Spicy Margarita

My fave summer cocktail is a spicy margarita. This recipe is super simple and the perfect drink to sip by the pool on a hot day. Make a batch for Cindo de Mayo festivities coming up this week!

ingredients

3 shots of tequila - I prefer a blanco such as Patron Silver

1 shot of triple sec

1 shot of Rose's lime juice

1 japaleno, sliced

1 lime, cut into wedges

tajin seasoning

directions

{1}

In a cocktail shaker or pitcher, combine tequila, triple sec and Rose's lime juice. 

{2}

To rim your glass with tajin, rub the edge with a lime wedge then flip upside down on a plate covered in seasoning and coat the rim.

{3}

Fill your glass with ice and pour in the margarita mixture.

{4}

Garnish with 1-2 jalapeno rounds. I like to remove the seeds to reduce the heat a bit, and not get seeds in my teeth!

{5}

Enjoy with a friend - this recipe makes 2 spicy margs!

Seasonal Scents

Scent is such a powerful sense that evokes memories and nostalgia. I like to rotate my fragrance throughout the year to follow the seasons - with florals in the spring and rich, warm scents in the fall.

 I've slowly been making swaps to cleaner beauty products over the last couple years. One in particular that I've loved is the switch to natural deodorant. Traditional formulas have aluminum & parabens, which is the last thing I want to put directly on my lymph nodes.

I've been using Native for a while now and really like it, especially the fact that I can find it at Target and Walgreens. I've paired three scents with my go-to perfumes to match the season.

Spring

{January - April}

Chloe Eau de Parfum + Vanilla & Sandalwood

Summer

{May - August}

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue + Eucalyptus & Mint

Fall/Winter

{September - December}

Maison Margiela Coffee Break + Oat Milk Latte

Plantbased Quesadillas

 I have been eating more plantbased meals for about two years, and follow the 80/20 rule - 80% whole foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and 20% soul foods like pizza, cookies and wine, which I enjoy completely guilt-free.

Since my husband does not necessarily follow a plantbased diet (but enjoys many of the vegetarian/vegan dishes I create!), I often make us the same dinner but with variations. For example, when I cook quesadillas, Greg's will have grilled chicken, cheese, and veggies. I'll use the same veggies but substitute hummus for cheese and eliminate the meat.

The hummus lends a creamy flavor, especially when heated, and offers protein. I load up on veggies - peppers, onion, mushrooms and chopped spinach. The end result is delicious, filling and I honestly don't even miss the cheese! Give it a try if you're looking for a healthier version of a quesadilla for lunch or dinner. I eat it as described below, but you could also add your favorite dips - like salsa or a homemade guacamole with smashed avocado & lime juice.

Ingredients

2 whole grain tortillas

hummus, any flavor

1 green pepper, thinly sliced

1 red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 of an onion, thinly sliced

handful of baby bella mushrooms, sliced

handful of spinach, chopped

cumin, to taste

chili powder, to taste

Directions

{1}

In a large skillet on high heat, saute peppers, onions and mushrooms in olive oil. Add cumin and chili powder. Cook until softened and slightly browned. 

{2}

Spread a thin layer of hummus on both tortillas. In another large pan, drizzle a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add one tortilla, hummus side up.

{3}

Top the tortilla with the peppers, onions and mushrooms. Sprinkle spinach all over the veggies. Top with the second tortilla, hummus side down.

{4}

Flip the quesadilla until both sides are golden brown. Slice into triangles, serve & enjoy!

Currently Obsessed

Bum Bag custom via Etsy

I love when something old becomes new and "cool" again. Case in point: fanny packs (although I prefer the term "belt bag" or "bum bag"). The modern way to wear them is as a crossbody, which is perfect for keeping my essentials close when I'm out with Jack - so I'm totally hands-free whether I'm chasing him around the park, running errands or holding his tiny hand as we cross the street together.

 This bag holds a surprising amount of stuff. Mine is currently carrying my phone, card wallet, sunglasses, keys, hand sanitizer, mask and two lipsticks, with a little room to spare. I found this leather version on Etsy. The stone color matches virtually everything in my closet, and I adore the personalization with my initials.

