There’s something magical about a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. This week, our family tried something new—a Sweet Chili Ground Beef Rice Bowl—and it was an instant hit. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is secretly simple, packed with fresh veggies, and full of bold flavor thanks to that sweet red chili sauce from Costco.
Why We Loved It:
✅ Quick to make
✅ Uses pantry staples
✅ Customizable for picky eaters
✅ Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy
The sweet chili sauce adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the savory ground beef. Toss in crisp cucumbers, vibrant peppers, and a bed of brown rice, and you’ve got a balanced meal that tastes like takeout—but better.
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🍽️ The Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups cooked brown rice
– 1 orange or yellow or red bell pepper, sliced
– ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1 cup spinach, chopped
– 1 cup lettuce, shredded
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup sweet red chili sauce (Costco brand)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
– 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
– Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef with garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar/lime juice, and sesame oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
3. Prep your veggies: slice cucumber and pepper, chop spinach and lettuce.
4. Build your bowl: start with rice, layer on the beef, then top with fresh veggies.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Add extra sauce if you’re feeling bold.
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🥄 Tips & Twists
– Add a fried egg on top for extra richness
– Swap spinach for shredded carrots or edamame
– Use lettuce wraps instead of rice for a low-carb version
– Sprinkle crushed peanuts for crunch
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If you try it, let me know how it goes—or share your own twist! Cooking is always better when it’s shared.
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New Favorite Healthy Drink
Looking for a new flavor to add into your beverage rotation? Maybe even one that has a hint of sweetness for those after dinner cravings.
I stopped on at our local Nutters and came across what might be a new favorite healthy drink…and I think it will taste good hot or cold 🙂
It’s called Soothe Me and features tumeric, ginger, cinnamon & cardamom in just the right amounts.
It has a hint of sweetness and a smooth flavorful taste that makes me think it would taste delicious hot or cold.
I mixed a scoop of the Whole Earth & Sea Soothe Me mix in with coconut milk and heated until it was just the right temp to drink hot as soon as your pour it into your cup.
Stay tuned for updates on the summer cold stir attempt up next 🙂
PS. I’m thinking it would make a great iced coconut latte
Purchased from Nutters in Melfort.
Whole Earth & Sea – Organic “Soothe Me” Tumeric, Ginger, Cinnamon & Cardamom (Gluten-free- Vegan)
Explore Shakti Flow: Yoga for Rest and Relaxation
Happy Saturday!
Today was a rest day in the Caroline Girvan – CGX – Max Program, so for me rest day often means Yoga and especially when it’s a week-end rest day (which means there’s time to do a longer session)
My go to yoga channel is Yoga With Adriene – today it was the Shakti Flow – challenging but just what I needed.
Remember 10 minutes a day makes a difference and the hardest part is deciding to get started.
Here’s the video I followed for today. You can find it on the Yoga with Adrience – YouTube Channel – Shakti Flow
The Just Right Quick & Easy Garlic Ginger Stir-Fry Sauce
Easy 20-Minute Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry
(Inspired by trying to use up what I had in my fridge and a conversation with ChatGPT about what I could make for supper) Here’s what we came up with.
Busy weeknights call for quick, healthy meals that the whole family will love! This easy chicken and veggie stir-fry comes together in just 20 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to use up cooked chicken and give your leftovers a fresh take that your family will love.
It’s packed with colorful vegetables, lean protein (I used leftover chicken), and a flavorful homemade sauce that tastes like something your favorite restaurant might make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Fast & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes!
✔️ Healthy – Loaded with fresh veggies and lean protein.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – Mild, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor.
✔️ Customizable – Use any vegetables or protein you have! (Really any combo of veggies that are in your fridge.)
