Happyyyyy Thursdayyyy!
Yesterday was such a great day. It started out as usual with an early morning T25 workout. Right now I’m up to the middle of week 4 of the beta phase and surprisingly, I’m still loving it. Honestly, I’m shocked that I’m not bored out of my mind yet, but I think the fact that it’s only 25 minutes and is mindless to get started at 5:45am helps. Plus, Jay told me the other day that “it looks like it’s working,” whatever that means. But I’ll take it! I’m really thinking I want to try the gamma phase next…we shall see.
So once I was finished, showered, and all that jazz, it was time to start the work day. I worked from home yesterday, meaning that gave me all day to spend with my favorite little boy. I was actually extra glad to have him home with me because we recently found out that he may have been exposed to the Coxsackievirus. UGH.
However, we’re now actually wondering if he may have had a mild case of it last week? He ran a fever for about three days last week and just was not interested in eating at all, which is totally unlike him. He also had an awful butt rash (not out of the norm for this kid), but all of these symptoms actually point to Coxsackievirus…soooo, who knows. I’ve been watching him like a hawk for any new sores, hives, or rashes, so we’ll see what happens. Seriously…can’t we just keep them in a little bubble forever?
Thankfully, Lucas took a killer almost-3-hour nap in the morning so I was able to get through all of my work no problem. Once he got up we sat and had lunch together; turkey, cheese, veggies, and avocado with grapes for him,
and an unpictured green smoothie + a salad of corn, tomato, and avocado for me.
My house may smell like fall right now, but I’m not quite ready to give up the flavors of summer just yet!
After lunch I worked some more and Lucas had some fun being a super hero in his new favorite “cape.”
He’s so funny…he’ll come carry it over and say what sounds like “cape” and wait for us to tie it around his neck then he runs away.
Eventually it was afternoon nap time and my work day was over, so I took care of some laundry and a few other odds and ends around the house. Jay got home a little while later and started getting dinner ready for us since we were having our in-laws over.
Healthy Chicken Parmesan Burgers were on the menu! Along with some sweet potato fries and green beans.
Those burgers are easily one of our top five favorite dinners. So easy, SO good.
After dinner, we all got crazy and danced the hot dog dance.
And of course, there was dessert to be had…homemade ice creeeeam.
So about 2-1/2 years ago, you may or may not remember I ordered myself an ice cream maker. Believe it or not, this past week is the first time we ever even opened the box. What were we thinking…?
It was actually super easy to make. We just used the recipe that came in our Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (<—majorly on sale right now, BTW!) for Simply Vanilla.
But, of course, we had to jazz it up a little, Cookies ‘n’ Cream style with some crushed Oreos.
I’m not sure who was more excited and amazed by it all…me or him.
After about 20 minutes of churning…we had ice cream!
I think we’ll play around with the recipe a bit because this stuff was RICH, but we’re totally sold and can’t wait to try more flavors.
Have you guys ever tried making your own?! Tell me your favorites!
Brynn says
I am just like you- I’ve had an ice cream maker for three years and have never used it. Despite my love for ice cream and being nine months pregnant in the summer, it seems like a hastle to pull out the machine. Maybe I need a good recipe?
Sam says
My parents normally make this delicious peppermint ice cream on the 4th of July. It has peppermint ice cream with candy canes crushed up in it. Pinterest has 5 million delicious looking ice cream recipes.
Jen says
MINT chocolate chip!! Seriously the best ever if you make it at home. Even if you don’t normally like mint chocolate chip store-bought ice creams, you MUST try it! It tastes nothing like store-bought and everything like heaven. You infuse your custard with fresh mint leaves (then strain out the leaves), churn the custard in your ice cream maker, then toward the end, add in finely chopped (grated is best) dark chocolate. This is the recipe I usually use: simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mint_chocolate_chip_ice_cream but there are many others as well!
Kim@ FITsique says
Ohh just wait til the little man goes to school! All sorts of fun germs ;) I hope he stays healthy and last week was the extent of it. Good thing he has a great mom and dad to care for him when he does get sick! I think I’m putting those chicken parm burgers on the menu for this weekend they look delicious!
Angie N says
We live in the South, so homemade ice cream is an every week thing for us! Here’s a recipe that’s easy and delicious!
Base: 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, milk (any kind you choose; whipping cream is the best). You can add fresh fruit to this, oreos, butterfinger, etc. The very best is chocolate (add container of Hershey’s syrup and a chopped up Hershey bar; whipping cream to the fill line).
Have a great day!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com says
ohhh wow! i actually have one of those ice-cream makers but haven’t taken it out all summer! it’s always time for ice-cream though. YUM!
Beks says
Once, I was trying to clean out my fridge, so I used almost milk and peanut butter to make an amazing ice cream. It was surprisingly creamy. I’d never used almond milk to make ice cream before, and I keep thinking I need to start again. :-)
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Rich thick luscious homemade ice cream…simply THE BEST!!!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
we actually got an ice cream maker for our wedding but i returned it – i haven’t regretted that decision in four years, but you’re really making me want to make my own!! i LOOOOOVE ice cream!!!!!!!!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
That homemade ice cream looks fantastic! I’ve been wanting an ice cream maker for the longest time, but have yet to get one. I really should just do it because I’m sure I’d use it all the time.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
YUM! Who doesn’t love homemade ice-cream?! I wonder if it would make a better banana froyo?
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Wow! No, I definitely never tried to make my own ice cream, but that sounds like fun. Do you get to work from home often? That’s a nice office perk!
