Firework Philosophy with Kristina

05/03/2024

Beef...it's what's for dinner in our home...90% of the time. When you raise , you eat beef. And since The Farmer is a picky eater, we eat beef. 🐃

Pot roast, beef tacos and enchiladas, burgers, steak, spaghetti, meatballs, meatloaf, casseroles, you name it...I've probably made it if it involves beef (well, with the exception of liver 😜).

With all that said, I need some more inspiration. I love variety and I feel like I rotate through the same recipes over and over and over and I'm getting bored with them. What are your go-to weeknight dinners using ground beef steaks or roasts?!

Bonus points if their picky eater friendly.

P.S. I feel like the cattle emoji options are lacking a bit. Just me? 🐃🐄🐂

17/01/2024

Why do some weeknights just feel harder than others?

I get great satisfaction from getting supper on the table by 6 pm, 6:15 tops. But that just wasn't the case today.

After work/school, we drove home, unloaded the car and immediately everyone needed twelve different things all at once (snacks, help with a toy, help with a tablet, reminders to put bookbags away, more reminders to put bookbags away). Needless to say I didn't start thinking about supper until 6 pm and it just so happened to be a day when I had no plan for what to make. 🥴

So...breakfast pizza it was, using up the last of the bacon in the fridge and a partial package of Canadian bacon. Thank goodness for my pantry stash of pizza crust mix. 🙏

Sometimes you have to be okay with expectations not being met (getting dinner on the table by 6, assuming the kids with automatically put bookbags away without a reminder) and once you release that expectation, things go a lot smoother.

I eventually got dinner done (at 6:45) and the bookbags were eventually put away. Now it's time for bed and I'm grateful I'll get to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.

P.S. Bacon (of any variety) is not a supplemental meat in our house. 😆🥓 It's often the star of the show.

04/01/2024

When you have nothing to pack for lunch so you mix a bunch of random things together to use what's left in your fridge:

🥚 2 eggs, beaten w/ a splash of milk
🥦 Raw broccoli
🍠 Leftover baked sweet potato
🧀 Shredded cheese
🧅 Onion powder

It's frugal, non-wasteful, likely the healthiest thing I've eaten all week and delicious. 😋

25/07/2020

It feels like March and April drug on forever and ever because of but the rest of summer is flying by faster than the speed of light. Anyone else feel the same? 🙋

I've been the worst about capturing and documenting our summer moments, well because and , but we've been playing with cousins, soaking up the sun on walks and bike rides around our local pond and keeping up with our growing kiddos. Plus, it's irrigating season for The Farmer, so there's that.

I've had to remind myself quite a bit lately that the days are long but the years are short and that puts my mind in a place where I'm ready and excited to soak up each and every moment.

Happy Saturday, friends! 🌞

18/04/2020

We've been going through so. much. food. since all four of us have been home all day, every day during my maternity leave/ ̇d19 quarantine.

What have been your go-to meals lately? Bonus points if you include snacks.

17/04/2020

If you've seen me around lately (which you probably haven't because you know, and all), then please excuse the messy mom bun, sweatpants and spitup on my sweatshirt. That's basically been my style for the past several weeks because I've been hanging out with this new little one at home.

This has been one of the most mentally exhausting times in my life (and a huge test of my patience). Giving birth, hanging out in the NICU for a while, getting adjusted at home with a newborn and spunky 3 year old, lack of sleep, the heaviness of the COVID-19 situation.

Whatever you may be going through and feeling during this season - welcoming a new baby, homeschooling your kiddos, working from home, changes in your business - know that we WILL get back to a new normal. That day is coming.

I can't wait until my new normal includes a full night of sleep. 😜

11/02/2020

Today was "A Monday."

I usually hate it when people use that phrase because I'm all like, "Embrace each day!" and "Mondays are another day to do great things and choose joy and live your life!"

But there was no denying that in the negative-Nelly sense of the phrase, it was indeed "A Monday."

An unexpected 12-hour work day, during which our phones, internet and copier didn't work for part of the afternoon, not getting things done as quick as I needed to. You know how it goes sometimes.

But instead of dwelling in the Monday struggles, I kept plowing through, gaining momentum with each thing I was finally able to check off my list.

These surprise, early-Valentines flowers (what I'm now calling my Monday flowers) from a friends really helped to turn things around too.

It's finding the silver lining and gratitude in the little things, people.

Happy Monday.

03/02/2020

Yesterday was a tease. Mother Nature gave us a little taste of Spring even though we just entered the month of February.

We took the sunny, t-shirt-weather opportunity to play ourside, grill burgers and help The Farmer "mooove" cattle. (See what I did there. 😉🐮)

Today, we're back to winter temps but we're still going to make it a great Monday at preschool, at work and on the farm.

What's on your to do list for today?

01/02/2020

Well hey there, friends.

I've been MIA around here lately. We're getting ready to welcome Baby #2 so I've been hyper-focused the past few months on my family and our health.

