Diary of a momma who just lost her son.
Note from Kolby: This diary post was created two years ago, in 2021, by Kari and is just now being released to the public in support of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This post discusses traumatic loss and may be triggering for some. We've been blessed with our two beautiful children in the years since, but we will never forget our Jack. We will always remember this day, and we hope that sharing it may help someone in the future. One week ago, I lost my son. One week ago, I lost my son. One week ago, I held my sleeping baby who was absolutely perfect in my arms. One week ago, I had to kiss my son goodbye instead of saying hello. One week ago was the worst day of my life. I don't know how people get through this loss I don’t know how people get through [...]
Recipe: White Cheddar chicken and spinach
In these trying times, I wanted to share a quick and easy recipe with you all that Kolby and I have been loving. It's quick, easy, and healthy. White Cheddar chicken and spinach Mix up Annie’s White Cheddar Mac according to box instructions. Chop then sautéed multiple cups of spinach then add to mac. Add 9 oz cooked chicken (I used shredded chicken I made in the crockpot over the weekend) Add two servings of part-skim mozzarella and stir until gooey. Add in some milk (unflavored almond or skim) to make it more saucy Voila!
Broccoli Crust Recipe
Holy freaking Moly I had no idea you can take so many vegetables and make them a base for a pizza or pie or whatever you want to call it! Here is the quick and easy of how I make my broccoli crust Steps: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Set out a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray parchment paper with Avocado oil Spray before adding a crust. Crust- I mix up 4 to 5 ounces of chopped broccoli (I use my Ninja on medium) and add in one egg and stir. It looks like the egg won’t be enough liquid to hold the pizza together but it does! I also add in 2 tsp of Pizza Lover's seasoning from Meal Prep Spices and stir again. Take crust and spread on parchment paper in whatever pizza shape you’d like. Make sure there are no holes or thin spots as [...]
Loaded Cheese and Chicken Turnip Fries – Healthy French Fry Alternative
I think most people struggle with their relationship with food, not necessarily what they are eating. You can diet all you want, but if your thoughts are consumed with food and you focus on bad/good, I don’t think you’ll have success long term. I focus on making my high fat/restaurant style foods with my favorite vegetables. Why? It satisfies my craving for eating out until I treat myself to a night out. It's called balance. Insert turnips- this fits into my current meal plan (Cheese and all). These remind me of a cheese fries plate at Harbells. Kolby Kallweit and I have eaten this every day since Thursday with no plans to stop. I slice up turnips into fry shape, add some garlic and Parmesan and put them in the oven on 400 for about 45 minutes. I put these crispy things over grilled chicken and add some sharp cheddar on top. 🏼🏼 [...]
My journey to a new me
You can reinvent yourself at any time, any age, at any point in your life. Here’s some truth. I’ve been struggling over the past year in finding purpose in my life. In finding happiness. In figuring out just who I am and what that means for my future. Sound deep? Well, honestly, it has been pretty deep. I would consider myself someone who has always been “high strung”, however, over the past several months that part of my personality transformed from just an adjective that I used to describe myself to one that was detrimental to myself. Over the past several months I’ve struggled with something I don’t exactly know the word for. Some people call it depression. Some people call it anxiety. Some people call it the winter blues. I’m not sure I would call it any of those - I lean towards calling it an emptiness. First, let’s [...]
Health Benefits of Gaming
Thanks to Marcus from Computer Planet for this weeks guest post. We all want to improve our health, our mind, and our productivity. That goes without saying. What doesn't go without saying is that playing video games can help you do it. How may you ask? Well, let me explain. Gaming can improve our health in two main ways. It can enrich our brains and sculpt our bodies. For example, research has shown that certain areas of the brain (particularly the parietal lobe, the frontal lobe and the anterior cingulate) are strengthened, and their grey matter increases, as a result of playing video games. Likewise, many cognitive processes: memory, spatial awareness, planning, etc, are improved through playing video games. In addition to cognitive benefits, there are physical benefits of gaming if you play exergames, which are games that involve activity and movement, and in which you use your body as the [...]
