(When You Want Cozy… But With Personality)
There are two kinds of soup nights.
The “open a can and call it done” kind.
And the “light a candle because we are pretending this is a charming little café” kind.
And the “light a candle because we are pretending this is a charming little café” kind.
This one falls into the second category.
It started as one of those clean-out-the-fridge dinners. Chicken. A lonely red bell pepper. Carrot that had seen better days. A couple packs of ramen that weren’t going to survive another college break.
And then… coconut milk happened.
And curry.
And suddenly we were not eating struggle soup. We were eating creamy coconut curry chicken ramen that tastes like you meant to make it all along.
It’s cozy. It’s colorful. It has just enough heat to make you feel interesting.
Let’s make it.
Creamy Chicken Ramen Soup
Serves 4–6
(Or 3 if teenagers are involved.)
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced or julienned (I use shredded carrots because we don't like the taste of cooked carrots)
- 1–2 tablespoons curry powder (I used 1 heaping tablespoon)
- ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Because Flavor Matters)
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot (I use a Dutch oven) over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden — about 4–5 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it through just yet.
Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
In that same pot (do not wash it — that’s flavor), sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Now stir in:
- Curry powder
- Cayenne pepper
Let those spices toast for about a minute. This is where the magic starts smelling like you know what you’re doing.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Pour in:
- Chicken stock
- Coconut milk
Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Step 4: Add the Color (And the Comfort)
Add to the simmering soup:
- Red bell pepper
- Carrot
- Ramen noodles (without seasoning packet)
Cook 3–4 minutes until noodles are tender.
Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together.
Taste and adjust:
- Need more salt?
- More curry depth?
- A little extra cayenne to wake it up?
This is your moment.
Step 5: Finish Like You Meant To Impress Someone
Ladle into bowls and top generously with fresh green onions.
Optional (but highly encouraged):
- A squeeze of lime
- Extra drizzle of coconut milk
- Red pepper flakes
- Cilantro if you love it
Why This One Works
It’s:
- Creamy without being heavy
- Comforting without being boring
- Quick enough for a weeknight
- Pretty enough for company
And if your kids ask what it’s called, just say,
“Oh, it’s a coconut curry ramen situation.”
“Oh, it’s a coconut curry ramen situation.”
Say it confidently. They’ll believe you.
If you make this, tag me over at @ginnyhoo — because nothing makes me happier than seeing what’s simmering in your kitchen.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
As someone who taught at both a college and a university, I am fully aware that college is not for everyone. I’ve seen students thrive. I’ve seen students flounder. I’ve seen students waste money because they were there for all the wrong reasons.
But as a momma? I knew in my bones that college was the best next step for our son.
Here’s the twist: knowing something and pushing something are not the same thing.
And because he isn’t my first child, I also knew this was a season to keep my opinions mostly to myself.
The Young Man in Question
A few things about him:
He’s wildly smart across a wide range of subjects.
He loves a good debate.
He hates wasting money.
And he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to major in.
He loves a good debate.
He hates wasting money.
And he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to major in.
Translation? He wasn’t convinced college made sense.
My husband and I respected that. Truly. But when we asked what he wanted to do instead, there wasn’t an answer. So I made a very simple request:
“Just apply to four or five schools. That doesn’t mean you have to go. It just means you’ll have options.”
You may remember that he didn’t even apply until January of his senior year. Yes, January. We are living proof that the cultural frenzy to have your entire life mapped out by junior year is… unnecessary.
Acceptance letters started rolling in not long after. I asked him to visit one or two campuses. Not commit. Just look.
The First Visit: Logical and Underwhelming
The first school that accepted him offered a solid scholarship package. He attended admitted student day, sat in on a class, came home… and was completely unimpressed.
“The class wasn’t any harder than my dual enrollment classes at the community college. Why would I pay for that?”
It was a fair point. A logical one. I couldn’t argue with him.
So I didn’t.
The School We Quietly Hoped For
Then came the email from the school my husband and I secretly thought would be perfect for him. They invited him to compete for a full four-year scholarship.
It also happened to be one of the only schools we know that stacks scholarships for Eagle Scouts on top of academic awards. As parents of an Eagle Scout, that caught our attention.
I encouraged him to interview. “If nothing else,” I told him, “interview experience is always valuable.”
He agreed.
The event was incredible. The students were sharp. The faculty engaged. The parents’ panel honest and encouraging. It felt different.
But at the end of the day?
