The Book Club is Back!

Remember that time I started a book club and it lasted a whole whopping two months?

I sure do.

Right around the end of November is when everything kind of took a nose-dive and to be completely transparent--eeeeeeverything that had something to do with this space and basically everything that was not directly related to me surviving Christmas and the new year was absolutely abandoned. I'll own it. I dropped the ball.

And I am sorry. Because I love thriving communities and that book club had some potential, friends.

So, now that we are looking into April and I am feeling a bit more steady, I have to listen to the fire in my belly to bring it back already and I am so so so giddy excited to re-launch the This Misfit Mama Book Club!

What's the book club all about?

It was always my dream to create a safe space for women of all walks of life to join up in person and online in fellowship (eeeehhhh, sisterhood?), being comfortable with vulnerability, sharing perspective, and generally just having fun.

As women, we are called to so much. We take on so much. We are life's ordinary rockstars. And it's exhausting.

The book club popped into my head one day partly out of my own selfish desire to simultaneously have a little bit of community and "me time" in my life, and partly because I knew that other women needed it too.

And what better way to do it than to connect over books?

I've hand-picked seven books we'll read over the next seven months, starting in May. Once a month we'll meet up in-person (if you are local to Atlantic County, NJ) and virtually via Google Hangout, as well as checking in throughout the month in a closed Facebook group where we can share our thoughts as we read together.

The majority of the books will be new releases, as in we will be reading them just weeks after they are released.

I am excited for May's read: "Looking for Lovely: Collecting Moments That Matter" by Annie F. Downs. From the book's Amazon page:

"I want you to take every step of your life with excitement for where you are headed. And I want you to feel beautiful and confident as you do."

But how? When the enemy whispers lies that we are not smart enough, pretty enough, or rich enough? Or are you too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too thin, too fat, too much or not enough? What if you don't have what it takes to be who you really want to be?"

In Looking for Lovely, Annie F. Downs shares personal stories, biblical truth, and examples of how others have courageously walked the path God paved for their lives by remembering all God had done, loving what was right in front of them, and seeing God in the everyday—whether that be nature, friends, or the face they see in the mirror.

Intensely personal, yet incredibly powerful, Looking for Lovely will spark transformative conversations and life changing patterns. No matter who you are and what path God has you on, we all need to remember the lovely, fight to finish, and find beautiful in our every day!

Looking for Lovely won't be released for a few more days, but you can preorder it here so you have it by the beginning of May!

Our in-person meet-up and discussion is scheduled for Friday, May 27, 2016 (time & location TBA and will be shared in the Facebook group) and our Google Hangout is scheduled for Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 7:30 PM Eastern.

Upcoming Titles for 2016:

June: "Wild and Free: A Hope-Filled Anthem for the Woman Who Feels She is Both Too Much and Never Enough" by Hayley Morgan and Jess Connolly

July:  "5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit" by Nicki Koziarz

August: "Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World" by Bob Goff

September: "Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living" by Shauna Niequist

October: "Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely" by Lysa TerKeurst

November: "The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life" by Ann Voskamp

December: break for the holidays; resume January 2017

You do not need to participate every month; by all means, take a look at the titles listed above and commit to the ones that speak to you. You can also join in at any time!

To sign up, please fill out the form below and I will email you the link to the Book Club's private Facebook page.

I am so excited to re-launch this community and dig in with you!

Crazy Victory

Happy Easter, friends!

I hope you have a wonderfully full and blessed weekend with family and friends. I am so happy I get my little girl all weekend, so I am posting this early as I will be spending all weekend celebrating.

All this week I've spent a lot of time in the Bible reading about Jesus' final hours on earth. I've been talking with Peyton (as appropriately as one can with a positively inquisitive four year old) about what Easter means and how the events leading up to Easter are somber and dark, but the glory of Easter is one to celebrate.

For so long, Easter only meant candy and dying eggs and bunnies (oh my). I grew up Catholic, but walked away as a teenager. I stayed away until January 2015 when God, after gently speaking to me for a few years, called me back to a church where I felt connected, engaged, and encouraged in a new walk with Jesus.

Last Easter, I had only been on that walk for a few short months. I can remember sitting in Easter service completely overcome with emotion. Jesus, this person who was the very Son of God, walked with his followers and his naysayers, loved everyone, knew his fate, and STILL accepted it as His Father's will.

