DOUBLE STUFF FRIED RICE

It can be so difficult to eat well, especially during a busy week. Even if I feel prepped with fresh groceries, I used to often resort to snacking instead of taking the time to prep and cook. When I was getting used to being a single mom a few years back, I really struggled to feed myself well. My priority was definitely on my kiddos and I didn't nourish myself and my hustle lacked because of it.

I've learned that what we use to fuel our bodies informs everything we do. I decided to start making things I loved on a regular basis to help fuel myself better and mapped out the time to do so by setting aside time twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays for meal prep. This is key.

I think fried rice is often one of those things we don't think to make at home. While I do love to order fried rice for takeout and still do from time to time, I worry about the quality of the oil used to cook it and I always wish there was more "stuff" in it. I always order double protein and veggies. While I still enjoy takeout from time to time, I decided it was a good time to develop my own fried rice recipe. I make a batch every other week or so on Sunday or Monday and use it for lunches and dinners throughout the week. To make sure I'm getting enough veggies and balancing the carbohydrates in my diet, I use equal amounts of rice and veggies. 

Fried rice is a great every day meal because it can most definitely be made with things that you have on hand in your pantry, your freezer and fridge. You can toss any protein in or fry a quick egg on top or just heat and eat for a super quick meal on the go. it also freezes quite well. 

Ingredients

2-3 C cooked rice, any variety that you like

3+ C veggies - shredded purple or white/green cabbage, shredded carrots, shelled edamame, peas, broccoli, pea pods, jicama, cauliflower, onion — literally whatever you like. I sauté the heartier veggies together first before I add them so they're not raw or too crunchy. I add small frozen veggies in as is. They thaw quickly in the hot rice. 

2 eggs

Garlic and onion powders or fresh garlic and onion

1/4 C of good light olive oil or sesame oil

Soy sauce or tamari/liquid aminos (a gluten-free option if you're sensitive)

Sriracha or your favorite chili-garlic sauce

Fresh ginger (optional but not really)

Salt

Instructions

• Heat 1/4 c of oil in your largest sauté pan to medium-hot
• Turn heat to medium. Add rice and let fry for 3-5 minutes. Leave it alone.  Add as much soy sauce as you like to coat the rice, I think about 1/4 C is just about right. This will start to caramelize the rice. Stir with wooden spoon, releasing any sticky rice from the bottom of the pan. Let fry for 3-5 more minutes, adding soy and Sriracha, garlic and onion and salt to taste. Layer spices as you go, adding a little at a time. 
• Add your eggs one at a time and stir in quickly to avoid pieces of scrambled egg in the mix
• Use a rasp or grater to grate in 1/2 to 1 T of fresh ginger
• I usually serve with chicken or pork, but I cook and store the protein separately so it keeps longer in the fridge
• Add your sautéed and frozen or fresh veggies and mix until fully combined

Stirring in some raw and frozen veggies

Variations

• Use riced cauliflower or cooked quinoa instead of rice
• Add curry powder and fresh basil

Let me know if you have questions, and if you'd like more easy weeknight recipes in the mix. ENJOY.

xo

K

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P.S. I'm pretty excited to make full grocery lists for you with the news that Amazon had acquired Whole Foods. Until then, I do use Amazon affiliate links and run my blog with any commissions made. 

Prime Day 2017 - 30 Hours of Deals

Freelancers Unite: A New Work Group for Independents

I've always dreamt of doing this kind of group to utilize my amazing network in the best possible way, so I posted to gauge interest recently an the response was phenomenal. Others needed this, too, so here we go. It's going to be so great.

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1242769119165573

Come together for a day of collaborative coworking and inspiration with other local independents in my network. Working as a freelancer has so many benefits but sometimes we miss bouncing ideas off of others on a regular basis and the supportive structure of a workplace. And, we often lose track of our own business goals and project ideas inside our busy weeks doing work for others, so let's work together to see some of our goals to fruition. I'm thinking we'll set up the day like this:

• Social and sharing time

• Coworking and independent work time 

• Time for snack or lunch

• Talk about next event

I'm planning for this to be an ongoing event on Mondays and/or Fridays throughout the year including workgroups, networking, breakfast break-outs, happy hours and socials, and maybe even a year-end party! I'm open to your ideas and locations. Email me with ideas - kate@clever-kate.com. Ticketing fee will go to admin costs, location fees, etc and will be limited to approximately 40 attendees, depending on location. If this sounds like something you'd like, join us! 

This is not an event for recruiters to attend or for sales of any kind. Thank you.  

On Diversity, Safety, and Inclusion

Our goal is for everyone to feel safe and included during our events. We ask all attendees to be aware and sensitive to the gender identities and expressions, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and sexualities of the people you will meet and interact with. Read more on our Code of Conduct at Clever Kate-sponsored events.

Structuring A WORK WEEK

As a business owner and working mom, I manage a lot of moving parts. In the first five months of 2017, I incorporated three (!) new moving parts: personal coaching, teaching restorative yoga, and endorsements and influencer marketing projects. As I moved into this newest phase of my business I realized that in order to be sane, I needed to structure and add consistency to my work week a little more than when I was just doing mostly client work. 

FIRST THINGS FIRST

I'm going to continue to do client work on Monday for now. This is what ultimately pays the bills so it's important to keep that the first priority of my workweek. Additionally this is when clients are back to work so I like to match their work week with mine, and be responsive to their needs.  

On Tuesday mornings, I often have an appointment and always do a midday workout from 11-1PM. In order to not pack things in too tightly and avoid leaving something halfway done,  I choose to simply answer emails and organize my calendar for the rest of the week before my appointment, then head off to that and yoga and interval training. Then I spend the rest of the afternoon doing more client work, answering emails, and finishing off the day with some calendaring for the week and beyond. 

On Wednesday, my boys come home for the week from their Dad's after school so I rock and roll hard to get projects I started in the beginning of the week wrapped up as best as I can for the week from 8-1. From 1-3PM I run errands and get groceries for the rest of the week so I can be with my boys fully and not be pulled in every direction once their home with me. With my middle schooler off the bus at 3PM it makes for a short workday. If he has homework, I'll work alongside him, checking email again and planning for Thursday and Monday of the next week.

Second half of the week

I teach yoga in the afternoon on Thursday for an hour, so after I get the boys off to school or camp in them morning, I try and accomplish the rest of the client work for the week because I don't work on Fridays. My parents live in town and always get the boys off the bus on Thursdays to give me a couple of extra hours, so after yoga I head to a coffeeshop or brewery to finish up the workweek. I try and use this time to write a post for y'all, do some pre-production on my podcast XOXOJK, and/or do something to contribute to the growth and stabilization of my business. 

As mentioned previously, I don't work on Friday. I started this practice a few years ago and find that it doesn't take one thing away from my workweek, it only adds to my productivity on the days I do work. On Fridays when the boys are in school or camp, I try to practice a full day of self care. Personally, this could be anything from massage and a sauna to a long shower or completing a house project I've been dying to finish. While I realize not everyone can do this, I encourage you to have some dedicated time to your week that's meant just for personal self care. I also like to include a workout, walk, and/or brunch or lunch with a new or old friend on Fridays because good relationships are built on consistency. Just like a business. And just like a life. 

xo

K

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