How goes all, party people? Are you loving this first weekend of Fall so far? It’s so nice out right now and my fall garden is in the works.
Since I last posted, I’ve harvested eggplant and many peppers. My tomatoes did not do well and the cucumbers were a disaster. I know the greens will do well and am not sure if my potato experiment will work. Fingers crossed.
This is just a short and sweet hello. I’ll have more later. I promise. I wish you a fantastic weekend! Peace!
Just be
StandardHappy Friday! At least it will be Friday when this post goes out to the world. How are you doing? Are you eating well? Getting enough sleep? Doing something besides working, sleeping, and on repeat?
Over here, the garden is taking shape it’s getting toasty out, the dog has the zoomies, her head met my good knee, sleep is literally on and off, and once again, I was awake before 6 am. This is not intentional. At all. My earliest weekday alarm is set for 6:17 am (slightly off from hubster’s alarm to help me get up before 6:40 am), so this wide awake before sunrise bull has to stop. I am not a morning person and not getting a decent amount of sleep makes it worse.
How do you cope when your last nerve is at its limit? We all have those days, spoonie or not. I disappear. I get lost in silence or music. Why? That few minutes a day keeps me from going from annoyed to tearing a new one into whoever or whatever made that last nerve break. Try it. You don’t need to make music your thing. Just hide for 10 minutes. Pick a shady spot outside, a bathroom, or even a closet. Let everything outside of your thoughts go. If your thoughts are part of the problem, then listen to music (lo-fi or whatever you like) or relaxing sounds (rain, thunderstorms, waves, or white noise). Set a timer and just be. It won’t necessarily solve any problems you have to face, but it may help you get more focused and ready to tackle them.
And on that note, I need to get to my to-do list. Until next time, be good to yourself. Peace!
So, how was your day?
How goes your Sunday? Your weekend so far? I’ve been playing with this week’s menus (individual breakfast and lunch and family dinner), trying to plan for a work schedule that will not knock me out of a general home stuff schedule, and staring at the cutie pup and cutie I married on an off. Can you believe we’ve been together for 23 years?
Anyway, for breakfast this week, the plan is to alternate oats with protein and fruit and protein shakes with fruit and greens, and smoothie bowls (protein with greens, topped with fruit and oats or nuts and/or seeds). For lunch, I’m thinking salads (hot or cold) with protein (beans, tofu, or tempeh) or soup if it’s not too hot. Family dinners are always the most difficult because pleasing everyone while sticking to my goals do not always align. I am not down for the short order cook life these days. Sides are always easy – a batch of rice, greens, and one or two batches of beans. I can see Taco (or TexMex) Tuesday this week and think a bowl will work best for me. I’m thinking red beans and rice with greens will be a nice dinner on Monday or Wednesday. As always, there will be a leftovers night. That’s about as far as I’ve gotten. What does your meal plan look like? Share because your girl could use ideas!
If you want to chat about food or our anniversary celebration, give me a shout. You know I’m around.
See ya!
How I eat, Spring 2021 edition
There are a few links in this post and some are affiliate links. Thanks in advance for checking them out.
Hi and welcome, y’all! May the 4th be with you!
If you follow me, you know that I’m a nerd, love food. I collect cookbooks, love to cook, and love eating out. You also know that I am working on my fitness and health goals and nutrition is a big part of it. I follow an 80/20 philosophy for the most part. 80% of my meals and snacks are on point while 20% can go towards more decadent goodies and the occasional glass or bottle of booze.
Meal planning for the mixed household has not changed much. All of the sides are vegan and I cook extra veggies and grains in batches so they are ready to grab at a moment’s notice. I get recipes from Meal Mentor (I love Happy Herbivore and have for years – go Cougars!) and from Beachbody’s Nutrition+. With Nuttrition+, I have access to both Ultimate Portion Fix and 2B Mindset. I’ve used both programs depending on how things are going with my fitness plan and goals.
Thanks to a few unexpected issues, I’m currently following 2B. I divide my plate and make sure that I get water, veggies, and a balance of starchy, carby goodness, and protein. This is similar to the plan I started following years ago when I decided it was time to get my weight under control. This plan is customizable and effortless once you get the hang of it.
When things are a little less hectic and pain is manageable, I will jump into Ultimate Portion Fix. with it, I use color-coded containers to help me hit a day of balanced nutrition. I have the option to plan my own meals or follow a timed nutrition plan that shows me what containers to have at specific meals and snacks, including pre-and post-workout.
With either plan, there is flexibility and the reminder to get in more protein. I tend to skip protein in favor of more fruit and veggies and bread. Getting my meals in makes a difference for me. So far in 2021, I am down several inches (and will need more pants soon) and I am not mad at the scale. My blood pressure and glucose are lower and my next round of tests should show lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Your girl rediscovered accidentally vegan baked goods during semi-quarantine life in 2020 and had to get things back in check.
