Do Over + Weekly Menu and Workout Schedule

Ok my friends! I've been planning this post FOR A LONG TIME.

But I have been procrastinating because of FEAR. It's so scary to put yourself out there, expose your faults, share your passions, and express your feelings. But I've had this little voice in my head that has told me not to be afraid, and that's why this post exist today.

I've explained a lot in this crazy video that follows, but here is a quick summary. I have not been the best healthy living/lifestyle gal for a while... I just haven't. I think when we experience hard times/good times, we grow and we learn from these experiences. Having babies, going through personal struggles, being a mama, and everything in between hasn't always been easy, but I have loved every.single.part. My life, my kids, and my husband are my greatest blessings. But a long the way, especially having 3 kids under 5, I have had to do some 're-learning' so to speak. Figuring out how to live healthy when things are different or challenging.

So watch the video to get more of the details! I feel so happy to share this with you, and I hope this brings us closer and lets you know that we all struggle, and we all aren't perfect! And we can come back!

So, what do you think!

Do over
Do over

In order to be held accountable, and to show you what I'll be doing to get back on track, I've decided that on Monday's I'll include my weekly workout schedule and our family's weekly dinner plan. Planning is key, and when it's all written out for you, I know it can be a lot easier to succeed. It may not be a perfect workout week, or the best menu, but it's the reality of what I'm doing. I'm not going to sugar coat it and tell you I'm doing 1 thing, when I'm really not. :) Not cool guys. Not cool.

So let's do this together!

weekly workout.
weekly workout.

Monday: Cardio

-5/10 minute warm up

-30 minutes elliptical

-5 minute cool down

Tuesday: Tone It Up Legs for Days Workout (Choose 2 workouts)

Busy Babe Abs

Wednesday: Cardio

-5/10 minute warm up

-20 minute jog

-5/10 minute cool down

Thursday:Blogilates 6 minute arms

Blogilates 6 minute abs

Friday:Rest Day (But do moms really rest?)

Saturday: Family Walk

weekly menu
weekly menu

Monday: Pizza Night with Salad & Fruit

Tuesday: Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chili with Cornbread

Thursday: Cheese Enchiladas w/ Homemade Sauce, Rice, Roasted Corn

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner! (Mama lifesaver!)

Saturday: Night off cooking!

Can't wait to start this week! Thanks for all of your support!!

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera

I ordered a bathing suit online last week, so... Lightened up Primavera Pasta it is!

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish

If you've never had pasta primavera, it's basically a pasta dish with cooked, yet crisp, veggies and a nice creamy sauce. Cream as in heavy cream.

I love heavy cream.

My grandmother always had heavy cream in her fridge for her tea, and one time I poured myself a glass thinking it was milk. I remember drinking it thinking it was the best tasting milk I had ever had in my ENTIRE life.

I then proceeded to pour myself another.

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish

Eventually someone told me what I was really doing, but unfortunately it didn't stop me. I snuck a glass every time I was at her house. And after that I licked my finger and dipped it in her sugar jar.

Oh my gosh, no wonder...nevermind.

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish

This recipe makes a huge amount of pasta, and would be perfect for your weeknight family dinner. (It only takes about 30 minutes total to make!) You could add a nice herbed lemony protein to it and it's a complete meal! OR, you could do what I did and make it on a sunday so you have a 'mommy' lunch ready for you everyday! Because busy mamas don't always have time for lunch, am I right?

And when that happens, that's when we start drinking heavy cream and dipping our fingers in the sugar jar. Take my word. Make this pasta, and save your digestive system.

