Tag: meal planning

Planning in 2021

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One of my goals for 2021 was to be more intentional. To accomplish that, I have been planning my weeks and days in a planner. Now, I am no professional planner with fancy layouts and tons of cool sticker books. So, if that is what you’re looking for you are in the wrong place.

I found my current planner on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3rtNTfZ)

I like this planner because it gives me a monthly & weekly layout. I use the monthly layout to keep track of bills and appointments. I use the weekly layout to plan out my day. I like to prioritize my 3 most important task and then separate task based on business and personal. I also meal plan my entire week. For the month of January, I tried four new recipes each week. In my planner I gave each recipe up to 5 stars depending on how well my family liked it. I’m going to keep trying new recipes each week and the recipes that receive 3 or more stars will be added to the rotation.

This planner also gives me a “Checking In” page where I can talk about the previous month and a section to discuss “Wellness” and “Gratitude”. Each month also has a “This Month” page where I focus on three areas – Start, Stop and Keep Going. There is also a Notes section where I talk about my focus for the coming month.

After using this planner for one month I am extremely happy with it. I can also say that I have become more productive by being intentional and using this planner. I’ve also started using a Travelers Notebook. Look for a post talking about that soon.

Let’s Toast!

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I promise I haven’t been living under a rock but where has Sweet Potato toast been my whole life? And why am I just now learning about it?!

Sundays are my food prep day and this past Sunday I decided to try a recipe I saw in a YouTube video recently. I’ve always been a fan of sweet potatos but the idea of replacing my morning toast with a thick slice of toasted sweet potato has never occurred to me. But I’m so glad I stumbled onto Downshiftology’s video.

Sweet potatos are highly nutritious. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

  • The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes help gut health by promoting the growth of good gut bacteria.
  • The antioxidant responsible for their orange color, beta-carotene, is the same antioxidant found in carrots. When you consume them, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which aides in healthy vision.
  • Vitamin A is also important for a healthy immune system by helping to maintain healthy mucous membranes in the lining of your gut. This lining is responsible for protecting against many disease-causing pathogens.
  • One serving of sweet potatoes provided one-third of your daily value of magnesium. Studies suggest magnesium deficiency has been linked to a risk of depression, anxiety and stress.
  • Sweet potatoes contain choline, a nutrient proven to reduce inflammation.

So, it was a no brainer for me to switch out my morning toast. And luckily for me there are so many ways to prepare Sweet Potato Toast.

My favorite is with an over easy egg and a drizzle of hot sauce. Sometimes I even add a little spinach and garlic. But there are so many other options.

First start with a spread such as almond butter, avocado or cream cheese. Next add anything from chopped nuts to fresh herbs, bacon or berries. The toppings are endless.

Tell me, have you tried Sweet Potato toast? Is so, what are your favorite toppings. If you aren’t a fan, what is your go to breakfast recipe? Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I rarely skip it.

Looking forward

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December was crazy!!! Well, let’s be honest 2020 was a hot mess.

But specifically speaking, December was a little much. I honestly didn’t know if I was coming or going half the time. Our little businesses picked up toward the middle of the month and online sales were nuts.
And… I thought it was a good idea to take a full time substitute job the last two months of the year! What the heck was I thinking?!!

Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond happy and recognize how truly blessed we are. I know there are a lot of people going through very hard times right now. But we worked hard for the little bit of success we had. We put in 16 hour days from black Friday all the way to Christmas Eve.


It all paid off though, despite being in a global pandemic both of my little businesses had record breaking years. And I plan to keep this momentum going.


As 2021 begins, one of my goals is to make meal prepping a priority. Tonights dinner was supposed to be shrimp & gouda grits topped with shaved brussel sprouts and bacon but the Walmart was all out of brussels when I made my order yesterday so we compromised. I had half of a leftover spicy tofu wrap from my lunch date with my bestie and some super greens, so they made it to my plate.

The guys enjoyed a huge helping of grits and shrimp with leftover cornbread. Everyone left the table completely full and satisfied. I have meals planned for the rest of the week and I’m determined to keep the momentum. I don’t set resolutions, per se, but I do start the year with a couple of “focuses”.

So far, I have a few “focuses” I’ll be talking about in upcoming posts. Stay tuned.

Happy New Year.