I track meals and snacks because I like to see what I had the day before that may have aggravated pain or stomach irritation and so I can remember to repeat (or not repeat) some meals. I personally like tracking, whether it’s on an app or just a quick photo. It helps keep me honest about why the scale doesn’t move and why my clothes aren’t as loose as I would like. Do you track?
So, how are you earing these days? Be on the lookout for examples of my meals in the near future. I love the variety of goodness available this time of year and cannot wait to incorporate goodness from the garden (fingers crossed).
Until next time, peace.
March madness? Maybe.
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Happy March! February seemed to fly and drag. Semi-quarantine life is something else, right? I hope that all that has touched your life is the inconvenience of it all and if you have been touched by Covid-19, I wish you well. We are all in this together, people, so please do your part to protect yourself and others.
How are things going for you otherwise? I really do what to hear from you. On my side of things, we’re good for the most part. There is a new extended family member (the sweetest pup), elders are vaccinated (thankfully), and hubs and kiddos are doing well.
It’s the first day of the countdown to 52!
On the fitness path front, I am holding on to my 10-pound loss so far and working on my fitness. I started 9-Week Control Freak Off the Wall and was on day five when we hit a nasty pothole and destroyed a tire. And my back. I am still having more back and neck spasms and had to change my program. I’ve been working on flexibility while moving more and plan to start on 5K training again soon. Do you have any fitness plans? Whether you are working on moving more or eating better, I’ve got you. If you’re not really working on either and just want to show support, I could use your help. I’m hosting a Spring into Spring group on Beachbody on Demand. It’s free and you do not have to buy anything to participate or to take a look. I could use your support, so consider joining me and saying hi sometime.
My March focus is on eating at home more instead of grabbing takeout on late workdays and moving more. Adding something into the mix is always better for me than taking something out. Focusing on the positive instead of the negative is something I need to apply to my health goals. What works for you?
My word salad of a post needs to end so I can get into the kitchen before I go back to work. I hope this is a great week for you! Give me a yell if there is anything you’d like to chat about.
Until next time, take care!
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It’s Tuesday!
StandardSo, what does Tuesday mean for you?
For me, it’s a longish workday, the last day to score deals for expiring grocery store specials, and usually a day I get to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea (or two) before I log in.
This Tuesday is a runoff voting day in Georgia. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I know what I would like to happen.
Today is also the eve of shenanigans in DC.
Please be careful, people. Not just those in Georgia and DC, all of you. Covid-19 is not playing around and is mutating. I miss my family, too. I want to hug and hang out with the little ones. I want to get caught up in person with the adults. I want to hang with Mom in the kitchen as she branches out and adds more vegan meals to her diet. I don’t want to put anyone I love at risk. Be smart, be patient, and be safe.
That’s all for today. Tune in next time for a regular dose of your favorite neighborhood Sherrie’s musings.
It’s almost here – 2021
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Remember Ozzie?
How has your holiday season been? Things have been different this year all around and not always easy to handle. But this dumpster fire of a year is near an end and I know me and mine could not be happier.
We are so ready to move forward and hope things will be better. We will still be facing the uncertainty of pandemic life, but hopefully, the routine won’t change much more. Mask up, keep your distance, wash those hands, and use sanitizer. Eat as well as you can, rest, get those stress levels under control, and do whatever you can to stay as safe and healthy as possible.
I don’t really have a theme or message here. I just wish you and yours well. I wish you health, peace, and love. Love yourself, love others, and hopefully love what the future has in store for you. That’s all.
See you later!
February 2019?
Hi, all.
It has been too long without an update on the good old blog. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you know what’s been happening. If you don’t, here’s a quick rundown.
I have Posterior Tibial Tendonitis in my left leg. The tendon is responsible for some of my knee and ankle pain according to the Physical therapist and the doc told me recovery would be long. Recovery and PT have been decidedly unpleasant but PT is working. Slowly.
Due to the injury, my fitness game is limited. I am not allowed to lift heavy or spend too much time on my feet. Yoga, Pilates, and some walking in 30-minute increments make up the majority of my training schedule. Yay. The pain increases the fatigue, but it’s not anything new. Fibro/CFS life, right?
Of course, my weight is having a negative effect on recovery. Nutrition is the main focus for hitting my goals. I’m currently following 2B Mindset and figuring out how to customize my plan. 
The program is helping me change my relationship with food and to get in more water and veggies daily. It’s also helping me pinpoint exactly how much corn I can have before I have a reaction. I’m not allergic, but am sensitive to it. I’m losing inches and have fewer digestive issues all around.
