Zoodles for Dinner

Growing with popularity, using a spiralizer to make your veggies into pasta has become the newest way to create healthy, low carb pasta that tastes just as good and is just as filling!

I am not anti-carbs in ANY way, but if you're looking for a snack and don't want to blow half of your days carb serving suggestion on a snack of pasta, mac n cheese, or even crackers, this is perfect for you!

All you need is a spiralizer, which I got as a gift for Christmas, but can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. for $10-$15.  

What you'll need:
1.  Zucchini, Squash, or even Carrots (haven't tried with carrots yet!)
2.  Olive Oil
3.  Avocado (for the sauce)
4.  Salt to taste
5.  Pepper to taste
6.  Skillet

Directions:
1.  Wash veggies
2.  Use the spiralizer (choose thick or thin) and twist the veggies until you have the desired amount of "pasta"
3.  Coat a medium sized skillet with olive oil (or whatever type of oil you would like; coconut, etc.)
4.  Cook veggie pasta on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes turning often
5.  Take veggie pasta off of heat


For the sauce you can either make it really simple or get out the blender and actually make the sauce.  I've done it both ways, and both are delicious!  Just mashing up an avocado is easy, and tastes so good.  The avocado sauce is so creamy and makes the dish taste like you ordered an expensive dish from a restaurant!  It just depends on what you are in the mood for and what you have the time for!

Easy way:
1.  Mash up an avocado and enjoy!  (I did the last night and it was easy and so delicious!)

Recipe for sauce:
1.  2 avocados in a blender (I used a Nutribullet)
2.  1/4 Cup olive oil
3.  Salt and Pepper to taste
4.  Blend in Nutribullet until smooth
5.  Spread over Zoodles and enjoy!

Spiralizer, Avocados, Zucchini noodles

Fancy Olive Oil we got as a Christmas Gift!  Finally had a chance to use it :) 

Comment below to let me know if you've tried this recipe or if you have any variations!

Enjoy!

Valentine's Crush Banner

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I would post quite possibly the most simple decoration that would brighten up any apartment, home, classroom, bedroom, etc.  

We actually wrapped up our Christmas decorations before I headed back to school, which was a huge relief, but it has left our cute little townhouse feeling a bit empty lately.  I know this is not the first time a heart banner has ever been created, and there can be many spins on this, but I took this idea from the traditional flag banner that can be found all over Pinterest.

Materials:

-8 to 10 sheets of different colored paper

-Twine

-Hole Punch

As you can tell, hardly any supplies are needed!  I was going to go all out and purchase cute patterned paper, but in the true sense of being a thrifty wife, I used what we had around the house.  I even found some really cute Valentine's wrapping paper that I've had for years and cut out some hearts from this as well.

Directions:

-Draw between 20-50 (or more!) hearts at various sizes.

-Punch two holes in the top of each heart.

-String twine through the holes, making sure that the twine goes in the first hole, around the back, and up through the second hole (so the twine does not show on the front).

String up wherever you would like!  

Some variations on the craft:

-Cut out different sized circles, squares, triangle banners.

-Use patterned paper.

-Use felt material (or leftover fabric).

-Use black paper and write on the hearts/shapes.

Have fun creating some lovely decorations!



Heart Banner in my Classroom

GF/Dairy Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

With work and school in full swing again, we've needed some quick, easy, and delicious breakfasts that are ready to grab and go in the morning.  I stick to a smoothie and something else light, however, my husband needs a little more than that in the morning.  I found an awesome recipe and made it my own (gluten and dairy free) for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy bars!

Prep time took me all of 10 minutes, cook time was about 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Ingredients:
Dry-
1 1/2 cups gluten free oats
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt

Wet-
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup melted dairy free butter
1 egg
1/2 cup Peanut Butter
1 tsp vanilla

After you have all of your ingredients, dump them into a bowl and mix away!  Once mixed thoroughly, pour into an 8x8 greased* glass baking dish.  Pop into the oven for 25-30 minutes and serve it warm with fruit {or a smoothie!} or store and save for the rest of the week.  Enjoy!

*To grease baking dishes I use a Misto. The Misto allows you to put whatever type of oil (Olive Oil, vegetable oil, etc.) you want to use.  Saves money and allows you to grease pans in a more healthy way!

Some of the Ingredients

Finished product!

