Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Ticket for Two

Since my husband's demanding work schedule crashed our daughter's spring break week, we decided to "crash" his work week! Two plane tickets later, we were on our way to Miami!! {disclaimer: the baby was not left home alone. He stayed with Gigi & Pop!}
Long traveling day + walking + 5 year old + 11pm arrival = complete and utter exhaustion! And if you've ever been to MIA airport, you may be familiar with the long haul from the terminal to the car rental side. So this was our solution. Whatever works!
Nonetheless, we got our beauty sleep and was ready to take on the week!! Let the activities and mommy/daughter bonding begin! Silly breakfasts, quiet poolsides... couldn't ask for anything more. 
That was until my good friend, Daniel, came through and completely changed the game! ;) Here's a look book to how the rest of the week took off!! A day at the beach, seaside lunchin', shopping, patio dining, you name it. 
We even spotted a children's museum! So on Chris' day off, we took complete advantage!
And then there was the food; deserving of its own look book. 
And not to leave out any details of the week, one of her favorite things to do - every time we arrived back to the hotel - was riding up and down the escalator because it was "so pretty". Really? :) 
From what would have been a lonely week without dad, I would deem this a true success. Although we missed our little man, this was a nice exclusive trip for big sister! She's such a trooper when it comes to sacrificing because "baby needs to nap; needs to eat; needs to... you name it." I believe siblings are blessed to have one another (this coming from an only child) but it's still very important - as parents - to acknowledge their individuality and significance. :)

Spring Break 2015, in the books!

Monday, March 16, 2015

{{guilt free}} Chocolate Cake

Last week we celebrated "My Special Day", which is like a second birthday, so bring on the treat meals and desserts!! ;) Howeeeevvveeerrr, because I've been doing my newest program - 21 Day Fix Extreme - with an accountability group I wanted to stick to my guns and try my best to stay on track!! ....yea yea, I know. But a friend of mine shared this recipe, so  no worries, I still had my chocolate!! And today I wanted to share it with you!
Original Ingredients: 
3/4 scoop Chocolate Shakeoloy 
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp coco powder
1/4c milk
Handful chocolate chips
1 tbsp peanut butter

Alternate ingredients:
3/4 scoopChocolate Shakeology
2 tbsp oat flour
1 tsp coco powder
1/4 unsweetened cashew/almond milk 
1 tbsp chocolate chips
1 tbsp PB2 

Mix all ingredients together in a coffee mug or small round dish (similar to mug size). Microwave for 1 min 30 secs! ...but wait! While it's cooking, mix together your  PB2 as directed - or have the regular peanut butter set aside - and dollop that goodness right on top of the cake, right out of the microwave. 

Whether you try the original or alternative, it's a healthier alternative to the high calorie/fatty/sugary/carby (<--??) chocolate cake. ;)

You're welcome! 

Monday, March 2, 2015

CLEAN Turkey Chili

We have been on a big turkey kick lately - from turkey balls to turkey chili - and I'm telling you I could live off this stuff for days!! It felt a bit selfish not to share, so I thought I'd do the kind thing and... well share. Here's one of our latest favorites!

Ingredients: 

1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion 
3 cloves of garlic
1 bell pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for taste)
2 cans (15oz) black beans
1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes

{note: genius here did not have black beans, so I substituted by pouring the turkey chili atop brown rice}. 

Directions: 

Heat oil. Throw in turkey meat, garlic, onion and bell pepper. Cook until turkey meat is no longer pink. Add cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 min. 
Add tomatoes (with liquid) and beans (without liquid). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low until thickened.
Final product should look something this {below} ...but with beans. Ha! Like I said, brown rice was a good enough substitute. So although it was a fail, it was a DECLICIOUS fail, nonetheless. ;)
Bon apetite!