summer, you have won my over

As a teacher, I often hear parents say at the end of the year that their child is sad they won't have school over the summer.  To come this may seem completely crazy.  What kid doesn't like summer?!?!  But I totally get it because I was one of those kids.  

Summer wasn't my least favorite season, but it was pretty close.  If I had to choose one...well, let me preface this by saying San Diego doesn't truly have seasons so our fall and winter all kind of mold into one...ideally, fall is my favorite season.  Summer is messy between the sand, the chlorine, the sunscreen, and the sweat.  Not to mention the irregularity of my schedule and not being on a set routine.  But this summer is very different since having Nathan.  I'm definitely praising myself for my job choice because of the fact that I'm home during the summer time, which means ample time with Nathan.  We have been the pool more times in one week than I used to go in a whole summer season. As a family we are embracing all that summer has to offer.  We ventured to the county fair where Nathan only had eyes for the giant ceiling fans inside of the barns.  We've headed to the beach and let sand get in every nook and cranny.  We officially have zoo passes and visited the animals yesterday.  We've grilled as many meals as possible outside.  We've watched the stars by the pool at nighttime.  We are making so many memories that I will forever cherish. 

I'm not a big bucket list fan.  Even though I've seen the cutest summer bucket lists on Pinterest and Instagram, I'm just telling myself it is completely alright to not have one.  A big reason I don't like them is because I'm afraid of the disappointment when we don't cross them all off of the list.  So we are being spontaneous this summer and trying to soak up as much of it as possible!  And I hope that Nathan can look back on all these pictures we have taken of him and will appreciate these memories we've made.  

gluten free vegan mango bread

Two days after graduating college I hopped on a red eye for Costa Rica with two girlfriends, one overstuffed backpacking bag, and a fresh passport that had never been used before.  This trip could have been called the "coming of age" trip for me, filled with so many firsts.  My first international flight.  My first big trip with friends.  My first time using just a backpack.  My first experience with giant crabs attempting to crawl into my shoes.  And my first experience with Costa Rican coffee.  

Oh, that coffee.  

This trip will forever be stained on my brain as it was filled with tons of adventures that changed me, molded me, made me take a chance and use a little courage, and brought out my independence.  

As we traveled from town to town, the first one just stayed with me.  I don't know if it was the frightening yet thrilling zip lining adventure or my first taste of this delectable coffee.  Yes, I'm going back to that coffee.  But to accompany the coffee, the little cafe we sat at gave us fresh mango.  Now this was my first time with a mango.  This fruit always seemed so foreign to me, I had no idea how to eat it, and never really had a chance to.  So when this sweet goodness touched my lips for the first time it was heaven, sweet, sweet heaven.  And ever since that day, the moment this sweet fruit comes near me so do the beautiful, wild, and crazy memories from Costa Rica. 

Enter Joy's Mango Vegan bread.  I first made this bread two years ago, after finally looking up how to cut a mango on You tube, and was completely surprised at how moist and delicious this bread was.  And from that moment it has become a summer tradition to make this bread, and most likely devour it all by myself.  

This summer I came across the ripest mango that was begging for me to take it home and turn it into bread.  But then I got to thinking...how could I make this gluten free AND sugar free?  Now, this was my first time ever experimenting and creating a recipe completely on my own AND it is delicious! 

Oh, and in case you need a little lesson like I did on how to cut a mango go here! 

As I mixed my ingredients together, placed my hope into the oven and set the time, I kept watching the clock-just waiting for it to go off to see how it turned out.  And what came out of the over was something extraordinary!  The first piece was a bit crumbly, but still so moist.  Oh, and this was husband approved, which means a lot since he isn't always a fan of baked goods! 

Gluten Free Vegan Mango Bread

2 large bananas or 3 medium bananas

1/4 c. coconut oil, melted

1/2 c. honey

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. gluten free flour (I used Trader Joe's)

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

1 ripe mango, sliced into chunks

Preheat the over to 350 degrees F.  Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. 

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas well.  Add the oil, honey, and vanilla extract, and whisk briskly to incorporate. 

Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.  Use a wooden spoon to mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.  Fold in mango chunks. 

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and sprinkle with coconut sugar if you'd like.  Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be lightly browned and a toothpick inserted through the center should come out clear. 

Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes before slicing. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

july favorites

Can we take a moment to acknowledge how fast this summer just seems to be zipping by?  It's almost the end of July?!?!  And usually this would send me into a dizzy thinking about everything on my "summer to-do list" and what must be prepared for this upcoming school year, but I'm learning how to relax.  How to soak up life.  How to enjoy the little moments and not get caught up in the to-do's and the things I tell myself I should be doing.  

Today I wanted to share with you some of my lovely favorites for this month! 

You guys, this book....there are no words for the love I have for it.  I mean, where else can you listen to an incredible woman's intimate and touching stories, be filled with wisdom, AND learn some amazing recipes???  I have cried and laughed my way through Shauna's other two books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines.  This book taps into my heart for cooking, the love for creating, and sharing that with others.  I've always been intimidated with having people over for meals, and I second guess everything I do.  She has urged my heart to think otherwise and push myself so that I become more comfortable hosting. 

I will forever by grateful for She Reads Truth.  These ladies know what they're doing! I can't tell you how many times I want to read my bible, a plan, something...but have no idea where to start.  Not only are their words powerful and leave me in awe every time, but all I have to do is click on a plan and I have it with me wherever I go.  I've found myself reading my bible in my car, waiting for appointments, and love that God's word is with me wherever I go.  This current study is truly inspiring me! 

Source

I stumbled upon the Holistic Science Co. at the Little Italy's farmers market lat month and fell it love.  This company is local, made in San Diego, and everything is plant-based and handmade.  At the market I was talking with one of the women who actually makes them and she was so helpful and informative. Lately I've been trying to switch over my skincare to plant-based, free of parabens and other harsh chemicals.  What I love about this is that it hydrates my skin without leaving me oily (and it smells amazing)!  I use this is a moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day, and a spritz before bed instantly calms me.  It soothes the skin and replenishes it, which is perfect after I've been out in the sun or exercising! 

Source

 I've been on the hunt for a good, supportive sports bra for a while...and let's just say that the "ladies" keep growing and need a little help.  I'm not the type to spend a ton of money on workout clothes, but a sports bra was something I knew I would be willing to because I would get my moneys worth and I would get a ton of use out of it.  Enter Lululemon.  Again, I don't buy much there, just basics.  I went in thinking I was going to get the Ta Ta Tamer because I'd read so many great reviews, however after trying it on, it just didn't feel that great.  I like my sports bras to be racer back, and it wasn't (although you could make it that way).  So the lovely associate had me try on their Energy Bra, and it was love at first fit.  I love this bra!  Talk about comfort and support, I want to wear it all of the time !

Source

Now that the sports bra issue is covered, I've been dying for a good workout.  For some reason, I've been slightly more unmotivated than usual to workout.  Maybe it's the pregnancy.  And running is great, but I need strength training and hard workouts in order to feel my best.  A new yoga studio called Yoga Six opened up right by our place, and they give you 6 free classes to try within two weeks.  I LOVED this option versus other studios that give you a week free.  The moment I walked inside I was greeted by the nicest receptionist, and the manager happened to be standing right next to her.  She caught wind that it was my first time visiting them, so she gave me a tour of the studio and a brief background on them.  I just fell in love with them.  The first class I went to was a Sculpt class, and the instructor was so accommodating to give me modifications since I shouldn't be exercising on my back any more.  Yoga is a passion of mine.  I love that my body, mind, and soul all get a workout and I feel so refreshed and strong after every class! 

a quick little hello!

Hello!!

I think this past week and the next should be titled "how much can I squeeze in?".  We just got back from a beautiful, quick trip to San Luis Obispo, and had the best time two people can have in 48 hours. Yes, you read that right!  48 hours.  And I can't wait to share with you everything we did in the amazing little town I went to college in.