—
Ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (yellow or orange work too)
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 large carrot, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 green onions, chopped
2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
For the Garlic Ginger Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) — I used Braggs Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but adds great flavor)
2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
½ cup water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – Spicy is not my favorite so add at your own preference)
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How to Make It:
1. Prep the veggies and start the stir fry. That way, they can cook while you prep the sauce.
2. Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth (Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth and cornstarch)
3. Sauté garlic & ginger: Make room in the center of the pan and add a little oil (if needed). Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour the sauce into the center and let it begin to simmer. Once it starts to thicken mix in with the veggies.
5. Add in chicken (or protein). Toss in the cooked chicken. Stir well, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
6. Serve & enjoy: Sprinkle with green onions and serve over warm rice.
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Time-Saving Tips for Busy Parents:
⏳ Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this even faster.
⏳ Chop Ahead: Pre-cut veggies the night before to save time.
⏳ Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce and store it in the fridge for an even quicker meal later in the week!
This quick and easy stir-fry answers the “what to make for supper” question on busy nights—simple, delicious, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Let me know if you try it!
What’s your favorite go-to weeknight dinner? Drop it in the comments!
This is the Mind Game: Did You Level Up – Season 1 Recap with Host Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud (Episode 30 – Part 2)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cnabz-164caff
This is the Mind Game: Did You Level Up – Season 1 Recap – Part 2
In the final episode of Season One ‘Mind Game Level Up Your Life,’ host Stephanie Painchaud recaps the key conversations from Season One’s second half, featuring guests like Angie, Tiffany, Sid, and Charlene. A sincere thank you to our Season one guests for sharing their personal stories, the moments that created their next chapters, and the habits and strategies they learned along the way. From stories to practical habits for success and strategies for overcoming our limiting beliefs, we’ve learned the power of a resilient mind, the value of stepping out of our own comfort zone, and the realization that we can turn the page and write the next chapter of our life. Because in the end, what we choose to do today shapes tomorrow. So be sure to mind the game so you can level up your own life.
Check out our Season 1 Recap Page for the Spotify and Apple Podcast links.
Or our Season 1 Page
Guest: Angie Schizas
- Unlocking Growth: Embracing Resilience Through Change
- The Power of Perspective: Choosing Growth
Guest: Tiffany Toombs Clevinger
- Rising Stronger: The Work Inside the Level Up
- Rising Up: Navigating Life’s Challenges and Empowering Your Inner Self
Guest: Sid Clevinger
- From Freeze to Freedom: Breaking the Cycle to Level Up
- Slaying the Dragons Within
Guest Charlene Chubbs
- Breathe, Run, Repeat: The Inner Journey to Level Up
- The Art of the Level-Up: Lists, Learning, & Life
And to you, our thoughtful listeners. Thank you for joining me on a journey behind the scenes and into the Mind Game. I look forward to seeing you in Season 2.
00:00 Introduction and Recap of Season One
01:31 Unlocking Growth with Angie
06:16 Rising Stronger with Tiffany
13:26 Breaking Cycles with Sid
17:45 The Inner Journey with Charlene
21:29 Conclusion and Looking Forward to Season Two
For more information about Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
@MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 30 (Part 2) This is the Mind Game: Did You Level Up? Season 1 Recap – Part 2
Host: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Date June 30, 2024
This is the Mind Game – Season 1 Recap with Host Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dq977-164b24f
This is the Mind Game – Season 1 Recap (Part 1)
Wow! What an amazing journey Season 1 has been from stepping into a brand new way of sharing content to pressing publish on the first episode. This season has been filled with awesome guests. Each of whom shared their stories and habits that have helped them navigate life and level up their life.
Part 1 of This is the Mind Game features a recap of the first 16 episodes. All of my favourite parts, so if you are curious about which episode might be of interest to you this is a great place to start.
Check out our Season 1 Recap Page for the Spotify and Apple Podcast links.
