When I think of my role in life, I think of my husband. My role, my most important job, is to be his number one supporter, the neck of the family. He may be the head of our family but the neck is what supports the head and makes it turn. Am I right? I think so!
This year’s triathlon season started off with high hopes but ended in frustration. Throughout the year we’ve been in a constant trial and error. And as a wife, as the neck, I have to stay strong in order to keep those errors from bringing us down. I’ve got to keep that head held high no matter what.
As of now, the hubs has decided to end his season early. I’d like to take the time to explain in all. Or rather, I’d like to recap the season, the season of error. But I want to do so from my point of view, the supporter….the neck. A new year will come, but not after some healing time. Stay tuned for that post later this week. I’d post my thoughts sooner, but I think we both need some time to let just let life be. At the moment, there are far more important things to tend to.
So let’s enjoy a little food trial and error via WIAW!
Compliments of the lovely Jen.
Trial– Fall flavored oat bran in the midst of summer temperatures. SUCCESS!
Trial- New GF goodies sent from the oh so generous Molly (SUCCESS).
Trial: Frozen GF snacks from Costco (semi SUCCESSFUL, semi ERROR).
They were a little mushy but still tasty!
Trial: Cutting out coffee and replacing it with this. SUCCESS but not after a week of missing my coffee.
My stomach is happier though. Needing a little break form acidic foods.
Coffee will make it’s way back into my life in a few weeks.
Trial: A new brand of hummus. SUCCESS, especially when paired with carrot fingers.
Trial: A new on the go snack. ERROR.
Homemade smoothies will never be replaced again.
Trial: trying out a new protein bar. SUCCESS!
Papa Steve’s no junk protein bars are gluten-free, unprocessed, and oh my GOODNESS delicious!!!
Check them out on twitter and Facebook for more flavors.
Trial: stocking up on favorites brands. SUCCESS! Once you go GOAT you will never go back.
Any other trial/success or trial/error foods out there? Do tell.
Cheers,
LC
i love mariposa bakery! i too got lovely care package from there a couple weeks ago…yumm!
so sorry about the hubs’ frustrating year. change of scenery is sometimes the best thing, though, so i am sure NZ will be a great opportunity to start over. i am really looking forward to your perspective/recap on this season too!
yes, change of scenery and life adjustment is needed! Oh and its a probably a good thing we don’t have a mariposa bakery, we might be even more broke! haha.
Hi love!!
I love what u wrote about your husband, so sweet! You have to be a team and always support each other : ) u guys are seriously the cutest couple , u beat mike and I ; )
Loving your fall breakfast! Looks amazing! Everything does! I tried the garden lites before, I had the veggie, not too bad!
Have a great day! Xoxo
oh not sure we can top you two!!! hehe. Thank you Katie, you are one special woman. Now I know why Mike is the luckiest guy on earth.
<3
you are too sweet! Your husband is lucky as well! You know, we are VERY lucky girls to have great husbands ; ) <3
I made ground venison “Mexican” style this week and it is pretty tasty. I like how it is really lean. Practically zero fat. Going to make a quesadilla tonight using the remainder of the goodies. 🙂 I know this is so RANDOM!
love love venison! And i like the way you are using it. Random is good to me!
Goats milk yogurt? How does it taste? I’ve always been curious. I don’t love goat cheese, but I’m willing to bet this tastes a little different, yes?
I love trial and error days. I recently tried Vega protein poweder mixed into some pumpkin for a spread but it tasted like grass. I wasn’t pleased.
I’m glad your day was mostly full of success though 😀
haha, which vegan protein? Try Life Basics Vanilla! You’ll be hooked! and goats milk yogurt reminds me of Kefir, a little tangy but good!
Oh Lindsey – I love your analogy and I think it’s very correct. But necks need looking after too… Can’t wait to see how you two will respond to this challenge but in the meantime, go have some lovely food. X
Thank you Petra! We are responding surely but slowly. How are you doing these days?
You two are definitely some of the most inspirational people I know. Life is full of ups and down. We learn from the downs, so they are important even if they suck! You and I definitely live a very parallel life in different ways. You know my thoughts are with you two. You are such a great unit and I know you will come out on top! So much love and hugs coming your way my friend!
ain’t that the truth! We definitely have parallel lives. Just wish we lived closer to live them together. <3
I only had the veggie souffles once but I honestly wasn’t a fan 🙁 I WANTED to really like them because I know they’re super good for you but it just didn’t taste so good to me! Food fail I suppose.
