SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

Our weekend was filled with snow, movies, more snow, hot chocolate, and...more snow.

 

The husband and I watched Straight Outta Compton. It was awesome-the acting, the script, the costume design was all on point.

 

We were right in winter storm Jonas' path this weekend. I've never been in a blizzard before and all I could think of all weekend was of the Ingalls in The Long Winter.  Luckily, it didn't come down to us grinding our own wheat to survive.

 

 

For Christmas, my in laws gave the kids subscriptions to Koala Crates and Tinker Crates subscriptions. They are amazing. And they came just in time when we were cooped up all day and needed some fun.

 

 

 FYI: We stayed in jammies for most of the weekend.

With that much snow, there was lots of hot chocolate this weekend.

 

 

The husband is out of town, so guess who shoveled snow for two plus hours yesterday? That would be me. Cardio for the week, DONE.

 

 

 

Last night we finished up the Toy Story trilogy that we started a few weeks ago. I cried, like I do every single time I see this movie.

 

 

Today is a snow day for us, so no school or work! I plan on cleaning house, doing laundry and getting orders all packed up and ready to ship tomorrow.

Happy Monday!

 

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

I love a three day weekend, but it was back to regular schedules today! Which is why this post is so late.

I started out the weekend with a run-on the treadmill again because the east coast has given up the eternal fall we're had since September and has busted out with full on winter. Sad face. Sad, cold face. I took 2 minutes off of last weeks time, and it felt good-for real this time-so that's a win. Having a great podcast on helped.

 

 

 

 

Saturday breakfast was scrambled eggs with salsa, mashed avocado, and dairy free sour cream.

 

 

Ava found a worm and made him a house and gave him a name. I love her like my heart is going to burst, guys.

 

 

Lot's of Scouting projects this weekend: derby cars and carving soap.

 

 

Thank you Thug Kitchen for advising me to put hot sauce on braised cabbage because oh my God, SO GOOD, and I would have never in a million years thought to do such a thing.

 

 

And then this happened.

 

I read my horoscope at Loft (which cracks me up, why is Loft doing horoscopes?!). My year is looking good and I love this graphic. I also loved the gigantic sale they are having! Sale code here.

 

 

New kicks, a Tone It Up workout, and another run on Monday.

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

SCENES FROM A WEEKEND

I got some work done this weekend.

 



 

We went to Wild Kratts Live! The tickets were a Christmas gift to the kids, who both LOVE Wild Kratts. The show was really fun and the kids were so excited to meet the Kratt brothers, who were gracious and really engaged with all the kids they spoke to. These guys obviously love educating kids about animals and nature.

 



 

The show was at the Count Basie Theater, which had this amazing ceiling.

 

 

We wrote letters to our friends and family. We've been missing people!

 

Ava and I got our bake on.

 

These muffins....are ridiculously good. Look for the recipe next week!

 

The pond by our house is frozen.

 

 

Dylan and Neal dug this chunk out. Holy thickness! The east coast doesn't mess around with winter.



ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH KALE & TURKEY MEATBALLS

 

 

Guys, it's cold out there. The East Coast isn't messing around with winter. I did not realize earmuffs were more then a fashion accessory until recently (real talk). I now own a puffy jacket. My kids are wearing and losing mittens like there is no tomorrow. Tomorrow when they will need these lost mittens, because it is freezing!

It's the time of year where one needs a soup recipe. Soup makes things better. There is nothing like ending a long, cold, dark at 4:45pm day with a big pot of bubbling, golden soup. But there are requirements for soup. You need one that everyone will eat, that will make your home smell like heaven, that is healthy (Hey there, holiday indulgences. You're drunk, go home.), and that is easy. Italian wedding soup is the winner at our house.

 

This soup is full of healthy kale, the most delicious turkey meatballs ever (from Shutterbean!), and an egg swirl that makes you not even miss noodles. And, as a friend once said as I made this, "The house smells like Thanksgiving!" Really, with compliments like that, this soup is on permanent winter dinner rotation.

 

 

Italian Wedding Soup with Kale & Turkey Meatballs

 

Ingredients:
 

Meatballs (makes about 15-20):
via Tracy Benjamin from Shutterbean

1lb ground turkey (85% lean)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 cup Italian Parsley, chopped finely
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and Pepper 

Soup:

12 cups chicken stock (homemade or store bought)

3 cups kale, steams removed and coarsely chopped
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper

To make meatballs: Mix all meatball ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated. Do not over mix. Roll mixture into 1-2 inch balls, set aside on a plate or baking sheet.

Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and chopped kale. Season kale liberally with salt. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until kale is tender and meat balls are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Whisk the eggs with the parmesan in a bowl. Stir the soup, creating a circular motion in the stock. Drizzle the egg, all at once, into the moving stock. Stir with a fork to make thin ribbons of the egg mixture. Cook for 1-2 mintues. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowl and enjoy!