Half Time Hero - Meatballs and Game Day Snacks With Farm Rich

“This #HalftimeHero creation is brought to you by Farm Rich. All opinions expressed are my own.”

It’s a good thing I have always loved watching Football, because my birthday has always landed on or during the weekend of the biggest football game of the year. Trevor very cleverly created a tradition of throwing me a “birthday party” that is really just game day football food with some cake. Honestly though, I love it. We always get together with a bunch of friends and all bring a ton of snacks, appetizers and eat ourselves sick. One of our favorite things to make, and the easiest thing, is some crock pot meat balls! Anything that I can easily throw in a crock pot, or the oven, with little to no prep is my kind of cooking when you have a bunch of food to make and want to spend time with your friends. 

Farm Rich has a great selection of Meatballs and they are all Gluten Free for those who need to be aware of that! I used their Original Meatballs for this recipe but you can use their Italian if it suits what your making better. They even have some Turkey Meatballs if you are wanting to be a little more health conscious. The different meats and seasonings available create a base for a variety of ways you could take this recipe! There are several different ways you can cook these Meatballs but the way we like them is to get them in the crock pot, add whatever your favorite sauce is and let them cook away! If you have been reading my blog for a long time you know we like a little spice and always use some Jamaica Me Sweet Hot and Crazy Marinade. So take whatever sauce you want to use, and set your crock pot to HIGH, cover, and heat for 3-4 hours (full bag). Grab some tooth picks and let people serve themselves throughout the game! EASY PEASY! 

While picking up the Meatballs I noticed a huge selection of Farm Rich snacks and appetizers! All great picks for a game day get together. I decided to grab some Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeno Peppers - I mean, what doesn't scream football food more than that? haha Anything with cheese or cream cheese is a go in my book. They will be super easy to just pop in the oven and serve. When it comes to frozen foods it's comforting to know that Farm Rich is made with wholesome ingredients, are quick-frozen and carefully packaged. Check out their Game Day page for all the different options for your party prep!

In preparation for the big game Farm Rich wants to know what you favorite #HalftimeHero snack/appetizer is? Share your ideas via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest using the hashtag (via photos or text), and you will be entered for the chance to win year’s supply of Farm Rich snacks for all your game day needs. Good Luck and may the best team win! ;)

Cherry Tomato Avocado Salad

I have made this salad countless times this summer, and I plan on making it many more! I have received SO many messages on shap chat (come find me @alyciagrayce) about the recipe, so I decided to share it on the blog so everyone can have it. It is the easiest salad ever, and will instantly impress anyone who eats it. The combination of flavors is one of my favorites, and leaves you feeling refreshed. This is the perfect side dish to bring to a get together and I hope you get some use out of it this summer!

Cherry Tomato Avocado Salad

4 cups avocados, diced medium (about 3-4 avocados)

2 cups grape tomatoes or 2 cups cherry tomatoes (I like to dice mine in half)

2 cups cucumbers, peeled and diced medium (about one cucumber)

1 cup red onion, diced small (about one onion)

4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 

2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced 

2 tablespoons lime juice 

¹⁄₄ cup olive oil

salt 

fresh black pepper

TOSS TOGETHER! ENJOY!

Salsa Cucumber Salad

One of my favorite salads is the Cherry Tomato Avocado Salad I recently shared. So when I found this recipe I HAD to try it too! They didn't give it a name, so I went ahead and dubbed it the salsa cucumber salad, since it really is like salsa met a salad and created this beauty of a dish. There are so many variations you could do with this salad and they really are the most refreshing meals! With it being so easy to make, go ahead and get creative this summer!

Salsa Cucumber Salad

1 English cucumber, diced
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 1/4 cups corn
1 red pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (I used half red, half yellow)
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime
1 avocado, diced
Salt and pepper to taste

TOSS TOGETHER - ENJOY!

Girl's Brunch - Kneaders Bakery and Cafe Catering

Roxana B. Photography

Last summer my friends hosted a beautiful baby shower for me, and my friend Sasha suggested Kneaders catering for the food. I had remembered she had also used Kneaders for her shower and the spread was delectable! They didn't disappoint for my shower either, and it made the planning of everything for everyone so simple. Often times when you are hosting an event, the logistics can turn the best of us into a stress case. Kneaders Bakery and Cafe offers everything you could imagine, from breakfast, to dessert and everything that falls in between.

