Designate What You Value Most

We're really moving through September - how does it go so fast?!  This month I've chosen "designate" for my One Word Challenge. I've been working to apply that to all aspects of my life. Designating time, resources, attention and love to the people and things that make me happy, to the activities that help me better myself, to the projects that help others, and to the exercises that are good for my body, mind, and business.

The Hubster and I just got back from a 9 day Alaskan adventure to celebrate our 20 year anniversary (speaking of where did the time go...) where we stayed with my SIL Lana. We explored all over and despite less than ideal weather conditions, we managed to see beautiful places, get to know family, meet a new pup, hike, eat, play games, sleep in, cheer for our favorite teams (Go Big Red Football & Volleyball!), bake and eat some more, fly the drone, see Denali, go for walks in the rain, hike through water and up a mountain in the fog/sleet, small town shopping, and a whole lot of "WOW, look at those mountains!" Check out a link to our video HERE. Designating time for self care, relaxation and time with family really has made a huge difference. #ahhhhIneededthat

Designating time with those we love is an integral part of being our best selves. It was an awesome way to recharge and reset with goals and dreams top of mind. I'm so grateful for the opportunity for the whole week, and I can't believe it's taken us so long to get up there and see the family we have up there and the beautiful area they call home.  I hope we'll be back VERY SOON!

I've also designated some time to read a book by one of our hosts, Maggie Holeman. She's a wonderfully independent woman who retired and opened up a B&B in Hope, Alaska. She's a close friend of my SIL and the four us us got to enjoy lunch, exploring, dinner and a fire, and a cozy evening at her wonderful cabin, aka Black Bear B&B. 

Her book Woman in the Locker Room  is her story from child hood memories (not all good) to the challenges she faced as a woman in the armed service, and Alaska Fire & Police forces. I really enjoyed hearing stories from both Lana and Maggie from their police and fire fighting days, it's truly incredible that these strong women gave so much of themselves to serve and protect others.  I think it's important that I designate some time to get to know more about strong women and all they can and have accomplished. Here's to reading more about Maggie's adventure - and hopefully another visit where we can chat around the fire.

I'm also reading into a personal improvement exercise - "Becoming Self-Aware". Designating time to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, learning from my past (reflecting), trying new things and opportunities (say YES!), and evaluating each experience as I go.   Getting deliberate with my activities (keeping a list and schedule, and reviewing it regularly!) will help build this habit and help me be consistent.

As the busy fall months turn into the busy holiday season, I'm going to be focused on the ways that I can be my best self - even if that means finding the areas of my shortcomings and devoting time to finding someone to help me, taking time to learn and get better, or changing my focus so that those areas are not part of my plan moving forward.

There's always work to be done, and I'm ready to get down to it!

How do you designate what you value most? What steps do you take daily/weekly/monthly to get better? What are you reading? I really want to know! Share with me in the comments or hit me up on social media.




Ciao for now!
~ jen <3

Leaping and My Why

Greetings Friends!

It's a beautiful day in some one's neighborhood! It's frigid and only getting colder here at home. But the sun is out, I've put on my "productive pants" today, and decided to spend a little time meditating on "leap" and how it will (and has) evolved over the last 3+ weeks, and how it will transition into the months to come.

"Leap" is the action that has followed a long time introspection on my Why. 
My Why is simple. To help myself, my family and others live their healthiest and happiest lives.  The details of the How and What have changed over the years, depending on my particular set of circumstances at the time, but the why has been constant. 

I know that I can't take good care of others if I've neglected myself. I learned this lesson from my mother, who over the years always worked, sometimes two jobs, always made sure we were provided for, made dinner, taught us the value of hard work, and so many other valuable lessons. But here's the thing...I don't remember many times when she did for herself. He glass was empty. Everyone and everything wanted/needed something. The most self-loving thing I can remember her doing when I was growing up was sneaking time to read occasionally, or have an entire sleeve of girl scout cookies to herself. She was tired, stressed and trying to hold a blended family together on a tight budget while dealing with the things all families struggle with and a few things extra piled on. I saw her struggle with all of it.

