Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Orange Smoothie.

This smoothie is a great way to use up oranges if you happen to buy a giant box of them at Costco and have an overload of oranges that you don't know what to do with.  It's also a cool and refreshing treat to cool you off now that the weather is finally starting to warm up!  This smoothie tastes like a healthier version of an orange julius, which is so delicious!

Recipe from gimmesomeoven.com.

Ingredients:
4 fresh oranges, peeled
2 cups of ice
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp honey
zest of 1 orange

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Pesto Chicken Sandwich.

I was so glad that I was able to hang out with my bestie MEGUMI while I was visiting Hawaii.  And of course, we had to try out a delicious recipe and take food pictures just like old times.  This pesto chicken sandwich makes a simple and delicious lunch.
Here are the ingredients you will need:

- 2 small-med chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, the fresher the better
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo, optional
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 
- 1 baguette, cut into 3 pieces
- fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ~1/4" thick
- sliced Roma tomatoes
- baby arugula
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced


Mix up chicken, pesto, yogurt, mayo, and salt/pepper in a medium size bowl.
Serve sandwiches on toasted baguette layered with arugula, tomato, mozzarella, chicken and avocado. Slather extra pesto right on the baguette for added flavor.  YUM.  

Be sure to check out some of our previous food posts!  Banana Nutella Ice Cream // Mediterranean Chicken Pizza // Strawberry Shortcake // Summer Chicken Salad & Homemade Bread // White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake // Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup & Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese

Monday, April 22, 2013

Waimea Valley. Hawaii Vacation (Part II).

I love the plants, trees, and flowers in Hawaii.  Why can't palm trees just grow everywhere?...like here in Missouri!  One day during our trip we went to Waimea Valley.  It is a beautiful trail with hundreds of different plants along the way, and at the end of the trail there is a beautiful waterfall.  It was hilarious watching my two year old niece, Clementine, chase the birds around.  She even managed to chase a peacock!  I was afraid that it was going to spread it's feathers and attack in defense, but it got away before she could get to it.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Hawaii Vacation (Part I).

My trip to Oahu was simply amazing.  I felt like I was right back home where I belong.  I loved feeling the sand between my toes and basking in the sunshine.  After living in Hawaii for two years, part of my heart will always be there.  I really need to move back to the islands!  If only I could convince my husband that it could work out somehow.  It was so fun spending time with family and reconnecting with old friends.  It was fun reliving old memories along with creating new ones as well.  One of the most memorable experiences from my trip was stand up paddle boarding!  We went during sunset and the view was breathtaking.  We even had several encounters with sea turtles along the way.  I highly recommend paddle boarding at sunset if you're ever in Hawaii!
One of the things I had missed most about Hawaii was the food.  Giovanni's shrimp truck has the best garlic shrimp on the planet.  I loved getting my hands all greasy and devouring every single bite.  And if you ever want a warm, delicious, doughnut-like pastry then you need to have a malasada from LEONARD'S.  I used to eat them ALL the time when the Leonard's truck would come to the Laie shopping center parking lot near my work.  We also had the pleasure of eating the most delicious Thai food from OPAL THAI.  It is my favorite place to eat  on the island.  I really wish I had taken a picture of our mouth watering food.  My mouth is watering now just thinking about it.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

A tiny bump.

Photo by Megumi

We're having a boy!  I had a feeling from the moment I found out I was pregnant that we would be having a boy.  Daniel is so excited to have a little mountain biking, hiking, running, sports, and adventure buddy.  Those two will be the best of friends, I just know it.  This picture was taken at 20 weeks.  I am currently 22.5 weeks and already feel so much bigger from just a few weeks ago.  Baby boy is starting to kick like crazy and is growing every day.  Now the challenge we'll be facing for the next while is...what will we name him???