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera

Prep time:

5 mins

Cook time:

25 mins

Total time:

30 mins

This dish takes only 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients

  • 2 TB. coconut oil or EVOO
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 head of broccoli, stems removed
  • 1 red bell pepper,cut into strips
  • 1 TB. coconut oil or EVOO
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, bottoms chopped off
  • 1 box bowtie pasta
  • 3/4 c. chicken broth or veggie broth
  • 2 TB. EVOO or butter
  • 1 1/2 c. non dairy, unsweetened, regular milk (Like cashew, coconut, soy)
  • 1/2 c. chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 bag frozen peas, 12 oz
  • Salt, Pepper
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove and cook your pasta until al dente. Do not over cook.
  2. Meanwhile, in a sauce pan add your oil and cook your onion and garlic for a few minutes, until translucent.
  3. Add your carrot and broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove ingredients from the sauce pan and add to a plate and set aside.
  4. Next add the peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove and add to the plate and set aside.
  5. Next add the additional oil and add the zucchini and squash. Cook for 1 minute, then remove and set on the plate.
  6. Next add your asparagus, toss, and cover. Steam for a few minutes until it has softened a little. Remove and add it to the plate.
  7. Drain your al dente pasta.
  8. Next add your broth and butter. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Then add in your milk and fresh basil and cheese. Let it cook for about a minute, then add the frozen peas, pasta and cooked veggies. Toss and season generously with salt and pepper. Then add the lemon juice and zest. Toss and adjust seasonings and extra cheese if desired.

3.3.3070

Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera, The Diva Dish

Thank goodness my grandma doesn't read my blog, otherwise I don't think she would be too happy...

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meat Balls

*Need a quick weeknight dinner? Meatballs are one of our family favorites and it's super fast to whip together! Add the meatballs to your favorite pasta and you are done! Plus, these meatballs have a hint of veggies in them!* I find myself making meatballs almost weekly for my little family because it's fast and one of the dinners that my kids eat without hesitation.

I think it's their Italian blood that doesn't have a problem eating meatballs and pasta. It's also that same Italian blood that makes our family look like a performing broadway show with all the singing, yelling, animated gesturing and dramatic exits...

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish
Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish

Dramatic as in when you are picking up your 2 year old from preschool and she doesn't want to leave. So then you have to drag her to the car as she screams, flailing every body part only for the unlock button to stop working. Don't worry, the kids and their parents stopped in their tracks and watched every single moment.

Why do moments like that feel like slow motion?

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish
Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish

Back to meatballs. Italian hot headed or not, your family will thank you for these meatballs. And, this recipe is pretty versatile! This recipe originally came from THIS meatball recipe, and I've adapted it so many times and tried new flavors! Add your favorite pasta, or simply use the rest of your pest0 and sun dried tomatoes to your pasta (kind of a version of THIS recipe), and you have a complete meal!

Side Note: I can't guarantee that the side effects from these meatballs won't be a little dramatic...

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish
Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs via The Diva Dish

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pound ground turkey
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/3 c. parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/3 c. bread crumbs
  • 1 large carrot, finely grated, plus extra for topping
  • 4 TB. pesto
  • 1/3 c. chopped sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 grated garlic clove

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, add all ingredients together and gently fold and incorporate until combined. Do not over mix.
  3. Using a large casserole dish, 9 X13, coat the bottom of the dish with 2 TB. olive oil.
  4. Using a cookie scoop, shape meat into 1 inch size meatballs and arrange in the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with more parmesan cheese, lightly coated.
  5. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. Cover with foil and allow them to sit for a few minutes before serving.

3.3.3070

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Preschool again today...Wish me luck!

Simple Top Ramen

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Today I held a (rather large) clump of thin dirty blond hair in my hand.

One child screaming with her hands on her head, and the other child grinning from ear to ear, doing some sort of twirl victory dance.

As I bent down to scold said dancing child, her little two year old mouth looked at me and said, "Yeave me ayone!"

What?!

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ramen5

Then my 4 year old removed her hands from her poor scalp that was probably burning, and screamed, "MY SECOND NAME IS ELSA, QUEEN OF THE QUEEN!"...Followed by a twirl of her gown and loud stomps down the hallway.

"YEAVE ME AYONE."

"NO! MY NAME IS ELSA"

"GO AYAY!"

"YOU CAN'T TELL ELSA WHAT TO DO!"

"AYAYALDLF LSKDJFY!!!!"

