This weekend I celebrated the big 2-8 and boy was it special! I got all dressed up and spent the evening at an industry event with the amazing people I work with. After the awards dinner, we all got a sneak preview of US Bank stadium at the after party! Bring it on, 28!
I took my first Uber ride this weekend. Man that was a mistake; in this situation, a cab would have been much more convenient. I started feeling a little sick at the after party, so I decided to call it a night a bit early. It was about 11:30pm at this point so I downloaded the Uber app and “requested a ride” thinking that it would be much faster than waiting for a cab. Much to my surprise, Uber doesn’t meet you at the side of the stadium you are on. I had to walk the equivalent of 4 blocks and then cross a street and wait in a dark alley, to meet my Uber ride. Thankfully, the most wonderful security guard escorted me and then waited for me until I got in an Uber. The Uber pick up location at US Bank stadium is an episode of Criminal Minds waiting to happen….
My Uber “arrived” while I was still walking to the pick-up location and instead of waiting for me, PICKED UP SOMEONE ELSE! But I had no idea because it was my first time using the app, and I had a couple of drinks – I was all kinds of confused looking at the app. The security guard walked up to the other 3 Uber’s waiting for their fares; none of them were there for me. Finally, I cancelled that Uber that was clearly long gone and requested another one. A wonderful man named Leo, arrived 2 minutes later and finally I was on my way. So much for being convenient, I didn’t get in a car until midnight.
Once I got home, I got an e-mail from Uber – I got charged for THREE rides. How does that even happen? Oh wait, I know…. Anyone can get in an Uber that is waiting for you and pretend they are you! But, I do have to admit – I emailed Uber at approximately 1:00am to let them know I got charged for someone else’s ride and I had a response in less than 12 hours. Quickest customer service response time ever. (Clearly, this happens all the time). Maybe I’ll give it another chance though. I do appreciate many things about Uber, such as knowing the approx. cost ahead of time, having a photo and LP# for the driver, and seeing exactly how long the wait time is.
When I woke up the next morning, I found a b-day gift waiting for me in the kitchen. I received the most thoughtful present ever from one of the most generous and thoughtful people I have ever known. I mentioned on FB a month or two ago how much I love these Butcher Block Furniture handmade cutting boards. And the most wonderful woman, a client of my husband’s, bought one for me for my birthday. She is fighting one of the hardest fights you can go through, and still puts everyone else first. I am so honored and excited to be sharing this week’s recipe, with my new cutting board as a prop. It is the most stunning and special gift I have ever received. Thank you, Marlene!
If you are in the market for an amazing new cutting board, a dining table or other custom furniture – check out their website or if you are in the mpls area, visit the showroom. Stunning, handcrafted furniture made in Minneapolis, MN. http://www.bbfurniture.com/.
My husband brought home a bench from Butcher Block a few years ago, and said I wasn’t allowed to sit on it. (Because it was so cool and pretty). I was confused then, but now that I am lucky enough to have my own piece… I understand. Seriously, how beautiful is this cutting board? Would it be wrong if I didn’t actually use it to cut things? It’s almost too pretty to use!
This week’s crockpot chili features ground turkey instead of beef. Because, sometimes beef is just a little too heavy. Plus, I’ll be making a huge batch of beef chili for the family when we travel to Moab this week – more about that next week! Now, for the recipe
Crockpot Turkey Chili
What To Do
2lb ground turkey
1 tbs worchestershire
2 tsp smoked tobasco
2 cloves garlic
Salt + pepper
½ red onion
½ white onion
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
(2) 14oz cans diced tomatoes – 1 can plain diced, 1 can fire roasted
(1) 14oz can tomato sauce
½ thyme
1 tsp celery seed
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp paprika
1/3 cup chili powder
Salt + pepper
1 tbs chipotle
adobo sauce
1 ½ cup beef stock
What To Do
In a large pot, brown ground turkey in olive oil, garlic worchestershire, tobasco salt + pepper.
Add to a large crockpot, along with all veggies and seasonings. Mix well. Cook on high for 1 hour, then turn down to low and let simmer for 2 hours.
Top with cheese and sour cream or avocado (and goldfish, if your taste is similar to my husband’s) or eat with tortilla chips. Such a versatile recipe!
Try a recipe? Let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, or tag your food pics on Instagram with #ahealthybalanceblog
Some of the ingredients that I cook with aren’t necessarily common – if you ever have questions about something I’m using, I’m here to help!
Thanks for reading,
M.
A Simple Dish 