Just a regular 'ol post...

So I realize that I haven't blogged in a few weeks. Mainly because I haven't been cooking. Gasp. Yes...this is true. Unfortunately. Well I shouldn't say I haven't been cooking, unless putting something in the microwave to heat up isn't consider cooking?? :) A few weeks ago, Matt had to go for a week to Fort Irwin, CA...aka the desert. He sent me a picture of the drive from the airport and let's just say...BORING!!! He had to go with his brigade to do some sort of something with some people. Haha. I really didn't understand. I just knew he was gone. So, I had to come up with things to do. My week consisted of watching Netflix, working out (surprised???), and running random errands. I took Maggie to the vet. She was scared as usual. She's been scared of the vet ever since she was spayed. I can imagine it'd scare me too. Going in somewhere and coming out in pain. But she did great. We went on post to Fort Carson. The whole appointment was about 20 minutes long. That included the shots and tests and waiting. I thought the staff was really nice and they loved Maggie.

View from Carson

Of course after the initial scary visit with the nice Vet, she was much better and was showing off for the staff. Typical. I am sad that we weren't able to live on post. It's so beautiful with the mountains right there. I mean we can see the mountains from our house, but they aren't as close as they are at Carson.

Maggie's birthday was also while Matt was gone. We also semi-celebrated Tiggie's birthday as well. Hers is very close to Maggie's.

We had a "girls night" (haha)...which consisted of me, Maggie, Millie, and Tiggie eating a little bit of carrot cake (raisins removed) and playing with a new squeaky toy for Maggie (which kind of looks like a squirrel??) and a cute fish toy for the cats.

It was really cute watching the cats play with their toy. It suctions to the window and they can play by themselves or I can take it off and play with them. I think it was the best $1 whatever I spent. :)

On that Saturday, I tried out a new place to get my hair cut. This has been the hardest thing for me moving because since I was 13 I had the same hairdresser. I love her and how she knows my hair. She has set a pretty high standard so I judge people against her. :) I went to a place that is actually about 10 minutes away from the house and had a nice woman named Missy cut my hair. She did really good work. She was very attentive to making sure my hair was perfect. It felt good to get it into some sort of shape. I got about 4 inches cut off and it's still long. I also got my hair re-layered of course. I think I'll end up going back to her. She was really nice and easy to talk to. The hair place was in a strip mall type area so I was a little nervous, but I had done a lot of research and they had gotten pretty good reviews. Of course initially I really wanted to go to this place that got great reviews and the bonus was the owner dresses up in drag on Fridays!! :) It's kind of far away though and was looking for something closer for convenience. Darn, right?? I love fun places like that.

Yea my hairs all messed up

After my hair appointment I decided to go try on clothes at Chico's. My mom works there now and she was wondering what size I was there. The sizes are confusing! 00, 0, 1, 2, 3....what?!?! I guess it does make you feel slightly good for once to be like "yea I wear a 00 or 0 or whatever" haha! Luckily my mom had told me what the "real world" sizes would equal in Chico's world. It was fun trying on clothes because I really haven't gone shopping. I really need to of course. Especially if I get a job anytime soon (ugh...big time stressed about this). My Express pants don't fit me anymore. They look like parachute pants and then I look ghetto with them hanging on my hips. I keep getting nervous about interviews. I think one pair that I didn't wear too much is okay...big, but okay. I just wouldn't want to go in and them thinking that I look unkempt. Anyway it was great trying on clothes. They have some really neat blouses that I was told by my mom that after you dry them in the dryer you pull them out and they are good to go, wrinkle free! They come in really pretty colors too. After trying things on I went into Starbucks. I got my usual Grande Iced Skinny Caramel Macchiato and that was my lunch for the day. Later that day I went to the gym, of course, and tried out a new (to me) Les Mills class called Body Attack. It was actually a lot of fun. It was a 30 minute class (it's normally an hour), so it was fun to try it out. As I type this, I'm trying to decide if I want to go to the class today as well (*Update: I did go. It was fuuuuun!). After Body Attack was Body Pump 30 and then CXWORX. So I actually stayed for all three. They were all 30 minutes so for just an hour and thirty minutes of work, I was able to do different things. It actually went by really quick.

