Monthly Archives: May 2012

InspiredMe: Better-Than-Birthday-Cake Salsa

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My family has been making this salsa since I was a wee little thing. And the stories and memories made into it are very fond. Growing up I loved this salsa so much that one year I asked for a salsa cake for my birthday. So that’s what I got… a big bowl of salsa with a cute little candle in it. I loved every bite. And yes, I did share, (a little.) It is that good.

The secret to getting the best flavor of this salsa is using all FRESH ingredients… from the garlic to the freshly squeezed lime juice.

Enjoy.

Better-Than-Birthday-Cake Salsa

big bunch of cilantro

1/4-1/2 medium-sized jalapeno

half of a tomatia

1 big basil leaf

1 anaheim pepper

salt to taste (about a tablespoon, or more)

juice from 1/2 lime

2-3 garlic cloves

1/4 white onion

8-10 Roma tomatoes

Blend all ingredients, except tomatoes, together in food processor. Put blended green ingredients in a bowl. Lightly chop tomatoes in food processor about 2-3 at a time so they are chunky. Add tomatoes to the bowl with the green ingredients. Lightly mix. Taste, and add more salt if desired.

And some great healthy tid-bits about cilantro: info below found here

  • Powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis
  • Helps remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body
  • Aids our digestive system
  • Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products
  • Acts to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)
  • Relief for stomach gas, prevention of flatulence and an overall digestive aid
  • Wards off urinary tract infections
  • Helps reduce feelings of nausea
  • Eases hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation
  • Has been shown to reduce menstrual cramping.
  • Adds fiber to the digestive tract
  • A source of iron, magnesium, and is helpful in fighting anemia
  • Gives relief for diarrhea, especially if caused by microbial or fungal infections
  • Helps promote healthy liver function.
  • Reduces minor swelling
  • Strong general antioxidant properties
  • Disinfects and helps detoxify the body
  • Stimulates the endocrine glands
  • Helps with insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar
  • Acts as a natural anti-septic and anti-fungal agent for skin disorders like fungal infections and eczema
  • Contains immune-boosting properties
  • Acts as an expectorant
  • Helps ease conjunctivitis, as well as eye-aging, macular degeneration, and other stressors on the eyes.

Amazing! I love cilantro even more now!

InspiredMe: A Farewell Letter To My Brother

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To my little brother, Jake:

Ok, so I guess at 19 years old and 6’3″ you aren’t considered so “little”, huh? But just between you and me, you will always be my cute, blond-haired little brother, happily smiling and singing (with that incredible voice of yours) through life, bringing fun (and destruction) wherever you go.

The boys and I sure had a fun time spending the week with you and the family. The boys adore you, you are their favorite “Uncle Jakie-Poo.” I’m afraid that name is going to stick for quite a while. Once a child decides on a name, it usually does. Honestly, I think it fits well. :) You really are a good sport about it, what other 19-year-old boy lets his nephews call him “Jakie-Poo.”

Can I just say what an inspiration you are to me?! You choosing to serve a two-year mission for our church is pretty remarkable.  And not being compensated for your time, and saving up to pay for the whole thing yourself shows a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It’s a pretty incredible thing when I think about it, to give up two years of your life to go and serve others. You are an example of incredible faith to me and everyone else.

I just wanted to say thanks for being who you are. For teaching me to de-stress, relax and enjoy the ride. Thank-you for being so authentic, tender-hearted, and genuinely full of love… and especially for being so absolutely funny. Your optimism and zest for life is contagious and you are a joy to be around. Thanks for bringing such sunshine to this earth! You are going to do and have some incredible adventures! Jake, have an amazing time! Enjoy every day and serve with all your heart. I will miss you!  I sure love you. See you in two years, Elder Jacob Downey! You’re a stud muffin!

love,

your big sis, becca

 

InspiredMe: Dear Week, You’ve Been a Busy One.

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Dear blog friends, sorry for the long absence. I’ve been gone spending the week with my beautiful family. But I am back, camera in hand, ready to blog away!

Dear plane ride… you were an adventure. By. my. self. with. two. kids.

Dear iPad… you are handy. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Dear trampoline, I used to have a lot of fun with you, now you only cause me pain. But my little boy had a tremendous time, so you are good.

