Quote of the Week - Won't Wait

Single Holidays/Family Traditional - Fondue Recipe

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MARLEY & ME!!



This year has been particularly hard. Wonder why? Well, it's the first year I have been single in over four years. It's definitely a different feeling not sharing the Christmas magic with someone you love.

Fortunately, family & friends have made this holiday season just as magical!

No need to be a Grinch! Being single during the holiday are just as great! && to prove it, I made another one of my famous lists! (I love lists, can you tell yet?)

A SINGLE CHRISTMAS IS GREAT BECAUSE....

1. You get to spend your money on family & friends! - I have a huge family so instead of buying everyone gifts, we draw names. This year I drew my second eldest brother, his wife, son & two daughters! I focused on what they would really enjoy for gifts! It was so rewarding when they opened their presents!
2. Also all that time & energy you usually spend on a boy, you can spend with your loved ones.
3. Self-reflection. Take this time to really think about all your blessings in life, all the positiveness you can make and you have.
4. Remind yourself of the true Christmas story. The one that dates back to the manger and the angel, Mary, Joseph & that sweet baby Jesus!
5. You can decorate your house however you want!
6. && blast Christmas music & dance around the house & nobody can stop you!
7. You can lounge around in your sweats the entire Christmas day!
8. Christmas drinks! Have another, nobody to judge!
9. Don't forget all that food! Sweets, breakfasts, dinners, all the snacks in between. You don't have to share with anyone! More for you!
10. More self-indulgence? Why not! Go ahead & buy yourself something really nice. Wrap it up and open it on Christmas. You're allowed to spoil yourself a bit.

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FAMILY TRADITION - FONDUE RECIPE

My favorite thing about the holiday season is the family traditions we've made throughout the years.

A tradition we have always had was to make cheese fondue on Christmas Eve. My parents said that they date this back to a few of the first holiday seasons they spent together & they just celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary, so you know this recipe is delicious! Warning: this is not healthy, at all, but sometimes, ya just gotta indulge!

Ingredients:

• 1 large box of Velveeta cheese
• 2/3 package of dry Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 15 oz can of tomato sauce 
• French bread - for dipping
• Veggies - for dipping
• Anything else dippable! - Dippable? Is that a word?

Directions:

1. Mix it all together in a crock pot
2. Keep on low or "keep warm" heat
3. Dip & enjoy!  

I'm telling you, this is delicious!









It's OKAY to ask for help!

It's been a pretty tough week guys! Tonsilectomy is no joke, let me tell you!

 

I can't tell you enough how appreciative I am to my parents, other family & friends for sending good vibes, positive messages, flowers & balloons and for taking care of me! I could not have done this without you guys!!

 

&& that got me thinking...as much as I am an independent person, I seriously could not have done it without help.

 

It was really, really hard to depend on my parents. I haven't lived with them since I was a fresh 18 years old -- & without revealing my age, I'll just say it's been more than a few years. -- I had to allow them to cook for me (& make me eat), wake me up every four hours on the dot to medicine, even do my laundry! So, it's safe to say, I had a lot of time to think.

 

Living alone has made me quick to rely on only myself for care but not only that, it's also made it hard to ask for help! I thought it was a sign of weakness or a lack of self power. 

 

I can actually think of multiple times where I have pushed people that love me away because I wanted to prove to myself I can handle my own.

 

My past has shown me, yes I can do it alone. But this agonizing past week has shown me that it is OKAY to ask for help! Especially when you really need it! It actually feels good to have people help you...

 

Moral of the story. Ask for help when you need. Lend a helping hand when someone does.

Those two things will make you the strongest YOU you can be.

 

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Quote of the Week - Count Your Blessings...

I originally wrote out a long post but decided to revert it to a shorter Quote of the Week instead. In this time of mourning, I don't want to draw more attention to the tragedy in Conneticut but instead pass on some help or faith...something to hold on to. 

 

When I am feeling depressed or down I remember the wise words of my Mother, count your blessings.

May sound a little funny if you have never heard of this but literally, I start saying outloud, write a list or just ponder my many blessings in my life. There are so many wonderful things in this world that we have to be thankful for. It is hard to remember those in time of saddness or tragedy but I believe those are the times we need to be the most grateful.

