It's Always Sunny....

Today was super productive and relaxing and wonderful. First, it was actually Stake Conference this weekend! So today was our free Sunday! I worked out in our garden for a hot second, pulled some weeds, watered and replanted some things that weren't wanting to grow. I was really only out there a second though because it is HOT! 99 degrees today my friends. We stayed inside today though and kept our windows open and it was really nice. Step outside though and be prepared to melt. Get into our car (our A/C isn't working) and it's like you've stepped inside Hell itself. OMG it is H-O-T in our car. Chad's taking it to the mechanic on Wednesday and we're hoping that it won't be outrageous to get it fixed. BJ has already warned us that it might, keep your fingers crossed.


Second, it was my cooking/baking/preping day for the week! I was on a role. Not only did I get a bunch of things cooked, but I did ALL dishes as well! Boom! Take that dishes! While this may not be something to brag about for normal, responsible people, it is for me!

Enchilada Sauce

Bran Muffins

Greek Salad with Cous Cous

Black Beans

YAY!!!

Third, hello Dessert Sunday! Chad and I made our beautiful Angel Food Cake. Drool.... We added some orange zest into the cake itself and Chad rocked out the homemade whipped cream as usual. Our big plan for the night? It involves watching The Killing, Mad Men, and Chopped. Oh, and eating as much angel food cake, strawberries and whipped cream as we can. To make ourselves feel better we will be working out while watching that ridiculous amount of TV :)

Hope your Sunday was as awesome as ours ;)

Bean Queen

A nice little surprise when I was taking Rukia outside this morning...


I am channeling my inner Aunt Peggy and growing a garden! I am extremely paranoid about overwatering, underwatering, and the cats eating anything that happens to pop up. Hopefully we'll have more pictures of the awesome veggies to come :)


Don't you wish that you could hold the title of Bean Queen?! I have been on a role, three days in a row of cooking beans. Refried Beans, Black Beans and White Northern Beans today. My secret weapon? My crockpot! Oh, how I love you crockpot!!! We eat tons of burritos and soup so we go through lot of beans, plus they're great for you! And the dry beans are so much cheaper! And I can control what goes it, make them more flavorful and use less salt! Have I convinced you yet?

The method for all are the same. After you go through the beans to get out any little stones dump them in your crockpot and cover them with a bunch of water (very exact measurement there!) Check on them every so often just to make sure that they stay covered with enough water. For the refried beans I throw in an onion cut in half, cumin, salt, diced jalepenos, cayenne pepper and garlic. For the black beans I did the same (minus the onion) and added a can of fire roasted tomatoes. Cook them on high for 8 hours and they're done! I've tried cooking them for 6 and that just isn't long enough, 8 really is perfect for us. After, make sure to rinse them off and get rid of all that cooking liquid, that liquid holds the magical stuff that gives you gas :) Beans, beans, the magical fruit... For the refried beans, I just throw the beans back in the crockpot and mash them up with a potato masher, super easy and delish.


The pup and I went for a run today while Chad went mountain biking. As soon as we got home from our 3 mile run Rukia threw herself down on the ground in the kitchen. This is her usual routine after we take her running or biking with us and it's hilarious. She did manage to pick up her head and smile for the camera though!

We are definitely loving the warm, sunny weather! Happy Spring Everyone!