Does anyone else feel like they have been in a time warp since March? You know that ride inside the Epcot ball at Disney World – I can’t remember what it’s called but it’s supposed to be like you are in a time machine. It’s a bit creepy and moves at an alarmingly slow pace. I feel like the past four months have been like that ride – alarmingly slow and creepy with no clue when and where you can get off!
And now there’s all of this tension and discord over whether kids should or shouldn’t go back to school. I have no clue what the right answer is but I’m ready for a concrete plan to be rolled out by my daughter’s school. I don’t do well with the unknown – I end up wasting way too much energy on the “what if’s.” Currently I’m burning the midnight oil deciding between purchasing school supplies and uniforms or hiring a tutor and turning the playroom into a classroom.
It’s all too much – my stress levels are thru the freaking roof. On the one hand I know my girls need the socialization. They have been great throughout this entire process but I can tell it’s beginning to wear on them. They miss their friends; they miss their teachers and the structure that comes with a normal school day. Not to mention, I think they miss learning and using their brain cells. ( FYI – I am not one of those parents who is patient or creative enough to come up with learning opportunities on the daily – I’m the go outside and look at bugs if you are bored type of mom and I probably say “in or out” eighteen times a day) But, are we doing more harm than good sending our teachers and kids back into learning spaces where the virus is sure to spread? To make matters even more stressful (for so many of us) add in the fact Patrick and I both work full-time, outside of the home, so our options are pretty limited.
This is why I create meal plans and leave the important stuff up to the important people. My inspiration for this week is “a crazy busy, old school work week.” Remember the days when we felt like unpaid chauffer’s, driving our kids from point A to point D after working for eight hours – channel that feeling!! Lots of kid friendly and quick recipes to get everyone fed, full and happily to Friday. Last note – let’s be kind y’all. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but let us remember we are not all in the same boat. And let’s try our hardest to remind one another our state leaders are doing their best. No one has the answers – this is a new virus and so much is unknown. Instead of tearing each other down for our differences of opinion, let’s pray for strength and guidance for those making these tough decisions! Off my soapbox and on to what I do best!
Sunday, July 19th // Crockpot or Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken // It’s been a minute since I’ve shared a crocker recipe and this one screams family friendly summer. Using chicken thighs lightens this recipe up a bit but the flavor is on point. Serve alongside your favorite summer sides. KETO TIP – use Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce!
Monday, July 20th // Creamy Garlic Shrimp // Yummy enough to impress your guests but simple enough to make after a busy Monday. If you haven’t used the Toadfish Shrimp Peeler you aren’t living. It will change your shrimp peeling life, forever. Kid Tip – DECONSTRUCT this recipe. If your kids don’t like things to touch, load their plates with plain shrimp, butter pasta and some raw veggies. Keto Tip – zoodles, not noodles.
Tuesday, July 21st // Ava’s Favorite Chicken Burgers // Trust me, the kids won’t know these are the “healthier” burger option. In my opinion they are perfect as is but if you are looking to jazz them up I have two tips – toast your buns and top burgers with Sir Kensington’s Special Sauce. Regan loves this stuff – REGAN. It’s that good. KETO TIP – burger, no bun.
Wednesday, July 22nd // Beefy Cheese Tortellini // Basically, grown-up hamburger helper but with better ingredients. I love Buitoni Tortellini available in most local grocers. Jarred sauce and pre-made tortellini make this a perfect weeknight option. KETO TIP – there is no replacement for a tortellini, sigh. Sub zucchini whilst dreaming of pasta.
Thursday, July 23rd // Taco Casserole // The simplest of taco bakes and it just so happens to be keto friendly. Hold the jalapeno if your kids are spice averse.
Friday, July 24th // Pork Tenderloin // My dear friend Maria of @palmettofoodie made this delicious looking pork tenderloin the other day and said I could share. She cooked her tenderloin in the pan, chopped it and placed inside quesadillas but you can grill and slice too. The leftovers will be perfect for an easy Saturday lunch! If you don’t follow Maria, you are seriously missing out!! Serve with a side salad, favorite summer veg (squash & zucchini would be delicious) and a dinner roll!
Dry Spice Rub:
- 1/2 tsp of each: cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes
- Mix above spices and rub all over tenderloin. Let it sit – 15 minutes will do but if you have more time (up to overnight) use it!
- Coat with olive oil and grill or brown in skillet and finish in the oven if you opt to use it for quesadillas.
- If grilling a medium tenderloin on indirect heat, cook for about 20 – 25 minutes.
- If cooking in oven, bake at 325 for about 25 minutes a pound
This Week You Will Need
Primal Kitchen Sauces (Remember to use code “DINNERWITHTHEDUFFYS” for 10% off your order. These sauces are great even if you aren’t KETO but looking to lower your sugar intake // Toadfish Shrimp All-In-One Peeler & Deveiner // Sir Kensington’s Special Sauce //
Featured Above
Red Formal Dress (mine is sold out but this look is similar and on major sale) Playroom Storage Containers (on sale for $5.99) Girls Backpacks
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