Start small & I promise you will be surprised at how quickly your list grows.

Quote of the week - count your blessings. Name them one by one.

<3

 

 

 

 

 

Tofu & Noodle Soup

It's only December and I have made this delicious soup four times already! It is so yummy, I can't help but crave it!

Such an easy recipe, full of veggies, protein packed tofu and rice noodles, this soup is what I call, COMFORT FOOD! 

TOFU & NOODLE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 2 oz thin rice noodles (about 1 cup) 
• 1 tbsp sesame oil 
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp siracha or hot sauce 
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced thin
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 6 cups stock - I use veggie
• 8 oz firm tofu, drained & diced
• 2 carrots, peeled & thinly sliced - I used my Thrive product, see my Thrive post 
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced julienne - I used my Thrive product, see my Thrive post 
• 1 zucchini, diced into small pieces 
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 green onion stalks, thinly sliced 

 (grated ginger & one of my favorite wines from TJs - Rabbit Trick)

Directions:

1. Check your rice noodle directions - some may need to soak before placing in soup. I love the noodles from Trader Joe's. You can find them in the refrigerator section by the tofu. No soaking needed, just pop them in! 
2. Prepare all veggies & tofu 
3. In large saucepan/pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion until clear, do not burn or caramelize. Add ginger and garlic, saute for about 2 minutes, do not burn. 
4. Add stock, soy sauce, Siracha, rice vinegar & bring to a boil. 
5. Add tofu & all veggies & noodles; simmer, uncovered for about ten minutes or so. 
6. TASTE YOUR SOUP BEFORE SERVING - add salt, pepper, more soy sauce, rice vinegar, Siracha, whatever your tastebuds like. 
7. Add green onions
8. SERVE! 

(finished product simmering...wish you could smell it)

Scrumptious one-pot meal that will surely satisfy all in the family! Let me know how it goes for you!!

Relationship Season! - AKA: Winter

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN PEOPLE....

Sweatpants are in & bikinis are out! Soup, fireplace, hot chocolate...and boyfriend weather! Forget Thanksgiving or Christmas...'Tis the relationship season! 

DISCLAIMER: No Offense! If you just made it "Facebook Official", I wish you the best! But around April/May...if you change that status again, know you were struck by Cupid's twin brother, Winter Lovin'.

I admit that I have participated in this love affair. It's freakin' freezing & stormy outside! Who wouldn't want someone to snuggle up to on those Friday nights when you don't want to face winter. -Even though I have always thought it was nice to have the alcohol-induced-jacket to keep you warm.-

When did this phenomenon begin? Is it human nature? A survival instinct?

I mean damn, I don't want to take out my trash in the summer, but when it's pouring outside, you've got to be kidding me! If I could sweet talk a man in my life to do those little things when it's especially freezing, I would! I just think the whole seasonal relationship is a messy dance. The Honeymoon Phase is blazing hotter than than fireplace but as the fire dwindles...will your relationship also? Is it worth it?

I know some people who are consistently in winter-relationships with the same person, the same time, every year. After their slutty Halloween costume is packed away, they pull out their "I <3 my boy/girlfriend" sweater. (P.S. - I love a good slutty Halloween costume but that's a different blog post entirely.)

In  my personal experience, I would vote no. Once springs rolls (spring rolls, yum!) around, couples start itching for personal space, the arguments heat up as the weather does and thoughts of summer time are in the near future. Relationships take a lot of time, emotion, effort...all things that I don't give up unless I know it's serious. As much as I would love a boo-thing to keep me warm on those nights in the house, that is what Marley is for. Take up a hobby, try something new, date lots of people!! One of my favorite things to do is cook new recipes for a group of friends. It's a perfect excuse to invite people over for a Friday Night-In instead of going out.

You can do it people! I believe in you! Don't say yes to a relationship because you feel like it is a winter accessory...say yes because you mean it and want the relationship to go further.

Who knows, maybe I'm the crazy one. If you asked the famous & legen...wait for it...dary Dean Martin, he probably would say I am.....for as he sang:

But though the snow is gone, the romance lingers on
and those who said it didn't stand a chance
will know when they see us together
that love is not controlled by the weather
And all of our summers, we'll have our winter romance.