I spent the better part of the Lenten season last year reflecting on His human experience and honed in on the horror and gravity of his last few hours. I was in straight-up mourning--the nastiness of His final hours were just so overwhelming to me. I should have been focusing more on His obedience and love, but here is where I am going with this:

I knew that Jesus is God on the earth. God. In the flesh. He walked among His peers.

I kept thinking about the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before He died. He asked God to take this unbelievable burden from Him unless it was God's will. I found myself thinking about what I'd do if I knew I'd be betrayed, beaten, humiliated, tormented, and killed mercilessly the very next day.

Spoiler alert: I'd run.

But that's because I'm not God. And I'm not perfect. But Jesus is.

And Jesus came to do these things for me.
For you.
For mankind.

Is your mind not absolutely blown by this?! This is the very thought that leaves me breathless again and again.

God loves me so much that he sent His one and only Son to die for me. For me. A woman who lived thousands of years later. And Jesus, KNOWING this--knowing me--walked freely to his betrayers in acknowledgement and acceptance of that burden. Every step of the way, He endured that for me! For you. For all of us.

And then He blew everything out of the water by defying death.

A love so exquisite that it shattered the chains of hell.

Whoosh--that's the sound of my breath leaving my body yet again, because friends--that is crazy love. That is crazy obedience. That is crazy victory.

Victory on the cross.
Victory in the empty tomb.
Victory in the resurrection.
Victory in God's grace and love.
Victory, once and for all.

Victory.
That is the beauty of Easter.

Friday will always mean mourning to me, but I can mourn with the peace of knowing that Sunday will come.

This year all I can see is perfect love and beauty, and I am completely overwhelmed by it.

Whip It Up Wednesday {Chicken Sausage & Roasted Veggies}

This is a story about cabbage. And missed free water ice opportunities.

I got this pretty little red cabbage from my Door to Door Organics delivery last week, and I was kind of perplexed by it. It was St. Patrick's Day week, so corned beef and cabbage was an option, but I had already had that during the weekend (tradition!) and I was looking for lunch options for the week.

So pretty.

I forgot that I had a package of chicken sausage in the freezer that I hadn't cooked up yet, and I also got a couple of zucchini and a red pepper in my delivery, so I decided to roast everything up.

This was Sunday. On Sunday morning, my sister asked me if I wanted to go get some free Rita's Water Ice because it was the first day of spring (!!!) and free (!!!!!!!!!) is always fun. I wholeheartedly accepted her invitation and started meal prepping for the week.

Meal prep took approximately 3574675196 hours that day. I have no idea why, but I was in the kitchen ALL DAY. I missed out on free water ice.

But, you know what? That's okay, because I walked away with this pretty little dish for lunches this week!

Roasted cabbage is totally my most favorite thing in the world now. I was eating the little bits of charred cabbage leaves like they were going out of style. And the rest of the veggies were such a nice complement to the savory chicken sausage.

And a plus: roasted vegetables are one of those awesome weeknight staples because you simply chop your veggies, toss them in a little of a olive oil with salt and pepper, and pop them in the oven. That works for me!

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small red cabbage, cut into wedges
1 red pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and pepper
minced garlic
olive oil

Steps:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.

While the oven preheats, chop up your veggies. Toss the veggies lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and minced garlic (I didn't specify an amount because you can add as much as you'd like!). Spread the veggies evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, stirring the veggies around on the pan halfway through the cooking time.

Brown the chicken sausage in a skillet (or grill it, yum!) until cooked through (or heated through if you are using pre-cooked sausage).

Combine the sausage with the veggies & enjoy!

Coffee Date Friday {#3}

Happy Friday!

Who had a hard time adjusting to the time change this week? I am extra excited for the daylight added to the end of my day (more time for outdoor activities!), but the mornings have been ROUGH, ya'll. I brought Peyton downstairs Monday morning for breakfast before school and she was convinced that I had punked her and it was still night time and we could go back to bed. I wish, kiddo. I wish.

If we were having coffee this week...

...I'd tell you all about this kid. I can't gush enough about her, but I caught myself watching her on Wednesday morning just in awe of her little self and how gosh darn GROWN-UP she is getting. Tuesday night we snuggled up on the couch and read before bedtime and she wrapped her little arms around me and said, "Mama, I love you." And then I was puddle.

