Reasons

I could hear the clicking noises from your controller coming from the living room as you battled fierce enemies in your video game world. I moved around the kitchen as I prepared dinner for the two of us. It had been a completely normal week, with nothing of great interest occurring... except that I think I fell in love with you a little more. 

I wanted to surprise you with a fancy dinner for all the little things you did for me throughout the last stretch of days. Like any normal week, it started out with its own set of challenges, but we faced them together. And now it was coming to a close with me admiring you more for the man you are.

I hurried around in the kitchen, setting a nice table... hoping you wouldn't notice what I was up to. I blew my surprise when I snuck down the stairs in a pretty dress and accidentally caught your attention. "What's going on??" Your cute face asked. I just smiled and rushed past you. You walked in the kitchen and saw the candles and fancy dishes. "I'm not supposed to see this, am I?" you asked. I smiled and said "No... but that's okay!" You hugged me and disappeared for a short bit. 

As I pulled dinner out of the oven and made the final touches, I heard you enter the room. I turned around to see you no longer in your gym shorts and T-shirt, but a dress shirt and khakis. You see, there are no words to express how much that simple act meant to me. You did that for me. You honored me by showing how much you cared. And that is yet one more reason why I love you. 

Zucchini Pizza

Well hello there! It's me! The girl who never posts anymore... I have a good reason though, I promise! Nothing interesting has taken place in the past week. For real, I promise. The highlight of my week was my first Pumpkin Spice latte of the fall! Oh, and the official day of fall rolling in of course. 

Alas, I have returned with a treat for my recipe loving readers - and some pictures to convince you to want to make it yourself! I came across this recipe on Pinterest a while back (Why yes! I Pin! You should come on over and follow me!) and finally remembered to pick up zucchini to make it happen! 

Check out the recipe over here and tell me if you like it! I promise it's the easiest thing ever and you're going to love it. My husband informed me that I can make it again for him sometime! ;)

Fried Green Tomatoes

These three words have the ability to conjure up a strong sense of southern living; a vision of little old ladies and sweet southern sappiness, and not to mention food to die for and from. We of course have the movie to thank for that, but it is undeniable that fried green tomatoes are a southern specialty! And I am proud (and perhaps embarrassed, based on the reaction from my southern friends!) to share that I have finally taken part in eating the famous dish. And let me just say, YUM!!! 

Determined to make a delicious southern meal, my lovely friend (and current house guest) Sam and I set our eyes on the recipe and didn't look back. And it was a meal to remember!! 

Along side the amazing tomatoes, we had incredibly delicious apple and bacon-stuffed chicken. My mouth is still watering days later!

I'm proud of my domesticated friend! We have come a long way together! :)

Are you salivating yet?

How 'bout now?

We really were that excited! Nothing but smiles from the table!

(That's apple juice, Mom... just so you know!)

Good times and great friends! :)

Chipotle Bowl Knock-Off

Comfort food doesn't get much better than a mound of cheese and chips, spiced chicken and avocado, am I right? The only thing that sounds more appetizing at the moment contains chocolate...

So, I have a confession. I have never been to Chipotle. I hear everyone raving about the place via Twitter, blogs and Facebook... I just haven't seen it for myself! So when I came across this dinner idea on a blog, I honestly overlooked the fact that it was a Chipotle dish. I didn't know any better! It wasn't until Strom told me how much it tasted like the real deal did I do a double-take. 

This is probably thee easiest thing to throw together. Ever. And it's cheap too! With rising food prices, the word "cheap" is a melodic tune. All you need is rice, chicken (or beef if that's your preference), corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocados, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream and some tortilla chips.

1. Saute chicken and season it accordingly (I use what's in the house - cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper and some black bean salsa)

2. Cook rice, season it accordingly 

3. Mix beans and corn, season if you wish, and heat up

4. Shred cheese, cut tomatoes, avocados and green onion

5. And get this... just layer it. (Rice, beans and corn, chicken, veggies, cheese, then optional toppings).  

That's all. It's really that easy! It takes about as long as you allow it to take. For me? 15 minutes. And it's soo filling. I can hardly finish my bowl and it's literally 1/3 of Strom's serving. 

*Healthy tips: 
Saute chicken in olive oil
Use brown rice and omit (or go lightly) on any butters
Plain Greek yogurt = excellent sour cream substitute 
Tortilla chips - entirely optional

Courthouses & Irish Soda Bread

This past weekend we had my uncle for a visit. Life is always an adventure when he comes to stay with us! We usually run on "nostalgia-mode" when together. Whether it be admiring old muscle cars, antique shopping or visiting historical locations, it is how we roll. And this visit was no exception! 

We took a drive over to Appomattox to visit the site of the Civil War surrender nearly 200 years ago. Although there wasn't exactly a whole lot to do, it was still an enjoyable trip! If only I was 11, I would have been in historical heaven - Rather than barbies, I loved all things Civil War as a child. Don't ask my why, I just did!  

And because we are all insanely Irish (and missed St. Patty's Day together due to prior commitments), we had a St. Patrick's Day celebration... Just a few days late! With some kick-butt Irish music playing in the background, we jigged it out and had an awesome meal of shepherd's pie and Irish soda bread (which I have to add was put on entirely by the men! I just sat back and enjoyed the show!).

