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Lifestyle with Melendy

a mom sharing her Recipes, Inspiration & Life

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Melendy Johnson

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January 20, 2020 By Melendy Johnson

Meal prep for my mind

Meal Prep used to be two words I didn’t like…

But lately life got messy. I am back in school full time, still teaching, and my husband’s work travel increased a lot.
I found myself eating fast food in the car between teaching and classes, and feeling sick all the time.

the food of my past…

Something needed to change.

I did something I am really proud of – I didn’t judge myself for the choices I made – I just decided I needed to make new choices.

I reached out to one of my fellow Coaches, and I said – I need your help. She put the work in my hands, and the ownership of the plan in my hands – but she guided me into it with love, and a gentle non-judgmental spirit.

I am not in this to be a supermodel. All I want is a healthier body that I can depend on. I am a vocal singing major in college, and I am on my feet 12 hours a day singing, play an instrument, learning, walking to and from classes – I needed to fuel my body better.

When you don’t worry about anyone- and find you – you have joy!

I now prep all food on Saturday – Three hours, me with my headphones, some new Netflix show, and the entire kitchen and tons of containers. I follow the guidelines for carb/protein/fat/fruits/vegetables she gave me, and I create food I want to eat.

I don’t crave the junk food – and meal prep means that I even go out with friends and can find something that I want that fits in my new eating habits.

meal prep success

Time

Planning

Meal Prep

Self realization

I am not my body – but I need my body to work, and It wasn’t working the way I was treating it. It was time to change – and the change was good…so far.

more princess to come
I have a month to be ready…

Now – Now to get back on the road and running.

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August 5, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Mashed Cauliflower was something that used to scare me. Our family has adapted our eating for my husbands diabetes, I took on this beast. What I discovered is that Mashed Cauliflower can be amazing, and even the kids will eat it if done correctly! Here is my recipe!

 Ingredients

  • 1 Head of Cauliflower
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese 
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (reserve)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 stick Butter softened

Seasoning to taste – 

  • 1 tsp dill
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
chopped Cauliflower

I start by chopping the head of cauliflower.

I steam this and preheat the oven to 400F

Then I prep all of the other ingredients – the sour cream, cheese, and butter. I also prepare the seasoning in a small bowl for easy combining.

Then when the Cauliflower is Al’dente I place it in the Food processor a few pieces at a time.

mashing up the cauliflower!

I then add the Butter, sour cream, and seasoning.

slowly add the cheddar cheese, and mix well.

Pour the Mashed Cauliflower into a greased 8×10 pan and cover with reserved cheese.

Cover with Aluminum foil, and bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

(you may remove aluminum foil after 30 minutes and broil for 2 minutes to toast the cheese if you desire)

I serve with steak or chicken, and a salad. Everyone in our family loves this recipe – and the carb count is low so no guilt about seconds!

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July 28, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

The Johnson Family Essential Disney Cruise Packing List

The thought of packing for a Disney Cruise can be overwhelming. Last year we took our first Disney Cruise, and we definitely overpacked. This year we have our Essential Disney Cruise packing List that has our family of five packing in two suitcases, and a carry on each.

pre cruise photo opp

The Children!

I created this list for the boys – and a few weeks before, I give them the list and a laundry basket and have them add the things that are on the list to the basket. I then pack each boys belongings into a large packing cube. This way their things are separate, but can be packed in one suitcase.

The adults!

My Husband and I have a more detailed essential list – but – We also use packing cubes, and share a suitcase. Having just two large suitcases to track means easier on embarkment, and easier organization on the ship.

When you look through our Essential Disney Cruise Packing List you will see that there are some very specific to us things – but – we also have space for you to edit and add. I am a paper and pen type of packer. A fully checked off list means I have no surprises.

