Apple Spice Pork Chops

We've had a busy few weeks and I've been relying on old standards and freezer meals to get us through. I just haven't had the time to try anything new until this weekend. I wasn't feeling well on Saturday and spent quite a bit of time scrolling through Pintrest while laying on the couch. I can across this recipe, from Budget Bytes, that I had pinned a few weeks ago. 

These pork chops were amazing! The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg paired so well with the apples, onions, and pork. 

Cook chops undisturbed for 5-7 minutes or until the bottoms form a nice brown crust. Flip the chops and cook the second side in the same manner. 

While the chops are searing, thinly slice the onion. Wash, core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Once the chops have seared on both sides, remove them from the pan and add the apples, onion and butter. Stir and cook for about five minutes or until the apples and onions begin to soften.

Add the bouillon, water, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir until everything is mixed together then return the chops to the pan. 

Nestle the chops down in the mixture, making sure some onions and apples are on top of the chops.

I sereved this with Basmati rice and mashed cauliflower and it was a hit! For the full recipe check out Budget Bytes. 

Currently Crushing

PUNJAMMIES ... have you seen them? This line of lounge and sleep wear is not only adorable but supports a cause as well.

Punjammies are made by women in India that have escaped from sex slavery. The program is sponsored by International Princess Project. IPP's mission is "to create pathways to freedom for women escaping the ravages of sex slavery to achieve lines of hope and dignity.

IPP partners with different organizations to establish sewing centers where these women learn a new trade (sewing) and are offered a fresh start that includes fair wages, housing options, medical care, and education for their children. 

The website says that 100% of the proceeds from sales get reinvested back into the company. I'm very skeptical about where my money really goes when I make a donation, so I did a little research. I came across an annual report that showed the majority of the companies income does go back into the program.

They make pants, capris, and shorts in a variety of fun colors and patterns. Along with tees, tanks, and hoodies to match.

I'm always looking for unique gifts and punjammies are perfect! Who doesn't love super cute, comfy lounge wear and being able to help support another woman in her quest for a better life. Plus if you sign up for their mailing list, they will send you a 15% off code for your first order. Don't be surprised if you receive these as a gift from me or if you see me sporting a pair of my own!

5 for Friday

Happy Friday!!!! It's been a long week filled with bitter cold temps and ICE - something we aren't used to in Eastern NC. Rumor has it there is the potential for SNOW next Tuesday as well. Fingers crossed we get enough that little man can play in it, he was so disappointed that all we got this week was ice.

Here are a few items the kept me smiling through the craziness and cold this week ....

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you probably have already seen this picture. I am in LOVE with these skull and cross bone loafers from Red Circle Footwear I ordered them from Groopdealz. If you haven't checked out this site put it on your list of things to do. They have the cutest items but since it's discounted prices, items go fast. I recommend signing up for their email list. Every morning my inbox has an email with the deals for that day - what a way to start the day!!!

To keep up with the shoe theme, I received these Tori Burch sandals for my birthday. Jonathan may talk a big game when he knows I'm headed to do some shopping but don't let him fool you - this purchase was all his. He sure does know what I like and isn't so concerned when he's buying it! Unfortunately, it'll be a few weeks until I can sport them - come on spring!

Jonathan received a Spiralizer for Christmas and it is my new favorite kitchen tool. We have used it for a bunch of different recipes but my new obsession is "veggie noodles". I've used this handy little gadget to cut back on pasta and rice by making zucchini noodles - one medium zucchini has about 35 calories and makes a bowl full of noodles! Up next ... carrot, pear, and beet - the possibilities are endless!

One of the downfalls, or perks depending on how you look at it, to being stuck inside on Tuesday was I had plenty of time to surf the web and do some online shopping! Here is another one of my Groopdealz finds. I'm obsessed with this scarf/wrap and cannot wait for it to arrive. If I have to deal with the cold weather, I might as well look good doing it. It comes from Funky Monkey, they have some awesome items on their website that would be great for gifts.

Tonight a group of us girls are headed to Painted Peacock for a night out! Wine , snacks, and paint your own pottery ... my Friday nights have changed quite a bit over the last few years but I wouldn't have it any other way. It'll be a fun, relaxing end to this crazy week that I get to share with some awesome ladies! Enjoy your weekend!

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls

I came across this recipe on Facebook last week and figured I'd give it a try. It seemed quick, easy, and healthy plus Aiden is on an apple kick lately. Since I told him they tasted like a caramel apple, he was sold on trying them and woke up this morning asking if he could help me make them.

They were super easy to make but I had a hard time getting a paste to form so I added a drop (about 1 tbsp.) of honey. Any of my friends that have made these, did you have the same problem? If so, what did you do?

They were really good and did taste like a caramel apple. I'm definitely be adding this to my book of recipes for future use.

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Recipe type: Snack

Prep time:  10 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 12 - 14

 

These Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls are perfect on the go healthy snacks for kids!

Ingredients

• ½ cup pitted dates
• 1 cup dried apples (not freeze dried, these are the chewy ones)
• ½ cup oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.
2. Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls. If you want the little bites, use about ¼ teaspoon

Valentine Craft

I was on a roll there for a while with my blogging but then classes started back, life got in the way, and here I am a month later with no new posts.

Today's post will be a short one, I have class in an hour, but I wanted to share with you the cute Valentine craft I did over the weekend. The inspiration came from a Facebook post of a friend of mine, so I cannot take credit - thanks Christy. What was even better, I had all the supplies I needed for the project tucked away in my craft bin.

I started with burlap that I cut into 2 hearts.

I hot glues the edges together leaving a small opening.

I stuffed the hearts with grocery store bags and glue the opening closed. This is a side view, it really needed to be more full but I had already glued it closed before realizing that.

I started to get worried that it wasn't going to look good after this first coat of paint, but Christy reassured me that after it was coated a few times and dry, it would be okay.

She was right, after 3 coats of red paint, this is what it looked like.

After it was dry, I added some white polka-dots ...

a chevron burlap bow and some red floral wire to hang it with. 

This is the finished product on the front door!