Last night was undoubtable the worst night sleep I have had in probably years. I couldn't sleep ---- for some reason I just couldn't sleep. I've been getting up more in the middle of the night the past week than I can ever remember.........and last night was the worst.......but why?
The first things that come to mind are: coffee, sick, napping during the day, stressed, and the list goes on, but not any of those are the reason. The most likely one would be stress, but I am getting lots of exercise so that is releasing a lot of my stress......hmmmmmm
As I tossed and turned last night I remember praying........God this is You and I know it. What are you calling of me at this hour? What are you speaking to me that I'm not hearing during my waking hours? I can't answer these questions, but I know God had me right where He wanted me.........praying for answers, praying for guidance, praying for His input!
If you have been following the past few blogs, you know I'm coming up against some career altering decisions with lots of questions. Questions I know God is leading me to ask. At this point, I'm awake at night, praying for guidance and praying for answers.
That being said, I'm in no rush - for the first time in my life I don't want the perfect ending to be here right now, I think I need the journey and I'm looking forward to it! So God, thank You for the sleepless night and for this unsettling feeling inside that encourages me to look up!
Unexpected days!
That's right....we've all had them and they come at the most inopportune times when all else is falling apart and they usually culminate with crying, yelling, prayers, and feelings of hopelessness. Other characteristics of these days are the reaction we have looking back at them and how too often we remember overreacting and laughing at how the day worked itself out. Often we hear ourselves saying "if only I had known, I wouldn't have said _______ (whatever that was that we undoubtable regret). Yep....we've all had them.......our recent episode was not one day but 2!
Day 1:
We wake up early say 7am to go on a run at a trail near our apartment complex. This is something we do quite often when the days are nice. It started like every other morning with birds singing and the sun beaming in with a brisk, but delightful breeze. We get in the car (which has been acting a bit funny the last week) and as it grumbles at the start we turn and say once again to each other "we really do need to get this looked at." CLUE #1
The run began....brisk....but like most others ---- both of us getting in the runners groove. Adam began to push the pace.....it is normally me that does that....but today he thought he would be bold. I must preface this by saying that I (Kristin) run all year round so by the spring my endurance is good and Adam doesn't like to run all year, really only from mid-spring to mid-fall and not a moment later! That being said, the fact that he was pushing the pace was unusual CLUE #2. We continued and then his lack of endurance hit him....the pace slowed and by the time we hit our turn-around point we were both feeling a bit uneasy......that's when it happened!
There is a chain at our turn-around point that we always jump over....yep....you guessed it......we didn't make it over the chain.....not even a little! With one unison jump we caught our feet and both of us plowed the gravel. As we lay there wondering what the heck just happened I felt the undeniable urge to laugh as I replay the event in my mind with the coupling urge to weep as I felt my left leg begin to swell and throb! Not a feeling you want to feel half-way through a long run!
So we dusted ourselves off and began to head back.........about half-way back Adam gives a big exhale and frantically grabs at his shorts pocket....yep....the car key....where is it? Yep....that's right...likely at the turn-around point of the major blow-out!
So back we go, exhausted already and knowing we needed to have a fast run because Adam had to get to work! So after a VERY long run back to the blow-out point we head back for the now last 1/2 of the run......o boy! After about 2 minutes our bodies, exhausted, bruised, and frustrated stop! The rest of the run was now a walk and one full of admittance that our high hopes for a good run have now been shot down and ended in a very bad feeling run.
So after deciding that God intended us to walk in his creation instead of run we finally made it back to the car to find that she won't run. She won't even start. A lot of good the car key did....she won't even run!
After many attempts, a look under the hood (like we know what we are looking for), a few tears, a few angry words at the car and the day...we head up the HUGE hill, across the highway, through the neighborhood and finally arrive back at the house where we had YES.....left our phones!
So...we call AAA and Adam calls work to let them know he will be....a little late! We call a local autoshop and Adam takes a VERY fast shower, gets dressed for work, heads back through the neighborhood....forgets the car keys again and has to come back and get them.....heads back through the neighborhood (Take 2), across the highways, down the huge hill, and back through the park to get to the car.
