Be like Frog, not like Toad

One of my favorite books as a little kid was "Frog and Toad All Year."

Of course I've forced my kids to make it one of their favorites too. One of the stories is about Frog forcing Toad to go sledding with him and enjoy winter.

I'm one to side with Frog here- for the most part, I love living where we get snowy winters. Even winter running- it's not all bad! Sure it requires more planning when it comes to what you wear, but snow-covered-everything is beautiful.

In that spirit I thought I'd put together a few tips for what to wear on winter runs. Now I have been a fairly serious runner in the past, but now it's way more casual. I don't have a GPS, I don't track my mileage or time, and I definitely take walk breaks. Walking, jogging, running, sprinting- whatever you like to do, keep on doing it.

Awkwardly smiling so you don't see my morning retainer is still in. 

First up, I recently bought this Lululemon jacket thingy secondhand off of Poshmark. The middle portion- front and back- are filled with super lightweight down. Today was my first time wearing it and it was awesome. If anything it was a little too warm for the 20-degree weather. Typically I wear a thrifted Under Armour zip up hoodie as my outer layer.

Underneath my hoodie, or today's outerwear, I love this fleece turtleneck top. If it's windy, I pull the turtleneck all the way up. It's lightweight but warm and makes a great base layer.

For bottoms, I prefer tights rather than sweatpants. I haaaaate feeling bulky when I'm running. The problem with tights though is that it's hard to find warm and windproof ones. I've had my Nike Pro Warm running tights for over ten years and while they've been excellent, they're starting to wear out. I recently purchased these fleece lined tights from JC Penney's for only $17 and they've been SO GOOD. I'm impressed, and glad I didn't spend the $90 on the Athleta version I was considering.

Nowwwwww- for me, the most important part of winter running is not biffing it on the ice. I want to be as sure-footed as possible. I SWEAR by Yak Trax running cleats. At first they seem a bit tricky to get on, but you will get the hang of it. Don't be scared by mine, which are several years old, and honestly, are probably a total tetanus trap with the rust that's starting to form.

Yikes! I hadn't used these since before I got pregnant with the twins. Spiderwebs and rust yet I used them anyway. 

I hope that sheds some light on a few helpful items for winter running. Of course I'm pro-exercise in all forms, so if the treadmill or elliptical or stationary bike is more your jam, have at it.

Hope you all are enjoying the post-Christmas week and are looking forward to celebrating the close of 2018!

'Twas the penultimate night before Christmas...

Yeah not only does that *not* have a ring to it, you can tell I was a total nerd who studied hard-core for the ACT.

Around here we've been packing in a lot of Christmas festivities.

Family brunch with Santa. Not pictured: Santa. Also not pictured: family.

While 3 out of 4 kids take a late afternoon car nap, we cruise around and look for lights.

Even excavators need a sip of hot cocoa. 

His new obsession is baking bread. Er, bread-like substance. Brick, really. But he's proud, and flour is less than $2 a bag, so...I roll with it.

I swear we ate more than just lefse and drank more than just...hmm...

My annual Christmas game prize. Winner winner, vodka with dinner?

In the midst of holiday parties and family gatherings, one thing that's been on my mind is how our mindset regarding food can so easily change. Are any of these thoughts familiar?

Well I only eat [whatever] this time of year, so might as get my fill!

I exercised yesterday so I probably have extra calories I can eat to compensate.

It's my favorite treat and I haven't had it in so long!

It's a party so of course I should have a few drinks.

Dang this dietitian is annoying- I should stop reading her blog. No one wants a lecture.

Gah hopefully that last one's not familiar, eh?

The average person gains 2.2 lbs over the holidays, and for most, that weight is never taken off. Imagine how this can snowball (no pun intended) over the course of 5, 10, 20 years.

A major point of counseling I did with many patients is practicing a particular scenario in your head in advance. For example, how might you react if the host offers to fill your plate? A nice offer, sure, but I recommend that we always serve ourselves- no one else knows your hunger level! Start reasonable- you can always go back for more if needed.

How might you react if desserts are laid out and nosy aunt so-and-so insists that you have one of her brownies? It may seem cheesy, but think of a line. I would recommend something like "Oh you are so sweet! They do look great- I'll be sure to grab one before I go." Do you need to then follow that up? Nnnnnnnope. When people are being food pushers, they really are seeking the compliment. If the person is still pushy, divert! "Where did you find the recipe?" "I never know what kind of chocolate is the best to use in baking. What do you use?"