Happy WIAW!
my husband really like them mushed up in rice, which is good. BUT they still are a little too mushly for me. I think a good egg/veggie scramble would be better. Right?
I love the head/neck analogy! I’ve heard that somewhere and I’ve thought it is soooo true! 😉 hehe I’ve never tried Goat yogurt but I am definitely tempted to get it soon.
did you here it from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING? hehe, it was on that movie. But I got it elsewhere first.
🙂
Mmm…I’ve never eaten goat yogurt, and always wanted to try it, but been afraid it would be a bit “goaty”, you know? I love goats cheese, and goats milk though, so I should totally buy some! Thanks for tempting me to try something new! 🙂
I think it is wonderful that you see your role as supporting your hubs, that is a beautiful, selfless thing <3 I'm sorry that this season has been one of trial and error, and I wish you both only good things for the future – he is so lucky to have you, and vice versa! Have fun letting things be and living life, my friend! xyx
What? Yolie, you got to try it! i have a feeling you’d like it. <3
Hmm I’ve had a weekend of food trials…no errors though because it was all yummy yummy American gluten free finds!! I found LoveGrown Granola…and promptly bought out the entire Kroger. I almost felt bad for buying them all..almost. And I discovered mini tetra-packs of Silk dark chocolate almond milk…soooo delish! And then I discovered a gluten free/vegan mac and cheese made with nutritional yeast and almond milk for sauce that I ate the day after the race with salmon…sounds gross but it was sooo good! And then I found gluten free vegan canned soups!! Amazing…I’ve not had a can of soup in years and it was veggie noodle and balck bean! And then Justin’s Nut Butter…which I could live off of…and also may have bought out the store. And the best thing I found which was incredible (and I ate post mac and cheese) So Delicious Coconut milk ice cream in turtle trails…OMG I downed the entire pint while watching Miss Universe…;)
Those are my trials and success food stories from the week in Ohio!
haha, I am so happy for you! wish you could live in US!! So Delicious is GF mac and cheese. IF you think Ohio has good stuff, just wait till you come to Austin. I will send you goodies anyday, you know that!
we are cutting out coffee too for a little bit while we do a cleanse here, but we think it will make its way back into our life too 😉 what can we say we just love the taste of it! and life is all about trial and errors, at least for us we always seem to be trying something out and see how it goes, learn from it and then maybe try something else!! xoxo
yes, i feel like we are always in the same place with our nutrition trial and errors. Can’t wait to see how this next cleanse goes for you all!
Lindsay, wonderful observation about your role as the wife. Such an important job. It’s what God made us to do. Support and nurture. Good luck to your hubby in whatever he chooses to do. And too you, in supporting that!
Exactly Linds! I know that God has called me to this job and I love it, even in the midst of trials.
<3
I love that My Big Fat Greek Wedding reference and I couldn’t agree more 🙂
And you know what? I use windex on everything now! I think that movie rubbed off on me too much. haha.
What a wonderful metaphor — head and neck. Think my husband will appreciate being called the neck of our family? 😉
i think he will. The neck is pretty cool.
😉
I love that herbal “coffee”! We have some and it is so tasty! And since I can’t have caffeine it’s perfect for me. Plus I love that I don’t have to worry about the fair trade issue with that! 🙂
yes so true! do you like the flavored ones? Not bad, eh? I still miss coffee but so happy for this!! <3
I do! The mocha is my fav!
I love the trials!! It is so fun to try new stuff. I tried Keifer in a smoothie this week…AND liked it. I like my almond milk better though! 🙂
oh ya, tried that.. ITs good, has a littel tang to it, but youre right, almond milk is better.
Thank you Lindsay for reminding me to be a good wife. So often we forget our roles and they are so simple! I like this idea of being a neck. Thank you for being such a great role model to me. I am so sorry Jason had such a tough season. Give him our best 🙂
oh i LOVE goats milk yogurt! i have lactose intolerance so i buy the tjs brand and its delicious!
oh TJ’s. i long for that store! Can you move here and bring the whoel store with you please?
<3
I love when trials are successes! Recently I tried spaghetti squash for the first time, and it was a success! 🙂
I just made spagetti squash tonight. Its good but so so messy!! Right?
Linds! My day was insane. Home now – just ate dinner. Would like that GF goodie as my dessert. 🙂 I know y’all have had a rough season, and I admire your strength so much! You never give up – you always turn to God, and He has a great plan for you and James!
oh i bet it was crazy! I miss you friend. Lets chat soon. HUGS!
