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Fitness, Recipes, Uncategorized

Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken

by ashleylaurenbell5 Comments on Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken
Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken

This recipe is fairly easy to put together.  I did my own spin on it from the recipe from Craving Cobbler.  Instead of using snow peas and cauliflower rice,  I use sugar snap peas and butternut squash noodles .  If you are not on Whole30, this recipe is also good on a bed of rice.  I have even eaten it without the rice or noodles; like a soup.

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I have been making this recipe for quite some time now and its a go-to in our household. (Yes, my husband approves)  I love how versatile this recipe can be and you can really customize it however you want.  This recipe has a sweet and savory flavor with a island twist.  The most time consuming part is chopping up all of the veggies.  Once you chop up the ingredients this can be done in 25 minutes.

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*FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T LIKE CURRY:  I have never been nor will I ever be a curry fan; however, I LOVE it in this recipe and it is necessary!!! The main ingredients you should NOT take out are the ginger, the curry paste, and the GRATED carrots.  I made it without these and it didn’t taste the same.  You can find red curry paste in the international food section of any grocery store (along with the canned coconut milk).

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You can buy already cut butternut squash noodles at most grocery stores.

Coconut Chicken

Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2lb Boneless Skinless raw Chicken (cut into bite-size pieces)- I like using chicken thighs.
  • 3 Large Bell Peppers (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 head Broccoli (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 head Cauliflower (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 cup Sugar Snap Peas (trimmed)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Ginger (minced)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 3 Small Carrots (peeled and shredded)
  • 3 tablespoons Cilantro (freshly minced + more for garnish)
  • Juice from 1 large Lime
  • 1 can LITE Coconut Milk
  • 1 heaped tablespoon Red Curry Paste
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
  • Coconut Oil (about 2 1/2 Tbs total)
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • Butternut Squash Noodles. (This is NOT the same as spaghetti squash. You can buy this in the vegetable section in most grocery stores already cut into noodles. I buy it at Kroger.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prep the first set of veggies by washing and grating the carrots and ginger.

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    Grater
  2. Prep the other set of veggies by washing and chopping up the onion, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and garlic(mince); cut the ends off of the sugar snap peas.
    veggies1

    My FAVORITE veggie chopper**

  3. Cut up your raw chicken.  (I used chicken thighs). – season with salt, pepper, and desired spice blend. (I like adding red pepper flakes) chickencut.gif
  4. Heat one heaping tablespoon of coconut oil in a LARGE dutch oven or wok on medium/high heat.  This recipe makes a large amount so get the biggest skillet you have.  We used a wok (shown in pictures)
  5. Brown your chicken.  Once chicken has been browned remove from pan and set aside onto a plate.

    chickensaute.gif
    WOK
  6. Add more coconut oil to the pan
  7. Add the onions, peppers, garlic, ginger, and carrots. Stir and cook around 5-7 minutes.

    veggiesaute.gif
    WOK
  8. Add the broccoli, coconut milk, broth, and curry paste.  Stir thoroughly (especially with the curry paste) Keep in mind curry paste is spicy; you can always add more in later, but you cannot take it out.
  9. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.  Then reduce to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes
  10. Squeeze in lime juice and snow peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.

    simmer.gif
    WOK
  11. While everything is simmering, saute the butternut squash noodles in a separate pan. about 5-8 minutes or until soft

sautenoodles
WOK

Pour desired amount of the Thai coconut chicken mixture onto the butternut squash noodles (or rice) and top with fresh cilantro. Serve and ENJOY!

thaime
overviewthaichicken

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I added some of my favorite cooking utensils

You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
signature blog

 

Recipes, Uncategorized

Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken: TEXT VERSION

by ashleylaurenbell1 Comment on Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken: TEXT VERSION
Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken: TEXT VERSION

