monday keto {menu}

{recipe from here}

→ KETO LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN ←

O K Yes I am trying the new "KETO" lifestyle, movement,  diet... Whatever you want to call it. The KETO way! I started 3 months ago and feel really great! On the 3rd day of my no sugar and no carbs KETO way, I thought I was going to die. I really was so over it! I believe I had the KETO flue they call it. You're physically exhausted, have a massive headache {nothing helps} and you ache from head to toe. Yup, that was me to the m a x! I sat down and said, "What the heck did I get myself into again?!" Why? Do I want this? Why? After about an hour of contemplation {really wanting that burrito} I said, I got this! It's time to follow through and see what so many people are raving about. The feeling absolutely great to having tons of energy throughout the day. Who wouldn't want that... Plus, I needed to focus more and be able to work longer hours without crashing earlier in the day. Plus, being a mom is a 24/7 {no breaks} job. So I went up on YouTube and asked, why am I so tired, plus how do I work through this KETO flue? YouTube said, TONS of water, B5 vitamin and exercise to deplete your carb intake in your body. I went guns a blazing and worked out H A R D! So in my Yoga 6 - Boot Camp class, I thought I was going to pass out and barf. Are you still interested in the KETO way? LOL I walked out... And once again said, "What am I doing!?" Then I drank water, wiped my face and said, "You got this!" Go slow and get those stupid carbs out of your system! I want to feel good {have more energy} and burn the fat off my body! I did it and made it through... One huge piece of advise with going KETO or just cutting out carbs and sugar be prepared and do your food in advance {if you can}. It helps you a lot! Now my food consumption is way less and I know what I can and cannot eat. I good with that. I'm sure you're all wondering if I've had any sugar or carbs... Heck Ya! Hello... Let me list a few times... Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Brunch, Christmas Dinner, Traveled Back East: Boston goodies to Vermont goodies to the occasional OMG that looks so good i'll try it! 

T R U T H, I get really bad headache and feel like... Yes, you guessed it CRAP! With a huge Capital C!  I have learned to take a taste of something verses binging or denying myself at all!  

  
So to help you if you are on KETO or thinking about it... Here's a recipe that I'm going to try this week. Oh yes my kids kind of do it... Because I'm the main master Chef in the house. They still have carbs and sugar, but way less. I'm good with that!!! 

E N Y O Y 

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts pounded to even thickness OR OR 6-8 boneless chicken thighs skinless or with skin
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional or to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter swap with olive oil for paleo
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves sliced or minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Juice of 1 medium lemon
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream leave out for paleo
• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices optional for garnish
• Cast Iron Skillet

happy sunday...

XOXO 

Alexandra 

book #1 {january 2019}

F Y I... I'm not a big reader at all. I have to make myself read at night. Remember when your mom or dad would set the kitchen timer  and make you read for 20 to 30 minutes a night when you were younger... Yup, I do that to myself! Don't get me wrong, some books grab my attention and I get sucked into the fabulous world of reading and feel so amazing after... And then want to tell everyone about it! Of course Danielle Steel's Romance novels  suck me in {wink wink} and I can read super fast! So in 2019 I'm reading a book a month... Want to jump on board with reading this book with me for the month of January? I should have told you all about my journey earlier {so sorry}, but with Christmas  New Years, kids, work and traveling I haven't been on social media that much! Hey, better late than never... Right? So go get Girl, Wash Your Face, By Rachel Hollis. I got it for Christmas and so far so good! I'm really liking it... A lot! I won't say anything till i'm {you're} done. Hurry up people! Go get it and we can chat about all the positives, negatives and huge teachings that the book has to offer! I know some of you could read this book in a day {braggers}... So I've been told that! 

Look on the upper right side bar of my blog and see rustic roosters book club suggestion of the month. This will be so fun! 

happy sunday...

