Recipe: Allergen-free Banana Bread (that actually tastes good)
August 25, 2019
Yum
Joy is currently allergic to everything but still wants me to bake. My banana bread has evolved with our changing dietary needs and even Hank likes this version. This version includes vegan substitutions.
If you have a reaction to any of The Big-8 allergens, this might be the banana bread recipe for you. It's gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and can be made dairy-free and vegan.
Joy is currently allergic to everything but still wants me to bake. My banana bread has evolved with our changing dietary needs and even Hank likes this version. This version includes vegan substitutions.
If you have a reaction to any of The Big-8 allergens, this might be the banana bread recipe for you. It's gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and can be made dairy-free and vegan.
Reorg Reset
August 19, 2019
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Ross Findon |
As I got into work, my current direct manager came over to check on me and get a download of things that happened while she was on PTO and a temperature check on how I was feeling about the change. It is so odd for me to be treated this way. I can't decide if it's courteousness or if they think I am fragile (the only thing making me fragile is keeping my mouth shut and my opinions to myself), or if they genuinely care about what I think and feel about the situation. I'm a contractor, I go with the flow.
Later that same day ...
I apparently already have a reputation as someone with opinions at work. New group. New hands on group director. She's ENFJ, I'm INTJ. This is going to be interesting.— Resident Purple Squirrel Unicorn (@daNanner) August 19, 2019
I'm Tired
August 6, 2019
I am bone tired. Tired beyond belief. I have no idea what keeps me going. I don't want to keep going. I just want to rest.
Menu Plan Monday: Meal Prep For Stress-Free Weekday Nights
June 24, 2019

Yeah, the vegetarian kickstart didn’t go as planned. Completely derailed, but what else is new.
I have finally admitted that I need to do meal prep for our different dietary needs/desires/my own personal sanity. I don't need to eat as often and he does to be on strict IF + Keto, and IP is gone for the next two months, so I can ease up on the FODMAP+ Paleo AIP side prep.
So … we’re (I'm)going to attempt meal prep this Sunday (guess who gets to clean the fridge first) and see how it goes. I’ve done it before with some success and much grumbling.
Him, not so much, but I also don’t have an issue with food. I exercise so I can eat. I know that I love to eat and try new flavors (eating the same thing week in and week out will make me fall off sooner any "diet"faster than anything else), and I know when I am full and stop eating. My issues these days are hormone imbalance (birth control keeps me sane but also packs on the pounds) and lack of exercise plus a shitton of stress. Cortisol is bad mmmkay. I really miss the days when I could just think about losing weight and it would happen. That was well before my 30s hit. 40s aren't so easy either.
In no particular order, and because I forgot to take pictures while cooking (I WAS FOCUSED Y'ALL!) we will be having

- Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs with baked sweet potatoes and arugula salad
- Sheet-Pan Balsamic Herb Chicken & Vegetables
- 20-Minute Mango Chicken Bowls (extra veggies, no grains). I made enough for this to double as lunch too.
- Butter-Roasted Cod Halibut with Asparagus and Olives
- Garlic and Thyme Skillet Salmon
Dessert:
- Homemade Fudgesicle Recipe (dairy free, gluten free & naturally sweetened).
I will possibly update with IG photos of my delicious creations, but since I can't even keep up on my CY365, don't bet on it.
Menu Plan Monday: Vegetarian Kick Start
April 8, 2019
While I was sick, for some reason, I picked up "Eat to Live
Menu Plan Monday: Uncomplicated
March 21, 2019
I really hate being sick. I hate how it drains my energy, physical, mental, and emotional. Pretty sure I have yet another URI with a splash of tonsilitis or bronchitis (because I have never seemed to grow out of my "childhood diseases"). I spent most of last night propped up and coughing and really mad that my insurance won't kick in for 30 days, and really really grateful for Vick's
Menu Plan Monday: Week of March 4-9, 2019
March 4, 2019
This is a bit of a crazy week. I am finally employed again (YAY! I start today!), but I have a long commute (not so yay), out of the city and I don't think I will have time to grocery shop until I get a better lay of the land and my new schedule.
Menu Plan Monday: February 17- 24
February 18, 2019
Sometimes it takes me a little bit to get back into the proverbial saddle. I planned for all of January, and most of February is in my Passion Planner
January 2019 Whole 30
January 3, 2019
Hell Week. I mean month. Here we go, the reset. The fun part this time around, trying to make it work for three people, one who is on a restricted FODMAPS diet and has POTS symptoms. To be perfectly honest, as my daughter has pointed out, she has kept to mostly healthy snacks since arriving. The downside - she's already lost weight which means there will be clothes shopping in our future.