I wish I’ll be able to say that about another person: that we belong together because it just feels so natural, and we’ve decided to be there for each other whatever happens. One thing I really appreciate and admire about you is the unconditional loyalness you have towards your husband. I think this is something very rare in our modern times, where everybody just thinks for himself, especially in rough times. You’re a very strong and very special person, Lindsay!
Thank you Kath. My heart aches for my husband right now, but that also gives me a sense of peace because it shows that we must endure and get through it TOGETHER. I know this will come for you, you have that heart! <3
Hmm I have never tried goat’s yogurt or milk…but I am rather intrigued and kind of want to do so! I have tried almond milk (like everyone else in the blog world) and simply do not care for it… oh well cow’s milk for me!
its good! but i must warn you, its tangy. I like tangy though. Let me know if you give ig a whirl.
I’ve done a lot of trial and error on milk/faux milk products. I’m not really sensitive to dairy, but I just don’t really like milk. However, I do LOVE cereal and coffee so I’ve done a lot of playing around with soy, almond, and hemp milk to figure out what I like the best!
Oh yes, I’ve been through them all too. I am set on my almond milk now but I think Vanilla Hemp is a close runner up, then goats milk. I am a milk-aholic as well. We belong together.
That’s what life is about, isn’t it? Trial and error. 🙂 I’m really looking forward to those posts!
Yep, you said it right. Trial and error with a few succeses in between, right? <3 you mushy
I’m sorry to here you’re having such a trial and error session, and I really do hope things get better for you.
But, at least most of your trials today weren’t errors. Sometimes it’s the little things we look forward to 🙂
My goodness you are so wise for your age! I am impressed and I am grateful for your encouragement.
I like those garden lite products. Great ingredients for a package right?
PS- Saw a quote today and thought of you immediately.
“Home is where the Husband is.”
I love that quote. Can i get it on a bummer sticker? 🙂
I think my latest trial & error was trying out a Cupcake In A Jar from Whole Foods. WAY too much sugar just left me queasy after a couple bites – blech.
Sounds like you’ve both made the right decision to get him rested up and back on track for a successful 2012!
Cupcake in a jar? I have not seen this. SOunds like a lot of sugar. I bet the first bite was good and then the second was too much, right? Thanks again for the awesome GF goodies!
Yes, too much sugar. ICK.
Oh did I miss some posts…I think I did…I am skipping on the food.. I went to look at that video…and I see that you are heading to NZ. That is huge. I am a foreigner and I am the one who left everything to be with my husband. I know the sacrifice that this represents. Mine is long long long term. He is very lucky to have your support in this, shows how much you love him and you are committed to your relationship. The time will come when it will be his turn to do the same grand gesture. All the best to you both.
I know my husband is longing to go home. You are so right, its a sacrifice but worth it and I hope it makes us stronger for doing so. Thanks for your support Caroline.
Sorry to hear about the Hubs ending his season early, making those hard decisions aren’t easy! But doing what’s best for you is SO much more important, and I’m sure Team Cotter will come back even stronger in 2012 🙂 Praying for you guys!!
And your WIAW is so YUMMY!! I love trying new foods!! And your fall-inspired oat bran sounds AMAZING!! I am definitely trying that 🙂
P.S. Thank you so much for the love and support always Lindsay! You are an amazing friend <3
Yes, Team Cotter will come back stronger. Just like you will come back stronger! Prayers all around.
<3
Praying for you and James and I know that everything will work out:) Um, I love that you called them carrot fingers and that hummus sounds awesome. I LOVE stocking up on my faves. We are going today to go buy a lot of NEW food and I am hopping they are all successes! LOVE YOU!
thank you for all your prayers, I feel them, really! and best of luck at costco! don’t forget the quinoa!
I loved this theme! My trial lately was running a race in my vibrams–success! won a medal, too.
Also, your opening paragraph made me smile real big. I love you.
i can’t get into the vibrams. I feel like a duck. But i am sure your sported them well. Fierce and Fast! Love you sweet friend.
<3
I haven’t tried it yet, but I purchased a GF vegetarian burrito… I’m a little worried about it, but I’ve been craving Mexican food for weeks. Plus, I can always drench it in Frank’s Red Hot, right?
yes, drench it in that red hot sauce! I bet it will be good then. haha, keep me posted.
