Grandma's Pepper Steak (with Leftover Steak!)

I often like to brag at Grandma's house. However, she gives me permission to do so.

Whilst (what a great word!) I was bragging about Pete's awesome steak he made the night before, Grandma was tuning in to hear if I had any leftovers. My Grandma is amazing about using any leftover bit here and there for future meals. In fact, she is amazing about saving any and every leftover bit of anything to use for something else. I think of her every time I get to the end of my shampoo bottles. You know you have a good 10 or more washes left out of the bottle, but it is so much fun to get new shampoo! I try my hardest these days to not waste. It feels way easier to chuck a near empty bottle of shampoo, than it is to just tip the bottle over for a few days.

Anyway, I told her I had about 1/3 of a steak left. I might just cut it up cold and have it for a snack (or, God forbid, forget it is in my fridge and throw it away after finding it a week later). "No, no, no!" she says to me. Before I knew it, she was rustling around finding pen and paper and scribbling down a recipe for a super easy Pepper Steak.

That's right, she had it memorized.

I found myself saying the usual, "Yeah, yeah. Ok, Grandma. I'll try it. Sure, sure." Well, this time I DID try it! And it was awesome.

Grandma's Pepper Steak

1 c. Leftover Steak - cubed
1/2 c. Diced Onion
1/2 c. Diced Green Pepper
1/2 T Butter
1 c. Beef Broth or Beef Bullion Dissolved in Water
2 T Soy Sauce
2 T Cornstarch
1/4 c. Water

1. Cook down onion and green pepper in butter until soft.
2. Add steak and stir.
3. Add broth and soy sauce and bring to boil.
4. In separate container dissolve cornstarch in water.
5. Reduce heat to medium and stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken.
6. Serve over rice.

I served my Pepper steak with buttered toast sprinkled with garlic salt! This recipe is so flexible, you could add any odd & ends veggies you have in you fridge or freezer.

10 Weeks to 10 Miles

If you are in the spot in your life to want to feel better about yourself, get more exercise, improve your mood, sleep better, have more "me" time, cheer on your partner, eat well, set a goal and accomplish it - then this just has to be the post you read.

I have been lamenting over this post for quite a few weeks now. It has been hard to not talk about my "running" (I call it running but it is more like jogging or trotting or walking really fast) because it is such a huge part of my life right now. I haven't been writing about it at all because I am still super self-conscious to even be considered a runner. I am not a runner...

...but I am a runner.

Again, I just feel kind of funny writing about running as if I know what I am doing. I really don't know what the heck I am doing, but whatever it is, it is working.

I have had ZERO exercise the last year and a half, also to mention, I had another baby. Before that year and a half, I had minimal exercise, also to mention, after having the first baby. I can tell you, without bragging but stating matter-of-factly, I successfully ran 10 miles without stopping after ten weeks of training. I ran them very, very slowly and at my own pace. Stopping to stretch every mile in the last three.

In ten weeks I have completely changed my life. It wasn't the 10 miles that changed it. It was the 10 weeks of getting to 10 miles that gave me a new perspective on how to live my life the right way. I could have picked any form of exercise to choose to obsess over: walking, yoga, kick-boxing, swimming. I just happened to pick running because it worked for me. It was simple, intense, and something Pete and I could do to cheer each other on. To be honest, I never thought I would ever be in the shape I am in to even keep up with him.

Pete and I running our first road race together.

You don't have to be a runner to have the self-satisfaction I have now, but I had to run to have it. I didn't know it 4 months ago, but this Summer has proven to me I can be a Mom of two, I can be busy, I can be tired, and I can be super amazing.

Have you told yourself this lately? You should. You deserve to hear it.

If I want to run when Pete gets home, I have to eat right all day. I have to drink water. I have to take care of my kids and spend the intimate time I should with them. I have to take care of my house. I have to have my life (our lives) in order, so I can commit to the 30-90 minute runs and fully appreciate (and have guilt-free) "me time".

So, what are your excuses?

Here were mine: I have realized now, after having two babies, I need a good 6 months to recover from pregnancy, physically. My body was all mis-shapen, hungry, off-balance, hormonal, sleep-deprived, and needy. After 6 months, I roughly start to feel more like myself.

Ok, so I had kids. What about before I had kids. Oh, hey there, hot mess. Yep, running fixed all that for me, too. There was a lot of "your tired, you suck, Pete is faster than you, who do you think you are, you are going to be a disappointment, stop pretending, you suck, you suck, you suck." going on in my head the first few weeks of running. It still comes back from time to time, but when I became a machine, not only did I train myself to run farther, but I trained myself to believe I could run farther. This postitive mentality I achived while running also started to apply to the other areas of my life where I felt less confident. I found myself more content, satisfied, accomplished, and determined.



via Pinterest.

