Summer Sweataway: Part I

Going somewhere?  We did!

This summer marked our 2nd wedding anniversary.  Pretty crazy for two kids who get carded for going to PG movies without our moms.  Once a quarter we try to get away (or stay away, depending on life and our budget), and obviously our anniversary in the summer is a major getaway qualifier.

As always, we like to keep things active and relaxing at the same time...go figure.  This time, we decided to head to Bend, Oregon, on a super duper killer deal. 

And you can't beat the views on the drive down:

I should know which mountain we stopped at...
my mom will be ashamed of me...

Eating donuts at the rest stop...whoops!

I wanted to be comfy but cute. 
lululemon jacket & Old Navy skirt and flats. 
I did the braids myself.

Coming up...Part II: the Local Vodka Distillery Tour

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue!

In the mood for a lazy summer dessert?  We whipped this up on the 4th of July, and boy was it tasty!

Mediterranean Cruise

What you need:

• Strawberries (or raspberries), blueberries, and blackberries - the American tourists
• Plain Greek yogurt - Greece
• Mascarpone - Rome

What you do:

• Rinse the berries
• Mix two parts yogurt to one part mascarpone
• Bring in the tourists and eat up!

Cheese, Gromit!

Any Wallace and Gromit fans out there?  Everyone knows the moon's made of cheese, but if you aren't the type that can build an orange spaceship in your basement, try your local farmer's market for some equally tasty varieties!

Cheese is pretty much awesome, because it can be a vibrant part of any meal, dress up salads, or form a tasty snack all on its own!  This particular special cheddar found a great gig as a leading player in a healthy and delicious omlette.

I love eggs.  Love, love, love them.  Breakfast is probably my favorite meal...I eat it three times a day and sometimes even again for dinner.  (I swear I'm part hobbit - I eat breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, etc.) 

Back when I wasn't much of a cook, I would joke that I made a mean eggs and toast...which was, in fact, true.  I would load up with ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and serve it all with a buttered english muffin...or a QFC maple bar.

These days I still love my eggs...but I try to make them a little healthier so I can relish the taste and the effect on my body.  Omlettes are a super awesome ninja spy sneaky way to add more vegetables into your diet.  The one below is particularly good for ladies since it packs a walloping iron punch.  The spicy sausage and intense cheese offer a lot of flavor, so you can nix the salt!

I'm not going to provide a recipe for this guy since the photos are pretty self-explanatory.  If you're a desperate rule-follower and you want a recipe...let me know and I'll make one up to soothe your conscience.

Fitness Face-off Friday - KARATE CHOP VERSION

Yes, that's right folks.  Tonight, for the first time in my life, I am going to a karate class.

I have a friend who loves karate...and I love hanging out with her, so we're doing a picnic dinner this evening followed by me joining her at the dojo.

She promised I didn't have to have white pajamas on hand to wear for the class, and that I would have a good time.

My challenge to you this week?  Try something you would never have thought of doing - something way out of your comfort zone!  Extra credit if you have a friend along who can show you the ropes and share the joy.

Stir Fries are Better Than French Fries

I love stir fry for dinner...super easy, tons of flavor, and a great way to sneak in extra veggies.  The trick is to load up on spices and add in a fun twist like fruit...otherwise you'll OD on soy sauce and then bloat up like Aunt Marge in Harry Potter.

Asian Chicken Stir Fry

What you need:

• Chicken breast
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Sugar snap peas
• Lemon juice
• Canola oil
• Soy sauce
• Paprika
• Ginger
• Hot pepper flakes
• Carraway seeds
• Black pepper
• Pineapple

What you do:

• Cut up chicken into bite sized pieces.  Cook till done with canola oil and lemon juice
• Rinse and chop up veggies.  Keep in mind that cabbage will cook down, so don't go light!
• Throw it all in a big pan with more oil and add the spices and soy sauce
• Add in pineapple
• Don't cook it all too long or your veggies will be mushy (and will lose some of their nutritional perks...which frankly is why we eat them, right?)
• Enjoy!

Wineapple

We had leftover wine from the zucchini sandwiches pairing.  There was also a tiny bit of pineapple left in our fridge, along with all the juice.  Added pineapple juice to a glass of the wine, garnished with a slice of fruit, and served along with asparagus and steak.  (And people wonder why we don't eat out much.)

SPF Alert!

Melon, Pina Colada, Kiwiberry, Mojito

The sun has finally found its way back to the Pacific Northwest!  Obviously this means more fun ways to use sunscreen!  These lip glosses are my all time favorite.  Happy Monday Sunday!