What do you think? Are you/have you been in a winter-romance? Tell me your thoughts & experiences!

Why Do Girls Like Bad Boys?

While having a text conversation with one of my oldest friends Brian & he said something that triggered a light bulb!

I just got a pair of brand new glasses & sent him a silly picture asking if he liked them - don't judge my duckface, I said it was a silly picture... He replied yes & asked how long I've worn glasses (he better have said yes, I pack a mean punch). I responded with a "fourth grade jerk, you don't remember teasing me when I got my first pair?" He didn't remember but he definitely teased me. I still remember to this day sitting by him in the cafeteria at lunch and me wearing my terrible pair of 90's paint splotched glasses...I secretly still wish I had them...and him making fun of me. Now I will admit, we did "date" in the sixth grade so he thinks that the teasing worked! And well, I guess it did!

...AND THE WHEELS STARTED TURNING...

Do you think girls like the "bad boy/asshole" type of guy because we were taught at an early age that if a boy picks on you, he likes you?

What the hell is it about the bad boys that are so attractive? And does that mean "good boys" aren't as attractive?

Usually, I'll have an opinion about the topics I post...this one, I can honestly say, I'm stumped. I don't know why I am attractive to bad boys. Maybe it's the challenge? The chase? The satisfaction?

All I know is maybe I need a good guy in my life...one day...but right now, bring on the badass! 

P.S. - Follow me on Instagram: emmaxxjo

Quote of the Week - Colors of our World

Fun Fact About Me: I am obsessed with rainbows! The story of hope & faith, the colors mixed together, I just love them! This instantly grabbed my attention because of the rainbow font but after reading it, I fell just as much in love with the quote. 

I have struggled seeing the wonderful colors of the world lately & have to constantly remind myself to open my eyes! Cliche I know but sometimes, you have to stop and smell the roses! Hope this helps :) 

Be thankful of the many blessings you have & see the beauty that is in our colorful world. 

Perfectly Lonely Playlist

Music is part of my soul. It always has been. Through song, dance, instrumental... whatever it may be. It has made my life better.

I think everyone can relate to that feeling when a certain song comes on and it empowers you...with joy, sadness, nostalgia, strength. Whatever it may be...music triggers something in our brains that makes us feel a certain way. 

So, when I found myself broken up with my longtime boyfriend, moving out of the house we made our home and finding myself alone WAY more, music came to the rescue. 

I went onto my iPhone/Spotify and made myself a PERFECTLY LONELY PLAYLIST. A playlist that encourages me, gives me strength, and reminds me that I am okay being single, alone. John Mayer said it best, being perfectly lonely. 

So, I thought I would share it with you! These songs struck a key in my heart and I hope they help you too. (Warning: There is no consistency with genre except they are good "Single Lady" songs!) You can find my playlist on Spotify under "Perfectly Lonely" or search Emily Schneider. 

Superwoman - Alicia Keys 

A Woman's Worth - Alicia Keys

A Brand New Me - Alicia Keys

Girl On Fire, Inferno Version - Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj

Body & Soul - Amy Winehouse, Tony Bennett

Love Is A Losing Game - Amy Winehouse

Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse

You Know I'm No Good - Amy Winehouse

Time To Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman

Don't Tell Me - Avril Lavigne 

Irreplaceable - Beyonce

Listen - Beyonce

Me, Myself, & I - Beyonce

Single Ladies - Beyonce

Hit 'Em Up Style (Ooops!) - Blu Cantrell 

Don't Keep Me Waiting - Britney Spears

Out From Under - Britney Spears

Overprotected - Britney Spears

Selfish - Britney Spears

Stronger - Britney Spears

Trouble For Me - Britney Spears

I Will Survive - Cake (or Gloria Gaynor for the original but Cake is my fave) 