Karen says
Hi Courtney,
Lucas is adorable, the cutest little boy! You look great. Can you give me some info this T25 please? Do I order this on-line and if so, do you recommend a certain website. Can I buy it in a store or no? How much did you pay for it? I don’t want to get ripped off LOL. There are two phases, Alpha and Beta, each being 5 weeks? I know you said that Jay said “it looks like it’s working”, do you feel better, different and can you see results? I am thinking about investing in it and just wanted to make sure I checked with you, I trust your advice and opinion. Sorry for so many questions.
BTW – I have made the chicken Caesar burgers a few times, one of my favorites as well, thanks for the recipe.
Have a great day!
~Karen
Courtney says
Hey Karen! I would definitely recommend T25! There’s actually three phases available (alpha, beta, gamma) but I think gamma needs to be ordered separately. And yes, each phase is 5 weeks. You can order them online (don’t think they’re available in stores) through Beach Body but they also have the base kit on Amazon: http://bit.ly/Wh5Tet
I wouldn’t say I’ve had huge results in terms of weight loss or anything, but that really hasn’t been my primary goal. That said, I will say that I do feel great, and I would agree that it’s absolutely helping me tone up a bit in areas that were problematic for me post-pregnancy. Plus…it’s only 25 minutes a day, which I LOVE!! Best of luck! I say go for it ;)
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I’ve never tried making my own ice cream! I feel like an ice cream maker is like a juicer for me. In theory, it’s great but in reality the actual taking the thing out, prepping and cleaning would totally turn me off from using it regularly!
Courtney says
I hear ya- it’s definitely not the most sound investment. But it’s oh-so-good ;)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I’ve never even heard of that virus!! Hopefully it’s already passed through Lucas or he doesn’t end up catching it. Sick babies are no fun!
Mmmm that ice cream sounds amazing. I’ve only ever made the ice cream that you do in Ziploc bags with dry ice. It was good, but I’m sure nothing like the ice cream you’d create in an actual ice cream maker.
Random question: Where’d you get your couches?! I’m on the hunt for some new simple light beige couches, and I guess I don’t even really know where to start looking for couches that won’t blow our bank account out of the water.
Courtney says
We got them from a local store (Old Brick) but they’re by Klaussner. This is our set: http://www.sofasandsectionals.com/sofas/klaussner-stationary-sofas/klaussner-posen-collection :)
Kelly says
I don’t have an ice cream maker. However even if I did, I would still probably make this recipe because it’s amazing!! You can play with tons of different topping combinations. It’s sooooo easy. Everyone I’ve made it for raves about it. :)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/544443042426028812/
Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire says
Homemade ice cream sounds amazing! I’m sure this has crossed your mind already, but a sea salt and caramel flavor sounds pretttttty good to me!
kristin @ W [H] A T C H says
i loveeeee my ice cream maker. it really is so easy to make delicious ice cream!
Julie says
So glad you’re still enjoying T25! I just started the alpha phase (ordered it after your rave reviews–finding time to exercise has been tough for me!) and am LOVING it! I didn’t know about the gamma phase so that’s good to know if I’m still loving it by the end too.
Courtney says
Oh, AWESOME!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! :)
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I have so many random appliances and kitchen gadgets that I probably don’t need an ice cream maker…but I still kinda really want one! I love that you went cookies n cream, good choice!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
My boyfriend and I love making ice cream. The bib on Lucas is super cute!
ellie | fit for the soul says
When I saw Lucas’ little dance the other day I totally cracked up. Love how he’s trying to keep the rhythm….puhahha. And that ice cream looks glorious, mah goodness!
Liz says
That virus is going around like crazy in the capital district! My daughter has it last week. It started on her butt, then a few days later I noticed the sores on her feet, lots of Tylenol that week!
Courtney says
Ugh, I’m so sorry! Hopefully she’s feeling better and is on the mend?!
Presley @ Run Pretty says
I NEED AN ICE CREAM MAKER!
My grandpa makes peach ice cream and it’s the beeest. I don’t even think he uses a recipe. Cream, sugar, and peaches sounds about right. haha :)
Lauren says
Ugh that virus!!! It’s going around here like crazy too (south
Central PA). We just moved here last week and apparently our little guy was exposed to it the 2nd day we were here.
It started on his rear and now he looks like he’s recovering from the chicken pox.
Hope Lucas stays healthy!
Courtney says
Oh no! Hope your little guy was okay and didn’t get it too bad!?
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Yum, I so need an ice cream maker in my life! Lately I’ve been making a lot of fruit “ice cream” by combining frozen berries and banana with a little almond milk and sweetener… so yummy, but not the same as real ice cream! ;-)
Fiona says
Welcome to the wonderful world of homemade ice cream! Honestly, we have to NOT use our ice cream maker just because all our hard work is gone in a matter of minutes! My sister bought us the ice cream maker as a house warming gift (my Husband and I are obsessed with ice cream) as well as pre-made ice cream flavours from William and Sonoma! They have the classics, along with yummy cookies and cream and this time we got mocha java chip-UNREAL!!!! Enjoy your new obsession because store bought ice cream will never taste the same!!!
Kristen @ livinlifeinlouie says
OK I just ordered gamma. You have to do it! It is My favorite so far! And you weights. I have already Noticed a difference
Shannon says
I have that same ice cream maker, but every time I use it the ice cream freezes to the sides and I lose half of the ice cream. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Haha. Yours looks good!