I recently was able to use their catering services to host a little brunch with my girlfriends. I picked a little bit of everything to create the breakfast spread of your dreams! We had pecan pancakes, their infamous french toast, cinnamon rolls, all kinds of pastries and the stand out item for me that morning... the meat, egg and cheese breakfast croissant. Oh my goodness! You guys, I had never had this before, it was just beyond. I am such a brunch girl, and I always gravitate towards the sweeter dishes, so to say this was my favorite is saying a lot. It was the first to go, everyone loved it! 

We kept things casual and served breakfast on the counter, however we dressed it up a little by putting the food out on serving dishes and added some flowers for a pop of color. Just those simple details are an effective way to really bring it all together! Planning the food was no hassle on my end thanks to Kneaders, and it was the perfect little get together with girlfriends! I am thinking we should probably start making this a tradition, a little monthly breakfast club ladies?

Sun Basket Organic Meal Service - Giveaway!

I am so excited to share my experience with Sun Basket, a new healthy and organic meal kit service. They offer delicious ingredients delivered to your door, including paleo, vegetarian and gluten free options. I was able to pick three different meals from the weekly menu and they arrived at my door portioned out completely. It was so nice to have it organized like that because it saved so much time when it came to making dinner, I mean, all the prep is done for you! 

Each meal was delicious, and what I really loved about it was it was a nice change from the typical rotations of meals we make. You know we all have them! The options provided me an opportunity to cook something using produce and ingredients I wouldn't normally gravitate too. It really gives you a confidence boost in the kitchen! I know that before people want to spend money on something like this they like to hear what others thought about it, or try it themselves. Thankfully you can get both today! 

I love, love, loved this service! If you eat out too much, feel uninspired in the kitchen, or just want to save yourself some time (at the grocery store, letting bought produce go to waste, etc.) a meal service like Sun Basket could be the perfect fit for you! Even better, everything is healthy and organic with gluten free options. I know several people with dietary restrictions would love the ease of not having to think about dinner for half of the week and have it all put together for them.

I made these meals at night, which means no bright pretty natural light for pictures! haha But I think even these iphone shots show just how yummy and diverse these meals are.

Roasted pork loin with braised kale and pecan aillade. Okay people, this was BOMB. I like kale but this took kale to another level. I will be making this again for sure! And the pecan aillade was so yummy and made me feel like a really good cook. It paired so well with the meat and the salad. It is something you could really impress some dinner guests with.

Winter albondigas with shredded cabbage. Such a yummy, comfort food soup! This was definitely something unique and different for me to make, a Mexican dish of a hearty winter soup. The house smelled amazing when Trevor got home from work :)

Roast chicken with parsnips and Catalan salbitxada sauce. Holy scrumptious. This Catalan salbitxada sauce was diviiiiiiiine. I don't think I can have chicken without it ever again. This sauce took this simple dinner of roasted chicken and veggies to another level. The flavors people, the flavors!!!

LUCKY FOR YOU I've teamed up with Sun Basket to give away 3 days worth of meals, valued at $70. Trust me, you want to win this! OR if you want to get started right now, for $30 off your first box of Sun Basket, go to: bit.ly/alyciacgiveaway

Alright, so how to enter the giveaway! Enter in the Rafflecopter below, or visit my Instagram for even more entries! 

Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 3 at 12 a.m. PST. Winner will be selected at random and announced on February 5 on this post. Winner must be located in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Nevada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Bold Side of Water - Sparkling ICE Contest & Prize!

I always drink a lot of water. Thankfully, because my parents never gave us soda or ever had it in the house, soda has never been something that I crave or really want. For years I have maintained the habit of getting in about 100 ounces of water a day, sometimes more if my workout is hard enough. Since becoming pregnant, hydration has become even more important to me. As much as I love water, sometimes it is nice to spice it up a bit.