Turns out the battery was dead along with quite a few other things......$600+ later and she runs like a dream!
Day 2:
This is the day we look back and.....while still being in pain and bruised from the blow-out, we recall the day before with that...."how did we ever make it through that day with our minds still intact?" The answer is.....we have no idea.....truly it must have been a God thing that we didn't pull our own hair out in the process of the day.
Today ended this 2 day saga perfectly. Pappa Veteto was able to come to Columbia for the evening and we spent the night fellowshipping, walking downtown Columbia, and enjoyed a wonderful meal at a local joint called Addisons! It was the perfect ending to a very long, sore, roller coaster of emotions 2 day journey!
In the end...it all works out just as most unexpected days do!
Day 1:
We wake up early say 7am to go on a run at a trail near our apartment complex. This is something we do quite often when the days are nice. It started like every other morning with birds singing and the sun beaming in with a brisk, but delightful breeze. We get in the car (which has been acting a bit funny the last week) and as it grumbles at the start we turn and say once again to each other "we really do need to get this looked at." CLUE #1
The run began....brisk....but like most others ---- both of us getting in the runners groove. Adam began to push the pace.....it is normally me that does that....but today he thought he would be bold. I must preface this by saying that I (Kristin) run all year round so by the spring my endurance is good and Adam doesn't like to run all year, really only from mid-spring to mid-fall and not a moment later! That being said, the fact that he was pushing the pace was unusual CLUE #2. We continued and then his lack of endurance hit him....the pace slowed and by the time we hit our turn-around point we were both feeling a bit uneasy......that's when it happened!
There is a chain at our turn-around point that we always jump over....yep....you guessed it......we didn't make it over the chain.....not even a little! With one unison jump we caught our feet and both of us plowed the gravel. As we lay there wondering what the heck just happened I felt the undeniable urge to laugh as I replay the event in my mind with the coupling urge to weep as I felt my left leg begin to swell and throb! Not a feeling you want to feel half-way through a long run!
So we dusted ourselves off and began to head back.........about half-way back Adam gives a big exhale and frantically grabs at his shorts pocket....yep....the car key....where is it? Yep....that's right...likely at the turn-around point of the major blow-out!
So back we go, exhausted already and knowing we needed to have a fast run because Adam had to get to work! So after a VERY long run back to the blow-out point we head back for the now last 1/2 of the run......o boy! After about 2 minutes our bodies, exhausted, bruised, and frustrated stop! The rest of the run was now a walk and one full of admittance that our high hopes for a good run have now been shot down and ended in a very bad feeling run.
So after deciding that God intended us to walk in his creation instead of run we finally made it back to the car to find that she won't run. She won't even start. A lot of good the car key did....she won't even run!
After many attempts, a look under the hood (like we know what we are looking for), a few tears, a few angry words at the car and the day...we head up the HUGE hill, across the highway, through the neighborhood and finally arrive back at the house where we had YES.....left our phones!
So...we call AAA and Adam calls work to let them know he will be....a little late! We call a local autoshop and Adam takes a VERY fast shower, gets dressed for work, heads back through the neighborhood....forgets the car keys again and has to come back and get them.....heads back through the neighborhood (Take 2), across the highways, down the huge hill, and back through the park to get to the car.
Turns out the battery was dead along with quite a few other things......$600+ later and she runs like a dream!
Day 2:
This is the day we look back and.....while still being in pain and bruised from the blow-out, we recall the day before with that...."how did we ever make it through that day with our minds still intact?" The answer is.....we have no idea.....truly it must have been a God thing that we didn't pull our own hair out in the process of the day.
Today ended this 2 day saga perfectly. Pappa Veteto was able to come to Columbia for the evening and we spent the night fellowshipping, walking downtown Columbia, and enjoyed a wonderful meal at a local joint called Addisons! It was the perfect ending to a very long, sore, roller coaster of emotions 2 day journey!
In the end...it all works out just as most unexpected days do!
To blog or not to blog.....
That is the question I have for you!