Swim 101

Believe it or not, swimming was my first love.  And in fact, swimming is one of the beautiful things that my forever love {my husband} and I first bonded over.

Like most things {or people} you fall in love with, the water terrified me at first.  My mom recounts many stories that take place over the span of 5-6 years where I stayed at the same swim level in lessons, screaming my head off, scared to put my face under.  After many lessons with one persistent swim coach, Jason, I joined a swim team when I was 8 years old simply because my best friend at the time joined.  I earned my fair share of participation ribbons over the next few summers on the summer swim league.  It wasn't until I moved to Massachusetts and began swimming year around that I hit my stride.  I began placing first nearly every race and beat my own records every swim.  With a fortunate move back to Southern California a few years later, swimming was my passion.  I started on a club team in 7th grade {while I loved my year around team in Massachusetts, it wasn't a club team and wasn't pushing me as much as I would have liked}.  This team was small but I have some of my best memories on this team from 7th-10th grade.  I looked up to my coach more than he probably knew and have nothing but respect for him.  I learned so much while on this team.  I worked hard and was fortunate enough to go to Junior Olympics while on this team.  Towards the end of high school, the social aspect didn't completely win over my competitive side, but it was clear I wasn't going to continue swimming competitively in college.  I enjoyed meets for more than the competition and record breaking during my senior year and eventually quit the club team.  During my first few years of college, I would often say that I need to be in the water.  I missed it, and still do and try to swim as much as possible, although that ends up being only a few times a month.

Regardless of how often you can swim in your workout routines or how much experience you have, I have found swimming to be calming, invigorating, and a workout that truly works every part of your body.  It can tire the strongest runners in one lap.  It can calm anxious children with Autism.  After a swim, you'll be sore in places you didn't know you even had certain muscle groups.  That being said, I wanted to give some beginners a starting point for a good swim workout.  Of course, all workouts can be modified and you can do your own research if this workout becomes too easy for you.  But, if you're looking for something new in your workout, swimming may be just the thing!

First, and most obviously, you need access to a pool.  My husband works at the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness center, so we have unlimited access to this gym and aquatics center.  Most gyms have a small lap pool, however.

Next, you need an actual workout suit.  A two piece that will fall off after ever push off the wall just won't cut it.

Other accessories you may want to invest in are a cap and goggles.  I can't really swim without them now, at least for a workout.  Hair gets in my face otherwise and forget swimming laps without goggles--my contacts are useless in the chlorine!

Most pools at a gym probably have basic equipment like various sizes of fins and kick boards for you to use.  You don't need to purchase these even for a good workout.

Finally, it's time to workout!

I usually skip this step, but it's a smart idea to stretch before and after your swim workout {I usually stretch after, but before is important too!}

Stretches:
-Arm circles, forwards and backwards
-Legs apart, reach down to the ground
-Touch your toes
-Runner's stretch {stretching your quad}
-Runner's stretch {stretching your calf}
-Jumping jacks {part of dynamic stretching, moving while stretching and warming up the body}

Laps:

25 yards or meters=1 lap

50 yards or meters=2 laps

75 yards or meters=3 laps

100 yards or meters=4 laps

and so on... :)

Swimming set:
-100 freestyle swim easy
-100 freestyle kick easy {if you do not have a kickboard, hold arms tight in streamline, hands on top of each other hugging your ears and breath when needed}
-100 freestyle swim
-100 freestyle kick
-100 freestyle swim
-10 25 sprints free style (as fast as you can with 30 seconds rest in between)
-10 25 sprints backstroke (as fast as you can with 30 seconds rest in between)
-10 25 sprints kick (as fast as you can with 30 seconds rest in between)
-200 freestyle cool down

More to come later!  Try this out and see how it feels.

Keep the Dates Coming

If you are anything like my husband and I, you need quality time with the person you love.  I suppose the term "quality time" is a bit of stretch because we define it in a variety of ways. Sometimes we get our fill by merely sitting next to each other for a few hours binge watching "How I Met Your Mother", going rock climbing and over using the phrase "Good climb babe", or planning out intricate and slightly over our budget dates every once in a while.  Regardless of whatever type of quality time you like, dating, spending time together, and making the effort really helps deepen a relationship.

