Happy Friday Eve!

Hello lovies!
How is your week going? Mine is flying by! I just realized it's Thursday and I didn't post the new recipe! Sorry folks!

Before I get to the recipe, let's chat school! EVERYONE was posting "first day of school" pics.  As I tried to "like" all of my friends kid pictures, it got old quick. No offense ya'll!  Since I too started a class on Monday, my group decided we wanted a first day pic too!

I hope I didn't take on too much for this fall.  This class(Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem) is going to be a lot of work.  Lots of reading, heavy topics and lots of discussion.  But I KNOW I will only grow from it! I am excited!  Our group, we're already calling ourselves "the cool kids".  haha

Here is what you've all been wanting for . . . . the new recipe! 

SHEPPARD'S PIE

1/2lb Ground Sirloin

1/2 Small Onion, diced

1 c Frozen Mixed Vegetables

1 c Raw Mushrooms, chopped

2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, peeled, cooked and mashed(cooking method of your choice-I cheated and cooked mine in the microwave)

3 tbsp Tomato Paste

1/2 to 2/3 c Low Sodium Beef Broth

1 tbsp Liquid Aminos (could substitute Worchestershire Sauce)

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Cayenne Powder

1 tsp Oregano

Pinch of Salt

Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a nonstick skillet, brown sirloin and onion.  Cook thoroughly.  Next add in the mushrooms.  Then add tomato paste and beef broth, stir well.  Then add in seasonings- garlic, cayenne, oregano, salt and pepper.  Simmer on low for 10 minutes.  Next add in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.

To assemble the pie- grease an 8x8 pan.  First put in the meat and vegetable mixture.  Then spread in one layer the mashed potatoes.  Smoothing it out as if you were icing a cake.  Then bake in the over for 30 minutes or until potato layer is slightly firm and turning golden.  You could broil for a few minutes to get a slight crust on the potatoes!

I seriously had to restrain myself with this dish. I fell in love with it!!  

Next up, I need to give a shout out to Mother Nature!!! The weather was absolutely PERFECT this morning!!!  It made my 5.5 mile run fun! haha

Only in Texas do we get excited over 73 degrees! 

This is God's work at it's best! I love sunrises and sunsets!

Well it's time to wrap up this post and make dinner.  I've got crawfish tails and my mind is racing with ideas on how to cook them! haha

 

MIA

Sorry friends I have been MIA.  Lots of exciting and fun new things are going on around here! I cannot wait to share the details . . . .but not right now! (c; Stay tuned.

In the meantime, let me share the past week and all it's craziness.

First I need to confess . . . I have NEVER made boiled eggs! GASP! JAW DROP! I know, shocking!  I didn't like the taste much less the smell! Until this week, I had a boiled egg on my salad.  So I thought, what the heck, I will try it.  Boy, oh boy, I have been missing out!  So I consulted with my sister(fellow foodie and at home chef) on how to make them.

I boiled 3(arbitrary number I know) just to perfect the technique.  They came out perfectly.

The Royce Family Egg Boil Technique:

Eggs

Water

 Salt(I used Iodinized Salt)

Place eggs in pot and fill with water to 1-2" above the eggs.  Toss in 1 tbsp salt.  Slowly bring to a boil.  Then remove from heat and cover.  "Cook" for 12 minutes.  Remove eggs and place in an ice bath for 5 minutes.  Remove the eggs and gently tap on counter to crack shell.  Then peel and serve!

I like my eggs with hot sauce, of course!

Raise your hand if you're read for fall?!?!? (A thousand Texas size hands raise)  In the spirit of fall I wanted to create a stick-to-your-ribs but clean recipe.  So I created this

SHEPPARD'S PIE!!!!!!

It came out AMAZZZZZING! Honestly, I really wasn't confident in how it would turn out.  Some dishes just cannot be "cleaned up".  I typically would have used ground turkey breast in a recipe like this, but it absolutely wouldn't be a substitute for this dish.  You need the heartiness of the beef.  I will be posting the recipe on "New Recipe Tuesday".  You can drool until then! haha (c;

Fast forward to the weekend, to my college bestie came to visit.  It was low key but fun girls-only weekend.  We shopped, ate, ate more and I made homemade ice cream!

"ALMOND JOY" Ice Cream

It was so darn good!  My friend Amanda and I didn't eat much of it, so I can some to share to anyone!! (c:

I will post this recipe on Tuesday as well.

Well I have to go meet my small group, so it's to say goodbye.

What is your favorite fall dish or treat?? What recipe would you like a healthier version of??

