Make me a Meal Monday - Mexican Lasagna

I LOVE mexican food - and I have tried my hands at a few mexican lasagnas in the past year - and although they are good they have a ton of ingredients and to me not as good as they cost, so I thought I would try one more recipe in the meantime before I completely gave up on Mexican Lasagna... this one is from the Food Network from Rachael Ray and boy was it EASY and DELICIOUS!

The recipe calls for the following

• 3 tablespoons for EVOO
• 2 lbs of ground chicken (I used turkey because I had it already)
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 cup of taco sauce
• 1 cup of frozen corn kernels
• 8 spinach tortillas (I used 4 whole wheat tortillas)
• 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 scallions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Add 1 tablespoon of EVOO to a pan and add turkey. Season turkey with chili powder and red onion. Let brown for 5 minutes (and drain any excess grease from pan)
Add taco sauce, black beans and corn, heat through for about 2-3 minutes, add salt to taste (whoops - I kinda miss the salt part when I made this dish - I would highly recommend adding salt at this point)
Coat baking dish to rest of EVOO. Begin layering meat, tortillas and then cheese. I chose to cut the tortillas into squares and then use the scraps to fill in the left over spaces in the pan - that way you don't have parts of your lasagna without any tortillas (noodles - ha!)
I was able to do 2 layers total
Bake your the lasagna for 12-15 or until the cheese is bubbly and then serve.

Top your dish with scallions

I hope you enjoy this meal as much as I did!!

**I made this the night before and then just popped it in the oven when I got home - which made for a 12-15 minute meal - perfect for a work night!**

Weekend Recap

This weekend has been a little crazy for us - so crazy that I haven't been on the computer since Friday at work... (I don't know if thats a good thing or a bad thing! ha) So i have a lot of blogging to update ya'll on (and a lot of blogging to catch up on from all of you)...

We had a busy weekend with lots of friends. Friday night we went to dinner with Rachel, Mike and Madison at Jed's. We have so much fun with these 3. Saturday morning, Rachel stopped by with Madison to drop something off for us, and Madison took quiet a liking to Justin's playstation controller as well as his headset (well maybe we made her take a liking to the headset).


After Rachel and Madison left, we met up with Jason, Katie and Molly at Roosters for lunch. The gave me the cutest dish for my bday present. Thank you so much ya'll know how much I love green and polka dots! I can't wait to make a dip or a casserole in it!

And because I can't see Molly without taking a picture of her - here's a picture of the little princess


Saturday night we went out for a couples date night. It was so nice for the 8 of us to get together and go to a nice dinner at Mezzo's in Creekside Gahanna.

After dinner we went for a few cocktails at Signatures across the street. Here are the girls of the evening

while we sat around and caught up with one another the boys found an old school PacMan game.

Today I went and rocked babies at church with Ashley. After we volunteered in the nursery we went to Mimi's for lunch and then went to the mall (where I bought NOTHING! - aren't you proud of me mom!). However we did see some interesting things like this body suit from Forever 21 - really?!!?!? please tell me these are not in style again - ICK!
and while walking through barnes and noble this caught my eye - no thanks - i think ill stick to rachael ray and paula dean!


I came home from being out all morning to watch the USA vs Canada hockey game with JM. I honestly don't think I have been that nervous during a sporting event since the OSU vs USC game from this past fall. It was a great game - and although we lost, it was fun to watch!

So that was our eventful weekend - I hope you had a great one too!

Whoops!

So I didn't realize that Kelly's Korner was Show Me Your Life and what you collect until after I had already done my post about my daily routine... When I get home this evening I will write a post about what I collect... get ready for an entire post about martini glasses, flip flops and lip glosses - what girl doesn't love that topic??