Good Girl - Carrie Underwood 

Last Name - Carrie Underwood 

Army Of Me - Christina Aguilera

Circles - Christina Aguilera

Glam - Christina Aguilera

I Hate Boys - Christina Aguilera

Monday Morning - Christina Aguilera

Not Myself Tonight - Christina Aguilera

Prima Donna - Christina Aguilera

Stronger Than Ever - Christina Aguilera

Vanity - Christina Aguilera

Just A Fool - Christina Aguilera & Blake Shelton

Jar Of Hearts - Christina Perri 

Like A Boy - Ciara

Bad Habit - Destiny's Child 

Emotion - Destiny's Child 

Girl - Destiny's Child 

Say My Name - Destiny's Child 

Won't Back Down - Eminem & P!nk

Let Loose - Expendables

Shake It Out - Florence + The Machines

I Don't Wanna Be In Love (Dance Floor Anthem) - Good Charlotte

Video - India.Arie

Breakdown - Jack Johnson 

Imagine - Jack Johnson

99 Problems - Jay-Z 

Assassin - John Mayer

Edge of Desire - John Mayer

Friends, Lovers or Nothing - John Mayer

Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer

In Repair - John Mayer

Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer

Who Says - John Mayer

Stronger - Kanye West

To The World - Kanye West, R. Kelly, Teyana Taylor 

The One - Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Marsha Ambrosius
Stupid Boy - Keith Urban

Caught Out There - Kelis 

Dark Side - Kelly Clarkson OR Glee Cast 

Miss Independent - Kelly Clarkson 

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson

Gimme What I Want - Keri Hilson

Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson
C'Mon - Ke$ha
Dirty Love - Ke$ha, Iggy Pop 

Erase Me - Kid Cudi, Kanye West

With Or Without You - Kina Grannis

Goodbye - Kristinia DeBarge

Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill 

Fuck You - Lily Allen 

Knock 'Em Out - Lily Allen 

The Fear - Lily Allen 

How To Hate - Lil Wayne & T. Pain 

Dedication To My Ex (Miss That) - Lloyd & Lil Wayne & Andre 300

Another Night - Mac Miller 

What It Feels Like For A Girl - Madonna OR Glee Cast 

Better That We Break - Maroon 5
If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5

Bitch - Meredith Brooks
Amnesia - MoZella
Let's Stop Calling It Love - MoZella
Light Years Away - MoZella (Pretty sad one, beware)
Uh-Uh - MoZella
You Don't Love Anyone But Yourself - MoZella 

Single - Natasha Bedingfield

Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

Maneater - Nelly Furtado 

Hella Good - No Doubt

Just A Girl - No Doubt

There You Go - P!nk 

U+Ur Hand - P!nk
Hell On Heels - Pistol Annies

Any Man Of Mine - Shania Twain 

Man! I Feel Like A Woman! - Shania Twain 

That Don't Impress Me Much - Shania Twain 

Young, Wild & Free - Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa
Lucky You - the JaneDear girls
Wildflower - the JaneDear girls

Whiskey Girl - Toby Keith 

He Wasn't Man Enough - Toni Braxton 

Fed Up - Through The Roots 

Independent - Webbie

The Thrill - Wiz Khalifa 

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Wow! That was a bigger list than I thought! -- Did I miss any of your favorites?? 
- Besides Taylor Swift. Sorry I have a personal vendetta against her. Another post on that later -

Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup

I was hosting a dinner for my brother, his girlfriend and another friend on a cold November night and could not think of what to cook. Just a few short days after Thanksgiving and my brother was still craving mashed potatoes! I was mashed-potatoes-out but thought that maybe making a soup would be a good idea...I WAS RIGHT! First time attempting to make a potato soup and it will definitely not be my last! We paired the soup with some fancy grilled paninis and a yummy wine and the night was a success!

Of course I kinda skimmed another recipe I had in a book but made it my own which is what you see below! Super easy & my favorite, a one pot meal! Enjoy!

POTATO BROCCOLI & CHEESE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 celery stocks, chopped finely
• 2lbs of potatoes - I used small gold potatoes, skinned and chopped
• 3 cups of stock - I use veggie
• 1 cup of water
• 2 cups of half and half
• 2-3 cups of broccoli - I used frozen broccoli
• 1 cup of chedder cheese, shredded
• salt & pepper - I also add a handful of Rosemary. Rosemary and potatoes are heavenly! 
• green onion,  chopped, optional

Directions:

1. In a large pot, saute the onions and celery until clear.
2. Add potatoes, stock, water, and half and half. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low-medium and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are simmering, pour broccoli into a microwave safe dish, add 3 teaspoons of water, cover with plastic wrap and heat for 3 minutes and drain the water.
4. Once potatoes become softer, add the broccoli, slightly mash. They will still be very clumpy, you will be blending them so they don't need to be completely mashed.
5. Transfer the soup into a blender or use a handblender in the pot to blend the soup to your favored consistancy. I like mostly blended but a few chunks of potato.
6. Transfer the soup back into the pot and/or continue to simmer for 10 more minutes while adding the cheese until melted.
7. Add the spices to your liking. I add some chopped green onions as well and enjoy!!