Then slowly I started to hear, "holy crap, you are amazing. I can do it. I believe in you. This is the farthest you have ever ran. Just a little bit longer. You are beautiful. This is amazing, you are amazing, you are amazing."

All these positive thoughts trickled down into the rest of my life. I wanted to be the person I was when I was running all the time. This is how running changed me forever.

Thankfully, I was super blessed Pete was a 100% behind my taking time for running, and on top of that, a huge motivator. There were some nights he got home and asked me why my running gear wasn't on. Busted. Or the nights when I came back from a 5 mile run and Pete went out and ran 8. I started to realize, not only did he inspire me to run father and be better, but I just might be inspiring him, too.

I tried my best to make it easy for us to commit to running. I coordinated dinner for my husband, even to the degree of having the table set some nights. I never wanted Pete to feel like I was ditching out on him as soon as he walked through the door. Even though I was! Many nights, I ran in and he ran out. We really had to be supportive and understanding of each others running goals. So, yeah, I didn't see him a whole lot this Summer!

There were also some runs I just could not do. I had to accept the fact that I couldn't just go out and get everything I wanted without having to work for it, train for it, and prepare for it. Again, this is where running for me is so much more than running. Remind yourself of what you want. Tell yourself you have to work for it, train for it, and prepare for it. The goals you set for yourself are never to small and they are also never out of reach.

The boys and I supporting Pete finishing Ragnar 2012.

My 2 and a half year old and 10 month old are also very supportive. Insert smiley face here. I had set time with David when I got home from runs. Every night after my cool down walk I went into the house and heard the usual, "Moooommmmmmyyy!!! Did you go for a run? Are you sweaty? We have a ooorrraaannngeeee?" He would just squeal with delight when I got home. Together we would go outside, take out a little garage mat, and sit on the driveway eating an orange together. Sometimes, the kids and I would go for a walk in the wagon, or we would have Popsicles because this summer was 95 everyday, but I always got 20 minutes of post-run bliss with one or both of my kids.



David & I.

This blog post is the beginning. I am ready to talk about my running now. Not only talk about it, but I need to record this feeling. When I am feeling unmotivated or down on myself, I need to remember it only takes one run to get into a good mood.



via Pinterest.

I am sure there will be hiatus' (err... future babies??). I need to be reminded how I can start from nothing and still get a huge payback. Not just from running! At anytime in our lives if we are needing a pick me up, we can't be afraid to work for it. We cannot forget we get what we put in, as they say.

On September 15, I ran my first 10 mile road race (Bear Water Run) in 1:33:06 with Pete by my side. A pace of 9:13 per mile.

Bear Water Run 10 Mile

This is something I never thought I could do in my whole life. Watch out, I might just take on the whole world.

Oh, Sweet Vanity

Jackie Dixon's sweet shots inspired me to write my first comeback post after a few weeks of blog hiatus.

I suppose I should be done complaining (I don't consider myself a huge complainer, per say, but I am sure my knit circle would have to verify this for me...) about post-baby body woes now James is 11 months old.

However, please dear Lord, will someone tell me how to fix this terrible mop on the top of my head.

The mop that is supposed to be hair, but it is not. It is a crazy, too long and too short, over grown and under grown mess. I'll call it mother-of-two bed hair mixed with I give up so I'll just attempt a top knot.

Even the top knot looks stupid.

What happens to a woman's hair after they have a baby is one of those subjects no one warns you about before you have a baby. Granted, none of these warnings would have stopped me from having my kids, but the day half of my hair came out in the shower, I was a little shocked. There are so many other crazy off-balance body woes going on that the hair on my head was the least of my worries.

Until, I am still worrying about it a year later. Oh, sweet vanity. When James was about 4 months old, all that gorgeous hair that stayed in my head fell out. Great. That is attractive. Let's vacuum a little more often, shall we?

Well, it is still growing in funny. I have those baby hairs all around my forehead and the nape of my neck. It is like my hair is long but I have a pixie cut that surrounds my entire face. Sigh...

Enough complaining already. If I could have the most perfect hair, I would love to have the gorgeous locks of this model photographed by Jackie Dixon.



Photo Credit // Jackie Dixon Photography

Photo Credit // Jackie Dixon Photography

Photo Credit // Jackie Dixon Photography

Solution? I am growing out my hair and maybe adding a few bronzy streaks here and there someday. Now, if I could get out of the house alone and make my priority the salon...

A Little Look Into Why We're Wiped and Happy as Heck

Good morning, babies! It is 8:15. Thank you for letting Mom sleep in!

