Hello, hello! I am sneaking in at the end of the week for a coffee date because I just looked at the calendar and it is the end of July! Like, who is in charge of time around here?
It has been a month of sun, and outdoor lunches and dinners, and walks around the lake, and book reading (maybe we’ll hit that topic next time)! And in the drink department, things have stayed pretty consistent:
I still love lemonade.
I still love green smoothies.
I still love decaf iced coffees, lately with a pinch of sugar AND salt. I know.
One small development that you should know about, since this IS a coffee date post, is that we got a new bubble tea shop in by our house this month, and it has some of that really good Thai tea or royal milk tea that is kind of milkshake-level sweet and creamy. Know what I’m talking about? It’s just kind of ridiculous and so very good. I’m just drinking water at the moment (sad) but I’m going to PRETEND it’s a dreamy Thai tea with those big fat chewy pearls.
One other development is my newfound obsession with the fluffiest blueberry pancakes (pictured). You must make them, and SOON.
What about you guys? Drinks of choice today? Whatever it is, grab a coaster and settle in. Coffee date starts now.
Cold Press
Drink-obsessed much? I’ve been making cold brew for the last month or so, and the short story is that it’s awesome.
Okay, I know there are rules about “grind your own coffee” and stuff, but honestly, I am scrappy. I have a bunch of pre-ground coffee right now, so that’s what I’m using. I mix 4 cups of water with about 1 cup of ground coffee and let it sit overnight (12 hours). Then I run it through a paper filter (or a tea filter, or lately, a filtering pitcher) in the morning and voila! Cold brew ready for the week.
I do one batch of decaf or half caf and one batch of regular, and honestly, having it waiting for me in the fridge makes waking up feel like a small party. I love it.
Cold Brew Tools (not essential, just some of my faves):
- Filtering pitcher
- Glass bottles
- I don’t have these but they look super convenient – filters for individual mason jars!
(These are affiliate links on Amazon, just cause we have them and use them a lot. ^ Feel free to search them out on your own if you ‘d rather not give us any referral credit! No prob.)
Do you guys make cold brew? Am I criminal for using pre-ground coffee?
Pedicures Are Life
I’m sorry in advance for a foot pic – I just need you to know that this month I spent $25 on a pedicure.
I probably haven’t had a pedicure for, like, 2 years, but WHY WHY WHY do I not do this every month. It was so wonderful. I sat and read my book in a massaging chair while my feet got beautified. This needs to become a new ritual. Absolutely worth $25.
Are you Team DIY nails or do you go get them done?
Staycation Vs. Vacation
This month Bjork and I took two days off of work to try to celebrate summer… even though we can’t go anywhere (pregnancy / travel restrictions) or do anything (pregnancy / activity restrictions).
Staycation, we said! It’ll be so fun, we said!
And then it rained both days, and we ended up doing semi-sad things like eating Jimmy John’s for lunch while watching Parks and Rec at home instead of going on scenic drives and lakeside picnics.
Spending time with Bjork is always a win for me, and I’m more than happy not to push any of my travel or activity restrictions to have a healthy pregnancy, so I really can’t complain at all. I guess I just felt like maybe I’d come away from the experience loving staycation, and I think I more came away from the experience loving vay-cation a little more.
Are you guys staycationers? Maybe you can teach me how to do it better next time.
Freezer Meals
Ooh, classy! Love a raw meat pic.
Okay, here’s the deal. I’m kind of thinking about prepping some freezer meals for maternity leave, but, uhh, I don’t really DO freezer meals. Or I haven’t before. I’m trying to learn, and so far I feel pretty proud of my stash, but there are so many things I still don’t know.
Questions that linger:
- What is the best general method for freezer meals? Crockpot? Instant Pot? Sheet pan? Lasagna every time?
- Right now, I have the meats/sauces frozen, and then the thinking is that I’ll build a full meal by adding extras (potatoes, rice, salad, etc.) at meal time. But is there an easier way? I kind of want stuff that’s just, like, ready to go.
