My Best Week Ever

So if you read my last post you know that I don't celebrate my Birthday but my Birthweek :). If you don't already do this its a must next time around! I have to say this has been the most amazing week I think I have ever had. Let me fill you in on some the festivities that started on Wednesday morning with my sweet sweet friend HEABS. First we hit up a free boot camp class at Lululemon. Here's us posing with the instructor...
Next we hit up Whole Foods where we had a run in with Keithey Poo (aka Keith Urban)...

Doesn't he look thrilled?

Then we sat down flustered with shaking and tried to eat our Hugh Jass (aka Huge Ass)....
we also tried to talk but still stunned from our run in we kept forgetting what we were saying :). After lunch Heather gave me the most awesomest massage ever!! Seriously Heabs, you are the best!! Amazing!! I love you!!

Then I went off to shop all greased up from my massage. I was every shops worst nightmare and thought for sure I would slid right in to that size 4!! haha Who was I kidding :).

On my actual Birthday (Thursday) I had another lunch date with a dear friend I met through blogging (seriously what would I do without you ladies?). Darling Kim had me over for a home cooked lunch and a play date with our kiddos. She cooked an amazing lunch for me! Here is just some of the yumminess...

(Roasted cauliflower and brussel sprouts, grilled chicken, butternut squash fries, salad)

My personal favorite part, lemon cake...

(we got excited and cut into it before Happy Birthday)

My slice...
When I got home from a fab lunch with Kim (thank you Kim!!) the man was already at home slaving away on dinner and dessert for me. He made grilled lamb chops with peaches and roasted veggies for dinner...
Dessert was a cookie topped brownie...
Honey thanks so much! I love you :)

My BFF Jenny also stopped by and brought me a homemade brownies...
Love her!

Then Gary Allan's daughter personally delivered our tickets to her fathers concert :) (she is my nieces best friend). This my favorite Gary Allan song and this one. You might have heard this one.

So we headed out for the concert. Making a stop at the world famous Tootsie's for a drink first...

(Being goofy)

Then we walked to the Ryman for the concert. Its a beautiful intimate venue...

Gary on stage..
Gary singing with Jack Ingram...
Jack sitting by us...
After the show with Gary Allan in his tour bus...
My niece and I after the show...
OK I will stop smothering you with pics now and all the good times I have had so far this week. But the week is not over and tonight is my BIG and final Birthday bash in down town Nashville. Check back for more Birthday fun :)!!!!!

P.S. Don't forget about my generous Progresso giveaway. You have until Thursday.

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: I don't care what anyone says but having GOOD friends really makes life better. I have always had "friends" but in the last year or so I feel like I have made real friends. Friends who reciprocate the friendship. All thanks to my blog :) I am forever grateful for all of you!! Life is not complete without good friends!

Catching Up & A Contest

Hey guys! I have been pretty busy since my last post. Last week was my mom's birthday which meant I got to bake up a storm :). She requested red velvet cake and red velvet cake she got....

Thick ass frosting

My beautiful mother

I used this recipe and I also used a similar one as found on the page for the frosting except I used 1 and 1/2 sticks butter and 3 bricks of cream cheese. The frosting was the best part :0 :).

I also got cook up a storm with the little one. I present you with a cheeseburger, french fries, and tatar tots...

....

....
Come on.....you didn't think I was serious did you?? hehe

I have also been LOVING the Make Up For Ever HD Primer I got and talked about in my last post. I love how it smooths out my skin and I swear my makeup doesn't budge all day....
This week is my birthweek (yes, I am milking it) and I am so excited for the events to come that I have barley slept all week. The next few days (including today) are going to be very eventful! Today is going to be a busy day with a dear friend (pretty sure you all know her :)), tomorrow is MY BIRTHDAY and it is also going to be filled with fun. I have lunch with another great friend I met through blogging (Love you all seriously!!) and then my husband and I have backstage tickets to the Gary Allen concert. Also, Saturday night I have having a birthday bash in downtown Nashville.