Through a series of heart-to-hearts with myself over the past few weeks I have found that I am desiring more from my life and I feel God is calling me to do more. For the past few years, since beginning the work on my professional website and blog, I have found that I not only LOVE website design, I am a blog-aholic! I can't even begin to count the number of blogs that I read and are familiar with. I came across an iPad app called Feedler Pro that allows me to read all my blogs that I subscribe through Google Reader all in one place! I can't get enough of this form of social media and social sharing.
I find myself getting excited with the mere thought of doing something new to my website and find myself spending hours a day dreaming of what I could do with it. This overwhelming feeling of happiness with this form of communication seems to be more to me than I had first thought.
I've been struggling with what I call - living 2 lives - music therapist by day and wanna-be expert blogger by night.
After finding the Julie/Julia project movie in the bargin bin and waiting all week to see the 1 (30 minute) episode of The Pioneer Woman (blogger turned Food Network Star) -------- my heart is asking me to stop making this a hidden desire and come right out with the statement!
I LOVE BLOGGING!!!! I love everything there has to do with blogging! I get lost for hours and sometimes days editing and thinking of things to blog.
So! I decided....what if I really did put the effort into making this blogging fetish less of a secret desire and more of a product. There are millions of ways to professionally blog and I've been doing my reading!
Pros:
- possibility of making a little extra cash or a lot of extra cash
- getting to add all the things I love (homemaking, music, cooking, baking, exercising, crafts,
photography, etc.....believe me the list goes on and on) together in 1 place!
- inexpensive to start-up
- share all the things I love with family, friends, and other bloggers around the world
- business that can be done anywhere I have a computer, phone, or iPad
- possibility of this actually becoming a way of life and part of our income
- working on my bucket list (becoming a proficient web designer and blogger)
- encourage me to think out of the box and reach a different audience with my passions
- *The possibility that this might actually be a place God wants me to share His word!*
The last pro is where I find myself smiling the most! I have felt for years that God is calling me to use all the things I do and do something unique with them. My character pulls me in so many directions, so many things I want to do and maybe...just maybe this is where He has been calling me the whole time. I'm not one to witness out loud and upfront - unless it is behind my guitar that is ----> I think we are all called to witness to His love in different ways and I'm coming to an understanding that this just might be where He desires me to witness!
Cons:
- lots of work to develop the website (especially if you know me and my perfectionism in design)
- the possibility that I am a horrible blogger and have nothing to say
- it might be lots of time and little product
- takes time away from my thesis - that being said it might also help keep myself accountable if I have
to blog about it.
- no one wants to read what I have to say
So the question I have been praying about in my heart for months, maybe years is: "What is God calling me to do?" ------This is where that prayer has led me!
My question for you is: "Do I take on this challenge of creating a blog to 1) witness 2) share resources 3) fulfill my secret passions for blogging and 4) be financially productive?"
To blog or not to blog......that is the question!
Through a series of heart-to-hearts with myself over the past few weeks I have found that I am desiring more from my life and I feel God is calling me to do more. For the past few years, since beginning the work on my professional website and blog, I have found that I not only LOVE website design, I am a blog-aholic! I can't even begin to count the number of blogs that I read and are familiar with. I came across an iPad app called Feedler Pro that allows me to read all my blogs that I subscribe through Google Reader all in one place! I can't get enough of this form of social media and social sharing.
I find myself getting excited with the mere thought of doing something new to my website and find myself spending hours a day dreaming of what I could do with it. This overwhelming feeling of happiness with this form of communication seems to be more to me than I had first thought.
I've been struggling with what I call - living 2 lives - music therapist by day and wanna-be expert blogger by night.
After finding the Julie/Julia project movie in the bargin bin and waiting all week to see the 1 (30 minute) episode of The Pioneer Woman (blogger turned Food Network Star) -------- my heart is asking me to stop making this a hidden desire and come right out with the statement!
So! I decided....what if I really did put the effort into making this blogging fetish less of a secret desire and more of a product. There are millions of ways to professionally blog and I've been doing my reading!
Pros:
- possibility of making a little extra cash or a lot of extra cash
- getting to add all the things I love (homemaking, music, cooking, baking, exercising, crafts,
photography, etc.....believe me the list goes on and on) together in 1 place!