Disney also has a list of Prohibited items – This is an extensive list, and should be read before you pack. There were a few surprises, and a few non- surprises. If you or your husband enjoy wine – you may each bring 2 (750 oz) bottles (unopened) in your carry on. There is a corking fee- but – you can pack a wine key – and enjoy a glass in your room! Cheers!

These are the bottles of wine mentioned in Disney’s Ratatouille, and they are not a light purchase! We just Looked!

I also make sure we all have a new book in hand on a trip like this. The boys all love to share books – which means they all get four books for the trip – but we only bring one each! This only really works now that our boys are older, but it has bene a huge packing win! My favorites are mystery books!

Did I miss anything? If so leave a comment below and I will add it to the list!!

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July 27, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

How I organize the Chaos at home when My Husband Travels for work

Organize your days

Organizing – If you are like me – you are a mom, and you have someone in your life whom you raise the children with. If you don’t – you may not need this post – but I welcome any advice you can offer.

I find that often when my Husband travels the house turns into Chaos. It has been several years – and we have learned a thing or two, so I thought I would share these tips with you!

1. Set expectations

I always make sure that before my husband or I leave for a trip – there is a conversation with the children Where we are going, how long we will be gone, and what we are traveling for. Honesty is always a good policy – and when the boys know what to expect there is less chaos.

2. Organize using lists

Packing lists
schedule lists
to do lists
I find that especially over the summer – if there is a “to do” list for the boys, then I can leave before they wake up to go to work, and they know what is expected. the lists include: chores, small tasks, personal goals, reading, instrument practice, walking the dog, and eating. yes – eating. Because their clocks get off during the summer, and they often forget to eat.

3. Lower your Expectations

I can remember when we were younger and Steve would travel for work. My mental health would take a huge hit. I would set self imposed goals of – the house will look 100% different, we will have cleaned everything top to bottom, and the boys will have twelve course meals three times a day…
Those things never happened of course – and I always felt like a failure.
Here is what mattered – The children were fed, all schedules were kept, and no-one was lost or injured. I started to realize that my self imposed check lists were too demanding of my mental and physical health.

the boys love to make rock towers at the ocean

4. Have fun

When my husband travels it means I am doing the things I do – and the things he does. This means always going – and I realized that these “mom only” moments were fleeting, and I needed to capitalize on time with my children. I started to make time for video games, favorite foods, or just conversations. organize a list of things your children want to do with you. This way, when one of you is away – the other knows how to heighten engagement without overwhelming yourself.

5. Shop before – and organize your meals

No one wants to go to the grocery store with one, two, or three kids. (ok – some do – but, I like to stroll and look for the exact thing) If you do – please know – I envy you!
I write out a loose plan of meals before a work trip – three to four meals and all of the ingredients – plus breakfast and lunch supplies. Organizing a list makes having all of it on hand before the trip means that the at home parent has what they need – and can prepare when the time allows. I love to use Pinterest to find new recipes for these times! Also – planning ahead prevents eating “whatever” is in the house, and helps you stay on budget. We also plan a “takeout” night to allow for the fun factor.

6. Relax

Always make sure that the things are done early so that you can have an hour to yourself a day. When you are the sole caretaker who is used to a partner in life – it can be hard to remember to breathe. There is no one to tag you out – no one to talk to the child who is back talking – no one to confide in. Take the time – before they wake – after they sleep – take the time. It isn’t selfish – it is necessary.

7. Plan time together when the trip is over

When you are used to two people running a household, doing it alone can feel completely overwhelming. I have been doing this for over 10 years, but – that doesn’t mean it is easy. SO – we are sure to organize our schedules and plan time before and after a work trip. Time alone, or with friends, or together – but we plan it in. This way there is no excuse not to do it!

racing together is a forced pause

So – How do you organize your time apart? Share your tips here!