My entire life is trial/error. But we cannot quit trying because without the trial there is no growth. 🙂
I tried cream cheese again this morning and I still hate it. Even if it is flavored with strawberries, vegtables, ect I just don’t like it.
hehe, have you ever tried banana, peanutbutter, cream cheese, and honey? Thats a good combo!
thanks Rachelle for you words, growth is key, i like that!
((hugs)) to you and the hubs. looks like there were more food successes than not! 🙂
yes, i’d say so. Only one fail, not too shabby eh?
Hey Lindsay! Just a note to say that I’m thinking of you guys right now as you end a rough season…I can’t imagine being a professional athlete and know I can’t understand all the in’s and out’s of what you’ve both experienced, but praise God for strength to hold the head up as you’ve supported James and stepped out to make some pretty neat life changes. Nothing food-wise to report on (although now that I think of it I did have an “error” with some dessert hummus that I tried!) but I just wanted to send you some encouragement and say that I’m praying for you guys. I consider you a friend and appreciate who you are and how you blog. Keep enjoying the good moments together and trusting in the hard ones!
Bonnie, can you get here sooner?! I can’t wait to chat with you over coffee. Thanks for your amazing support and prayers.
It’s these periods of trial and error that make us stronger than ever. Your priorities are in place and your faith is rock solid. You will both come through this and one day look back at this time with complete gratitude.
I’m really craving that zucchini souffle right now. That sounds amazing!
Please remind of that each day! I know we must focus on the faith. so true Jen!
I have also cut out coffee- I’ve just been drinking tea instead. It just kills my stomach…so I just figured I would try living without coffee. Of course some days are worse than others…but I really do think it helps my stomach.
I love how you see the positive in everything! & I hope that your hubs comes back EVEN stronger next season after a rough season this season. Thinking of you guys!
Me too! tea time and herbal coffee. We will get our starbucks fix right in time for the holidays, haha. Right?
I’m so sorry to hear that James will be ending the season early. Everything truly happens for a reason, so I’m sure things will come to light as you both move forward. Thinking of you!
Yes, it does happen for a reason! Thanks for the words of encouragement court.
<3
Sorry to hear you and the Hubs have had a year of trial and error. It’s great you’re taking time to heal and focus on one another.
You inspire me.. that’s such a great point you made about being the “neck” of the family.. it’s so true!
I inspire you because you all inspire me! its a ripple effect and we should embrace it. Thanks Sabrina!
Lindsay I love what you wrote about being the neck — I think I heard that phrase on My Big Fat Greek Wedding (funny movie if you haven’t seen it already) — and it is so true! I too see myself as someone who needs to be the supporter, comforter, cheerleader, etc for our little family and I think it is an extremely important role!
It totally was on that movie, now I remember! hilarious! You are a wonderful “neck.” I see that each day when I read your blog. Never undersestimate that role.
<3
Next season is a new season and I know the hubs will rock it. You are so right about being the neck!! It all makes sense <333
i think you both will rock it next season. Gotta get you healed too!
I’ll definitely be praying for ya’ll!!! 😀
As for food trial and successes, I cooked dinner by myself last night…success! 😀
Thats great Gen! what did you make?
You guys have been so tough through all of this – I hope you give yourself a lot of credit as the neck! 🙂
I could probably use a week or two off of the coffee bean, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon, ha. Our recent successes have been shelled edamame and TJ’s plain potato ghnocchi! Super easy, healthy, and versatile – yum!
thanks Heather. I like to think the neck is pretty cool. hehe.
As for eats, edamame is always a success! Love it.
Thanks for the glimpse into your inspirational marriage. You guys seem like such strong, solid people and I’m glad you’ve found each other. I wish you recovery and healing. And rain. ps – send some rain to me if you get some….
Trial:Alexia Frozen Organic French Fries with Sea Salt
Verdict: Yum! Plus, I’m mom of the year when I serve french fries for dinner. It helps sell the veggie burger dinners to the munchkins….
I heard rain will be coming our way soon. Shall we celebrate with chardonnay?!
p.s.
thanks for your kind words as always michelle.
Everytime you talk about your relationship with your husband, I am just bowled over by your dedication, support and love that you two share. He is so lucky to have you in his life, especially after a season of trial and error (sad face!), and you are lucky to have him – you two are meant to be together, and this little bump on the road? It too shall pass. And you two will continue to grow and be stronger because of it. Love you!
thats what i keep telling myself (and him!). We have to go through the mud and the much, but we’ll be stronger when we get there. Oh Jess, thanks for that encouragement today!!