I always drink a lot of water. Thankfully, because my parents never gave us soda or ever had it in the house, soda has never been something that I crave or really want. For years I have maintained the habit of getting in about 100 ounces of water a day, sometimes more if my workout is hard enough. Since becoming pregnant, hydration has become even more important to me. As much as I love water, sometimes it is nice to spice it up a bit. While I don't crave soda, I do crave juice! But even too much juice isn't a good thing with all the sugar. So for those days where I want to have a little something extra and something fruity, I love a good flavored water. Trevor actually doesn't really crave soda but loves the carbonation, so he loves the fizz that is in Sparkling ICE flavored sparkling water, which combine naturally flavored sparkling water, vitamins, antioxidants and natural fruit juices to offer a bold, lightly carbonated beverage.

 

 

I have so many friends that love their sodas and have a hard time getting in enough water, and I think that flavored waters are such a smart alternative for those wanting the flavor but not the the guilt of drinking so much sugar. I love seeing a fridge full of sparkling water versus soda! Thankfully Sparkling ICE flavored sparkling waters comes in so many different flavors there is something for everyone. I know that Trevor and I often have a hard time deciding which ones to get because they are all so good! Sparkling ICE truly delivers on taste, contains just the right amount of fizz, and has 17 real fruit flavor combinations. These 10 are such standouts to me! 

• Black Raspberry
• Orange Mango
• Kiwi Strawberry
• Pink Grapefruit
• Coconut Pineapple
• Peach Nectarine
• Cherry Limeade
• Classic Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Raspberry Tea

Today I teamed up with Sparkling ICE to share an amazing contest they are running called, Flavor Face Off!  You can enter to win a year’s supply of Sparkling ICE OR get your face on the bottle of your favorite Sparkling ICE flavor. Post your photos, videos, or messages on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook with #SparklingICEcontest. The contest runs from 6/1 - 7/31 and you can post to score daily or weekly giveaway of free Sparkling ICE, concert or event tickets, and have better odds of winning the grand prize!

  

Where can you find some Sparkling ICE? Odds are there is some at your local grocery store, but double check with this store locator. Available nationally at participating retailers.

San Diego Weekend

TOP // PANTS // WATCH // BRACLETS

I just got back from spending five whole days in my hometown of San Diego! I LOVE going home because I have so many friends and loved ones there that I left behind when I moved to Utah. I miss them like crazy. Being raised in the same community from the age of 3 to 18 will do that you ;) So what was the purpose of going home? These wonderful people I grew up with and love wanted to throw me a baby shower! I was so excited that they wanted to throw a shower for me and it was the perfect excuse to head back home for a bit.

I flew in Thursday morning and my Mom and I went straight from the airport to get breakfast at a little spot in La Jolla called The Cottage. I can't believe neither of us had been there before but it had been highly recommended and we wanted to try it out. We saw the food coming out while we were waiting for our table and both knew we should probably split a dish since we weren't that hungry and the sizes were generous! The stuffed French toast looked too good to pass up, so we ordered one to share. Oh man the menu itself was amazing and it was hard to choose something, so I will definitely be going back! The French toast was so good, and the bran muffin we got with these marmalades was delectable. Everything was perfection and swooned this breakfast girl's heart! If you are ever in the area plan to visit for brunch! They also just recently started serving lunch and the menu was equally appealing.

After breakfast we took some time to drive through all the amazing houses in the area, something we have always enjoyed doing :) We ran some quick errands and then went to go see the movie Age of Adaline. Gosh dang isn't Blake Lively just gorgeous in that moving? Stunning. I really just loved her hair and seeing the clothes she would wear! It was cute, a tad predictable, but the kind of cheesy chick flick you would expect. After the movie we got lunch at Panera Bread, one of my favorites places that they don't have up here in Utah, so that was a must. We spent the rest of the evening just hanging out and relaxing.

Friday morning both my parents had to work so I rode my mom's beach cruiser up to my favorite local bagel shop and got my classic order, the gourmet spinach bagel toasted with cream cheese! Oh how I miss these bagels! I got a smoothie as well and enjoyed the weather while reading my book. After breakfast I swung by the donut shop and one of my favorite Mexican spots to grab a carne asada burrito (the size of my forearm!) for later. I had to hit all my favorite spots while I was home obviously :)