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July 15, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Beach Day Quotes – My favorite phrases about my favorite place

Beach Day Quotes

My favorite place is the beach. I love to sit, watch the waves, talk with friends and family. I love the feel of the waves on the toes, and the pull of the current as the waves roll in. Words also have a very strong pull on me, and quotes especially are a huge part of my calmness of my soul. I wanted to share some of my favorite beach day quotes with you.

the sea casts its spell
The spell of the sea is all encompassing. It helps you to calm, to remember your youth, and to feel like you are a part of something.
Do you ever have moments where you are afraid to just dive in?
don’t we all!? But the ocean has a way of pulling you in to a new adventure.
seas the day on the water
Watching the sunrise on the ocean is a sight that just makes my soul stop and breathe.
the day has not yet begun – and the energy of the world comes alive as the sky fills with color.
lead me to the beach
When I have a day that seems to never end, I always want to be near the water.
When I have a day near the water, I want it to never end.
take your own sunshine wherever you go!
The sun rises and sets over the water, but you can always have that sunshine in your heart.

Let the beach inspire you!

For me the water and sun are my inspiration!
Sitting in the ocean, and feeling the waves pull you out, and then crash against and over you – there is nothing like it.
The sun on your face as you close your eyes and breathe in the air is so refreshing. The inspiration I leave the beach with lasts the days until I return.
It is my favorite way to slow down.
How do you let the beach inspire you?
If you are looking for more inspiration – come check out my Pinterest board filed with ocean inspiration!

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June 26, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Forty years…a party to remember

Forty – an age we all turn – and one my husband dreaded. I wanted to be sure he was able to celebrate in a way that made him enjoy it.

We have been tighter with our budget lately. Working towards saving for retirement (many years down the road), paying off debts, and just being more fiscally aware. I knew I needed to throw him a party – but also stay budget conscious!

So, I grabbed my best friend and we brainstormed all the ways we could celebrate Steve, and all that he is.

We set a plan – and everything was set. Then we actually looked at the schedule and realized there was a major event downtown – and plan a was. a no go. THE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY!

So – sitting in my hairdressers chair – frantically texting with my bestie – we laid down the most amazing party plans.

We started at our house with scotch/whisky, and food from our favorite local place The Thirsty Beaver. Wings, fried pickles, and pizza. good food for when you know there will be alcohol involved.

My friend drove her SUV, and we stayed sober to keep everyone safe. We headed out to The Axe Bar.

I was not sure what the night would be like, but – it was the most fun I think I have ever had on a low key night out.

  • my turn
  • the gang
  • seriously not what we expected
  • there was also a race…
  • the scene
  • the axes

Turning forty was definitely mentally tough for Steve, but, I think having his friends and the fun night we had made him realize that 40 does not mean over.

All in all this low key party was a fun night, and budget friendly. The food was spot on, decorations were low key, and I even created a slideshow of photos of Steve and got them playing on our TV to add to the fun.

Other ideas we had – but did not do:
skydiving – because Steve really wants to
bar hopping
party at our house with a band
send him and his friends away on a trip
rent out a room at a restaurant
rent fancy high end cars to drive around in
Party boat
Party bus

Basically – based on the budget we could have done any of these for a small amount of time – I was grateful we landed where we did.

How did you celebrate 40 – or how do you want to?

ME? when I turn forty – I want a fancy dinner, with my closest friends, and plenty of wine (read at a winery)…

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June 21, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Snacks for Track – what we pack and why…

When we have a track meet – we always are careful to pack healthy, nutritious, and filling snacks. It took us a few years of trial and error to find the perfect balance. I thought I would share our list with you. Feel free to tweek it for your families needs, and share your list! I get the joy of being a mom and a coach . On the days before a big race – my mom hat makes sure that we are prepared – because my coach brain often forgets to eat!

1 – Hard boiled eggs. These are a quick punch of filling protein, easy to cook the day before. We started peeling them, and bagging them as two packs to allow each athlete to grab and go.

eggs for protein

2 – Cooked pasta. This is a quick carb grab. We find the athletes grab them around linch – or at the end of a long day. I pre-portion into quarter cups of cooked pasta. this keeps the amount they eat smaller – and allows us to know how much they ate.

