You Don't Have To.

Friends.

I keep seeing people posting about how they don't understand why they ...

Can't focus enough to even read a chapter. 

Is that you? I'm an AVID reader friends. But this is me.

Aren't cleaning their homes from attic to basement. 

Yeah. No.

Didn't start a work out routine that leaves them feeling fitter than ever. 

Any guesses on my success there?

Don't cook meals from scratch 3x/day. 7x/week. 

If you can even GET groceries it's a big deal, friends.

Haven't started that - what? - garden? hobby? blog? book they have always wanted to write?

Gentle breaths, please. Let's take several steps back here.

Now.

You know you've said it.

I've been home for (fill in the blank because we're all quarantined a different number of days at this point) however long and I haven't done diddly.

Y'all?

You don't have to.

That book isn't going anywhere.

It's okay if you haven't read it from cover to cover yet.

You don't have to.

It's okay if your house looks like a tornado blew through, whether or not you have kids in your home with you. Clean it in sections, if you're motivated to do so. Wipe off surfaces. Lysol whatever you need (you know you've done or are doing that much!). But clean every single room? Surface? Floor? Wall? Baseboard and trim?

You don't have to.

As for working out? I've always said I need more time to fit that into my days. And guess what? As someone with a fenced in yard who takes her dog for way too few walks? We're getting out more often. Am I running a virtual 5K or marathon? Have I started PIYO or Peloton - pssst. thanks for those free workouts, truly, I know somebody's using them! Me? Is it me? No. I haven't. It's not me. And it's okay if you haven't, either.

You don't have to.

And the cooking.

Don't.get.me.STARTED.on.the.COOKING.

Y'all. The cooking. I have been cooking for about 957 days and nights, and it's only me here in my home 50% of the time. When my daughter is here, ssssh, don't tell anyone - tell EVERYONE. Some days we opt for soup or Ramen or Taquitos for her and I decide if I'm hungry at all. SOME days. On other days? I cook. Like actually find myself being a complete grown-up who thawed some meat in advance, or pulled together ingredients from the 500 grocery orders I've attempted and the three (yes, three) I've succeeded at, to create an actual beautiful glorious MEAL that we both enjoy.

But y'all.

You don't have to.

If you find yourself feeding your family with frozen waffles and pancakes, Pop Tarts (generic or otherwise), and a whole lot of chocolate milk? It's okay. You're allowed. I'm not baking everything from scratch. I'm not pulling all of those beautiful cookbooks out of my cabinets and diving right on in. As much as I adore Chrissy Teigen.

And you?

You don't have to.

So please.

Cut yourself some slack.

Give yourself a little grace.

This is pandemic living.

We have no idea what we're supposed to be doing.

There. Are. NO. Shoulds.

You don't have to.

You just don't.

And if you need me to tell you this directly? Message me. Let me help.

I'm more than happy to.

Because beating ourselves up, especially now, during crisis living, quarantine life and these Corona times? That's absolutely something you don't have to do. Absolutely something you need to NOT do.

Take good care of you. Please.

Looking for more resources on taking better care of yourself, your emotional and mental health, and/or how to find support?

How To Keep Calm When Everyone is Freaking Out

Home Alone: Check On Your People

Feel All The Things

5 Steps To Take To Protect Yourself in the Current Political Climate

11 Inspirational Books and Journals

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Super Simple Cauliflower Soup

This cauliflower soup recipe will change your life.

I'm not kidding.

You're going to be so surprised at how easy it is to make that you're going to start making it from scratch all the time.

I promise.

p.s. a few links throughout this post will bring you to amazon.com and enable you to shop while supporting good girl gone redneck.

You CAN make this soup with just three ingredients if you want to.

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NaBloPoMo: Slight Detour

Yesterday I didn't post. I think it's pretty impressive that I made it this far with the kind of fall we've been having in my household.

But yesterday was one of my busiest workdays. And last night I ended up getting a chance to go see Coco - Disney/Pixar's latest animated film.

It was so cute, but that's neither here nor there right this second.

I didn't post.

Now, I did write a piece for another site I work for, but that didn't go live so I'm considering it a missed opportunity for me to complete an entire month of November.

That said - I'm okay with it.

I seriously have so many posts in the works right now.

I'm going to be participating in Houseful of Cookies again this year with Natasha of Houseful of Nicholes. So keep your eyes peeled for that post later this week.