 

Quote of the Week

Not much explanation needed.

I'm living life. I have to smile and just live.

Things will royally suck sometimes, but at the end of the day, life goes on...

...so why not smile through it...

A little poem for you...

What to do, what to do...when you have pretty dresses sitting in your closet brand new?

Christmas, New Years, fun holidays...maybe go to San Diego to soak up the rays?

Single & bored in Sacramento...please oh please say it aint so.

That's it, I'm done, I'm making it true... jet setting to San Diego, cause I love you!




Literally just came up with this in my head. Talent...I think yes HA! :) 

Quote of the Week - Live Deeper

Sounds nice doesn't it. An inspirational quote of the week. Something to keep you motivated, dedicated and all those other "ated" words...

This week, it's an Italian Proverb I found on Pinterest and it instantly knocked my brain around like "DUH! What an amazing way to think about life!"

I have it saved as my screen saver on my iPhone to remember to live my life this way.

Now this can be interpreted many different ways. For me, it means to live my life to the fullest. You never know what is around the next corner of life. This past year, well, it's been a hard one but I am doing everything I can everyday to make me a happier person...to live deeper.

 Hope it helps you too. 

SINGLE

A tale as old as time...

Okay, not really. Maybe it's just the STORY OF MY LIFE. At least lately. 

To escape hurting anyone's feelings, I won't name names or places but I recently attended a "function" and it was the first time in a long time I felt judged for being single. 

I was surrounded by young newlyweds and mothers all chatting about their "one on the way" or how amazing their husband's new job was...  Now, let me tell you, I do not get butthurt, hurt feelings, feel awkward usually at all. And to be honest, I didn't really feel like that during the situation. I was completely comfortable at the time, chatting it up, playing with the little ones running around. But now that a couple day have passed, I just can't shake the thought, "why am I single, why haven't I found <the one>, is it me?" 

Then....the most amazing thing happened. I SNAPPED MYSELF OUT OF IT! What was I thinking? Not to toot my own horn, but I am loving the independent, single me! I compiled a little list of why I love being single...

CAUTION: before reading this, if you are NOT single and in a happy marriage, relationship, engagement, crush....I don't judge you. I love that you are happy! Everyone is different and right now, I am completely satisfied being in a relationship with myself. And well, Marley :) 

1. I get to do whatever I want! 

Quick trip out of town? I don't have to run it past anyone. I can just pick up my stuff and go! Wine for dinner? Hell yes! Sleep in until noon? You better believe it! No makeup? No problem! Dance around my house in my underwear acting like an idiot? Everyday!  

2. I'm learning to do more "man" things. 

If you know me, I am all about female independence (hence the blog)...but there are some things in life I just don't like to do. And well, if a man is around, he can totally do it for me & I'm not mad at all. Fortunately, I grew up with a Dad who is the epitome  of a manly-man, so most of this stuff I know how to do, I just choose not to. But now, I am proud that I can do it! Like changing my license cover on my car (Go Cowboys!), and fixing the garbage disposal, and killing that pesky spider above my door. 

3. I get the WHOLE bed to myself. 

No explanation needed. #winning 

4. No judgement for my nightlight!

I do sleep with a nightlight. And I won't ever quit. 

5. I'm living life through my eyes, my brain, my body and my soul. 

I am learning more about myself as an independent person than I ever have. I am learning my own habits, listening to my personal thoughts and doing things I may not have done if I was with someone. 

I am truly loving me. 

Now, like I said before, if you are in a relationship, I am happy for you. I hope one day, I will  be there too, all googly eyed and lovey dovey. I know there is someone out there for me. My lobster, my other half, my partner. But for right now, I am so content with me & Mar. And I hope my "future partner" is happy out there finding himself too. So when we do meet, no strings attached or heavy baggage will hold our love down. 

What do you love about being single? What do you love about being in a relationship?