Almost Valentine's Day

 

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It's almost that sappy Hallmark day again. I am not going to pretend that I don't like it and that I think it's a ploy for florists and card companies to make a buck (even though I know it is), because in reality I absolutely love Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is great because it is the perfect excuse to shower someone with love. It doesn't have to be extravagant love (i.e. diamonds or a weekend in NYC) and you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy the day. Before my handsome hubby came along, my precious dad used to send my sister and me roses or actually mailed cards to us (we lived at home!) just so we knew how much he cared. Can someone say precious? My adorable mom always made heart shaped cookies (sometimes a cake) with us as kids and let us make colored frosting to top them off. These are memories I will always keep with me. So, whoever passes over the day without a second thought is missing out on some sweet moments in life. 

And on that note, a word to the guys out there (though I know the only ones reading are either related or married to me. Ha.) Don't think for one second you can skip Valentine's Day. You might have a precious gal who tells you to save your money and not to worry about it, but I promise... She still wants you to show some love. Maybe she hates flowers -- bring her some chocolate. Oh, she's on a diet? Bring her some strawberries! Don't have the money to take your girlfriend/fiancee/wife out to dinner? Give her the night off from cooking and make dinner. Make her some food. You aren't the cook in the house? Doesn't matter, she would love a night off! Perhaps you have little ones terrorizing your house and no sitter in town will come over. After feeding them heart shaped sugar cookies (and of course, them coming down from a sugar high), get those kids to bed and pop some popcorn and watch a chick flick for your woman. Deployed? (Been there). CALL HER. Send her flowers -- ProFlowers has some good deals and I promise you will make her cry. Happy tears that is. If you can't afford the flowers and the line at the MWR is a mile long, at least send an email. The little arrow (<) and the number 3 make a heart. Put them together and press send. It's honestly that easy. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to be our knight in shining armor. And I promise you, you don't have to ride into battle on a white horse to make us smile. We already love you. Don't forget to ask your girl to be your Valentine. Yes, it's utterly cheesy. I feel like a total nerd if I beat Strom to it, but I'm telling you, a man who is willing to be a cliche nerd is one who makes happy. We act like it doesn't matter to us, but let's face it, it does. (Okay, now you ladies can show that entirely-too-long speech to your man!)

I promise you men out there, when women feel loved we show respect. And hey, when you feel all big, bad and respected, you're going to show even more 

love. It's the crazy-cycle set right. 

To you girls out there who have the heart to do something sweet, but no time to imagine on your own, there are some EASY things to do to make the day special! Everyone knows that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Go to Allrecipes.com and put together a 3-course meal. Bruschetta, chicken parm and chocolate mousse. It doesn't matter, just pick it. Stop by TJMaxx on your way to the grocery store and pick up some candles and cute serving dishes. Make a card. Buy a card. It honestly doesn't matter! Valentine's Day is the day that rings, "It's the thought that counts." So think it and do it! The institution of marriage is on the brink of destruction and these little steps make a world of difference. When the family thrives, society thrives (I'll save that for a later post...)

So, to summarize my soapbox: Valentine's Day is next Monday, don't pass over it! Make it special for your kids, make it special for your man, make it special for the lady in your life, and when you do, life will be special for you.

Here are some last minute ideas for the clueless people out there: 

1. Shari's Berries has a deal right now - 6 hand-dipped berries for $19.95. I am still dying to try these someday! 

2. Proflowers- can't go wrong with flowers! They too have a few really great deals on last minute gifts. Go to the radio icon in the right hand corner and type in "Beck" and you will get a few additional promos (I know people!)

3. When all else fails, put on a chick flick. This is my hubby's favorite chick flick (probably the only one he can stand, thanks to Ryan Reynolds).

Yeah, the world is a total disaster and writing about flowers and candy is seemingly unimportant. I realize this. But when it comes down to it, the only things that matter are God and relationships. So, go better your relationship and make next Monday sweet! Now! <3

Asian Food Market

When I lived in Maine, it was the diverse culture and food markets I missed most about living in New York (in addition to civilization, things to do, convenience and a social life...I kid, I kid...Sort of). Even in Virginia I don't have immediate access to awesome food markets, though the convenience is definitely appreciated. 

So when my brother and sister-in-law (Jack & Jen) took Strom and me to the Asian Food Market, I absolutely loved just walking around. If only I had a menu list for when we returned home I could have stocked up! 

Above: Some of those vegetables I have even seen before!

Below: And I have never seen so many noodles in one place!

 Yes...Those are almost-dead frogs. I don't want to know.

 Endless Tofu. Endless affordable Tofu.

 Jen's delicious egg rolls. I could go for one right now!

 I had to capture this moment for my own sake: My brother in the kitchen. I felt so proud watching him make his famous Pad Thai.

 Unfortunately... It didn't turn out quite as he had hoped. Whether it was the different tamarind or doubled portions that changed the taste, Jack was less than pleased with the finished product. I couldn't care less for the memories made were priceless! 

We had so much fun - even if the Pad Thai didn't turn out right. The laughs and memories were worth the trip, meal and night!