What's Cook Lately

*Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito's with a side of Mexican Rice- Stuffed inside was a Mexican Chicken that had been cooked in the crock pot all day. Topped with a Homemade Cheesy Green Chili  Sour Cream Sauce. Let me tell you these where fabulous. Stuff a large whole wheat tortilla with the meat mixture a little cheese bake it in the oven for 20 minutes to get nice and crispy, add toppings and there you have it. Mouth watering. 

*Whole Wheat Waffles drizzled with a little Syrup- Theses have defiantly been my go to waffles here lately. They are absolutely fabulous and so quick and easy to put together. Best part is I can freeze the  left over, and pop them in the toaster in the morning for a quick healthy breakfast. 

*PIZZA- Who doesn't love pizza. I took a whole wheat tortilla spread some sauce on top, added the fixings: Cheese, Black Olives, Green Bell Peppers, Mini Pepperoni and Turkey Sausage. I tossed it in the oven and baked it for about 8-10 minutes @350. It was so tasty and filling. I've never made pizza this way before, it def. won't be the last. It was great.  

 *Cornbread Waffles and Chili- I've been wanting to put these two together ever since the hubbs got me a waffle maker for Christmas. Box cornbread (nothing fancy there) and my homemade delicious chili on top. It was quite tasty and fun if I do say so. 

 *Pizza Calzones- A new one for us to try. Why we wanted so long I have no clue. I stuffed it with everything we would top a pizza with, cheese, pepperonis and all the yummy goodness. Topped with Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and baked for 15-18 minutes at 375. Slice it up and it's ready to serve. 

 Buffalo (Bison) Burgers on a Pretzel Bun with the fixin's and a side of Sweet Potato Fries- We purchased the burger patties pre-made from the commissary and the buns. Its not often we do burgers so I let the hubbs pick, knowing he'd choose Bison. Sweet Potato fries was a much healthier option over regular fries but I knew I wasn't going to want to make my own this evening so pre-made it was. This meal did not disappoint at all. 

Just another Day

Early Tuesday morning we got up and took our bikes to Veteran's park which is just up the road from where my NeNe lives. The park is great for just about any outdoor activity running, biking, football, frisbee golf, feeding the ducks or just taking a stroll around along the beautiful trail's. I love this park because not only does it have so much history but it is family friendly and huge. The full trail around the park is about a mile and a half. The first time around the 5am sprinklers where on and we got sprayed. That wasn't very welcoming so early in the morning. We continued on and went around about 3-4 times at a good pace before heading home. NeNe had a eye doctor's appointment that morning so we decided we would take her and spend some more time with her as well. It was a good thing because they ended up dilating both eye's when they where only suppose to do one. I felt awful for her, but we where so grateful that we had drove. I was also able to visit and catch up with NeNe's good friend Memory. I honestly don't remember her to much but I she is just the sweetest lady ever. 

Lola finally warmed up to the hubbs and wouldn't leave his side.

Later that morning NeNe fixed a fully breakfast casserole for brunch while the hubbs and I went and gathered a few things for dinner. Dad and my brother where coming over and we where cooking a tasty meal for everyone. After brunch we went and did a little random window shopping at a few stores before heading over to visit with my friend Angela. I always love coming home and really getting to catch up with good friends. Sure there's Facebook, Instagram, Texting and Calling but there's just something about being about to really spent time with someone you care about and love so much. Each and every time Ang and I get together its as if no time has ever passed. We pick right up where we left off. Not a second has been missed and that's what I love so much about her. It's so easy. We can go weeks or months at a time with out talking and you'd never know. Although one afternoon was not nearly enough time. I wish we had so much more time in Texas but there's just always so much to do and so many people to see. It makes it hard to get around and please everyone. 

We had a great dinner and visit with my dad and brother at the house. We made Croissant Sammies with a Cucumber / Tomato Salad and Baked Sweet Potato Bites. Everyone really seemed to enjoy dinner. I absolutely love that I've been about to spend so much time with my dad this trip. Normal I don't get to see him all that much so this time around has really been a treat.
Speaking of treats, after dinner we went up to the mall to take a stroll around and see if we could find any good cycling books at Barnes and Nobles. No such luck there but I did score a couple of new Fiestaware pieces. A few weeks back I dropped one of my plates and it shattered. I had been looking for a replacement with out buying the whole set and hadn't had much luck. That was till we went to Macy's.
We'd talked about going to The Cheese Cake Factory for dessert afterwards but decided to make a little bit of a better choice. Frozen Yogurt. I think we chose just right.


