Reflecting on Life

For some reason coffee shops seem to bring out the "thinker" in me! Be it that I watched to many Sex in the City episodes with Carrie typing her life away, or just, in the quietness of the coffeeshop, feel the need to blog!! Either way, here are the things I have been thinking about thus far in 2011.

1. Friends--- I don't have that many close, close, friends, but I do have what I like to call a "network" of friends that I truly care about. As they struggle through weight issues, infertility, Godlessness, depression, confusion and lack of jobs, I remind myself that we are all living this together, that I too have these same issues at times and that I need to be praying for all of them regularly. Everyone has something that they are struggling with and we can all use the prayers! I want to make more of an effort to be thinking about it more and praying for it more.

2. Job--- I have been bouncing around in jobs now since May when I quit teaching. From subbing to substitute teaching to aiding to nannying.. I have been trying to find myself in all these jobs and have forgotten to look at the blessing behind them. I started out substitute teaching in a rough district with some "rough" kids. Looking back I see now that I was put there for a reason, to be a light to those kids and bring a smile to their day. I then became an aid for a fifth grade boy that had no one, not even his family supporting him as he was working through a court case of a mistake that he made last summer that might cost him his childhood at a detention center in Central Phx. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I was put with him, but again, looking back, I now see that I was a "mom" to this boy, loved him when no one else did and for that short amount of time before he got kicked out of school, was his positive to a very negative day. Now I am a nanny for a one year old... so cute! I have been told by many that this is preparing me to be a mom, a goal I have had for myself and Tyler for a very long time... hopefully soon! In the meantime, I am learning about patience, tiredness and responsibility through the baby and getting to be a "mom" only if it is for 5 hours a day! I know that these jobs might not be an executive position at a high paying firm, but there is meaning... and for that I am grateful.

3. House--- Tyler and I are so blessed... to have the things we do at the age we are at is truly a blessing. We have a great house... be it small, but a great house that I can't forget how blessed we are as I sometimes complain that it is not a big house or not the size of our friends houses... it is a great house, with enough room for our stuff and a starter family (meaning one kid, maybe not two or three!)... I need to remember this when I get anxious about moving ahead and what the next house will look like! We have exactly what we need for today, and that is enough!

4. Tyler--- where do I start?? He is the man of my dreams and I could have NEVER handpicked a better husband than God picked for me. I look back to where I was 5 years ago and who I was with and cannot express how glad I am that I waited for the right guy. We are different, yes... we have our moments of frustration, yes... but we are so perfect for eachother. We don't need to have extravagent evenings to love being around eachother... we have fun just sitting around watching movies, cooking and being goofballs. Tyler is so positive, he always sees the silver lining and I love that about him. I can get down about life and where I am at (at almost 30), and he always tells me how lucky we are... and he is right. He is so patient and kind, he loves me unconditionally and hardly ever complains. He is amazing and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him, to watch him as an amazing dad and provider for his family, and grow old with him!

5. Turning 30!!!!--- wow, I can't believe it is coming so soon... four months and I will be 30! Yes folks, Alicia is "all growed up"! My mom has always said that her 30's were the best years of her life... I am hoping that it is for me too! I can't wait to see what the 30's have in store for me!

That is about it for today.. I am always thinking about these things, just some days feel more motivated to write them down... guess today was one of those days..

A new look for the coming months...

I got super excited once again when the Pottery Barn Catalog came in, and moved stuff around the house without spending a cent!! :) Of course, there are so many things that I would love from that store... maybe someday!

Here are some pics of the new look:

I guarantee as the months go by I will change my mind again, but for now, it works!! :)

Bean, Corn, and Tortilla Salad

And another easy salad this looks so good! Tyler and I are really into the fun salads, so I think we will try this one this week as well!

Bean, Corn, and Tortilla Salad

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 can (15.5 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels (2 cups)
• 1/4 cup prepared medium tomato salsa, plus more for serving
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced (1 cup)
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
• 3 plum tomatoes, thickly sliced
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 (12 ounces) romaine hearts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups (3 ounces) broken baked tortilla chips
• 3/4 cup coarsely grated pepper Jack cheese

Directions

1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine beans, corn, and salsa. Microwave just until warmed through, 1 minute. Stir in scallions, avocado, and tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Set bean mixture aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss lettuce and chips together. Divide evenly among plates; top with bean mixture and cheese. Serve immediately, topped with additional salsa, if desired.

Recipe found on Martha Stewart's website

Green Salad with Roast Chicken and Sweet Potato

Saw this recipe on Martha Stewart's website and thought it looked yummy and simple to make!! Think I will make this on Tuesday night!

