#so simple but soooo yummy I would love to try it at home!!

[sunnibits]

thank you italy for introducing me to arrabbiata and carrettiera <333 I love you spicy tomato sauces I love you pasta what a wonderful world

[elissabutberlin]

21.03.22-03.04.22

Week 8/9

Okay soooo I wrote this whole thing up on Sunday and then it... disappeared so... I am updating this so late because I hate technology. So here we go again... forgive me if I sound unenthusiastic

Went to a really good Georgian restaurant near my school w Harper and Ellie and another grinnellian who was visiting from Freiburg!

went to Tiergarten finally and did homework outside in the wonderful sun

went to Cafe am Neuen See, a beer garden, it was soooo beautiful but unfortunately there was only one beer and it was not on tap and it was pretty bad... 

Went to FLINTA, it was fun as always and more crazy than usual. potentially more fun than usual too

my friend Danny came to visit from Grinnell, we all went to Franken it was very fun

finally went to Ikea again and got more hangers and a good pillow finally

also went to Schwuz! it was... ok... that bar/club might suck actually... but I drank... definitely too much because the next morning I left for Madrid and was... still drunk at the airport

Madrid!

Ate... lots of tapas they were so yummy the pan con tomate was so simple but... so good

Went to a rooftop bar with Deniz, we shared a pitcher of sangria and it was so good and the view was amazing and the weather was absurdly beautiful 

our hostel was in Sol, which was a rly cute little area but we spent a lot of time in Chueca going to the bars there at night

Tried Span’s Doner and the falafel was okay but according to my meat eating friend the Doner itself was not nearly as good as it is in Berlin

Spent a lot of time in Retiro park, it was soooo beautiful there its so green and it made me realize how... not green it is

Didn’t really do much sightseeing, kind of just wandered around but went to Palacia de Cristal which was very beautiful!

Also spent a lot of time at outdoor cafes and restaurants just chilling, it was very very relaxing

Saw beautiful beautiful music on the streets... and the buildings are so beautiful it was just such a beautiful place but I would NOT live there because the public transportation SUCKS compared to Berlin and the people aren’t as cool

Met up with a bunch of Grinnellians in Madrid because my bestie Gabe was there on a fieldtrip with his class! It was sooooo good to see everyone, I joined their walking tour, got dinner with them, and a few of us went out to bars after, it was soososo good to see so many familiar faces

Berlin again:

It was soooo good to be back and being alone for the first time in like 2 weeks was so amazing and so needed. did lots of little errands and tried to get my life together again before school started back up

Hung out w my friend Davis, it was so good to see her, also hung out w Syona and Claire the next night and its just.... so good to see everyone! I really missed my Berlin friends

Planned to get a tattoo with Claire on Sunday, but unfortunately we were not proactive enough and didn’t think we could make it to the tattoo shop in time before it closed

went on a Pommes tour... kind of... Claire and I were trying to find good fries so we like travelled around Berlin looking for a Doner place with amazing fries but the one I really love was CLOSED already... but I will definitely find the best fries in Berlin and let you all know...

have been talking a LOT with my friends from home and its been really really amazing. as the end of the program is getting closer and closer I’ve been really worried about how much its gonna suck to go back to the US, but talking to my besties makes me feel so much better about it because I’m so excited to see them

Sorry this is so short, a lot has happened but I do not have the energy to write it all out in detail again. Hopefully I will write more next week :|

[my-job-is-to-fangirl]

This is such a random post, but I watch a lot of youtube and it’s the best distraction/ way to pass time. I watch a variety of channels, and I’m subscribed to over 80 channels, and have about 1900 videos in my watch later list soooo :))) enjoy. No particular order but I’m doing 20 channels because 2020 (which needs to end right now). I’m going to link my favourite video of theirs as well, so you’ll have something to start with if you’re interested.

fashion and lifestyle

1. bestdressed

I already talked about her in my light content to consume while in quarantine post, but I’ll do it again. She is hands down my favourite youtuber. I had this phase where I was watching clothing hauls nonstop for some reason, and then I found Ashley’s channel. I couldn’t stop watching her videos. They’re fun, they have actual content, and she talks about stuff like how youtubers make money, and she gives the whole truth. Her fashion videos are so inspiring, I love her style, I love how she pairs things that you normally wouldn’t and her favourite word (say it with me, kids) juxtaposition of pieces that would ‘normally’ not be paired together.

She puts in so much effort into filming her videos, and even more into editing them. She doesn’t just do fashion videos, she does apartment makeovers, real talks, everything, but overall a fashion channel. I’ve seen her channel suddenly blow up and I think she had 500k or 600k subscribers when I started, and now she has 3.1 million :’) I want to raid her wardrobe for her thrifted pieces. Anyway, here’s my video pick(s) for her channel-

how to look cute when you’re out of f*cks

the ultimate guide to closet essentials

2. Yoora Jung

I wait for her videos more than any other channel, she just has the most relatable content because her days comprise of (other than her work, which is a lot) scrolling through instagram, watching youtube, snacking, rolling around in bed and procrastinating- I love her. Also her editing is on another level, all her intros are unique and fun. She can literally sit in a chair and talk about grapes for 40 minutes and I’d still watch. Also when she speaks in Korean, its the cutest thing ever.

I followed Jungkook’s workout routine for a week // getting fit with yoora season 1 ep 1

Waking up at 5 AM for a week in college    (she works really hard as you can see. I’d never have the motivation to get up at 5)

3. ohnonina

neeeeeeen < 3 Watching her videos makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Not to mention she gives a virtual hug at the end of every video :’) She does GRWM’s, k-pop, fashion, art, day in the life, studying and bullet journal videos. Everytime she hits a new 100k+ number of subscribers, she does a cooking with nina, those might be my favourite ones because she always does a korean dish. Also not really studying with nina I LOVE THOSE.

study korean with me but i actually study intensely | not really studying with nina 14

i made tteokbokki 떡볶이 (korean spicy rice cakes) | cooking with nina

4. ur mom ashley

She does fashion videos, but other content as well. She does thrift hauls, dressing out of her comfort zone type videos, and a lot of content with her siblings and boyfriend. Honestly, it’s a crackhead time when they’re around, especially her younger brother. She also makes what I eat in a day videos and I genuinely haven’t seen any other vegan person at least try to eat foods other than avocado and kale. She makes some nice recipes and eats good portions like a normal person, I really appreciate that.

what i eat in a week as a college student (vegan!!)

REVAMPING MY WARDROBE for 2020 (Princess Polly Haul)

5. Nava Rose

Firstly, I’d like to point out how much I love listening to her talk, I don’t know what it is but I love it. She has some great DIY videos, it is a DIY/ fashion haul/ hacks channel so ya. She does a lot of revamping/upcycling videos where she transforms men’s oversized clothes and makes them cute. I was very inspired by her and I did some myself! She has an amazing sense of style I wish I had some of her clothes.

50 WAYS TO STYLE DENIM | easy everyday outfit ideas!

6. Nuria Ma

She’s eighteen, lives alone some of the time and is possibly one of the hardest working people I’ve seen, juggling school and youtube. When I started watching her I think she just turned 17 and I was going mad wondering how someone could be so organized and put together at 17. She makes her own food- three meals every day, works out, studies for hours, does youtube, and what not. She’s genuinely amazing, also look how pretty she is.

KOREAN FASHION HAUL | Yesstyle

7. Erna Limdaugh

I found her channel only a few months ago, her videos are so calming and soothing to watch. She does a lot of day in the life type vlogs with her friends, morning/night routines and unboxings. She lives in Seoul that’s how I found her when I was looking for Korea content. Her fashion sense is amazing, and her cat, Yuri, is adorable *_*

A DAY IN MY LIFE – WHAT I EAT IN A DAY Life in Seoul | Erna Limdaugh

8. Jenn Im

I don’t watch her makeup and beauty videos because I don’t know much about makeup, but her vlogs, fashion, and book videos are great. I feel like she’s a wise older sister that I don’t have =p I especially love her cooking videos where she makes Korean dishes that her mom used to make. She has her own clothing line too, she does some promo videos and stuff, they’re cool.

What I Eat in a Day Easy Korean Recipes

9. Michelle Choi 최 혜림 (the seoul search)

She deserves so many more followers. Productive q u e e n. My friend and I are always discussing how the hell she can be so productive. She studies, does freelance design work, does assignments, cooks, does youtube, cleans, what is she?? Her videos make me want to be productive but instead I sit and watch more of them =)

(daily vlog) Finals Season: lots of coffee, cooking, + workspace tour!

food

10. Nino’s Home

Really yummy looking food, the babiest cat in a myriad of sweaters, and the funniest captions ever. No jokes, he’s truly hilarious. He has some really interesting recipes too, I think he takes from all over Asia, there’s a great variety of sweet and savoury.

Fried Milk Melt in Your Mouth

11. Maangchi

I legitimately call her maangchi aunty that’s how much I love her. Look how cute she is!!!!!! She has the happiest videos, they can brighten your mood in no time. Although many of her videos include meat, I still watch them so I can perhaps sub the meat for something else. She has a different headband/ head gear in every video, watch for that! I have tried three of four of her vegetarian recipes and I love them. I’ll link my favourite one, it’s become a staple at my house.

Vegetable Pancake (Yachaejeon: 야채전)

12. Pick Up Limes

Her videos are aesthetic, her recipes are easy, her voice can calm everything. It’s a vegan channel. I’m not vegan, I’m vegetarian so I can use her recipes by substituting whatever I want.

Cozy drinks to warm you up

13. Wil Yeung – Cook with Confidence

Also a vegan channel. I love his simple cooking and his style of narration. He doesn’t overdo it with the voiceover, he just says ‘medium sized pan’, ‘2 cups water’, ‘stir’. I’ve tried his gochujang and chili oil videos, they’re so good. I had to make do with what I had but still really good.

HOW TO MAKE CHILI OIL ***EASY 5 MIN RECIPE*** CHINESE HOT SAUCE

14. Zoe 조에

Her videos are so pretty to watch!! She works at her mom’s cafe so the videos are vlogs of that. They have beautiful desserts and drinks too. There’s always a montage where she shows their canning machine it’s mesmerizing xD

prettiest dessert cafe vlog on earth | Cinematography, Zoe, Blessroll (this was the first video that I watched)

Art

15. AmandaRachLee

Bullet journal videos, daily vlogs, productive days, organizing, doodling videos. I started bullet journaling in July 2018 and I follow her themes even now. I think I might have skipped two or three themes because I didn’t like them but bullet journaling is a huge part of my routine and I don’t know what I did before that. Also it makes me feel better about my stationery addiction when I watch her videos. She’s worse than me so I feel good. I love her stationery hauls.

Korea Stationery Haul! (HUGE Giveaway!)

