Where Does The Time Go?

But really... How are we already down to less than 40 days in the year? This year has been very unique to years. I've had ups, downs, growth, set backs, challenges, successes and failures. I've gone through streaks of being super on top of it all, and other instances where things seem like complete chaos out of my control. More than anything else, I've learned to roll with things much better than I used to. I've learned that sometimes doing your best is all you can do. That I needed to focus more on me and less on things that I can't change. I've realized that each new day is a day to be grateful for, and an opportunity to do better than the day before.

photo credit: pinterest

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm taking a couple moments here to reflect on just how blessed we are. I'm thankful for many, many things. For physical things, emotional things, mental things, and spiritual things. For people, and places, and experiences and opportunities. And while I'm sure this isn't a complete list, it's a start.

I'm thankful for my hard-working, stubborn husband who has done so much for our family this past year. I've seen him struggle, I've seen him fall, and I've seen him get back up and keep going. He goes above and beyond to provide for us and enable us to live the life we've dreamed of. I'm thankful for the two sleepy pups lying next to me while I write, who provide more love and comfort than my heart can handle. They may never fully understand how much happiness they bring me, but I can't imagine life without them. I'm thankful for our health and am so blessed to have a spouse who values this as much as I do. I'm thankful for the roof over our heads, the clothes in our closet, and warm bed we sleep in at night. For nutritious food in the fridge, for safe and reliable transportation. For the work we both do and for financial security. I'm thankful the ability to travel, to explore, to create and to dream freely. For supportive families and friends who cheer us on and lift us up. To live in a country that provides us so many freedoms and for the brave men and women who made it all possible.

I hope that each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday season. That we all remember the reasons that we celebrate and to slow down and enjoy each other. To not get swept up in the less important things that weigh us down with stress and frustration. I wish you nothing but all the health and happiness in the world. Make time for yourself. Make YOU a priority now, and carry those habits into the new year. There is no better time to let go of past negativity and embrace a clean slate. You get to determine your destiny. Be who you want to be. Live the life you've always dreamed of.

photo credit: pinterest

Recipe: Bacon Burgers with Avocado Smash and Mixed Greens

Jason loves a good burger. It's kind of his go to, and lucky for him Chicago has some of the best burgers there are. I, on the other hand, like them moderately but they usually aren't something I really crave or lean towards amidst a full menu of options.

This recipe idea started from looking at numerous Whole30 recipes on Pinterest, and was something I thought Jason would appreciate. I love avocado, so that part made it all the more appealing to me. We did burgers in our first round of Whole30 that I wrapped in large butter lettuce leaves. This approach was much more manageable, quicker to plate, easier to eat, and didn't leave juice running all down your hands.

I prepared the burgers by combining the ingredients below into our ground beef. You could absolutely use ground chicken or turkey as well. I used 1/4 pound of meat per patty. Once the meat is seasoned and shaped, grill to your liking. While the burgers cook, mash one avocado with the juice from half of a lime and a pinch of salt. To serve, place on a bed of mixed greens and top with the avocado smash. If you are looking to get meals on the plate as fast as possible, you could season and patty your burgers the day before!


Jason clearly liked his...

                                             

...And since I ran into a photo corruption issue recently, the "after" shot of Jason's plate is all I have, which is a real bummer. Guess that just means we will have to make them again soon. :)

Ingredients:
For 1/2 a pound of ground beef, I added:
 - 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
 - 1/4 tsp. paprika
 - 1/4 tsp. dried onion
 - 1/8 tsp. black pepper
 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
 - Two strips of raw bacon, diced



Feel free to mix up the spices and seasonings to suite your tastes. The burger itself could be customized a million different ways. Serving on the mixed greens with avocado mash is a great way to make an American favorite a bit more healthy.