I Love Life Hacks!

I recently discovered a new dinner recipe that I make in my Instant Pot. It tastes so good and is healthy. It leaves me satisfied and doesn’t create an imbalance in my body. I’m pretty sensitive to my blood/sugar balance, so I like to eat in a way that doesn’t throw me off.

I took the recipe from a cookbook but then changed some of the ingredients. The first two times I made it, it was good, but I thought it could be better if I tweaked it a little more. The third time it was perfect. I was so happy with the results that I instinctively started searching in my mind for who I could share it with. The recipe made a lot so I had plenty to share. 

I texted Melody and Craig (my sister and brother in law) who I knew were really busy with the new school year. They could probably use it. I told them about the delicious meal and asked if I could share it with them. Of course they did. They swung by on their way home that evening. I told them about the ingredients I put in it - a few came from my own garden. Before trying it, Craig took a picture of the recipe. It sounded like a good way to use up some of the their garden tomatoes. When they tried it, they loved it too.

So, here’s the thing. When I find a recipe that is really good, I want to share it. I cannot help it. It’s something that just happens inside my heart. When I find life recipes or life hacks that are really good, I want to share those too. I know that’s what so many bloggers and YouTubers are doing. I love finding their recipes or life hacks when I’m searching for that specific solution. I love how so many people are making videos of the recipe preparation.

It brings me joy to share recipes and life hacks with other people. It also brings me joy to learn other people’s.

For a long time I felt shy about sharing. I definitely didn’t want it to be about calling attention to myself. I also didn’t want to come across as a know-it-all. But, I’ve had to come to terms with this insecurity. I share because I love. I love what I’m sharing and I love when it helps other people. I think I’ve been able to become more confident in my own sharing by actually experiencing how much I sincerely appreciate others who share with me what I need.

What I share and what others share solves problems. It lightens burdens. It brings greater joy to our lives. I spend a good percentage of my workday learning from people who have shared how to code things like a responsive menu, CSS Grid or Flexbox, or site migrations. I love them for their help. When I get a little further along in my coding skills, I will share the tips and tricks I have learned. 

Here's the recipe! Cajun Goulash

I add more garden veggies, puree fresh tomatoes (instead of leaving them chunky), decrease the cajun spice to 4 tsp. (it's hot!), increase the liquid and noodles (whole box), use the whole can of coconut milk, and used 1 lb. ground beef and 1 lb. ground turkey. Also, it tends to cause the BURN warning to show up on my Instant Pot screen so when that happens I switch it to WARM for about 20 minutes, which basically makes it more like a crock pot. This recipe is soo good!