16. cup of jasmien

The one and only art student I am subscribed to. She is SO talented, her paintings are great, but I appreciate her pen and ink pieces the most. Her videos are usually paint with me’s, a week/day of art school or travel vlogs.

before art school went online haha…

17. milkcloud

milk and cloud are two sisters xD They have painting videos, vlogs, lots of unboxings. Very nice to play in the background while doing something. Also they play k-pop piano covers for their videos.

finding joy in little things / a vlog

Books

18. BookswithEmilyFox

I watched a lot of book youtubers and she is the most honest one out there. If she hates a book she will say h a t e not put it lightly by saying it was okay. I read some of the books she recommended and I actually loved them, so I put her here because I can trust her reviews.

JANUARY BOOK HAUL 2020 + HUGE BOOKOUTLET UNBOXING! || Books with Emily Fox

Random

19. Banana Milk

This is so random but has provided me with several hours (minutes) of entertainment. She makes NCT crack videos they’re brilliant I swear. Please wait for the end of the video for the outro it’s the best part. Linked my favourite video.

Literally just NCT ruining twilight for two minutes

20. Buzzfeed Unsolved Network

Do I even have to talk about them?? I can binge their videos for hours, especially the supernatural ones. They’re freaking scary but I will watch them all. They go to real haunted places with their cool equipment (and holy water). I’ll link two of the ones that creeped me out the most.

Return To The Horrifying Winchester Mansion

3 Horrifying Cases Of Ghosts And Demons

    my favourite youtube channels (20) This is such a random post, but I watch a lot of youtube and it's the best distraction/ way to pass time.

[benefits1986]

Food I Used To Love But...

Super weird pero I really find it weird na I can say that I can already live without these then comfort food which are:

-pancit canton (okay pa rin naman for super minsan especially when inuman and paired with siomai and rice and egg, but before it is one of my precious food items)

-sanzrival (shit. Super favorite cake ko ito pero no na. Very heartbreaking na wala na yung kilig whenever I bite into it.)

-Giniling ng 711 (my pantawid food choice is super wala na rin. Maybe kasi the rice is no longer making me happy so the last time I had this, yung may ulam part lang kinain ko and hindi na siya satisfying.)

-Maki (my dad gets soooo upset kasi pag may maki, I just get the non-rice components. Take note, even my super faves Sensei Sushi, Sushi Ninja and Nihon are not exempted. Woooot.)

-Vanilla Shake (good bye Filling Station soul food. Seryoso. I no longer have to spend a ridiculous amount of money for something I can do at home. Plus, nakaka overwhelm na siya talaga.)

-Chickenjoy Spicy (huhuhuhuhuhuhu. Eto talaga pinaka sad kasi this used to be my cheapo comfort food. Saka damn grrrrrr, even Anthony Bourdain loves it. Been trying pa rin naman to eat it pero wala na appeal thigh part. Siguro I need lang the freshest and yung kakaluto lang goodness which I have not found yet.)

-KFC fries and gravy with Hotshots and mushroom soup (another combo na ayoko na pero I used to know and love and swear by. Mumsh and paps, super namamahalan na ako sa KFC and fastfood in general.)

-Longganisa (grabe lang the last time I had it. Everyone enjoyed Longgsilog from Jollibee tapos ako I can't wait to poop it. I like longganisa but not the oness from Manila, I guess.)

-Luncheon Meat (dammmmmmn. Isa pa ito. Mas gusto ko na sardinas than super then yummy for me luncheon meat.)

-Garlic Rice (di na muli ata. Shucckkkks.)

-Sisig (in general. I can eat it but kebs lang unlike before na go big then go home happy mode)

-Bulalo (thing is, whenever I go to Tagaytay, eto talaga isang thing na one my list. So as a rule, if may ka-road trip akong gusto niyan, g. Pero pag wala, we just go with bulalo soup.)

-Gourmet Tuyo (another huhuhuhuhubelles kasi I loved this AF but now, kahit na I can eat, the satisfaction I get is very minimal na. Still hunting down the best tuyo. Baka need ko lang punta sa Hillstation or Balay Dako.)

-Table Sugar (been trying not to load up on brown sugar for about 3 weeks and so far, kaya siya)

-Carbonara (aynakoooo. Carbonara used to be one of my go-to cravings pero di na rin.)

-Pesto (why, why, why. Nakakaloka ang calories plus nuts cause major break outs so, nahatulan ng habang buhay na wapakels na sayo status)

-White chocolate (masarap pa rin but not like super duper happy and giddy when I get my hands on a bag or a bar.)

-Shrimp (hay. Hay. Hay. :( even the lovely Hanakazu ebi tempura is no longer satisfying. Hindi ako choosy. Simple truth lang.)

-Mais Con Yelo (

-Store bought Milk Tea (I can chug milk tea pero yung totoo, I would rather make my own at home kasi I know that the tea is super fresh. But, if may Longan and Dates milktea na from Presotea here in Manila, super g! Siguro ito yung pinaka heart-wrenching bit kasi I have loved tea sa mga malls or stalls since I saw T-Squared or T-Square sa Rob Manila nung 17 years old ako.)

-Spanish Bread (sub na now is addictive malunggay bread na only in Palawan)

-Dips (I can now eat nachos na walang cheese much and I would whip up my own guac instead of buying them sa store.)

-Maty's (noong mga panahong grabe ang OT at usually coding or noong wala pa akong car, Maty's ng hating gabi or super duper madaling araw ang kanlungan ko. Oo. Kanlungan. Para akong inuugoy at nagpapaunggoy sa duyan ng tapsi, barbecue, sisig, pancit at syempre kanin with unli soup. I still like the barbecue kasi super mura na at malasa talaga pero the rest, blahhhh na sila. This is super sad kasi napakatagal kong nahumaling sa Maty's. Marami-rami akong kwentong dito nabuo at binuo kaya mejj may kirot but wala e. Ganyan talaga ang buhay at times.)

-Pancit Bihon (dati talaga ansaya kong midnight snack ito sa Pares sa NAIA or doon sa may DMCI building sa Evang, as in, super satifying. Di ko na lang alam what happened.)

Gah. So these things are not meant to say na I am a picky eater na because I love good food. It is just that my taste profile has evolved hopefully. My next would be the food stuff I now love and live for ng walang pagiimbot at ng buong katapatan.

[fitnesshealthyoga-blog]

New Post has been published on https://fitnesshealthyoga.com/12-wellness-instagram-accounts-to-motivate-you-in-2019/

12 Wellness Instagram Accounts to Motivate You In 2019

If you are one of those people who see a new year as the opportunity for a fresh start, you may have already spent some time thinking about habits you’d like to break or form as we start 2019. Though you can probably think of many healthy habits you would like to adopt in the new year, have you thought about how you can give your creativity a fresh cleanse with new and exciting sources of motivation and inspiration?

With 500 million daily users, it is no surprise that Instagram is a huge resource for finding inspiring content.

Check out these 12 amazing wellness advocates who will be sure to supply you with a healthy, fresh dose of motivation in 2019.

1. @livewellwithlo 

Hawaii living Lauren Kissee takes to Instagram to promote wellness and healthy, mindful living. “Pursuing a life well-lived,” Lauren shares tidbits into her life in the form of yummy recipes, awesome eBook resources, and natural skincare tips, with lots of color sprinkled in! 

2. @thefashionfitnessfoodie 

There is no shortage of hilarious, fact-checking sass on Lucy Fountain’s account. Lucy is a wellness advocate whose career is centered on putting a stop to the scams and “quick fixes” by providing real truth and encouraging a balanced, forgiving, health conscious approach to wellness.

3. @saraclarkyoga

Sara Clark uses her passion to do more than just live a solo-focused healthy life. Instead, she uses her voice to inspire others to do the same through promoting yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Sara spreads positivity, inspiration, and hope through her platform, and frequently teaches yoga in NYC.

4. @paleoglutenfreeeats  

Kaylie of @paleoglutenfreeeats features the most mouth watering paleo and gluten free recipes, and she is sure to include chocolate as frequently as possible. Follow her for a solid dose of healthy sweet treat inspiration, because who doesn’t want to be encouraged to eat brownies for breakfast?!

5. @wellandfull 

Just in case you follow a plant-based diet and have been eating more beans and rice than you can stand, check out Sarah’s inspiring creations over on @wellandfull. Sarah incorporates creativity into her dishes to create meals that are almost too pretty to eat! 

6. @charlotttequeen

If you’re looking for some beautiful, bright meal inspiration, Charlotte is your girl. She keeps it real, and features everything from salads and veggies to burgers and pancakes, because #balance. A big fan of dispelling Instagram’s false image of “fit,” she is a fan of speaking it how it actually is through side-by-side comparison images. 

7. @rocamoon

      View this post on Instagram

    DECEMBER FITMAS CHALLENGE!! 💥 It’s that time of year again, who’s ready to get their fitness dancing shoes on with us!? Haha happy December 1st everyone!! (Cannot believe it’s already here🙃)… ok soooo for all you who are keen & I hope that’s lots of you again 😜 I left it up to you guys to vote what we should do & it sounds like the 1000 burpees killed ya last year!? Haha so by popular vote “25 FOR 25” it is! . ✨ Basically the goal is to move that bod of urs & do something active for 25mins each day until Christmas Day! 🎉🎁 You can personalize it how you like… whether it’s a simple walk or run, dancing in the mirror at home, or a quick & intense HIIT workout- it’s up to you! If anything the goal is to just get moving and trying to push urself a little extra this season whatever it is!🏋🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️🧘🏽‍♀️🏄🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️👍🏼 If you r wanting a lil more guidance I will be posting the days workout on my story for you the night before, which will be a combo of 25mins of activity or 25 reps of set exercises. . YOU IN!? Comment a Christmas tree 🎄 if you are & tag ur buddies, fambam, lovers, or whoever to get in on it with ya- it’s much easier & more fun that way to keep each other accountable🙌🏽 . Some of my fam in NZ have accepted the challenge again so I’m super stoked!! Oh and would love to hear any of ur fav go to exercises below & maybe I can incorporate them somewhere along the way. . ✨document & share!..share in the comments of my posts what u r up to, or share pics/vids/boomerangs, whatever on ur IG stories or feed & tag me @rocamoon + use hashtag #25FITMASDAYS so we can all see & be inspired!! That’s if u want to 😉 . ✨PRIZES! For a little extra motivation & fun there will be a prize each week. I’ll announce on stories & gift to people who are participating!! Maybe things like workout gear, energy bars, glasses, swimsuits- we shall see if anyone even joins in haha😝 Alriiiiiiighty let’s do this 💪🏽💪🏽 today will be mellow, starting with just a 25min quick paced walk while u mentally prepare & commit to a better version of urself for the next 25days.. .btw don’t think you r gonna get away with doing no fitmas burpees Just yet 😜🔥 #25FITMASDAYS #merryfitmas #tistheseason

A post shared by Mona-Jane (@rocamoon) on Dec 1, 2018 at 6:20am PST

In addition to posting beautiful imagery with views to envy, Mona-Jane of @rocamoon doesn’t fall short in the motivation category. A huge fitness (and ice cream!) lover, Mona-Jane encourages her followers to take advantage of the great outdoors through living an active lifestyle. She frequently posts fun workout challenges to inspire her followers to get up and get moving! 