I'd never been to Pinkberry before and let me tell you it was sooooo good. Different from the normal Frozen Yogurt places we had been to. They only had a couple different yogurt flavors to pick from, a small but tasty selection of toppings. The girls working made up your bowl for you. You told them which size cup, which yogurt flavor and which toppings up to 3 that you wanted. It was one set price and didn't go by weight like most other places I'd been to. Now if you wanted additional toppings you could have those added on as well. I went with Chocolate Yogurt, Strawberries, Granola and Cookie Dough bites. It was so good. Just thinking about it now makes me wish we had one back in Clarksville. I remember living in Hawaii and not being a huge fan of FroYo. My love for it started when we moved to Cola. Seriously the best afternoon or late night dessert. Really its good anytime of the day if you ask me.

My Last Supper!!!!

My last supper as a Wife of a Deployed Soldier was fabulous and well enjoyed. The night before I already knew what I was going to cook. Meal planning and prepping ahead has become a habit that works well for me. I seriously contemplated stopping and treating myself on my way home, skipping cooking what I had planned to cook. I mean after all I was just about to complete our 3rd deployment just hours later. BUT I did not. Seeing as I splurged a bit on my lunch and got Ice Cream which was NOT planned, I knew I needed to stick with my dinner I was already planning to having. I mean it was so super simple to fix and I knew it would be so extra yummy. I've used our grill a few times though out the deployment but only on the weekend's. It's not time consuming at all, I just never think about it during the work week. That was until last night. I wanted to fancy my plate up a little bit and had a few things left over from meal prepping for the upcoming weeks freezer meals to do just that. So while I made dinner ahead of time for "Homecoming Night" as well as a tasty dessert, I had my last dinner as a "single wife" cooking in the oven and on the grill. 

After finally finishing up in the kitchen I sat down for the last time (for a while at least, fingers crossed) to enjoy my dinner. I was glad I didn't give into temptation and stop for Take Away on my way home. Homemade / Home-cooked is always a much better and healthier choice. 

Grilled Chicken, Baked Potato, Sauteed Fresh Broccoli 

Get in my belly, oh so yummy!!!!! 

I can not wait to start cooking yummy tasty meals for the hubbs and I again. I've missed cooking and being able to sit down together in the evenings, talking about our day and life. Its the little things yall.  

Now please excuse me because now that this is posted, it's pretty certain that.........

           HE's HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to worry I'll be back soon with a full recap of our 3rd Re-Deployment Ceremony, pictures included!!!!

The In-Loves Came to Town!!!

The In-Loves came to visit for the week, so we had the chance to show them around were we live and the Nashville area. Our first our of state visitors. Hey any reason for me to take off work right!!!! We had a few things planned already and then kinda of just went with the flow on other days. I absolutely love the In-Loves, they are so sweet and do so much to help us when they are here. It's always a great time when they come to visit. I didn't end up taking many pictures while they were here but here are a few. 

Breakfast at one of our Favorite places!!!! 

Loveless Cafe

I ventured out of my box and got the fabulous Chicken and Waffles with their Home Fries. Seriously did not disappoint. The money is in their biscuits though, down right mouth watering. I bought another package of batter to bring back with us, along with their fried chicken batter. 

"Somebodies gonna slap your momma its so good!!!" 

(Our good friend Big E always say's that, so it seemed fitting)

After breakfast we headed over to the Antique Archaeology Store, other wise known as American Pickers. We love that show and just so happens the In-Loves do to. I will say I was not as impressed with it as I though I would be. I'm not really sure what I was expecting to see but at least I can save we've been. 

That was followed up by a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame. A must see for any one coming to the Nashville area right. It was nice, pretty big again I was expecting more but I can say I've been and have absolutely no desire to go back. Unless we have visitors again of course. Oh and I had so show my love for Cola!!! 

Oh and why not completely take advantage of my Mother-In-Love offering to take our picture every were we went. Oh why yes, we'd be glad to pose for you. My favorite of the three is the one in the middle. I swear he smiles, just not for the camera most days. 

We did and saw so much more this was just a little peak into our week with them here.

Of course with all good things they must come to a end and so the stay-cation for us and the vacation for them was over. Not with out a stop at Dunkin on the way to the Airport though. I can't wait for them to come back out to visit, we always have such a relaxing fun time and they are seriously the easiest house guest ever!!! 

My 1st Mint Hot Chocolate of the season!!!! 

