Saturday, July 19, 2014

brown rice, that doesn't taste like shit.

I hate brown rice.  I have given it so many tries and every time I end up thinking it tastes like dirty oatmeal.  Weird, right?  Anyways, I finally cooked something up that makes brown rice actually enjoyable.

Here you go!

First off, cook your rice girrrllll:

In a LARGE pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.  In the meantime, run 1 cup of brown rice under cold water.  When your water is a'boiling, throw your rice in! Cover it, but don't cover it all the way.  (Pics below!)  Turn to medium-high heat and leave it for 30 minutes.

While all of the magic is happening, do this:

Grab a saute pan and throw in 1 can of diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers.  Honestly, throw in whatever veggies sound delish to you.  I add cayenne pepper because I like to live on the edge and keep my life hot, hot, hot!

Next, strain your brown rice. Don't rinse! And lastly, return rice to the pot, cover lid completely, remove from heat, and let sit for 10 minutes.  Let it get it all steamy!

Last but not least... remove your rice and throw it in to your veggie tomatoey goodness.  Mix it all up!

Bam, you are done!  No more choking down nasty brown rice that tastes like dirty oatmeal.

Cheers to not discriminating brown rice, all you white rice lovers!








how to cook plain brown rice was found from http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/how-to-make-perfect-brown-rice-every.html



Saturday, July 5, 2014

Happy 4th of July!!

Our family and friends had a lot to celebrate this 4th of July!  Not only was it independence day, but also a day for celebrating my mom turning 50!

The day consisted of music, volleyball, a keg, lots of food, camping, swimming, fireworks, family, and of course, FUN!

The day may or may not have also consisted of keg stands, someone peeing their pants, tequila, and dancing..... 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the party!! Hope everyone had a safe a wonderful 4th :) 







YES, that happened.



And of course, the aftermath of the party.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

life, yo.

Herrrrooooo!

Life caught up to me and I have not been blogging lately, which is really unfortunate!

What has been going on?!
I just started summer quarter... (my final quarter at WWU!!) Classes only last six weeks and shortly after that I will be graduating! In the mean time, I have started looking for potential jobs.  Although I am not set on an exact career yet, I have some ideas that I want to pursue.  I'm super terrified to jump in to the real world (like every other college grad).  But!  Starting a new adventure sounds awesome and I am anticipating a successful life ahead!

By the way....

I just got back from Mexico, which was wonderful! There is really nothing better than spending time with my close knit family.  This was by far my favorite vacation to date.





These cuties just celebrated their 30th anniversary!! Seriously, how adorable are they!? 


What else!?

Life has taken some other changes lately.  This summer I am focusing on school, spending time with friends and family, and thinking about myself and my future.  <-- That sounds so selfish.  What I mean by this is that I am taking some time to myself for awhile to figure out what I want in life.  With this, it is great having positive people surrounding me that inspire me to be a better person.  I have the best support system and I don't know what I would do without all of my beautiful family and friends!

That is all for now! Ta ta! 



Wednesday, May 7, 2014

My sister is ENGAGED!

Congrats to my beautiful sister and her soon to be husband, Mike!  I am so excited for you two.  

Ever since I can remember, Becca has wanted to get married.  Since she was a young girl, she knew she wanted to find someone special to spend the rest of her life with.  What I love most about my sister is she not only has always wanted a wedding, but most importantly a marriage.  Although the ring, flowers, party, and gown are something my sister is (and should be) excited about, I know she is first and foremost looking forward to being a loving and caring wife.  Her willingness to love unconditionally will lead to a beautiful marriage between her and Mike.

Silly me... I am only talking about my sister here.  Some words about the future groom...

Mike is wonderful.  I couldn't ask for a better future brother.  He is the perfect match for my sister.  They are both goofy, compassionate about helping others, friend/family orientated, kind, and crazy about each other.  It has been such a pleasure having Mike in my families life.  I have always wanted nothing but the best for my sister.  Mike surpasses all expectations and is everything I have always hoped for my sister.  Needless to say, I am beyond happy that he is apart of our family.  

Did I mention he picked out the most beautiful ring?? (Seriously, what a keeper!) 


All in all, I just want to express my happiness and excitement for Becca and Mike!!  I love you both, so much! 

Whoop whoop!  Now lets have a wedding!!!!




Tuesday, April 22, 2014

do i have to stop shopping at forever 21?

Everyone who works their ass off in the four years of college looks forward to the day the hard work finally pays off: graduation.  (Okay, maybe not everyone... but this applies to me).  The sad truth is that the anticipation seems so much better then the actual event.  Seriously.  Graduating sounds absolutely terrifying.  The big day is happening this August and I am freaking out.  I had this feeling the first day of college when I had no idea what major to declare.  I was so stressed that I had not figured out what I was going to do with the rest of my life.  But, soon that stress diminished once I realized I had a couple of years to really buckle down and I assumed my "future self" would have life all planned out.  Welp! That did not happen.  

I still don't have my plan figured out.  

Some thoughts about my future:
Where am I supposed to live?  
Is it admitting defeat if I move back home?  
How do people get real jobs?  
I know my dream job, but how the heck do I get it?
Who will my friends be?  
How much money should I be making?
What the fuck can I do with a sociology major? (Just kidding, I'm still convinced SOC is the best major)
Do I have to stop shopping at Forever 21?  

Seriously.  These are the ridiculous questions that ramble through my mind.

The constant battle of trying to plan my future has got to stop.  Above all, I want happiness in my future.  I am going to attempt to stop worrying so much about things that have not happened yet.  Everything will happen that is supposed to, even if it isn't what I originally hoped for.  Instead of worrying about the future, my goal is to live in the now.  Be happy now.  