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY and check back later for a full post :)

BloggerBlock and Thankful Thursdays

Do you ever have days when you have Blogging Block? Ha - well the last few days that has happened to me.... I have been struggling to get off of vacation mode, we have loads of laundry to catch up on (thanks JM for doing them), a house to clean, miles to run on the treadmill to make up for last week, and LOTS of DVR'd shows that are just begging me to watch them, and on top of all of that I don't have a laptop that is working currently b/c of the power cord breaking. So sitting down at a desk top does not seem as conducive to multi-tasking with watching a dvr'd show and blogging.... so now that I have thrown myself a small pitty party I thought I would go back to the handy dandy schedule which I created at the beginning of my blogging journey - and with that being said today is Thankful Thursday.....

Today I am thankful for:

• All of the bday celebrations that have happened over the past week, I have the best family, friends, and co-workers that anyone could ever want
• Having the most amazing girl friends... I feel if I am ever having a down day or if I need a good laugh all I have to do is call, text or BBM them and I know that I will have a better day
• Finding a running partner in the gym - who said that I (yes you read that correctly) motivated her to run!
• Finding a new lip gloss that I LOVE!!! Shiny-licious by maybelline - raiz'n razzle - not only does it look amazing on - but it tastes like a berry martini- YUMMM!
  
• For JM's IPod Touch that he lets me use when I'm on the treadmill - its amazing that Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be will motivate me to run that much more, perhaps I should play it on constant repeat! LOVEY that song!
• Fitting into pants that I haven't worn in 2 years - I feel as if I have a whole new wardrobe!
  

And not but not least

• I'm thankful that this season of the Bachelor is coming to an end on Monday - I don't know how much more of chach*ball Jake I can handle... BRING ON ALIE!

As you can tell by the things I am thankful for this week - my life has been pretty boring lately, but the month of march promises to be much more eventful (with baby showers, baptisms, st patty's day and bdays!)

Happy Thursday Blogging friends- I hope its a great one :)

I know my bday was yesterday, but we were just getting home from NY and I wanted to blog about vaca so I didn't have a chance to share a few of my things from my day....

One of my favorite things in the entire world is to get mail (i mean something thats not a bill or a flyer) so I LOVE going to the mailbox around my bday and finding all of these wonderful cards in the mail

When we met up with Stacey and Ryan yesterday for lunch/dinner they gave me my gift - a new pandora charm and I love it! They said it was perfect for me because I love to entertain - its a picnic basket with wine, bread and glasses in it - isn't it adorable? I love how full my bracelet is getting
One of my co-workers Julie gave me my gift this morning when I came into the office. And this is a WONDERFUL gift/something that will keep on giving. She got me 3 magazines all for home decorating ideas. Julie is one of the most crafty/thrifty individuals i know.... and we often talk about home decorating and DIY projects - so I can't wait to start some of them (don't worry I'll blog about the projects if they come out successfully - ha!)

And then tonight JM and I went to a running store in Gahanna called Second Sole, and I was fitted for running shoes. If you are in the need of running shoes and have never been fitted - i would HIGHLY recommend this place, not only was the customer service outstanding but it they helped me find the right shoe for me (the non experienced runner!)
As I get older, I realize that its not all about the presents but more about the people who I spend my bday with and that makes me the most happy!

I know your probably sick of hearing about my bday and this will be the last post solely committed to my bday for this year - ha!

And for all of you who were looking for a Make Me a Meal Monday - my laptop power cord has official broke - and I need to get a new one (JM is getting one for me for the second part of my bday present) so all of my pictures for my make me a meal monday are on the laptop - so hopefully we will be back up and running for next week!

Happy Monday (or early Tuesday) bloggers!!!

Holiday Valley Vaca and Birthday Weekend

This has been one fun weekend! We were in Holiday Valley for our annual ski trip with the Bloms. Its amazing how much our group has grown over the past 14 years - we have gone from a group of 9 to 14 in the last few years.

We had beautiful weather the entire time we were there (minus the drive up), and had a wonderful time.

Justin and I on the slopes

Alli, Laura and Brad on a chair lift
Jen and Andrew on a lift

Since Madison is only 22 months, she is not quiet ready to ski, however she LOVES to sled...

