Life is crazy

This past month, I've been extremely busy. We had our amazing trip to Las Vegas where I took home totes full of books. The nerd in me was going crazy! I can't believe that trip was a month ago already. But I have been quickly devouring those books.

When I haven't been reading, Ryan and I have been trying to get back into shape by hiking. We have learned we are seriously out of shape. It has been great getting out together for a couple hours multiple times a week where we don't have to worry about life in general.

 There have been several fires in my state which is always bad news. But at least it makes beautiful sunsets to look at.

When Ryan and I are not hiking, we've been boating with my family. 

Unfortunately, the day after these boating pictures were taken, life took a slight turn to the left:

Our poor car was deemed a "total loss" this past week. Lots of tears (from me) have been shed over this event. But we've been blessed because everyone involved walked away from the accident uninjured. The accident should have been much, much worse. 

And this morning, with teary eyes, I watched the tow truck take away my beloved car. 

Now we are in the market for a new (old) car! We have found some beauties (ahem...junk) while on the hunt. On the bright side, we have a rental car until Wednesday and we still have one amazing car. 

Like I said, life is crazy.

The week that was

Can I just say I love summer? This past week, we realized that it was Summerfest (it's what our town does every summer). We actually forgot all about it until we saw the car show and carnival while we were out looking for garage sales. So of course we had to stop by.

Like the girl that I am, I found the tents full of small shops. They were selling frogs! Yes, pet frogs. They were so cute and oh did I want one. But then we remembered we can't have pets in our apartment (but do fish and frogs really count?) and we don't have room for a tank. And then I realized I would have to buy crickets to feed the frog. Nope, nope, nope.

Fast forward a few hours later and we were braving the crowds to a park to watch the fireworks. We came at the end of the parade but were there soon enough to see Disney Princesses (Elsa, Ana, Belle, Rapunzel) and have a group of Bag Pipe players use the cross walk the same time we did (did you know those instruments are extremely loud right next to them?).

I apologize for the grainy photo below but we felt the desire to take pictures before the sun went down.

And this is the grand finale of the fireworks. I don't think the whole video was uploaded but you get the idea.

Ryan and I have also been trying to take more walks. We realized that we don't get as much exercise as we should. The other night, we decided to take a walk and were amazed to see this sunset.

I wish cameras captured the moment perfectly. Picture the colors ten times more vibrant and you have the right image. It really took our breath away. 

Next weekend, we'll be headed to Las Vegas  (lots of free books coming my way!). Hopefully we don't melt while we're there....

Jello Salad

For as long as I can remember, my mom has always made jello salad. Usually, she made it for large family gatherings. This jello salad screams summer. We always have it for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, and more recently, graduations.

And so, without further ado, the recipe!

Here's what you need:

1 container 24 oz cottage cheese

1 container 8 oz whipped cream (I use the light version)

1 container 0.60 oz strawberry jello (I have sugar free because I have several family members who are diabetic)

1 container fresh strawberries

First, mix together cottage cheese and the jello package until it's pretty and pink.

Next, add the whipped cream until light and fluffy. Resist the urge to taste test!

Now add those fresh strawberries, as many as you want!

Enjoy the result! Oh and don't mind the loaf of bread in the background....

This jello salad is cool and refreshing, perfect for summer with just a pinch of nostalgia. The good part? You can change the flavor to whatever your heart desires. For instance, I've used mandarin oranges and orange jello. The best part? It takes five minutes to make. 

Summer Days

It's only June and I've already had a busy summer (hence the lack of blog posts).

My younger brother graduated High School at the end of May. Graduation took place on the football field in the middle of the afternoon. The plus about having a graduation outside? Watching this man jump from a plane with the American Flag and land behind us in said football field.

Here is my brother waiting in line to get his diploma. Proud sister alert!

In other news, I've been trying to take a weekly yoga class this summer (sorry, no pictures. But that's for the best). Ryan and I have spent hours at the pool and going on hikes to beautiful waterfalls. To top it all off, we'll be headed to Las Vegas in a couple weeks with my In-Laws for a library convention which means lots of free books! I'd say this summer is turning into a good one.