8. @thehealthmason 

The Health Mason, also known as Allie, is a wellness advocate passionate about the topics of mental health awareness, all things balance, and keeping it honest. As an ED survivor, Allie is a believer in using food as medicine. Follow along on her journey for all things recipes, skincare, and lifestyle! 

9. @saltsandandsmoothies

A fantastic source of knowledge on the power of plants and holistic living, Amelia Whelan provides her followers with incredible recipes and a gold mine of holistic living tips. She promotes wellness through conscious and intentional living, sharing loads inspirational and thought-provoking content along the way. 

10. @spinach4breakfast 

Sisters Maria & Alyssa took to their blog to document their health and wellness journey and provide a tool for anyone looking for a bit of inspiration. Focusing on all things health, wellness, and motherhood, these sisters know the importance of balancing intuitive eating with sweet indulgences. 

11. @cultivatewithkruti 

Kruti Shah of @cultivatewithkruti is a yogi, plant-based recipe developer and food stylist who uses her passion for health and wellness to share mouth watering creations with others. When she isn’t busy cooking up tasty dishes, and promoting health, wellness, and mindfulness, she is busy pursuing her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

12. @eatgoodfoodandmove 

      View this post on Instagram

    I’ve been craving some fancy dairy-free nachos and this plate did NOT disappoint. The @CholulaHotSauce cashew sour cream took it to the next level 🙌🏼🙌🏼They were so good I might have made them twice already😬 This is one of those meals that will impress your friends and make you seem like a fancy master chef 💁🏻‍♀️but is actually super simple and can be whipped up in just under an hour. Although this recipe as written is vegan, swap out the beans and corn for ground turkey taco meat and you are good to go for a Paleo or Whole30 approved meal. [ad] MAKE THIS PLATE: CHOLULA CASHEW SOUR CREAM: (Adapted from @ohsheglows cashew sour cream) -3/4 cup water -1 1/2 cups cashews -2 Tablespoons lemon juice -2 tsp apple cider vinegar -pinch of salt -5-6 Tablespoons Cholula Hot Sauce (depending on how much flavor you want) DIRECTIONS: 1. Soak cashews in boiling water, for at least an hour. Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender until the consistency is smooth. 2. Sweet potato fries (I think they are easier to pick up than circular shapes): Preheat oven to 425, wash sweet potatoes, cut into wedges/fries, brush with avocado oil and use s&p. Cook for 40-60 minutes, stirring halfway through. 3. Top fries with: baby tomatoes, avocados, black beans, black olives, fresh corn, jalapenos, a squeeze of fresh lime, cilantro, and the Cholula sour cream

A post shared by Katie White (@eatgoodfoodandmove) on Jul 26, 2018 at 7:24pm PDT

“Good food can be both nourishing and delicious,” says Katie White of @eatgoodfoodandmove. An advocate of real food combined with movement (especially yoga), Katie doesn’t let Celiac disease keep her on the sidelines. She whips up creative dishes that are nourishing, gluten-free, AND absolutely delicious. Her sweet potato nachos sure do sound pretty good right about now.

  Whether you are an experienced wellness professional or you are just beginning your wellness journey, it is important to fuel yourself with a sense of motivation. Instagram is an endless source of inspiring content, especially when it comes to health and wellness. Follow along with these awesome accounts to begin the new year fueled up on motivation and ready to tackle your goals.

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[mrss-whenfithitstheshan-blog]

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Updated 2/13/2019

My mom is one of those people who make amazing turkey every year for Thanksgiving.

Whenever we have potluck Thanksgiving dinners, she’s always asked to cook the turkey. Year after year. Turkey after turkey.

And it’s always so delicious! Her turkeys are moist inside, and yet crispy on the edges.

I looked forward to her turkey every Thanksgiving…. Until I got married and moved off to Idaho. I couldn’t always get home for Thanksgiving. I was faced with a real dilemma- How in the heck am I supposed to cook a turkey for my own Thanksgiving dinner??

It’s not like you can have Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

But I quickly figured out that my mom made it look much easier than it really is.

My first turkey got burnt on the outside but was not fully cooked inside.

My second turkey was cooked at least, but it was as dry… Like nasty wannabe jerky. Yuck.

So I finally swallowed my pride and asked my mom for help. Thanksgiving 2018 is gonna be better!!!

I told her that nobody made turkey like her and I needed some help.

Do you know what she said???

Nothing!

She just laughed!!

Yep, laughed- because her turkeys are SOOOO easy. In her loving words, “Maybe you should have your toddler help you get it done right!”

Here’s what she told me, and a step by step view of how my first attempt went:

Buy the cheapest, fattest turkey you can find, a turkey bag, and a turkey pan.

Gibson Home 89134.02 Broxton 2 Piece Non-Stick Turkey Roaster, Black

REYNOLDS G10510 Oven Bag 2 CT

McCormick Garlic Salt, 9.5 oz

McCormick California Style Onion Powder, 2.62 oz

One shopping trip, everything you need. Done and done!

Oh well, you’ll also need butter, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Make sure you grab those things too if you don’t have them at home!

Defrost the turkey.

Most turkeys come with directions on how to defrost.

My mom recommended putting the turkey in the fridge for up to 3 days to ensure that it thaws completely or putting the turkey in a cold water bath for several hours before cooking.

In my case, I put the turkey in my sink with cold water in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. (Always clean out the sink well before putting the turkey in there!)

It took most of the day for the turkey to defrost. Then I put the turkey in the fridge overnight and it was all ready to cook Thanksgiving Day!

Preheat the oven.

Just follow the directions on the package! My turkey cooked at 325 degrees.

Rinse the bird, removing the extras inside.

Usually there are things like the turkey neck, the heart, and the gizzard (what is that anyways??) inside the hallow of the turkey. Remove those before cooking.

My turkey had a turkey neck and a package of turkey drippings.

Well… at least that’s what I thought until after I cooked the turkey.

Once we cut open the turkey and started removing the meat, I found the other extras hidden inside the turkey. Just like my mom said they would be. Woops.

Place the turkey bag in the disposable turkey pan, then put the bird in the bag, leaving the bag open.

You’re all set to season the bird!

Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper generously on all surfaces of the turkey, turning the bird as you go to reach all areas.

This will add delicious flavor to the exterior of your turkey.

My mom said the she even seasons inside the hallow of the bird sometimes! I didn’t worry about that this year. I’m just a beginner after all.

I tried to use one hand to turn the bird (not easy!) and one hand to season with to avoid cross contamination. I didn’t want to stop to wash my hands several extra times. Nobody wants raw turkey juices on their cooking stuff!

It didn’t always work, so I did have to wash my hands a few extra times during the process of turning the bird to season all sides.

I did run into one hiccup.

The first seasoning I applied to the turkey (onion powder) stuck to the turkey because the bird was moist.

But the second seasoning I applied (garlic salt) didn’t stick because the onion powder was already covering the bird.

Solution? I added butter flavored cooking spray to help the other seasonings stick.

Add big chunks of butter all over the top of the turkey.

Be generous- Just like Paula Deen!

Tie the bag shut and place the turkey in the oven.

I needed to adjust my racks to make the turkey fit. Make sure the plastic turkey bag does not directly touch the top or sides of the oven.

I will always choose a turkey with an internal thermometer that lets me know when the turkey is done cooking.

That was my saving grace! I would be totally lost without that little red thermometer.

My mom took it to the next level!

She told me to turn the bird upside down. That way, when the yummy juices collect at the bottom during cooking, the breasts and other meat get nice and soaked in all that flavor! 

It also keeps the turkey from drying out.

The only down side is that you can’t see the little red thermometer this way. 

I chose to leave my turkey right side up this year to avoid over-cooking. I still need the little red thermometer for help! Maybe next year I’ll be advanced enough to try this!

Use the turkey package to determine how long the bird should cook.

My turkey was about 14 pounds. The package estimated it would take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.

Another bit of clever ingenuity from my mom- check the bird a little earlier than the package recommends. Keep checking the bird every 15 minutes as it gets closer to the recommended time. This will ensure that the bird doesn’t stay in the oven for any extra time- which could cause it to dry out.

This tip saved me this year!

Kick back and relax because this takes a while. Or you know, slave over the rest of your Thanksgiving meal… Whatever applies to your situation. 😊

Watch for the red turkey thermometer to pop out. You’re almost done!

My turkey went into the oven at 8:20am, so I planned to start checking it at 11:20am. That’s 30 minutes sooner than the package recommended.

By some strange luck and due to my own impatience, I started checking my turkey at 10:30am instead of 11:20.

To my surprise, the turkey looked almost done!

By 10:40, the thermometer popped and the turkey was done! That’s only 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time!

Come to find out, the package on the turkey and the package on the turkey bag had different cooking instructions.

The turkey bag instructions were more accurate. That’s weird…. Watch out for that when you cook this year!

Once the thermometer pops, cut open the top of your turkey bag.

If your turkey needs more color, allow the turkey to cook for another 15 minutes or so without the turkey bag in order to brown the top of the turkey.

This also helps the skin of your turkey get nice and crispy!

It looks great and tastes delicious!

Your turkey will be a show stopper at your next Thanksgiving party!

My family loved the turkey! They ate the entire thing, down to the bones. Thanks mom!!!

Fun tip from my mom- The turkey drippings are all contained inside your turkey bag. The drippings make excellent turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

All you have to do is strain the turkey drippings and add a roux (flour mixed with water or butter). Bring it up to a rolling boil and you’re done! Delicious, homemade gravy!

Wow, I’m starting to think my mom knows everything.

I hope my genius mom’s tips simplify your turkey-cooking this year!

It really saved my Thanksgiving!

Cheers to people who are smarter than me who share their wisdom!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

Share this post with anyone who needs a simple Thanksgiving this year!

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Anyone else have trouble cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? I finally broke down and asked mom for help. Best choice I ever made! Here's what she told me that saved my Thanksgiving. Click here! Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value.

[andreafestefano]

Easy and yummy three ingredient biscuit recipe

These yummy three ingredient biscuits are so easy to make!

Most of us have a crutch when it comes to certain foods, right? Like sweets or chips or whatever. Mine is bread. Anything bread. Buttered, toasted…any shape, any color, flavor, I’m there. These little biscuits are SO heavenly. They taste similar to the cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster. Is your mouth watering yet? The best part is they are soooo simple. Three ingredients:

The three ingredients you'll need:  

One cup self-rising flour 1/2 cup butter (softened) 1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese

That’s it! Now I added a couple extras this time to amp them up even more (they don’t need anything but I like to play around with tried and true recipes). You just mix the three ingredients together. It will be very thick: One little addition I made this time was a bit of shredded cheddar cheese. Just a sprinkle, maybe a few tablespoons?

