Pumpkin Patch Perfection

For me Fall means crisp weather, cute sweaters, chai tea lattes, and Pumpkins! Though the crisp weather is still evading us in Southern California, it didn't stop our adventure to a pumpkin patch to select a perfect pumpkin!

In the past I always went to small local stands that pop up or my local grocery store to get pumpkins but I recently heard that a local college, Cal Poly Pomona, has an annual pumpkin festival and I knew I had to go!

Rows and rows of pumpkins is clearly an understatement!

Though it was over 85 degrees it didn't stop the hundreds of people who showed up to enjoy the food, vendors, and pumpkins.

This kick-started the Fall Season for me and I couldn't imagine a better way to do so! I encourage everyone to check out local Fall festivals and events, you never know what could be going in right in your home town.

Happy Harvest Season!

I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.

~Lee Maynard

Overnight Oats

My mornings are always rushed between getting ready and packing my meals for the day, so a quick breakfast I can prep the night before makes a world of difference! While searching around on Instagram I came across a page for @sammybfit, which lead me to her amazing blog with hundreds of recipes. Her recipe for overnight oats can be found here, which is what I used as a base and modified to fit my taste.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Oats
1/4 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tbs Flax Meal
1/2 Tsp Honey
3 Drops Liquid Stevia
1/2-1 Cup Fruit of Choice (I used 1/2 a Nectarine)

1 Mason Jar


Begin by mixing all ingredients  except fruit, together in a small bowl. Layer sliced fruit on bottom of mason jar.

Then add half the oatmeal mixture, a second layer of fruit, followed by the remaining oatmeal mixture, then finish with a few fruit pieces.

Cap the mason jar and put in the fridge over night. The next morning top with granola (check out my homemade granola recipe) or more honey and enjoy! This is a great summer alternative to the typical hot breakfast oatmeal.

Enjoy!

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" 

Psalm 90:14 

Homemade Granola

I originally came across this recipe on Pinterest which led me to an amazing blog, With Peanut Butter on Top, which is where this delicious recipe for homemade granola originated. (Check out her blog, it's amazing!)

I modified the recipe slightly to fit my taste preferences, and it turned out wonderful, so here is my version:

Recipe:

Bake at 275 F

4 Cups Oats (quick oats can also be used)
3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 Cup Sunflower Kernels
1 1/2 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Tsp Ginger
1 Tbs Vanilla Extract
1 Cup No Sugar Added Applesauce
1/3 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl, mix all wet ingredients together separately. Slowly add wet to dry ingredients and mix very well. Spread mixture out in a large rimmed baking pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 275 degrees for 1hr - 1hr 15mins, mixing every 15 mins. After 45 mins granola made with quick oats will be done, it will take longer for regular oats. Allow granola to cool completely on baking pan then store in air tight container.

Leave a comment below with your go-to granola recipe, I'm always looking to try new variations!

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

1Thessaionians 5:16-18

Healthy Chicken Bake

In an effort to get a bit healthier with my eating I have begun cooking more, and so far so good! I made up this recipe with left over ingredients that I had to use up and it turned out great! Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your family's preferences or what you have on hand.

Start with chicken breasts, washed and fat removed, I use frozen ones which I thaw over night in the refrigerator. Place the chicken breasts in a baking pan and season to taste, this time I use Mrs. Dash, and preheat the oven to 350F.

Begin prepping the veggies, I prefer green and yellow squash, mushrooms and diced tomatoes. Chop the squash into bite size pieces. I use pre-sliced mushrooms that only have to be washed, super easy! You can use fresh tomatoes however canned has extra liquid that helps cook the chicken and veggies.

Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes, slightly drained, over all of the chicken.  Next mix the squash with the sliced mushrooms and layer over chicken and tomatoes.

Bake in the oven at 350F for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Once done, cut into the chicken to verify it is thoroughly cooked, or check it's internal temperature.

And voila! Easy and quick meal with dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes.

Check back for a future blog post on Shredded Chicken Burritos, I use all the left-overs from this meal to make dinner the next night!

