Scattered Sundays

Burning question for this week: would you rather reverse one decision you make every day or be able to stop time for 10 seconds every day?

So, 2013 called and introduced me to Game of Thrones. Have you heard of it? It’s an up and coming show on HBO (it’s not television. It’s HBO). You should check it out.

I predict big things.

Troy had been watching a few episodes here or there. It’s totally my kind of show but I never really wanted to start it because it’s one of those shows you actually have to pay attention to. And I work at night even when we’re watching TV.

In fact, as I write this, I’m trying not to throw up watching Daenerys eating that horse heart in season one. Charming.

I already know how everything ends, and I’m ok with the spoilers. I’ve only had like you know, eight years to get on board.

Hey, did you sign up for our Pantry and Freezer Clean Out Challenge? It starts June 23rd! You can sign up here:

As with all of my challenges, the rules are yours to make. You decide what it looks like for you and only you get to determine the outcome. I’m a real hardass like that.

Jack did his third 5k this weekend. That boy sure loves to run. It’s most certainly not genetic.

Even with his time being three minutes slower than his 5k in December, he still placed sixth. Overall, not like just in his age group!

In December, he had just finished up a season of soccer and was doing running club at school so he was in prime running shape. So, for not training at all, he still ran a 5k in 25 minutes. He amazes me!

And just because I know 78% of you are thinking “wow, you two look a lot alike”, let me just pre-empt you with a side by side of us at about the same age. #twinning

Bennett at I spent like three hours this week tearing out the pavers that make up our main garden area. It had always been uneven and it never really worked. 

During our time outside, he peed in three bushes, threw two dirt clumps in my hair, and the rest alllll over the walkway. It took me 15 minutes using the leaf blower and hose to clean up the sidewalk. I also found 10 Nerf darts and the whisk from Bennett’s play kitchen in the rosemary bush.

He wore that backpack the entire time.

When I was at the Everything Food Conference a few weeks ago, I met so many amazing bloggers! I’d love to highlight some of them each week if you don’t mind. And if you do, well just skip ahead. ????

I met Anna from Garlic Delight at breakfast (maybe lunch?) one day. My friend Cassie and I sat near the front of the room for most of the meals because my eyesight is terrible. We noticed Anna walking with another blogger and invited her to join us.

Turns out she knew me because of my How to Plant Garlic post! Garlic serendipity. 

Anna shares healthy, quick, and tasty meals. And get this – their email newsletter is called “The Garlic Press”. Gah – puns AND garlic? The best.

My dad got a new chair this week, which means the boys got a new toy.

Also, when I was at the conference, I stupidly forgot the new meds I am using to battle my dumb adult acne. I mean, really. Why is that even a thing?

My skin had been doing really well up until then and I kept thinking maybe it was because my skin was finally ready to be 37. And *maybe* the meds were no longer even needed.

Lies. 

Within five days it was back to looking like a hot sack of crap. Le sigh. Maybe when I’m 38?

Anyhoo, as soon as came home, I got back on my regimen which meant starting back on Differin. It took about two weeks to get back to where I had been, but I’m so thankful something has helped.

I took this photo when I was laying on the floor (my neck sucks and I have to stretch it out on a rolled towel a few times a day), hence my weird “let me talk to your manager” hair. But I can’t say it enough – if your skin is pissing you off, GET HELP! Adult acne is really just the dumbest. The gel I use is a whopping $12.24 on Amazon.

My cousin handed down an old Strider bike to Bennett last summer and he’s finally getting a chance to use it. We’re taking the boys to the park almost every day and Bennett is getting SO fast on his little bike. 

I ended up buying him one with pedals from Goodwill but he is a few months away from fitting it. We waited until Jack was nine to teach him to ride a bike (we got lazy, he’s terribly dramatic at not instantly being good at things, and we’re surrounded by steep ass hills), and it seems like we’re headed in the opposite direction with the little one.

Troy’s birthday is coming up and we’re going to see John Wick 3 (or “still Wicking it” as I like to call it). So this week we decided to re-watch the first two. It takes us two nights to get through one movie, but man I forgot how good they are!

Note to everyone: don’t mess with an assassin’s dog. It won’t end well.

You’ll never know what you’ll find at Goodwill!

I know we’ve talked about the whole “dessert” thing on this blog before. How you all don’t want desserts from me. You like side dishes, one pan dinners, and Instant Pot meals. I hear you. I honor that.

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUT, I have cracked the code on a gluten-free brownie that is going to make you want to punch strangers so hard in the clavicle. It is straight up bonkers. And I just can’t not share it. So hold onto your butts, cause that is coming this week.

What I’m Listening To This Week

I found a new podcast this week that combines almost all of my interests – true crime, unsolved mysteries (I miss you Robert Stack!), social justice, and good storytelling. 

The podcast is White Lies and it examines the murder of a white pastor during the civil rights era in Birmingham. It’s from NPR and super well done.

Reader Spotlight of the Week

Hollie (finally – ha!) tried out our Instant Pot Egg Bites and left this five-star review:

I have to admit the first few times I saw this recipe I thought yuck. Sous vide eggs? Then after skipping breakfast most of the week I looked at it again and it hit me- these are like crustless baby quiche! I like quiche! Thanks again for the inspiration! Thank you thank you thank you!

{Pin this recipe}

On Sustainable Cooks This Week

Buffalo Chicken Fries {Healthy Buffalo Fries} – A quick and easy recipe, these Buffalo Chicken Fries are a real crowd pleaser! Healthy game day food, this Whole30 appetizer is packed with flavor. Loaded buffalo fries are oven-baked and topped with delicious shredded buffalo chicken and other tasty toppings.

{Pin this recipe}

Freezing Strawberries {How to Freeze Strawberries} – Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing strawberries to extend the harvest. Freezing fresh strawberries is a great way to preserve this wonderful summer fruit without needing to know any special kitchen skills (like canning). If you have a freezer and a knife, you too can learn the best way to freeze strawberries!

{Pin this recipe}

Trail Mix Bars {No Bake Granola Bars} – Fudgy Trail Mix Bars are an amazing no-bake treat. These oat free granola bars are packed with lots of flavor and chocolate goodness, with no refined sugar. Naturally gluten-free, you’ll love that they come together in under 10 minutes and have a surprising ingredient that you’ll flip over!

*This is an update of a five-year-old post. Even if you’re not interested in the bars, check out the post to see the old photo I left in there. Heee-larious!

{Pin this recipe}

The Five Most Popular Posts This Week

1. Virgin Mojito – you knew this was coming! People love the fake booze.  {Pin this recipe}
2. Trader Joe’s Whole30 Shopping List – freeeeeee lists!  {Pin this}
3. Healthier Fried Zucchini Chips – winter summer is coming  {Pin this recipe}
4. Whole30 Bacon Brands – allllllllll the bacon!  {Pin this}
5. Instant Pot Orange Chicken – always a favorite in the Cook house. {Pin this recipe}

Meal Plan

I am trying out a new meal planning service this week but they haven’t sent me my menu yet. I have no idea what we’re eating as of now! I do know I have a crapton of meat in the freezer from our last Butcher Box order, and it is asparagus season. So…grilling?

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