Margarita recipe

There are few things that can disappointment me as much as a sour mixed margarita! I expected to come to Texas and every restaurant would have margaritas that were pleasing my palette... Not the case. Lupe Tortilla has one an incredible one but haven't been impressed by many others. Below is a picture of it... With The little carafe on the side; how can you not love it?!

Here's my recipe, hope you like it!

1 container of Simply Limade

The juice of 4 fresh limes (plus slices for garnish)

White tequila (I pour while counting to 8)

A splash of orange juice

Rim each glass with a combo of kosher salt and sugar

Mix it, shake it, pour into a festive glass, enjoy! :)

White chocolate chip oatmeal craisin cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups craisins

DIRECTIONS

1. STEP 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add oat mixture; mix until just combined. Mix in raisins and white chocolate chips.

2. STEP 2

   Using a melon baller, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with baking matts, spacing 2 inches apart. 

3. STEP 3

   Bake until golden and just set, about 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks using a spatula; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.
   *Adapted from Martha Stewart's Oatmeal Raisin cookie recipe

Cheering up

Sorry for the last depressing post! You've got to have sad days once in a while to help you appreciate the good ones. :)

My afternoon was cheered up by poolside company. What a treat! We also had our neighbors over for angel food cake and visiting. Their little ones loved Grace's playroom! Grace is going to need to learn to share though... how do I do this veteran moms and dads?!

Wednesday, I started my day with yoga. Afterward, I worked on a lot around the house (cleaning up since Grace is into absolutely everything). At night, we had a lovely picnic prior to a concert at church where Shane  & Shane played. They were so entertaining! Not only did they have spectacular voices but they were hilarious! 

Thursday, we went to story time at the library and did a little birthday shopping at mall. Look at all of Gracie's cute finds! 

Grace was so annoyed with me snapping pictures. Its so hard to get one that isn't blurry these days; she won't stop moving!

I was thinking about all of the lovely memories we've made and people that we've met here in Katy so far. Thank goodness for some wonderful friends in Chicago who helped us connect. I've had a lot of time to think and appreciate people the last few weeks. I've really dwelled on the fact that what you consider someone to be in your world (a minor friendship perhaps) may be the total opposite of what someone considers you to be in their life. I have almost uttered the words, "good friends," when telling others about a couple we have grown closer with here. I had to think about if it was acceptable to say this... I mean, we haven't known each other that long.... But we hang out a lot... We have meaningful conversations... They inspire us to want to live positively. Can we call them close friends? My conclusion is yes... You can consider someone a close friend even if they are busy people with tons of friends. I think it's something to keep in mind... You may be a huge important part of a friends life regardless of what they are to you. Looking back at some of the different places I've worked and been a part of, I could always find a "breath of fresh air," a person to light up my day... A face I would look forward to seeing when I walked in the door... Someone who is genuinely interested and you're excited to hear about whats going on with them. Friendships do get harder to maintain as you grow older and attain more responsibilities but no act of kindness goes unnoticed. I've had many heartwarming moments through texts, mail, phone calls, and FaceTime. It makes me feel grateful for just being a blip on a busy friend's radar. Makes you feel kind of important doesn't it? Spread some love, you never know which friend needs it. ❤

The search that breaks your heart

Saturday night we did had fajita night at our house. We used Rick Bayless's skillet sauce which was incredible. I did feel like I was cheating a little by using it... like I should be concocting my own skillet sauce but why on earth should I reinvent to wheel when Rick's got it down?! And boy does he, it was incredible!

We watched Identity Thief which again, why all the profanity? What happened to movies that were witty and not slapstick humor or vulgar jokes. Jim Gaffigan needs a new stand-up act. Mr. Universe can only be watched so many times. 

Sunday morning we went on a family run and then went to church. I worked on my stencil project most of the day while listening to a sermon on joy from the compass. It was so timely. I just loved how the sermon deciphered the difference between joy and happiness....happiness is an emotion where joy is rejoicing in all the blessing God has given us. I choose joy! 

