Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Networking: Not Just a Buzzword

Y'all know I love talking. 

So networking isn't that hard for me. But it is super important - even if you don't find it fun like I do.

I wrote a blog post over at my work's website all about networking and why it's super important for women, along with some tips on how to make it easier, less painful, and - dare I say it - fun!



I'm also a founder of a Memphis networking group just for women, and we're having our first event on June 8th - it's a choose your own adventure event! 


(But not set in a carnival. No thank you. Do not want.)


Thursday, May 4, 2017

Whole30 Cinco de Mayo Recipes


It's almost Cinco de Mayo, which usually means LOTS of "Mexican" food and margaritas and so so so much cheese dip. 

But this year, I'll be one a round of Whole30 during Cinco de Mayo, so I thought I would share some of my favorite Mexican-ish recipes that are totally compliant and delicious!

First, what is Cinco de Mayo?


So Cinco de Mayo isn't a holiday devoted to delicious Mexican/Tex-Mex food. But it is, in the US, a day of celebration of Mexican culture, which is rich and vibrant and, most importantly for our purposes today, filled with delicious food. 

One Skillet Whole30 Mixed Fajitas
(serves 4)


1lb chicken thighs (you can use breasts, but I think thighs are more flavorful)
1lb steaks (I used chuck steaks, but really anything should be good, since you're going to slice them so thin)
1 red onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 Serrano pepper, chopped
1 bag frozen broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, cut in half

Fajita Seasoning


3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
3 teaspoon Italian seasoning (why? It's easier than getting 30 spice bottles. I know it's not Mexican.)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1. Mix all the seasonings together - this makes quite a bit, so use to taste on the fajitas!
2. Add 1 tablespoon olive olive oil to a grill pan or cast-iron sklllet  and heat to medium high.
3. Season the steak with about a tablespoon of the fajita seasoning, making sure to coat completely.
4. Grill steak on one side for about 2 minutes, then turn over and grill for another 1-2 minutes, depending on how done you like your steak.
5. Remove steak to a plate and cover with foil.
6. Add remaining olive oil to the pan and let it heat up.
7. Season the chicken, again making sure it's coated.
8. Grill the chicken for 3-4 on each side, and remove to plate with steak. Cover both with the foil.
9. Add onion and peppers to the skillet, add about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning, and stir for 4-5 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
10. Cook the broccoli according to the instruction on the bag while the other veggies are cooking.
11. While the veggies are cooking, thinly slice the chicken and steak into strips.
12. Add the steak and chicken (and the juices from the plate!) back to the pan with the veggies and stir all together.
13. Drain the broccoli and add it to the pan, stirring everything.
14. Zest half the lime and squeeze the juice from half the lime into the pan.
15. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed!

Serve on a salad, as a bowl, maybe with cauliflower rice or zoodles, or mixed with guacamole!

My Dad's Guacamole


6 ripe avocados
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 Serrano pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
1/2 habanero pepper, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Juice from the other half of the lime used above
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper
1. Smoosh avocados - I cut them out of the peels and then use a potato masher.
2. Add everything else - season to taste!
3. Stir together with a fork.
4. Enjoy!

And, finally, no matter how you're enjoying a day of delicious food, remember that cultural appropriation is not okay - make some amazing food, think about the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, and check out this infographic from the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Kansas University for ideas on celebrating Cinco de Mayo!