Lately

gal pals @ work.

Some of my favorites in the blogging world do a weekly recap of recipes and things they’ve found online that they’ve loved. I’m on spring break right now, so I figured, what better time to take a stab at it myself!

It’s my birthday today, so the indulgence has been a little high. But that’s justified, right? We’re gearing up for Flight on Thursday night, and I’m hitting up ALL of the birthday freebies AND using my spring break #staycation (so trendy) to get some work done, bake up a storm, and hang out with friends who are in town. So far, I went to Waffle House for the first time (I know, I know…), had a successful shopping trip, and hit a PR on my deadlift at 175#. 185, I’m coming for you!

Here goes:

Our weather here has been icky, so I’ve been making ALL the (crockpot) chili. I’m considering this a win for me because, at this time last year, I’d make the same chili like 2 out of 4 weekends a month. #mypoorhusband

I have a forever long list of recipes bookmarked in my browser (Chrome, of course). Collin suggested I use this week to knock some of them out. Here’s one we tried the other day, but I used olive oil instead of butter. YUM! But… they’re best fresh and only half as good when you reheat them. So bring your appetite for ALL the potatoes if you go for them.

At Kroger a few months ago, I bought some of their off brand “Nutella” on a whim. (Also, it was on the clearance rack, where anything goes. AMIRIGHT?) I used it to make Sally’s Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies. OMG SO GOOD. I chilled the dough and let it come back up to room temp, but yeah- highly recommend this. Even my anti-Nutella hub liked them!

Don’t tell my Mom, but I think I have a new favorite chocolate cake recipe! I’ve found that it makes nice, tall layers in 2 9-inch cake pans (despite the recipe calling for 8-inch pans). And- I’ve had success switching out the wine with coffee :D!

I just made lemon curd with meyer lemons! It’s a spring break tradition (because I usually end us using it in my birthday cake. I’m trying to decide whether to go with this one or this one.) The non-lemon cake is already determined.

Outside of the kitchen (wait, what’s that?!?!?), I bought these jeans and am loving them. Except what do you know? As soon as I buy them and want to wear them, Memphis decides it’s winter again, thus requiring full-length jeans and sweaters. #WHY?

Although I didn’t give anything up for Lent, I’ve been reading through this devotional daily, and it’s great. The writings are thought-provoking, and I love the way the authors string together scripture from different passages. It’s different, but it helps me see how the same themes and messages run throughout the Bible.

At the gym, I’ve been getting into lifting, thanks to a women’s lifting class by this girl ! My girl Jen has also helped rekindle my love for lifting with her new awesome series on lifting! Check it out! #shamelessplug

And at school, I’m gearing up to teach A Long Way Gone and A Long Walk to Water. I’m still working my way through what seems to be THE GOSPEL of lit circles. Wish me luck!