Last year I shared the amazingly delicious Graham Cracker Pecan Toffee Squares. If you haven't tried them yet? Please go on and make yourself a batch this holiday season. I can promise you - you will thank me. You may hate me - but you'll still thank me.

I've also got a review coming up that local friends will absolutely want to see. I went to dinner at Maverick's Smokehouse and Taproom in Durham and it was delicious.

I'm overdue a few book reviews. I want to try to get through at least one of the Nonfiction November reads I'm in the thick of before November is over, ya know?

But for tonight I'm going to hit publish shortly. Because my kiddo is in need of rest, as am I. She's got herself a bit of a fever and I'm hoping it's the same 24-hr thing I went through a few weeks ago. Either way, I'm pretty sure I'm going to make myself some soup tomorrow. Possibly a few different batches. Or maybe I'll just do one a day over the rest of the lonnnng holiday weekend.

I have this post that includes 9 Soup Recipes to keep you warm and cozy this fall.

And I've also got my eye on this Flu-Fighter Soup from my friend Susan of That Susan Williams. That one might be first on my list.

And if you find yourself tired of turkey over the weekend and in need of something that'll cook itself? Head on over to my Crockpot Recipe Round-Up post and pick one of these eleven delicious looking recipes for your family.

So - there you have it. Day 21. Minus one.

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5 Products You Need in Your Holiday Kitchen

holiday food photo from pixabay

I know - Thanksgiving is only days away - I'm a little bit late with my suggestions.

But still.

You can order ingredients and home goods online, and, just as important - or maybe more so? Your favorite or coveted kitchen essentials. And you don't have to brave the stores as the holiday gets closer.

And, if you need to ignore me because I'm stressing you out? Save this post and consider it for your Christmas or Chanukah meal prep. Because there's always another holiday right around the corner!

The links provided in this piece are affiliate links - when you shop through them you'll help support my website and me - so I thank you in advance.

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Steel Cut Oats In The Instant Pot

* Heads up - there are going to be affiliate links throughout this post! Happy shopping! *

I really like my Instant Pot. If you're in my Facebook Foodie Group, you probably know that I've been adventuring into a number of recipes over the months (Year! It's almost been a year.) that I have had it.

But, honestly? So far most of them have included apples.

I have spent some time living off of my Instant Pot Applesauce.

LIVING.

And I'm also a big fan of the steel cut oats in there.

They're so good.

So SO good.

Here's a step-by-step, all in one place, recipe for you.

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Braid Recipe

This cheesy chicken broccoli braid has been a hit in my house for years. My daughter and I love it and could live off of it - which - honestly? Is why I only make it once a year, if that.

But I'm thinking that December is going to be the month of this beauty, and so I want to make sure you're as prepared as I am to whip one up as quickly as possible.

There is a visual step-by-step of the recipe below. Now, I don't quite have recipe cards on my site - but I'm going to try to create one for you somehow and promise to update when I do.

You'll also find a few affiliate links for any pantry products available and some of my favorite kitchen products. Happy shopping!

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Introducing Harvest Time Foods Gluten Free Products

* This post is brought to you by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. All opinions are strictly my own. * 

Wishing you could enjoy a taste of home like you used to but finding that your dietary restrictions don't allow it?

I have some incredible news! Harvest Time Food has a gluten free line that you're going to devour, especially when it comes to those incredibly delicious Anne's dumplings. That's right - you can make yourself some chicken and dumplings and not worry about a thing.

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6 Accessories for the Instant Pot Fan

Hey, faithful readers, new friends, and fellow Instant Pot addicts!

There will be affiliate links throughout this post to facilitate your shopping experience. This means I'll earn a few pennies if you use them to shop - mostly likely to aid in my next cookbook purchase - because this cookbook list has a few must-have titles on it!

If you don't already know - I got myself an Instant Pot over Thanksgiving weekend.

And, as is the case with many new and exciting kitchen appliances, I'm eyeing all of these interesting accessories and deciding which ones I want and which ones I need and which ones I - well - I'm going to buy myself eventually.

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Graham Cracker Pecan Toffee Squares

You guys? You're totally going to want to throw all your healthy eating out the window when it comes to this pecan toffee goodness, I just want to warn you in advance. Indulge. You can do it moderately, you know you can. Or make these for the next potluck you're going to. They're way more than just a fall or winter treat.