No Bake Energy Bites

Looking for an easy, quick and healthy snack that doesn't come in a package? Look no further than these no bake energy bites. Loaded with whole grain oats, nut butter, honey as a natural sweetener, and hemp seeds for added protein & fiber. You can mix in any additional flavors - such as raisins, nuts, cinnamon, etc. 

The current combo in our house is dark chocolate and coconut, with almond butter (no added sugar or salt) and local honey to help with seasonal allergies. I also like a mix of rolled oats and steel cut for added texture. I started making a batch of these for Greg and I to grab for an afternoon snack, and quickly doubled the recipe to make 32-36 balls, which lasts us a full week since my husband eats four at a time!

Single Batch

1 cup gluten free rolled oats

1/2 nut butter of your choice

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

1 tablespoon chia or hemp seeds

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Double Batch

1 cup gluten free rolled oats

1 cup steel cut oats

3/4 cup nut butter of your choice

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

2 tablespoons chia or hemp seeds

handful of chocolate chips

Directions

Simply combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Then chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. I use a 1-inch cookie scoop to create the bites, or you can roll the dough into balls with your hands. Store in a container with a lid in the fridge and enjoy whenever you need a quick snack.

Looking Back at 2021

Looking back on the year and one word comes to mind for me - healing. 2021 brought on a lot of challenges and I'm doing my best to heal emotionally, mentally and physically. 

I've been in a constant state of worry and anxiety for almost two years since the pandemic began, and I'm working to find my new normal and calm myself through daily mediation & movement. Feeling more comfortable to socialize with our family and friends has really helped after being isolated last year. Greg and I were vaccinated as soon as possible but are continuing to live cautiously as Jack's age group is not eligible yet. 

Our family was sick a lot this year (thanks daycare) - between regular colds, stomach bugs, a weird possible reaction to the vaccine that caused near paralysis in my wrist joints for 3 months, laparoscopy surgery that had me down and out for longer than anticipated and now physical therapy to hopefully, finally get the chronic pain that has ruled my life for 4 years under control. 

There were many bright spots in 2021 - most pertaining to the light of my life, my son. Parenting during these unprecedented times has been so difficult but also rewarding. Spending most of our time at home means more time together, making memories in the mundane, and I am trying to not take one minute for granted.

My wish for 2022 is health for myself, my family and loved ones. 

Dear Jack - Part 3

Jackman, I can't believe you are THREE! Every day you feel like less like a baby and more like a little man. This past year you've grown so much - from swim lessons to potty training, our first keys vacation with you, and everything in between. You're talking in complete sentences and your imagination is endlessly entertaining. You are obsessed with trucks and excavators. Your current favorite color is red. It takes you exactly 20 minutes to warm up to anyone not in your village of family and friends - you quietly observe the room from the comfort of my lap until you slowly break out of your shell and act like your goofy and inquisitive self. You love to dance with us in your room, which mostly consists of you running in circles to music. You are thriving in school and I could not be prouder of the sweet, smart and silly boy you are becoming. 

I never want to forget the way your face lights up with joy over the most simple things, like finding an acorn on the sidewalk or seeing a tractor doing construction on the side of the road. I never want to forget the way you run full speed into my arms for a hug. I never want to forget the way you carry a book tucked under your arm for a bedtime story. I never want to forget how you so innocently ask, "Wanna play with me?" and I will drop anything I'm doing to join with you. I never want to forget the sound of your laugh and the way you say, "I love you" unprovoked that melts me every single time. 

The things you say are so funny and cute, and although I write these "Jackisms" down in your Jack Journal, I want to share a few of my favorites here too.

One night, you were squeezing my neck so hard while we hugged. I whispered in your ear, "Jack, you give the best hugs in the whole world." You softly whispered back in my ear, "I need to blow my nose."

You call Dada and I "guys" all the time and end every sentence with "kay?" Ex: "Hey guys, I'm going to get my legos, kay?"

You call all belts seatbelts and regularly critique my outfit. "Mama, why do you wear a seatbelt on your dress?"

While you were sitting on the kitchen counter I said you could only stay up there if an adult was nearby. You replied, "But you're not an adult. You're a mommy."

"Kitty can't give hugs because she doesn't have shoulders."

- - -

Happy Birthday, baby boy. Celebrating you is easy. You are everything I dreamed for and more. I love you to the moon and back.