What's cooking this week & Haunted Hills

Yesterday was the Haunted Hills 5K, and this year Stephen ran it with me.  It. Was. ROUGH!  After "training" (I use that term loosely) on the treadmill, it is a whole different scenario not only running outside but also up and down so many hills!  Yikes, we are definitely hurting today.  I casually asked Stephen if he wanted to go for a run when we woke up, he was not pleased with my sarcasm.  We were going to go pumpkin picking at a farm that is right up the road, but I decided a Publix pumpkin will be just fine.  L-A-Z-Y!  We have both been incredibly overwhelmed these days with work, and all of our busy weekend adventures, I think we are due for a day of lounging.  The only thing on my to-do list for today was to plan my meals...check!!!

Tonight - Chicken Fajitas
Monday - Ancho Cherry Rotisserie Chicken (Publix *cheat*), sweet baby carrots, salad
Tuesday - Quick and Delicioso Cuban Style Black Beans, mojo pork (Publix *cheat*), and jasmine rice (this just might look familiar)
Wednesday - Bruschetta Pesto Chicken over linguini, garlic bread
Thursday - Steak (for my hubs), and Potato Soup

(Back to the race...)
We won "Best Group Costume" (again)...seriously, how cute are we?!!

Winners!  Stephen also placed 3rd in his age group!

Pac-man nails

Pinky and the squiggly mouth ghost

So close to the finish

Can't lose him with his neon shoes!

Cutest!

Smashed Baked Potatoes

I was JUST about to roast potatoes like I always do, and then I thought to myself...."BORINGGGG". It is times just like this when I turn to my dearest pal "Pinterest". I found this recipe from "The Pioneer Woman"...Click HERE! I used yukon gold potatoes to make these, and they came out amazing, I'm pretty sure these would be insane with sweet potatoes too!

The only thing I did differently from the recipe was that I cooked it for 27 minutes, I used thyme instead of rosemary, and a little bit of Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Super easy, AND delicious...double bonus!  I also just had to share this, it has had me laughing since last night, and coincidentally seemed appropriate at this time!

Ok, time for bed! :)

What's cooking this week and the Sergi's

We just got back from a wonderful weekend jam-packed with quality time with the Sergi's about an hour ago!  Man we are exhausted.  Hubby has insisted on running to the store to do a quick grocery shopping to get us through the week (he can never sit still, he already washed his car).  I on the other hand CAN sit still, and I plan on calling it an early night as soon as I finish posting this.  I have the worst sore throat I have had in a long time, and cannot be sick....this week is going to be intense (mostly work-related stuff you don't want to hear about).  This is what I have "planned" for this week, we'll see if I can actually stick to it....

Monday - Quick and Delicioso Cuban Style Black Beans, mojo pork (Publix *cheat*), and jasmine rice
Tuesday - Chicken with Peppers, and roasted potatoes
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Panini
Thursday - Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Pancetta, and Wilted Watercress (I use arugula), and salad

And of course, I have to share some pics from the weekend...going to miss these guys!

Fun in the sun at the Vistana

Kaci let me wear her peanut crown

Joseph being knighted

After her experience at the Bipity Bopity Boutique...cutest!

What's cooking this (short) week?

You know it was a busy weekend, when I don't post the weekly food plan on Sunday!  I'm a day late, but it is all good...it just gave me some extra time to think about what to make this week.  On my way home from work I stopped by Fresh Market.  After the long day I had, this is just what I needed...it relaxes me!  The goodies I bought included pretzel shells (yup...that's a thing), almond butter, and pumkin gelato!   My wonderful husband does not approve of this relaxation technique, so I only sneak off about once a month (usually I don't blog about it afterwards).  Sooooo, back to my weekly plans for this very short week...

Tuesday - Orange Cashew Chicken (from Fresh Market), broccoli, and coleslaw (homemade)
Wednesday - Low-Fat Creamy Mushroom Soup, salad, and steak for the husband
Thursday - Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas 
Friday - Back to Disney for the weekend with the Sergi's

Here are some pics from our weekend.  We went to Mount Dora on Saturday with Bobby and Lisa, and then Animal Kingdom before meeting up with the Sergi's on Sunday.  Can't wait for next weekend, we are going to really get to spend some quality time with Kim, Joe, and the kids!  I hope this week goes fast so we can continue crashing their vacation!!!

