Whole30 Halfway Point

So - I am officially halfway through Whole30.  Today marks day 16 with no dairy, sugar, grains, legumes, and booze.

As I mentioned in my weekly meal plans, I have not knowingly slipped up on the diet portion.  I have, however, had alcohol, though in very much lower quantities than pre- Whole 30.  On one hand I can be totally mad at myself for "failing" but on the other, I'm really proud of myself for the overall lifestyle change I've experienced in the two weeks.

My thoughts so far?

-This has been an unbelievably fabulous experiment.  It has certainly been challenging and at times, a total pain in the ass, but so, so worth it.

-Its not difficult to follow if you 1) plan accordingly 2) commit and 3) have a good attitude.

-I don't miss foods as much as I thought I would.  I was really nervous about giving up cheese. I love cheese.  Haven't missed it.    Carbs?  Strangely, have not had any wild cravings. Yes, I would love to do Pizza Friday but it is what it is.

-We are eating not only real, but also good food. It sounds really cheesy but I do not feel like I am on a diet.  Life is too short to eat food that doesn't taste good.

-I am sleeping hard at night, and not getting up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.  On a related note, it's amazing how well you feel after a night of not drinking.  One night when I had wine, I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart racing, a headache, and unable to go back to sleep. #sobrietyforthewin

-My skin is the clearest it has been in the longest time.  I don't suffer from too horrible acne but do have the occasional pimple.  I have not had one since Whole30.

-Lastly, I feel amazing and I am seeing results!!  You aren't supposed to weigh yourself on the program but I am motivated by progress. I am down almost 6 lbs!  I have not taken measurements lately, but I can tell my clothes are fitting better. I have more energy and honestly just feel GOOD.

If you have been considering trying Whole30, I am a believer.  I am excited to see what the next 15 days bring.

Dining Room Transformation

Our dining room has been a work in progress since we moved in.  We are working with an incredibly small space so it's taken some tweaking to get it just right.  

I knew I wanted to use the glass top table to open up the room a little bit, but the other pieces have been slow to come together. 

Move in day- 

We lacquered the wooden chairs and painted them off white.

Currently- 

Since May, we have recovered the chairs, replaced the light fixture, rearranged the art, and most importantly, hung curtains!!

I can't believe what a difference the curtains and lighting make to soften up the room. It feels so much warmer and more inviting.  I didn't realize how harsh and prevalent the blinds were.

I still need to style the corner butler table - a fun World Market find - but I can't decide what direction to go.  Fancy trinkets?  Bar cart?  

Other than that, it feels good to check one room off the to do list!

(Shout out to Collins for the photobomb)

Whole30 Week 2

Week 2 is in the books! This was an interesting one as I was traveling for work in Chicago 2 days.  I made sure to pack plenty of approved goodies (cashews, bananas, almond butter, larabars), but traveling/ eating out is not the easiest thing in the world when you are cutting out grains and dairy. I am happy to say I did not cheat on the diet portion but I did succumb to some vino... And it was worth every drop.

Here are the meals that made our rotation when I was home and in the kitchen.

Skinny Taste Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

On day 1, we gave this a B. However, my mother always said to make chili and spaghetti the day before you want eat it to make sure the flavors meld.  Sure enough, after begrudgingly opting for leftovers a few days later, it was delicious and I would definitely make again.  Just don't cook this at 6 to eat at 6:30!

Lemon Herb Salmon  

Same winner from last week's post and still so, so good. I roasted the green cauliflower and sauted the shredded Brussels in ghee.  Have you ever cooked with ghee? My verdict is still out. I feel like it has a really strong flavor to it that I'm not sure if I am crazy about.

Filet Friday

Prior to Whole30, Friday meant one thing- Pizza Friday.  It's the best tradition ever and one of the things I miss most. However, these filets (cooked in the cast iron skillet and finished in the oven) made up for it.  While Filet Friday does not have quite the ring to it that Pizza Friday does, it will have to do for now!! (P.S. Finishing the filets with rosemary -- thumbs up!)

