Blue Apron or Home Chef!!

Have you ever cooked a REALLY DELICIOUS meal that you were so proud for your family to eat?  Like, where you waited for them to taste it and just SHOWER you in praise?  Blue Apron and Home Chef have allowed me to do that!!  Plus you get to try new recipes, new ingredients, without puzzling over how to make them.

I mean, I know how to cook chicken.  I have made chicken for dinner about 800 times in the 8 years since we got married.  But this chicken!  It was better than any chicken I had ever made!  Because they gave me instructions on how exactly to cook it.  And it was fully cooked without me wondering if it was done.  And it was juicy!  And it had flavor!  Plus you get to keep the recipes.  BONUS!

Now I am sure there are myriad companies who do this.  I really love the concept, and I have loved the outcome of these meals.  Here are a few pics from the meals I have made.  Yum!  I feel like a professional.  Just call me Chef Jodie!  Today we made filets with Gouda potato gratin, and fresh green beans.  You see my point? Wow!

This one is from Home Chef.  It is roasted carrots with blue cheese crusted pork chop.  YUM.

Here's another delicious one from Home Chef.  Steak with blue cheese compound butter.  So good!

Last fall we did Blue Apron for a while, and the food was really good.  However, I have a picky husband and a four and six year old to make happy.  The food was just a bit too "foodie" for them.  I loved it, but we have decided that Home Chef works better for our family.  Here are some blue apron example pics.  The caramelized onions on chicken was amazing!

So.  If you like to cook, but like me you have cooked chicken 800 times over the last 8 years, I highly recommend checking out something like Home Chef or Blue Apron!  Change things up and be AMAZING!  Who needs a restaurant when you can be the Chef?!

Introduction

Hi there.  I should start with an introduction.  My name is Jodie.  I'm in my late 30s.  I have a husband and two adorable daughters, a pretty great job, and a love for eating and cooking good food.  Here's a pic of us last year on our family trip (extra 12 year old step daughter):

I have a relationship with God and lots of great relationships with people.  I enjoy reading and watching suspenseful books and shows.  While I do not love exercising, I think it should be more of a priority in my life, which may mean I am about to start training for a half-marathon, YIKES!

I figure we all have some basic needs in life:  physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.  Pretty much everything falls into one of those categories.  I am not an expert on any of them, but my life is a journey of trying to be healthy and to live fully!

The Bible says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

So my blog is going to be a snapshot of that journey!  I'd like to share things that pop- great books, yummy recipes or restaurants, a show that captures me... maybe some successes in the fitness area or a spiritual lesson/encouragement that touched my heart... maybe a girls' night full of belly laughter.

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This past weekend my family decided to go to The Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.  Unfortunately it did not turn out the way we had hoped b/c my daughter ended up not feeling well.  We spent most of Sunday planning to go and actually being at the urgent care clinic.  

Even in the midst of her not feeling well, after breakfast that morning she told me, "Mommy thank you for bringing us here."  I asked her if she was happy we came even though she didn't feel well, and she agreed that she was happy to be there.  

I have to admit- a little overnight getaway was a bit refreshing.  The sun was shining and warm on our faces, it was in the 70s, pretty views of the lake in February.  We walked around the outlets and enjoyed shopping, getting new shoes for all of us among other things.

We love staying at the Lodge.  Hopefully we will get a redo later this year when we are all healthy and can enjoy it more!  In case you are looking for a nice place to stay in Missouri, check it out! http://www.4seasonsresort.com/

But even if you are not anywhere close to Missouri, consider being recharged by an overnight away.  It can be great for restoring your soul, bonding with your family, resting your body- a great experience!