She came in after sledding and decided to play in our room... and unfortunately we didn't have as many toys at our place compared to theirs, but we were able to wake up Brad from his nap by tickling him and then she decided to lay down next to him and imitate how he was laying.. ha!
and once that was boring we played on the air mattress for a while and "played" night night... because all of my friends have small children, I tend to forget how much fun they are when they are a little more self sufficient - Madison was definitely our entertainment for the weekend!
Last night we went out to dinner and we ran into one of my good friends from college Matt Corl - ha! He joined us at the bars after dinner for a few drinks(please disregard the bunny ears - apparently they never get old!)

Today we went out boarding for about 2 hours before we headed on the road.. however it was much warmer today than we expected (i'm not so sure the alcohol from the night before helped us either)... but Erica needed to take off her sweatshirt and she thought this was the best place for it as she continued to ski
It also happens to be my birthday today... so I pulled the "its my bday card" (which I rarely use) but our besties were in Cleveland visiting from Boston, so we stopped to have lunch/dinner with Stacey, Ryan, Ron, Kathy, Jeff and Kelly. Not only did we celebrate my bday but we were able to give Kelly her shower gift of BBBlocks and Ryan his bday gift. Unfortunately we had so much fun I totally forgot to get a group picture of all of us - but I'm sure it will not be the last time that we will all be together. However, in the mean time I decided to pose with the blocks - since afterall it is my bday.
It has been a wonderful bday, I feel so loved by my family and friends! Thank you to any one who made this a very special day for me:)

Saturday Survey

Just a little fun Saturday Survey... enjoy:)


LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE? Julie and Julia .. yes I know - I'm not real big at seeing movies in the theaters....
WHAT BOOK ARE U READING? none at this point, I would really like to pick up reading though - if you have any suggestions - please let me know!
FAVORITE BOARD GAME? this is tough, i love Loaded Questions and Apples to Apples

FAVORITE MAGAZINE? Real Simple, Food Network Magazine
FAVORITE SMELLS? Lime and or cilantro
FAVORITE SOUNDS? a baby's laugh, your golf ball hitting the bottom of the cup, edge of a snowboard carving in the snow

TELL ME ABOUT FOOD. I love to make new recipes, try new flavors but still have a few favorite staples as well
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE? can I hit the snooze button one more time - i know not the best thing - but at least i'm honest - right?
FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE? Sonic, Chipotle or Canes
FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? I love the name Vera, Everett, and Emmerson and call her Emmi
FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D....quit my job and volunteer to help out with people who are less fortunate than myself
DO U DRIVE FAST? yes... JM has a tendency to call me Danika - eek!

DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? No
STORMS–COOL OR SCARY? I love them, especially when were on the lake, watching the storm come in is one of my favorite things in the world
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? White GMC Jimmy
FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Coke
FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…Feel more accomplished at work, spend more time at the gym, visit my friends more often
DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? Yes
IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE? darker brown with carmel highlights - like this girl from the bachelor

NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN? Westerville, Gahanna, and Toledo Ohio - exciting - I know!
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football, Snowboarding, Golf and Hockey
ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Great blog!
WHATS UNDER YOUR BED? Under the bed boxes with t-shirts and sweat shirts
WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN? Yes
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? total night owl - one day I will realize that if I went to bed at a decent time I might not be so tired in the mornings - ha!
OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP? scrambled please:)
FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? my bed
FAVORITE PIE? key lime - are you shocked?
FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? toffee chip from greaters

Decorating Dilemma - Spare Bedroom

So I need your help blogging friends....

My spare bedroom is nearly complete, however I am in desperate need for ideas for my picture frames. I love to have people come and stay with me, however I am rather embarrased that my picture frames are empty (and based off of this picture - a little crooked as well!). What I need from you is any suggestions that you might have for the picture frames. I like that the room is all black and white minus the bright green walls and I would like to keep it that way if at all possible .

