The kitchen is my happy place

It's no surprise I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, which is funny because not long ago I wouldn't call myself much of a cook at all. In fact, I'd probably laugh at you if you asked me what I was cooking for dinner. Things sure have changed, though, because these days it seems I am at my happiest when I'm in the kitchen cooking (or baking, of course) up something delicious. Not only do I enjoy cooking and baking, but I get so much joy out of finding a new recipe I love.

It only makes sense that I'd like to pass these recipes on to you! After all, I'm sure most of you can relate to having hundreds of recipes pinned on Pinterest but not knowing which ones to try first. Trust me, I've been there. Maybe this list will save you from aimlessly scrolling through Pinterest trying to decide on a dinner recipe and realizing 3 hours later you totally forgot about dinner...not that this has happened to me before...

Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops

This is one of  those I knew Jonathan would go nuts over. He couldn't stop raving about how much flavor these had!

PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I've tried a few recipes like this before but found they were too complicated for me and by that I mean they required more ingredients than I had the patience for. This recipe is simple, quick and yummy! 

Cucumber Watermelon Salad with Feta & Basil

Let's just say I know what I'm bringing to our next family gathering. This was a big hit in our house!

Turkey Pesto Meatballs

This is a Paleo recipe and the first meatball recipe I've ever attempted. It's super easy and delicious! 

White Chocolate Snickerdoodle Blondies

I always get on a Snickerdoodle baking kick around this time of year, so I couldn't resist when I came across these babies. Jonathan looooves snickerdoodles so these treats were perfect to surprise him with when he came home from work yesterday. 

Last night, we did the Lemon Basil pork chops served with baked asparagus and the Cucumber Watermelon salad and all I could think to myself was how this was such a perfect summer meal. With each of these recipes only calling for a few ingredients, it was easy to pull together and everything tasted delicious! 

What have you been cooking up lately? 

A Few Things

I've been slacking lately with this blog. It's the usual reasons...I have so many ideas but don't do a good job of developing those in time to post. I've also really wanted to write, but haven't been able to get my thoughts out clearly. Either way, here I am today ready to chat.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I"ve been trying to cut out or on not-so-good days, at least cut down on carbs. It's been going well, although I did fall off the wagon on purpose to enjoy our Easter Sunday brunch spread. I may have also snaked on Cadbury Mini Eggs for a few days after that. BUT I've been back on track this week and I feel like I've gained control again. I've even started looking for paleo recipes because I know those are safe and I've found some really great meals I'm excited to try. I even successfully attempted (and succeeded) to make spaghetti squash for the first time this week. I can't believe I've been missing out on this gem for so long because it was delicious. I served it with these Paleo Turkey Pesto Meatballs which were so freaking delicious. I will absolutely be making this meal again soon.

Anyway, Happy Friday!

A Few Words of Wisdom on My Mind

A Few Paleo Recipes I Want to Try

• Ground Chicken Burgers
• Cauliflower Pizza Crust
• Chicken Curry Stir Fry
• Cauliflower Fried Rice

A Few Things on my Mind

• We just booked our room at a Bed & Breakfast in the middle of Historic St. Augustine for my birthday weekend next week and I am literally counting down! Neither one of us has stayed at a B&B before and we could really use a weekend to get away and spend some uninterrupted time together, just the two of us. 
• I'm having the hardest time getting back the motivation to work out. For a while, I wasn't being consistent, but at least I was doing something but lately, I haven't had the motivation for even that much. I know the key to success for me is early morning workouts, but I'm struggling to get those started again.
• The month of April was super busy for us with back-to-back out of town weddings, hosting Easter, family visiting and plenty of other activities keeping us on the go. It was all so wonderful and I try to embrace the chaos of our busy life, but I do have to admit I'm looking forward to May because we don't have near as many things going on this month.
• We started watching Dexter on Netflix last weekend and we are hooked. I'm excited to have a new series to watch together but it's so addicting and we can't just watch one episode. I also recently got into Revenge and while I'm on my own with this show, it's equally addicting. Basically what I'm saying is that Netflix is both terrible and wonderful at the same time.

What's on your mind today?

What's making me oh-so happy lately

The last few weeks have been so wonderful. I feel a sense of peace and calmness I honestly can't put into words. There are a few specific things really adding to the joy lately, though. Things that are making me super duper happy these days:

{one} cooking dinner
I've been on a roll lately with my cooking attempts. I'm happy to say I've successfully made the following recipes in the last few weeks, not to mention the fact that I've also made chicken cordon bleu and chicken Parmesan without using recipes. The best part is, I'm really enjoying it! Who am I?

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie 
Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake
Vidalia Pot Roast
 
(two) waking up with early with Jonathan so we can have breakfast together
This is such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in my day. Jonathan typically leaves for work before I even get up. This means I'm usually rushing to get ready and don't get to spend any quality time with him before our day. We've started getting up together so we can cook and eat breakfast together and it's been so wonderful.

