Monday, September 9, 2013

Baked Eggs in Bacon Rings

These are so good and pretty easy to make. Enjoy!

Baked Eggs in Bacon Rings
Makes breakfast for two. Approximate cooking time: 35 minutes.
Ingredients
6 strips nitrate-/nitrite-free bacon
melted bacon fat for brushing tins
4 eggs
1 small to medium tomato, cut
into 4 (1/2˝ ) slices
Instructions
1) Preheat the oven to 325°.
2) Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to shrivel
(about 3 minutes). Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
3) Discard all but a shallow film of bacon fat in the bottom of the skillet.
4) Brush 4 cups in a muffin tin or 4 small ramekins with bacon fat
from the pan.
5) Add chopped onions and mushrooms to hot pan with remaining bacon
drippings in the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened.
6) Meanwhile, place a tomato slice in the bottom of each cup.
Circle the inside of each cup with 1-1/2 strips of bacon.
7) Break an egg into each muffin cup and season with pepper.
8) Add sautéed mushrooms and onions over the egg.
9) Fill any unused tins with water to protect from burning.
10) Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
11) To serve, loosen the edges of the eggs with spatula and
transfer the eggs to plates.


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

I have a Problem...

If you know my mom you will understand my problem....

I HATE SHOPPING!!!

I've been working hard the last few months with eating right and working out hard.
I've made lots of progress and I'm so proud of what I've accomplished. 
But now my clothes don't fit right and I know I need to buy new ones but I don't want to.

#1 I hate shopping.
#2 I hate spending money on myself.
#3 Things cost too much.

The other thing is we've booked a cruise for December and now I not only need new regular day clothes but I also new some new summer clothes for our trip! I have no problem spending money on others (my hubby, things for me for my hubby and birthdays, even crafting for my house), but when it comes to treating myself I have a real problem. I don't know where I got this as my mom is the Queen of Shopping.
At least I don't have to worry about going to Shopaholic Anonymous. 


Sunday, August 11, 2013

Here's another great recipe for everyone!
I was kinda nervous about the Spaghetti Squash, as sometimes new vegetables aren't that great, also mine was sitting on my counter for a couple weeks so I was nervous about it being bad. It wasn't bad, and it was delicious! Have fun guys, and enjoy!



Chicken with Rosemary and Mushroom Glaze
Makes 2 servings with leftovers. Approximate cooking time: 25 minutes.

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless
chicken breasts (4 oz each)
2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves or
2 tsp dried rosemary
4 tablespoons olive oil 2 tsp hazelnuts, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions
1) Fully cook chicken breasts, either in a Foreman Grill or cut into pieces and
cook on the stove with a small amount of oil.
2) Add oil, rosemary, hazelnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper to a pan on medium
high heat. Simmer together for 5 minutes.
3) Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes or until
mushrooms are browned.
4) Poor oil mixture over chicken and enjoy.


Spicy Spaghetti Squash with Almonds
Makes a dinner side dish for two adults, with leftovers for lunch or a snack.
Approximate cooking time: 60 minutes.

Ingredients
1 large spaghetti squash 1/2-1 tsp ground chipotle
1/2 cup slivered almonds 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs coconut oil 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions
1) Preheat oven to 375°.
2) Cut the spaghetti squash in half length-wise with a large knife or cleaver.
3) Place cut side down in a shallow baking dish. Add 3/4” of water to the dish.
4) Bake for 45 minutes or so, until the squash is soft to the touch.
5) Meanwhile, add the slivered almonds to a small sauté pan over medium-low
heat. Stir constantly until they turn golden brown.
Note: the almonds will burn quickly if not stirred, or if left unattended!
Set aside.
6) When squash is done cooking, remove it from the oven and cool until it can
be comfortably handled.
7) Turn the cut side up, and remove from the rind with a fork. This should be
done cross-wise, so the strands of squash fall out like spaghetti.
8) Toss the spaghetti squash strands in coconut oil, ground chipotle, nutmeg
and sea salt, and top with toasted almonds. Great warm or cold.

Progress

Now in these pictures I can really see the difference! 
The top one was taken last year the last week of July/first week in August. When Jared came home from 3 weeks in California where he had his annual training.
The bottom one was this morning before church. Sorry they aren't the same angle but its progress and the dress hangs so much better!!



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Being Honest Results in My Gratitude

I have the best Landlords!