- inexpensive to start-up
- share all the things I love with family, friends, and other bloggers around the world
- business that can be done anywhere I have a computer, phone, or iPad
- possibility of this actually becoming a way of life and part of our income
- working on my bucket list (becoming a proficient web designer and blogger)
- encourage me to think out of the box and reach a different audience with my passions
- *The possibility that this might actually be a place God wants me to share His word!*
The last pro is where I find myself smiling the most! I have felt for years that God is calling me to use all the things I do and do something unique with them. My character pulls me in so many directions, so many things I want to do and maybe...just maybe this is where He has been calling me the whole time. I'm not one to witness out loud and upfront - unless it is behind my guitar that is ----> I think we are all called to witness to His love in different ways and I'm coming to an understanding that this just might be where He desires me to witness!
Cons:
- lots of work to develop the website (especially if you know me and my perfectionism in design)
- the possibility that I am a horrible blogger and have nothing to say
- it might be lots of time and little product
- takes time away from my thesis - that being said it might also help keep myself accountable if I have
to blog about it.
- no one wants to read what I have to say
So the question I have been praying about in my heart for months, maybe years is: "What is God calling me to do?" ------This is where that prayer has led me!
My question for you is: "Do I take on this challenge of creating a blog to 1) witness 2) share resources 3) fulfill my secret passions for blogging and 4) be financially productive?"
To blog or not to blog......that is the question!
Good Foods to Eat!
According to the April 2012 issue of Reader's Digest here is a list of foods that will not only help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, boost energy, but all claims to speed weight loss! Who can say no to that right?
The interesting thing about this list is that it doesn't contain many CRAZY foods that are only found at health food stores. Most of these food can be found at your local Walmart! Go figure!
The list!
Calcium:
- Greens
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Brazil nuts
- Parmesan Cheese
- Swiss Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
They also suggest that the resveratrol (found in red wine) is also a fat releaser too! - in moderation of course!
Protein:
- Beans
- Nuts
- Steak
- Eggs
- Lentils
- Poultry
- fish such as Salmon and Lobster
Vitamin C:
- Broccoli
- rabe
- escarole
- citrus fruits
- red pepper
- cantaloupe
- kiwi
- strawberries
Fiber:
- Lettuce greens (dark green are preferable like Romaine and Spinach)
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
Others mentioned in the article:
- Coconut Oil
- Olives
- Olive oil
- Seeds
- Dark Chocolate
- Avacado
- Quinoa
- Honey (especially as a substitute for sugar)
- Cocoa
- Vinegar (red wine vinegar, cider vinegar, etc.) - also help you feel full
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Ricotta Cheese
- Black Pepper
- Almonds
Now! If you can't find some combination of these foods - then check back to our recipes where we use many of them for ideas!
Daily Meal Plan Idea:
Breakfast: 1 serving of Greek Yogurt with cantaloupe, kiwi/strawberries with a drizzle of honey and a
hard-boiled egg
Snack: 10 almonds
Lunch: 1/2 of an avocado on a corn tortilla with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, sea salt & black pepper
Snack: Fruit (such as an orange) with seeds/nuts and a few carrots
Dinner: Grilled/baked Salmon or comparable fish seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, garlic, and
rosemary - with Quinoa with olive oil and a side of steamed broccoli
After Dinner Delight: Dark Chocolate Chips
*This is just one example of how you can add in these suggested foods to highlight your meals and speed up weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle! I realize it is hard to stay away from refined sugars and carbohydrates - I love good moist cake, skittles, and apple pie as much as the next person, but research shows these should be used in moderation. Let yourself enjoy these weekly but in small portions. I guarantee if you add some of these food choices above into your meals you will feel healthier and happier!
Have a happy and healthy Monday!
The interesting thing about this list is that it doesn't contain many CRAZY foods that are only found at health food stores. Most of these food can be found at your local Walmart! Go figure!
Calcium:
- Greens
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Brazil nuts
- Parmesan Cheese
- Swiss Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
They also suggest that the resveratrol (found in red wine) is also a fat releaser too! - in moderation of course!