- Thawing. It’s kind of annoying (planning ahead is really hard for some of us, okay?!) and I get nervous about food safety. What are your tricks?
- Related: is there a resource that you like for freezer meals that are NOT a 1 can + 1 package of chicken kind of thing? You guys KNOW I love easy meals, but I’d rather make these an easy meals meets real food kind of thing, and I have had a hard time finding recipes that are both.
- What else can I use to store this stuff besides gallon plastic bags? Anything glass or reusable?
Thank you in advance!
Maternity Leave, Blog Posts, And Your Thoughts
Hey! Speaking of.
I’m planning to take a maternity leave this fall, and I am so excited.
I really want to protect what I think will be a really special and disorienting and un-showered time. As a result, I’ve decided not to post during my maternity leave. I’ve also decided not to stress myself out in between now and then by drafting 900 posts in advance.
I’m just keeping it simple – working like normal till baby comes, taking a leave, and coming back in January.
So here’s my question: What would feel good to see on the blog during that time?
Currently we have a few post series in the works that continue to bring valuable content to YOU, except instead of being written by me, it’d be coming from others on our team and in our community. What are your feelings on that? Are you excited / not excited to see new photos, new voices, and new types of content here? Sometimes I feel like my role here is not only content creator but “protector of POY,” which really means “protector of POY readers,” and making sure that everything that gets shared here is valuable and interesting and REAL and fun for you.
Gimme whatcha got!
A Few Words From Sage
Sage has one more thing to add.
She would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the value of a nice rest.
There’s only so much pushing forward, hustling, getting-it-done-ing that a person can do from day to day and week to week. We have limits. I mean, look at her. This is a girl who KNOWS her limits. She is straight goals with her limits.
She wants to remind you to take a rest when you need one. You’ll probably come back to your job, your kids, your stress and your difficult situation with a renewed energy to be awesome. We can’t all go, go, go forever. Breathe, close your eyes for a second (or a month), and watch a dumb TV show just because.
Rest is good.
Bonus – Come Work With Us!
Oh, hey! PS. We’re hiring! Sage wanted you to know in case you wanted to apply OR send the job posting to someone you know who should apply.
This is a remote, part-time position for Food Blogger Pro (our awesome membership community for food bloggers) and it involves helping people and being friendly on the internet! Fun stuff. You need to be a good writer because we do all our communication online, and, obviously, you need to be a nice person because you’ll be supporting lots of FBP-ers.
You can check out the official job posting here!
That’s all for today! See you next month for the last coffee date of the summer months umm SAY WHAT?! I can’t even talk about that right now.
Live your life! Eat that popsicle! Enjoy the sun!
I am a first time mom who just gave birth two weeks ago by an unexpected c-section. I was really unsure of the whole food thing as well and thought about preparing freezer meals, but I am just not a fan of freezer food so decided to wing it a bit.
I really craved fresh fruits and vegetables post delivery. We stocked up on fruit and juices and I get fresh produce sent every other week through Full Circle. We (my husband and I) did a lot of roasted veggies (cauliflower, potatoes, broccoli, kale) with rice cooked easily in the rice cooker or instant pot. We also made simple pastas with pantry ingredients, such as tomatoes with black olives, basil, kale, spinach, etc.
Also, simple wraps with spinach, hummus, etc. were what a craved a lot.
Since my husband and I have no family around and none that were able to visit, my coworkers also helped out by making us some meals, which has been so very helpful. They made us enchiladas, vegetable soup, salmon, veggie lasagna, etc. We live in a small town off the coast in Alaska, so fresh salmon is in abundance and so easy to cook. We just pop it in the oven for 15 minutes with some rice or greens on the side and dinner is complete.
Anyway, hope this helps. I was really unsure of this as well and now that I am currently on leave I wanted to share what has worked for us.
Eating at Jimmy John’s is ALWAYS amazing for me! And may I recommend checking out the new reality show with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman titled “Making it”? I’ve been loving it.