This last month I had written out my rent check and was going to drop it off on my way home from work. Well of course as always I forget everything after work other than going home, eating and going to bed.
I woke up the next morning and after I was up and getting ready I remembered that I had forgotten to drop off my check! I hate being a space cadet but it happens all the time.
Anyway I wrote out a 2nd check knowing that I was late and put that in my envelope which I took and dropped off that morning.
During the next week I saw my rent check go through my bank, but I didn't see the 2nd late fee check.
Today when I got my mail there was an envelope from my Landlord, which comes every month with my receipt from the previous month. Included in my envelope was the 2nd check with VOID written on it along with a note that said I was only a day late and they didn't feel right to take the late fee.
I'm so grateful to them in showing me compassion. I don't know if it'd be any different had I left the check out just hoping they wouldn't come hunt me down for it. But I felt good with myself by being honest and having put it in there to begin with. 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Eggs Paleo


So I was getting bored of the recipes that FreeMotion gave me. 
I decided to go to Hastings where my bestie works and got me 40% off 'Make It Paleo' cookbook.
Already loving it!


This doesn't look like much but it was great and held me over all through Church so it was perfect!

2 strips bacon
1 large slice of tomato (i had little roma tomatoes so i did 2 slices)
1/2 avocado
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic
3 tbsp water
1 egg
pepper to taste

1: cook bacon, allow to cool, crumble; set aside.
2: slice tomato into 1/4-inch slice.
3: place avocado in food processor. add lemon juice, garlic, and water; blend until smooth.
4: cook egg over medium heat in an egg poacher. pour 1/4 water in pan and cover. allow to cook for 4-6 minutes.
5: plate the dish starting with the tomato, then egg, about 1/2 the avocado dressing, bacon, and pepper.


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Changing My Life

This was taken the beginning of July

This the middle of July

This the last of July

So I can't see a whole lot of change in these pictures. But I do feel a difference in the fact my clothes don't fit the same. I also bought a new pair of work pants ($9 on clearance at Target!) and they were a size smaller! They are a little tight but if I had gone a size up they were way too big. I hate being between sizes.
I've never been a fan of the scale. I've had big bones and muscles. And even know I'm not seeing a big difference on that, I've been on a Paleo Diet and a great exercise program for 4 weeks but I've only lost about 6 lbs. See I know a bunch of people who this would not sit well with. But I've always been in the mind set that its how my clothes fit and how I feel. I know my lifestyle change in working because I feel better. I'm sore in a good way, and my clothes are getting so big!
I just want to encourage everyone to not quit what you are doing. Keep going! Push through the hard times and the times of no change! You can do this, its worth it! Find people who encourage you and let them help you to keep going.
PS Keep in touch, I'm going to start posting some of my yummy Paleo recipes!


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Exercise and Eating Right

So I finally decided to make a change. I'm the worst at working out at home. 
I start a plan and then 2-3 weeks in I quit.
Whether it costs too much, or I'm just lazy I don't know but I decided I needed to do something different.
So I took my friends suggestion and went to where she's been going... FreeMotion.

Its partnered with Icon Fitness, its a testimonial group where they give us nutrition plans to eat from. Then we workout there with a training in small classes, who tell us what to do, and push us harder so we see the results we want.

The workouts themselves have been great!
I usually don't get too sore, but I can definitely feel the changes happening. 

I think the best part is the nutrition. 
I had been looking into paleo diets but the information I was finding wasn't very helpful.
They gave me a whole ebook with reading about paleo and it included a 6 week meal plan with recipes!! 
I haven't loved everything I've ate, but most of the stuff I've been blown away with how good it is.
Also this is good if you have allergies or intolerance to foods.
You don't eat dairy and it is low carbs, you don't want to cut out carbs, but you do want to eat good carbs.

As they say 20% is exercise and 80% is food.
You will never be able to workout enough if all you eat is crap.
By eating healthy you will see more and better results in your exercising.

If you would like to read more about where I go and what I do here is the website

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

turned over my key

After working at the same job for 3 years.
Being manager for 2 of those years.
I turned my key over to one of the girls replacing me!
I felt no sadness doing this. I actually felt happy!
I do have one more shift to work there on Thursday, but after that I will be done and moved on! 

Monday, June 10, 2013

A New, and Very Tiring Change

First off can you believe its been 7 MONTHS since Jared and I got married!!!
Second its been 6 months since he left for Fort Hood in Texas!!
Third 5 months since I took my long trip down to Texas to see him and say Goodbye a 2nd time!
Fourth there are roughly 5 months  left till I can give my Hero the biggest hug and kiss he's ever had (yes probably more than when we got married even.haha)
I wanted to start by saying how fast things go by. Even though it is hard having my sweetheart over seas, only being able to text, call, skype, email every so often, it has gone by faster than I thought it would. And these next few months I hope just fly by.

