Healthy Taco Salad {vegetarian}

Healthy Taco Salad Recipe {via Simply Happenstance Blog}! The perfect lunch or dinner! #vegetarian #recipe #lunch #dinner #easymeal #wholefoods

:: Healthy Taco Salad ::

Confession: When my husby is home from work… I do very little cooking. With our new life in the mountains, he not only does 100% of the grocery shopping, but also cooks, so I can focus on homeschooling our four little ones. We eat very well when he is home! He’s super creative in the kitchen {thanks to the near decade he’s spent as a firefighter}. I am truly one lucky wifey!

This healthy Taco Salad is one of our family favorites. We love it because it is so versatile, quick, and easy to prepare. You can basically cut up and add-in any fresh veggies you have on hand from your garden or market. {For meat lovers… you can grill up some chicken, or prepare ground turkey, or lean ground beef to add to the salad.} To be honest… I rarely use dressing, instead I mash up the avocado and add a dollop of salsa. {If you like sour cream or plain greek yogurt, it would make it even creamier!} For those of you that love a simple dressing… a Creamy Cilantro Avocado or Italian drizzled on top tastes divine! [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

tea

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Happy weekend, friends! I don’t know about you…. but our weather here in the SoCal mountains is finally starting to resemble FALL! I couldn’t be more excited! In fact, this evening while at the market, I picked up all the ingredients needed to make apple cider for the kids! Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I’d love to hear all about them if you do! Please leave a comment and say “hi!” 

 

Life is Beautiful // Tumblr

This is the first tumblr blog I’ve been on where I became completely mesmerized by the images, quotes, and songs playing in the background.  In fact… the site now has a pretty spot at the front of my bookmarks bar. I’ve been going back frequently when I feel the need for a mental pick-me-up. These are just a few of the photos compiled on her site over the last week… lifeisbeautiful-tumblr

 

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{weekend} lovelies

 

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

 

Happy Weekend {image above via: Oh Sweet Joy}!  We hope that you had a safe & happy 4th of July!  This edition of lovelies is full of amazing finds!  We hope that you are able to take a few moments to yourself this weekend and enjoy the links over your favorite cup of coffee or tea!

As always, we appreciate you reading our blog, and would love to hear from you through your posted comments… if even just a quick, “hello!”

Have a lovely weekend, friends! {xo} 

 

I Got You // Jack Johnson

Who doesn’t love Jack? He’s one of our faves… for yoga, car rides, or just a mellow day at home with the family.  His new album, From Here to Now to You, comes out this September.  We’re excited!

 

 

A Tiny House Tour // Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

We’ve seen a photo or two of this tiny house pinned from time-to-time, but never before had we viewed all the photos of this inspirational house all in one place.  When we found it, we knew we needed to share it with you.  It just goes to show that the dreamiest of spaces doesn’t have to be large… just beautifully designed and functional.  It’s complete design {love}!

 

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Panzanella Salad

 

:: Panzanella Salad ::

It just doesn’t get much easier {or tastier}, than this healthy summer salad! Panzanella Salad is my absolute FAVORITE dish to serve to friends… whether I’m taking it to their house, or hosting a summer playdate in my own home. It’s also the perfect meal to bring for a picnic lunch or concert in the park! 

There is some chopping of fresh veggies involved, the making of a simple homemade vinaigrette dressing, and a little toasting of french bread in a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil… but the steps are super basic {you could even get the kids to help you toss it all together}! In under thirty minutes… you will have a scrumptious, fresh, tangy, and crisp bread salad to enjoy!

This recipe has always gotten rave reviews… but the best part is that you can easily customize it to your own taste! For example… love a greek salad? Just add in some chopped olives and feta cheese! For my husby, I omitted the red onion and added avocado slices. Any way that you do it… it comes out perfectly fresh and delectable! The combination of flavors is seriously… mouthwatering! [Read more…]

DIY Garden Boxes

 

{ DIY } Garden Boxes

Do It Yourself- {DIY} Garden Boxes, was a project that I have had on my mind since we moved into our house over two years ago.  Our home, though not large, does have a spacious backyard for our community.  It was the number one reason why we purchased this house.  I have been reading about the simplicity of garden boxes and the benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables for some time.  I myself consume quite a bit of both and the idea of using my own tomatoes in my favorite Pasta Recipe has been a dream of mine.

We made reference to creating these raised garden boxes via Sunset Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens for the basics. Both sites give information regarding materials needed and sizing for the space you have available.  First, we asked for the help of our neighbor and “local” gardening expert, Rosa.  She visited our yard to see where the garden boxes should be placed based on the suns path. Once we found where we would place the boxes, we measured out the space. We then squared off and leveled the area.  Shane went to Home Depot to purchase the following:

* Wood planks

* Screws

* Hinges to connect the corners.

* Drip system water kit

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Berry Smoothie

 

 

:: Berry Smoothie ::

 

Fruits and vegetables are a struggle in my household.  I have a picky eater on my hands, and a little girl who eats enough fruit for the two of them.  Vegetables seem to be the bigger battle of the two, so why not throw in a couple into a smoothie?

 

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