I scooped them out on the (greased) pan using my ice cream scoop:

I use this more for baking than I do for ice cream. ;) When I had just a bit left to scoop out, I added some dill to the mixture: I LOVE dill and my sis suggested it – brilliant. I only added it to the last few cause I didn’t think my husband would like them with it. This recipe makes over a dozen biscuits because I make them smaller. When you put them on the baking sheet you can place them pretty close together because they don’t spread much while baking. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes and then ENJOY their buttery, crumbly goodness: Go ahead and eat one or three right off the baking sheet. I wouldn’t know anything about that. They are seriously amazing. I make them when we entertain and they’re always a hit. LOVE. If you’re planning your Thanksgiving meal they would be a great addition – let me know if you try them out! :) See more of our home here. To shop items in our home, click here! Never miss a post by signing up to get posts via email. 

This content is property of Thrifty Decor Chick LLC. If you are reading this on any other site other than https://ift.tt/1kRxOJ2 or one of her social media platforms, please contact her immediately (thriftydecorchick at gmail dot com). Any other use of this content is strictly forbidden.

This industry information is provided by ThompsonsComfortConnection.com.

Copyright © Thrifty Decor Chick. All Rights Reserved.

By: Thompsons Comfort Connection Blog Feed https://ift.tt/2NtkJeo

[lukerhill]

Easy and yummy three ingredient biscuit recipe

These yummy three ingredient biscuits are so easy to make!

Most of us have a crutch when it comes to certain foods, right? Like sweets or chips or whatever. Mine is bread. Anything bread. Buttered, toasted…any shape, any color, flavor, I’m there. These little biscuits are SO heavenly. They taste similar to the cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster. Is your mouth watering yet? The best part is they are soooo simple. Three ingredients:

The three ingredients you'll need:  

One cup self-rising flour 1/2 cup butter (softened) 1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese

That’s it! Now I added a couple extras this time to amp them up even more (they don’t need anything but I like to play around with tried and true recipes). You just mix the three ingredients together. It will be very thick: One little addition I made this time was a bit of shredded cheddar cheese. Just a sprinkle, maybe a few tablespoons?

I scooped them out on the (greased) pan using my ice cream scoop:

I use this more for baking than I do for ice cream. ;) When I had just a bit left to scoop out, I added some dill to the mixture: I LOVE dill and my sis suggested it – brilliant. I only added it to the last few cause I didn’t think my husband would like them with it. This recipe makes over a dozen biscuits because I make them smaller. When you put them on the baking sheet you can place them pretty close together because they don’t spread much while baking. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes and then ENJOY their buttery, crumbly goodness: Go ahead and eat one or three right off the baking sheet. I wouldn’t know anything about that. They are seriously amazing. I make them when we entertain and they’re always a hit. LOVE. If you’re planning your Thanksgiving meal they would be a great addition – let me know if you try them out! :) See more of our home here. To shop items in our home, click here! Never miss a post by signing up to get posts via email. 

This content is property of Thrifty Decor Chick LLC. If you are reading this on any other site other than https://ift.tt/1kRxOJ2 or one of her social media platforms, please contact her immediately (thriftydecorchick at gmail dot com). Any other use of this content is strictly forbidden.

[whole30problems]

Day 20: 1/20/18

Soooo... we are considering not finishing this Whole30. I’ll get into why, but let me first just say that I realize this seems like a really lame cop out. And I think it would be if this was the first time I was doing Whole30. But I already did the whole thing once so I know I’m capable of it - so it doesn’t feel like giving up to me, it feels like considering my options knowing how I’ll feel in both scenarios and trying to make the more mature move instead of focusing on the guilt that I think people will be disappointed in me or make fun of me or whatever might happen.

Actually, lemme just tell you about my day because I think then you may understand where I’m coming from.

Breakfast

I woke up at 5am again, sneezing and with a constantly runny nose (I should have taken a picture of how many tissues I used in the next hour; I think it was probably like 30). For some context on this: I have woken up between 4-5am every single day for the last... I think 2 weeks? We finally acknowledged today that it seems like I might be allergic to something in the apartment, because it seems like as soon as I leave home I’m fine, and as soon as I come back (like right now, as I type this, I am sneezing again, and I have not sneezed in hours) it starts up again. So that is stressful thing #1.

So I woke up at 5, put in a few hours of work (stressful thing #2: work is crazy right now for a bunch of reasons and I know someone’s going to yell at me about work/life balance but I work at a very early stage startup that is doing a lot of cool things and this is not the time for me to have a work life balance so just don’t yell at me about it. But yes I basically work 24/7 currently and it’s exhausting), and sat around sneezing and feeling miserable. 

Erik woke up eventually and offered to make some of those yummy smashed potatoes out of leftover cooked potatoes we have in the fridge. I said that sounded great. Then he came out of the kitchen with ONE plate with a couple potatoes and a sausage on it. I asked him where my breakfast was and he said he didn’t realize I wanted any. “What made you think,” I asked him, “That I would be making my own breakfast at some time in the future? I’ve been awake for hours and I’m starving. I also literally can’t stop sneezing long enough to even make it into the kitchen, PLUS I’m in the middle of a bunch of work.” (I am a joy to build a life with.) So he made me some breakfast:

Then he went off to skate (his current passion) and was so excited because this is the first day in months where it’s warm enough that he can go do it outside. He came back only an hour later, which is always a bad sign because it means something went wrong. It turns out the skate park was closed (and still full of snow), and he crumbled. The problem is, as I may have described here before, that January removes everything Erik loves. He’s not allowed to have beer. He’s not allowed to eat any comfort foods. He doesn’t have any free time because he’s constantly doing the dishes (or helping with other household chores that I don’t have time to do because I’m cooking every second of the day that I’m home). And he can’t spend any time outdoors, which makes him totally insane.

So on days like this, where he thought he might have something nice to do and then even that got taken away from him, it’s really not easy for him to bounce back. To his credit he tried, but it illuminated for me yet again how miserable this diet is making him. It’s just withholding one more thing that has the potential to make him have a good day. So there’s stressful thing #3.

Lunch

We went to see a couple apartments (as I think I mentioned the other day, we just found out we have to move), and since this was my first time really moving around today I noticed that a subtle lower back pain from yesterday had blossomed into what felt like a full-on muscle sprain. It was bad enough that I was limping a little because it hurt every time I moved my leg (back injury: stressful thing #4). When we got home from looking at the apartments, we did some stretching, which helped a little, but when I stood up from the floor I got really dizzy and that thing happened where I blacked out for a few seconds and couldn’t see anything and had to hold on to Erik until it passed. (Concerned family reading this: I promise I am fine, this is not something that happens often.)

This is when Erik totally lost his mind. He started expressing some concerns that I guess he’s had for a while, which is that I’ve basically been sick the whole time we’ve been doing Whole30 (as he put it, "I’ve never seen you this frail in the entire time I’ve known you”) and he strongly feels I should consider whether or not this makes sense for me to keep doing. I argued that I don’t see how eating less healthy would make me feel any better. What, if I was drinking regularly and eating pasta all my problems would be solved? And I really don’t know the answer to this - I don’t know if these things are a coincidence or if my diet really is hurting me somehow - but I do know that last year at this time I felt great, and for whatever reason I do not feel great now. I do have more energy at work, yes, which is nice, but I think that’s just because I’m not drinking and I’m not eating sugar and I’m going to bed earlier. But I feel sick, and weak, and exhausted at the end of the day, and I can’t sleep. So something certainly doesn’t feel right. Stressful thing #5.

Anyway, we argued about that for a while and then I made us a greek salad, which was really good!

It’s just romaine, hardboiled eggs, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. The dressing is olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. While I was making this admittedly very simple and quick salad, I was also heavily guilting my husband about not offering to make it. But the problem is, he hates cooking more than anything in the world, I think maybe even a tiny bit more than he hates seeing me in pain, which is certainly a lot. So I made lunch while I moaned every time I had to move because my back hurt, and constantly blew my nose because it wouldn’t stop running, and generally gave him a hard time. The thing is, I joke about this a lot here, but this kind of intense diet really is tough on a (or at least our) relationship. It’s so much work, and it’s neverending. Erik has done the dishes 3 times today, and somehow there are still dishes in the sink. There’s always groceries to order or something to clean or something to cook. And it is very much not making us enjoy the limited time we have together at home. Stressful thing #6.

I took a nap after lunch and that helped (so did the heating pad I put under my back).

Dinner

We did have one really nice part of our day. Remember that angel Duncan who cooked us a Whole30 dinner last year? He did it again this year, and this time he had help in the form of a second angel, Sarah:

They hosted us for dinner, and made us a delicious salad, a spatchcocked (??) chicken, and a truly amazing slow cooker curry cauliflower korma that you should 100% make. This was the best dinner I’ve had probably all month (half because it was good, and half because I didn’t have to make it). We brought the La Croix. They wouldn’t let us clean up any of the dishes after dinner. Like I said: angels.

They read the blog, so we talked a lot about how it’s going and the pros/cons. And while we were talking about it, I realized... there aren’t really any pros this year. In addition to all the health problems I’ve been having, I also still haven’t dropped more than those original 5 lbs (and I’m convinced that was just from getting rid of alcohol). And we’re just... so... miserable.

Duncan also made us a “second course” (since we’re not allowed to have “dessert”) which was a sort of smoothie made from bananas, coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Oh my god it was heavenly.

On our walk home, Erik and I had some real talk about the Whole30. He told me how guilty he felt eating that paleo crack bar the other day because it had raw maple syrup in it, and how it got him thinking that so many of the Whole30 rules seem so silly because we already know (from doing it + reintroduction last year) that a bunch of the forbidden foods don’t make us personally feel bad. I also think I’ve been relying on the Whole30 too much as my sole (theoretical) method of losing weight or staying skinny when really what I should probably be doing is exercising. And, ya know, sleeping.

I think we just don’t... really believe this is the right diet for us. And we actually DO eat relatively healthy (much more than we used to before Whole30). We went down the list:

We almost never eat bread or pasta at home

We almost never order in food

We eat breakfast every day, and it’s usually some variation of the eggs and meat/veggie we’re eating now

We’ve both cut down on our caffeine

We’ve both massively cut down on our sugar (outside of my one vice, Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Nov/Dec)

I eat way less cheese than I used to, and Erik eats way less fast food than he used to

We’re not perfect, but we don’t have any serious dietary reactions to anything we eat, and we’re relatively thin, active people. I just don’t really know what we’re trying to get out of this anymore. It doesn’t really feel like it has a point this year. Last year, we had a goal: finish the Whole30. Prove that we can do it. Now it just feels like a dumb project we’ve finished already.

I feel pretty confident that even if we choose not to continue doing the Whole30, we can still use January as a healthy month (no alcohol, little to no sugar, more veggies, and actual exercise) and get more out of it if we’re not stressed and miserable all the time.

So there you have it. I don’t know what we’re going to do but I can tell you that I’m leaning towards giving up on this. We have enough stress in our lives without a self-imposed diet that seems to be killing both of us slowly. I still super believe in the Whole30 and think it’s worth doing once to learn what works and doesn’t work for your body, but I think what I’ve learned this time around is that rather than doing something extreme like this again, a smarter thing is just to take what you’ve learned and incorporate that into your life in a sustainable way. I’d like to be healthy year round, not just in January.