Or our Season 1 Page
Episode 1 – This is 47 Guest Tiffany Egbert:
- Creating You – The Stories we Tell Ourselves Part 1
- Follow Your Curiosity – The Return to You Part 2
Guest Kacey Pierson:
- Faith, Hope and the Journey Home
Guest Katie White:
- The Lessons of the In-Between Part 1
- The “Nevers” That Shape our Lives Part 2
Guest Allison K. Wyman:
- Walking Each Other Home Part 1
- Navigating the Storms of Life – What if What Breaks You Really Shapes You Part 2
Guest Jason Brooks:
- Bringing Real Fiction to Life Part 1
- When Fiction Becomes Real – The Story Behind Real Fiction Studios Part 2
Guest Amy Kapeller:
- Rebalance and Thrive – Cultivating Health from the Inside Out Part 1
- The Rise of Resilience: You Are Worth It Part 2
Guest Ross Poier:
- The Money Mind Game: Unlocking the Wealth Within Part 1
- Forging a Legacy: How Personal Growth Shapes Future Generations Part 2
For more information about
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
@MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 29 (Part 1)
This is the Mind Game – Season 1 Recap
[The Level Up Edition]
Host: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life June 23, 2024
Reclaim Your Brain: Release Stress with Mindful Meditation (The Level Up Edition – Episode 28 Part 2)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ty4fp-1641c38
Reclaim Your Brain: Release Stress with Mindful Meditation
Episode 28 – The Level Up Edition
In this episode of the Mind Game podcast, we explore the impacts of prolonged stress, why our body responds the way it does, and delve into into an example of a meditation practice. We begin with an evolutionary perspective on how stress helped early humans survive and its negative impacts on modern health. We consider how chronic stress causes mental, physical, and cognitive issues, and how meditation can help mitigate these effects. The host shares her personal journey with meditation, including challenges like the ‘meditation detox period’ and the benefits she has experienced. The episode includes insights from Emily Fletcher’s Ziva meditation techniques and encourages listeners to consider meditation as a tool to improve energy, sleep, and overall mental clarity.
** I mention my own journey into meditation. I’ve just finished the Ziva Online course with Emily Fletcher and it’s jumpstarted my confidence and ability to meditate. I’ve included the links below in case you are curious.
Ziva Meditation Resources:
– Free Masterclass: 3 Secrets to Reduce Stress, Overcome Anxiety and Improve Stress
– Ziva Online Preview (This is the course that I just finished)
Timecode:
00:00 Introduction: Are You Living a Stress-Free Life?
00:28 Welcome to the Mind Game Podcast
00:48 Exploring the Impacts of Prolonged Stress
00:53 The Evolutionary Role of Stress
01:18 Modern-Day Stress and Its Consequences
01:38 Meditation as a Solution
02:20 Personal Journey with Meditation
02:40 The Science Behind Stress Responses
03:04 Top Five Ways Stress Affects Us Today
06:58 Evolutionary Benefits of Stress
09:51 Present-Day Stress Challenges
12:53 Emily Fletcher’s Meditation Insights
15:01 Starting a Meditation Practice
21:58 The Detox Stage of Meditation
25:36 Conclusion and Next Steps
Key Words: Prolonged Stress, Mindfulness, Meditation, Stress Management, Stress Relief, Mindful Living, Emily Fletcher, Ziva Technique.
For more information about Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
Instagram & TikTok @MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 28 (Part 2) Reclaim Your Brain – Release Stress with Mindful Meditation
Host:Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
June 16, 2024
Unlocking the Power of Your Mind – Exploring Meditation – Episode 27 Part 1 (The Level Up Edition)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-78gvj-16377ff
Unlocking the Power of Your Mind Exploring Meditation – Episode 27 Part 1
Welcome to the Level Up Edition of the Mind Game podcast, this week we explore the fascinating art & science of meditation and how it can enhance our lives. In this episode, I share my personal journey into meditation, why it has piqued my interest, and the benefits it offers. From reducing stress to boosting brain health, meditation is a tool that can transform your daily routine and overall well-being. Join me as we explore how meditation can be 5 times more restful than sleep for reenergizing your mind and body, and learn why you might want to consider what meditation could do for you.
