Grilled Romaine Hearts - Yes I said Grilled!!!

GRILLED ROMAINE HEARTS WITH AVOCADO-LIME DRESSING

What you need.....

 

2 romaine hearts, washed, trimmed, and sliced in half
1 clove of garlic (chopped)

2 tablespoons olive oil
a pinch of salt and pepper

Avocado Lime Dressing

1 ripe avocado
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, chopped all small
½ teaspoon agave or honey
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup water
salt to taste

For the dressing, put all the ingredients in a small food processor and combine until creamy. Add the pinch of sea salt and mix it in. If too thick, add more water until it looks like salad dressing (like a ranch dressing texture). Pour it all into a small container and refrigerate until the lettuce is ready.

Medium/High Heat on Grill

Mix Oil/Salt/Pepper/Garlic and brush or spoon the oil mixture to the cut side of the lettuce. Place the lettuce face down on the grill for 60 seconds or until there are clear grill marks and the leaves are beginning to wilt. Flip the hearts over and grill the other side for another 60 seconds. 

 

 

 

When they look good, put them on a plate and put some dressing over the hearts. Top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and plenty of black pepper.

 Enough for 4 people with some extra dressing

 

 

~*~ Party in your Mouth ~*~

 

Blooming Onion Bread - Oh Yeah!!!!!

My husbands birthday had me grilling and creating things I've never done before, but recipe kept my mouth watering, so making this was a must.......

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

1 Unsliced loaf of Sourdough Bread (I picked one up from Panera Bread)

 

12-16oz Montery Jack Cheese block (thinly sliced) - I actually used 8oz and I thought it was more

than enough - I couldn't used a few more slices, but all n'all it was outstanding!!

 

1/2 Cup Butter

 

1/2 Cup Finely diced green onions (I placed green onions in the food processor first then measured 1/2 cup)

 

2 Tsp. Poppy Seeds

 

Cut the bread lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through the bottom crust. This can be a little tricky going the second way but the bread is very forgiving.

 

Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Insert cheese slices between cuts.

 

Melt butter and combine green onions and poppy seeds.  Drizzle over bread.  Wrap in foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Unwrap the bread and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.

While still in oven it looked like this:

 

Then of course presentation is everything....this was the first of many goodies I made for my husbands B-Day dinner:

It looked like this for just a few minutes, before we pulled apart and devoured!!!

 

Tropical Sun Smoothie

Oh Damn!  My new fav green veggie - Bok Choy.  First time having it and seriously thinking of many new ways to eat it ... or drink it in this case.....

Totally enjoying my new "Green Book"....this is one of the recipes that I've enjoyed for the last 4 straight days straight - just can't get enough.....I'm thinking of adding some strawberries the next time around....  Optional additional ingredients "Chia Seeds" or "Ground Flax" for added benefits.

TROPICAL SUN SMOOTHIE

2 bulbs Bok Choy
1 Orange (peeled of course)
1 Cup Coconut Water
1 Cup Pineapple (frozen)
1 Banana
1 Tablespoon of Virgin Coconut I bought mine at Trader Joe's and  totally use this on my face every night - about 1/4 teaspoon is more than enough...

BLEND FIRST 3 INGREDIENTS UNTIL SMOOTH - I use a Ninja!!  Then add remaining ingredients.....

BLEND & ENJOY!!

 

 

A LITTLE FYI:

Benefits of Bok Choy:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/5382-need-health-benefits-bok-choy/

Benefits of Coconut Oil:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-virgin-coconut-oil.html

DIY - Jewelry Hanger

Another day of DIY'ing !!

I found an old frame and put it to use.  First I went to Home Depot, bought myself Gutter Guard (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-6-in-x-36-in-Hinged-Gutter-Guard-Unpainted-85280BX/100002884) and a pair of Snips.

Got home and got to work.....

So simple and easy to do!!  TADA!!





Now hung in our bathroom, that way my daughters and I have a place to hang our jewelry rather than taking chance of losing it by leaving them on top of the sink.

Vintage Inspired Bathroom with Recycled Decor

If my husband comes home trying to figure out where I moved things now, he's going to have a cow.  Well he better grab his lasso, because I'm in for another DIY adventure :)

I hate to throw away wine bottles, love the shape and I know there is something I can use them for.....I started removing the labels by simply adding hot water INSIDE of the bottle, then soaking the entire bottle in hot water for a few hours until the labels could slip right off.  The remaining goop was removed with a brillo pad - so easy!