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8 Must-Have Cookbooks

If you're like me, cookbooks have become collectibles in your home.

I love them. I probably have too many of them. Even when I give some away or donate them, I wind up adding more to the mix. Here are a few that I've added to my shelves, and, let's admit it, countertops, this year - with some information on why you need them, too.

As always, y'all, there are affiliate links throughout this post that invite you to head on over to Amazon and shop to your heart's content. So, please do. 

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Applesauce In The Instant Pot

Guys - first, heads up, there are affiliate links in this post.

Second - In case you can't guess where this is headed?

I'm ever-so-slightly addicted to my Instant Pot.

I bought it either on Thanksgiving or the Wednesday before. And though I haven't used it every.single.day? I've enjoyed using it as much as I can.

And tonight?

Tonight I made applesauce.

omg - you guys - it's SO good.

So, here's the quickest recipe you'll ever find.

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What I Ate On My Whole9

If we're Facebook friends or you follow me on social media you probably know by now that I am at the tail end of a Whole9. The Whole9 is a mini-Whole30. And the Whole30 is a way of eating that encourages you to eliminate several food groups and ingredients to help you determine which are the ones that are causing you inflammation and irritation - internally - and it's a really great way to reset your body. 

I've done two of them, my first round back in September of 2015. It was a pretty fantastic experience and I've become one of those people who sings praises of the program to anyone who asks. It was a fairly easy transition to life after Whole30, and I did a second round in January of this year. I started the new year off right. And then February came and I fell off that wagon. HARD. 

So - here I am - you find me on Day 9 of my Whole9, which is my little reset. I need to bring myself back to remembering that I don't really need cheese on my salad (which I broke on my visit to the Lowcountry, and people, it was so worth it!) and I can stick with my almond or coconut milk creamers in my coffee. 

I'm sharing some of my menu for this Whole9.

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Lowcountry Livin'

I had the opportunity of a lifetime this past weekend - to spend some time in the Lowcountry. My first true visit to South Carolina gave me an opportunity to connect with some incredible women.

Let me go back a bit ...

I won a chance to attend a girls' weekend getaway for me and a guest hosted by the lovely and gracious Kim Boykin. Kim is an author who you're going to want to introduce yourself to, and not just cause I say so. Her southern hospitality knew no bounds this past weekend, as she welcomed a group of us into her Isle of Palms home.

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Incredibly Informative Paleo Cookbooks

If you've followed me for a while you're aware that I did a Whole30/45 program from September through October. I'm frustrated that I've fallen somewhat off of that so-called wagon and would love to get myself on a more Paleo-oriented track. To do so I'm keeping an eye on some great cookbooks and figured I'd share the ones I've found, purchased, etc. with all of you.

There will be affiliate links throughout this post - and if you use them you'll help me save money to buy the next cookbook that catches my eye - so thanks in advance.

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November is Winding Down: Where I Am.

I'm not doing very well with NaBloPoMo this year.

My November has been filled with lack of inspiration, a need to read and catch up on some television, and not enough writing.

My fitspiration has been lacking some, as well.

I've gotten myself on track this past week, minimally. Baby steps. Let's just say my MOVEmber isn't a success. Dang it. But I thank my mom for supporting my efforts, anyway. The money goes to a great and important cause, ya know? And VISA Checkout matched my donation, which is kind of awesome. So I feel a little good about it. Not A LOT good, but a little.

Also - last week I had no Thankful Thursdays post. No guest post and I should have written my own post and instead I got lazy and that was that. Le sigh.

This post isn't exactly inspiring, is it?

I'll tell you the best thing to happen this week. Are you ready?

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Finding Fitness Fridays: Life After Whole30

You guys, I haven't been feeling it this week. I'm not sure exactly why, but I just haven't. And I know I have not done a Finding Fitness Friday post for a few weeks - so - yeah - so much for that series I was hoping to kickstart, right?

Anyway, if you've come to visit me this week you've already seen my Whole30 experience post. And if you haven't, go on, I'll wait. I've dropped a link right there for you to check out.

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My Whole30 Experience

If you've been following me this past month or so you already know that I'm a newly crowned Whole30 alumni. Woo hoo! *Throws glitter everywhere*

And so I figured I'd update you all a little bit about my Whole30 experience and give you some insight to what the past two months (just about) have been like for me. I hope you'll stick around and let me know your thoughts.