Enough about me on to the contest for you lovelies. A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely Jessica from Progresso and she gave me an offer I couldn't refuse :). I received this amazing package in the mail....
which includes a sample of Progresso panko, a carton of Progresso broth, a measuring cup, slotted spoon, soup ladle, a sheet pan for baking and a recipe booklet. Then she let me know "I also have an additional package that you can offer to giveaway to a reader on your blog."

So my fellow bloggies (readers and writers) the game is on and here is how you can enter to win. Just pick one of the following 4 or do all for extra entries....

1. Follow me on Twitter and then leave a comment below with a link showing me you have done so
2. If you have a blog link back to this contest and then leave a comment and link below letting me know you have done so.
3. Tweet or Facebook about the contest and then leave a link letting me know you have done so
   
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and follow my blog and then leave me a comment letting me know you have done so

That's it, easy peasy. Pick one or all four. Contest will be open for a week so you have till next Wed. night at midnight to enter.

Good luck. I am off to celebrate the rest of my birthweek :)

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: When I was younger I used to save food that was in odd shapes. I remember saving a giant Ruffles potato chip that looked like a heart. I stuck it under the couch for safe keeping. I wonder what ever became of that chip???

P.S. Check out this fab giveaway from one of my favorite lady's ....http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/?p=4235

Random Ramblings

So yesterday I finally made it to Sephora to use the gift card I have had since last Christmas. Anyone else hold on to gift cards 4ever? I always get excited to dig into my shiny bag...
I am not really a fancy makeup person, more of a Wal-Mart makeup person but everyone needs a splurge once in a while right?
I picked up some Make Up For Ever Primer in #6 yellow (not sure if that was the right choice but the lady wasn't very helpful). Anyone ever used this stuff? Is it worth $32 bucks? I also snagged some NARS Bronzer in Casino, and I got a free gift since my B-day is next Thurs. :) I loved the sleek compact the bronzer came in...
In other news I have been enjoying a plethora of coconut oil roasted veggies. YOU MUST ROAST YOUR VEGGIES IN COCONUT OIL!!! Its amazing! I enjoyed them bathed in some of my leftover CURRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP...
If you haven't seen it yet check out Mama's version of the soup. It looked fab.

I hit Trader Joe's about a week ago and picked me up some new goodies, all of which I really enjoyed and I think you need to check out if you haven't already. First up is the new Trader Joe's Smooth and Creamy Hummus....
This is definitely my new favorite hummus. Not to mention it only has 40 cals in 2 tbsp!!! As you can see I finished off both containers :).

Next up is this fab tea I found...
Add a little stevia and this tea, so so so good!! The stevia really brings out the Blueberry and Pomegranate flavors.

Bare with me just a few more random things from my random box. I received this great package the other day...
It couldn't have come at a better time with all this holiday baking just around the corner. I cant wait to give it a whirl and look at this fab cookbook they sent along...
I love cookbooks with lots of pics. Seriously whats a cookbook with out them?
On to today's chocolafied breakfast...

GF Hot Cereal In A Jar
Look At That Chocolaty Goodness
And Dark Chocolate Homemade Greek Yogurt

No, I don't love chocolate. Not at all.....

Finally, my random amateur pic of the little one...

Selective Colorization Using Gimp

I am rather proud of the pic but I wish I could figure out how to remove the power lines, hehe.

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: My husband and I got married in the court house. No wedding necessary and I am so glad we did it that way. No money wasted. Plus we had a huge party about 6 months later with family and friend to celebrate. It was perfect :).

Crazy With Curry

As promised I will reveal my curry recipes that I talked about in my last post but first some pics of Halloween at my house.....

My Little Kitty

Little One and Her Buds

Candy Corn Cookies I made

Sweet Little Ghost
Yes, there were costume changes.

Now for some perfect fall recipes. First up is this delish Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup that literally took minutes to throw together...
I just took a pre-baked butternut squash outta my fridge, sauteed one apple with 1 small chopped onion and when nice and soft added 1 1/2 tsp curry powder and 1 tsp cinnamon. Then I heated the squash in the microwave and added the squash and apple curry mixture in the blender with 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water, then just blend away. You can start with less liquid if like and of course you can use all water. Then just added water and blend until you get it to your desired consistency. Super simple!!