The first anniversary

Ryan and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We seriously can't believe how fast this year went by! It really feels like it was just yesterday that this picture was taken. 

And how fun are these pictures? We had a photo booth at our reception and I loved looking at the pictures. Some people really went all out while others didn't really know how to use the booth (resulting in hysterical pictures where only half their bodies are showing). 

And of course, our Hawaii honeymoon. One year ago today we were there (and I so wish we were there now!). In Hawaii, we were able to pay our respects at Pearl Harbor, try surfing for the first time, and drink out of a coconut. I'm pretty sure Waikiki is the prettiest beach I've ever seen. 

Here's to an amazing anniversary and many more to come!

Weekend Getaway

For Mother's Day, Ryan and I went on a weekend getaway with his parents. The weather that Saturday was gorgeous! We all went for a hike. My in-laws have a home near a turtle reserve and we hoped to find a turtle. Unfortunately, we didn't. We saw cacti with beautiful flowers, birds, and what looked like chipmunks or prairie dogs (these little guys were really cute!).

Is it just me, or does this cactus look like Mickey Mouse ears?

And this picture below? Apparently this is a dead cactus but I still think it has its own unique beauty. I loved how the branches looked like a web or a net tied together. These beauties were all over the place. Some were taller than me and the roots were still firmly planted.

Ryan and I discovered this rocky place we thought made for a perfect background. These rock formations are amazing. Some even look like Nature's stairs.

During our hike, we realized this huge cloud coming our way. Needless to say, we hurried back home. An hour or so later, we experienced an amazing lightning storm!

I  know this video is only three seconds long (and I hope the video actually works) but it shows how insane the lightning was! I love storms. I noticed flashing light and I literally ran to the back deck to watch the storm unfold. And I literally ran back inside because I saw lightning strike not even a mile away. I saw sparks fly off the hill where it struck while thunder boomed before the light even faded. My father-in-law and I were both outside, cameras in hand, waiting to capture the perfect shot. Then I noticed a shimmery curtain coming closer to us and then we got pounded with rain which ended our photography session. 

We had an amazing Mother's Day weekend with family. I only wish it could have lasted longer!

Our new shiny

For the past seven or so months, Ryan and I have been thinking about selling our truck. We test drove a few cars and just weren't happy with the results. 

Research was even less helpful (or more helpful depending on your view). Most of the cars we researched had horrible reviews. 

But then there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The 2014 Honda Civic. When we researched it, the reviews were all very positive. 

And then we test drove it and we both fell in love.

After a week of really thinking about it, we did it!

I feel like we've officially joined the grown-up table!

Throwback...Monday?

Honestly, I just barely figured out what TBT means...and I'm still not sure I have it right. First I thought it meant "Throwback to..." but then I realized these all popped up on Thursday. So "Throw Back Thursday?" Pretty sure that's right.

But it's not Thursday, so I'm having a Throwback Monday.

In March, Ryan and I took a Spring Break trip to California (mostly Disneyland). We had so much fun!

The water was pretty cold...but we had just left the land of snow. So California weather felt downright hot! And once your legs got numb from being in the water, it wasn't really so bad.

Can you believe how big the waves were that day? I don't live close to the beach and this trip was the third time I'd seen the ocean in my 21 years of living. I had never seen waves that big before. I'm sure they get bigger though. But to put it in perspective, Ryan is 6'2". I am 5'4". We were brave souls.

And this last picture below. This was the Seasonal Cupcake at Disneyland. On the drive to California (long drive by the way) I asked Ryan if he was more excited to be in Disneyland or excited for the cupcake. He was more excited for the cupcake. He was a lucky man. We were able to get this cupcake the last day they served them. They switched to a green colored cupcake in honor of St. Patrick's day. I'm sure that one was delectable as well...but probably not as much as this chocolate mountain of goodness.

I've decided I'm a fan of throwbacks. Maybe my next one will be Hawaii? Or engagement pictures? Maybe more wedding photos as our first wedding anniversary is this month. Time is flying!

School's Out for the Summer

I had a serious sugar high today during my last final. It was a day of sharing and almost everyone brought food. Krispy Kreme donuts, The Sweet Tooth Fairy red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, sugar cookies, Red Vines, and Costco Muffins.