I'm in the process of unpacking, doing a quick load of laundry, and packing again for a trip to Arizona to visit my sweet grandma with my mom.  Oh, and there's a hair appointment in there somewhere (hello, roots!).

I'm having the time of my life soaking in the last moments of summer, and can't wait to visit family and have a fun little girls trip!  Hope you all had a most enjoyable week and can't wait to share all of our great adventures with you soon.

1 zucchini = 3 recipes

Everyone loves summer, but for a while I used to dislike it greatly.  My pasty white skin would be forever sunburned.  As much as I tried to be tan like all the other girls, it was impossible.  Then there was the "b" word...bathing suit.  I dreaded summer when I was younger.  

Becoming a teacher totally changed this around for me, and given the fact that I've overcome all those silly insecurities that made me want to stay inside for three months.  Now summer is peace.  It is the time in my year that I get to breathe, relax, soak in all of God's beauty, get back to who I am as I sift through projects and just take some time for myself.  

One of the best things about summer is the produce.  Zucchini has to be my favorite vegetable.  Growing up we had a garden and zucchini grew like crazy each and every year.  Even when my parents didn't plant it, it would still come back.  I have fond memories shredding the zucchini and making zucchini bread with it, then grilling another one for dinner.  I probably love it so much because it brings back the fond memories I hold of summer as a child.  

I recently adopted a nice, large zucchini and was able to make not one, not two, but three different recipes with it! 

First up was Zucchini Tots from Skinny Taste.  Ann brought these to our Palm Springs trip and I couldn't get over how delicious they were.  As soon as I got home I looked up the recipe and found out I had everything on hand!  So, I got busy in the kitchen...

Friends-these are super easy, and amazing warm from the oven.  On top of that, four only have 104 calories!  The Mr. loved these, and he is not a big zucchini fan like me.  I couldn't help but think these would be great for kids as well, and they travel perfectly so I plan on making some of these for our trip this week!

Zucchini Round Two.

Grilled zucchini is a summer must have.  And paired with barbecue salmon is divine!  I felt pretty proud of myself Sunday night as I heated up the grill all by myself, made a delicious sauce for the salmon, and neatly grilled dinner while the Mr. was at work.

It was my first ever time making this salmon recipe and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.  The flavor was impeccable, divine, outstanding.  My taste buds were dancing.  I then paired it with my cilantro-lime brown rice (super duper easy recipe I made up and will share next week).  

I might have saved the best for last...

Zucchini Round Three.  

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread!

P.S: The following pictures are for your sheer humorous enjoyment.  (I had already been painting for hours and am insanely gross after all my cleaning.)  I just had to pose with the bread to show off my mouth watering creating.  

I seriously could not wait to get this in my belly.  I may have even told the bread "Get in my belly"!  

And there you have it!  So if you have a plentiful garden bursting with fresh zucchini or just love zucchini (or love trying really amazing recipes) try one of these recipes and let me know how they turn out!

the secret of contentment

Yesterday I found myself at my pool, all by my lonesome self, reading.  As the hot sun blazed down on me and my sweaty palms fingered through the pages I found a sense of myself that had been missing.  Contentment.  I've never been one to just go places by myself, excluding the usual errands and such.  The pool is a place you go with friends or your husband, just like the beach.  Going by myself felt foreign and it made me uncomfortable to think about it.  But as I packed up my little pool bag and started walking to the pool, my self confidence started to perk up a bit.  It was like I was telling myself, "You can do this".  It seems rather silly, but when you find yourself with a lot of downtime at random hours of the day you just have to realize that there is no one there that will hold your hand and go with you to the pool.

And so I went to the pool, and I read, and I loved every minute of it.

I've realized in the past couple years that I am an anxiety-proned person.  On a scale from 1-10 I'd rate myself a 3-4 on most days, a 5-6 when school and work are in full force, and a 9 about three times a year.  In order to cope I've been taught to take more "self time".  It is just what it sounds like.  Time for yourself.  Whether that be reading a blog of my choosing, swinging at the park, getting a pedicure, or going to the pool all by myself to get lost in a book.