{three} barre fitness classes
Okay, this is a love/hate kinda thing, but I started taking barre classes once a week at the beginning of September and I'm actually liking it. If you haven't heard of barre before, it's an exercise method using the ballet bar. It's basically a combination of ballet, yoga, pilates and is based on small movements meant to lengthen and tone your body. If you're interested in learning more, I'd read up on it here. While you don't have to have been a dancer to take these classes, I'm sure it's a lot easier. I'm not very flexible, so while the workouts are really challenging for me, they are still super beneficial. I don't know, something about doing squats on your tip toes until your legs start to shake really does something for your behind. Anyway, it's a love/hate relationship...hate mostly because it's pretty expensive and I get really frustrated in class when I can't touch my toes as easily as everyone else seems to. Love, because it's something different compared to my typical gym visit and I can see the benefits after only taking a few classes.

{four} getting RSVP cards in the mail
We mailed our wedding invitations just a week ago and the RSVP cards have already started coming in. It's exciting because it means we are getting so close to the big day. I've been loving going through the mail every night which is nice because mail is usually not the most exciting thing as an adult. 

{five} counting down to Thanksgiving weekend
First of all, Thanksgiving is absolutely my favorite holiday. What could possibly make it better? One, the fact that my older sister, my niece and my nephew will be here for Thanksgiving this year. My sister hasn't been home for Thanksgiving in 7 years so I cannot wait to celebrate with them. Two, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend is also my bridal shower and bachelorette party. I'm so excited to celebrate with the ladies I love. I honestly just can't wait to this weekend to get here!

What's making you happy lately?

Oh, How Pinteresting

If you're anything like me, before Pinterest, you never knew there were so many uses for vinegar or that you can do so many different things with wine corks. You know the feeling of a good Pinterest find. Whether it's a new recipe, a hair tutorial or steps to tone your arms in 7 days, you get super psyched when you find it tell yourself, "I can't wait to try to this."

You keep pinning and pinning and eventually you realize you hardly ever follow through. Can anyone relate to this?

I sure can.

Since I started using Pinterest, I'd say the only pins I ever go back to try have been the dessert recipes. I bake a lot and really enjoy it, so I've been pretty good about going to my Pinterest board when I have an occasion to bake for or need a last minute recipe.

All of those dinner recipes, arm workouts, hair tutorials and other "good ideas" never get their time to shine. Don't get me wrong...I continue to pin this stuff, but that's about as far as it goes.

Over the last few weeks, I've tried to get better about actually putting some of the great ideas I pin into practice. I mean, honestly, just because I pin, "how to clean your glass cooktop with baking soda" doesn't mean my cooktop is going to clean itself. Even though I'm really bad at taking photos of my Pinterest projects (I'm going to try and get better about this), I thought I'd share some of my recent Pinterest projects/ideas and let you know how they worked.

• When I'm stressed or not feeling myself, cleaning is one of my go-to activities. It distracts me, makes me feel like I'm in control of things and relaxes me somehow. Earlier this week, while cleaning the kitchen, I remembered pinning "How to clean your hard water stains off your fridge water dispenser tray." I always try to clean this and nothing has ever worked. I made a quick trip to the grocery store for white vinegar and 20 minutes later I was easily scrubbing the stains off. Of course, I didn't take a before or after picture, but this worked like a charm!
• I'm desperately trying to pay off all the medical debt I've accumulated over the last few years. Kidney stones and hospital stays are not cheap, let me tell ya. Sometimes I feel like I am never going to climb out of this hole, but to help me feel like I have some control over this, I went ahead and made a bill binder to keep myself organized. I've seen so many different versions of this on Pinterest, so I kind of made my own to work for my needs, but this is the pin that I used to get a basic idea.



 

• Since I've been trying to cook more lately, I've finally started trying some of the dozens of recipes I have pinned. Here are a few I've tried...they were all super easy and turned out great!

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

zucchini bake

Bruschetta Chicken

Now that I'm finally cooking dinner on a regular basis, I'm so thankful for my Pinterest recipe board and I must say that Jonathan is loving it, too.

 

I'm on a roll lately, that's for sure. Who knows...maybe one day I'll be able to successfully follow one of the many hair tutorials I've pinned!

 

Linking up today for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday :)

 

 



So, how did that whole “2011 Wish List” turn out?

There is SO much I want to catch you up on! I haven’t taken the time to post about any of this stuff, but I still want to tell you about my Christmas, gush about how my happy relationship, brag about the great sex I've been having and announce that the procedure I had just before Christmas successfully got rid of my kidney stones. Things are good…between enjoying the last few weeks and recovering from surgery, I haven’t taken the time to write. I will. But for now…I must reflect on 2011 for a minute.

You might remember I posted my Wish List for 2011 around this time last year. It only makes sense to check in on those wishes.

The List

Fall in love

This is happening. I dated a ton this year and despite the ups and downs, the heartbreak, the frustration, the sometimes irresponsible or bad decisions, I enjoyed the process as always. Then I went on a date in October and met a great guy.

Get back in shape and stay that way

I fell off the wagon a few times, but overall, I think I accomplished this one. Do I always think I should be eating better and working out more? Of course, but as long as I stay pretty consistent, I’m happy with this one.