As for the new and very tiring change... many of you have heard that I got a new job!!!
I have been looking for something for almost a year, but nothing has turned up that would be worth it. Then I got married and my husband got deployed and we decided mot to worry since my job was so flexible. But as of late I've needed something more.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the clients I gained at Cookie Cutters. And I loved the girls I worked with. But as a 'manager' I barely got 30 hours and week, and didn't have a very high hourly rate. I say 'manager' because my boss was a micro manager and did mostly everything herself, but with her living out of the state I didn't errand for the salon, for example the deposits and getting supplies like toilet paper and cleaning products.
My Father-in-law has been awesome and always sends me job links, he likes to look out for me like he does his kids. But a couple weeks ago he sent me a link that the Providence Great Clips was looking to hire a manager. Well this was right down my alley so I applied. In the process of applying I clicked to be notified for jobs at the North Logan Great Clips. Well Providence never called me, but I did get a call from North Logan. Of course I'd go in for an interview! 
I went in on June 1 for an interview and after chatting about what I was doing and what I'd be interested in, I was asked if I could come back in that night for my 2nd interview and if that was enough time to round up a couple haircuts. I knew dad needed one, and I was sure mom, Morgan, or Lexie would be available. So we went back in that night, she watched me cut hair and then offered me the job! I would start as a stylist which was a pay cut from what I was getting, but I would work 40 hours a week which would even out. But with tips and Great Clips productivity and product bonuses and could make way more, PLUS I would stay busy and with more hours I won't end up at my parents or in-laws or friends bored!
So in the end I started right away working 2 jobs for a week and a half while I finished my 2 weeks. I have been so tired! I'm not use to working this much, I have been spoiled, and I haven't had to work on Sundays for 4 years (I forgot I had to at Mastercuts) and I had to work yesterday. And Friday we got my schedule all screwed up so I ended up working at Great Clips 9-2 then 4-9! Wow was I exhausted!

I'm so looking forward to the next few months and seeing what other good things come from this change!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

One Year

One year ago today Jared invited himself over to my apartment for a movie night 
and my life hasn't been the same since.

Today I've been thinking back to last year and what was going through my head, and it just makes me smile.
Jared was and is everything I needed in my life.
I'm so glad Heavenly Father places people in our lives right when we need them.
He knows exactly what we need.

One year ago I was content. I was happy with who I was and what I was doing, I loved myself. I was actually thinking of moving out of Logan at the end of the summer. It was the next step, move out of college life and onto my career life, time to grow up a little more.

That night Jared came over and Tami and I were flirting with the guy downstairs trying to get him and his roommates to come up. They never did. I took the Love Sac and slept through the movie. After the movie I woke up for a min but dozed back off. Jared was still there talking to Tami about how to make her move on our neighbor that she liked and he decided to use me as his prop. 
He grabbed my knee scaring me awake and then held my hand. All the while going through my head was.. "What is going on. You can let go of my hand now. Umm boys don't like me what are you doing? This is kinda weird." At that point in my life I'd never had a boyfriend. I was friends with guys and I had crushes on them. But guys that liked me took me out on a few dates and then stopped talking to me, almost as if they'd falling off the edge of the Earth.
After Jared went home we stayed up chatting on Facebook for another hour or so. Not knowing it I'd met my Husband. Looking back now he was exactly what I'd always dreamed of... A guy who had guts. I was crushing on another guy at that time, but Jared was forward and took the initiative to 'weasel'  his way into my life and more importantly into my heart.

Now that we are apart I love him even more. 
The distance helps me see the little things about him that I miss.
I miss his hugs.
I miss him surprising me by coming home for the night when I thought he'd be in Salt Lake still.
I miss date night.
I miss cuddling on our couch watching TV.
I miss his smile.
I miss his laugh. But that I hear occasionally when I send him goofy stuff.

I can't wait for many more years together with him. 
Jared you are my hero! Stay safe. I love you lots and lots.

Friday, April 5, 2013

sometimes you just have hard days

I feel like I just ramble on sometimes.
I wonder why you guys read this.
But its a good outlet for me, I can write when I need to.