Whole30 Thai Coconut Chicken

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2lb Boneless Skinless raw Chicken (cut into bite-size pieces)- I like using chicken thighs.
  • 3 Large Bell Peppers (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 head Broccoli (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 head Cauliflower (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 cup Sugar Snap Peas (trimmed)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Ginger (minced)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 3 Small Carrots (peeled and shredded)
  • 3 tablespoons Cilantro (freshly minced + more for garnish)
  • Juice from 1 large Lime
  • 1 can LITE Coconut Milk
  • 1 heaped tablespoon Red Curry Paste
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
  • Coconut Oil (about 2 1/2 Tbs total)
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • Butternut Squash Noodles. (This is NOT the same as spaghetti squash. You can buy this in the vegetable section in most grocery stores already cut into noodles. I buy it at Kroger.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prep the first set of veggies by washing and grating the carrots and ginger.
  2. Prep the other set of veggies by washing and chopping up the onion, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and garlic(mince); cut the ends off of the sugar snap peas.
  3. Cut up your raw chicken.  (I used chicken thighs). – season with salt, pepper, and desired spice blend. (I like adding red pepper flakes)
  4. Heat one heaping tablespoon of coconut oil in a LARGE dutch oven or wok on medium/high heat.  This recipe makes a large amount so get the biggest skillet you have.  We used a wok (shown in pictures)
  5. Brown your chicken.  Once chicken has been browned remove from pan and set aside onto a plate.
  6. Add more coconut oil to the pan
  7. Add the onions, peppers, garlic, ginger, and carrots. Stir and cook around 5-7
  8. Add the broccoli, coconut milk, broth, and curry paste.  Stir thoroughly (especially with the curry paste) Keep in mind curry paste is spicy; you can always add more in later, but you cannot take it out.
  9. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.  Then reduce to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes
  10. Squeeze in lime juice and snow peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  11. While everything is simmering, saute the butternut squash noodles in a separate pan. about 5-8 minutes or until soft
  12. Pour desired amount of the Thai coconut chicken mixture onto the butternut squash noodles (or rice) and top with fresh cilantro. Serve and ENJOY!

 

FULL RECIPE:

Fashion, Sale!!, Uncategorized

My Loft Sale Picks // (50-60% off!) Ends TONIGHT

by ashleylaurenbell1 Comment on My Loft Sale Picks // (50-60% off!) Ends TONIGHT
My Loft Sale Picks // (50-60% off!) Ends TONIGHT

PSA: EVERY item at loft is on sale! Including new arrivals!

Use code FRESH to get 50% off full priced items and take an additional 60% off sale items! ENDS TONIGHT!

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Fitness, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Hip, Glutes, and Thigh Workout

by ashleylaurenbell2 Comments on Hip, Glutes, and Thigh Workout
Hip, Glutes, and Thigh Workout

This hip workout was initially created not as a workout, but as an injury preventer when I ran track in college.  I was a sprinter, mid distance runner, steeplechase, and triple jumper in college. My hip flexors have always been a big pain for me.  I always had the worst groin and hip pain in high school and college from running.  It got much worse when I knocked my hips out of alignment while triple-jumping in college. I could not sit down for longer than 5 minutes for over a year.   I tried many treatments, went to the chiropractor, but nothing worked.  I changed my perspective and instead of trying to treat my hips, I started to find ways to strengthen my hip flexors, thighs, and glutes.  I started doing this workout 7 years ago and I have seen a MAJOR difference in the discomfort in my hips and groin that I struggled with for years.  

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Fitness, Uncategorized

Sculpt + Tone Strength Workout

by ashleylaurenbell2 Comments on Sculpt + Tone Strength Workout
Sculpt + Tone Strength Workout

Although I am a big fan of cardio and HIIT workouts,  I do know the importance of weight lifting.  I was not a regular weight lifter until maybe a couple years ago.  I now try to fit in a strength workout twice a week on top of my HIIT workout and cardio workouts.  A lot of women are scared of weight lifting because they are afraid it will make them huge.  THAT IS A MYTH!! Unless you are lifting huge amounts of weight with small reps or doing some sort of body building, that’s not going to happen.  Weightlifting builds muscle and muscle helps you burn more calories and fat.  Since I am a runner and want to work on my cardiovascular endurance, I do more reps with a lighter weight.  I am not afraid to go up in weight!! If it is easy than I  am not pushing myself hard enough which means I am not burning calories and toning muscle.   You should feel a burn in each round.  I have taken you through my cardio workout, my core workout, and my 30 minute HIIT workout; now let me introduce to you my strength workout provided with tutorial videos too!

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Beauty, Fashion, Uncategorized

Loft Sale + $750 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

by ashleylaurenbell1 Comment on Loft Sale + $750 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
Loft Sale + $750 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Right now the Loft is having a MAJOR sale.  All of their sale styles are an ADDITIONAL 60% off and a lot of their non-sale items are on sale as well.  There are several sweaters that I found that are under $25 and some pants that are under $40.  I love how they have regular, petite, and tall sizes in most of their clothes!  I am wearing a size small in the sweater and a size 26 regular in the pants.  I normally would get a tall size but they already sold out of this color.  I would hurry up with this sale because I am not sure how much longer it will last! Don’t forget to enter a $750 Amazon gift card giveaway that I have partnered with a few bloggers below as well!!

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The Giveaway
This week I decided to team up with some of my favorite bloggers and bring you an amazing giveaway. One lucky reader will win a $750 gift card to Amazon.