But lately I've been missing you. I'm sure Instagram and Facebook will bury this post because my pages haven't seen a lot of activity lately but when I start writing out posts and having conversations with you in my mind, wanting to share my lessons from life and all the things I've been loving lately, I know it's time to get the words out. Not only for me but my hope is they're helpful in some way for you too. ❤

So here's what's on my mind and my heart to share:

There will be seasons of life that seem magical and perfect. Like your life is in flow and you're loving every minute of it. Embrace those moments and take note of the things or behaviors that make you feel on top of the world so you can anchor to those when life shifts in another direction.

Because there will also be seasons of life that take place that are unexpected. That aren't ideal or seem inconvenient (for me that's feeling like I'm not at the top of my game while I'm pregnant). But you are stonger than those challenging seasons.

I may still be a little sporatic here during the next few months as we welcome a little one and adjust to being a family of four but know that if you're reading this, you are valued. Not only by me but by so many others.

06/12/2019

When it comes to chess, I have no clue.

When it comes to life, I like to think I'm figuring it out slowly but surely. But then again, who really knows. 🤷‍♀️😂

Via Alethea Jo, Writer

Pretty much.

05/12/2019

I just love this. ❤️ Let's all be kids this Christmas.

Every Christmas, big companies and high street brands pump serious money into making their annual holiday TV commercial.

24/11/2019

😂😂😂

Sorry, kids, but I’m thinking exclusively about Thanksgiving from here on out. (Follow Keeper of The Fruit Loops for more.)

23/11/2019

Here's to being HAPPY this weekend!

21/11/2019

YES!!! An uncluttered space = an uncluttered mind.

Imagine coming home after a hard day at work, opening your front door, and the first thing you notice is that the whole place is a total mess. The kids have left piles of clothes and toys on the floor, the kitchen sink is chock-full of dirty dishes, the table has half eaten sandwiches and …

20/11/2019

I'm in the midst of a busy season at work. The past few days I've been hyper-focused and efficient yet I still feel like I'm behind. Like there's more I need to be doing. Like I'm forgetting cruicial tasks because there's just so much going on.

But weekends like these - gravel roads, blue skies, fresh air - remind me to take a breath and to keep in mind that done is better than perfect. There will never be enough time to do it all. It will be what it will be.

Plus it makes my heart happy to see Little E tagging along to do chores with her Uncle Geoff and The Farmer. Looking forward to more of these weekends this winter.

19/11/2019

Such cool science behind the simple practice of gratitude! The gratitude section is one of my favorite things about my daily Start Today Journal practice.

What are 5 things you're grateful for today?

Mine are...
1. A great Friendsgiving this weekend.
2. Sunny winter days.
3. More time with The Farmer as the end of harvest season nears.
4. Good novels you don't want to put down.
5. Little E's watercolor paintings.

Neuroscientists have found that if you really feel it when you say it, you'll be happier and healthier. The regular practice of expressing gratitude is not a New Age fad; it's a facet of the human condition that reaps true benefits to those who mean it.

15/11/2019

"It sounds like a lot of people need to be reminded how thankful they should be for the blessing that is green bean casserole." 😂

My list of Thanksgiving food (favorite to least favorite):
1. Green Bean Casserole
2. Cheesy Broccoli Rice (not on the list but a family tradition)
3. Pumpkin Pie
4. Cranberry Sauce (from a can, yes...from a can)
4. Baked Sweet Potato (with NO marshmallows)
6. Turkey (The Farmer & I both prefer ham)

Stuffing (or dressing) doesn't even deserve to be on the list. Who likes soggy bread?! 😝

What's your favorite (or least favorite)Thanksgiving dish?

When Thanksgiving rolls around, you can expect to find a variety of delicious dishes and foods spread across the table for everyone to enjoy. According to a new survey though, everyone enjoys some of those traditional Thanksgiving dish less than you might think.A survey by the Harris Poll showed one...

14/11/2019

This 30-Minute Wednesday Night Dinner is brought to you by the leftovers in my fridge and freezer.

I sauteed onion, carrots and garlic in . Added tomato sauce that I had in the freezer plus the leftover broth from the roast that I cooked in the crockpot a few days ago. Added a bit more water plus diced potato and simmered until the potato was almost tender. Then added frozen green beans and chopped, leftover roast beef and warmed through.

Served with garlic bread made from leftover hot dog buns, topped with leftover provolone cheese.

Everything all melded together so deliciously and I feel so good about using up what we had on hand.

at its finest.

13/11/2019

You know what's really helpful? The list you've been creating for the past 14 years of all the books you've ever read. 🤓

That way when you get home after a fast and furious work day, get everyone fed and showered and settle in with a blanket and a new book you picked up from the library, you don't have to expend any mental energy to determine whether or not you've already read said book after rereading the back cover and thinking it sounds familiar. Because there's nothing more disappointing than getting into a book to realize you've already read it.

