EASY low carb spaghetti and meatballs

It doesn't get much easier than this!  

And let me tell you- this is the best way I think spaghetti squash can be made.  It has the consistency of a noodle- not too crunchy and not too soft. 

You can make it fool proof with simply three ingredients. And talk about a meal that doesn't break the bank!

-1 medium spaghetti squash

- 1 Jar of spaghetti sauce

- 1 pound of meatballs 

Of course you can make the sauce or meatballs from scratch- but if you're going for speed, pick up a jar of sauce and a bag of meatballs. 

1. Wash the spaghetti squash.  Cut it in half like above and then scoop out the seeds.  The halves should then look like the second picture. 

2.  I then put my spaghetti sauce in the crockpot (after putting an awesome crock pot liner in first!). 3.  Then I put the spaghetti squash halves in, open side down.  4. Lastly, I added the meatballs.  

5.  I set my crockpot for 3 hours on high.  If you'd like it to run all day.. you can do low 6-7 hours. 

After 3 hours was over.. I pulled out the spaghetti squash, scraped the insides, divided it into bowls and then topped it with the sauce and meatballs.  Lastly, a dash of parmesan and parsley!  

TALK ABOUT EASY! And LOW CARB italian! 

ENJOY! 

hugs, 

abi 

Before the Most Important Walk

Are you, your child, grandchild, or loved one about to walk down the aisle?  If so, these are the things that David and I have come up with that we will make our children do and encourage grandchildren and others to do as well when they thinking they're about ready to say "I do".

1. The couple must travel together.
You don't have to sleep in the same bed or same room.. but traveling together is a must.  And not a stay-cation.. like GO AWAY! It's amazing what you'll learn about each other when you travel- weird things the other does in routine, are they an absolute planner or can they go with the breeze.  Does something drive you absolutely bonkers about them now that you're together all the time one on one?  Can you handle the silence that being together for so long might provide?  How do you handle a bump in the road... whether the museum is closed, the weather is horrible, you missed the train or flight, or someone's under the weather..
And if things get "heated", how do you bounce back? (hoping someone doesn't fly home solo!)
Trust me, Dave and I went to New York after about 9 months of dating and we learned a lot about each other.  First of all- 98 degree heat, walking on my feet all day, and waiting for the wrong train- makes for a crabby Abi.

2. Talk about MONEY
Yes, money.  It's one of the hardest topics but it's said that over 40% of marriages experience extreme stress due to money. Not only that but money fights predict divorce rates.  So what can you do about that?  Talk about money early on... whether you're 6 months into dating or got engaged yesterday.  The "earlier" the better.  Try living on a budget together.  I understand you may live apart.. but try it!  (if so, take out your individual bills -electric, gas, rent, etc.- first and then go from there) It's hard to talk about so you have to "practice" in a sense to get good at it.  (In just a couple weeks I'll be diving into our budget if you want some ideas)

3. Talk with your mom
Sit down, whether planned or it naturally happens and just sit, listen, and talk with your mom or someone in a motherly role.  Sometimes it's hard for us to admit it but moms are pretty good at being right.  I'll never forget the day my mom told me that dave just "fits in so easily with our family".  (She told me a year later, that it was that weekend that she knew he was the one for me)  Just listen to her- no one in the world loves you more and if she has concerns (trust me, I know they're unbearable to hear) but you really should take them to heart.

4. Talk with your significant other about GOALS

What? Goals?  Yes, every marriage needs goals.  Where do you see yourself in 6 months, 10 years, 20 years?  As a couple- financially, employment, family, experiences?  Travel the US? Commit to service?  Or be workaholics, see success and think about family later? None of these are bad or wrong.. but you need to go into a marriage with realistic goals and a supportive significant other.  I understand people grow and change.. but without this conversation you won't have a firm foundation.

5. And lastly, build furniture
Are you serious Abi?  YES!  Go to IKEA, Big Lots, wherever and buy furniture that you have to assemble.  (Dave and I already decided we're going to lock our children and their sign. other in a room with the furniture and they can't come out until it's done)  The directions are most of time a bunch of crap, the tools they give you are inadequate so it causes you to use your best judgement, be resourceful, and stay cool, calm, and collected (which is sometimes very hard to do in those situations)  If you get it built and there's not too many tears- I'd call it a success!

Is your marriage or engagement fool proof?  Nah, but I will tell you.. doing these 5 things when "I do" is starting to sound good will help you decide if they are right and if the time is right!  

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi 

I Got On Stage Last Night

Yes, almost three years married and I got on stage at the bar.  Just because you have a ring on your finger doesn't mean you have to be a bump on a log!