Dear Uncle Will and the sprinklers, you are the best little buddy a boy could ever want.

Dear Papa, Blake loves kisses. You are the best.

Dear Papa’s BIG LIFTED TRUCK, Makay thinks you are the best thing since peanut butter and jelly. You are pretty cool.

Dear sticks in the yard, who knew you could entertain a three-year-old for so long.

Dear little race cars, you create endless delight.

Dear Uncle Bradley, you are a stud-muffin.

Dear iPhone case, glad you are somewhat “slobber-proof.”

Dear Siblings of mine, you make me smile.

Dear sweet moment with big brothers and little sisters, you are priceless.

Dear baby Blake, I love your chubby little cheeks and cute two little teeth that just came in.

Dear Salt Lake City temple, your architecture is beautiful. Your presence, powerful.

Dear flowers, you remind me of my sweet hubby that I missed every second of every day. Dear Hubby, thank-you for the beautiful flowers. I love you forever.

Dear family of mine, I sure love you. Dear siblings in Denver and Tennessee that weren’t in this picture, I miss you.

Dear fun week, you made me happy.

Happy Memorial Day weekend, hope you have some tremendous fun!

InspiredMe: 10 Things that Make Me Happy

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I really love the simple things… you know, those everyday things that bring some sparkle and smiles into our day. If you take a moment I know you can think of some. It’s the little things that create what our lives are today. Do we recognize these things, these moments?

When we see these simple joys of life we are filled with gratitude, and where there is gratitude, there is happiness!

I’ve been thinking about the little things lately and I thought I’d share them with you. Some are silly, some are sweet, but all are simple, all are things that everyone can and does experience everyday if you choose to see them. There are so many, but here’s ten of mine (in no particular order):

#1. Fluffy Blankets. There is nothing better than snuggling up with a fluffy down comforter or curling up in a fleece blanket. Fluffy blankets make everything better…a book, my boys, nap time, talking on the phone, thinking, relaxing. Life is better with fluffy blankets!

#2. Chopsticks. Two reasons: One, they make you eat slower, and thereby less. Two, everything just tastes better with chopsticks. It’s like magic.

#3. Frozen Yogurt. There is this “make it yourself” frozen yogurt place that I am in love with. I seriously go just so I can sample all the flavors. I realize I sometimes get a little carried away as the bowl is overflowing with the kiwis, strawberries and mangos I have piled on… and I can see my hubby’s “oh, man, this is going to be expensive” face coming on… and I just smile and say “thanks dear!” But let me tell you, it is worth every penny… or dollar.

#4. Free Samples. The person who came up with such a lovely idea is truly brilliant! And a great big THANK-YOU to Costco… you make my day every time I visit!

#5. Playing Games.  My favorite date night consists of cuddling, homemade M&M blizzards, and a few rounds of SkipBo.  And Sundays wouldn’t be complete without a few games with the family.

#6. Hugs. What is it about a hug that just makes all the day’s worries go away? Sometimes it’s all it takes to make life immediately better.

#7. KettleCorn. There is just something about sweet and salty that makes my taste buds do a little dance.

#8. Sunshine. Energy, growth, life, playtime, summer, water, spring, suntan, park, picnic, hike, nap, garden, beach, pool, ocean, lakes, walks, runs, biking, travel… and the list goes on… sunshine is apart of our life in every way. I love the sunshine!

#9. Love Letters. Nothing melts me more, brightens my day, gives my heart a smile, or fills me with joy than the written words from my prince. Out of all the extravagant gifts, a simple love letter is my favorite. I treasure every single one.

#10. Rain.  It cleans, refreshes, renews, and gives life to the world… I am thankful for the rain. This quote says it best:

“Anyone who thinks that sunshine is pure happiness has never danced in the rain.” -anonymous

What are some of your favorite joys of life? Go ahead and share some happiness…

InspiredMe: Happy Mother’s Day To My Beautiful Mother…

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Being a mother makes you Beautiful.

I know, because my mother is.

She is beautiful not only in the way people can see,

but also feel.

My mother is beautiful in every way.

With make-up, or without,

In p.j.’s or all dressed up.