Today was hard. It started out wet and rainy so I didn't go on a run like I planned. (yes a run! I've decided to start running as Jared likes to and would like to run together.)
Jared and I tried to Skype but his connection wasn't strong enough so we just messaged.
Then the Xbox login got all messed up and I couldn't get Netflix up and I couldn't fix it.
I sent Jared a package today. I think that was most of the problem. Sometimes I just miss him so much, and wish he was here around the house. Even for stupid things like the messed up Xbox.
I love him so much and am so PROUD of MY HERO. As hard this is I wouldn't change it. For whatever reason we need to go through this, and I know it will make us stronger. It will strengthen our marriage.
I fell in love with Jared while he was gone last summer and this is just making that love stronger. I realize the things that I love most about him. What I miss about him. Like him playing Xbox while I do the laundry. Or us making dinner together. Summer picnics. Shooting up the canyon. Date night.
Thinking about all of these makes me happy looking forward to his Homecoming.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Pinterest Disasters

Ok this is going to be a very random post!
But I tried some Pinterest recipes yesterday... and they were awful!!!
It was a sad day and I don't find many disasters like this.
I tried Paula Dean's Mashed Cauliflower... http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/mashed_cauliflower/
GROSS! I don't know if I made 
it wrong but it was nasty and I threw it all out!
Then I decided to make cookies, but I didn't have many ingredients so I looked on 
Pinterest for a quick easy recipe and I found these Meltaway cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
They were easy... butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour... and they were yummy, but the after taste was horrible, so I also threw them out. It was a sad night.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Weekend in Texas

This was a great vacation with such a sad ending.
To begin with I was suppose to fly out Wednesday, February 6th at 8:00 pm with a straight through flight to Austin arriving at 12:00 am Texas time where my husband was going to pick me up.
Well, the Army decided to switch some things around with training and they added an extra day for some, and 2 days for others!! What a bummer for these guys who were suppose to be on pass with their families!
Luckily with the job I have, and the girls I work with, I am pretty flexible and when Jared asked me to try and get an earlier flight it was an option.
 sitting in the SLC Airport

 I found a red eye I could switch to and got on it. I left Salt Lake at 1:00 am, after my dad was kind enough to drive me down, and that put me into Atlanta at 6:00 am (4:00 am Utah time) with a 2 hour layover before the flight into Austin. I won't lie I was kinda nervous about this flight with the switch... I usually only take a carry on so I wasn't quite sure how checked luggage worked but I was very happy to find my suitcase made it safe to Austin with me.
 Atlanta sunrise

When I got to Austin I was also nervous about my car rental. Jared was originally going to pick up the car so he could come down to Austin and pick me up, but then after they switched training we cancelled that and rebooked so I picked up the car. But now I was coming 12 hours earlier. It was no problem they had one ready, I just had to have it back sooner on Monday so I didn't get charged for an extra day.
 rental

I then got directions and headed up to Ft. Hood. I discovered that Texans don't speed, going 1-2 miles over I felt like I was flying by them. Except in a work zone... they didn't slow down, adjusting their speed for that. I stopped for a bite to eat at Jack in the Box when I realized I hadn't eaten actual food in about 12 hours.
 lunch

Then I finally made it I found Jared!!

I got a big hug from the love of my life!! And it was so good to be in his arms.
We had fun that weekend in Texas. We ate good food, saw a good movie, hung out with friends, and just spent good quality time with each other. 
One thing I've learned from our relationship is that the distance has helped us grow closer together. Its helped us learn the little things that we love about each other. I love Jared  being around to do the shopping with me, or doing the dishes, or cleaning the house. I love curling up on the couch while we put in a movie and I fall asleep on his chest. I love him just being in the house. I love the faces he makes to get me to smile. And most of all, we've learned that time together is precious. You never know what will happen so you need to make the most of every minute you are together.







Tuesday, February 5, 2013

3 long weeks

Tomorrow!!! Tomorrow is the day I get to fly out to see the love of my life!!!

Photo: Good old army training

Isn't he so handsome!! And he's all mine for a few days.
My flight isn't till 8 pm  so I don't get to Texas till midnight, and now there has been some change with their pass days so I may have to get the car and check into the hotel by myself and not see him till Thursday afternoon. But the bonus is that he doesn't have to be back till Monday morning where he was originally suppose to be back Sunday at midnight.
Even though it has been hard having him gone, I think it makes our love for each other so much stronger. I realize the little things that I miss him for, like cleaning the house together, grocery shopping together, hanging out with family together. Relaxing at night together. I think that is the hardest one. When I've worked all day and get off at 7 I don't really want to go anywhere, but it gets lonely sitting on my couch, eating dinner, and watching something on Netflix by myself.
I truly fell in love with Jared when he was gone this summer. He had to go to California for 3 weeks in July for his AT (annual training) and in that time we fell in love and started talking about maybe getting married. Sometimes distance hurts the relationship, but in ours it brings us closer together. It helps us appreciate the other person, and helps us remember why we love each other.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Broken hearts