...I'd share with you that I restarted my Door to Door Organics deliveries, and ohhhhh how I've missed it! I love the convenience of having quality organic produce delivered to my house every week! My actual time in the grocery store has been reduced dramatically because I don't need to sift through the produce department as much anymore. Peyton LOVES going through the box as much as I do, and she is excited to see what we get every week. That's a small victory, friends. This week I got an artichoke and some beautiful red cabbage so I'm excited to use them for a few upcoming Whip It Up Wednesday features.

...I'd probably complain about my posture. It is terrible. I caught a glance of myself in a full-length mirror as I was walking by and OMGee! Hello, slumpy shoulders! (Mom, you were right to harp on me about my rounded shoulders when I was a teenager). So, I am trying to be more conscious of my posture throughout the day and adjusting as needed.  This link from Real Simple has been a big help.

...I'd give a running update: update as in I have not run at all this week (fail).I am in the middle of week 1 of 21 Day Fix and my legs have been alternating between jello and completely worthless. Lesson learned...do not neglect the weights for three months. I might have been asking Peyton to pick things up off the floor for me because my legs were outright rebelling.

My thoughts exactly.

    

Your turn! What's new?

Anyone else trying to actively correct their posture?

How was the Daylight Savings Time change for you?

So, I'm Turning 30.

I'm turning 30 in three weeks. Which is weird, because a lot of people struggle with 30 and I feel like it's a rite of passage to be all #OMGTURNING30, but I'm feeling kind of alright about it. More than alright, I think.

I HAD been feeling some kind of way because last year a newly 29-year old me wrote out a 30 Before 30 List and I've been avoiding looking at it because a.) my birthday is rapidly approaching and b.) I was afraid to look at the list because I thought it would show me a list of ways I had failed in the last 365 days.  

This list was terrifying because I thought it would only serve as a reminder that my life at 30 is drastically different than I had pictured it at this time last year, but for all the wrong reasons. I am pretty sure no one puts "get divorced" and "move in with mom" on their bucket lists.

I'd look at line items like "Update our kitchen." and cringe because--well, I don't have a kitchen of my own right now. Date nights with my husband once a month? Ouch. (Also, as an aside to myself: when you list your goals and refer to them as "line items," merely items with which to be dealt, you have a problem.) 

Goals unmet. 

Self-imposed expectations forgotten.

I thought it would be like a thousand tiny razors cutting and tearing me down, line by line.

My inner perfectionist was raging in disappointment. My outer self was hurting with inadequacy.

So, I opened the list. I looked at it. Yep, I had failed on a few fronts. But! I also found growth. I found potential. And I found it in the places that mattered. My faith--restored. My sense of self-worth--slowly returning, after dwindling for SO long. My strength--both physical and mental--building.

Life is not about check marks. Life is not about setting a goal, reaching it, and then moving onto the next goal (although that is FUN). For me, a life made of lists is dumb because you are only setting yourself up for disappointment. I spent the better part of my 20s in list mode. Boxes to be checked. Always reaching for the next level. Having my ducks in a row.

Check

Check

Check

Reach

Reach

Reach

And then all those boxes I had been checking and the things I was reaching for seemed so silly because HELLO, the version of my life last year is so drastically different than it is right now. And guess what? That is OKAY.

I find myself in the trap of thinking a lot about how I am going to live life in this next decade when everything I've known is turned upside down. And then I have to remind myself to chill the heck out because next year is going to look different in a thousand different ways. I need to stop thinking five-year plan for now. Heck, I need to stop thinking six-month plan. It's exhausting and I'm creating my own self-sabotage by shackling myself to what I think NEEDS to happen.

The fear of NOT meeting expectations--my own expectations, in particular--is not something I am consciously choosing to carry with me into my 30s. Don't get me wrong, I think reasonable expectations and goals are healthy--but putting more weight into them than needed is what brings the disappointment and shame of not being enough.

Spoiler alert: I am enough. I am worthy of all good things, even when my to-do list tells me I am a failure.

What is my life going to look like? I'm not sure what God has in store for me, but I do know I can do the following while I listen to Him:

Refuse to settle (I know, this sounds kind of against everything I just wrote, but I mean this in the sense that I shouldn't settle on things because I know what I'm worth).

Be bold.

Love blindly.