I absolutely love live music and my "introvert coat" tends to come off when I'm with my best friends and music is playing.  So yeah, I was on stage with my friends, the piano player, and then a bachelorette party I was definitely not a part of.  And David knew it.  He was at a table just chatting and hanging with a friend, doing his thing.

I would've done it whether he was there or not!  Remember now, dueling piano bar, nothing too risky.  But still, some wouldn't even think about it out of fear of what their significant other would say or do.  That's no way to live!  (And honestly, it was one of the best nights I've had in a long time)

So what does it mean?  Dave just doesn't care?  Or that I don't care about him...   No, it means we both have an unwavering amount of trust and that we know what we got into!

David met me when I was 20 and let's just say that 20 year old girl will always be in me (even if just a little bit).  And I hope he'd be sad if that wasn't the case.  I'm still the care-free, adventurous college girl he fell in love with and she's not going anywhere!  (sorry, not sorry)  So just remember your significant other, is still that same person you fell in love with so many years ago. And even if they're not 22 anymore, they still need to be able to let go and be carefree for a bit here and there.  We put too much on our plates most times as adults and "adult too hard".  We all need to let go a bit and that could look differently for every single person.  But we need it, to stay mentally and emotionally happy and healthy.  So if something is just calling your name and maybe it's not very "adult-y", by all means- if it's something you want to do- just do it!

I think sometimes couples get too serious and it turns into routine and monotonous rather than still being "young" and enjoying life together, letting the other thrive and like Tim McGraw says to "live like you're dying".  Don't forget doing something silly like getting on stage might just cause your guy or girl to have the biggest smile because they love the crap out of you or they'll take a video to show your kids and laugh with you later about it.  Know your level of trust with each other and be willing to let each other breathe and grow- it's crucial to a healthy relationship.

leave the "eh" behind

and go dance your butt off!

hugs,

abi 

5 things I don't regret about my wedding

Now that we're a couple years from our wedding and we have many friends and family in the wedding planning stage I can't help but think back on our big day.  So I've come up with the top 5 things I don't regret and that I would do the exact same if we did the wedding over. (I'd marry Dave again of course!)

1. We did written vows after the rehearsal dinner, just the two of us.  

When people were finishing their food and socializing, David and I stepped away to another area of the park.  We had photos taken during this moment.. and they are photos we will cherish forever.  This way we did our "typical" vows during the ceremony the next day but we were still able to make things personal, sincere, and special.  Let me tell you, it would have been bad if I wrote them for the ceremony.  I was already crying during the ceremony and if we read our own I definitely would've been a blubbering mess.  

2.  We didn't do a first look.   

And we didn't do pictures together before the ceremony.  

I was adamant on this and I'm so glad I was.  Seeing Dave's face when the doors opened and I entered the sanctuary was unforgettable.  I knew for sure Dave would not see me before the wedding.  I briefly considered a first look but I'm so glad that we didn't.  The moment was still on camera.  I was sure that each photographer was set- one on David and one on me.  Therefore, I have the photos but I also have the amazing memory of the door opening, being next to my dad, my heart racing, and seeing Dave's face.

3. We DANCED our butts off. 

Yes, we visited almost every table one on one but boy did we dance and dance!  And not just with each other but with friends and relatives.  The memories and the photographs from the dance floor are priceless!  The coolest thing about having a hoppin' dance floor is that it brings your guests together- no matter their relation.

4. Alone time!
We were able to have some alone time by having our own ride.  I know people will disagree with this (and I understand!) because I know a party bus is awesome with your bridal party.  But Dave and I had a stretch hummer limo all to ourselves from the ceremony to the reception and it was perfect.  We took our first "selfies" as husband and wife, rolled the windows down, and then just basked in our very first moments as husband and wife.  We almost needed the "de-brief" (from the crazy hectic day and year leading up to), needed simple alone time, and the time to just let it sink in- what we're really celebrating.


5. Having kids at and in the wedding

I just don't really get weddings where kids are not "permitted".  Maybe you want a stone cold, silent ceremony..?  I don't know.  But I do know there was laughter, tears, and maybe even a holler or two at the end (and no not from the kids) I'll tell ya what.. you are so fixed in the moment, you almost forget people are there sometimes.  You don't think about sucking it in or constantly smiling.. you get lost in the your fiance's face and just experience the moment with them.  And then at the reception.. who wouldn't want kids?  Half the time they get the dance floor started and they're always great entertainment!

So take it for what it's worth... these are the 5 things I absolutely wouldn't change about our wedding and have absolutely no regret about.

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi 

10 GO-TOs for a lifetime of I DO's

So that couple seems OH SO HAPPY!  Don't be envious. 