Protein:
- Beans
- Nuts
- Steak
- Eggs
- Lentils
- Poultry
- fish such as Salmon and Lobster
Vitamin C:
- Broccoli
- rabe
- escarole
- citrus fruits
- red pepper
- cantaloupe
- kiwi
- strawberries
Fiber:
- Lettuce greens (dark green are preferable like Romaine and Spinach)
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
Others mentioned in the article:
- Coconut Oil
- Olives
- Olive oil
- Seeds
- Dark Chocolate
- Avacado
- Quinoa
- Honey (especially as a substitute for sugar)
- Cocoa
- Vinegar (red wine vinegar, cider vinegar, etc.) - also help you feel full
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Ricotta Cheese
- Black Pepper
- Almonds
Now! If you can't find some combination of these foods - then check back to our recipes where we use many of them for ideas!
Daily Meal Plan Idea:
Breakfast: 1 serving of Greek Yogurt with cantaloupe, kiwi/strawberries with a drizzle of honey and a
hard-boiled egg
Snack: 10 almonds
Lunch: 1/2 of an avocado on a corn tortilla with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, sea salt & black pepper
Snack: Fruit (such as an orange) with seeds/nuts and a few carrots
Dinner: Grilled/baked Salmon or comparable fish seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, garlic, and
rosemary - with Quinoa with olive oil and a side of steamed broccoli
After Dinner Delight: Dark Chocolate Chips
*This is just one example of how you can add in these suggested foods to highlight your meals and speed up weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle! I realize it is hard to stay away from refined sugars and carbohydrates - I love good moist cake, skittles, and apple pie as much as the next person, but research shows these should be used in moderation. Let yourself enjoy these weekly but in small portions. I guarantee if you add some of these food choices above into your meals you will feel healthier and happier!
Have a happy and healthy Monday!
LIKE us to WIN!!!!
Hello Family and Friends,
We were entered into a contest by our wedding photographer (Catie Neuber Photography) where the winner (equalling the most LIKES on their photo) wins a free photo shoot and a print of their choice! It would truly be an honor to win and we hope that you will help us win by LIKING us on Facebook!
Click on the link below and LIKE this photo to Help! Every Like counts! Thank you all sooooo much!
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Click on the link below and LIKE this photo to Help! Every Like counts! Thank you all sooooo much!
LIKE US HERE!!!!!
Weekend in Texas!
A few weekends ago we had the privilege to travel to San Antonio to visit family because a few dear friends of ours got married in La Grange, Texas. We left at 7am from Columbia on Wednesday (March 7th) and arrived at the Texas Whitemans' in Spring Branch around 10pm. What a long trip but Adam, myself, and Bibbie made the trip with no major setback aside from traffic in Fort Worth. Bibbie is quite the traveling chinchilla - she has now been in 6 different states!
It also happened to be Emily Whiteman's birthday (March 7th) so we got to have dinner with the family to celebrate Emily's b-day that week.
We spent many hours of great fellowship with family and friends and enjoyed every second with them eating at Taco Cabana, Bill Millers, and of course Alamo Cafe's wonderful tortillas and queso!
On Saturday (March 10th) we spent the day at the Manck-White wedding at a lovely church camp chapel in La Grange, Texas where we helped celebrate their union. It was a lovely wedding - perfect size, wonderful BBQ, and amazing cupcakes (that we ofcourse couldn't actually try because we gave up sweets for Lent) - definitely the bummer of the trip! Aside from a lack of sugar we had a GREAT time and felt special being involved in their special day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. White!
Monday (March 12th) morning we left the Texas Whitemans' around 4:30 and arrived in Columbia around 6pm that night! What a long but wonderful trip full of talking, laughing, and lots of miles and smiles!
Weekend with a friend!
This weekend our friend Joel came to visit. We are currently sitting in our living room after a lovely meal and wonderful fellowship. We often feel isolated in this place from past friends and Joel always takes the time to come and visit and it is ALWAYS a wonderful visit. On tonight's menu was: homebaked chips (corn and whole wheat flour) with homemade Pico de gallo and hummus. Our main menu was Cilantro Lime Chicken on the grill with my famous greek-inspired salad and of course a wonderful glass of red wine. Adam is getting quite good on the grill and grilled the chicken perfectly. We finished off the evening with roasted peaches and a no sugar mascarpone and whipped cream topping. It was a lovely evening had by all and you can check out the roasted peaches recipe below and the other recipes a previous blog here!