Push, Shove, Twirl, Stomp, and Victory Dance...In that order.

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I couldn't figure out whether to talk to Elsa or Gia, and quite frankly I was worried the two year old will pull my hair. So I did what any desperate mom would do...

I drank.

Ice water. It calms me guys. Then I said a prayer.

For sanity, for comfort, and for strength.

And then in that moment, both my girls came and sat on my lap and as clear as day I heard, "They love you so much."

Did they stop fighting after that? No. I swear my oldest was running around saying "Son of a Fish!"

Did I feel like a complete failure? No. Despite the chaos and drama, I felt loved,  I knew they felt loved and loved each other as well.

I also knew that someone had taught my daughter to say, "Son of a fish!"...

Next step:

Comfort Food.

Top Ramen

(Serving size 8 cups)

I will be completely honest and say as a child I LOVED opening a package of top ramen, sprinkling the 'seasoning' packet on top of the dried pasta, and eating as is. I can still taste it! This is a spin off of that ever so popular childhood favorite. This is a vegetarian version, but you can definitely add in your favorite ingredients. Switch up the broths, sautee some diced veggies with the onions, etc.

Ingredients

  • 2 TB. sesame oil, or olive oil

  • 1/4 c. minced onion

  • 3 cloves garlic minced

  • 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger

  • (Opt: Minced carrots)

  • 8 cups vegetable broth

  • 2 cups water

  • 12 oz. Chinese Noodles

  • 4 tsp. ground celery seed

  • 4-5 TB. fresh chopped chives

  • salt/pepper

  • optional: red pepper flakes, soy sauce, hot sauce, etc.)

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, add oil and heat up. Then add minced onion, garlic, and ginger. (If you add other raw veggies add in here as well.)

  2. Continually toss and cook for 3-5 minutes on medium heat.

  3. Next add in broth and water.

  4. Stir and add in chinese noodles.

  5. Sprinkle in spices and let cook for a few minutes until the noodles are soft.

  6. Add in your additional seasonings and toppings. Serve hot!

Directions:

  1. Turn the instant pot on SAUTE. Add 1-2 TB. olive oil, the onions, garlic, ginger, and minced carrots. Saute until the the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

  2. Add the rest of the ingredients into the Instant pot and set to MANUAL. Cook for 2 minutes. Release steam when done.

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ramen3

I enjoyed this comfort food all by myself...Imagine that. One child asleep, and the other staring/glaring at me from time out.

You can thank that son of a fish.

Mexican Style Salad Naan Pizza

Often times I try and make dinners that can please the whole family, and everyone will enjoy. That's in a perfect world though...In reality, my husband wants Del Taco, one daughter is screaming for a popsicle, and the other is eating crumbs off the kitchen floor...And I just want to make peanut butter and honey sandwiches for everyone and tell them to suck it up. (And then I'll go out and have myself a nice dinner.)

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Nothing's worse than making this huge dinner to have one person try it, and the rest of the family dabble at it. So glad I spent 45 minutes making dinner for everyone to not eat it.

AM I RIGHT MOMS?!?!

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I've learned that effort is good when making dinner, but going all out crazy just isn't worth it. No matter how many sauces, dips, spreads, spices, and methods I used making that dinner, there is a chance that 50% will eat only a few bites. And then I feel bummed because all the work I put into dinner, so I finish off everyones plate to make up for it.

It's not pretty.

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So when it comes to dinner, I try and think simple. I remember that I have two kids under 3, and a husband that has the flavor palate of a 15 year old. I also usually try to stick with dishes that can easily be adapted for my kiddos. That means that I can take different parts of that dish and serve them separately to my one year old. For example, this pizza.

I made it so I can serve her the chicken separately, along with the corn, and I can make a quesadilla out of the rest of the ingredients.

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The sauce is so easy that it took 2 minutes to make, just the way I like it! It's vibrant and green due to the cilantro and avocado, which goes perfectly for a mexican style pizza! I also added this in my girls quesadillas!