It's hard to look back and realize that someone I love needed more, from me and others, and I was oblivious to how I could help or encourage her to do for herself instead of trying to keep up with the never ending to-do for others list. Sure, she found happiness in the little things, and later in life through an extended family and some travel, but I could see, deep down, that nothing had changed with how she valued her own care and keeping.

When I lost my mom in 2017 to Cancer, I struggled with (and continue to struggle - pay no attention to the tears in my eyes as I type this) the grief of knowing that her whole life, she tried to pour from an empty cup. During the toughest time in her life, she couldn't let go and relax and had trouble asking for and receiving help. Would her treatment have had a different result? Who knows. But it weighs on my mind.

Learning the lesson of self care and happiness in reverse has affected my career path. From retail to non-profit, corporate America, local small business, and now freelance/contractor, I've found that the What has changed over the years, and as I've gained skills and knowledge the How has evolved, but the Why has endured.

I'm happiest with friends and family, being healthy, active and outdoors, using my organizational skills and analytical thinking to find the best practice in all areas of my life, and helping others reach their goals.

Leap has led me to putting the Why first and the How into action. The What in January has been diverse!  I've been in the gym coaching and building strength in myself and others, online and in person nutritional coaching, and traveling to events where people have set a goal of completing a race (half marathon, full marathon) and I'm able to support them through organizational on site work.

I am in a position to learn more about myself and the risks I'm willing to take to find and prioritize my happiest self.  Long term vision weighs heavier than short term challenges.  Happiness is the goal and Happy is who I want to be when I grow up.

I started with a Leap, but you ain't seen nothin' yet!

I'd love to know how your One Word for January has been guiding you! Or, how LEAP has inspired you!  Leave a comment or find me on the socials!

Ciao for now!
Jen

"LEAP"

Happy Day, everyone!

As I mentioned in my previous post, my One Word for the month of January is "leap." I prefer my meditation to be moving meditation - tying the physical with the mental - and started mulling over and really setting my mind to ponder on what LEAP means to me during a busy to-do list day.

During my 2.5 mile walk with the pups. While waiting for my kiddo at the dentist. While working on my One Word craft project.  The more tedious, the better I focus. Stringing embroidery floss around tiny nails is just mindless enough to all for good thinking!  And here's where I'm at:

Leap in to something new.
It's true, while this isn't all completely new, the list of uncertainties (mental, physical, and financial) is long.
Do I believe in who I am and what I'm capable of? Most days, yes. Realizing my worth is something I'm working on, through reading, watching and learning from people I consider mentors (even if they don't know it), and irregular (as in not every day, not as in strange - though, to be fair I'm pretty strange!) meditations. This really is the beginning of my journey - understanding I'm both capable AND deserving of success.
Leap for joy.
I really am finding Joy in the small tasks that lead to bigger plans. Getting giddy when I place a business card order, or finding a smile on my face when thinking about how different things will look in a year, two years. Allowing Joy to guide the order of my to do list based on my mood and focus. Am I ready to sit still at the computer? No. So let's tackle something active: work with my hands, go for a walk (with pups, of course). Joy is not allowing self doubt (which I will inevitably feel, I mean, I'm human) seep into my doer thoughts. That pesky doubt leads to paralysis by analysis - over thinking to the point that nothing gets done. Instead, Joy. Excited to be who I am and put my best foot forward. Joyful to have the opportunity to try. LEAP for Joy!

Leap over obstacles.
They are out there. Staring at me. The to-do list is just the beginning. There are a million daily obstacles when starting any new venture ranging from financial to emotional.  But you know what? LEAP. Yup, with plenty of help from others I'm going to leap. I'm going to parkour style bounce from wall to wall, up and around, until I'm on solid ground. Just keep leaping, right? (For the purpose of this entry, we'll change Dori's swimming to leaping.) Sure, I'll trip up. But I'm ready to attempt the leap.

