Oh Christmas Tree!

Today Steve and I started one of our new Christmas traditions:
We went to a Christmas Tree farm, picked out and chopped down our first, real Christmas tree as a married couple.

The farm we went to is called Devine Acres Farm in Devine, TX, about an hour or so south of San Antonio.  This farm was FANTASTIC!  They have about 5,000 trees on their property so it took us a couple of hours to pick out the right one.  For each tree that is chopped down every year they plant an additional tree.  In addition to their Christmas trees they have tons of fun activities for the little ones: catch and release fishing, mazes, hayrides, farm animals, mini golf, etc.  Our plan is to continue to go back every year even when we have little ones.

I kind of liked this little fellow but Steve had grander things in mind. 

We settled on a nice 9-10 footer.  Since we have 14 foot ceilings in our place it works out pretty well.

 Once we picked it out we had a bit of a rough time getting it chopped down.  Apparently I was supposed to be pushing while Steve sawed. Oops!  Luckily a nice man who worked there came along to help Steve out.

And the same nice man gave us a hay ride back to the front with our tree in tow.

One of my very favorite things about Steve is his love of tradition. 
This is one of my new favorites by far.

Only in Vegas....

Today is my last work trip of the year and we're headed to Vegas!

Looking back on my calendar this will be my 18th work trip this year.  Kind of intense when you think about it.

Its a nice short trip (3 days/2 nights).  Just long enough to get some work done and have a good time.

My sweet husband woke up at 5:45am to take me to the airport.

Coffee was necessary. 

I'm always so shocked when I visit Vegas.  This is my 5th time here and it still blows my mind.

Things that amaze me (in no particular order)
1) There is a liquor store in the airport.  IN the airport!!!!  Just in case you can't make it from your cocktail on the plane to the hotel bar: 

2) Carousels made entirely of flowers (and yes it does go around in circles):

3) While we're at it, Hot Air Balloons made entirely of flowers:

4) Gondolas and canals inside malls. The gondoliers even sing for you:

5)  Incredible views from the bed of my hotel room (I didn't even have to stand up to move the curtains...its automated):

6) There is Fro-yo in the Walgreens...I don't have a pic of this but I PROMISE.

I didn't indulge but I really wanted to.

More to come...

Curried Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry--Easy Weeknight Dinners

A few months ago I made beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction and whipped mashed potatoes,   on a Tuesday. Sounds delicious right?  Well it was but it was also the worst idea EVER.

Not only was the preparation & cooking time consuming, but the clean up was a beast and by the time I was finished it was time for bed.  I ended up having an emotional meltdown about "how all I ever do is work, cook and clean" (dramatic, I know).

Since then, I've started implementing some easy 10-15 minute, minimum clean up recipes during the week and saving the "fancy" stuff for the weekends or when friends are coming over. 

Here's one of my favorites that I made last night:
Curried Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry
Ingredients
Makes about 4 Servings

2-3 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 Large Chicken Breasts (you can substitute for shrimp if you're more of a seafood person)
Spices (I use: Garlic Powder, Lemon Pepper, Truffle Salt, 21 Seasoning Salute, Cayenne Pepper and Cumin)
1 Bag of California Stir Fry Veggies (Broccoli, Carrots and Snow Peas)
1 Jar of Thai Kitchen Red Curry Simmer Sauce
Jasmine Rice (I like to use Trader Joe's or the Minute Rice brand is also excellent)

Step 1: 
Preheat a skillet and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to it.  Rinse your chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel.  Cut into cubes.

Step 2:
Add spices to the chicken.  I like lemon pepper, garlic powder and truffle salt.  I also added cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper (not pictured).  My absolute favorite spice is 21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's.  When in doubt use it.

Step 3: 
Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet and olive oil.  Move to medium heat.  Cook for about 1 minute uncovered and then cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: 
While the chicken is cooking dump one jar of Thai Kitchen Red Curry Sauce into another skillet.  Wait until it boils.

Add California Stir Fry Veggies and cook for 5 minutes on Med Heat.

Step 5: 
Transfer the chicken into the skillet with the veggies and curry. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: 
While the chicken and veggies are cooking together put the Jasmine Rice in the microwave.

Step 7: 
Serve the chicken and veggie stir fry over the jasmine rice and be prepared to fall in love. 