Still Adjusting to our New Home State

While I've been living in the Upper South (we'll call it that), for 2 and a 1/2 months now….I'm still trying to adjust to life here in Tennessee. We are enjoying the area, finding new things to see and do every so often. Trying out new restaurants, local shops on the weekends and checking out the new homes being built in our neighborhood when we go on our evening walks. It's almost about done (give or take to the end of the year) and it will be complete, which means no more construction traffic. Thankfully it really hasn't been to bad. I'm sure I'll change my thoughts on that once they start building directly in front of our house. It's officially been 1 week since the hubbs left for training. Although it seems like he's been gone for much longer but at the same time this past week has gone by pretty quickly. So that's a good thing right?!?!? I've still be on the outs with making friends and meeting new people. Its a daily struggle that I've been going through, life I suppose. I have met a couple girls at work that I've become pretty well comfortable with chatting and getting to know. However nothings gone past work yet. I did have dinner plans this evening with one of them but that fell through last minute. Should have seen that coming I suppose. I'm really trying not to let it get to me and remind myself that it just takes time. I was in such a funk when we moved from Hawaii to The South that I didn't give myself a chance to enjoy the first 4-6 months I was there. I am determined not to let that happen here. I'm really trying to focus on me and making a better life for myself and my husband. We like the city we are stationed in and hope to make it home for a good few years. Since buying a house here I really want us to be able to enjoy it and make a ton of wonderful memories here.
This past weekend I went down to the Cumberland river which has a beautiful running / walking path over looking the river. A large marina, filled with all different boats that make me giddy, a boat ramp, several parks, a pond with a mile paved / wooded path around it and a large dog park. It really is a beautiful place to go for a run. I for see many more miles being ran there in my future. Unfortunately I am suffering a minor injury right now that I am having to wait for it to heal before I can hit the pavement. Nothing serious at all, thank goodness because I'm not sure what I'd do if it was. Running is a huge part of my life and a great therapy session for clearing my head. Hoping to be back on the streets next week adding those miles.

Sunday morning I woke up and made myself a fabulous plate of Banana Pancakes. They are seriously my favorite go to meal that I love to indulge into. I enjoyed them out on my back patio deck with the pups. It was a beautiful morning, listening to the birds chirp and the wind blow. Add in there some Peach Tea and Pandora the only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been if the hubbs was here. Soon enough though, I'm trying to make the most out of my days and by doing so I've been catching up on past TV series lol. Of course nightly walks with the pups and dinner on the patio. Its my new favorite place to spend my evenings unwinding from work. I'm wanting to add curtains to one side of the deck, to have a bit of privacy from our neighbors on that side. Its just figuring out how I want to do it. Well that and breaking down and actually following through with it. 

We did know one family here before getting stationed here, we were all stationed together in Hawaii. In fact they were a big reason on why we decided to come here for our next duty station. Any how there two sweet kiddos went to the same preschool were I am working at now. That's actually how I found out about it. Any how little O started back to school on Tuesday. B starts school in a couple weeks and she has two classes were she has to go to campus for them so O will come to school Tues. & Thurs. He's not in my class sadly, he's a few years to young but I am so excited that I now get to see him a couple times a week at work as well. He really is such a wild fun child and makes you laugh!!! Today was his second day at school and he did much better today. I snapped this pic of us today on the playground. 

While having dinner out on the deck this evening there must of been a number of people walking by in the front. The pups kept pacing back and forth from the gate and a little gap under the fence. Bailey eventually laid down and stuck her head under the fence. It was to funny, she just laid there and watched them. Some times in moments like these they really do melt my little heart. :) 

Tomorrow's Friday, and even through I don't really have any plans for the weekend I'm looking forward to it. I might make a trip to the Farmers Market, depending on the weather. Its looking like its suppose to rain. Fingers crossed it doesn't. Hope you and yours are doing well and having a great week!

My FIRST Fried Egg!!!

Apparently its un-american to have not made or eaten a fried egg at the age of 27. So what if I had to ask how to make one. You can't blame a girl who's never tried right. When it comes to eggs, scrambled or in a omelet is the only way I've ever had them. Ok and boiled to but still. I've never made a Fried egg until tonight. While fixing dinner the recipe suggested serving it topped with a fried egg. No thank's I'll pass. Although I asked the hubbs if he wanted one and he was all over it. Ok, "so how do I make it". He explained, I was still not to sure about how it was gonna turn out but I gave it a try. I'll have you know it wasn't as complicated as I expected it to be. Shocking right!!! 

I'll have you know I caught a bid of slack for not even trying it from a few friends. But really the inside was runny and not fully cooked, that's just as bad as eating steak and it still being red on the inside. 

Yea NO thank you. I like my steak burnt. 

Dinner turned out fabulous even with out the egg on mine, there wasn't a single serving left. 

This was hands down a quick and easy dish and very filling

You can find the recipe here ----->>>>Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus

Cooking Adventures

Loaded Pepperoni Pizza on top of a Homemade Garlic Crust

Foil Turkey Veggie wraps

Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken 

Lazy Sunday Casserole 

Honey Sesame Chicken with White Rice 

Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast

I love to cook as you may have already figure out. Trying new recipes is always fun and a experiment in its self. 9 times out of 10 they come out great but sometimes you have those meals that are a total bust. These few here though have been great!!!! Can't wait to get in the kitchen this next week!!!

Weekly Review....

Its kinda become a routine around this here blog of mine since we don't have much going on right now.

*Monday~                  During my lunch break from work I decided to get my run out of the way for the day. I headed to The RiverFront Park down town in the Vista area to work on some interval training. I'm trying to slowly but surly get a little faster on my runs. I'm not trying to do this so I can finish the Marathon at a faster time but simply to make myself stronger and to eventually run at a faster pace all the way around. It was a HOT summer day but I pushed through and was so proud of myself. 

                                  This is the 2nd to last week for this cycle that we are in. The SIT in training Graduate NEXT Thursday. Come.On.Cycle.Break. So that means this week is Vic. Forge week. This is were the SIT stay out in the field all week Mon-Fri. and put everything to the text that they have learned over the last 9 weeks. This also means that the hubbs has to stay out there as well, he might get to come home one night but we aren't holding our breath. He needed a few things from home so I made the 20 minute drive out to the range after dinner tonight and was so happy to see him when he pulled up.

*Wednesday~      I headed back out to the RiverFront Park on my lunch to get another run in because I had Spin class later that evening after work. A co-worker went with me and it made the run go by much quicker. She is slowly getting into running and working out more so it was nice to talk to her about it and help encourage her along. It was hot of course but thankfully not nearly as bad as Monday. That evening after work I headed up to Jamie Scott Fitness were my girl Kelly was teaching Spin class. I absolutely fell in love with spin last spring but after a brutal run day adding that in I was feeling it that night. I always try to push myself as much as I can because I figure if I don't I'm simply wasting my time and money paying for the class. So no matter how hard it hurt I gave it my all. I know I'm only helping myself and when my Marathon Day gets here I'll be so happy I put forth the extra work. 

*Thursday~              It was another run day this time after work with Kelly and sweet little Luc. We waited a little later in the evening to go hoping it wouldn't be as hot. Boy were we wrong, it might have been a degree's or two cooler but not much. Never the less it was a good run and we made it through. Since we are planing to do a long-ish run on Sunday we kept it short today, not to over work ourselves to much. The hubbs was able to come home tonight after some back and forth with some of the other Drill SGT. I was so happy because he was able to get ready for the board he was selected to go to on Friday. (side note: he didn't make it- it was for drill sgt of the month, he said some new guy got it..lame) We cooked dinner together (picture fail, but it was good) I picked up the house while he study and we called it a early night. 

*Friday~                   It was so nice being able to wake up to him Friday morning before we both went off to work. That doesn't happen very ofter for us because he has to be in so early. Getting ready and being able to spend some time together made for a great way to start my Friday. Even though he as to work this weekend it put a smile on my face to have that time with him. That evening when I got home I finished up dinner (Hello Crock Pot) and got it in the oven. We double teamed it and cleaned the back yard and mowed, followed by the ever so lovely laundry. I tried to get some of my normal weekendly duties done tonight so I wouldn't have to worry with it as much this weekend. 

                                  No plans as of yet for the weekend, other than cleaning up the house and getting somethings organized. I might make a trip to the local Soda City Market (no its not a soda as in coke market, that's just the name) on Saturday to take a walk around but we shall see. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!! 

I'll leave you with this one last picture I borrowed from a fellow runner......

I believe I can do it and I will do it....come on November 9th.....its just gonna be me, some tunes and the streets. 

        

Happy 27th Birthday to ME!!!!

Today is my 27th Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

The hubbs is away at school so that means I was celebrating all on my own. Well with the pups of course. I'd asked a couple different people if they wanted to get together for dinner or something but for one reason or another they couldn't

I got this fabulous card in the mail from my hubbs which was so sweet, I love when he makes his cards. He's so creative and such a goof ball. Not to mention he melts my heart with his words.

It was to beautiful out not to take the pups for a walk up to the dog park. I love that its less than half a mile from our house. I get a good walk in and they have so much fun playing. We spent about a half hour there before heading back home. 

After I got home I got ready and headed out for the day. I decided to stop by Starbucks and treat myself to breakfast before doing a little shopping at Target. After leaving Target I stopped by our local Strawberry stand and picked up some of these fresh berries. They by far have the best Strawberries ever!!! So sweet and juicy. 

 I headed over to my 12:30 appointment at Urban Nirvana Salon. I was treating myself to a hour long massage. I hardly ever do anything for myself. I get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of life that I forget to take time out for ME. So today was all about me, even if I did have to spend it alone. It was so nice and relaxing, my first time at the salon. I'll definitely be going back the staff was so nice, super clean facility and they made you feel so comfortable and best part is they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!! HollA!!!! The hour actually went by relatively slow which was nice and enjoyable. 

After I left the salon I headed downtown to Cupcake a local cupcake bakery in the Vista area. Everyone needs cupcakes on their birthday and today was no exception. Normally the hubbs and I go together on the weekends when he is home but today I had to go solo. I left with a Cinnamon / Sugar and Turtle flavored Cupcake. They are so yummy :) 

Later that evening I ended up going to dinner with Kelly and her famdamly. I met them over at her house and we hung out for a bit then headed to Sato's Japanese Steak House. I absolutely LOVE this place. Mainly for the food of course but the fun atmosphere and the table cook top, were they cook right in front of you adds to the enjoyment of your time there. I alway's have plenty of left overs for lunch or dinner the next day and of course a added bonus they give a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!!!

 We had a great dinner with lots of laughs, I don't think our waiter notices the lovely ring on my left hand because he was trying really hard and working his charm lol. Kelly, her Sis-in-law and I headed out for dessert after dinner at 32 Degrees. A local Frozen Yogurt bar. Which of course also gave a MILITARY DISCOUNT. I'm all about that discount yall!!!!  

My husband works darn hard for it so we use it when we can!!!

I went in to the day pretty bummed that I was going to be spending it alone and that the hubbs was away but it ended up being a pretty fabulous day. 27 is already starting off great and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me. 

When I got home I popped open a bottle of bubbly and sat down with the pups to enjoy a relaxing evening. It was a great day, pretty mellow and the weather was beautiful out. Only thing missing is my love. But we will be celebrating when he gets home for sure. We'll be making up for lots of lost time and both of our birthday's. His is coming up really soon!!!! 

Little did I know my night / birthday celebrations for the day weren't over yet. I had a Skype date with these lovely ladies :) My Spouse, Mistress and Mini Nanc. :) They called on skype and told me to go get one of my cupcakes I'd gotten today. (thank goodness I hadn't eatin either of them) Then they pulled out cupcakes with candles and sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!!! How freaking sweet are they!!! I was almost in tears. They said even though we're a ocean apart we can still celebrate together and that we did. I miss them more than ever but soon they will both be back on the mainland and much much closer so I can't wait. We mapped out our summer vacay trip together and Im excited for our upcoming adventure. :) 

It was a great way to end a wonderful day!!!! 

I can't wait to have my love back home with me, this is going on the longest we've been apart since he's been home from his last deployment and I'm not enjoying it at all. BLAH. 

Family Day - Texas Style

Wednesday was family day and it involved lots of eating of course. What else do you do on vacay?!?!? Everyone wanted to get together for lunch or dinner. I was so tired of eating out after a while. 

JT & I had plans that morning to go visit someone and then after that we met up with our Nene and Dad for lunch at Cheddars. He doesn't think he looks like dad but I really think he does. It was a bit chilly and rainy today but we still had a good visit and I'm glad we were able to get together. 

Us with Dad!

Our Beautiful Nene!!!! 

That evening we had family dinner at our Mamaw's house. Generally everyone gets together at her house once a week for dinner. Since I was in town I was nominated the one to cook dinner. I didn't mind though, I enjoy cooking and it mint a home cooked meal over eating out. :) JT came over early to help me with everything. I decided to make homemade chicken pot pie, from scratch it takes a bit more work and is kinda time consuming so having two of us working on it helped out a lot. 

He's a great cook and we made a good team working together. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it because there wasn't a drop left in the pan. 

 For dessert I made one of my favorite campfire desserts, S'Mores. I love love S'Mores they are so yummy. I was curious how they'd turn out doing it in the oven but let me tell you they were fabulous!!! Nice, Hot and Gooey just how they're suppose to be. 

Meet some of our family!!!!

Little Robert, also know as Jr. 

 Uncle Richard!! 

 Papa James!!!

 Mom!!!! 

 JT also brought Callie to dinner with him, so of course I had to take full advantage of her being here and get lots of cuddles and kisses. 

She's just so sweet you can't help but love her!!!

Makes me miss my puppies when I'm away. 

 day-7