September Reading List

We are at the end of September and it finally feels like fall! I checked the 10 day forecast the other day and the 80+ degree days temps are all gone. So, welcome fall! 

My September reading list is almost non-existent this month. Other demands kept me busy so my reading for fun took a break. 

Here's what I did read! 

// The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand //

I am still on my Elin Hilderbrand kick. The Matchmaker was one of my favorites so far. Her books are light and easy to read but this one made you reflect on life. I, also, read The Tailgate which is a short story prequel to The Matchmaker. 

// Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter //

By the end of this book, I really enjoyed it but it was a slow read. It took me awhile to adjust to the authors writing style. The story was great though and it had me in tears. It is a definite must-read. 

So, that's all! But, if you want to talk education policy and issues happening in the state of Ohio, I'm your girl! I am reading something new now, my kindle is full and I just renewed two more books. 

Hope you have a great day - we are half way to the weekend! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Weekly Weigh-In

Not much to report. I'm not sure if that is good or bad! I am 2 lbs over my last weigh-in but considering its been hit or miss with tracking my calories and my exercise routine was mostly non-existent (a couple spin classes, a couple days of weights and the elliptical once), I consider that a small victory. I have weighed in the past few weeks and this is where I've been each time.

For real though, I miss the exercise routine I was on the past spring and early summer. I felt stronger, more energetic and I was starting to notice a physical difference. Trying to work it in with our new school/work schedule is hard but I am determined to figure out a way to make it fit. 

I need to remember to take it one day at a time. So, yesterday I stayed within my goal calorie range. My recommended (from a nutritionist and via My Fitness Pal) ratio of carbs-fat-protein was only a little off. Also, I went to my favorite Tone and Strength class last night. It would have been easier to stay home but I knew I had to go. It was hard but I felt good afterwards.

Today, I am hoping to hit the treadmill and start running again! 

Hope everyone has a motivated Tuesday! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Finding the Balance

As I was sitting in front of my calendar last night planning out my week and prioritizing my never ending and always growing "to do" list, I added a blog post idea for each day this week. As I sat down to type this (in the wee hours because let's be real...once the day begins...well, you know), I realized my last post was from August 31st. What??? I knew September was keeping me busy but wow. 

So, where have I been? Around. I didn't leave the country or go on some extended vacation (I wish!). I am around just trying to find and maintain some sort of balance. You know, the balance between being a mother, managing a home, working, giving back to the community and staying home with a two year old. Oh, and finding time to take care of yourself - that always seems to be at the bottom of the list and rarely gets crossed off.

Did I figure it out? Nope. It is an ongoing struggle and I feel like I am juggling too many pieces which means it seems like something is going to fall. Things are starting to settle and I am getting myself into new routines. I know that they key for me is to stay organized and on top of things - like that never-ending pile of laundry. 

In my attempt to find balance and create routines, here are a few things I am doing:

- Giving the girls my dedicated attention for a period of time each evening. Too often I feel like I am saying "in just a minute", "please, Mommy just needs to finish doing ____", "just leave me alone!"

- Rising a little earlier than normal each morning. I know that by mid-week I will be so exhausted but this needs to happen.

- Fridays are for Auggie and me. I decided to stay home with him and work part-time because I realize he will only be little once. He and I have a strong bond that I only want to strengthen. 

- Finding time for me! Getting back into a solid workout routine and focus on being a healthy me. I am trying to get myself to think long-term - about the 5k I want to run, the jeans I want to put on this fall, etc. 

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Auggie and I spent our first "Friday date" with a trip to the zoo! It was a beautiful day with perfect temps. I will take fall days like this anytime of year! 

The pumpkins were being setup for the zoo's fall activities - fall fest, boo at the zoo. Every single child made a beeline for these pumpkins. When we left they were gated with signs asking everyone to stay off. Oops! 

The petting zoo was closed but the chickens were out and active.

Auggie's first train ride. 

The Heart of Africa. 

 So majestic! He woke up, stared at Auggie and then moved away. Ha! 

 This is where we spent most of our time...and then cried when I made us leave. It happens every single time! 

 And then we spent our time sitting in this old Jeep instead of watching the giraffe feeding! The hysterics when we left may have scared the cheetahs. For real.

It was a great day and start to a fun weekend! 

Hope the week ahead is a good one! 

xo,

Stephanie 

What I Read in August!

Another month is coming to a close and here is a list of what I read in August! 

This month's reading list was fairly light with one exception. I spent most days reading education related articles so I didn't mind something a little mindless in the evenings! I realized how trained I am to read before bed because I finished my last book a week ago and falling asleep has been difficult. 

// All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr //

My SIL was reading this on vacation so I was thrilled when she dropped it off for me to read. This is the second book about WWII this summer and I am fascinated by the history. Add to it a great story and I was in love with this read! I highly recommend! 

//Barefoot and The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand //

I am still loving this new-to-me author and her stories. They are easy reads but fun and leave you wanting more. The Rumor is a new release this summer so I was excited to get a copy already! I just started another Elin Hilderbrand I will share at the end of next month. 

// Strange Brew by Mary Kay Andrews //

I cannot say I love the MK Andrews mystery series as much as I love her other books but they are still fun reads. This one was no exception! 

What are you reading? I am always looking for good book recommendations! Don't forget you can check out what is on my Goodreads list here and my other summer reads here. 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

xo,

Stephanie 

10-minute Meal Ideas!