Take more weekend trips

I’m so happy to say I definitely accomplished this! The proof is in the photos!

March - Jacksonville, FL for my cousin's bachelorette party

March - Tampa, FL for the Zac Brown Band/Kenny Chesney concert

April - Buffalo, NY to visit my sister, niece and nephew

May - St. Pete, FL with the girls

May - Stillwater, MN with the family for my cousin's wedding

July - Anaheim, CA for work but was also super fun!

September - Traverse City, MI to visit my cousin

November - Savannah, GA with the girls

Find a new job that makes me happy

Success! The best part is that I didn’t even have to leave the company I worked for. In March, I was lucky enough to get a huge promotion and be part of a huge shift in our company structure and work environment. Very exciting!

Volunteer 

I dropped the ball on this one. I have so much respect for people who make the time to do this on a regular basis.

Cook more (or attempt to anyway)

Haha…nope. Despite buying a Crock Pot at the beginning of the year and constantly pinning recipes on Pinterest, I did NOT cook more this year. What is it going to take to get me going on this one?

Go camping (I’ve been wanting to go for years!)

I never went camping. Booo.

Stay out of the hospital. This means no kidney stones or rare throat infections. Just be healthy.

Well, if you follow my blog at all, you know this didn’t come true. Unfortunately, being prone to kidney stones means getting rid of them once doesn’t mean they won’t come back. Between that and breaking my finger in kickball (I know…) I can’t say that I stayed out of the hospital/doctor office as much as I wanted to. Luckily this last kidney stone procedure was successful and as long as no new ones develop, 2012 should be much better in that regard!

Overall, I’d say I was pretty successful where it counts. I’ve learned that health issues and tragedies are part of life. You can do all the right things and bad things might still happen, you just have to roll with it and not let it define you.

I’ll be ringing in 2012 with the man in my life. We are getting dressed up and going to a party his boss is throwing. 2011 is ending on a joyful note and I know 2012 will be fabulous in ways I can’t even imagine.

Do I have a wish list for 2012? I don’t. I don’t even have a resolution. Of course there are things I’d like to improve on like saving money, eating better and reading more, but I don’t really have any specific resolutions.

And since I am blogging at the very last minute, I need to start getting ready! What are your NYE plans? Any resolutions?

I hope you all have a happy and safe New Year!

"Wish" Updates

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that this year is just flying by! I mean, is it just me or does time seem to go faster and faster as we get older? Sometimes, I just want to hit the pause button!

Anyway, you all might remember my 2011 Wish List I shared with you back in January. It’s been a while since I’ve checked in on some of my “wishes.” I’d like to remind you that even though most of these are completely in my control, I don’t like to refer to them as resolutions. “Wish” makes it sound so much more magical!

So here we go…

Fall in Love.

I am not in love. Am I close to being in love? I don’t know. I have actually never been more confused about love in my life, but I am learning and I’m more certain than ever that when it happens, it will be amazing.

Get back in shape and stay that way.

I was doing so well with this one until about March/April! Ironically, or not so ironically that is also when I was able to start drinking again. Following that was May, which was full of birthdays, celebrations and vacations, which was followed by that bitch of a kidney stone, Stella cramping my style for a few weeks. Don’t worry, I am well aware of how pathetic those excuses are. The good news is, I am back at it and I’m even starting to run again. I feel better already!

Take more weekend trips.

Success! Between my weekend trip to Jacksonville in March, my girls beach trip in May and my beautiful cousin’s wedding in Minnesota….I’ve had no problems keeping up with this one! Hoping to plan a trip to Savannah with the girls in the fall and who knows what else!

Find a new job that makes me happy.

Success! The best part about this one is that I didn’t even have to leave the company I worked for. I blogged about my promotion here and I’m so happy at my job now. Amazing!

Volunteer.

To quote what I said in February when I last checked in on my wishes: “Absolutely no progress whatsoever. I need to get on this as soon as possible and at least set some goals to get me started.” I am a joke.

Cook more.

You may remember when I was bragging about how well I was doing with this one back in February. I even dedicated a post about the new crock pot I bought. I don’t even know where that thing is and can’t remember the last time I used my oven for anything other than baking. 

Go camping.

Everyone thinks I am joking, but I really want to go camping! Take me seriously, people!

Stay out of the hospital. This means no kidney stones or rare throat infections. Just be healthy.

You all know where this one stands. I did end up in the hospital but only for a couple of hours to get rid of Stella. I have had some health issues, all kidney stone related, but as of right now, it looks like that is a thing of the past!

So I haven’t made a ton of progress, but I have where it matters. Getting my promotion has been so huge for me this year and I still have a few months to get on the ball with the cooking thing because seriously, why is it so hard for me to get into it? If I could take my obsession with baking and direct that toward cooking actual food, it would be amazing and probably healthier!

If you have any tips or recipes for easing into cooking (other than locating my crock pot) I would love to hear them!

How are you all doing on your resolutions, goals, wishes…whatever you want to call them?