Happy (Late) Thanksgiving!

My family has about a million traditions but some of my absolute favorites center around Thanksgiving.

We start the day with my Mom's famous Monkey Bread.

After that deliciousness we start prepping the Turkey Day feast.  Mashed potatoes, stuffing, jellied cranberries, green bean casserole, cornbread, turkey and my favorite: pistachio jello salad.

Post food binge we all go to the movies.  Yesterday's flick was Catching Fire.  SOOO GOOD.  If you haven't seen it you really must.


After movie time we come home and make gingerbread houses.  I would like to say that in previous years I have always come in last (mine falls because of structural damage before the night is up) BUT not this year.  In fact, according to the Facebook polling (oh yes, there's a poll) mine is in first place.

To be fair here's a picture of the competition:

Clockwise from top left: Max's house, Steve & Mady's house, Connor's house, Max's side view, Connor's swimming pool

While gingerbread houses are amazing my absolute favorite tradition is sitting around in a circle and taking turns saying why we're thankful for each person in the room. Its somewhat awkward at first but who doesn't love to hear why they're loved?  Lots of tears and laughs.  My family is the most incredible one in the world.

From Left: McKenna, Madysen, Dad, Me, Steve, Mom, Max, Cody, Connor

Creme Brulee--Time intensive BUT probably easier than you think

Creme brulee is one of those dishes that sounds incredibly daunting to make.  Maybe something akin to making macaroons or a 7 layer cake. A few months ago I decided to give it a shot.  The results were DELICIOUS and the hardest part of making them was waiting for them to fully set in the fridge before I ate them.  That and the required patience while waiting for the cream to "almost" boil...what the heck is "almost" boiling anyway?

This Thanksgiving I'm making creme brulee again and I'm going to walk you through step by step in case you need to impress your family and friends.

*Warning--There is absolutely NOTHING healthy about this. There's a reason its been a few months since I've made this.  

Ingredients 
Makes 15 Servings (the original recipe is for 5 but if you have a giant family like me you'll want more not less)
18 egg yolks
1 cup and 2 tablespoons white sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (I prefer the paste as it has a more distinct vanilla flavor)
7 1/2 cups heavy cream (this is the same as heavy whipping cream...for some reason this always throws me in the store)
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Kitchen Utensils
Creme Brulee Dishes (I got mine for $1.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond...don't spend a lot on them just get some good ceramic ones)
Double Broiler (I actually don't have one so I use two pots that fit on top of each other)
Torch (Optional--I prefer to use my oven's broiler)

Step 1: 
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Step 2:
Separate the yolk from the egg white.  Discard the egg white (or if you make egg white omelets put it in a container and refrigerate).

Step 3: 
Beat egg yolks, white sugar and vanilla extract (or paste) until creamy.

Step 4: 
Put cream into a saucepan and stir on low heat for eternity...or until it "almost" comes to a boil.  Basically, I waited until there was some bubbling along the edges.
Its also smart to put the bottom part of your double broiler on the stove to get the water boiling. 

Step 5:
Remove cream from heat and stir into the egg yolk mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 6:
Put the cream/yolk mixture into the top of the double broiler (or if you're me the top pot that wobbles a lot on top of the other pot).

Step 7: 
Stir over simmering water until the mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon (as shown).

Step 8:
Remove mixture from heat immediately and pour into shallow heat-proof dishes.  I put mine on cookies sheets so they're easier to manage.

Step 9:
Put into the oven for about 30 minutes. 

Step 10:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
Place in the refrigerator to set for at least an hour or overnight.

Step 11: 
Preheat oven to broil. Combine the brown sugar and the rest of the white sugar. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the custard.

Pre-broil and post-broil

Step 12: 
Broil for about 2-3 minutes being careful to avoid burning.

Step 13:
Remove from heat.  Put back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour to set.

Step 14:
Top with fresh fruit and enjoy (clearly I already got started)!

Nutrition Information (per serving): 
574 Calories
53.4g Fat
29.5g Carbs
3.3g Protein
29g Sugar
Like I said...this is not healthy

Christmas Presents under $100

Oh Christmas time!  A time for giving, a time for sharing, a time for making plans to buy things for my self if my friends and family don't jump on it.