I've been on a reading spree lately, I think because we're experiencing winter weather, it's getting dark around 6pm and cuddling up in the living room with family and blankets and books feels right.

Are you weird (I mean organized) like me and keep a list of books you read too?

13/11/2019

I ❤️ this so much.

In reality, I know these truths, but I still have to remind myself of them frequently, especially this time of year when we get to see The Farmer for about 20 minutes each day before we leave the house in the morning. We're usually in bed by the time he gets home at night and he's usually eating cold sandwiches or leftovers out of the fridge (if he even eats at all).

We see you, Farmers. Your days may be long and sometimes fruitless but what you're doing matters!



Well said, The Faithful Farming Family.

This season has been one of the hardest to date.

Between break downs, and Mother Nature giving us a run for our money, we’ve been pushed to the limit.

But this morning, AJ woke up with a smile on his face to go out into the cold and start another 100+ hour work week. I was talking to him yesterday (we don’t work on Sundays), and I said, “You know, any sane person would have given up by now. They would have said enough is enough and quit.”

And he replied, “Quitting isn’t a choice in farming.”

If they quit today, there wouldn’t be enough feed for the cattle to make it through the winter.

If they quit today, the hog manure pits would be overflowing by Spring.

If they quit today, there wouldn’t be enough income to make it to next year.

And if they quit today, there wouldn’t be enough corn stalk bales to keep the cattle warm this winter.

That’s the thing about farmers- their first, second and last thoughts are about their livestock, their land, and their heritage.

So to all the “insane” farmers out there- I see you. In a world of entitlement, where your hard work goes unnoticed - know there is an entire community standing behind you, cheering you on to the finish line this season.

Can you do me a favor and share this with a farmer who is struggling this season? Let them know you appreciate their tenacity, their dedication to the industry, and their willingness to not quit. ♥️.

09/11/2019

I completely love and appreciate Thanksgiving and don't want to take away all it's glory but it's not too early to start watching Elf, right? 🤷‍♀️

08/11/2019

The phrase "working mom" has so many variations.

Truly, all moms are working moms - some may work raising their babies, some may have a business working from home, some may work outside of the home.

I'm a working mom who commutes 10 miles (one way) to town every weekday, drops off the kiddo at preschool, works in an office, sometimes takes a lunch break, does all the family errands and shopping, picks up the kiddo and heads back home to the farm. Sometimes I have meetings after hours and on those days The Farmer or Grandma picks up the kiddo. I get the day off from my day job on federal holidays. Most nights when we get home after work/preschool, there's dinner to make, tidying to do, books to read, baths to take and hugs to give.

What kind of working mom are you?

I believe every single mom is a working mom. I mean we all know being a mother is WORK. But what I am trying to say here is that some moms don’t have a choice when it comes to having to work outside the home, while others do. No matter which side you are on, please never doubt how amazing you are as a woman and mother, and never question the love and admiration your children have for YOU. ❤️
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07/11/2019

Well played, Amazon. You captured the moments of excitement and joy I had as a kid when the JCPenny and Sears cataloges arrived in the mail. The hopefullness of receiving all of the things I had circled with a Sharpie under the Christmas tree.

You took all those cherished childhood memories and had them come flooding back into my heart as a parent. And the fact you added stickers as a way to tag the top toys on the wish list...kudos to you.

Here's the thing. I shop local and support small, independently owned businesses as much as I possibly can. I truly believe in the value and importance of doing so and I can find much of what we NEED and WANT right here at home. That doesn't mean I've never shopped on Amazon or won't buy anything out of your catalog. I just won't be going overboard just because of your genius marketing tactics and ability to being up so much nostalgia.

P.S. I still don't understand the point of LOL dolls. And who knew there were now so many variations of Monopoly. Oh, and thank you for including some of the classics like Lite-Brite as to make me feel not so old.

06/11/2019

Things I could eat all day, every day...

Soup
Chinese food
Dips

Give me a chip, cracker or carrot stick and any kind of dip and I'm a happy camper. Definitely trying some of these soon!

05/11/2019

Tacos are on the menu for dinner tonight! 🌮

I couldn't have said it better myself, The Mama On The Rocks.

Can we all just stop to appreciate the truth in this? 🌮🌮🌮

05/11/2019

What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?

05/11/2019

In what ways do you feel content right now?

05/11/2019

I've never been a night owl. When I was a kid I'd ASK my mom if I could go to bed.

When the sun goes down I'm just ready. for. bed. 🌒 so this time change has been a little rough since it's now getting dark at 6pm.

But instead of letting the time change be an excuse for lounging around when we got home from work and preschool and not accomplishing anything else the rest of the day, we decided to make it a special Monday by baking S'mores Brownies.

Little E loves to bake and I'm hoping the acticity and anticipation of trying these special treats will carry us through to at least 8pm.

04/11/2019

Make it a great Monday!

03/11/2019

A table full of homecooked food in an old farmhouse that will feed working people makes me happy.

Find joy right where you are.

Happy Sunday, friends.