In this episode, I mention my own journey into meditation. I’m currently taking the Ziva Online course with Emily Fletcher and it’s jumpstarted my confidence and ability to start meditating.
Stay tuned for follow-up episodes where I share my meditation learning experiences.
Ziva Meditation Resources:
– Free Masterclass: 3 Secrets to Reduce Stress, Overcome Anxiety and Improve Stress
(This is the course that I’m currently taking.)
TimelineSummary:
– [00:00] Introduction and welcome to the summer series.
– [01:00] Personal updates: Moving, renovations, and the end of season one.
– [02:00] Why meditation keeps showing up in my life.
– [04:00] The science behind meditation and its benefits.
– [05:00] Discovering meditation through Cathy Heller and Emily Fletcher.
– [07:00] The surprising effectiveness of meditation compared to sleep.
– [09:00] Meditation’s impact on reducing stress and improving emotional health.
– [11:00] Enhancing focus and concentration through mindfulness practices.
– [13:00] Physical health benefits: Cardiovascular and immune system improvements.
– [15:00] Meditation’s role in fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
– [17:00] Research findings: How meditation can make your brain younger.
Links &Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Supernatural – Dr. Joe Dispenza
- Limitless – Jim Kwik
- Cathy Heller Podcast
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Level Up Edition. If you found our dive into meditation intriguing, make sure to leave a comment or share your thoughts with us. Don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and practical tips to help you level up your life!
Key Words:
1. Meditation benefits
2. Stress reduction techniques
3. Mindfulness practice
4. Meditation for beginners
5. Health benefits of meditation
6. Improve focus and concentration
7. Emotional health and meditation
8. Meditation and brain health
9. Meditation techniques
10. Personal growth through meditation
For more information about Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
@MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 27 (Part 1) – The Level Up Edition Unlocking the Power of Your Mind Exploring Mediation
Host: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
June 9, 2024
The Art of the Level-Up – Lists, Learning & Life with Charlene G. Cubbs
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-v7n87-162c637
In Episode 26, we continue our behind-the-scenes journey with Charlene G. Chubbs, a lifelong learner, avid reader, and list aficionado. We rejoin our conversation in part 2 delving into Charlene’s 100 book challenge and some of her favorite reads of 2024. We reflect on her favorite quotations and dig into the value of not just setting goals but reflecting on just how far you’ve come. And, we take a closer look at the productivity of lists. Did you know there are strategies for making lists😊
Key topics:
1. Audiobooks – We discuss what we love about audiobooks, as well as, some of Charlene’s favorites including Everyday Ubuntu by Mungi Ngomane (Granddaughter of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu); Chris Bailey’s Productivity books, the works of Dr. Gabor Mate, as well as, Brent Butt’s new thriller novel “Huge” and the works of Kate Quinn.
2. Productivity Through List Making – Charlene shares her strategies for staying organized with different types of lists (maintenance, personal and work) including the life list. “I pick three… those are the things I need to get done that day. And that keeps me focused.”
3. Reflect, Reframe, and Reignite – We explore the power of reflecting and celebrating the progress you’ve made; appreciating the moment and enjoying the journey because life goes by faster than you think; and explore reframing your experiences to level up your future.
The journey wouldn’t be complete without sharing a few of her favourite quotations. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Mind Game podcast. If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring and insightful conversations to our listeners.
