Love French Toast Casserole, but don’t time to let it sit overnight? Not to worry, with this Instant PotFrench Toast will be ready in no time!
Note – this may look like different pictures than what got you here. We were finding that readers
were having issues with the recipe so we totally reworked it! Please give us your feedback in the comments. We welcome constructive comments that will help us serve you better!
You may have made a cinnamon roll french toast casserole or french toast bake, but those can take a long time to make. With the instant pot craze going on, we thought we would try to shorten the preparation time needed for traditional french toast bakes! We love our instant pot and use it for dinners all the time. We have even used it for dessert with our Instant Pot Monkey Bread. The ease and quickness of it are perfect for our busy lifestyle.
I honestly had no idea that you could even make french toast in the instant pot! But it is really easy!Feel free to add in some fun additions like pecans, walnuts or chocolate chips! They are all great.
This will make the perfect dish for your Christmas Morning Brunch! Looking for some other great Christmas Morning Recipes? We have tons!!
On social media, there’s a trend where people post pictures showing How It Started versus How It’s Going. Basically, they are old pictures of themselves vs. new or current pictures of themselves. I love these photos because most often they can tell a whole story in a matter of minutes. If I were to show you a photo representing my most faces would look puzzled because there isn’t much difference looking from the outside. The real story is on the inside.
February 2020, just before the entire world shut down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, I wasn’t feeling my best. At the time, I was juggling a lot. I was working 4 jobs. I was teaching group fitness classes at 2 gyms. We have 5 busy kids. The oldest child was a senior in high school played football, basketball, baseball and competed in track & field. The second to the oldest was playing basketball. Thing 1 and Thing 2, are the middle 2 kids. Thing 1, Kelvin Jr, was in soccer and band and Thing 2, Kelsie was in gymnastics year around. In addition to their practice and game/competition schedules, I was also in school full-time all while being a supportive wife to a football coach.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re tired just reading all of that. LOL! I was tired then but it was a different kind of tired. My body just didn’t feel its best. I had headaches constantly. Dark circles under my eyes. I could never drink enough water. It was as if I was vitamin deficient. The only way to confirm that was to get bloodwork done. I made myself appointments with my gynecologist and my primary care physician.
I went to the gyno first and let’s just say the results were astounding to me. My lady parts were all in order but my BP was close to emergency levels. I left the office that day with a prescription for blood pressure maintenance. My gyno suggested I go see my PCP ASAP for additional bloodwork and test. The next week I went to see my PCP. We discussed genetics and history. After blood work results, I was diagnosed with high blood press, borderline high cholesterol and vitamin B & D deficient. My PCP sent me home with additional prescriptions and advise on how to maintain healthy levels with medication.
At the time, I was only 40 and headed for a medicine cabinet full of prescription maintenance drugs. I was so mad at myself. I hated to take meds for common everyday thing like them common cold and allergies. I knew taking meds for BP and cholesterol were going to be a challenge. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
A few weeks after my diagnosis, the world shut down except for essential personnel. Totally bummed and stuck at home, Like you, I found an enormous amount of extra time on my hands so I did a little research and found out with a little hard work and dedication I could eventually come off all my meds and stay off. With permission for my PCP, I took matters into my own hands by moving to a more plant forward diet.
I immediately cut out eggs, all dairy, red meat and pork, increased my vegetable intake by adding a green smoothie in daily. I increased my water intake and started multi mineral vitamin. Also, I went running or walking daily and 3 months later I was able to come off my bp and cholesterol meds completely. Fast forward to today, a month shy of 2 years, in addition to the eggs, dairy, beef and pork I have cut out chicken and turkey. On the rare occasion I eat seafood. Most days I eat vegan meals.
How I started was sluggish, tired all of the time and in constant pain. How It’s going, I’m full of energy taking vitamins regularly and currently working on some fitness goals. I would say I am doing so much better than I was. I have removed a few things off my plate, I spend intentional me time and work to pour into me so that I can continue to pour into my family. I’m grateful for my journey and I can’t wait to see what a difference 2 more years will make.