I was excited to spend the rest of day with some of my best friends from high school! Allie couldn't meet up with us until later but Michelle, Katy and I had plans to go to the beach and catch up. Michelle suggested Rita's before hand, which had just opened, and I was very excited to tell them how it had become a favorite spot of mine up in Utah! We enjoyed some Italian ice and custard and then headed to walk Del Mar beach. While the weather was mostly overcast while I was in San Diego, we got lucky somehow with the sun coming out while we strolled along the beach! It was a gorgeous afternoon. After the beach we met up with Allie at a great Italian restaurant in Solana Beach for dinner. I can't remember the name of it but it was sooooooo yummy! After dinner we all headed to Katy's house to have a chill girl's night and just chat and eat junk food. It was so much fun and felt just like our middle school sleepover days! I am kicking myself we didn't get a picture of all four of us together. We were just having too much fun with very exciting news to catch each other up on! I got to bed extremely late, but extremely happy to have had such a fun night with some ladies that I love dearly and wish I could see more often. There is just something about childhood best friends!

I can still see my toes! :) haha

Saturday morning was the baby shower which I will post about soon! It was such a blast and I loved seeing so many familiar faces that I haven't seen in years. After the shower my parents had to go help set up for a Single Adult Dance at our Church. I decided to tag along to keep them company. I actually ended up running into a friend from Utah who has since moved to Arizona, and it was funny to randomly see each other in San Diego! Some people know her as the "Tattooed Mormon" but Al Fox is someone I have had the pleasure to meet several times and attend LDS Influencer meet ups and have become online buddies. She was there on a speaking engagement and she introduced me to the other two ladies who were speaking that day, the Sistas in Zion, who by the way are absolutely hilarious! We all had a great chat and I didn't end up helping at all for the set up of the event and dance. Oops!

After the set up and me hanging out, haha, my parents and I went out to a nice dinner. It is nice to get one on one time with your parents as an adult especially when you don't live nearby. We finished off the night by watching a movie together. Sunday we went to Church, and it was fun to go back to the home ward I grew up in. I loved seeing everyone! After Church we had my favorite, homemade roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, which I have been getting a lot lately actually which I am not complaining about. After dinner we spent the evening chatting, watching a few shows and I wrote all my Thank You notes from the baby shower. Oh my gosh I think I have carpal tunnel! haha We watched the 100 Foot Journey which I hadn't seen yet and ABSOULTY loved it. I have always loved cooking and baking and the movie is adorable and gets you all excited about food and a little hungry too :) haha It was a great chill Sunday evening with my family.

Monday morning my parents had a wedding to attend, so I slept in and had a long face time chat with my sister Kira! Later a friend stopped by with a gift since she couldn't make my baby shower and we were able to catch up. After my parents got back we headed to our ward's (Church) annual Memorial Day Picnic. I love a good BBQ and it did not disappoint, my ward always kills it. The show stopper of the day was Sister Beecroft's cake. IT IS AMAZING! Didn't snag a picture because I was too busy enjoying it. I need the recipe. Again, it was fun catching up with everyone! Later we ran some errands, came home and watched a show. I started to pack and get ready to catch my flight. Once I was ready to go we quickly got some dinner at a new pizza place that opened up by my old High School. I swear there have been so many new places opened since I moved I can't keep track. It was scrumptious! Before I knew it we were off to the airport and I was sad the long extended weekend was over. It was such a fun weekend, and I loved every single second of it! I loved all the time spent with my parents, friends, and all those loved ones I consider family! What a trip!

tid + bits of life via instaLOVE❤️

So excited for Wendy bird on her graduation! Promising future these two. Also loved being back at my Alma Mater! Please excuse my "disheveled, just got off work, it rained, it's Friday and I'm pregnant hair!" Haha 

I haven't done a tid + bits update on my blog for forever and that is probably due to the fact that we have been so busy! I also haven't been very good about documenting things. Sometimes just being somewhere when you are pregnant is enough of an accomplishment that taking pictures  of such events is the last thing on my mind, haha. But I thought it was about time I did some kind of an update on life. Trevor and I continue to work our butts off, and scramble on the weekends to get stuff done. I swear our place has been a hotel the last few months! We have had friends and family staying with us a bunch.