I started watching Grey's Anatomy among other shows on Netflix. I had never really gotten into the series until I started watching some of the episodes on Lifetime. Definitely funny and good. I know I'm however many years late on that one. My bad. I also did a Harry Potter marathon. The week actually went by rather fast. I think the animals knew something was going on during this week....because they were acting really odd. Like Tiggie trying to "dig" out of the coffee table???

And Millie playing dead? This picture cracks me up. What cat lays like this???

Here is a top view. Strangest cat I've ever known. She doesn't really like to be held or pet...unless it's up to her. Every time I do try to pet her she looks like I'm about to smack her. Which I've never hit her or any of my animals for that matter (maybe popped Maggie on the bottom for being bad...but that's it!). Then every time I walk or look like I'm going to walk near the basement stairs she darts across my feet trying to go down there to get to their food which we keep in the bathroom down there. It's like I starve them. She's a sweet kitty though. Just odd.

I don't think I mentioned it in the blog yet, but a few weeks ago Matt and I went to Estes Park, CO. I got to see the famous Stanley Hotel, which was surprisingly smaller inside than what I thought it was going to be. There was a wedding going on that day so parts were blocked off. But we still got to go inside and look around. I am trying to persuade Matt to book us a room just for one night there :) CREEEEEPPYYYYYYY!!! I don't think I'd be able to sleep. It's a really pretty area though. Very Colorado.

Do you see the chipmunk??

Matt also took me into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Military get in free. :) The whole way up he kept talking to me about all these elk and bighorn sheep and the chipmunks. So I was pretty excited. Especially about the chipmunks. Well. The elk and sheep did not think making an appearance was important that day. But that's okay because I got to feed and see and even hold (for a second) chipmunks!!!!  They were so cute. They'd come and take the peanut out of your hand. The view was absolutely stunning from where we were. I'm so happy that we did it and I'm planning on taking my parents (and auntie if she comes!!) to the park as well. It's just really beautiful.

This week Matt has been living out of his truck. The commander set up a war game type thing on post and they have been doing that all week until odd hours. I was able to sneak over to Carson to see him and give him a few things he needed on Tuesday night. But hadn't seen him since until last night he randomly got to come home and sleep in a bed! I was really excited to see him. This week has been ubber boring. I wasn't really prepared like I was for Irwin. It really stinks to not have a job and have to figure out things to keep you busy all day. I've been very stressed about finding a job. Not just for spending money for myself, but also just for something to do. I've applied to everything under the sun and haven't even gotten an interview. It's very discouraging and I often feel like I'm either over qualified or something is preventing me from getting a job. I won't say any more on that. But it's been in the back of my mind as far as recommendations go. I feel like no one is giving me a chance. Of course, I don't have many networks built up here yet. I did meet with the brigade wives group on last Thursday which was super fun. It felt very sorority-like (which I loved). The CO's wife is super nice and easy to talk to. We met at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, which is another beautiful place to be. I told Matt that he and I should go there to have a drink or something. The view is spectacular. I've also reached out to the Gamma Phi alumni group here and will hopefully be getting to know them soon; as well as the Aggie group here--Pike's Peak Aggies. Which we will get to meet them on GAME DAY #1 in the SEC!!! So I'm trying. It's just really hard to know that you have a lot to offer, but no one is biting. I know I just have to know someone who knows someone. I applied for a History aide job here at a charter school for grades 7-12...definitely qualified!!! And wasn't even given a chance. I was told by one of the wives who has been a teacher for years that it was because they probably already knew someone for the job. She was utterly baffled that I didn't get it. Which made me feel good because at least I'm not crazy. I know I have to be patient. But it's just a huge let down. All of it. I am in the process of getting my substitute license here which is a good back up plan. It'd let me work when I wanted to as far as going back to school. Just not exactly the job I had in mind. It's a weird long process though. And very headache inducing.