Prioritize your health and self care. Its hard to pour from an empty vessel. Fill your own love tank before trying to fill others!
With love,
Love it or leave it, leg day is an important part of any weekly workout routine. Leg day can be dread day for some. I can’t lie leg day usually means soreness and my legs always feel like jello. The only way to build muscle is to tear it down. Without getting too technically, when you lift weights you’re causing micro tears in your muscles. Your body adapts and repairs through rest and various systems in your body. Over time these tiny tear accumulate and you see muscle definition. Strength training also helps you build healthy bones. Strength training may cause you to be sore but trust me the end results look nice.
A good strength workout can be accomplished with or without machines. Don’t misunderstand me, getting in the gym, using free weights or hitting the machines is good for you. But due to various reasons like lockdowns or gym closings out in these Covid streets more and more people are looking for alternative ways to get or remain fit from home.
At home workouts can be done with little to no equipment. But… If home is where you may before a while, I would make a small investment in a few things that can help you with variety in your strength/resistance training. Your local Target, Walmart and even Five Below could be great places to grab a few items. Here a few things I would recommend: A mat, yoga block, some resistance bands, weighted ball or kettle bell. Most of my home gym leg day needs I picked up at Five Below.
Here are a few exercises you can due at home to get’er workout done!
Squats.
Lunges.
Glute Bridges.
Seated Leg Extension.
Ball Curls.
Wall Sits.
Deadlifts.
These exercises can definitely build up strength and endurance in your legs. Whether you’re using body weight, weights, or resistance bands. It’s important to be consistent. Working out for 4 to 6 weeks can produce maximal benefits. If building muscle is a goal its also important to add compound and challenging movements to your workout routine.
Finally, it’s also helpful to work with certified personal trainer (CPT), especially if you are new to fitness and exercise. A CPT can make sure you are performing the best exercises for your body, perform the exercises properly, and help you set and achieve goals.
If you’re interested in more one on coaching or personal training, let’s chat! I will be accepting clients in the spring. Fill out my contact form on the contact page, let me know your goals, and I will add you to the wait list.
Let’s get moving,
When I first converted to a more plant forward eating regimen, I had a hard time finding meal alternatives. I think I ate salad every day. I literally ate oatmeal, salad and sautéed veggies everyday. My sautéed veggies were even boring. I ate onions, bell pepper, zucchini and yellow squash. If I was feeling really frisky I would add some spinach. I know what you’re thinking. “Chile, there are more vegetables out there than just bell pepper, onions, squash and zucchini.” I couldn’t figure out anything else to eat in the way I was used to cooking.
Before I converted to plant based eating, I would pretty much make the same things every week. You know how it is with kids. They are picky. Very picky, LOL! Monday’s would usually be chicken and 2 veggies. 3 veggies if salad was one. Tuesday’s are always for tacos. Wednesday’s are for leftovers. Thursdays are for a meat and 2 veggie day or spaghetti. Friday’s and Saturday’s during football season was typically junk food from the concession stand and pizza. Sunday’s we would have Summa meals. Do you know what Summa meals are? I coined the term…LOL! You look in the refrigerator to see what you could find and everyone would eat summa this or summa that. LOL!
When I was a carnivore, even though I didn’t go through all of the steps of planning and creating a grocery list, I ultimately had a rhythm. Once I took away meat I felt lost. After a good bit of trial and error I found my way. Converting to plant based eating, I had to realize I was picky in my own way. I have dietary limitations and I don’t like eating many things from a can. Not eating from a can requires pre-planning and much prep time. For the record I don’t like eating from a can doesn’t mean I won’t. I choose to eat freshly prepared foods so that I can control my sodium intake. Canned and frozen foods often have a good amount of preservatives and sodium. I can control what I eat and how much of the sodium I get if I make it fresh.
Once I figured out my needs, I made some meal plans. Below are a few tips I learned from meal planning while plant based or vegan. Please note you don’t have to converting to plant based eating to use this advice. It’s good for all of us herbivores and carnivores alike.
What is meal planning?