I’m counting down to the big 5-0 and kicked off 2019 with the Shrimp & Grits 5K (one of 
the Charleston Marathon events). There was a new course (all flat, baby), a new location for the finish and after party, and were veggie grits available. There was also coffee which was awesome because it was COLD!
Meal prep is not just a one-day marathon anymore. I break it into a two-day thing and find it a better fit overall. As always, there are batches of greens and beans every week.
Batch cooking this way makes it easy to throw together meals on the fly that I did not necessarily plan for. I felt like Asian food one night, so I made Edamame Cauliflower Fried Rice with the baked tofu I batch cooked, a cup each of frozen edamame and mixed veggies, and two cups of cauliflower rice.
And now you’re up to date. If you have any questions for me about my nutrition, PT, food prep game, or anything, feel free to ask.
Guest post: 7 Marvelous Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100
StandardAre you ready for Mother’s Day? It’s Sunday. Yes, two days from now. Did you forget? Let me assure you, your mother-figure did not forget to watch you grow, deal with your teen angst, walk you through many firsts. If you need ideas, Merilee Kern has them. Check out this guest post and run with it. Kids, if you’re reading this, I could use a waffle iron.
7 Marvelous Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100
By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor
According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day shoppers are expected to spend an average of $186.39 for the holiday, up from last year’s $172.22. That’s a lot of retail-driven adoration. From food to flowers to frocks, well-intentioned gifters are indelibly on the hunt for that perfect present that’ll light up Mom’s face and warm her heart—not just on Mother’s Day but, optimally, all year through. Towards this end, here’s an apt assortment of gift ideas priced under $100 that she can enjoy on the daily.
The Kennedy Tote from RuMe (www.MyRume.com) – $14.95
Photo courtesy of RuMe
The Kennedy Tote from RuMe (pronounced “Room-ey”) is a stylish tote that’s great for the woman on-the-go. Available in 27 unique patterns and colors, these trendy bags are designed with extra-long vegan leather handles to ensure it’s comfortable to carry over your shoulder, and boast a durable polyester body sure to stand the test of time. The Kennedy Tote is the perfect size for Mom to fit everything from laptops and tablets, to library books, clothes and even those random toys and snacks that always seem to make their way into her bag. It’s bigger than the average purse, but not so big that it’s overwhelming. The Kennedy Tote is handmade in the USA and all are made to order. With this, Mom can leave that boring canvas tote at home and rock some style-sense!
Photo courtesy of Topcor LLC
Photo courtesy of Topcor LLC
Clipa Bag Hanger (www.Clipa.us) – $15.99
While Mom is out and about, give you an easy and attractive way to secure her Kennedy Tote or any other stylish handbag off the dirty floor—especially in restaurants, bathrooms, movie theaters and other public places. Clipa, which means “instant” in Romanian, is a decidedly fashionable, USA-made handbag hanger that goes on—not in—the bag for quick and easy use at any time. This strong, circular purse hanger is designed for heavy bags—it can actually hold up to 33 pounds! It’ll keep her handbag off the ground or floor, safe from germs and filth. It works in seconds. Simply open and place on the bag strap to have whenever needed. To use, just open one end and hang. When finished, just pull the strap and Clipa automatically closes and slides back onto the bag. The new Clipa2 is a lighter and sleeker model that works in more places including thicker countertops and tables. It’s ideal for bathroom stall doors and walls, shopping carts even rails. Also durable, it’s been tested to last for 10 years of daily use. Also fashion-adaptable, Clipa comes in a variety of colors, designs, and metals including matte and polished, hematite, gold, and silver. I’ve used a variety of handbag hangers and Clipa is by far the most versatile and durable.
Heat Holders Ladies Lounge Socks with Heart Grip (www.HeatHolders.com) – $17.99
Photo courtesy of Heat Holders
Photo courtesy of Heat Holders
This spring and summer, Mom will surely love staying warm and cozy with fashionable Heat Holders’ Lounge Socks—especially when ensconced in a chilly, air-conditioned environment. This short ankle length slipper-style sock with turn over cuffs is ideal for lounging around the home. Perfect to express your love for mom, they include cute heart shaped non-slip grippers on the bottom to provide better traction on hard indoor surfaces like wood or tile. Thick and chunky with long pile cushioning, these thermal socks help keep feet fully comfortable and supported. The inside of each sock has been intensively brushed, which makes it not only feel sensationally soft but also traps warm air close to the skin keeping feet warmer for longer. Wrapped in a pretty ribbon that says “Just for you”, these socks (available in stripe or solid patterns) make a thoughtful gift she’ll use time and time again.