Roasted Peaches and Whipped/Mascarpone Topping - no sugar added
3 peaches (1 peach for each person)
1/2 cup of whipping cream
1/4 cup of mascarpone (optional)
honey
Cut the peaches and remove the pit. Wash peaches and keep roughly 3-4 tablespoons of water for roasting. Drizzle with honey to help roast and flavor the natural peach flavor. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Take out and put in a skillet/stove-top pan and place over medium heat until the peaches become tender and darken.
Topping: use a hand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks. Add in the mascarpone (optional) and fold in to the whipped cream until mixed fully. Place peaches and top with a spoonful of topping over the hot and roasted peaches! Enjoy this no-sugar added after dinner treat!
We are having such a wonderful weekend with our friend and even though we are on a budget, we have been able, once again, to use our fresh resources from the Natural Grocers here in Columbia to make a great meal!---------> more on this wonderful store soon!
Have a lovely Saturday!
3 peaches (1 peach for each person)
1/2 cup of whipping cream
1/4 cup of mascarpone (optional)
honey
Cut the peaches and remove the pit. Wash peaches and keep roughly 3-4 tablespoons of water for roasting. Drizzle with honey to help roast and flavor the natural peach flavor. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Take out and put in a skillet/stove-top pan and place over medium heat until the peaches become tender and darken.
We are having such a wonderful weekend with our friend and even though we are on a budget, we have been able, once again, to use our fresh resources from the Natural Grocers here in Columbia to make a great meal!---------> more on this wonderful store soon!
Have a lovely Saturday!
Some Sisters!
"Sisters aren't always friends, but friends come and go. The thing about sisters is they never let go!" -Kristin Noel
This post was inspired by none other than.....my sister Kayla. We have seen many things together and have been through many others. The story is told that we use to fight over such silly things as bobby pins and this is probably true, but as the years have gone by we may have not always been friends, but we have been sisters.
Over the past few years as we have moved away to college to pursue our dreams, find love, and experience life I find myself missing those times in our youth. I remember fondly a picture collage my sister made me one year for Christmas of the two of us with the song lyrics "O how the years go by" by Amy Grant. I can't think of it without tearing up. It's funny to think that the distance has brought us closer. Maybe it's because we appreciate each other more and have learned to look deeper into our true characters and begin to see each other the way God intends for us to.
I remember fondly her Maid-of-Honor speech at our wedding that she ended by giving me a figurine very special to our family that has engraved in it "She's not heavy, she's my sister." ......tearing up again!
Kayla also knows that I adore cards and would probably rather a card than any gift in the world. She always sends me cute and thoughtful cards and the last one was no exception. I had to share this because this card fits us like a glove! Thank you Kayla for the many memories, the laughter, the tears, and definitely the love we have shared.
Some Sisters: A poem for you on Valentine's Day
Some sisters are big, while others are smaller
Some sisters are tiny, and others are taller
Some sisters have smarts, and many are witty
Some sisters are charming, delightful, and pretty
Some sisters are proper, still others pass gas
Some sisters are really a pain the.....uh....never mind.
Some sisters are many things, these are a few.....
And I'm really glad that my sister is YOU!
This poem may be funny, cute, and witty......but it is the love that was shared through it's giving that means the most! I'm really glad your my sister too!
Urban Gardening - take 1
In an effort to 1)watch something grow 2) enjoy fresh produce and 3) save money.......we planted 10 different herbs, 3 different tomato plants, Pansies, Petunias, a concord grape vine, and transplanted our 4 trees. If our yield is anything like we hope, we will not only have a beautiful balcony but a bounty of fresh herbs and tomatoes.