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Let's not forget about the "crust" in this pizza. It's garlic naan bread, which just took a few hours off my dinner prep. On days where I don't have the will or time to make homemade dough, naan bread is the perfect sub. It's fluffy and flavorful, and when you broil it in the oven it has a nice little crunch just like pizza dough would!

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Then there is my husband and I who have completely two different food preferences. So for my pizza, I opted for no cheese to keep it a little lighter.

But for my husbands pizza, I added a little bit more chicken, lots or cheese, and a few dashes of hot sauce!

After the pizzas are baked, I drizzled cold plain greek yogurt on top, which brings it all together!

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Mexican Salad Naan Pizza

Ingredients

  • For the Pizza
  • Garlic Naan Bread
  • Avocado Cilantro Sauce(Recipe to follow)
  • romain lettuce
  • Cooked chicken
  • corn
  • tomatoes
  • peppers
  • cheese
  • plain greek yogurt
  • hot sauce
  • (For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce)
  • 2 small avocados
  • 2 small limes (juice)
  • 1 small bunch cilantro
  • 1/4 c. chopped white onion
  • 1-2 gloves garlic chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • salt/pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients into a blender, and blending until creamy. Adjust salt/pepper to preferred taste.
  2. To make the pizza, get the naan bread. Spread the sauce on top of the bread.
  3. Then top with chopped romain, corn, diced tomatoes, diced peppers, cooked chicken, and if desired, cheese.
  4. Turn the oven on HI broil, and cook pizza for about 5 or so minutes, until the naan bread is a little crisp and the cheese is melted.
  5. Drizzle with greek yogurt.
  6. Enjoy!

3.2.1310

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My husband said this was his favorite dish from me. But he totally says that all the time because I'm such an amazing cook so...

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This is what the girls dinner looked like. It wasn't as colorful, but they enjoyed it! Their quesadillas had cheese and the avocado sauce.

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Don't worry, tomorrow night I WILL serve peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

(My Favorite) Bean Burgers

  The first time I ever visited my favorite restaurant in San Diego, I wore a bathing suit (no coverup), and I was 6 months pregnant.

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Everything about this restaurant is fascinating. The tables, curtains, clothes, and chairs are all made by the workers of this restaurant. The food grows in their garden, and I'm almost positive there are addictive ingredients added to each recipe on the menu. Everything is THAT good.

I've talked about The Yellow Deli many times on the blog, and even recreated my favorite Green Drink a while back. At one point my husband told the hostess he loved her over the phone, and well, then she gave us our dinner for free. Probably so he'd stop calling.

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One of my favorite menu items there is their veggie burger. It's different than any veggie burger I've had, and I truly believe it's the way it's built. The toppings make an incredible difference, and I swear one of those toppings is crack.

Maybe not, but probably.

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It's an onion roll with a garlic spread, warm and perfectly ripe avocado, sprouts, fresh tomatoes, sauteed onions, and crack.

Yup.

I did my best to recreate my favorite veggie burger, and I must say, It made me feel all warm and happy inside. It makes living 314 miles away from there not too bad. (I googled it.) The garlic spread is just a little bit of mayo mixed with some chopped garlic. You can always use veganaise or skip it completely if needed. You could also eat a pretzel and pretend it's chocolate cake...Your choice.

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(My Favorite) Bean Burgers

Everyone loves a good burger! Who says a vegetarian burger can't be delicious! With the right ingredients and toppings, you won't be missing the meat one bit!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 TB. olive/coconut oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 TB. chopped garlic
  • 2 pieces of bread-I used honey chia bread
  • 1/2 c. cooked barley (or brown rice)-if using rice, add another 1/4 c.
  • 1 can drained and rinsed red kidney beans
  • 2 TB. ground flax seeds mixed with 4 TB. water-placed in the fridge
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 TB. dried oregano
  • dash of hot sauce
  • sprinkle of salt/pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add oil to a pan and add garlic and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  2. In a food processor add bread. Pulse until bread turns into crumbs.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the food processor: onion & garlic mixture, beans, barley, flax seed mixture, and spices.
  4. Pulse in the food processor until it's mashed up and a little chunky.
  5. Form into patties and place on a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper. You should get around 6-8 patties.
  6. Bake in the oven at 350 for 25-30 minutes, flipping the patties half way through.
  7. Let burgers sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Top with desired toppings. (Tomato, avocado, sprouts, pickles, dijon, mayo, etc.