Kari’s Cauliflower Breadsticks Recipe
Let's be honest - who doesn't love some cheesy breadsticks?! If only they could be delicious and healthy! Cauliflower breadsticks may be the answer! Here's the recipe I use to make healthy, filling, and delicious cauliflower breadsticks at home. Ingredients 2 cups of diced cauliflower or cauliflower pearls 1/4 tsp of oregano 1/4 tsp of basil 1/4 - 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (regular shredded cheese of your choice, if you want it more cheesy lean toward 1/2 a cup) One serving of egg whites (46 grams) Let's Get to Cooking I start with preheating the over to 450 degrees. I then focus on making the cauliflower dry. I put my cauliflower (which is blended up and looks like snow) in the microwave for about 4 minutes. When it comes out, I lay it in a small towel or a few paper towels and try to get as much water [...]
For the Zen: Enhancing Your Self-Care Routine
Thank you to Alexis from Singleparent.info for being our guest blogger for this week! Self-care is something most people overlook during the tumultuous daily grind. Between juggling work, kids school and meeting the other demands of single parenthood, it can seem impossible to keep up. Unfortunately, the toll of overlooking your own self-care needs is your mental health and emotional well-being. Enhancing your self-care routine can be as easy as paying closer attention to how you execute activities that you already do anyway. Here are some tips to help you improve. Relax. Treating yourself to a massage or practicing yoga or meditation can help significantly with relaxation. If those don’t fit within your budget, focus on things you can do easily without adding cost, since budget constraints are a major stressor in their own right. Try alternatives such as creating a special place in your home to meditate, which can help [...]
Kari’s Mexican Tortilla Soup (Modified Fixate version)
This Mexican tortilla soup has been a staple in our household during these cold winter months. Nothing warms the heart like warm soup. The thing about most Mexican/chicken tortilla soups is they are usually full of high fat and high calories which makes me steer away. Now that I have a recipe that fits my healthy lifestyle, I'm all in! I love adding a little avocado on top when I am ready to eat this because it adds a smoother texture as well. Hope you enjoy! Ingredients: 8 Six-Inch Corn Tortillas, Divided Use 2 Tsp Olive Oil 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion 3 Cups Sliced Celery (about 4 medium stalks) 2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped 4 Medium Tomatoes, Chopped 6 Cups Low-Sodium Organic Chicken Broth, Divided Use 3 Cups Chopped Rotisserie Chicken Breast, Boneless, Skinless 1 1/2 Sliced Carrots (about 3 medium) 1 Tsp Dried Oregano Leaves 1 Tsp Mexican Chili Powder [...]
How to Improve Your Life After a Move: Create Healthy Habits to Reduce Stress
Thank you to Alexis from Singleparent.info for being our guest blogger for this week! While moving may be stressful in and of itself, the opportunities that open during a period of transition are well worth a few days of hassles. When you move to a new place, it is like getting a blank slate. You have new neighbors, a new home, and a new chance to replace your bad habits with healthier ones and improve your life and overall well-being. We offer a guide to improving your life, with a focus on creating healthier habits and reducing stress. Create a Healthy Home Environment When you move, you have the chance to create a healthy home environment by making a clutter-free space that invites you to relax and reduce stress. Begin as soon as you unpack to think about creating a space that will be welcoming and help you relieve stress. For [...]
My favorite turkey chili recipe
Here are the ingredients I use: 2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil 1 green pepper 1 red bell pepper A splash of garlic powder 1 lb of 99 % fat-free turkey 2 cans of beans ( I use black beans and kidney beans) drained 1 can of fire roasted tomatoes 1 cup red wine 1 tablespoon of Mexican chili powder 2 tsp spoons or a “dash” of crushed red pepper A splash of goat cheese after chili is ready to top. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat Add peppers, stir, stir occasionally for 5-6 minutes. Add turkey, beans, tomatoes (with liquid), garlic, wine, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, bring to a boil. Reduce to a slow, gentle boil and stir occasionally for 20-30 minutes or until thickened. I divide mine into 6-7 servings and add the goat cheese when I am ready to eat. Enjoy! Tag #kklife if [...]
Finding Time for Fitness as a Solo Parent
Thank you to Alexis from Singleparent.info for being our guest blogger for this week! The day-to-day challenges of single parenting might seem as taxing as competing in a triathlon at times, leaving you with little time and energy left for actual exercise. The bulk of your sports budget may also go to your kids’ teams and other extracurricular activities, making pricey gym memberships and personal training sessions out of the question for you. However, staying in shape is important for not only your physical health, but your mental and emotional wellbeing. And taking good care of yourself will help you be a better parent, especially if you’re tempted to turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with the stresses of solo parenting. The Benefits of Exercise According to DrugRehab.org, "Not only does exercise reduce stress, but it also boosts your positive, motivating emotions, too. Part of this is biology — [...]