Re: maternity leave- I look forward to hearing from other team members/guest bloggers while you’re on leave snuggling your little peanut. One suggestion for a type of post would be a round up post- “best 30 min or less vegetarian weeknight meals,” “best instant pot meals”, and a post integrating some tips on freezer meals!!!
Best of luck to you during your last trimester and for your delivery. My baby was born January 2017 and I was so so sad about sweet baby Afton. Now I’m delighted for you for your next baby, and just hoping all goes well. Xox
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Parental leave is a basic human right; take as much time and you feel you need! In the meantime, I think having guest posts is a great idea.
Best wishes!
A belated coffee date response! Regarding a staycation… I live in St. Paul and plan weekend itineraries for my family members when they come to visit. I am happy to share a few of them with you. too. They should be good reminders of unique things for you & Bjork to do in our amazing cities! Just lmk… Note: I always plan way too much and we skip as desired. The itinerary is a fun guide, not a strict agenda. 😉
P.S. Regarding to work or to not work, do what works for you. To talk thru it with someone who can related, I’d recommend How Sweet who I think you know? If not, she had 2 babes while blogging & cookbook creating so may be a good resource for you. She worked ahead on the blog posts and also made a zillion freezer meals. Wishing you well! <3
Hi Lindsay and family!
Since the only comment I read mentioned that you should prepare posts ahead of time because of the “extended” leave you are taking, I just needed to respond.
I’m from France, one of the many nations on Earth that allow women (and men) to take time off from work after they bring a new life on said Earth (usually 4 months of paid leave for mothers). By my standards, your decision to hit pause on the blog until January is utterly reasonable and understandable. But beyond that, you are a woman leading a small business in the US, and by going on leave you are showing your staff and your readers that a country where young parents take a few months off to recover from childbirth and bond with a newborn is possible and desirable. I’m sure your readers will be very happy with a post that says “On maternity leave. See you in January!” With a picture of Sage playing with, or rather gazing pensively at, a rattle or something. Or, if this is an opportunity to let other members of the team contribute, that’s also great!
Kudos on your transparent approach on a very important and under-discussed topic.
Re: meal freezing, I have always frozen every kinds of leftovers with great results (even pastries!). You can thaw them in the fridge to save electricity or throw them in the microwave for a few minutes (except for pastries! Fridge-thawing or room-temperature thawing only for those). My parents are meal freezing champions and on any given day their freezer will contain things such as osso bucco, beef bourguignon, risotto, curry, paella, soups galore, bacalau, lasagna or other kinds of pasta in sauce, and many many other dishes that don’t have a name in English 😉 The rule of thumb is: the more liquid there is in the dish, the better it will be when thawed. So soups and stews are your best options and a great place to start. As for containers, we’ve always only used plastic bags, which take the least space.
Enjoy!
Camille, I love your thoughts on maternity leave. Also, the idea of Sage gazing at a rattle is super cute.
Can your parents do a guest post on freezer meals?? They sound like they have so much knowledge!
Staycations have never worked out for me for some reason. Either it rains or the pull of things that need done around the house win out over relaxing (I know, I’m a huge help!).
Freezer meals…http://www.momswhothink.com/freezer-cooking-recipes/freezer-cooking-recipes.html. Full disclosure, that’s my site. While every recipe has been made and eaten by our family (multi-generational so we have a lot of cooks), the pictures aren’t the best. The recipes do skew towards fresh ingredients and may take a little more prep time than cream of recipes, but we all like them a lot. We used them for my daughter in law’s pregnancies. What’s for dinner should be the least of your concerns with a newborn.
For your maternity leave posts…I have to say the most helpful post you have ever written that directly relates to me is the online jealousy one. I have that bookmarked and read it often. I’d love to see more self improvement/living with your flaws but getting better at it (does that make sense?).
I’m glad to hear your pregnancy is going well and you’ll continue to be in my prayers. 💙
Yes, I love “Lindsay’s Musings” type posts. Not every post has to have a recipe….
I’m checking out your freezer meal site!