A verse that teaches about anxiety is Philippians 4:6
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."


This past week at church we had a guest speaker who spoke on contentment.  We read through Phil. 4:1-13, and God's word started jumping off the page at me, finally sinking in.   You see, verse 6 is good, but it always left me with HOW.  HOW am I not supposed to be anxious, God?  HOW will praying help me overcome it?

" I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."


As I actually read past verse 6 I realized that there was an example.  Paul had been brought low, he had been put in jail, and yet he found contentment.  I struggled through a week of car troubles and a bad attitude and was not content.  What was I missing?

Here are some of the big points that really struck me that I've been brought back to each day this week:

-living our lives comparing and competing leads me to believe that I'm not where I'm supposed to be


-live for the NOW, and let God shine in this moment and in this season, now what's to come


-contentment is an inner virtue, it is not contingent on what is happening in our lives and outside of us but what's going on in our heart 


-capture my thoughts and fix them on what is good, noble, and pure


-rejoice always, don't just count your blessings.  

Each day is a little story that makes up my life.  I can choose to look at where I'm not at, what I don't have, and what's not going right.  But when I do this, I'm not content and therefore anxious.  When I surrender each day and push myself to see the beauty in each day, my whole attitude changes and shifts.  There is a gift we are given each and every day, and I have found that I am often looking for the gift in the days to come and push today to the side.  Each day is a short story that makes up the bigger picture in life.

summer pasta primavera

I am someone who loves structure, schedules, check-lists....

ahh, just the thought of taking my pen and checking off or crossing off something on my to-do list makes my heart swoon.  

Some may think I'm crazy, but then I'm sure there are many of you that agree with me 110%.  

That's why when summer hits I feel like a fish out of water.  No specific time to wake up for work?!?  No set place to be at 8am everyday?!?  No class to rush off to after work?!?  It teaches me to become more flexible and relax, which I still get antsy over.  Relaxing is something that doesn't come natural to me.  Meal planning is something I really love to do, but not having a set schedule or plans throughout the week can really put a kink in that.  

This past Saturday Kylee and Steven were out visiting friends, the Mr. was at work, and then there was me.  Just little old me.  And I though to myself, "what are you going to do with three hours all to yourself?".  Myself answered: "You're going to cook!".  And that I did.  

I started with a basic pasta recipe from the one and only Giada De Laurentiis and then went grocery shopping in my produce bin in the fridge.  I basically pulled out a ton of veggies and decided they would all work together in unison.  Sadly, I didn't take many pictures in the prepping area because all my mind could think about was cooking just to cook, to relax, to free my mind, to find enjoyment, and to love my "me" time.  

Summer Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

3 carrots, peeled

2 medium zucchini

1 red bellow pepper

6 asparagus speers

1 ear of corn

1/4 c. olive oil

1 Tbsp. dried Italian seasoning

2 tsps. salt

2 tsps. ground black pepper

1 lb. brown rice farfalle pasta

15 cherry tomatoes, halved

3/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Cut the carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus into thin 2-inch long strips.  On a large heavy baking sheet, toss the vegetable strips, oil, dried herbs, and salt and pepper to coat.  Arrange the vegetables evenly over the baking sheet (you can use two baking sheets if you need to).  

2. Bake the vegetables, stirring after the first 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and the other veggies begin to brown, about 20 minutes total. 

3. Meanwhile, bring two large pots of water to boil.

4. Once one pot of water has come to a boil, place the corn inside, cover the pot and took off of the heat.  Leave the corn in the water for 7 minutes.  Cool and cut off of the cob.

5.  Add the farfalle pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes. 

6. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. 

7. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the cooked veggies to combine.  Add the cherry tomatoes and enough of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten.  Season the pasta with more salt and pepper to taste.  

8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

I grabbed a fork, sat on the back porch, and enjoyed a nice little dinner all to myself.  

Bon apetit! 

happy organized home

I'm pretty good at some things.  Making the bed.  Cooking scrumptious meals.  Crying at the right moments in sappy movies.  

