My Beach Reads

We just wrapped up a much needed family vacation to the beach. It was our first beach trip without cousins, aunts/uncles and grandparents but we survived! Dan and I were a little nervous about being on our own - we are always outnumbered - but we had a great time. We did miss the adult conversations and having cousins around to play with the kids. 

I thought for sure this would be the year that I could spend hours reading on the beach. It wasn't exactly that way but I did manage to finish two books over the 10 days we were away. I stopped at the library before we left to pick up various options but two digital loans I've been waiting for became available right before we left. So, I ended up reading on an iPad at the beach. I don't love doing that for a number of reasons but it worked out fine. 

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorites, especially, for a good beach read so I was thrilled when The Perfect Couple came available just in time for vacation. Besides her writing style, I love the recipes, menus and food descriptions she works into every book. 

 

Five on Friday!

Trying something new - besides blogging! - and linking up with A. Liz Advenutures and others to share five of my favorite things today. 

- ONE - 
We just got back from another beautiful trip to Hilton Head Island, SC. One of my favorite things is planning a vacation! At this point, we know the places we want to dine in HHI but this year we decided to try some new activities. I am hoping to share some of our favorites restaurants, activities and more next week! 

Harbour Town Lighthouse

- TWO - 

In case you weren't aware, it is a presidential election year. Who knew, right? Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that these Jack Rogers Patriotic Sandals are amazing! These are perfect for the conventions. 

- THREE - 

If you know me, then you know I love to cook! I am so excited to try these new-to-me spices. I could not find in my local grocer so I ordered from Amazon. First up, I am thinking a fattoush salad with fresh produce from the farmer's market! 

- FOUR - 

It wouldn't be a blog post this time of the year without a mention of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It really is a great sale although this year I am disappointed in the shoe selection. I do see some jeans I love though! I am far from ready for fall but I love a good sale. 

- FIVE - 

Anyone else using snapchat? I started using it last fall to keep up with a few of my favorite bloggers I follow in insta. I am trying to share more myself but sometimes my days fly by and it is post-bedtime for the kiddos before I get a chance to catch up. If you want to follow along, you can find me at stephanieldodd! 

Check our more blogger favorites on Friday here! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Taco Seasoning

Who doesn't love Taco Tuesday? My family always gets excited for Mexican so tacos during the middle of the week is a no-brainer. 

A few years ago (or five according to the printout in my recipe binder), I started making my own taco seasoning. It went along with my "everything is better homemade" philosophy. While I still believe in that thought, a busy life and many kids make that an impossibility sometimes. Thankfully, this is super easy, can be made in bulk and is delicious! 

// Taco Seasoning //

Chili Powder - 3 T.

Garlic Powder - 1 tsp.

Onion Powder - 1 tsp.

Red Pepper Flakes - 1 tsp.

Dried Oregano - 1 tsp. 

Paprika - 1.5 tsp

Ground Cumin - 1.5 T.

Salt - 3 tsp.

Black Pepper - 3 tsp.

Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use on ground beef/turkey, chicken breast, steak, etc. It is great used for tacos and fajitas. 

Note: My recipe originally came from allrecipes.com but I've tweaked over the years to make it my own. This is the combo and ratios I prefer. 

Hope everyone is off to a great start to the new year! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Happy New Year & My "Famous" Sauerkraut Balls

Happy 2016! 

We made many great memories in 2015 but I am excited for the beginning of a new year. Honestly, 2015 was exhausting - maybe that comes with the fun! 

In our home, every January 1st is met with a big batch of Sauerkraut Balls. My recipe is always a winner so I thought I would share for all to enjoy!

// Sauerkraut Balls //

Ground sausage - 1 lb., we prefer hot

Onion - 1/4 c. chopped

Sauerkraut - 14 oz. drained (I prefer Vlasic)

Cream cheese - 3 oz. softened

Bread crumbs - 1/2 c. plus more for rolling

Yellow mustard - 1 tsp. 

Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp. 

Black pepper - 1/8 tsp. 

Flour - enough to roll balls in

Egg/milk mixture - enough to roll balls in

Bread crumbs - enough to roll balls in

Directions:

- Cook sausage and onion. Drain excess grease and let cool. 

- Combine sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder and pepper in separate bowl. 

- Add cooled sausage mixture and combine. 

- Chill mixture. 

- Roll into 3/4 inch balls (I use a cookie scoop). 

- Coat in flour then egg/milk then breadcrumbs. 

- Cook in hot oil (350 degrees) until golden brown. 

- Serve with stone ground mustard. Enjoy! 

I hope you enjoy these as much as our family! Happy New Year and cheers to an amazing 2016! And in the words of a friend "I love amazing!" 

PS - Diet/healthy eating resolutions begin on January 2nd! Although, I did hit a barre class this morning. Excited for it to finally exist at my gym. 

xo,

Stephanie 

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Holiday Organization!

We are already in week 2 of the holiday season! The house is decorated, tree is up and our holiday cards arrived today! 

I am busy making lists and checking them twice. So many lists...baking lists, menus, shopping lists, gift lists. For me, the more organized I am, the more I enjoy the season and the magic it brings. This year I am using a few amazing printables to keep me on task and ahead of the chaos. 

I am a huge fan of Whitney English and the Day Designer products. I am on my third DD planner - yes, I use a paper planner along with an online calendar. I am a visual person so seeing my to-do, meeting, schedule, etc written down works. 

The team at Day Designer created some fun and useful printables that I am loving this holiday season! Here are a few that are making life a little easier and a lot more organized!

Holiday Gift Ideas

Entertaining Checklist

Make a List, Check it Twice

If you are looking for a gift idea for yourself or somebody else, be sure to check out the amazing products Whitney and Day Designer have to offer! You won't be disappointed

I will be sharing favorite holiday recipes, menu ideas and more throughout the month! 

xoxo,

Stephanie

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