Drizzle of Sunshine: Hello Again

1. Oh hello, again. It's me, the girl who wants to still be a blogger but can't make the time to blog. Can you guess who made their New Year's Resolution (again) to revive the bloggy? No pressure, Joanna. Just a whole bunch of free minutes in your day to decide if you want to take that nap on the cozy couch or to write about it. Just shut up and write.

2. Life as a mommy has been great. Joaquin is still the perfect child with perfect big brown eyes. I can still stare at him for hours but the problem is that he wont let me. He is a toddler on the move! Walking, crawling, big balling....he's everywhere. I want to snuggle him tight but he is a squirmy monkey. He is the quintessential boy and if I were to give birth to all boys for the rest of my life I'd be ok with that. Except when I see cute baby girl dresses at Target... I will have moments of not being ok with that.

3. I'd like to put it out there that I need a photographer. I need one that will follow me around my kitchen and take pictures of my dinners then post them to my blog. It would also be helpful if they didn't ask for free meals. I've been testing out lots of delicious recipes these days. Newsflash, I still love to eat.

4. On that note, my husband has joined The Biggest Loser contest at his work. In result, he has finally decided to join me in my never ending quest to eat healthier and tone up the bod. I'm excited that he is on the up and up with his health but I'm irritated that he didn't do it years ago when I nagged him about it. Apparently a nagging wife doesn't work in these parts of the woods. If I knew that all I had to do was hold a contest, I would have done that first. Nonetheless, we are eating clean and I hate it. Pass the fries please.

5. Blog post #1 of 2014....Done.

Giving Thanks for Giving Contest

The holidays are upon us, Folks. Cue the Pinterest DIY decorations, the recipe testing, and gift giving.

I'd like to add one more thing to your list, something that is sure to make you smile.

This holiday season, I am teaming up with Cooking Planit to celebrate the Givers in our lives and communities. We would like to recognize those who give to others without looking for rewards or even recognition.

Here is where YOU come in. Tell us their story. Share their inspiring story to the world. In a place that is full of hurt, we need these stories to inspire others and give hope to those who might need it.

As a bonus, 5 stories will be selected for a $250 reward. And the Grand Prize winner will win $1,000 for the charity of their choice. How amazing is that?

Story Guidelines:

• In 300 words or less, recognize an individual who is making a difference in the lives of others in your community, whether it be by donating their time, energy or love with a focus on helping others without necessarily thinking of themselves.
• Provide details on how and what they are doing to imporve or impact the lives of others.
• Enjoy writing your story.

If your inspiring person is chosen, they will receive a $250 gift card to help them celebrate the holidays and you will receive $100, as our way of saying Thank You.

How to Enter:

• Go on Cooking Planit's Giving Thanks Page and fill out the entry page
• Enter through their Facebook page

As for my unsung hero, I have to recognize my fellow teachers and my nurse friends. Hands down, the hardest jobs out there. Most of the teachers and nurses that I know chose their profession with their hearts. It wasn't about the money, but instead it was about helping others in need. Teachers and nurses are witnesses to some of the world's saddest stories and most beautiful miracles. A mark of a great teacher or nurse is having the ability to care for their student or patient. Yes, their job is to take care of them, but it's their knack to CARE FOR them that makes them great. Unfortunately, these heroes are the ones that hear THANK YOU the least. So, to all of the teachers and nurses out there, Thank you for all that you do.

Now it's your turn. I can't wait to read your stories.

Filipino Picadillo

I finally got a new memory card for my fancy pants camera. I haven't been blogging because, well, you see... I sort of snapped the other one when I impatiently yanked it out of the camera slot.

Whoops. Did I do thaaaat? (Name that show)

So, all is well in the world again and I can take pictures while I cook. That's what normal people do right? Take pictures while they cook? Hmm...didn't think so.

Taking pictures is one thing, but finding time to blog is another. Hey look! I'm blogging right now and I'm feeling semi-coherent enough to tip tap my thoughts. Sure, it's 11:00 pm and I'll regret this the moment my 5:50 am alarm starts to blare, but that's the life of a wannabe food blogger.

