Phone is hindering my blog...

I have had THREE posts I want to write the last few days, but my PHONE won't send out e-mails ever since I updated my software....so my pictures have been stuck on my phone, and not displayed on my blog. Humph. I have baked to die for apple cider caramel filled cookies, carved pumpkins, and made fantastic stuffed peppers. All of which will get a post of their own...when I can upload their pictures. 

I truly believe this is what pets do when their owners are at work!

In the mean time, hope everyone is doing great! My vegetarian challenge is still going strong and my trainer (Brent) has been kicking my tail at the gym!! Life is lovely. Have a great Tuesday, hopefully with coffee in hand ;) 

My first 24 hours.

I made it through the first day without any hiccups! Yesterday was my first complete day EVER eating 100% vegetarian. Breakfast and lunch were easy, it was dinner that challenged me. My main concern is that I won't find enough foods to fix that are filling enough to be a dinner dish. Thank GOODNESS for Kelly and her vegetarian cook books! Last night we had Huevos Rancheros, which is actually one of Brent's favorites. This was his portion...I didn't overload mine with avocado...boys. I highly reccomend this dish.  

-You only need: tortillas (optional) black beans (add cumin and pepper), 2 over easy eggs per serving, salsa ( I use verde and southwest) sour cream (optional) light sprinkle of grated cheese, avocado if you have it! Voila! You only need one helping because it's extremely filling.

I'm not sure where tonight's dinner will lead me...but I have some GREAT ideas thanks to my friends that are full ideas. Thank you much! Any idea is welcome, please send them my way!!!

Vegetarian Challenge!

Here goes nothing friends.  Starting TODAY, 10-10-11, Brent and I are challenging ourselves to eat vegetarian for a month and 22 days (up until the day we leave for Maui). I'm being completely honest...I'm extremely nervous about trying this.  I'm not trying to sound creepy or weird, but I LOVE meat....odd I know. I think the challenge will be much more tough for me than Brent.  BUT, we will see.  I will definitely keep you updated on my progress/challenges. Friends, please please please send recipes if you have yummy ones!!! I need, and would love any and all vegetarian recipes!

The Big 2-5.

Well kids, the day has come and gone.  I am officially 25 now! Saturday was the big day and it was GREAT! Brent woke me up super early, made me breakfast and then drove me to "pick up" my surprise birthday present. What was the present? A couples foot bath/massage with champagne, and THEN, and 90 minute couples massage!!! I was ecstatic! I am a HUGE fan of massages. The man knows me well. I was in 7th heaven with my champagne and massage...it was a fabulous way to start off the first day of being 25. Cheers!

Monday Mix Up

Today has been a busy whirlwind and I'm not feeling 100% on top of my game.  I apologize if this post is a bit Hodge-podged together.  Since it's been 'one of those days', I wanted to post a few pictures of things that not only make me happy, but...things that will be in MY home in the near future :) Look for future "DIY" posts!

Herb garden label

 I am going to plant some more herbs in my kitchen windowsill for the winter months...I have some growing in the garden right now, but once we get our first freeze those puppies will sadly kick the bucket.  I love having fresh herbs to cook with...so, they will be cutely labeled with corks!

Heaven.

I am a huge fan of all things strawberries and or cheesecake.  Put them together and....WHAM, I'm bewitched mind, body, and soul...thank you very much.  I will be making these as soon as I get my little paws on strawberries.

FIRE PLACE!

 I have a few months to work on this....but doesn't it look dreamy?  I too have a mirror propped up on the mantel...which makes me want to make that wreath, somehow transpose piano music onto candles, acquire garland and silver candle sticks. I can't wait!!! I love Christmas decor. 


I hope everyone made it through their Monday unscathed, I just barely squeaked today out.

Lemon Basil Pasta

Friday has arrived, oh happy day! Last night I was a bit ambitious and made a cream based pasta sauce from scratch.  And, to my surprise, it tasted great and I didn't burn or catch anything on fire! I don't normally catch things on fire, but any sauce that begins with, melt the butter down...slowly whisk in the cream...makes me nervous.  I have no idea why, but my mental picture isn't pretty so I feel accomplished when things turn out as they should.

The Pioneer Woman's Version!

 I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe. Her food is always fabulous, so I definitely trusted it!  If you're a lemon flavor fan, use all the lemons it calls for.  If you're only half a fan like me, use ONE lemon. Trust me, I used only two and it was almost too much for me.

*My personal changes: I added a 'pour' of white wine to ease the flavor of lemon, and added some garlic. Don't forget, less lemon if you don't want the 'sour' flare to your cheesy pasta.  But, I will definitely add garlic after the butter melts down, and toss in even more basil.

My version!

Above is how our dinner turned out! Brent loved it, so I can call it a win! I added a spinach side salad with shaved almonds and mini pear tomatoes with a bit of balsamic vinaigrette. 

Happy Friday everyone! Any plans for the weekend?  Mine are fairly predictable....it's fall time, and a weekend, I'll be watching Duck Football :-) 

Weekend Festivities

What happened to relaxing weekends? I miss them.  I'm not saying it was a bad weekend, just BUSY, and lots of fun (Saturday)! Saturday we went to the Duck game and Sunday I had two family birthday parties to attend.
I made sure to crop out the beverages...I mean, it was only kool aid, but I didn't want there to be any confusion....

Apparently I was enamored with the "Duck Truck".  When we got home I checked my phone,  there were close to 12 pictures alone of this beauty. Appreciate this picture, 12th times a charm

Last but not least...we made sure to make our way back to campus when the game was over.  Our time back on campus contained, but was not limited to lunch at Barry's, pork fried rice at Maple Garden (Maple Kitty according to Andy), Duck store shopping, running through SAE...and making the boys pose with Leo and Cleo.  Oh college how I miss you!