So I have a few stipulations (shocking I know)

• I want something black and white
• I don't want pictures of JM and myself, or of people

Here are a few other pictures of the room. The shelf is still a work in progress as well and I am hoping to find an inexpensive headboard/frame to add some black behind the bed.




and just so you can what really goes on to the right of the bed - its where I get ready every day - and YES i did clean it up for this "photo shoot" it is NEVER this clean - ha!
So any suggestions would be much appreciated!

I thank you in advance - and happy Friday:)

I received this as an email and I'm normally not one to pass on those wonderful "inspirational" emails to others - however, to me this little saying is SO true... I think women tend to underestimate themselves and often put others before themselves and this little forward pretty much sums up everything - so to every amazing woman in my life - I appreciate you more than you know! THANK YOU!

One Flaw In Women Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

One of my most cherished things I own

So as a young freshman in college in 9/2001 - I started to realize how many t-shirts I would acquire over the next 5 years and I instantly knew that I wanted to make a t-shirt quilt once I graduated.

I asked my great grandma to see if she would mind making this for me, and she didn't hesitate at all when she agreed to it. So I put together my t-shirts (all 16 of them) in the order that I wanted them laid out and my great grandma and grandma went to work on setting everything up, while they were in Florida. When my great grandma was home over the summer I went over every Tuesday and we quilted together. I looked forward to spending time with her every week and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that we have something that we did together.







This quilt might be one of the most cherished things that I own. Its the fact that my Great Grandma, Grandma and myself all worked together to make this (they did a majority of it!). They are both so talented that they were able to make this for me. My great grandma was 90 at the time, and the detail she put into each square is unbelievable to me. On this square you can see the stitch work that was included - and the star and crescent is actually my Tri Delta pin.

Thank you Grandma Tinapple and Nonna for all of your hard work on this quilt. I love this quilt and I can't wait to hang it up in my basement.

Snow and Marathon Update

So the **SNOW** is here again - its starting to become a 4 letter word around Columbus Ohio... and sorry that I don't have a child or a small animal to put out in the snow to show how much we have gotten the past few weeks but I still wanted to show you so I found this handy broom. Although you can't really tell from these pictures we have received at least 13.5" at this point and it is still falling....

Its hard to tell but there is a 1' flower pot buried in the back corner of this picture - if my basil and tomatoes weren't dead before winter hit - I'm pretty sure they are now - ha!
Today on my way home from picking up pizza for dinner (i know a little counter productive to working out - but I had no food in the house and I'm pretty sure that the grocery would have been a mad house) I lost control of my car on a back road between my house and the main road - and I spun out - making my car perpendicular to road (not ideal)... so what did I do - what any normal girl would do right? call her bf to the rescue - as if he could get there before anyone else could drive down this back road...
well just then I looked up and saw a car coming right for me - of course I kinda (okay I really) panicked because I am taking up the ENTIRE street and this guy would T-Bone me if he didnt see me... so I started honking - poor thing is probably thinking at this point - "dumb girl, first off she is stuck and can't get out, now she is honking like crazy at me, and all I am trying to do is help her so I can get through"... so it just took a little bit of rocking my car back and forth and voila I was out of the rut - and I was able to drive again... and he was off to the gym. This all happened within 5 minutes of getting stuck, so I ended up passing JM when I finally got back into the neighborhood. I appreciate the random guy who stopped to help me! I have been very fortunate with random individuals who have helped me lately - fixing my tire, and now this!

So with that little adventure I am so ready to put these away

and start wearing these - ahhh Summer and warm weather - where are you?!!?!

On another note my training for my 1/2 marathon is going quiet well. I am through the first 2 weeks, which I'm pretty sure will be the most difficult. Year to date I have run/walked 17.5 miles and I am due for another 2 miles tomorrow.

I am really excited about continuing to train for the race. JM told me that he is going to get me a pair of nice running shoes for my bday - and I'm excited to have a pair fitted to my feet that are actual running shoes. I'm pretty sure my Nike Shox are not the best running shoes, hence my blisters every day after I'm finished running.

Happy Monday Bloggers