Timecode:
00:00 Introduction to Audiobooks and True Crime
00:45 Discussing Reading Preferences and Habits
01:06 Balancing Multiple Books and Genres
02:00 Challenges and Achievements in Reading
04:36 Favorite Books and Authors
07:53 The Power of Music and Meditation
10:03 Productivity and List-Making Strategies
15:15 Life Goals and Personal Development
17:11 Transition to Soul Questions
18:02 The Rock’s Best Thing That Never Happened
19:28 Reframing Failures and Lessons
22:24 Meditation and Mapping the Future
23:26 Reflecting on Accomplishments
28:40 Advice to Younger Self
32:20 Future Reflections and Quotes
36:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Keywords: Audiobooks, productivity tips, list-making strategies, reading goals, reading challenge, self-help books, pomodoro method, personal growth, reflection techniques, inspirational quotes, learning journey, mindfulness, time management, motivational talks, balancing personal and professional life.
For more information about Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
On Tik Tok & Instagram: @MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 26 (Part 2) The Art of the Level-Up
Lists, Learning & Life
Guest: Charlene Chubbs
(Live from Ontario)
Host: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
June 2, 2024
Breathe, Run, Repeat: The Inner Journey to Level Up with Guest Charlene G. Chubbs
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-i3qwh-1620d86
I’m excited to introduce you to my friend, Charlene G. Chubbs. Our paths crossed over a decade ago and I appreciate the inspiring energy she brings to life. In this episode, we go behind the scenes as Charlene shares her journey of personal growth, balancing multiple roles and the habits that have helped her to level up her life. Whether it’s pursuing a Master’s degree in leadership to teaching yoga, to challenging herself to run a marathon, Charlene shares her story of personal growth.
Episode Summary
Prioritizing what’s on the now list to what will happen when the time is right. Charlene discusses her transition to an empty nest and balancing the many roles of life. Whether it’s teaching a yoga class, leading a team or challenging herself to learn French, Charlene shares her experiences and lessons learned on the journey. We delve into her longtime passion for yoga, which began during her university days, and touch on the importance of breathwork, the challenges of maintaining a fitness routine, and the mental strategies she uses to stay motivated.
Key Topics:
-Transitioning to an Empty Nest: Charlene shares her experience of adjusting to life without her children at home and how it has allowed her to focus on personal growth and revisit different things on her list.
– Balancing Multiple Roles: Insights into how Charlene manages her responsibilities at work and as a yoga teacher while pursuing further education and personal goals.
– Passion for Yoga: We explore the origin of Charlene’s interest in yoga, how it has been a constant in her life, and her journey to becoming a yoga teacher. We also discuss why it’s called yoga “practice”.
– Fitness and Running: We discuss Charlene’s training strategies for a half marathon, as well as, the mental strategies she uses to push through challenging moments. Because we know there will be challenging moments.
– Breathwork and Meditation: The benefits of breathwork and meditation, and how they contribute to overall well-being and stress management.
– Continuous Learning: Charlene’s commitment to lifelong learning, including her pursuit of a master’s degree with a focus on leadership.
– Reframing and Resilience: We touch on reframing challenges and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity.
My favourite quotation in part 1:
“You can only breathe right now, in the present moment, you can’t breathe in the future, and you can’t breathe in the past, so if you bring your attention to your breath, you are bringing yourself back to the present moment.”
Be sure to tune into part 2 to continue the conversation with Charlene.
Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the Mind Game Level Up Your Life Podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTube, so you can stay ahead of the game.
Episode Keywords: Personal Growth, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Practice, Empty Nest, Half Marathon Training, Breathwork, Lifelong Learning, Resilience, Mental Strategies, Stress Management
For more information about Mind Game Level Up Your Life
Visit: www.mindgamelevelupyourlife.com
Instagram & TikTok @MindGame.LevelUpYourLife
Email: Stephanie@MindGameLevelUpYourLife.com
Episode 25 (Part 1) Breathe, Run, Repeat: The Inner Journey to Level Up
Guest: Charlene G. Chubbs
(Live from Ontario)
Host: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Produced by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
Music by: Epicaly – LiteSaturation – Pixabay November 2023
Free for Use under the Pixabay Content License
Mind Game Level Up Your Life
May 26, 2024
Life is Your Style 