Next was a recipe from Clean Eating Magazine and I just loved it! Such great flavors that you would never expect to put together.

FRUITY CURRIED CHICKEN
Serves 3

• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 apple and 1 pear, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 jalapeno, chopped (I omitted)
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
• 1/8 raw cashews
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• fresh parsley (optional)

Spritz a large pot with cooking spray and heat over med-high heat. Add fruit (except cranberries), onion, jalapeno, ginger, cashews curry, cumin and salt. Cook until soft, about 5 min. Add broth and cranberries and mix. Add chicken and spoon some over mixture over top. Cover pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer about 15 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Turn chicken once halfway through cooking. Garnish with parsley.
226 cals per serving

So freaking simple and so tasty! A must make for sure. My little one even loved it :).

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: I totally used the Treat Fairy idea for the little ones Halloween candy. THANK YOU MRS. PEAS!!!!


P.S. Check out these Progresso websites for some great savings on Progresso Panko Breadcrumbs and broths, here and here. Perfect for your holiday recipes and or everyday cooking :)

Eating Good and Doing Good

The past week I have been back on the cooking ball. I had a little cooking lapse, that is why my posts have been kinda scarce but I am back in full force :). The past weekend I made brownies for a football party where we had a great time with family. Were the brownies were great? YES. Healthy? NO!! I got the recipe from this lovely doll that I have been stalking for some holiday recipes. The only change I made was doubling the amount of crushed Oreo's. They were the hit of the bash...

Out of the oven

Chilled over night and cut up at the party

There was another hit at the party but it wasn't food. It was this sweet pup...

On the dinner front, I finally broke out my Clean Eating Mags and decided to make something new for dinner. I present you with..

STUFFED CHICKEN with Veggies & Lemon-Basil Pasta
Serves:4

• Olive Oil cooking spray
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup loosely packed spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced and divided
• 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded, cored and diced, divided
• 2 tbsp ww bread crumbs
• 1/2 pkg ww spaghetti
  
• 4 4-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
• 4 tbsp fresh basil, finely minced
• 1 tbsp evoo
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 tbsp parm cheese (optional)
• Toothpick ( I didn't use them)
  

Instructions:

1. Heat large skillet over med-high heat. Mist w/ cooking spray and add onion, spinach, 1 clove garlic and 1 tomato. Saute for 5 min. or until just cooked. Remove from heat and mix in breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Bring large pot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti.

3. To stuff chicken, place 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp of mixture in the middle of each piece and fold chicken over securing with toothpicks.

4. Heat large skillet over med-high heat. Mist with cooking spray. Place stuffed chicken in pan and cook until golden brown (about 3 to 4 min. each side).

5. Drain pasta when done cooking, then put back in pot tossing with lemon juice, zest, basil, oil, and 2 remaining garlic cloves.

6. Serve and garnish with parm cheese.

Close Up

The next day for the little one I added some Trader Joe's Sun Dried Tomato sausage and mozzarella cheese to the leftover noodles for lunch....

She loved it :)

Over these past few days I also managed to go crazy with curry and I whipped up some Curried Butternut Squash Soup and a Fruity Curried Chicken. Recipes in the next post :)

I will now leave you with a breakfast that speaks for itself....

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: I am just now learning to do things for people and not expect things in return. Not that I ever or always did good and expected something but I am just now starting to grasp and understand the concept :)

QUESTION: Anyone one have any experience working with the GIMP program?

Apples and Beef

...exciting title isn't it? I am sure all the vegetarians and vegans just clicked away. hehe (LOVE YOU GUYS :)!!!!

Hello all of you beautiful, happy people!!! Happy Saturday :).

Thank you all so much for your suggestions on apple desserts and head zits. hehe I did decide on a dessert after much deliberation. After blogging I saw an updated post from Healthy. Happy. Life. It was an interview with Karina Allrich of Karina's Kitchen website is the "Gluten-Free Goddess". I searched her blog, key word "apple" and was intrigued to find this recipe. Of course I had to make some alterations to make it fit my pantry, I used all apples, orange juice, regular sugar and honey, and ww pancake mix, and added raisins to the filling and walnuts to the crust but it turned out fab!! Thanks so much for the amazing recipe Karina!!