Still no decision.
The Unexpected Voice of Clarity
The next day, families were invited to tour campus more casually, so our youngest daughter came along.
About an hour in, she leaned over and whispered, “This is the perfect fit for him.”
I asked why.
“Everyone is so smart and polite. Just like he is.”
Out of the mouths of siblings.
I told her I agreed — and also told her not to say a word. The last thing we wanted was for him to feel pressured.
The Campus Store Moment
If you’ve never toured colleges, this may sound ridiculous, but our oldest daughter bought a shirt or sweatshirt at every campus she visited — even ones she didn’t attend. Apparently this is a thing.
We ended the day in the campus store.
And y’all… I wanted a sticker for my car so badly.
But he still hadn’t said a word.
As we wandered between racks of hoodies and shelves of branded mugs, I finally asked:
“Okay. If not here… then where?”
He looked down and quietly said, “I made up my mind months ago. I just didn’t think you’d believe me.”
I’m fairly certain my jaw actually hit the floor.
“I want to go here.”
I was thrilled. Not because he chose what we hoped — but because I truly believed this place would stretch him, sharpen him, and surround him with people who would challenge him in the best ways.
But I had to know.
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
He hesitated. Then softly said, “What if I come here and then don’t like it?”
Oh, that momma heart moment.
This wasn’t indecision. It was weight. Responsibility. The fear of making the wrong choice.
So I told him the simplest truth I could:
“Then you leave and do something else. Not a problem.”
The Shift
I wish you could have seen him.
His shoulders lifted. His eyes came up from the floor. The heaviness evaporated.
Within minutes he was talking about:
- Getting a new bookbag
- Campus jobs
- Whether he’d need a used car
- Classes he thought would interest him
Suddenly, his future felt exciting again.
And yes. I bought the sticker.
The Real Lesson (For Me)
This wasn’t a story about picking the “right” college.
It was a lesson in patience.
In not forcing the outcome I thought was best.
In giving him the tools to evaluate wisely — and then having the courage to step back and let him use them.
This time, his decision aligned with what we had quietly hoped for. But I’m not naïve. It easily could have gone another direction. And I had already done the internal work to be supportive no matter what he chose.
Because at the end of the day, the win wasn’t the school.
The win was watching him own his decision.
For the Parents in the Back
If your child waits until the last minute…
If they change their mind…
If they consider a gap year…
If they pivot entirely…
If they change their mind…
If they consider a gap year…
If they pivot entirely…
Breathe.
Our job isn’t to control the outcome.
It’s to prepare them for it.
It’s to prepare them for it.
When they know they can choose — and that home remains steady no matter what — that’s when you see the confidence return.
(And for those who love a spoiler: he made Dean’s List his first semester, found an incredible group of friends, and is thriving.
And to the people who still insist homeschooling ruins college chances? We’ll just quietly smile over here.)
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
Three Weeks of Balance and Burn: My Honest Take
Y’all know I don’t believe in filters or perfectly curated social media carousels. So, as promised, here’s my completely honest assessment of my first three weeks on this GLP-1 supplement.
Why I Chose Balance and Burn
I decided to try Balance and Burn because I’m not comfortable with injectables, synthetics, or anything that doesn’t get to the root of what’s going on in the body.
This supplement isn’t meant to be taken forever—it’s designed to remind your body how it’s supposed to work. That philosophy aligned with me, so I was willing to give it a try.
Let’s Talk Taste (Because Everyone Asks)
From Day 1, I haven’t loved the taste of the Balance stick.
It’s not awful—but it’s also not as amazing (to me) as some people say. Then again, I didn’t like Pixy Stix as a kid either, so take that for what it’s worth.
That said, I’m not using taste as an excuse not to try something that could be beneficial.
Complete Honesty Corner 🚨
Some days, I have asparagus-pee smell.
It doesn’t bother me—I know it’s my body breaking things down and flushing them naturally—but in the interest of full transparency, I’m putting it all out there.
Digestion, Energy, and Creativity
- My digestion? Fantastic.
- My energy and productivity? Amazing.
- The creative thoughts? Not only showing up—but I’m actually following through on them.
That part has been especially noticeable and really encouraging.
How I Adjusted the Instructions
Confession: I did not follow the standard instructions exactly.
I was feeling nauseous at first, and while I’m a firstborn rule follower by nature, I’ve also had years of practice listening to my body—so I did that here too.
