I wanted to pop in since today is the anniversary of 9/11. This day had such a huge impact on everyone. I remember the day so vividly.
I was in college as a freshman and I had an early Macro Economics class. I went to class as usual, but as soon as I walked in, the tv was on, my professor was watching with his mouth hanging open and I learned what happened that morning. We didn't have a real class that morning. We all just sat there in silence watching the towers explode. We were all crying and in complete shock. Several of my new friends were from NYC and were scrambling to make sure their families were ok. Most of them couldn't get ahold of their families. I can't even imagine how that felt. I didn't know anyone personally, but it still impacted me. That was the day that America changed FOREVER.
I sit back and think about this day each year and how it changed me, society and the world. And today I sit in an office in London and it has even more of a different meaning to me. I can't even explain it, but even here in London, people know what today is, how it affected everyone and the fear that it brings.
So remember to hug your family, say I love you and think of all those men and women fighting for our country to keep it safe. To keep you safe.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018
Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers
One of our favorite meals to make is stuffed bell peppers. You can stuff them with Italian ingredients, Mexican or pretty much anything. I have seen so many variations on Pinterest. But this is the version I have been making for a long time. I used to use a recipe, but I tweaked it so much to make it my own and this is the one I have been using for years. The girls even like these. Enjoy!
What You Need (Ingredients)
4 red large or 6 medium or green bell peppers (red are sweeter)
1 tbl EVOO
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 tbl minced garlic
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
Garlic powder
Onion salt/powder
Black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (to taste, 1/4 tsp for little heat, 1/2 tsp for more heat)
Parmesan cheese
Handful of freshly chopped parsley
What You Do (Directions)
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F).
2. Cut the tops off your bell peppers (at the very top to keep as much bell pepper as possible) and clean the inside of them out.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, place your bell peppers in the water to parboil them. Leave them in there for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be just tender, but not overly soft. Remove the bell peppers to some paper towels.
4. In a large skillet, heat your oil at medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Around 3 to 4 minutes. Add in your garlic one minute before your onions are done. Do not burn your garlic. Remove the onions and garlic to a side bowl.
5. In the same skillet, brown your meat and cook until it is no longer pink. Make sure you break up the meat into smaller pieces. Drain your grease and add in your seasonings (pepper, garlic powder, onion salt/powder, red pepper flakes, parsley).
6. Add back in your onions, 8 oz of your spaghetti sauce and the rice. Stir until combined and remove from heat. Taste the mixture to make sure it doesn't need anymore seasonings. If it does, add more to your taste.
7. Pour more spaghetti sauce onto the bottom of your pan to just cover the bottom to about 1/8 inch keep.
8. Take your bell peppers and scoop in the meat/rice mixture. Arrange your bell peppers in the pan to give them a little room between each. Spoon on the remaining spaghetti sauce onto the tops of your bell peppers.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until your meat and rice mixture is heated through. Put parmesan cheese on the top (as much as you like) and bake for another 5 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What You Need (Ingredients)
4 red large or 6 medium or green bell peppers (red are sweeter)
1 tbl EVOO
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 tbl minced garlic
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
Garlic powder
Onion salt/powder
Black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (to taste, 1/4 tsp for little heat, 1/2 tsp for more heat)
Parmesan cheese
Handful of freshly chopped parsley
I usually use red bell peppers, but we grew these in our garden, so I used green.
What You Do (Directions)
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F).
2. Cut the tops off your bell peppers (at the very top to keep as much bell pepper as possible) and clean the inside of them out.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, place your bell peppers in the water to parboil them. Leave them in there for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be just tender, but not overly soft. Remove the bell peppers to some paper towels.
4. In a large skillet, heat your oil at medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Around 3 to 4 minutes. Add in your garlic one minute before your onions are done. Do not burn your garlic. Remove the onions and garlic to a side bowl.
5. In the same skillet, brown your meat and cook until it is no longer pink. Make sure you break up the meat into smaller pieces. Drain your grease and add in your seasonings (pepper, garlic powder, onion salt/powder, red pepper flakes, parsley).
6. Add back in your onions, 8 oz of your spaghetti sauce and the rice. Stir until combined and remove from heat. Taste the mixture to make sure it doesn't need anymore seasonings. If it does, add more to your taste.