Lovin’ the pedicure!
Such a different way express and share use of coffee. I really like this. 🙂
For make ahead freezer meals, I bought some of those reusable freezer safe divided takeout type containers. I double the batch of a meal I am already making and divide the extras out into pre made meals. They’re perfect for lazy days and/or my husband’s work meals.
Bonus: not a ton of dishes to wash.
https://www.amazon.com/Enther-Containers-Compartment-Stackable-Dishwasher/dp/B072B9F7W4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533419815&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=divided+food+storage+containers&psc=1
Hi! I am new to your blog (I know, blasphemy) and have begun religiously checking every day for new posts. While you’re on maternity leave, I would love to have some themed recipe round up posts that might tune me into older recipes that I’ve missed over the years. Thanks for all that you do and especially for providing fun, healthy, creative food for me and my family. – Gina
Lindsay, you are absolutely glowing! The most adorable pregnant lady ever, especially in that group office photo! My heart is full for you, and I can’t wait to see what third trimester cravings bring out of your kitchen. <3 Much love to you and Bjork and baby (and Sage, of course!)
I just completed making freezer meals as I am due in a couple weeks. I really like Six Sisters’ freezer meal posts. They have a couple posts with grocery lists which I find to be helpful. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipes/?search_recipes=Search+Recipes&course_type=&food_type=freezer-meals&recipe_keyword=
Also, your chicken tamale pie is a great freezer option! I double the recipe, separate it out to 3 tin pie pans, put it in the freezer, and take it to all of my friends when they have babies.
Lindsay, although I’ve been reading for years, your blog is a special place for me. I too am finally expecting a daughter at end of September after losing a son at 24 and a half weeks three years ago, so I am with you all the way on taking a maternity leave and not stressing yourself out doing posts (though baby pics on instagram would be most welcome). I am also planning a maternity leave until January (when I will need to find childcare, gulp!). After all, for me, this is likely my last pregnancy, after multiple losses over the last three years, and likely to be my only child. I want to spend time with her when she is born, and am lucky I can get time off. Besides, my husband will still be working during that time, so I think I will have a lot on my plate at home! Speaking of the blog during your hiatus, I would love to see Bjork’s take on adapting to life/sleeping/cooking meals with a newborn.
Sasha,
I’m so sorry for your lost. Wishing you a safe and peaceful delivery.
As a fellow reader, I love the idea of hearing from Bjork once in awhile.
Waow Great Time yeah
Best wishes for you both as you welcome a baby. Lindsey you are absolutely glowing🤗Really enjoy all that you share, thank you! Blessings to your family.
Post pregnancy meal planning: as many batches as you can make between now and then 😉https://pinchofyum.com/strawberry-shortcake-yogurt-bowls#tasty-recipes-46038
But really, especially if you’re breastfeeding, so many good things and quick easy assembly.
To be honest, after my baby was born I was worse with cravings than I was during pregnancy and most of my meals went to waste. Ditto to the person who said she’s so over lasagna and soup!
So so happy for you guys, take the time you need and savor what you can and survive the rest. Hugs!
Hi Lindsay, Would you consider doing a house tour? I know this is about food but I’m just loving the progress that you guys have made in your home and the sneak peaks of decor. Maybe a before and after post!? 🙂 Thank you!
Dear Lindsay,
Firstly, do a pedi, every month. It is such a lovely little treat at the time, but all month when I see those bright red toes (or pink, or blue) I feel a bit pretty, a bit cheeky. Even if I have nothing else going on (jeans & T-shirts most likely!).
Secondly, I promise you freezer meals are a saviour. Yes perhaps they aren’t as perfect as cooking from fresh ingredients each day, but sometimes there isn’t the time or ability. Serving your people a nourishing meal at is not only very satisfying, but less stressful. I have 3 teenage kids, a husband that travels and I work part time. I use all my own marinades or rubs. I even freeze my brine mix for my pork! I have the correct serving size for my family in that baggy (which I wash and reuse) and the flavours seem to develop well as the meat thaws. I don’t add veggies but that is the fresh element I like to add on the night.