My parents came up a few weekends ago for Wendy's graduation, and my other sister-in-law Sharley's baby shower. While they were here they helped Trevor and I with our yard which got incredibly out of control while we were gone in New York. Utah has been having a ton of rain and my goodness our grass must be mutant grass because it looked like a jungle when we got back. My Dad was amazing and mowed the lawn while Trevor and I were at work, and we have a big lawn you guys! Then Saturday morning Trevor had left early to go turkey hunting, and when I woke up my parents were out weeding our yard and flower bed in the rain! They really do go above and beyond when it comes to serving those around them, and it was a really sweet gesture. Trevor and I were both so appreciative. Just getting the yard in shape made such a difference! The house looks ten times better and I am excited to get some new plants in the flower bed and polish it off. My mom and I were even talking about how to make over the front doorway. Many, many exciting and exhausting house projects coming to the blog soon ;)

 

After Wendy's graduation, which was later in the evening, we all went to one of my favorite places in Utah for something sweet, Bruges Waffles & Frites (mentioned here, here and here.) Wendy opened some gifts, we chatted, enjoyed some frites, waffles and some Flemish stew that my Dad called by its proper name that I can't remember now. My Dad served an LDS mission and lived in Belgium for two years so he loves this place! It was a great night and we are all so proud of Wendy. She will definitely be going places. She gets impeccable grades, and already secured herself a pretty great internship for the summer. The next morning was Sharley's baby shower! I am so happy she did it here in Utah so I could be there. I figured this would probably be the only time I see while we are both pregnant, and I wanted to document it. Our due dates are only 2 weeks and 3 days apart! Although, it is looking like her baby will be scheduled to come earlier. Sharley's shower was book themed which suits her perfectly. It was the cutest idea ever and the details were awesome. It was a beautiful shower and a fun morning!

I also got to spend Mother's Day with my parents, which I honestly can't remember the last time I was actually with my Mom on Mother's Day, so that was nice. It was extra special since I am going to be a Mom myself soon, and felt like this was my first "official" Mother's day! We had a great breakfast, where we exchanged awesomely cheesy Mother's Day cards and gifts, and then went to Church. After Church Trevor, my little brother Alex, and my Dad prepared me and my Mom dinner. They made on of my favorite meals from growing up! Homemade roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. My Dad even made some homemade lemonade from some lemons from our tree in the backyard. Yup, he brought them up from San Diego specifically for this dinner, I was in heaven!

We took some prom-esque pictures :) Or just being weird, whatever  haha

A few weeks ago I attended Bright Night with my friend Tearsa. I went last year and briefly blogged about it as well. I know the ladies who started the event and they each are such rock stars! I love them to bits and they did an even more amazing job than last year if you can even imagine. It was such a fun evening spent with so many fun and inspiring women. There really a lot of amazing women here in Utah, it can be overwhelming! My friend Ali spoke and it was really cool learning about how she started and grew her business. She makes some incredible bags, her company is Sage & Harper, you should check her out! Tearsa and I had a blast, which we always do, so that wasn't a surprise. It was nice to just get out together, get inspired, eat amazing food and have fun.

And on a random side note of complaining, Trevor and I have had some bad luck these past few weeks! Someone stole several hundred dollars worth of merchandise off my doorstep. BAH. These packages shouldn't have arrived until we were back from New York, but they came early. I learned the hard way that I should put my mail on hold while we are away. I will chalk this up to first time home owner lessons because we have always had apartments with lock boxes so this was never really a concern before. Some people really suck don't they? I hope they felt bad when they opened them up and saw a bunch of maternity clothes! Geeze. THEN a few weeks later while Trevor and his friend were out hunting, someone broke into his Bronco, and took his wallet out of his glove box. He had some particularly important stuff in his wallet for some reason so it was an extra hit, but thankfully, for the most part, it is pretty easy to recover the losses with stuff like that with being able to cancel cards etc. But still, both of us in a matter of weeks having something taken from our property... SUCKS!

I have been enthralled with this book. I love reading the different birth stories and feeling more empowered as a woman and realizing the amazing ability of my body! ❤️ A beautiful gift from my sister! Also, these waffles. If you live or find yourself in Salt Lake and want a unique breakfast spot recommendation, check out Pig & a Jelly Jar! Yum, yum. 

