Thursday, August 30, 2012

Snack Problems

The other day at work someone told me, "I feel like we're a lot alike in that we both eat all day. Every time I walk by your office, you're eating!" Thanks?

We both  had a good laugh, but really it's true.  This is where meal planning for Reagan and I is a challenge. He eats three big meals a day and nothing else; I graze all day and don't like "big meals." Such is life. 

I've been researching gluten free and lactose free snack ideas because I'm almost burned out on almonds. Blah. I've found a couple of recipes like baked apples and s'mores pudding, but my first endeavor was the 5 Minute No Bake Peanut Butter Bars. Let me tell you - these were SO easy to make and could easily be customized to your liking.

5 Minue No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (adapted from fANNEtastic food)
makes 12 bars

Dry ingredients:
1 & 3/4 cups oatmeal
1 cup crisp puffed brown rice cereal
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup coconut

Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. In a smaller, microwave safe bowl, combine the wet ingredients.  Microwave for 20-30 seconds. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients. Stir until everything is combined. Pour mixture into a shallow pan and press down. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before cutting.




I cut ours and wrapped them individually in plastic wrap so we can grab and go. Also, Reagan said, "Even though they look like bird food, they actually taste delicious." Pin It

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas

I've convinced Reagan to have one vegetarian day in our house. It doesn't normally end up as Meatless Monday, but we have Meatless Whatever-Day. This is a HUGE deal since Reagan didn't eat anything but beef until we met. Baby steps, people.

I got the idea for these enchiladas from the cooking bible, but I changed it up to use what vegetables I had on hand.  Enjoy our meatless meal from last week!

Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas (adapted from Taste of Home)
serves 2

1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini squash, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can chopped green chilies
2 Tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon cilantro
8 small corn tortillas, warmed
1 can enchilada sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheese

1. Saute the onion, pepper, and squash in oil until vegetables are crisp-tender.  Add garlic and cook for one mintute more.  Add the beans, chilies, seasoning, and cilantro.  Cook until heated through, 2-3 more minutes.


2.  Spoon the bean mixture into the warmed tortillas. Roll up and place them into a 9x13 in. greased baking dish, seam side down.  Top with enchilada sauce and cheese.

3. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. 

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Lifestyle Change

Reagan and I decided to make a few changes when school started this year. We are affectionately calling this project "Lifestyle Change 2012." Obviously, we think we are hysterical.

Here's the deal. Reagan will be busy this year. Like, 18 hour days busy. In order to spend time with my hard working husband, I need to have my evenings free to hang out at the law school, go to events, etc. How do I free up my evenings? Work out in the morning....

Honestly, this was NOT my idea. I have a normal office job, hence I don't have to study after 5 p.m.  My husband, on the other hand, has his nose in a law book most evenings. He suggested we get up and go to the gym together before work/school, then we I have more spare time in the evenings to be a dedicated law student spouse. I gladly agreed to this plan because I am not-so-secretly hoping it will cure Reagan's insomnia and help him sleep like a normal human being. (Law student sleeping problems are a whole other post!)

Last first day of law school

So, we are two days into Lifestyle Change 2012 a.k.a. 5 a.m. wake up call. How's it going? Not terrible. On Day One, the extra hour in the morning was the only time we saw each other, so it was worth it in my book.

The second part of our lifestyle change project is our meals. Since we are constantly running in two different directions, I'm making it a point to plan and prep meals for the entire week to avoid defaulting to Taco Bueno.

Meals this week include:
I generally take leftovers or an "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" salad for lunch; however, I'm struggling with lunches for Reagan. He says he will eat a turkey sandwich every day for lunch, but how long before that gets old? I would love suggestions on man-friendly, not too heavy lunches.

Vegetable and quinoa salad
So there you have it. Lifestyle Change 2012. Stay tuned. Pin It

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Back to the Normal

It's August. You know what that means? School is right around the corner....

With me working for a university and Reagan being a student, the beginning of the school year brings a lot of schedule changes. First, can I get an "Amen!" that Reagan is starting his 3L (i.e. LAST) year of law school?! *Supposedly,* 3L year is the easiest. When we are talking about law school, easy is a relative term. Easier means law students have figured out how to study 24/7 without wanting to pull their hair out. I digress.

Since summer is ending, I figured I would wrap up my summer adventures via Instagram.



(1) Packed up my office and started a new job in June. (2) Spent a couple of weekends with this little guy. I even saw him get his first haircut! (3) Grilled peaches (4) Surprise flowers from RM (5) Took StrengthsFinder at work - is it weird to anyone else how accurate those can be? (6) Went to a wedding in Dallas. The ONLY wedding of the summer. We didn't know what to do with ourselves. (7) FINALLY hung up the last thing in our apartment (8) Spent a weekend at the lake with friends and watched RM feed deer. (9) Homemade pickles from Reagan's dad & step-mom. To. Die.


This year, Reagan will be exceptionally busy with school and extracurricular activities. I'm starting a new work schedule next week so that we can be at work/school at the same time. Thank goodness for flexible bosses!

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