And Erik would like to eat a pizza.

[furilia]

The 20 Most Popular FoodieCrush Recipes of 2017

New Post has been published on https://www.furilia.com/the-20-most-popular-foodiecrush-recipes-of-2017/

The 20 Most Popular FoodieCrush Recipes of 2017

I published many recipes on FoodieCrush this year, and while I thought they were all good, this is YOUR list of readers’ top 20 favorites.

The best recipes are the ones we come back to time and time again — the ones that are the heart of of our ever-expanding repertoire and the ones that keep them asking for seconds.

This last year I tinkered and tested, made a lot of messes, and whipped up tons of winners along with a fair share of losers that you never even got to see. Hopefully I’ve inspired you to make memories in the kitchen and to make something good, because honestly, what’s better than enjoying a stellar meal with the ones you love?

I’m happy to bring you YOUR list of the 20 most popular recipes chosen by readers as your favorites. These are the recipes that were most clicked on/bookmarked/and hopefully cooked with by FoodieCrush readers in 2017. Some are new, some are favorites you obviously keep coming back to for more, but all of them were FoodieCrush favorites.

Happy eating, friends. 🙂

“I think of myself as an enchilada sauce snob. Not the type of sauce snob who makes my own, just the sauce snob who “knows” a good enchilada sauce when I encounter it. I have always wanted to try and make it myself, but had no idea where to begin. That is until I found this recipe. It is so easy to make. Not only do I love it, my picky kids love it too. They argued over who would get to lick the spoon! I highly recommend this recipe.” ~ Jamie

Get the recipe

“This salad was fantastic! Perfect side dish to simple grilled chicken the other night. Yum!” ~ Bev

Get the recipe

“Just made these! So yummyyyy! I added some fresh squeezed lemon too! Thanks! ~ Aleka Shunk

Get the recipe

“Soooo delicious! Full disclosure, I skipped the “cabbage bath,” followed the dressing recipe, but only added the celery and kosher salts and pepper to taste. Just an absolutely amazing flavour! I have been searching for “the perfect” coleslaw dressing and this is, as the name implies, the best. Thank you Heidi..” ~ Cate

Get the recipe

“I made this soup tonight and it was wonderful. I usually doctor up recipes but I didn’t do a thing to this one and it was delicious.” ~ Laura Dennison

Get the recipe

“Loved this recipe. Didn’t have tartar sauce but just whipped up some mayo, avocado and lemon. Just as good.” ~ Lisa

Get the recipe

“Made this for my family tonight when I was pressed for time to get dinner on the table. It was a big hit Thanks for a great recipe!” ~ Vivian

Get the recipe

“These burgers turned out so well! All of the flavors really work well in the turkey burger and the my husband said that this is the best tzatziki sauce that he has ever had. Thanks for the recipe!” ~ Ana

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“Hi, I wanted to let you know that I made this last night. Hubs could not get enough and proclaimed that we need to have it at least once a week in perpetuity. It was really delicious. I added celery and a small handful of blanched broccoli. Forgot the red onions, but we love them, so…next time. Love how versatile it is according to personal tastes and that it’s a great way to get lots of veggies in. Thank you!” ~ Linda

Get the recipe

“When I read your post yesterday morning, I knew what I was making for dinner! I found the gnocchi, tomatoes and mozzarella at Trader Joe’s, had the fresh herbs growing in my garden and everything else in my kitchen! This came together quickly and tasted like it was from a five star restaurant! I will definitely be making this again and again! Thank you for sharing!” ~ Michelle

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“Yummy recipe! Made these yesterday for a cookie decorating party and it was a great way to offset all of the sweets we were consuming.” ~ Ana

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“This was truly absolutely amazing!!!! My whole family went crazy over these potatoes!!! The only thing different that I did was I added I’d say at least a teaspoon of garlic powder !!!! I love garlic❤️ Thank you so much!!” ~ Nancy

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“This was DELICIOUS!!! So much good flavor! We used 2 Shock top Pumpkin wheat ales (24 oz). Your tips for the vegetables made them perfect! Thank you!” ~ Laurie

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“I made this turkey roast for my family over the holidays. Huge hit! I was hoping for leftovers for sandwiches, but apparently my family was pretty hungry! Great recipe!” ~ Stefanie

Get the recipe

“Fabulous summer salad. A new favorite for the whole family. Thank you so much for the recipe!” ~ Maren

Get the recipe

“I sent this recipe to my husband last week and he made it. I think it is one of our new faves and we are excited to try it with different veggies and shrimp, etc. Thanks for making one of my favorite Thia dishes that I order out easy and delicious to make at home!! 🙂” ~ Avi

Get the recipe

“This was the best recipe I’ve tried all year! I thought I had vegetable oil and then ended up not, so we substituted melted butter and WOW. We also threw some bean sprout in with the basil and cilantro. This dish couldn’t get any better. Thank you for the easy and fun recipe! Hopefully you have some more coming using that fish sauce, since I don’t know what else to do with it! 🙂” ~ Stephanie

Get the recipe

“This is an outstanding list of breakfast ideas. While I always make time to fix us breakfast in the morning, I often get in a brekkie rut and make the same things. This list definitely brings some new inspiration my way – thank you!” ~ Denise

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“Made this delicious chicken recipe this evening. It was so juicy and the skin was crispy, loved turning the chicken throughout the baking process. This is going to be my new baked chicken go to recipe.” ~ Patty

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“Just tried this, to bring to a party tomorrow. it’s amazing. right now it’s late at night and i can’t stop thinking about it sitting in the fridge because i want some. but no…have to wait ’til tomorrow. thanks for sharing.” ~ Tracy

Get the recipe

2018…BRING IT ON!

And there you have it! The 20 most popular recipes of 2017. So the big question is, what will be the tops in 2018? Time will tell!!

This year has been pretty tasty, but I am totally inspired and ready to share even more goodness in the year ahead. So come on 2018, let’s cook and bake and dine and wine together, and let’s cheers to all the great eats, conversation, laughter and memories ahead!

Do you have a recipe/ingredient/foodcraving you’d like to see? I’d love to hear from you so email me at heidi@foodiecrushl.com or share in the comments below.

XOXOXO and Happy New Year!

Heidi

As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.  

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[adultfuntimes-blog]

By the power of Grey Skull

HeMan

 This piece is titled as such because folks; he, be a Man! I can confidently say this gentleman is the first real human I have met in all of my adult fun time encounters thus far. By real, I mean genuine. Not putting on a show, not a huge guard up, pretty open and easy going. Conversation comes easy when there is little pretense and it’s so nice because I love to talk. Conversation also comes easy when you have something interesting to talk about! This gentleman is world traveled, cultured, intelligent, funny and nice. All of this good stuff comes in a very, Very nice package. Tall, dark and handsome. So naturally when we hit it off so well at the bar there wasn’t a whole lot of question about whether or not I was going to bring him home. I struggled with wanting to talk more and have my mind intrigued or to just get to the good stuff. Speaking of which lets get to the good stuff.

His body is a wonderfully large and strong. Which I am favoring in my male partners more and more because I enjoy the contrast to my petite size. I have never been with anyone who was strong enough to lift, grab and flip me around, manipulating my body in various different positions that require my feet in the air. Now that I have, I just don’t know that I can give it up. It started just how it should, with kissing. Now kissing is difficult and important. I can get it in with someone who is a bad kisser, but the worse you are at kissing the stronger the likelihood that I will only get it in with you a few times. Kissing, when done well can be soooo yummy. Kissing has definitely been few hits and lots misses in my experience. So was very glad when I discovered he knew how to use his mouth. I straddled myself across his waist, took my shirt off and just sort of went to town on his face. And then my first taste of strength happened. He grabbed me by the hair, kissed me hard then wrapped his arms around me and just stood up like it was nothing. He made it seem as if I weighed no more than 10 lbs and I was digging all the alpha male taking charge shit. He just marched me into the bedroom, laid me down and promptly ripped off my leggings. There was lots more kissing and biting and hair pulling until I was having so much fun that I actually had the urge to put a dick in my mouth. Now this is kind of a big deal as I am very stingy when it comes to head. I will absolutely reciprocate when given because that is just fair, but like, rarely do I actually have the urge or desire to just for no reason other than I know dudes LOVE them, wanna do it. Lucky for me HeMan does in fact have the smallest of the dicks I have been with in my recent past. Now, it isn’t tiny by any means, but it is definitely a bit below the average I am use to. The most disappointing thing about his measurements is the girth not necessarily the length. But when it comes to blow jobs this was an ideal dick! Made it super easy and I could totally almost deep throat the whole thing, which again, is something I like NEVER even attempt. But I was feeling super generous and I wanted to give it my all. Boy did this pay off! Front, back, sideways and everything in between! I barely had to lift a finger after that magnificent bj and my pussy got all of the things and an hour and half later we both got off.    

I would like to keep writing about how I managed to maneuver my way into his bed two more times in the week since we met, but I can’t even think about it without becoming overwhelmed with the desire to fuck this guy, the sex is that great. And then there is the stamina on this horse! Just keeps going like a champ, even though he is responsible for most if not all of the heavy lifting. I usually enjoy being on top and sharing the cardio load, but not with this one. I just want him to take me and dominate until my legs become jello and I sort of melt into the bed when it’s all said and done.  

I know what you’re thinking, there has to be a catch! Why is this man still single?! Nothing can be that perfect and wonderful, can it? Well, I am here to tell you that…of course fuckin not! Nothing is perfect and this gentleman is no exception.

What is most interesting about HeMan is the struggle I have with exposing his faults. Hopefully what has come across in my previous writing is that I am pretty good at being objective. I can enjoy the company I keep, but have no dissolutions about who the other person is presenting. However, HeMan is turning out to be a challenge to this guarded and necessary objectivity. I will be completely honest in that I have become slightly infatuated with the prospect of this man. Which is why it is important for me to regain my objectivity by grounding myself in the reality that is; I don’t know that much about him other than he has fucked me in ways I have never been fucked before and I like it a lot! So let’s all come back down to reality by reviewing the struggle that is trying to causally sleep with someone, who is also a cool, fun and interesting human. It is hard because it is the first time I find myself wanting to spend time outside of the bedroom with someone. I want to experience and share things with him and it’s all too weird and making me feel insecure because it automatically takes me back to the place of worrying about what someone else thinks of me. I have been very lucky to have always had what felt like a natural protective layer to this very universal distorted thought pattern of judging oneself based on what you think other people think of you, because I generally have a pretty good opinion of myself and find if others don’t agree I just don’t give a fuck…but the one place it rears its ugly head is when I find myself romantically interested in another person. Therefore, in order to get rid of my brooding insecurity, let’s dive into his.    