Ingredients:
6-8 Chicken Breasts
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
2-3 Large Yellow Squash
2-3 Large Green Squash
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms

Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins

I love potato skins, but I know how unhealthy they typically are...until now!

I found the inspiration for the recipe on Pinterest, on this blog, but modified mine to fit the tastes of my family.

Begin with large sweet potatoes, cook them as you normally do. I put mine in the microwave for about 9 mins instead of baking in the oven because I was on a time constraint, but either method would work great. Then cut in half length wise and scoop out some of the centers, leaving a generous amount of sweet potato but creating a place to hold the stuffing. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking pan and bake at 400 Degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

In the mean time bake or grill and season 2 chicken breasts and shred the meat. I BBQ-ed the day before and made extra for this meal so all I had to do we reheat them, in the microwave or toaster oven, and shred it. Super quick and easy! At the same time prepare the spinach, wilt the spinach just before it would be done. Once again I did this in the microwave and it only took about 1 min. It can also be done on the stove though.

Mix the shredded chicken and spinach evenly and mix in about a tablespoon of olive oil and salt/pepper to taste. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and begin filling the halves with the stuffing and top with your favorite shredded cheese. I used a multi-pack of cheddar, jack and mozzarella.

Bake the stuffed sweet potatoes for an additional 10 minutes or till the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. It was a big hit with my family, who are definitely not the healthiest of eaters, so that was a win for me!
Hope you enjoy it too!

     Recipe:
     Bake at 400*F ; total of 18-20 minutes
     4 Large Sweet Potatoes
     2 Large Chicken Breasts
     1 Bushel of Fresh Spinach
     1 Tbs Olive Oil
     1-2 Cups Shredded Cheese

Pizza Cravings

Lately I have started putting more effort into eating better and less processed foods. In doing so I have come across tons of awesome (and delicious) ideas and recipes! Pizza is delicious - I love anything with melted cheese - but all the dough is not helping. I saw this idea on Pinterest and couldn't help but try it!

You begin by preheating oven to 400*F. Wash and dry portobello mushroom caps and removing their steams. (Note: wash them about a day or a few hours before so they have time to fully dry, I washed mine right before making them and they ended up more watery then I preferred . I have also tried scraping out the fuzzy under-side and there was much less liquid after, but both ways were delicious, it just depends on how much prep time you have. Next put mushroom caps on a lined baking pan with a lip (this will catch the liquid and juices that come out while cooking).

I topped with a light layer of pasta sauce, part skim mozzarella  and olives. I have also made these with spinach, crushed tomatoes and olives, and they were wonderful! That is what's great about these, you can customize them depending on each persons individual taste!

Then bake in oven on middle rack for 20-25 mins, or till the cheese is melted and browning.


I paired mine with a salad and whole grain rice; it was a vegetarian dinner that was so delicious and filling, and really quenched my pizza craving! Enjoy!

The Oinkster

While watching a marathon of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network I decided it was about time I visited one of the "best places to eat" near me. After a quick Google search I stumbled upon The Oinkster, and after a quick look at their menu I knew I had to try it!

I went with a friend who had been before and loved everything he tried. I opted for the BBQ Pulled Pork Sand-which (a favorite of mine that I typically order everywhere I go) and he had a salad and pastrami fries.

The "best pulled pork sand-which I have ever had" does not even begin to describe how amazing this sand-which was! There was no BBQ sauce on the sand-which unlike most I have had, but trust me I doesn't need any! This was the best pulled pork I have ever tried (I have yet to visit Texas though) and I would order it again in a heart beat! So much flavor in the meat along with the cabbage and grilled onions made it a perfect sand-which.

I went on a Friday night and it was packed with a line out the door, but well worth the wait! I will definitely be eating here again!

WeHo Bistro

Over the weekend I discovered an adorable bistro in West Hollywood called, WeHo Bistro. I was in West Hollywood for the first time and could not decide where to eat, so I checked Yelp and found the closest place with the highest rating (this place has 4.5/5) and headed over.

My friend and I were met at the door by the owner who welcomed us and seated us on the patio. It was exactly what I was looking for that day, it was sunny and beautiful out and this was the perfect lunch spot!
After bringing us complementary cups of their famous mushroom soup and bread we ordered their signature mimosas. (it's 5 o'clock somewhere right?) All of which were incredible! I cannot wait to go back for a bowl on a cool Fall day.

