A break from winter

Later this week, I’m trading in cold, snowy Minnesota for a trip to sunny Southern California to visit my parents. This will be a much needed break for me from below-zero temperatures and slippery roads. We’ll be spending a few days in San Diego to celebrate my grandparents’ Golden Anniversary, and I’m really looking forward to catching up with some people I haven’t seen in a while. I’m hoping to come home well-rested, and perhaps with a little bit of color. 🙂

Note: The photo above was taken during my last trip to California, in Dana Point.

Starter salads

Lately, I’ve been trying to think up new ideas for what to bring to work for lunch. I’m very much a creature of habit, and I tend to bring exactly the same thing for lunch every day (i.e. last week, I brought a bowl of soup and an orange, for four days straight).

I work with a girl who has inspired me to re-think the way I prepare my lunches. Karin is great about staying healthy and eating right, and she always brings such fresh and vibrant-looking salads. A couple weeks ago, I followed her lead and tried my own salad featuring romaine, pears, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette–it was delicious.

I found the image above from a site showcasing seven salads that I’m excited to incorporate into my routine as well. I’m especially looking forward to using more avocados, and I’m hoping to even pass on a few new ideas to Karin. 🙂

New year’s resolutions

Hello again everyone! I apologize for the long break I took from my blog–I decided to take some time off for the holidays. While I was away, I put a lot of thought into some things I want to work on this year. Following are the four resolutions I assigned myself:

1. Start blogging again, but make it more manageable. Cut back to one post per week instead of daily posts.
2. Drink more water.
3. Save more; spend less.
4. Try something new, like a ballet class.

I hope you’re all finding great ways to kick off 2013–here’s to a happy, productive year!

Apple Cinnamon Slow-cooker Porkloin

When I came across this recipe, I couldn’t wait to try it. Once again, I got out the crock pot and prepared a dinner that was sure to fill my kitchen with a holiday-esque aroma–apple cinnamon. It took me less than 20 minutes to prep the porkloin and cut up apples and a red onion, and the result was everything I imagined it would be. I may have cooked my porkloin slightly longer than needed, since it came out resembling pulled pork rather than staying intact. I can’t complain though–either form of pork with apples and cinnamon is fine by me.

Note: Image found on pinterest.com.

Snow boots

I love the pair of Ugg boots I own, but they just don’t cut it when it’s snowing and wet outside.  Last spring, I invested in a great pair of warm, waterproof boots for a fraction of their full price.  I have been so excited to finally wear them, that I decided to break them out today, even though it isn’t snowing–the temperature read 12 degrees this morning, and I figured that was reason enough.  I’ve never been so satisfied with a purchase I’ve made.  They’re lined with shearling, so they’re super warm and cozy, they’re not too heavy like other snow boots out there, and there’s no way my feet are getting wet this winter.

Note:  Image found on shop.nordstrom.com.

Apple Pie

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. It was nice to take a day to relax and think about the things I’m grateful for–my family and friends top that list. Here was my contribution to Thanksgiving dinner: a classic apple pie. I bought a set of Thanksgiving pie cutters, and I was pretty proud of the end result. Have a great weekend!

Roasted Pear & Chocolate Chunk Scones

I finally tried my first recipe from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. I’d never made scones before, and they were surprisingly simple and easy. I love the flavor of pears, and combined with chocolate, they were extra delicious.

Grocery shopping

Grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do. I know it sounds nerdy, but I love the process of looking through my cupboards to figure out what I need, leafing through recipes for inspiration for upcoming meals, making a long list, clipping coupons, and taking my time in each aisle of the store. I even use the same route throughout the store every week, and I write my list according to the order in which I visit different aisles (just like my dad). That being said, I’m so looking forward to my trip to the grocery store today. I have a few new recipes I plan on testing, and I can’t wait to share them with you as soon as they’re fresh out of the oven.

Drink more water

The title of this post is a recent goal I made for myself. Although it might sound simple, I find it difficult to remember to drink enough water. I realize the importance of staying hydrated, and I definitely feel my energy level drop if I don’t drink enough water. Here are a few things I thought might make water more memorable and more appealing to me:

1. Always keep a water bottle on hand. This acts as a constant reminder to drink water, and it makes it easy to get a refill at any drinking fountain.

2. Add fresh lemon or lime slices (or even apple slices or fresh berries) to water. This makes the experience more interesting and flavorful.

3. Try sparkling water once in a while–bubbles and fizz are always more fun!

Note: Image found at pinterest.com.

Crockpot Lime Chicken Fajitas

Yes, I am addicted to Pinterest. Here is yet another recipe I’m trying from my favorite website. Not only is it so easy to throw ingredients into a crockpot, but your kitchen is also bound to smell amazing all day long. I was never a fan of fajitas as a kid, since I didn’t like peppers or onions, but I was never more excited to try a new recipe than yesterday.