Saturday was a beautiful day, but of course we spent the day Adam at work and myself working on one of the million projects I have going on. That being said, after Saturday night worship we came home and spent the night planting. I'm sure our neighbors were wondering what we were up to so late at night out on our balcony. We used old feta cheese containers to scoop the potting soil and were elbow and knee deep in potting soil, but we had a BLAST!!!!! See for yourself --------->
Saturday was a beautiful day, but of course we spent the day Adam at work and myself working on one of the million projects I have going on. That being said, after Saturday night worship we came home and spent the night planting. I'm sure our neighbors were wondering what we were up to so late at night out on our balcony. We used old feta cheese containers to scoop the potting soil and were elbow and knee deep in potting soil, but we had a BLAST!!!!! See for yourself --------->
Adam's first vine!
2 of the 3 pots for herbs
The vine was very carefully planted - per Adam's instructions
We are hoping to have 10 different herbs!
Pansies, Petunias, and tomatoes in the bags and pot (Momma Whiteman graciously gave us these bags last year and as we were traveling around from Springfield to Illinois, we didn't get around to planting them in time so...........this year we were determined to use them. They will eventually hang over the balcony like saddle! I can't wait to see what they look like in a few weeks!
It looks like some of the ground cover from last year are still alive, as well as, the tulips are beginning to come back up.....I can't believe it! We put lavender in this planter also!
Not pictured: we got 12 trees from the Arbor Day Foundation last year and planted them in pots - after the winter we have 4 still alive. They are still sticks with a few leaves, but we plan to keep them in pots as long as we can and then either transport then to our house (if we end up having one anytime soon) or at the Whiteman Farm until we have space for them.
We are determined to garden even though our life has brought us to the city at this time.......they always say "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl" -----> I feel this saying fits us well!
Chicken...Cilantro....YUM!
What's on the dinner table at the Vetetos tonight?
Trial 1 of cilantro chicken, side salad with grilled mango, and beginner of baked corn & whole wheat flour tortillas with fresh Pico de gallo! Sounds good....smells AMAZING------->
Pico de gallo
2 medium tomatos (small chopped)
1 jalapeño (chopped and seeded)
1/2 a small onion (small chopped)
handful of fresh cilantro (chopped)
sea salt
pepper
hint of garlic salt or powder
Chop tomatos, onion, jalapeño, cilantro into a bowl. Season with sea salt and pepper and garlic (optional) to taste. Set in the refrigerator to soak together. Take out and enjoy with homemade baked chips. Keep in mind this is a serving for 2-4 for an appetizer so double or triple if having for a party!
Homemade Baked Chips
2 whole wheat flour tortillas
2 corn tortillas
sea salt
olive oil spray (optional)
I use a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas into small wedges (sometimes I just pull them apart and that works to). Place on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil and season with sea salt. Bake at 300-350 degrees (depending on your oven) for roughly 5-7 minutes. The flour tortillas may need more time than the corn so remove the corn and put the flour back into the oven until crispy and brown. Serve with your favorite dip or homemade Pico de gallo! Serving is for 2-4 people so increase the amount of tortillas for greater number of people. I usually say 1-2 tortillas/person for a party.
Cilantro Chicken
2 chicken breasts
Italian Dressing (any brand - we use Aldi)
fresh cilantro
1/4 onion
4 cloves of garlic
sea salt
pepper
Thaw the chicken breasts and place in a dish (curved bowl - preferred). Season each breast with sea salt and pepper. Chop the onion and garlic cloves until small and place in the dish. Chop a handful of cilantro and mix into the bowl also. Then add the italian dressing - enough to cover both chicken breasts. Let sit in the refrigerator for about 1 -2 hours. Take out and grill to desired tenderness. If you don't have a grill this would also be very good if baked or stove top seared. Garnish with fresh cilantro and some grilled mango from the side salad and enjoy!
Side Salad w/ grilled Mango
5 leaves of Romaine
bunch of spinach
cherry tomatos (or whatever is in season)
3 slices of red onion
handful of green olives
pinch of feta cheese
olive oil
red wine vinegar (optional)
sea salt
pepper
greek seasoning (optional)
1 Mango
Chop up the romaine and spinach and place in a bowl. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes (into 4s) and chopped red onion. Add green olives, feta cheese, sea salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste. Peel and cut the mango and place on the grill. *Keep in mind the mango is also optional. If you are not a fan of salads with fruit - you might decide to leave this ingredient off. This was the first time we tried it and I have to say it was a great experience for something new, but neither of us are huge fans of the grilled mango, but it did add a nice compliment to the chicken. Then drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the salad and a couple splashes of red wine vinegar (optional). I love the vinegar with the olive oil and lots of feta, whereas Adam just like the olive oil and a hint of feta. We compromise and add the dressing on our own plates!
