catch up …

March 29, 2012

we had an amazing time in san diego!  can you believe this view?  i took this picture with my phone on one of our last days in san diego.  breathtaking!
this week has been a big catch up week.  catch up on laundry, work, cleaning, and everything else that comes with a post vacation hang over. 
my little thomas turned one this week!  
i can’t even tell you how fast this last year has gone?  it makes me so sad that he is getting so big?! what?
wish i could freeze time!  i think every mom goes through a little mourning period when their babies turn one.  right?  
all i know is he is such a little sweet heart!
i am gearing up for his first birthday party next week!  so, i’ll be sure to start sharing some goodies as i get things together for his party!
thanks for reading!  we’ll talk soon!

Travel // greetings from san diego …

March 23, 2012

things have been quiet around the ol’ blog because we’ve been having a grand time in san diego!
it really is amazing here! i am about to pick up and move!

here are a some pictures of the fun things we’ve been doing around town!  (all taken with my phone)

family bike in coronado and beach time

date night in la jolla at george’s at the cove at sunset!

a little side trip to west elm!
pool time
san diego zoo
the mormon battalion museum in old town
lots of stalking up on goodies at trader joe’s 
pho for dinner
the new san diego children’s museum on a rainy day
lots of wind and waves on the pier
beach time at la jolla shores
a fun girls night out in san clemente
running around at seaport village
balbora park 
such a fun stay!  we don’t want to come home!

Recipe // roasted pineapple with ginger infused greek yogurt and pistachios …

March 22, 2012

I have been trying my best to avoid too many refined sugars in my diet.  I find that when I start to eat sweets, my body craves them each and every day.   There is that time everyday at about three o’clock in the afternoon where I am raiding my pantry for goodies.
So, I have found it best for me to try to avoid them so my body isn’t dependent on the sugar rush.  After the first week or so, it gets much easier, and I am fine without a sweet snack.  But, every once in a while, I would love to eat something sweet!
I have often turned to fruit as an alternative to refined sugars, and it has gotten me through the sugar cravings!  It is surprising how naturally sweet fruit is, and it has so many health benefits.  I made this amazing roasted pineapple with ginger infused greek yogurt with a hint of vanilla bean topped with pistachios.  It was just the jump start I needed, and so tasty.
{Roasted Pineapple with Ginger infused Greek Yogurt, and Pistachios}
adapted from this recipe from bon appetit March 2012
Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup  fresh orange juice, about 2 oranges
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, cut lengthwise into 8 wedges
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
    1 tablespoon agave nectar
    1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1/3 cup natural unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves (optional)

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 450°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir first 4 ingredients in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple; toss to coat. Let marinate, tossing occasionally, for 10 minutes. Place pineapple, one flat side down, on prepared sheet; reserve marinade.
    While the pineapple is roasting, combine yogurt, vanilla bean paste, agave nectar, and ginger in a small bowl.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Roast pineapple for 15 minutes. Turn, brush with marinade, and roast until tender and caramelized, 10–15 minutes. Drizzle remaining marinade over; let cool slightly.
  • Divide pineapple among plates. Spoon Greek yogurt over it, and garnish with pistachios and mint leaves.
    Enjoy!!