Meal planning is simply planning your meals in advance by writing them down and gathering recipes. Planning is so helpful. It saves time, money and effort. Planning your meal also can help you make sure you are eating well rounded meals that are full of color, vitamins and nutrients. If you are slowly moving to plant based eating, planning your meals will help you stay consistent with being more plant forward for each meal.
Create a shopping list.
After writing down and gathering your recipes, you will compile a grocery list of items. Check your refrigerator and cabinets for your ingredients and whatever you don’t have or need more of, add it to your shopping list. If you’re plant based, typically eat a lot of veggies, or simply like fresh veggies, it may be better to meal plan and shop weekly to avoid food waste. Fresher foods don’t have a long shelf life. Don’t get me wrong you may be able to get a couple weeks out of your veggies but somethings may not last past that.
Food Prep.
Last quick tip. After you complete your grocery shopping, make time to prep your food. Any chopping, soaking, or separating that needs to be done should be done on this day. I prefer my food to be cooked fresh so I don’t cook my full meals on prep day but I do chop my veggies and soak my beans on shopping/prep day. I usually grocery shop and then prep my veggies by chopping and soaking things when I get home. This saves time and cuts your cooking time down trememdously.
Meal planning wasn’t easy in the beginning for me. It was hard to teach this gal new tricks but I adapted and you can too. Be kind to yourself. Take things slow and always remember that leftovers are perfect for Summa meals. Remember to write out your complete meal plan and shopping list in advance. Check your cabinets, pantry and refrigerator for items or ingredients from your shopping list and mark them off the list. Once this step it’s complete, go shopping. Don’t forget after shopping to meal prep or cook full meals and store in the refrigerator. If this helped you, let me know in the comments below.
Happy Planning!
With love,
Hey friend, hey!
Oh my its sooooooooo good to be back. Its been a minute since I’ve posted. This post has been long overdue. Why, do you ask? Honestly, I have no real good excuse. I mean, I could tell you I’ve been REALLY busy doing life and just no time to write…but that’s only a half truth. I could tell you that I’ve been working on another project and just haven’t had time to plan…but that’s only a half truth too. If I were speaking to Teen Thing, I would tell him, “you know excuses are like butt holes, everybody’s got one.” LOL! And I’m right. There’s no place for excuse here.
Don’t get me wrong. I can be kind to myself while fussing at myself. I’m well aware that I’m human and I’m far from perfect. But I don’t have to wallow in my self pity party. Friend, let me tell you. I’ve been throwing one every other week for some time now. All the A List haters were there. Procrastination, self doubt, decision fatigue and imposter syndrome just to name a few. The last few weeks those dream snatchers have been throwing an after party. Staying up really late with all the pomp and circumstance of self sabotage. Last night was THE last party. I made a decision to take a step forward.
I realized a few things during the down time of this pandemic. Procrastination, Self-Doubt, Decision Fatigue, Imposter Syndrome and Self Sabotage has to go! They are not welcome here anymore. As big as my family is, I often have a lot going on at one time. In this season of my life, I am raising children, molding them to be good humans, supporting coach hubby and Teen Thing at football games, work, school and the list could go on longer. But guess what its JUST one season in my life. And…it won’t be busy always.
The reality of this woke me up in the middle of the night from a dream. In my dream, I was dreaming
of being busy. And Yes, it was a dream, not real life, lol! I was ripping and running with the kids as I often do. But in my dream, I was talking to me as if I were 2 characters in the dream. All while watching me. Like an outer body IMAX experience starring yours truly.
At some point in this IMAX experience, I got really serious with myself about making these excuses in regards to why I couldn’t get anything done for my self. I said to myself, “Yes, you’re married to a coach who is often MIA. Yes you have a bunch of kids and often don’t have time to yourself. But that can and will change. When the kids are gone and you still haven’t taken the 2nd step towards your dream, what will the excuse be then?” In my dream, I looked at myself, dropped my head and shrugged my shoulders. Immediately, I woke up out of that dream and started writing. As much as I would love to say that I wrote this blog post just for you, truth is I didn’t. I wrote this blog post for me too. I wrote this to remind myself of all the things I need to do to be the best version of me.
