We actually had a lot of fun this weekend, but go figure, I didn’t snap any pics! Maybe it’s a sign I was having a great time? …or that my arms are usually full holding Kaitlyn so I didn’t have the ability to? The ache in my left bicep seems to agree with that reasoning.
We absolutely loved our time hanging out with Cara and Kyla. I took them to my favorite local health store (because visitors always want to see where you buy your groceries, right?) and the girls played together beautifully.
On Saturday Caitlin and Julie and their fams (Sadie included, of course! Afterall, Koda needed a buddy) came over to hang out. The rain held off long enough for a little swimming (Henry is quite the little swimmer! Hailey on the other hand was grumpy and went to take a nap), soccer watching and a quick boat ride. I know I had fun when the day culminated with me passing out on the couch at 8pm. Clearly I can’t quite hang again yet!
I did get a great night of sleep (not so humble brag: Kaitlyn slept 7:40pm-4:30am! Can we please keep this as the new norm?!) and I was up and ready to get the day going at 6:15. Since I had already meal planned, Kaitlyn and I hit up the grocery store. Before 7am is a great time to shop by the way. The store was almost empty.
It felt amazing to have that checked off and back home making breakfast by 8:00am.
Hearty Sunday breakfast for all!
I’m on such a sourdough kick right now.
Let’s talk food! Here’s what we chowed down on last week…
Chicken Enchiladas (my last freezer meal!) with a avocado and tomato salsa.
BBQ spiced grilled chicken salad.
Homemade veggie pizza.
A side salad made by my SIL with Annie’s Cowgirl Ranch (finally a healthier ranch that doesn’t taste terrible).
Beef Enchilada Pie, again made by my SIL (so grateful!).
Channa Masala from my favorite local Indian spot, Mint. It resparked my love for Indian food- delicious!
I also promised to report back on my salad in a jar experiment from last week.
HUGE success. The salads stayed crisp and fresh throughout the week thanks to the layering of the ingredients. Dressing on the bottom, followed by heartier veggies or beans, lighter veggies and then topped with your green of choice. The convenience of having a healthy lunch prepped and ready to go was life changing. Not exaggerating.
I have another experimental combo ready to go this week. Hoping it’s a winner, too!
These salad in a jar might be my new favorite prep item.
What is most helpful for you to prep before the week begins?
What is your favorite food prep item?
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I Just tried salad in a jar a few weeks ago and also had great success! I just wish I liked salads more 🙂
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
I was so curious how the salads would turn out – and as a soon to be new mamma to twins (I have made a few of your freezer meals 🙂 ) I was hopeful they’d be a success so happy they were – I have a feeling JARS will be my new favorite food prep item but for now I think just having my plan is my favorite food prep item along with lots of storage containers 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I think friends and fam will be your favorite food prep items soon while you spend your time loving on those babies! 😉 So excited for you 🙂
Kelli says
I seriously would hire you to prepare my meals they always look so delicious!!
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
Ha, I’m making freezer-friendly enchiladas today to get ready for baby. Those meals are going to be lifesavers the first few weeks 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t believe you are getting so close! Exciting!! 🙂
Marjorie says
Looks like it was a great weekend. And YAY for the sleep stretch!
My favorite food prep item at the moment is the set of glass storage containers I recently got at Costco. I am phasing out all of our plastic. They are so great because they can go from freezer/fridge to oven. One last dish to clean since the storage doubles as a baking dish. I know it’s not all that exciting or earth-shattering…but it’s the little things that make me happy. 🙂
I saw you post about those jars, and that is definitely on my list of things to try! I’ve got quite a few mason jars already that would be just the right size (large!) because I like my salads big and hearty. Nom!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey, you’re talking to the right person because I do find glass storage containers exciting! I’m trying to slowly phase out my plastic too!
Jessica says
I’d love to hear about your bedtime routine with Kaitlyn!
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a little different every night but we are slowly settling into some predictable patterns. I’ll write a post on it soon! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Jessica says
Thank YOU 🙂 I have a 23 month old son and our new daughter will be 4 weeks on Tuesday, so I am waiting for and wanting some more predictability! I am always interested how other moms of toddlers/babies develop a routine.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Those salad jars look so good! Happy to hear they work well. I always prep hummus & veggies for David, and starting last week I started prepping protein balls (black beans, pb, almonds, honey, & cocoa powder — SO good!).