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

No picture but this is another keeper.  Earth fare is having a great sale on grass - fed beef at 4.49/lb so a Sunday supper of spaghetti was in order. We served over roasted spaghetti squash with a kale salad.  With the dreary weather we have been having lately, a cozy comfort meal was excellent. 

Also not pictured and full disclosure - I made the worst meal of my life this week. I have been majorly into coconut lately so I attempted to make chicken with spices and shredded coconut.  It was a complete disaster. Usually if we don't like dishes, we can at least finish our plates.  This time, it could not go into the trash quick enough and I'm still gagging thinking about it. I guess you win some and lose some.

Whole30: Week 1 Menu

Well, week 1 is in the books!  As they tell you to expect, I had horrible headaches and cravings and thought about quitting on day 3.  However, I held strong, and quite honestly it has not been that bad!!  I can already tell a remarkable different in how I feel and sleep.   

Here's a recap of our dishes.  

Moroccan Lamb Meatballs over Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Asparagus

This was a random pinterest find that intrigued me by the different flavors and ingredients.  The spices here are not my typical go - to (nor is lamb) but in the interest of keeping things in the kitchen fun, I decided to go for it.  Both Lash and I really liked this just because of the difference factor.  

Citrus Broiled Salmon with Kale Salad and Tomatoes

A single lady meal while Lash was working.  I seasoned the salmon with lemon, olive oil, garlic, s/p, and broiled for 8-10 minutes

Lemon Herb Salmon with Kale Salad and Roasted Green Beans and Butternut Squash

The BEST meal of the week by far.  This salmon is insanely good.  I am still dreaming about it and wishing we still had leftovers. This will be on the rotation.

photo via cooking light

Thai Coconut Soup

We loved this soup recipe prior to Whole30.  I modified it to be compliant (no sugar, etc) and it was still delicious.  Tons of flavor, does not taste healthy, but is! 

photo

Charred Tomatoes and Herb Chicken Saute, Cauliflower, and Kale Chips

If you ever have an "ugh, I don't feel like cooking/ how can we make this chicken work" meal, bookmark this recipe!    90% of the time you will have the ingredients in your pantry.  My mom, sister and I are hooked. To make this Whole30 compliant, you can sub ghee or omit and just char the tomatoes.  

Friday Brain Dump

1.  We went to NeedtoBreathe last night at the Performing Arts Center.  As always, they were absolutely amazing. . . so much so that we are debating driving to Clemson tonight to see them again.  Groupie in the making?

2.  I just finished reading The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand.  It's a great easy summer read, like most of her books are - but grab a tissue!

3.  The Skimm is a highlight to my morning.  Outside of the daily newsletter, I also love following their Instagram account.  I found this particularly funny (though it could be #Whole30problems affecting my sense of humor).

4.  I have been living with a severely cracked iPhone since early August, but despite my typical lack of patience, I saved my pennies for the 6's release.  I cannot wait for the upgrade to come in the mail today!!

5.  TGIF!  This week has crawled by, and I am so ready for the weekend.  Here's hoping the weather holds off and is beautiful!  I feel like its rained more this September than I ever remember.

Whole30

I love the creativity and possibilities that come with meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping ingredients, cooking and more than anything - sharing a meal with those you love.  The kitchen is my happy place.  My mom is an unbelievable chef (co-authoring a cookbook while I was in high school), and her love of cooking has rubbed off immensely on my sister and myself.

Despite this passion, I have to watch what I eat and be very diligent about exercising.  We grew up in a healthy household so making good decisions generally isn't hard for me.  I like healthy food.  I grew up playing a ton of sports and love the feeling of a good sweat.  I am a big believer that diet is 85% of the puzzle and exercise 15%, and typically find this works for me.

Unfortunately over the past few months, I have been out of balance.  Coupled with a few glasses of wine more nights than not, bread, dessert, whatever - all of a sudden - Houston, we have a problem!!  I've tried making minor adjustments to my diet here and there to try to get the results I wanted, but it wasn't happening.  I need a shock to the body to get things back on track.  After reading It Starts with Food, I have challenged myself to a Whole 30.