I started this blog to share my truths with you, friend. Self doubt, procrastination, pity parties, imperfections and imposter syndrome filled my space, my mind and on this particular morning God reminded me He is always there. He will never leave me nor forsake me. The version of me reminding me that I will soon be out of excuses is how I imagine God is with us. Loving us enough to nudge us to get up and get’er done. We don’t have to have all of the answers, or solutions. Reminding us no matter what we’re doing, it doesn’t have to be perfect. But… you do have to start. And keep making strides towards your dreams, goals and aspirations to see them through to completion. I’m not saying it will be easy and I’m not saying it won’t make you really nervous sometimes. I am saying even if you don’t have all of the answers, DO IT! I’m saying even if you are a little nervous or a little afraid, DO IT! If you didn’t hear me the first two times, listen closely. I’m saying, “DO IT SCARED!”
As I woke from my dream, I heard, “DO IT SCARED, DO IT IMPERFECT! You will be busy sometimes but it won’t last always. You will not be so put together at first but it won’t be that way always. You have been affirming yourself for months. But are YOU listening to yourself? What are you waiting for? DO IT SCARED!”
As I type this, I’m still talking to me. I’m still speaking to myself about what I need to do. I’m still reminding myself of Whose I am. The difference now is that I refuse to let it paralyze me. I refuse to sit back and watch fearful of all the things that have only ever happened to me in my mind. One thing I’ve most certainly learned in this last year is that life is too precious to waste it worrying over stuff that has never happened. I can still be productively scared without letting it paralyze me. I’m typing this post scared. But there is freedom in posting this. Standing at a crossroad in life can have you so afraid that you don’t move. You can be seeking the counsel of friends, therapist and God, only to find out everyone is saying the same thing, YOU’VE GOT THIS! DO IT SCARED!
Hey friend, we’ve got this. Let’s DO IT SCARED! Peace and blessings.
With love,
Hey there friend! Today is my birthday! Enter a 50 Cent meme right here… Go ahead and cue the music! (Go shawty it’s your birthday!) I am so grateful to see another day on this side of the dirt. I don’t know about you but after I crossed over the threshold of 35 it was hard for me to find time for me and it was even harder to come up with ideas on fun stuff to do for my birthday while adulting. (Insert eye roll.)
Oh to be young again! Pre kids I did awesome things like get a room for the day, sleep in and schedule a massage. I would go get my hair done, nails done, plan a weekend away. For birthday fun, I would then take myself out to eat or meet some friends for a night out. Nowadays it can be hard to find time to celebrate my birthday or find a babysitter in order to celebrate my birthday for that matter. Most people with kids can relate to that. As a wife to a coach, depending on what’s going on during this time of year, we could be preparing to move, looking for a job or be the newbies in a new city without family or a babysitter.
I came up with a small list of things anyone can do on a budget to celebrate themselves on their birthday, especially the busy mom. It doesn’t matter how you do it. It’s important that self care is scheduled, especially for your birthday.
So check out my top 5 ways to celebrate your birthday on a budget below.
Take the day off
I know how hard it is to find help. Especially with the kids and if you don’t live in the same town as family. Finding help might be like finding the parking spot right near the door at Target during Christmas, it has its limits. I understand the cost of sitters varies depending on how many children you have and how they behave.
Here is the way you get a two for one on your birthday. Pack those kids a lunch, send them off to school on the bus or drop them off and take a load off. Taking the day off from work allows you to have some alone time or just time to spend with your significant other or friends. I would also suggest take time off in advance, that way you can make preparations for the things you will miss at work while you’ take the day off. It’s amazing how much freedom you have between 8 AM and 3 PM. The kiddos are safe at school with someone you trust and you are able to do something for you. You deserve time to celebrate you. No matter how you celebrate you albeit going back to bed and sleeping all day, you’re worth it!
Get dolled up and celebrate yourself
With in 365 days (366 days if it’s a leap year), we get 2 days guaranteed every year…birthdays and Mother’s Day. If you’re lucky, (blessed) you get celebrated for Valentine’s (if it’s not a leap year) and anniversary. (Those 2 days, I feel, are generally about the couple as a whole but some people feel they are days the woman should be celebrated so I’ll include those.)