The one thing HeMan does have in common with my previous sex buddies is that the inevitable veil of insecurity did rear its ugly head pretty early on. Which is insane to me! This guy is seriously all of the things and I don’t understand how one can still have the exact same insecurity as the men who clearly don’t have the societal advantages as Heman. By societal advantages I mean; HeMan is white, tall, good looking, very healthy and in shape, did I mention white and middle class upbringing? So yea, lots of advantages and fitting into positive stereotypes of someone who is desirable to others in many regards. Yet, the exact same insecurity that has befallen almost all the dudes I have encountered both in my bebop pin around and just life in general and it goes something like this…why doesn’t the world recognize how awesome I am and make it easy or fair for me to get the things that I want?! This almost always comes up in conversation in one way shape or form. The one form that I feel I have been far to exposed to is the following; I haven’t had a lot of luck with women on these dating sites. I am pretty forward about only wanting sexy adult fun times and therefore my assumption is that because of this they feel they can talk to me about dating other people because there is no prospect of actually dating me. However, I also think that it has something to do with my empathic nature. People tell me their shit all the time without regard to who I am or what role I play in their life. From total strangers to my work superiors will inevitably at some point tell me about their childhood or current trauma, issues, insecurities. It’s a thing and/or my super power, I am still holding out for the super strength or another magic power to confirm what I have always known, that I am some form of mutant super human who is meant to do great things, but for now I am just a social worker.

This is how this conversation has gone on multiple occasions:

Dude: Yeah dating sites are hard because you send women messages and they either don’t respond or they do and they aren’t who they presented in their profile.

Me: Yeah, that is how it goes; I mean you have to go through a lot of rejections or whatever to get to find someone you can connect with. At least you don’t have to go through the barrage of “I wanna fuck you” messages before getting a friendly and simple Hello instead.

Dude: Yeah, no that must suck, I have heard about how women get those messages, BUT it is harder for me because I am a man and my ego is fragile and so when I don’t get a response or the girl isn’t as attractive in person as in her photos and wastes my time meeting up, it’s hard.

Me: Yes, please, let me comfort your fragile ego because getting nothing is soooo much harder than getting objectified all of the time, totes get it, let me pat your back.

Dude: Or you meet women and all they want are materialistic things. Like if you don’t have a house w/ a mortgage and a 6 figure salary they want nothing to do with you.

Me: (dramatic eye roll) Well you must not have gone on dates with very many down to earth chicks.

Dude: No, all of them. Every time they find out I don’t have those things I will never hear from them again.

Me: Oh, I am sorry, did I miss something? Am I not here? Am I not a very attractive, very cool, fun, funny and interesting woman? Am I not very aware of the fact you don’t have “all those things” and still interested and literally sitting right in front of you ready and willing to engage in human contact with you?!

Dude: Oh, well, yeah you don’t seem to be like that.

Me: So is that not proof that it isn’t “all women” and just that you happen to have only met a few who are a certain way?

Dude: No, it happens ALL the Time.

Me: (dramatic eye roll)

OHHHHHH, that’s right, for some reason I don’t count. Wait, maybe I have the power of invisibility and I just didn’t know it, because sometimes during this conversation I feel like their eyes gloss over and they really can’t see me sitting right in front of them. 2 super powers = Super Hero! Hmmm, ok, potential invisibility aside, I have had many a lover pour out their woe as me stories of how they can’t find a genuine, nice, non-judgmental and down to earth person to connect with….when they are sitting or laying right next to me. I feel like I am evidence that these types of women exist and it is infuriating that people can be so oblivious to how, even when presented with one (me), they can’t appreciate it!!!! And how they don’t see, that just maybe, they are part of the problem. Allow me to enlighten these fuckers on how these conversations should go, because when you have the thing that you are crying about not having right in front of your face, but you can’t see it because of your blinding insecurity, you have become the problem. You don’t get to cry about not having the ice cream you want when you have a delicious ice cream sundae w/ a mutha fuckin cherry on top sitting on the table in front of you.

Dude: Yeah, dating on these websites is hard because you put yourself out there a lot and get a variety of forms of rejection in return.

Me: Yes rejection is hard, but inevitable.

Dude: that is why it has been so great to meet you. You seem cool and down to earth, you don’t seem to have a lot of pretense about the things other women I have been out with seem to be hung up on.

Me: Well thanks, I do try and live my life just being open minded and kind. Which makes it easier to see people for their strengths as opposed to sizing them up based on certain standards.

Dude: Well it has been really great, wonderful, refreshing to meet you and not get the same ole bullshit responses that I have been met with before. (leans in and show appreciation and gratitude for this awesome experience of getting what he supposedly says he wants by kissing me passionately.)

This friends, is how you lean in to a moment and recognize the thing in front of your face. You get out of the state of pity and let go of your god damn insecurity so that you can appreciate what the universe is offering you! Even if, you still believe that somehow I am a fluke, the exception not the rule, well asshole, then appreciate it while you have it because the fact of the matter is I am here right now and you have the opportunity to attempt to pursue the thing you say you have been trying to pursue and that has been alluding you for a long time apparently and now that you are presented with it all you are doing is complaining to it that it is so hard to find! Sigh.

Which leads to how this affects me, which again, is something none of these men think about. How am I supposed to feel when you describe a girl you’re looking for, that matches my description and yet I am somehow not enough to make you shut up and kiss me? What is it about me that is not good enough for you?  

[mrss-whenfithitstheshan-blog]

Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash

This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value. I offer recommendations to products and/or services that I find helpful in my own life as a mom. I may receive a commission based on viewer purchases or interactions with these ads. You will NOT be charged any extra money. All prices will stay the same for you whether your purchase items/services through links found on this site or not! 

Updated 2/13/2019

My mom is one of those people who make amazing turkey every year for Thanksgiving.

Whenever we have potluck Thanksgiving dinners, she’s always asked to cook the turkey. Year after year. Turkey after turkey.

And it’s always so delicious! Her turkeys are moist inside, and yet crispy on the edges.

I looked forward to her turkey every Thanksgiving…. Until I got married and moved off to Idaho. I couldn’t always get home for Thanksgiving. I was faced with a real dilemma- How in the heck am I supposed to cook a turkey for my own Thanksgiving dinner??

It’s not like you can have Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

But I quickly figured out that my mom made it look much easier than it really is.

My first turkey got burnt on the outside but was not fully cooked inside.

My second turkey was cooked at least, but it was as dry… Like nasty wannabe jerky. Yuck.

So I finally swallowed my pride and asked my mom for help. Thanksgiving 2018 is gonna be better!!!

I told her that nobody made turkey like her and I needed some help.

Do you know what she said???

Nothing!

She just laughed!!

Yep, laughed- because her turkeys are SOOOO easy. In her loving words, “Maybe you should have your toddler help you get it done right!”

Here’s what she told me, and a step by step view of how my first attempt went:

Buy the cheapest, fattest turkey you can find, a turkey bag, and a turkey pan.

Gibson Home 89134.02 Broxton 2 Piece Non-Stick Turkey Roaster, Black

REYNOLDS G10510 Oven Bag 2 CT

McCormick Garlic Salt, 9.5 oz

McCormick California Style Onion Powder, 2.62 oz

One shopping trip, everything you need. Done and done!

Oh well, you’ll also need butter, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Make sure you grab those things too if you don’t have them at home!

Defrost the turkey.

Most turkeys come with directions on how to defrost.

My mom recommended putting the turkey in the fridge for up to 3 days to ensure that it thaws completely or putting the turkey in a cold water bath for several hours before cooking.

In my case, I put the turkey in my sink with cold water in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. (Always clean out the sink well before putting the turkey in there!)

It took most of the day for the turkey to defrost. Then I put the turkey in the fridge overnight and it was all ready to cook Thanksgiving Day!

Preheat the oven.

Just follow the directions on the package! My turkey cooked at 325 degrees.

Rinse the bird, removing the extras inside.

Usually there are things like the turkey neck, the heart, and the gizzard (what is that anyways??) inside the hallow of the turkey. Remove those before cooking.

My turkey had a turkey neck and a package of turkey drippings.

Well… at least that’s what I thought until after I cooked the turkey.

Once we cut open the turkey and started removing the meat, I found the other extras hidden inside the turkey. Just like my mom said they would be. Woops.

Place the turkey bag in the disposable turkey pan, then put the bird in the bag, leaving the bag open.

You’re all set to season the bird!

Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper generously on all surfaces of the turkey, turning the bird as you go to reach all areas.

This will add delicious flavor to the exterior of your turkey.

My mom said the she even seasons inside the hallow of the bird sometimes! I didn’t worry about that this year. I’m just a beginner after all.

I tried to use one hand to turn the bird (not easy!) and one hand to season with to avoid cross contamination. I didn’t want to stop to wash my hands several extra times. Nobody wants raw turkey juices on their cooking stuff!

It didn’t always work, so I did have to wash my hands a few extra times during the process of turning the bird to season all sides.

I did run into one hiccup.

The first seasoning I applied to the turkey (onion powder) stuck to the turkey because the bird was moist.

But the second seasoning I applied (garlic salt) didn’t stick because the onion powder was already covering the bird.

Solution? I added butter flavored cooking spray to help the other seasonings stick.

Add big chunks of butter all over the top of the turkey.

Be generous- Just like Paula Deen!

Tie the bag shut and place the turkey in the oven.

I needed to adjust my racks to make the turkey fit. Make sure the plastic turkey bag does not directly touch the top or sides of the oven.

I will always choose a turkey with an internal thermometer that lets me know when the turkey is done cooking.

That was my saving grace! I would be totally lost without that little red thermometer.

My mom took it to the next level!

She told me to turn the bird upside down. That way, when the yummy juices collect at the bottom during cooking, the breasts and other meat get nice and soaked in all that flavor! 

It also keeps the turkey from drying out.

The only down side is that you can’t see the little red thermometer this way. 

I chose to leave my turkey right side up this year to avoid over-cooking. I still need the little red thermometer for help! Maybe next year I’ll be advanced enough to try this!

Use the turkey package to determine how long the bird should cook.

My turkey was about 14 pounds. The package estimated it would take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.

Another bit of clever ingenuity from my mom- check the bird a little earlier than the package recommends. Keep checking the bird every 15 minutes as it gets closer to the recommended time. This will ensure that the bird doesn’t stay in the oven for any extra time- which could cause it to dry out.

This tip saved me this year!

Kick back and relax because this takes a while. Or you know, slave over the rest of your Thanksgiving meal… Whatever applies to your situation. 😊

Watch for the red turkey thermometer to pop out. You’re almost done!

My turkey went into the oven at 8:20am, so I planned to start checking it at 11:20am. That’s 30 minutes sooner than the package recommended.

By some strange luck and due to my own impatience, I started checking my turkey at 10:30am instead of 11:20.

To my surprise, the turkey looked almost done!

By 10:40, the thermometer popped and the turkey was done! That’s only 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time!

Come to find out, the package on the turkey and the package on the turkey bag had different cooking instructions.

The turkey bag instructions were more accurate. That’s weird…. Watch out for that when you cook this year!

