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Welcome back! Life and family update, reading list and yummy Whole30-complaint dinner (that kids will eat!)

Why hello, old friend! It seems only fitting to fire up my blog with the welcoming of a new year. I am feeling, 20-20-2 as the Swifties put it! 

I missed you. I cherish writing and sharing motherhood, faith, fashion and cooking with you all. It’s my passion and a way to connect with other moms and girlfriends. After being struck by a global pandemic and our daily lives disrupted in almost every way, connection can be more of a struggle. My goal is to share raw, genuine motherhood with a bit of flare, meal hacks, toddler tips and tricks, with a side of CocoMelon swag.


For starters, we had another baby! Eleanor Jean was born on Nov. 15, 2019 - one month before COVID-19 hit the Pacific Northwest. Her name means light, and she certainly lives up to that. She is the cherry on top of our sundae, and completes our family in every way. The last two years have been wild. I never would imagine we would be where we are today, but here we are. I am so thankful for my husband, my rock and my best friend to lead and love our family so well during much uncertainty. He never fails to pray for and encourage me, even on my lowest of days.   


Eleanor Jean, Nov. 2019.


This month, we are committing to our health physically, mentally and spiritually. 


Physically, we are doing Whole30. We are one week in and the sugar cravings are rough. Whole30 is a detoxification lifestyle where you remove inflammatory foods, sweeteners, alcohol, grains and legumes from your diet with a focus on the basics: vegetables, meat, fruit and other plant-based ingredients. It’s tough, but nothing good is easy and we love how we feel with the reset Whole30 does to our bodies. 


Mentally, I started reading for fun and I actually enjoy it! A few books I read in 2021 that I recommend: 

ATLL one is a great vacation-read. This was from Mayakoba, Mexico in April with our Life Group.

                                MAHMG is my current read with a regency London vibe. 


What are you reading? 


My husband and I are doing a 21-day scripture challenge with our church. It’s been so rewarding to start the year with our intentions aligned with our values. For us, that is walking in step with God’s word and meditating on His words.


Do you participate in any new year goal setting or resolutions? Do you find they are harder or easier to stick to? If you have children, how do they play a role in that process (if at all)?


I will leave you with one of my favorite winter meals: Shepherd’s pie! This meal is Whole30-compliant, hearty and cozy all in one. Plus it generally leaves plenty of leftovers.  


                                                                    The yummiest winter dish. 



Tina’s Shepherd’s pie (Whole30, paleo and diary free)

  • 2 lbs of ground beef/bison
  • 1 onion; diced 
  • 1 spoonful of minced garlic
  • 4-5 large sweet potatoes, chopped. 
  • 1 large bag of frozen mixed veggies (I prefer carrots, peas and broccoli blends)
  • 1 can of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth 
  • Salt, pepper to taste
  • Garlic/onion powder 
  • Chopped fresh rosemary
  1. In a large pot, boil chopped sweet potatoes. Once cooked, strain and set aside to mash with salt and pepper. 
  2. In a separate pot, brown beef/bison with diced onion and garlic. Once cooked, saute with broth to be sure the brown bits are included. 
  3. Add frozen bag of vegetables to pot. Stir in tomato paste. 
  4. Simmer on medium for 10 minutes. 
  5. Oil down one large casserole pan, and pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. 
  6. Add meat and vegetable mixture to bottom of casserole dish. Top with your mashed sweet potatoes. Top casserole with salt and pepper, a few slices of vegan butter and fresh chopped rosemary. 
  7. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy! 


Thanks for stopping by my blog! What type of content would you like to see on here? I plan to share toddler travel tips, packing lists, marriage and prayer thoughts and balancing being a working parent. I also have something really exciting to share with you soon!


Here's hoping you had a wonderful holiday season and a blessed new year. So many exciting things are happening if we act bravely, speak kindly and pray bold prayers.


-Tina 

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Location: Tacoma, WA, USA

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