What better way to celebrate a birthday then by celebrating yourself. On your birth date put on a little extra make-up or if your like me and barely wear it just put some on put on a flattering outfit from your closet and celebrate you for a day by looking fabulous.
On your day, get up just a little bit earlier and take a little extra time enhancing your beauty. Wipe the dust off that make up bag and beautify yourself on your birthday. Ulta Beauty also has a free eyebrow arching on your birthday at the Benefit Counter. Check their website for details. After the beauty enhancement, mosey right on over to that closet and put on your favorite outfit. Now if you are like me and your favorite outfit is the over-sized sweatsuit from college don’t pick that one. LOL! Pick out that little black dress, your best fitting jeans or an outfit you get the most compliments in and wear it for your birthday! (This goes for any day…) If you look good, you will feel good!
Take yourself out to eat on the house
Not that the kids are settled and you look EXTRA fabulous for your birthday, now you have to go show it off. What better way to show off your cute outfit and that beat face by going out to lunch? Many restaurants offer freebies on your birthday. Not all franchises are created equal. Be sure to check your local restaurants to confirm they participate in the birthday freebies, coupons or discounts. Often, the birthday item is a free appetizer, entree, beverage, or dessert. I have included a list below of some of my favorite restaurants that have freebies/discount and what they have offered in the past for birthdays. Do not forget to take your license just in case the restaurant employees ask for proof of your date of birth.
Applebee’s – Free treat with email sign up.
Arby’s – Free treat with email sign up.
Aunt Annie’s – Free gift download the app.
Baja Fresh – Free taco when you sign up and a free burrito on your birthday when you join the Baja club.
Baskin Robbin’s – Free scoop of ice cream when you join the birthday club.
Ben & Jerry’s – Free scoop of ice cream when you join the Chunk Spelunker club.
Benihana’s – $30 Birthday Certificate during the month of your birthday when you register for The Chef’s Table.
Bojangle’s – Free Bo- Berry biscuit when you join their eclub.
Bonefish Grill – Free dessert when you become a Bonefish Grill insider.
Buffalo Wild Wing’s – Free Snack Size Wings with email sign up (birthday and anniversary.)
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Free appetizer or dessert for your birthday when you become a Dine Rewards member.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Free chips and queso when you sign up for the eclub.
The Cheesecake Factory – Free ice cream scoop on your birthday and a free song.
Chili’s– Free chips and salsa on every visit and free dessert for your birthday with email sign up.
Cinnabon – Free coupon for a “birthday treat.”
Coldstone Creamery – 7 days prior to your birthday you will receive a BOGO birthday coupon.
Cracker Barrel – Free dessert when you notify your waitress.
Denny’s – Free Grand Slam with proof/ID and you can sign up to get other treats and rewards.
Dunkin’ Donuts – Free birthday beverage on your birthday with signup.
Honey Baked Ham – Free ham sandwich with email sign up a free ham sandwich on your birthday.
Firehouse Subs – Free medium sub on your birthday.
IHOP – Free short stack on your birthday and anniversary with email sign up
Jersey Mike’s – Free sub on your birthday when you join their rewards
Jimmy John’s – “Frequent Freakers™ may earn a surprise reward on their birthday”
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut for sign up and a free doughnut on your birthday.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Free bundtlet on your birthday with email sign up.
Olive Garden – Free appetizer or dessert with esign up.
Panera – Free pastery with email sign up.
Smoothie King – Free Birthday Smoothie with email sign up.
Sonny’s BBQ – Free Big Deal Combo and $5 off $25 sign up bonus.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Free birthday smoothie with email sign up.
