Mahalo and Join Me On My New Page

I have loved all of the new opportunities that blogging has offered me.  Through an event over at Blogelina I was able to get a blog design done.  So with a new design I decided to finally bite the bullet and move my blog over to Wordpress.  I've experienced a lot of growing pains trying to figure out how to make everything work but the site is finally up and running.  All of your favorite content is over at the new site so no worries you won't miss anything.

Mahalo for coming and visiting with me.  I look forward to many new adventures and lots more to share!

Check out the new blog here!

Fabulous Friday- Because of Him

Today was a great day for my little family. My husband is almost done with some training for work and they had a very special recognition day today. It was so wonderful to be able to take my kids and have them see their dad in a work environment.

Plus he got most of the day off which was super awesome. We ate lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, hung out with my in laws and played Mario Party on the GameCube (oh yeah, rocking it old school). Overall a great day and then tomorrow starts Easter festivities. 

I love this time of year when we celebrate renewed life. This year takes on an extra special meaning as I remember my cousin Christopher who took his own life earlier this year. Although his death was devastating I know that I will be able to see him again.  I am so grateful for that knowledge and the comfort that it can bring.

I am grateful for my faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. Because of Him our lives may also be renewed. 

Hope your family has a wonderful Easter!

Fabulous Friday- Brazilian Lemonade

When we lived in Utah, there was this great place called Tucanos-a Brazilian churrasco buffet.  We always went for our birthdays because you got a free meal on your birthday.  It was our special events place- like for graduation, anybody's birthday, we maybe went more than a few times. :) We would stuff ourselves silly on all of the awesome meat and grilled pineapple and they had to have the best salad bar I've ever had. I think my all time favorite dish they served was their mango codfish.  Oh man! The next time we get back to Utah you know we will be going to Tucanos, it's a must.

Okay, I'm going to stop gushing.  The reason I went on my little rant about Tucanos (sorry) is that they served Brazilian Lemonade which we would splurge for occasionally. So when I found this recipe for Brazilian Lemonade I about flipped.  It's the perfect addition to a make your own take out night.  I feel like any meal is elevated to the next level when you have a fancy drink to go with it.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we have.

Our Best Bites- Brazilian Lemonade



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Homemade Horchata

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Hawaiian Lava Flow

The Mom Conference

I just found out about a great FREE conference for Moms going on this week. I am so excited to hear what other moms have to say. Being a young mom to my 2 kids I know that I really don't know very much so it's always great to get ideas from other moms who have been there.  Although what works for each family- and heck with each child- is different it's still good to have lots of ideas stored away in the vault.  You can check out each days lineup of presenters here. Some of the presenters you may recognize from the blogosphere, I know several of these bloggers are women I already follow, so I know the presentations will be great.


Watch the short little video about the Mom Conference and then go Sign up here.

Hope to "see" you there! :)


 

Mexican Rice

We make Mexican food A LOT.  It's a weekly menu item but my hubby has never been big on Spanish Rice and I'm not big on box mixes for things I know I can easily make from scratch.  I love how simple this recipe is and how it uses just a few basic ingredients that I always have on hand.  It's full of flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican fare.  If you choose to double the recipe you may need to cook it longer depending on the pot size and shape.  Just to be aware.

Mexican Rice

1 c. rice
½ small onion, sliced
1 thumb garlic, smashed
1 or 2 T. oil
pepper to taste
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce  or 2 small tomatoes, chopped (for Spanish Rice style)
2 c. chicken broth
salt to taste

Fry uncooked rice, onion, garlic, and pepper in oil until rice starts to brown. Add tomatoes and mash or use tomato sauce and broth, cover. Simmer until done, about 20 minutes.

Crock pot Mole Chicken Enchiladas

Homemade Fajita and Taco Seasoning

Homemade Bisquik Mix

Homemade Horchata

Fabulous Friday- Coconut Cream Fruit Dip

I was looking for a fun fruit dip to serve at my daughter's 4th birthday party (that was almost a year ago, yikes!) and I found one on Pinterest that peeked my interest.  I figured I would give it a chance and I am so glad that I did.  It was the biggest hit.  I was constantly being asked what was in it and where I got the recipe.  This is one of those staples you can bring to a party, even if it is last minute.  I like to keep some cream of coconut on hand to add to my coconut quinoa or for virgin pina coladas.  It's just nice to have on hand, and the fact that it tastes good is just an extra bonus, right? I make a double batch (which makes a ton just to be aware) and use the leftovers to make the most amazing fruit salads.  You could always use the dip and fruit and toss it all together for a fruit salad to bring to a potluck which I personally think would be a huge hit. Hope you like it as much as I have!

Coconut Cream Fruit Dip by Dessert Now, Dinner Later

Hawaiian Lava Flow

Coconut Berries Quinoa

Triple Coconut Cake

Bread Maker Coconut Bread

Simple Honey Glazed Carrots

In my quest to get my family to eat vegetables (hubby included) I've had to make some concessions.  Adding a little bit of sweetness to this dish will at least entice my picky eater to try it.  It's a compromise I was willing to make.  She tried it, still hasn't cast her final vote but I think I won that battle.  At least that's what I keep telling myself.  Honestly, I really like this dish.  It's one I make fairly often because it is a quick and easy side using ingredients I always have on hand.  My hubby loves it and that's always a good reason to make it.  I like that it gives just a hint of sweetness and really helps the spices stick to it.  

Simple Honey Glazed Carrots

1 lb ready to eat baby carrots or peeled and cut regular carrots
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning

Cook carrots, in a covered saucepan, in a small amount of water for 8 to 10 minutes.  Or steam carrots for 8 to 10 minutes.  I like mine with a little bite to them still so I tend to do 8 minutes. Drain water if needed.  Add butter, honey, and Italian seasoning to pan and cook over low heat until everything is melted and combined.  Salt and pepper to taste.

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Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crock Pot Apple Cider Pork Roast

Corn with Cumin Butter and Queso Fresco

Thyme Cheddar Twists