It was bad, guys, so bad. But oh so delicious.

I think I'll have a salad for dinner.

Besides having sugar highs, I finished my finals which means I am officially done with school for the summer and my Associate's Degree will be in the mail shortly. I feel quite accomplished today.

Here's a little song courtesy of Youtube and Guitar Hero:

School's Out by Alice Cooper

'Twas the week before finals

'Twas the week before finals when all through the house,
Every student was stirring, even professors
Computers were on and textbooks open
Notebooks, pens, and highlighters out
In hopes that they soon would be done

The professors were assigning, smiling with glee,
While laughing, "More homework, more notes, more last minute lessons!"
And students in the library, begging for mercy,
Before settling down for a long hallway nap.

When all of a sudden, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter,
Away to the class I flew like a flash,
Tore open the door and ran to my desk

The professor stood there smirking about,
Giving students hope of extra credit galore,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But the test itself, and number two pencils.

With a little scantron, so blank and oppressing,
I knew in a moment it must be the end.
More rapid than eagles his students they rose,
And he smiled, and shouted, and called them to order;

"Now, Quiet! Now, Hurry! No more cramming and crying!
The time, it starts now! On, students, on!
To the top of the page! To the end of the test!
Now write away! Write away! Write away all!

They sprang to their test, to the clock they all watched,
And away the test went, right to the very end.
The students all left but heard the professor exclaim,
"HAPPY SUMMER TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-BYE!"

Easter Sunday

Today was a beautiful spring day. The sun was bright and the sky an amazing blue. 

Ryan, Shay (my younger brother), and I went for a walk to the local park.

It was so much fun. We also realized we are a tad too big for these playgrounds. But alas, we still had fun! We soon abandoned the playground to play Frisbee. 

Seriously, I can't play Frisbee. I'm too afraid to catch it so I end up playing Dodge the Frisbee. I can't toss the Frisbee either. Actually, let me rephrase. I am really good at throwing the Frisbee into houses, across fences, really high into the air, and generally the opposite direction I wanted it to go.

Here is a fabulous picture of what happens when two younger brothers race to catch the Frisbee. Usually, the brother with the longer arms wins (as demonstrated below).

And a picture I took proving spring is finally here! I feel like I should become a photographer...just saying.

Just one more picture, I promise.

Because of Him, not all is lost when I make mistakes. Because of Him, I will be forgiven. Because of Him, I will see loved ones that have passed away again someday. What I know is simple, but I know it, I live it, I love it.

Happy Easter everyone!

Chocolate Magic Cake

It's really magic, I swear. And it's delicious, without a doubt. After you cook it, you have three different layers:  a light fluffy top layer, a custard middle, and a firm bottom layer. Yum.

1st step:

Separate 4 eggs and beat egg whites (plus 1 tsp vinegar) until the egg whites are stiff:

Funny story, Ryan had no idea egg whites did this. He kept saying, "No way! What did you do to it? No way!" 

2nd step:

Don't throw out the egg yolks! We need 'em! Add 1 tbsp of water to the four egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar. Beat together until light and creamy:

It starts out really yellow but the longer you beat together, the lighter it becomes.

Step 3:

Add 1 stick (or 1/2 cup) melted butter (just throw out all healthy ideas, okay?), vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and well mixed. The batter will look similar to the picture above.

Step 4:

Add 6.5 tbsp flour and 6 tbsp cocoa powder to the yellow batter (not the egg whites. We'll get to those later). Mix together thoroughly:

Step 5:

After you've mixed flour and cocoa, add 2 cups of lukewarm milk a bit at a time. I usually microwave a cup of milk for 15 seconds at a time then add to the batter. Don't freak out when you see how runny the batter is. Completely normal, I promise:

Step 6:

Remember those egg whites? I told you we'd get back to those! Fold egg whites into batter a third at a time until well mixed:

Step 7:

Pour the batter into an 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake for roughly 60 minutes at 325 degrees. The cake will jiggle in the middle which is normal. Cool and serve with powdered sugar:

You can't see very well in this picture, but there are three delicious layers of chocolatey goodness. You look like a master chef when the recipe really wasn't that hard. It's fantastic!

