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!

Freezer Meal Fun

Back in August, before the fall semester started, a friend and I got together to prepare some freezer meals. She has 3 kids, all involved in a sport, and was preparing to go back to work full time. I teach until 6pm on Tuesdays and was going to have to juggle swimming and soccer for little man. We figured a few meals on hand would help with those crazy days and boy were we right!

It was so helpful that we decided to do it again before spring classes started. So, after we dropped our kiddos of at school this morning, we got to cooking. It took us about 4 hours, but we turned this...

into this ....

We each had 14 meals all prepped for the freezer. The recipes we used came from a variety of different websites and some were modified slightly. Here are the recipes we used along with the link to where we found them. Happy Cooking!!!

Last Night's Dinner

Actually, it's tonight's dinner but it was  so good, I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post it. Besides, the boys are running around the house playing "fight" so I have a few minutes to myself!

I pinned this recipe for Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Cream Sauce, Mushrooms and Onions a few weeks ago but just haven't had the time to make it. It isn't hard but it does take about 45 minutes to make and I prefer something quicker after working all day. I used chicken thighs instead of breasts just because I had them and switched out the heavy cream for half and half to save a few calories.

Caramelized Onions

De-glazing the pan after cooking the chicken

The finished product - this picture does not do this recipe justice. I really need to do a better job of using the camera and not my phone for pictures. I promised you this recipe will NOT disappoint!!!

I paired the chicken with roasted asparagus and these roasted radishes. I was a little worried they would be bitter, like the raw version but it wasn't in the least bit. It's a great alternative side dish to potatoes, we will definitely be having these again!

Christmas Crafts

Back in September, I purchased a wood "W" to hang on our front door from New River Pottery. Then I had my super awesome Dad use that W as a template to make me more W's that I could paint for different holidays. Super smart idea, I know! This is how our Christmas W turned out

I started with a plain wood W and painted it lime green

Then I used my mom's Cricut machine to cut a chevron pattern on some red and white vinyl I ordered from My Vinyl Direct This website has everything you need for vinyl designs, at a reasonable price, and they ship super quick. It took me about an hour to place the vinyl on the W.  I'm sure I could have done a better job with the pattern but for my first vinyl project, I'm happy with the outcome

I came across this on Pintrest several months ago and planned to use for inspiration on my own front porch

My dad cut the wood board and distressed for me early but life got int he way and it sat in my garage for weeks. In my defense, it took me some time to decide how I wanted the letters to look. Anyway, I finally got around to finishing the project this week, just in time for Christmas!

This is what the board looked like before I got started.

I purchased scrapbook paper at Michael's, used mom's cricut to cut the letters, and used mod podge to get the letters on the wood.

This is what the finshed project looks like on my porch. Sorry for the poor quality picture, it was late when I finished and I didn't want to mess with the good camera so I opted for a phone picture. 

2015 Color of the Year ~ Marsala

The only benefit to spending hours at Physicians East last week, is that I get to catch up on my fun reading. Not the lesson plans, literature reviews, or research articles like I should have been reading but US Weekly, InStyle, and People. I was armed with a stack of magazines to help pass the time.

Instyle had an article that declared "Marsala" the color of the year for 2015. I instantly thought of chicken Marsala, who wouldn't, right? However, Marsala is a, "warming blend of red and brown with pink and caramel undertones," and not the muddy brown I associated with the mushroom sauce on my chicken. Still confused, it's the color of a good bottle of red wine!

You can pair it with a neutral, like navy or black, but would also look fabulous with mustard. It's a universally flattering color but if it's too much for you, try it as part of a print or as an accessory. Need some inspiration? Here's a great article on how to wear it. Here are a few pieces I have on my Marsala wish list! Click the picture for information on where to find these items!

Weekend Wrap Up

I sure do love the holiday season and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it! This weekend we were non-stop starting on Thursday night when we met our Greenhouse Preschool friends for dinner at Pizza Inn. These sweet kiddos have been together since they were just babies and were so excited to see each other! Presents, pizza, and 5 year old energy filled the restaurant. Our waitress probably needed a drink after we left! I cannot believe our babies are growing up so fast, sniff, sniff! We sure do miss seeing these kiddos and their families everyday!

Friday night we headed to visit Santa just to be sure he knew exactly what Aiden had on his list. Oh my, this list is all boy ... fart gun, razor 360, legos, a dart gun. It's a good thing Aiden is on the Nice List this year, at least for now anyway - there's still 10 days left!

Saturday morning the boys slept in while I headed out to help with Greenville Women's League Run for a Reason 5K. It was a cold morning but we managed to have 130 runners turn out for the 3rd annual race.

Saturday night we headed to the HEP Christmas Party. I absolutely LOVE my job and one of the best parts are the people I work with. It was nice to celebrate the end of the semester and holidays with such an amazing group of people. The kids played and had a blast while the adults enjoyed Dreamland BBQ and non work related conversations. I had so much fun, I forgot to take pictures!

After church on Sunday, I hosted my annual Cookie Exchange. Participants each brought 8 dozen of one type of cookie and left with a platter full of various cookies. It's a great way to get lots of cookies while only having to purchase and bake one kind while catching up with friends.
We have cookies for days at our house, you are welcome to stop by and try some!

We ended our weekend with Aiden's  Intra Squad swim meet. He has been participating in Dolphin Swim Club at the Aquatics Center since August and this is the first meet he has been able to participate in this fall. A small number of children participated in the optional event, little man was hesitant at first but ended up having a blast and placing in 3 events. He finished 2nd in the 25 freestyle and 25 backstroke with his freestyle time being less than 1 minute and his relay team placed first

I hope you had a fabulous weekend ... here's to another busy week!