Eating Clean/Fresh

Last night I made this dish. It's a white chicken lasagna. The recipe doesn't call for it, but I decided I would make everything from scratch or choose fresh (not frozen or processed) ingredients. Whew! It was a bit of work, but very yummy and I felt good about feeding it to my family. Don't be fooled, I don't have this down for every day. We do lots of fruit and veggie smoothies lately that are fresh and eat lots of fresh items, but we haven't committed even every dinner to it. 

I've posted the link for the recipe, but note I like to say, "use what you have". I had gone to the grocery that day, but forgot a few items and just didn't want to get some random bunch of fresh herbs that I wouldn't be able to use past this dish. For example, I only had a little mozzarella, but I did have sliced provolone, so I used it in between. No sweat. I also had basil in my garden, not oregano, so I used that. Get it? 

Be encouraged! Use what you have and do the best you can at meal planning. If you're like me you may sweat the small stuff, but try not too. Your family won't care if it looks like it came out of a foodie mag, just of it tastes good!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/white-cheese-chicken-lasagna/detail.aspx

Bad habit.

So I have a bad habit. Well, I'm sure I have a few, but one of note for tonight. When we return from long trips I come home and immediately unpack everyone, all the toys, start the laundry, replenish groceries--everything. I always do my suitcase last thinking I can do it after the boys are in bed. Well, nearly every time I end up not unpacking my bags. I'm too tired or just want to sit. Then, the week jumps off to a quick start and my suitcase typically sits as an incessant eye sore in the middle of our bedroom floor for a few days reminding me that I haven't finished the task. Ugh I hate it! This past week was no exception. David even mentioned my unpacked bag last night... Tonight I made myself do it completely and I rewarded myself with some tv time. 

So, I write to encourage you. Finish that task you've been putting off. Feeling overwhelmed about tidying your home or workspace? Pick up 5 things and find them a home. Then, get rid of 5 things (either trash or donation). After you've done so, reward yourself! Seriously, a piece of candy, tv time, leisure reading-- something to motivate you while you're completing the task. You'll be surprised how much better you feel! I did this tonight with the boys and my house wasn't miraculously perfect, but the night felt more manageable. Plus, with the three of us, we did 15 things!