A Week (or so) on My Plate: What I Ate and Loved

Hey there!

So, today I am posting mainly everything from my old blog (since I moved to this platform), and that's why I've been posting different genres of things all day to try to get caught up again! When everything is moved over, I will for sure follow my posting schedule here: Mondays will be Scripture-related, like Bible verses, quotes, or my personal study notes and thoughts. Tuesdays will be all dedicated to food, my love language - I'll post multiple times depending on what I've made, whether it's a snack, dessert, or nutritious meal. Thursdays will be all things lifestyle, photography, adventures I've been on throughout the week, fashion, and more. If I can post, Fridays will try to be about my penpalling journey and tips on that topic.

This post (A Week on My Plate: What I Ate and Loved) is from July 8th! So, here goes.

There is something oddly satisfying about reflecting on what you’ve eaten, not just in terms of flavors, but in how meals shape your days and your mood. Over the past month or so, I decided to pay closer attention to my meals: what I was craving, cooking, discovering, and avoiding. Some days were indulgent, others were all about balance, and then some were fasting days, haha.

From comforting go-to dishes to spontaneousness, here’s a peek into what ended up on my plate.

As you all should know, this past week or so, I have been obsessed with yogurt bowls. Obsessed. So, I had them…a lot.

July 1-2: Bowls on Repeat

These two days were all about reliable, satisfying bowls. Mornings started with my go-to yogurt bowl—creamy & cool. July 1’s dinner was a mix of broccoli, roasted potatoes, and chicken, tossed together in a bowl that felt amazing. On July 2, I kept the theme going: another yogurt bowl to start, then a slightly different take for dinner—chicken, cauliflower, and rice. There’s something I love about meals that come together in one bowl. My mom makes them perfect. Easy to prep, easy to eat, and when the flavors are right, totally crave-worthy.

July 3: Tacos That Hit Different

Another yogurt bowl kicked off the day, but dinner took a detour: steak tacos from @Camecaro. Two and a half of them, to be exact—and every bite was worth it. Rich, juicy steak, warm corn tortillas, and that perfect balance of spice and freshness. You can’t get a better fresh taco than @Camecaro, y’all.

July 4: Patio Time & Homemade Buns

Happy Fourth!! This Fourth of July was just pure summer comfort. Yogurt bowl for breakfast, then brats on sourdough buns Mom made from scratch (!), served with garden potatoes and a generous dollop of sriracha mayo. It was the kind of meal that feels extra satisfying because it came together with ingredients from the garden and the oven. Rustic, cozy, and oh so good.

July 5: Turkish Pizza in Kansas City

This day was all about the experience. This place’s atmosphere is literally the best. I went to @Clay & Fire in Kansas City for the second time with my family for their Turkish pizza—crisp, oozing with butter, and insane flavors that take over your taste buds. Their Irish ale is my parents' favorite. We ordered the Grandma pizza, Trabzon Pide, and an appetizer that took it over the top with spicy brats, long rice, and pita bread. All cooked in a homemade wood-fired oven. Dining out while exploring a city is always one of my favorite things; it’s food wrapped in atmosphere and people. It definitely made the highlight reel for the week.

July 6: Brekie Sammies

Back home and easing into the weekend, we got bacon and egg bagel sandwiches cookin’ out on the Blackstone grill after church this morning—crispy edges, soft center, ooey-gooey egg that just soaks into the homemade thick bagel, crunchy bacon, the works. Mom whipped this up in no time! Later, I snacked on my favorite combo: peanuts with chocolate chips. Sweet, salty, crunchy—it’s dangerously addictive in the best way.

July 7: Garden Fresh Goodness & a Cozy Café Brunch

Today started with a trip to @The Roost in Lawrence, one of my favorite breakfast spots. I split a roast beef sandwich with my mom, paired with soft breakfast potatoes, savory dipping broth, and a side of thick, velvety tomato soup. It was rich and comforting without being overly heavy. My dad had the fried eggs, while my sisters shared grilled cheese with tomato soup – classic. It was a great time to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the warm food.

After a workout later on, we leaned into simplicity and freshness. A pinto bean bowl with fresh garden tomatoes, cilantro, and fresh jalapeños + the spicy juice was exactly what I needed. It was vibrant, spicy, colorful, oh so good for you, and felt like summer in a bowl. The flavors were out of this world. Meals like this remind me how satisfying it is to eat what’s growing just a few steps from your kitchen.

July 8: Cozy Coffee Shop Start

Mom treated me to a chocolate croissant and a cup of rooibos tea @Circle Coffee, and honestly, it was the best way to start a Tuesday. A quiet table, a good pastry, and a warm drink—it was perfect. Now, tonight, we shall feast on chicken soup since we have some sickies in the house.

Plus, I might also be making homemade fig newton bars…recipe on its way. Your turn! What is your favorite meal staple for your week?

Until next time, friends!

xoxo,

bylilyjohanna