I must say it comes pretty darn close.  They serve theirs with crushed peanuts on top but I didn't have any on hand- so add them if you wish.  This saves well in the fridge for a few days although mine only lasted two days I devoured it.  You could easily sub shredded napa cabbage for the Brussels Sprouts if you prefer.  It makes a delicious lunch served with the Tomato Ricotta Toast I posted Monday.  

Enjoy!

 || A S I A N   K A L E  S A L A D ||

- 1 pound kale. stemmed and thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons canola oil

- 8 Brussels sprouts halved and thinly sliced

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1.5 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

- optional crushed peanuts

In a large bowl toss kale together with 1 tablespoon canola  and salt.  Rub in to soften.  Add in Brussels sprouts and toss.  

In a small bowl whisk together garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and tablespoon canola oil.   Pour dressing over greens.  Sprinkle with crushed peanuts if desired.

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

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!

A Day in My Life

I have had several requests to do a day in my life post.  My life is not very exciting but here you go! This is a pretty typical day although sometimes things change. 

6:00 

alarm goes off

I usually press snooze once then get out of bed.

I immediately brush my teeth (I hate morning breath) and then I go make my cup of hot lemon water.  After that I go wake Sterling up.  This can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to get him up.  Why does kindergarten start so early??

Frances usually hears me getting Sterling up so of course she wants to get up too.  

I feed both kids breakfast and make their lunches for the day while they eat.

7:00 

Matt or I take Sterling to school, we usually rotate days depending on his work schedule.  The other stays home with Frances.  After I drop Sterling off I make a cup of decaf coffee and a batch of green juice for Matt and I, then I sit down to finish up my blog for that day and try to respond to a few emails.  I let Frances watch Paw Patrol during this time so I can work.

8:00

I make myself breakfast and if I have time I quickly read a few blogs while I eat. 

Then I do a few household chores like empty the dishwasher (I swear I empty it everyday), start a load of laundry (that is never ending too) and make the beds.  I hate an unmade bed!!  If I am not going to the gym I shower at this point too.  Otherwise I throw on a bit up make-up and workout clothes- and yes I wear make-up to the gym, I don't really go anywhere without make-up.  

  

I also get Frances dressed and ready for the day. I talked her into pigtails today it I am loving them!

9:30

I take Frances to school.  She does Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  

10:00

I hit up the gym.  I do 30 minutes on the treadmill of running intervals, then 20 minutes on the elliptical.  Or on Tuesdays and Thursdays I do an hour barre class.

For those who asked I am still loving my yoga mat.  

11:00 

It is a bad habit but after the gym I usually hit the Starbucks drive thru (I mean its right beside my gym) for an iced green tea.  Then I head to the grocery store.  I also use this time to run other errands I have like post office, dry cleaners, Target etc.

12:00

Head home unload groceries, take a quick shower, and start assembling a salad for lunch.  This week I made one my favorites, Asian Kale Salad.  I usually don't have time to eat before I pick up Frances so I just prep the food.  

12:45 

Pick up Frances from school.  She always falls asleep in the car so I just carry her in and lay her down in her crib and she keeps napping.  Then I sit down and eat lunch.  I usually power thru a show I have recorded like Housewives or Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce while I eat.  

1:30

I use this time to finish up laundry and straighten up the house that is normally a wreck from that morning.  Then I sit down and work on my blog til time to pick up Sterling

2:30 

Pick up Sterling from school.  After school I try and take the kids to do an activity.  We usually have a playdate, hit up the park, go to the library, or make some sort of art/cooking craft at home. Today we stopped by the drug store and then hit up the park.

4:00

Get home and start working on dinner prep.  I let the kids rest and watch tv during this time.  This is what usually happens while I cook,  they pull out everything they can and make a huge mess.

For dinner this night I made Salmon Cakes, squash, and navy beans.

5:30

Dinner for the kids.  If Matt is working late I usually go ahead and eat with them too.  Otherwise I wait and eat with Matt.  Whether I eat or not I at least always try to sit down with the kids and talk while they eat.

We usually do Sterling's homework at this time too after we eat.

I quickly clean up dishes and wipe down counters.

6:00

Bath time.  I used to love bath time, now I dread it.  Sterling and Frances basically fight the entire time, hitting and splashing water everywhere.

7:00

We start the bedtime routines that includes brushing teeth and reading a few books and saying prayers.   Frances still likes to be rocked so either Matt or I rock her for a bit. Then I am not kidding for the next hour or two someone keeps asking for something.  They need water, or Sterling wants a pen to write in his journal, or they need to ask me something- their elaborate list goes on and on.   They are masters at extending bedtime.

8:30/9

The kids are finally asleep and I sit down.  Matt and I don't watch much tv but we do it is usually Netflix.  We are still powering thru Mad Men and loving it.  

This is also when I put on a face mask.  Still loving my Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud one I got for Christmas.  It is awesome and I really think it has made my skin more even and brighter.

9:30-10

Get ready for bed, wash face, brush teeth, and then I get in bed and read a bit to fall asleep.  I just started 800 Grapes and I am liking it so far.  It is a light and easy read compared to Room which I just finished.

I then sleep stalk my kids and call it a day.

xoxo