Here’s our life lately in the New Year!
Whenever I do these lately posts, I keep a running highlight reel of anything noteworthy or fun we do in the weeks prior. Plus as many real meals as I remember to photograph! Here’s a round-up of fun things dating back to before Christmas!
See-Saw Fun
Before Mazen broke his ribs, we see-sawed on a nearby playground! Since he and I are almost the same weight, it was a fun physics lesson about weight distribution and balance.
After Christmas Shopping
These Star Wars holiday PJs are on clearance and come in designs for the whole family.
If you’re looking for affordable workout wear this time of year, I just got this set from Old Navy, too. High support PowerSoft sports bra and my favorite StudioSmooth leggings (I have 3 pairs!)
Leggings in action!
Notable Gifts!
90s Trivia cards are so great for group dinners, and these sardine sponges are too pretty to use!! (But i will sometime, I’m sure).
My friend Gabby gifted me this rosé painting from her collection – I love it!!
And speaking of games, for the first time that I can recall, I won Rummikub on my first turn!! Ivy was not happy haha.
New Piano!
More big news is that I bought a keyboard / piano for our house! I used to play (unofficially) when I was young and want to pick it up again. And Birch, who is very musically gifted by ear, is starting casual lessons this year, too. I’ve already learned very easy versions of “Champagne Problems” and “Exile” from this YouTube channel : )
Nod Pod
This was a birthday gift from my sister, but it’s notable because it really helps me sleep so well! It’s a “weighted blanket for your eyes” and also blocks out the light. I 100% believe that the pressure helps me fall asleep faster, especially if I wake up in the night. Check it out: the Nod Pod.
Minecraft Blocks
If you have a child who loves Minecraft, these blocks are great!! We love to build with them. Get a big set so you don’t run out before your house is built.
Grapefruit Set
It’s grapefruit season and I needed new spoons. This set is so beautiful! Birch and I both love grapefruit.
Wonderbly Books
Another mom recommendation – these books! Birch loves to read the brother book, and also the one about Mazen’s name we’ve had for ages. We are also really into reading our Harry Potter cookbook.
Harry Potter Trivia
And on the Hogwarts theme, we went to Harry Potter trivia at Bold Rock a few weeks ago. The boys were VERY excited and hoped to win. We brought Sean along as a fellow Potterhead, and together the two Slytherins CRUSHED IT! Sadly, we did not win (or even get top three!) because there were so many superfans there. But it was a fun time – Butterbeer and all!
Kath Eats Real Food
Real food roundup!
Buddha Bowl
Who remembers this bowl from the early blog days! It’s still chugging along : )
Leftover oatmeal the next day:
Easy Family Dinner: True Nature Pulled Pork
I am obsessed with how easy cooking is with True Nature! To be honest, I probably wouldn’t make pulled pork from scratch, but this felt like I did! You order it frozen, thaw it in the fridge, and heat it up in a pan for dinner. The different meats – from sliced Mediterranean chicken to Carne Asada – are already cooked AND seasoned in delicious sauces! The code KATHEATS gets you $35 off, and most of the meats are $11-12 a pack.
We made pulled pork sandwiches, sautéed green beans, and protein mac for an easy kid friendly dinner.
Fly By Jing
Another easy dinner: Fly By Jing! This one was for me and Mazen (too spicy for Birch, and he doesn’t eat shrimp). But M loved it. I used two of their noodle kits and shrimp from the freezer, plus fresh broccoli.
(I’m not doing Dry January in a strict sense, but that is a NA wine!)
Bánh mì Sandwiches
My friend and neighbor, Jonathon, had me over for dinner to enjoy bánh mì sandwiches. I don’t believe I’ve had one before, and they were good! Refreshing, especially with the pickled veggies on top.
Blue Apron Enchiladas
Now that you can order Blue Apron a la carte, I’ve ordered a few boxes every other week or so. Use the code KATHEATS to get 50% off your first two orders with free shipping. We love their enchiladas!
I also got one of their broccoli and cheese soups, and it was fantastic!!
Lunch Snack Plate
True Nature chicken (leftover) with sides from the fridge and pantry.
Salad lunch
More leftovers on greens with gorgonzola.
Rev Soup Salad Bowl
I thought it was warm enough to eat outside. I was wrong.
Breakfast Parade
I always have the most breakfast photos saved on my phone!