The Sko's and Dav's getting into the Halloween spirit!

Lake Dora

Tree of Life

Convertible for the princess :)

Crock-Pot Turkey Veggie Chili

Besides the fact that there is some chopping involved in preparing this recipe, it is SO ridiculously easy!!!  This is definitely one of my favorites...took me a little while to perfect it, but I have finally gotten it to a point where I am ready to share.  If you use the canned tomatoes with jalapenos, and also a chopped jalapeno please note that this will be spicy.  Also, the chipotle in adobo is spicy as well...so be careful!  :)

Ingredients :

• 2 minced garlic cloves 
• 1 onion - chopped 
• 2 chopped sticks of celery 
• 1 red bell pepper - chopped 
• 1 chopped jalapeno (only if you want it with a little extra kick) 
• 1 pound turkey meat 
• 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with jalapenos 
• 2 tbsp tomato paste 
• 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans (drained) 
• 1 15 oz can of light red kidney beans (drained) 
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans (drained) 
• 3 tbsp chili powder 
• 1 tbsp ground cumin 
• 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth 
• 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce finely chopped (this time I used 2...yum)

Directions:

Brown the turkey meat, then put it into the crock-pot with ALL of the ingredients.  Set on low...that's it!!!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!!!

No one likes getting into the spirit of the holidays more than me!  I am ALL ABOUT being "Halloweeny" during October, "Thanksgivingy" during November, and "Christmasy" during December.  I'm kicking off this long stretch of the holiday season by sharing with you all an awesome blog that my friend Alicia from WAY back has been working on!  It is called "31 Days of Pumpkin".  She is posting every day throughout the entire month all about pumpkins.  Check it out....CLICK HERE!  Thanks Alicia for sharing all of this "Pumpkiny" goodness!  :)

I also thought I would share one of my favorites....pumpkin beer!  I'm actually enjoying one of these bad boys right now while watching the Yankees game!


Also, here is my "Halloweeny" post from last year...CLICK HERE!  Let's see if I can bring it to another level this year.  It is only the 11th after all AND we are making a trip to Mount Dora on Saturday!  FUN!!!  :)

What's cooking this week & Grandpa

Last week was the first week in a LONG time that I didn't have all of our meals planned.  This was because I didn't get back from Washington (see post below) until late Monday night.  I had to wing it all week, it felt weird...I didn't care for it.  It is nice getting back into our normal routine.  Life is just easier not having to worry about what is for dinner.  Here is what I am planning for the upcoming week:

Tonight - Sunday Sauce and Big Grandpa's Stuffed Artichokes
Monday - Turkey Chili in the Crock Pot (my own creation, will post if it's good)
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwiches w/asparagus and fries
Wednesday - Pork Chops w/ Apples and Thyme w/ potatoes and salad
Thursday - Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry

In honor of it being Grandpa's birthday today, I am making HIS fathers famous stuffed artichokes!  They are insanely delicious, and I haven't made them in FOREVER (probably because they aren't exactly "light").  Oh well, today is an important day...and I am going for it!  Happy Birthday in heaven Grandpa....I miss you and love you SO much!  I love this old pic from my dancing days!  My grandparents never missed a recital!  :)

DC 2012

First, let me start off by saying...this was one of the greatest 3 day trips probably EVER!  I was able to do so much, and spend a lot of quality time with a lot of awesome people in such a short time.  I WISH my husby was able to make the trip with me!  It went by in a flash, but had an incredible time.  I got to tour the National Mall (by running it), have a close encounter with the Dog Whisperer, eat at a TON of amazing restaurants, visit Old Town Alexandria...twice, master the metro, experience Wegmans (although it was a total let-down), see what is so great about the Sculpture Garden (and I agree Pete, it rocks), and a lot more!  See for yourself... here is a peek at my trip! :)