I was pretty joyful all afternoon Sunday but then... a vacuum fell on me. It hurt. I've got bruises. But I still choose joy! ;)

Yesterday, Grace and I went on a run and then went to a play date with our Sunday school class. We went to the grocery store, Costco, and had lunch with Alex. Poor Grace about lost her mind after all of those errands. She was exhausted. We had a mini play date coffee break in the afternoon with Jennifer and Carolina that ended with spilled water and coffee. These babies keep us on our toes!

Last night we had Dubliner & Gouda mac n' cheese. I used Martha Stewart's recipe and made the substitutes. I highly recommend! I also did half the amount of bread on top and instead added Cheezits (like Q in Naperville does). Here's a picture:

This morning I went to look up workout classes at my gym and searched for "24 hour fitness Chicago." Wha wha...... my heart sank. I looked at the map and saw my old suburb, my neighborhood in the city and although we are getting acclimated here and our house is feeling like a home I miss the broke and corrupt state of Illinois. I miss my screened in front porch. I miss the 4 mile loop along the lakefront. I miss my familiar friend's faces. I miss Naf Naf, Heaven on Seven, Mason Sabika, and Coopers Hawk. I miss every weekend being crammed full of activities with comfortable friendships. I miss yoga pant play dates and elastic pant dinners. I miss wearing pants and not feeling like you're going to pass out because of the heat trapped in them. I miss family and seeing the interactions with Grace that make your heart melt. So this afternoon, I'll cry for my old state. Tomorrow, I'll choose joy.

Patience & Stenciling

I'm done! It took 6 days to complete but the stenciling of the dining room is accomplished! Here are picture of the process and finished product.

Tips: 

- use a level each time you lay the stencil

- go easy on my adhesive spray... Nothing is more frustrating than when it rips off paint when removing it from the wall

- if painting a whole wall, do one to two rows in a session. The stencil gets too wet with paint otherwise

- go painfully slow.. It's hard work and stinks when it doesn't line up perfectly

Salsa recipe

2 roma tomatoes

Handful of cilantro

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

A pinch of salt 

1/2 of a medium onion 

1/3 of a jalapeño (add or lessen based on how spicy you like it) 

Juice from half a lime

A pinch of salt

Add it all to the food processor on chop mode. Pulse. Enjoy! 

Restoration

What a pleasant surprise it was to go to Yoga Wednesday morning and Yoga not be flow but restorative yoga. My muscles felt so relaxed after attending this class. I may have to make this a weekly thing. The teacher's voice was so fitting for the name of the class....I seriously wanted to record her to playback and help me relax before bed.

Grace and I went on a bike ride up to the Red Box near us to rent, "This is 40." It would have actually been funny except for all of the unnecessary "f bombs." It's distracting when it's that frequent!

Thursday we went to visit a new friend who recently had a baby. The baby is absolutely adorable and tiny (you forget how small babies begin)! We brought over dinner and a little outfit for the baby. Looking back to when Grace was born, I laugh at how unstable your home actually is. You have a new human being to support after years of it just being you and your spouse. You have no idea what in the world you're doing. I was absolutely terrified that I was going to accidentally kill the baby.... I remember that panicked feeling I had after Grace was born and I knew Alex would be returning to work the following week. It's such an emotional time but full of blessings nonetheless. You truly realize how incredible friends and family are when coming to your aid, feeding you, loving you and your new little human. I think part of the reason I was so emotional was because I got a glimpse of God's love for us in having Grace....that overwhelming joy, love, and hope.

I never wanted to believe life would change after a baby but boy, does it ever. Those of you heading down that road, work on your marriage... build a strong foundation for your family. Looking back, I would be reading marriage books instead of baby books....a lot of parenting comes naturally and ask other moms and dads questions along the way. In my opinion, those baby books just scare you and can be overwhelming.

I am currently rereading Love and Respect with a girlfriend of mine. Reading it less than a year into marriage may have equipped me to recognize unnecessary fights coming on but reading it now feels is more timely. I am looking forward to taking away many lessons from this book. 

Thursday we also went to story time at the library, the children's museum, and dinner at Mi Luna in Rice Village. The museum was crowded but dinner was incredible. Looking forward to exploring that area a little more soon.

