29.4.11

sweet escape.


I would love to spend all my time in a place like this.  

How peaceful and settling it looks.  To look out and see endless hills and open terrain, 
listen to calm sounds, entertain a friend for a light lunch, 
and indulge in a good book- sounds and looks impeccable!

28.4.11

sandwich: PB and B

started my morning off with a great run.  
came home and had the best toasted peanut butter and banana sandwich!

love when i want something to taste so good and it does!

27.4.11

Kale Caesar Salad

Normally caesar salads are made with romaine lettuce, however, try this one with kale.  Kale is a leafy green that I would not normally try in a salad, generally wilted, but highly recommend trying this recipe out!

Put 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 garlic glove, 2 anchovy fillets, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce in a blender and puree.  Toss 2 cups crusty bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of dressing and broil on a baking sheet until toasted, roughly 2 minutes.  Toss 1 large head of chopped kale with remaining dressing, broil on a baking sheet for 5 minutes or until lightly crisp but still fresh.  Divide the kale and dressing mixture on four plates and top with croutons.  Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese.  Serve!

26.4.11

(Sprout)


My mom and I recently took a cooking class at Sprout, located in Hawthorne.  It was such a fun experience.... all the ingredients were fresh and locally bought, healthy, and the dishes were so tasty.  Skylor, the instructor, did majority of the work, while we sat, ate, and had the opportunity to ask questions.
Skylor, Sprout Cooking Instructor
If you dont know I have a passion for health and for eating.... therefore, this class was perfect.  I learned four new healthy recipes.  We used many different ingredients I have never used before such as, lemongrass and tea tree oil.  We also learned many different ways to prepare foods and why certain utensils, etc. are needed in the kitchen.  The class is offered many times throughout the week.... all with different themes.  I attended Lunches and Dinners, however, they have Dinners and Desserts or Brunch classes to chose from.  If you are looking for some good ideas, I highly recommend this place!

Check out their website, BLOG, class schedule, or even attend a yoga class they hold at the location.  It was a fun, enjoyable experience, especially if you love cooking as much as I do!

25.4.11

what's next?

I have completed my long term sub position I had.  Not sure how I feel....

Not sure which path I will take....
or will I will be led....
I was quite excited when it was over.... no more long drives and more free time.  However, I enjoyed having my own classroom and lessons plans that I developed.  It really makes a difference knowing what I am teaching and also knowing the subject matter.  I will be substituting later this week and the teacher emailed me saying.... "I will email you the plans".  And I thought to myself, dang I have to walk into a classroom not knowing the students or what I will be teaching.  It can be the worst.

However, I am pretty excited to have more time.... to blog, make cards for my store, and also refinish this awesome antique bed frame I just purchased at a garage sale.  I cannot wait to start working on that!  So we'll where this season takes me.... maybe another job will open, maybe I will spend time substituting, or maybe I will just be lazy and do fun things!

24.4.11

the (MOMENT) has come....

Scott + Holly = LITTLE CALHOUN


Yup, that's right..... baby on the way.  We are so pumped and excited!!!!!
Scott and Holly are going to make wonderful parents and the little Calhoun is going to be loved unconditionally.  
It is so exciting to have another addition to the family.  The news was some-what unexpected, however, I was expecting something soon!  It's going to be a wonderful December!!!

20.4.11

Mexi Style Chicken

The easiest, super moist chicken dish ever.... and you can do so much with it.

2 medium chicken breasts
2/3 cup salsa
1/3 cup monterey jack cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375.  Line a glass baking dish with parchment paper.  Place chicken in dish.  Top with salsa.  Wrap the chicken loosely with the parchment paper.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Serve this with a side of spanish rice, black beans, and a side salad.  Shred chicken and add to a quesdilla, taco, or burrito.  Shred and add to a taco salad.  Get creative with an easy dish!

19.4.11

yup... it's good news!


yup!  just received some good (ooo much better than good)

GREAT, EXCITING NEWS!

stay tuned for the update.  you wont want to miss it!

17.4.11

Birdie's Nest



Found these {birdie nests}.... thought they were so fun and cute.
Simple little treat and a fun decor for Easter.

Use them as place settings, an after dinner treat, or a fun favor for your guests.

15.4.11

you have arrived ...


YAH to the weekend!
(finally)

and i get to spend my weekend celebrating ....
Becca's birthday
relaxing
enjoying my favorite hobby--running
shopping (as always)
church

all my favorite things!

13.4.11

Chop Salad

Made a delicious salad this weekend....TRY IT!!

1 head Romaine Lettuce, chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tomatoes, diced
4 slices freshly sliced turkey (I used deli turkey from the local grocery store)
2 slices provolone cheese
Fresh Basil
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Chop lettuce and tomatoes.  Toss into a large salad bowl.  Add chickpeas (slowly add depending on how many servings you need).  Slice turkey and cheese in thin strips.  Add to lettuce, tomato, and chickpea mixture.  Chop basil into fine thin strips and had to salad bowl.  Toss with Balsamic Vinaigrette.  Serve with a side of fresh, warm bread.

12.4.11

I feel busy

i wish i could post daily.... but i am so busy.




MAYBE LIFE WILL SLOW DOWN SOON!!!
(makes me want to enjoy a slice of cake)

I miss my crafts, my etsy store, searching for new DIY projects, and reading bloggers' daily posts.


6.4.11

Hummus-Vegetable Sandwich

2 slices Dave's Killer Bread
Hummus (any flavor)
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
Lettace
Handful of alfalfa sprouts
Feta Cheese

Spread hummus on both two slices of bread, sprinkle feta cheese on both slices.  Top one slice with sliced tomato, cucumber, lettace, and sprouts.  Put sandwich together.  Serve with a side of grapes, soup, salad, or if you're really wild a handful of Doritos!

1.4.11

CHEERS to the Weekend


What's on your weekend agenda?


Enjoy a couple of days of rest!