7. Pour more spaghetti sauce onto the bottom of your pan to just cover the bottom to about 1/8 inch keep.
8. Take your bell peppers and scoop in the meat/rice mixture. Arrange your bell peppers in the pan to give them a little room between each. Spoon on the remaining spaghetti sauce onto the tops of your bell peppers.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until your meat and rice mixture is heated through. Put parmesan cheese on the top (as much as you like) and bake for another 5 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Friday Favorites
*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
Onto Friday favorites and happenings.
ONE. I have scheduled a ton of posts for the next two weeks. I have a guest post coming at you with a topic that I definitely needed some help on....picky eaters. Sutton is a pretty good eater. She will try almost everything and usually likes it. Even spicy foods. Avery on the other hand isn't as adventurous when it comes to eating. She usually has Sutton try it first and even if Sutton likes it, she won't try it. She always wants mac n cheese, chicken strips/nuggets, spaghetti or anything with bread. The girl loves her bread. But this guest post gives you so many ideas and ways to help get your picky eater to actually eat more foods.
TWO. Let's talk coffee. I love coffee. I am more of a latte girl, but I do enjoy coffee most mornings. Recently, I was introduced to Stumptown Coffee. It is a coffee from Portland and it is really good. I first tried it at one of my favorite local coffee shops. I grabbed one of their cold brews to take to the beach with me and it was really good. So then I went to Whole Foods and they were selling four different flavors, so we bought their house coffee (a fan favorite) and have been brewing it at work ever since. It is soooo good. It has flavors of candied and milk chocolate and it is just easy to drink. I am really wanting to try their Holler Mtn. flavor which is Creamy and Caramel. Have you tried Stumptown Coffee? You can buy it online or look for it at Whole Foods. This isn't sponsored. I just love the coffee.
THREE. While Nevada doesn't have a home game this weekend, they do play Vanderbilt on the road. I will be in England when they start and I am hoping that I can either stream it on ESPN or do something. And I am going to miss next week's home game against Oregon State. At least my dad gets to take my ticket and go with Rory. I hate traveling for work during football season.
FOUR. I bought the cutest dress from Pink Blush last week and it arrived this week. Just in time for my trip. I can't wait to wear it in London with some black booties and my charcoal hat.
FOUR. I bought the cutest dress from Pink Blush last week and it arrived this week. Just in time for my trip. I can't wait to wear it in London with some black booties and my charcoal hat.
FIVE. Did you check out my post on Wednesday? I participated in a link up with Emily (from my Girl Chat link up) and it is all about your favorite crock pot meals. I pinned and saved a bunch of crock pot recipes because I need to shake things up for dinner and need more meal ideas. And if they come in the form of a crock pot meal, it is even better!
I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Favorite Crock Pot Meals
My blogging friend, Emily, from A Little Bit of Emily (you may recognize her as a co-host to our monthly Girl Chat link up) is hosting some Fall Favorites link ups and I knew I had to participate in some of them. The first one is Crockpot Meals. While I don't make a ton of crockpot meals, I definitely want to read other posts to add more to my food board on Pinterest. But I am here to share my favorite crock pot meals and one of them is pretty new.
Crock Pot Honey Maple Ribs
I have made these ribs countless times and they always come out sooo tender. They almost fall right off the bone. One note I will make is to not add too much bbq sauce after you pull the ribs out of the crock pot. You only need a little extra.
Crock Pot Sausages with Pepper and Onions
Nadine posted this recipe on her blog a few weeks ago (again) and I made it that next week and we loved it. We love the heat and adding a soft piece of french bread with it. This one is a hit. I have a smaller crock pot, so next time I will add half the amount of the sauce ingredients and double the sausages. That way we will have leftovers for work. You will want them. They are amazing the next day! And use the hot sausages if you like heat.
Spicy Crock Pot Meaballs
I have made these meatballs for potlucks, tailgates and the girls first birthday party. They are simple and so good. I buy my frozen meatballs at Costco in bulk or you can get them at Walmart. I love the heat to these and could eat them as a dinner with a little rice. Yum.
What are your favorite crock pot meals? Send them to me please!
Monday, September 3, 2018
TBB Asks - How Do You Cozy?