David and James wake up and I listen for a moment to James giggling at David's mock screaming (a new phase he is in... not my favorite phase.).

"Daddy? Daddddeeeeeee?!?!?"

I quickly bolt into the kitchen and start James' bottle. Did you think I get up before my kids? Haha! You're funny! While it heats up, I pour David's milk and scoop some dry cereal into a bowl. I turn the TV to Sprout and put David's morning snack on our "little table" in the living room. This tides David over while I feed James.

I also make a 4 cup pot of coffee (unless I pre-made and set the timer on a 8 cup pot for Pete and I the night before. Which I didn't. Bad wife.) and pre-pour my creamer into my pre-set cup. Mornings are all about multi-tasking and I have the first hour of waking down to a multi-tasked science.

When I head into the boys' room. I see David freaking because he can hear the garbage truck down the street. Yep. Day two of three (yes, three) garbage days. I pick up David first and change his diaper and head to the window to see the garbage truck drive by. This will be the first of 4 drive-bys this morning...

At this point, James is getting a little antsy to get out of his crib, too. I scoop him up with smooches and head into the living room for his morning bottle. I have learned it is not worth hearing upset diaper change crying. I just give him his bottle first thing.

Maybe not to the outsider, but to me, the mornings are so LOUD in my house. I think there are just so many things going on at once with two kids that it might just seem loud. I stand up and sit down about 100 times before everyone is dressed. I never feel guilty about the "Mom is having her coffee, David." moment because I deserve it by the time I get to drink it!

Another garbage truck drives by and distracts my little man. Ahhh, 3 sips of coffee and my sanity returns.

Once James has his bottle and diaper change, I baby proof the house by closing the doors upstairs, setting up the baby gate, and doing a quick floor check for crumbs/papers/specs - anything James can put in his mouth. Which is everything. My favorite part of the mornings are looking over and trying to figure out if James has something rolling around in his mouth or he is just toying with me. I am so ready to be over the what-is-this-I-don't-know-I-guess-I'll-just-eat-it phase. Yesterday, James had his 9-month check-up where he had his finger pricked. A half hour later, I was fishing the darn band-aid out of his mouth. Bad Mom moment.

My real favorite part of the morning is making breakfast! On the menu today? "Chocolate" toast (Nutella) and scrambled eggs with bacon (bits). James ate baby oatmeal and apples.

I try to pick up as I cook but it is hard. I have to keep one eye on James and the other eye half on David and half on egg cooking. Thankfully, I know my 2 year old and can usually predict evil scheming in advance. Today, he was in a great mood. Thanks to...

another garbage truck driving by...

After breakfast, I pick up a bit and we play. James really enjoyed putting the coins into the Learning Piggy Bank and David took down a photo album and asked who everyone was - about a million times! I change the boys' clothes. James gets to wear a blue and red button down one-piece and David his sleeveless tee and Gap shorts.

And the last of the garbage trucks make their stop. When James was still nursing I had to teach David to get the footstool by himself, from his room, and prop it under his window to peek at the garbage trucks. David still loves to make a fuss to get the footstool!

At this point, we have been up two hours and James is starting to fuss a little. I change his diaper and set him down for his morning nap. Almost every morning, David and I go outside and play together while James naps. I love this time with David. It is the one part of the day where we get each other all to ourselves (don't worry, James gets this time with Mom, too.) It reminds me of old times. You would think I would still feel the high demand of motherhood but it is really relaxing when there is only one of two kids awake! Today, we played Let's Go Fishing on the deck. I treated myself to more coffee and we listened to iHeart Radio on my phone.

After a bit, I take David inside and he is allowed to sit in the "Mama chair" and watch garbage videos while I take a shower. He drinks some milk and has an orange, too.

This is what I consider "our morning". It is a few hours of chaos mixed with a lot of love, patience, playing, and learning. I love my kids and am so blessed to have this time with them! I am sure I will look back on these days as some of the best days of my life. I try my hardest to appreciate these moments when my kids turn to me for everything they need. Someday, sooner than I think, they will be more independent and I will wish for the days when we were at home together.

Crock-pot Chicken Tacos

I saw this recipe for Crock-pot Chicken Tacos online yesterday morning on Pinterest. As I scrolled through the ingredients, I realized I had almost everything already in my pantry. With a little editing, this was the easiest crock-pot dinner (or any dinner) I have ever made. And healthy. And delicious. Did I mention it was easy??

Crock-pot Chicken Tacos
2 lb FROZEN chicken
1 can chicken stock
1/2 cup taco seasoning* (or 1-2 packets)
1/4 cup ranch seasoning* (or 1-2 packets)
Chopped onion
Chopped pepper

*I buy these seasonings (in addition to Lawry's and brown gravy mix) in bulk from Sam's Club. They are so great to have on hand.