Rough start to an epic end

Hey friends!
Sorry I have been MIA this week.  It was a roller coaster!  Not the kind that makes your blood pump and scream with excitement.  Instead the kind that makes you think, I shouldn't have eaten a funnel cake before jumping on this ride!

Tuesday, when I woke up at 5:00am for my run, it was warm in my condo.  By warm, I mean 80 degrees! Yikes!  Needless to say, I was sweating before I even began my run.

Tuesday was my dad's birthday, so I took off early, well had to the take the day off to wait for the AC repairman, who never showed up. GRRR! Anyways, I headed to my parent's for dinner.  After dinner, while everyone was enjoying spice cake, I was in the corner salivating.  I had the forethought to bring some GF graham crackers.  My mom always has the ingredients for S'mores- so BAM! GF dessert!

Oven baked S'mores!!! They were good, but not as good as campfire S'mores.

After dinner and dessert, we played a few card games then called it a night.  I woke up early to head to work and was so lucky to catch this sunrise picture!

Wednesday and Thursday were my typical days.  Except that I was staying at my friend Melissa's house because my air conditioning wasn't fixed.   Long story, but my AC wasn't fixed until FRIDAY!!  However, I am SO blessed to have a so many friends who offered to let me stay with them!  I stayed with my friend Melissa and her family. Melissa and I are in the same small group at church. I enjoyed our extended "sleep over", I was able to get to know her and her family better.

Needless to say, because I was living out of a suitcase, I took the chance to let my body rest and not work out.  It was a smart decision because my shoulders(rotator cuff-both shoulders) have been very achy.

Friday was normal day at work.  UNTIL- my boss offered my 4 Astros tickets! I was so excited!  I can't get enough of my Hometown Boys!  After work, I met my sweet friend Faith for dinner and pedicures!  Friday evenings can't get much better than that!

So I was up early on Saturday morning, hit the farmer's market, an estate sale with Melissa(total flop) and back to the my house to do chores before the game.

Soon it was time to leave for the game.  I didn't want ballpark food, so we stopped at Zoe's Kitchen on the way.  SHOUT OUT to Zoe's on Bay Area!! Mike the manager, was amazing! By the way, they have a gluten free menu, if you didn't know.

We traversed through traffic and arrived at the park just in time to catch the 2005 World Series Team Memorial.  It was so cool to reminisce and see the team players now! 

What a view from our seats! Spoiled- I believe so! #livingthedream 

The game started slow, but things got interesting quick!  Two seats to the left of me, a teenage girl took a foul ball to the cheek! She caught it but you could tell it was painful!  But she took it like a trooper and didn't even cry!  She stayed for the rest of the game! Poor thing, I bet she was in pain today!  

Then a bat went flying into our section and hit a woman right in the head!  Not a cracked bat, or piece, the WHOLE BAT!  Praise God it didn't knock her unconscious! She was able to walk out our the section and to first aid station!

Next, a bad call, challenge and ruling reversed, caused this skirmish between Head Coach Hinch and the Ump! Which resulted in Coach Hinch being ejected.  Boo's heard round the park, probably all the way in Detroit!

After that, my friend and I decided we needed a beverage!

My toes match my drink, coincidence, I think not! haha

Despite a great opening ceremony, lots of foul ball action, and a great effort by the boys, we lost the game!  However, we were blessed with another day at the park- so we won!

How did you spend your Saturday??

Hey Loves!!
How are you? How was your Monday?  Here is my Monday Motivation post on Instagram, if you missed it!

To be honest, yesterday wasn't a great day.  I almost didn't train.  I just wasn't in the mood.  However, I did push through, and I'm glad I did.  I felt accomplished and much better after I pushed through my leg training.  To quote Elle from Legally Blonde ""Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't"!  haha

If you need further evidence, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic regarding exercise and easing depression and anxiety.

 Often I am asked how I train, here is an example of how I train legs, each exercise I perform 1 warm set and 3 working sets with 12-15 reps. 

This is part one, as I train legs 2x a week.

10 min warm up(stair master, treadmill, or elliptical)

Standing Leg Curls-cable machine

Leg Extension

Romanian Split Squats

Single Leg-Leg Press

Walking Lunges w/ 30lb barbell-held over head

Glute Bridges- 3x 30 sec hold I use the bosi ball or inflated disk

Seated Calf Raise

HIIT Cardio to finish- 3 rounds of 1 minute

Burpees(pace yourself on these)

Jump Rope

Mountain Climbers

Stretch and cool down.