And just like that, we are in September. I am sooo ready for the Fall. So much about this month makes me feel cozy. So when I saw TBB Asks theme was How Do You Cozy? I knew it was going to be easy and a good one.
1. Slippers: yes or no? I am all about the slippers. I wear them basically as soon as I get home until I leave the house again. My favorites are my Ugg slippers with the real sole on the bottom. But I do have about 3 pairs that I regularly rotate.
2. What is your favorite blanket? My Saranoni Blanket. I got the gray stripe home throw and I snuggle in it every night while watching tv on the couch. It is soooo soft and cozy.
3. Thin or thick pillow? I love a thick pillow. I hate flat pillows and will use two at a hotel if they are not thick or plump enough.
4. Favorite warm beverage? Caramel macchiato or mulled spiced apple cider.
5. Robe: yes or no? Yes. I am guilty of wearing a robe pretty much year round. I have one for the winter months and one for the summer months.
6. Favorite comfort snack foods? I really love beef jerky. Especially teriyaki or hot and sweet.
7. Movies or tv series binge? I love a good tv series binge.
8. Actual pj's or leggings? I wear actual pj's. Way more comfy. Especially lounge pants.
9. Do you cozy up on the couch or chair? I go back and forth between these. Now that I have a beautiful Nevada table next to my lazy boy chair, I choose that a lot. But there is nothing like snuggling on the couch.
10. Hoodie, t-shirt or sweater? I wear sweaters all the time since I get hold and love to cozy up in them.
1. Slippers: yes or no? I am all about the slippers. I wear them basically as soon as I get home until I leave the house again. My favorites are my Ugg slippers with the real sole on the bottom. But I do have about 3 pairs that I regularly rotate.
2. What is your favorite blanket? My Saranoni Blanket. I got the gray stripe home throw and I snuggle in it every night while watching tv on the couch. It is soooo soft and cozy.
3. Thin or thick pillow? I love a thick pillow. I hate flat pillows and will use two at a hotel if they are not thick or plump enough.
4. Favorite warm beverage? Caramel macchiato or mulled spiced apple cider.
5. Robe: yes or no? Yes. I am guilty of wearing a robe pretty much year round. I have one for the winter months and one for the summer months.
6. Favorite comfort snack foods? I really love beef jerky. Especially teriyaki or hot and sweet.
7. Movies or tv series binge? I love a good tv series binge.
8. Actual pj's or leggings? I wear actual pj's. Way more comfy. Especially lounge pants.
9. Do you cozy up on the couch or chair? I go back and forth between these. Now that I have a beautiful Nevada table next to my lazy boy chair, I choose that a lot. But there is nothing like snuggling on the couch.
10. Hoodie, t-shirt or sweater? I wear sweaters all the time since I get hold and love to cozy up in them.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Friday Favorites and Happenings
*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
And just like that, we are at the end of August. I know I said it earlier this week, but this month has flown by. But I am very excited about this weekend and September. We have our first Nevada football home game, trying to buy a new couch, going shopping for London and the beach. I say this weekend will be a good one.
Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.
ONE. On Wednesday, I mentioned that I bought a hemp tank and it came with a tree medallion. I registered my code on their website and my ten trees are planted in Senegal and they are fruit trees. How cool is that?
TWO. A while ago, I mentioned some bathing suits that I really wanted from the line Andie Swim. Caitlin bought a bikini and a one piece (she may have more) and posted them on her IG stories. When I saw the fit, I knew I wanted one. But the price. Ugh. So I waited and then finally bought one. Plus I had to wait for the top to come back in stock in my size. I wore this all last week in Graeagle and plan to wear it to the beach this weekend.
These bikinis and one pieces are amazing. They have better coverage (especially for us moms), are made with quality material and are super cute. This isn't a sponsored post....I just love my new bathing suit. I will be buying another one next year.
And just like that, we are at the end of August. I know I said it earlier this week, but this month has flown by. But I am very excited about this weekend and September. We have our first Nevada football home game, trying to buy a new couch, going shopping for London and the beach. I say this weekend will be a good one.
Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.
ONE. On Wednesday, I mentioned that I bought a hemp tank and it came with a tree medallion. I registered my code on their website and my ten trees are planted in Senegal and they are fruit trees. How cool is that?