That girl is smokin' hot. Don't dream, desire, or act on it!

Yeah, you fight a lot. That doesn't mean it's over. 

THE GRASS IS GREEN WHERE YOU WATER IT--

in the front yard, back yard, and in relationships. 

If you're frustrated, envious, broken, hurting, alone.. ask yourself why. And DO something about it.  Don't run or hide.  But do something about it, water your grass and watch your relationship flourish.   

If you've been together a while then there's bound to be things you could bring up to tear the other person down.  A big fight, miscommunication, being hurt, ignored, or family conflict.  If they're trying to change, we've got to encourage them to do so without throwing the rocks.   I know it's easier said than done because some acts or words will always be a "trump card" but if there's legitimate effort to change.. help them out!

Your spouse isn't any different... students, athletes, bosses, cashiers.. tone matters and we all know it.  So we can't let that go when we are talking with our spouse.  We can express hurt, anger, disappointment, etc without being rude, disrespectful and in result causing more damage. 

 

Don't get me wrong.. I am all about my family and friends.  But my mom said it perfectly to me when David and I got engaged.  "Dave is your family now, you need to do what works for you two."  My mom is right (more often than I'd sometimes like to admit).  And I say this to myself often when calendaring, planning holidays, etc.  He is my number 1, I would still do anything for those dear to me but it's US and we need to do what works for US. (Even if others don't understand or agree sometimes)

Whether it's gambling, sex, drugs, or alcohol, etc.. all things these provide temporary pleasure.  Pleasure to the point you forget your problems or you forget about that ring on your finger.  Regret will set in faster than you can walk out of the bar, sober up, or get your pants on.  I'm not saying a trip to the casino or having a few drinks will bring you regret.. but when it's affecting your marriage, your friendships, your work.. it has become a problem.

I understand people love the bachelor and bachelorette ("reality tv" hooks yea somehow), but I have doubt about such quick "love-seeking" relationships.  A happy marriage starts with a foundation of friendship.  Yes, things can happen quickly.  Dave and I were "friends" and dating for one year and then got engaged.  But we were friends and because of that foundation we continue to still have fun together.  (And on top of that.. I tend to believe they'll come into your life or the picture, right when you least expect and when you're not looking for someone)

Money is great.  So is having some capital letters after your name and so are those name brand golf clubs and handbags.  But those things can't love you back and they won't truly give you happiness.  We need to give our spouse more attention and more love than we give the other things.  Many of us work 40 + hours a week.  Do we even spend half that amount of time doing quality things with our spouse?  (not just sleeping) It's definitely something to think about... 

I know we sometimes cringe when we see PDA especially if it's your parents or grandparents.  But that should be our goal- to still be attracted to the other person and to feel a connection with that person even when we're a little wrinkly or saggy.

Dave and I are not there yet.. but we see it all around us.  And it's so true!  Once you are parents...your relationship matters that much more.  You don't just become a mom or dad- you form a unique family.  You need to be a husband or wife first to keep your family whole.  Those little ones, or big ones (yes adult children too) count on you!

I've heard "too much" on a couple occasions from my mom and grandma but it must be true.  I do know that my grandparents were "frisky" until a just a couple years before my grandpa passed.  And talk about love!  They were it!  68 years of marriage.  So if that means you have to fight clean.. and have some fun in between the sheets.. well so be it!

Remember these 10 and you'll have a lifetime of "I DO"!

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi

The letter that changed my marriage

When David and I were engaged we decided we wanted to make a "first fight box".  What a cute idea right?!? The concept was to have a cute box under the coffee table, bed, wherever, with a bottle of wine and 2 letters.  Well the cute box didn't quite happen. (life... whoops.) That nor our wedding scrapbook has been completed. 

But there are 2 handwritten letters in sealed envelopes on my memo board.  They were written the week before the wedding and they haven't been opened yet.

I partially attribute these letters with our successful and smooth marriage thus far.  Yes, we have tiffs and disagreements. (duh, we all do)  Or we get upset because we forget the other person can't read our mind all the time. (aka normally a minor communication error)  But when these things happen.. it's amazing because I start to think about those envelopes.  We don't avoid them because we want to "have not opened our first fight letters". (big pat on the back, nahhh)  But I think about the letters and then I realize.. what we're arguing over is not that big of a deal.  In the end.. those little tiffs, just don't matter.


Yes, there are some things we have to work through.  But when I think about the letters.. I realize I don't need a piece of paper to remind me he loves me, and that it'll be okay.  I know that it will.  When we stood up there in front of God, our family, and our friends- I know we made a lifetime commitment to each other.

