My Current Thoughts and Ponderings…

Coming at you with another round of my current thoughts and ponderings! I often get some of my best thoughts and ideas while I’m out for a run or a swim…next home projects to tackle, what to start working on next for my business, what activities or trips we should do and go on, or what recipes I should make for dinner. As you may imagine, when I get home from a run and I start my sentence with “I was thinking…” to my husband, he gets a little hesitant on what’s going to come out of my mouth next. Ha!

Thankfully, I’ve pulled together just a few of my most favorite thoughts, ideas, and ponderings for you today. :)

That Time We Went Camping in Yosemite: The Highlights

Oh, hey there! Remember me?! That one girl who used to post recipes on the regular? Whoops, yep, that’s me! It’s been a while (give or take half a year, no big deal). I’ve been a tad busy over here starting my own business, running the Boston Marathon, hiking in Yosemite, you know, the usual. ;)

Quinoa & Black Bean Mexican Skillet

This Quinoa & Black Bean Mexican Skillet was one of my birthday dinners this past year. And yes, I just said, one of my birthday dinners. Did you think anything less from me?!

You may be wondering, “But, Kara, why this recipe?” I don’t blame you if you are. Usually birthday dinners are extravagant, rich and comforting, or simply nostalgic. (Which, if that was the case, I’d be having Kraft macaroni and cheese with pigs in a blanket. Seriously had that every year for my birthday when I was a kid.)

I Quit My Job and This is Why

Let’s just address the elephant in the room first. I quit my job. I mean…I QUIT MY JOB! What?! Coming from someone who stays committed the things she starts, this was a big deal. Like, majorly big deal.

Perhaps what I was embarking on next made the event of putting in my 4-week notice at the beginning of January seem like an even bigger jump-off-the-cliff type moment for me. Let me explain.

Ham & Apple Galettes with Gruyere Cheese

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I hope you’re able to find time to visit with family and friends, play games or watch your favorite Christmas movie, EAT delicious food, relax, and reflect on the past year and upcoming year ahead!

My husband and I are finding time to rest and recover this week after officially crossing another house project off our list this past weekend! Whee! For all you homeowners, isn’t that just the best feeling?! And this one was a doozy. Note to self: Small room does not necessarily mean small project. More like a big pain. Ha!

My Current Thoughts and Ponderings…

Welcome to December, everyone! I feel like the start of December is always an exciting time, don’t you think?

Well, for one, my birthday starts off the month, which definitely helps a little. :) But it’s also the start of much anticipation and hopefulness for the coming holiday and all that it entails. I hope you’re finding time amongst the busyness to step back and enjoy the little moments.

Saturday, being my birthday, I intentionally did just that. The entire day was a day of rest and relaxation, but the end of the day was what I treasured most. Philip and I ended the night by sitting in front of the Christmas tree, staring into the sparkling lights, and simply enjoying the quiet time shared together. I’m hoping we have several more scattered moments like that again in the coming weeks leading up to Christmas.

While we did plenty of thinking and dreaming in front of the Christmas lights (those lights are enchanting, I swear!), I’ve had my own share of ponderings, thoughts, and (too many) purchases recently. I thought it would be the perfect time for another round of my current thoughts and ponderings! Actually, my last “true” thoughts and ponderings was almost a year ago (how did that happen?!) and it was so fun to see what I was wanting and thinking about a year ago. It’s safe to say many of the things I loved then are still some of my favorite items today! So, without further ado, here we go…

{Instant Pot} Butternut Squash Risotto

It sounds cold and windy outside, there’s snow in the forecast, and I’m currently curled up in a chair next to our freshly decorated Christmas tree, inhaling the intoxicating smell of Frasier Fir. The only thing that’s missing is a bowl of this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto sitting on my lap.

(Also, I’m admiring our new fireplace mantel, decked out for the holidays for the 1st time! Whee!! Thanks for letting me share.)

Back to the risotto: I mean, really. How can you look at that bowl of creamy, cheesy, comforting goodness and not want to just jump right into a bowl? No? Just me?

In all seriousness, this is legit easy comfort food taken to the next level. Perfect for these colder winter months when all your body wants is something warm and hearty. This will now be your go-to. Trust me.

Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi

I can’t possibly be the only one to be in shock that next week is the week of Thanksgiving! I mean, how did that happen?! Wasn’t it just Halloween? Either way, I can’t deny that I’m absolutely thrilled for the holiday season to arrive.

The past couple months have been a whirlwind and I guess I shouldn’t expect it to slow down with the holidays soon upon us. Just in the past month, though, I’ve been on one plane trip to Waco, TX, and three different car trips to Minneapolis, Illinois, and this past weekend to Iowa. Whew!

Each trip was so sweet and fun in their own way. I’m glad we had the chance to visit all these places this fall before we hunker down for another Midwest winter and practically don’t leave to go anywhere for 3 months straight. Ha!

Because our weekends have been so full, it helps having a simple meal plan ready for the week ahead. (If you want to learn more about how I meal plan, check out this post and this one!) I look for recipes that I know are quick to throw together after a long day at work, don’t involve a bunch of brain power (I’ve used it all during the day), and don’t use all my pots and pans in the process(Philip greatly appreciates this as he is our dishwasher of the family!).

Enter in: Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi!

Mediterranean Lemon-Olive Salmon Cakes

We’re officially in the middle of fall and everyone is pulling out all the stops with apple-this and pumpkin-that. Soups, warm spices, and all things cozy are making their appearances on my Instagram. And I’m over here making…Mediterranean Lemon-Olive Salmon Cakes. Ha! Pretty much as far away from fall as you can possibly get. That never stopped me, though. It’s warm, it’s delicious, and it’s been on my “to-make” list probably since spring when it was actually “in season,” so I’m making it now whether it’s seasonally Pinterest-appropriate or not. Especially when I have a freezer full of salmon. More on that in a bit. And you know what? I think you should make it now, too. I promise, once you make it, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait to make it either. 

Chicago-Style Carrot Dogs

Oh, hey there! Summer is full swing over here and I’m absolutely loving it! Madison just shines in the summer. The lakes and pretty views, the bike trails, all the outdoor activities and concerts, the farmers’ markets…it’s just enough to make you forget the long winter you just endured. :) Please tell me the summer is still young and has only just begun! I hate the idea of the days already getting shorter and school supplies hitting the shelves once the 4th has passed. Nooo! I don’t even need the school supplies and it still makes me panic. Ha!

I won’t think about that yet, because we still have lots of fun summer activities coming up. But just looking at the past four weeks, we’ve also already managed to squeeze in a lot of fun!