After I trained I went straight to the kitchen to make dinner. I was HONGRY! haha

Here is what I made

Baked Red Snapper!

With a side of Brussel Sprouts in a Balsamic Maple Syrup Reduction!

It was delicious!  

After dinner, I was ready for bed.  I was planning on getting up early for a run before work.

When I woke up this morning, to my AC not working!  So I emailed my landlord and hit the street for a run.  I should remind you, that it's been in the 100's here in Southeast Texas!  As I'm writing this post, its 80 degrees in my condo! Yikes!  The repairman should be here soon! Thank goodness!  I now appreciate AC so much more! haha

Today is my Dad's birthday.  My mom is making our traditional family dinner- pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots and homemade rolls! Oh and cake- spice cake, my dad's favorite.  I'm salivating just typing that!  However I won't be having rolls or cake.  I will post "food porn" pics later! haha (c;

I'm off to eat lunch.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!!

Weekend Rewind

Hey friends!
I hope you are having a great weekend!  I am!

On Saturday, my friends and I were up early to volunteer.  We had blast helping CCSC with their annual Back-to-school event!

After being on our feet for 4 straight hours, it was time for some lunch.  We were in the Bellaire area, so we hopped over to Bernie's Burger Bus!

I ordered the Paleo Burger in a bowl, with a side of blue cheese. Oh my! It was tasty.  If you haven't been to Bernie's, I highly recommend you try it!  Try their caramel apple pie milkshake! Seriously- heaven in a cup!  I didn't have it this time )c:  Since I am gluten-free now.

After lunch we headed THE resale shop in Houston.

My friend Tiffany picked up some great jewelry.  My other friend Melissa had a couple consignment items here, which she found out sold quickly!  I didn't buy anything, but I certainly had my eye on a set of china and a pinball machine.  I should have purchased the Pachinko machine.  Seeing this Pachinko machine warmed my heart.  It reminded me of some dear family friends.  They were my childhood neighbors and they had one in their game room.  One day I will have one in my house!

After this shop, we headed to another resale shop, Bluebird.  It is a good shop also, but we didn't find anything we HAD to have.  Melissa, our resident antique expert, took us to an estate sale.  Tiffany and I had never been to estate sale.  We were excited!  However, when we drove up to the sale, Melissa knew right away that it was a "set up" estate sale.  Meaning a company just brought in a bunch of invaluable things that a real estate company had in their inventory.  We were a little disappointed so Melissa promised to take us to another estate sale soon.

We then headed to Ikea.  Just to window shop.  Which wasn't the brightest idea.  The store was packed and it seemed someone forgot to turn on the air conditioning.  We didn't spend much time there but we did find this adorable stuffed broccoli toy.  Since I LOVE broccoli, I had to take a picture with it. 

After the Ikea trip, we were tired and headed back home.  

I joined Melissa, her husband and son for dinner at Pappa's.  I indulged on this tasty dinner- shrimp and rainbow trout with a side of spinach.  It was SO good.

I was so proud of myself and resisted the delicious white crusty french bread they serve with dinner.  #goglutenfree

After dinner, I headed home.  Netflix and my couch were calling my name.  I wasn't sure if I should watch a new release movie or a classic.  I chose classic- Stand By Me.  I had forgotten how good the movie was and I love the tracks during the movie.  I love classic rock!

Today, I wanted to experiment with a recipe in a gluten free cookbook I checked out from the library. Yes, I go to the library.  You should too! Did you know they have movies and tv series on DVD you can rent- for free?!?! Love it!

I made this english muffin for breakfast using brown rice flour!  It was a little drier than a traditional english muffin but it was SO good.

I didn't add a pad of organic butter and a dollop of GF, no sugar added apricot jelly! So tasty!

Since it's Sunday Funday, I am making homemade ice cream to share with my small group tonight.  If  you haven't made my ice cream, here is the recipe.  It's simple and so good!  

Unfortuantely it is that time- time to do some chores around the house and meal prep.  

How was your weekend?  Have any of you got an amazing find from a resale shop or estate sale? I would love to hear about it!

Hey friends!

How was your week?  Mine was been pretty good.  Nothing spectacular to share.  Sorry I wasn't able to post a new recipe of Tuesday.  I had the pleasure of helping of local ministry set up a home for deserving mom and her young daughter.  I was truly humbled.  I was out late so I wasn't able to post a new recipe.  However, I did create a new recipe.  I took a "chopped" (TV show on The Food Network)style to this recipe.  I wanted to use only ingredients I had in the pantry, fridge or freezer. No trip to the store.  Here is what I came up with:

I really need to work on my photography skills!

