Weekly Menu Plan – Oct. 2 to Oct. 8

Here is your menu plan for next week!

Monday: Chicken Birria Tacos

Tuesday: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Wednesday: Thai Peanut Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Thursday: Easy Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

Friday: Pizza Night! Use our Pizzeria Pizza Dough – NOTE: make the dough in the morning or the night before

Saturday: Leftover Night

Sunday: Lemon Herb Spatchcock Chicken

READ: Weekly Menu Plan – Oct. 2 to Oct. 8

The satisfying crunch of Nutter Butter cookies in creamy homemade ice cream makes this Nutter Butter Ice Cream positively irresistible.

Nutter Butter Ice Cream

When I first started playing with this recipe, I made it with a peanut butter ice cream base. It was good, but I didn’t love it. I wanted the cookies to stand out, and they were kind of just in there.

So, I switched it up to a vanilla base and oh, my gosh, was I sold! Slightly crunchy and chewy cookie pieces are mixed into that creamy frozen ice cream to really capture the essence of this cookie.

Cookie Ice Cream

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream. Listen, my love of this tasty treat goes back more years than my brain really wants to admit. (My brother is quick to remind me that I turned 40 twice, and years before him.)

But, there’s something about the classic combination of cookies and ice cream that simply can’t be topped. I should know. I’ve made more than a few different varieties, even if I limit the results to peanut butter cookie ice cream flavors.

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Sharing a fashion post with some things I’m loving this week! 

Hi friends! How’s the week going? I hope you’re enjoying the afternoon! I’m here putting the finishing touches on Octobers Fit Team workouts (they go out today!) and meeting up with a friend later.

For today’s post, let’s talk fashion-y things. I used to share fashion picks more often on the blog, and have been wanting to get back into it! (Along with posting more recipes.) If you guys enjoy this type of post, please let me know! Personally, I always love getting new shopping ideas 😉

Here are some of the things I’m loving this week:

This week’s fashion faves

This jumpsuit

(with these shoes)

It’s a little long on me, but I’m going to get it tailored. Usually I’d send it back, but I really love the fabric and color, and I’m a huge fan of outfits that are one piece and done! Link is here.

This vegan leather skirt

(with this bodysuit

Sharing tips on how to balance weight lifting and cardio.

Hi friends! How’s the week going so far? We’ve had a good one over here. Lots of exciting house updates are happening — it’s been fun to see some fresh changes around here.

Today, let’s talk about fitness-y things and how to combine strength training and cardio.

If you’re on a fitness journey, you’ve likely encountered the age-old debate: weight lifting vs. cardio. Each of these exercises has its unique benefits, and combining them can enhance your overall fitness. But how do you strike the right balance between these two essential components of a well-rounded fitness routine? That’s what I’m chatting about today! remember that these are just general tips. Always talk with a doctor before making any fitness changes.

How to Balance Weight Lifting and Cardio

Weight lifting and cardio are like the dynamic duo of fitness. They complement each other, working together to provide you with a holistic approach to health. Weight lifting helps build muscle, while cardio elevates your heart rate, burning calories and improving cardiovascular health.

Recommended Balance

The recommended balance between cardio and strength training can vary based on your fitness goals and personal preferences. However, a general guideline is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio each week, combined with two or more days of strength training.

Here are some practical tips for striking the right balance:

Benefits of Combining Cardio and Strength Training

Improved General Fitness: Combining both types of exercise enhances your overall fitness. You’ll have the strength and endurance to tackle various activities in your daily life.

Better Sleep: Regular exercise, especially a combination of cardio and strength training, can improve sleep quality, helping you feel more rested and energized.

More Efficient Muscles: Cardio workouts help improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, while strength training increases muscle mass and strength. This synergy allows your body to work more effectively.

Reduced Risk of Injury: A balanced workout routine promotes flexibility, strength, and proper muscle engagement, reducing the risk of injuries during workouts and daily activities.

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As tasty as it is nutritious, this Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie highlights the tropical sweetness of mango and the creaminess of bananas.

Mango Spinach Smoothie

I was skeptical the first time I tried spinach in a smoothie. All it takes is a wheatgrass shot at Jamba Juice, and you’d be suspicious of blended greens, too. But, spinach is one of the most frequently used ingredients in our smoothies, now.

It might seem like an unlikely partner in this dance of flavors, but when blended it becomes a wonderful, earthy undertone. It adds complexity and depth to the fruit flavors in a mango spinach smoothie.

Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie

I have always struggled to get my kids to eat their leafy greens. And, if I’m honest, I came pretty late to the salad game as an adult. Smoothies became a surefire way to get them to eat an entire serving of greens in one sitting when they were little.

This spinach mango smoothie is a dream for getting ahead in the vegetable game. If you’re struggling to meet your fiber goals or to get enough spinach or kale into your diet, I strongly recommend it.

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