Margaritaville-And What I am Thankful For

*I am thankful that during this stressful time of transition I have a wonderful family, wonderful boyfriend and friends that are behind me 100% of the time.  I am thankful for having such a wonderful strong support system!

Head on over to Henning Love to see what other bloggers are thankful for!

Today marks my second encounter with the emphasis Jimmy Buffett Concert.  

Recap of the North Shore!

I am back!  I think it is safe to say my family had a fabulous time up on the North Shore.  I forgot how absolutly breathtaking the scenery is up there.  I had not been to the North Shore since I was in middle school, needless to say I think I have a new appreciation for the serenity of the lake.  I enjoyed beautiful scenery on long morning runs, and a scenic view of the lake while I ate my breakfast.  In the afternoons my family and I went on excursions such as hiking at Gooseberry Falls, and exploring the historic Split Rock Light House.  It felt great to be able to unwind a little and allow my mind to relax (and that doesn't happen very often)!  Here is a smattering of pictures that were taken on the trip on the North Shore!  Let me tell you there were a lot, my sister loves a good photo op!

Enjoy!
Our first day we stopped in Duluth for the day, here are a few pictures of the lift bridge.

 

The view from our cottage porch!

 Love the couch!

Cove by the lodge, nature walks out to the point at the cove was always a great adventure when younger!

 Perfect!

 Photo Opt!

What I spent my morning looking at, no better way to eat breakfast then by a lake!

 Gooseberry Falls!

 4 Generations!

Sis Grandma and I!

The stairs we hiked to the lake at gooseberry falls!

 Always A Delta!

 The Wolfe Girls!

 Mama and I!

Sissy!

Moose!

Testing the Water

Photo Opt with Grandpa!

Brave enough to put our feet in.

 The most photographed light house!  Split Rock Light House!

Hi from Minnesota!

The most fabulous Hummus Sandwich!

I hope you enjoyed all the pictures!  I have a wonderful Kale recipe to share with you!  More to come!
As always remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!

Dinner Time with Kate!

As promised yesterday, I have a guest post from a wonderful friend Kate!  I have known Kate for about 5 years now I would say!  She is starting a new chapter in her life, new apartment, new job (registered pharmacist), and no pharmacy exams!   Some fun facts about Kate She tackled the Indy500 mini marathon this year and totally rocked it, she love Butler Basketball (and tries to help me out with my lack of basketball knowledge) she is a wonderful friend who will do anything for anyone!

And remember this 

That piece of amazingness (yes thats a word) was at Kate's graduation open house!!

Kate is going to be sharing a wonderful pasta dish with you, and it features one of my favorite things Edamame!!!  I was so excited to read Kate's guest post, and know you will all love it!

So I will stop blabbing and hand the floor blog over to Kate!

Take it away Kate!

I am the worst cook ever.
Seriously, I lived in my apartment for a few weeks before I even bought salt and pepper!
Today I finally decided to end the parade of take out boxes in my fridge and make something for myself!

One of the only things I'm good at cooking is spaghetti with Ragu. Since I have such mad skills, I decided I could try making this 500 calorie recipe from fitness magazine!

Peanut Noodle Bowl with EdamameCook 1.5 ounces whole grain angel hair pasta according to package directions

In a medium skillet combine 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter (I used Peter Pan Crunchy Naturals)
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 pinch salt
Heat 1 minute

Add 1.5 cup packaged shredded rainbow slaw and
0.5 cup frozen edamame thawed and shelled (I used the pre shelled kind!)
Cook and stir for 4 minutes (keep stirring or it will burn!)

Mix in pasta and cook 4 minutes more!

Somehow my dish ACTUALLY worked!

Now, I have to admit. I didn't have brown sugar, so I used sugar and garlic. Random? yes. Delicious? yes. I also added another splash of lime juice for more sip. I think it would be even better if I hadn't forgot the brown sugar though! It also would be great with chicken!

Here's thanks to Hilliary for actually inspiring me to cook AND eat vegetables.

Thanks again Kate for the wonderful guest post, and fabulous recipe I cannot wait to try!  

I am getting ready to pack into a car with my family and take a little R&R on the North Shore.  I will be back on Wednesday with a recap of our trip, and hopefully some wonderful pictures!

Have a fabulous rest of your weekend, and beginning of your week!  I cannot wait to catch up with you all when I get back!  

As always remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!

A House Full

Friday again, and another week gone. But a week closer to seeing Mark and days closer to going up North to Lake Superior!  I cannot wait for a few days of relaxing, and spending time with my family.

  My grandparents got in last night from Illinois.  We had a great night laughing, talking, and catching up.  It is good to see my grandparents again, it has been a while!

My dad grilled some amazing salmon last night on the grill, along with baked potatoes, and asian green beans (from the farmers market)!  Have you ever seen Asian green beans?

They are twice the length of "regular" green beans.  However the flavor of the green beans is the same.  

We snapped the asian green beans into bite size pieces, that way they were easier to eat!

Here is my families recipe for how to prepare Asian Green Beans:

One Bunch Asian Green Beans

3-4 Shallots thinly chopped

1/4 Cup Chopped Red Pepper

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 

2-3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

Garlic, and pepper to taste

What you do:

Steam the green beans until almost cooked.  While the green beans are steaming start heating your olive oil in a walk.  Saute your shallots cook until fragrant/translucent.  Add your red pepper, cook till tender.  Once the green beans are done steaming add those in with the shallots and red pepper.  Toss the vegetables with soy sauce and cook till a bit browned!

End product, super tasty, colorful and healthy!

Alright, I have a busy day full of getting ready for my trips, and then a Bridal Shower for Katie!

What is everyones weekend plans?  Anything Exciting?

As always remember to live Happily Ever Healthy