Keep in mind what is truly going to be satisfying. When humans are presented with a variety of options, we naturally overdo it because we go into sampler mode. If there's a huge variety platter of cookies, I know that it's the peanut butter blossom that I'll enjoy  most. Is a second one even more delicious? Nope. A third one? Forget it. When it comes to the treats, pick the one that you can savor.

You know how the Alcoholics Anonymous program uses a sponsor? Do the same! Have a confidant who will help you navigate a holiday situation the way you intend. I love it when my husband brings me a glass of water- it reminds me that I haven't been sipping the way I usually would be doing at home, and to be honest, keeps me from having the second glass of wine I don't really need.

By no means am I saying we should spend the Christmas meal gnawing on celery, but, good intentions can often go out the window. Here's to having good intentions AND the follow through for a pleasant and enjoyable meal.

I hope everyone has a merry Christmas!

Merry Giftmas!

OOF is that title ever lame!

Not really caring though because ermygosh it's like two weeks away from Christmas already.

Why is it that September seemed like the looooongest month ever, and now it's pretty much 2019.

Gah.

One of my favorite posts to do each year is a Christmas gift list featuring health and wellness items. I'm just like Oprah, only I don't give anything away.

Please don't leave me.

All of these are things I can vouch for as useful, nee necessary, in anyone's life.

1. Reusable stainless steel straws

You've heard that many restaurants are now banning plastic straws, because really, they're TOTALLY USELESS. Unless you've had your lips removed. Then you get a free pass. I dig these because I often drink my protein shake in the car, and sipping is tough while driving, so having a reusable straw makes it no mess. And yes, I'm pretty much like my four year old in the spill department.

2. Lole High Waist Leggings

Okay so maybe not quite for any dudes in your life, but these are hands down my favorite leggings. These suckers stay put and I never have to adjust them as I go through my day. They're pretty thick so I don't wear them in summer months, but for fall/winter/spring they're a must. I bought mine at Terra Loco, which is owned by a friend (hi Tiffany!).

3. Silk Sleep Mask

It might look more feminine but errrrrybody needs their beauty sleep, AKA minimum 7 hours a night. My husband likes to read before going to sleep so I use this to block the light. It doesn't suck that I feel 2% more like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's with this pretty mask.

4. Wool Socks

Given my work hours are 6am-9pm (heh heh) and I'm on my feet the majority of the time, I've started needing to wear athletic shoes around the house to prevent soreness. I swear by wool socks for both wearing around the house and doing cold weather activities. Wool breathes well but also retains heat. These wool socks are all so cute and come in fun colors, PLUS they don't slide down and get all bunchy in your shoes.

5. Kombucha Kit

If you don't have a hookup for a SCOBY (I have tons!), this is a great way to get started with DIY kombucha. I've blogged about it before and I've been drinking a morning glass for 5 months now. It's not some miracle liquid that'll reverse age you, but it keeps the pipes well plumbed if you get my drift. And I like the taste. And it keeps us from plowing through high calorie/high sugar fruit juice.

6. Vision T40 Treadmill

Definitely not in everyone's budget, but the other week my husband and I were commenting on how happy we've been with our treadmill. We bought it five years ago and have really put the miles on it and it's held up extremely well. It's a super solid basic treadmill- no virtual reality type TV screen to make it look like you're frolicking on the beach, but that's definitely not something I care about.

So that's my own list- what is on your wish list? Better get to it- only 12 more days!

Some Christmas sap

Here's what's on my mind- and plate- today:

I miss having a dog. Three times a day I get down on my hands and knees and become a human Roomba. 

The babies learned to full-out crawl just in time to yank down enjoy our tree.

Our mantel is the most festive-y slice of Christmas in our home and I'm in love. Story time- the year my husband and I were married, I hit Target the day after Christmas for some clearance action (some things will never change) and found these photo frame stocking holders. They came in packs of two, so I wasn't sure how many to buy. We had talked about aiming for three kids, so I bought a total of six frames. The subsequent Christmas, after a year of infertility workups and failed treatments, seeing those six frames packed away was painful. Fast forward to now- I can hardly believe that this year we get to fill all six frames. It's a total dream come true. 

I think the phrase is "Have new kids but keep the old- one is silver, the other's gold."

That being said- with four kids I am continually trying to come up with easy, cheap, healthy meals that everyone can eat. Today's effort turned out post-worthy. Care for some slow cooker Italian cauliflower and sausage?