Understanding that the line of success is almost NEVER straight, and that obstacles are a normal part of growing into something new, I think I'll be ready to leap the small puddles, or grab a stick and pole vault over the big ones.  Just know, I may ask to borrow your stick. :)

Leap because you can.
There are so many factors that lead me to this place. There are relationships, challenges, fortunate circumstances, and planning that has led me here. Feeling that this LEAP is getting me closer to who I am and the kind of life I want to live is what has given me the courage to leap in the first place.  Because I have the support of my family and the circumstances to take the risk, it would be irresponsible for me to ignore all the things that SCREAM at me - leap. Leap. LEAP! Just like those who run for a cause, or who dedicate work to someone in their life who isn't able to do it themselves, I feel like this is my chance to show my kids that they don't have to live in society's box. There are choices and options, risks and rewards. And it's OK to LEAP.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on LEAP as the month progresses. What does LEAP mean to you? What's your One Word for the month (or year)? I'd love to hear about it - HMU in the comments below and watch out for more!

Ciao for now,

jen

Recipe #2 - Whole Roasted Chicken with Maple Roasted Veggies!

Hello Friends!

It's been a cold and snowy week here in the Big O, and so I have been happy to stay home and cook, do some home projects and read. My poor pup is really sad though, it's been way to cold to go our for our normal walks.

The upside is that I got this week's recipe done on Thursday and got to enjoy a delicious dinner and leftovers! So, let's say we just jump right in!

This week's entry from "Eat Drink Shine" is page 108 - Whole Roasted Chicken with Maple-Roasted Vegetables. Man, oh man, does this look amazing! Cold weather comfort food, coming at'cha!

Starting with the Ingredient List:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• sea Salt

• 1 whole roasting chicken (the book prefers free-range, about 4lbs)

• 2 lemons, halved

• 3 cloves garlic

• 5 sprigs of rosemary

• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock

• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

• 3 medium apples (honeycrisp, fuji - I prefer Pink lady!), peeled, cored and cut into cubes

• 3 carrots, peeled, large diced

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled large diced

• 1/2 onion sliced

• 1/2 bulb fennel, sliced

So, because it was SO COLD, I didn't feel like going out to shop - and that worked out great since I had all of these items in my frig/pantry/freezer, except for the fennel. And here's why: I don't care for fennel. It has that licorice flavor that I don't like much. So, I modified the recipe and swapped the fennel for cumin.

I even had REAL maple syrup from an overnight oatmeal recipe I tried. I wish I had the good stuff from Canada... maybe I should see if the couple of native northerners I know could bring me some back... 

Anyway! I was able to get this going without bundling up to go outside - winner winner, chicken dinner! 

(Literally! HA! I'm sorry. I'm a huge dork!)

I preheated the oven to 400* F, got out my big roasting pan and pulled my thawed whole chicken out of the frig.

Let's get to the work:

• Rub the olive oil and a generous amount of salt on the chicken. Put the lemon, garlic and rosemary into the cavity of the chicken and set aside.

• In a small sauce pan, combine the vinegar, stock, maple syrup, butter and a healthy pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until reduced by half.

• In the bottom of the roasting pan, arrange the apples, carrots, sweet potato, onion and fennel (or not. ;) ) to form a 'bed' for the chicken. Pour the chicken stock mixture over the vegetables and lightly toss to coat. Place the prepared chicken on top of the veggies.

• Roast the chicken until it reaches an internal temp of 165* using a meat thermometer.

• Transfer the chicken to a platter and let rest 15 minutes before serving with maple roasted veggies.

OMG - this was super easy! I mean, even I can handle this one, without any special kitchen utensils! In fact, I didn't even use the one the recipe technically called for - a peeler.  Wanna know why? Sure you do:  I try to, as often as I can, avoid peeling my fruits and veggies. So much of the "good stuff" is in the skin, that I feel like unless it compromises the texture or flavor of a dish, I'd just as soon leave the peel on. So, I did. And everything was delicious! (I do wash the bejesus outta everything first though!)

The toughest part was calculating the cooking time. The whole bird I had in my freezer was about 6 pounds, and I didn't want to over cook it. There's a TIP in the recipe that estimates 22-25 minutes per pound. I roasted my bird (nearly 6 pounds) for 2 hours and it was PERFECT. 

Not only was this meal delicious, it was so pretty! The golden brown of the chicken with warm golden colors of sweet potato, onion, apples and carrots felt like one of those feasts you'd share with your family as the leaves turned in the fall, or something to brighten your corner of the world on a stark and cold winter day - which exactly what it did for me!  The aroma of the chicken and veggies filled my house and I couldn't wait to eat. The 15 minutes of "rest" for the chicken was TORTURE!