THRIVE - Shelf Reliance

THRIVE!

Last night, my sister-inlaw Lindsey invited me to a "Thrive" party. Basically a Tupperwear/Scentsy type sales party. I'll be honest, I had no intention of buying anything but after I found out what this amazing product is, I couldn't help but to sign up for their monthly membership!!

I know, I know...you're thinking this is a sales schpeal but it's NOT! I just want to share how amazed and excited I am.

Let me give you a little background. My lovely, angel mother has been preaching my whole entire life, along with the Church organization I grew up in, The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints (Mormon, LDS), that we should be prepared for the worse. Prepared for an emergency, natural disaster or any unfortuante circumstance, at least a 72 hour kit but of course more is always better. Food and food storage, water, clothes and emergency kits and supplies.

Thrive was created just for that...and more! Before I say exactly what this company is making, don't judge! Thrive is freeze-dried food. Grains, baking goods, vegetables, fruit, dair, meat, beans, other basics and even pre-made dinners! This company has brought in multiple executive and famous chefs to perfect their food and recipes to make them actually good to eat! They've made different sizes so you can actually use the food, rotate the food in and out so it doesn't waste and create your "Home Store". Thrive has created a monthly plan that sends you food (chosen by you or automatically), it's called The Q. You can chose your price, dates, everything really! It is the best way to eat healthy, save money, save food and prepare yourself or your family.

Did I mention...the food is GOOD! Don't believe me? It's okay, I didn't either. But after taste-testing some of the food at a Thrive Party...I am a believer. Still don't believe me? Check out their website which features Kelsey Nixon, Food Channel Star Chef, creating some wonderful dishes.

I can't wait to get my first shipment. I have ordered carrots, potato chunks, red bell pepper strips, strawberry slices and peach slices. I will definitely be updating you more!

Google: Thrive or visit, www.shelfreliance.com

Very Veggie Quinoa

This is one of my most favorite recipes! It's packed full of protein and veggies to make it so delicious but healthy and filling! I could almost call this recipe, "Anything but the Kitchen Sink Quinoa" because it is so versatile! You can seriously use whatever vegetables you have in your fridge! I usually make this dish when I know it's about that time to use the veggies before they go bad.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp of EVOO
• 5-7 cloves of garlic, minced  - I'm a garlic lover so vary depending on your preference
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 cup of quinoa, washed 
• 2 cups of liquid - I usually use veggie stock but you can use chicken, beef, or even water. 
• Veggies: Again, whatever you have in your kitchen. Below are some of my favorites.
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 stalks of celery, split and chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped 
• 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
• Handful of mushrooms, chopped
• dried herbs - couple shakes of cayenne, oregano, basil and whatever else you like.
• Lemon zest with a couple squeezes from the lemon

1. Prepare your veggies and wash your quinoa
2. Saute the onion and garlic in EVOO on medium-high heat until done, be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add chopped veggies to soften for about 3-4 minutes
4. Add the liquid and quinoa at the same time, turn heat to high 
5. Keep on high until it starts to boil, then cover and turn heat to low 
6. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until liquid is mostly gone. 
7. Let sit for 5 minutes, add lemon and serve 

Optional: I will add some parm or goat cheese for flavor along with some pepper. Serve alone or with some pita bread. Oh, and a yummy bottle of wine always helps! Cheers! 

WHY THE PICTURES ARE SIDEWAYS -- IDK?? 

Blogging: Harder than it looks!

One thing I definitely have realized is blogging is A LOT harder than it looks....or maybe it's just me?

I have such a hard time lately being motivated to do, well, anything really. While traveling so much for work, you would think I have downtime sitting in a hotel room alone to blog or do something productive. I can't lie, Ambien has been my friend. Anyways, I have decided that instead of completely judging myself believe me I am I'd write myself a goal list to accomplish by the end of this calendar year.

2012 is almost over so, I better get cracking!

1. BLOG MORE - awe, come on you knew it was coming...with that said...

2. Be brave enough to actually post this blog to my Facebook so I may be able to get some followers...If you're reading this, well, I completed my goal. 

3. Get up to my goal of running 5 miles on the treadmill without dying. I'm at about 3 right now and kinda want to kill myself. 