I ordered the croque monsieur and my friend tried their BLTC (bacon, lettuce, tomato and chicken sand-which). Mine came with the most delicious side salad that I think I've ever had and his with fries. I fell in love with croque monsieur's when I was in Paris, and order it every time I see one on the menu, but this surpassed all my expectations! It was utterly amazing, and must be tried by everyone who eats there.

The owners and staff were so friendly and helpful and made the afternoon so enjoyable, after all atmosphere is what makes the meal. It was the perfect  afternoon in Southern California.

"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve" 

-Martina McBride

Surviving the Office

I spend my work week in an office with 10-15 colleges, depending on the day. Working in an office environment definiently has its perks, (a set schedule, air conditioning, and co-workers near by to chat with, just to name a few) but also has its downfalls. For me the largest downfall was learning to adjust to spending 8 hours a day with so many people, and in front of a computer. In doing so, I've found some helpful tips to survive office life and avoid the ruts and pitfalls that so many fall into.

1. Hand Sanitizer is Your Friend

It is crazy how quickly a cold or flu spreads in an office. I fell victim to one of the illnesses that traveled from co-worker to co-worker and after that week I realized how important it is to stay sanitized! I wash my hands every time before I eat, and in between I sanitize after being away from my desk or using common items such as the fax, copier, or envelope sealer. That is my daily routine, but when someone is actually sick in the office I step it up by using sanitizing wipes on all the machines and wiping down my desk daily. So far it's been working for me, I have avoided the last three bouts of illness going around.

2. Literally Pick Yourself Up

Get up! So often I find myself half asleep at that 2-3pm slump and I crash. This is when I wish I liked coffee, sadly though it's not my thing. After sitting and working for so long, you hit a wall. I used to fight this by snacking on chips, cookies, popcorn, or whatever I had. Do not fall into this trap! Get up! When I start hitting that wall now I stand up, stretch, and take a short walk around the office. This wakes up your mind and has the same effect having a snack or soda would (for me anyway). Another perk: you don',t feel guilty for consuming the extra calories at the end of the day. I also try walking on my lunch break near my office, after I don't feel the slump hit me quite as early as if I just sit at lunch or run errands.

3. Make Plans

Having something to look forward to during the week really impacts my outlook at work that day. It could be dinner with friends, trying a new recipe I found, or meeting up with people and working out, any plans help me perk up! Knowing you will be out later helps you stay focused and the day pass quicker. Don't wait for the weekend to have all your fun, space out events throughout the week so you have more to look forward to!

4. Avoid the Drama
The most surprising thing I noticed my first week on the job: an office environment is high school for adults. Spending so much time with one another, with so many personalities, seems to breed gossip. College, my experience at least, was completely different and I was not expecting these high school situations to relapse into my life. My best advice in dealing with this? Stay out of it...as best you can. No matter how tempting it is. This is not to say avoid it entirely. The social scene is vital in an office environment, people help people they like. Just be careful not to invest too full in what others are saying about one another. And always remember: if they talk to you about someone, they are probably talking about you to someone.

5. Set Daily Goals

These goals can be work related or in your personal life. I try to set work goals at the start of each day once I evaluate my work load for that day. When I want to finish things, how much I want to accomplish, and so on. This helps me stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed. I also set goals for accomplishments outside of work. Typically these are small such as walking my dog, cleaning up my room, laundry or knocking out a goal on my "must organize" list. These small attainable goals make me feel accomplished and keep me motivated.

I hope these tips help, let me know some things you rely on to survive your work week!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" 

Colossians 3:23

Carseat Canopy

While visiting my cousin in Idaho with her baby gir,l I realized just how helpful and necessary a canopy over your baby's carseat is. After looking around online at quite a few tutorials and it seemed easy enough so I went for it! The tutorial I used as inspiration is from Sutton Grace which I found on Pinterest, but here is my advice!