I've read countless articles on 50 free date ideas, 20 creative date ideas, 10 date ideas to try tonight, etc. etc., so I figured I am going to add to that list by documenting and sharing some of the date ideas my husband and I have planned since being married.  The first few weeks of marriage we let our busy lives keep us from making intentional dating time (aside from binge watching HIMYM because we always have time for that).  After a few weeks we noticed our communication was off, and we didn't feel like we were seeing each other as much (even though we are living together). We realized we had not gone on a real date since a few weeks before our wedding.  The month of our wedding was such a wonderful, busy whirlwind but like most couples, we let time get away from us and aside from dates on the honeymoon, forgot about that part!

Because our schedules are so varied and, let's face it, I'm exhausted all the time, we opted out of setting a regular date night.  Instead of setting a specific date night each week (i.e. every Tuesday is our date night), we decided that each Sunday we would pick a date night for the following week.  So from now to eternity (or however long the calendars in our phones last) we get a notification saying we need to plan a date for the following week on Sunday at 2:30pm.  

So far, this has worked well for us.  We've had a date pretty much scheduled on every day of the week this way and that leaves wiggle room for my over exhaustion, any sickness, change in schedules, etc. that may come up!

Now to document and hopefully inspire a few date ideas that you can use as well!

1.  Dave and Buster's

While on the pricy side, we had dinner and got to play a bunch of games!  Side note: we helped a crying child find his family this night.  So sad, but so sweet.  Daniel will make such a great dad one day!  A cheaper alternative is Nickelrama in Garland, TX.  All the games cost a NICKEL.  Daniel and I go all the time...we're kids at heart!  

2.  Steel City Pops

It took both Daniel and I a while to jump on the popsicle band wagon, but I'm not sure why because these were so good!  There were way too many flavors to choose from.  Just thinking about this makes me want to go back and try at least three more! Pretty sure he got passion fruit and I got watermelon.

3.  Game Night

We registered for games like Settler's of Catan, Life, Heads up, etc.  So of course we wanted to see how our life together would turn out ;) Daniel won.  

4.  Football Game!

This one was perfect since it was SMU v. UNT, where we both went to school!  SMU won, I might add.  :)

5.  Rock Climbing

One of our favorite activities together, aside from swimming.  Go to http://summitgyms.com/ to find locations and schedules!  They offer yoga classes, too!

6.  Medieval Times

This was a family date with my parents and my niece and nephew, but it counts!  We had so much fun.  Little Hannah adores her Uncle Daniel, and I love that!  Plus, who doesn't love eating with their hands?

7.  Dallas Arboretum, or just a walk in the park

I LOVE going on walks and recently got Daniel to come along with me.  We had SO much fun.  There is a walking trail near our townhouse with old workout stations along the way.  Pull up bars, parallel bars, and other weird contraptions that are supposed to help get you into shape.  At least we laughed a lot attempting to do the workouts.  

8.  Texas State Fair 

Because, it's the Texas State Fair.  

9.  White Rock Lake

Biking, walking, running trails and a place to rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes!  Bonus: this is where he proposed so we are making an effort to go back here more often! 

We have unofficially traded off weeks to plan a date, but usually we come up with what we will do for our date together.  A surprise every once in a while is fun, but we both like to be a part of the planning and enjoy coming up with new experiences for us to share together :)  

Fall Crafts: leaf wreath

With the Fall months comes all things cozy.  Cozy clothes, cozy drinks, cozy holidays, and cozy home decorations!  I'll admit that while I was counting down last week to the first day of Fall with my students I was secretly hoping that on September 23rd, 2015 a flip would switch and the temperature would magically drop 20-30 degrees.  It sadly did not.  While my wardrobe hasn't been switched out for pants and sweaters just yet, I am getting a few more weeks of wear out of my dresses and skirts while I can.

While I'm holding off on sweaters and hot coffee for now, I was quick to change some decorations around my home.  In fact, around 8pm on September 22nd, I ran upstairs and dug out this beauty that I made last year {a little preemptively before I was married with a new last name...} and switched out my summer wreath for a fall version.

I've slowly made a wreath for each season and now am adding more to my collection.  Here's what you will need to make a wreath similar to this one:

-Round branch wreath (pick your size, I believe this one was 8" diameter, @ Michael's or Walmart)
-Burlap fabric/burlap ribbon (I used scraps that I had left over)
-Assorted fake leaves
-Monogramed letter
-Paint for the letter (I used a bronze color)
-Hot glue gun/glue

All of these supplies can be found at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or even the Dollar Store (seasonally at least).