Tonight this wannabe food blogger threw together one of the easiest dishes she knows.

Filipino Picadillo.

More specifically, my mother's picadillo...which in turn is THE best on the planet. Today's rainy gloomy weather called for something hot, beefy, and filling. Tis' perfection.

It starts with the onions. Sauteed to poifection.

Add some ground beef and let the aroma take control. Throw in some colorful bell peppers.

I used to add tiny cubes of potatoes but I'd like to try and be as healthy as possible so I threw in some healthy zucchini instead.

Oh, I forgot to tell you I had a Cinnabon this week. It was dreamy.

Add your soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this adorable salt bowl I found at Target? It comes with a widdle spoon! I couldn't resist.

Some recipes call for olives but I hate olives. Instead, I use raisins to add some sweetness. I'm all about the salty and sweet.

 

 

Tomato sauce tops it off for an extra hearty feel and taste.

 

 

I like to serve this with white rice but since I'm trying to be healthy, I used quinoa instead.

 

Oh, did I tell you that I had a PB & J filled Glazed Donut this week? How healthy of me, huh?

 

 

 This meal is definitely one of my go-to meals. It's quick, simple, and filling. Love it.

 

 

 

Filipino Picadillo

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Cook time: 20 minutes

 

1/2 small yellow onion, chopped

1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 large zucchini, chopped

1/2 cup of raisins ( I put more because I LOVE them!)

3-4 Tbs. of soy sauce

1/2 cup of tomato sauce

salt and pepper to taste

 

1. Saute onion until soft. Add the beef and let brown.

2. Add the bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes on Medium. Add the zucchini, raisins, and soy sauce.

3. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Add the tomato sauce to finish.

5. Salt and pepper to taste

6. Serve with white or brown rice or quinoa.

 

Enjoy!

 

p.s Save the leftovers for the next recipe!

 









Drizzles of Sunshine: Update

1. Time flies when you're having fun. It also flies when you are working full time and have a 10 month old biting at your ankles. (Thought that was just a saying but apparently they do really bite your ankles) Life has been busy but sweet. Maybe I can fit blogging back in? 

2. Baby Joaquin is a moose. He is a big, adorable, squeezable moose. I am having a blast with him and he is just so smart. He is so moible and I swear he will walk any day now. He can point to his nose, teeth, feet, and puppy Sonic. He can dance and kiss on cue and he mocks every fun work you say. (His favorite is still "mama". ) most importantly, he is sleeping 9pm- 6:30am with no more feedings in between!!! Let the fat lady sing! 

3. I started my new school year a month ago and the work load is a bah jillion times heavier than before. I now teach English Language Development for 6th-8th graders. I have 100 kids! That means the grading is camping...in tents. (Get it? Intense? Ok. ) although the workload is full and my desk is a paper catcher, I feel at home there. My co-workers are supportive and fabulous, my students are challenging but sweet, and I'm getting into the groove of it all. 

4. One word. Pumpkin. I am ready for fall and everything pumpkin flavored. The weather is slowly cooling down from 100+ degrees to mid 80's and I am already shopping for the perfect boot. I'm ready to stop shaving my legs now. 

5. That's my life in a nutshell. Busy, sweet, and I'm ready for the changes. 

The Last Day of Summer Vacation

Do you hear that? It's the sounds of teachers (and kids) mourning the end of summer vacation. It was fun while it lasted. 

Hawaii was great but watching Joaquin grow was even better. 

Good bye, vacation. I will miss you dearly. Now I am building up my strength to leave my little one at home while I tend to my students. Deep breaths. 

Best Breakfasts on the Big Island of Hawaii

When my parents told me that they reserved a condo for our trip I was happy. When they told me we would be cooking our meals in the kitchen, I threw a foodie fit. "No, no." I said. "We will be eating all of our meals in hole-in-the-wall places."  I told them. Food always prevails. We never used that kitchen.