Today I am sharing a few meals ideas to help you get dinner on the table in 10 minutes! Some of these ideas can be made in 10 minutes and some need prep time the night before or morning of while others can be prepared a month in advance. 

I got the idea from a friend who requested ideas on Facebook for 10 minutes meals and was very specific that dinner had to be on the table in 10 minutes. I had so many ideas but I couldn't share them all in one comment. My friend has a little one who is Auggie's age and both parents work full-time with long hours and long commutes. So, they almost need to be able to put dinner on the table when they walk in the door. 

Salads

Especially easy and perfect on hot, summer days. Here are a few of my favorites.

Chef: turkey from the deli, bacon (I always have Hormel bacon bits from Sam's Club in the fridge), avocado, hard boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, lettuce and blue cheese dressing.

Italian: garbanzo beans, roasted red peppers, canned artichoke hearts, salami, provolone/mozzarella cheese, lettuce and Italian dressing.

Greek: grilled or roasted chicken breast (prepared over the weekend), cucumber, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, feta, pine nuts, lettuce and vinaigrette. 

Spinach: grilled or roasted chicken breast, bacon, hard boiled eggs, red onion, sunflower seeds, spinach and poppyseed dressing. 

Taco: taco meat (leftover or prepared ahead of time - perfect to keep in the freezer), cheddar cheese, tomatoes, black olives, avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, salsa, lettuce and ranch dressing.

Soup

During fall and winter, I make a big batch of soup on Sunday afternoons and we enjoy it throughout the week. Or I will freeze portions and save for another week. Chili, beef vegetable and chicken tortilla are favorites that freeze well. Frozen soup can thaw overnight or during the day in the fridge which means you just have to reheat. Soup is also a great meal to let slow cook during the day and is ready when you walk in the door. Make it a more filling meal by serving it with a crusty bread. 

Stir fry

We love stir fry! I use whatever is on sale or in the fridge. A combination of protein and veggies works every time. Prep the night before by cutting up the meat (chicken, beef or pork) and veggies (carrots, bell peppers, onions and bok choy are my go-to stir fry veggies). Stir fry is meant to cook hot and fast. I always have water chestnuts, bamboo shoots or mini corn in my pantry. I make rice in batches and freeze so that I can pull out when I am pinched for time. A quick sauce of low sodium soy sauce mixed with a little cornstarch brings it all together.

Casseroles

Casseroles are great for many reasons - a full meal in one dish, easy to sneak include veggies, reheats well and freezes well. Pinterest is full of great casserole ideas. I tend to go the pasta route but Mexican is a good option too.

Slow Cooker

I saved the best for last! If you don't own a slow cooker, go order one now! If you want a meal on the table when you walk in the door, a slow cooker will be your BFF. I use the All-Clad 7 Qt. which has an insert that can be used on the stove top for browning or searing meat and softening vegetables. The size is perfect for our family of five. 

Baked Potatoes: Yes, you can make baked potatoes in your slow cooker! I like to serve stuffed potatoes filled with broccoli and cheese (I keep frozen boxes on hand), bacon, salsa, sour cream. Leftover chili is a great topper too.The options are limitless here. 

Chipotle Bowls: Skinny Taste's Chicken Taco Chili, Barbacoa, Santa Fe Chicken are favorites along with this Beef Fajita recipe and this Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa are favorites. Use to top a bowl of rice then add your favorite Tex Mex condiments.

You can find more of my favorite slow cooker recipes here.

I hope that you find these 10 minute meals helpful! They are lifesavers during our busy school year. What are some of your favorite quick meals? Slow cooker favorites? 

Hope everyone is having a great week! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Week 4 Weigh-in

Today's weigh-in was a "Yes!" moment for sure! It has been tough getting back into a fitness routine since vacation but I did try to log my food last week (sorry I forgot to check-in though! I stayed the same from the previous week). But, this morning I saw some results - down 3.8 lbs! 

As you hear over and over, it is all about your diet and calories consumed. Thank goodness it isn't all about exercise because making time is a constant struggle at the moment. Now that school is back in, I am hoping to figure out a good fitness plan that fits our schedule. All I was able to fit in was a spin class last week and a 2 mile run yesterday. 

I am now off to start my day and looking forward to upper body weights, abs and spinning this morning! 

I am hoping to finish up a post later today dedicated to 10 minute meals! Be sure to stop back to check it out. 

xo,

Stephanie 

First Day of School!

It is back to school for the Dodd sisters! It was a fun summer but we I am looking forward to a more structured routine. And Auggie is thrilled to have me to himself again! 

I am happy to report that the first day at their new school was a success! The girls had great days, loved meeting new friends and teachers. The parents were so friendly and happy to see new faces. We even learned that one classmate lives in our neighborhood, another classmate is the child of our high school classmate and a few friends are from camp! 

Another plus, school is much, much closer than before! Yippee! No doubt we miss our friends from Wellington and love the school but this is simply a better fit at this time in our life. Simple being the key. 

Cecilia Elizabeth - age 7 - 2nd Grade

 Frances Ruth - age 5 - Kindergarten

 Why is it so difficult to get a nice picture of all three? :) 

It will be your turn soon enough, little buddy! Too soon for this mama!

Hope your everyone had great first days too! 

xo,

Stephanie