it's ending

the weekend has almost ended.  it was a good one.  

lots of fun activities, good times with family, and some relaxation.

slowly getting ready for the week....

yah for me!!

Just landed myself a job!

(the degree finally passes off)

and it's the weekend.

and looking forward to sunday with Court and Kim

Barley-Black Bean Salad

1 cup cooked barley

1 cup black beans

1/2 cup corn

1/3 chop chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Cayenne Pepper, to taste

Salt and Pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix together.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve as side with chicken, tacos, or just chips!

Also, try savory salsa along side your chips.

Maybe even a delicious quesdilla

Or this delightful enchiliadas dish

magic happen...

I need a miracle to happen.  These days of substituting are getting long and old.  Some days I work other days I don't.  I need some routine in my life!!  A miracle needs to happen and a job needs to magically appear..... and SOON!!  

I do enjoy my days off because I get to spend it with James.

W is for WEEKEND...

happy weekend.

try out THIS, for something new.

just lovely....

I added more cards... go check them out at MY STORE

Kale-Walnut Pesto

YUMMY SANDWICH SPREAD!

Kale Walnut Pesto

1/2 bunch Kale, chopped

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

1 garlic glove, minced

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and Pepper

In a large pot of hot, salted water, cook kale on tender (4-5 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer kale to a colander and rinse with cold water.  Squeeze kale of excess liquids and transfer to food processor.  Add walnuts, garlic, and cheese and pulse until almost smooth smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.  With machine running, add olive oil until you reach a smooth consistency.  

{a glance through the years}

take a look back through years of great memories and generations with a family tree.

for great ideas go here.

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Easy, simple, and so delicious.

4 chicken breasts, thawed

1 can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

In a crockpot at chicken, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.  Cook for 6-8 hours.  Throughout the cooking process being to pull the chicken apart.  

Fill a tortilla with chicken and serve with beans, lettace, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, olives, cilantro.  Top with salsa and sour cream.

in a dream...

need to be somewhere warm... 

not likely to happen but can still dream about it.

i would love to be here or here.

or there.

and maybe doing this.

make it happen.

WIN. DUCKS. WIN.

p.s. i like their uniforms.

Happy Weekend.

Pass me a cupcake, it's FRIDAY!

DIY: Wall Shelf

found this on Design Sponge.  

the old drawers from a dresser were used to create a wall shelf.

i also really love this.

Hearty Tomato Soup

Made this delicious soup.... so good.  Try it!

1 small onion, chopped (3/4-1 cup)
2 carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can cannellini (white) beans, drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper

In a large stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add onion, carrots, and garlic until tender (4-5 minutes).  Add beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and rosemary.  Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat.  Puree the soup in batches, either in a blender or food processor.  Avoid over blending... it should be smooth but slightly chunky still.  Return to heat, season with italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Simmer on low.  Serve.

Celebration

It's James' HALF birthday today!  He is 6 months old.  

We are celebrating him tonight!