Anyway, before I even thought about giving my bathroom "another" makeover, I started with one bottle and moved on to two bottles, then thought to myself...OMG! I can redecorate my bathroom again with a vintage inspired theme....

This is how it started.....

I poured white paint (I already had this paint, otherwise I would've taken a trip to Home Depot).  I swooshed around until the bottle was completely covered inside then just placed it upside down so that the remaining paint could pour out.

Then I took a trip to Michaels and purchased these cute little vintage keys (I had a 50% of coupon - so I was in my glory)

I took the bottles to the bathroom and began to think of how I could decorate using these bottles.  I had some book-boxes, etc. for extra décor.

THIS IS HOW I FIRST SET THINGS UP:

 

THEN OF COURSE I CHANGED MY MIND .....

I'M NOT DONE YET, I STILL HAVE ONE WALL THAT I'M WORKING ON IN THE BATHROOM AND CHANGING DECOR ON THE LONG STEP GOING INTO THE TUB - I'LL POST PICS WHEN COMPLETE...UNTIL THEN...HAPPY DIY'ing

Mudslide Smoothie ....

I'm always trying to create new smoothie recipes ...this is just Kale' licious!!!!!!  

......and with all the benefits of Kale and Berries....Mud-Therapy anyone?

Ingredients:

1/2 Frozen Banana
1 Cup Frozen Mixed Berries
1 Handful of Kale
1 Cup Almond Milk

Blend and..... Ahhhhh!

Mudslide Smoothie



Good Morning Smoothie

Well Good morning!!!!!

Here's a good way to kick-start your day while having a party in your mouth.......

1 Cup Vanilla Yogurt
1 Banana
1/2 Cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
3 Cuties (peeled of course)
1/2 Cup Almond Milk - Vanilla

Blend and add more milk if need be - depends on your preference....Sip....Enjoy

Add'l ingredients if you'd like.....

Chia Seeds

OR

Chia Seeds and 1/4 Cup of Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

OR

1 Scoop of Protein
 
You choose or enhance with your preferred flavors...It's your party!!!!!



Cheers Chef Perez ~ Good Morning Smoothie

Welcoming February

Ok...so I might be a little too early, but who cares....I love decorating and what fun it is to decorate our home with LOVE.....

Our wishing trees from our wedding typically have the wishes from our family and friends hung; but every now and again I change it up a bit hanging seasonal décor.

Next month is Valentines Day, so changed it accordingly.....

Daily Reminders

My daughters get a kick out of Chef Perez's daily reminders and quotes....It's fun seeing them smile and laugh while being reminded of the simple things in life....

Today Chef Perez says.....

Oh So Good!!! (Banana-Berry Oatmeal Smoothie)

After the holidays this lunch is a must...or breakfast...whatever you desire. 







Ingredients:

1/2 Banana
1 Cup of Mixed Fruit (I used Strawberries & Blueberries)
1/4 Cup of Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
1/2 Cup Almond Milk (Vanilla)
1/4 Cup Vanilla Yogurt
1/2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

Blend & Enjoy!!!!

Home Decor and Declutter - So many ways to organize

Well the holiday's are over and it's time to take down all Christmas and New Year's Eve Décor.  What better way than to redecorate with daily reminders.......

I'm always changing things up a bit, keeping my daughters entertained and reminding them of life's simple rules. . . 

Also, I hate clutter...so here are a few simple ideas to "hide" a few things used daily.......



Bookcase - obviously holds books, but the bins on the last shelf store crayons, markers, paper, scissors and all other craft supplies -Nice and Neat.  Also the hat box on the floor to the right, stores all of our winter hats, gloves, scarves.  The old briefcases on the floor under the TV electronics hold in/out going mail in one and the other holds extra cords, extra remotes, etc.

 


Our Daily Reminders.....and below is another reminder in our kitchen....I tend to change Chef Perez's reminder every other day, the girls get a kick out of it. 

 



 

Christmas & New Year Decor

Bringing in the New Year in our household must look fab and have some meaning to remember the old and bring in the new.  Here are a few decorations and New Year's quotes I had printed and displayed around the home. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tranquil Bathroom-Cubby/Storage

Our move to our new home is finally over - boxes still left to be unpacked and lots of organization ahead; but in the meantime - décor is a must!!!

Our new bathroom has a large/long cubby - Of course, my brain began to turn its wheels trying to figure out what to do with this space. 

There was an antique chest I found in the basement while moving a while ago. I love shopping in our own home lol.  Things were popping out of everywhere - so I dust off, make it pretty and put it to use!!

