Welcome to the weekend, my friends! As always, when October rolls around, I simply must quote my beloved Anne girl, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Our weather has been absolutely lovely this week and I’ve soaked it up whenever possible. As I write this, the sun is shining and there’s a chilly breeze outside. 

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Cheesy, saucy, rich and hearty Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a favorite in my house. Whether you serve them on their own, with a side of rice or potatoes, or chopped up and tossed with pasta (that’s my favorite way to enjoy these for lunch leftovers!), these zucchini boats are likely to be a win with your whole family.

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these Roasted Red Potatoes are sure to become a regular feature on your menu. The kids absolutely loved them.

Dip those potatoes or some crispy roasted Brussels sprouts in this Bang Bang Sauce for a side dish delicious enough to steal the dinner show.

Heath Bar Cookies start with a chocolate chip cookie dough base, but in addition to those melting semi-sweet morsels, these rich buttery cookies contain the toffee-tastic magic of Heath bars.

This smooth and creamy Honey Ice Cream with Cardamom and Cinnamon is the ultimate complement to a bowl of berries or grilled peaches. It’s also terrific scooped into a cone or bowl on its own, or drizzled with warm berry sauce. The flavors in this ice cream are unforgettable.

Full of tender apples, beautifully citrusy rhubarb, and crowned with a classic brown sugar oat crisp topping, Apple Rhubarb Crisp blends seasons together in sweet tart harmony.

What I’m CRAVING: I’m really wishing I had some of my cousin Hannah’s Cranberry Bliss Biscotti in the house this morning. I need to put these on my must-make baking list soon! 

My FAVORITE THINGS this week are my dishwashing gloves. They have a cuff that helps prevent water from splashing and getting inside the gloves. I have the medium size and they’re the PERFECT not-too-tight, not-too-loose fit, super easy both to put on and take off. I’ve been using them for almost a year now and still love them as much as the day

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? I hope you have a fun weekend ahead! I *hope* we’re finally going to decorate for Halloween, and I’m going to make an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos.

P has a basketball game, Liv has dance, we have a date night planned, and jet photos on Sunday. It’s going to go by quickly!

My heart has been aching all week for the victims of Hurricane Helene. When disasters strike, it’s hard for me to write posts about anything… everything I’m feeling or want to talk about just seems so meaningless, especially when others are suffering. In the spirit of finding distraction through little pockets of joy, I’m still going to post Friday Faves, even though my mind is absolutely elsewhere.

If you’re looking for ways to help and organizations to support, here are some options:

– Both Terilyn and Jenna have been posting resources on their Instagrams. Terilyn has created Amazon wist lists that will go directly to organizations who can distribue the items, and Jenna has been shopping and delivering items, using funds that are donated to her Venmo.

– Samaritan’s Purse is another option

– If you have any others to include, please leave them in the comments below

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

10.4 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

New Oliveda goodies. Our Vitamin C sermum is SO good (it’s in stock!) and I’ve been wanting to try this eye cream. I’ll definitely reoprt back. Remember that if you take the skincare quiz and purchase two items from your recommendations, you’ll receive a free gift (it will automatically show up in your cart after you add two items from your recommendations to the cart).

Read more

Sharing a roundup of my favorite healthy snack brands. Almost all of these can be found at Thrive Market – use my referral link for 40% off your first order! For my Thrive Market faves, check out this post.

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope the week is going well! I have a discovery call and a lab review call today, and am looking forward to a sweaty yoga class. Hope you have a lovely day ahead.

For today’s post, I wanted to chat about my all-time favorite healthy food brands. When I say, “healthy,” I mean that they have simple ingredients with minimal added oils, artificial sweeteners, dyes, etc. I usually try to purchase from certified-organic companies, wild caught seafood, and B corps because they care about people and the planet.

In an *ideal* world, I would make everything, including our snack foods, from scratch. I make almost all of our meals at home – we try to just get takeout or restaurant food 1-2 times a week – but I still go for packaged options for convenience sake. I have a mental list of brands that I adore, and wanted to share some of them in today’s post!

Please keep in mind that I totaly understand that inflation is bonkers and grocery costs are out of control. If you’re simply struggling to put food on the table, I see you and am sending you the biggest hug. I don’t want anyone to feel shamed or bad about their choices; we’re all out here doing the best we can.

My children would be horrified that you can see my “dogs” in this photo lol

Rails sweater is here // jeans are here <– on sale right now

My favorite sources for online shopping are NOW Foods (code is FITNESSISTA), Thrive Market and Butcher Box. (<— each link will get you a discount!) These aren’t the only brands we buy, but my favorite ones that come to mind! I’ll probably add to this list over time.