Front yard..possible grass

This week our lawn was actually worked on. About time. The sprinkler guy came and fixed the sprinklers. Then the lawn people came and sprayed the weeds one day and then came back two days later and put down dirt and seed. I was really preferring sod to be honest. But I'll take whatever! As long as it's not dirt and weeds anymore. Matt pointed out this morning when he left again at 5am that there was some grass sprouting up! Yay!

Back yard...used to be covered in weeds

I've just been really embarrassed by the lawn even though it wasn't our fault at all. It was a big disappointment when we showed up and there wasn't a lawn like there had been in the pictures we were sent. But it's progress and we are hoping that the grass will keep growing. Of course there are all these rules for winter watering and stuff, so hopefully my head doesn't explode and I do it correctly. I've been wanting to invite people over like from Matt's work and stuff. But it's just been so gross in the backyard and front that I just have refused. I love to entertain as many of you know, so I wanted everything to be perfect. I can't wait to use the backyard and our fire pit! :)

Well I guess that's about it. I really haven't been doing anything different this week or last week. Lame. Hopefully this war game thing will be over soon and Matt will actually get to rest. I've felt so sorry for him. He's been getting 3-4 hours of sleep, if that, a night. He's some sort of important person in this whole process and has been doing really great at it! He's an awesome leader :) So hopefully, fingers crossed, next week I'll be back to my cooking. But I guess this was a good change of pace. Until next time!! Have a great weekend! :)

Yep...I'm behind...Two Traveling Tuesdays!

So, I like many other people have A. gotten really wrapped up in the Olympics and then of course B. Matt went out of town for a week ( I miss you Matthew!) to Fort Irwin, CA for some leadership thingy majig with NTC (National Training Center). I just know he's gone for a week, it's hot there, and they are out in the middle of nowhere. :) Being my first "real Army" experience, I have not experienced the NTC aspect of stuff yet. Needless to say the past two weeks I've just been wanting to spend time with him before he left. :) But tonight we get TWO recipes. Yippee!

I decided I wanted to do a "trip" around the United States. Splitting it into different taste regions. So I started with something Southern.

ALABAMA PULLED  PORK SANDWICHES WITH WHITE BARBEQUE SAUCE
Serves 12 or so (2 pork sandwiches, 1/4 cup pork and 2 1/2 teaspoons sauce)

Ingredients

Sauce: 
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise  
2 tablespoons white vinegar 
1 teaspoon coarsely ground fresh pepper 
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 
Dash of salt

Pork: 
1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed 
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 
1/4 cup water 
3 tablespoons brown sugar 
2 teaspoons kosher salt 
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 
1/2 teaspoon chili powder 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Biscuits: 
2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces) 
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 3/4 pound) 
2 tablespoons brown sugar 
3 tablespoons butter, melted 
2/3 cup fat-free milk 
Cooking spray

I also made coleslaw to go on the side. 

CREAMY COLESLAW 
Serves about 6
 
3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon caraway seed, or celery seed (optional)
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Pre-cut coleslaw mix (with red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots)

I will have to say that the serving sizes were a little off with both the pork sandwiches and the coleslaw. Matt finished the pork for dinner during the weekend and there wasn't really that much left. I did use a 1 lb 8 oz pork though (from Hormel). But it shouldn't have made that much difference...who knows! I am going to preface these recipes though by saying that the white BBQ sauce...not a fan. And the coleslaw...also not a big fan. I add the caraway seed and it didn't taste right. Live and learn though! It's all about your taste preferences! Anyway...

The first thing I did was get the pork going. Now you can see there are a lot of spicy type spices in it. I will tell you that it wasn't spicy at all. First you cut the pork lengthwise and then again crosswise or so. Just so it cooks quicker.





Next combine the apple cider vinegar and the next seven ingredients through the garlic powder in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the pork into the mix, cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 1 hour or until tender. 

The next thing I did was mix the white BBQ sauce together. Which is easy. Combine all the ingredients into a bowl, mix, cover, and refrigerate. 