 

For Breakfast:

 

Island Lava Java in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

100% Kona coffee, freshly baked breakfast goodies, and a view of the ocean. What more could you possible want in life? This place is small but not cramped and keeps most of their tables right outside of their storefront which overlooks the ocean. Their menu adds island flair to the breakfast/brunch classics. Their coffee menu puts Starbucks to shame with their 100% Kona coffees alone. Don't forget the coconut syrup on your pancakes. It just screams "I'm in Hawaii!!"

 

Soy Latte

Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes with Portugese Sausages

Island style waffle with Portuguese sausages



The view from our table

Basik Acai

Tiny Kitchen

 

Don't blink, you might miss this one. It's stacked on top of a snorkel and boogie board rental store and from the outside, you might not even see it. Inside, it's the tree house you've always dreamed of. Canvas photos decorate the ceilings, bar stool seating overlooks the ocean, and the play list is from the hip young worker's personal iphone. Their small and simple menu offers a few choices of Acai bowls but also offers hundreds of add ons. This is that healthy fix you need after days and days of heavy Hawaiian fare. It's the detox after last night's luau. 



The view

The Islander and The Drifter

 Tex Drive-in

 

Throughout our trip, my mom wouldn't stop talking about one thing: Malasadas. These Portuguese doughnuts are very popular all over Hawaii. Apparently, my mom tried them in Maui and had sugar coated dreams about them. Around the 15th time she mentioned them, we all decided it was a non-negotiable stop. The most famous Malasada mecca on the island is this little shop that is literally in the middle of nowhere. (Well, to be fair, everything on the Big Island is in the middle of nowhere because it is not very populated.) I'm not quite sure if this is considered a breakfast treat or a dessert, but we live in the country where Nutella is a legitimate breakfast spread so I think I'm good.

 

..via..

 

The four of us ordered a dozen. Why? Because for some reason that sounded like a good idea. 3 per person was the way to go. Plus, we had to cram as many flavor filled bombs into our to go box. They offer various fruit or creme filled Malasadas and we ordered up a good variety. My personal favorite was the apple, while Hubby enjoyed the strawberry, and my mom and dad liked the chocolate creme. You can't go wrong with sweet fried dough filled with sugar then rolled in sugar. You just can't.  

 

 

..via..

 

..via..

In Hawaii, the breakfasts are legit. The white sand beaches and the waves aren't the only thing to wake up to here. Lucky for us, most of the breakfast nooks overlook said beaches and sand. Why don't I live here again?

 

Every Bite Counts

A few weeks ago, I turned 30. Ah, yes, the big 3-0. I am not, nor have I ever been the type to be sad on my birthday because I'm "old". I am actually very excited for my birthdays. I like the feeling that this day is somehow about me and only me (and dammit it should be about me), I like the cake and ice cream with the tiny colorful wax candles, and the hoopla of the chorus of waiters singing to me. I like that. But, most of all I like the feeling of newness. I like the thought that I'm about to embark on a new year, a new adventure, a new season of my life. So, here I am, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a 30 year old, venturing into this season of my life. My heart is full of desires and dreams that I hope to accomplish. I'm hoping I can leave behind the insecurities and regrets that my 20 year old self held on to so tightly.

My new mantra for my 30's is to Savor Each Bite, Make Every Bite Count. I don't know if it's because I'm a planner by nature or because I'm just crazy, but I am always looking for "what's next." Nevermind what I'm eating for breakfast, what's for dinner? Nevermind that I just graduated college, when am I getting married and having babies? I shovel these bites into my mouth without savoring it which leads me to being discontent and disappointed. This snowballs into feeling so disgusted with myself.  I just stuffed my face with all that I could and was still so unhappy with what I had in my tummy all because I want more on my next plate. So, I'm vowing to change that. I want to slow down and relish as many moments as I can. I want to appreciate that bite that is on my fork, now. I want to enjoy the season that I'm in, not anticipate the season that is yet to come.

As for my blog, I want to refocus my attention on food. Cooking, recipe testing, restaurant reviewing, and studying food photography. I love this blogworld and all the friendly people in it. Thank you to all of my loyal readers for sticking with me and reading what I have to say. I appreciate it.

Here's to 30. Here's to making every bite count.