Yesterday was a productive day. Grace and I went for a run in the morning. We ran to a pond nearby and did a loop and then headed home. I started to get very cocky during my run, thinking how easy it was, how my body must have adjusted to this heat... And then, God humbled me. The last mile and a half was incredibly difficult but we did make it home. 

We went to the pool with our neighbor and her little one in the afternoon and eventually got rained out. Last night a friend invited us for dinner which was wonderful. We had great fellowship and transparent discussions. The husbands went on a dessert run and I had one of the best carrot cakes of my life. Incredible. Ooh la la dessert boutique is delicious! 

This morning we read a bible story, went to the gym, and went made a delicious breakfast complete with an egg sandwich and smoothie (our old signature breakfast). I worked a little on my stencil project and Alex caught up on some work. Looking forward to a fajita night at our house! Cheers!

Dancing in the moonlight

Saturday night we attended a free concert in "central green" at La Centerra. We packed a picnic and had snacks, listened to music, and just enjoyed. It was such a good time and perfect with the babies. The band playing was Will Makar and the Red Line. They did a lot of cover music and were perfect for this venue. My favorite part was when they band played a slow song and invited people to dance. It was so sweet to see the couples out there and to watch Alex dance with Grace.

Sunday we went to church, went on a family bike ride to get donuts and yogurt, and finished Grace's room! We have been working a lot on little things around the house and it's really coming along. Only a few projects left!

Yesterday I spent a lot of the day working on a stencil in our dining room. Boy is it time consuming! It feels good to get that arm workout though! We also had a visit from the exterminator! Fun fun! We had dinner at a new friend from church's home. It was lovely! It is truly amazing how quick people are to invite you into their home and enjoy fellowship with you. There are some pretty amazing people out there and we are blessed to have God place them in our path since we have moved here. Between a conversation about flying roaches here and a visit from the exterminator educating us on the nasty critters here in Texas I ended up having the scariest nightmare and shot up in bed in the middle of the night. Scared the life out of Alex!

I channeled the skills of my old playgroup this morning and hosted a play date here at our house. It was a little chaotic but play dates usually are. I've been blessed to meet some really sweet girls here in Texas but don't worry Illinois loves, you'll never be replaced!

Can I share your lane?

Grace and I went to the gym yesterday afternoon. We got there and there was a staff meeting taking place so the Kid's Club was closed. So what better thing to do in the meantime but go shopping? We went to the nearby Walmart which was spacious and new. We walked away spending way too much money but when it comes to Target or Walmart, it's hard to get out spending under fifty bucks. Grace got her first Adirondack chair, balls to add to her ball pit, and an adorable swim suit.

We then went back to the gym, dropped Grace off, and I decided to swim some laps in the pool. There are three lanes in the pool and three people before I got in. I politely asked a woman who was scuba diving in the pool is she minded if I shared her lane. She very rudely requested that I share the lane with the person next to her. So I headed over to the lane next to me where an older gentleman was doing some water aerobics. I get in, swim a few laps, shower, blow dried my hair (while someone was watching my baby: cue angelic sound now please). We went to the gym as a family this morning with the intention of working out and then going to the outdoor pool. Turns out, the pool is closed until noon. We worked out and head towards the pool and run into a lifeguard who tells us the pool is closed because an older gentleman had an accident in the pool..... the same guy who's always in the pool.... the guy I shared a lane with yesterday.....I am just hoping I didn't swallow any water. YUCK!

Last night we had dinner with some couples from our ABF (adult bible fellowship class). They do dinners of 8 every so often as a way to get to know some couples better and "do life" together. Everyone was so welcoming and sweet. The hosts drew everyone into the conversation, the food was excellent, and it was a truly comfortable experience. God does deliver, my friends!

My new favorite summer wine is pictured below. It's priced at around $6.50 and is pretty dry, has a hint of bubbly, and is so refreshing! 