This blog post serves as a reminder to enjoy life now.  On days I start to panic that I don't have a future plan I will look at this.  Hopefully it will calm my pits.  

This post also serves as an answer to people who ask, "What are your plans after graduation?!" 
(I don't know yet!  But, I have some goals that I am working my ass off for!  So, I'm going to keep working hard and see where it takes me!) 



Saturday, April 19, 2014

quinoa breaky bowl

I love breakfast food, just not in the morning.  There is something about trying to eat in the morning that grosses me out.  I just brushed my teeth and I'm all minty.  Why would I want to shovel down some eggs and toast?! BUT! Good news!! I found a recipe that is definitely something I can eat in the AM.

In a bowl put together....

Greek yogurt (I used honey vanilla)
Quinoa
Sunflower seeds
Chopped almonds
Blackberries
Strawberries
A dash of agave nectar

Super healthy and delicious!





Originally I saw this recipe on http://www.pinterest.com/pin/125537908337431527/
But I made a few alterations!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

clean eats.

I hate for this to turn in to a self loathing blog, so I will keep this part short.  Lately I have been feeling really unhealthy and unhappy about myself.  I call it the "boyfriend pounds."  Literally.  Boyfriends make you gain some poundage.... Okay, maybe eating like crap and drinking a lot of beer because you are comfortable makes the pounds come piling on.  Whatever.  Regardless the culprit, I am not digging what I have done to my body.

What next?!

Time to do something about it!! This post will serve as my inspiration and motivation to become a healthy human being! My goal is not to worry about becoming an unrealistic size, but instead work on consuming only 'clean' foods and be more active.  In return, I am expecting to look healthier, feel better, gain energy, and be happier! 

So, here goes a healthier lifestyle! 



Mmmm, thanks Ryan.


Sunday, April 13, 2014

seattle adventures

What a beautiful day yesterday was! 

Joe turned 24 (omg!!) a few days ago and to celebrate we traveled down to Seattle.  We conquered so many things in one day, I was truly impressed with ourselves. 

First, we headed to Pikes Place! (Cliche I know, but still awesome)




Next, we rode the Great Wheel.  This is such a great way to see the magnificent views of Seattle.  Although it was terrifying (so high up), it was worth it.  We rode with another couple and their young son! He was full of energy and made the ride that much more entertaining.



Freaking out... I am afraid of heights.  After the first time around I settled down a bit!


Views!


FINALLY! For Joe's birthday present, I bought us tickets to go see the Mariners! This is something we have been wanting to do together for such a long time! 



Even though we lost, we still had a great time!


Moose came and said hi! Way cool.


Overall, yesterday was eventful and I am so happy I spent it with my best friend!





Sunday, March 30, 2014

All things lemon.

Lemon Chia Seed Muffins!  

Yum.  Seriously, these things are delicious.  Although, all things with lemon usually are! 



First of all...

Get all of your ingredients out and ready.... I always find this so helpful instead of searching for things as I bake.

What you'll need:

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 butter, soften it up!
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp chia seeds (cha cha cha chia) 
1/2 cup milk
4 tsp lemon juice
1 package lemon flavored instant pudding mix

For the yummy glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Now that all of that is out and ready, lets get to baking! Woohoo!

1.  Cream together the butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest
2.  Mix in the rest of the goodness.
3.  Distribute batter into muffin tin cups
4.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes
5.  After the muffins have cooled, mix together your glaze topping.  Then dip the muffins in the glaze!
6.  Enjoy!


Oh yeah, mix it up mix it up.


Joe was strugglin' with the lemon juice! 
He managed using his HUGE muscles.


YUM!


The finished product!!



Recipe courtesy of: http://www.somethingswanky.com/lemon-chia-seed-pudding-muffins/

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Whatcom Falls

When looking for something to do, Whatcom Falls always seems to slip my mind.  What a shame.  Rain or shine, this place is a wonderful breath of fresh air.

P.S.... Don't wear white shoes here.  I learned that the hard way.








Wednesday, March 26, 2014

"You look like an Indie girl now"

For over a year now, I have been talking about purchasing a DSLR camera.  After collecting three jars full of change and extra cash from here and there, I finally saved enough to buy a Nikon D3200.

Yesterday, Joe and I wondered to Costco and looked at my dream camera.  After minutes of debating, which included picking the camera up and then putting it back because, "I just wasn't ready," I purchased it!  I am beyond stoked to start taking pictures and learning more about photography.  To say I am a beginner would be an understatement.

Anyways!  My new camera gave me a reason to explore some of my favorite spots in Bellingham, like Boulevard park, Fairhaven and Chuckanut Drive.

This is Professor.  The most handsome boy I know.
Oh, and this is Joe.  The second most handsome boy I know. ;) 

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Because everyone loves chocolate chip cookies

I'm on a mission to find the best chocolate chip cookie recipe.  Why?  Because everyone loves cookies.  Especially chocolate ones.

To say that I love baking would be an understatement.  There is something about it that can turn any bad day in to a good one.  And few things are better than a little bit of cookie dough.  In order to turn a stressful day in to a relaxed one, I made these gems.




Ingredients: 
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking power
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
milk chocolate chips (I used 12 oz)

Lets Make 'Em:
Cream butter, oil, and sugars.  Add the eggs and stir that shit together.
Add all the dry stuff.
Bake 350 for 7-8 minutes. (I baked them a few minutes extra... possibly because I made them monster size)





These babies turned out quite delicious.  Joe and the rest of the Engineering students agreed (so they told me).  

I'm not quite convinced these are the BEST cookies I have ever had, but they will do for now!  If anyone knows of a recipe that puts this one to shame, let me know! 

Until then, happy baking. 






Recipe courtesy of:
http://lilluna.com/the-best-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/