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Good morning! I’ve been enjoying these monthly recaps about what’s been going on here. When I first started blogging, I was all about documenting my day-to-day. What I ate, what my workout was, what I was doing that evening. And then I got older. Or maybe I just got less interesting.
In any case, these posts still serve the purpose of what I initially intended this blog to be: a documentation of the big (and little!) events of my life.
But, maybe with less pictures of salad and French fries.
So, just thought I’d pop in here real quick before heading to the gym to share what’s been going on as of late.
Lately I’ve Been…
Attending:
We’ve been living in rural Tennessee for over a year now. And I’ve only now discovered that a Claiborne County Democrats organization exists. Yes, it’s small. But it’s something. My friend, Kasey, received a call from a member a few weeks ago and she dragged me along (quite willingly, though) to an informal potluck event they were having. I felt so excited to be a part of the tiny bit of blue in a sea full of red.
Learning:
I have been talking to a nutritionist (who also happens to be a professional chef!) about my overall diet. She’s observed my food journal for the past few weeks and has suggested that I make a few swaps (lower carb, higher fat). This goes against everything I’ve ever been taught. I’ve always been the one that has used low-fat items and avoided things like cheese and cream. And, now, I’m having to re-train my brain to cook differently and count macros instead of calories. It’s a strange feeling. But I am willing to give it a go knowing that I am being closely monitored.
Cooking:
Speaking of lower carb, I’m bringing back the zoodles. Last week, while I was in Knoxville, I hopped into Whole Foods and bought a few containers of the pre-chopped and spiralized veggies. I just threw my zoodles in a pan with some kale, veggies, chicken, and pasta sauce. And it was SO DARN GOOD. Whole Foods can get kind of pricey so I don’t imagine I’ll do this all the time. But it’s good for those days when I know I can’t do a whole lot of food prep over the weekend.
Drinking:
Margaritas! Last week, after Ankur finished his first exam of second year, we went to Babalu Tacos in Knoxville. Since it was Monday, we had to take advantage of the Margarita Monday deal. And by “we,” I mean, “I.” (But, now, that’s gotta stop because margaritas are a little too carb-happy and my macro-counting calculator does not approve).
Eating:
In addition to Babalu Tacos, we’ve been trying a few other Mexican restaurants in the Knoxville area. The picture above is from Monday in Maryville. We went to Los Amigos after watching the solar eclipse. It was good. But our favorite is still Chapulines Street Tacos.
Watching:
THE SOLAR ECLIPSE. Living in Tennessee (instead of California) does have its occasional perks. Like, for example, being within the path of totality for the solar eclipse. It was one of the coolest, craziest experiences and I’m so happy we made the trek out to Maryville to watch it. (Our town was pretty close to totality, but not 100%). At first, we were nervous we’d hit a lot of traffic. But the roads were mostly clear and we made it with plenty of time to spare. At around 2:32PM, the moon completely covered the sun and we were able to see the light of the corona. It was insane. I took a video on my Instagram page; you can see how quickly it got dark and how the crickets and other night creatures came to life. They were all probably so confused.
Reading:
Click to buy on Amazon!
I’m reading a few at one time. (Side note: Don’t start an audiobook with your medical student, husband. Even if he is on vacation. You won’t finish it and then you will never find time to finish it together).
I guess the book that I’m enjoying the most right now is The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have read why I’m enjoying this book so much.
Tweeting:
Because I’ve got an office job, I’ve become a lot more active on Twitter than I used to be. (And, by “active,” I mean I retweet people who are way cooler and wittier and smarter than I am). This one is probably my favorite re-tweet of the week.
Baking
This past weekend, I went on a baking kick and made some banana bread. As a result, our apartment smelled A-MAZING. Like fall. Now, all we need is a little pumpkin stuff poppin’ up at Walmart and some cooler temperatures and we are GOOD TO GO.
Questions of the Day:
- Did you get to see the eclipse?
- Do you prefer the summer or the fall?
- What have you been cooking lately? Reading lately? Eating lately?
We were at 95% totality and I wish we had made plans to go to Nashville or somewhere to see the complete totality. It was an amazing experience regardless. I love zoodles and have a spiralizer but haven’t used it in awhile. You’ve provided some inspiration!
Sheryl recently posted…Friday Favorites – Middle of August
That is so cool that you got to see the eclipse at 100%. We only had 58% totality where I am at but it was still awesome to see.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Tips on becoming a morning person (or at least getting up and getting stuff done early)
Lately, I’ve been praying a lot for: back to school, to win the Powerball jackpot, and for peace and love in our country.
Kami | Life with Kami recently posted…Quick Tomato Basil Pasta
You got a great picture of the eclipse! It was cloudy here in MN so I really didn’t get to see it. I love seeing everyone’s photos of it though! Banana bread sounds SO good right now. And I love summer, but I’m ready for Fall I think. I love cozy sweaters and cool nights. And bonfires.
