Creating the Perfect Weekend for Self Care

If you have one of those weekends where you look at your calendar and you’re literally staring at blank space (thank you Taylor Swift), then this is the most magically time to do you. Without even spending a dime, you can create a perfect weekend for you and your family.

Friday Morning or Thursday Night

You know those spices in your cabinet that you may not be using. Now is the time to utilize them. In this case, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, are warming-your-stomach-good, and give your winter season a stamp.

Here’s an easy simple crock-pot recipe that you can make the night before, or the morning of and have it ready for your family right when you come home from work and school. The smell will infuse the home with these spices kicking off your weekend self care right when you come home. Just grab some disposable bowls, and plastic fork ware so that dishes are not even an afterthought.

From America’s Test Kitchen

INGREDIENTS

· 2slices white bread, torn into quarters

· 1⁄4cup whole milk

· 2lbs ground beef

· 1⁄2teaspoon salt

· 1⁄2teaspoon pepper

· 3tablespoons vegetable oil

· 3onions, minced

· 1⁄2tablespoon chili powder

· 1(8 ounce) can tomato paste

· 6garlic cloves, minced

· 2teaspoons taco seasoning

· 1teaspoon dried oregano

· 1(28 ounce) can diced tomatoes

· 2(15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

· 1(15 ounce) can mushrooms

· 1cup green pepper, chopped

· 3tablespoons soy sauce

· 1tablespoon brown sugar

PREPARATION

Mash bread and milk into paste in large bowl using fork.Mix in ground beef,1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.Heat oil in 12 inch skillet over medium high heat until shimmering.Add onions,chili powder,tomato paste,garlic,taco seasoning,oregano,green peppers,mushrooms and cook until onions are softened and lightly browned 8-10 minutes.Stir in beef mixture,1 pound at a time and cook,breaking up any large pieces with wooden spoon until no longer pink about 3 minutes per pound.Stir in remaining tomato paste,scraping any browned bits;transfer to slow cooker.Stir in diced tomatoes,with its juice,beans,soy sauce and brown sugar into slow cooker.Cover and cook until beef is tender,6-8 hours on low or 5 hours on high.This can also be made in a dutch oven or large pot and kept at a low simmer for 4-5 hours.

Friday Night

You may want to do PJ night after your bowl of chili, and a movie at home. Or do a game night with your children. The point is to make it lounge-y and cocoa-by-the-fireplace feeling. While your family gets settled, place some candles around the home to really provide that warmth, and dim the lights.

Saturday Morning

Your bellies are full and your house is smelling like chilli. Self care recommends opening the windows, and let the breeze refresh your house. Remember this is self care weekend so your family really should look to having an activity that helps move the body. Take your family for a walk around the block, go to the park with your dog, or if your like me turn on some music and dance while you clean (lol it’s my way to move and groove). Let the morning become a fun activity that allows your family to keep moving.

Saturday Noon

Lunch doesn’t always mean you need some salad or greens. Try this roasted veggie soup option. It involves one sheet pan, stick in the oven, and blending it. No fussing around.

From epicurious:

INGREDIENTS

· Nonstick vegetable oil spray

· 3 medium carrots, peeled, quartered lengthwise

· 2 large tomatoes, quartered

· 1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges

· 1/2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick wedges

· 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled

· 1 tablespoon olive oil

· 6 cups (or more) canned vegetable broth

· 4 cups finely chopped kale

· 3 large fresh thyme sprigs

· 1 bay leaf

· 1 15-ounce can Great Northern beans, drained

INGREDIENTS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with oil spray. Arrange carrots, tomatoes, onion, squash and garlic on sheet. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake until vegetables are brown and tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.

2. Transfer carrots and squash to work surface. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside. Peel garlic cloves; place in processor. Add tomatoes and onion; puree until almost smooth. Pour 1/2 cup broth onto baking sheet; scrape up any browned bits. Transfer broth and vegetable puree to large pot. Add 5 1/2 cups broth, kale, thyme and bay leaf to pot; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered until kale is tender, about 30 minutes.

3. Add beans and reserved carrots and squash to soup. Simmer 8 minutes to blend flavors, adding more broth to thin soup if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to simmer before serving.)

Saturday Afternoon/ Evening

Take a nap. It sounds silly but honestly, if you haven’t taken a nap in a long time, it will refresh and energize you. If it’s hard to take a nap, grab those candles, and run the bath. This will ultimately sooth you after the bath. Or if a bath isn’t for you, a warm shower, might do the trick. If you’re not in the mood for either, have tea or cocoa. Read a book, grab a blanket, and relax. Try the HeadSpace App if you’re in the mood to meditate.

Evening

There’s nothing comforting then pasta and when it only takes 15 mins and less with a few simple ingredients.

· 1 box spaghetti

· 4 tablespoon olive oil

· 1 garlic clove, minced

· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

· fresh ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, warm the olive oil over medium low heat. Add in the garlic and let it cook until soft and golden (you may need to lower the heat to keep it from browning too fast). Once the spaghetti is cooked drain it while reserving about 1 tablespoons of the starchy pasta water. Add the spaghetti to the pan with the oil and garlic. Toss the pasta around until it’s coated (this is where you can add in the starchy pasta water to keep the pasta moist if it looks too dry). Add in the parsley and grated cheese, toss to combine and serve.

Grab the blankets, and do a similar movie night thing, but here’s the difference. Move the coffee table, place some blankets, and pillows. You and your family will be creating your own picnic in your own living room. Or if it’s a stretch, having dinner in bed. You know when your sick in bed and your mom brings homemade food. Grab those plasticware, and have a picnic dinner.

Sunday

If you’re not feeling any more rested with your family, this is the final topping to self care Sunday. No chores, and no errands. Maybe it’s a church morning for your family. Maybe it’s individualized self care for everyone. Maybe you don’t have an alarm and you wake up when you wake up.

Since self-care is such a broad term and individual for everyone, one thing is certain and true. Grab that paper and sit with your family and think about gratitude and humility. Have your children think of something they are grateful for, and what your family is grateful for. Place the words around your home in the bathroom mirrors as reminders to self-care.