CRANBERRY JALAPENO SALSA/RELISH

1 c Frozen Cranberries, slightly thawed

1 jalapeño, seeded(or not depending on how much heat you prefer)

1/4 red onion

2 garlic cloves

1-2 limes, juiced

Pinch of Salt

Handful of Cilantro-optional

Throw the jalapeño, onion and garlic into the food processor.  Chop until desired texture.  Then add cranberries, lime juice and salt.  Pulse/chop until desired texture.  If you want cilantro, add it in this step.  Serve cold.

This is great with chips, pita bread, on top of grilled chicken or even on top of cream cheese or brie!  You your imagination!

I'm just so in love with it.  It's so pretty! haha

Do you all have big plans for the weekend?  Back-to-school tax free shopping? NOT ME!  I cannot handle that craziness!

I have an early wake up call tomorrow.  I will be volunteering with Christian Community Service Center handing out backpacks, stuffed with school supplies, to 6000+ local deserving children.  I have volunteered at this event for the past 4 years, and each year I am more humbled than the year before. Get out and volunteer friends! 

Goodnight!

Weekend Wrap-up

Wow, what a weekend!! Mine was quite eventful, how about yours?

Friday was like any other day.  I got off work early and headed home to finish packing for my trip to Longview.  Then, I headed to church for a social event.  I hung around until 7:30pm and then got on the road to Longview.  I was making great time until . . . . I was stopped by a DPS officer.  Along 59 North, the speed limit changes frequently from 75 to 60, back to 75, then 55 through various towns.  Apparently I wasn't paying attention to the signs(I was engulfed in a podcast by Jillian Michaels).  Then I saw the red and blue lights.  When the officer approached my car, I was fumbling around like an idiot looking for my insurance and drivers license.  I haven't been stopped in 10 years!  The DPS officer did his thing and graciously let me off with a warning! I am so lucky.  I thanked him graciously and wished him blessings for his service.  Whew! That was close! Needless to say, I paid attention to every sign after that.
I finally arrived in Longview at 11:30 and went straight to bed(I was staying with my cousin and his family).

Saturday, the alarm went off at 5:30am and I certainly didn't want to get up.  But I didn't drive 3.5 hours not to race.  It was a small race on a concrete trail through a well shaded park.  The temperature was perfect, well as perfect as you can get being August in Texas.  I ran without my GPS watch nor music.  I ran "naked".  My cousins and I all started running together.  No man left behind- right?  Well I had quite the spring in my step, and I was feeling good.  I pushed myself and quietly pulled away from them and the crowd.  When we made the loop I passed a woman who said, Hey you're the 3rd female.  I wasn't expecting to hear that so I kicked it up a notch and took off.  The top 3 women(and men) to finish were to receive a trophy! Not just a medal!  I was pumped!  I crossed the finish line and was greeted sweetly by the staff of Mountain Supply(they sponsored the race).  I felt like a champ! Even if there were only 60 runners!

Before the race(me, my cousin's friend McKenna, Ryan and JR)

Such sweet glory! 

After the race it was time to eat!  We were starving and landed at this tiny mexican food joint called Mi Casita.  It was AMAZING! I HIGHLY recommend if you're in the Longview area, you dine there!

Customers left these comments and drawings which were displayed under the glass!

This restaurant had a "salsa bar"!!! OMG I was in love! The green chile was my favorite! I could have drank it straight!! 

FOOD PORN!!! Those potatoes were absolutely amazing!!!  Not pictured was a side of their homemade pan sausage.  Holy tastebuds it was so good.  And not because I was starving!  

My cousins got their famous french toast.  They served real maple syrup in Crown Royal bottles!! Cool!!!

After the best breakfast I've had in months, we headed back to the house for a much deserved nap!  After our nap, we played outdoors just like country girls should!

Saturday evening we met up with some of my cousin's friends for dinner and drinks.  We went to a local hibachi restaurant.  I love dinner and a "show".  

Our chef was quite engaging and had us laughing the entire time!

The chef was quite engaging and made us laugh the entire time.  I have a hilarious video of me attempting to perform the same type of hibachi chef skills, but the stupid thing won't upload! boo!

After dinner we went to my cousin's girlfriend's house to have a drink, chill and watch the fight.  I'm sorry to those who blinked while watching the fight, because you missed it. haha

On Sunday we went to church and then lunch.  After lunch I headed back home.  I met with my small group and then went to the grocery store.  By time I got home I was exhausted.  I didn't do meal prep.  That will wait until Monday.

Goodnight loves!