coastal alley sale

 

new year... new start

New Year... New start! Right? NO! NO! NO! Everyday is a New Year... New Start! I kept thinking about all my New Years resolutions and goals, but realized one very important thing, every morning I wake up I can actually start over and start new intentions. New Start! I read a fabulous book by Tim Tebow, This is The Day and It's true, This is The Day... Make it the best day of your life. Have fun stop worrying and go! Play with your kids, leave the laundry in the basket, make those cookies and eat them! You never know what will happen today, tomorrow or even in 30 minutes. Hey,  we all should definitely make a list of goals and break them all down, step by step to accomplish them... I get that, but we need to remember that life is fast and overtime we keep putting more and more pressure on ourselves and we truly miss one thing that's the most important to all... Our Happiness. I believe I have told you all this before... Every morning I wake up and say,  today is the day! No joke I do this every morning!  Everything is going to be awesome! HA HA Emmet from the Lego movie actually has it right! Everything is awesome! lol I think of all the things i'm grateful for {my family, my kids, my bed, my job, my health, the food on the table, the sky... etc.} and say them over and over again! I know some people have it harder than others and I'm not disputing that, but getting your mind into the right frame is truly the key. If it means signing yourself up for therapy... GO DO IT! If it means eating healthy... GO DO IT! If it means you need to get out and exercise... GO DO IT! You truly can do anything you put your mind to. Yes, my father passed away from Prostate Cancer... Yes, I have had very difficult design clients. Yes, I got a divorce.  Yes, I've fallen off my healthy eating wagon... Yes, I have yelled at my children so loud that my voice practically went out... Yes, I've signed up for that marathon and never showed up for it... Yes, Yes, Yes... But guess what does that mean I should just sit on the couch and eat bon bons and wait till next year to start all over. NOPE! Come on people it's ok to fail... Making a list will definitely help you see what you need to do, but if you feel overwhelmed just take one day at a time and one goal at a time. Go slow and be very simple {realistic}. I have never been happier with all the choices that I have made. O K yes I've made a few mistakes along the way {who hasn't, we're all human}... But guess what every day is a new day... New start! Are you all getting my point? A new year is fabulous with T O N S of same old goals and intentions, but everyday is truly amazing and a new start {year}. Look at your journey that way! What can you do differently today that you didn't do yesterday. It might be... Wear some lipstick and clean out your closet, to smile at 5 people when you're out walking. My favorite is to compliment someone you've never met. I love seeing the glow on someones face when I let them know I love their hair or shoes. It takes one positive foot forward to make the right decisions. DO IT!

                                                                                 

morning delight {monday menu}

{recipe here}

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD MUFFINS  

ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• zest of half an orange (optional)
• 1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Maple Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar, sifted
• 1-2 Tbsp milk
• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

---

instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin and egg until completely combined. Whisk in the vanilla, orange zest (if using), spices, and salt.
3. Add the oil, molasses, and milk, stirring until completely combined after each addition. Add the sugars, and stir to combine.
4. Add the baking powder and baking soda, and stir to combine. Fold in the flour until just mixed. Do not overbeat.
5. Use a cookie scoop to divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 10 minutes at 400° F. Turn the oven temperature down to 375° F., and bake for an additional 7-9 minutes, until the muffin tops are set, and a cake tester inserted into the center of each muffin comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room-temperature.

Maple Vanilla Glaze (or Frosting)

1. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla. Add more or less milk to create a thicker/thinner consistency, if preferred.
2. If glazing: While the muffins are still warm, dip the tops of each in the glaze, then place on a baking rack to cool and set.
3. If frosting: Wait for the muffins to fully cool, then use a knife or small offset spatula to spread on the frosting.
4. X O X O 
5. Alexandra 

happy sunday...

happy sunday...

good list

{all images from rustic rooster pinterest... HERE}

OK Mr. Claus! Lets get something straight! I've been on the nice list for the past 5+ years straight. Yes, with minor little slip ups, but nothing to alarm you. No embarrassing mom moments or wild moms night out... So Take that Santa! Ha So what do you think... All of these fabulous gifts should totally be under my tree this year... I'm crossing my fingers and toes. I would cross more if I could! Seriously, everyone how cute are these shoes and that bag... Oh My I love them all! Are you on the good list or the naughty list?

friday christmas f u n

{image and recipe if from rustic rooster pinterest... HERE}

HOLY SMOKES these cookies are way too pretty to eat. I think If I made them I wouldn't let anyone eat them... A lot of swooshing would happen... And yes me yelling NO NO NO, Find something else to eat {get out of here}! This truly is some serious artwork. Ahhhh I would love to make these. One problem I need some piping bags and tips or something like that to paint each cookie perfectly. I think by the time I finished the cookies they either would be 1/2 eaten or so sloppy. hahaha OMG look at Santa he so cute! 

I'm game if you're game? 

HO HO HO 

Game on... Lets bake these cookies this tonight! FYI You would totally score extra brownie points with Mr. Claus!!!! 

he's back!