BELLA Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker (www.BellaHousewares.com) – $29.99
Photo courtesy of
BELLA Housewares
Perfect for those culinary Moms who love to impress and indulge, the new BELLA Ceramic Copper Titanium rotating Belgian waffle maker will surely be well-received. With it, Mom and the whole family can enjoy 1″ thick crisp and fluffy restaurant quality Belgian waffles at home in mere minutes. The true non-stick coating allows the use of any batter desired—so she can get super creative! This enduring appliance has a unique ceramic non-stick coating that is 8 times more durable and cooks up to 30% faster than standard non-stick coatings. This ultra-durable coating is actually reinforced with titanium for outstanding resilience and resistance to metal utensils, resisting scratches and scuffs. It’s even a healthy “eco-coating” as it doesn’t contain lead or cadmium and is also PTFE and PFOA free. Mom will also appreciate the space saving design with a folding handle that allows for convenient storage, along with the drip tray making cleaning a breeze.
CRUX Toaster Oven with Convection (www.CruxKitchen.com) – $79.99
Photo courtesy of Crux Kitchen
Moms are constantly looking for ways to make cooking simpler. The CRUX Toaster Oven with Convection function is one easy way to improve and expedite her cooking efforts and is a practical gift she’s certain to appreciate. This device delivers faster, more even heating and also maintains enhanced temperature accuracy. In all, the highly uniform heating profile without hot-spots yields fantastic toasting results. And, the large 17-liter capacity holds up to six slices of bread or a 12” pizza. Other notable features of the CRUX Toaster oven include 700-watt heating elements that preheat quickly and cook efficiently; bake, broil, bagel, toast and warm functions; 60-minute timer with stay-on and auto shut-off; and a grill rack with three positions to accommodate various size casseroles and baking pans. The unit also comes complete with a bake pan and external removable crumb tray. Whether she’s looking for convenience for breakfast, lunch or dinner—for herself or the whole family—or wanting to bake a quick late-night snack, she’ll love the ease and power of this appliance.
Pompelmoncello Rosemary Mojito with Everclear (www.MakeItYourOwn.com)
Photo courtesy of
Luxco
What more quintessential way to celebrate Mom than with a homemade brunch on Mother’s Day? And while you’re at it, go ahead and whip her up a tasty mixed elixir. One recipe idea is the Pompelmoncello Rosemary Mojito made with Everclear. This delicious cocktail mixes together grapefruit, rum and rosemary, creating a sweet and refreshing cocktail that’ll help her relax and enjoy her special day. The Everclear spirit component is distilled from 100% selected grains, providing a neutral flavor profile along with a high proof—so do be mindful of the amount used. Because it’s flavor neutral, it has a unique ability to extract even the subtlest of flavors, providing home mixologists with a clean slate, a blank canvas and endless potential. For those who insist a mojito requires mint, this cocktail politely disagrees. The flavors of grapefruit, rum and rosemary combine perfectly to help you forget everything you thought you knew about the Havana classic—and delight Mom in kind.
Nonni’s Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives (www.Nonnis.com) – Starting at $3.49
Photo courtesy of Nonni’s Foods
Another delightful indulgence for Mom—particularly those who are health conscious and ever on-the-go—is the better-for-you Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives from Nonni’s artisan bakery. They’re thin, crunchy, and super addictive…but in the best way. THINaddictives are handmade quality from a cherished family recipe passed down from generation to generation with no two cookies alike. Averaging only 70 to 80 calories per pack, each almond thin is lightly drizzled with decadent dark chocolate and made with real ingredients such as California almonds, bananas and sweet cherries for a guilt-free anytime snack. These crunchy delights come in three delectable flavors: Dark Chocolate Banana Almond, Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond and Double Dark Chocolate Almond. THINaddictives pair perfectly with hot or cold beverages like iced coffee or tea or are certainly delectable by themselves. With each pack individually wrapped, they’re awesome to take on-the-go. Find these tasty treats at retailers nationwide.
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As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or sponsored at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
Source:
https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/mothers-day-spending-reach-record-high-236-billion
It’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
StandardMay 12 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Send good thoughts to someone who deals with this. If you don;t have it, imagine a daily migraine, but all over your body. Or a horrible case of the flu. Some days are better than others. Some of us can work, others can’t. The pain and fatigue can be debilitating. And don’t get me started on the brain fog.
What’s your Fibro story? My personal Fibro story began years before my diagnosis, You’ve heard it before, so I won’t repeat it. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it by now. Pain is my constant companion and I am incredibly thankful for a family who gets it for the most part. The kids (adults now) know when I need the sleep and don’t necessarily see it as me taking a lazy day. Hubs has taken over 95% of laundry duties because the bending and reaching tend to lead to pain spikes.
After my official diagnosis in 2016, I went into research mode; searching on and offline for resources that would help. The National Fibromyalgia Association has been a weekly stop. The resources have been invaluable to me. If you know someone with Fibro and don’t know much about it, this is a great place to start.
To my fellow spoonies, let’s raise our glasses to the doctors and researchers who get it and are looking for ways to make our lives better. Cheers!