I’m actually not a fan of goats milk yogurt. I love goat cheese though!
goats milk yogurt does have that tang to it. But i like the tang, most people don’t/
i have no doubt that after shutting it down, the hubby will regroup, refocus and kick some serious tail next year!!! he has so much talent and im looking forward to seeing what he can do next year!
Trial: trying out mussel soup from the cafeteria at work.
FAIL – GROSS!!!!
Trial: taking Tynenol PM to try to get some sleep.
FAIL – 3 nights in a row I have only slept 3 hours.
Any thoughts on what to take?! I need sleep!
yes, regroup he will! For sleep, did you try benedryl? haha. That just makes you looney! But I used to feed james a handful of dates and warm milk before bed.. Its suppose to have high seretonin levels. Try it!
I love the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding! (That’s where I first heard the head/neck analogy). I’m sorry that your husband’s racing season didn’t go as well as you’d both hoped. Here’s hoping next year is better!
yes, totally thought of that movie! too funny. Thank you steph, we are looking forward to a fresh year, full of HOPE!
Oh goodness, life is so full of trial and error. But it’s the errors that make us appreciate the successes. I know that there are lots of successes for you and the Hubs in the near future!
I squealed when I saw the Mariposa goodies that were sent to you! When I was in San Francisco earlier this summer, I visited the bakery and fell in love their breads and decadent chocolate brownies. So glad you enjoyed the coconut lemon square!
The veggie souffles are always hit and miss with me too. Sometimes I love ’em, sometimes I take a bit and go “meh.” Hehe. They’re much tastier when you melt cheese inside halfway through heating. 🙂
Trail: fried avocado (success!); trial: pumpkin in a protein smoothie (success!)
Happy Wednesday! <3
Now we just need that focus and faith. Those errors will make us appreciative LATER. Yes, you are always so right Sara. I just adore your encouragement! Oh and we got a whole shipment of Mariposa goodies. I love the coffee cake!!!
Aw! You are such a strong supporter for your husband and I truly believe you are so much of the reason he does and will continue on this journey. He obviously is completely capable but faith and love have so much to do with feeling WILLING to move forward. You are amazing. Truly. As for the eats? Looking yummy! I tend to make my own hummus over store-bought but did cave and try the whole foods brand this week and it’s pretty good! Still prefer mine though ;-P
your belief in us makes us stronger. I cannot thank you and jess enough for that! And girl, your hummus is probably 10x better than any store bought!
<3
I’m sorry that you and hubs are having a trial and error season. Sometimes I guess that is what happens, God gives us seasons in life where we then have to see where God really spoke to us, and where he really challenges us to see what His plan is for us.
I have an error story for ya–I was making cookies yesterday(from scratch) and I ended up only adding a 1 1/4 of flour and not 2 1/4…so my first batch of cookies were flat, like they looked like pancakes. and I couldnt figure it out until I tried to make a new batch of cookies. OOPS.
oh thats hilarious! i bet that still tasted good. Flat but tasty, right?
well after the batch came out and it looked that, i pouted, and then threw the WHOLE thing out. I didnt realize that I didnt add all the flour until I was making my new batch 30 minutes later after I thought I could try again
I’m really sorry that his season didn’t go well. I can’t imagine how frustrating that must be. I love how incredibly supportive you are. Looks like a lot of eating successes there 😉 Very interested in the Papa Steve’s product. Going to check that out. Hope you have a successful Wednesday!
thank you friend. I think i have the best support from you amazing women!
Trial: Mango, cherry, chocolate milk, spinach smoothie.
Taste verdict: DELICIOUS
Visual verdict: fail. Maybe put it in an opaque cup because it looks disgusting.
I’ve noticed a couple of new brands of goat yogurt in my grocery store- maybe I’ll give them a try!
I’m sure it tasted wonderful!! cherry and chocolate are good combos, but yes….not appealing to the eye. haha
yumm, loved seeing all the new products. I bought tofu for the first time the other night and will hopefully have time tonight to give it a trial run. Hoping for a success, but I’ve never been too keen on tofu so we’ll see!
oh ya, thats hit or miss. How are you going to cook it? I like to use satay sauce with tofu!
Lots of great eats, as usual! I’ve been loving goat yogurt…I’m sure I’ll never buy any other kind! I actually can get it from a farm here, and I think I can get raw goat milk so I can make it myself too.
Fall is a great time for reflection…on the good and the not-so-good.
oh i would love to get my hands on some raw goat milk yogurt! lucky gal.