Friday, August 25, 2017

My First Hello Fresh Box


Last week I shared with you all how I have been more consistent with working out, but my eating habits SUCK! So, I signed up for meal delivery service from Hello Fresh.

Why did I choose a meal delivery service?
1.       I am a basic cook. My specialties are spaghetti and taco salad and I don’t think I have ever made anything from scratch.
2.       It should save me money. I waste a lot of money weekly because I buy all this crap at the grocery store and it usually ends up in the trash.
3.       End-caps get me every time. Seriously, if you have something you want me to buy put it on an end-cap.
4.       I really hate grocery shopping.
5.       Last, but definitely not least…I want to eat healthier and these meals offer that.
End-Cap Purchase LOL!


Hello Fresh has a few different options to choose from. I chose the classic plan for two people with three recipes per week. The cost is $59.94 a week. That’s roughly $10 per meal. I decided to have a box delivered every other week because I know myself and my life. I am not going to cook three times a week. It would go to waste.  Plus, I like to eat out. Remember #healthynotskinny LOL!

So, let’s get into the meals.

The first meal was Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini and Onions. I didn’t love this meal. It wasn’t bad I just didn’t love it. With this meal I followed the directions verbatim and I think that’s where I went wrong.

My second meal was Thyme and Honey Pork Chops over Couscous with a Peachy Salad. Y’all, this was so good. It was my first time having couscous and I loved it. I didn’t follow the instructions verbatim this time.  I used everything they sent me, but added more seasonings from my cabinet. I literally couldn’t wait to get home to eat my second meal.

The third meal was Buttered-Up Steak with Roasted Potatoes and Garlicky Green Beans. This was my favorite one. Who knew butter, Dijon mustard and parsley combined makes such a good topping on steak.
My finished product did not look like the picture, but the pictures below show the meals and what comes in the box.
 







Each meal was under 700 calories, the portions are a good size, the produce is fresh and really good cuts of meat. I will be honest, I was satisfied, but I wasn’t like OMG I’m stuffed. Which, I know is a good thing because you are only supposed to eat until you are full. My new box comes on Saturday and I can’t wait.
If you have been thinking about trying it now is your chance. To receive $30 off of your first box click here

Signed,

40 and trying something new

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Live, Laugh, Love


I started using #livelaughlove when I turned 40 because it’s how I plan to live the rest of my life.

I have been 40 a little over three months and so far so good. I am really enjoying this thing called life and all it has to offer. I am working on growing my blog by making some improvements (stay tuned). I joined a couple of blogging/writing groups, finally using my resources (other bloggers) and getting out more to network. I have even started back reading just for fun.

 I try to wake up every day with a positive attitude of being thankful that my eyes opened. My prayers are longer every night. A few weeks ago, my bishop preached that we have to start asking for big stuff…things that will shock us, so I’m asking. LOL!

Friday, August 11, 2017

Being a Masterpiece and a Work in Progress


I have decided I can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same dang time and its okay.

After my mini woe is me moment last week, I realized something had to give for my sanity. Two weeks ago I did a post about not being hard on myself, yet here I was last week doing that.

So, here is what I have decided:

Some days I am going to be a masterpiece…picture perfect. Other days I will be a hot dramatic mess in progress. I have to believe the masterpiece will eventually win. Maybe when I turn 50 LOL!

Sometimes I have a hard time accepting the fact that I’m human and ish happens. Some days my feelings are all over the place and other days life is perfect.

My guess is some people think I sound crazy, but for right now this is my normal.

With that being said…some weeks you will have positive, upbeat post and other weeks you will have a woe is me post.

I hope you will keep coming along on this journey with me. Think about it every week will be like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

Signed,
A 40-year-old Masterpiece & Work in Progress

Saturday, August 5, 2017

I have a Love/Hate Relationship with Weddings


I know this sounds strange…who hates weddings? 

 Overall I LOVE weddings! I love, love! I love to see my friends find their happily ever after. I am the friend that as soon as one of my friends gets a date I start planning their wedding in my head.

Not having found my happily ever after yet (trying to stay positive) there is a part of me that finds attending weddings hard. Not because I am not happy for my friends, but because it makes me think about my singleness.  

This post was hard for me to write and share because here I am on this quest to love the life I have, but I can’t stop hoping/wishing for the one I envisioned. I have this battle going on with myself...trying to fully commit to love the life I have yet constantly yearning for the one I’ve dreamed about.

I often wonder can they both exist in my head and heart.

I am working daily to stay positive that it will happen one day, but doubt creeps in especially after a wedding.

Before you feel sorry for me or give me the “it will happen” speech I have some progress to share.

Typically, after a wedding or baby shower I have a woe is me moment. Usually, lying in bed all day and eating junk food, but I didn’t do that this time. The next day I went to church, had brunch with friends and just enjoyed my day.

At least now I think my sadness is more like a whisper than a scream.

Signed,

40 and making progress