Clockwise From Bottom Left: 

1) J.Crew Pixie Pant

$98.00

One of my co-workers turned me on to these. They're basically comfy like leggings but more structured like pants.  Oooh and did I mention they have a back zipper? Word to the wise: wash them once for the best most comfortable fit.

2) Express Embroidered Lace Tee--pictured in Natural

$49.90--On Sale for $24.95!

I saw this in People StyleWatch a while back. I'm in love with all things lacy and long-sleeved and for $25 bucks? Come on now.

3) OGIO Soho Red Laptop Bag

$80 on the OGIO site or you can find it on the cheap here

This is one of those backpacks that was clearly designed for a woman. Lots of pockets, straps designed for women with boobs (FINALLY!) and of course that adorable design. 

4) Urban Decay Naked Eye Palette
$52.00
I have actually owned this palette before and lost it on one of my million trips. This was the eyeshadow I used to make my wedding look happen.  I rather liked it :).

Sultry Wedding Eyes courtesy of Naked Palette

5) Miss Dior Perfume
$90.00
I got a sample of this at Sephora and let's just say I'm OBSESSED.  It has a bit of a citrus rose/oriental thing going on.  Basically, I wear it and my husband won't stop smelling me. 

10 Steps to Trim Traveling

When I started traveling for work one of my first questions to my boss was "how do you avoid gaining weight when you're traveling all the time?"  Her response-"When I started traveling I did gain weight." Ugh. During our "busy season" (basically March-June and September-November) I'm on the road about 40% of the time.  As the months have progressed I've gotten pretty good by following a few simple rules:

1. Drink TONS of Water.  Seem simple? Maybe, but when you're on the road and don't have as readily available access to purified water its easy to skip it. Drinking water is one of the single best things you can do to keep the extra pounds off (and keep your skin clear, your body healthy, your hair shiny, need I go on?).  When you arrive in a new location go to a convenience store or even better a local grocery store and pick up a case of bottled water to keep in your hotel room. 
2. Bring healthy snacks. Unsalted roasted almonds, bananas, apples, carrot sticks, trail mix (not the kind with M&Ms), rice cakes, etc.  They'll keep you from binging at meals.
3. Skip the bread.  When you get to the restaurant ask the waiter NOT to bring bread or chips. If your entree comes with mashed potatoes or fries ask if you can substitute a salad or steamed vegetables.  I promise you'll thank me later!
4. Don't skimp on your workouts.  Virtually all hotels have gyms (although some are definitely better than others). Worse case scenario go on a jog or work out in your room! 
   


5. Avoid the "I have to clean my plate" mentality. Don't feel that just because you're on company dime you need to eat every single article of food that's placed before you.  With that being said, if your meal looks properly proportioned (about 4 oz or a palm sized amount of protein and as much green food as you want) then go for it!
   


6. Eat a healthy breakfast. Avoid the temptation to skip breakfast in favor of sleeping in, saving a few dollars or a few calories. I like to think of breakfast as the easiest meal of the day to burn off and the best way to get enough energy to actually want to be active throughout the day.  Additionally, starting the day off with a healthy breakfast (a donut doesn't count) makes you want to eat healthy for the rest of the day. Think fresh fruit, greek yogurt, eggs, chicken sausage or turkey bacon! Big glass of orange juice. YUMMMMmmmm.              
7. Find your "Moving buddy."  If you travel with other members of your company (or with friends!) find someone else to workout with.  You are much more likely to wake up for that early morning run if you have someone holding you accountable and waiting for you in the lobby. 
8. Say NO to the buffet.  You will never find a buffet in Europe. Possibly reason #547 they're skinnier and healthier than us. Buffets make us eat more than we normally would because we feel the need to "get our money's worth." Avoid at all costs.  
9. Don't binge drink. If your coworkers are going out to the bar you don't have to take the "I'll have an ice water thank you" stance but don't go overboard either.  Drinking your calories is a common mistake and is one of the easiest ways to pack on the pounds. 
10. Tapas.  That's right tapas. For the non-foodies in the room tapas are appetizers or shared plates and they can be a great way to avoid gaining weight when you travel. Think about it: when you share food you're able to sample and taste everything without falling into trap #5 (Cleaning your plate in case you already forgot).