OH Mr. Jingles... I absolutely love and truly hate you all at once! I don't really remember the moment you entered into my families life, but I know you've definitely touched us all one way or another... Positive and Negative. Some nights you have scared my kids to death and others times I've caught my children talking to you with words of kindness {trying to give Santa Claus messages}!  But I do know without fail my kids look for you e v e r y  s i n g l e morning in the the month of December. I don't get a hug or kiss per usual in the am... Until Jingles is discovered.Its so cute to see this... They wonder what he's done or where he is. Some weeks he's creative others  he very still {totally forgot to move him} and stares! But now I have a helper {thank God}... Taylor has discovered that Mr. Jingles is created for little kids. She has moved out of the elf on the Shelf stage. I never told her it wasn't real, she just put two and two together on her own. Maybe friends or Instagram influenced her on it, but I still say, "If you believe then it's real and magic will still happen! Believing  with all your heart and soul will keep him alive... Forever!" I will never discourage my children in believing in Santa Claus, The Elf on the Shelf, The Easter Bunny... Or anything! I don't care if they're 21 and still believing... HaHa I hope so {wink}!  I will ask any question they have, listen so they can come up with their own discovery. I remember when I stopped believing as an older kid and to be honest with you Christmas that year was never the same for me. I was kind of sad. So I want to keep the magic alive in my house and keep their heart and soul in believing in Christmas! Happy December everyone... I hope you put a little more magic spice in this month! 

monday {menu}

{recipe}

pumpkin spice glazed cake bites

ingredients:

• 1 box spice cake mix

Water, eggs and oil according to cake box 

instructions:

• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

cooking instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 50 mini muffin cups. (you can make in 2 batches if you only have one pan)

   
   
2. In large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

   
   
3. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about half full).

   
   
4. Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cakes from muffin cups to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

   
   
5. Place cooling rack on cookie sheet or waxed paper to catch glaze drips.

   In 3-quart saucepan, mix all glaze ingredients. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

   
   
6. Dip a cake into glaze and remove gently with a fork, place top side is down on cooling rack. Top with sprinkles immediately. Repeat till all cakes are coated. Let stand until glaze is set, about 15 minutes.

   
   
7. Store loosely covered.

   

   
   

happy sunday...

dinner is served

Wouldn't you just love to step outside and sit at this table. Oh My I sure would! I guarantee at night with the garden lights glowing its just magical... Almost a little romantic as well. Happy Wednesday everyone! 

monday {menu}

{recipe from...  here}

PERFECT PANCAKES

2 cups flour

5 tsp baking powder

4 T sugar

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil

2 cups milk

Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, and whisk with a fork to combine. Mix eggs, oil, and milk together until well combined. Add to dry ingredients, and mix with a fork until mostly combined, with some small lumps of flour remaining. Lightly butter the preheated griddle and pour the batter by 1/4 cup scoops onto the griddle (I always use a measuring cup so they're all the same size). Cook 3-4 minutes or until there are bubbles throughout the top of the pancakes, and the edges of the pancakes look dry. Flip the pancakes and cook for another minute or until lightly browned on the bottom. Serve warm with butter and syrup or (my favorite!) with fresh strawberry sauce. Makes 20-24 pancakes.

happy sunday...

happy thanksgiving

{all photos are from rustic rooster pinterest... here}

Today is a day to reflect and truly think about what we are t h a n k f u l for...  Have you thought about what you are t h a n k f u l for? Have you taken a moment to think about all of that? Truly, there is so much we are t h a n k f u l for... "life, food, family, our children, mothers, nature, fathers, pets, our beds, the sky, makeup, clothes, money, computers, education, coffee, our freedom".... The list can go on and on and I think you get my point right now! So take that moment and think about what stands out for you! 

I have a little job for you all... Get a timer {of course if your not using it to cook your turkey} and set it for 5 minutes. That's it 5 minutes! Then get a piece of paper and pen... Sit down and start thinking of everything that you are t h a n k f u l for! I think you can spare 5 minutes on your own to do this. I guarantee you will open your eyes wide and realize so much... Plus, you will be rejuvenated after this little quiet time! Now,  I'm going to add a challenge to your 5 minute little job... Text, make a phone call, write a hand written note or say thank you in person to those you are t h a n k f u l for! 

Happy Thanksgiving all my blogger friends... I hope you have an amazing day!  I truly want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me all these years... I'm very t h a n k f u l for each and everyone of you! 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie

gobble gobble

A L E X A N D R A

monday {menu}

{mini pumpkin pie slice cookie recipe... HERE}

happy sunday...