Breaking Bread

We enjoyed our more relaxed day by the pool yesterday. Grace was so tired out from the sun and the kicking in the pool that she took a two and a half hour nap in the afternoon. I was able to paint the chair-rail for Grace's room while listening to a sermon from my old church, had a cup of coffee, blew up Grace's baby pool,  made salsa, and cilantro sour cream for dinner! Not going to lie, when we finished dinner at 6:15 and everything was pretty well cleaned up, I felt like I was supermom/wife!

Grace's baby pool is coming in handy as a play-pen! When the neighborhood pool closes, we'll bring it outside!

The sermon series that The Compass Church started after we left was called "Distracted." I will confess that since Alex agreed to take the position here in Houston, I've been spiritually distracted. Before moving, I always walked away from the weekly message and felt like Pastor Dale was speaking directly to me. During the week, however, I have been in a rut. I have been distracted when reading my bible thinking about all of the other things I need to get done, people I need to reach out to, housework, etc. I think I've needed a powerful message to wake me from this spiritual lull I have been feeling. I have left my bible on the kitchen table, open, ready to read, and ready to strengthen my relationship with God. If Grace hadn't taken such a long nap yesterday I may not have listened to a sermon (I miss Moody Radio more than you know) and have been able to reflect on this. God's timing is wonderful isn't it?

Last night we continued to work on Grace's room and our friends stopped by to bring us this beautiful homemade bread and honey. How sweet! 

For those of you who have been praying for us, thank you. I am so blessed to say that God is making this place feel like home, little by little, a day at a time. Love you all.

Library, playdates, and Costco

We are keeping busy! Tuesday we attended story time at the Fulshear Library and had lunch with a  few women and their kiddos. Downtown Fulshear is very quaint and felt like an old country town. They have an enormous candy store so I have a feeling we'll be visiting with Alex sometime soon :)

Tuesday afternoon our neighbor and her daughter came over for afternoon hot chocolate and play time. The neighbor's daughter is 3 and a half and has a sibling on the way in the fall so it was fun to see how she reacted to Grace when Grace destroyed the puzzle she was working on or wanting to peek in on Grace when she went down for a nap. I absolutely love having so many young families in our neighborhood. It feels good to have others around you at the same life stage.

Yesterday we went to Costco with Jennifer and her daughter Carolina. It turned into an afternoon trip with Alex even meeting us for a nutritious hot dog for lunch. The babies took turns with their meltdowns but even so, it was a wonderful time. Costco is always better with company. Grace is in love with the box we took our goods home in! It's her baby love seat!

It was spaghetti and meatball night at our house last night. It was Grace's first pasta experience and she loved it! Mama mia....she has the Paladino blood in her, that's for sure! This pasta experience was very guided but I can't wait to get the spaghetti face picture next time!

Today we are going to the pool! It's a high of 99 degrees today...if we're going to be outside, might as well be in the water!

Fried goodness!

I get hooked on cookbooks. I go through phases where I cook all meals from one cookbook exclusively then eventually move on. My latest obsession is with Martha Stewart's American Food cookbook. I have not made one thing out of this cookbook that I don't LOVE! 

Last night we decided to experiment with  frying. We used the healthiest oils we could (coconut & sunflower). Since our visit to The showboat Drive In, I've been craving a corn dogs. Many of you know I don't eat red meat so I can't just enjoy a corn dog anywhere... So we used Martha's recipe to make our own batter. It didn't go as smoothly as Martha made it sound but they were yummy. Here's a picture.

Since we already had the oil hot, we decided to fry up some Asian goodness: crab Rangoon! I used natural cream cheese, crab, garlic, salt and pepper (next time I'll add green onion) and rolled them up into wontons! Excellent! 

My body does hate me today for my fried party but it is what it is. 

Lovely long weekend

Boy oh boy did this weekend go by too quickly. What a bummer to wake up today and not have Alex laying beside me. Back to the weekly routine of him leaving just after six. This weekend was just what we needed though! A little bit of work, lots of play, a much needed date night....

Thursday I woke up not feeling great so we headed to the pool to relax. Later on, we packed up and headed to the Freedom over Texas festival held in Houston. Walking from the parking garage in the theater district, just near the Hard Rock Cafe, Alex and I both felt like tourists. We realized we need to learn more about the city we are so close to, find the "Lincoln Park/Lakeview" and explore the neighborhoods sooner than later. If anyone has any suggestions for touristy books that are not so touristy, let me know :) But I digress.... due to the crowds, we decided to head back to Katy to go to the La Centerra, "Back Yard BBQ." It was awesome and what we will attend next year. Food, families, fireworks in a more manageable size. Perfection. 