3.2.1255

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If you are wondering if this burger is kid approved, the answer is yes. :) Just have your patties sitting on a baking sheet on the counter to resemble a fresh tray of cookies. After my one year old kept screaming "OOKIE OOKIE OOKIE", I gave in figuring she'd spit it out, but no! She ate the whole thing!

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Sadly, she didn't mention the difference in the bean burger vs. a real cookie...

Which doesn't say much for my cookie making skills huh?

Favorite Costco Finds

While most 25 year olds spend their money on clothes, makeup, and pedicures I rack up my grocery shopping bill. I have a hard time saying no to food, like all the time. Most likely if a creeper in a broken down van opened his door to me and said he had a bag of chocolate chips...I'd probably get in the van.

(Note: Don't really do that.)

Costco is one of those places that I visit weekly, and a lot of times I am emailed about things to buy to stock a healthy pantry. Now, for those that don't know, Costco sells food and other items in bulk. Like you don't buy 1 bottle of ketchup, you buy 7. But there are things that I get weekly there because we plow through food in our house so often, that I have to go there to save money. (Yes husband, I said 'Save Money').

Here is a list of some of the things I think are worth getting at Costco. Every Costco is different, so you might not find what's on this list at your local store. I'm sure in a few months I'll do a part two because Costco likes to sell my favorite things for a little bit, and then all of the sudden..stop.

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Produce:

Living in Las Vegas, produce isn't as fresh or as cheap as it was in California. And since we eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I tend to buy majority of my produce from Costco. It's the most cost effective for our family since my girls can eat a whole container of blueberries in two days! Often you can find Organic produce for not much of a price difference for non organic too!

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Frozen Fruit:

We love our smoothies in our house, so frozen fruit is a must! Right now I have a huge bag or Organic dark sweet cherries! I usually buy one bag, and use that up until it's done and then I'll switch to another fruit. Again, this has just been the most cost effective for our family too since we use it so much!

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Sabra Single Serving Packets

I'm almost positive these aren't going to last at Costco because I love them so much! They used to see a HUGE tub of Sabra hummus for $5, and now it's gone! But it's ok, because now they switched to these single serving packets! It's perfect for out families hummus obsession, because I can take one out and eat it as a snack without eating the whole tub. I also put this in my daughters lunch for school!

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Mama Chia Packets

These are so amazing! It's basically a sweet chia gel in a packet that you can suck right out when you need a little something. Perfect for me or the girls, we both love them!

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Chobani

The girls favorite yogurt, especially the strawberry. Usually this is the most cost effective for us since we eat a lot of it!

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Fruit/Veggie Packets

My one year old is obsessed with the apple sauce packets, so when Costco has them I always buy them because they don't last long! And most often, they are more expensive in other grocery stores!

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Pure Maple Syrup

This is the syrup I use when cooking, baking, pancake making, etc. It's 100% pure! Maple syrup is SO expensive, but I've noticed I get more for my money at Costco!

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Almond Butter

Almond butter is delicious, especially when you add a little honey and cinnamon to it. This is a great find at costco, especially since it's all natural with no added sugars! And again, more for your money!

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Almond Butter Packets

These are perfect for lunches or quick snacks! I'm always looking for things like this to make life easier!

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Coach's Oats

Great brand of oats, and you get a lot for your money!

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Quinoa

I just barely finished my bag  of quinoa from costco that I got MONTHS ago! I keep it in the fridge/freezer so it last long!

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Coconut Oil

$20 for a HUGE thing of coconut oil. If you use it as often as I do, then definitely look into this!

