Did March even happen? I feel like we’re all sort of stuck in this weird limbo stage of WTF is going on and when is this whole virus thing going to end so we can all get back to our normal lives.

Here’s the thing: being stuck at home without the ability to see our friends, participate in social activities, have access to copious amounts of food, and limiting our spending of money on materialistic things has really opened my eyes to just how lucky we are, and how grateful I am for the basic necessities and my family.

However, that doesn’t mean the situation is ideal. In fact, it’s stressful as hell. There are a lot of unknowns and the impact all of this has on our mental health may be too quick to realize. We are all going through huge transitions in the way we operate and function in our everyday lives. It’s complicated, frustrating, sad and upsetting all at the same time, but I think the best we can do is take it day by day. And above all, appreciate what we DO have. Focusing on the positive things is essential, but always easier said than done.

Things I’m doing to stay grounded during quarantine

• practicing self care through exercise and movement. I have started doing at home workouts and am loving the energy and ‘me’ time they provide. It’s also fun to do them with Tony because we can encourage each other.
• getting outside. breathing in the fresh air. enjoy the sunshine whenever possible.
• connecting with others. it’s funny but I swear I’ve had more conversations with friends and family over the past few weeks then I have in the past few months.
• eat nourishing meals. I’m using this time as an opportunity to create more and am loving it. It’s actually nice to forget about all the supplements and diet culture trends we tend to lean into. Right now I’m digging frozen veggies, canned beans, dried lentils and all the nuts.
• stress baking. every single week I’ve been baking something exciting and different for Tony and I. I can’t stop!
• recognizing emotions. I’m trying to be hyper aware of how I’m feeling in a time of serious unknowns and swift transitions, because I don’t want to stuff away my emotions and trade them in for something like binge eating or not eating.
• practicing gratitude. every day I write down 3 things I’m grateful for. can be small or big — it doesn’t matter.

I want to hear from you: how are you feeling and coping? Are you doing anything to keep yourself grounded during this time?

Recipes from March

Here are all the recipes published on Ambitious Kitchen this March that you might have missed. Did you make any of them?!

Damn Good Salmon Taco Bowls For Two: wow, these bowls were so delicious and great to make when you have no idea what to do with fresh or frozen salmon!

Vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: love that this recipe is like a granola bar and peanut butter cup had a baby. Options to make them with dates or pure maple syrup!

The Best Healthy Recipes Using Yogurt: if you need to make a recipe with yogurt, I’ve got you covered.

Sheet Pan Kickin’ Curry Honey Mustard Chicken & Veggies: a wonderfully easy weeknight meal. Tony has been obsessed with brussels sprouts lately and this is SO good. Sometimes we even leave out the curry powder.

Flourless Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies: I republished this recipe and you guys fell in love. Minimal ingredients, lots of chocolate flavor.

Blueberry Pie Bars with Oatmeal Crumble (vegan & gluten free): omg these bars are SO good and easily vegan and gluten free. Feel free to use jam if you don’t have blueberries available.

Snickerdoodle Tahini Date Smoothie: yes, this smoothie actually tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie!! It’s unreal.

Healthier Pasta Recipes for the Perfect Dinner: for when you need ideas for all that pasta you have in your pantry.

Easy Pantry Recipes for Every Meal: all my favorite pantry friendly meals!

Healthier Carrot Cake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: when carrot cake and banana bread had a baby.

Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust: the perfect make ahead breakfast to crush on.

Incredible Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake: okay you absolutely have to make this spinach chicken pasta bake. So ridiculously yummy!

Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats: another one of my must-makes. This recipe is simple and no bake and one of our favorite treats to whip up!

Delicious & Easy Ways to Use Canned Tomatoes: do you have too many canned tomatoes? Then check out these recipes!

Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread Recipe: my new and improved banana bread recipe is a healthier take on classic banana bread. Made with greek yogurt, naturally sweetened and seriously moist.

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups: another must make for breakfasts or healthy snacks! I couldn’t stop scarfing these down.

Fluffy Coconut Flour Pancakes with Wild Blueberry Maple Syrup: if you have coconut flour, then why not try out these pancakes? So easy.

Greek Salad Pinwheels: snack inspo!

Things we loved in March

Below you’ll find a few products I’ve been loving:

Tony and I started watching Westworld from the beginning. It’s not my favorite but whatever. We also binged Tiger King on Netflix, which was truly insane and SO good. Highly recommend. Other shows I go in an out of include The Morning Show, Killing Eve and Ozarks. I need your Netflix/Hulu/HBO/Prime show recommendations!

I’ve been using Majka Energy Bites & Lactation Powder to help boost my milk supply and recently made these yummy energy bites. Use the code ‘ambitious’ for 10% off your first order!

I have been loving this TULA 24/7 moisture cream. It’s incredibly soft, hydrating and lightweight enough to wear under makeup too. Seriously amazing! Use ‘AMBITIOUS’ for 15% off.

I’m beyond obsessed with this Hungry by Nature Paleo Granola! Started by a local chicago blogger, this granola is UNREAL and a great buy if you want to support a small local business. The chocolate cherry is my current fav.

Sidney has blow outs every once in a while and this Branch Basics Oxygen Boost has become our new BFF. I spray his clothes with Branch Basics all purpose cleaner that I make from their concentrate, then sprinkle the oxygen boost on top and spray again, then usually rub together to help get the stain out; let it sit for 1 hour on the stain and it’s gone in the next wash cycle! Use the code ‘AK’ for 15% off your Branch Basics Starter Kit purchase.

Just because your breastfeeding doesn’t mean you have to give up alcohol. I got these Milkscreen for Breastfeeding test strips to test my breast milk so I don’t have to pump and dump if it isn’t necessary.

Sidney has been loving his Lovevery Play Gym that we got him. He sits and stares at the contrast cards and laughs — so cute.

I just got these Women’s UA HOVR Phantom RN Running Shoes for running and walking outside and so far I really love them.

Umm these Dang Foods Chips are AMAZING!

I recently started using this Honeymoon Glow by Farmacy and my skin feels SO freaking soft. I can’t believe how amazing it is. I use it every other night and honestly am SO obsessed.

We’ve been craving so much pasta lately and this 30 minute Healthier Pasta Carbonara has been one of our favs!

Have you heard of Three Wishes grain free Cereal?  They recently sent me their Original, Cinnamon & Honey flavors and I can’t get enough!

If you happen to have a jar of almond butter, then you need to make my Almond Butter & Raspberry Jam Cups (this month’s exclusive IG recipe!)

I personally LOVE reading Llama Llama Red Pajama to Sidney.

Okay, that’s all I’ve got for you. Hope you’re keeping your head up! I’ll be back with more delicious recipes soon. xo.