hashtag rise n grind

Routine is key, something I have a very firm belief in, especially with kids. I need a solid morning routine. I'd like to think that I have one, but it just isn't cuttin' it. I find myself waking up at different times each morning, sometimes later than I'd like or sometimes just so cold lazy I don't want to move from under the covers where I'm indulging in social media. With a sassy ants girl to get up and ready for school, a boy who loves his sleep up and ready for grandmas house, myself (which I often neglect) and two animals to take care of, I need to find something that works better. I make sure 95% of the time we are out of the house by 8:15, which is great, but if the morning didn't go smooth (ie: rushed, hectic, neglected myself), that sets the mood for the day. What is your morning routine like?

Clean eating is something I have become passionate about. I'm always looking for new recipes to try. I saw this next recipe on Pinterest a while ago and finally gave it a shot last night. I made some changes to the ones I found, didn't use any oil or flour, etc. So go ahead and add this to my pin there, done that list. True life: I have an unhealthy addiction to Pinterest.


Buffalo Cauliflower

• cauliflower
• seasonings (I used garlic powder, paprika, cayenne & black pepper)
• favorite buffalo/hot sauce

Preheat oven to 425. I took a half of a cauliflower head and chopped into small florets. Toss in a bowl and spray with Pam and desired seasonings. I took a foiled lined baking sheet and spread the cauliflower out flat. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until desired crispiness. Drizzle buffalo/hot sauce. Serve with celery. 

Success!

With the midwest in this polar vortex, comfort food is a must. So after Whitney posted her recipe for chili, I started craving it and decided to make over my recipe into a skinny/healthy one. 

Skinny Chili

• 1 lb ground turkey
• minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatos - no sodium
• 14 oz can of petite diced tomatos - no sodium
• 3 tbsp tomato paste - no sodium
• half can (or a whole) of kidney beans - you guessed it, no sodium
• seasonings (I used black pepper, oregano, cayenne, chili powder) - to taste
• couple dashes of hot sauce
• chopped onion
• optional: jalapenos, bell peppers, cheese

Brown the turkey in a large pot, I used the minced garlic during this step. Drain any excess liquid. Dump all the remaining ingredients in the pot minus the chopped onion unless you want them cooked. For the seasonings, I just did it to taste, so just mess around with it until it's to your liking/spiciness. Cook for about an hour on medium-low, stirring occasionally. I made this Monday night, because Tuesdays are the one day I work AT the office (I work from home as most of your know.) I like to have a crock pot meal or easy meal since I get home later. This was perfect. I sprinkled the top of mine with the chopped onions. No cheese for me, womp womp. 

We loved it. I would of liked it a little more soupy, it was a thicker chili. 

But the flavor was great and we have leftovers. Score.

One last thing, Jennifer Aniston is 45 today. fourty-f'n-five.

Oh and Justin Timberlake will be on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Friday February 21st! Make note.. now!