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Quinoa & Brown Rice:

Microwaveable rice that's perfect and healthy for quick dinners and lunches!

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Chia Seeds

This is similar with the quinoa in that this last forever and I keep it in the fridge until it's all gone!

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Hemp Seeds

Along the same lines as the Chia seeds! Last forever and more for the money!

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Dairy

I usually  buy my non dairy milks at costco, they have coconut, soy, and almond. (I use a lot during the week.) I also buy eggs there because of the great price!

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Salsa

If costco gets rid of this salsa, I swear I will break up with them! This is the BEST salsa, and it's gone within the week. I put this crap on everything!

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Fage Greek Yogurt

My favorite favorite yogurt! It's so thick and creamy, it's the perfect sub for sour cream and perfect for baking! You get a HUGE tub for like $5!

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7 Superfoods Salad

This salad has kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, pumpkin seeds, etc. I LOVE THIS SALAD! I have this often for lunch with a leftover protein from dinner! It's seriously the best, even my girls love it! (And my husband!)

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Evolution Apple Juice

Liquid gold my friends. Everybody loves juice, but I'm kind of a snob towards juice that isn't fresh. It taste SO much better, and this is an example! We fight over this juice in our house, that's a fact.

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Honey Chia Bread

This is a new find for me, but they give a lot of samples of it with warm melted butter. I'm now addicted! It's the perfect toast/breakfast bread with a little almond butter, honey, cinnamon, or coconut oil!

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See what I mean...

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Now I will say this...Don't buy all of this at once. Unless you want to spend $600 at Costco.

What are your favorite things to get at Costco? Did I miss any fun finds? Also, my children were cuddling while I shopped and took pictures for this post. My three year old was tickling my one year old and singing to her...

Costco may be what heaven is like...

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Pretzel Crusted Chicken

So our local grocery store carries these mini kid shopping carts. Oh.Boy.

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When I first noticed them I excitingly told my three year old, "Oh my gosh Boo!! Looooooookkk!" Her eyes popped open as she did this funky jump and ran over to the carts, excited to start shoppin' like her mama.

Little did I know...

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A three year old can't push a shopping cart.

My heels have bruses.

Cereal boxes fall over easily when ran into.

Don't walk by isle with marshmallows. Ever.

Apparently we need multiple bags of pretzels. Multiple.

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Want to know what's worse?

The fact that I loaded those groceries so fast on the conveyer belt that I didn't notice said multiple bags of marshmallows OR pretzels.

Hence, Pretzel Crusted Chicken.

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Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Pretzels are a common favorite kid food! Have your kids help crush the pretzels, and have them watch you dip the chickens in their favorite snack. Not only is this baked, but serve with your kiddos favorite dip and your basically the best mom. Ever.

Ingredients

  • 6 thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 c. flour

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

  • 1 egg

  • 4 TB. dijon

  • 4 TB. honey

  • 1/4 c. cold water

  • 1 c. salted pretzels

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread

  • Olive oil/melted coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Get three shallow bowls out. In the first bowl mix the flour, salt, garlic, and pepper.

  2. In the second bowl whisk together the egg, dijon, honey, and water.

  3. In a food processor, blend pretzels and whole wheat bread until fine crumbs. Place crumbs in the third bowl.

  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large baking dish. (13x 9)

  5. Dip chicken, both sides, in the flour. Dust off excess, and dip chicken in the egg, both sides.

  6. Next coat chicken in the bread/pretzel crumbs, both sides.

  7. Place chicken in the baking dish.

  8. Continue coating the rest of the chicken.

  9. Drizzle melted coconut oil or olive oil on top of the chicken through out until somewhat coated.

  10. Bake chicken for 30 minutes, or until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

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Up next :

Marshmallow Chicken! You probably are going to want to PIN that one!

Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

Ok...I know potatoes aren't necessarily the type of food that makes you excited and eager to make ASAP...But i'm on a mission in my household, and in a few weeks I'll disclose all the details of what I've been working on. But to get you somewhat excited, you should know that it's all about healthy grocery shopping each week on a LOW budget. It's about stretching food, using the ingredients you have on hand, and not over spending each week at the grocery store!

