Weekly Wrap-Up: February 12 – 18, 2017

It’s Friday! That means it’s time for my weekly wrap-up. This is my chance to tell you about what I’ve been up to, and what I’m loving this week! You’ll see that some of it is nutrition and health related, and some of it is just for fun. Let’s go!

What I’m Eating:

My real talk for the week: I don’t know about you, but I end up eating things on repeat for lunch. Then I feel sad. If variety is the spice of life, then my life isn’t so spicy. I’m working on changing things up while keeping it easy and healthy. I cooked some extra chicken on Monday so I would have it for salads throughout the week. If you need fast or portable lunches, I really recommend trying out various salads. What I love most about salads is that you get a big serving of greens and veggies, but they are also completely versatile and you can change things up each day, so you never get bored.

On my plate here, I have baby spinach and baby kale, pecans, goat cheese, granny smith apple, sliced chicken. I kept the dressing simple and just drizzled olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top of everything. I also added some avocado on the side – it just didn’t make it into the photo. It was so tasty and filling because it had plenty of protein and healthy fats.

If you’re looking for salad inspiration, check out my salad board on Pinterest.

What I’m Reading:

Paleo Cooking With Your Instant Pot by Jennifer Robins. Here’s three things you may not know about me:

1. I read cookbooks cover to cover just like a regular book.
2. I collect cookbooks. I Want. Them. All. Seriously, I want all the cookbooks. Need a gift idea for me? You can’t go wrong with a cookbook…or jewelry…just sayin’.
3. I absolutely love my Instant Pot, and have talked about it in multiple blog posts. I recommend the Instant Pot to everyone I know. That being said, I absolutely cannot figure out how to do anything with my Instant Pot without a recipe. Listen, it’s not that hard. I promise it’s not hard. In fact, it’s actually super simple because you’re just putting on the lid, pushing a few buttons and walking away. I just really like directions when it comes to cooking. I’m not that skilled.

Enter this amazing cookbook from my friend Jennifer over at Predominantly Paleo. This cookbook has 80 grain- and gluten-free recipes that you can make in half the time using the Instant Pot. (Note: if you have no idea what an Instant Pot is, get with it, people. I kid. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, yogurt maker and more!) I have a list of recipes that I’m working my way through. There isn’t a recipe that we haven’t loved. The directions are clear, easy to follow and each recipe is packed with flavor. The fact that these recipes are gluten-free is just a bonus, and are so tasty you’d never know they don’t have gluten. You’ll find everything from breakfast recipes to breads, soups and stews, sauces, main courses and desserts. If you have an Instant Pot, or know someone who does, this is the perfect cookbook to get for them. Run to your nearest bookstore or computer and grab this book!

What I’m Watching:

The Young Pope. Per our usual, we are starting this series late. I’m pretty sure the season finale has already aired. Whatever. It’s our thing. I love Diane Keaton in everything she does, and Jude Law isn’t too shabby either. ? Look, we’ve only watched the first episode, so I can’t tell you a ton about it, but I know we’re hooked. The first episode starts off slow, but if you hang in there, the last few minutes are so worth it. This is the (fictional, obviously) story of the first American Pope – and he has some…issues. Again, we’ve only watched the first episode, but I’m pretty sure “issues” is an understatement. You’ll find this series on HBO, but I noticed some of the episodes are free to watch online. Here’s the Season 1 trailer for your viewing pleasure.

What I’m Listening To:

Stevie Wonder. Need I say more?

What I’m Wearing:

We’re still having the craziest weather in Texas. Hot one day and cold (well, cold for Central Texas) the next. Part of me is so ready for spring, and part of me wishes we were having some winter weather. Yeah, I like winter, and I like wearing sweaters. Anyway, one of my favorite Christmas gifts is this Barefoot Dreams Cardigan. It is so, so soft, and perfect to throw on when it’s cold. It’s also the best cardigan for travel. You can toss it in your bag and it won’t wrinkle. It comes in six colors. I have the Pewter/Black Ombre color. For size reference, I got the large/extra large. This is mostly because I’m almost six feet tall and I wanted the extra length, and for it to be a bit flowy. The small/medium also fit, though.

I walk around in mine just like this. ?As one does. That made me laugh just typing that. I happen to throw it on over my jeans and t-shirts or pajamas, but to each their own! I just love this color so much, and it’s the only photo of it.

What I’m Loving:

I am obsessed with this cyanotype from local artist and photographer Amy Jasek. Amy is a dear friend to my cousin, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her over the years. I love that she is sharing her passion and talents with all of us. I can’t tell you enough how beautiful, compelling and intriguing her photographs are. Back to the cyanotype: several months ago, she posted a few that she had made, and this one just jumped out at me. It’s so me, and I knew I had to have it. Luckily, she was willing to sell it. Amy’s photography (and art, in general) is incredible, and I highly recommend you give her a follow. You can find her at TexasGirl Photography and on Instagram.

Original cyanotype

Framed in my office

I, however, am not a photographer, but I love this piece and had to share it. It makes me smile every time I walk into my office. Go check out her work for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

What I’m Looking Forward To:

I know I talked about this last week, but I’m super excited about it! Next Tuesday, February 21st, I’m launching A Practical Guide to Wellness. This is a free program, helping you make small changes that add up to huge results in your overall health. Email subscribers got a major bonus today, and I couldn’t be more pumped! It’s not too late, though. Sign up now, and I’ll send you the email!

What are your favorites from the week?