4. Complete a one-week detox. I'm currently trying to find one that works for me aka one that I believe I will finish. Any suggestions are welcomed!

5. Fit back in my skinny pants. This summer has been a cruel one. Traveling so much and living in Midtown with all the yummy restaurants and bars, ugh, believe me when I say, it's been a delicious beautiful disaster. 

6. Have the employees at my gym recognize me! Meaning, I'll be there a lot! 

7. Keep my house neat & tidy. Something I call, "stranger presentable". So clean that a complete stranger would walk in and be impressed with my cleanliness. 

8. Complete my curtain project: ruffle shower curtain, living room curtains, crawl space curtains and maybe if I have time a new bed throw. 

9. Pay off one of my credit cards. I'm actually doing well with this but I want to completely get it out of the way.

10. Be happy. Smile more. Trust myself. 

And most importantly snap myself out of it when I'm not doing any of the above. 

Pretty Fem!

I found this picture today and thought it was the cutest thing! It is perfect representation of a modern day feminist! Pretty & pampered but still strong! Because, let's be honest ladies, there is nothing like a great day at the salon!

Quinoa Stuffed Italian Peppers

I love red peppers & fortunately they are so good for you! They are rich in vitamins (A, C, and K) which help prevent cell damage, cancer, diseases related to aging and they support immune function. They are also known to reduce inflammation found in arthritis and asthma and promotes proper blood clotting, and strengthens bones! I could go on & on. AND they taste great! They are crunchy, full of flavor and can brighten up any dish. Best part about them, they are low calorie! About a 1/2 cup of bell pepper (sliced) is only 12 calories.

One of my favorite things to do with a red pepper is stuff it. I have tried many different variations of the stuffed pepper but this recipe is my all time favorite. And don't worry -- I'll share the rest in time. --This is also a recipe I put under the "whatever's in your fridge" category since you can throw in pretty much any veggie you have. 

Quinoa Stuffed Italian Peppers:

•  No-Stick cooking spray
• 4 medium-sized green, red (or orange bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons EVOO
• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Veggies:
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (2-4 tomatoes)
• 1 diced zucchini
• 3 stalks diced celery
• 1/2 diced carrots
• Optional:
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup spicy pepper (jalapeno, Anaheim, habenero)
• Any other veggies you have in your fridge!

1. HEAT oven to 375ºF. Lightly coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray
2. Cut tops off peppers. Remove and discard seeds and ribs. Place peppers in prepared pan.
3. HEAT oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, sauteing 3 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add quinoa and cook as instructed by package.
4. Combine quinoa mixture with spaghetti sauce, 1/2 cup cheese, salt and pepper and the diced veggies.
5. Divide mixture evenly into prepared peppers. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. BAKE 40 to 50 minutes or until peppers are tender when pierced with tip of paring knife and filling is heated through.
7. Remove from oven (do not discard foil). Top each pepper with 2 tablespoons of remaining cheese; replace foil and let stand just until cheese is melted.
8. Serve & Enjoy!

The making of a vegetarian foodie.

One of the many domestic hobbies I have is cooking. I love to cook! Probably because I LOVE to eat! I am a vegetarian and my parents claim I have been a veg-head since I was able to say, "No".

My parents are very meat & potatoes. My mom's father owned a slaughterhouse her whole life and my dad's brother owned a slaughterhouse. I remember being young and visiting the companies. Walking through the huge, cold doors to find slabs of meat everywhere, carcasses skinned & hung upside and all the large silver hooks and scary equipment. I even remember the distinct smell. I can't even describe it but I know it when I smell it. I always think of a Texas Chainsaw Massacre scene when I reminisce those times. I account those times to way I am a vegetarian. Not even understanding or knowing why I didn't want to eat the meat. It's really the only thing I can think of now.

Now that I am older, I have had to learn the hard way to eat and maintain a healthy diet because of my vegetarian ways. I stumbled and fell hard in high school and once I gained about 15lbs in a month I realized, I needed to start eating cleaner and healthier. It has stuck with me since and I have learned to love healthy food and the way it makes me feel.

I will compile a list of recipes I have found and created that I absolutely love! Even if you aren't a vegetarian, many of these recipes can be altered to add a healthy meat like chicken, fish, sausage or turkey.

Enjoy!