Take risks.

Grow in faith.

Know that self-care isn't selfish.

And really--how beautiful is it that I can start a brand new decade of life on earth with a brand new beginning?

I'm feeling the buzz of uncertainty, but it feels more like joy than fear.

If I Wrote a Memoir...

In my search for the next book to grace my Kindle, I got to thinking about memoirs. People write memoirs all the time. And they are gosh darn endearing. Some are heart-wrenching. Others are horrifying.

And then I thought about my memoir, if I ever was to write one (not likely).
What would that look like?
What would I include in it?

Here are some titles of my future memoir, for your enjoyment. Definitely destined for NY Bestseller status.

Owned: Mom Who Thinks She Can Do It All Learns Really Quick That Is NOT the Case

Burpee: Don't Make Me Do That Again

Motherhood & Mayhem: A Story

For the Love Of: A Story of Lost Socks

#fitmom: Is This Filter the Most Flattering?

I Do My Nails Like a 5-Year Old, and Other Adventures

I'm 30 and I Have Grays: A Grand Memoir

Accepted: Learning to Allow Myself Grace in the Everyday

Pinned: A Tale of Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cupcakes & Other Stories

Hot Mess Mama: I Remembered to Brush My Teeth Today, So There's That

...What would your memoir be titled?

Coffee Date Friday {#2}

Woo hoo! Welcome to the weekend, friends!

This week was ROUGH, ya'll. Peyton was abnormally cranky in the mornings, I lost my patience more times than I care to admit, and I was constantly left feeling like there was just not enough time in the day. There were mountains of laundry to be done, dinners to be made, and things to remember to do...and I always felt lacking. I was grumpy because it was GORGEOUS outside all week and I was stuck in an office all day. Ugh, it was just not a good week. I am so grateful for this weekend to rest up, catch up, and start fresh next week. 

But first...coffee date time! I like taking the time each week to catch up, share a little bit, and find out how things in your neck of the woods are going! Feel free to share in the comments, friends--I'd love to hear what you are up to!

If we were having coffee...

...I'd tell you that I am so proud of myself because It's been two weeks and I'm still running three days a week, which is totally a new record for me when it comes to setting ANY sort of running goals (it sounds unimpressive, but to me it's a big deal). It feels darn good to step outside of my comfy little box of at-home workouts, get outside, and get running. I'm starting Week 3 of C25K on Sunday, and the momentum I've developed is a huge help. I've never been able to run for 30 seconds straight, but 90 seconds of running? Not so bad now. I'm reeeeally looking forward to increasing that time and hoping to be able to run a full 5k by the end of April.

...I'd admit that I keep toying with the idea of bringing back the Book Club. I am craving community. I am craving time spent with other women, talking books and life in general. Not only that, but there are SO many books I want to read and I'm thinking that the structure of the book club will keep me from reading every. single. book. at one time and then not absorbing any of them. Structure AND community? Yes, please.

...I'd gush over my new evening tea habit. Alllllll about that. I've been drinking chamomile tea at night before bed, and it's a nice little evening ritual. Get my tea, grab my Bible, push any icky thoughts out and just relax. I won't lie--life has been tough, but finding those few fleeting moments of quiet at the end of my chaotic days are so refreshing.

...I turn 30 three weeks from 3/17. Eek! You know what fits in that time period? Oh you know, a little round of 21 Day Fix. I am in Week 6 of TurboFire right now and loving it, but I am really fighting to break through this weight-loss plateau I find myself in--and to be totally honest, I miss having weights incorporated into my workouts. I'll be meal planning tomorrow, prepping on Sunday, and Day 1 of this "30th Birthday Edition" of 21 Day Fix starts on Monday. Cheers to turning 30 and weekly Dirty 30's!

Your turn! What's new?

Book Club--yes or no? What kind of books would you like to see?

Have a favorite tea? I want to know about it!

Whip It Up Wednesday {Spicy Chickpea & Veggie Burgers}

Back during my Daniel Fast I ventured into the wide world of vegan living which, admittedly, wasn't the worst thing ever as long as I planned ahead and left little room for slipping up. I whipped up these veggie burgers and shared about them on Instagram, which resulted in quite a few requests for the recipe. And I promised I'd share it in the coming week--except that never happened.