The Whole 30 challenge is simple.  Focus on those foods that are good for you - good proteins from meats, seafood, and eggs, vegetables, fruits, and good fats.  What I love most about this program so far is that I can still cook meals that actually taste good, while feeding my body the nutrients it needs.   More of less the strictest form of paleo, all alcohol, dairy, grains, legumes, and sugar are prohibited.  (Of that list, I don't know if I should be embarrassed to say this or just brutally honest but I think alcohol will be the hardest... followed closely second by cheese.)

I'm currently on day 3.   I don't really look at this as a diet - but more of a nutritional reset for my body.  The program emphasizes whole foods, so your body can naturally detoxify and purify itself of all the junk we put it in while restarting your metabolism and resetting your immune and digestive systems.  Participants report an average weight loss anywhere from 6 to 15 pounds, more energy, better sleep, and clearer skin.  That all sounds pretty good to me!

Obviously posting this fresh out the starts gates for blog 2.0 is a little raw and nerve racking.  But it's not a secret and I'm sure at some point in life, everyone has experienced their own low moment.  And that's okay.  Life is about balance.  There will be peaks and there will be valleys.  

So, I'm excited to see what happens!  Thankfully, I have a great support team including my sister who is doing this along with me - along with Lash in an adoptive way to suit his residency lifestyle.

I'll post our meals and recipes, and updates as we go along.  27 days to go!

Surviving the Corporate Travel

I mentioned in my first post that I travel quite frequently for work.  In a typical month, I spend about 40% of my time traveling.  I certainly am not anywhere near George Clooney's character in Up in the Air, but if you think of a month having four full work weeks, I'm usually gone Monday through Thursday two of the four weeks.  Usually, at least one week of that is in NY, and the other is spread between Chicago, Scottsdale, and other various locations as business needs arise.

Despite how much I love this aspect of my role, I will be the first to tell you it is not all rainbows and roses.  I had someone ask me recently to tell me all about the glamorous life on the road and I almost laughed out loud. I am not complaining but just shooting it straight.  Hotel rooms do not sleep like your own bed, eating out is fun and delicious but I miss homecooked meals with controlled calories and portions, and getting on a routine is damn near impossible.

Nevertheless, this schedule works perfectly for the season of life I find myself in.  Lash works insane residency hours with no routine, so I'm glad I am busy, too.  It has made us cherish the time we get to spend together, and make our marriage a top priority.  I love meeting new people, seeing different parts of the country, and being a part of something bigger than myself.  In this post newlywed - prebaby season of life, I'm having a ball devoting my energy into a career.

In the past year of traveling, I've developed a few travel tips I thought I'd share.

1 - Invest in a good carry on bag.  Don't waste your time with a briefcase, buy a small travel tote. 

My parents gave me this Briggs and Riley carry-on, and it is amazing.  It's durable for airport beatings and also has a built in expansion rod that gives you 25% more room for those times when you can't pack light.

When I first started traveling, I bought a large briefcase that I filled to the brim with unnecessary junk I thought I'd need.  The briefcase got heavy as lead and sure enough, my shoulders started to bother me carrying it.  I downgraded to this Michael Kors jet set travel tote and it is a gamechanger.  It has just enough room for my laptop, notebook, wallet, wireless house, and pen.  All you need.

2 - Keep a travel toiletry bag packed at all times.

Even when I am not traveling, this is left in the suitcase so all I have to think about when packing is my clothes. You will not believe how much easier this makes packing.  I keep this bag stocked full of duplicate toiletry items including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and travel size items.  (P.S. How much have travel sized items improved in the last few years, finally!?)

3 - Coordinate your outfits and shoes.

Pick a color palette and stick with it.  Go with all black, brown, or navy and add in neutrals that you can mix and match and share shoes.  

4 - Be honest with yourself on how much workout gear to pack.

I used to pack a workout outfit per day.  While I was certainly eager in my intention, it never happened with the frequency I imagined.  Now, I try to be honest with myself and give myself a breather on days I know I probably won't have time and try to make more of a conscious effort to get it in when I can.