She is beautiful because of who she is,

And who she is makes the world around her more beautiful.

From the inside out and outside in, my mother is truly beautiful.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Thank-you for teaching me what true beauty is all about.

InspiredMe: Garlic Cheddar Ziti Pasta with Summer Veggies

This dish will have you wanting seconds and thirds. It has the perfect infusion of garlic, beautifully paired with green veggies and has just the right amount of creamy. You’ll be in love with this dish in no time. It is also packed with healthy greens and the “super-spice,” turmeric. Easy, delicious, and oh so good!

Enjoy!

Garlic Cheddar Ziti Pasta with Summer Veggies

1 pound dry organic ziti pasta

2 TBSP organic butter or safflower oil

4 cloves garlic

1 pint organic heavy cream*

1 cup organic chicken broth

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

2 TBSP flour

1 medium organic zucchini, sliced*

2 cups organic baby spinach, roughly cut

1/2 TBSP organic turmeric

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water

1 organic chicken breast, sliced and cooked

Directions:

In a large pot, cook pasta according to pkg. instructions. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in butter (or oil) over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Add flour. Simmer altogether for about 15 min.

While sauce is cooking, saute zucchini in 1 tsp. oil until soft. Once sauce is cooked and thickens, add zucchini, spinach, turmeric, and artichoke hearts. Stir all together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once sauce is done, put cooked ziti pasta in a large bowl. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat and mix. Then add cooked chicken and mix all together. Serve. Enjoy!

*You can substitute steamed broccoli for the zucchini, also delicious! And half and half can be substituted for the heavy cream to make it low-fat. The sauce will not be as thick though.

This recipe uses the “super-spice,” Turmeric… to see some AMAZING facts about this spice, check out this post here.

InspiredMe: Right Now…

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(Inspired today by this simple post from Mindful Balance.)

“Drop into the moment that is now…

Just be here, drink in all that this moment has to offer

as if it is the only one that you have– because it truly is.”

- Jon Kabat Zinn
Be present. Stop yourself and breathe deeper a few more times. See the beauty around you. Take it all in. Be present. This moment is a gift.

InspiredMe: Off To Visit Pink Pistachio!

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Hi all you lovely friends… Missy at Pink Pistachio invited me over today to share my thoughts on “Mommyhood.” Since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, she has dedicated this whole week to sharing all about mothers. I am featured as her guest blogger today! Hooray! Go check it out! Not only does Missy have the cutest blog around, but she is one of the most dedicated bloggers I know and a good friend. Thanks Missy! Click here to check it out!

InspiredMe: What Happened Last Night…

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Oh happy day!

Okay, I know I sound ridiculous, but I am really surprised this actually worked.

My GARDEN IS GROWING!

I planted, watered, let it sit in the sun, and this is what I found this morning!

Such good little plants you are :)

Oh, and by the way, my hubby is amazing. He built our boys a sandbox this weekend.

My little boy had a great time using his painting skills! And if you are wondering why my son is in his winter coat in May… well, ask the weather… it was a cold morning!

It warmed up by afternoon and my boys were in heaven in their new homemade sandbox.Thanks Daddy!

They spent hours playing it in. And then we spent hours cleaning up… sand gets everywhere…my kitchen floor looked like a beach.

So worth it though. Best backyard toy ever.

Life really is good.

InspiredMe: Embrace Your Power

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“The point of power is in the present moment… right here and right now in our minds… What we’re choosing to think and say, today, at this moment, will create tomorrow and the next day and the next week and the next month and the next year, and so on. The point of power is always in the present moment. This is where we being to make changes.

We’ve learned that for every effect in our lives, there’s a thought pattern that precedes and maintains it. Our consistent thinking patterns create our experiences. Therefore, by changing our thinking patterns, we can change our experiences.

The way to control your life is to control your choice of words and thoughts.”

- Louise L. Hay, author of “Heal Your Body”

Embrace your power, choose to change your thoughts, and you will change your life. You are lovable, you are enough, you are beautiful. Believe it, say it, live it.

These are a few of my favorite affirmations to help me create a joyful, loving, amazing day. Hope they can inspire you as well.

What are some of your favorite affirmations?