Money Can Buy Lipstick | Simply Her Fav | Tonya Michelle 26 | Coming Up Roses | Caitlin Eliza
Sophisticaition | Aquamarine Dreams | Brandi Soileau | Street Style Squad | So Heather
The Middle Page | Rose & Chambray | Simply Classy | Mama In Heels | Pretty in Pink Megan
GoodTimiCha | Trendy Chickadee | Carli Best | Designs by Katy | Beauty with Lily
Manic Style | House of Loren | A Glam Lifestyle | Fashion & Frills | Tall Blonde Bell | Between The Pearls
Use the widget below to enter the giveaway. The more “tasks” you complete, the more entries you will receive. The giveaway is open internationally. The winner will be announced (on the widget only) up to 2 weeks after the giveaway has ended. It can take time to select, verify, and get in contact with the winner. If you have any questions about the giveaway process, feel free to e-mail moneycanbuylipstick@gmail.com.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY // Tap here & Register to Win!

 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
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Fashion, Motivational Minute, Uncategorized

My Word of the Year

by ashleylaurenbell4 Comments on My Word of the Year
My Word of the Year

What is word of the year?
Don’t you ever tired of going through the same new years cycle each year?  We all do it.  We tell ourselves that we are going to resolve a specific thing, and about 2 weeks to maybe even a month in life gets too busy and that resolution gets pushed aside. According to Healthy Living, only about 8% of us actually keep our resolutions.  (Source: Healthy Living) ) To the 92% of people who don’t keep up with their resolutions, I’m bringing a new perspective to the table.

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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard

Instead of setting up resolutions, I choose a word each year to focus on.  In case my picture above didn’t give it away, my word this year is joy.I started this tradition three years ago in a bible study that I still meet with.  I really like the reasoning behind choosing a word. We often don’t follow through with resolutions because it is the cause of a deeper root issue and that root issue usually boils down to a heart issue…a word.  My words for the last three years were present, heart, hope, and this year my word is joy.  I also back each word up with scripture and memorize that verse. I recite this verse during the ups, the downs, and the norms.  

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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard

SELRES_36443a6c-2b09-4004-a813-69d3262d7a73SELRES_7a7fc7fc-bae0-4a55-b9a8-4ba160cba2d2

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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard

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My Word
This year I chose the word joy for various reasons.  I can be a very happy person on the outside, but on the inside I am full of fear, worry, anxiety, and even bitterness.  My pastor at my church recently did a 14ish week series on Gospel Joy and he nailed the definition of joy on the head.  He said that joy is an enduring, non-circumstantial delight. Notice he did not say a current state or emotion or a feeling.  We often, including myself, mix up the words happiness and joy.  Success at work, a new pair of shoes, a stocked fridge, even a good workout can make us happy (temporarily) , but they will never be the source of everlasting joy.  Eventually you will have a bad day at work, your shoes will wear down, your fridge will be empty (or stink with rotten leftovers), and you will feel like you have gained 25 pounds because you didn’t workout for a few days. These sources of “joy” are empty and they are nothing but garbage. I can’t think how many days I was in a bad mood because of one petty little thing didn’t go my way.  This lifestyle is unstable and unsatisfying.  The only source for pure satisfying joy is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard
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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard
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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard

I am excited to start this journey of focusing on where I am seeking my joy.  I want to live each day NOT based on the events that have happened and are going to happen in my life, but instead I want my joy to be grounded in what Christ has done for ALL of us on the Cross.  I want not only to have this satisfying joy for myself, but I want to see others experience this same joy too.  Most importantly, I want to glorify God.

How liberating and freeing it is to know that you can choose joy each and every day?  That’s a pretty sweet deal if you’d ask me.  So I am going to end with this, what do you want your word to be this year?  What do you have the most struggle with? Get rid of those hopeless resolutions and instead take on a whole new meaning to this next year.
romans15:13 joy

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TOP (Altard State) // Jeans // Shoes (Similar)// Scarf // Letterboard

Shop the PostThe top I am wearing is from Altard State.  They are currently having a big sale right now where sale items are an ADDITIONAL 40% off.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
signature blog

Fashion, Sale!!, Uncategorized

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale Picks

by ashleylaurenbellLeave a Comment on Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale Picks
Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale Picks

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Fitness, Uncategorized

At Home + Gym 30 Min. HIIT Workout

by ashleylaurenbellLeave a Comment on At Home + Gym 30 Min. HIIT Workout
At Home + Gym 30 Min. HIIT Workout

What is HIIT? HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. (Source: DailyBurn)

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Top // Leggings (Similar Style) // Shoes

This workout suitable for ALL fitness levels and ages. To decrease the intensity either go down in weight or take the LOW options. To increase intensity increase the weight. It is very important to stay on time with the rests. The goal of this workout is to give it 100% effort during your moves followed by rest. Make sure you stay on time with your rests. If you rest too long or too short you will not get the proper workout. You are supposed to feel out of breath in this workout. What I do to keep track of time is to set my stopwatch on my phone and sit it next to me or to wear a stopwatch.

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