The chest serves as toilet paper storage and a few magazines for us/guests to read while on the thrown lol.

There are towels in the cubby too. Perfectly hidden from view (I hate towels all over the place).

I used a pastry stand for the candles and other décor - I couldn't find a place to store it, so I used it instead :)

This is the view from the throne, looks better in person with the candles lit.

So you 'll have a sense of tranquility while taking a sh** in our home. LMAO (sorry, yes I had to go there)

Here are other views....

 

 ........Love decorating and DIY'ing our new home :) hmmm what to do next :?

AM: Kick-Fat-in-the-Ass Smoothie

Who knew healthy would taste and feel so good.  Not only do raspberries taste delish, but did you know that it helps improve the management of obesity and are loaded with antioxidants. 

The Ground Flaxseed is high in Fiber & Omega-3 and lets not forget flax contains lignans which reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. 

The Almond Butter is high in monounsaturated fats (a/k/a "the good fat"), Controls Blood Sugar, Lowers Blood Pressure, is rich in Antioxidants and drum roll please..........Helps with Weight Control!!

Spinach a/k/a "one of The Worlds Healthiest Foods" and Popeye would agree!!  loaded with nutrients and health benefits.

and the Lemon....rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants, helps immune system and aids digestion. 

AM: Kick-Fat-in-the-Ass Smoothie
 

Ingredients

1 Cup Water
1 Tbsp Ground Flaxseed
1 Banana
1 Cup Frozen Raspberries
1/4 Cup Spinach
1 Tbsp Almond Butter
2 Tsp Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

 

 

Sip & Enjoy

while your body detoxifies

Supreme Smoothie ~ You'll be glowing after sipping all these nutrients

AJ Likes It!!

 

Supreme Smoothie

 

Ingredients

2 cups of frozen mixed berries
1 banana
2/3 cup carrot juice
2/3 cup orange juice
2 tbs ground flaxseed
1 handful of baby spinach
1 handful of kale
1 pinch of love (awe so cute)

Enjoy

 

~*~

 AJ sure did

Mango-Banana & Oats Breakfast Smoothie

Want some?

 

Mango-Banana & Oats Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

 

1 Cup Soy Milk

1 Banana

1 Cup Frozen Mango

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

1 Tsp Honey

1/4 Tsp Vanilla

1/4 Cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

 

 

 

Enjoy!!



My Berry-licious - Berry-Carrot Smoothie

Berry-Carrot Smoothie

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Apple Juice
1/2 Cup Soy Milk
8 Baby Carrots
1 Cup frozen Mixed Berries
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein 

 

BLEND & ENJOY 

(I use a Ninja blender ... Love it!)

DIY: Kitchen Table - Take II (everything looks better with a little TLC)

Inspired by other bloggers once again.......

Our poor kitchen table has taken a beat'n.  I've had it for 7 years, love the pub style and seating for 6 with ample room for serving platters, etc.  At any rate!  7 years of eating on it.  7 years of art projects, painting with my daughter, etc. the poor table has taken a beat'n. Take a look for yourself.  This is when I just started to sand it. 

Recently I found this sight and totally fell in love with it (I've mentioned it on previous posts).  http://thegraphicsfairy.com/ and being as my kitchen theme is vintage inspired with wine bottles, etc. and my poor kitchen table needed a makeover; I decided to search for the perfect typography and found it:  http://thegraphicsfairy.com/french-transfer-printable-wine-theme-typography/

Now how do I get it on my table?  Found a tutorial here:  http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/little-french-chocolate.html

AND I GOT TO WORK........

Thankfully, my boss had a projector I could borrow...Woot!! Woot!!  Got home and got my things together......

I followed "ALMOST" all the instructions on the tutorial (I could not find Minwax "Antique Walnut" I only found it in the 2 in 1 stain and polyurethane; and I did not hear great reviews.  Instead I used "Dark Walnut 2716" and instead of using polyurethane, I used shellac as the Home Depot guy recommended on a frequently used kitchen table) and after 3 hours and knees, back and neck killing me it was coming along ..... I don't have the steadiest hands, but I'm really happy with the finished product...you'll see.....

~*~*~*~

of course I had to initial

NEXT I stained......

 ~*~*~*~

It's not as shiny as it looks, there is a fan/light just above which shines on the table.....this was the final product AFTER shellac; and no those are not real cobwebs...it's October and our house is decorated with cobwebs in each room.

 

 I LOVE IT

&

NOW ONTO MY NEXT DIY PROJECT