I was inspired many years ago by Nigella Lawson due to a series she did called Nigella Bites. I had young children and my mother had just passed and it saved me. Good luck! Hopefully you will find it a really helpful tool when bubs arrives! Xx
Lindsay,
To someone I don’t know, but my heart connects to so much. My husband has followed POY for a couple years, while I was pregnant I feel in love with you guys! I am beyond thrilled for you two, two that I can tell will be fantastic parents! I say girlfriend, take that maternity leave, don’t worry about prepping posts for us, we will still be here in January!! I think while you’re gone your team should show who they are. Invite us to enjoy the things they enjoy, as we do with you.
Lindsay, Bjork, Sage! Enjoy this new baby set to join your family soon! Don’t stress about anything, you’re all going to do great!!!
I make a bunch of different meals and then freeze them in individual containers and reheat them in the microwave or convection oven straight from the freezer. My boyfriend and I usually use these for lunches. Some things that I’ve made that have frozen well: curry and rice, enchiladas, rice topped with any meat and veggies, the Parmesan orzo with roasted veggies and sausage from Gimme Some Oven, chicken pot pie, breakfast burritos, and any other burrito 🙂
Take time off girl! Seriously! Take every single minute, every single second. You do what you need for you and your family. You have such a successful business. It will continue to be successful. You will absolutely, 100% not regret taking time for you and your family. Promise!
I’ve done a few Wild Tree freezer meal workshops myself (kind of like Mary Kay but with food…), and I found the best trick is to place the meat, veggies, and spices/ marinade in the gallon freezer bag, seal, shake it, squish it and fold the top over to squeeze the air out, then double bag it. With the workshop, we had 10 pre-planned meals with print out stickers to place on each meal bag. The stickers had instructions on how to cook the meal in case you forget, as well as instructions on what sides to prep and serve with that meal. Pretty stellar!
Hey Lindsey! Ok, so I’m a self-proclaimed (tongue-and-cheek) Freezer Cooking Evangelist. 😉 I was so excited to see others recommending our blog and cookbook to you on here. We did an interview with Bjork on FBP after it came out and sent you a copy. I’d love to send you another one, if you didn’t get it. We are currently finishing up our second book about slow cooker and Instant Pot freezer meals (all real food recipes) and have learned so much! It’s due out next Fall 2019. I’ll send you a copy then, too. Here’s a short article on our blog with 6 No-Fail Steps for Creating Delicious Freezer Meals. Hope it helps! https://thrivinghomeblog.com/6-steps-to-making-delicious-freezer-meals/
You can find our cookbook called From Freezer to Table here: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/fromfreezertotable.com
Hi Lindsay!
I loooove freezer meals (esp when I was prepping for maternity leave, too). I find the slow cooker to be better as a rule for freezer meals than the Instant Pot. I don’t worry about defrosting (just enough to dump the food out of whatever container you’re using), and it doesn’t affect the timing as long as you’re cooking for at least 4 hours. Especially recipes that take longer, like pulled pork, you really can’t tell. I also love to make beans in advance (either in the slow cooker or the instant pot, depending), and freeze them fully cooked.
I have made a freezer meal out of your detox lentil soup, which I make regularly in the fall and winter, (chop everything and freeze it EXCEPT potatoes, lentils/peas and kale/parsley/vinegar/oil).
Some others I like to make as freezer meals are Asian peanut butter chicken (the recipe says pork but I use chicken for this), chipotle pulled pork, and John McCain’s beef back ribs (so easy and so good – they will look burned in the slow cooker at the end but taste delicious; just put them on a trivet so they’re not swimming in the fat), all from ayearofslowcooking.com, and easy springtime crockpot minestrone from howsweeteats (you can freeze this fully cooked, too, which I think is easier).
Take as long of a maternity leave as you possibly can, and enjoy your time with your little one. Wishing you a safe and easy birth and recovery, and a happy and healthy baby!!