Chocolate Magic Cake:

4 eggs (separate whites and yolks) at room temperature

1 Tbsp water

3/4 cup sugar

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (melted)

6.5 Tbsp flour

6 Tbsp cocoa powder

2 cups milk (warm)

Pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

2. Separate eggs. Add vinegar to egg whites and beat until whites are stiff. Set aside

3. Add water to egg yolks and add sugar. Beat at high until light and creamy.

4. Add melted butter, vanilla, and salt to egg yolk mixture. Beat until fully mixed and mixture is light and fluffy.

5. Add flour and cocoa powder to mixture. Beat until well mixed.

6. Once flour and cocoa has been mixed, add milk a bit at a time and mix together.

7. Add egg whites a third at a time to batter until well mixed.

8. Pour batter into greased 8x8 baking dish. Bake for roughly 60 minutes. The cake will jiggle in the middle. After it's cooled, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar

Enjoy!

To move or not to move?

We've lived in our little apartment for a year now and our contract ends next month.

So the question is:

Do we move or stay?

Pros:

• Close to school
• Close to work
• Close to Target (thank goodness!)
• Brand new carpet
• New paint
• New oven/stove
• Tile bathroom floor
• Big bathroom (compared to other apartments)
• New linoleum in kitchen

Cons:

• Raising rent $10 a month if we renew (doesn't sound like a lot but it adds up)
• No dishwasher
• Small air conditioning unit in living room that really doesn't do much
• Original 1970's windows that don't keep in heat or cool air and you can hear everything outside
• People below us blast their music so it sounds like their scream-o is in my kitchen
• Wake up to said people's fights at 3 am

Part of me wants to move badly. I want to try something new and start over fresh in a new place. We really weren't the best at making friends in our current place. 

But the new carpet! It's a comfort to think we are the only family to use the carpets and oven. I can walk barefoot in our apartment and not think about all the dirt from everyone else (even if the carpets are cleaned after the previous renter). 

And it's our first apartment as newlyweds. I have an emotional attachment to this place. Honestly, I might cry when the day comes that we do leave. 

It's changing!

Guys. I'm wearing shorts today.

Ryan and I uncovered our small air conditioning unit that we wish would work better.

We sleep with the window open, a fan sitting at the window to draw in any cool breeze while the ceiling fan spins away (making an annoying sound, might I add).

I might actually have to take off our fluffy blanket on our bed. It's so comfy and soft...and slightly too warm for our liking.

I hear birds in the morning.

The grass is turning green, large pink blossoms blooming all over the place (even our tree is alive...just not very pink).

I keep hearing the ice cream truck, the constant tune "It's a small world after all" or "M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E". Does anyone else feel like ice cream trucks are sketchy? No? Just me? They don't have very good ice cream anyway. But I have fabulous ice cream in my freezer....

Just take a moment to appreciate this next picture. I took it last week right after a snow storm. Yes, snow storm. 

I love this time of year. It's so unpredictable and beautiful. If only we could find an allergy medicine that helped Ryan, then it would be perfect.

Addictions

My husband and I may or may not have a slight addiction to The Vampire Diaries. 

You see, it all started when I decided to watch the very first episode of the series. My husband came home and he enjoyed the episode as well.

And...we have Netflix. It's dangerous. 

So yesterday, after church, we sat on the couch and watched about five episodes of Vampire Diaries. 

Forget about homework, dishes, and other cleaning needs.

But at the same time, I think we needed yesterday to relax. We've both been very stressed about school and jobs (life in general). It felt nice to not worry about something.

It's like me and reading. Sometimes I read so much you could probably classify it as an addiction. I love books and I can't get enough of them. When I read, it takes me away from my worries and I get involved in someone else's problems. It's very therapeutic. 

So even though we may have wasted a lot of time, it was nice to sit together and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Pinterest

We're all slightly addicted to Pinterest, right? Or is that just me?

I enjoy finding new recipes to try. A lot of them are success (pizza crust, Crockpot recipes, desserts). 