I placed the ingredients in the crockpot in the following order: chicken, stock, seasonings, veggies. Cook on high for 4-5 hours. I turned the chicken a few times in that time span but I was home to do so. Check temp of chicken to read 160 degrees or higher. Remove chicken from crock-pot and shred. Return to crock pot for 45 minutes to soak up all the juices and seasonings.

To make tacos I placed warm chicken in soft shell tortilla with:
Cheese
Black beans
Sour cream
Tomato
Crunch tortilla Strips

Whatever you have in your cupboard or fridge would be a go with these chicken tacos! Maybe you have salsa, refried beans and rice. Just like any taco night, I look for any veggies or sides I think I could throw in.

What did you make for dinner last night?

Cute Solutions for Left-Over Glass Baby Food Jars

If you are like me, your Mom made you a container hoarder. Or maybe, this commercial struck home the first time you watched it?




While, I haven't completely inherited the tupper-hoarder gene, I do have to save my glass baby food jars. Why? I don't know! They are cute! They must be able to be used for something?

I had myself quite a stash until I realized they were the perfect size for bacon grease, but that solution is no fun at all. I recently started searching for ideas for James' 1st birthday on October 30th. It will either be a blessing or a curse to be born so close to Halloween. This year, being his first party, I am sure I will decide to make the most of it.

I am not quite organizing any party planning ideas, yet, but I did see a neat recipe for pumpkin pie served out of baby food jars on Hostess with the Mostess:

Photo Credit //  Kristen Vincent

Wouldn't they make such a great substitute or addition to the traditional birthday cake?

As I was finishing up the dishes this evening, I managed to knock over my pyramid of baby food jars stacked neatly under my kitchen sink. There must be more! More that we can do?

Here is a convenient little list of ways you can reuse your baby food jars! How green & crafty of you!

Recycled Glass Outdoor Chandelier

Photo Credit // Casa Sugar

Jars with Letters for Table Centerpieces

Photo Credit // The not-so-harried Housewife

Baby Food Jar Snow Globes

Photo Credit // Martha Stewart

25 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

Photo Credit // Craftaholic Anonymous

Floating Vase

Photo Credit // Cupcakes and Cashmere

Rub on Transfers for Romantic Tea Lights

Photo Credit // Finding my Aloha

Baby's Room Night Lights

Photo Credit // Nothing but Country

Garden Party Kids Craft

Photo Credit // Life:Styled

...and really - this is just the beginning! Please comment if you have any more ideas to share!

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini & Yellow Squash

It has been so hot here in Minnesota the last week or so. Pete and I have been planning to have his Aunt and Uncle over for supper (Pete had his heart set on some thick-cut New York strip steak from Bob's Produce) and it worked out for them to come over this evening. Laurie sweetly offered to bring a light potato salad, so I took the opportunity to try out some baked parmesan zucchini and squash!

I thought the roasted veggies sounded light and warm, not to compete with the cold potato salad, and to compliment the steaks. With David sleeping over at Grandpa and Grandmas last Friday, James and I scooted over to the Northeast Farmers Market Saturday morning to pick up the zucchini. We got a basket of 10 zucchini and squash for $3.

I got the roasted zucchini recipe from The Gracious Pantry:

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini and Yellow Squash

4 large zucchini
2 large yellow squash
2 tsp. Garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Pepper
Olive oil – In an oil sprayer (I used a basting brush because I don't have a sprayer)
1/8 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 1 – Chop your squash into large, chunky slices about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness.

Step 2 – Spray a cookie sheet with a light coat of olive oil.

Step 3 – Line up your squash slices. Don’t worry about leaving any space between them.

Step 5 – Spray a very light coat of olive oil over the top of your squash.

Step 6 – Sprinkle your spices, including the parmesan over your squash.

Step 7 – Bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until they have a very light golden hue to them, and you can easily push a fork through them.
Step 8 – Allow to cool slightly and serve!

Easy peasy! My suggestions?
I may have over cooked my veggies a bit so I would bake closer to 30 minutes or check at 30 minutes.  I also might use BUTTER (gasp!) instead of oil next time. Why? Because it's BUTTER!

All-in-all it was a pleasant (warm...) evening! Here is what our Sunday, Summer meal consisted of:

Appetizer
Pain de Campagne bread from Turtle Bread Company
Hummus
Creamy tomato cilantro dip
Pita chips

Dinner
Thick-cut NY strip steak
Light potato salad
Roasted parm zucchini and squash
Beer

Dessert
Blueberries and Cherries (Yes, David swallowed a cherry pit when I wasn't paying attention! Oops!)
Apple pie

What did you do for supper?