Nighttime Productivity

Night time... it's the time my mind and body want to shut down.  After the kids are in bed, I don't really FEEL like doing much of anything.  However, night time is a good time to be productive.  It is a good time to tie up loose ends from the day and prepare for tomorrow.

What are some ways you can be productive at night?

• Have you finished your “To Do” list?  What is still left that is high priority or would make you feel good having it crossed off your list?
• Is your kitchen or work area clean and ready for tomorrow?  I never feel good waking up to a dirty kitchen.
• Is there a task that is done better when it is quiet in your house?

Still feeling unmotivated?

• Put your feet up for a short while first with the intentions of starting productivity at such-and-such time.
• Set a timer for yourself so you don't feel like you are working all night.
• Save your reward perks for when your task(s) are finished.   Read an extra chapter of your book.  Check your social media. Eat a bowl of ice cream.

Productivity doesn't always
come easy at night,
but it is well worth the effort!

Easy Peasy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Okay, I confess.  It is almost difficult to share this recipe.  If I give you these bars as a gift, as I did for a friend recently, you’ll realize that it really wasn’t that hard to make these bars.

On the other hand, that’s EXACTLY why I need to share this recipe.  These bars only contain three ingredients. Yep, you read that right!  THREE!  Chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.

Get the recipe here at “The Stay at Home Chef”.

We do not have a microwave, so I use a double boiler to melt the chocolate chips.

The trickiest part to this recipe was cutting them and then of course, staying clean while we ate them.  ~smile~

Your Husband, Your Teammate

Today I celebrate 16 years of marriage with my love. 

Life hasn’t always been easy.  Marriage hasn’t always been easy, but we are a team!

When tough times come, it is tempting to allow circumstances to put a wedge between you and your husband.  It is easy to feel distant, as if you are living separate lives in separate worlds.

However, marriage is supposed to be the most intimate, united relationship on earth.  When God put man and woman together, they became one.

Got that?

They became one.

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

When you married your husband, you became one with him.

You are teammates.
You are two halves of one extremely important covenant.
You share life together.  You share dreams together.  You share possessions.
You raise children together.
You bear with each other’s weaknesses and rejoice in strengths.
You are companions, friends, and lovers.
You are one.

If you are having a hard time in life, remember that your husband is your teammate.  He is not your enemy.  He is your most prized possession.  Ultimately, he is on your side, fighting for you and with you.

I am so thankful for the teammate God has given me!

Tasty Tabbouleh

This tabbouleh is delicious!  My husband and I enjoyed it for dinner last night.  My older two children enjoyed it as a side dish to their meal.

There are so many great flavors and healthful foods in this dish! 

I did not have any pita chips on hand, since we had finished the bag a few days ago.  Therefore, I left those out and served the salad with some warmed, buttered Naan bread.

This recipe serves 2 or 3, if you are using it as a main dish.

The Best Tabbouleh Salad
recipe adapted from “A Cozy Kitchen” 
printable version

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon sumac
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and Pepper

Salad:
Olive oil
3/4 cup bulgur
1 1/2 cups water
Salt
1 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons minced fresh mint
3 green onions, tops and bottoms discarded and thinly sliced
2 or 3 ounces cubed feta
Handful pita chips, broken up

1. In a small bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients.

2. Place about 1 T oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the bulgur. Stir frequently and toast it for 1-2 minutes. To the bulgur, add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the water is evaporated and bulgur is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, place cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onions, cubed feta. Add cooled bulgur.  Add half of the dressing and gently toss everything together. Add the rest of the dressing and pita chips. Toss again and serve.

Helps for a Hard Day

Today is one of those days.  I’ve got an accident-prone, maniac puppy, a child who is fearful of the maniac puppy, a toddler who is struggling with sickness and the inability to have a happy heart, a very slow journey through our school day, the pressures of many responsibilities, and a very busy schedule this month weighing upon me.

I am doing my best to keep my head above water.

Here are some of the things that help me get through days like this.

Prayer!  God is my Helper, my Strength, and my Guide.  What does He want from me today? 

Time alone.

A snuggle from a child or my husband.

Coffee or tea and chocolate!

Fresh foods, like a smoothie or a large salad, to keep my brain fresh.

A good mixture of perseverance and breaks.  I need to keep being productive, but breaks help provide sanity!

An afternoon nap.

Refreshed perspective, remembering that “this too shall pass!”

Connection with a friend, even if it is just via a text or social media.  It gives me strength, knowing I am not alone.

What helps you get through your hard days?

Cinco de Mayo Food

Yep, I know… This post is a little late considering Cinco de Mayo starts in just a few hours!  Nonetheless, maybe it will be helpful or just remind you about some good Mexican food!

I’m making Oven Tacos and Banana Choco Tacos.  I made the Choco Tacos for Cinco de Mayo a few years ago, and we’ve been eating them periodically ever since! 

Need some more options?

• Beef Taquitos
• Chicken Flautas
• Homemade Crunchwraps
• Soft Black Bean Tostadas
• Mexican Lasagna

Hungry yet?

Have a happy Cinco de Mayo!