Well well well; how’s everyone doing? We’ve been passing around the crud around here. The good news is that no one has anything terrible, but we are dealing with our fair share of congestion, headaches, and coughing. The things that have seemed to help us the most so far are this Chestal cough syrup for the kids and this Rescue Xlear* for me (*not for the faint of heart ;)). All my natural medicine favorites can be found here.
Friday Chit Chat
While it’s no fun to feel rundown, I’m mostly bummed for cancelled plans. Kaitlyn had an event she was really looking forward to and I don’t think she’ll get to go. Makes me sad for her, but we’ll pivot and spend another cozy weekend at home. Send me your favorite family movie recommendations, please. Right now she’s mostly been flying through the Weird But True episodes. If it has to do with science, she’s all about it!
I feel like I’m in a meal planning slump.
I’m not sure if it’s a lack of ideas or lack of excitement or lack of time. Whatever the reason I keep making the same few things: slow cooker beef stew, crispy chicken thighs, easy green beans, bone broth rice, and chili. The family isn’t complaining but I’m getting bored. Have you made anything lately that you’ve really enjoyed?
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David and the girls built my raised garden beds last weekend, complete with trellises.
It gives me a thrill every time I look out and see them. Next up is finding a metal wire grid to line the bottom with, then give my best effort to the lasagna style bed layering.
A “lasagna garden raised bed” refers to a raised garden bed where the soil is created using the “lasagna gardening” method, which involves layering organic materials like cardboard, newspaper, grass clippings, leaves, and straw on top of each other, mimicking the layers of a lasagna, to build rich, fertile soil without digging up existing ground; essentially creating a raised bed with a naturally composted soil mix built over time by layering organic materials.
I’m also trying to figure out chickens.
A friend mentioned recently that if I want chicks I should look into getting them soon so they have time to mature and get big enough before next fall/winter. I don’t have a coop yet or plans for a coop yet so I’m starting to wonder how likely it is to have chickens this year. I have so much to learn! Perhaps this is something I can research more over our low key weekend. This stage of motherhood is special because there becomes time for hobbies and as of right now, the girls are into them, too. They both asked for some garden space (sure thing!) and have come up with potential names for chickens.
I’m continuing to chip away at home projects, something I’m sure that will continue throughout the year(s). I’ve started to cozy up our library space, adding a runner, a custom bench cushion through Etsy that was an excellent experience, and some pillows. I want to paint or wallpaper the wall behind the bench but I’m not sure with what yet.
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I feel I’m starting to just ramble, but still have more to share. I owe you a post on my most recent CGM experience (and I still have one more monitor to use) and the HigherDOSE redlight facemask (HSL15 for 15% off any HigherDOSE purchase). I’m actually in awe of it right now and need to digest the fact that I believe it cured the remaining light but stubborn dermatitis I had on my forehead in less than a week of use. Seriously! And if you missed it, I shared my Function Health review here. My results have me determined to figure out how to regularly incorporate small oily fish. I’m not excited about it, but I know my body needs mackerel or sardines a time or two a week.
Signing off now to walk Finley, fill up Kaitlyn’s hot water with lemon and honey, and switch the laundry. Wishing you a wonderful weekend <3
EmilyS says
I made Chicken Piccata recently and everyone was blown away! So easy and yum.
https://www.saltandlavender.com/chicken-piccata/
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I’ve made that exact recipe before and you’re right- it’s SO good! Capers! 🙂
katie says
I had “chicken week” on the menu for dinners this week. We had chicken curry pot pie, chicken pasta with chimichuri, chicken mole tacos, and buffalo chicken tater tot hot dish. Next week we will be more diverse in our protein options, but it was kind of nice to lean into the theme while still getting creative with different flavors. I see another “chicken week” in my future, but probably not until March.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I love that. It’s a simple concept but gives some boundaries to focus within and make decision making easier. I might just have to do a chicken week, too. Thank you for the idea!
Joanna says
Haha I do chicken weeks too. Sometimes I just don’t feel like cutting those Costco chicken bags and just defrost the whole thing. How about old school movies? Goonies, Don’t tell mom the babysitter is dead, Karate kid, Back to the future, Grease…so many good ones. Get well wishes to you all!
Brittany Dixon says
LOVE old school movies! We enjoyed Goonies, Sand Lot, Karate Kid, Back to the Future… I have to look up don’t tell mom the babysitter’s dead. I don’t recall that one as well 🙂
Marie says
Maybe just “cooking” a new meal once a week vs preparing the same recipes is a goal? Just a thought. I love trying a new recipe but it’s really time consuming, I get it. Just a thought. Love hearing that you are looking to improve/change too because you always seem to have it so figured out! Thanks!!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Some weeks I feel like I have it all figured out and others… not so much- haha! I just don’t have the same kind of time I had when they were toddlers. Seems backwards, right? But I used to do so much in nap time and now we have such a more full schedule. Learning to adjust! 🙂
Mary says
My kids love homemade fried rice. It is easy to customize to your preferences. Tonight I am using ground pork, frozen organic brown rice, edamame, egg, shredded carrots and topping with chopped scallions. It can be reheated as leftovers which is a win-win! We use a GF soy sauce and primal kitchen teriyaki sauce. Yum!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that sounds delicious!
Emma says
My family and I doing chickens this year as well. I feel i have so much to learn! I will be creating herbs around the chicken coop because herbs are so great for them and they love it! I’d love to connect more.
https://fernandfable.org/