Take yourself to the movies
Yes, you read the title right! I did say celebrate your birthday on budget. Just keep reading. Now I understand the price has gotten a bit steep at the movies but for less than $20 during the day you can go see a good film and enjoy some libations at your favorite movie theater. Matinees are less expensive than regular admission at night and you’re able to get some great deals if you plan ahead. By signing up for the theatre’s reward program or checking fandango for deals, you can find deals quite often. Don’t forget about Groupon. Groupon has deals on a variety of things. You can sign up for theatre’s email list and check for deals on their website. Also with student or military IDs, you can also get additional discounts. Theaters are often were running discounts and have birthday options via subscription to the website or text messaging program check your local theater for details.
Make it a spa day
Don’t give me that look. I know I said budget friendly and I still mean budget friendly but there is a way you can make it a spa day without spending hundreds of dollars at the spa. I believe you can have a spa day for $20 or less. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and a stroll down the your favorite aisle in Target. Pick up some bath bomb, bath salts, your favorite lavender oils or cents, light a few candles, turn on your favorite relaxation playlist, grab your favorite skincare items and wala, you have created your favorite spa day at home. Now all you need to do is add a little warm water and a tall glass of your favorite beverage and dim the lights and you can have your spa day right there in the comforts of your own home. These type of spa days are my favorite because after you’ve relaxed, wound down, moisturized and blown out your candles you can crawl right into your comfy bed and take a long nap. It is the very best spa day ever!
I hope this post has gotten you motivated to celebrate yourself for your birthday. I was riding home from teaching a fitness class and thought about all the things I could be doing to celebrate my birthday today. Remember it is important to celebrate yourself and to take care of yourself. If your tank is on empty it is hard to fill the tank of others. So start with yourself first. You are not being selfish by caring for yourself first. Self care is what will keep you healthy, stress free and keep around.
Let me know your favorite ways to celebrate yourself on your birthday in the comments below.
One of my favorite pastimes is eating. I could literally snack all day without missing a meal. My favorite meal of the day was second breakfast. (Yes, I’m a “Lord of the Rings” fan.) If you’re not a LOTR fan, It’s the meal I would have after my group fitness class or after my morning errands. first breakfast is typically a smoothie but second breakfast I would have a heartier dish that would hold me through lunch. Because I needed a hearty meal after my workout, I typically ate a big bowl of oatmeal. I had overnight oats, oats with nuts, oats with dried fruits, oats with fresh fruits, oats with cinnamon and spices.
I used to have a hard time finding variety. When I was a carnivore, I loved eating the traditional southern breakfast, starch, starch, eggs, meat, with a side of meat. LOL! Due to some health scares, I converted to a plant forward eating routine almost 2 years ago. (I tell you all about it in my blog post “How It Started vs How It’s Going.”) Since, I cut back on processed foods, meat, eggs and dairy, what else was left? Oatmeal or cold cereal was all I really knew to eat.
I am here to tell you there is more to breakfast than just oatmeal. Here are a few of my favorite go to breakfast dishes. Some are alkaline and some are not but all are very filling.
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are fun and easy to change up. Smoothie bowls have a smoothie base but the toppings really make this dish come alive. You could add fresh fruit, dried fruit, chia seeds, hemp seeds, nuts, regular and grain free granola, vegan whipped toppings, Mint and spices are all wonderful things to add to a smoothie bowl.
Bowls are quick and easy to make. You can make a big batch of the smoothie base and freeze it in separate containers for the week and change your toppings out everyday. To make the smoothie heartier add chia seeds to the smoothie base and this will help the bowl be more filling.
My favorite smoothie bowl combo is a strawberry banana smoothie base with chia seeds mixed in the based topped with fresh tangy fruits like kiwi, blueberries and black berries. I also like to add about a half a cup of granola and sprinkle some hemp seeds on. top for garnish.
Spelt Pancakes with a side of fruit
Avocado Toast
Seed’s Superfood Kamut Granola and Hemp Milk
Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese and a side of fruit
These are a few of my favorite meals. I’ll keep adding to this list and eventually have some recipes listed for each of these items. Carnivore or herbivore, try them out and let me know how you like them. Now that I have made the conversion to a plant forward/vegan lifestyle I have so many recipes to choose from that I keep in my arsenal to keep second breakfast more enjoyable. I hope this adds a little flair to your breakfast.
Happy eating!
With love,