For this meal, I decided to enjoy the breast meat, so I carved out the 2 breasts by slicing along the back bone and away, and then above the wing and towards the inside. The chicken was moist and tender and came away from the bones easily.

I plated my chicken, veggies, half a pear and a strawberry for some sweetness to counter the savory chicken and veggies. 

Next time I'll pair with a deep green salad of spinach and greens, cranberries and feta cheese and a light balsamic dressing. Oh, I can't wait to have this again!

I should warn you, if you're a foodie, and really enjoy savoring your food - this could get you into trouble at the table. I was having what I can only describe as a nearly orgasmic experience, a foodgasm? I dunno, but I was all, "oh, yum, mmm, this is... oh... so... good..." and my hubster was giving me the "are you kidding me" look through most of dinner. Sometimes he just doesn't get me... What can I say, I enjoy my food.

For my leftovers, I worked to get all the remaining meat off of the bones, I had quite a bit left. The recipe says this will serve 4-6. I think, even with my slightly larger bird, that this is a solid 4 servings.

If we decide that this recipe made about 4 servings, let's talk about the cost to make it, and how it reheated.

If you're a poor college student or bachelor with nothing but baking soda, beer, and leftovers in your frig, or pantries that are bare, this recipe could set you back a little. But for the average every day family, the ingredient list is full of pretty standard items. ( I suppose for some, beer and a box of baking soda is standard. Huh, that's weird.)

The following items I'm sure you have in your pantry or frig on the reg:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• sea Salt 
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
• 5 sprigs of rosemary - I used dried rosemary.

The rest of these you may not have all the time, but they are plenty easy to get:

• 1 whole roasting chicken (the book prefers free-range, about 4lbs) -  I found that this can very quite a bit - but I paid about $2.69 per pound. (10.76)
• 2 lemons, halved - $.89 each (1.78)
• 3 cloves garlic - Fresh garlic runs about $.50 per bulb. (.50)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup - Mine was $5.99 for the bottle, but remember, I had it on had from another recipe, and only used 1 1/2 table spoons, so I'll have plenty more to use later! (5.99)
• 3 medium apples (honeycrisp, fuji - I prefer Pink lady!), peeled, cored and cut into cubes - these run about $1.59 per pound. 3 apples is about a pound! (1.59)
• 3 carrots, peeled, large diced - about $2.00 per pound, 3 carrots was less than a pound. (2.00)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled large diced - you can get a 3lb bag for about $3.49, with usually 4-5 potatoes (1.00)
• 1/2 onion sliced - my onion was good sized and cost me just over $1.00. (1.00)
• 1/2 bulb fennel, sliced - I skipped this in favor of cumin that I can in my pantry. Fennel runs just over $1.00 each bulb. (1.00)

So, you can see with a well stocked pantry, this recipe doesn't really require much that you wouldn't have on hand for a normal week of cooking.  But if you had to purchase all these items, it would set you back $25.62. Still, divide that by 4 servings and you have a delicious meal for $6.41 per serving! not too shabby!

Leftovers are my life!

I enjoy most of what I cook several times, and usually have some to share. Things need to reheat well and/or freeze well in order for me to make it a regular in my rotation. This gem did not disappoint! I heated the chicken with the veggies and the juice from the veggies kept the chicken nice and moist. Moist. Does that word bother you? Not me. Moist, moist, moist. I love moist chicken. omnomnomnom...

Enjoy this flow chart from one of my favorites, The Oatmeal -->

and also, sorry... 

Anywho - I loved this recipe and I hope that you'll give it a try! Let me know in the comments how you modified it, or if you made it as written. Did your family enjoy it?  I'd love to know!

Here's to healthy meals, warm kitchens, and full tummies!

Until next week,

<3 jen

"Be Fearless in What Sets Your Soul on Fire."

Greetings, friends!

I can't believe it's been over a year since I sat down and opened this page. I've no excuses for my hiatus, I've no good reasons. But I can tell you with all certainty that I've missed it, that I'm excited to be focused anew, and that I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you.

