Whoa. It's been almost four months since I wrote a Lovely Meals post. And so much has happened!
I got in a car accident and broke my arm at the end of September. It was two days before we were supposed to take the honeymoon we'd re-planned. Losing the trip was a bummer, but what made the saga so tough was not being able to take care of Max.
My mental health has definitely had its ups and downs. It's like my identity has shifted in a major way and I'm not quite sure how to deal with next steps regarding my career, my anxiety, and beyond. A lot of things feel different and uncertain, as if I've lost my rhythm.
I'm working on being patient with myself, getting therapy, and not letting the past or the future rob me of joy now. Max just turned 11 months old and I cannot believe it! Last year at this time I was living in the hospital praying I'd deliver my sweet baby safely.
In other news, our friends threw us a little backyard party to celebrate our marriage for some much needed joy! It was magical, cast and all.
My plan is to pop in and share these posts monthly. I love connecting with you all here, so please leave a comment and let me know what's lovely in your life lately. I so appreciate you being here! Make sure to subscribe to keep up with all the things if you haven't already.
I haven't been capturing as many food photos these days (like all the holiday cookies we've been devouring), but I hope you still leave feeling a wee bit more inspired than when you came. Cozy up with a mug of my favorite hot cocoa and let's do this!
Meal and snack inspiration
Buddha bowls with a peanut sauce I could bathe in!
The most delish gingerbread as muffins instead of a loaf! I baked them at 350F for
25 min.
The dreamiest taco night with freshly grated Tilamook cheddar. Does it get any better?
Chocolate peanut bake peanut butter bars are quite possibly the best snack of all time.
We've been SO into stovetop popcorn with coconut oil and salt! I do half a cup of kernals and 2 tbsp oil. Bless!
One of my favorite meals I posted in 2021 was definitely this butternut squash and goat cheese pasta. I'm making it again next week!
I can't lie....ravioli is a staple for us. It's something I always have in the fridge for an easy dinner! This one from Trader Joe's is fab. I'm also really into Rana lobster ravioli.
I made two batches of peanut butter blossoms last week. They're Jeff's fave! A reader sent me this pic and I'm obsessed.
Blueberry waffles with scrambled eggs for a slow weekend brunch. Lately we're loving this waffle recipe!
Super comforting lasagna soup for soup Sunday. We always do soup and sandwiches for lunch!
Tuna melts with yummy cheddar. Pair it with salt and vinegar chips plus Grillo's pickles and you're in business!
Instant pot lentil soup with avocado toast. Winter wonderland!
Sushi night! Plus some cookies because...duh.
Things I'm Loving Lately
- The song "Dive In" by East Forest. Ahhh....tranquility.
- A friend gifted me this fanny pack and I just bought it for another friend! It's SO convenient for keeping track of my phone, wallet and keys. I love throwing it on to run errands, for workout classes, and walks.
- My favorite Madewell vintage jeans are an xtra 40% off ($53 from $135!) You must.
- My talented friend Allie recently self-published a magical hardcover book full of her illustrations as a reminder to be here now. I ordered "Jo!"
- This bunting bag for the stroller is just what we needed for cozy winter walks with Max.
- I grabbed this adorable teddy camo jacket as a little "congrats on your arm healing" gift for myself, ha!
- The best shacket I ever did wear. I have it in plaid but this color is everything!
HUGS.
Brea says
So happy to see this back- I love the inspiration, fun meal ideas, and to see what you eat "regularly!".
Lately, we've been loving lasagna and making a different one every weekend to eat for leftovers in the week. Maybe we'll get tired of this soo, maybe we won't!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy, thanks Brea! Lasagna is the BEST.
Annum says
I love this post Alexis! Hope you're doing well. This post definitely inspired me for things for the new year 🙂
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad to hear it did what I wanted it to!
Val says
Hey girl!
You know how much I always love these posts of yours and seeing this in my inbox today was like an early holiday gift whoo! 🙂
I admire your transparency and vulnerability more than you know... Even though it's gotten better (slowly), the stigma around mental health and needing to take a step back is still so real. You embrace it and share your journey so openly which takes major guts. Lots of love to you and whenever you feel like you have time, space, and energy to these awesome eats and updates on life, just know there are a lot of us around here that will always be excited to read and follow along! <3
Carlie says
So happy to see these posts back!
Also just bought the Madewell beanie from your stories today! Thank you <3
Alexis Joseph says
Eeeee I hope you love it, Carlie!
Jenna says
I am so sorry to hear about your arm and your accident! Glad you are doing better! I can only imagine how challenging that must've been trying to care for a baby. I was in a bad car accident around the same time as yours - hurt my neck, physical therapy for weeks and a totaled car. I keep reminding myself it could've been so much worse and I am thankful to be alive, but it can be a lot to process. I don't know about you, but I have really struggled to get behind the wheel since my accident. It really scared me and I find myself feeling really tense and nervous while driving now. I suppose it will get better over time. On a positive note, I LOVE these posts so I am glad to see a new one and happy to hear you'll continue to post more in the future. They really help me get out of food ruts and think of different things to buy for my weekly grocery runs. Have a great holiday!
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so sorry, Jenna! I tooootally get it. I totaled my cart too, boo. It was pretty tough getting used to driving again. I hope you're healing ok and getting some rest! And I'm thrilled these help you get out of food ruts. XO
Dylan says
Love that these posts are back! Keep your head up and take things one day at a time! Love you, friend!
Alexis Joseph says
That's the spirit!
Maura Murphy says
So glad to have you back! Sorry to hear about your car accident and broken arm, I hope you will be healed soon. I was praying for you so much last year at this time when you were hospitalized, so wonderful to see you and Max so healthy. Wishing you many Christmas blessings and a better 2022 for us all.
Alexis Joseph says
Awwww, thanks Maura!
meg says
I'm loving that these are back! But totally understand the hiatus, & take as many as you need 🙂
And for anyone looking for a break from Hallmark holiday movies (I know, blasphemy), Being the Ricardos is worth a stream!
Alexis Joseph says
Ohhhh nice! Thanks so much, Meg!
Charlie H. says
Hello Alexis.
Sorry to hear about your arm. You will heal up well after only a bit of time.
You have a lot going on in your life. You have a beautiful child and a loving husband, plenty of friends, and great opportunity in so many regards.
Live your life to its fullest while you are still young and full of energy/without multiple aches and pains (they will arrive soon enough.....). Remember that you don't always have to go, go, go.....relaxing is important in between the active times. Life is good, realize that and make the best of it and good things will happen for you.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for the pep talk, Charlie! I appreciate the encouragement. Happy almost new year!
Eileen Joseph says
Shout out for Buddha bowls!!!!!!!!
The peanut sauce covering the veggies and rice is f a b u l o u s. Hits the spot and best leftover meal .
PC says
Thank you for the honest update. One day at a time … you got this. And your darling baby boy is priceless.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks so much, Patti!