Now you're ready to assemble!
1.  Place leaves on the bottom of your wreath, glue down with the glue gun.  You may need to hold them down as they dry.
2.  Place pieces of burlap and/or burlap ribbon in varying patterns on top of leaves.
3.  Glue more leaves partially over burlap.
4.  Paint monogrammed letter.
5.  Glue monogrammed letter in the center of your leaf arrangement.

And it's ready to hang! 

Making the Most of Fair Day

Friday October 9th, 2015 was Dallas ISD's Fair Day.  Yes, we got an entire day off for the Texas State Fair.  And No, we do not get Columbus Day off, a national holiday.  While I do not agree with this in the slightest, I'm glad we get any semblance of a Fall Break, and therefore I'll stick with my "I'll take what I can get" attitude for the moment.

With DISD's fair day comes free teacher tickets to the fair!  As a lover of all things thrifty, that's $30 off the fair that my husband and I did not have to spend!  It allowed us to spend a little more on the rides, food, and even a souvenir or two.

Our Fair day actually began at the Dallas Arboretum, not related to the fair at all, but I have been dying to see the Pumpkin Village {since I was a freshman in college} and since we knew it would be packed on the weekends, we figured we would stop by for an hour or so in the morning on my day off!  Teacher's get in free for the entire year, and from now October 10-16th they get 3 more people in free!  Calling all Texas teachers, go to the Arboretum in the next week with your family!  While the pumpkin village was super fun, it sent Daniel's allergies into overdrive.  We walked around for a bit, I brought some of my art supplies and we found a spot where I could sit and draw for a while, then after about 50 minutes of watching parents take endless pictures of their kids sitting on hay bales and holding pumpkins, we made a mad dash for the exit.

Texas Pride

UNT pride

SMU pride

While it was still PACKED {to my husband's standards, I have only ever been when it was busy} it was fun to see the fall flowers and decorations and walk around for a bit.  And for free!

After spending a few hours relaxing at home...in the middle of the day {I love days off!} we headed out to the fair.  Now, we usually take the DART.  We should have taken the DART.  For some reason, my husband decided we didn't need to {he even admits it was his fault} and we were stuck in Friday afternoon traffic on our way into downtown Dallas.  With about a 40 minute drive to the fair and to find parking we were finally walking into the fair, free tickets in hand!

We have been to the fair three times together.  The first time before we had even started dating.  So, while I don't have as much Texas pride as a true born and raised Texan would, the fair is special to me.  And, with its crowds, cigarette smells, and over stimulation at every turn, it does actually get more fun each year we go.  

This year, we started off buying SO many tickets, but ended up using them all.  After a mini debate on which is cheaper: the fair or Disneyland {guess which one this Californian was rooting for}, and the fair winning, we decided let's blow the rest of our date money in our budget for the month and have some real fun.  

With tickets in hand, the first ride we went on was the gigantic slide!  The walk up was daunting, but it brought back memories of those bounce house slides that were at all the best birthday parties growing up.  About halfway up the climb, there was a little girl in front of my husband who was going up alone.  She turned around and said "I don't have anyone to ride with!" My husband being, hands down, the BEST with kids didn't even miss a beat and said "It's ok! You can go down with us!"  At one point the little girl even wanted to ride down in his lap, but for some reason the ride attendants frowned upon this.  The little girl settled for going down the slide right next to him, which left me three slides over from them.  It was totally worth it seeing that little girl have fun on her slide trip and my husband being, yet again, amazing with kids!

Because let's face it, he is just a big kid trapped in an adult's body anyway! :)

After our slide adventure we made our way through the dreaded midway to the shopping tents, car tents, and were even able to see the pig races!  We unfortunately missed the parade this year but got to chow down on a turkey leg, cotton candy, caramel apples, and more cotton candy.  Our last stop of the perfect fair trip ended with a ride on the ferris wheel at night!  Daniel and I have only been on the ferris wheel together, and neither of us had been on the ferris wheel at night!  All in all, this was the best fair trip yet and the first time we actually used the DISD fair day for the fair!

Daniel's new car (We wish!)

Of course we got a picture in front of Big Tex!

Ferris Wheel!  

Dallas Skyline!  Definitely looked better in person, but we had to get a picture.