Here’s what worked best for me:
- Antioxidants before the Balance stick
- Took the packet with food at lunch
- After about 10 days, I no longer needed the capsules with food
- I still eat protein about 20 minutes later
That schedule works for me. Feel free to adjust your own routine and listen to your body, too.
Sleep (This One’s Big)
My sleep has been fantastic.
No more waking up at 3 a.m. with a cortisol dump and a million unhelpful thoughts running through my head. That alone feels like a huge win.
Food Noise (Or Lack Thereof)
I’ve never really had food noise, even before this supplement. Apparently, that’s not the norm?
When I mentioned it to a friend, she said, “I thought everyone had food thoughts running through their head.” So maybe I’m the minority here.
What I did notice, though, is this:
When I’m under stress, I’m terrible about eating enough—or eating at decent times. I was recently in charge of an event that usually has me forgetting to eat or grabbing a few random bites of whatever’s nearby.
This time?
My body actually reminded me to eat—and specifically asked for protein.
My body actually reminded me to eat—and specifically asked for protein.
I call that a win.
Inflammation & Real-Life Testing
I can’t say much about inflammation specifically, but I can say I’ve shoveled snow and ice multiple days in a row without issue. I’ll take that as a positive sign.
The Scale vs. Reality
The scale hasn’t changed.
(In fact, I have a pretty funny story about buying a new scale because the one we’ve had is at least 25 years old.)
But here’s what has changed:
- Clothes are looser
- Rings fit better
- Measurements show several inches lost
I was already feeling pretty darn good—and that part feels like the icing on the cake.
Three weeks in, the biggest wins for me are energy, sleep, digestion, and how my body is responding—not just what the scale says.
What’s Next
I’ll be back with a monthly update, so stay tuned. As always, I’ll keep it real. 💛
When you want more info or to get your own Balance and Burn, you can find it here.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
I love a simple recipe that also makes a healthy swap for our family. If you have concerns about some of the ingredients in packaged taco seasoning, want a way to save money, or both ... here's a solution for you!
4T chili powder
4 tsp cumin
4 tsp smoked paprika
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp onion powder
4 tsp oregano
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, if you like additional heat)
Combine all ingredients, shake well, and store in an airtight container up to 6 months. Use 2T of seasoning per 1 pound of meat.
We love to use it for all kinds of things, but one of our favorite is taco chili.
Enjoy!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
When School Closes: Learning Still Happens (Promise)
Every time schools close because of weather, I see the same concerns start bubbling up. What are we going to do? What about school? Are they going to fall behind?
And every single time, my mind flashes back to the government shutdown almost six years ago.
Back then, so many of my friends took to social media in full-on panic mode, spiraling over what to do with their children’s education. In an effort to calm the waters, I made what I thought was a fairly harmless suggestion:
Take a break. Build a blanket fort.
You would have thought I suggested canceling education altogether.
People I know in real life — including several sorority sisters — absolutely lambasted me online. (Two months later, those same people were buying IKEA frames for elaborate, aesthetic blanket forts… but I digress.)
So, at the risk of being ridiculed once again, I want to offer a few ideas for learning at home when school is closed. Take ’em or leave ’em. Modify them for different ages. Use what works, skip what doesn’t.
At the end of the day, the choice belongs to the parents.
Ideas for Learning at Home (In No Particular Order)
Read.
Read to or with your younger children, and let your teen read something that actually interests them. The “level” doesn’t matter (that arbitrary label is a discussion for another day).
Ranger’s Apprentice for the millionth time? Great.
Automotive, gardening, or fashion magazines? Still reading.
The goal is engaging the brain with the written word — nothing more, nothing less.
Read to or with your younger children, and let your teen read something that actually interests them. The “level” doesn’t matter (that arbitrary label is a discussion for another day).
Ranger’s Apprentice for the millionth time? Great.
Automotive, gardening, or fashion magazines? Still reading.
The goal is engaging the brain with the written word — nothing more, nothing less.
Cook together.
Cooking is one of the best learning activities out there. Math, science, reading, and even history can all make an appearance with a little curiosity. It’s also a life skill and a way for kids to contribute to the family — which makes it a favorite around our house.
Cooking is one of the best learning activities out there. Math, science, reading, and even history can all make an appearance with a little curiosity. It’s also a life skill and a way for kids to contribute to the family — which makes it a favorite around our house.
Research a winter historical event.