New York City

This blog post is very content and picture heavy! I thought about breaking it up, but I feel like sometimes trip posts can feel like they are dragging on when you do that, and since we weren't going to different areas like in Thailand, I decided to do all of our New York trip in one gigantic post! Don't say I didn't warn you :)

Trevor and I spent the last week in New York City! It was a crazy trip from start to finish, and we are thoroughly exhausted. The trip started off a little nuts actually. After a full day of work I went to a conference down in Provo for BonConf (I went last year if you remember) and I had to leave early from that so we could make it to the airport in time. Trevor of course didn't pack until the last minute so we were a little rushed, but still made it with some time to spare *phew.* We took a red eye flight to New York with full expectations that we would sleep the whole way. HA! I normally don't have too much of an issue sleeping on planes, but being pregnant was a game changer. I could not get comfortable enough to actually get some rest the entire flight. We arrived in New York exhausted. We were staying at the Double Tree near Times Square and they didn't have check in until 4:00 p.m. We had been hoping they would let us in early so that we could get some sleep, and they told us to try back around 2:00 p.m. Thankfully they held our bags for us and we headed out to get some much needed breakfast.

GOOD EATS UTAH - Eva's Bakery

Mid bite of the most delectable and scrumptious lemon cream cheese filled french toast from Eva's Bakery in downtown Salt Lake, an idea popped into my head. I should start showcasing all the best eats here in Utah on my blog, because really, there are a ton. Being a foodie I love learning about new places here in Utah. I don't discriminate when it comes to food, I like a variety, and I like the fine stuff just as much as the greasy and cheap. If it tastes good, that is all that matters to me! I don't know how often I will do them, but every now and then I will be sharing some of my favorite eats here in Utah, and would love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions as well! If you want to join in on the fun, I started a hash tag when I originally had this idea on instagram #GoodEatsUtah so you can check out my favorites, and share yours as well.

I figured it would be fitting to start with the meal that got this whole idea rolling in the first place. Eva's Bakery is known as a great spot to not only eat, but take an instagram selfie. You see, they have a beautiful, bright blue, and iconic store front. The whole ambiance of the bakery makes you feel like you have taken a step into a restaurant in Paris, and as someone who has been there, it really does feel authentic! If you don't want to take my word, just check out the reviews online! Everyone agrees.

TOP (ASOS) // PANTS (F21) // SHOES (TARGET) // BAG (SIMILAR)

Eva Coombs, the Eva in Eva's Bakery, was renowned for cooking with an abundance of both love and butter. Family and friends took any opportunity to stop by her home for nourishment and pleasure. Her great grandson, Charlie, was always by her side in the kitchen, and Eva's passion for French cooking and respect for ingredients transferred to her young apprentice. Chef /Owner, Charlie Perry, opened Eva, the restaurant, and Eva's Bakery Boulangerie in her honor.

When I say it reminded me of Paris, I wasn't exaggerating. It isn't just the ambiance, but even the food. Their hot chocolate reminds me of what I had at the famous Angelina Paris! I do want to warn those who try it, if you haven't had a thick hot chocolate like this before you might not like it. It doesn't taste super sweet like your Swiss Miss packets. Anyways, I really like it, but always throw that out there for newbies. Obviously you heard me gushing about their Stuffed French toast, and I have heard so many great things about their Mac N Cheese. I have yet to eat there for lunch, I usually hit it up for breakfast, but they have a full supply of bakery items, breakfast and lunch. It will not disappoint, and all the Yelp reviews back me up on that! If you ever find yourself in Salt Lake, it is a real treat and you have to try it out :)

Kodiak Cakes

 

First off I would just like to say that this post is NOT sponsored in any way, just me trying to let you all in on an awesome product I am loving! Sharing the wealth my friends is my jam. This weekend I shared on instagram that I tried the constantly talked about Kodiak Cakes. I remember seeing them on Shark Tank and wanting to try their product, but then I sort of forgot about them. Not too long after I saw all my healthy, whole, clean eating, peeps on instagram sharing their Kodiack Cakes they were loving and I was reminded that I had to try them. To be honest, I hate most things that are whole wheat unless it is my sandwich bread. I feel like it often changes the taste of the food, ever had whole wheat pasta with red sauce? I just can't. So I was a tad hesitant to try a whole wheat pancake, but thought if everyone was loving it so much, and they were a really healthy alternative to my favorite breakfast food, I had to give it a go.