3 – Cheese/Pepperoni/Cracker. Much like eggs and pasta – this is a quick hit of protein and carbs, and it allows an athlete (or a coach) to assemble a few – and walk away. I spend a little more and get the pre-sliced cheese just to make preparation a little smoother.

4 – Fruit and Veggies. I usually let the boys decide which they want. we try to have Apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and then cucumbers, celery and carrots. These are great for fiber to keep them full- sugar for some natural energy – and the bananas add potassium for cramping.

veggies and fruit

5- Nuts/nut butter. another quick hit of protein to help give energy and maintain fullness. We are cautious to be aware of our athletes allergies – but – our athletes are aware that we have nuts in our bag – and also – that our bag is a community bag – so – we often leave with no food left!

Grab the Printable shopping list!

6 – Water. We all have reusable water bottles – but on a track meet daywear do bring a case of water bottles. We bring them home to recycle – but there is not always a place to refill water bottles. Also, many track meets underprepared their concession stands.

7 – Cookies. I know, I know…cookies are to healthy. HOWEVER – as a coach I really enjoy when at the end of a long day my athletes grab a cookie and smile. Whether they won, lost, had a personal best, or tripped – they worked hard. I believe that a little something sweet and the smile it brings is worth it! also – see – stopping the guilt.

cookies for fun

These are the snacks for track meets – specifically on long days/weekends. We pack all of this up into a few coolers, and grab bags of ice to keep it all cool. I bring a sharpie for labeling water bottles, a roll of paper towels, and a trash bag or two. This way when we leave – everything has a home.

What are your absolute favorites for sporting events that last all day?

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May 11, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Summer Mantel Decor from the Dollar Spot

I love decorating my mantel for the seasons! Summer mantel decor is my favorite because I love the ocean! One of the many things about my home that I love is my mantel. I love finding ways to change it for the season or month, and I am always looking for ways to do this in a cost effective manor.

The best way I have found is to stop by the Dollar spot at Target near the end of the season before the one you are looking to decorate for. I am currently looking to decorate the mantel for summer, and it is the beginning of May. I was os happy to see So much Beach decor there!

I stopped by Target the other day, and I loved the “beach” decor they had available in the dollar spot. I grabbed a circle mirror framed with rope, a beach sign, and some frosted glass bottles. I have many seashells already – so this haul was enough, and cost me $12 dollars. I knew that I had two glass vases, and shells, as well as a few other accents I love to use, so the total was low to complete this look!

All of this was purchased at the Target Dollar spot.

Next I plan out the layout. we do have a large TV over the mantel – so I often frame the television with larger pieces on the sides, and fill the center with a balanced look.

IO always start with an empty, clean mantel.
I added a glass vase with shells, and a glass vase with wine corks, two white pillars, and a sign that I had over a door.

I love being inspired by others!
Show me your summer mantel!
If you aren’t sure what colors work for your space- try these branding tips to help you decide!

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April 27, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

The best you can…

There are times in your life where others may look at you…talk to you…and say, ” You are doing the best you can.”
How does this make you feel?

For a long time – I saw this as a compliment – That others recognized my weaknesses, and saw me working through them. I was appreciative of the respect – attention, and understanding of my effort. In reality, I was so wrong.

What is ‘the best you can’? What does that mean? To me – it means, the end of your ability, your limits, your VO2 max as we say in the running world.
The best you can give should be the cream the crop – but – when we say “you’re doing the best you can…” do we mean it. Or are we trying to help someone else feel better about where they are?

When you make someone else feel better – do you not feel better yourself? I find this phrase so self serving. Making you feel better about telling someone else how well they are doing. Why not say – “I love how you rocked…” or “I appreciate your perspective on…” or “You are so great at creating…”. Instead we look to what others are doing – and we bring it down to a common denominator…the best you can…

What if the best you can hasn’t been found yet? What if the work you are doing today is setting you up to be better tomorrow? What if the best you can is not enough for you? I have been working on bettering myself.