So, better late then never! These Spicy Chickpea & Veggie Burgers are full of yummy veggies, protein, and (my favorite) spice. These are great on their own, as a salad topper using some fresh salsa and guac as your dressing, or even as a vegan taco filling (just don't shape them into patties and cook the mixture in a skillet to brown and crisp it up a little--yum!).

This recipe makes a LOT of little veggie burger patties. I was able to portion and freeze extras!

Ingredients:
2 cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained & mashed (leave some chickpeas whole for texture)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 diced red & green peppers
1/3 cup frozen corn, thawed
2 zucchini, grated
1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
3 tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. chipotle chili powder
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients well in a bowl, mixing with hands (beware if you are using jalepeno in this recipe as the oils from the pepper will stay on your hands and if you touch your eyes--NOT FUN).

Form mixture into patties 2-3 inches across and about 1/2 inch high. Place in refrigerator for up to an hour to set.

Heat olive oil in pan over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add patties into pan. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and crisped up. Set on paper towel to drain off any extra oil.

Note: to make as a taco filling, do not shape into patties--just pour the mixture into the skillet and cook until hot and the mixture is browned up a bit.

March Goals {Self-Care}

Helloooooo, March!

I haven't done a goal post in, oh, months and months now. The truth is this: I have been totally unmotivated and directionless. But I mean, given that my life has undergone a serious upheaval I think it's acceptable to allow myself a little bit of grace here.

I mentioned here that I was going to be focusing a lot on healing, so this month my goals are all about self-care.

Sometimes self-care gets a big eye roll from people. What does self-care even mean, anyway? Personal development? Soaking in a big tub with bubbles and salts and a big ol' glass of wine? Bath tubs and wine are not my jam, honestly. Wine gives me a headache and I can't bring myself to sit in a tub of water. Peyton can, though, and all the more power to her (sit in a tub full of water, I mean, not drink wine!).

Self-care for me this month is all about reconnecting with myself and finding the joy in my days. Figuring out what makes me tick--what brings me happiness. Overall goal? Coming out on the other side of March (just before my 30th birthday, eeeeek!) with a little more self-assurance, enthusiasm, and pep in my step.

Goal #1:

Run 3x/week and at least 25 miles during the month of March. I shared in my last Friday Coffee Date that I have taken up running, with a goal to be able to run a 5K. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are going to be my run days. I am going into Week 3 of C25K this week, so following that schedule should help me move in the right direction. Running is getting easier, and while it still isn't fun it is really cathartic for me. It's pretty hard to focus on all the yuck going on when I'm focusing on breathing patterns, my music, and not falling on my face.

Goal #2:

Read my Bible every day. My church has provided me an awesome study plan and has challenged the congregation as a whole to spend time in the Word each day--not just skimming through it, but taking our time, digging in, and journaling our experience in what the Scripture is telling us. This has been an amazing way to build a relationship with God and find practicable ways to apply His Word into my life. You can read more about SOAP journaling here.

Goal #3:

Do one thing for me each week. Maybe it'll be giving myself a manicure. Maybe it'll be a new book. Maybe it'll be a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Either way, I need to find time to do things for me so that the inevitable burn out doesn't come knocking on my door. I know that all too well, and now is definitely the time to avoid burn out as best I can.

Goal #4: 

Do one FUN thing with Peyton a week. That sounds so lame, doesn't it? Of course I should be having fun with my daughter. Some honesty here: I have not been all that fun. Our unofficial custody plan right now is that I have Peyton on weeknights and one weekend a month and she goes with her father every other weekend. And guess what? That sucks. I am Ms. Rules, you-have-to-go-to-bed-now-and-no-you-can't-have-cookies-for-breakfast-and-we-need-to-practice-your-memory-verse-and-Mommy-is-making-dinner-I'll-play-in-five-minutes-please-stop-whining (and then I don't play). It is such a drag. So, one night a week we are going to do something fun. Riding our bikes? Maybe. Playing at the park? Possibly. Craft night and snuggles? The sky is the limit (not really, because there is still school tomorrow), but the whole point is I need to be present with my daughter in a way that connects us instead of me giving orders and enforcing rules all. the. time. That kind of mom is important, but not really very fun.

Goal #5:

Blog newsletter. Email list. Whatever. It's happening by the end of the month, and that's that.