Once the thermometer pops, cut open the top of your turkey bag.

If your turkey needs more color, allow the turkey to cook for another 15 minutes or so without the turkey bag in order to brown the top of the turkey.

This also helps the skin of your turkey get nice and crispy!

It looks great and tastes delicious!

Your turkey will be a show stopper at your next Thanksgiving party!

My family loved the turkey! They ate the entire thing, down to the bones. Thanks mom!!!

Fun tip from my mom- The turkey drippings are all contained inside your turkey bag. The drippings make excellent turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

All you have to do is strain the turkey drippings and add a roux (flour mixed with water or butter). Bring it up to a rolling boil and you’re done! Delicious, homemade gravy!

Wow, I’m starting to think my mom knows everything.

I hope my genius mom’s tips simplify your turkey-cooking this year!

It really saved my Thanksgiving!

Cheers to people who are smarter than me who share their wisdom!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

Share this post with anyone who needs a simple Thanksgiving this year!

Please subscribe to my email list for weekly updates in the world of parenting!

Subscribe today to receive your FREE Guide!!

Anyone else have trouble cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? I finally broke down and asked mom for help. Best choice I ever made! Here's what she told me that saved my Thanksgiving. Click here! Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value.

[mrss-whenfithitstheshan-blog]

Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash

This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value. I offer recommendations to products and/or services that I find helpful in my own life as a mom. I may receive a commission based on viewer purchases or interactions with these ads. You will NOT be charged any extra money. All prices will stay the same for you whether your purchase items/services through links found on this site or not! 

Updated 2/13/2019

My mom is one of those people who make amazing turkey every year for Thanksgiving.

Whenever we have potluck Thanksgiving dinners, she’s always asked to cook the turkey. Year after year. Turkey after turkey.

And it’s always so delicious! Her turkeys are moist inside, and yet crispy on the edges.

I looked forward to her turkey every Thanksgiving…. Until I got married and moved off to Idaho. I couldn’t always get home for Thanksgiving. I was faced with a real dilemma- How in the heck am I supposed to cook a turkey for my own Thanksgiving dinner??

It’s not like you can have Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

But I quickly figured out that my mom made it look much easier than it really is.

My first turkey got burnt on the outside but was not fully cooked inside.

My second turkey was cooked at least, but it was as dry… Like nasty wannabe jerky. Yuck.

So I finally swallowed my pride and asked my mom for help. Thanksgiving 2018 is gonna be better!!!

I told her that nobody made turkey like her and I needed some help.

Do you know what she said???

Nothing!

She just laughed!!

Yep, laughed- because her turkeys are SOOOO easy. In her loving words, “Maybe you should have your toddler help you get it done right!”

Here’s what she told me, and a step by step view of how my first attempt went:

Buy the cheapest, fattest turkey you can find, a turkey bag, and a turkey pan.

Gibson Home 89134.02 Broxton 2 Piece Non-Stick Turkey Roaster, Black

REYNOLDS G10510 Oven Bag 2 CT

McCormick Garlic Salt, 9.5 oz

McCormick California Style Onion Powder, 2.62 oz

One shopping trip, everything you need. Done and done!

Oh well, you’ll also need butter, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Make sure you grab those things too if you don’t have them at home!

Defrost the turkey.

Most turkeys come with directions on how to defrost.

My mom recommended putting the turkey in the fridge for up to 3 days to ensure that it thaws completely or putting the turkey in a cold water bath for several hours before cooking.

In my case, I put the turkey in my sink with cold water in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. (Always clean out the sink well before putting the turkey in there!)

It took most of the day for the turkey to defrost. Then I put the turkey in the fridge overnight and it was all ready to cook Thanksgiving Day!

Preheat the oven.

Just follow the directions on the package! My turkey cooked at 325 degrees.

Rinse the bird, removing the extras inside.

Usually there are things like the turkey neck, the heart, and the gizzard (what is that anyways??) inside the hallow of the turkey. Remove those before cooking.

My turkey had a turkey neck and a package of turkey drippings.

Well… at least that’s what I thought until after I cooked the turkey.

Once we cut open the turkey and started removing the meat, I found the other extras hidden inside the turkey. Just like my mom said they would be. Woops.

Place the turkey bag in the disposable turkey pan, then put the bird in the bag, leaving the bag open.

You’re all set to season the bird!

Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper generously on all surfaces of the turkey, turning the bird as you go to reach all areas.

This will add delicious flavor to the exterior of your turkey.

My mom said the she even seasons inside the hallow of the bird sometimes! I didn’t worry about that this year. I’m just a beginner after all.

I tried to use one hand to turn the bird (not easy!) and one hand to season with to avoid cross contamination. I didn’t want to stop to wash my hands several extra times. Nobody wants raw turkey juices on their cooking stuff!

It didn’t always work, so I did have to wash my hands a few extra times during the process of turning the bird to season all sides.

I did run into one hiccup.

The first seasoning I applied to the turkey (onion powder) stuck to the turkey because the bird was moist.

But the second seasoning I applied (garlic salt) didn’t stick because the onion powder was already covering the bird.

Solution? I added butter flavored cooking spray to help the other seasonings stick.

Add big chunks of butter all over the top of the turkey.

Be generous- Just like Paula Deen!

Tie the bag shut and place the turkey in the oven.

I needed to adjust my racks to make the turkey fit. Make sure the plastic turkey bag does not directly touch the top or sides of the oven.

I will always choose a turkey with an internal thermometer that lets me know when the turkey is done cooking.

That was my saving grace! I would be totally lost without that little red thermometer.

My mom took it to the next level!

She told me to turn the bird upside down. That way, when the yummy juices collect at the bottom during cooking, the breasts and other meat get nice and soaked in all that flavor! 

It also keeps the turkey from drying out.

The only down side is that you can’t see the little red thermometer this way. 

I chose to leave my turkey right side up this year to avoid over-cooking. I still need the little red thermometer for help! Maybe next year I’ll be advanced enough to try this!

Use the turkey package to determine how long the bird should cook.

My turkey was about 14 pounds. The package estimated it would take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.

Another bit of clever ingenuity from my mom- check the bird a little earlier than the package recommends. Keep checking the bird every 15 minutes as it gets closer to the recommended time. This will ensure that the bird doesn’t stay in the oven for any extra time- which could cause it to dry out.

This tip saved me this year!

Kick back and relax because this takes a while. Or you know, slave over the rest of your Thanksgiving meal… Whatever applies to your situation. 😊

Watch for the red turkey thermometer to pop out. You’re almost done!

My turkey went into the oven at 8:20am, so I planned to start checking it at 11:20am. That’s 30 minutes sooner than the package recommended.

By some strange luck and due to my own impatience, I started checking my turkey at 10:30am instead of 11:20.

To my surprise, the turkey looked almost done!

By 10:40, the thermometer popped and the turkey was done! That’s only 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time!

Come to find out, the package on the turkey and the package on the turkey bag had different cooking instructions.

The turkey bag instructions were more accurate. That’s weird…. Watch out for that when you cook this year!

Once the thermometer pops, cut open the top of your turkey bag.

If your turkey needs more color, allow the turkey to cook for another 15 minutes or so without the turkey bag in order to brown the top of the turkey.

This also helps the skin of your turkey get nice and crispy!

It looks great and tastes delicious!

Your turkey will be a show stopper at your next Thanksgiving party!

My family loved the turkey! They ate the entire thing, down to the bones. Thanks mom!!!

Fun tip from my mom- The turkey drippings are all contained inside your turkey bag. The drippings make excellent turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

All you have to do is strain the turkey drippings and add a roux (flour mixed with water or butter). Bring it up to a rolling boil and you’re done! Delicious, homemade gravy!

Wow, I’m starting to think my mom knows everything.

I hope my genius mom’s tips simplify your turkey-cooking this year!

It really saved my Thanksgiving!

Cheers to people who are smarter than me who share their wisdom!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

Share this post with anyone who needs a simple Thanksgiving this year!

Please subscribe to my email list for weekly updates in the world of parenting!

Subscribe today to receive your FREE Guide!!

Anyone else have trouble cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? I finally broke down and asked mom for help. Best choice I ever made! Here's what she told me that saved my Thanksgiving. Click here! Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value.

[mrss-whenfithitstheshan-blog]

Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash

This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value. I offer recommendations to products and/or services that I find helpful in my own life as a mom. I may receive a commission based on viewer purchases or interactions with these ads. You will NOT be charged any extra money. All prices will stay the same for you whether your purchase items/services through links found on this site or not! 

Updated 2/13/2019

My mom is one of those people who make amazing turkey every year for Thanksgiving.

Whenever we have potluck Thanksgiving dinners, she’s always asked to cook the turkey. Year after year. Turkey after turkey.

And it’s always so delicious! Her turkeys are moist inside, and yet crispy on the edges.

I looked forward to her turkey every Thanksgiving…. Until I got married and moved off to Idaho. I couldn’t always get home for Thanksgiving. I was faced with a real dilemma- How in the heck am I supposed to cook a turkey for my own Thanksgiving dinner??

It’s not like you can have Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

But I quickly figured out that my mom made it look much easier than it really is.

My first turkey got burnt on the outside but was not fully cooked inside.

My second turkey was cooked at least, but it was as dry… Like nasty wannabe jerky. Yuck.

So I finally swallowed my pride and asked my mom for help. Thanksgiving 2018 is gonna be better!!!

I told her that nobody made turkey like her and I needed some help.

Do you know what she said???

Nothing!

She just laughed!!

Yep, laughed- because her turkeys are SOOOO easy. In her loving words, “Maybe you should have your toddler help you get it done right!”

Here’s what she told me, and a step by step view of how my first attempt went:

Buy the cheapest, fattest turkey you can find, a turkey bag, and a turkey pan.

Gibson Home 89134.02 Broxton 2 Piece Non-Stick Turkey Roaster, Black

REYNOLDS G10510 Oven Bag 2 CT

McCormick Garlic Salt, 9.5 oz

McCormick California Style Onion Powder, 2.62 oz

One shopping trip, everything you need. Done and done!

Oh well, you’ll also need butter, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Make sure you grab those things too if you don’t have them at home!

Defrost the turkey.

Most turkeys come with directions on how to defrost.

My mom recommended putting the turkey in the fridge for up to 3 days to ensure that it thaws completely or putting the turkey in a cold water bath for several hours before cooking.

In my case, I put the turkey in my sink with cold water in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. (Always clean out the sink well before putting the turkey in there!)

It took most of the day for the turkey to defrost. Then I put the turkey in the fridge overnight and it was all ready to cook Thanksgiving Day!

Preheat the oven.

Just follow the directions on the package! My turkey cooked at 325 degrees.

Rinse the bird, removing the extras inside.

Usually there are things like the turkey neck, the heart, and the gizzard (what is that anyways??) inside the hallow of the turkey. Remove those before cooking.

My turkey had a turkey neck and a package of turkey drippings.