My Favorite Healthy Food Brands

Meat and seafood:

– Read more

Quick and Easy 10 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Our garlic butter chicken is a super easy stovetop chicken recipe consisting of tender, juicy chicken tenders topped with a garlic butter sauce that is all ready in just 10 minutes!

This chicken is so rich and buttery and the whole recipe can be made in one skillet which is always a win! A quick meal with an easy cleanup is what I need e’ry day especially on busy weeknights!

You all know we love to get our kids in the kitchen and this is my oldest’s favorite chicken recipe. It is one of her go-to recipes when it’s her turn to make dinner.

Do you all cook with your kiddos? I know, it’s more work, more mess, and more stress…at least in the beginning. But I swear that it will change your lives, your relationships, and in the process, you’ll create capable and self-sufficient children. Not to mention the memories you’ll share forever.

Now I picture Peyton making this recipe in college and for her own family someday. That’s just pure joy for me! I’m getting sidetracked, but cook with your kids, people! You’ll never regret it!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Ok, back to this chicken…it doesn’t take many ingredients to make this easy chicken recipe. Most of these will be items you already have on hand. Here is your ingredients list:

• Chicken Tenders: cook quickly, white meat that is similar meat to the chicken breast but smaller
• Smoked Paprika: you can use regular paprika instead, but we just love the smoky flavor of the smoked paprika
• Poultry Seasoning: Montreal chicken seasoning is a great option
• Butter: adds so much richness and is the base for the sauce
• Garlic: packs all the flavor, use fresh and mince it
• Italian Seasoning Blend: you can buy an Italian seasoning blend or create your own, it is typically made of a blend of oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary (and occasionally marjoram)
• Cooking White Wine: you can absolutely use regular white wine (use a dry wine) or chicken broth if you don’t want to use alcohol
• Salt and Pepper: flavor
• Lemon Juice: fresh is best of course
• Parsley: fresh, minced fine

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken

Here are a few tips for making this recipe:

• Use a cast iron skillet. If you don’t have one, a regular skillet will get the job done, but a cast iron skillet just sears so beautifully!
• Season the chicken tenders with the smoked paprika, poultry season and S & P before cooking and let it rest.
• Let the chicken get a good sear on it. Don’t mess with it, let it get golden and delicious!
• Read more

Sharing my favorite daily detox vegetable soup recipe. 

Hi friends! How are ya? Hope you’re having a lovely morning so far. The Pilot is off work today (!) so I’m looking forward to a morning hike and breakfast and coffee date. (You know, if both kids go to school. I feel like any time one of us books the day off, a kid stays home sick lol.)

While Tucson is still warm and toasty, it’s official soup season. TBH, for me, all year is super season. It can be a blistering 115 outside, and I’m still inside eating a scalding bowl of soup. I LOVE soup, especially for lunches, because you can make a ton in advane and pack in a ton of nutrients. You can customize them depending on what you have on hand, add extra protein (like an egg on top, or shredded beef or chicken), and it’s one of my 3 s’s: a salad, soup, or smoothie every day.

Detox vegetable soup recipe

I’m also a fan of making *detox soups.* I call it this because they’re light and easy to digest, but they also fit in with my favorite Dr. Cabral detox requirements. Soups are my EquiLife detox go-tos, for the reasons I mentioned above. I also call it that for The Man aka Google, so if you searched for “detox soup recipes” and found this page, YAY and welcome the blog 😉

This particular recipe is super simple, made in the Instant Pot, and ideal for meal prep or a cozy, nutrient-dense lunch or dinner.

Benefits of Detox Vegetable Soup

Packed with Nutrients:

Sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers provide vitamins A, C, and antioxidants to support your immune system.

Rich in Fiber:

Beans like garbanzo and kidney beans promote digestive health and can help with detoxification by improving gut function.

Hydration:

Veggie broth is hydrating, which is essential for detox functions.

Supports Weight Loss:

Soups can be lower in calories, but also satisfying, which can improve satiety and reduce cravings.

Anti-inflammatory:

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano have anti-inflammatory properties and also make it taste delicious.

Meal Prep Tips

Batch Cooking:

This soup freezes well! Make a large batch and store portions in the freezer for quick meals during the week. (I love these Souper Cubes!)

Topping Ideas:

Prep your toppings (avocado, herbs, and lemon juice) in advance and store them separately for easy assembly when serving.

Versatility:

Swap out beans for your preferred legumes, or use other veggies like spinach or green beans,  depending on what you have on hand.