IM BACK!!! Hey friends, it's me Bailey. 💜

It has been FAR too long since my last post and frankly I'm ashamed! Life threw a few curveballs my way (like 1 billion), and it derailed me for quite some time BUT I am finally starting to do the things I once loved again (and a few new things too) 😊

Here's a few things you missed this past year. I...

• Moved into an AMAZING apartment. Like really you guys. This place is beyond gorgeous.
• Started a new job with a FAN-****ING-TASTIC company. To say I love the work I'm doing would be a tremendous understatement.
• Finally joined a book club! (sorry Nana, your BC will always be OG)
• Learned to knit & crochet. WHOA. #grandmastatus #sorrynotsorry
• Have become obsessed with plants... like really obsessed.
• Started to train for my first 5k. And I am absolutely rocking every minute!
• Discovered my love for the whole30 program and not only have I successfully completed several rounds, I have also become disciplined enough to make it a lifestyle. #dedication

So much more has happened this last 405 days (yes I googled it), but those are the things I am most proud to share! 😊

 

And while I have changed so much about the way I live my life, some things haven't changed. Like my fascination with scouring Pinterest for fun new recipes to try. With my transition to eating whole30 (ALL THE TIME) it has become even more enjoyable to cook my way through the 10,000 pins I have saved. Using food as fuel is not as hard as I thought it would be and it actually is extremely rewarding. Take my most recent meal prep for an example.

 

Cajun Style Jambalaya w Spaghetti Squash

 

Okay first of all, let's take a moment to notice that this recipe does not call for Cajun seasoning!!! How they get away with calling this 'Cajun Style' Jambalaya is a mystery to me. But oh well, even with it's ironic name, this jambalaya turns out spicy and delicious!

 

Boone is totally creeping in the background 😂 

 Ingredients:

• 1lb shrimp
• 1lb chicken sausage (I used Aldi's 'Mild Sweet Italian') 
• 45oz (3 15oz cans) tomato sauce
• 2 bell peps (green)
• 1 onion (yellow)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• Spices; Cayenne, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Salt, French Thyme, Oregano - to taste
• S&P - to taste
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 med-large spaghetti squash

 

 

 

This has got to be the easiest meal prep, EVER! Thanks to the best kitchen appliance there is, the IP! If you've read any of my past posts, you may remember the love/hate relationship I've had with my Instant Pot. Mostly because for several months I was TERRIFIED of it exploding. I have since realized that its safe, effective, and downright amazing.

 

Step 1: Poke several holes in your spaghetti squash

 

Step 2: Fill your IP with 2 cups of water (the most important step in avoiding explosions) and place your spaghetti squash onto the metal rack

 

Step 3: Set your IP to the 'steam' setting for 25 minutes (20 minutes for smaller squash)

 

 

 While your squash is steaming, get to work the following:

 

 

Step 4: Heat oil in a large skillet and add the shrimp

when hot

 

Step 5: Dice the sausage, peppers and onion and add to the hot skillet

 

Step 6: Once the ingredients become fragrant, add the tomato sauce and stir to coat

 

Step 7: Add all seasonings and stir to coat

 

Step 8: Set heat to 'low' and simmer for 15-20 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Let your IP perform a natural release and once it has depressurized, cut the squash down the center and let cool for 5 minutes. (I did NOT let my squash cool and burnt all 10 fingertips, so this step is highly recommended) 😊

 

Finished product = YUM!

 

 


Once your squash is cool, you can start to assemble your prep containers! I added a little extra S&P to my prepped squash to mix in when served.

 

This 100% whole30 compliant meal prep makes 7ish servings and is JAM-PACKED with flavor! I have been searching for something exciting to eat for lunch and this takes the crown! It is just spicy enough to make your nose run which is exactly how spicy I like it! 😊

That's it! This recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes from start to finish! One thing I love about using the IP is that I can simultaneously be doing other steps while its working its magic! (its also nice not to have to heat up the oven)






I hope you have enjoyed my re-entrance into the blogging world! I've certainly enjoyed sharing this with you all!

 

Be on the lookout for my next post. I'm not sure what I'm going to feature BUT I did get a grill about a week ago and I'm basically a grill-master so its safe to say I'll be grilling up some goodness. Stay tuned. 😊