TWO. A while ago, I mentioned some bathing suits that I really wanted from the line Andie Swim. Caitlin bought a bikini and a one piece (she may have more) and posted them on her IG stories. When I saw the fit, I knew I wanted one. But the price. Ugh. So I waited and then finally bought one. Plus I had to wait for the top to come back in stock in my size. I wore this all last week in Graeagle and plan to wear it to the beach this weekend.
These bikinis and one pieces are amazing. They have better coverage (especially for us moms), are made with quality material and are super cute. This isn't a sponsored post....I just love my new bathing suit. I will be buying another one next year.
THREE. The girls started ballet and tap class last weekend and they loved it. We had purchased everything ahead of time except the tap shoes. I didn't even think about it and the lady at the store didn't even mention it either. So many of the girls had to borrow tap shoes for the class, but then I went on amazon and scooped up two pairs of Capezio tap shoes. These were the tap shoes that the teacher recommended and the girls already love them.
What is nice about these shoes is there is an elastic band that goes over the foot and then a ribbon to tie over it. This keeps the shoe on, but still look cute. Plus the girls said they were comfy. Who knows if that is true, but they already love them.
FOUR. I have mentioned health insurance a few times on my blog, but I am going to mention it again. I am very thankful to have a job that provides insurance. Sure it isn't as great as it used to be (like when I started 12 years ago), but it is pretty good.
Let me back up a bit. When I first started my job, I got PPO plan which was pay 20% and no monthly premium. I got this since I was single. I had knee surgery not long after I started my job and I paid 20% of the surgery which was around $1,500. This included all equipment, pre-ops, post-ops, MRIs, etc. Then I changed insurances to our HMO plan since we were planning on having kids. This meant a higher monthly premium (but only about $150 per month) and then just a standard co-pay per visit. This plan saved our butts since I had twins, they ended up in the NICU for 4 weeks and then all the visits for the year after. The girls NICU cost over $250,000 alone. We paid $1,000 ($500 for each baby). When the girls were 2, I changed back to the PPO plan since we didn't use the insurance that much from year 1 to 2. I stayed on this for two years. This is also when Sutton bit through her lip. We had to pay for the entire ER visit and doctor visits out of pocket since the deductible for family is sooooo high. So when it came to deciding our new insurance for the year, we decided to go back to the HMO plan (or the new version of it). It is a higher premium (around $280 per month for the girls and I), but the same co-pays for each visit.
What I am getting at is, since we changed to the new insurance, I pay more monthly (Rory helps out with the girls portion), but have standard co-pays now. My nose surgery was billed at $26,000 (and change) and I paid $350. That is amazing. And now my nose is recovering and I will soon be able to breathe better than ever. Fingers crossed.
FIVE. This week I posted an IG photo of the girls in their new Gymboree outfits. I worked with Gymboree and they sent me new clothes for the girls going back to preschool. The girls are obsessed with pink, so I went with pink leggings, pink jackets/zip-ups with a rainbow heart and two different tees. When we got the clothes, the girls tried them on immediately and wanted to wear them. They have been wearing them since the photoshoot and absolutely love them.
I also wanted to get them these sparkly skirts and a top so they could wear them for family photos later in the year, but Rory said to just wait and get those later. But I definitely want this shirt for the girls. Perfect for the holidays.
I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
And just like that August is over. Maybe it was due to having vacation and surgery, but August flew by in an instant. Faster than any month recently. But I am rolling with the punches and I am excited for September! September brings Fall, football, travel, the leaves changing, cozy sweaters and one of my favorite times of the year.
WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...
Sunday: Spaghetti bolognese with a simple salad
Monday: Stuffed bell peppers and a salad
Tuesday: Take out. Mama has a hair cut and color!
Tuesday: Take out. Mama has a hair cut and color!
Wednesday: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Thursday: Take out salads since Rory has softball.
Friday: Tailgate food. It is our first Nevada football home game of the season!
Saturday: Not sure.
WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...
Vacation last week, how much I just went through with my septorhinoplasty and how big my girls are getting. Seriously, they are so tall. Way taller than kids who are already 4 years old. Time slow down a bit.
WHAT I'M LOVING...