Lisa says
The salad in a jar is a great idea! I’m definetly going to make some for the week. I usually end up having to throw salad away because it goes bad before I can eat it all. I think this will solve that. I have a bunch of mason jars for juicing so this is perfect. A little bit of prep makes for an easier healty week ahead. Thanks Brittany!
Sara Moser says
I love the salad in a jar! What a great idea. Definitely trying it.
Audrey @ In Shape Cupcake says
All that food! Oh my goodness! Delicious! Also, the salad in a jar is a awesome idea!
Lauren says
What is the spice combination for the BBQ spice chicken? I’m always looking for new ways the make chicken.
Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a bottle I got from Savory Spice Shop http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/ – love that place!
It’s Team Sweet Mama’s Kansas City Rub and says it contains sugar, salt, hickory smoke salt, black pepper, mustard, onion, celery, ginger, allspice, cayenne and other spices.
Jerrica says
If you are ever in San Francisco, or need a fantastic gift idea, try Boudin sourdough bread! S.F. is known for its sourdough and it most definitely does not disappoint. It’s a game changer 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
A nine hour stretch!! You are a lucky mama. Glad you all had such a fun weekend- and I’m drooling over everything, especially the Indian food.
Jen says
This is the second time this week I’ve seen a salad in a jar, and I’m really intrigued by them! I love the idea of having it all set and ready in the fridge and not having to deal with prepping a new salad every day.
Okay, I do not know how you hit the baby sleep lottery, but you did. My almost 8 week old daughter finally went to sleep for the night around 10:30 pm yesterday (after starting her nightly bedtime routine at 8 pm) and was up by 1:30, then she was in and out of sleep for two hours, and then after I got her down at 4 am she woke up 40 minutes later crying and wouldn’t go back to sleep unless she was being held. Now she’s napping on my lap because I really don’t want her to get overtired but if i put her down she wakes up! Ugh. I keep thinking I’m doing it wrong but I’m trying to remember she’s still young and all babies are different.
Ashlee says
I just had my second daughter two weeks ago (my girls are 19 months apart) and I need to know how you do it! Are you thinking about doing another “Day in the Life” post anytime soon? That would be so helpful. Also, please spill all the details on how you’ve started Kaitlyn’s bedtime routine and schedule. I’m not getting much sleep yet… Have a good week!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
my fav food prep item… my pressure cooker! I can cook beans, rice, or anything lickety split! 🙂
ps… I love me some Indian too!!
Sam says
Hi Brittany,
What size mason jars did you use for the salad prep?
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve been using the wide mouth quart size. They are a good size to make a large salad!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
i always have to have my veggies chopped before the week starts. If my carrots and peppers aren’t precut, chances are I won’t eat them!
Salads in a jar look really cool and super useful if you’re a salad eater, but I’m not sure I like salads enough to do them justice…
Rachel Cooks says
I really have to try the salad in the jar. Ready-to-go lunches are sooo important.
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
I love shopping early or late at night!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
My 12 week old has been sleeping from 7pm-3am and then again until 8 or 9am…it’s magical! Fingers crossed K continues sleeping well for you 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
This is such a great idea!! I’ve had my eye on some Ball jars at Target for a while but wasn’t quite sure I’d use them enough – these would be perfect for them. Do you know how long one would last before getting kind of icky?
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t know for sure, but mine stayed fresh Sunday- Friday pretty easily!
Danica @ It's Progression says
Oh okay, that’s great! Thanks!
char eats greens says
Really need to try this. We only have a few 1L mason jars, so I need to buy more. It would especially come in handy seeing as we bought another CSA, so I’ll have tons of greens coming in all summer!
kari says
Hi, this idea looks really cool and I’ve seen it pop up multiple places! But my question is, how do you actually eat it? How does the dressing get to the rest of the salad and how do I refrain from eating (just spinach)(just carrots)(just cheese) and all the rests of the layers in singularity? If I was at home i could just pour it out onto a plate, but I go to school everyday for lunch so would like to eat it right out of the jar. Ideas please? Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Kari! You’d need to pour it into a bowl or plate because there isn’t enough room to shake it all around in the jar. Perhaps you could bring 2 jars and pour it from one to the other? Good luck!