For me – I have learned that “best” is not enough. I want to work for Better. Towards helping others. I do not want to settle for ” best I can” when that sounds like settling. I want to be Fucking amazing. I want to be the one people turn to for help. I want to be a part of a larger community of people who work to better each other. I want to do more – be more – learn more. People who want to be more find each other. They work together to be better – do better – know better.

Do you want more for yourself? Tell me about it!

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April 14, 2019 By Melendy Johnson

Bitch

Bitch –
1- a female dog –

2 – a whiner –

3 – someone others hate because they tell the truth/stick up for themselves

I most often relate to number 3.

Years ago – if someone called me a bitch I would be offended. I would defend myself, change my opinion, and change how I was acting. Today, I own the title of “Bitch”.

I am probably called bitch more often behind my back than to my face – but that is because those that call me a bitch don’t know that I own it or they can’t own it for themselves.

I once believed that having my own opinions meant I wasn’t valuable to others. I held a lot of feelings to myself, and worried about what others thought of me. I now know that those opinions do not matter. That isn’t to say that I am nasty – but I do tell the truth – my truth – and share how I feel.

As a woman – I stand in a different space than many. I never believed that women needed to be treated differently. I was raised by a mom and a dad who taught me that I could do whatever I wanted. I always knew that men and women had different bodies, abilities, skill sets, and strengths. I know that we often fight to be seen/heard/appreciated but in reality we are seen/heard/appreciated but maybe not in the way others expected. I know that being a woman has it’s own special meaning – but – so does being a man.

Bitch

I stand differently because I like the fact that my husband and I hold different roles in our relationship. We do not have stereotypical jobs around the house – but – we share the work load fairly evenly. I am a mom to 3 boys, a teen, a tween, and a preteen. I am raising boys in a society that makes it hard to have a penis – hard to be a boy – because you’re shamed for how you feel. This shame leads to hiding, depression, and even self hate. And I am a mom who struggles with anxiety, a mom to boys with anxiety/depression/ suicidal thoughts. A mom who every day goes to bed praying her son is awake in the morning – and kisses her son goodbye every day praying he survives the day.

Bitch

I have had a rough start to this year. I thought I was enlightened and knew all about mental health. Then my son had a major setback. I was wrong. On day three I reached out to my doctor for Anti-Anxiety Medication because I wasn’t sure how to handle it all. She prescribed it – and I didn’t take it until last week. Four months…it took me four months to start taking the medication I asked for because I was afraid to start. Anxiety is not a taboo subject. Anxiety is something so many deal with. Depression is real, and I know I can be a Bitch.

Bitch

You see – my mom is my boss. I gave up my DS business when My oldest started showing signs of Major Depressive Disorder. It has been over a year since his initial symptoms, and 3 months since an official diagnosis for him, and I am grateful for a job. I teach 4 & 5 year olds how to be ready for school. I teach art, music, ELA, math, Emotions, language, and how to be a decent human being. Even in the midst of the creative artistry that is preschool teaching – I know that I am a bitch.

I do not apologize for this. I don’t want to. Because underneath that bitchiness is me – I actually am a nice person. I like nature, and art, and I am a fucking amazing singer. I would give you my last dollar if you were in need – and I spend a large majority of my time helping others. I coach youth, teach young minds, and moderate an online community that is all about mental, physical and spiritual health. I enjoy helping others solve problems.

But – I am also a bitch – and I am learning to own it.

What misconception about yourself do you wish others knew?

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Hello!

Welcome! I am so excited to share all things life with you! Recipes, fashion, workouts, relaxation, packing lists - you name it - I love it! I am a mom to three teenage boys, and a wife to my best friend. I coach youth track and field, and teach preschool. Life is always busy, and always fun here! Join in and share the fun!
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