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Normally during the week I visit the grocery store 2-3 times. Eeeeeee!! Partly because my girls eat a flat of berries a day, and partly because I'm a food blogger. Sadly, I buy A LOT of food to go along with my long lists of ideas that I have planned for this 3rd child of mine (the blog), but I usually don't get to most of them.

HENCE I buy more than I need which equals...I spend more.

It's really a simple fix, but I've never been a simple person. Ever. Ask my husband. And my parents. I'm fantastic.

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Near the end of the week I start to notice that the few things I have left in my kitchen are no where near what I want to eat, so at that point I head to the grocery store and buy what we would rather have...

But I'm changing.

So what happens when I open my fridge and see some rotting potatoes, a handful of kale, and a lemon?  As my good friend Tim Gunn once said..."Make it work."

So I saved the lemon for the baby, and made a potato dish that was flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly didn't taste anything like 'the end of the week.'

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*I love this dish because it contains a great variety of vegetables, which is always a plus! Feel free to jazz these up as a breakfast side dish, or top them like you would a baked potato!*

Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

Ingredients

  • 3 TB. coconut oil

  • 2 TB. chopped garlic

  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced

  • 2 large carrots, shredded

  • 1 green bell pepper diced

  • 4-5 golden potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves chopped

  • opt: a little veggie broth to add while the potatoes are cooking, about 1/4 cup

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • preferred seasonings (We like a sprinkle of paprika, garlic, hot sauce, and cumin)

Instructions

  1. Heat your coconut oil in a pan on low/medium heat.

  2. Cook your onions and garlic until onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

  3. Next add in your carrots and bell pepper. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Add in your potatoes, toss, and cover the pan with foil. Add a little broth if you want the potatoes softer more than crispy. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, add your seasonings to taste.

  6. Fold in the kale, cook for a minutes to warm kale.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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These would be perfect with tons of toppings as if you were loading a baked potato, such as:

Eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, salsa, beans, hot sauce, etc...

But out of the above toppings, only one thing was in my fridge...Salsa. :)

Sunday Dinner-Tandoori Chicken with Cilantro, Curry, and Honey Yogurt Sauce

I had a really clever story to go along with this post... It was all about how much I love Indian Food and could live off warm naan bread for every meal. Clever huh?

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

But my fingers are having trouble typing what my brain is thinking. Right now there's a princess movie playing in the background that we've now seen 37 times in the past 4 days..yes that's possible.

My baby, Sweet Pea, has had  a fever and no sleep the past 3 nights.

Oh, and now the girls are fighting over  a sippy cup of water. End.Of.The.World.

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

We've also had crazy monsoons and rainstorms followed by 105 degree sunshine. Pretty sure that's annoying.

But despite a few bumps in the road, I'm happy to say that Sunday is usually my favorite day of the week. We are all together at home, and I love that. Yesterday was even more comforting with the rain and a supper cuddly baby. I can't complain.

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

So here's to bumpy weeks and relaxing Sunday's...

Cilantro, Curry, & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Cilantro, Curry, & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

All you need is some good comfort food and your family sitting around the table to make it your favorite day of the week!

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

recipe

recipe

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

These are the spices I used for the recipes, but they are completely adaptable if you don't have these at home.

Tandoori Masala seasoning can easily be made at home by using THIS RECIPE.

Madras Curry Powder to me is similar to yellow curry powder, so if you have that use it. But taste test as you add a little in here and there.

But I will say that I LOVE these spices and I use them regularly! So if you want you can purchase them here:

Madras Curry Powder:

Tandoori Masala Seasoning:

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

I served this with coconut rice, steamed broccoli, and naan bread!

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

Unless of coarse your two year old throws a tantrum because you gave her the green spoon instead of the pink spoon, and decides to punish you by throwing her food all over the floor.

Then it really is the best day of the week. Hands Down.