Next...the coleslaw. Also easy!! I took the premixed coleslaw mix. Combine all the ingredients and toss with the coleslaw mix. Cover and refrigerate. 

In this recipe, you also get to make your own biscuits! Which turned out great and in fact Matt loved the biscuits so much, I decided that I'd just keep the recipe for the heck of it and make them again. (Preheat your oven to 425 at this point!) I first cooked the sweet potato. I used only one big one. I peeled it, cut it into chunks and then boiled it until done. Then I mashed them and begun the biscuits. 

First, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the potato, sugar, butter, and milk, stir well and then pour over the dry ingredients. Stir this until a soft dough is formed. It's going to be sticky! Just an FYI! 

Turn the bowl onto a very well floured surface, knead a few times,  and roll out into a 10-inch circle. The dough will make about 24 biscuits. I used about a 2-inch cup to cut out the biscuits since I don't have a biscuit cutter...that I know of. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 425 for about 12 minutes or until golden. They are super tasty! Seriously. 






When the pork is done, take it out of the pot and shred it with two forks. Some people on the reviews cut it into big chunks, but the shredding was really simple. It turned out sooooo tender!!! And tasty! Pour the liquid over the pork after you are done shredding. 




 

Now we are ready to eat! I place everything out on the island for a build your own sandwich thing. I did have a salad as well. No surprise there. 

As I said before, they were a hit besides the white BBQ sauce and the coleslaw in my opinion. Matt tried it with regular BBQ sauce and of course it was really good too. But the total calorie count for the sandwiches was 211 per serving. Yep...that's right. For 2 sandwiches..even the biscuits included!! The coleslaw was 49 calories for about a 3/4 cup serving. Not too bad! I loved the pork and the biscuits. And I think you will too!! :) 




Onto the next! So this recipe wasn't a United States one, only because I need to do more research. But I've been wanting to make it for a while. And can I say, I love chicken tenders. They are so easy to cook up and great for fast cooking. They always turn out so tender. I did a smaller recipe for this past Tuesday because I knew Matt was going out of town and honestly, the most I do with leftovers is put the meat over some sort of salad; which guess what my lunches/dinners will be this weekend! :)


QUICK CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA FOR TWO
Serves 2-3 


Ingredients

2 teaspoons garam masala (I found this at Whole Foods!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces chicken tenders
2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

This was really good and it was a faster version of tikka masala which was great!

First stir together the garam masala, turmeric, and salt in a small dish.  Next sprinkle the mix (reserving a bit for later) over the chicken tenders on each side.

Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat the chicken tenders in it.

Heat one teaspoon of oil over medium high heat and cook the chicken until browned. Remove to a plate or bowl. In the same pan, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil. 

Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes. Add the reserved spice mix until fragrant which is about 30 seconds to a minute. 

Then add in your 1 1/2 teaspoons of flour and stir until coated. It'll start to thicken. 

Add the tomatoes with their juices and bring to a simmer. Cook them stirring often for about 3-5 minutes. 

Action shot!!

Stir in the cream and add the chicken back in along with the accumulated juices.

Bring everything to a simmer and cook about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, garnish with the cilantro.

I also made jasmine rice. I love this rice. It's boil in a bag and always comes out super fluffy!














I served this with the rice and a salad. My only suggestion to this yummy recipe was adding salt at the end before serving. It was a little bland with no salt added. I'm usually not all about salt, but for this recipe it really brings out the flavors. 





The total calorie count for this was 300 calories for a serving of 2 1/2 cups. I don't think that's too bad! It was creamy and very lovely. I could only eat about 1 1/2 tenders. Matt laughed because I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach. He told me that I "really loaded my plate there..." :) Since it was just me I put my leftovers into the leftover container. I don't mind. :) All in all, I loved this recipe. It was fast, easy, and very tasty! I highly recommend it! 


Here are the recipes: 


Alabama Pork Sandwiches
Creamy Coleslaw
Quick Chicken Tikka Masala for Two


I hope if you try them that you enjoy! Well it's late and I'm off to bed. Until next time!! :)