Green Salad with Roast Chicken and Sweet Potato

Ingredients

• 1 whole skinless, bone-in chicken breast (about 14 ounces)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Coarse salt
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 sweet potatoes (10 ounces total), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 6 shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise (quarter if large)
• 1/2 head red-leaf lettuce, torn into pieces (2 1/2 ounces)
• 1/2 head frisee (2 ounces) , torn into pieces
• 2 1/2 cups baby arugula (2 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• Pinch of freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. Rub breast side with ginger and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place chicken in skillet, breast side down; cook until breast side begins to turn golden brown, about 4 minutes.
2. Turn chicken over. Add potatoes and shallots to skillet; turn to coat in oil. Transfer skillet to oven. Roast chicken and vegetables, turning vegetables occasionally, until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. While chicken roasts, put salad greens in a serving bowl; set aside.
3. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and vegetables to a plate. Add vinegar to skillet; cook over medium-high heat, scraping up brown bits from bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon, 30 seconds. Remove from heat; whisk in 1/8 teaspoon salt, the pepper, thyme, and remaining tablespoon oil.
4. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add chicken and vegetables to salad greens. Toss with warm vinaigrette.

Pork Chops with tomato, basil and mozzarella topping!

If you haven't figured it out by now, I LOVE adding fresh ingredients to chicken, pork, salad, etc to add flavor... here is another recipe that is we liked!

Pork Chops with tomato, basil and mozzarella topping!

The pork chop is stuffed with stuffing from the meat deli at the grocery store, they come pre-made and are super yummy!!


What you will need for topping:
1 lb of cherry tomatoes (cut in halves)
1 lb. of fresh mozzarella cheese (I chose Bocconcini) (cut into small squares)
10 basil leaves (minced)

Mix all together and add on top of pork!

MMMMMM!!!

Chicken with Mushroom,garlic and shallot topping

This was so good!! Add to chicken or even on top of a burger for extra flavor!!

Chicken with Mushroom,garlic and shallot topping

kind of messy to serve, but so good!


What you will need:
1 c. mushrooms (any kind)
1 c. mushrooms (different kind)
garlic (1 clove)
1 shallot
parmesan cheese to taste
1/4 c. parsley

How to:
1. saute up the mushrooms in some olive oil on the stove
2. When mushrooms are shriveled and brown, add onion and garlic... cook until  tender
3. Remove from stove and add parmesan cheese and parsley on top
4. Sprinkle on top of chicken!!

Roasted Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

I found this recipe in a cookbook I own and thought I would test it out!

Roasted Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette 

Dressing after blended

Finished Product with some added fresh mozzarella cheese!


What you will need:
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- sea salt and ground pepper
- 4 leaves of fresh basil
- 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
(Makes about 1 cup)

To do:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Place tomatoes on a small baking sheet and season well with salt and pepper
3. Roast in oven until the skins are blistered and burst (about 30 min)
4. Pour vinegar over the tomatoes and place back in oven for 5 min
5. Remove tomatoes and allow to cool.
6. Place in food processor to mash. add basil and olive oil.. process until smooth
7. Serve on salad ( can add cheese if you want!)

Tilapia with homemade salsa dressing

I decided to throw a few basic ingredients together to put on top of our fish we had the other night... it turned out so yummy!

Tilapia with homemade salsa dressing

Dressing

finished product!


What you will need for dressing:
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes (cut in fourths)
- 1/2 avocado cut into small squares
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 5 to 6 cilantro leaves (minced)
-about 1/4 cup olive oil
- about 1/4 c. chopped onion

stir it all up well and add as a topping to any white fish! ( I used tilapia)

Enjoy!! :)

January 1, 2011!!

Happy New Year!!

What a fantastic 2010...  but I am so ready for a New Year! I decided to make the infamous New Year's Resolution(s) List... yes, I know I made one of these not too long ago, but hey, maybe some things have changed!

Welcome 2011... I am praying for a good year!

Resolutions (wish list) 2011:

1. Take better care of myself (vitamins, working out, eating healthy...)
2. Take walks and enjoy God's creation... we live in a beautiful area... it is so easy to do this!
3. Read my bible more often.... and really listen to what it is saying
4. Start a family with Tyler (so excited!)
5. Design a baby nursery that is all white (obviously number 4 would have to come before this one!)
6. Carve out a Tyler and Alicia night every week and stick to it!
7. Write more letters, thank you notes, emails
8. Send cards for holidays, birthdays and anniversaries
9. Go to a nice hotel and restaurant for our One Year Anniversary!
10. Love with no strings attached (not always easy)
11. Get more organized with finances, house and life in general
12. Travel 
13. Take a long weekend up North with Tyler (haven't done this in two years)
14. Make a concerted effort to spend more time with friends
15. Continue my blog and find new recipes
16. Do things for myself, not worrying about what everyone else will say or think
17. Continue with our bible studies and grow relationships with the other couples
18. Pay off debt!
19. Celebrate with Tyler when he passes his CFA!!
20. Continue to dream BIG


Here is to a happy and healthy 2011~ :)