Fresh out the oven

Bubbling hot

The man said, and I quote "This is good, this is really good. This is the best dessert you have made in a long time." I didn't know whether to take offense or be happy. :) hehe Heres his yummy bowl...

I have been cooking a lot of random stuff lately not really going with a recipe but just by what sounds good to me. I made burgers the other night for the fam and put some of the meat aside for me because I was craving lettuce wraps. My concoction hit the spot!

CASHEW BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

• 6 oz Laura's Lean ground beef
• 1/3 of a onion chopped
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 grated carrot
• few shakes of garlic powder
• salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. cashew butter
• 1 tsp. coconut oil
• few dashes of low sodium soy sauce
  

Add coconut oil to hot skillet and melt. Add beef stirring and breaking up until just browned. Drain. Add onions carrot and ginger and saute about 3-4 min. Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, s&p, soy sauce, and then cashew butter. Stir until well mixed.

Serve in your favorite lettuce.

I served mine in romaine boats and added a little more soy sauce to finish it off...

Absolutely Delish!!

In another quick snip it of news my little one won her 6 and under softball tournament and I was super proud of her and her teammates...

Ready for action

Showing of her championship metal

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend. Anybody watching the UT vs. Alabama game this weekend?


CONFESSION OF THE DAY: I have been having an internal struggle with exercise lately and whether or not I am doing to much. How do you know when enough exercise is enough or if you are doing to much? How many times a week do you all feel is adequate?

Looking froward to hearing your thoughts :)

I'll Drink To That!

*Disclaimer* I apologize in advance for the excessive amount of pics but I got a new camera (me clapping hands and jumping up and down for joy). No, its not an slr but its not to late to take it back. I am just giving it a test drive :)

So I have been meaning to do the rest of my review for the wonderful products I won in Averie's Zevia giveaway like ages ago and I am finally here to do it. You can find some of my review here and more here.

These are two more flavors...
Well, I cant lie......I loved them both. Honestly! I will start with the Black Cherry. The first thing I loved about the Black Cherry was that it was clear. I am such a freak about my teeth and drank everything through a straw and it was a nice surprise to see that this was clear. The second thing was that it did taste just like black cherry soda expect it didn't have that super sweet sugary taste that makes me gag if I drink real soda. Third, it tastes good with Bacardi :), don't judge!

As a kid I always loved Root Beer and while this was good it just wasn't the same but it is definitely great if you are trying to deter a craving for the real thing. Zevia, are you listening to me we need a Cream Soda flavor!!

Unfortunately my hubby ever so rudely drank the Cola flavor while I was not home. I am not going to tell you what he said because I feel his palate varies greatly from most of ours :). hehehehe

I am going to have to say my fav was the Orange.

On to some more beverages of my choice. If you know me you know I love me some kombucha. GT's Kombucha to be exact :). A while back the Millennium company ever so kindly sent me a butt load of of coupons so I could try out several of their flavors. Well, that's exactly what I did. Check it...
I really love the bottles and don't want to throw them away. They are so pretty! Twist your head to the right for this one....
OK, so I am going to spare you every last detail of the flavors. Basically there are a lot of fruit flavors that pretty much all taste the same to me...

and then there are these babies....
...my favorite flavors so far by a mile!! The one on the left tastes like a yummy tea and well the one on the right tastes just like its name, DIVINE!!

Now, I will leave you with my latest obsession (you must try this if you like ketchup), roasted veggies (yes, that's kabocha in there) smothered in ketchup...
More of that red goodness was added after the pic

CONFESSION OF THE DAY: I get zits on my head. Not my face (well, that too) but my actual head. Like, in my hair!! Gross I know. Anyone else have this problem? Or is it just weirdo me? I think its from sweating a lot while my hair is in a pony tail. Ugh, they hurt!!!

P.S. I have some apples that desperately need to be used. Anybody got a good dessert recipe using apples for me??? Looking for something semi healthy :)