Begin with 1 yard each of two kinds of fabric, sew on velcro, and thread to match your pattern. (I used white)

Begin by cutting each yard down to 33x41.5 inches and use the excess to cut four 8x2.5 inch strips, two of each fabric. Set the small strips aside, they will later become the straps to secure the canopy to the carseat. Fold the larger pieces of fabric in half then in half again to align all the corners on top of one another and stack both pieces together so there are a total of eight layers you will cut through. Use a round place as template to round the corners of the pattern.

Line up the fabric pieces with the front of the fabric facing each other and begin pinning them in place along the border. Note: My cutting/measuring was not exact so when I lined up the pieces to pin together I had to trim a few centimeters off of one side to make the pieces match. (I had a similar issue with the straps later!) Now you're ready to sew!

Sew the pieces together, I tried to sew the seam about 1 centimeter from the edge of the fabric, and leave a 4 to 8 inch gap to allow you to turn the fabric right-side-out. I left about 4 inches and it worked perfectly.

Once right-side-out, iron the fabric to make all the edges even and to make sewing easier. Now, back to the sewing machine! Sew a seam around the whole pattern, this time I tried to stay about a 1/2 centimeter from the edge. This will also seal the gap that was originally left. And the hardest part is behind you!

Now move on to the straps. Sew the straps front side together along three of the edges and then turn right-side-out. Iron these as well to press the edges and create a more finished appearance  Now to the velcro, measure the length of your strap and sew the velcro on going along the edge. 

Finally sew the straps to the canopy. The original tutorial recommended 17 inches from the top of the canopy and 12 inches in from each side. I ended up with 11 inches from each side and about 17.5 inches from the top. (Measuring your carseat would give you a better fit for your particular carseat, since I did not have one to measure I estimated and it worked just fine)

And believe it or not, you're done! Mine was far from perfect, as I am not an avid seamstress, but I was so happy with it! It is now on its way to Idaho!

Update: Here are photos of the canopy in action that my cousin sent me when she received it. It looks a little long in the front so don't worry about sewing a wider seem, there will be fabric to spare!

The Perfect Baked Salmon

This Salmon recipe comes from my grandma, it's not the healthiest out there (the more butter the better), but it is by far the best salmon I've ever had, let alone made. And it could not be easier!

Start by pre-heating your oven to 325 degrees F. Cut the Salmon into individual portions, skin can be removed or left on, and place them in a casserole dish. Dollop a total 2 Tablespoons of butter or margarine evenly (4-5 places) on each piece and season with your favorite seafood seasoning, I use Lindberg Snider's Lemon Roast and Seafood Seasoning, and occasionally Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning.

Place casserole dish in oven and cook for 22 minutes. Once you remove it make sure all pieces are cooked though as thickness of the slices may effect cooking time, for very thick pieces cook an additional 1-3 minutes.

This will be melt in your mouth perfection!

Enjoy!

Leave a comment and let me know how yours turned out, or your go to Salmon recipe! 

Idaho! Here We Go....

This past week I was blessed to visit my cousin, Sarah, at her new home in Idaho, along with her sister, Jess, and spend it with both of their 2 month old girls. Going from no babies to two babies in one house, who are only 11 days apart was quite the adjustment, but I loved every minute of it! 
Though catching two babies while they were both having a good moment was rare, we were able to gather them, and the forty pounds of things that come along with them, enough to get out of the house a few times.We visited the Shoshone Falls, the waterfall that gave Twin Falls it's name. 

But we spent the majority of our visit at home holding, cuddling and playing with the reasons we all came together, the two newest additions to our family; Aubrey and Addison. 

Very few things can put life into perspective the way a new baby can, let alone two! There are no words to describe the feelings you have when they wrap their chubby little hands around your finger while they're laughing or fall asleep snuggled in your arms. I am so blessed to have such a close relationship with my cousins, and that I'm able to share this exciting time, and new chapter in both of their lives.

 Our week was filled with long talks, all day marathons of Parenthood, laughing at the crazy situations that came up everyday, baking and consuming a ridiculous amount of cookies, and all the duties that come with babies. I am so grateful to have spent the week with these two beautiful new mommies and cannot wait to see them again this summer!

"From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another."

  John 1:16