I feel like I haven't really bought anything new lately. I am going shopping this weekend for the Labor Day sales and to stock up on some clothes for my work trip, but I don't have much new to report. Probably better for my wallet.
But I am loving some items that I have had for a long time and am about to replenish. Like the No Poreblem primer. I love this stuff. It goes on smoothly and keeps my foundation and concealer looking flawless all day. I rarely have to touch my make-up up. And if I do, it is more of me wanting to make sure I last all night long.
Thank you for all the recommendations on Arnica. I started taking it the day of surgery and I am still taking it. My bruising went away pretty fast. My swelling is going down daily and I definitely think Arnica helped. I take the tablet version (since I can't rub the gel on my face) and my doctor and nurse said my swelling and bruising looked like I was 3 weeks out instead of 1. That is huge. I used these this one (from amazon) and this one (bought locally).
While I was on vacation, we stopped in the local shops and I bought a hemp tank (I did buy something recently, but not like I usually do). I love the idea behind this company. For every item purchased, they plant 10 trees. You can see where your tree is planted by taking your medallion (that is included with the tag) and going online and typing in the number. So cool. I got this tank. It is sooo comfy and made from hemp.
Hemp Tank (I got mine in gray)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...
Well I started the month off with a birthday and then I had septorhinoplasty. I spent the next two weeks recovering from surgery and then went on vacation to Graeagle and now I am just trying to get back into the swing of things before going on my really long work trip (how will I ever be gone from my family for that long?!).
WHAT I'M DREADING...
Being gone from my family for 15 days.
WHAT I'M WORKING ON...
Trying to get a bunch of posts written ahead of time before I leave on my work trip. Trying to photograph the girls clothes to put up on Poshmark. I am also trying to do some meal prep/make casseroles ahead of time for Rory and the girls while I am gone. If you know of some amazing casserole or make ahead meals, please send them my way.
WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...
Fall, football, my work trip and continuing to recover from surgery. I love seeing the progress and being able to start to breathe again.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...
Well I finally finished reading The Woman in the Window. It was really good and I didn't expect the ending at all. Then I mentioned last month that Dana sent me Dead Girl Running. Well over my vacation, I read it and finished it. I really liked it a lot. I thought part of the ending was far fetched, but the last line I didn't expect AT ALL. It was really good. Now I need to download more books for my work trip. I usually can get through a few of them. Also, if anyone wants to read Dead Girl Running, let me know and I will send it to you. I love passing on books that I enjoyed.
As for TV, I feel like I am behind since I was either loopy from surgery, went on vacation and have a backlog or spent my time binging Younger. But I am enjoying The Sinner season 2, I just finished this season of The Affair (wow), love Million Dollar Listing NY, Better Call Saul, Masterchef and Younger.
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...
Just Pandora as usual or my co-workers Sirius XM.
WHAT I'M WEARING...
Well I spent much of this month in pjs (during surgery recovery) and shorts and tank tops. But I am hoping for some sweaters, jeans and boots soon.
WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...
Friday we have our first Nevada football game of the season. Then Saturday we are going couch shopping. Sunday we are hitting up the Labor Day weekend sales. Monday we are going to the lake with the girls. Gotta get my lake time in before it gets cold.
Friday we have our first Nevada football game of the season. Then Saturday we are going couch shopping. Sunday we are hitting up the Labor Day weekend sales. Monday we are going to the lake with the girls. Gotta get my lake time in before it gets cold.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...
Pretty much everything I have already talked about above. My work trip (even though it is for sooooo long), football, Fall, cozy weather, fall coffee drinks and sweaters.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW...
Pretty much everything I have already talked about above. My work trip (even though it is for sooooo long), football, Fall, cozy weather, fall coffee drinks and sweaters.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW...
Not much. I tell you all everything here...pretty much.
BONUS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BACK TO SCHOOL TRADITION?
Well since my girls are not old enough for traditional school, I will go with what I use to love about it....getting a new wardrobe. My mom took my sister and I school clothes shopping and I absolutely loved it. Who doesn't want a new wardrobe?
Well since my girls are not old enough for traditional school, I will go with what I use to love about it....getting a new wardrobe. My mom took my sister and I school clothes shopping and I absolutely loved it. Who doesn't want a new wardrobe?
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