Beth recently posted…What I Wore Wednesday
OMG your eclipse experience is amazing! I’m so glad you were able to see that (and how neat that you momentarily had some darkness in the middle of the day!). I think we achieved about 70% totality, but we didn’t get the full on darkness like I was hoping. It was neat to live through in any event; the day just felt… eerie, somehow.
Also I would love to hear more about your food journey and how it’s working for you. I know it can be difficult to retrain your brain when it comes to making different selections, but I hope this one works for you and am totally interested in hearing about it 🙂
Zoodles.. I love them! I go to WF often, because it’s very convenient for me, but I hate the prices. That said, there are some ways to save (and I recently got ibotta which is amazing because you do often get cash back for shopping there).
XOXO
Charlotte recently posted…Perfectly imperfect
Wasn’t the eclipse cool? It was only a partial eclipse where I am but I have seen a full eclipse in the past and definitely know what a special experience it is.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of baking this month, too.
My city was close to totality. I think it was at around 97%. We didn’t see the actual eclipse, but we noticed that it got dark outside. It was really cool and my boys were so excited.
Emily recently posted…Women in Sports — Blogging for Books Review
I eat Keto only. Which is high fat/low carbs/ moderate protien. It’s changed my life. I am no longer bloated all the time. I lost lbs and I love eating this way.
That zoodle dish looks amazing.
We almost reached 100% totality where my friends and I were watching (very close nearby to you!) The light change as it got darker was the most bizarre thing (but very cool). The lighting was so different from any I’ve seen before…it felt like an episode of the Twilight Zone.
I’ve heard Babalu’s is so good, but I still have yet to try it! These photos make me really crave Mexican…good thing my best friend and I are going out for Mexican food tonight!
Bria | Tendril Wild Blog recently posted…How I Went Viral on Pinterest Using One Simple Method
How cool that you were in the path of totality! The zoodles dish looks really good 🙂
Akaleistar recently posted…Summertime sadness and a cute denim dress
LOVE zoodles and Mexican food…eclipse wasn’t that great in my area; 63% and it didn’t even look like it was a cloudy day
We had 78% coverage here which was cool, but yours looks insane. Love that you have been working with a nutritionist and getting so many helpful tips and tricks. Your food looks great.
Jessica Bradshaw recently posted…Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
Definitely get a spiralizer! Then you can make zoodles from zucchini or squash from the grocery store at home and save money!
I love reading your “lately” post! I don’t live close to a Whole Foods, otherwise I’d be all over those pre-spiralized veggies. I HATE spiralizing… even though I’m a food blogger. I’d rather buy it already done! I live in Indy and we are all ready for fall!
Kristine recently posted…Whole Wheat Skillet Naan
Seems like a nice fun August for you Divpiv.
Thanks for all the eclipse shares.
Have a blessed weekend.
xoxoxoxo
I love these posts! I like to hear about all these details in a blogger’s life. I see a dietitian about every other week, so they keep track of what I’m eating and try and offer tips, etc. It’s handy! I follow diabetic exchanges in terms of what I can and cannot eat.
That’s so awesome you got the full eclipse – it didn’t get too dark by me, but I did get to see the cool crescent shaped shadows through the leaves.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Risky Behavior and Suspicious Behavior by L.A. Witt and Cari Z.
Wow that eclipse full sight looks so amazing. I never seen eclipse view. And that banana bread dish looks yummy.
Minakshi bajpai recently posted…Celebrate An Eco Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi With Kids
I too have enjoyed a few incredible margaritas lately! Here in Houston, we got to experience about 68% totality which was so awesome! I can relate to your transformation of food thought! My entire life I have been told to count calories, buy low fat and fat free items, eat whole wheat and multi grain, and everything in moderation! However, it wasn’t until I began throwing out the grains, dairy, and stopped paying attention to fat that I began to feel how I was supposed to feel. If you’re up for an additional read, I highly recommend It Starts With Food and Wheat Belly. It finally made me realize that we’re taught those diet practices for reasons other than health. Super great reads and I believe both are audible! The last year and a half has been a huge eye opener for me! Anywho, what fun you’ve been up to! Happy Monday!
Kelly recently posted…Classic Paleo Breakfast Casserole
Sounds like you have had an amazing August. Good for you for taking your health back!
As for a couple of your questions; I missed what could be seen of the eclipse here in Toronto area as I was conducting an interview and by the time it was done, I had missed it.
And if I had to choose a season, it’s Fall! I love the colours and the cooler weather.
~Ash – http://www.caviartastebolognabudget.com
Fun! We saw about 94% totality with the eclipse here and it was really neat! I’m excited about fall weather – I love the more mild temps!