Turn it into a “Have You Ever Wondered” game: What would we have done if we’d been there? It sparks imagination, discussion, and critical thinking without feeling like an assignment.
Turn it into a “Have You Ever Wondered” game: What would we have done if we’d been there? It sparks imagination, discussion, and critical thinking without feeling like an assignment.
Go birdwatching.
This is a great time of year for it. Keep it simple or make it academic — your choice.
Younger kids can identify birds or count how many they see in a short sitting. Older kids can do deeper research. No bird feeder? Scatter seed on the ground or make one with pine cones, pie tins, peanut butter, and birdseed.
This is a great time of year for it. Keep it simple or make it academic — your choice.
Younger kids can identify birds or count how many they see in a short sitting. Older kids can do deeper research. No bird feeder? Scatter seed on the ground or make one with pine cones, pie tins, peanut butter, and birdseed.
Lean into Valentine’s Day.
Younger kids can practice fine motor skills cutting out hearts (no fancy supplies needed — old magazines and Amazon box paper work just fine).
Older kids can learn what a sonnet is and try writing one. Feeling adventurous? Research the real St. Valentine. (Parents, preview first.)
Younger kids can practice fine motor skills cutting out hearts (no fancy supplies needed — old magazines and Amazon box paper work just fine).
Older kids can learn what a sonnet is and try writing one. Feeling adventurous? Research the real St. Valentine. (Parents, preview first.)
Never underestimate play.
So much learning happens through “just playing.” Always has. Always will.Talk about civic virtue — then act on it.
Have a discussion about good deeds and responsibility, then find a neighbor who needs help digging out.
So much learning happens through “just playing.” Always has. Always will.Talk about civic virtue — then act on it.
Have a discussion about good deeds and responsibility, then find a neighbor who needs help digging out.
Explore a foreign language.
In our house, one child fluent in Spanish enjoys speaking it to his sibling who takes French. She’s finally learned enough to respond back, with me interjecting in English so no one gets too annoying.
If you’d prefer less sibling chaos, YouTube is a great place to learn something like ASL together.
In our house, one child fluent in Spanish enjoys speaking it to his sibling who takes French. She’s finally learned enough to respond back, with me interjecting in English so no one gets too annoying.
If you’d prefer less sibling chaos, YouTube is a great place to learn something like ASL together.
Help with the grocery list.
Budgeting, math, and economics all wrapped into one very practical life skill.
Budgeting, math, and economics all wrapped into one very practical life skill.
Do household chores together.
Even toddlers can help. Responsibility, sequencing, motor skills — it all counts.
Even toddlers can help. Responsibility, sequencing, motor skills — it all counts.
Presidents’ Day is coming up.
Read about Washington and Lincoln with younger kids. Older students can research lesser-known facts about either (or both).
Read about Washington and Lincoln with younger kids. Older students can research lesser-known facts about either (or both).
Memorize something.
Quotes, Bible verses, poems, speeches — whatever fits your family.
Have competitive kids? Turn it into a challenge. Mine will memorize anything just to prove they can. Not competitive? Offer a reward that motivates them.
Quotes, Bible verses, poems, speeches — whatever fits your family.
Have competitive kids? Turn it into a challenge. Mine will memorize anything just to prove they can. Not competitive? Offer a reward that motivates them.
Play games and do puzzles.
Board games, cards, puzzles — pick your family’s favorites.
Remember what I said about being competitive? Around here, you could lose a finger playing Dutch Blitz. Trivial Pursuit is currently king, and the college student and I text daily about how we did on Connections and Wordle.
Board games, cards, puzzles — pick your family’s favorites.
Remember what I said about being competitive? Around here, you could lose a finger playing Dutch Blitz. Trivial Pursuit is currently king, and the college student and I text daily about how we did on Connections and Wordle.
There are so many options out there for games that are fun and mentally stimulating.
Winter Olympics project.
Have your student create a modern-day scrapbook. I still have parts of the one my 7th-grade English teacher assigned.
It can include stats (math), athlete backgrounds (language arts), country flags (geography)… the possibilities are endless.
Have your student create a modern-day scrapbook. I still have parts of the one my 7th-grade English teacher assigned.
It can include stats (math), athlete backgrounds (language arts), country flags (geography)… the possibilities are endless.
One Last Thought
Let these ideas inspire you to come up with some of your own. Most of all, let them take the worry off your mind about a few days away from “school.”
Learning is still happening.
You’re keeping their minds engaged just fine. 💛
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