What we love about this salad is that it really has every flavor it needs. It is very balanced and a salad we eat most days if not once a day, sometimes twice. It is also a very light salad as we put very little dressing on it -----> saves calories and makes you feel good all at the same time! Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Add a small glass of white wine and you've got yourself a good and healthy meal for two! Adam says everyday "we live like poppers and eat like kings!" Just because we don't have a lot of money, doesn't mean we can't use the resources we have to eat fresh and balanced meals - it takes an open mind and a creative spirit, but it can be done! We are enjoying these heart-healthy, budget-friendly meals and hope you do too!
Trial 1 of cilantro chicken, side salad with grilled mango, and beginner of baked corn & whole wheat flour tortillas with fresh Pico de gallo! Sounds good....smells AMAZING------->
Pico de gallo
2 medium tomatos (small chopped)
1 jalapeño (chopped and seeded)
1/2 a small onion (small chopped)
handful of fresh cilantro (chopped)
sea salt
pepper
hint of garlic salt or powder
Chop tomatos, onion, jalapeño, cilantro into a bowl. Season with sea salt and pepper and garlic (optional) to taste. Set in the refrigerator to soak together. Take out and enjoy with homemade baked chips. Keep in mind this is a serving for 2-4 for an appetizer so double or triple if having for a party!
Homemade Baked Chips
2 whole wheat flour tortillas
2 corn tortillas
sea salt
olive oil spray (optional)
I use a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas into small wedges (sometimes I just pull them apart and that works to). Place on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil and season with sea salt. Bake at 300-350 degrees (depending on your oven) for roughly 5-7 minutes. The flour tortillas may need more time than the corn so remove the corn and put the flour back into the oven until crispy and brown. Serve with your favorite dip or homemade Pico de gallo! Serving is for 2-4 people so increase the amount of tortillas for greater number of people. I usually say 1-2 tortillas/person for a party.
2 chicken breasts
Italian Dressing (any brand - we use Aldi)
fresh cilantro
1/4 onion
4 cloves of garlic
sea salt
pepper
Thaw the chicken breasts and place in a dish (curved bowl - preferred). Season each breast with sea salt and pepper. Chop the onion and garlic cloves until small and place in the dish. Chop a handful of cilantro and mix into the bowl also. Then add the italian dressing - enough to cover both chicken breasts. Let sit in the refrigerator for about 1 -2 hours. Take out and grill to desired tenderness. If you don't have a grill this would also be very good if baked or stove top seared. Garnish with fresh cilantro and some grilled mango from the side salad and enjoy!
Side Salad w/ grilled Mango
5 leaves of Romaine
bunch of spinach
cherry tomatos (or whatever is in season)
3 slices of red onion
handful of green olives
pinch of feta cheese
olive oil
red wine vinegar (optional)
sea salt
pepper
greek seasoning (optional)
1 Mango
Chop up the romaine and spinach and place in a bowl. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes (into 4s) and chopped red onion. Add green olives, feta cheese, sea salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste. Peel and cut the mango and place on the grill. *Keep in mind the mango is also optional. If you are not a fan of salads with fruit - you might decide to leave this ingredient off. This was the first time we tried it and I have to say it was a great experience for something new, but neither of us are huge fans of the grilled mango, but it did add a nice compliment to the chicken. Then drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the salad and a couple splashes of red wine vinegar (optional). I love the vinegar with the olive oil and lots of feta, whereas Adam just like the olive oil and a hint of feta. We compromise and add the dressing on our own plates!
Add a small glass of white wine and you've got yourself a good and healthy meal for two! Adam says everyday "we live like poppers and eat like kings!" Just because we don't have a lot of money, doesn't mean we can't use the resources we have to eat fresh and balanced meals - it takes an open mind and a creative spirit, but it can be done! We are enjoying these heart-healthy, budget-friendly meals and hope you do too!
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