Here's one I love:

The Pinterest Version:

Tomato Cream Sauce and Pasta

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 whole medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounce each) tomato sauce or Marinara Sauce
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Dash of sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil, chopped
• 1-1/2 pound Fettuccine
• Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to taste

Preparation Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water
• Heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a minute or so. Pour in tomato sauce and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir and cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and stir in cream. Add cheese to taste, then check seasonings. Stir in pasta and chopped basil and serve immediately (thin with pasta water before adding basil if needed).

Raquel's Tomato Cream Sauce and Pasta:

First off, I never save the pasta water. I've never needed it, ever. 

Second:  I don't use "fresh" onions or garlic. I don't have the time to chop everything. Plus, I hate having little chunks in my pasta. I'm a texture person so this grosses me out.

Also:  Half-n-Half is better than Heavy Cream. Still unhealthy, but I think it tastes better.

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• Dehydrated, diced onions to taste (found in spice aisle)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• 2 cans (15 ounce each) tomato sauce (I use Hunts)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dash of sugar (to taste. This helps take away the acidic-ness of the tomato sauce)
• 1 cup Half-n-Half
• Parmesan cheese (Kraft kind, in the green bottle)
• Dried basil (from the spice aisle)
• Whatever pasta I have at the moment

Preparation Instructions:

• In a pan, add oil, butter, garlic powder, and dehydrated onions. Heat for a couple of minutes
• Add tomato sauce, salt and pepper, and sugar (to taste)
• Heat for about 20 minutes. Remove form heat and add Half-n-Half, basil, and Parmesan cheese
• Add cooked pasta and enjoy!

This also makes great left-overs! I think it tastes even better the next day. Have fun!

True love and toast

When Ryan and I got married, we never got a toaster. We finally mentioned this to his parents and they had an extra toaster that they gave to us.

I was amazed it worked. This toaster is at least 23 years old. And it worked well, don't get me wrong and I was so grateful for the toaster. I love toast.

I love cinnamon and butter toast.

I love a peanut butter and jelly toast (when the peanut butter gets all melty and you NEED a glass of milk to wash it all down).

I love toasted bagels (mostly blueberry bagels with cream cheese...yum!). 

The biggest problem with our toaster was the slot size. You may laugh, but I had to squish bagels and shove them into the toaster resulting in a burnt blueberry bagel. I know, such a problem.

We got a new toaster this week. I saw this beauty on a shelf, just calling my name. I needed it, I really did. I've wanted a new toaster for ten months (and if I keep thinking about an item for that long, I really need to get it)! This little guy was so cute and small (Compact 2-slice Toaster with Space-Saving Design).

It was true love, guys. True love.

The best part?

My bagels fit and are toasted to perfection.

The things I've seen

I work next to a Petsmart store so it's quite common to see people and their animals wander over to our store. It's actually fun sometimes because our customers will bring in the cutest little puppies. Adorable, I'm telling you, adorable! 

Today, a woman came in with her dog. This dog was so large she could hardly keep him sitting and just one slight movement from the dog would send this woman all over the place. After we were halfway through her transaction, she asks, "Do you sell bowls?" Well, I work at a kitchen/home store. We have lots of bowls. She then leaves and comes back with a mixing bowl. She then proceeds to purchase a water bottle and pours the water into the mixing bowl. She sets the bowl on the ground in front of the registers and the dog goes crazy. 

At this point, there is a huge line of people wanting to purchase their items. My coworker was currently in the middle of a lengthy return process, unable to quickly help these customers. I was at a loss of what to do. Do I tell this woman and her dog to move over a little so I could help others? Or do I just wait for them to be done?

I waited for them to be done (which took about five minutes). The lady did clean up after her dog though, which was much appreciated. But I must say, I have never seen someone do that before.

I have also seen someone wear a tail and cat ears to our store and I'm not talking for Halloween. I'm talking about late February, early March. Kind of reminds me of People of Walmart, you know?

Our spring break was a week or so ago. Ryan and I took a trip to California (mostly Disneyland). The last time I went, I was 14 and I honestly don't remember much of it. We didn't stay at the park long; most of our trip was spent at a beach house (which I think was slightly better than Disneyland). This trip, however, we spent days in the park. We had a blast (and we ate a lot too!).