Is it coincidental that I'm starting this off in 2018, New Year's Day?  Well, no. I'm not really about the "new year, new me" that so many embrace this time of year, but I do happen to believe that every day is an opportunity to make new choices and be the best version of yourself. Today is as good a day as any!

I've been playing tug-of-war in my brain with what I'm meant to do in this lifetime, where I'm meant to be, how I'm to get there, and who I'm taking along with me. (The fact that the Powerball is over $400 Million may play a small part in my day dreaming!) And, well, let's face it... I'm not getting any younger. Having kids who are all but out of the house, and grandgirds (grand daughters) to boot makes you stop and think about how you spend your time. When it's just me, the hubster and our puppa - what will occupy my time? Will I be happy? Successful? Content?

I'm the only one responsible for my happiness. And I've decided that it's time to do what I love. It's time to make the things that light me up a permanent part of my daily routine.

Writing. Writing has always lit me up. Sure, sometimes it's newsletters for my employer, jokes and handwritten notes to friends and loved ones, a silly semi-comic book style story about my dogs... whatever it is, I enjoy the process of it. I enjoy the discipline of it, the revisions, seeing things through new eyes, the art of it - painting a picture in my mind that I can share, but mostly I love that it's mine. It's selfishly, wonderfully mine. An exercise for my mind, relaxation for my soul, humor for my heart, and break for my body.

You know what else really gets me going? EATING. I love to eat. I love colorful dishes presented beautifully (you'd know this if you follow me on Instagram). Sometimes it's an easy meal I've prepared, or something that I've ordered at a restaurant - but the way food LOOKS is sometimes as great as how it tastes.  I love to try new and exotic foods. Not like bugs or animal feet or anything, but combinations of spices and seasonings, new veggies and fruits that aren't in my weekly grocery basket, and new combinations of the foods I already know that I love.

So - what am I getting at? I'm going to combine 2 of the things that light me up as a weekly practice.

A couple years ago, a friend gave me a cook book as a gift: "Eat, Drink, Shine: Inspiration From Our Kitchen" by the Blissful Sisters, Jennifer, Jessica and Jill Emich. This is a beautifully illustrated cookbook that is both gluten-free and Paleo-friendly.  It's been sitting on my counter, hiding behind dishes drying on the mat, between the bread maker and the Blendtec. Well, it's time to get it out!

I am not following any special diet, nor am I restricting foods that I can eat. What I am interested in is approaching food with a different perspective, broadening my horizons to more whole foods and recipes that require more time and care. 

I want to enjoy shopping for the items in the recipes separate from my weekly family grocery trip. I'll share where I find the ingredients and how a trip to the grocer doesn't have to be hurried and stressful, but an errand of self love and care.

I want to share how I prep food in my home. We live in modest home, without all the ooh la la granite, stainless and fancy kitchen gadgets. We live here, we eat here, we laugh, and make messes, and scratch the wood finish on the dining table  (I call it 'character'!). But it's real.

I want to share visually and through words - how it looks in process and on my plate. I want to tell you how it reheats (you know that the hubster won't eat most of these recipes - he's quite finicky)  because I love leftovers! I want to share with you the approximate cost per meal/per person, so you can see that many of these recipes are practical, delicious and can be part of your weekly menu.

I'm going to combine my love for writing and food to take myself through the cookbook, one recipe each week. 

(BTW - Full disclosure, I'm not affiliated in anyway with the Blissful Sisters, their shop in Colorado or their publisher. I'm not being paid, reimbursed or in any way compensated for these entries. It truly is for me, an exercise in self love.)

This exercise will help to keep me focused on practicing my writing, sticking to deadlines, and staying true to my mantra that "Food is fuel, but that doesn't mean it has to taste like crap!"  Ha!

I hope you will join me each week to see what's cookin' (I'm so punny!) and share with me your thoughts on the recipes, life, whatever! I'd love this to be a conversation among friends, and conversations are best when they go both ways!

I'm off to bed soon, but wanted to get this out - mostly so that I can't chicken out! Stay warm, stay happy, but most of all...

"Be Fearless in the Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire!"

- unknown

All my best,
Jen