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Recipe Round-Up: Breakfast

I'm in the mood for another recipe round-up post, and lucky for you, this time I'm talking 

BREAKFAST!

Not only is it the most important meal of the day, it can often be the most delicious one.

And even better? Breakfast can also act as dinner - because breakfast for dinner? Brinner? Pretty much rocks. Ask any kid about pancakes for dinner and watch their eyes light up.

Here are some amazing ideas for your early morning (or late night) tummy grumbles.

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Easy No-Cook Overnight Oats

So if you're like me you're always looking for the easiest of breakfast ideas because you know that it's the most important meal of the day - and you know your kids need it to give them enough energy to last them til lunch time.

And maybe you're tired of microwaving mini-pancakes every morning, or watching soggy cereal go down the drain. And maybe you're tired of having to figure out what YOU should eat, too.

Because deciding what to eat day after day after day? BORING.

I've got the answer for you.

Overnight Oats.

I know. It sounds a little crazy. You've probably heard of them before. Maybe even looked at them as too much work or were skeptical about the taste. But you should try them anyway. Because you might be surprised.

I definitely was.

And? Bonus? My daughter loves them, too.

Start with rolled oats. You can use steel cut, but I did some digging and rolled oats work fine - and taste great, in my opinion.

Grab a 1/2 c of oats and toss them into a mason or canning jar or some other clean and lidded jar.

Cover the oats with 1/3 c of milk. I prefer unsweetened almond milk, because the sweetness will come later and that gives me some leeway with the calories.

Add 1/2 c of Greek yogurt. I use vanilla, because FLAVOR. And if you don't like Greek yogurt you can give it a try with regular yogurt. Plain works fine because you're adding a lot to it, but again, I prefer the flavor of vanilla yogurt to plain. It's a complete preference thing.

Top that off with a drizzle of honey. Be generous. Or don't. It's good stuff, though.

Sprinkle in some flax seed. Or chia. Or protein powder, if you use that sort of thing. I've even seen people say they use peanut butter powder, like the kind you'd toss into smoothies. I might be curious enough to get some and give it a try.

Last step? Add the fruit of your choice. I've made it with strawberries, you can slice about 4-5 and put those in. Or cover the top of the jar with blueberries. I don't eat bananas but I've heard that they work well and don't get too gross, but I can't speak to that first-hand. I used up those so these pictures here have some diced and peeled (personal preference) apple. They turned out amazing. The apples softened just enough and it kind of tasted like apple pie - but healthier. And less syrupy.

Lastly, if you're interested, sprinkle some cinnamon on top before you finish up. You could also add more honey at this point, if you prefer your oatmeal sweet.

Be sure to leave yourself enough room.

Most recipes will tell you that you can shake it up once you put the lid on. And you can, but I prefer to give it a quick mix to make sure that the consistency throughout is the same.

It will look like this.

Put it in your fridge and you're good to go.

Golden, in fact.

Some ideas for additional layers or mix-ins:

raisins (golden raisins taste especially amazing)
dried fruits
preserves
cocoa powder
walnuts
almonds
peanut/almond/nut-of-your-choice butter
maple syrup

Honestly, I think whatever you put in regular oatmeal you could add to overnight oatmeal.

So - give this a try and let me know what you think. I hope it helps make breakfast-time easier for you and your family. Let the little ones help you choose and fill the layers and they'll feel like they're a part of the planning, and when they feel a part of something they're more likely to dive right in when you serve it. It's a win-win all around.

If you want to make things easier for yourself, just click on this recipe card image below, save it to your computer or phone. Print it out (it's kind of huge - sorry!) or just keep it on-hand. You'll have the info you need available for easy prep (and shopping!).

And if you're looking for a different kind of oatmeal recipe that can also be prepped in advance and warmed up in the the morning check out my pumpkin oatmeal by clicking the image below.

* Thanks to Home Cooking Memories for this recipe card template. 
* There are affiliate links for products on Amazon scattered throughout this post. 

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Crockpot White Chicken Chili

One of my favorite recipes to make that completely takes care of itself is white chicken chili.

It's simple and I almost always have the ingredients on-hand.

You need to keep reading because you probably do, too. Honest. It's that easy!

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