I didn't want to put a black spot on my last post as it was a very happy occasion. 
But I guess every story needs some trials to teach us lessons and make us stronger.
In September when we were thinking about getting married, setting a date, looking at our future, we found out Jared's reserve unit got identified to Deploy, and it was going to be in April that they left for Fort Hood to train. We were thinking of getting married in January after the holidays, and after a few more months together but this put a kink in things. We decided that we loved each other and were planning on getting married so why not do it quick. We planned for a November wedding, this way even with him being gone for a week each month for training we'd have a good 5-6 months together before he left.
Sadly a week before the wedding Jared got a call while he was at work. He thought it was going to be about his drill weekend so he called them back... It wasn't about the weekend. They moved up the deployment, he not only was leaving for Fort Hood in January, but since his unit was in Salt Lake he would be living down there Monday through Friday. He was suppose to report November 13, four days after our wedding. 
You could say they were kind enough to give us a week to be together. 
That first night after Jared left I had a hard time sleeping. It'd only been 10 days Jared said, but it was so natural having him around and sharing a bed with him. It was nice that it was Thanksgiving that week and Jared was only gone 2 1/2 days and then we had 4 1/2 days together before he was gone again.
November 29 and 30 Jared was out in Minnesota doing paperwork. November 30 I went with my father in law to Salt Lake to watch Rhetts' hockey game and then I was going to pick up Jared from the airport. Well Jared always likes to surprise me... he caught an earlier and was waiting at the ice rink! After the game we went to his grandparents house to spend the night. December 1 was a Christmas party at the Army Center. They had a big lunch for everyone and then we just mingled with the other soldiers.
At work Tami was so helpful to me. Her husband is in the National Guard so she was very understanding of my situation and she worked every Saturday so that I could have my weekends with Jared.
Poor Jared wasn't home for 2 weeks in December. The 9th I drove him to the airport and he went to Fort Bliss till Thursday. I left work early as Jared again got an earlier flight. We got lunch and then went shopping, Jared got my Christmas Present (a pearl ring) from Morgan Jewelers. After that we went to Jared's grandparents to stay the night again.
Friday we got to the airport as we were going to a Yellow Ribbon Event in California. Sadly, the tickets were put in my maiden name and all I had were my married IDs. They finally let me through security but I had to get patted down. And now we were stressed about coming back from California. 
California was great. We got a lot of information that was very helpful (if only I could organize it). And it was somewhat warm too. We spent some time in Downtown Disney and bought Jared some legos at the Lego store. He was a very happy 'kid'. Sunday getting back through security wasn't so bad as we called Andy and he got a marriage license faxed to us at the hotel.
The next week Jared was out Camp Williams, but they were nice to keep them mostly inside as it was so cold outside. 
The next week was Christmas, then New Years, and then we got 1 1/2 weeks together before he reported to duty and flew down to Fort Hood where he is now.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

An Engagement, and a Wedding

Wow. I so thought I updated this sooner... but life gets away from you sometimes, and a lot has changed

Jared and I got engaged!! 
He proposed right before my birthday (he knew he wasn't allowed to on my birthday).
We had 6 short weeks to plan our wedding. I suggest this to everyone, you don't have time to change your mind on things, and you can't lollygag around, you just have to get the planning done.
Simple Things Photography took our pictures and they did a fantastic job.
   
   
  


Then on a very cold day they took our Bridals/Formals


 






And then November 9th, 2012 was our wedding day. We choose to get SEALED for TIME & ALL ETERNITY in the Brigham City Temple. It was the best choice I have ever made, to marry my best friend in the house of my Lord.

  

  

  

 

  

  

 











 


                  



There was a lot of family waiting outside for us after the sealing! It was raining outside, so that made for quick pictures, and not so great hair. Thanks so much to my wonderful stylist Nicole who I called and she quickly fixed my hair before the reception.
Lots of fun was had the reception. We got some more pictures of just us, then some of the families. My favorite pictures are when Jared and his brothers dropped me and then proceeded to laugh about it. We cut the cake that my bestie Lindsay made, and no one smashed it in the others face. I did that once before and it wasn't fun. Then my dad and I danced to "Stealing Cinderella" where at the end Jared came and cut in. Then Morgan sang "I Will Always Love You" while we danced. 
It was a great party for us all before all the craziness started.