So whether you're engaged, going to be soon, or happily married... I encourage you to write letters for a "first fight" or "fight" box.  I think having it causes us to rethink the situation.  I've never thought.. "Man I need to open that letter"... "I need reassurance that we are going to make it through this".
I know some situations are more serious than others but I think the average couple just needs to pause, take a deep breath, close our mouths, and look at the big picture.

The big picture that- the person there loves you. They love you more today than they did yesterday, they are still there with you and want to work things out with you, and you're with them for a reason, right?! The big picture-- that the dinner you're arguing over, weekend plans, or miscommunication is not the end of the world, nor a mountain in your marriage.

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi

10 things college teaches you

As I see many people in caps and gowns right now I can't help but reflect on what college taught me. And no it wasn't worth the $100,000 plus that went towards your college education

1.  It's all about who you know. 

• But seriously, if you want your classes changed after the drop date, you want a fresh pan out of the potatoes, you need an extra shot in your coffee, or you need to land that interview- it's all about who you know.  And that's not only the case in college, but also very much in the real world.  You learn to build bridges, not burn them. 

2.  Parking is precious and a science  

• Do NOT offer to drive.  Parking is scarce in college life whether you go to a small private college or a large public university.  It never ends- college, gyms, restaurants, and even on your home street after college.  You have to catch on to the science of when there will be available spots or you'll be that person with a 2 mile hike back to their dorm or house.  

3.  Budgeting  

• Maybe not immediately, since most college students end up crawling back home asking for some money but soon enough it is realized you have to set enough money aside, or only go to chipotle twice a week so that you can get the XL bottle of Moscato or that case of Nati Light for Saturday night. 

4. Swipes are a gift from God

• Now that I'm outside of the college realm I now understand why my dad was so frustrated when I had over 70 leftover swipes left one year.  Holy cow!  Food is expensive, so screw it.  Gain the freshmen 15, you're gonna wish you had those swipes at the age of 25 (when you literally run down the hall to any free food in the break room).  And you have a free gym (that's not the case in the "real world") So eat and work your butt off!

5.  How much your parents love you and how much you love them 

• Between missing home cooked food, your laundry getting thrown in, or just having your parents there physically you realize how much you love them and miss them.  I know I wasn't the only one that cried while pulling out of my parents' driveway to head back to school (on multiple occasions).  And at the same time you realize how much they love you- between random visits, going to games both home and away, care packages, or just a check-in email.  

6.  Sleep is precious  

• You'll learn quickly sleep is oh-so precious and that you need to live with people you are sleep compatible with.  If you can't stand your roommates' snoring, their morning exercises, or that they hit snooze 15 times every morning while you sleep.. you might become a nap addict.  You will do dumb things.. like take an 11 minute nap before class, or set your alarm 7 minutes later because you're not going to get coffee.  Get as much sleep as you can, because the real world is not full of ample sleep or naps.  

7.  Netflix and Hulu are the real MVPs  

• We all learned how to study while watching or scarf down Chinese while watching, or even how to squeeze in an episode perfectly between classes.  And of course, we all learned at college the true beauty of binge watching.  If it wasn't for sophomore year I'm not sure I ever would've been able to watch every single episode of Law and Order SVU.  

8.  The bookstore is the biggest money maker

• Get your paraphernalia, alumni gear, and books somewhere else because those bookstores are robbin' ya blind! You learn quickly that used books or sharing a book is the way to go.  And if you went to a large college then local stores probably sell spirit wear for much cheaper.  As if tuition wasn't enough, just give the school an arm, leg, and an ear.  

9.  There will always be people that don't try, but succeed

• As people that put effort into the things we do, there are always those that didn't study, cheated, didn't attend meetings, doesn't eat right, isn't kind, etc but they succeed.  I wish that ended in college, but unfortunately you learn that it's not the case; things are still handed to people for whatever reason.  

10. You learn how to improvise   

• Whether you're missing an ingredient, no milk, lost your book, car won't start, or you have to come up with an outfit for a themed party- college will bring out the creative side in you that embraces improv.  And thank God!

And.. lastly, we learn who our friends are.  Who will come get us after we've been ditched at the bar... Who is always up for a Graeter's or Orange Leaf run...  Who will help you cram for your big final, will go on shopping adventures whether G rated or not, will go for a run so you can indulge friday night, who will go to breakfast with you still in your pajamas, who will have another drink with you, who will listen to you whine about your family, and who will celebrate with you when you land the job.. 

Yeah, that could all be one friend, could be your best friends, or could be describing everyone you knew in college.  But either way.. we learned who these people are and college would not be the same without them.   

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi