Vegan Tacos

Vegan Tacos

Taco Seasoning

2T chili powder

1T ground cumin

2t sea salt

2t ground coriander

1t paprika

1/2t ground pepper

Pinch of cayenne - I was fine without it

Lentil, Kale and Quinoa Tacos

1C dry quinoa

1/2C dry lentils

1 recipe of Taco Seasoning

2-3 large Kale leaves, stems removed and chopped

Cook lentils and quinoa per instructions

While quinoa and lentils are still warm, fold in taco seasoning and chopped Kale leaves.  Serve as tacos/burritos with desired toppings. Squeezed limes, tomatoes and avocados are fantastic!

Best Power Meal!

Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner

This is probably not new to most people but a recent discovery to me and I love it! As a working mom, quick meals and healthy are essential!

Here is how it goes:

Veggie Burger! - your favorite recipe or frozen if needing fast. Fry an egg over easy and place on top. Cut up a whole avocado and some tomatoes! Bam! Filling and healthy!

Easy and Affordable!

Black Raspberry Jam , Nelson Family Tradition

One thing that I have loved since marrying into my family is my mother-in-laws black raspberry jam. We crave it and cherish every jar. After moving into our house we purchased some plants...and 5 years later we have an abundant surplus! Tomorrow after picking today we will be making our own small batch!

I will share our success after tomorrow! Keeping traditions alive is what it is all about, but more importantly is continuing those traditions!

38 is going to be Great!

As I turn 38 I can't help but look forward to this year and all it has to offer! I always hear women say, "how does it feel to be 29."  I am not afraid of 38 (except maybe 5-8lbs more tone) but embrace it. We as women only get better, stronger, prettier, bolder, more relaxed and maybe a little more adventurous! So I want women to embrace their age as we are just getting better with it! 

I call this my year of core! Working hard to prevent future injuries. I just transitioned to a new job I love and my family and life couldn't be better! Thankful everyday! 

Goals for 38:

1. Do 100 days of Pure Barre

2. Work on patience

3. Be more present

4. To laugh more each day

5. To just have fun! 

38 feels good!

Sun-dried Tomato, Mushroom and Artichoke Creamy Pasta

I love this yummy recipe! I feel like you can do anything you want with this, the sauce itself is to die for, reheats well throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package of baby bellas, quartered
• 2 tsp of pre-cut garlic in the jar
• 4 oz of chopped sundried tomatoes
• 2 cups of Vegetable broth
• 1 can of artichokes
• 1/2 sweet onion diced
• 1 tsp of red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp of Herbs de Provance
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 
• 1 package of linguini
• Corn Starch as needed

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil on medium-high heat, add onions and garlic - and saute until onions are translucent.
2. Add the quartered mushrooms and artichokes towards the end of saute.
3. Heat the 2 cups of vegetable broth in a separate pan. Once heated add the broth to the skillet - continue to cook the vegetables in the vegetable broth on medium heat until the mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes absorb some of the broth and the broth reduces. Add half and half, heavy cream and bring to boil just for a short moment. Add Parmesan cheese and cook the sauce, stirring, for a couple of minutes, on low-medium heat until the cheese melts.
4. Add Corn Starch to thicken sauce slightly. Whisk continuously until dissolved.
5. Keep whisking and add red pepper flakes, Herbs de Provance - keep whisking.
6. Cook linguini al dente according to the package instruction.
7. Drain and than add to the sauce and toss with tongs.

New Pizza Recipe!!

My son's top request is pizza and beets! Today we tried a new recipe.

Pesto, Sausage and Red Pepper Pizza!

Use your favorite dough!

Pan cook or grill 1 Basil n Garlic Chicken Sausage (Whole Foods)

Pre sauté red peppers in olive oil until al dente.

Once your stone is ready:

- Spread pesto on bottom layer of dough

- Place cooked chicken sausage throughout pizza

- Disburse red peppers on pizza

- add mozzarella 

- add Parmesan 

Once finished cooking add fresh spinach and drizzle with good balsamic (the thicker version)

Enjoy!

Happy Family Day!!!

Two years ago today we were in Korea and attending the Prayer Ceremony and packing to bring Cy back to the US and in our lives forever. I remember like it was yesterday. I feel lucky, during our time we met some amazing families while we were there that were so supportive and helped make the process smooth. In between the joy I feel that I made life long friends. We are so blessed everyday that Cy is our son and he is the funnest kid!

Rochester, MN over Christmas! Loving the Bounce houses!

2013, I love this picture with his Bear.

First week home from Korea!

CY'S LOVES:

Bear! He received it as a gift from his Foster family on his 100 day celebration in Korea and Bear is his right hand buddy! We don't leave home without i!

Tea

Music

Carrots (now that Elsa, from Frozen, has shown him the way)

Brussel Sprouts

Daddy's sauteed Collard Greens and Kale

Trains

Chicken

Noodles

Lightning McQueen and Mater Matchbox cars

Oriental Flavored Ramen

Batman

TV's -> Pretty much any Disney movie from Faries to the Incredibles!

Loves wearing jeans 24/7

Chocolate!!!! 

Current Activities: Soccer and Dance

Friends: Yosh, Atikus, Cousin Owen, Helena and Niah (neighbors), Jackson, Eddison

 School: Primrose in Fort Collins, CO

TRIPS

In the first two years we have traveled a lot with Cy. 

California to visit family

Florida for Aunt Jill and Uncle Eric's wedding

Minnesota to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nelson

Hawaii with Grandma Irene

Weekend in Beaver Creek, CO

I look forward to many more local and a far adventures with our family!