OK, I snuck in a blog-related goal too. But did you notice that This Misfit Mama finally has her own domain?! That's right--last week I finally bit the bullet and snagged the domain, so you can now find me at www.thismisfitmama.com instead of www.this-misfit-mama.blogspot.com (that one still works and will redirect but I think the new one is sooooo much better, agreed?). I'm a real blog now, friends!

Coffee Date Friday {#1}

Happy Friday, friends!

Instead of Friday Faves, I've decided to start incorporating Coffee Date Friday into my regular posts, as a sort of catch-up time and chit chat all in one. I do want to write more personally in this space, so this is a great way to start doing that.

If we were on a coffee date...

...I'd probably be drinking a vanilla iced coffee, no sugar and milk. I am a fan of all things vanilla, and I am one of those people that will drink iced coffee in the cold even if it means holding the cup might result in a speedier case of frostbite.

...I'd tell you that I can't believe my sweet girl is going to be five years old (FIVEEE!!!) in a few months. I feel like five is HUGE. Like, I'll have a kindergartener in the fall. I'm super happy that Denny and I have agreed to keep her enrolled at her current school for kindergarten, so that transition (I am hoping and praying) will be a little smoother. For her...and maybe for me, too.

...I'd tell you that I am about 3/4 through Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain Finding Incredible Power. This book. It's so good. If you are going through a tough time--loss, pain, adversity--this is an excellent book about hope, faith, and the purpose of God in everything. Spoiler alert, because I feel like I have to: it was a little hard for me to read at first because the author speaks very candidly about his young daughter's death (which was ultimately the catalyst for the book), but oh man--this book is so good. What an excellent way to honor your daughter's memory here on earth.

...I'd share that I've also decided that now is a good a time as any to maybe start running--for fun. I'd like to run a 5k this spring, and maybe even train for a 10k this Fall? I put a question mark there because I always have good intentions, but truth time: I hate running. But it feels like a good hobby to pick up right now, so I downloaded Couch to 5K last week and I am into week 2. It helps that I finish up my runs after work with the prettiest sunsets. That's a pretty sweet reward.

I am back at tracking steps and food journaling on MyFitnessPal. I keep finding myself backsliding into emotional eating (ALL THE CARBS), and that is doing absolutely nothing for me. Time to step up my game. Runs every other day, and TurboFire on my off-run days.

source: People

...Please tell me I am not the only one watching Fuller House on Netflix.  I am totally reliving my childhood all over again. I haven't watched the whole season yet, but I am about halfway through. #unclejesse&auntbecky4ever

So, what's going on with you?

Reading any good books?

Have any good tips for a newbie runner?

Drop it in the comments!

Whip It Up Wednesday {Pesto Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti Squash}

Happy Hump Day, friends!

Whip It Up Wednesday is BACK, baby! And today's recipe is a weeknight meal that is low on carbs, full of veggies, and involves pesto--which face it, pesto makes everything better.

Once everything is cooked, you mix it all together, top with a little cheese if that's your thing and enjoy!

I cooked a huge spaghetti squash and about 35 meatballs on Sunday to have on hand for lunches throughout the week--and I will be totally honest that I am completely jazzed for lunch time every day.

What you'll need:

For the spaghetti squash:
1 spaghetti squash
olive oil
salt & pepper
garlic powder
1/3 cup pesto (homemade or jarred)

For the meatballs:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
2 tbsp. pesto (homemade or jarred)
1 tbsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. paprika


To prepare the spaghetti squash:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
CAREFULLY cut the spaghetti squash in half, length-wise, and scoop out the seeds. Discard seeds.
Drizzle olive oil over each half of the squash, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place each half of the squash face-down on a baking sheet; cook for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
Remove squash from oven. Allow to cool, then flip right-side up and scrape flesh with a fork--this results in the "spaghetti" look.
Transfer spaghetti squash to a bowl and seasoning with salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup pesto (adjust to your preferences)

To prepare the turkey meatballs:
Preheat oven to 350. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
Add all meatball ingredients to a large bowl. Combine with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape mixture into golf ball-size meatballs. Place meatballs evenly on prepared baking sheet.
Cook meatballs 25-30 minutes or until finished.

To serve:
Combine spaghetti squash and meatballs. Serve with your choice of additional veggie (we are a big fan of steamed broccoli at our house!) & top with cheese.

Hope the rest of your week is fantastic!