5 - Say hello to early mornings.  
I made the mistake once of booking a flight on a Sunday evening to be somewhere early for a Monday morning meeting.  That entire day was spent checking my watch to see how much longer before I needed to head to the airport, and I got to my destination lonely and bored.  It is so much better to have one more night at home in your own bed and get up at 4 am for that 6 am flight rather than kill your weekend.

6 - Spend 5 minutes extra and unpack in your hotel room.

I find spending a few minutes organizing the hotel room makes me feel so much more settled.  I always hang up my clothes, put the shoes in the closet, and set up my toiletries.



7 - Explore!
Even if you are strictly traveling for work, try to see some of the sites or experience some of the fun the city offers!  For example, when you are in Memphis, you can't order a salad.

8 - Never travel on Fridays.

Office days are critical to getting caught up on never - ending emails.  Plus, on Friday, you increase your likelihood for delays and compete with pleasure travelers.


9 - Embrace the chaos.
You are going to have hiccups and delays.  Hopefully not often, but it will happen.  Spend the $7 for a drink on the plane and just breathe.  Sometimes, if you are super delayed, they will give you the drinks for free!

10 - Hygiene is a priority.  Always.
Even if it means brushing your teeth in a sketchy bathroom, it is better than nothing and will make you feel like a new person.

Hello, My Name Is . . .

I quit blogging in November 2012, just shy of two years ago.  I never intended for that Monday cocktail cruise post to be my last- but isn't that how things happen sometime?  My husband, Lash, and I had been married a year and a half and were about to experience major life transitions, and priorities ultimately shifted in a way that pushed this creative corner to the bottom of the list.

It's been interesting to watch how the blogosophere has changed significantly over the past 22 months since I put my proverbial pen down.  I've stayed loyal reading the many wonderful blogs I've come to know and love, and it's been remarkable to experience as a spectator.  And at this point, a lot of you are household names around our home - for recipes, fashion, interior design, and various life style recommendations!

I've thought here and there about hitting restart on this treasured space of mine - but have never actually come close to pulling the trigger.  I think the changes the interweb has experienced - including sponsored posts and that horrible GOMI - has probably impeded whatever enthusiasm I had left to give it another go.  There is so much intimidation about being "famous," checking the reader count, tracking daily hits, and getting freebies.

But that's not me and that's not what I want out of my blog. I want to document and share our journey through life together.  I don't know where we are going, but I know Who is leading us, and I'm excited to see where we go.

So I'm bringing this back, for me.

To catch up briefly - life is good and we are blessed beyond measure.

Lash graduated from medical school in May, and matched for a family medicine residency in Charleston, SC.  The match process was exciting and grueling, and we were over- the- moon to open that envelope and confirm our future in the Holy City.

I just celebrated my five year work anniversary with the same company and have been enjoyed a great career so far.  I'm now the director of our customer service team, and travel quite frequently with this role.  I love the challenge it brings me and the reward of providing that unparalleled customer experience.

We purchased a quaint little 1950s ranch home and have settled into a new season of life balancing marriage, family, two careers, home ownership, and our sweet little puppy Collins.

It's been a season of change and transition, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

A Monday...

that ends with a sunset cocktail cruise with these two

is a pretty perfect Monday to me.

 

Thoughts for Thursday

- Well, we know how I feel about Facebook lately, but how about the 28 things that are worse than your friends on Facebook talking about the election.  I laughed out loud at #10 and #19.

- World Market has the cutest holiday decorations.  My mom got the felt turkeys to decorate the family reunion Thanksgiving tables with, and I got the owl to place around our house.  Everything is on sale right now so you should check it out!

- I can totally relate to this LEZ BE REAL on 20-something article- sans the sex and relationship section.

- It's been a crazy week - both personally and professionally.  I woke up this morning on 4 hours of sleep with a sty in my eye and a sore throat.  #miserable

- Tomorrow is Friday.  Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!

Tasty Tuesday: On the menu

Ranch panko chicken 

with roasted brussel sprouts, and fettucini alfredo for my man
An oldie, but goodie any day of the week.