Friday we spent a lot of the day purchasing and installing Grace's new bike seat. We went on a family bike ride that was about 6 miles. Grace loved the bike! She even took a little nap!

Saturday we worked on Grace's room a little more and hung more pictures. The chair-rail is going up this week and we will officially be done with her room! We had our new treasured babysitter come over so we could have a date night. I cannot describe how refreshing it was to get out as a couple. I did a lot of research this past week on how much we should pay our girl along with the national statistics for married couples and "date night." The average was 1-2x/month. We were ready to get home to our girl after a few hours on the town but man, we needed the time.

Sunday we attended Church. We met more new people at out Adult Bible Fellowship class. While waiting for the class to start people talked among their friends and caught up on what was going on in each others lives. A few women asked me how I was coping with the move and sympathized while recalling their struggles after transitioning to Texas. The last girl I spoke with asked how I was  feeling these days and described how she missed having her family and friends so close.... I totally lost it. I started balling, hard.... like ugly face cry. The woman could not have been any sweeter. Talk about awkward small talk for her....my bad. We had dinner with our new neighbors to our right which was GREAT company! They brought over homemade sangria which made us BFFs from the get go. They seem like a great couple and I see them hopping on the baby train in the near future. 

I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Alex was so wonderful to spend it with, but that's the usual :)

Fourth of July Eve

We found the cutest little drive in! It is about 45 minutes away from us and its adorable! We have come to realize that Grace is too close to being a toddler to allow us to be able to enjoy a movie, yet too young to enjoy the movie herself. She could not sit still. Regardless, it was a cool place to go and we will visit again when she's a little older. 

Another note, praise God for answered prayers! I interviewed a babysitter yesterday and found a bubbly, adorable, Jesus loving Texas teen! So excited to go out and enjoy a quiet dinner this weekend! 

Mother goose story time

Story time, sprouts, pineapple cocktail, homemade hummus!

Today we attended story time at the local library. There was a story, singing, and dancing. Grace loved it! We've been to a few libraries that have put on baby story time and this was by far the best. 

Beside me sat a mother and her 7 month old and on my opposite side sat a couple with their 11 month old. After the story the facilitator put out books and toys for the babies and everyone began to socialize. I quickly discovered how sweet the people were beside me and I stepped out of my comfort zone (thinking of all the people I have appreciated here in Texas so far) and I suggested wwe exchanged numbers for a play date or dinner in the future. 

While shopping, I was thinking about the comfort and ease of my established relationships back in Illinois (I miss you all dearly). Then I began to think about all of the times I should have made more of an effort...at school, at church, with the neighbors... All of the times I chose to just keep to myself because I already had the comfort of family and friends close by flashed before me. It felt like everyone at this story time was looking for a friend.. Those of you with kiddos totally get it... Sometimes you need another adult to make you feel sane. 

My point is that I had the opportunity to realize how blessed we were (and still are) to have such wonderful friends and family. I do understand now what it's like to be an outsider. Please keep me in mind next time you go to a social and see someone sitting by themselves. Think of me when you hear someone is new in town. We are desperate for the hugs of an old friend, so be our new one. :)

  

Gulf to market...market to my plate

Grouper, tilapia, halibut and salmon! Fresh, not genetically engineered, and quite tasty I might add! I absolutely love getting fresh fish from the local grocer. Wrapped in butcher paper and it doesn't smell fishy... Oh the joy it brings me!

Tonight we had sweet and spicy glazed salmon, sweet potatoes, green beans with balsamic, sea salt, and a squeeze of honey, and a cocktail with mint, cucumber, honeydew melon, and rum. Below is the link to the salmon recipe. Alex said its one of his favorites!

 http://www.cookinglight.com/m/food/

recipe-finder/baked-salmon-recipes-

00412000080521/page11.html