And then there are things that I'm not so good at.  One of these is organizing my home.  For some reason I just don't have a knack for it, so one of my goals this summer was to better organize our house.    We also have a large armor in our room that was left by our previous tenant that we finally decided we need to get rid of, but it houses all of our towels, linens, candles, and socks.  (Random, I know!)  Knowing that we hopefully will have it off our hands soon made me realize I need to figure out where to put all of those things!!! 

I thought we could put them above our washer and dryer, but there just isn't enough room so I made a trip to the Container Store.  (Side note: The Container Store and I are just now becoming friends.  Whenever I would try to go I would just get so overwhelmed, then I'd buy something that I thought would be amazing and never knew where to put it.)  Luckily, I found three large bins that were on sale!  I went home and got busy.  

I'm a terrible blogger and forgot to take a before picture.  But through the process of cleaning our and organizing the armor and all of its items we filled three full bags of clothes and linens to take to Goodwill.  All of our beach towels, candles, and linens are in those bad buys in the top of our closet.  I put the sheets and pillow cases in clear plastic boxes that will keep them from getting dusty.  It was the best purchase ever made! Our closet is still an area I'm trying to organize, but for now it does the job well. 

One of my finds was a three-compartment organizer for my bathroom drawer.  Again, there's no before picture, but I wish there was!  I was just on a roll and it complete skipped my drain.  This drawer of mine was out of control!  I cleaned it out and organized all of my hair ties, headbands, and makeup that I use on a daily basis.  All of my brushes are in a cup under the sink.  

All of my make-up that I have but don't wear regularly is inside a bin under our sink.  I've now fallen head over heels with the Container Store and feel much better about my organization skills.  

today's the day!

I can barely sit still right now because the one and only KYLEE is on her way!!!  My dearest friend will be staying with me for a whole entire week, and the thought of seeing her everyday just fills my heart with joy.  It's been on my calendar for months and today is the day! 

So this post may have no substance but all I can think about right now is seeing my truest friend.  You can bet yourself our week will be filled with morning coffee talks, sangria by the pool, wine and cheese, beach days, breakfast at Claire's, indulging in desserts, smiling until our cheeks hurt, and so much more. 

Hope you all have a fun filled weekend and I can't wait to give you a recap on my dearest friend's trip. 

just peachy

I can name so many reasons why I love summer.....

no school

sleeping in

late night sunsets

but the one that is on the top of my list right now is produce!  I felt all giddy when I went grocery shopping this week because there was such great fruit that I love on sale: mangos, strawberries, cherries, apricots, and peaches!

Speaking of peaches, I have the most amazing summer salad recipe with peaches and some other utterly scrumptious items that will make you want to do a little dance in your kitchen. 

I wish I could claim this recipe as my own but I found it in my Women's Health magazine and knew I had to give it a try.

Apricot Salad with Basil Oil:

3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced

3 cups arugula

2 Tbsp. chopped pecans or walnuts

4 oz. fresh mozzarella diced into 1 in. cubes

3 Tbsp. extra virgin alive oil

2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 cup fresh basic leaves

1/4 tsp. salt

In a large bowl, toss peaches, arugula, walnuts, and mozzarella together. 

In a food process, combine the rest of the ingredients. 

P.S: I love my ninja, if it ever broke on me I would cry a bucket of tears. 

Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad and mix together.

The Mr. was getting hungry and photo bombed the pic.  He is a professional picker at foods when you're preparing them. 

We served it up with some grilled chicken.  This salad was perfection!  The sweetness of the peaches was balanced out by the mozzarella and slight hint of salt in the dressing.  It was light but filling, just so delicious.  It screamed "summertime"!!!

The one thing I always have a hard time with is buying ingredients that I only use a small portion of and they end up going to waste.  I did some strategic meal planning this week so the mozzarella and the basil I bought wouldn't go to waste and tomorrow we're taking an adventure and making Italian Meatball Sliders from Cooking Light. I'll make sure to give you a recap for that recipe just in case you want to use your ingredients wisely :)