September 15th - THE EAZY PEAZY WEEKLY - Pray for My Backpack (and My Legs)

Hey Friend,

Friend, short and sweet today, except you know me, my “short” is still probably a novel. But I am literally throwing this together as I run out the door with a 45-lb backpack strapped to me, and I am requesting ALL THE PRAYERS!!

Why? Because today is THE day. The big backpacking trip I’ve been obsessively prepping for. I’m equal parts SO EXCITED and SO NERVOUS. Some of the gals I barely know, which is its own wild card. Do they snore like freight trains? Do they pack earplugs? What happens when we hit a steep climb - do we turn into “Survivor: Sawtooth Edition”? Stay tuned.

I’ve packed, unpacked, and repacked my bag a zillion times. And because I’m me, I shamelessly overnighted an Amazon package that landed on my porch at 4am. An extra pair of insulated pants. Because temps are dropping and if there’s one thing I refuse to be, it’s cold. So yes, my pack may now weigh approximately the size of a kindergartener, but at least my legs won’t freeze off. Priorities.

And obviously, I cannot head into the backcountry without GOOD food. I made Indian Butter Chicken, ran it through the freeze dryer, and tucked it right in my pack. Also bringing in Beef & Sausage Marinara and testing a brand new Carnita Bowl recipe. I love that we are all out there together with a Michelin-star trail dinner. In my mind at least, lol.

And because no Nikki adventure is complete without a little chaos, here’s the latest: I decided to make a backup sleeping plan in case the weather tanks on night one. Which turned into me literally wrestling a QUEEN-sized air mattress into the back of my car. Spoiler alert—it did NOT fit. I ripped the plug out with the kind of aggression usually reserved for teenagers who “forget” to do chores, deflated it, swapped in a twin, and blew it up. Comfort level: meh, maybe a 3 out of 5. Just as I’m testing it, I turn over and I look up… and there’s the Amazon guy. Standing there. Witnessing my full insanity. He didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, walk away slowly undetected, or call for backup. Finally, he handed me Arn’s latest packages and said, “Whatever you’re up to, I hope you figure it out.” SAME, bud. SAME.

Meanwhile, back in the civilized world… FOOTBALL. You know my love runs deep. So when KTVB called about a tailgating segment, my Italian heart said YES faster than you can say “meatball.” Except - plot twist - last-minute lightning storm. And because I did not want to be electrocuted, we made a pivot.

Outdoor grilling dreams: canceled. Indoor studio pivot: magic.

Sometimes the lightning isn’t the problem, it’s the blessing in disguise.

Watch it here: Italian Sausage & Pepper Hoagies - so freaking delicious.  Tailgating segment link

Oh, and because I like to stack plates high (literally and metaphorically), the BK JV Football pregame meal had to get done: 50 yogurt parfaits with granola, 50 Italian combo sandwiches, orange slices, chips, and treats. Delivered before the boys rolled off to Rigby, ready for battle. I love these kids like they’re all mine, and the mom squad that rallies together? Pure gold.

I’ll leave you with this: in a world that’s loud, divided, and too often ugly, choose joy. Choose love. Even my veggies are sending me clear messages - last week, I sliced into a pepper and found another little pepper inside shaped like a heart. If a bell pepper gets it, so can we! Said with love.

MENU FOR MONDAY:

SEPTEMBER 15TH - ORDERS IN BY SUNDAY @ NOON

Egg Bites - Jalapeno Popper

Egg Bites - Canadian Bacon & Swiss Cheese

Egg Bites - Onion/Bell Pepper/Spinach & Cheese

Protein Overnight Berry Oats

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Sloppy Joes w/ Hidden Veggies over Sweet Potatoes & Toppings

Marry Me Chicken GF Pasta w/ Side Salad

Thai Basil Chicken w/ Veggies & Jasmine Rice

Unstuffed Italian Bell Pepper Skillet w/ Side Salad

SEE YOU MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 15TH!!

So there you go: backpack, Butter Chicken, football, and a heart-shaped pepper pep talk. Find the joy. Find the humor. And don’t forget to eat well while you do it.

Enjoy this week’s menu, and I’ll see you Monday!

All my love (with soon to be slightly sore shoulders),

Nikki