Toasted sesame ginger salmon

with roasted broccoli and quinoa

New favorite way to cook salmon.  This recipe is incredible.

via how sweet eats

 

 

Starboard Frozen Shrimp Scampi

My aunt's friends founded Starboard, a gourmet seafood company, and mom brought me the Shrimp Scampi and Miso Salmon with Udon noodles to try.  The salmon was delicious, so I have great hopes for this.  I typically do not eat any lean cuisines or frozen entrees, but with a very busy week this week, I have no problem popping dinner in the microwave for 5 minutes and calling it a day.  The dishes are $4.99 and available at Harris Teeter.

 

Roasted Kale and Butternut Squash with Almond Parmesan Crust

My sister made this last weekend and raved about it.  I am drooling looking at the picture, cannot wait to try it!

via oh she glows

 

 

What's cooking in your house this week?

Glamping in the Mountains

I did not want this past weekend to end.  We had the best time in Sapphire, North Carolian, relaxing and enjoying great company and awesome views.  Though my body could use another day lights saving, my heart is full and mind rejuvenated.

Friday, we loaded up Collins in the back of the car to go play with Cousin Moe in Greenville for the weekend.  She looks like a queen all sprawled out in the back with her bone, and surprisingly was an excellent traveler in the back without her crate.

With our Greenville detour, it was a long drive, but absolutely worth it in order to catch this sunset view upon our arrival.

While we waited for the rest of the crowd to join us, Lash and I cooked a delicious homemade pizza Friday night - whole wheat crust, bbq sauce, caramelized onions, shredded chicken, bacon, and a four cheese blend.  I wish we had leftovers because I would legit eat it for breakfast right now.

After a late night of laughing, we went on a gorgeous hike on Whitestone Mountain on Saturday.  

The views at the top were stunning.  You could literally see for miles and miles.

After our hike, we relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon and continued our "glamping" - a real house wives reference for glamorous camping - with happy hour in time for another gorgeous sunset.

We ended the evening perched by this cozy fire, laughing and chatting away.

None of us wanted to get on the road Sunday, 

but the trip was a gorgeous reminder of the hand of God, the foliage was just popping with deep reds, golds, and oranges.  For this born and raised Lowcoutnry girl not used to truly seeing "fall," I loved the escape and scenery.

Take me back!

Thoughts on Thursday - Halloween

Halloween is easily my least favorite holiday... bar none.  

Maybe, I will appreciate it more when we have children of our own, but I just do not enjoy the skeleton and goblin themed decorations.  Can we fast forward to more pleasant ones of Thanksgiving and Christmas?  I am ready to put up a tree.

My favorite costume of the night was an adorable referee - his costume clearly made with black duck tape and a white tee shirt.   I asked, "what kind of referee are you?" (assuming football, baseball, etc), and he cleverly responded, "I'm a replacement ref!"  Awesome.

Lash got mad at me because I tried to save the Reese's pieces for us, and give away the Almond Joy's to trick-or-treaters.  #SorryI'mNotSorry It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game - right?!  J/k

Can't wait to read about your Halloween experiences and see pictures--- can you believe it is NOVEMBER??!?

#21

Even Collie girl is pretty beat up about Marcus Lattimore's devastating injury sustained last Saturday.

There is not much more to say that hasn't already been said, tweeted, or written about one of the most talented, yet humble player in the game.  

But I know that all of Gamecock nation and college football in general in cheering for this young man's bright future - whether on the field or off.

Get well soon Latti!

The FB Debate

source

How do you feel about Facebook?

I have a love/ hate relationship going on right now. I love that I can keep up with friends through photos, status updates, and wall posts, but on the other hand, I hate that I can keep up with friends through photos, status updates, and wall posts. . . without having to call or text.

But also I hate it because of what it's become, to our society and our culture, to individuals and to businesses .... with its own set of rules and regulations straddling the right of free speech.  Do you think I will be logging on next Tuesday when either Romney or Obama edges out the other?  Hell no.  I can't stand how people get so hot headed and make hurtful (and often ignorant) statements - whether about politics or even just in general.