Well… at least that’s what I thought until after I cooked the turkey.

Once we cut open the turkey and started removing the meat, I found the other extras hidden inside the turkey. Just like my mom said they would be. Woops.

Place the turkey bag in the disposable turkey pan, then put the bird in the bag, leaving the bag open.

You’re all set to season the bird!

Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper generously on all surfaces of the turkey, turning the bird as you go to reach all areas.

This will add delicious flavor to the exterior of your turkey.

My mom said the she even seasons inside the hallow of the bird sometimes! I didn’t worry about that this year. I’m just a beginner after all.

I tried to use one hand to turn the bird (not easy!) and one hand to season with to avoid cross contamination. I didn’t want to stop to wash my hands several extra times. Nobody wants raw turkey juices on their cooking stuff!

It didn’t always work, so I did have to wash my hands a few extra times during the process of turning the bird to season all sides.

I did run into one hiccup.

The first seasoning I applied to the turkey (onion powder) stuck to the turkey because the bird was moist.

But the second seasoning I applied (garlic salt) didn’t stick because the onion powder was already covering the bird.

Solution? I added butter flavored cooking spray to help the other seasonings stick.

Add big chunks of butter all over the top of the turkey.

Be generous- Just like Paula Deen!

Tie the bag shut and place the turkey in the oven.

I needed to adjust my racks to make the turkey fit. Make sure the plastic turkey bag does not directly touch the top or sides of the oven.

I will always choose a turkey with an internal thermometer that lets me know when the turkey is done cooking.

That was my saving grace! I would be totally lost without that little red thermometer.

My mom took it to the next level!

She told me to turn the bird upside down. That way, when the yummy juices collect at the bottom during cooking, the breasts and other meat get nice and soaked in all that flavor! 

It also keeps the turkey from drying out.

The only down side is that you can’t see the little red thermometer this way. 

I chose to leave my turkey right side up this year to avoid over-cooking. I still need the little red thermometer for help! Maybe next year I’ll be advanced enough to try this!

Use the turkey package to determine how long the bird should cook.

My turkey was about 14 pounds. The package estimated it would take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.

Another bit of clever ingenuity from my mom- check the bird a little earlier than the package recommends. Keep checking the bird every 15 minutes as it gets closer to the recommended time. This will ensure that the bird doesn’t stay in the oven for any extra time- which could cause it to dry out.

This tip saved me this year!

Kick back and relax because this takes a while. Or you know, slave over the rest of your Thanksgiving meal… Whatever applies to your situation. 😊

Watch for the red turkey thermometer to pop out. You’re almost done!

My turkey went into the oven at 8:20am, so I planned to start checking it at 11:20am. That’s 30 minutes sooner than the package recommended.

By some strange luck and due to my own impatience, I started checking my turkey at 10:30am instead of 11:20.

To my surprise, the turkey looked almost done!

By 10:40, the thermometer popped and the turkey was done! That’s only 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time!

Come to find out, the package on the turkey and the package on the turkey bag had different cooking instructions.

The turkey bag instructions were more accurate. That’s weird…. Watch out for that when you cook this year!

Once the thermometer pops, cut open the top of your turkey bag.

If your turkey needs more color, allow the turkey to cook for another 15 minutes or so without the turkey bag in order to brown the top of the turkey.

This also helps the skin of your turkey get nice and crispy!

It looks great and tastes delicious!

Your turkey will be a show stopper at your next Thanksgiving party!

My family loved the turkey! They ate the entire thing, down to the bones. Thanks mom!!!

Fun tip from my mom- The turkey drippings are all contained inside your turkey bag. The drippings make excellent turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

All you have to do is strain the turkey drippings and add a roux (flour mixed with water or butter). Bring it up to a rolling boil and you’re done! Delicious, homemade gravy!

Wow, I’m starting to think my mom knows everything.

I hope my genius mom’s tips simplify your turkey-cooking this year!

It really saved my Thanksgiving!

Cheers to people who are smarter than me who share their wisdom!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

Share this post with anyone who needs a simple Thanksgiving this year!

Please subscribe to my email list for weekly updates in the world of parenting!

Subscribe today to receive your FREE Guide!!

Anyone else have trouble cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? I finally broke down and asked mom for help. Best choice I ever made! Here's what she told me that saved my Thanksgiving. Click here! Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value.

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Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash

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Updated 2/13/2019

My mom is one of those people who make amazing turkey every year for Thanksgiving.

Whenever we have potluck Thanksgiving dinners, she’s always asked to cook the turkey. Year after year. Turkey after turkey.

And it’s always so delicious! Her turkeys are moist inside, and yet crispy on the edges.

I looked forward to her turkey every Thanksgiving…. Until I got married and moved off to Idaho. I couldn’t always get home for Thanksgiving. I was faced with a real dilemma- How in the heck am I supposed to cook a turkey for my own Thanksgiving dinner??

It’s not like you can have Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

But I quickly figured out that my mom made it look much easier than it really is.

My first turkey got burnt on the outside but was not fully cooked inside.

My second turkey was cooked at least, but it was as dry… Like nasty wannabe jerky. Yuck.

So I finally swallowed my pride and asked my mom for help. Thanksgiving 2018 is gonna be better!!!

I told her that nobody made turkey like her and I needed some help.

Do you know what she said???

Nothing!

She just laughed!!

Yep, laughed- because her turkeys are SOOOO easy. In her loving words, “Maybe you should have your toddler help you get it done right!”

Here’s what she told me, and a step by step view of how my first attempt went:

Buy the cheapest, fattest turkey you can find, a turkey bag, and a turkey pan.

Gibson Home 89134.02 Broxton 2 Piece Non-Stick Turkey Roaster, Black

REYNOLDS G10510 Oven Bag 2 CT

McCormick Garlic Salt, 9.5 oz

McCormick California Style Onion Powder, 2.62 oz

One shopping trip, everything you need. Done and done!

Oh well, you’ll also need butter, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Make sure you grab those things too if you don’t have them at home!

Defrost the turkey.

Most turkeys come with directions on how to defrost.

My mom recommended putting the turkey in the fridge for up to 3 days to ensure that it thaws completely or putting the turkey in a cold water bath for several hours before cooking.

In my case, I put the turkey in my sink with cold water in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. (Always clean out the sink well before putting the turkey in there!)

It took most of the day for the turkey to defrost. Then I put the turkey in the fridge overnight and it was all ready to cook Thanksgiving Day!

Preheat the oven.

Just follow the directions on the package! My turkey cooked at 325 degrees.

Rinse the bird, removing the extras inside.

Usually there are things like the turkey neck, the heart, and the gizzard (what is that anyways??) inside the hallow of the turkey. Remove those before cooking.

My turkey had a turkey neck and a package of turkey drippings.

Well… at least that’s what I thought until after I cooked the turkey.

Once we cut open the turkey and started removing the meat, I found the other extras hidden inside the turkey. Just like my mom said they would be. Woops.

Place the turkey bag in the disposable turkey pan, then put the bird in the bag, leaving the bag open.

You’re all set to season the bird!

Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper generously on all surfaces of the turkey, turning the bird as you go to reach all areas.

This will add delicious flavor to the exterior of your turkey.

My mom said the she even seasons inside the hallow of the bird sometimes! I didn’t worry about that this year. I’m just a beginner after all.

I tried to use one hand to turn the bird (not easy!) and one hand to season with to avoid cross contamination. I didn’t want to stop to wash my hands several extra times. Nobody wants raw turkey juices on their cooking stuff!

It didn’t always work, so I did have to wash my hands a few extra times during the process of turning the bird to season all sides.

I did run into one hiccup.

The first seasoning I applied to the turkey (onion powder) stuck to the turkey because the bird was moist.

But the second seasoning I applied (garlic salt) didn’t stick because the onion powder was already covering the bird.

Solution? I added butter flavored cooking spray to help the other seasonings stick.

Add big chunks of butter all over the top of the turkey.

Be generous- Just like Paula Deen!

Tie the bag shut and place the turkey in the oven.

I needed to adjust my racks to make the turkey fit. Make sure the plastic turkey bag does not directly touch the top or sides of the oven.

I will always choose a turkey with an internal thermometer that lets me know when the turkey is done cooking.

That was my saving grace! I would be totally lost without that little red thermometer.

My mom took it to the next level!

She told me to turn the bird upside down. That way, when the yummy juices collect at the bottom during cooking, the breasts and other meat get nice and soaked in all that flavor! 

It also keeps the turkey from drying out.

The only down side is that you can’t see the little red thermometer this way. 

I chose to leave my turkey right side up this year to avoid over-cooking. I still need the little red thermometer for help! Maybe next year I’ll be advanced enough to try this!

Use the turkey package to determine how long the bird should cook.

My turkey was about 14 pounds. The package estimated it would take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook.

Another bit of clever ingenuity from my mom- check the bird a little earlier than the package recommends. Keep checking the bird every 15 minutes as it gets closer to the recommended time. This will ensure that the bird doesn’t stay in the oven for any extra time- which could cause it to dry out.

This tip saved me this year!

Kick back and relax because this takes a while. Or you know, slave over the rest of your Thanksgiving meal… Whatever applies to your situation. 😊

Watch for the red turkey thermometer to pop out. You’re almost done!

My turkey went into the oven at 8:20am, so I planned to start checking it at 11:20am. That’s 30 minutes sooner than the package recommended.

By some strange luck and due to my own impatience, I started checking my turkey at 10:30am instead of 11:20.

To my surprise, the turkey looked almost done!

By 10:40, the thermometer popped and the turkey was done! That’s only 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time!

Come to find out, the package on the turkey and the package on the turkey bag had different cooking instructions.

The turkey bag instructions were more accurate. That’s weird…. Watch out for that when you cook this year!

Once the thermometer pops, cut open the top of your turkey bag.

If your turkey needs more color, allow the turkey to cook for another 15 minutes or so without the turkey bag in order to brown the top of the turkey.

This also helps the skin of your turkey get nice and crispy!

It looks great and tastes delicious!

Your turkey will be a show stopper at your next Thanksgiving party!

My family loved the turkey! They ate the entire thing, down to the bones. Thanks mom!!!

Fun tip from my mom- The turkey drippings are all contained inside your turkey bag. The drippings make excellent turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

All you have to do is strain the turkey drippings and add a roux (flour mixed with water or butter). Bring it up to a rolling boil and you’re done! Delicious, homemade gravy!

Wow, I’m starting to think my mom knows everything.

I hope my genius mom’s tips simplify your turkey-cooking this year!

It really saved my Thanksgiving!

Cheers to people who are smarter than me who share their wisdom!!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

Share this post with anyone who needs a simple Thanksgiving this year!

Please subscribe to my email list for weekly updates in the world of parenting!

Subscribe today to receive your FREE Guide!!

Anyone else have trouble cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? I finally broke down and asked mom for help. Best choice I ever made! Here's what she told me that saved my Thanksgiving. Click here! Photo by Cayla1 on Unsplash This post may contain advertisements and/or links for products and services that I value.