Slow Cooker Italian Cauliflower and Sausage
-2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
-1 tablespoon dried parsley
-1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 tablespoon sugar
-1/2 teaspoon minced or powdered garlic
-Pinch of pepper
-Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
-1/4 cup red wine (optional)
-3 12-oz bags cauliflower florets (or roughly two heads, chopped)
-1 package cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced into coins
-1 8-oz ball fresh mozzarella cheese

Note- if you're really pressed for time, you could just use the equivalent amount of premade marinara instead of the crushed tomatoes. Making homemade truly takes <5 minutes, but you do need to have the seasonings on hand.

Place tomatoes and all the seasonings + wine in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Stir in cauliflower and sliced sausage.

Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours or high 2-3 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, slice up fresh mozzarella into thin slices and place on top.

Serious comfort food- pasta is so good of course, but this comes without guilt or a food coma. Makes five servings. Per serving: 400 calories, 37 grams carbohydrates (Low! With *10* grams fiber!), 12 grams fat, and 27 grams of protein.

Perfect to enjoy in front of a cozy fireplace lined with stockings!

What I am going to bring to the table

Well Thanksgiving is SO close to being here, and while I have my eyes set on Black Friday (eye roll, I know), I am very excited for the day itself.

My $4 Wish app shirt is...not terrible!

I have to cringe when I look back upon childhood and how I only ate corn and the rolls and as little turkey as possible and it had better not be dark meat!

Now? I EAT IT ALL. Including Brussels sprouts. And goat cheese. And butternut squash. Alllllll in one.

Brussels Sprouts and Squash Stuffing
-1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix (plus 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk)
-1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (or be like me and buy the precubed kind- aboug 12-16 oz)
-1 lb Brussels sprouts, washed, with bottoms cut off and cut into quarters
-1 medium yellow onion, diced
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-2 oz goat cheese (can be omitted if it's not your thing)
-1/4 cup chopped walnuts
-1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
-1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
-1 tablespoon honey

Make the corn muffin mix according to package directions, only bake in a 8x8 or 9x9 square pan instead of muffins. If not making stuffing the same day, cover in plastic wrap. It's definitely ok if the cornbread gets a bit dried out- it will make for even better stuffing.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange Brussels sprouts, onion, and squash on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to toss to evenly coat. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning. Let cool.

Spray your square baking dish with nonstick spray. Turn oven down to 350 degrees. Cut up your cornbread into smallish cubes. I actually used only 75% of my cornbread because my square baking dish is a bit on the shallow side and it didn't fit with all the roasted veggies I just made. In your baking dish combine the cornbread, goat cheese, walnuts, and veggies.

In a Pyrex measuring cup, whisk together broth with poultry seasoning and honey. Pour evenly over stuffing mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until top is getting golden brown in some spots. Remove from oven.

I like this take on stuffing because 1. I prefer cornbread (my younger self cannot relate), and 2. it adds autumn veggies to the mix (again, my inner 12 year old is grossed out), and 3. goat cheese (seriously, in 1996 I would've gagged). From a nutrition standpoint, adding veggies and using broth cuts down on calories while keeping flavors right-on.

Enjoy your friends and family and shopping deals!

When the sun's coming up I got cakes on the griddle

Now that it's less than a week until I set up my Christmas stuff, I finally have my fall decor all set.

Uhhh this last pic is to prove that my house is full of children.

In other things, in a million years you would never guess what singer my four year old is obsessed with.

Er, I guess the title of this post is a pretty massive clue.

YUP. John Denver! We sing "Thank God I'm a country boy" no fewer than 23 times a day.

My boys are pretty lucky that I am willing to make them pancakes every morning. I recently started buying Kodiak Cakes (late to the party!) and we love them. Not only are they super easy to make- just add milk or water- but nutritionally they're a great choice.

Ya see that ingredient list? Love that it's truly whole grain with no added sugar. The carb to protein ratio is great for a breakfast too. Too bad I forgot to actually take a picture of the cooked pancakes. They're light and fluffy and filling. I don't recommend topping with syrup- even 100% maple syrup is nothing but sugar and minimal nutrients. A smear of almond or peanut butter with some sliced apple or banana is awesome. I've also sprinkled frozen blueberries or dark chocolate chips in them too. You could get all seasonal and stir in some canned pumpkin and cinnamon too.

So yes- we have cakes on the griddle but we're lacking in fiddles and farmhand tools. Life IS nothing but a funny, funny riddle.