Unintentionally, I've had my feelings hurt on social media and unintentionally, I've also hurt others.

It's enough to make me want to deactivate. .

But is it worth it?

Logistically, it's a few mouse clicks and I'm there.  

Psychologically, I am not addicted - that's not the concern ... Moreover, if I had to rank social media:  Facebok < Instagram < Twitter in my book ... 

But do I want to miss the engagement or pregnancy announcements?  The wedding photos of friends and family?  The excitement when a friend accomplishes a long time marathon goal?  The birthday reminders?  Watch friends move into new apartment and find new jobs in new cities ? Stalk that new boyfriend or girlfriend someone is head over heels in love with?

Of course, I don't want to miss that.

But do the negativity and the consequences outweigh the benefits? You decide.

The Makings of a Comeback?

I have not blogged in almost three months.  A part of me needed a break because prioritization and schedule limitations truthfully left no time to devote to this outlook... but I also wanted to soul search why exactly I was doing this and what my plans were for it long term.

I can't say I accomplished the second goal, but I have missed the creative freedom and fellowship, and I am having a hard time throwing in the towel so easily on something I started back in April 2009.  There are a lot of years and a lot of memories on this site!  I also hate that I have missed documenting so much of our first and second years of marriage, friend's weddings, and other adventures, so I'm breaking the ice. I feel like I am finally in a place of peace and renewal.

I have no idea if anyone is still out there reading, but if you are, I appreciate your loyalty while I got my life together.  Moreover, shout out to my sister and her blog, that really encouraged me to get back on the horse!

My Next Two Weeks

DeBordieu, DC, Charleston, Nashville, back to Charleston, New York, and Greenville

I'm exhausted just thinking about it, but so excited for all of the opportunities!!

Open Faced Grilled Caprese

Lunch during the work week is always an after thought to me... I typically throw together a salad, sandwich, or leftovers, and rush through it while I am sitting at my desk or running home to let the dog out.  On the weekends, I like to take time with lunch and actually put something creative and tasty together.

Lunches like this, however, makes me wish I spent a little more time during the week on the meal.  It is light, delicious, and screams summer time.  There are a million different ways you could go with it- add grilled chicken, pesto, sundried tomatoes, anything... all I know is that Lash is sorry he missed this one. :)

French loaf, artisan bread, or baguette, sliced to 1/4 inch thickness
EVOO
Mozzerella slices
Balsamic glaze
Sliced tomatoes, heirloom would be the bomb
Basil, chiffonaded 

- Brush bread with EVOO and grill 2-3 minutes until toasted.
- Spread 1/2 teaspoon (more or less depending on preference) of balsamic glaze on toast.
- Layer sliced tomato and mozzerella
- Broil on high until cheese is melted
- Sprinkle with basil, sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper.

Juxtaposition

These Saturday beach reads pretty much sum up my constant struggle of finding that happy medium.

Tasty Tuesday: Shrimp Burgers

If you ever find yourself in Beaufort, SC, or on the way out to Fripp Island, you must stop at the famous Shrimp Shack for a Shrimp Burger.  Recently voted as one of SC's ten best burgers, I have to agree with them.  I don't get back to my old stomping grounds as much as I would like, so this was my tip of the hat to nostalgia and attempt at a recreation. We both loved it!

Shrimp Burgers

1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 chopped bell pepper (any color)
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1/2 t old bay (can you more according to taste preference)
Ritz crackers or panko

Grind 2/3 shrimp in food processor.  Chop remaining 1/3 and mix together in a small bowl.
Saute onion and peppers in evoo or butter until translucent.  Add garlic until slightly browned.
Combine with shrimp mixture.
Roll into balls (about the size of tennis balls like you would hamburgers) and flatten into patties.
Dredge in Ritz or panko and fry in a pan over medium heat until crispy and shrimp is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

Serve with lemon wedges and a tartar or cocktail sauce (bun optional).  I would also recommend pairing with a heirloom caprese salad and grilled corn.  It was a perfect summer meal!