I need to get my rear in gear. I’ve got a TON of wrapping to do. It just…doesn’t feel like Christmas is 2 days away. It’s 52 degrees outside and I’m working every day except Christmas. My prep for hosting Christmas has included purchasing champagne and a few groceries for appetizers. Binging on ... Read More about Oatmeal-Almond Breakfast Cookies + Weekly Menu
Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms
It takes a lot for me to get to this point, but I’m SICK of the kitchen. It’s normally my go-to happy place (right before or after the treadmill or Peloton, depending on my mood), but I’ve spent an exorbitant amount of time in the kitchen over the past few days. It started last week with Buckeye ... Read More about Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms
10th Annual Chili Contest: Round-Up and Winner Announced!
Another delicious season of chili comes and goes. And, alas, the Illini football team DIDN'T suck. They weren't AMAZING, but they didn't suck. We're going to a bowl game -- the Redbox Bowl! (Quiet your judgment!) Before the winner is announced, let’s recap… Entry #1 - Red Chili ... Read More about 10th Annual Chili Contest: Round-Up and Winner Announced!
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Winter has arrived! I was walking into work this morning, wishing for the first time this year that I’d have grabbed both a hat and some gloves on my way out the door. The cold certainly came in handy last night as I was making my annual double batch of buckeyes (a couple hundred of them it makes). ... Read More about Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
10th Annual Chili Contest: Entry #5 – Sweet Bourbon Chili + Weekly Menu
This weekend flew by. Friday night was drop-in hockey followed by drinks and dinner. I collapsed into bed and slept HARD. The first week back to work after 10 days away…brutal. However, I am not complaining! I’ll take 10 days off any chance I get. Saturday was spent sleeping in (which for me ... Read More about 10th Annual Chili Contest: Entry #5 – Sweet Bourbon Chili + Weekly Menu
Family Friday (vol. 104): I Should Podcast About It
I love writing and obviously my 10.5 year-old blog is a labor of love, but podcasting has become a true joy. Looking back at 2019, I'm incredibly grateful that Gina chose me as a her co-host. We have a lot of fun and if you ever have any episode content requests - throw them our way. We've got an ... Read More about Family Friday (vol. 104): I Should Podcast About It
30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein
December came and chaos ensued. What is it about December? It’s as if everyone’s too busy to even pause and enjoy. There’s something going on constantly this month and it’s beyond stressful. When is there time to figure out gifts, much less all the baking Shea is begging to do? I’m not helping my ... Read More about 30-Minute Chicken Lo Mein
Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry + Weekly Menu
I’ve got a serious case of the Sundays. I’ve been off work since a WEEK AGO Thursday and I’m not even sure I can prepare myself for the chaos of the week ahead. I fully and completely checked out of work for 10 days and tonight, the to-do list is swarming my thoughts. We did the Thanksgiving Tour ... Read More about Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry + Weekly Menu