 

Sunday morning I made Trevor and I some peanut butter, banana, (kodiak cake) pancakes with raw honey drizzled on top and it tasted like heaven! Seriously, they are a total guilt free meal that is hearty and makes this pregnant girl really happy and satisfied! When I posted it everyone was telling me about their line of syrups and different mixes they have, so I am going to have to get into all of that. Anyways, a random blog post today but I wanted to let you all know you have to try them! :)

Super Bowl & Birthday Festivities

I feel like I had an entire weekend of celebrations. Saturday morning I went to brunch with a bunch of girlfriends. We met up at a bakery in down town Salt Lake called Tulie. It is actually right by where I lived when I was in college and it brought back so many memories being down there. It is on the same street I used to drive  up to go Trevor's house, which was basically every day :) haha I got the French toast and it was bomb. I have such a sweet friends and I love these ladies to death. Then Saturday night we went and saw a family friend perform as Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast Broadway down town.

Every year my birthday lands around the same time of the Super Bowl. Back when Trevor and I were dating, he put together a huge birthday party/Super Bowl celebration "for me" haha. This has become a tradition, every year, us getting together with friends and enjoying the super bowl that includes a cake for me. It is a good thing I love football, because I don't mind it one bit! I have loved the Super Bowl parties over the years! (2009, 2011, 2013 - didn't take pictures some of the years! Boo on me.) The food is always great, as well as the company! It always seems that Trevor's friend Staton and his wife Billie host the party, they are such good sports to have us all over! I can't imagine the mess that needs cleaned after our get togethers. I also realized after going through the pics that I did an epic fail and only seemed to get pictures of the food? What? haha I need to be better about getting pics of the PEOPLE at the party! I used to be so good at it, but now I get caught up in all the fun and forget to capture those moments sometimes. Which is good, but it is also nice to have to look back on. Oh well.... the food was amazing!

Chris and Trevor deep frying some Chimichanga's... they were amazing! 

 

I made my famous, well famous in my household, quesadillas. It is one of my only talents in this life, making incredible quesadillas! haha

 

Chris and Mirelle's Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers that I look forward to every year!

 

Trevor spent all afternoon making me this cake! It was scrumptious! It includes, condensed milk, peanut butter, candy bars, whip cream... you get the idea...

My actual birthday was a pretty typical day. Had some of my birthday cake for breakfast :) Cause why not? Went to work, where my boss bought our whole team lunch for my birthday! After work I went to my favorite gym class (Barre), and then Trevor and I went out to dinner at a steak house (which was heavenly!) followed up with some more of my favorite cake, angel food cake with whip cream and strawberries. Then it was presents and some t.v. watching. A pretty great day if you ask me! Thank you so much for all the birthday texts, calls, and wishes! I have so many great people in my life :)

 

PIN WORTHY I

VIA.

I know it is winter time, but we have actually been having a pretty mild winter so far here in Utah (fingers crossed) and I know I should be all about the soups right now, but I just can't get enough of amazing salads at the moment! This one from Blue Bird just looks divine and I can't wait to make it. I mean, thick cut sourdough bread sliced into cubes?! Soaked up in olive oil?! Yes please! Check out the rest of my pin worthy picks this week after the jump :)

PIN WORTHY ROUNDUP

VIA.

Are you tired of Pinterest yet? No, me either. While we have all tried baking or creating something that failed miserably from Pinterest, I am sure we have all found some amazing successes as well. Take for example these scrumptious girl scout tag along cookie imposters. Not only are they amazing, but super easy to make! Fool proof, no bake, amazing goodness. My sister-in-law found them on Pinterest and made them for a Christmas Eve snack last year... they didn't last long. I made these a few weeks ago and they were so simple, yet taste like they took a lot of work! Even Trevor has made them. These are now one of his favorite treats.

I have decided that my Pinterest boards themselves have become a little overwhelming. You pin it, but how often do you really go back and check out your pins to make them? Sometimes I do, and it can be hard to find it after I have pinned hundreds of other delicious treats and projects on top of it. So I thought I would start putting together a Pin Worthy post where I feature my top pins from the week. The things I really want to try, or have on the forefront of my mind, stored here on the blog - somewhere I see often. Beware, most of my pins are food. I mean, what else would they be?